February 2003
Robert Redford Speaks Out Against the Attack on Iraq - 2003-02-27
Robert Redford publicly opposed the U.S. attack on Iraq, emphasizing the importance of freedom of expression and the role of independent filmmakers in safeguarding it.…
Islamic Separatists in the Philippines Blow Up 5 Power Transmission Towers - 2003-02-27
Islamic separatists in the Philippines attacked power infrastructure, disrupting electricity supply on Mindanao island. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is involved, and this marks a…
British Parliament Rejects Opposition to War - 2003-02-27
The British Parliament has rejected a proposal opposing military action against Iraq, supporting Prime Minister Tony Blair's stance with a significant majority. Meanwhile, French Prime…
Tony Blair is confident that the United Nations Security Council will approve a new resolution on Iraq - 2003-02-26
Tony Blair expressed confidence that the UN Security Council will pass a resolution allowing military action against Iraq. Despite his optimism, a significant number of…
Preparations for Aid to One Million Potential War Victims in Iraq - 2003-02-26
The U.S. government is preparing to assist over one million Iraqis who may be affected by the impending war by stockpiling food, shelter, and medical…
Saddam Hussein: Iraq Will Resist UN Order to Destroy Al-Sumoud 2 Missiles - 2003-02-25
Saddam Hussein declared that Iraq will resist a UN order to destroy its Al-Sumoud 2 missiles, while a senior military advisor indicated that the government…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Crash of an Afghan Minister's Plane Near Pakistani Waters - 2003-02-25
A plane carrying an Afghan minister and six others crashed in the waters near Karachi, Pakistan, resulting in the death of all onboard. This incident…
The 45th Annual Grammy Awards
The 45th Annual Grammy Awards were held in New York City, hosted by Dustin Hoffman. Notable winners included Norah Jones, John Mayer, and Eminem. The…
No One Met Everyone Anywhere - 2003-02-24
The article reflects on the friendship between Iranian poet Nader Naderpour and an Afghan journalist in Paris post-revolution. It highlights the journalist's humorous critique of…
Under the Microscope: Increase in Repression Parallel to UN Human Rights Delegation Visit
The article discusses the increasing repression of Iranian activists coinciding with the nearing end of a UN human rights delegation's visit to Iran. Notably, Dr.…
Angry Pakistani Mourners Riot Following Funeral of 2 Shia in Karachi - 2003-02-24
Angry mourners in Karachi rioted after the funeral of two Shia victims of a recent attack. The police suspect the Sunni militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, which…
Former South Korean President: Understanding and Negotiation Between North Korea and the U.S. is the Key to Ending the Nuclear Crisis
Former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung called for direct negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea to resolve nuclear issues as he concluded his presidency.…
Presidential Institution: James Garfield - 2003-02-24
The article discusses the contributions of James Garfield, the twentieth President of the United States, particularly highlighting his education in Latin, Greek, and German. His…
In clashes on Sunday, 9 Palestinians and 1 Israeli soldier killed - 2003-02-24
On Sunday, violent clashes resulted in the deaths of 9 Palestinians and 1 Israeli soldier, primarily in Gaza. The violence erupted as Israeli forces were…
Eight Palestinians and One Israeli Soldier Killed in Clashes in Gaza Strip - 2003-02-23
In violent clashes in the Gaza Strip, eight Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were killed. The violence escalated following an Israeli operation aimed at locating…
Failure of the Non-Aligned Movement Summit in Malaysia to Reach a Joint Position on North Korea
The Non-Aligned Movement's summit in Malaysia has failed to achieve a unified stance on North Korea's nuclear ambitions, with negotiations on a resolution being halted.…
Vaccination of Over 4 Million Iraqi Children Against Polio Begins
UNICEF has launched a vaccination campaign for over 4 million Iraqi children against polio, deploying 14,000 health workers to ensure coverage. This initiative highlights the…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Interview with Behrouz Hashemian about the Golden Bear Winning Film This Year - 2003-02-23
The film 'In This World' about Afghan refugees won the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival. The report includes an interview with producer Behrouz…
Pakistani Police Suspects Sunni Muslim Militant Group in Attack on Shia Mosque - 2003-02-23
Pakistani police suspect the militant group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in a deadly attack on a Shia mosque in Karachi, which resulted in nine fatalities. The attack may…
Shooting of Nine Shia in Pakistan - 2003-02-22
In Karachi, Pakistan, unidentified gunmen attacked a Shia mosque, killing nine and injuring nine others. The attack occurred as worshippers were leaving after prayers, and…
Japan to Launch Two Satellites into Space
Japan plans to launch two satellites on March 28 to enhance its surveillance capabilities, particularly concerning natural disasters and North Korean missile activities. This marks…
Concerns Raised Over US Threats Against Iraq - 2003-02-22
Ministers from developing countries expressed deep concerns over US threats of war against Iraq and urged compliance with UN Resolution 1441. The statement comes ahead…
Crash of Iranian Military Aircraft - 2003-02-21
An Iranian military aircraft carrying IRGC members crashed while flying from Zahedan to Kerman. The incident highlights ongoing human rights issues in Iran, including the…
On This Day, February 20: Frederick Douglass, One of the First Activists and Leaders for Political Equality in America - 2003-02-21
On February 20, 1895, Frederick Douglass, a prominent figure in the fight for political equality in the United States, died. His legacy as an activist…
Hamid Karzai Assures Tokyo That He Can Establish Stability in Afghanistan by Disarming Private Armies - 2003-02-21
Hamid Karzai is in Tokyo to reassure the international community about Afghanistan's potential for stability through the disarmament of private armies. He expresses satisfaction with…
Peter Strack: Germany Calls Back Its Troops from International Security Forces in Afghanistan - 2003-02-21
Germany is recalling its troops from Afghanistan due to rising tensions and threats from insurgents. The evacuation will first involve civilian aid workers, followed by…
The U.S. Sends Three Thousand Troops to the Philippines to Fight Abu Sayyaf Militants - 2003-02-21
The U.S. is deploying three thousand troops to the Philippines to assist in combating Abu Sayyaf militants, with a significant portion being special forces. The…
Fire at Nightclub in Rhode Island Leaves Thirty-Nine Dead
A fire at a Rhode Island nightclub during a rock concert led to thirty-nine deaths and numerous injuries, with the cause linked to a pyrotechnic…
Pope John Paul II: Potential War in Iraq May Intensify Religious Conflicts - 2003-02-20
Pope John Paul II warned that a potential war in Iraq could exacerbate religious tensions. He urged religious leaders to prevent politics from creating divides…
North Korea Asks Non-Aligned Movement to Hold the U.S. Responsible for Its Nuclear Crisis
North Korea is urging the Non-Aligned Movement to blame the U.S. for its nuclear crisis at an upcoming summit in Malaysia. This request has met…
Ju Dou - 2003-02-19
Zhang Yimou's film "Ju Dou" tells a powerful story of lust and punishment set in a traditional dye workshop, where a wicked owner abuses his…
Raise the Red Lantern
The article discusses the film 'Raise the Red Lantern' directed by Zhang Yimou, which explores the life of a young woman in a polygamous marriage…
Police in Northern Spain Arrest 13 Individuals on Charges of Ties to Separatist Group ETA - 2003-02-19
Police in northern Spain arrested 13 individuals linked to the separatist group ETA as part of an ongoing crackdown on the organization. This follows the…
Nearly 40 Israeli Tanks Attack Crowded Civilian Areas with Support from Armed Helicopters - 2003-02-19
Israeli forces launched an attack on civilian areas in Gaza, resulting in multiple casualties. The Palestinian leadership is seeking international condemnation, while the Israeli military…
Greeted Love and Fell in Love - 2003-02-18
Valentine's Day was celebrated in Iran and France, where singer Serge Reggiani reflected on his favorite song, 'The Wolves,' which addresses themes of occupation during…
Tony Blair: Saddam Hussein's Violation of UN Resolutions Justifies Military Action and Disarmament of Iraq
Tony Blair asserts that Saddam Hussein's failure to comply with UN resolutions justifies potential military action and disarmament of Iraq. He emphasizes the responsibility lies…
Saudi Arabia Takes a Hardline Stance Against the Iraq War - 2003-02-18
Saudi Arabia has firmly opposed the Iraq War, with Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal stating that a U.S. attack would be seen as aggression rather than…
EU Leaders Conclude Extraordinary Meeting with Warning to Iraq - 2003-02-18
EU leaders held an extraordinary meeting in Brussels where they issued a stern warning to Iraq regarding compliance with UN disarmament resolutions. Despite internal disagreements…
Heavy Storm Buries All of Eastern America Under Heavy Snow - 2003-02-17
A heavy storm has caused significant disruptions across Eastern America, trapping millions in their homes and closing government offices and stores. The storm particularly affected…
Alaa Wali Al-Din, Famous Egyptian Actor, Passes Away - 2003-02-16
Alaa Wali Al-Din, a well-known Egyptian actor, has passed away. The report highlights his significance in Egyptian cinema and provides insights into his life. This…
Approximately 250,000 People Took to the Streets in Australia on the Second Day of Anti-War Protests
On February 16, 2003, around 250,000 people protested in Australia against a potential U.S.-led war in Iraq, part of a global wave of anti-war demonstrations.…
Pakistan's Military Aid to Afghanistan for Rebuilding Its National Army - 2003-02-16
Pakistan is providing substantial military aid to Afghanistan to help rebuild its national army, including weapons and training support. This shift follows Pakistan's previous support…
Shuttle Flight Director: No Problems Expected Before Columbia's Return - 2003-02-16
Leroy Cain, head of NASA's shuttle return operations, stated he did not expect any issues during the Columbia's landing, despite awareness of minor debris impacts.…
The Seven Samurai
The article discusses Akira Kurosawa's film 'The Seven Samurai,' highlighting its artistic creativity and innovative cinematic techniques. Despite similarities to John Ford's 'Stagecoach,' it was…
Millions Worldwide Protest Against Potential US-Led War with Iraq - 2003-02-16
Millions protested globally against a potential US-led war with Iraq, with significant gatherings in London and Barcelona. The protests highlighted widespread opposition to military action,…
Third Round of Iraq-Kuwait Talks on Gulf War Missing Persons Ends Without Result - 2003-02-16
The third round of talks between Iraq and Kuwait regarding missing persons from the Gulf War concluded without any progress. Kuwait is seeking information on…
Iran's Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence of Professor Accused of Questioning Clerics' Role in Government
Iran's Supreme Court has annulled the death sentence of Professor Hashem Aghajari, who was convicted for questioning the clerics' influence in governance. The decision followed…
Millions Worldwide March Against War with Iraq - 2003-02-15
Millions of people globally protested against the impending war with Iraq on February 15, 2003, with significant turnouts in cities like Rome, Berlin, and London.…
Calendar of the Day, February 14: Birth of Frederick Douglass - 2003-02-15
February 14 commemorates the birth of Frederick Douglass, a prominent African American speaker and journalist born in 1817. His legacy as an advocate for freedom…
Coalition Aircraft Destroy Several Caves in Southwestern Afghanistan - 2003-02-14
Coalition aircraft targeted and destroyed caves in southwestern Afghanistan used by suspected Al-Qaeda and Taliban members. The airstrikes took place in Helmand Province, where U.S.…
Anti-Terrorism Police Arrest Four Near Heathrow Airport in London - 2003-02-14
Four individuals were arrested by anti-terrorism police near Heathrow Airport following a security alert involving a suspicious package. The military has been deployed around the…
Yasser Arafat has agreed to create the position of Prime Minister in the Palestinian Authority - 2003-02-14
Yasser Arafat has agreed to establish a Prime Minister position in the Palestinian Authority as part of reforms demanded by the U.S. and others to…
U.S. Army: Iraqi Missile System Targeted for the Second Day in the 'No-Fly Zone' in the South
The U.S. Army has targeted an Iraqi missile system for the second day in a no-fly zone due to threats to coalition aircraft. This action…
Meeting of Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister with the Leader of Catholics Worldwide - 2003-02-13
Tariq Aziz, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, is in Rome to meet with opposition politicians and Pope John Paul II. The Pope has called for the…
Germany Seeks 12.5 Years Imprisonment for Algerian Terrorists
German prosecutors are seeking a 12.5-year sentence for Algerian terrorists involved in a deadly bombing in Strasbourg in 2000. The case highlights ongoing concerns about…
Romania to Provide Military Forces and Bases to Coalition Forces in Case of Potential War
Romania's parliament has approved the deployment of military forces and bases to support coalition forces in a potential war against Iraq led by the U.S.…
Interview with Siamak Shojaei: Obstacles to Home Ownership in Iran - 2003-02-12
The Iranian Minister of Housing has introduced a new method aimed at helping low-income individuals become homeowners. Dr. Siamak Shojaei expresses skepticism about the effectiveness…
U.S. State Department Expresses Concern Over Iran's Nuclear Program - 2003-02-11
The U.S. State Department has raised concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program, suggesting it could be a facade for developing nuclear weapons. This statement follows President…
Algerian Terrorists Sentenced to 12.5 Years for Bombing in France
Algerian terrorists have been sentenced to 12.5 years for a bombing in France that killed many during a Christmas market. One member admitted to training…
Stock Prices in the U.S. Are Rising - 2003-02-11
U.S. stock prices rose early on February 11, 2003, ahead of a key economic address by the Treasury Secretary. The Dow Jones, S&P-500, and Nasdaq…
Australian Prime Minister Meets President Bush at the White House - 2003-02-10
Australian Prime Minister John Howard met with President Bush at the White House to discuss Iraq disarmament efforts. Howard emphasized the necessity of UN Security…
A Palestinian Bomber Arrested Near Ramallah in the West Bank - 2003-02-10
Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian bomber near Ramallah and shot dead two suspected militants. The bomber, linked to Hamas, had explosives that were neutralized by…
New Regulations for Aircraft Flights in Washington Established - 2003-02-09
New flight regulations have been implemented near Washington, D.C., in response to an elevated terrorist threat level. The Federal Aviation Administration aims to protect key…
Report Shahid: Interview with Behrouz Farahani about the Gathering of the Association for the Defense of Political Prisoners in Iran - 2003-02-09
On February 9, 2003, the Association for the Defense of Political Prisoners in Iran organized a gathering in Paris. The event featured an interview with…
NASA Examines Radio Data Related to the Disintegrated Columbia Spacecraft - 2003-02-09
NASA is investigating radio data from the Columbia spacecraft to see if it collided with space debris, following the disintegration of the spacecraft. This inquiry…
The Death Toll from the Colombia Bombing Has Reached 25 - 2003-02-08
A bombing at the El Nogal club in Bogotá has resulted in 25 fatalities and over 150 injuries. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is seeking international…
Suspension of U.S. Interests Office Activities at the Polish Embassy in Baghdad - 2003-02-08
The U.S. has suspended its interests office activities at the Polish Embassy in Baghdad due to security concerns amid rising tensions. This move affects around…
Rebels in Ivory Coast Demand President Implement Peace Accord
Rebels in Ivory Coast are urging President Laurent Gbagbo to fully implement a peace agreement that ended a civil war. Gbagbo has expressed reluctance to…
Rescuers Search for Small Plane Carrying Colombian Cabinet Minister - 2003-02-07
A small plane carrying a Colombian cabinet minister and four other passengers has gone missing in the Andes. Rescuers are actively searching for the aircraft…
Jacques Chirac Warned America Not to Go to War Against Iraq Without a Second Resolution - 2003-02-07
French President Jacques Chirac warned the U.S. against initiating war with Iraq without a second UN resolution, emphasizing the need for diplomatic solutions. This warning…
U.S. Officials: Readiness to Counter Terrorist Attacks Inside the U.S. Increased
U.S. officials have raised the level of readiness to counter potential terrorist attacks, citing increased threats from terrorists planning operations within the country. The State…
Hans Blix: Baghdad Appears to Be Trying to Cooperate with Inspectors - 2003-02-07
Hans Blix reports that Iraq is seemingly trying to cooperate with UN weapons inspectors, although more evidence of cooperation is needed. This development comes as…
Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei Heading to Iraq This Weekend - 2003-02-06
Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei are traveling to Iraq to address concerns over the country's cooperation with UN weapons inspections ahead of a critical report…
UN Secretary-General: Despite Colin Powell's Report, War with Iraq is Avoidable - 2003-02-06
UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan emphasized that war with Iraq is avoidable, despite Colin Powell's report urging cooperation from Baghdad with UN weapons inspectors. This statement…
Concerning Health Status of Several Imprisoned Leaders of the Iranian Student Movement
The health of several imprisoned leaders of the Iranian student movement is deteriorating due to various illnesses. Amir Abbas Fakhravar, an activist who has experienced…
President Bush: America's Space Program Will Continue - 2003-02-05
President Bush reaffirmed the commitment to the U.S. space program during a national mourning ceremony for seven deceased astronauts. The event featured notable figures like…
UN Inspectors Discover Another Empty Chemical Warhead Near Baghdad - 2003-02-05
UN weapons inspectors found another empty chemical warhead near Baghdad, similar to one discovered last month. Colin Powell is set to present new evidence to…
14 Al-Qaeda Prisoners Commit Suicide at U.S. Military Base in Cuba - 2003-02-05
Fourteen Al-Qaeda prisoners have committed suicide at the U.S. military base in Guantanamo, Cuba, with three recent incidents contributing to this total. Human rights organizations…
The President of the United States Will Meet with Australian Prime Minister John Howard Next Monday
President Bush is scheduled to meet with Australian Prime Minister John Howard to discuss key international issues, including Iraq. This meeting underscores Australia's strong alliance…
New Satellite to Soak Up Sun Rays
A new NASA satellite named SORCE has been launched from Florida to study solar radiation and its effects on Earth's climate. This mission aims to…
Britain Allows the United States to Use One of Its Bases - 2003-02-05
Britain has granted the United States permission to use the Fylingdales Air Base as part of a missile defense network. This decision follows a U.S.…
UN Indictment Against Thirty-Two Individuals Including Fifteen Indonesian Soldiers for War Crimes - 2003-02-04
The UN has indicted thirty-two individuals, including fifteen Indonesian soldiers, for war crimes committed during the East Timorese independence movement in 1999. All accused are…
Statement by Parastoo Farahvar and Arash Farahvar Regarding Claims by the Judiciary of the Islamic Republic - 2003-02-04
Parastoo and Arash Farahvar issued a statement rejecting the claims of the Iranian judiciary regarding their parents' murder case, asserting they do not seek retribution…
African Union, consisting of 53 member countries, states that war in Iraq must be avoided - 2003-02-04
The African Union has called for the avoidance of war in Iraq, emphasizing the potential economic repercussions for African nations reliant on Middle Eastern oil.…
Russia: Tourist Visits to the International Space Station Will Be Suspended
Russia has suspended tourist visits to the International Space Station to focus on astronaut replacements and logistics after NASA halted American flights following the Columbia…
President Bush Attends Memorial for Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster Victims - 2003-02-03
President Bush is set to attend a memorial for the Columbia space shuttle disaster victims, which deeply affected both American and international communities, particularly India…
Nazi Baghlari Report: Kurds' Concerns About War - 2003-02-03
The article highlights the concerns of the Kurdish population in northern Iraq regarding potential war against Iraq, emphasizing their fears of losing autonomy and stability.…
Progress Made in Collecting Evidence for Columbia Spacecraft Destruction, but Analysis Will Take Weeks - 2003-02-03
NASA has made progress in understanding the Columbia spacecraft's destruction, which killed seven astronauts, but full analysis will take weeks. Investigators are examining temperature spikes…
NASA Officials See No Reason for International Space Station to Be Uncrewed
NASA officials confirm that the ISS will remain crewed despite the emotional challenges faced by the astronauts following the Columbia disaster. Russian officials express concerns…
Senator Bill Nelson: NASA Advisors Had Warned for Years About Such a Disaster
Senator Bill Nelson criticized NASA for budget issues that compromised safety, claiming he had warned about potential disasters for years. President Bush has called NASA's…
NASA Officials: Parts of All 7 Astronauts' Bodies from Columbia Disaster Found
NASA has confirmed that parts of the bodies of all 7 astronauts from the Columbia disaster have been found. They are working with Israeli officials…
Interview with Dr. Kamran Dadkhah on the Factors Behind Iran's Economic Backwardness - 2003-02-03
Dr. Kamran Dadkhah discusses the economic challenges facing Iran, attributing them to ideological entanglements, lack of transparency, and government policies. He warns that if current…
Journalists Held Hostage by Colombian Leftist Rebels Released - 2003-02-02
Two foreign journalists, Ruth Morris and Scott Dalton, were released by Colombian rebels after being held hostage for over a week. Their capture occurred while…
Memorial Ceremonies Held for Columbia Astronauts - 2003-02-02
Memorial ceremonies were held in the U.S. for the astronauts lost in the Columbia disaster. Global condolences have been sent, particularly from Israel and India,…
Russia Launched an Unmanned Cargo Ship into Space - 2003-02-02
Russia launched an unmanned cargo ship into space following the tragic disintegration of the American shuttle Columbia, which killed seven astronauts. This cargo ship is…
Russia to Reduce Work on Its Space Station Due to Suspension of U.S. Spacecraft Flights and Columbia Disaster - 2003-02-02
Following the Columbia disaster, Russia announced a significant reduction in work on the International Space Station due to the suspension of U.S. spacecraft flights. Russia…
Kalpana Chawla: One of the Two Female Crew Members of the Columbia Space Shuttle
Kalpana Chawla, a celebrated astronaut and one of the two female crew members of the Columbia shuttle, was honored in her hometown of Karnal, India,…
NASA says all seven crew members of the American spacecraft Columbia have died after the spacecraft disintegrated over Texas
NASA confirmed that all seven crew members of the Columbia spacecraft died after it disintegrated over Texas shortly before landing in Florida. This tragic event…
President Bush's Plan to Combat Famine and Hunger - 2003-02-01
President Bush has proposed a significant increase in funding to address global famine and hunger, requesting nearly one billion dollars for emergency aid and an…
Hundreds of Thousands Demonstrate in Ivory Coast Against France - 2003-02-01
Hundreds of thousands protested in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, against a French-backed peace plan intended to end a civil war. They urged President Laurent Gbagbo not…
Russia Prepares to Send Cargo Ship to International Space Station Tomorrow
Russia is set to launch a cargo ship to the International Space Station despite the recent tragedy of the Columbia spacecraft. The Russian Space Agency…