2003

Angelika In February, the American space shuttle Columbia bursts into flames upon re-entering the Earth's atmosphere, killing seven astronauts. U.S. Secretary of State Powell presents alleged evidence to the UN Security Council that Iraq possesses weapons of mass destruction. Millions of people worldwide demonstrate against the impending Iraq War. On March 20th, President Bush declares war on Iraq, and the first bombs fall on Baghdad. In the summer, former FDP politician Jürgen Möllemann commits suicide by jumping to his death from a plane with a parachute. Power outages paralyze the northeastern United States, causing chaos. In October, German-born Roy of "Siegfried and Roy" is attacked and seriously injured by one of his white tigers during a show in Las Vegas. The popular duo has been unable to perform since. The golden autumn brings devastating wildfires to California and a new governor. Arnold Schwarzenegger becomes the leading man in the most populous U.S. state after a spectacular recall election. In December, U.S. soldiers discover Saddam Hussein in a hole in the ground that served as his hiding place and arrest him. AOL experiences another round of layoffs. Fortunately, Michael is not affected.