December 2003
Under the Microscope: Iran's Reaction to the U.S. Secretary of State's Remarks on Aid to Earthquake Victims - 2003-12-31
The program discusses Iran's officials' reactions to the U.S. Secretary of State's positive remarks about Iran accepting aid for earthquake victims. It also touches on…
Armed Guards to be Deployed on Foreign Passenger Planes in the U.S.
The U.S. is implementing regulations for armed guards on foreign passenger planes due to new intelligence suggesting terrorist threats against commercial aviation. This decision follows…
Parliamentary Results in Serbia's Sunday Elections - 2003-12-29
In Serbia's recent elections, the Serbian Radical Party, led by convicted war criminal Vojislav Šešelj, won 27% of the votes but lacks sufficient support to…
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…
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…
Five Afghan Intelligence Officers Killed Near Kabul Airport
Five Afghan intelligence officers were killed when a foreign suspect they had arrested detonated a bomb in their vehicle near Kabul Airport. The incident highlights…
James Baker Cancels Trip to South Korea to Discuss Iraq's Debt - 2003-12-26
James Baker has canceled his planned trip to South Korea to discuss Iraq's debt restructuring. The South Korean National Security Advisor suggested that the cancellation…
No Communication Signals Received from Europe's First Mars Spacecraft
European space officials have not received any communication from the 'Beagle-2' spacecraft, which was expected to land on Mars. They caution that this does not…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Meeting of the UN Secretary-General with the Head of the Interim Council Regarding the Role of the Organization in Iraq - 2003-12-25
The Head of the Interim Council of Iraq has agreed to meet with the UN Secretary-General next month in New York to discuss the UN's…
Explosion and Toxic Gases in a Natural Gas Mine in China Kills at Least 191 People - 2003-12-25
A catastrophic explosion at a natural gas field in southwestern China resulted in at least 191 deaths and hundreds of injuries. The cause of the…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Security Council Praises Libya's Cooperation
The UN Security Council has commended Libya for its cooperation in disarmament efforts related to weapons and chemical arms. This report comes from Nazi Baghlari,…
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…
Iranian Security Forces Expand Security Measures Around British, Turkish, and Swiss Embassies
Iran has heightened security around the British, Turkish, and Swiss embassies due to al-Qaeda's threats of attacks. This follows recent incidents of violence against diplomatic…
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…
Islamic World Leaders Surprised Iran's Foreign Ministry
The international conference on 'The Islamic World: Challenges and Opportunities' held by Iran's Foreign Ministry faced low attendance, with only about 60 out of 100…
NGOs Welcome Extension of Sanctions Imposed Against Liberia
Non-governmental organizations have expressed support for the UN Security Council's decision to extend sanctions against Liberia due to ongoing issues with arms, diamond, and timber…
Rebels in Chechnya Shoot Dead Two Police Officers and a Woman
In Grozny, suspected rebels shot and killed two police officers and a woman. The incident highlights ongoing violence in Chechnya, years after Russian forces began…
Hamburg Court Rejects Prosecutors' Request to Re-detain Moroccan Man
A Hamburg court has decided that Abdelghani Mzoudi, accused of supporting the 9/11 attackers, can remain free during his trial. Prosecutors had sought to re-detain…
Pakistan Government Investigates Its Nuclear Scientists - 2003-12-22
The Pakistani government is investigating its nuclear scientists, particularly Abdul Qadeer Khan, amid concerns about the potential export of sensitive nuclear technology. This investigation follows…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Poland's National Security Agency Warns of Possible Terrorist Attacks in Recent Days - 2003-12-18
Poland's National Security Agency has issued a warning about an increased threat of terrorist attacks during the upcoming holiday season. This warning is based on…
Czech Legislators Approve Deployment of 150 Military Police to Iraq
Czech lawmakers have approved sending 150 military police to Iraq to assist in training and security operations. This decision follows Senate approval and highlights the…
Violation of Arms Embargo to Somalia - 2003-12-17
The UN Security Council is investigating violations of the arms embargo on Somalia, requesting a six-month investigation into countries that may have supplied weapons. This…
Kofi Annan: All International Standards Must Be Observed in Saddam's Trial - 2003-12-16
Kofi Annan emphasized the importance of adhering to international standards in the trial of Saddam Hussein to promote national reconciliation in Iraq. He called for…
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…
European Commission President Criticizes U.S. Actions
European Commission President Romano Prodi criticized the U.S. for excluding countries opposed to the Iraq war from reconstruction contracts. British Prime Minister Tony Blair supported…
Human Trafficking and Sexual Slavery on the Rise in Southeast Asia
A recent report highlights the increasing rates of human trafficking and sexual slavery in Southeast Asia, with authorities struggling to respond effectively. The report, produced…
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…
Three Killed in Explosion in Tel Aviv Commercial Area - 2003-12-11
An explosion in a Tel Aviv currency exchange resulted in three fatalities and 17 injuries, believed to be an assassination attempt on a gang leader.…
Criticism from French, German, and Russian Officials on the U.S. Defense Department's Decision - 2003-12-10
French, German, and Russian officials have criticized the U.S. Defense Department's decision to exclude companies from countries opposed to the Iraq war from reconstruction contracts.…
Arrest of a Suspect by Guards at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut - 2003-12-10
A man carrying explosives was arrested by U.S. Embassy guards in Beirut, and a Palestinian man was also detained nearby, potentially linked to the incident.…
Proposal to Reduce Restrictions on Quran Classes in Turkey Suspended
The Turkish government has suspended a proposal to allow Quran classes in public buildings, aiming to increase state control over religious education. This decision follows…
Meeting of German and Russian Foreign Ministers - 2003-12-10
The German Foreign Minister urged Russia to address international concerns about media access for political parties ahead of parliamentary elections. This meeting between Joschka Fischer…
Double Life Sentences Requested for Leader of 17 November Terrorist Group
A Greek prosecutor has requested double life sentences for Alexandros Giotopoulos, leader of the 17 November terrorist group, for his role in numerous high-profile killings.…
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.…
One American Soldier Killed, Three Others Wounded — Casualties in Iraq on Monday
On December 9, 2003, one American soldier was killed and three others wounded in separate attacks in Mosul, Iraq. The incidents highlight ongoing violence in…
British Court Ruling on Four Arrested Terrorism Suspects - 2003-12-09
A British court has ordered four men arrested under anti-terrorism laws to remain in custody until December 15. They face charges related to firearms, explosives,…
Failure of EU Foreign Ministers to Draft Constitution
EU foreign ministers failed to make progress on a draft constitution before an upcoming summit, with key issues including voting reform and the power of…
Russia Approves Passage of German Soldiers and Military Equipment Through Its Territory
Russia has granted permission for German military personnel and equipment to transit through its territory to Afghanistan for peacekeeping efforts. This cooperation highlights the active…
A Militant Killed During Shooting in Riyadh - 2003-12-08
A militant was killed by Saudi security forces during a shootout in Riyadh. He was one of twenty-six individuals wanted for terrorist activities. This incident…
Bodies of Two South Korean Workers Returned from Iraq
Two South Korean workers were killed in an ambush in Iraq and their bodies have been returned to South Korea. The incident highlights the ongoing…
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…
President Bush Describes Improvement of the U.S. Economy as a Steady Path - 2003-12-06
President Bush highlighted positive economic indicators in his weekly address, noting a decrease in unemployment and job creation. While he emphasizes a steady path of…
Warning from Turkish Security Forces about New Terrorist Attacks, Nazi Baghlari - 2003-12-06
Turkish security forces have warned of potential new terrorist attacks based on recent intelligence. This alert highlights ongoing security concerns in Turkey, which could have…
Train Explosion in Southern Russia Kills 37 and Injures Over 100
A train explosion in southern Russia has resulted in 37 deaths and over 100 injuries, attributed to a bomb detonated by a group of four…
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…
Moscow Will Not Sign International Agreement to Reduce Greenhouse Gases
Moscow's chief economic advisor announced that Russia will not sign the international greenhouse gas reduction agreement unless it is revised, citing economic growth concerns. The…
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…
United Nations to Award Human Rights Prize to Sergio Vieira de Mello - 2003-12-03
The United Nations will posthumously award the Human Rights Prize to Sergio Vieira de Mello, who was killed in a bombing in Baghdad while serving…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Colin Powell's Arrival in the Netherlands - 2003-12-02
Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State, arrived in the Netherlands to attend the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe. This event marks a…
A Bosnian Serb Army Officer Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison
Momir Nikolic, a Bosnian Serb army officer, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for his role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre. This case highlights…
Daily Calendar, December 1: OPEC Oil Reduction and Gas Lines in America - 2003-12-01
On December 1, 1973, OPEC announced a reduction in oil production, which resulted in decreased oil imports to the U.S. This event is significant as…