February 2004
A Soldier from Coalition Forces in Iraq Killed - 2004-02-29
An Estonian soldier serving with coalition forces in Iraq was killed while investigating an IED. This incident marks the first casualty of Estonian troops in…
The U.S. and Pakistan Have Initiated Further Actions to Kill or Capture the Leader of Al-Qaeda
The U.S. and Pakistan are intensifying efforts to locate and capture Osama bin Laden, who is believed to be hiding near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. This…
Donor Conference in Abu Dhabi and Discussion on Iraq's Debt Reduction - 2004-02-28
At the donor conference in Abu Dhabi, Iraq's Minister of Planning announced that donor countries agreed to a 60% reduction of Iraq's $120 billion debt…
Debate Over a Temporary Constitution in Iraq - 2004-02-28
Iraqis are in a deadlock over a temporary constitution that was due for completion, with key issues such as the role of Islam, women's rights,…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Special Envoy Visits Iraq to Review Reconstruction Program - 2004-02-27
The UN Secretary-General's special envoy is in Iraq to assess the reconstruction program, coinciding with the World Bank's announcement of its potential support for the…
UN Spokesperson: Installation of Listening Devices Constitutes Violation of 3 International Treaties
The UN spokesperson condemned the alleged installation of listening devices by British intelligence in the UN Secretary-General's office, calling for an immediate halt to such…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: German Chancellor's Visit to America - 2004-02-27
The German Chancellor visited the United States to meet with President George Bush in an effort to improve the strained relations between Germany and the…
Colin Powell: The Completion Stage of Iraq's Temporary Constitution is Very Close - 2004-02-27
Colin Powell announced that the U.S.-led coalition and the Iraqi Transitional Governing Council are nearing completion of Iraq's temporary constitution. The completion deadline is set…
Drafting of Iraq's Temporary Constitution Will Not Be Completed by Saturday Deadline
The Iraqi Governing Council is struggling to finalize the temporary constitution by the upcoming Saturday deadline due to unresolved disagreements on key issues such as…
Vladimir Putin: Military Action Against Iraq Was a Mistake - 2004-02-27
Vladimir Putin criticized the military intervention in Iraq, calling it a mistake due to the resulting instability that has allowed for the rise of terrorism.…
President Bush: U.S.-Germany Relations Are Good - 2004-02-27
President Bush and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder affirmed the improvement of U.S.-Germany relations after tensions over the Iraq war. They acknowledged existing disagreements but expressed…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: Interview with Amir Taheri on the Situation in Iraq - 2004-02-27
Amir Taheri discusses the political situation in Iraq and the influence of Islam in its future governance in an interview with Nazi Baghlari. This conversation…
Deputy Police Chief of Mosul in Iraq Assassinated - 2004-02-26
The Deputy Police Chief of Mosul was assassinated by armed attackers, marking a continued trend of violence against Iraqi security forces working with U.S. troops.…
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…
Richard Perle Resigns from U.S. Defense Advisory Role After 17 Years - 2004-02-26
Richard Perle, a prominent U.S. Defense advisor known for advocating the Iraq war, has resigned after 17 years, citing concerns about his controversial views impacting…
The U.S. Has No Plans to Establish Permanent Military Bases in Central Asia - 2004-02-25
U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced that the U.S. does not plan to create permanent military bases in Central Asia but is considering temporary…
Crash of a US Army Reconnaissance Helicopter - 2004-02-25
A US Army reconnaissance helicopter crashed in western Iraq, killing two crew members. The cause of the crash is reported as potential technical issues, although…
Donald Rumsfeld Praises Kazakhstan as a Model for Successful Disarmament - 2004-02-25
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Kazakhstan, praising its successful disarmament and pledging support for its security in the Caspian Sea. He highlighted Kazakhstan's role…
Kayhan: Hashemi Rafsanjani Has No Opposition to Dialogue with America
Former Iranian President Hashemi Rafsanjani expressed his openness to dialogue with the U.S., contrasting with the views of Iran's Supreme Leader. This statement highlights ongoing…
Gerhard Schröder: Germany is Ready to Collaborate with the U.S. to Stabilize Iraq
German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder announced Germany's readiness to work with the U.S. to stabilize Iraq through non-military means, including debt forgiveness and police training. This…
Deputy Police Chief of Mosul Killed by Gunmen - 2004-02-25
The deputy police chief of Mosul was assassinated by gunmen while on his way to work. This incident follows a threat from an unidentified militant…
Discussion on the Timing of Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-24
The Iraqi Governing Council is discussing the timing of elections following a UN report suggesting they could occur late this year or early 2005. Security…
Participation of Iraqi Athletes in the Athens Olympics
Iraqi athletes are set to participate in the Athens Olympics despite the Iraqi National Olympic Committee being suspended. The event will feature 13 to 19…
Tony Blair to Compete for Third Term as Prime Minister - 2004-02-22
Tony Blair has declared his intention to run for a third term as Prime Minister of Britain, emphasizing that the decision of his re-election lies…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Architecture of Mosques in Najaf, Karbala, and Kufa - 2004-02-22
Nazi Baghlari reports on the significant architectural heritage of mosques and pilgrimage sites in the Shia holy cities of Najaf, Karbala, and Kufa in Iraq.…
Extraordinary Security Measures in Japan - 2004-02-21
Japan has heightened security measures at sensitive locations to prevent potential terrorist attacks following two explosions near its defense agency. An unnamed official indicated this…
International Committee of the Red Cross Visits Saddam Hussein, Former President of Iraq - 2004-02-21
The International Committee of the Red Cross visited Saddam Hussein in U.S. custody for the first time since his capture. The visit included an examination…
President Bush: Establishing a Free Iraq Will Be a Landmark Event in Middle Eastern History - 2004-02-21
President Bush reiterated his support for the Iraq war and the establishment of a democratic government, claiming it will be a significant event in Middle…
140 Japanese Ground Troops Depart for Iraq
140 Japanese soldiers have been deployed to Iraq for a humanitarian mission, joining existing troops in Samawah. This deployment comes amid increased security measures in…
Iraq's Shiite Leader Will Agree to Delay Elections
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani is willing to accept a delay in Iraq's elections if the interim government's power is limited. This comes after Kofi Annan…
Iraq’s Progress toward Democracy
Iraq is making strides toward democracy following the fall of Saddam Hussein, with local elections taking place in Dhi Qar province. The U.S. and its…
Ten Iraqis Killed and Dozens Injured in Two Suicide Attacks South of Baghdad - 2004-02-19
Two suicide attacks near a Polish military base in southern Baghdad resulted in the deaths of at least 10 Iraqis and injuries to dozens, including…
Kofi Annan to Present His Proposals for Conducting Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-19
Kofi Annan is set to announce his proposals for elections in Iraq, aligning with the U.S. view that elections are impractical before the June power…
Kofi Annan's Agreement with the U.S. on Not Holding Direct Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-19
Kofi Annan has agreed with the U.S. that direct elections in Iraq will not be held before the June 30 transfer of sovereignty. This decision…
The U.S. Remains Determined to Transfer Power in Iraq by the Scheduled Date - 2004-02-18
The U.S. is committed to transferring power in Iraq by June 30, despite challenges from the Iraqi Governing Council regarding the selection process for a…
Under the Microscope: The Letter of Protesting Representatives to Khamenei - 2004-02-18
The article discusses a letter from protesting representatives of the Iranian parliament to Ayatollah Khamenei, addressing significant political concerns. Additionally, it touches on a major…
Debate Over the Formation of a Temporary Government in Iraq - 2004-02-17
Members of the Iraqi Governing Council have withdrawn support for a U.S.-backed plan to form a temporary government through regional meetings, citing controversy. Some propose…
Harun Dogan Joins Turkish National Team at Takhti Cup
Harun Dogan is joining the Turkish national wrestling team for the Takhti Cup in Iran, which has attracted teams from various countries. This event highlights…
Senator John Kerry Remains a Front-Runner in the Democratic Primary Elections in the U.S.
Senator John Kerry is leading in the Democratic primary polls ahead of the Wisconsin elections, with 47% of the votes. Howard Dean follows with 23%,…
An Iraqi Child Killed in Bomb Explosion Outside School in Baghdad - 2004-02-16
An Iraqi child was killed by a grenade explosion while playing outside a school in Baghdad. Two American soldiers also died from roadside bombs in…
Under the Microscope: Election Fraud in Parliament - Production and Export of Enriched Uranium - 2004-02-16
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses concerns about election fraud in Iran's parliamentary elections, comments from Khamal Kharrazi on enriched uranium production and export, and the…
Regional Security Conference for Iraq's Security Concludes Today in Kuwait - 2004-02-15
A regional security conference aimed at enhancing Iraq's security concluded in Kuwait, with foreign ministers expressing hope for a final statement. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar…
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…
Former Head of Ba'ath Party in Iraq Arrested
Mohammad Zama Abdul Razak, the former head of the Ba'ath Party in Iraq, was arrested by Iraqi police and is on the U.S. wanted list.…
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…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Iranian Pilgrims in Iraq - 2004-02-14
After the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, many Iranian pilgrims traveled to Iraq to visit sacred sites. The report highlights the experiences of these pilgrims…
Al-Qaeda in Iraq
Coalition forces captured a messenger with a letter from al-Qaeda leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, detailing plans to incite sectarian violence in Iraq. The letter acknowledges…
Elections in Iraq Could Be Held in Early Next Year
The UN announced that elections in Iraq could take place early next year, following a meeting between UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi and Ayatollah Sistani, who…
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…
USA: Everyone Can Participate in Non-Construction Bids in Iraq
The U.S. has announced that all nations can bid on $6 billion worth of non-construction contracts in Iraq, with a notable exception for a $330…
Iraq's Interim Government Accepted as Observer in World Trade Organization
Iraq's interim government has been accepted as an observer in the World Trade Organization, marking a significant step towards full membership. This status allows Iraq…
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…
Under the Microscope: The Seizure of Seven Reformist Newspapers - Recent Bombings in Iraq - 2004-02-11
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the threat posed by Judge Mortazavi to seize seven reformist newspapers in Iran and recent bombings in Iraq. This situation…
Iraq Will Become a Model of Success
The article discusses the improving situation in Iraq post-Saddam Hussein, emphasizing the role of local officials and citizens in rebuilding and restoring security, particularly in…
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…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Conference on the Status of the Mojahedin in Iraq - 2004-02-10
A conference in Berlin discussed the situation of Mojahedin-e Khalq members in Iraq, featuring insights from international lawyers and an independent journalist. This event highlights…
Visit of the Deputy Minister of Interior of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Iraq - 2004-02-09
The Deputy Minister of Interior of Iran has made a visit to Iraq, indicating ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two countries. This visit is noteworthy…
Bush: Saddam - A Dangerous Madman Who Could Produce Nuclear Weapons - 2004-02-09
In a 2004 NBC interview, President George Bush defended the Iraq war, labeling Saddam Hussein as a dangerous madman capable of producing weapons of mass…
Bomb Explosion in Iraq Kills One American Soldier - 2004-02-09
A bomb explosion in Iraq killed an American soldier, while U.S. forces responded to an attack in a Sunni area, resulting in one death and…
Prince Charles of Britain Meets Mohammad Khatami in Tehran - 2004-02-09
Prince Charles of Britain met with Iranian President Mohammad Khatami in Tehran before visiting the earthquake-affected region of Bam. This visit is significant as it…
UN Delegation Consults with Iraqi Politicians - 2004-02-09
A UN delegation is in Iraq discussing the possibility of early nationwide elections with local politicians, including the Iraqi Governing Council. Shia leaders are pushing…
Turkey Will Participate in Stabilizing Iraq - 2004-02-09
Turkey's Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul announced that Turkey will engage in stabilizing Iraq, contingent on NATO's involvement. This statement came after talks with Poland's Foreign…
An Egyptian Man Stabbed Two Foreign Tourists in Cairo
An Egyptian man stabbed two foreign tourists in Cairo, citing anger over Middle Eastern events as his motivation. The victims, an Australian man and a…
Deployment of Japan's First Ground Troops to a War Zone Since World War II - 2004-02-09
The Japanese parliament has approved the deployment of ground troops to Iraq, marking the first such action since World War II. This decision faced significant…
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…
Nazi Baghlari Report: UN Efforts in Iraq - 2004-02-09
The UN delegation in Iraq has committed to making every effort to address the political crisis in the country. This involves international engagement in Iraqi…
The British Crown Prince's Visit to Iraq and Iran - 2004-02-09
Prince Charles visited British troops in Iraq before arriving in Tehran. This visit highlights the UK's engagement in the region and its diplomatic efforts with…
Visit of the British Crown Prince to the Earthquake-Stricken City of Bam
Prince Charles of Britain has arrived in Iran to visit Bam, a city devastated by a recent earthquake that killed at least 40,000 people. His…
Kofi Annan Says Disagreements Over Iraq Are Diminishing
Kofi Annan, the UN Secretary-General, indicates that global leaders are beginning to recognize the importance of collaboration to tackle various global challenges, suggesting a reduction…
President Bush: Saddam Hussein was a dangerous and insane man - 2004-02-08
President Bush defended his decision to go to war in Iraq, labeling Saddam Hussein as dangerous and insane, despite the lack of discovered weapons of…
Germany and France Say They Do Not Support U.S. Proposal for NATO Involvement in Iraq Reconstruction - 2004-02-08
Germany and France have expressed their opposition to the U.S. proposal for NATO to participate in Iraq's reconstruction. While Germany is open to NATO deployment…
UN Political Experts Meet with Iraqi Governing Council - 2004-02-08
UN political experts convened with the Iraqi Governing Council to discuss the possibility of early elections at the request of Shia leaders. This meeting is…
Former UN Weapons Expert Accuses Tony Blair of Exaggerating Iraq Threat
Hans Blix, a former UN weapons inspector, accused Tony Blair of exaggerating the threat from Iraq to justify the war. He highlighted the lack of…
Opposing Suicide Bombers
Palestinian suicide bombers have recently attacked Israel, killing several people. The attacks were claimed by Hamas and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades, leading to a growing…
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.…
Germany Will Not Send Troops to Iraq - 2004-02-07
Germany's Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer announced that while Germany will not send troops to Iraq, it will not oppose NATO's deployment there. He emphasized the…
Terrorism Contradicts Islam
Sheikh Abdulaziz Al Sheikh, the Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, condemned terrorism as contradictory to Islam during a sermon in Mecca. This condemnation comes amid…
U.S. Defense Secretary Defends Decision to Attack Iraq in Response to German Criticism - 2004-02-07
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld defended the Iraq invasion against German criticism during a conference in Munich, arguing that preemptive action is justified due to…
UN Political Experts Arrive in Baghdad to Assess Possibility of Elections - 2004-02-07
UN political experts have arrived in Baghdad to evaluate the feasibility of holding elections in Iraq before the June 30 power transfer. Kofi Annan hopes…
Iraqi Wrestlers' Training Camp in the USA - 2004-02-06
The U.S. plans to train Iraqi wrestlers ahead of the Athens Olympics, with support from the IOC. This initiative is significant as it could allow…
Start of NATO Defense Ministers' Talks in Germany - 2004-02-06
NATO defense ministers are meeting in Germany to enhance military presence in Afghanistan and discuss leadership in Iraq. The focus is on increasing peacekeeping troops…
President Bush Appoints Commission to Investigate Pre-War Intelligence - 2004-02-06
President Bush has established a commission to investigate the intelligence reports leading to the Iraq war and their discrepancies. The commission will also review issues…
Witness Report: Prince Alwaleed bin Talal's Views on Islam, Iraq, and American Policies in the Region - 2004-02-06
Prince Alwaleed bin Talal shares his insights on Islam, the aftermath of the Iraq War, and the impact of U.S. policies in the Middle East.…
UN Experts Examine Possibility of Early Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-06
UN experts are traveling to Iraq to assess the feasibility of early elections requested by the Shiite majority. Kofi Annan emphasized the importance of engaging…
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…
Kofi Annan: The U.S. Deadline for Establishing a Transitional Government in Iraq May Be Delayed - 2004-02-05
Kofi Annan indicated that the U.S. deadline for establishing a transitional government in Iraq might be delayed. This comes amid ongoing violence in Iraq, including…
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…
Attack on a U.S. Base Near Baghdad Airport - 2004-02-05
A mortar attack on a U.S. military base near Baghdad Airport resulted in the death of one American soldier and another individual. The attack highlights…
Failed Assassination Attempt on Ayatollah Sistani - 2004-02-05
Ayatollah Sistani survived a failed assassination attempt in Najaf, with gunfire directed at him and his aides. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in Iraq,…
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…
Protesters Disrupt Tony Blair's Speech in British Parliament - 2004-02-04
Protesters interrupted Prime Minister Tony Blair during a parliamentary discussion about the Hutton report, which cleared the government of exaggerating Iraq's weapons threat. The incident…
Moscow: Russian Officials Did Not Accept Bribes from Saddam Hussein's Regime - 2004-02-04
The Russian Foreign Ministry has denied allegations that its officials accepted bribes from Saddam Hussein's regime, asserting that all oil exports were part of the…
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…
Formation of a Commission to Address Intelligence Reports Related to Iraq - 2004-02-03
President Bush announced the formation of a commission to investigate intelligence reports on Iraq that justified the U.S. invasion. The decision follows David Kay's recent…
Deployment of Japanese Soldiers for Humanitarian Mission in Iraq - 2004-02-03
Japan has deployed approximately 80 soldiers to Iraq for a humanitarian mission, marking the first such deployment since World War II. Despite public opposition, the…
Searching for the Missing American Pilot
Captain Michael Scott Spicher, a U.S. Navy pilot, was shot down during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, and his fate remains unknown. The U.S. government…
Two Suicide Bombings in Erbil, Iraq Leave 56 Dead
Two suicide bombings in Erbil, Iraq, killed 56 people and injured over 200, including a senior Kurdish official. The U.S. military also reported casualties from…
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…
President Bush Plans to Consult with Former U.S. Weapons Inspector David Kay
President Bush is planning to form a commission to investigate the intelligence used to justify the Iraq invasion, following pressure after David Kay's statements that…
Norwegian Court Orders Founder of Ansar al-Islam Group to Remain in Custody
A Norwegian court has decided to keep Mullah Krekar, the founder of the Ansar al-Islam group, in custody for four more weeks while evidence is…
U.S. Soldiers Plan to Reduce Their Presence in Baghdad - 2004-02-02
U.S. military officials announced plans to decrease their presence in Baghdad, transferring security responsibilities to Iraqi forces trained by the U.S. This shift indicates a…
According to the Japanese House of Lords Committee, Iraq is too unsafe for Japanese soldiers to be sent there - 2004-02-02
The Japanese House of Lords Committee has delayed a bill to send non-combat troops to Iraq due to safety concerns raised by opposition lawmakers. Prime…
Two Bombs Shake Northern Iraq - 2004-02-01
Two suicide bombings in Erbil, northern Iraq, resulted in at least 7 deaths during an Eid al-Adha celebration. The attacks targeted political party offices, highlighting…
Paul Wolfowitz: The War in Iraq Was Necessary - 2004-02-01
Paul Wolfowitz, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, argues that the Iraq war was justified despite the absence of found weapons of mass destruction. He…
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…
56 Killed in Sunday Bombing in Northern Iraq
A twin suicide bombing in Erbil, northern Iraq, resulted in 56 deaths and 200 injuries, including Kurdish leader Sami Abdul Rahman. The attack occurred during…
President Bush May Agree to an Independent Commission to Investigate the Issue of Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq - 2004-02-01
President Bush is considering the establishment of an independent commission to investigate the intelligence reports on weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, which were pivotal…