December 2003
250 Aftershocks Shake Bam in the Last 24 Hours - 2003-12-31
Bam experienced over 250 aftershocks in the past 24 hours, including a significant one measuring 5.3 on the Richter scale. Ahmad Sadid Khoy from the…
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…
A Few Photos from a Trip to the Bam Citadel - 2003-12-31
The article features a collection of photos from a trip to the historical Bam Citadel, accompanied by a poetic reflection on the state of the…
Report by Shahid: Presence of Two Officials of the Islamic Republic in Bam - 2003-12-30
Two officials of the Islamic Republic visited Bam, and it was announced that Ayatollah Khamenei organized a memorial service for earthquake victims in Tehran. This…
Report on Khamenei's Visit to Bam - 2003-12-29
Ayatollah Khamenei visited the city of Bam, which had recently suffered a disaster. The visit was reported by a special correspondent from Voice of America.…
Under the Microscope: The Bam Earthquake - Actions of the Libyan Leader Regarding Nuclear Programs - 2003-12-29
The article discusses the Iranian response to the Bam earthquake and the visits of key Iranian leaders, Khamenei and Khatami, to the affected area, alongside…
Visit of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Mohammad Khatami to the Earthquake-Stricken Areas of Bam - 2003-12-29
A devastating earthquake in Bam, Iran, has resulted in the death of twenty-five thousand people, with ongoing searches for survivors. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President…
Sharon Asks Israeli Government to Consider Syria's Claim for Peace Talks - 2003-12-29
Ariel Sharon has called on his government to evaluate Syria's readiness to restart peace talks, emphasizing the need for Syria to demonstrate sincerity. Bashar Assad…
Israel Considers Syria's New Call to Resume Peace Talks - 2003-12-28
Israel is evaluating Syria's recent proposal to restart peace negotiations, with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon emphasizing the need to assess Syria's sincerity. The context includes…
European Cyclists Kidnapped in Iran Earlier This Month Have Been Freed
Three European cyclists, two Germans and one Irishman, who were kidnapped in southeastern Iran earlier this month have been released. The Iranian government refused to…
Radio Program (Under Another Sky) This Week by the Association of Arts in Exile - 2003-12-27
This week's radio program features excerpts from Abbas Smakar's speech at the first Iranian cinema festival in exile in Paris, along with poetry and music…
Aid Ceremony for Earthquake Victims Organized by the Iranian Sports Community to Be Held on Monday
A charity event for earthquake victims in Bam, organized by the Iranian sports community, will take place on December 29 in Tehran, featuring participation from…
Bam Disaster: Expressions of Sympathy from Asian and World Olympic Committee Officials
The leaders of the Olympic committees from Asia and the world expressed their condolences to Iran following the devastating earthquake in Bam. They conveyed messages…
Interview with Parichahr Farzam with Iranians Residing in America about the Bam Disaster
The article features an interview with Parichahr Farzam discussing the Bam earthquake disaster with Iranian expatriates in the United States. Key figures include retired Admiral…
Armed Men Kill Local Council Member in Mosul
On December 26, 2003, armed men killed Sheikh Talal Al-Khalidi, a U.S.-appointed local council member in Mosul. The incident highlights the ongoing violence against officials…
Seminary Teacher in Qom: Torture is for Awakening Humans - 2003-12-25
Mohsen Ghorvian, a teacher at Qom Seminary, argues that torture is misinterpreted and can be justified under certain regulations in Islam. He distinguishes between torture…
U.S. State Department Welcomes Pakistan's Investigations into Nuclear Technology Proliferation - 2003-12-23
The U.S. State Department has expressed support for Pakistan's investigations into its scientists' potential proliferation of nuclear technology to Iran and other nations. This follows…
Under the Microscope: The Health Status of Political Prisoners in Iran, the Expulsion of Mojahedin-e Khalq Members from Iraq - 2003-12-23
Dr. Ali Reza Nourizadeh discusses the alarming health conditions of political prisoners in Iran and the expulsion of Mojahedin-e Khalq members from Iraq, alongside the…
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…
Interrogation of Several Pakistani Scientists Regarding Iran's Nuclear Issue - 2003-12-23
Pakistan is investigating several nuclear scientists for potentially sharing nuclear technology with Iran, motivated by personal ambition. Abdul Qadeer Khan, the founder of Pakistan's nuclear…
Mohammad Khatami Criticizes France's Proposal to Ban Hijabs in Public Schools - 2003-12-23
Mohammad Khatami has criticized France's proposal to ban hijabs in public schools, asserting it infringes on religious freedoms. The Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt also condemned…
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…
Mikhail Khodorkovsky's Closed Trial, Russian Billionaire - 2003-12-22
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a prominent Russian billionaire and former head of Yukos, is awaiting a court decision on whether he should remain in prison while facing…
Interview with Iraj Adibzadeh, Sports Commentator, and Mahyar Monshipour - 2003-12-21
The article features an interview discussing sports commentary and boxing, highlighting the perspectives of Iraj Adibzadeh and Mahyar Monshipour. Their insights reflect the intersection of…
Iran's Representative to Sign Additional Protocol Tomorrow - 2003-12-17
Iran's representative is set to sign the Additional Protocol to the NPT treaty tomorrow, as confirmed by Reza Aghazadeh and President Mohammad Khatami. The signing…
Under the Microscope: Request for Additional Budget for the Guardian Council - 2003-12-16
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the importance of electoral participation for democracy as emphasized by Mohammad Reza Khatami, highlights a request for additional funding for…
The Strategic Highway from Kabul to Kandahar Reopened
The strategic highway from Kabul to Kandahar has been reopened by Afghan President Hamid Karzai, with significant funding from the U.S. government. This development is…
Three Gold Medals for Dutch Swimmer at Ireland Championships - 2003-12-15
Pieter van den Hoogenband won three gold medals and set a world record at the European Short Course Swimming Championships in Dublin, Ireland. He also…
Interview with Parviz Navidi, Member of the Fedayeen Khalq, at the 'Islamic Assemblies' Conference - 2003-12-13
Parviz Navidi, a member of the Fedayeen Khalq, discusses contemporary political issues in an interview at the 'Islamic Assemblies' conference. This highlights the ongoing political…
Concerns of the Participation Party of Iran Over Candidate Disqualifications - 2003-12-13
The leader of Iran's main reformist party, Mohammad Reza Khatami, has urged election officials to approve their candidates for the upcoming parliamentary elections. He warned…
Iran National Football Team Fined $10,000
The Iran national football team was fined $10,000 and banned from one match with spectators due to incidents during their game against North Korea. The…
President Khatami Says His Country Has Never Attempted to Produce Nuclear Weapons - 2003-12-11
President Khatami of Iran asserts that the country has never sought to develop nuclear weapons, citing Islamic prohibitions against indiscriminate killing. He challenges U.S. claims…
Bangladesh Rejects Terrorism Threat Against Foreigners - 2003-12-11
Bangladesh's Foreign Minister Murshid Khan dismissed recent U.S. warnings about potential terrorist threats against foreigners, asserting the country's commitment to safety. This response comes after…
Meeting between Mohammad Khatami and Hosni Mubarak in Geneva - 2003-12-10
Mohammad Khatami of Iran met with Hosni Mubarak of Egypt in Geneva, marking the first presidential meeting between the two nations since 1979. They attended…
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.…
The Likelihood of Afshaneh Noorouzi's Release Increases
Afshaneh Noorouzi's defense attorney announced that her chances of release have improved following a meeting with the head of the judiciary in Kish. The attorney…
Possibility of Taliban Insurgents Attacking the Loya Jirga Gathering in Kabul - 2003-12-09
U.S. officials warn of potential Taliban attacks on the Loya Jirga in Kabul, where a new constitution is to be discussed. Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S.…
Search Efforts for Three European Tourists in Southeastern Iran - 2003-12-09
Three European tourists were kidnapped in southeastern Iran, allegedly by drug traffickers demanding a ransom. The incident highlights security concerns in the region and the…
American Officials Investigating the Death of 9 Afghan Children
U.S. officials are investigating the deaths of 9 Afghan children in an airstrike, which has raised concerns about civilian casualties. The airstrike targeted a Taliban-linked…
Investigation into the Death of 9 Afghan Children in Airstrike on Insurgent Positions - 2003-12-07
An investigation is underway regarding the deaths of 9 Afghan children in a U.S. airstrike targeting insurgents. U.S. officials express regret, while local accounts suggest…
According to a survey by the Women of Iran website: 66% of Iranians will not participate in the parliamentary elections
A recent survey shows that 66% of Iranians do not plan to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections. This survey contrasts with claims from political…
Atmosphere of Terror by Russian Forces in Chechnya - 2003-12-05
A human rights group in Russia has condemned the ongoing violence and abductions in Chechnya, reporting 431 cases last year with 47 fatalities. They attribute…
Kamāl Kharrazi: The Two Iranian Girls in Tehran Will Be Treated According to Iranian Law
Two Iranian girls, aged 15 and 6, sought refuge at the Belgian Embassy in Tehran due to a custody dispute. Their father, Shahab Hashemi, faces…
Shirin Ebadi's Presence at Women's University Provokes Attacks from Thugs
Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, faced violent attacks from Hezbollah and thugs during her visit to a women's university in Iran. This incident…
Conference on Social Issues of Iranian Women - 2003-12-05
A conference addressing the social issues faced by Iranian women took place at Johns Hopkins University, featuring insights from Dr. Mahnaz Afkhami and Dr. Tavakoli.…
Under the Microscope: Disagreement on Holding Memorial Ceremony for Mokhtari and Pouyandeh
Iranian officials have expressed disagreement with holding a memorial ceremony for two dissidents, Mohammad Mokhtari and Mohammad Jafar Pouyandeh. This reflects ongoing tensions regarding freedom…
Pakistan's Information Minister Rejects Human Rights Watch Claims
Pakistan's Information Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has rejected claims made by Human Rights Watch regarding the suppression of press freedom under President Pervez Musharraf. The…
Shocking Statistics on Women's Mortality in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Iran
The maternal mortality rate in Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province is alarmingly high at 45 per 1,000 pregnant women, significantly above the national average. This issue…
Under the Microscope: Mohammad Reza Khatami's Remarks on the Corruption of the Totalitarian Faction - 2003-12-02
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses key issues raised by Mohammad Reza Khatami regarding political corruption and the reintroduction of candidates to the Guardian Council. The…
Iranian Child Becomes Victim of Domestic Torture
A 9-year-old Iranian boy named Omid has been hospitalized after being severely beaten, reportedly by his mother, leading to brain death. This incident highlights a…