Milestones

Ten years ago:President Reagan addressed the nation on the Iran-Contra affair, saying his former national security adviser, John Poindexter, was wrong not to have told him about the diversion of Iran arms-sale money.

Five years ago: After 14 months of negotiations, the United States, Mexico and Canada announced in Washington, D.C., that they had concluded the North American Free Trade Agreement, which would create the world’s largest trading bloc.

One year ago: The Republican Party opened its 36th national convention in San Diego by celebrating Bob Dole as a tested, trustworthy leader who would lower taxes and bring compassionate conservatism to the White House.