26 February 1980

Egypt and Israel establish full diplomatic relations.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between Egypt and Israel is a significant event in the history of the Middle East. It marked a pivotal moment in the region’s geopolitics and has had far-reaching implications for peace and stability.

The peace treaty between Egypt and Israel was signed on March 26, 1979, following the Camp David Accords negotiated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin. The treaty ended decades of hostility and conflict between the two countries, including several wars, notably the Arab-Israeli War of 1948, the Suez Crisis of 1956, and the Six-Day War of 1967.

Key provisions of the peace treaty included the mutual recognition of each other’s sovereignty and the establishment of full diplomatic relations, including the exchange of ambassadors, trade, and cooperation in various fields such as tourism, culture, and security.

This historic agreement was a breakthrough in the Arab-Israeli conflict and significantly changed the dynamics of the region. It paved the way for subsequent peace negotiations between Israel and its other Arab neighbors, notably Jordan, which signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994.

Despite occasional tensions and challenges, the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel has largely endured, contributing to stability in the region and facilitating cooperation on issues of mutual interest. However, it’s essential to note that while diplomatic relations have been established, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains unresolved, and efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement in the region continue.

22 September 1980

Iraq invades Iran, sparking the nearly eight year Iran–Iraq War.

The Iran-Iraq War, also known as the First Persian Gulf War, was a protracted conflict that lasted from September 22, 1980, to August 20, 1988. It was fought between the Islamic Republic of Iran, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and the Republic of Iraq, under the leadership of President Saddam Hussein. The war remains one of the longest and deadliest conflicts of the 20th century.

Causes: The war had deep-rooted causes, including border disputes, territorial claims, and a long history of tension between the two nations. Additionally, ideological and political differences played a significant role. Iran had recently undergone an Islamic revolution in 1979, which led to the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of an Islamic Republic. This change in Iran’s government and the revolutionary zeal of its leadership threatened Iraq’s Ba’athist regime.

Outbreak: The war began on September 22, 1980, when Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, launched a surprise invasion of Iran. Iraq claimed that it was defending itself against Iranian aggression, but many believe that Saddam Hussein saw an opportunity to exploit Iran’s post-revolutionary turmoil and gain control of the oil-rich border region of Khuzestan.

Course of the War: The war was characterized by trench warfare, chemical weapons use, and extensive human and material losses on both sides. Neither Iran nor Iraq was able to achieve a decisive victory. Frontlines shifted back and forth, and the conflict settled into a brutal and prolonged stalemate.

International Involvement: Several countries supported either Iran or Iraq during the conflict. Iraq received substantial military and financial support from Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, as well as assistance from the United States, the Soviet Union, and Western European nations. Iran, on the other hand, faced international isolation and an arms embargo but received some support from Syria and Libya.

Human Cost: The Iran-Iraq War was exceptionally costly in terms of human life. Estimates of the death toll vary, but it is believed that hundreds of thousands of soldiers and civilians were killed, and many more were injured. The widespread use of chemical weapons, particularly by Iraq, added to the suffering.

End of the War: The war finally ended in August 1988 with a ceasefire brokered by the United Nations. Neither side achieved its initial objectives, and the war had left both nations severely weakened and economically drained.

Legacy: The Iran-Iraq War had profound and lasting consequences for both countries. It left deep scars on their societies and economies. It also contributed to the rise of Iraq as a regional power and had a significant impact on the geopolitics of the Middle East. The war also further strained relations between Iran and the West.

Post-War Relations: After the war, relations between Iran and Iraq remained strained but relatively stable until the 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States, which led to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. Since then, Iran has sought to increase its influence in Iraq, leading to complex dynamics in the region.

8 July 1980

The inaugural 1980 State of Origin game is won by Queensland who defeat New South Wales 20–10 at Lang Park.

The State of Origin rugby league series is an annual competition played between the Queensland Maroons and the New South Wales Blues, two representative teams in the National Rugby League (NRL) of Australia. The series is widely regarded as one of the highest levels of rugby league in the world and is known for its intense rivalry and passionate support.

Origin matches are unique in that they feature the best players from each state competing against each other, rather than representing club teams. Players are selected based on their state of origin, meaning they must have been born in Queensland or New South Wales, or have played the majority of their professional rugby league career in either state.

The State of Origin series consists of three matches played on a home-and-away basis. The teams alternate hosting the matches each year, with one game played in Queensland, another in New South Wales, and the third in the state that didn’t host the previous year. The matches are typically played on Wednesday nights, allowing players to return to their club teams for weekend NRL matches.

The State of Origin series has a rich history, with the first match taking place in 1980. Since then, the rivalry has grown significantly, and the matches are considered some of the most fiercely contested and physically demanding in rugby league. The games are known for their hard hits, passionate fans, and high-level performances from some of the sport’s greatest players.

Queensland has been the dominant team in recent years, winning the series multiple times in a row between 2006 and 2013. Led by legendary players such as Darren Lockyer, Cameron Smith, Johnathan Thurston, and Billy Slater, the Maroons established a dynasty during that period. However, New South Wales has had its share of success as well and has been able to regain dominance in recent years, winning several series since 2014.

The State of Origin series has become a significant event in Australian sports culture. The matches draw large television audiences and sell out stadiums, showcasing the passion and pride of fans from both states. The series has also expanded its reach, with occasional matches played in other states and even internationally.

The State of Origin rugby league series is a highly anticipated and fiercely contested event that showcases the best of Australian rugby league talent. It brings together the intense rivalries between Queensland and New South Wales and provides an opportunity for players to represent their state and compete at the highest level.

1 June 1980

Cable News Network (CNN) begins broadcasting.

CNN, which stands for Cable News Network, is a global 24-hour television news network that was founded in 1980 by American media proprietor Ted Turner and Reese Schonfeld. CNN was the first television channel to provide 24-hour news coverage and is now one of the major news networks in the world.

CNN operates as a division of WarnerMedia, which is itself a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. The network’s headquarters is located in Atlanta, Georgia, with additional studios and offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., and around the world.

CNN’s programming primarily focuses on news and current affairs, covering a wide range of topics including politics, business, health, technology, entertainment, and more. The network employs a large team of journalists, correspondents, and analysts who report on breaking news, conduct interviews, and provide analysis and commentary on various issues.

Over the years, CNN has expanded its reach beyond television broadcasting and has developed a strong online presence through its website, CNN.com, and various digital platforms. It offers live streaming of its programming and provides a wealth of news articles, videos, and interactive features.

CNN has also launched several specialized sister networks such as CNN International, CNN en Español, CNN Airport Network, and CNN.com International, catering to different international and language-specific audiences.

CNN has been recognized for its coverage of major news events and has received numerous awards for its journalism, including multiple Peabody Awards, Emmy Awards, and Edward R. Murrow Awards. It remains one of the most widely watched and influential news networks globally.