December 2003
Five Russian Students Arrested in Egypt
Five Russian students studying at Al-Azhar University in Cairo have been arrested by Egyptian authorities. The Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed the arrests, but the…
Risk of Exhumation of Earthquake Victims in Bam by Opportunistic Individuals
The burial of over 30,000 victims of the Bam earthquake has raised concerns about the potential exhumation of bodies and theft of valuables by opportunistic…
Interview between Behrouz Abbasi and Dr. Jamshid Pazyhiyan regarding the Budget of 1383
Behrouz Abbasi interviews Dr. Jamshid Pazyhiyan about the Iranian budget for the year 1383. The discussion likely covers economic implications and fiscal policies. Understanding this…
New Measures by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Against Mad Cow Disease - 2003-12-31
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has implemented new measures to combat mad cow disease, including removing sick livestock from the food supply and banning certain…
ElBaradei: Libya has made significant cooperation with inspectors
Mohammad ElBaradei, head of the IAEA, reported Libya's significant cooperation with nuclear inspectors during his visit. Gaddafi reaffirmed his commitment to dismantling weapons of mass…
Approval of Several Constitutional Amendments to Strengthen the Powers of Pervez Musharraf - 2003-12-30
The Pakistani Parliament has passed constitutional amendments that enhance President Pervez Musharraf's powers. The ruling party secured the votes after the opposition walked out, and…
Two Groups Suspected of Links to Al-Qaeda Added to UN Sanctions List - 2003-12-30
The UN has added two groups linked to Al-Qaeda to its sanctions list, including the Islamic Haramain Foundation in Bosnia and the Hohberg company in…
Fundraising Event on January Night in Washington - 2003-12-30
A fundraising event is scheduled for January 1, 2004, in Washington to support the Iranian Earthquake Relief Fund. The organizer, Babak, urges attendees to contribute…
Natural Disasters and Government Disasters, Mohsen Younesi - 2003-12-30
The article criticizes the Iranian government for rejecting Israeli aid during a natural disaster while questioning its priorities and handling of national resources. It highlights…
Hadi Saei Rushes to Aid Earthquake Victims in Bam by Selling All His Global and Continental Medals
Hadi Saei, a celebrated Iranian taekwondo champion, has sold all his medals to support the victims of the Bam earthquake. He emphasizes the importance of…
Voting on the Draft Constitution of Afghanistan Has Been Suspended
Voting on Afghanistan's new draft constitution has been suspended due to disagreements over power-sharing and ethnic minority recognition. Afghan leaders, including Hamid Karzai, are seeking…
Sunday Night Phone Program, December 28: Conversation with Mohammad Ali Golabzadeh - 2003-12-29
The Sunday night phone program featured a discussion with key figures including Mohammad Ali Golabzadeh, a government advisor, and prominent lawyer Dr. Nemat Ahmadi. The…
American Soldiers Kill Three Suspected Members of Ansar al-Islam - 2003-12-29
American soldiers killed three suspected members of Ansar al-Islam in Mosul after being fired upon. Iraqi police arrested four foreigners, including an Iranian, for allegedly…
Approval of Constitutional Amendments by the National Assembly of Pakistan - 2003-12-29
The National Assembly of Pakistan has approved amendments allowing President Pervez Musharraf to dismiss the government. The radical opposition abstained from voting following an agreement…
Proceeds from the Match Between Esteghlal and Stuttgart Will Be Donated to Earthquake Survivors
The proceeds from a friendly football match between Iran's Esteghlal and Germany's Stuttgart will be donated to survivors of the Bam earthquake. This initiative involves…
The Bam Tragedy: Mehdi Mahdavikia: Those Who Are Fathers Can Understand the Pain of This Calamity
Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi, two Iranian footballers, are preparing to participate in a charity match to support victims of the Bam earthquake. They express…
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…
Cinema Tickets on Tuesday in Iran for the Benefit of Bam Earthquake Victims
On December 30, 2003, Iranian cinemas will donate all ticket sales to support the victims of the Bam earthquake. This initiative is organized by the…
Bush: The United States Will Assist Earthquake Victims in Iran - 2003-12-27
President Bush announced U.S. support for victims of a devastating earthquake in southeastern Iran, expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy. The U.S. government is preparing…
The Moans and Cries of the Injured Trapped Under the Rubble, Saadi, Kerman - 2003-12-27
The article describes the desperate situation of the people in Bam, Iran, following a devastating earthquake, highlighting their cries for help and the inadequacy of…
President Bush: America Faces a Time Full of Challenges - 2003-12-27
President Bush addressed the challenges America faces due to ongoing military operations abroad, praising soldiers and volunteers. He emphasized the sacrifices made by service members…
The Regional Summit of South Asian Leaders Will Be Held as Scheduled
Pakistan confirms that the regional summit of South Asian leaders will proceed as planned despite a recent assassination attempt on President Musharraf. Leaders from the…
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…
Influx of Foreign Journalists to Bam, Iranian Arash - 2003-12-27
Foreign journalists are flocking to Kerman to cover the earthquake in Bam, rushing to Iranian embassies in Kuwait for visas. This influx highlights Kuwait's role…
Life and Progress in America: Mary Dee, Founder of the Washington Ballet - 2003-12-26
Mary Dee, the 94-year-old founder of the Washington Ballet, continues to collaborate with the school. The Washington Ballet's annual performance of The Nutcracker during Christmas…
Discussion of December 25, 2003: Conversation with Masahallah Shams al-Vaezein
On December 25, 2003, Behrouz Abbasi interviewed prominent Iranian journalist Masahallah Shams al-Vaezein regarding the role of the press in Iran's seventh parliamentary elections. This…
Pervez Musharraf to Resign as Commander of Armed Forces by End of 2004
President Pervez Musharraf of Pakistan has agreed to step down as Commander of the Armed Forces by the end of 2004 while remaining President. This…
FIFA's Ruling on Two Players Accused of Doping Announced - 2003-12-24
FIFA announced sanctions against two players, Amir Azmi from Egypt and Alexander Wacke from Germany, for positive doping tests. Azmi was banned for 15 months…
367 Addicts Die Monthly in Iran - 2003-12-23
Ali Hashemi reported a significant rise in drug-related deaths in Iran, with 367 addicts dying monthly and the overall death toll increasing dramatically since the…
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…
US Embassy Warns Citizens in Bahrain - 2003-12-23
The US Embassy in Bahrain has issued a warning to American citizens about potential terrorist threats, advising them to avoid certain areas and limit travel.…
Four Thousand Iranian Families on the Brink of Death
Four thousand families in Masjed Soleiman are at risk due to gas leaks intensified by recent earthquakes. Local representative Omidvar Rezaei highlights the urgent need…
Alonzo Mourning's Recovery After Kidney Transplant
Alonzo Mourning, a former NBA star, is recovering well after a kidney transplant. The donor was a family member, and Mourning expresses gratitude for the…
The U.S. Announces Serious Threat of Terrorist Attacks
The U.S. government has raised the alert for potential terrorist attacks to its highest level since 9/11, particularly during the Christmas holiday season. Tom Ridge,…
Rio Ferdinand of Manchester United Sentenced to Eight-Month Suspension and Fine - 2003-12-22
Rio Ferdinand, a prominent footballer for Manchester United and the England national team, has been suspended for eight months and fined $87,000 for missing a…
Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase
Officials from France, Spain, and the U.S. celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase in New Orleans. The event highlighted the historical friendship between…
Fifteenth Anniversary of the Pan Am Passenger Jet Explosion Over Lockerbie
The fifteenth anniversary of the Lockerbie bombing has prompted relatives of British victims to demand an independent inquiry into the incident. They argue that the…
President Bush Says Libya Agreed to Destroy All Its Weapons of Mass Destruction - 2003-12-20
President Bush announced that Libya has agreed to destroy all its weapons of mass destruction after nine months of negotiations. This development is seen as…
The Uncertain Fate of Sadegh Hedayat's Manuscripts
Jahangir Hedayat, the nephew of the famous Iranian author Sadegh Hedayat, has requested the return of his uncle's manuscripts from Amir Kabir Publishing, but the…
Head of Iraqi Governing Council: Saddam to be Tried in Special Court in Iraq - 2003-12-18
Abdul Aziz al-Hakim announced that Saddam Hussein will face trial in a special court in Iraq, addressing all charges under international law. Jack Straw affirmed…
U.S. Expresses Concern Over France's Proposal to Ban Religious Symbols in Public Schools
The U.S. has voiced concerns regarding France's proposal to ban religious symbols, including Islamic headscarves, in public schools. French President Jacques Chirac supports the ban…
Tim Duncan Recognized as Basketball Player of the Year in the USA - 2003-12-17
Tim Duncan has been named the Olympic Basketball Player of the Year for the USA after leading the national team to qualify for the 2004…
Equality in Civil Rights: The Most Important Demand of Iranian Women - 2003-12-17
A survey by the Women of Iran website reveals that nearly half of Iranian women prioritize civil rights equality as their main demand from the…
Knowledge and Society: The Global Outbreak of Deadly Influenza - 2003-12-16
Scientists are warning of an impending global outbreak of a deadly influenza strain that could kill millions. Mansour Farasyoon, a reporter for Voice of America,…
Zinedine Zidane Selected as World Footballer of the Year for the Third Time - 2003-12-16
Zinedine Zidane has been awarded the World Footballer of the Year for the third time, highlighting his exceptional career. This recognition comes amidst a ceremony…
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…
Why is the Trafficking of Iranian Girls to Sheikhdoms Overlooked So Easily?
Fariba Davoodi Mohajer highlighted the serious issue of trafficking Iranian girls to Gulf Sheikhdoms during a recent event, linking it to broader societal issues such…
Iranian Refugees in Switzerland Go on Hunger Strike
Around 50 Iranian asylum seekers in Switzerland have initiated an indefinite hunger strike to demand the approval of their asylum requests due to the current…
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…
Five Thousand Dollar Fine for a Senior U.S. Army Officer - 2003-12-13
Major General Allen West was fined $5,000 for threatening and mistreating a former Iraqi police officer during an interrogation. Despite the accusations, senior U.S. military…
Financial Allegations Against an American Company in Iraq - 2003-12-12
Halliburton is under investigation for potentially overcharging $61 million for fuel supplies in Iraq, linked to a Kuwaiti company. This situation arises amidst ongoing violence…
Potential Embezzlement by an American Company for Fuel Transport to Iraq - 2003-12-12
An audit revealed that Halliburton billed the U.S. military over $120 million more than actual costs for operations in Iraq. The Pentagon and Halliburton attribute…
Mohammad ElBaradei Urges Israel to Disarm Its Nuclear Weapons - 2003-12-12
Mohammad ElBaradei, head of the IAEA, has urged Israel to disarm its nuclear weapons in a letter to Haaretz, advocating for peace in the Middle…
Iran – Qatar: The First Battle on the Road to the World Cup - 2003-12-12
Iran's national football team is set to play its first match in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers against Qatar on February 18, 2004. The match…
According to the AFC Disciplinary Committee's Ruling: Iran Banned from Three Matches with Spectators - 2003-12-11
The AFC Disciplinary Committee ruled that Iran's unfinished match against North Korea ended 3-0 in favor of Iran, but Iran is banned from hosting three…
Ariel Sharon: Some Jewish Settlements May Be Closed
Ariel Sharon suggested the potential unilateral closure of some Jewish settlements in the West Bank to ease tensions with Palestinians. This statement was made during…
Public Support for the War in Iraq - 2003-12-10
A recent survey shows that public support for the Iraq war in the U.S. has risen to 59%, the highest since August. This increase is…
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.…
The Text of Cyrus the Great's Charter on the Eve of International Human Rights Day
On December 10th, International Human Rights Day, the article highlights the significance of Cyrus the Great's Charter, considered the first human rights charter. It emphasizes…
Reflection on Russian Scientist's Report Regarding Iran's Nuclear Activities - 2003-12-09
A Russian nuclear scientist expressed commitment to prevent Iran from accessing nuclear technology, prompting reactions in the U.S. that emphasize the need for greater international…
Rejection of North Korea's Proposal to Halt Its Nuclear Program
The U.S. has rejected North Korea's proposal to stop its nuclear program in exchange for concessions, emphasizing the need for a verifiable and irreversible halt.…
The Isolation of Rivaldo, Famous Brazilian Forward, in a Small Town - 2003-12-08
Rivaldo, the renowned Brazilian forward, has isolated himself in a small town in Brazil to contemplate his future in football after terminating his contract with…
Sri Lankan Army Chief Accuses Tamil Tigers of Ignoring Ceasefire Terms - 2003-12-08
The Sri Lankan Army Chief has accused the Tamil Tigers of bolstering their military strength by disregarding a ceasefire. Tensions between the President and Prime…
Ariel Sharon's Government Will Reject Ceasefire Proposed by Palestinian Militant Forces - 2003-12-07
Ariel Sharon's government has announced it will reject any ceasefire from Palestinian militants unless it completely stops violence against Israelis. This comes after a Cairo…
USA National Football Team's Opponent in 2006 World Cup Qualifiers
The USA national football team will face Grenada or Guyana in the qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup. The matches will begin in February, with…
Statement of Principles of the Information Society Summit Approved
The Statement of Principles for the Information Society Summit was approved after lengthy negotiations involving representatives from 190 countries, despite U.S. opposition. This agreement emphasizes…
The United States Raises Security Alert Level in Saudi Arabia - 2003-12-06
The U.S. has increased the security alert level in Saudi Arabia due to ongoing security concerns, advising embassy staff to limit their movements. This decision…
Syed Ali Shah Geelani Planned to Organize a March - 2003-12-06
Syed Ali Shah Geelani was placed under house arrest by police in Indian-administered Kashmir to prevent a planned march against their refusal to allow a…
Russian Citizens in Separatist Regions of Abkhazia, Adjara, South Ossetia, and Moldova Participate in Russian Parliamentary Elections on Sunday - 2003-12-06
Russian citizens in separatist regions are set to vote in Russian parliamentary elections, with polling stations established in military bases. Georgian officials have accused Russia…
Colin Powell Meets with Israeli and Palestinian Writers in Washington - 2003-12-05
Colin Powell met with Israeli and Palestinian writers to discuss an informal peace plan, which Israel opposes. The Geneva Accord proposes a Palestinian state in…
Pope's Message to Iraqi Bishops - 2003-12-04
Pope John Paul II called on Iraqi bishops to help their country find peace and stability. He emphasized the need for unity among believers to…
Colin Powell Calls for NATO to Take a Greater Role in Post-War Iraq - 2003-12-04
Colin Powell urged NATO to enhance its involvement in Iraq following the war, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability for member nations. This call…
Stalker
The article discusses the film 'Stalker' by Andrei Tarkovsky, highlighting its philosophical depth and unique narrative structure. It emphasizes the film's exploration of human desires…
Taxi Blues
The film 'Taxi Blues' directed by Pavel Lungin explores the effects of the Perestroika movement on daily life through the contrasting lives of a disillusioned…
Hosein Tavakoli Banned from International Competitions for 3 Months
Hosein Tavakoli, an Iranian weightlifter, has been banned from international competitions for three months after refusing to attend a federation meeting and withdrawing from the…
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…
Iran National Football Team Defeated by Kuwait
The Iranian national football team lost 3-1 to Kuwait in a friendly match held to honor veteran player Badr Al-Hajji. Kuwait scored three goals, while…
U.S. Warning to American Citizens Regarding Travel to Kenya - 2003-12-02
The U.S. government has issued a warning to its citizens about potential terrorist attacks in Nairobi, Kenya, specifically targeting hotels. This warning follows credible intelligence…
Oxford Research Organization: 90% of Iraqis Want a Democratic Government - 2003-12-02
A recent study by the Oxford International Research Organization reveals that 90% of Iraqis support a democratic government, despite concerns about democracy's effectiveness. The study…
List of Photos from Golestan Palace in the Qajar Era to Be Published
A new book compiling 2,100 selected photographs from the Golestan Palace archive will be published soon, showcasing the Qajar era's history and culture. Dr. Mohammad…
On This Day, December 3: Maria Callas Was Born
On December 3, 1923, renowned American opera singer Maria Callas was born. Her birth is noted for its significance in the world of music and…
Brazil's Championship in Men's Volleyball World Cup
Brazil won the Men's Volleyball World Cup 2003 by defeating Japan, securing their championship title with an undefeated record. Italy, Serbia, and Montenegro also qualified…
Nina Burjanadze Accuses Russia of Ignoring Georgia's Independence and Territorial Integrity
Nina Burjanadze, the interim president of Georgia, has accused Russia of undermining Georgia's independence by meeting with separatist leaders. This accusation comes as Georgia seeks…