December 2003
Rescuers in Bam Pull 4 People Alive from the Rubble - 2003-12-31
Rescuers in Bam have successfully pulled 4 survivors from the rubble four days after a devastating earthquake. The Iranian government describes this as a miracle…
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…
Iranian Writers' Association Bank Account for Collecting Donations for Bam Earthquake Victims - 2003-12-31
The Iranian Writers' Association has established a bank account to collect donations for the victims of the Bam earthquake that occurred in 2003. This initiative…
Amir Kabir University Students' Hunger Strike for Bam Earthquake Victims Ends
Students at Amir Kabir University ended their hunger strike against the acceptance of paying students by donating their meals to Bam earthquake victims. This action…
Risk of Exhumation of Earthquake Victims in Bam by Opportunistic Individuals
The burial of over 30,000 victims of the Bam earthquake has raised concerns about the potential exhumation of bodies and theft of valuables by opportunistic…
Rescue Workers in Iran Focus Their Efforts on Helping Survivors of the Bam Earthquake - 2003-12-31
A devastating earthquake in Bam, Iran, has led rescue workers to shift their focus from finding survivors to assisting the injured and homeless. The disaster…
UN Inspectors Visit 4 Nuclear Sites in Libya - 2003-12-31
UN inspectors discovered 4 previously unknown nuclear sites in Libya, which Libyan officials claimed were for uranium enrichment. While the head of the IAEA believes…
Report by Shahid: Presence of Two Officials of the Islamic Republic in Bam - 2003-12-30
Two officials of the Islamic Republic visited Bam, and it was announced that Ayatollah Khamenei organized a memorial service for earthquake victims in Tehran. This…
Approximately 28,000 Bodies Buried in Bam to Date - 2003-12-30
A devastating earthquake in Bam has led to approximately 28,000 bodies being buried, with officials warning that the final death toll could reach 50,000. Rescue…
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…
Visit of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Mohammad Khatami to the Earthquake-Stricken Areas of Bam - 2003-12-29
A devastating earthquake in Bam, Iran, has resulted in the death of twenty-five thousand people, with ongoing searches for survivors. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President…
British Pilots Protest Armed Marshals on International Flights - 2003-12-29
British pilots are opposing the government's initiative to deploy armed marshals on international flights due to concerns over safety and the potential negative impact of…
American Soldiers Kill Three Suspected Members of Ansar al-Islam - 2003-12-29
American soldiers killed three suspected members of Ansar al-Islam in Mosul after being fired upon. Iraqi police arrested four foreigners, including an Iranian, for allegedly…
Taliban Remnants Claim Responsibility for Sunday’s Explosion in Kabul
The Taliban remnants have claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing in Kabul that killed five Afghan security officials and promised further attacks. This comes as…
The Likelihood of Human Trafficking Gangs Activating in Bam
Following the recent earthquake in Bam, the destruction of the prison walls has led to the escape of prisoners and raised concerns about the activation…
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…
Three Arrested in Pakistan for Involvement in Failed Assassination of Musharraf - 2003-12-29
Three individuals were arrested in Pakistan for their involvement in a failed assassination attempt on President Pervez Musharraf. This incident is part of a series…
Cinema Tickets on Tuesday in Iran for the Benefit of Bam Earthquake Victims
On December 30, 2003, Iranian cinemas will donate all ticket sales to support the victims of the Bam earthquake. This initiative is organized by the…
US Agriculture Officials: The First Case of Mad Cow Disease May Have Originated from Canada - 2003-12-28
US agriculture officials are investigating a potential first case of mad cow disease linked to a farm in Alberta, Canada. The infected cow was discovered…
Air France Resumes Regular Flights Between Paris and Los Angeles
Air France has resumed its flights between Paris and Los Angeles after a two-day suspension due to potential terrorist threats. The decision to cancel flights…
Saudi Police Have Arrested Over 4,000 People
Saudi police have arrested more than 4,000 people in a crackdown on militants near the Yemen border, seizing explosives, weapons, and drugs. This operation highlights…
Negligence in Saving the Lives of Earthquake Victims in Bam - 2003-12-27
The article discusses the negligence and disorganization of Iranian officials in responding to the Bam earthquake, which resulted in many deaths due to delayed rescue…
Radio Program (Under Another Sky) This Week by the Association of Arts in Exile - 2003-12-27
This week's radio program features excerpts from Abbas Smakar's speech at the first Iranian cinema festival in exile in Paris, along with poetry and music…
Visit of the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency to Libya - 2003-12-27
Mohamed ElBaradei, the Director General of the IAEA, has arrived in Libya to assess its nuclear capabilities and discuss potential agreements for surprise inspections. The…
Four Al-Qaeda Suspects Killed by Coalition Soldiers in Afghanistan - 2003-12-27
Four Al-Qaeda suspects were killed by U.S.-led coalition soldiers in Afghanistan after an ambush on an Afghan intelligence officer that resulted in his death. This…
A 25 Square Kilometer Area in China Becomes a Death Zone
A natural gas well explosion in China has resulted in nearly 200 fatalities and turned a large area into a toxic zone. Rescue operations have…
Four American Soldiers Killed in Northern Baghdad in the Last 24 Hours - 2003-12-26
In the last 24 hours, four American soldiers were killed in Baqubah, Iraq, due to roadside bombs and a mortar attack. This incident highlights the…
Death of Thousands in Bam Earthquake in Kerman - 2003-12-26
A devastating earthquake struck the historic city of Bam in southern Iran, resulting in the deaths of thousands, with estimates suggesting at least two thousand…
Air France Resumes Flights to Los Angeles
Air France has resumed flights to Los Angeles after canceling six flights due to credible threats from al-Qaeda. French officials have found no evidence of…
Cancellation of Three Air France Flights from Paris to Los Angeles - 2003-12-24
Air France canceled three flights from Paris to Los Angeles due to heightened security concerns following a raised terrorism alert in the U.S. The cancellations…
Fingerprinting and Photography of Foreigners Entering the U.S. to Begin January 5
Beginning January 5, the U.S. will implement fingerprinting and photography for foreigners entering the country as part of enhanced border security measures. This initiative aims…
Earthquake with a magnitude of 5.6 in California leaves at least two dead - 2003-12-23
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake in California led to at least two deaths and significant structural damage, particularly in Paso Robles. Aftershocks were felt the following…
Al Jazeera's Troubling Days, Arash Irani - 2003-12-23
A senior Qatari official is seeking to reopen Al Jazeera's office in Kuwait after it was closed due to its coverage of the U.S. invasion…
Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United Sentenced to Eight-Month Suspension and Fine - 2003-12-22
Rio Ferdinand, a prominent footballer for Manchester United and the England national team, has been suspended for eight months and fined $87,000 for missing a…
New Regulations of the International Association of Athletics Federations - 2003-12-22
The IAAF has introduced new regulations holding coaches and medical staff accountable for doping violations, with penalties including 2-year bans for first offenses and lifetime…
Trial of 36 Suspects Linked to the Assassination of the Serbian Prime Minister
The trial of 36 suspects linked to the assassination of the Serbian Prime Minister has been postponed as defense attorneys seek more preparation time. The…
A boat carrying more than 70 people has gone missing near one of the Philippine islands - 2003-12-22
A boat with over 70 people has gone missing near Palawan Island in the Philippines amid severe weather conditions. This incident follows a recent disaster…
Four Rockets Hit Kabul - December 22, 2003
Four rockets struck Kabul while the Loya Jirga was discussing a new constitution, with no reported casualties. Taliban remnants are suspected of the attack, and…
The U.S. Announces Serious Threat of Terrorist Attacks
The U.S. government has raised the alert for potential terrorist attacks to its highest level since 9/11, particularly during the Christmas holiday season. Tom Ridge,…
Libya's Decision to Abandon Its Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical Weapons Program Made After Months of Secret Political Negotiations - 2003-12-21
Libya has decided to abandon its weapons of mass destruction program after secret negotiations involving Muammar Gaddafi. This decision follows inspections by American and British…
A Five-Year-Old Palestinian Boy Killed in Recent Israeli Attacks
A five-year-old Palestinian boy was killed by Israeli gunfire during military operations in the West Bank. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following the arrest…
Israel May Relocate Thousands of Israeli Citizens Living in Occupied Territories - 2003-12-21
Israel's Deputy Prime Minister announced a potential unilateral relocation of thousands of Israeli citizens from occupied territories, following a plan by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.…
Al Jazeera TV: Bin Laden Tape Aired for the First Time on October 18 - 2003-12-21
Al Jazeera aired a tape claiming to feature Osama bin Laden for the first time on October 18, which criticizes the U.S. war in Iraq.…
Syria Arrests Six Arabs Allegedly Linked to Al-Qaeda
Syria has arrested six Arabs suspected of having ties to Al-Qaeda while carrying over 23 million dollars. U.S. officials view this arrest as significant in…
Details Released on the Arrest of Saddam Hussein - 2003-12-20
A senior aide to Saddam Hussein revealed his hiding location to U.S. military officials after extensive interrogation. This aide, described as Saddam's right-hand man, was…
Radio Program 'Under Another Sky' This Week by the Association of Arts in Exile, in Persian and French - 2003-12-20
This week's radio program 'Under Another Sky' by the Association of Arts in Exile features poetry and music in both Persian and French, highlighting the…
Selection of Golden Globe Winners by the Hollywood Film Critics Association, Nazi Baghlari - 2003-12-19
The Hollywood Film Critics Association has announced its selections for the Golden Globe winners, with Nazi Baghlari involved in the process. This event highlights the…
Jordanian Prosecutor Accuses Three Iraqi Men of Planning Terrorist Attacks
A Jordanian prosecutor has charged three Iraqi men with plotting terrorist attacks against U.S. and Israeli targets in Jordan. Two suspects are in custody, and…
Saddam Hussein is imprisoned in the Baghdad area - 2003-12-17
Saddam Hussein is reported to be imprisoned in the Baghdad area and is expected to be tried publicly by an Iraqi court. President Bush believes…
Donald Rumsfeld: The CIA Will Oversee the Interrogation of Saddam Hussein - 2003-12-17
Donald Rumsfeld announced that the CIA will supervise the interrogation of Saddam Hussein. President Bush emphasized the need for Saddam to face justice, while Kofi…
Security Warning from the US Embassy in Kuwait for Americans Residing in the Country - 2003-12-16
The US Embassy in Kuwait has issued a security warning for Americans after armed attacks on US military personnel. Four suspects have been arrested 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…
Three Rockets Hit Kabul Hours Before the Third Day of the Loya Jirga - 2003-12-16
Three rockets struck Kabul just before the third day of the Loya Jirga, but no casualties were reported. The Loya Jirga participants are discussing the…
Deportation of 300 Iraqi Citizens from Lebanon - 2003-12-16
Lebanon has deported around 300 Iraqi citizens imprisoned for illegal entry. They are being sent back to Baghdad through Syria. This reflects ongoing movements of…
Report: U.S. Special Envoy's Consultations in Europe for Iraq Debt Forgiveness - 2003-12-16
The U.S. special envoy is traveling to Europe to discuss the possibility of forgiving Iraq's debts. This initiative is part of broader efforts following the…
Two Killed and Several Injured in Anti-Aircraft Gun Incident in Bushehr
An anti-aircraft gun in Bushehr, Iran, accidentally killed two people and injured 13 during a military exercise. The incident raises concerns due to its proximity…
Five Thousand Dollar Fine for a Senior U.S. Army Officer - 2003-12-13
Major General Allen West was fined $5,000 for threatening and mistreating a former Iraqi police officer during an interrogation. Despite the accusations, senior U.S. military…
Seven Injured in Shooting at Group of Jews Near Joseph's Tomb
A shooting by Palestinian gunmen injured seven Jews near Joseph's Tomb in the West Bank. This incident follows ongoing violence in Gaza, where clashes resulted…
Delay Again in Convening the Loya Jirga - 2003-12-12
The Loya Jirga in Afghanistan has been delayed again, now by 24 hours, due to the late arrival of several delegations. The session, which is…
Six Palestinians Killed in Clash at Refugee Camp
Six Palestinians were killed during a clash between militants and Palestinian soldiers at the Rafah refugee camp in Gaza. The incident involved Israeli soldiers who…
Investigation into New Activities at North Korea's Nuclear Facilities - 2003-12-11
South Korea is investigating reports of new activities at North Korea's nuclear facilities, including the detection of steam columns by a U.S. spy satellite. The…
Three Palestinians Killed and 12 Others Injured in Gaza Strip
Three Palestinians were killed and 12 injured during clashes with Israeli forces in the Rafah refugee camp. The incident occurred when Israeli troops entered the…
13 Million People in Iran Involved with Drugs Daily - 2003-12-10
Ali Hashemi reported that 13 million people in Iran are involved with drugs daily, with significant economic and social costs. The issue is seen as…
Cyber Oscars Awards for ICT Activists
The inaugural Cyber Oscars will be awarded to 23 global winners for their innovative use of ICTs to address community issues during the WSIS in…
Ariel Sharon May Evacuate Some Jewish Settlements in the West Bank - 2003-12-09
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon is considering the evacuation of some Jewish settlements in the West Bank to improve security and resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.…
Israeli Soldiers Kill Two Armed Men Near Lebanon Border - 2003-12-09
Israeli soldiers killed two armed men who allegedly infiltrated from Lebanon. This incident follows Hezbollah's firing at Israeli jets, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.…
The Likelihood of Afshaneh Noorouzi's Release Increases
Afshaneh Noorouzi's defense attorney announced that her chances of release have improved following a meeting with the head of the judiciary in Kish. The attorney…
Possibility of Taliban Insurgents Attacking the Loya Jirga Gathering in Kabul - 2003-12-09
U.S. officials warn of potential Taliban attacks on the Loya Jirga in Kabul, where a new constitution is to be discussed. Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S.…
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…
American Officials Investigating the Death of 9 Afghan Children
U.S. officials are investigating the deaths of 9 Afghan children in an airstrike, which has raised concerns about civilian casualties. The airstrike targeted a Taliban-linked…
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…
Russian Parliamentary Elections on Sunday - 2003-12-07
The Russian parliamentary elections saw a high voter turnout, with one third of registered voters participating. Kremlin supporters aim to secure a supermajority to amend…
Dutch Authorities Arrest Two Suspects in the Murder of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić
Dutch authorities have arrested two suspects linked to the assassination of Serbian Prime Minister Zoran Đinđić at Belgrade's request. This incident highlights ongoing legal actions…
Dozens of Missiles Equipped with Radioactive Warheads Have Gone Missing
Dozens of missiles with radioactive warheads have gone missing in Moldova, raising concerns about their potential use as 'dirty bombs' by terrorists. The Washington Post…
China Condemns Proposal for a Defensive Referendum in Taiwan
China has condemned Taiwan's proposal for a defensive referendum, asserting its commitment to defending its sovereignty over the island. Taiwanese officials plan to include a…
Under the Microscope: Student Day; Statements by the Head of the Judiciary; Iran's Propaganda Activities in Iraq - 2003-12-06
The article discusses the significance of Student Day in Iran, featuring statements from the Head of the Judiciary and members of the press freedom association,…
Russian Citizens in Separatist Regions of Abkhazia, Adjara, South Ossetia, and Moldova Participate in Russian Parliamentary Elections on Sunday - 2003-12-06
Russian citizens in separatist regions are set to vote in Russian parliamentary elections, with polling stations established in military bases. Georgian officials have accused Russia…
Interpol Calls for Arrest of Former Liberian President Charles Taylor
Interpol has issued a request for the arrest of Charles Taylor, the former President of Liberia, due to war crimes in Sierra Leone. He is…
Governor of Shabwa Province in Yemen and His Brother Injured in a Terrorist Attack - 2003-12-04
The governor of Shabwa Province in Yemen and his brother were injured in a militant attack while traveling. This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in…
Meeting of American Delegation with Officials of the Interim Government of Georgia in Tbilisi - 2003-12-03
An American delegation led by Lynn Pascoe is in Tbilisi to discuss assistance and election preparations with Georgia's interim government following Edward Shevardnadze's resignation. The…
U.S. Secretary of State: The Roadmap for Middle East Peace is Not Dead
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell asserts that the Roadmap for Middle East peace is still viable while also engaging with proponents of the Geneva…
U.S. Officials' Decision to Form Militia Units in Iraq - 2003-12-03
U.S. officials have decided to establish a militia unit in Iraq made up of members from five major political parties to combat insurgents and loyalists…
Military Operations to Find Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri Continue Near Kirkuk - 2003-12-03
U.S. military operations are ongoing near Kirkuk to find Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, a key figure from Saddam Hussein's regime. While Iraqi officials claim to have…
Major U.S. Operations Near Kirkuk City in Northern Iraq - 2003-12-02
U.S. forces are conducting a major operation near Kirkuk targeting Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, a high-ranking member of Saddam Hussein's regime. An American officer has denied…
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…
USA: 140 Terror Suspects to be Released from Guantanamo - 2003-12-01
The U.S. military has announced that 140 terror suspects will soon be released from Guantanamo Bay. Currently, 660 individuals are detained there without formal charges,…
Israeli Soldiers Kill Three Armed Palestinian Men and a Nine-Year-Old Boy
Israeli soldiers killed three armed Palestinian men and a nine-year-old boy during a military operation in the West Bank. The incident has raised tensions, especially…