The modern state of Qatar was founded with Jassim Bin Mohammad Al Thani as its leader.
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The first panda arrived in the US from China.
James Cameron's 'Avatar' was released in the US. It became the highest-grossing film of all time at the time.
A powerful meteor exploded over the Bering Sea.
Project SCORE, the world's first communications satellite, was launched into orbit.
The Two Towers, the second of the Lord of the Rings films, was released in theaters.
