The modern state of Qatar was founded with Jassim Bin Mohammad Al Thani as its leader.
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A powerful meteor exploded over the Bering Sea.
The Pink Panther film premiered, directed by Blake Edwards with a theme by Henry Mancini.
James Cameron's 'Avatar' was released in the US. It became the highest-grossing film of all time at the time.
The first panda arrived in the US from China.
The film 'The Color Purple,' based on the novel by Alice Walker, directed by Steven Spielberg, premiered in New York.