February 2004
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide Leaves Haiti - 2004-02-29
President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has left Haiti amid armed uprising and international pressure to resign. He is reportedly heading to the Dominican Republic and seeking asylum…
Man Detonates Himself Near Mosque in Rawalpindi, Pakistan - 2004-02-28
A suspected suicide bomber detonated himself near a mosque in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, during a Shia observance, resulting in no other injuries. This incident highlights ongoing…
Security Forces in Egypt Attack City in the South of the Country
Security forces in Egypt launched an attack on the city of Nakhila, where armed groups have taken hostages. The situation is tense, with conflicting reports…
Israeli Airstrike on a Car in Gaza Strip - 2004-02-28
An Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 3 individuals and injuries to several others. This attack follows the…
Clashes Between Israeli Forces and Palestinian Protesters Outside Al-Aqsa Mosque - 2004-02-27
Israeli security forces engaged in clashes with Palestinian protesters outside the Al-Aqsa Mosque after stones were thrown during prayers. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in…
Iraq's Shia Leader Seeks UN Guarantees for Elections
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, the leader of Iraq's Shia community, is calling for international guarantees from the UN to ensure that elections for an independent…
Two Palestinians Killed in Shooting in the West Bank - 2004-02-26
Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli soldiers during a protest against a security fence in the West Bank. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: German Politicians' Views on Iran's Elections - 2004-02-25
The article highlights the views of German politicians on the recent elections in Iran, as reported by journalist Nasrin Mahdavi. Their perspectives may influence international…
Arrest of 20 Individuals Suspected of Ties to Al-Qaeda by Pakistani Army - 2004-02-25
The Pakistani army arrested at least 20 individuals suspected of being affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Taliban during an operation in Waziristan. This area is…
US Department of Agriculture Reports Avian Influenza Virus in the US - 2004-02-24
The US Department of Agriculture has reported the presence of the avian influenza virus on a farm, marking the largest outbreak in two decades. Officials…
Al-Qaeda Still Considers Attacking America a Major Goal - 2004-02-24
The CIA Director, George Tenet, reported that despite significant losses, Al-Qaeda remains committed to attacking the U.S. This statement highlights ongoing threats and failures in…
Analysis of Voter Participation in Iran's Elections on Friday - 2004-02-22
The article features an interview with Dr. Hossein Lajevardi analyzing voter participation in Iran's elections. It discusses the implications of this participation for the future…
At least eight killed and over 60 injured in suicide bombing in Jerusalem - 2004-02-22
A suicide bombing in Jerusalem killed at least eight and injured over 60, with the attack claimed by the 'Brigade of the Martyrs of Al-Aqsa.'…
Reactions to the Results of Iran's Elections in French Media and Protests Outside the Iranian Embassy in Paris: Mohammad Reza Shahid - 2004-02-21
The article discusses the reactions of French media to the results of Iran's elections and highlights protests by the Association for the Defense of Political…
Iran's Interior Ministry Claims Conservatives Secured Majority Votes - 2004-02-21
The Iranian Interior Ministry claims that conservatives won a decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections, following the disqualification of thousands of reformist candidates. This…
Indian Kashmir Officials Say Three Pakistanis Arrested for Attempting to Attack Delhi International Airport
Three Pakistani nationals were arrested in Indian Kashmir for allegedly planning an attack on Delhi International Airport. They are linked to the extremist group Lashkar-e-Taiba,…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Interview with Engineer Mahdavi, Head of the 'Live and Let Live' Association - 2004-02-20
The 'Live and Let Live' Association is urging Iranians in Germany to protest Prince Charles's upcoming visit to Iran in front of the British Consulate.…
Threat from a Passenger Forced Moroccan Airline Flight to Return to the U.S.
A passenger on a Moroccan airline flight threatened that there was a bomb on board, prompting the flight to return to the U.S. and make…
Taliban Fighters Have Formed Groups in Southern Afghanistan
Hundreds of Taliban fighters have regrouped in Zabul province, raising concerns among locals about potential attacks and undermining stability efforts ahead of upcoming elections. U.S.…
Muslim Militants in Pakistan Set Another Girls' School on Fire - 2004-02-20
In northern Pakistan, suspected Muslim militants have burned down another girls' school, marking the eighth such incident in under a week. Local authorities report no…
Death Toll from Iran Freight Train Accident Continues to Rise
A freight train explosion in Iran has resulted in at least 320 deaths and over 460 injuries, with the toll expected to rise as more…
New Tactic by the Islamic Republic to Secure Votes from Students!
Iranian officials are implementing a new strategy to boost voter turnout among students by offering to increase their discipline grades for participating in the elections.…
Pakistan Will Not Allow International Inspectors to Inspect Its Nuclear Weapons - 2004-02-18
Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf announced that the country will not permit international inspections of its nuclear arsenal, asserting that Pakistan has nothing to hide. This…
Second Day of Talks Between Indian and Pakistani Officials - 2004-02-17
Indian and Pakistani officials are in the second day of talks to prepare for a meeting of their foreign ministers, focusing on a peace negotiation…
Interview with Hossein Lajevardi Regarding Elections in Iran - 2004-02-16
The Iran Researchers Association conducted a survey on Iranian opinions about elections under the Islamic regime. Ramesh from Voice of America interviewed Hossein Lajevardi, the…
Overseas
The article discusses the film 'Overseas' directed by Brigitte Roüan, which portrays the lives of three French sisters in colonial Algeria. It highlights the contrast…
My Uncle Who is in America
The article reviews the French film 'My Uncle Who is in America,' directed by Alain Resnais, highlighting its innovative blend of narrative and scientific theory.…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Interview with Faraj Sarkouhi about the Status of Ansarali Heydat - 2004-02-15
Nasrin Mahdavi interviews Faraj Sarkouhi about the PEN Association's efforts to gather information on Ansarali Heydat's situation. This discussion highlights the ongoing concerns regarding Heydat's…
Former Police Chief and Militants Declare Support for Armed Uprising of Haitian People - 2004-02-15
Former police chief Guy Philippe and militia leader Louis Jodel Chamblain have expressed their support for an armed uprising against President Aristide in Haiti. The…
Senior Iraqi Officials and Neighboring Countries Call for a Central Role for the UN in Baghdad
Senior Iraqi officials and foreign ministers from eight neighboring countries have urged the UN to take a leading role in forming a new government in…
90 People Killed in Two Fires in China - 2004-02-15
Two separate fires in China resulted in the deaths of 90 people, with 51 fatalities in a chain store fire and 39 in a temple…
Meeting of South Korean and Chinese Officials Ahead of Multilateral Negotiations - 2004-02-14
South Korean and Chinese officials met in Seoul to coordinate their positions before upcoming multilateral negotiations regarding North Korea's nuclear program. Wang Yi, China's Deputy…
An American Soldier Killed in Landmine Explosion in Afghanistan - 2004-02-14
An American soldier was killed and nine others injured in a landmine explosion in Afghanistan. The incident occurred when their vehicle hit an anti-tank mine…
At least 21 killed in insurgent attack on Fallujah
Insurgents launched an attack on a police station and a government building in Fallujah, resulting in at least 21 deaths, including police and civilians. The…
Negotiations Between U.S. and South Korea on Withdrawal of American Troops from Seoul - 2004-02-14
U.S. and South Korean officials are in negotiations about the withdrawal of American troops from Seoul, with an agreement close but not finalized due to…
At least 17 killed in two relatively strong earthquakes in northern Pakistan
Two strong earthquakes in northern Pakistan resulted in at least 17 fatalities, with fears that the death toll may increase due to blocked roads from…
Another Suspected Al-Qaeda Member Arrested in Pakistan Near Afghanistan Border - 2004-02-13
A suspected Al-Qaeda member was arrested by paramilitary forces in Pakistan's Jamrud area near the Afghanistan border. This operation is part of Pakistan's continued efforts…
A Former Separatist Leader of Chechnya Killed in a Bomb Explosion in Qatar - 2004-02-13
Salim Khan Yandarbiyev, a former separatist leader of Chechnya, was killed in a bomb explosion in Qatar, with his son critically injured. The attack raises…
Assassination of a Security Official in Afghanistan - 2004-02-12
A senior security official in Khost, Afghanistan, named Mohammad Eisa was assassinated by an armed man who subsequently detonated himself. The Taliban has claimed responsibility…
Bomb Explosion in Baghdad Leaves 46 Dead - 2004-02-12
A bomb explosion in Baghdad killed at least 46 people and injured many others, following a similar incident that resulted in over 50 deaths. No…
U.S. State Department Expresses Concern Over Palestinian Officials' Actions
The U.S. State Department is concerned about the military trial of four Palestinians accused of involvement in a bombing against an American diplomatic mission. The…
A Palestinian Teenager Shot in a Refugee Camp in Lebanon - 2004-02-11
An 18-year-old Palestinian teenager was shot dead in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp, linked to the extremist group Asbat al-Nour. The incident highlights rising tensions between…
Meeting of Security Officials and Experts from 16 Asian Countries in Almaty - 2004-02-11
Security officials and experts from 16 Asian countries convened in Almaty to establish a legal framework for a regional security organization. The discussions will focus…
At least 66 killed in bomb explosion in Baghdad - 2004-02-11
A bomb explosion in Baghdad killed at least 66 people, with U.S. officials reporting a lower toll of 36. The attack occurred outside a recruitment…
Senior Intelligence Officer Shot Dead Near Pakistan Border
A senior intelligence officer in Afghanistan was shot and killed by a suspected Taliban member who then detonated explosives. This incident highlights the increasing violence…
Mexico Defeats U.S. Under-23 Soccer Team
Mexico defeated the U.S. under-23 soccer team 4-0, eliminating them from Olympic qualification for Athens. This victory ensured Mexico's participation in the Olympics while the…
Forty Dead in Iranian Plane Crash - 2004-02-10
An Iranian passenger plane crashed near Sharjah Airport, resulting in at least forty fatalities. Kish Airlines operated the aircraft, a Fokker 50, which was involved…
At least 45 killed in bomb explosion in southern Iraq
A bomb explosion at a police station in Iskandariyah, southern Iraq, killed at least 45 people, mostly civilians seeking employment. The attack highlights the ongoing…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with Engineer Iraj Ibn Sanjari about the Bam Earthquake - 2004-02-09
The article features an interview with Engineer Iraj Ibn Sanjari discussing the Bam earthquake and its implications for housing construction in Iran. This conversation highlights…
Al-Qaeda Activists Want to Ignite Sectarian Conflict Between Shia and Sunni Muslims in Iraq - 2004-02-09
Al-Qaeda operatives, particularly Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, are seeking to instigate a sectarian conflict between Shia and Sunni Muslims in Iraq. This plan comes as militants…
Interview with Engineer Barghai from the Association of Architects and Urban Planners about the Reconstruction of Bam - 2004-02-08
Engineer Barghai discusses the efforts and plans for the reconstruction of Bam following its devastation. The conversation highlights the involvement of Iranian architects and engineers…
Issues with Broadcasting Voice of America Programs on the Persian Section Website - 2004-02-08
Voice of America has acknowledged issues with the repetitiveness and outdated content of its programs on the Persian section website. The organization is working to…
U.S.-Russia Relations
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell discussed U.S.-Russia cooperation with Russian officials, emphasizing strategic partnerships and concerns over democracy and human rights in Russia. The…
Sunday Night Phone Program, February 8: Conversation with Ahmad Taqva - Consequences of the Revolution - 2004-02-08
The article discusses a phone program featuring an interview with Ahmad Taqva regarding the consequences of the Islamic Revolution, 25 years after it took place.…
Meeting of Finance Ministers from Seven Major Industrial Countries in Florida - 2004-02-07
Finance ministers and central bank heads from the G7 are meeting in Florida to address the declining value of the dollar and related economic issues.…
At least 20 killed and 40 injured in factional clashes in northeastern Afghanistan
Factional clashes in northeastern Afghanistan have resulted in at least 20 deaths and 40 injuries, primarily involving rival militants in Badakhshan province. Provincial authorities are…
The United States is Considering Lifting Some Sanctions Against Libya - 2004-02-07
The U.S. is contemplating the lifting of certain sanctions against Libya following a positive meeting between Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and Libyan officials.…
North and South Korea Agree to High-Level Military Talks to Reduce Tensions on the Korean Peninsula - 2004-02-06
North and South Korea have agreed to high-level military negotiations to address tensions on the Korean Peninsula, focusing on family reunifications among other issues. The…
Ariel Sharon Considering Transfer of Jewish Residents from Gaza Strip - 2004-02-06
Ariel Sharon is exploring the relocation of Jewish settlers from Gaza to the West Bank as part of Israel's plans to annex the area. Palestinian…
CIA Director's Speech on Saddam's Weapons - 2004-02-05
CIA Director George Tenet is set to announce that the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq is ongoing and that there are significant…
Pervez Musharraf Pardons Abdul Qadeer Khan, Known as the Father of the Country's Nuclear Program
Pervez Musharraf has pardoned Abdul Qadeer Khan, who admitted to leaking nuclear technology to several countries. This decision follows Khan's confessions on state television, where…
Approximately 500 Canadian Soldiers Will Remain in Kabul - 2004-02-05
Canadian officials announced that around 500 soldiers will stay in Kabul following the withdrawal of a larger military unit. The exact roles of these soldiers…
Statements by the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Regarding the Iraq War - 2004-02-05
George Tenet, the CIA Director, clarified that analysts did not view Iraq as an immediate threat before the invasion. He emphasized the challenges faced by…
Kofi Annan: A UN Diplomatic Team Will Head to Iraq
Kofi Annan announced that a UN diplomatic team will travel to Iraq to help resolve disputes over forming a temporary government. The initiative comes amid…
Bomb Explosion Near Iskandariya, South of Baghdad - 2004-02-03
A bomb explosion near Iskandariya resulted in the death of an American soldier and injuries to another. Concurrently, the death toll from recent suicide bombings…
Chinese President Arrives in Algeria for Two-Day Visit
The Chinese President is in Algeria for a two-day visit to discuss economic cooperation. This visit is part of a broader tour of four countries…
Statements from a Friend of the Founder of Pakistan's Nuclear Program on the Transfer of Nuclear Technology - 2004-02-03
A friend of Abdul Qadeer Khan claims that senior Pakistani military officials, including President Musharraf, were aware of the transfer of nuclear technology to Iran,…
Independent Investigations in Britain Regarding Iraq's Weapons Information - 2004-02-02
Tony Blair has committed to addressing opposition demands for an independent investigation into pre-war intelligence on Iraq's weapons. This follows a judicial inquiry that exonerated…
The Death Toll from the Bombings in Erbil Has Increased to 67
A series of suicide bombings in Erbil, Iraq, has resulted in 67 deaths and over 247 injuries, targeting Kurdish political party offices during a religious…
Trial of 4 Men Accused of Bombing Israeli Hotel in Kenya Begins
The trial of four men accused of a 2002 bombing at an Israeli hotel in Kenya has resumed after a brief delay due to juror…
Powerful Bomb Explosion at Police Station in Mosul
A powerful bomb exploded at a police station in Mosul, killing at least 9 and injuring 45. Separately, three American soldiers died from a roadside…
UN Sends Equipment for Victims of Water Taxi Incident in Congo - 2004-02-01
A tragic fire on a water taxi in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in approximately 200 people missing or dead, with around 500…