World News Tonight - The Year in Review: 1997

1997 was a year of significant global events, marked by political transitions, technological advancements, and tragic losses. Here's a look back at some of the major headlines that shaped the year:

International Affairs:

• Hong Kong Handover: After 156 years of British rule, Hong Kong was returned to China on July 1st, marking a historic transition. The world watched as the flag changed and the "one country, two systems" principle was implemented.

• Middle East Peace Process Stalls: Despite ongoing efforts, the peace process between Israel and Palestine faced significant hurdles and setbacks throughout the year.

• Khmer Rouge Trial: In Cambodia, the Khmer Rouge held a controversial "trial" of their longtime leader Pol Pot for his role in the genocide of the 1970s.

• NATO Expansion: Discussions continued regarding the potential expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe, drawing mixed reactions from Russia.

• First Congo War Ends: The long and bloody First Congo War came to an end with the ousting of President Mobutu Sese Seko and the rise of Laurent Kabila in Zaire, which was subsequently renamed the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• Death of Princess Diana: The tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, in a car accident in Paris in August sent shockwaves around the world, triggering an outpouring of grief and unprecedented public mourning.

• Mother Teresa Passes Away: The Nobel Peace Prize laureate and humanitarian icon, Mother Teresa, died in Calcutta, India, in September, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and service to the poor.

• President Clinton's Second Term: Bill Clinton began his second term as President of the United States in January.

• O.J. Simpson Civil Trial: In a civil trial, O.J. Simpson was found liable for the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.

• Heaven's Gate Mass Suicide: The bizarre mass suicide of 39 members of the Heaven's Gate cult in California shocked the nation.

• Madeleine Albright Becomes First Female Secretary of State: Albright was sworn in as the first female U.S. Secretary of State.

• Deep Blue Defeats Garry Kasparov: IBM's computer Deep Blue made history by defeating world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a six-game match, marking a significant milestone in artificial intelligence.

• Line-Item Veto: President Clinton exercised the new line-item veto power, sparking legal challenges.

• Oklahoma City Bombing Sentencing: Timothy McVeigh was sentenced to death for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

• DVD Launch: The DVD format was launched in the United States, revolutionizing home video.

• Harry Potter's Debut: J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the first book in the immensely popular series, was published in the UK, setting the stage for a global phenomenon. (It would be released in the US in 1998 as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone).

• Titanic's Release: James Cameron's epic film Titanic was released in December and would go on to become the highest-grossing film of all time at that point.

• Star Wars Special Editions: The original Star Wars trilogy was re-released in special editions to celebrate the 20th anniversary of A New Hope.

• "Candle in the Wind 1997": Elton John's tribute to Princess Diana became a massive global hit and one of the best-selling singles of all time.

• Top Albums: Popular albums of the year included Spice Girls' Spice, Puff Daddy's No Way Out, and Hanson's Middle of Nowhere.

• Top Books: Besides Harry Potter, notable books published in 1997 included Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie, Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes, and Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha.

• United States:
• President Clinton's Second Term: Bill Clinton began his second term as President of the United States in January.
• O.J. Simpson Civil Trial: In a civil trial, O.J. Simpson was found liable for the deaths of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman.
• Heaven's Gate Mass Suicide: The bizarre mass suicide of 39 members of the Heaven's Gate cult in California shocked the nation.
• Madeleine Albright Becomes First Female Secretary of State: Albright was sworn in as the first female U.S. Secretary of State.
• Deep Blue Defeats Garry Kasparov: IBM's computer Deep Blue made history by defeating world chess champion Garry Kasparov in a six-game match, marking a significant milestone in artificial intelligence.
• Line-Item Veto: President Clinton exercised the new line-item veto power, sparking legal challenges.
• Oklahoma City Bombing Sentencing: Timothy McVeigh was sentenced to death for his role in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.

• Technology & Culture:
• DVD Launch: The DVD format was launched in the United States, revolutionizing home video.
• Harry Potter's Debut: J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the first book in the immensely popular series, was published in the UK, setting the stage for a global phenomenon. (It would be released in the US in 1998 as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone).
• Titanic's Release: James Cameron's epic film Titanic was released in December and would go on to become the highest-grossing film of all time at that point.
• Star Wars Special Editions: The original Star Wars trilogy was re-released in special editions to celebrate the 20th anniversary of A New Hope.
• "Candle in the Wind 1997": Elton John's tribute to Princess Diana became a massive global hit and one of the best-selling singles of all time.
• Top Albums: Popular albums of the year included Spice Girls' Spice, Puff Daddy's No Way Out, and Hanson's Middle of Nowhere.
• Top Books: Besides Harry Potter, notable books published in 1997 included Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie, Frank McCourt's Angela's Ashes, and Arthur Golden's Memoirs of a Geisha.

1997 was a year that brought both moments of celebration and deep sorrow, leaving a lasting impact on the world stage as the millennium approached.