1937, 21 February
Following the failed assassination attempt (19 February) on the Italian Viceroy General, Rudolfo Graziani, two thousand Ethiopians are detained for questioning.
1958, 21 February
Gamal Abdel Nasser is made president of the United Arab Republic (which was formed by the joining of Egypt and Syria on 1 February 1958).
1973, 21 February
Israeli jets shoot down a Libyan Boeing 727 airliner over the Sinai desert, killing 74 passengers and crew. Israel's Defence Minister, General Moshe Dayan, makes a public statement: "There is no reason to feel guilty".
