December 2003
New Measures by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Against Mad Cow Disease - 2003-12-31
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has implemented new measures to combat mad cow disease, including removing sick livestock from the food supply and banning certain…
Japan's Concerns Over Referendum Plans in Taiwan - 2003-12-30
Japan has voiced concerns about Taiwan's proposed referendum, which aims to condemn China's missile threats. The Japanese envoy has advised caution to Taiwanese President Chen…
Japan Will Not Lift Ban on Beef Imports from the U.S. Until Investigation Results Are Clear - 2003-12-29
Japan has decided to maintain its ban on U.S. beef imports until the U.S. completes its investigation into mad cow disease. This decision follows meetings…
An American Tourist Died in the Bam Earthquake - 2003-12-29
An American tourist died during the 6.3 magnitude earthquake in Bam, where 11 other foreign tourists were injured. The incident highlights the vulnerability of historical…
Review of Washington Newspapers, December 28, 2003
On December 28, 2003, Ibrahim Biparva analyzed how Washington newspapers reported on the devastating Bam earthquake. The coverage highlights the international response and implications for…
European Cyclists Kidnapped in Iran Earlier This Month Have Been Freed
Three European cyclists, two Germans and one Irishman, who were kidnapped in southeastern Iran earlier this month have been released. The Iranian government refused to…
American Newspapers on December 27 and the Earthquake in Iran - 2003-12-27
On December 27, 2003, American newspapers reported on a significant earthquake that struck Iran, causing widespread destruction and prompting international aid efforts. The Iranian government…
Nazie Baghlari's Interview with Mehdi Abdollahzadeh, Iranian Journalist, about the Bam Earthquake - 2003-12-27
Nazie Baghlari interviews Mehdi Abdollahzadeh regarding the devastating Bam earthquake that occurred in December 2003. The discussion highlights the impact of the disaster on the…
Under the Microscope: Distortions and Propaganda of Newspapers Affiliated with the Supreme Leader
Dr. Ali Reza Nouri Zadeh discusses the rejection of two Guardian Council candidates by the Iranian parliament and critiques the propaganda of Supreme Leader-affiliated newspapers,…
Calendar Day, December 24: Apollo 8 Crew Celebrates Christmas in Lunar Orbit - 2003-12-25
On December 24, 1968, the Apollo 8 crew celebrated Christmas in lunar orbit. This historic event marked a significant achievement in space exploration. It highlights…
Overview of Washington Newspapers, December 24, 2003
On December 24, 2003, Ibrahim Biparva reviews the Washington newspapers, highlighting key issues and discussions relevant to U.S.-Iran relations. This analysis provides insight into how…
South Korean President Asks Parliament to Approve Troop Deployment to Iraq - 2003-12-24
The South Korean President has requested parliamentary approval to send 3,000 troops to Iraq for reconstruction efforts, with support from the main opposition party. This…
North Korea Criticizes Japan's Decision to Purchase Missile Defense System - 2003-12-24
North Korea has condemned Japan's decision to acquire a U.S. missile defense system, claiming it will escalate tensions. Japan insists the purchase is for defensive…
Palestinian Protesters Attack Egyptian Foreign Minister - 2003-12-22
Palestinian protesters attacked Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Maher while he was praying at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Conflicting reports describe the incident, with some stating he was…
Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase
Officials from France, Spain, and the U.S. celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase in New Orleans. The event highlighted the historical friendship between…
The International Community Welcomes Libya's Decision to Abandon Weapons of Mass Destruction - 2003-12-20
The international community has positively reacted to Libya's decision to abandon its weapons of mass destruction program, viewing it as a significant step towards nuclear…
Japan Prepares to Assist Reconstruction Efforts in Iraq - 2003-12-19
Japan is preparing to send military personnel to Iraq to assist in reconstruction efforts following the approval of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. The Defense Minister…
Indonesia Accuses 4 Individuals of Ties to Al-Qaeda Terror Network - 2003-12-18
Indonesia has accused four individuals of having links to Al-Qaeda as part of a broader investigation into terrorism in Southeast Asia. The suspects were previously…
Japanese Prime Minister Approves Plan to Deploy Soldiers to Iraq - 2003-12-18
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has approved a plan to deploy around one thousand soldiers to Iraq, with the first unit expected to leave in…
Iranian Women's Fashion; A Report from Reuters - 2003-12-16
A Reuters report highlights the growing interest of Iranian women in fashion, despite societal and governmental pushback. The recent public fashion show by designer Mahla…
Saddam Hussein Does Not Cooperate with U.S. Investigators - 2003-12-15
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell announced that Saddam Hussein is not cooperating with U.S. investigators regarding weapons of mass destruction. Despite refusing to answer…
Poisoning of 100 Iranian Female Students Due to Gas Leak
Over 100 female students at Zanjan Islamic Azad University were poisoned due to a carbon monoxide leak from a faulty heating system. Many were treated…
Explosion of a Package Containing Explosives at a Newspaper Office in Kuwait - 2003-12-11
A package containing explosives exploded at the office of the newspaper Al-Siyasa in Kuwait, injuring a secretary. The package was sent from Beirut to the…
Coverage of the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony on Islamic Republic Television
The Islamic Republic Television's coverage of Shirin Ebadi receiving the Nobel Peace Prize was marked by sarcasm and a lack of respect, leading to public…
Mahrabad Bus Grounds Boeing 727 - December 11, 2003
A bus at Mahrabad airport collided with an Iran Air Boeing 727, causing severe damage and grounding the aircraft. Witnesses suggest the driver may have…
The White House Welcomes Japan's Decision to Send Non-Combat Troops to Iraq - 2003-12-09
The White House has expressed support for Japan's decision to deploy over 600 non-combat troops to Iraq for reconstruction efforts. This move is seen as…
Three European Tourists Kidnapped in Southeastern Iran - 2003-12-08
Three European tourists, two Germans and one Irishman, were kidnapped while traveling by bicycle in southeastern Iran, specifically in Sistan and Baluchestan province. The kidnappers…
Japan Likely to Approve Plan to Deploy Non-Combat Troops to Iraq
Japan's Prime Minister announced that the cabinet is expected to approve a plan for sending non-combat troops to Iraq. Despite this, public opinion is largely…
Pakistan Accuses India of Violating Bilateral Agreements
Pakistan has accused India of violating agreements by building a fence in Kashmir, claiming it undermines bilateral relations. India defends the action as a security…
On This Day, December 8: President Roosevelt Asks Congress to Declare War on Japan - 2003-12-07
On December 8, 1941, President Roosevelt addressed Congress seeking a declaration of war against Japan following the attack on Pearl Harbor. This event marked the…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Turkish Newspapers Follow and Reflect on Shirin Ebadi's Activities and Statements with Interest - 2003-12-05
Turkish newspapers are showing a keen interest in the activities and statements of Shirin Ebadi, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. This reflects the growing attention…
President Bush Cancels Controversial Tariffs on Steel Imports - 2003-12-04
President Bush has announced the cancellation of tariffs on steel imports that were imposed in 2002. This decision aims to prevent a trade war with…
Two Main Suspects of Istanbul Bombings Were in Contact with Senior Advisor to Osama bin Laden - 2003-12-02
Two suspects involved in the Istanbul bombings had regular meetings with Ayman al-Zawahiri, a senior al-Qaeda leader. They reportedly used fake IDs for these meetings…
Delay in New Round of Six-Party Talks on North Korea Nuclear Crisis
The new round of six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program may be postponed until next year due to unspecified obstacles. U.S. officials, including Deputy…
The Spread of AIDS in Qom - 2003-12-02
AIDS cases in Qom have risen sharply, with official numbers indicating 60 cases, but experts believe the true figure is much higher. The majority of…
Japanese Uncertainty Regarding Troop Deployment to Iraq
A recent survey indicates that over 80% of Japanese citizens are against sending troops to Iraq, particularly following the assassination of two Japanese diplomats. Many…
First Official Trip of the Interim President of Georgia
Nino Burjanadze, the interim president of Georgia, is on her first official trip to the Netherlands for an OSCE conference. She plans to meet with…
Overview of Washington Newspapers, December 1, 2003
On December 1, 2003, a journalist from the Persian section of Voice of America reviews the coverage of Washington newspapers. This report highlights the media…
Brazil's Championship in Men's Volleyball World Cup
Brazil won the Men's Volleyball World Cup 2003 by defeating Japan, securing their championship title with an undefeated record. Italy, Serbia, and Montenegro also qualified…