February 2004
The National Budget Law Approved
The Iranian parliament approved the national budget for 1383 (2004) at over 100 billion tomans, focusing on increased borrowing, foreign trade liberalization, and healthcare expansion.…
Democratic Party Primary Elections in the U.S. - 2004-02-29
The Democratic Party candidates are preparing for crucial primary elections in ten states, with Senator Kerry leading in polls. His victory would secure his nomination…
Formation of a Permanent Multinational Peacekeeping Force in Africa - 2004-02-28
African Union leaders approved the creation of a multinational peacekeeping force to address internal conflicts in Africa, with plans for establishment next year, though it…
Libya Begins Destruction of Thousands of Bombs - 2004-02-27
Libya has started destroying thousands of bombs intended for chemical warfare, with a deadline set by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The…
Avian Influenza in Asia Could Cost Governments Over $100 Million
The outbreak of avian influenza in Asia is projected to cost governments over $100 million, significantly impacting the poultry industry due to import bans. The…
Vladimir Putin Dismisses All Members of His Government
Vladimir Putin has dismissed all members of his government, including Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, just weeks before the presidential elections. This move is aimed at…
Payam Fazli Nejad Arrested - 2004-02-24
Payam Fazli Nejad, an Iranian writer and journalist, was arrested again after revealing details about the parallel intelligence operations in Iran. He had previously been…
The Mani Website, Iranian Poet and March 24th, a Historic Day for Women
The article celebrates the fifth of Esfand as a historic Women's Day in ancient Iran, symbolizing the transition from winter to spring and the fertility…
The Persian Section of Voice of America Celebrates Three Years Online
The Persian section of Voice of America marks its third anniversary, reflecting on its challenges and achievements in providing news to Iranians amidst censorship. The…
Audio Recording of Osama Bin Laden's Senior Deputy Broadcast by Al Jazeera - 2004-02-24
Al Jazeera aired an audio tape from Ayman al-Zawahiri, warning President Bush of future attacks by the same Islamic group responsible for the 9/11 attacks.…
Iranian Human Rights Group: UN Should Pressure for Leadership Change in Iran
An Iranian-American human rights group is calling on the UN to pressure for a leadership change in Iran following a controversial parliamentary election marked by…
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…
Possibility of Dennis Rodman's Return to Professional Basketball in America
Dennis Rodman, a former NBA star, may return to professional basketball after being cleared by a lower league team. He last played in the NBA…
Zob Ahan Football Team Departing for Bahrain Tomorrow
The Zob Ahan football team is traveling to Bahrain for their second match in the Asian Club Championship after winning their first match against Pakhtakor.…
Islamic Republic: We Purchased Necessary Parts for Nuclear Program from South Asian Brokers - 2004-02-22
Iran admitted to sourcing some components for its nuclear program from South Asian brokers but did not confirm any links to a Pakistani nuclear transfer…
Threat from a Passenger Forced Moroccan Airline Flight to Return to the U.S.
A passenger on a Moroccan airline flight threatened that there was a bomb on board, prompting the flight to return to the U.S. and make…
South Korean Government's Readiness to Offer Concessions to North Korea - 2004-02-20
The South Korean government is ready to offer concessions to North Korea if it agrees to stop its nuclear weapons program. This proposal will be…
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…
India and Pakistan's Decision to End Five Decades of Hostility - 2004-02-19
India and Pakistan have agreed to negotiations to end five decades of hostility over Kashmir and nuclear issues. The agreement was announced by Pakistan's Foreign…
Please Do Not Forget to Support the People of Iran - 2004-02-19
An Iranian citizen expresses the urgent need for U.S. support for the Iranian people against their oppressive government. They emphasize the widespread discontent with the…
Babette's Feast
The article discusses the film 'Babette's Feast,' directed by Gabriel Axel, which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film. Set in late 19th century Denmark,…
My Life As a Dog
The article discusses the film 'My Life As a Dog' directed by Lasse Hallström, focusing on a 12-year-old boy named Ingmar sent to live with…
Controversial Immigration Bill Passed by the Dutch House of Representatives - 2004-02-18
The Dutch House of Representatives has passed a controversial immigration bill that could expel thousands of asylum seekers. While some long-term residents may gain residency,…
Iran National Football Team's Victory Against Qatar - 2004-02-18
The Iran national football team won their first match in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers against Qatar with a score of 3-1. Key players included…
Life and Progress in America: The Contributions of George Washington - 2004-02-18
American historians periodically assess the contributions of past presidents, with George Washington consistently ranking first. This highlights the enduring legacy and positive evaluation of Washington's…
The Hairdresser’s Husband
The article discusses the film 'The Hairdresser’s Husband,' directed by Patrice Leconte, which tells a stormy love story between a calm man and a sensual…
Celine and Julie Go Boating
The article discusses the film 'Celine and Julie Go Boating,' directed by Jacques Rivette, highlighting its significance in the 1970s French New Wave cinema. It…
Betty Blue
The article discusses the film 'Betty Blue,' directed by Jean-Jacques Beineix, which explores the tumultuous love affair between a writer and a beautiful woman suffering…
A Chef in Love
The film 'A Chef in Love' tells the story of a French chef, Pascal, who falls in love with a Georgian princess and opens a…
Second Day of Talks Between Indian and Pakistani Officials - 2004-02-17
Indian and Pakistani officials are in the second day of talks to prepare for a meeting of their foreign ministers, focusing on a peace negotiation…
The Role of Tamil Rebels in Sri Lanka's Parliamentary Elections - 2004-02-17
Tamil rebels in Sri Lanka are preparing to play a significant role in the upcoming parliamentary elections, with the Tamil Tigers' political leader indicating support…
AFC: Iran's Qualification for the World Cup Seems Certain
The Asian Football Confederation reports that Iran's qualification for the 2006 World Cup appears certain, alongside other major Asian teams. Despite some concerns about upcoming…
End of the First Day of Talks Between India and Pakistan in Islamabad - 2004-02-16
India and Pakistan wrapped up the first day of a three-day official dialogue in Islamabad, characterized as friendly and constructive. Both sides proposed frameworks for…
Ivankovic: We Must Defeat Qatar's National Football Team in Tehran
Branko Ivankovic, the head coach of Iran's national football team, emphasized the necessity of defeating Qatar in an upcoming match to advance in the 2006…
Sugar Cane Alley
The article discusses the film 'Sugar Cane Alley,' directed by Euzhan Palcy, which explores the life of a teenager in Martinique during French colonial rule.…
My Uncle Who is in America
The article reviews the French film 'My Uncle Who is in America,' directed by Alain Resnais, highlighting its innovative blend of narrative and scientific theory.…
Jordan's Military Prosecutor Accuses 4 Men of Conspiracy to Attack U.S. Targets
Four men have been accused in Jordan of plotting to attack U.S. targets, including a Ministry of Finance employee who is currently at large. This…
Commemorative Stamp of Hossein Rezazadeh to be Printed
The Iranian government is honoring weightlifting champion Hossein Rezazadeh by issuing a commemorative stamp. The event will be celebrated with a ceremony attended by high-ranking…
Independence Loses to Al-Wasl
Independence lost a friendly match against Al-Wasl, with the first half ending 2-0 in favor of Al-Wasl. Despite a comeback attempt in the second half,…
Ayatollah Khamenei Calls on People to Participate Vigorously in Elections
Ayatollah Khamenei has called for strong public participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections, while reformists have announced a boycott due to perceived unfairness. The situation…
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…
The Clash of the National Football Teams of the USA and Mexico for Qualification to the Athens Olympics
The U-23 national football teams of the USA and Mexico are competing for a spot in the Athens Olympics. The match is crucial as the…
U.S. State Department Expresses Concern Over Palestinian Officials' Actions
The U.S. State Department is concerned about the military trial of four Palestinians accused of involvement in a bombing against an American diplomatic mission. The…
Putin: Moscow is Willing to Compromise on All Disputed Issues with Georgia - 2004-02-11
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Moscow's willingness to compromise on disputes with Georgia during a meeting with President Mikhail Saakashvili. Saakashvili, visiting Moscow for the…
At least fifteen Palestinians killed in battle with Israeli forces in Gaza Strip
At least fifteen Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli forces in Gaza, including a senior Hamas member and a Fatah leader's son. The violence…
AFC Champions League: Zob Ahan Isfahan Defeats Pakhtakor Uzbekistan
Zob Ahan Isfahan defeated Pakhtakor Uzbekistan 1-0 in the AFC Champions League, securing three points. This victory coincided with the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution…
Mexico Defeats U.S. Under-23 Soccer Team
Mexico defeated the U.S. under-23 soccer team 4-0, eliminating them from Olympic qualification for Athens. This victory ensured Mexico's participation in the Olympics while the…
Bill to Ban Religious Symbols in French Schools Approved
The French National Assembly has passed a bill banning religious symbols in public schools, including Islamic headscarves, with significant support. This legislation aims to reinforce…
World Cup 2014 in Brazil?
Sepp Blatter announced that Brazil is likely to host the 2014 World Cup, coinciding with the centenary of its football federation. This decision is significant…
Issues with Broadcasting Voice of America Programs on the Persian Section Website - 2004-02-08
Voice of America has acknowledged issues with the repetitiveness and outdated content of its programs on the Persian section website. The organization is working to…
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…
Financial Aid for Liberia's Reconstruction Exceeds Expectations - 2004-02-07
A UN donor conference has raised over $300 million for Liberia's reconstruction, surpassing expectations. Key contributions include $200 million from the U.S. and $120 million…
Investigation into Allegations of Bribery in Nigeria - 2004-02-07
The Nigerian government is investigating allegations that Halliburton's agent bribed officials to secure a contract worth $180 million in the late 1990s. This investigation follows…
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…
Ariel Sharon Considering Transfer of Jewish Residents from Gaza Strip - 2004-02-06
Ariel Sharon is exploring the relocation of Jewish settlers from Gaza to the West Bank as part of Israel's plans to annex the area. Palestinian…
Experts Doubt That Pakistani Nuclear Scientist Acted Alone - 2004-02-05
Abdul Qadeer Khan claimed he sold nuclear technology without higher authority's permission, but experts doubt this assertion. The Pakistani military is believed to have been…
David Beckham: I Want to Be the Best Player in the World - 2004-02-05
David Beckham expressed his desire to win the World Player of the Year award while playing for Real Madrid. He emphasized the importance of upcoming…
North Korea Will Present Its Demands to the U.S. in the Next Round of Negotiations - 2004-02-04
North Korea plans to present its demands to the U.S. in upcoming nuclear negotiations in Beijing. A North Korean minister emphasized the need for reciprocal…
Sharon Proposes Referendum on the Evacuation of Jewish Settlements - 2004-02-04
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has proposed a referendum for the evacuation of certain Jewish settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which has…
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…
Letters from the People: Your Strike May Not Be Wrong, But It's Too Late
A citizen expresses frustration with Iranian representatives regarding their recent strike, arguing that it is too late to make a difference and questioning their commitment…
Democracy Conference in Yemen
A democracy conference was held in Yemen on February 3, 2004, with over 50 countries participating to discuss democratic establishment in the Middle East. Key…
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…
Statements from a Friend of the Founder of Pakistan's Nuclear Program on the Transfer of Nuclear Technology - 2004-02-03
A friend of Abdul Qadeer Khan claims that senior Pakistani military officials, including President Musharraf, were aware of the transfer of nuclear technology to Iran,…
The Match Between Persepolis and Esteghlal Ended in a Draw
The match between Tehran's football teams, Persepolis and Esteghlal, ended in a 1-1 draw. Both teams maintained their tactics throughout the game, leading to a…
The U.S. Welcomes Agreement of Rival Factions in Somalia to Form a New Government - 2004-02-01
The U.S. has expressed support for an agreement reached by rival factions in Somalia to establish a new government. Richard Boucher emphasized that while this…
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…
Super Bowl, the Biggest Sports Event in America - 2004-02-01
The Super Bowl, America's largest sports event, took place in Houston, Texas, featuring New England and Carolina as the finalist teams. New England won the…