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The message came from Malta that the Cold War was finally over. Across the Atlantic, headlines tell the story of unrest, from the siege in Seattle to tensions over the Iraq war. In the courtroom, OJ Simpson is jailed for an armed robbery in Las Vegas, while Amanda Knox is convicted of the murder of Meredith Kercher. Over the decades, December 1-7 marks turning points in politics, culture and public life – captured IndependentAs history unfolded, on the front page.
4 December 1989 – Cold War ends
In a joint statement following their summit in Malta, US President George HW Bush and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev declared that the Cold War had effectively ended. Coming less than a month after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the announcement marks a decisive break from decades of nuclear conflict and ideological rivalry.
6 December 1991 – The Maxwell Empire in Free Fall
Robert Maxwell’s media empire is on the verge of collapse as the full scope of his financial misconduct comes to light. After his mysterious death a few weeks ago, investigators uncovered massive pension fund abuses, forcing the divestment and sale of assets at the center of his publishing power.
7 December 1996 – In big trouble
John Major has suffered a fresh political blow as a Conservative MP has resigned in protest against the whip, eroding the government’s majority in Parliament. Independent The moment comes as a deepening crisis for the Prime Minister, who is already battling internal divisions in the party.
December 1, 1999 – Seattle siege
Remember when Seattle was ‘under siege’? Didn’t make headlines. Chaos broke out in Seattle as protesters clashed with police during the WTO summit, stalling trade talks and triggering a state of emergency. As police use tear gas and rubber bullets to regain control of the streets, these scenes become a defining moment for the anti-globalization movement.
December 1, 2001 – George Harrison dies
George Harrison died at the age of 58, prompting tributes from across the world of music and public life. Independent Reflects on his legacy as a Beatle and songwriter, noting messages of remembrance from fellow bandmates and even Queen, who said she was “saddened” to hear of his passing.
December 1, 2005 – Bush outlines Iraq strategy
President George W. Bush gave a major speech defending his administration’s approach to the Iraq War and insisting that “anything less than victory” was not acceptable. His speech came amid rising US casualties, growing public skepticism and growing debate over the future of US involvement.
5 December 2007 – Britain faces a financial storm
As banks stop lending and the housing market grinds to a halt, panic sets in. Independent Britain could be headed for a financial “perfect storm”, with credit crunch and early signs of a further global crash, it has been warned.
December 6, 2008 – OJ Simpson jailed
OJ Simpson has been sentenced to life in prison for the 2007 armed robbery of a Las Vegas hotel room. The verdict marks a dramatic turn around for the former American football star, whose earlier acquittal in a 1995 murder trial had made him one of the most controversial public figures of the decade.
December 5, 2009 – Amanda Knox is convicted
An Italian court has found Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito guilty of the murder of British student Meredith Kercher. The decision is based on a case that has received intense scrutiny around the world and sparked debate over the conduct of the investigation. The conviction would later be overturned after years of appeal.
3 December 2010 – WikiLeaks Russia revelations
WikiLeaks has released a new batch of diplomatic cables alleging corrupt business ties between Vladimir Putin and Silvio Berlusconi, sparking renewed scrutiny of Russia’s political elite. The revelations came after Russia was awarded the right to host the 2018 World Cup in a controversial move.
6 December 2013 – Nelson Mandela passes away
Nelson Mandela dies aged 95, mourning and celebrating a life that changed South Africa and inspired movements beyond its borders. The tribute reflects his journey from political prisoner to president and his role in guiding the country through the end of apartheid.
