May 2002
The Aral Sea on the Brink of Drying Up - 2002-05-31
The OSCE has called on its member states to address water issues threatening regional security, particularly concerning the Aral Sea, which is drying up due…
Arrest of 85 Suspects Linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic Jihad Network in Yemen - 2002-05-31
Yemeni police have arrested 85 individuals suspected of ties to Al-Qaeda and Islamic Jihad. This follows claims by the Speaker of Parliament that hundreds or…
A Word to Say - 2002-05-30
A new literary-social program titled 'A Word to Say' is launched by Setareh Derakhshesh and Fereydoun Farahandoz, airing weekly on Voice of America Radio. The…
Football Tournament Held in Afghanistan - 2002-05-30
An international football tournament, the Peace Cup, was launched in Kabul, organized by Japanese university students. Very few Afghans can watch the World Cup due…
Interview with Vassif Bakhtari - 2002-05-29
The article features an interview with Vassif Bakhtari, who attended the Iranian Studies Association conference near Washington. The discussion likely revolves around Iranian studies and…
Mohammad Khatami Urges Reformist Allies to Abandon Proposals for Improving Relations with the U.S.
Mohammad Khatami has asked his reformist allies in Iran's Parliament to stop suggesting improvements in relations with the U.S., citing offensive rhetoric from U.S. leaders.…
British Army Launches New Operation in Eastern Afghanistan - 2002-05-29
The British Army has initiated a new military operation in eastern Afghanistan to stop Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters from crossing into the country from Pakistan.…
Mohammad Khordadian, Iranian Dancer Residing in the U.S., Arrested in Iran
Mohammad Khordadian, an Iranian dancer based in the U.S., was arrested in Iran for allegedly promoting moral corruption while visiting family. His detention highlights ongoing…
England Ready to Face Sweden - 2002-05-28
The England national football team is preparing for their first match in the 2002 World Cup against Sweden, following a recent draw with Cameroon. Coach…
Judiciary Describes Open Support for Improved Relations with the U.S. as a Crime
The Iranian Judiciary has declared that openly supporting improved relations with the U.S. is a crime, following hardline rhetoric from Supreme Leader Khamenei. Reformist lawmakers,…
Exhibition of Photos by Jamshid Bayrami - 2002-05-28
A three-day conference of the Association for Iranian Studies took place in Bethesda, Maryland, featuring an exhibition by Iranian photojournalist Jamshid Bayrami. The event highlights…
Second Anniversary of Israeli Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon - 2002-05-26
Lebanon commemorated the second anniversary of Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, which ended an 18-year occupation. Hezbollah celebrated the occasion with public events, while Lebanon,…
Supporters of Establishing Relations with the U.S. Face Prosecution
The Iranian judiciary has threatened to prosecute newspapers advocating for relations with the U.S. following Ayatollah Khamenei's condemnation of negotiations as treason. This marks a…
Invitation to the Leaders of India and Pakistan for Dialogue - 2002-05-25
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Indian and Pakistani leaders to a regional meeting to address rising tensions. Pakistani President Musharraf is considering the invitation,…
Increased Pressure on Independent Media in Kazakhstan - 2002-05-24
The U.S. State Department has expressed concern over increasing violence against independent media in Kazakhstan, specifically citing attacks on the Respublika newspaper and its staff.…
England Coach's Prediction - 2002-05-24
Sven-Göran Eriksson, the coach of England's national football team, predicts a strong performance in the upcoming World Cup despite losing several key players to injuries.…
Meeting of Terrorist Groups in Lebanon Denied
Hezbollah denied U.S. media reports of a meeting with Al-Qaeda and Hamas leaders in Lebanon. Sheikh Nasrallah dismissed the claims as false during a public…
Five Years After Election Promises and Mr. Khatami's Victory - 2002-05-23
Five years after Mohammad Khatami's election victory, Iranian citizens continue to face significant social and economic challenges. The article features an interview with Javad Emami,…
Under the Microscope: President Bush's European Trip and Ayatollah Khamenei's Statements - 2002-05-23
The program discusses President Bush's European trip and Ayatollah Khamenei's criticism of negotiation advocates with the U.S., reflecting on political dynamics in Iran, including the…
Violence in the Disputed Kashmir Region Continues - 2002-05-22
Violence in Kashmir persists, prompting President Bush to urge India and Pakistan to reduce tensions. Key figures including Richard Armitage and Jack Straw are set…
Interview with Engineer Mohammad Mohsen Sazgara on the Anniversary of Khatami's Election - 2002-05-21
The article features an interview with Engineer Mohammad Mohsen Sazgara reflecting on the first anniversary of Hojjatoleslam Khatami's election victory. This discussion highlights the political…
UK Foreign Secretary Warns of Potential War Between India and Pakistan - 2002-05-21
UK Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has warned of a real possibility of war between India and Pakistan amid rising tensions. Iran's Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi…
Path Out of Political, Economic, and Social Turmoil - 2002-05-20
The article discusses the increasing discord within the Islamic Republic of Iran, particularly between the right-wing and reformist factions, as the former labels dissenters as…
Interview with Siamak Shojaei about the plan to create 300,000 new jobs in Iran, May 19, 2002
Dr. Siamak Shojaei comments on President Khatami's initiative to create 300,000 new jobs in Iran. The discussion raises questions about the effectiveness of this employment…
Heydar Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, in Tehran - 2002-05-18
Heydar Aliyev, the President of Azerbaijan, visited Tehran to discuss cooperation and sign agreements after a long delay due to disputes over Caspian Sea resources.…
Interview with Taghi Rahmani Regarding National Accord - 2002-05-18
Taghi Rahmani, a prominent national-religious activist recently released from prison, discusses the concept of national accord in an interview. His insights are significant as they…
Under the Microscope: Has Iran Failed in the Legal Regime of the Caspian Sea?
The article discusses whether Iran has failed in establishing a legal framework for the Caspian Sea amidst various political issues, including the Israel-Palestine conflict and…
Interview with UN Observer at the Loya Jirga Elections - 2002-05-17
The article features an interview with a UN observer discussing the Loya Jirga elections held in Afghanistan in 2002. This event involved international oversight and…
Russia to Gradually Lift Oil Export Restrictions in the Next Two Months - 2002-05-17
Russia plans to gradually lift its voluntary oil export restrictions over the next two months, as announced by Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. This decision follows…
Interview with Dr. Manouchehr Razmara, Minister of Health under Shapur Bakhtiar - 2002-05-14
Political groups are convening in Paris to organize a referendum to challenge the Velayat-e Faqih system in Iran. The report highlights the efforts of these…
Trial of Those Accused of Killing American Journalist Daniel Pearl Resumes
The trial of four Muslim extremists accused of kidnapping and murdering journalist Daniel Pearl has resumed in Pakistan. Ahmed Omar Sheikh, the main accused, initially…
Under the Microscope: Regarding the Likud Party's Decision Not to Recognize the Palestinian State - 2002-05-13
The Likud Party's refusal to recognize a Palestinian state marks a setback for Ariel Sharon and a triumph for Benjamin Netanyahu. Concurrently, political dynamics in…
Roof Collapse at Russian Space Center - 2002-05-13
A roof collapse at the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan resulted in the deaths of six workers, with two others missing. The incident raises concerns…
Trial of Suspects in American Journalist's Murder Under Heavy Security Measures - 2002-05-13
The trial of four Muslim extremists accused of murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl is ongoing under heavy security in Hyderabad, Pakistan. A writing expert has…
Mohammad Javad Larijani Appointed as International Affairs Advisor to the Judiciary
Mohammad Javad Larijani has been appointed as the International Affairs Advisor to Iran's judiciary by Mahmoud Hashemi. Larijani, a prominent conservative figure and former deputy…
The Roof of Baikonur Space Base Collapses - 2002-05-13
The roof of the Baikonur space base collapsed, trapping 8 maintenance workers. A rescue team has been sent from Moscow, but survival chances are low.…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Iran's Position on Saudi Arabia's Proposed Middle East Peace Plan - 2002-05-12
The article outlines Iran's response to Saudi Arabia's peace proposal for the Middle East, featuring insights from Ali Akbar Mohtashami, an advisor to President Khatami.…
Qatar: Proposed US Peace Conference Must Have a Clear Framework
Qatar's Foreign Minister warns that the proposed US peace conference will be ineffective without a clear framework and sufficient preparations. He met with US Secretary…
FBI Agents Present in Pakistani Court - 2002-05-11
FBI agents are testifying in the trial of four men accused of kidnapping and murdering American journalist Daniel Pearl. The trial is significant due to…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: Press Freedom in Afghanistan, Part Two - 2002-05-10
The article features an interview with Dr. Seyyed Makhtoom Rahin, emphasizing the role of foreign journalists in accurately portraying Afghan society. This discussion highlights the…
Algerian Terrorism Suspect Extradited to the U.S. - 2002-05-10
An Algerian man suspected of ties to Al-Qaeda and plotting a bombing in Los Angeles has been ordered to be extradited to the U.S. by…
Public Mourning in Dagestan - 2002-05-10
A public mourning was declared in Dagestan following a bombing during a military parade that killed 41 people, including 17 children. Russian President Vladimir Putin…
Bahrain's First Democratic Elections in Three Decades - 2002-05-09
Bahrain is holding its first democratic elections in 30 years, allowing women to vote and run for office. This marks a significant political shift in…
Under the Microscope: Effects of the Bomb Explosion Near Tel Aviv - 2002-05-08
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the implications of a bomb explosion near Tel Aviv on the Middle East crisis and critiques the Iranian government's reform…
Exchange of Fire Between Hezbollah Fighters and Israeli Soldiers - 2002-05-07
Hezbollah and Israeli soldiers exchanged fire at the Lebanon-Israel border, marking the most intense clash in recent weeks. Each side blames the other for starting…
Under the Microscope: Sharon's Trip to Washington - 2002-05-06
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon visited Washington, prompting discussions on various political issues in Iran, including the closure of newspapers and President Khatami's resignation threat.…
Economic Problems of Iran - 2002-05-06
The 20th annual SIRA conference in Atlanta focused on Iran's economic issues, highlighting the financial system's failure to attract small investments. Mansour Farasioon interviewed Dr.…
Iran's President Threatens Resignation
Iranian President Mohammad Khatami has threatened to resign if he fails to implement promised reforms. This statement was made during a meeting with teachers and…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Interview with the Head of the National Film Archive of Iran - 2002-05-05
Mohammad Hassan Khoshnavis and Fereydoun Khamenei Pour attended a conference of the World Film Archive Organization in South Korea. This event highlights Iran's engagement in…
International Artists' Presence and Collaboration in Rome - 2002-05-04
International artists will perform together in a peace concert at the Colosseum in Rome, marking a historic moment where former adversaries unite through music. Notable…
Announcement of Siamak Pourzand's Conviction - 2002-05-04
Siamak Pourzand, a veteran journalist, has been sentenced to 8 years in prison for allegedly acting against national security by communicating with exiled Iranians. His…
Military Court Sentences Nasser Zarafshan to Five Years in Prison - 2002-05-04
Nasser Zarafshan has been sentenced to five years in prison by a military court. He discusses the details of his conviction in a telephone interview.…
New Clashes in the Middle East - 2002-05-04
Israeli forces killed two Palestinians today, including a militant and a security officer, amid ongoing tensions in the region. The siege of the Church of…
Under the Microscope: Multi-Billion Embezzlements by the Offspring of Officials - 2002-05-03
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses various political issues including Ayatollah Khamenei's views on U.S. policies and Russian actions, alongside the return of Ebrahim Yazdi and…
Consequences of the Summit of the Five Caspian Sea Coastal States - 2002-05-03
The article discusses the outcomes of a summit involving the five coastal states of the Caspian Sea, featuring insights from political expert Mohammad Mohsen Sazgara.…
European Union Adds Eleven Groups and Organizations to Its Terrorist List - 2002-05-03
The European Union has officially added eleven groups, including the PKK and MEK, to its terrorist list, which requires member states to freeze their assets.…
According to the Army, Israel's Withdrawal from Hebron Has Ended - 2002-05-01
The Israeli army has completed its withdrawal from Hebron, ending a siege on Al-Khalil Hospital and arresting 150 suspects. Additionally, 26 Palestinians were released from…
Under the Microscope: President Khatami's Failed Trip to Central Asia and the Caucasus - 2002-05-01
Dr. Nouri Zadeh discusses President Khatami's failed diplomatic efforts in Central Asia and the Caucasus amidst rising tensions with the Guardian Council and international criticisms…