August 2003
Ivanov: The Sinking of the Nuclear Submarine Was Due to Inaccuracy and Negligence
The Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov announced that the sinking of the K-159 nuclear submarine, which led to the deaths of nine crew members, was…
Historical Calendar: August 30, 1967 - Marshall's Appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court
On August 30, 1967, the U.S. Senate confirmed Thurgood Marshall's appointment to the Supreme Court. This appointment was significant as Marshall became the first African…
Two Members of Hamas Killed in Israeli Helicopter Attack
An Israeli helicopter attack in Gaza killed two Hamas members and injured two bystanders. This marks the fifth such attack in ten days, following a…
Iran Secures Sixth Place Title with Victory Over Germany
The Iranian national volleyball team secured its sixth place title by defeating Germany in a close match. They will compete against Russia for the fifth…
Shahnameh by Ferdowsi to be Published in English Prose
Masoud Raji is translating Ferdowsi's Shahnameh into English prose to make it more accessible for English speakers and Iranians abroad. This effort aims to help…
Compilation of the Encyclopedia of Persian Stories in Iran - 2003-08-27
Dr. Mohammad Gholam and Dr. Hassan Zolghadri have compiled an encyclopedia of Persian stories that spans from the arrival of Islam in Iran to 2001.…
Iran's Youth Volleyball Team Advances to Semi-Finals by Defeating Venezuela
Iran's youth volleyball team defeated Venezuela 3-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the World Youth Volleyball Championship. The match showcased Iran's ability to overcome…
North Korea Says It Will Not Abandon Its Nuclear Program
North Korea has declared it will maintain its nuclear program until the U.S. alters its hostile stance. This statement comes ahead of six-party talks in…
President Bush: There is No Delay in the War Against Terrorists - 2003-08-23
President Bush emphasized the urgency of the war against terrorism in his weekly address, declaring that terrorists have declared war on free nations. He linked…
Petition to Abolish Stoning Punishment for Ms. Amina Lawal - 2003-08-23
A petition is being circulated to abolish the stoning punishment for Amina Lawal, a young Nigerian woman accused of having a child out of wedlock.…
The U.S. Seizes Assets of Organizations Linked to Hamas - 2003-08-23
The U.S. government has seized the assets of five organizations in Europe linked to Hamas, following a bombing in Jerusalem that resulted in twenty deaths.…
Islamic Republic Condemns Arrest of Former Ambassador in Argentina
The Islamic Republic condemned the arrest of former ambassador Hadi Soleimanpour in the UK, who is facing extradition to Argentina for his alleged involvement in…
Under the Microscope: Negative Reactions and Discontent of the Iraqi People Regarding the Suicide Bombing - Nationalists Reject Iran's Accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women - 2003-08-21
The article discusses the negative reactions of the Iraqi people to a suicide bombing at the UN office in Baghdad, which resulted in the deaths…
Interview with Sayeed Saeedi Sirjani about Women's Rights - 2003-08-21
Sayeed Saeedi Sirjani discusses women's rights in Iran and the recent rejection by the Iranian parliament of a resolution to join an international convention aimed…
Mahmoud Abbas Cuts Communications with Hamas and Islamic Jihad - 2003-08-20
Mahmoud Abbas has severed ties with Hamas and Islamic Jihad following a suicide bombing in Jerusalem that killed 20. Israel plans to respond by increasing…
Ali Daei Returns Home
Ali Daei, the captain of the Iranian national football team, has returned to Persepolis after his contract with Al-Shabab of the UAE ended. This move…
The Path of Love: An Evening with Rumi, Iran Heritage Foundation, London
The Iran Heritage Foundation is hosting a performance celebrating the poetry of Jalal al-Din Rumi, featuring actors and musicians who will bring his work to…
Hostile Factions in Liberia Allow International Organizations Access to All Parts of the Country - 2003-08-19
Hostile factions in Liberia have permitted international aid organizations to access the entire country to facilitate food and medicine distribution. A UN representative brokered this…
Gas Explosion in a Mine in Northern China - 2003-08-19
A gas explosion in a northern Chinese mine has resulted in at least 9 fatalities and trapped 18 individuals. Rescue efforts are hampered by extreme…
Iran National Swimming Team Coach: Participation in Asian Championship Finals is Not Out of Reach
The coach of the Iran national swimming team expressed optimism about the athletes' readiness for the Asian age group championships in Macau, highlighting improvements in…
The U.S. States That the Threat and Danger of Terrorism in Southeast Asia Remains - 2003-08-17
The U.S. has reiterated that the threat of terrorism in Southeast Asia persists despite the arrest of Hambali, a key figure in terrorist operations. Richard…
Warring Factions in Liberia Still Unable to Reach Agreement - 2003-08-17
The Liberian government and rebel groups are struggling to form a transitional government despite agreeing to allow aid access. West African mediators have warned that…
On This Day, August 17: Formation of the Organization of 'Alliance for Progress' - 2003-08-17
On August 17, 1961, Latin American countries came together in Uruguay to form the Organization of 'Alliance for Progress'. This initiative aimed to promote economic…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Interview with American Middle East Expert - 2003-08-17
David Phillips, an American expert, emphasizes the potential for all nations to engage in Iraq's future and advocates for the U.S. to maintain dialogue with…
Designation of National Council of Resistance and National Council of Resistance of Iran under Executive Order 13224
The U.S. Secretary of State has added the National Council of Resistance and the National Council of Resistance of Iran to the list of organizations…
Top 5 Asian Teams to Participate in Athens Olympic Qualifiers
The Asian Volleyball Confederation announced that the top 5 teams from the Asian Senior Championships will qualify for the Olympic qualifiers in Athens. Japan automatically…
Kamall Kharrazi: By closing the offices of the National Council of Resistance, the U.S. accepts its international responsibility
Kamall Kharrazi praised the U.S. decision to designate the National Council of Resistance as a terrorist group and close its offices in the U.S., viewing…
Fatehmi from Iran, the First Asian Participant in the World's Strongest Man Competitions
Mahraab Fatehmi is traveling to Finland to become the first Asian participant in the World's Strongest Man competitions. He expresses pride in representing Iran and…
UNHCR Protests Against Russia Over Pressure on Chechen Refugees - 2003-08-15
The UNHCR has expressed strong objections to Russia's treatment of Chechen refugees in Ingushetia, where they are being pressured to return to Chechnya or relocate.…
Press Release from Amnesty International - 2003-08-15
Amnesty International criticized the Guardian Council of Iran for rejecting a proposal from the Islamic Parliament to approve the Convention on the Elimination of All…
Closest Distance Between Earth and Mars in 60,000 Years - 2003-08-14
On August 27, 2003, Earth will experience its closest approach to Mars in 60,000 years, allowing for a spectacular view of the planet. This alignment…
A Blog for Zahra Kazemi - 2003-08-14
A blog dedicated to Zahra Kazemi has been launched by journalist Akbar Hashemi to document news and analyses surrounding her death. Kazemi, an Iranian-Canadian journalist,…
Iran National Football Team Loses 1-0 to Iraq
The Iranian national football team lost 1-0 to Iraq in a Four-Nation Cup match, missing opportunities to equalize. Iraq will advance to the final against…
Rejection of Iran's Accession to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
The Guardian Council has rejected Iran's bill to join the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, citing un-Islamic and constitutional…
Israel's Strong Warning to America Regarding Iran is Concerning, Washington Post - 2003-08-13
The Washington Post editorial highlights Israel's concerns over Iran's nuclear capabilities, suggesting that Israel may consider military action against Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant. This could…
British Airways Suspends All Flights to Saudi Arabia - 2003-08-13
British Airways has suspended all flights to Saudi Arabia due to increased security concerns following credible threats to UK aviation. This decision was made after…
Which Fictional Female Character: Pre-Publication Version - 2003-08-12
The author reflects on the impact of fictional female characters, particularly focusing on a character from Mahasti Shahrokhi's novel who lacks a name and personal…
Attack on a Russian Diplomat in Tbilisi, the Capital of Georgia - 2003-08-12
A Russian diplomat was attacked by masked gunmen in Tbilisi, Georgia, sustaining a head injury from gunfire. The Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and…
Iraq National Football Team's First International Match After the War - 2003-08-12
The Iraq national football team is set to play its first international match against Iran after the war, marking a significant moment for the country…
Charles Taylor Resigns from Presidency and Leaves Liberia - 2003-08-11
Charles Taylor resigned as President of Liberia and left the country for Nigeria, which granted him asylum. His resignation was welcomed by the international community,…
Science and Society: The Orbit of Bodies and Elements of Nature - 2003-08-10
The article discusses the fundamental question of why natural elements and bodies, ranging from atoms to galaxies, revolve around themselves and each other. Mansour Farasioon…
Israel Violates International Agreement on Treatment of Palestinians - 2003-08-09
The UN Human Rights Committee has condemned Israel for violating international agreements regarding the treatment of Palestinians, particularly criticizing the construction of a security fence…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Views of a Catholic Archbishop of Germany After a Trip to Afghanistan - 2003-08-08
A Catholic archbishop from Germany expressed that international peacekeeping forces can fulfill their humanitarian objectives in Afghanistan only if their responsibilities cover the entire country.…
Sepahan Achieves One Victory and One Defeat in Italy
Sepahan football team from Isfahan played two friendly matches in Italy, winning against Martina 3-0 and losing to Lazio 4-1. This series of matches is…
The Best Approach is to Once and for All Stop Interfering in Others' Affairs
The article critiques Hossein Derakhshan's comments on anonymity in blogging, arguing for respect of individual choices and the importance of avoiding interference in others' affairs.…
Arnold Schwarzenegger Wants to Become Governor of California - 2003-08-07
Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his candidacy for Governor of California during an appearance on the 'Tonight Show'. He aims to replace the current governor, Gray Davis,…
Israel Releases Over 300 Palestinian Prisoners
Israel has released over 300 Palestinian prisoners as part of efforts to promote peace in the region, but simultaneously arrested Palestinian security personnel. This situation…
Israel Released Over 300 Palestinian Prisoners
Israel released over 300 Palestinian prisoners to support Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, but Palestinian officials deemed it insufficient, calling for the release of all detainees.…
Flogging, Stoning, and Torture in Iran - 2003-08-05
The article is a plea to the VOA/Persian to share a website documenting torture in Iran, including flogging and stoning, since 1979. The author emphasizes…
Iran's Team Advances to Semi-Finals of Asian Futsal Championship by Defeating Uzbekistan
Iran's futsal team defeated Uzbekistan 7-2 to advance to the semi-finals of the Asian Futsal Championship. Vahid Shamsaei was named the best player of the…
Shanghai Triad
The article discusses the film 'Shanghai Triad' directed by Zhang Yimou, which explores the lives of gangsters in 1930s Shanghai through the eyes of a…
Vanya on 42nd Street - 2003-08-04
The article discusses the film 'Vanya on 42nd Street,' directed by Louis Malle, which presents a unique adaptation of Chekhov's play 'Uncle Vanya' in a…
President Bush is in Excellent Health - 2003-08-03
President Bush underwent an annual health examination, revealing he is in excellent health and fit for his age. He is reported to have a low…
Paul Bremer: Progress Has Been Made in the Reconstruction of Iraq
Paul Bremer, the U.S. administrator in Iraq, announced progress in the country's reconstruction efforts, including plans for security improvements and economic reforms. He also mentioned…
About 20 Extremists Wanted by Israel Arrested in Ramallah
Approximately 20 extremists wanted by Israel were arrested in Ramallah, including members of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades. The arrests were conducted with the knowledge of…
The Arab World's Reaction to the U.S. Congressional Report Has Been Negative, Not Towards Saudi Arabia
The Arab world has reacted negatively to a U.S. Congressional report implicating Saudi Arabia in the September 11 attacks, showing strong support for Saudi leaders.…
On August 17, We Write More So Our Friends in Iran Do Not Feel Alone, Maroofi in Malakout - 2003-08-02
On August 17, World Journalist Day, Iranian journalists and writers mourn the repression and imprisonment of their colleagues. The article emphasizes the ongoing struggle against…
Conditional Presence of Turkish Forces in Iraq - 2003-08-01
Turkey's Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul announced that the deployment of Turkish troops to Iraq is contingent on the approval of the Iraqi people. Turkish intelligence…