May 2004
Deployment of Thousands of Pakistani Security Forces in Karachi - 2004-05-31
A senior Sunni cleric, Mufti Nazimuddin Shamzi, was assassinated in Karachi, leading to violent protests and fears of sectarian retaliation against Shia communities. Thousands of…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: The Need for International Support to Address Afghanistan's Problems
The head of the UN Office in Afghanistan has called for international support to tackle the significant challenges facing Afghanistan. This report highlights the ongoing…
Life and Progress in America: Puppet Theater School - 2004-05-30
A puppet theater company in Maryland has been operating for over two decades and has recently opened a puppet theater school. This initiative highlights cultural…
Continued Conflict and Siege of Militants in Saudi Residential Complex - 2004-05-30
Militants have attacked oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, resulting in multiple casualties and a hostage situation in a residential complex. The attackers, linked to Al-Qaeda,…
Arrest of Elders in the Border Area with Afghanistan by Pakistani Security Officials - 2004-05-30
Pakistani security officials have arrested local elders for not adhering to an agreement to identify and disarm foreign militants linked to Al-Qaeda. The arrests occurred…
Intense Battle Between Saudi Security Forces and Islamic Militants - 2004-05-30
An intense battle has erupted in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, where Islamic militants have taken over 50 hostages after attacking oil facilities, resulting in at least…
United Nations Expresses Happiness Over Appointment of Iraqi Shiite Politician Iyad Allawi - 2004-05-29
The UN welcomed the appointment of Iyad Allawi as Iraq's first Prime Minister post-war, indicating readiness to cooperate with him. Allawi, a former exile and…
At least 16 killed in militants' attack on foreigners in Saudi Arabia - 2004-05-29
A militant attack in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, resulted in at least 16 deaths, including a child and an American. The attackers, linked to Al-Qaeda, had…
Mohammad Reza Shah's Conversation with Dr. Khosrow Pakbaz about Rising Oil Prices - 2004-05-29
Mohammad Reza Shah spoke with Dr. Khosrow Pakbaz regarding the increase in oil prices. OPEC is set to meet in Beirut to discuss the potential…
Oil Prices Decrease on Thursday
Oil prices fell on Thursday after OPEC hinted at a possible increase in production quotas. This decrease is influenced by psychological factors related to market…
President Bush: The Interim Government in Iraq Will Have Full Sovereignty - 2004-05-28
President Bush announced that the interim government in Iraq will have full sovereignty following a UN resolution. This statement came after discussions with the Danish…
Italian Interior Minister Warns of Protests During President Bush's Visit to Rome - 2004-05-28
The Italian Interior Minister has issued a warning regarding potential protests during President Bush's upcoming visit to Rome, emphasizing the right to peaceful demonstration while…
Three Protesters Killed During Demonstrations in Beirut - 2004-05-27
Three protesters were killed during demonstrations in Beirut against the government's economic policies, specifically rising gasoline prices. The protests were sparked by a call from…
Protesters Set Fire to the Ministry of Employment and Labor Building in Beirut - 2004-05-27
In Beirut, protesters reacted violently after soldiers killed three demonstrators during an anti-government protest, setting fire to the Ministry of Employment and Labor building. The…
Coalition Soldiers in Afghanistan Endanger the Lives of Aid Workers
The European Commission has criticized U.S.-led coalition soldiers in Afghanistan for posing risks to aid workers by using civilian vehicles and clothing, leading locals to…
Ravi Shankar's Music Selected as Olympic Competition Music
Ravi Shankar's mystical music has been chosen for the Olympic competitions, featuring a 40-member orchestra with international artists. The sitar, played by one of Shankar's…
Sudan Must Honor Its Promise to Disarm Arab Militias - 2004-05-26
The UN Security Council has called on Sudan to disarm Arab militias responsible for displacing around one million people in Darfur. The humanitarian situation remains…
Turkey May Temporarily Recall Its Ambassador from Tel Aviv
Turkey is considering recalling its ambassador from Israel in response to a military assault that resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties and homelessness. This move reflects…
Confidential UN Security Council Meeting on Iraq Resolution Draft - 2004-05-26
The UN Security Council is meeting to discuss a draft resolution supporting Iraq's interim government, focusing on foreign troop roles post-sovereignty transfer. British PM Tony…
Paris Court Finds French Man Guilty of Ties to Terrorist Group
A Paris court convicted David Courtailler of having ties to a terrorist group and sentenced him to two years in prison. He was involved in…
Nazi Baghlari Report: Draft Resolution by the US and UK on the Future of Iraq - 2004-05-25
The US and UK have presented a draft resolution concerning Iraq's future to the UN Security Council. This involves significant international diplomatic efforts regarding Iraq…
Candidate of Malawi's ruling party wins presidential election - 2004-05-24
Bingu wa Mutharika of the ruling party has been declared the winner of Malawi's presidential election amidst protests from opposition supporters who claim vote manipulation.…
Afghan Police Investigation into Rocket Attack Near Kabul on Sunday - 2004-05-24
A rocket attack near Kabul resulted in the death of a Norwegian peacekeeper and injuries to another. The International Security Assistance Force is investigating the…
Current President of the Philippines Defeats Rival by a Narrow Margin
Current President Gloria Arroyo won the election against rival Fernando Poe by a narrow margin, with unofficial results showing 12.4 million votes for Arroyo and…
The United States and Britain Have Submitted a Draft Resolution to the United Nations - 2004-05-24
The US and UK have proposed a UN resolution to support the Iraqi interim government's sovereignty and the ongoing presence of US-led forces until the…
Clashes Between Fighters and Saudi Security Forces - 2004-05-24
On May 24, 2004, Saudi security forces engaged in a firefight with suspected militants in Buraidah, supported by helicopters. This incident follows a recent pattern…
Barrel at $41.72 - New Record for Crude Oil Prices - 2004-05-24
Crude oil prices reached a new record of $41.72 per barrel due to concerns that Saudi Arabia's planned production increase may not suffice to meet…
Details of Armed Clash on Thursday in Northern Capital of Saudi Arabia - 2004-05-22
An armed clash in Buraidah, Saudi Arabia, resulted in the deaths of two police officers and four suspected terrorists. The authorities seized bomb-making materials and…
OPEC Postpones Decision on Increasing Oil Production to Next Month - 2004-05-22
OPEC has delayed its decision on increasing oil production until next month, despite concerns over rising global oil prices. Saudi Arabia has proposed a significant…
US Request for Resolution Supporting American Peacekeepers in UN Security Council - 2004-05-21
The US is seeking to renew a resolution in the UN Security Council that protects American peacekeepers from prosecution by the International Criminal Court. This…
Turkish President Approves Reforms in the Country's Constitution - 2004-05-21
Turkish President Ahmed Necdet Sezer has approved constitutional reforms to enhance Turkey's EU accession prospects, including the abolition of state security courts and the death…
Signing of Protocol Between Russia and the European Union - 2004-05-21
Russia and the EU signed a protocol supporting Russia's bid to join the WTO. President Putin announced an acceleration in efforts to ratify the Kyoto…
UN Security Council Condemns Killing of Palestinian Civilians in Gaza - 2004-05-20
The UN Security Council condemned Israel for the killing of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and called for an end to home demolitions. The US abstained…
Three Cuban Dissidents Sentenced to Three Years in Prison
Three Cuban dissidents were sentenced to three years in prison for discussing human rights. The U.S. State Department condemned the sentences, stating their only crime…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Security Council Resolution Against Israel - 2004-05-20
The UN Security Council has passed a resolution condemning Israel's military actions against Palestinian civilians. The report is provided by Nazi Baghlari from Voice of…
At least 20 Palestinians killed and dozens injured
A military assault by Israel on the Rafah refugee camp has resulted in at least 20 Palestinian deaths and numerous injuries. Palestinian leaders condemned the…
EU Foreign Ministers Express Regret Over Assassination of Iraqi Governing Council President
EU foreign ministers expressed regret over the assassination of Iraqi Governing Council President Izz al-Din Salim and showed support for the US-led coalition's efforts in…
Tony Blair: Britain Will Remain in Iraq Until Mission Completion - 2004-05-18
Tony Blair affirmed that Britain will stay in Iraq until its mission is complete, emphasizing the need for a stable democracy following the assassination of…
Arrest of a Senior Official from an Islamic Extremist Group by Chadian Rebels - 2004-05-18
Chadian rebels have arrested Amari Sifi, a senior official of an Islamic extremist group linked to the kidnapping of European tourists. This arrest follows an…
Azerbaijan President's Request to the European Union
Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has called on the EU to help resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Armenia during a meeting with EU Commission President Romano…
Condoleezza Rice: The U.S. and Russia Agree on Next Steps in Iraq - 2004-05-17
Condoleezza Rice announced a U.S.-Russia agreement on the next steps for Iraq, particularly regarding the transfer of sovereignty scheduled for June 30. This cooperation aims…
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Emphasizes Caution in Nuclear Technology Transfer
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kenneth Juster met with Pakistani officials to discuss the importance of caution in nuclear technology transfers. This comes amid Pakistan's…
Witness Report: Demonstration Against Ethnic, Religious, and Racial Discrimination in Paris - 2004-05-17
A demonstration took place in Paris in response to incidents targeting French Jews, advocating against all forms of discrimination. This event highlights ongoing issues of…
An American Soldier Killed in Southern Afghanistan - 2004-05-16
An American soldier was killed in an attack in Helmand province, Afghanistan, with two others injured. Afghan security forces have detained several suspects related to…
Controversial New York Times Article on Brazilian President's Alcohol Abuse - 2004-05-14
A New York Times journalist faces expulsion from Brazil over an article alleging President Da Silva's excessive drinking. Brazilian senators are calling for a review…
Extension of United Nations Mission in East Timor - 2004-05-14
The UN Security Council has extended its mission in East Timor for six months, allowing a multinational group to complete its essential tasks. This decision…
Hundreds of Thousands of Cubans Protest U.S. Plans for Economic Sanctions - 2004-05-14
On May 14, 2004, hundreds of thousands of Cubans protested in Havana against U.S. plans for stricter economic sanctions. The demonstration was organized by Fidel…
European Commission Provides Another $33 Million in Aid to Palestinians - 2004-05-13
The European Commission has announced an additional $33 million in aid for Palestinians due to escalating violence in the region. The funds will address critical…
Turkish Parliament Approves Controversial Higher Education Bill
The Turkish Parliament has passed a controversial higher education bill that eases university access for religious school graduates and increases government control over universities, despite…
International Federation of Journalists: Brazil's Decision Was Hasty
The International Federation of Journalists criticized Brazil for hastily expelling New York Times reporter Larry Rohter after he reported on the president's alcohol consumption. They…
Oil prices surpassed $40 per barrel for the first time in 13 years on Tuesday - 2004-05-12
Oil prices have risen above $40 per barrel for the first time in 13 years, driven by trader speculation amid doubts about OPEC's production adjustments.…
Arrest of 4 Suspects in Thailand - 2004-05-12
Four suspects have been arrested in Thailand for their involvement in coordinated attacks on police and military facilities in April. The arrests come amid ongoing…
Turkey's Effort to Pass a Controversial Higher Education Bill in Parliament - 2004-05-11
Turkey's Prime Minister Erdogan is pushing for a controversial higher education bill that would ease access for religious school graduates to universities, facing strong opposition…
The Final Phase of India's General Elections Will Take Place on Monday - 2004-05-10
The final phase of India's general elections is occurring on Monday, with significant security measures in place due to past election-related violence. Approximately 200 million…
Saudi Arabia Urges OPEC to Increase Daily Oil Production
Saudi Arabia has called on OPEC to boost daily oil production by at least 1.5 million barrels to maintain market balance. This request follows a…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Tribeca Film Festival - 2004-05-09
Nazi Baghlari reports on two films that gained significant attention at the Tribeca Film Festival, which is concluding its events tonight. The report highlights the…
Turkey's Parliament Makes Another Attempt for EU Membership - 2004-05-08
Turkey's Parliament has passed significant constitutional reforms aimed at advancing its EU membership bid. The reforms include gender equality, abolition of state security courts, and…
OPEC Oil Ministers: OPEC Not Responsible for Rising Oil Prices
OPEC oil ministers deny responsibility for the surge in oil prices, promising a future decrease. The UAE oil minister expressed concern over prices reaching $40…
"The War is Over" Documentary by Bahman Ghobadi at Tribeca Festival, Nazi Baghlari from New York - 2004-05-08
Bahman Ghobadi's documentary "The War is Over" was featured at the Tribeca Festival in New York, alongside another Iranian film, "Navel" by Mohammad Shirvani. This…
China Calls for Lifting EU Arms Sales Ban
China's Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has called on the EU to lift its arms sales ban, citing progress in human rights. This request follows discussions…
Vladimir Putin Sworn in for a Second Term as President of Russia - 2004-05-07
Vladimir Putin was sworn in for a second presidential term, vowing to enhance citizens' lives and create a strong nation by 2008. He won over…
Indian Kashmir Officials: Suspected Muslim Militants Kill Politician
Suspected Muslim militants killed a politician and injured three women in Kashmir during two separate attacks. The incidents occurred ahead of general elections, raising concerns…
Donald Rumsfeld Accepts Full Responsibility for Mistreatment of Iraqi Prisoners - 2004-05-07
Donald Rumsfeld accepted full responsibility for the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners and apologized to the victims, stating he would seek compensation. He also indicated ongoing…
Increase in Crude Oil Prices in New York Market - 2004-05-07
Crude oil prices surged to $40 per barrel in New York, the highest in 13 years, driven by low U.S. oil inventories and escalating violence…
Further Delay in the Deployment of South Korean Soldiers to Iraq - 2004-05-06
South Korea is delaying the deployment of over 3,000 soldiers to Iraq due to lack of response from local leaders and rising public opposition linked…
Preventing Potential Terrorist Attacks on Urban Rail Systems in the U.S. - 2004-05-05
The U.S. government is implementing a 30-day pilot program to enhance security in passenger rail systems following recent terrorist threats. Asa Hutchinson and Tom Ridge…
Two Britons and their Afghan translator killed in insurgent attack in Nuristan province
Two British nationals and their Afghan translator were killed in an insurgent attack while helping with election registration in Afghanistan's Nuristan province. This incident highlights…
Investigation into the Deaths of Three Detainees in Iraq and Afghanistan - 2004-05-05
The CIA's Inspector General is investigating the deaths of three detainees, two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, including a CIA contractor. This investigation highlights…
Turkish Prime Minister's Remarks on EU Opposition to Turkey's Membership - 2004-05-04
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan criticized the EU's delay in starting Turkey's membership negotiations, stating it would discourage the populace but not hinder the…
Security Forces in Afghanistan Find Bodies of 10 Abducted Soldiers
Security forces in Afghanistan discovered the bodies of 10 soldiers who were abducted and killed by suspected Taliban militants in two separate attacks. This incident…
Security Forces Deployed to Maintain Order in Thailand - 2004-05-03
In response to violent clashes in southern Thailand, security forces have been deployed to restore order. These troops, trained for peacekeeping, will focus on ensuring…
Expulsion of Foreign Employees from an Oil Company in Saudi Arabia - 2004-05-03
Five foreign employees of a Western oil company were killed in an armed attack in Saudi Arabia, leading to the expulsion of about one hundred…
President Bush Defends Iraq Occupation One Year After Declaring End of Major Combat Operations - 2004-05-02
President Bush defended the ongoing occupation of Iraq in a radio address, asserting that democracy will succeed despite challenges, one year after declaring the end…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Interview with Yasaman Malek Nasr - 2004-05-02
The Tribeca Film Festival is set to begin in New York, featuring Iranian filmmaker Yasaman Malek Nasr's film 'Afghanistan: The Lost Truth.' In her interview,…
New Iraqi Security Force Patrolling Turbulent Fallujah - 2004-05-02
A new Iraqi security force, largely composed of former members of Saddam Hussein's army, is patrolling Fallujah amid ongoing violence. President Bush insists that the…
Four Killed in Clash in Eastern Afghanistan
A clash in eastern Afghanistan resulted in the deaths of four individuals, with the U.S. claiming they were militants while local officials assert they were…
Warning from the President of the European Commission to British Voters Regarding the Proposed European Constitution - 2004-05-02
Romano Prodi, President of the European Commission, warns British voters that rejecting the proposed European Constitution could lead to serious political consequences for Britain. The…
Turkish Prime Minister Requests Support from the U.S. and Russia - 2004-05-01
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has sought support from the U.S. and Russia after Turkish Cypriots failed to achieve reunification in a recent referendum.…
Deployment of Eight Thousand Soldiers and Police by the Security Council to Haiti - 2004-05-01
The UN Security Council has unanimously agreed to send over 8,000 soldiers and police to Haiti to restore order, replacing the current US-led multinational forces.…
Pakistani Security Officials Release 78 Local Elders
Pakistani security forces released 78 local elders previously detained during clashes with militants in South Waziristan. This release follows the assurance given to militants regarding…
Thai Prime Minister Defends Approach to Violence in Muslim Regions of Southern Country - 2004-05-01
Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra defended his government's response to recent violence in southern Muslim regions, rejecting international calls for investigations into the deaths of…