2003 news

Here are some of the top news stories from 2003:

January

• The United States and North Korea sign an agreement to end North Korea's nuclear weapons program.
• The Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates during re-entry, killing all seven crew members on board.

February

• The United States launches Operation Iraqi Freedom, a military invasion of Iraq to overthrow Saddam Hussein's government.
• The Winter Olympics are held in Salt Lake City, Utah.

March

• The United States and Iraq reach a ceasefire, marking the end of major combat operations in Iraq.
• The World Health Organization declares the outbreak of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) a global health emergency.

April

• The United States begins to hand over control of Iraq to the Iraqi Interim Government.
• The Space Shuttle Discovery is launched on a mission to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.

May

• The United States and Poland sign a deal to deploy a missile defense system in Poland.
• The European Union expands to include 10 new member states.

June

• The United States and North Korea agree to resume talks on North Korea's nuclear program.
• The Space Shuttle Endeavour is launched on a mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

July

• The United States and Iraq sign a Status of Forces Agreement, outlining the terms of the US military presence in Iraq.
• The European Union and the United States agree to a trade deal, eliminating tariffs on certain goods.

August

• The United States and North Korea agree to a joint statement on North Korea's nuclear program.
• The Space Shuttle Atlantis is launched on a mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

September

• The United States and Iraq sign a security agreement, outlining the terms of the US military presence in Iraq.
• The European Union and the United States agree to a deal on agricultural trade.

October

• The United States and North Korea agree to a joint statement on North Korea's nuclear program.
• The Space Shuttle Columbia is launched on a mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

November

• The United States and Iraq hold elections for a new government.
• The European Union and the United States agree to a deal on trade and investment.

December

• The United States and North Korea agree to a joint statement on North Korea's nuclear program.
• The Space Shuttle Endeavour is launched on a mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station.

Some other notable events from 2003 include:

• The introduction of the iPod Mini, a smaller version of Apple's popular music player.
• The release of the movie "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," which wins 11 Academy Awards.
• The death of Pope John Paul II, who is succeeded by Pope Benedict XVI.
• The introduction of the BlackBerry 850, a smartphone that becomes popular among business professionals.