1988

1988 was a year in the final decade of the twentieth century and a leap year in the Gregorian calendar. It was marked by events connected to the waning of the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union, and by political changes across many countries.

Two major developments concluded in 1988: the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988) ended with a ceasefire, and the Soviet Union began its withdrawal from Afghanistan, based on the Geneva Accords.

Global Politics

Mikhail Gorbachev, leading the Soviet Union, continued policies of perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness). Arms control talks between the United States and the Soviet Union proceeded following the INF Treaty signed in late 1987. Relations between the two powers entered a period of relative stabilisation.

Middle East and Asia

The eight-year war between Iraq and Iran ended with a UN-brokered ceasefire in August 1988. That same year, Pakistan underwent a political transition following the death of President Zia-ul-Haq, with Benazir Bhutto elected prime minister.

The Horn of Africa and Somalia

In 1988, Somalia and Ethiopia signed a peace agreement between the government of Muhammad Siad Barre and Ethiopia, which altered the military situation at the border. That year also saw the outbreak of civil war driven by attacks from the SNM (Somali National Movement) in northern cities, notably Hargeisa and Burco, causing severe destruction and displacement.