Milestones

Ten years ago: Egypt and China announced they were recognizing the Palestinian state proclaimed by the Palestine National Council.

Five years ago: The U.S. Senate ended a filibuster against the Brady Bill, which imposed a five-day waiting period for handgun purchases, and passed it by a 63-36 vote; the Senate also approved legislation implementing the North American Free Trade Agreement, 61-38.

One year ago: Prodded by Russia, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein agreed to allow U.S. arms monitors back into his country, ending a threeweek crisis that had raised fears of a military confrontation with the United States.