March 2004
Another Explosion Shakes Tashkent, Capital of Uzbekistan - 2004-03-31
An explosion in Tashkent has resulted in casualties, occurring near a site of recent violence involving suspected terrorists and police. This incident is part of…
Security Officials in Sudan Arrest an Opposing Islamist Leader
Security officials in Sudan have arrested Hassan al-Turabi, an Islamist opposition leader, following the detention of his party members linked to a failed coup attempt.…
Issuance of International Arrest Warrants for 5 Suspects in Madrid Bombings
International arrest warrants have been issued for five suspects linked to the March 11 Madrid bombings, including Moroccan national Abdul Karim Mujati. This development is…
Hamid Karzai's Request to the International Community - 2004-03-31
Hamid Karzai has appealed to the international community during a donors' conference in Berlin to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a refuge for drug traffickers and…
Concerns Raised Over Cyprus Unification Plan - 2004-03-30
Greek officials and Greek Cypriots are concerned about Kofi Annan's revised Cyprus reunification plan, which they believe contains problematic elements. A response from both Greek…
Investigation into Moroccan Islamic Fighters Group Regarding Madrid Bombing - 2004-03-30
Spanish authorities are investigating a Moroccan Islamic group linked to the March 11 Madrid train bombings that killed 191 people. Arrests have been made, including…
Under the Microscope: The Critical Situation of Ahmad Batebi, Purging the Judiciary - 2004-03-30
Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh discusses the Iranian Foreign Minister's visit to Senegal, the plight of imprisoned student Ahmad Batebi, and the judiciary's ongoing purging efforts. These…
World Record Holder in 400m Freestyle Misses Qualification for Athens Olympics
Ian Thorpe, the Australian Olympic champion and world record holder in the 400m freestyle, has been disqualified from the Olympic qualification event in Sydney after…
Official Death Toll from Bam Earthquake Announced as 26,271
The Iranian government has officially revised the death toll from the Bam earthquake to 26,271, significantly lower than earlier estimates of 41,000. This revision comes…
Meeting of Iraqi Officials with United Nations Experts
Iraqi officials are collaborating with UN experts to prepare for upcoming elections and establish an interim government by June 2005. The Iraqi Governing Council, appointed…
Judicial Official Recommends Legal Action Against Ariel Sharon in Financial Corruption Case - 2004-03-28
A senior Israeli judicial official has recommended prosecuting Prime Minister Ariel Sharon for bribery linked to a long-standing real estate scandal. The allegations involve collusion…
In the Latest Wave of Violence in Iraq, Two Killed and Several Injured
Two British nationals were killed in Mosul and several others were injured in bomb attacks in Kirkuk and Baqubah. The violence highlights ongoing security issues…
European Union Appoints First Anti-Terrorism Official
The European Union has appointed Gijs de Vries as its first anti-terrorism official to enhance continental defense after the Madrid bombings. This move is part…
Clashes in Taiwan Between Supporters and Opponents of the President - 2004-03-27
Clashes erupted in Taiwan after the Central Election Commission declared Chen Shui-bian the winner of the presidential election, leading to protests and injuries. The announcement…
Interview of Mohammad Reza Shahid with Iranian Journalist Masoud Behnoud - 2004-03-27
Masoud Behnoud, an Iranian journalist, participated in a discussion about journalism in Iran at Saint Denis University in Paris, invited by the Dialogue for Democracy…
Release of a Recorded Message from Ayman al-Zawahiri - 2004-03-26
A recorded message from Ayman al-Zawahiri calling for the overthrow of Pakistan's President Musharraf has been condemned by Pakistani officials. They are currently verifying the…
At least 5 killed in battle between US Marines and Iraqi insurgents - 2004-03-26
A violent confrontation in Fallujah resulted in at least 5 deaths, including a child, as US Marines clashed with Iraqi insurgents. The US military has…
Bush Defends His Administration's Actions in the Fight Against Terrorism - 2004-03-24
President Bush defended his administration against accusations of negligence in the fight against terrorism following claims made by former National Security Council advisor Richard Clarke.…
George Tenet's Explanation Regarding the September 11 Terrorist Attacks in the U.S. - 2004-03-24
George Tenet testified before a commission investigating the U.S. intelligence failures related to the September 11 attacks, asserting that both Presidents Clinton and Bush were…
Efforts by Tribal Leaders in Western Pakistan to Negotiate with Suspected Al-Qaeda Militants - 2004-03-23
Tribal leaders in western Pakistan are attempting to negotiate with suspected Al-Qaeda militants to encourage their surrender. A delegation has met with insurgent leaders near…
190 Victims of Terrorist Explosions in Madrid Identified - 2004-03-23
Spain has identified 190 victims of the terrorist attacks in Madrid, with no further increases in fatalities expected. Initial reports indicated 202 deaths, and 9…
Congress Special Commission Investigation of Senior Officials from Bush and Clinton Administrations - 2004-03-23
The special congressional commission is investigating senior officials from the Bush and Clinton administrations regarding the 9/11 attacks. Colin Powell emphasized that the Bush administration…
Ismail Khan: The assassination of Afghanistan's Minister of Civil Aviation had personal motives
Mirwais Sadiq, Afghanistan's Minister of Civil Aviation and son of influential governor Ismail Khan, was assassinated by armed assailants in Herat. The attack is believed…
Discovery of a Two-Kilometer Tunnel Near the Afghanistan-Pakistan Border - 2004-03-22
Pakistani troops discovered a two-kilometer tunnel near the Afghanistan border, potentially used by al-Qaeda leaders for escape. A temporary ceasefire has been enacted to facilitate…
An American Soldier and an Iraqi Translator Killed in a Homemade Bomb Explosion
A homemade bomb explosion in Baghdad killed an American soldier and an Iraqi translator, injuring three other soldiers. Concurrently, a separate bombing near a U.S.…
Israeli Soldiers Shot Dead a Palestinian Teenager in Nablus
Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian teenager in Nablus during a clash, while a 7-year-old girl died from injuries sustained from Israeli gunfire in…
Basque Separatist Group ETA Calls for Dialogue with New Spanish Government - 2004-03-21
The Basque separatist group ETA has requested dialogue with Spain's new Socialist government, which has rejected any engagement with them. This comes in the wake…
The State of the Press in Iran Last Year - 2004-03-21
Ma'shoullah Shams al-Va'izin discusses the challenges faced by the press in Iran over the past year, including the situation of imprisoned journalists. The interview highlights…
Javier Solana Says Europeans Must Fight Terrorism Decisively - 2004-03-20
Javier Solana emphasized the need for Europeans to combat terrorism decisively while maintaining their way of life. EU security officials agreed to recommend a new…
Spain Releases Secret Documents Related to Last Week's Attacks in Madrid - 2004-03-18
Spain is releasing secret documents to counter accusations against officials regarding their response to the recent attacks in Madrid. Initially blamed on Basque separatists, the…
At least 4 killed in bomb explosion in Basra - 2004-03-18
A bomb explosion in Basra has resulted in at least 4 deaths, while the U.S. military reports varying casualty figures from a separate incident in…
At least 12 Kurds killed in Tuesday's riots in Aleppo and Afrin, Syria - 2004-03-17
On March 17, 2004, at least 12 Kurds were killed during riots in Aleppo and Afrin, Syria, amidst commemorations of a historical chemical attack. The…
27 Killed and Dozens Injured in Hotel Explosion in Baghdad - 2004-03-17
A hotel explosion in Baghdad killed 27 and injured many others, attributed to a vehicle bomb. This incident coincides with U.S. military operations against insurgents…
Meeting of the French President and the German Chancellor in Paris - 2004-03-16
French President Jacques Chirac and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder met in Paris to discuss the need for European unity against terrorism following recent attacks. They…
Explosive Celebrations of Chaharshanbe Suri Shake Tehran
On the night of Chaharshanbe Suri, powerful explosions in Tehran reflect youth's frustration with the current political situation. Despite government attempts to control celebrations by…
Spaniards Remove Ruling Party from Power - 2004-03-15
In the wake of a devastating terrorist attack in Madrid, Spanish voters ousted the ruling People's Party in favor of the Socialist Party, which received…
Withdrawal of 1300 Spanish Troops from Iraq - 2004-03-15
Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the newly elected Prime Minister of Spain, plans to withdraw 1300 troops from Iraq, calling the war a disaster. His Socialist…
Israeli Helicopter Gunships Attack Two Buildings in Gaza Strip - 2004-03-15
Israeli helicopter gunships launched an airstrike on Gaza City following two suicide bombings in Ashdod that killed 10 Israelis. Hamas and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade…
A Member of the Kirkuk City Council in Northern Iraq Assassinated - 2004-03-15
Akbar Nizal, an Arab member of the Kirkuk City Council, was assassinated while driving near a government building. This incident highlights ongoing ethnic tensions in…
Discovery of One Ton of Hashish from a Truck in Southwestern Pakistan - 2004-03-15
Customs officials in southwestern Pakistan seized about one ton of hashish from a truck near the Iranian border, arresting two smugglers in the process. The…
Arab and European Intelligence Officials' Views on Responsibility for Recent Bombings in Spain - 2004-03-15
Investigators suspect that recent bombings in Spain were executed by a multinational group of al-Qaeda loyalists, with initial arrests revealing Moroccan and Indian suspects. This…
Increased Security Measures at Major Railway Stations and Terminals in Europe and America - 2004-03-14
Following deadly bombings in Madrid, security measures at major railway stations in Europe and America have been significantly increased. Countries like France, Britain, Italy, and…
Clashes Between Supporters of Two Syrian Football Teams Result in Casualties
Clashes between Kurdish and Arab football fans in Qamishli, Syria, led to 13 deaths and over 100 injuries. The violence escalated during a match and…
Identity of Al-Qaeda Spokesman Not Established in Video - 2004-03-14
The Spanish government is unable to identify an Al-Qaeda spokesman who claimed responsibility for the Madrid bombings in a recently discovered video. The video was…
Under the Microscope: Analysis of the Results of the Iranian Bar Association Elections - 2004-03-13
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the recent elections for the Iranian Bar Association and comments on Saeed Hajarian's remarks on the anniversary of an assassination…
Interview with Mr. Jodari Foroughi, Attorney at Law, Regarding the Bar Association Elections - 2004-03-13
Mr. Mohammad Ali Jodari Foroughi, a notable Iranian lawyer, analyzes the preliminary results of the Bar Association elections following his disqualification by the judiciary. This…
U.S. Officials in Baghdad Agree to Hand Over Abu Abbas's Body to Palestinians - 2004-03-13
U.S. officials have agreed to return the body of Abu Abbas, a key figure in the hijacking of the Italian ship Achille Lauro, to the…
Four Soldiers Killed in Clash Between Government Forces and Rebels in Kashmir
A shootout in Indian-administered Kashmir resulted in the deaths of four soldiers and at least one rebel. The clash occurred near the Line of Control…
Israel's Expectations from the U.S. if Jewish Settlements are Removed from Gaza - 2004-03-12
Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom has stated that Israel expects the U.S. to provide financial compensation if Jewish settlements in Gaza are dismantled. This statement…
Return of Haiti's Interim Prime Minister to His Country - 2004-03-10
Gerard Latortue is returning to Haiti as the newly appointed interim Prime Minister, supported by a U.S.-backed advisory council. He aims to promote national reconciliation…
Greg Rusedski Acquitted of Doping Charges
Greg Rusedski has been acquitted of doping charges related to a positive test for nandrolone, allowing him to continue competing in tennis. The decision was…
Armed Men in Iraq Kill Two American Civilian Workers and an Iraqi Translator - 2004-03-10
Armed men in Iraq killed two American civilian workers and their Iraqi translator, raising concerns about security in the region. In a separate incident, four…
Under the Microscope: Draft Resolution on Iran's Nuclear Activities and Elections of the Iranian Bar Association - 2004-03-10
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the U.S. and European agreement on a draft resolution concerning Iran's nuclear activities and the elections of the Iranian Bar…
Witness Report: The Situation of the Mojahedin in Iraq - March 10, 2004
A meeting took place in Paris to discuss the condition of the Mojahedin in Iraq, highlighting ongoing concerns about their status and activities. This event…
Four British Detainees in Guantanamo are Terrorists and Killers - 2004-03-09
Four British detainees in Guantanamo Bay are accused of being trained by Al-Qaeda and are alleged bomb-making experts. U.S. officials and British Prime Minister Tony…
CIA Director Testifies Before Senate Armed Services Committee - 2004-03-09
CIA Director George Tenet testified before the Senate Armed Services Committee, addressing questions about pre-war intelligence on Iraq. Senator Ted Kennedy inquired if Tenet had…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Interview with Nahid Riazi about International Women's Day
On International Women's Day, an interview was conducted with Nahid Riazi, a political activist in Denmark, discussing the significance of the day and related programs.…
Jean-Bertrand Aristide Claims He is Still the Legal President of Haiti - 2004-03-08
Jean-Bertrand Aristide, the exiled former president of Haiti, claims he remains the legal president and urges peaceful resistance against foreign occupation. His claims of being…
Anastasia Myskina of Russia Wins Qatar Open Tennis Final
Anastasia Myskina won the Qatar Open by defeating Svetlana Kuznetsova, marking her seventh career title. This victory is significant as it highlights Myskina's continued success…
Formation of a Case for War Crimes Against Saddam Hussein - 2004-03-07
The U.S. is sending a delegation to Iraq to assist in forming a case against Saddam Hussein for war crimes. This effort is part of…
Parliamentary Elections Held in Greece - 2004-03-07
Greece held parliamentary elections where the ruling Panhellenic Socialist Movement competes closely with the New Democracy conservative party. The elections are significant as they may…
Weekly Discussion, March 4, 2004: With Dr. Heydat Matin-Daftari and Mohammad Ali Jadari Foroughi - 2004-03-05
The weekly discussion program features Dr. Heydat Matin-Daftari and Mohammad Ali Jadari Foroughi analyzing the Iranian regime's attempts to undermine the independence of lawyers. This…
Russian Engineers Assisted Iraq in Building Long-Range Ballistic Missiles
The New York Times reported that Russian engineers helped Iraq develop long-range ballistic missiles, violating UN sanctions. U.S. officials claim to have obtained this information…
Agreement Between North and South Korea to Begin Construction of an Industrial Park at the Border - 2004-03-05
North and South Korea have agreed to start building an industrial park at their border, with over 1,500 companies planning to relocate there. This initiative…
53% of Israelis Want Ariel Sharon to Resign - 2004-03-05
A recent poll shows that a majority of Israelis, 53%, want Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to resign due to declining trust in his leadership. His…
Suspected Taliban Fighters Kill Turkish Engineer and Afghan Security Guard
Suspected Taliban fighters killed a Turkish engineer and an Afghan security guard in Zabul province, while another Turkish engineer and a driver were kidnapped. This…
Attack on a Police Station in Mosul, Northern Iraq - 2004-03-04
An attack on a police station in Mosul resulted in at least 3 injuries, with insurgents using mortar shells before fleeing. The Iraqi police have…
At least 41 killed in attack on Shia Muslims in Quetta, Pakistan
An attack on Shia Muslims in Quetta, Pakistan, resulted in at least 41 deaths and 150 injuries during Ashura observances. President Pervez Musharraf vowed to…
Hundreds of Students Protest in Bangladesh - 2004-03-03
Hundreds of students in Bangladesh protested against the attack on Professor Humayun Azad, leading to clashes with police that resulted in numerous injuries. The protest…
Dozens of Georgian Soldiers Return from Iraq
Dozens of Georgian soldiers have returned home from Iraq after serving in peacekeeping operations. This return follows their deployment near Tikrit, and Georgia plans to…
15 People Arrested in Connection with Karbala and Kadhimayn Explosions
Fifteen individuals have been arrested in Iraq following deadly explosions in Karbala and Kadhimayn, which resulted in 170 deaths and over 400 injuries during Ashura…
UN Special Envoy's Meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi - 2004-03-02
The UN Special Envoy met with detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Prime Minister Khin Nyunt in an effort to advance democracy in…
Investigation Operations Regarding the Explosion of a Tanker Ship in the Atlantic Ocean - 2004-03-01
A tanker ship exploded in the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in the confirmed deaths of 27 crew members, with 6 others rescued. The U.S. Coast Guard…