January 2004
Three Islamic Militants Killed in Kashmir
Three Islamic militants were killed in a clash with Indian soldiers in Kashmir. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the region, particularly involving militant groups.…
The Islamic Republic is Considering an American Delegation's Visit to Iran - 2004-01-30
The Islamic Republic is considering a visit by a U.S. Congressional delegation, which would be the first since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This follows a…
7 American Soldiers Killed in Explosion at Weapons Depot in Southern Afghanistan - 2004-01-29
An explosion at a weapons depot in Ghazni province, southern Afghanistan, resulted in the deaths of 7 American soldiers and injuries to 3 others and…
Nigerian Police Arrest Iranian Man on Suspicion of Espionage - 2004-01-29
An Iranian man has been arrested in Nigeria on suspicion of espionage while photographing government buildings, including the Ministry of Defense and the British consulate.…
Rejection of the Election Law Bill by the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran
The Guardian Council has rejected a bill concerning election laws, causing speculation about the upcoming elections on February 20. This decision has sparked reactions within…
Over a Thousand Schools Closed in Southern Thailand
Over a thousand schools in southern Thailand have been closed due to escalating violence between Muslims and Buddhists, resulting in multiple deaths including that of…
French Cabinet Ministers Approve Bill to Ban Hijab in Schools - 2004-01-28
The French cabinet has approved a bill to ban hijabs and other religious symbols in public schools, which will be debated in Parliament next week.…
Senator John Kerry Wins New Hampshire Election - 2004-01-28
Senator John Kerry has won the New Hampshire primary, leading with 39% of the votes. This victory marks a significant step in the Democratic nomination…
Shohreh Aghdashloo Nominated for an Oscar
Shohreh Aghdashloo has received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'House of Sand and Fog.' Ben Kingsley and the film's…
IRNA: Mohammad Khatami Did Not Accept Resignations of Government Officials - 2004-01-27
President Mohammad Khatami rejected the resignations of several senior officials who protested the disqualification of thousands of candidates for upcoming elections. This situation highlights tensions…
Governor of Kerman: Investigations into Recent Clashes in Khatunabad Have Begun
Investigations have begun into violent clashes in Khatunabad, resulting in 4 deaths and 25 injuries, sparked by protests from workers at a copper smelting plant…
Trial of Second Suspect in Jakarta Marriott Hotel Bombing Begins
The trial of Muhammad Rais, accused of aiding the 2003 Marriott Hotel bombing in Jakarta, has commenced. The bombing resulted in the deaths of 12…
Under the Microscope: Rejection of the Urgent Three-Article Bill by the Guardian Council
The Guardian Council has rejected an urgent three-article bill proposed by the Iranian Parliament. Dr. Alireza Nourizadeh discusses this rejection and comments on U.S. Vice…
Clashes Between Security Forces and Protesters in Kerman Province - 2004-01-26
Clashes occurred in Babak city, Kerman province, resulting in 4 deaths and 20 injuries during protests by workers over job losses at a copper smelting…
Report from Shahid: Reflections on the Latest News Regarding the Sit-in of Iranian Parliament Representatives - 2004-01-22
Iranian parliament representatives are currently engaged in a sit-in, with discussions surrounding potential resignations. This situation involves the Islamic Consultative Assembly and reflects ongoing political…
Competition Among Democratic Candidates Tightens
The competition among Democratic candidates for the 2004 presidential nomination is intensifying, particularly in New Hampshire. Polls show John Kerry closely trailing Howard Dean, with…
Attack by Hardliners on Reformists' Gathering in Hamedan - 2004-01-22
A gathering of reformists in Hamedan was violently disrupted by hardliners from the Ansar Hezbollah group, resulting in injuries among attendees, including reformist lawmakers. The…
Colin Powell: Islamic Schools Should Avoid Promoting and Teaching 'Hatred'
Colin Powell urged Islamic schools to broaden their curricula and avoid teaching hatred, emphasizing the need for education relevant to the 21st century. He communicated…
Student Publication 'Kavir' Suspended
The student publication 'Kavir' at Shahrekord University has been suspended for six months due to a complaint from the Basij student organization. The suspension raises…
Under the Microscope: Continuation of Sit-ins in the Islamic Consultative Assembly - 2004-01-20
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the ongoing sit-ins in the Iranian Parliament and the efforts of Iranians living abroad to align their positions with those…
Guardian Council Approves Qualifications of About 200 Rejected Candidates
The Guardian Council has reinstated the qualifications of around 200 candidates previously disqualified from the parliamentary elections, following a directive from Ayatollah Khamenei. This decision…
Assistant to the Father of Pakistan's Atomic Bomb Arrested - 2004-01-19
Major Islam-ul-Haq, an assistant to Abdul Qadeer Khan, has been arrested as part of an investigation into the transfer of nuclear information to Iran. This…
On This Day, January 20: Tehran Released American Hostages - 2004-01-19
On January 20, 1981, Iran released 52 American hostages after a prolonged period of captivity, coinciding with the inauguration of President Reagan. This event marked…
Life and Progress in America: Ms. Mosley Braun, Candidate for the Presidency of the United States - 2004-01-18
The article discusses Ms. Mosley Braun's candidacy for the U.S. presidency in 2004, highlighting her life and achievements. This is significant as she was one…
Protests Against France's Decision to Ban Hijab - 2004-01-17
Protests erupted in London and Paris against France's proposed ban on hijabs in public schools, with thousands participating, including veiled women. French President Jacques Chirac…
One Billion Dollar Contract for Oil Field Restoration in Southern Iraq - 2004-01-17
The U.S. military has awarded a significant contract to Halliburton's subsidiary K-B-R for oil field restoration in Iraq, amidst allegations of overcharging. Investigations are underway…
Kayhan's Indifference to Khamenei - 2004-01-15
The conservative newspaper Kayhan has downplayed Ali Khamenei's recent remarks about the disqualification of election candidates, marking a shift in its usual practice of prominently…
Continuation of Sit-in by Reformist Members of the Islamic Consultative Assembly
Reformist members of the Iranian parliament are continuing their sit-in until they can ensure free and fair elections. They welcomed a directive from Ayatollah Khamenei…
Norwegian Court of Appeals Ruling on Detention of Leader of Iraqi Group Ansar al-Islam - 2004-01-14
A Norwegian court has ruled that Mullah Krekar, the leader of Ansar al-Islam, must remain in custody for four more months as investigations into his…
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Reactions to the Disqualification of Candidates for the Seventh Majlis - 2004-01-13
The disqualification of candidates for the Seventh Majlis is eliciting widespread reactions. This situation involves various political factions and civil society in Iran. It is…
Deputy of the Islamic Party of Tajikistan Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison
Shamsuddin Shamsuddinov, deputy of the Islamic Party of Tajikistan, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for organizing an armed gang and other charges.…
Protests by Parliament Representatives as a Clear Example of Election Boycott and Demand for Referendum - 2004-01-13
Islamic Parliament representatives protested against the disqualification of some members by the Guardian Council, leading to calls for an election boycott and a referendum. This…
Talk, Questions and Answers, January 12: Conversation with Dr. Khosrow Akmal - 2004-01-12
On January 12, journalist Parichahr Farzam interviewed Dr. Khosrow Akmal regarding the disqualification of numerous candidates for the Iranian parliament. The discussion was followed by…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Solana's Visit to Iran - 2004-01-12
Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief, visited Iran and met with Islamic Republic leaders, which garnered considerable attention in German media. This visit is…
Arrest of Over 20 Suspects Linked to the Failed Assassination of Pervez Musharraf
A police officer and over 20 suspects have been arrested in Pakistan related to the failed assassination of President Pervez Musharraf. The arrests are linked…
Threat of Resignation by Iranian Governors - 2004-01-12
Governors in Iran have threatened to resign if the disqualification of 80 reformist lawmakers is not reconsidered. This situation arises from the Guardian Council's decision,…
Sunday Night Phone Program, January 11: Conversation with Dr. Manoochehr Ganji - 2004-01-11
Dr. Manoochehr Ganji discussed key domestic and foreign policy issues in Iran, including the proposed capital change and the disqualification of reformist candidates ahead of…
Explosion in a Crowded Cafe in Indonesia - 2004-01-10
An explosion in a crowded cafe in Palopo, Indonesia, resulted in at least two deaths and three injuries. The incident is part of a troubling…
Four Mild Earthquakes Terrify Residents of Khuzestan Province
Four mild earthquakes struck Khuzestan province, causing fear among residents but no reported damages or casualties. This follows a history of seismic activity in the…
Flood in Southern Iran - January 10, 2004
A flood in southern Iran has resulted in at least one death, with a 16-year-old boy's body recovered from the waters. Local officials are seeking…
Hezbollah Rally Against Renaming Khaled Islambouli Street
Hezbollah supporters in Tehran protested the renaming of Khaled Islambouli Street to Intifada, which they view as a concession to improving Iran-Egypt relations. The name…
Iranian Cinema in Exile, Report by Mohammad Reza Shahid - 2004-01-09
Javad Dadestan announced a collection of 240 films from exiled Iranian cinema, highlighting the lack of global attention towards opposition cinema. This collection features works…
Protests in Front of the French Embassy in Beirut - 2004-01-08
Thousands of Muslim women and girls protested in Beirut against France's proposed ban on headscarves in public schools. The protest was organized by Hezbollah and…
57-Year-Old Man Rescued After 13 Days Under Rubble in Bam
A 57-year-old man was rescued after being trapped for 13 days under rubble in Bam following an earthquake. He survived due to access to water,…
Amputation of Hand as a Vow Fulfillment!
A 70-year-old farmer in Nishapur amputated his hand to fulfill a vow after his wish was granted. He was successfully treated and underwent surgery to…
More than 24 small earthquakes shake southwestern Iran
Over 24 small earthquakes have struck southwestern Iran, particularly in Khuzestan province, causing public fear of a major quake like the one that destroyed Bam.…
Jacques Chirac Defended the Ban on Headscarves in French Schools - 2004-01-07
French President Jacques Chirac defended a law banning headscarves in public schools, emphasizing the separation of religion and state. This has sparked controversy, particularly among…
Rescue and Relief Operations in Bam Should Not Have Been Handed Over to the Military
Dr. Nourbala, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent, criticized the decision to hand over rescue operations in Bam to the military, arguing it undermined…
French Police Arrest at Least 5 Suspected Militants
French police have arrested at least 5 suspected militants in Lyon as part of an investigation into links between extremist groups and Chechen separatists. The…
Leader of Ansar al-Islam Detained in Norway Temporarily Released
Mullah Karkar, the leader of Ansar al-Islam, was temporarily released in Norway after being arrested in connection with a suicide attack in Iraq. The prosecution's…
Release of an Islamic Militant Leader Ordered by a Court in Norway - 2004-01-05
A Norwegian court has ordered the release of Mullah Krekar, leader of the Islamic militant group Ansar al-Islam, but he will remain in detention pending…
Egypt's Request to Iran to Change the Name of Khalid Islambouli Street
Egypt has requested Iran to change the name of a street honoring Khalid Islambouli, Sadat's assassin, as a condition for restoring diplomatic relations severed in…
Iran Prepares Satellite for Launch into Space
Iran's Minister of Defense announced plans to launch a domestically made satellite and rocket within 18 months. This initiative marks Iran's ambition to become the…
Minister of Information and Security of the Islamic Republic and the Reason for Rejecting the High-Level American Delegation - 2004-01-03
Iran's Minister of Information, Ali Younesi, announced that the country declined a U.S. offer to send a high-level aid delegation due to America's failure to…
Tension at Azad University of Mashhad - 2004-01-03
Tensions erupted at Azad University of Mashhad after the Islamic Students Association held a conference, leading to confrontations with Basij members who accused the speakers…
97-Year-Old Woman from Bam Rescued Alive After 9 Days Under Rubble
A 97-year-old woman was rescued alive after being trapped for nine days under rubble following an earthquake in Bam. Her survival was attributed to being…
Leader of the Islamic extremist group Ansar al-Islam to remain in custody until Monday - 2004-01-03
The leader of Ansar al-Islam, Mullah Kareh Kar, has been ordered to remain in custody by a Norwegian court due to alleged connections with a…
Rescuers Pull Elderly Woman Alive from Rubble of Her Home
Rescuers successfully saved a 97-year-old woman from the rubble in Bam, eight days after a devastating earthquake. The Iranian government plans to invest over $2…
Norwegian Officials Arrest Leader of an Extremist Muslim Group in Iraq - 2004-01-03
Norwegian police arrested Mullah Krekar, a leader of the extremist group Ansar al-Islam, in connection with suicide attacks in northern Iraq. This arrest is significant…
Afghans, American Officials, and UN Representatives Hold Closed-Door Talks
Afghan leaders, after a deadlock in constitutional negotiations, held closed-door talks with American and UN officials to resolve their differences. Interim President Hamid Karzai advocates…
Under the Microscope: March 1st Elections for the Seventh Islamic Consultative Assembly; Islamic Government Websites Against Reformists
The article discusses the upcoming elections for the Islamic Consultative Assembly and highlights a request from 140 lawmakers to curb internet propaganda against reformist figures.…
Secret Meeting of Afghan Leaders with US and UN Officials - 2004-01-02
Afghan leaders met secretly with US and UN officials to resolve a deadlock over a new constitution draft. Hamid Karzai supports a strong presidential system,…
Ongoing Clashes in the Unrest-Prone Shkin Region of Afghanistan - 2004-01-01
Recent clashes in the Shkin region of Afghanistan have resulted in the deaths of at least three insurgents and injuries to three American soldiers. The…
Air Links Between Pakistan and India Resumed After Two Years Suspension - 2004-01-01
Air travel between Pakistan and India has resumed after a two-year suspension, initiated by a Pakistan International Airlines flight landing in New Delhi. This development…
Three Islamic Militants Killed in Clash with American Soldiers Along Pakistan Border
Three Islamic militants were killed in clashes with U.S. soldiers near the Pakistan border, with three American soldiers also injured. This incident highlights ongoing violence…