March 2003
International Committee of the Red Cross Begins Visits to Iraqi Prisoners of War - 2003-03-31
The International Committee of the Red Cross has started visiting Iraqi prisoners of war held by U.S. and British forces. A 15-member team registered the…
Funeral and Burial Ceremony for the First Group of Victims of the Srebrenica Massacre - 2003-03-31
Thousands gathered in Srebrenica, Bosnia, for the funeral of 600 identified victims of a massacre described as the largest in Europe since World War II.…
Car Carrying Gasoline Cans Crashes into British Embassy Wall in Tehran - 2003-03-31
A car carrying gasoline cans crashed into the British Embassy in Tehran, resulting in the driver's death. The nature of the incident is uncertain, whether…
Anti-government insurgents in eastern Afghanistan fired several rockets and mortars at U.S. military positions - 2003-03-31
Anti-government insurgents in eastern Afghanistan launched rockets and mortars at U.S. military positions, prompting a U.S. counterattack that killed at least two insurgents. No injuries…
On This Day, March 31: Purchase of the Virgin Islands from the Danish Government - 2003-03-31
On March 31, 1917, the United States acquired the Virgin Islands from Denmark. This transaction marked a significant expansion of U.S. territory in the Caribbean.…
March 29, 1976: The First Line of Washington Metro Opened
On March 29, 1976, the first line of the Washington Metro was opened, representing a major advancement in public transportation. This development is significant for…
Tibetan Government-in-Exile Welcomes Release of Tibetan Prisoner
The Tibetan Government-in-Exile has welcomed the release of a Tibetan political prisoner due to medical reasons. This release is seen as a potential opening for…
American Special Forces Continue Search and Pursuit of Taliban Remnants - 2003-03-30
American Special Forces, alongside local forces in Kandahar, are actively pursuing Taliban remnants following a recent ambush that resulted in American casualties. The operation has…
Palestinian Refugees: Why Should Iraq Be Disarmed, but Not Israel - 2003-03-30
Palestinian refugees in Jordan express deep concern over the implications of the Iraq war on Middle Eastern peace, fearing it diverts attention from their plight…
The Official Radio of the Iraqi Government Has Not Been Heard Since Early Saturday Morning - 2003-03-30
The official Iraqi government radio has gone silent since early Saturday, replaced by an anti-Saddam station with poor sound quality. This development reflects the ongoing…
American and British Aircraft Covered the Sky of Baghdad with a Wave of Intense Bombings - 2003-03-30
American and British forces intensified bombings in Baghdad after a suicide attack killed four American soldiers. In response, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein honored the bomber,…
New Wave of Protests Against the War - 2003-03-30
A global wave of protests against the U.S.-led war in Iraq has emerged, with significant demonstrations in Indonesia, Egypt, and South Korea. Thousands are calling…
Two Rockets Hit Kabul - 2003-03-30
Two rockets hit Kabul, with one landing near the ISAF headquarters and the other in a park, causing no injuries. The incidents remain unclaimed, and…
Despite the Efforts of the Afghan Government, Opium Poppy Cultivation Has Increased in the Country
The Afghan government has been working to combat the cultivation of opium poppies, yet the area under cultivation has expanded. This issue involves the Afghan…
Following the Withdrawal of Iraqi Soldiers from the Oil-rich City of Kirkuk, Kurdish Armed Forces Headed Towards the City - 2003-03-29
Kurdish armed forces are moving towards Kirkuk after Iraqi soldiers withdrew from the oil-rich city. Coalition forces bombarded Baghdad, resulting in significant casualties. The situation…
Longest-serving Tibetan female prisoner pardoned for medical reasons
China has pardoned the longest-serving Tibetan female prisoner for medical reasons, a decision welcomed by the Tibetan government-in-exile as a positive step towards dialogue regarding…
Arrest of 11 Iranian Women Members of the People's Mujahedin Organization at Frankfurt Airport
Eleven Iranian women affiliated with the People's Mujahedin Organization were arrested at Frankfurt Airport. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between the Iranian government and the…
Operation 'Desert Lion' Begins in the Northeastern Mountains of Kabul - 2003-03-28
The U.S.-led coalition has initiated 'Operation Desert Lion' to target Taliban and Al-Qaeda remnants in northeastern Kabul, following previous operations in Kandahar. The military actions…
US and British Warplanes Intensify Bombing of Baghdad - March 28, 2003
On March 28, 2003, US and British warplanes intensified their bombing of Baghdad as coalition ground forces prepared to enter the city. Iraq reported civilian…
Report on Reactions of the French Government, People, and Press to the Iraq War - March 27, 2003
The article discusses the reactions of the French government, citizens, and media to the Iraq War in 2003. It highlights the sentiments and opinions prevalent…
Unpreparedness of Multinational Oil Companies in Nigeria - 2003-03-27
Multinational oil companies in Nigeria are hesitant to resume operations despite tribal militants' announcement to end a two-week conflict. The violence has resulted in significant…
Under the Microscope: Coalition Forces Advance from the Ground in the South and from the Air in the North, Iranian Officials Continue Their Anti-American Protests - 2003-03-27
Coalition forces are making significant advances towards Baghdad from the south and entering from the north by air. Amidst this, Iranian officials are maintaining anti-American…
Coalition Commanders Say British Forces Have Secured the Port City of Umm Qasr in Southern Iraq - 2003-03-26
Coalition commanders report that British forces have secured Umm Qasr, facilitating humanitarian aid to Iraqis in need. The UN is seeking over a billion dollars…
Interview with Mr. Bijan Hikmat Regarding the Iraq War - 2003-03-26
Farah Jahangiri interviews Bijan Hikmat about the implications of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The discussion focuses on the political and social effects of the…
Iraq Has Not Provided the Names of Prisoners of War to the International Red Cross
Iraq has not shared the names of prisoners of war with the International Red Cross, while state television aired images of two captured American pilots…
International Red Cross Warns of Potential Humanitarian Crisis in Basra, Southern Iraq
The International Red Cross has issued a warning about a potential humanitarian crisis in Basra, Iraq, where residents lack basic necessities due to ongoing conflict.…
Nigerian Army Intervention to Restore Peace - 2003-03-25
The Nigerian army is intervening in the Niger Delta to restore peace after ethnic clashes resulted in at least 60 deaths and significant reductions in…
South Korean President Rejects Claims That North Korea May Be Next Target of U.S. Military Operations
South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun has rejected claims that North Korea could be the next target of U.S. military action, asserting that the nuclear ambitions…
Iraqi Television Broadcasts Footage of Saddam Hussein Twice Today - 2003-03-24
Iraqi television aired footage of Saddam Hussein twice, where he praised soldiers and met with officials. Skepticism arose from U.S. and British officials about the…
Tariq Aziz: Saddam Hussein Still Has Full Control Over the Army and Country - 2003-03-24
Tariq Aziz asserted that Saddam Hussein maintains full control over Iraq's military and government despite American claims to the contrary. Saddam appeared on national television,…
Under the Microscope: Media Coverage of the Iraq War, Death of Mohsen Nourbakhsh - 2003-03-24
The article discusses the media coverage of the Iraq War by Western countries and the implications of the death of Mohsen Nourbakhsh, the Governor of…
World Health Organization Scientists Go to China to Trace Mysterious Pneumonia-like Illness - 2003-03-23
Scientists from the World Health Organization are investigating a pneumonia-like illness that may have originated in China last year, which has since spread to other…
Listeners' Messages About the War Against Saddam Hussein
The article presents messages from listeners concerning the war against Saddam Hussein's regime, highlighting diverse opinions and emotions. This reflects the public sentiment during a…
The U.S. has released 19 Afghans detained at Guantanamo Bay
The U.S. has released 19 Afghan detainees from Guantanamo Bay, returning them to Kabul. This decision was made as they were no longer deemed a…
Interview with Mehrdad Darvishpour on the Political, Economic, and Social Effects of the Iraq War - 2003-03-23
The article features an interview with Mehrdad Darvishpour discussing the implications of the Iraq War on various aspects of society. The conversation highlights the impact…
Iran Claims Missile Struck Near Abadan Refinery, 50 Kilometers from Basra
Iran reports that a missile has hit near the Abadan refinery, raising questions about its origin. The Iranian government is seeking clarification from foreign embassies,…
US Efforts to Separate Iraqi Leadership from Saddam - 2003-03-22
The US is intensifying its efforts to persuade Iraqi leaders to distance themselves from Saddam Hussein amid ongoing military actions. Key figures like Donald Rumsfeld…
Britain Asks Banks Worldwide to Track and Seize Saddam Hussein's Funds - 2003-03-22
Britain has requested global banks to track and seize Saddam Hussein's funds, echoing a similar request from the United States. Chancellor Gordon Brown indicated that…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Interview with a UN Official on Refugees - 2003-03-22
The article discusses predictions from the UN and aid organizations about the potential humanitarian crisis resulting from the Iraq war, comparing it to the Gulf…
ASEAN Two-Day Summit Concludes
The ASEAN summit in Malaysia concluded with commitments from 19 countries to improve border security and combat terrorism. A new anti-terrorism training center is set…
U.S. Missile Strikes Against Saddam Hussein - March 21, 2003
On March 21, 2003, the U.S. initiated missile strikes against Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Concurrently, there were significant internal conflicts in Iran regarding budgetary issues…
Colin Powell: The United States has kept communication channels open with members of the Iraqi government - 2003-03-21
Colin Powell announced that the U.S. is keeping communication channels open with the Iraqi government, emphasizing the inevitability of change in Iraq. He urged Iraqi…
The Aim of Today's Early Morning Missile Attacks Was to Separate the Iraqi Leadership from Its Body - 2003-03-20
Early morning missile attacks by the U.S. aimed to incapacitate the Iraqi leadership, specifically targeting Saddam Hussein. Following the strikes, a man claiming to be…
Turkish Parliament Votes on Government Proposal
The Turkish Parliament is voting on a proposal to allow U.S. warplanes to operate from Turkish airbases as part of military operations in Iraq. This…
International Red Cross Requests $158 Million
The International Red Cross has requested $158 million to aid Iraqi civilians affected by the U.S.-led war, highlighting the urgent need for food, health care,…
South Korea Places Military on Full Alert - 2003-03-20
South Korea has heightened its military readiness amid fears of potential provocations from North Korea during the Iraq war. Both South Korea and North Korea…
Shortly After the Start of U.S. Military Attacks on Iraq, Iran Closed Its Border with Iraq - 2003-03-20
Iran closed its border with Iraq shortly after the U.S. began military operations against Saddam Hussein's regime. Ahmad Hosseini, a senior Iranian official, indicated that…
Accept the Nowruz Greetings from the Persian Internet Staff of Voice of America - 2003-03-19
The Persian Internet staff of Voice of America extended Nowruz greetings, emphasizing themes of renewal and hope. This message reflects cultural traditions and the significance…
Japan Warns of Abandoning 2002 Joint Declaration with North Korea
Japan is warning North Korea that continued missile tests could lead to the abandonment of a 2002 joint declaration aimed at improving relations. North Korea…
Turkey's Government Reintroduces Bill for Deployment of US Forces to Parliament
Turkey's government is reintroducing a bill to allow the deployment of US forces, which was previously rejected by lawmakers due to public opposition. The US…
Turkey's Government Requests Parliament Approval for US Fighter Jets to Use Turkish Airspace - 2003-03-19
The Turkish government is seeking parliamentary approval for US fighter jets to use its airspace for operations in Iraq, but these jets will not be…
Egyptian President: Iraq Has Committed Multiple Mistakes
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak criticized Iraq for its past mistakes, particularly its 1990 invasion of Kuwait, which he claims has led to regional instability. He…
Iraqi Leaders Officially Reject U.S. Ultimatum - 2003-03-19
Iraqi leaders have rejected a U.S. ultimatum for Saddam Hussein to leave the country, with lawmakers pledging to fight alongside him. Bahrain offered asylum to…
Saddam Hussein: Iraq Once Had Weapons of Mass Destruction, But No Longer Does - 2003-03-17
Saddam Hussein acknowledged that Iraq once had weapons of mass destruction but claimed they no longer exist, amid rising tensions with the US and UK,…
Interview with Mehrdad Darvishpour on the Effects of the U.S. Attack on Iraq - 2003-03-16
Dr. Mehrdad Darvishpour discusses the implications of a potential U.S. attack on Iraq, focusing on its repercussions for Iran and the broader region. The conversation…
Colin Powell: The U.S. Has Not Given Up Hope of Using Turkish Bases
Colin Powell expressed that the U.S. is still hopeful for Turkey's parliamentary approval to deploy troops for a potential conflict in Iraq. The U.S. aims…
Most Helicopters Used by UN Weapons Inspectors Flew Abroad Today - 2003-03-16
Iraq announced that most helicopters used by UN weapons inspectors have left the country due to insurance issues related to war risks. President Saddam Hussein…
Germany Urges Its Citizens to Leave Iraq - 2003-03-16
Germany has called on its citizens in Iraq to evacuate, indicating the imminent closure of its embassy in Baghdad. This warning coincides with the escalating…
Mysterious Illness - 2003-03-16
A mysterious pneumonia first identified in China has spread to several Asian countries, affecting hundreds. A mother returning to Canada from Hong Kong died from…
Arrest of Another Al-Qaeda Leader
Yassir al-Jazeer, a suspected Al-Qaeda leader, was arrested in Lahore by Pakistani and U.S. security officials. His arrest is linked to information from another captured…
Iraq Identifies American and French Suppliers of Microbial Materials - 2003-03-16
Iraq has identified American and French suppliers of microbial materials in its arms declaration to the UN, including the American Type Culture Collection and the…
Iranian President Protests Increase in Guardian Council Budget - 2003-03-15
President Mohammad Khatami of Iran protested by leaving a meeting after the Expediency Discernment Council decided to double the budget of the Guardian Council, a…
Anti-War Protests Against U.S. Preparations for Attack on Iraq - 2003-03-15
Large-scale anti-war protests occurred globally in response to U.S. preparations for an attack on Iraq. Demonstrators in various countries, including Turkey, Iraq, and the UK,…
U.S. Sanctions Against Iran Extended for at Least Another Year - 2003-03-14
President Bush has extended U.S. sanctions against Iran for at least another year, citing national security concerns. The sanctions prevent American entities from engaging in…
About 40 People Arrested on Charges of Involvement in the Assassination of the Prime Minister of Serbia
Approximately 40 individuals have been arrested in Serbia for their alleged involvement in the assassination of Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, linked to organized crime. The…
Tokyo Government Deploys Japanese Destroyer in Korean Peninsula Waters - 2003-03-13
The Tokyo government has deployed a destroyer to the Korean Peninsula amid reports that North Korea plans to test a ballistic missile capable of striking…
Reflection of U.S. Government Policy for Regime Change in Iraq in Egypt - 2003-03-13
The U.S. government's intention for regime change in Iraq has raised alarm among Arab leaders and commentators in the Middle East. They fear this could…
Report Witness: Chirac's Speech on French Television Regarding Iraq - 2003-03-12
Jacques Chirac, the President of France, addressed the nation regarding France's stance on the Iraq crisis during a televised speech. This event is significant as…
U.S. Federal Court Ruling: Detainees at Guantanamo Are Not Entitled to U.S. Legal Rights - 2003-03-12
The U.S. Court of Appeals ruled that Guantanamo detainees, suspected of terrorism, do not have U.S. legal rights. This decision affects foreign nationals from countries…
The Spider's Strategy
The article discusses the film 'The Spider's Strategy' directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, which explores the life of a man returning to a city where his…
Summoning of Senior Iranian Diplomat in Argentina - 2003-03-11
Argentina has summoned a senior Iranian diplomat amid escalating tensions over the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community center that killed 85 people. This follows…
Mohammad ElBaradei: Iraq Must Cooperate with Inspectors Before It's Too Late
Mohammad ElBaradei emphasized the urgent need for Iraq to cooperate with UN weapons inspectors to avoid war. He called for Saddam Hussein to publicly commit…
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan: The U.S. Should Define Turkey's Role in Iraq After the War
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the need for the U.S. to clarify Turkey's role in post-war Iraq before Turkey considers allowing U.S. troops on its soil.…
Iran Rejects U.S. Claims Regarding Its Nuclear Aims - 2003-03-11
Iran's government has denied U.S. allegations of secret nuclear weapons production, asserting transparency in its nuclear energy program and cooperation with international agencies. The U.S.…
Zimbabwe Police Arrest 28 Members of Main Opposition Party
Zimbabwe police have arrested 28 members of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change for organizing an illegal gathering and attacking ruling party supporters. This crackdown…
Mohammad ElBaradei Urges Iraq to Take Decisive and Significant Actions to Avoid War - 2003-03-10
Mohammad ElBaradei called on Iraq to cooperate with UN weapons inspectors to avoid war, suggesting a televised commitment from Saddam Hussein. The situation is escalating,…
Sri Lankan Navy Clashes with Tamil Rebels - 2003-03-10
The Sri Lankan Navy sank a rebel boat during a confrontation with Tamil rebels, resulting in injuries to four sailors. This incident highlights ongoing tensions…
International Peacekeeping Forces Increase Patrols Around Kabul - 2003-03-09
International peacekeeping forces are increasing their patrols around Kabul following a deadly bombing that killed an Afghan translator and injured a Dutch soldier. The attack…
The US and UK Claim Iraq Attempted to Purchase Uranium from Niger
The US and UK allege that Iraq sought to buy uranium from Niger, but the IAEA's director has dismissed the evidence as inauthentic. This situation…
Hundreds of Iranian Women Demonstrate in Tehran on International Women's Day - 2003-03-08
On International Women's Day, hundreds of Iranian women protested in Tehran for equality in social and political matters, marking the first such demonstration since the…
Arrest Warrant Issued for Four Iranian Officials by an Argentine Judge - 2003-03-08
An Argentine judge has issued arrest warrants for four Iranian officials linked to the 1994 Buenos Aires Jewish community center bombing that killed 85 people.…
Five Muslim Extremists Arrested in Spain for Funding Al-Qaeda Terrorists - 2003-03-08
Five Muslim extremists were arrested in Spain for allegedly funding Al-Qaeda terrorists. The suspects include four Spaniards and one Pakistani, linked to a bombing in…
Amnesty International Calls on the Security Council to Vote for the Deployment of Human Rights Observers in Iraq
Amnesty International has called on the UN Security Council to approve the deployment of human rights observers in Iraq, highlighting urgent concerns about the human…
Eighth Press Conference of the President of the United States - 2003-03-07
President Bush held a significant press conference addressing Iraq's disarmament and the ongoing threat posed by Saddam Hussein. He emphasized that U.S. intelligence suggests Iraq…
Two Million Dollar Fine for Serbian Officials for the Srebrenica Massacre - 2003-03-07
The Bosnian human rights court has fined Serbian officials two million dollars for their role in the Srebrenica massacre and ordered them to provide information…
Hundreds of Turkish Army Trucks Carrying Armored Equipment Headed to Iraq Border - 2003-03-07
Hundreds of Turkish military trucks are heading to the Iraq border, signaling Turkey's military mobilization ahead of a possible U.S.-led war. This move aims to…
Colin Powell: Saddam Creates Division - 2003-03-06
Colin Powell accused Saddam Hussein of creating division within the international community and asserted that Iraq has not committed to disarming its weapons of mass…
Kidnapping Gang Claims Responsibility for Deadly Airport Bombing in the Philippines
A kidnapping gang linked to Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility for a bombing at a Philippine airport that killed 21 and injured over 100. The Philippine government…
Amnesty International Expresses Concern Over Possible Mistreatment of Qasem Shoaleh Saadi
Amnesty International is concerned about the treatment of Qasem Shoaleh Saadi, an Iranian professor arrested after criticizing the Iranian leadership. He has been denied access…
Under the Microscope: Who is Mr. Khatami Talking To?
The article discusses former President Khatami's continued advocacy for religious democracy despite public disillusionment with reforms and the recent electoral defeat of reformists. Additionally, it…
Witness Report: Efforts to Prevent War - 2003-03-04
Global efforts are ongoing to prevent a potential war in Iraq, with significant coverage from international media. The situation involves various countries and organizations working…
With or Without Turkey's Participation - The U.S. is Ready to Attack Iraq - 2003-03-04
The U.S. is prepared to attack Iraq regardless of Turkey's involvement, as stated by General David McKiernan. The Pentagon's plan to deploy troops in Turkey…
Meeting of the Prime Minister of Ivory Coast with Rebel Leaders - 2003-03-03
The Prime Minister of Ivory Coast, Seydou Diarra, met with rebel leaders to discuss forming a national unity government amid accusations of civilian killings by…
President Bush: America is Collecting and Storing Aid for the People of Iraq - 2003-03-02
President Bush announced plans for immediate humanitarian aid to Iraq while U.S. soldiers will ensure security and protect oil wells post-Saddam. Colin Powell emphasized the…
French Journalists Threatened with Death in Ivory Coast - 2003-03-02
French journalists faced death threats while covering a press conference on execution squads in Ivory Coast. The incident involved military officers and civilians, and it…
Clashes Intensify in Ivory Coast - March 2, 2003
Clashes in Ivory Coast are escalating amid stalled negotiations to end a civil war that began in September 2002. Rebels accuse government forces of attacking…
Calendar Day, March 2: Texas Independence from Mexico - 2003-03-02
On March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico, marking a significant moment in its history. This event involved the Texan settlers and the…
The U.S. Praises the Arrest of Sheikh Mohammed - 2003-03-02
The U.S. has praised the arrest of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, who is considered the mastermind behind the 9/11 attacks and a key associate of Osama…
North Korean Government Claims Nuclear War Could Start at Any Moment - 2003-03-02
The North Korean government warns that nuclear war could start imminently, accusing the U.S. of escalating tensions through spy flights. In contrast, South Korea's new…
Iraqi Opposition Leaders Establish a Six-Member Council
Iraqi opposition leaders have formed a six-member council aimed at leading Iraq post-Saddam Hussein, though the U.S. has not recognized it. The council includes members…
U.S. and International Aid to Iraq After Saddam Hussein - 2003-03-01
President Bush expressed hope for Iraq's future post-Saddam while pledging financial aid for basic necessities. He emphasized that the decision about Iraq's future should be…
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Fully Commences Operations Today - 2003-03-01
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has officially begun its operations, becoming the largest government agency in decades with a focus on border security and…
Cancellation of the Turkish Parliament's Resolution - 2003-03-01
The Turkish Parliament Speaker invalidated a vote that would have allowed U.S. troops to use Turkish bases for a potential attack on Iraq, stating the…