February 2003
The International Atomic Energy Agency Condemns North Korea for Resuming Construction of Its Main Nuclear Reactor - 2003-02-28
The IAEA has condemned North Korea for resuming construction of its nuclear reactor, indicating a disregard for international commitments. U.S. officials reported that North Korea…
Baghdad to Respond to UN Order for Destruction of Al-Sumoud 2 Missiles in Two Days - 2003-02-27
Iraq is set to respond to a UN directive to destroy its Al-Sumoud 2 missiles within two days. The UN insists these missiles exceed the…
Interview with Amir Taheri Regarding the Two-Day Conference in Northern Iraq - 2003-02-27
A two-day conference took place in the Kurdish region of northern Iraq amid ongoing discussions about the war against Iraq. The conference featured the U.S.…
Israeli Forces Blow Up House of Deceased Suicide Bomber Near Nablus
Israeli forces destroyed the house of a deceased Palestinian suicide bomber near Nablus, claiming it was part of efforts to deter attacks. The explosion also…
Turkey Submits Bill for Troop Deployment at Iraq Border to Parliament - 2003-02-26
The Turkish government has submitted a bill to deploy troops and aircraft at the Iraq border, with a vote expected soon in parliament. Recep Tayyip…
Under the Microscope: Increase in Repression Parallel to UN Human Rights Delegation Visit
The article discusses the increasing repression of Iranian activists coinciding with the nearing end of a UN human rights delegation's visit to Iran. Notably, Dr.…
Three Americans Taken Hostage - 2003-02-22
Three Americans have been taken hostage by Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces after surviving a plane crash during a spying mission. The group accuses them of…
The Announcement of U.S. Operations Faces Denials and Rejections from Filipino Officials - 2003-02-22
U.S. officials announced the deployment of 350 special forces to the southern Philippines to assist in operations against Abu Sayyaf militants. Filipino officials have denied…
Bad Weather Continues to Hinder Recovery of Bodies of 302 Individuals Who Died in Military Plane Crash
A military plane crash in Iran resulted in the deaths of 302 individuals, with only fifty bodies recovered so far due to ongoing bad weather.…
Fire at Nightclub in Rhode Island Leaves Thirty-Nine Dead
A fire at a Rhode Island nightclub during a rock concert led to thirty-nine deaths and numerous injuries, with the cause linked to a pyrotechnic…
The U.S. Sends Three Thousand Troops to the Philippines to Fight Abu Sayyaf Militants - 2003-02-21
The U.S. is deploying three thousand troops to the Philippines to assist in combating Abu Sayyaf militants, with a significant portion being special forces. The…
Fire in South Korea Subway Kills 130 and Injures Over 130 Others - 2003-02-19
An arson fire in the Daegu subway in South Korea led to the deaths of 130 people and injuries to over 130 others. The fire…
Under the Microscope: 5,000 Anti-Saddam Forces Enter Iraq from Iran - 2003-02-19
5,000 Iraqi forces opposed to Saddam Hussein have reportedly entered Iraq from Iran, as detailed in a Financial Times report. Additionally, journalist and political activist…
Plane Crash in Iran - 2003-02-19
An Iranian passenger plane with 290 people onboard disappeared from radar during a flight from Zahedan to Kerman and reportedly crashed near Shahdad. This incident…
US Military Officials Plan Joint Military Exercise with South Korea Next Month
US military officials are set to conduct a joint military exercise with South Korea next month despite tensions with North Korea. This announcement follows North…
Third Round of Iraq-Kuwait Talks on Gulf War Missing Persons Ends Without Result - 2003-02-16
The third round of talks between Iraq and Kuwait regarding missing persons from the Gulf War concluded without any progress. Kuwait is seeking information on…
Millions Worldwide Protest Against Potential US-Led War with Iraq - 2003-02-16
Millions protested globally against a potential US-led war with Iraq, with significant gatherings in London and Barcelona. The protests highlighted widespread opposition to military action,…
Severe Snow and Blizzard Cover Parts of the Midwest and Northeast United States - 2003-02-16
Severe snow and blizzard conditions have affected the Midwest and Northeast U.S., leading to significant disruptions in daily activities and travel. Meteorologists predict up to…
A Delegation of Human Rights Experts Has Arrived in Iran After Seven Years
A team of human rights experts has arrived in Iran for the first time in seven years to assess the situation in prisons known for…
First Human Rights Experts Mission in Iran in Seven Years Begins
A UN human rights expert delegation has begun its first mission in Iran in seven years, meeting with judiciary officials and planning visits to prisons,…
President Bush Calls for Law Enforcement Cooperation to Protect Americans
President Bush emphasized the need for collaboration among law enforcement to enhance national security against terrorism. He announced a plan to centralize anti-terrorism efforts, while…
Valentine's Day in Iran
This article discusses the increasing popularity of Valentine's Day in Iran despite crackdowns on celebrations. It highlights the engagement of both teenagers and educated adults…
Yasser Arafat has agreed to create the position of Prime Minister in the Palestinian Authority - 2003-02-14
Yasser Arafat has agreed to establish a Prime Minister position in the Palestinian Authority as part of reforms demanded by the U.S. and others to…
A Suspect Linked to Al-Qaeda Arrested in Southwestern Pakistan - 2003-02-14
A suspect linked to Al-Qaeda was arrested in Quetta, Pakistan, during a joint operation by Pakistani security forces and the FBI. This highlights ongoing international…
Coalition Aircraft Destroy Several Caves in Southwestern Afghanistan - 2003-02-14
Coalition aircraft targeted and destroyed caves in southwestern Afghanistan used by suspected Al-Qaeda and Taliban members. The airstrikes took place in Helmand Province, where U.S.…
Terrorism Alert and Precautions Extended Across America - 2003-02-14
The U.S. has extended its terrorism alert nationwide due to intelligence reports indicating a potential attack. Officials are urging industries, particularly in finance and utilities,…
Increased Security Measures in New York and Washington - 2003-02-13
Following U.S. government warnings about a heightened risk of terrorist attacks, security measures have been intensified in New York and Washington. CIA Director George Tenet…
Pyongyang Can Attack American Targets Worldwide If Provoked - 2003-02-13
A senior North Korean diplomat claimed that the country could target American interests globally if provoked, highlighting its long-range missile capabilities. The CIA Director confirmed…
Iran's Foreign Ministry Rejects US Claim of Al-Qaeda Network Presence in the Country
Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied US allegations that Al-Qaeda has a presence in the country, calling the claims baseless. This statement follows CIA Director George…
The Presence of Osama bin Laden's Son in Iran - 2003-02-13
Ali Reza Nouri Zadeh discusses the implications of George Tenet's statements regarding Al-Qaeda's presence in Iran and the reports about Osama bin Laden's son being…
Director of U.S. Security: Terrorists May Attack Soon - 2003-02-12
George Tenet, the CIA Director, warned that Al-Qaeda may be planning imminent attacks in the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, potentially using radioactive and chemical weapons.…
Interview with Siamak Shojaei: Obstacles to Home Ownership in Iran - 2003-02-12
The Iranian Minister of Housing has introduced a new method aimed at helping low-income individuals become homeowners. Dr. Siamak Shojaei expresses skepticism about the effectiveness…
In the Future, the Number of Permanent Inhabitants of the International Space Station Will Be Reduced from 3 to 2
The number of permanent crew members on the International Space Station is set to decrease from three to two due to insufficient resources. NASA's Sean…
Stock Prices in the U.S. Are Rising - 2003-02-11
U.S. stock prices rose early on February 11, 2003, ahead of a key economic address by the Treasury Secretary. The Dow Jones, S&P-500, and Nasdaq…
Hundreds of Soldiers Strengthen London's Security Against Terrorists at Heathrow Airport - 2003-02-11
UK security officials have deployed hundreds of soldiers to Heathrow Airport in response to threats from Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorists. The measures are aimed at preventing…
Report Shahid: Interview with Behrouz Farahani about the Gathering of the Association for the Defense of Political Prisoners in Iran - 2003-02-09
On February 9, 2003, the Association for the Defense of Political Prisoners in Iran organized a gathering in Paris. The event featured an interview with…
Crucial and Decisive Negotiations with Iraqi Officials Conclude
UN weapons inspectors concluded two days of negotiations with Iraqi officials in Baghdad, discussing critical issues and exchanging documents. Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei are…
American Officials Angered by Germany and France's Position in Munich
At the Munich Security Conference, American officials expressed anger over Germany and France's efforts to extend UN weapons inspectors' mission in Iraq. U.S. Secretary of…
On the Second Day of Meetings with Baghdad's Weapons Inspectors, More Documents Submitted
Iraqi officials submitted additional documents to UN weapons inspectors in Baghdad during their second day of meetings. The discussions focused on Iraq's past production of…
Bush Administration Officials Held Rare Private Meeting with Iranian Representatives in Europe Last Month - 2003-02-08
Last month, Bush administration officials met privately with Iranian representatives in Europe to discuss Iraq and seek assurances from Iran regarding humanitarian aid and non-intervention…
Witness Report: Meeting of Iranian and American Officials (Regarding Iraq) in Europe - 2003-02-08
Iranian and American officials met in Europe to discuss matters related to Iraq. This meeting highlights ongoing diplomatic interactions between the two nations despite their…
Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei Begin Sensitive Negotiations with Senior Iraqi Officials - 2003-02-08
Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei have started negotiations with Iraqi officials to ensure compliance with disarmament demands. Their discussions focus on increasing cooperation for inspections…
Disruption of Hajj Rituals Will Be Met with an Iron Fist
Saudi Arabia has heightened security for the Hajj pilgrimage due to fears of protests against a potential U.S. war in Iraq. Around two million Muslims…
The Fifth U.S. Aircraft Carrier Soon to Head to the Persian Gulf - 2003-02-07
The U.S. is deploying its fifth aircraft carrier, the USS Kitty Hawk, to the Persian Gulf, adding significant military resources to the region amid rising…
U.S. Officials: Readiness to Counter Terrorist Attacks Inside the U.S. Increased
U.S. officials have raised the level of readiness to counter potential terrorist attacks, citing increased threats from terrorists planning operations within the country. The State…
The Risk of Terrorist Attacks on U.S. Soil Has Increased Due to the Likelihood of War Against Iraq - 2003-02-06
U.S. intelligence officials have raised concerns about the increased risk of terrorist attacks on American soil due to the potential war against Iraq. The FBI…
Two Israeli Soldiers and Five Palestinians Killed in Nablus
In a recent escalation of violence, two Israeli soldiers and five Palestinians were killed in Nablus and Gaza. The incidents highlight ongoing tensions and conflict…
Bodies of 7 Columbia Astronauts Transferred to Dover Air Force Base
The bodies of the 7 astronauts from the Columbia shuttle disaster have been moved to Dover Air Force Base for formalities before being returned to…
Israeli Helicopters Kill 2 Palestinian Men in Eastern Gaza - 2003-02-06
Israeli helicopters killed two Palestinian men in eastern Gaza, while three others were killed in the occupied territories the previous day. Eyewitnesses reported an Israeli…
Colin Powell's Remarks at the Special United Nations Security Council Meeting - 2003-02-05
Colin Powell presented evidence at the UN Security Council claiming Iraq was not complying with disarmament requests and was deceiving inspectors. He warned of serious…
Fighting Continues in Afghanistan Near Kandahar - 2003-02-05
Fighting near Kandahar has resulted in the deaths of three Afghan soldiers and five suspected Taliban insurgents. The conflict is ongoing, following recent clashes involving…
Interview with Ramezan Haji Mashadi, Attorney for Abbass Abdi and Ali Ghazian
Ramezan Haji Mashadi, attorney for reformist Abbass Abdi and pollster Ali Ghazian, discusses their sentencing to prison for allegedly providing information to foreigners. Their polls…
Statement by Parastoo Farahvar and Arash Farahvar Regarding Claims by the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic - 2003-02-04
Parastoo and Arash Farahvar issued a statement rejecting the claims of the Iranian judiciary regarding their parents' murder case, asserting they do not seek retribution…
White House: President Bush to Attend Memorial for Columbia Astronauts Today - 2003-02-04
President Bush is attending a memorial for the Columbia astronauts who died in a tragic accident during their mission. The event highlights the impact of…
Two Farmers Killed in Gaza by Israeli Tank Fire
Two farmers were killed by Israeli tank fire in Gaza, and two other civilians were injured. Additionally, a Palestinian man was sentenced to 27 years…
NASA Officials See No Reason for International Space Station to Be Uncrewed
NASA officials confirm that the ISS will remain crewed despite the emotional challenges faced by the astronauts following the Columbia disaster. Russian officials express concerns…
Russia to Reduce Work on Its Space Station Due to Suspension of U.S. Spacecraft Flights and Columbia Disaster - 2003-02-02
Following the Columbia disaster, Russia announced a significant reduction in work on the International Space Station due to the suspension of U.S. spacecraft flights. Russia…
Senior Weapons Inspectors to Negotiate Further with Iraqi Officials in Baghdad for Two Days
Senior UN weapons inspectors Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei are traveling to Baghdad for two days of negotiations with Iraqi officials ahead of a report…
Two Television Stations Recorded the Columbia Spacecraft's Crash - 2003-02-02
Two television stations in Dallas recorded the Columbia spacecraft's crash when communication with NASA was lost. NASA officials were uncertain about the incident until they…
Interview with Dr. Hossein Lajevardi on Reactions to Reza Pahlavi's Statement - 2003-02-01
Reactions to Prince Reza Pahlavi's statement are ongoing, prompting an interview with Dr. Hossein Lajevardi, a prominent figure in Iranian research. This discussion highlights the…
Columbia Shuttle Breaks Up Over Texas
The Columbia shuttle disintegrated over Texas shortly before landing in Florida, with seven crew members unaccounted for. NASA has initiated search and rescue operations while…