May 2004
Interview with Simin Behbahani on Literature After the Islamic Revolution - 2004-05-31
Simin Behbahani, a renowned poet, attended a conference in Washington D.C. where she discussed literature following the Islamic Revolution. The interview highlights her perspectives on…
Riots in Karachi Following the Murder of a Senior Cleric - 2004-05-30
Riots erupted in Karachi after the assassination of senior Sunni cleric Mufti Nazimuddin Shamsai. The unrest has led to injuries among both protesters and police,…
Interview with Ms. Gol Mohammadi on the Effects of the Earthquake and the Situation of Residents in Tehran - 2004-05-29
Ms. Gol Mohammadi discusses the impact of the recent earthquake on Tehran's residents, highlighting their current challenges and conditions. This interview sheds light on the…
The Future of Democracy and Human Rights in Iran - 2004-05-28
A special program aired on Voice of America discussing the future of democracy and human rights in Iran, featuring prominent activists and experts. They addressed…
Floods in Haiti and the Dominican Republic Have Resulted in at Least 871 Deaths
Severe floods in Haiti and the Dominican Republic have resulted in at least 871 fatalities, with search teams working to find victims. The World Food…
John Kerry: President Bush has turned U.S. domestic security into a campaign tool - 2004-05-27
John Kerry accused President Bush of exploiting domestic security issues for electoral gain, highlighting a lack of funding for states to protect against terrorism. This…
Artillery Shell Found in Iraq Contained Sarin Gas
U.S. officials confirmed that an artillery shell found in Iraq contained sarin gas, suggesting it may have been manufactured before the 1991 Gulf War. The…
Current President of the Philippines Defeats Rival by a Narrow Margin
Current President Gloria Arroyo won the election against rival Fernando Poe by a narrow margin, with unofficial results showing 12.4 million votes for Arroyo and…
The View from Washington: DeSutter on Iran’s Nuclear Program
Paula DeSutter, a U.S. official, expresses deep concern over Iran's nuclear weapons program, emphasizing its violation of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. The IAEA has confirmed Iran's…
A Look at the Future of Democracy and Human Rights in Iran - 2004-05-22
A special program aired on Voice of America discussing the future of democracy and human rights in Iran, featuring prominent activists and scholars. The discussion…
Shia Muslims Protest in Several Middle Eastern Countries - 2004-05-21
Shia Muslims protested in multiple Middle Eastern countries against the U.S. occupation of Iraq and American troops in holy cities. Key locations included Tehran, Beirut,…
Military Officials' Attention Diverted from Security Situation in Iraq
U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld remarked that the investigation into the abuse of Iraqi prisoners is distracting military officials from focusing on security and…
Hiring of a Woman as the First Head Coach in the American Professional Basketball League (ABA) - 2004-05-18
Ashley McElhenney has been hired as the first female head coach in the American Basketball Association, making history in a male-dominated sport. At just 22…
Hindu Nationalist Party Will Not Attend Sonia Gandhi's Swearing-In Ceremony - 2004-05-17
The Hindu Nationalist Party announced it will boycott Sonia Gandhi's swearing-in ceremony due to her foreign ancestry. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former Prime Minister, will…
Negotiations on Compensation for the 1986 Berlin Bombing End Without Result
Negotiations between German and Libyan officials regarding compensation for the 1986 Berlin disco bombing ended without agreement. While Libya's charity foundation has consented to pay…
The New Yorker: U.S. Defense Secretary Approved Use of Harsh Interrogation Methods in Iraq - 2004-05-16
The New Yorker reported that U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld approved harsh interrogation methods in Iraq, which the Pentagon denies. Senator Carl Levin indicated that…
Indian President to Meet with Sonia Gandhi
The Indian President is set to meet Sonia Gandhi, the newly elected leader of the Congress Party, who is claiming the Prime Minister position after…
Weekly Phone Conversation: Ramesh with Zaza, Iranian Artist Residing in Los Angeles - 2004-05-15
The article discusses a phone conversation between Ramesh and Zaza, an Iranian artist in Los Angeles, focusing on her late mother Monir Vakili's contributions to…
Interview with Sayeed Saeedi Sirjani: The Situation in Iran and Hashem Aghajari - 2004-05-15
In an exclusive interview, Sayeed Saeedi Sirjani discusses the oppressive atmosphere in Iran that has resulted in the arrest of prominent figures like Hashem Aghajari.…
Indian National Congress Re-elects Sonia Gandhi as Party Leader - 2004-05-15
The Indian National Congress has re-elected Sonia Gandhi as its leader, positioning her to potentially become India's first Prime Minister born abroad. This follows the…
Burma's Military Government Begins Work Without the National League for Democracy
The military government of Burma is proceeding with a constitutional assembly without the participation of the National League for Democracy, led by Aung San Suu…
Under the Microscope: Pressure on Muqtada al-Sadr, Donald Rumsfeld's Visit to Iraq, and Recent Arrests in Iran - 2004-05-14
The article discusses the increasing pressure on Iraqi cleric Muqtada al-Sadr amid U.S. military actions, highlights Donald Rumsfeld's visit to Iraq to assess the situation,…
Open Letter from Two British Muslims Recently Released from Guantanamo Prison - 2004-05-14
Two British Muslims, Shafiq Rasul and Asif Iqbal, released from Guantanamo, allege they were tortured similarly to Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib. They addressed their…
Rumsfeld on Investigation
Seven American soldiers are facing charges for abusing Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison. Donald Rumsfeld expressed regret over the actions of these soldiers, emphasizing…
An Islamic Group Aims to Distinguish Between Religion and Violence of Islamist Fighters via the Internet - 2004-05-13
An Islamic civil rights group in the U.S. is launching an initiative called 'Not in the Name of Islam' to differentiate between Islam and the…
With Pentagon Approval, American Senators View Unreleased Photos of U.S. Soldiers' Mistreatment - 2004-05-12
American senators were allowed to view unreleased photos and a video of U.S. soldiers mistreating Iraqi prisoners, with the Pentagon's approval. Secretary of Defense Donald…
At least 20 supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr killed in battle with U.S. forces in Karbala - 2004-05-12
At least 20 armed supporters of Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr were killed in clashes with U.S. forces in Karbala, with 7 American soldiers injured. A…
Interview with Mehrnoush Mousavi by Ebrahim Bi Parva - 2004-05-12
The Iranian Parliament has passed amendments allowing spouses to inherit each other's property. This change is significant as it affects the rights of women in…
Clashes Between Muslims and Christians Continue in Northern Nigeria - 2004-05-12
Clashes between Muslims and Christians in Kano, Nigeria, have escalated, resulting in over 25 deaths. The violence is a response to previous attacks on Muslim…
U.S. Assistant Secretary of State's Visit to Islamabad - 2004-05-11
Christina Rocca, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State, is visiting Islamabad to discuss terrorism and the situations in Afghanistan and Iraq with Pakistani leaders. This…
President Bush's Approval Rating Among Americans Has Reached Its Lowest Point
A recent poll indicates that President Bush's approval rating has fallen to 46% due to dissatisfaction with his handling of the Iraq war, coinciding with…
President Bush Strongly Supports Donald Rumsfeld Despite Public Protests - 2004-05-10
President Bush publicly supports Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld amid international protests regarding the treatment of Iraqi prisoners. This support follows a private briefing where…
Ramsh's Interview with Zaza in Commemoration of Mother's Day
Ramsh interviewed Zaza, an Iranian artist in Los Angeles, to honor Mother's Day in the U.S. Zaza is the daughter of the renowned Iranian singer…
Filipino Voters Head to the Polls to Elect a New President - 2004-05-10
Filipino voters participated in presidential elections with indications that incumbent Gloria Arroyo would win against her rivals. High voter turnout was reported, but violence and…
Meeting of Senior Members of the Burmese Democracy Party with Aung San Suu Kyi - 2004-05-09
Senior members of the Burmese Democracy Party met with Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss the party's participation in an upcoming constitutional review assembly. They…
More Disturbing Images of Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners - 2004-05-08
Donald Rumsfeld announced that more disturbing images of Iraqi prisoner abuse may be released during ongoing investigations. He accepted full responsibility for the incidents and…
Meeting of Palestinian Prime Minister with Condoleezza Rice, Advisor to the U.S. President - 2004-05-08
Palestinian Prime Minister Ahmed Qurei is set to meet with U.S. National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice in Germany, marking a significant diplomatic engagement with the…
The Power of American Legislators - 2004-05-08
Donald Rumsfeld and senior military officials testified before Congress, showcasing the legislative power to summon executive officials for accountability. This testimony was prompted by concerns…
Pervez Musharraf Condemns Suicide Bombing at Shia Mosque
A suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Karachi killed 14 people, prompting President Pervez Musharraf to condemn the act and call for an investigation.…
Donald Rumsfeld Accepts Full Responsibility for Mistreatment of Iraqi Prisoners - 2004-05-07
Donald Rumsfeld accepted full responsibility for the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners and apologized to the victims, stating he would seek compensation. He also indicated ongoing…
President Bush Apologizes for American Soldiers' Humiliating Treatment of Iraqi Prisoners - 2004-05-07
President Bush publicly apologized for the humiliating treatment of Iraqi prisoners by American soldiers, expressing regret and promising justice for those responsible. This apology comes…
Weekly Discussion, May 6, 2004: Interview with Mr. Seyyed Mohammad Seifzadeh and Mr. Shams al-Va'ezin
On May 6, 2004, Behrouz Abbasi interviewed lawyer Seyyed Mohammad Seifzadeh and journalist Shams al-Va'ezin about a new law affecting jury composition in press and…
President Bush's Support for Donald Rumsfeld - 2004-05-06
President Bush reaffirmed his support for Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld amid growing criticism over the handling of prisoner mistreatment scandals. Key Democratic figures, including…
The Washington Post Publishes New Photos of Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners - 2004-05-06
The Washington Post has released new images depicting the abuse of Iraqi prisoners, particularly highlighting an American soldier with a leash attached to a naked…
Allegations of Mistreatment of Prisoners in Iraq and Afghanistan Under Investigation
U.S. military officials are investigating allegations of prisoner mistreatment in Iraq and Afghanistan, with at least 10 cases linked to prisoner deaths. High-ranking officials, including…
President Bush's Interview with Alhurra TV on Abuse of Iraqi Prisoners - 2004-05-05
President Bush addressed the abuse of Iraqi prisoners in an interview, promising punishment for those responsible while not issuing a formal apology. He reaffirmed his…
Britain Places Africa at the Top of Its Priorities
Britain's Prime Minister Tony Blair announced that Africa will be a top priority for the UK during its upcoming presidency of the G8 and the…
Donald Rumsfeld's Promise to Punish U.S. Soldiers for Mistreatment of Iraqi Prisoners - 2004-05-05
Donald Rumsfeld has vowed to punish U.S. soldiers for their mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners, acknowledging ongoing investigations into several cases. This situation has drawn significant…
U.S. Defense Department Cancels Plans to Reduce Troops in Iraq
The U.S. has reversed its decision to reduce troop levels in Iraq, maintaining a force of 135,000 soldiers due to escalating violence. Donald Rumsfeld announced…
Tensions Near Najaf City in Iraq Remain High - 2004-05-04
Tensions are escalating near Najaf, Iraq, with armed supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr clashing with U.S. forces. While shelling continues, it is less intense than previous…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with the Regional Chair of the Iranian Council of the Republican Party of America - 2004-05-03
The article discusses an interview with Farzaneh Akhavi, the regional chair of the Iranian Council of the Republican Party of America, in light of their…
Exclusive Interview with Shirin Ebadi by Setareh Derakhshesh - 2004-05-03
Shirin Ebadi, a prominent Iranian lawyer and Nobel laureate, is in the U.S. for lectures and was interviewed by Setareh Derakhshesh about political prisoners, women's…
Report from Quds Razavi: Interview with Ms. Sima Hashemi Far, Iranian Engineer in Los Angeles - 2004-05-02
The article features an interview with Sima Hashemi Far, an Iranian engineer residing in Los Angeles, highlighting her professional endeavors and contributions to the engineering…