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February 09
Sign up for war, Carter tells 8 million
US President Jimmy Carter has decided to seek military registration this year of 8 million American men and women aged 19 and 20. Despite a law against sending women into combat, the controversy over their registration for the first time in US history may threaten Congressional passage of 20 million dollars to crank up the selective service system — dormant since 1973.
Oil prices up
The price of petrol in Dubai has gone up. The price of petrol (Super) has gone up from Dh4 to Dh5.30 per gallon. Similarly, petrol (Ordinary) will now cost Dh5.15 per gallon from Dh3.80. The price of diesel has also gone up from Dh3.50 to Dh3.82 per gallon.
February 10
Ohira apologises for espionage scandal
Prime Minister Masayoshi Ohira publicly apologised to the country for Japan's worst espionage scandal since World War II. "I apologise to the Japanese people from the bottom of my heart that such regrettable case has ever happened," Ohira said at the day's Cabinet session.
Mary Decker smashes world 1500m indoor time
Mary Decker brought a capacity Madison Square Garden of 18,310 to its feet by destroying the world indoor mark for the women's 1,500 metres, highlighting a record-filled 73rd annual Wanamaker Millrose Games. Decker covered the 1,500 metres in 4:00:8, shaving 2.2 seconds off Natalia Maracescu's world record.
February 11
We'll win or else – US games shock
Formally opening the 82nd session of the IOC prior to the winter Olympics, Secretary of State Cyrus Vance bluntly said: "We oppose the participation of an American team in any Olympic games held in the capital of an invading country."
Mugabe escapes bid on life again
Black leader Robert Mugabe escaped death when a massive remote controlled bomb partially exploded only seconds after his car had driven over it on the way to Fort Victoria airport. It was the second attack on the marxist-leaning Mugabe in four days.
February 12
Joyous millions join Iran victory parade
As some 50 American hostages marked their 100th day in captivity, millions of Iranians turned out in a steady rain to celebrate the Islamic revolution with a victory parade through Tehran. The crush was so great that scores of people were injured and a grandstand collapsed.
New president for federation
Saeed Ahmad Al Otaiba will succeed Saif Al Gurair as president of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce. Otaiba, who is also chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce was elected president of the Federation at a meeting of the Board of Directors held in Abu Dhabi.
February 13
US apologises to UAE over bribe scandal
Attorney-General Benjamin Civiletti, apologising to the United Arab Emirates, said FBI undercover agents never "intended any offence" in posing as bribe-paying Arab businessmen during Operation "Abscam."
February 14
Carter orders marine units to Arabian Gulf
US President Jimmy Carter has ordered an amphibious warfare unit to sail next month to waters near the Arabian Gulf. Administration officials, who disclosed the move, stressed that it is intended as part of Carter's effort to deter any Soviet designs on control of the oil producing region.
February 15
Russian student bags first gold
Nikolai Zimyatov, a 24-year-old Russian student, led from start to finish to give the Soviet Union the first gold medal of the XIII winter Olympics in the men’s 30-kilometre cross country event. He finished with a time of 1 hour 27 minutes 2.80 seconds, nearly three minutes faster than the winning time in the 1976 winter games.
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