Dec 1979Soviets invadeAfghanistan
Jan 1981Salvadoran CivilWar begins
Sep 1981Belize gains independence;British troops remain todeter Guatemala
Nov 1981Antigua & Barbudagains independence
17 Nov 1981US begins supportof Contras inNicaragua
Sep 1983St Kitts & Nevisgains independence
25 Oct–6 Nov 1983US-led forcesoccupy Grenada