May 2004
Nasrin Mahdavi's Report: Approaching Deadline for IAEA Decision
The International Atomic Energy Agency is nearing a decision on Iran's nuclear activities, prompting increased reactions and efforts from the Iranian government. This situation is…
Intense Battle Between Saudi Security Forces and Islamic Militants - 2004-05-30
An intense battle has erupted in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, where Islamic militants have taken over 50 hostages after attacking oil facilities, resulting in at least…
The Hostage Crisis in Khobar Ends with the Arrest of the Kidnappers
A hostage crisis in Khobar, Saudi Arabia, involving fifty foreign nationals taken by Islamic extremists, ended with a military assault resulting in nine deaths and…
Interview with Abdollah Momeni Regarding the Central Council Elections of the Office for Strengthening Unity - 2004-05-30
Abdollah Momeni discussed the recent elections of the Central Council of the Office for Strengthening Unity, the largest student organization in Iran, and the recognition…
Helicopter Crash Carrying Officials from Qazvin Province
A rescue helicopter carrying Qazvin officials crashed while attempting to reach earthquake-hit areas, killing six people including the governor. The crash occurred after a strong…
Reversal of Death Sentence for Hashem Aghajari - 2004-05-29
The Iranian judiciary is moving to reverse the death sentence of Hashem Aghajari, a university professor who criticized clerics. Abdolreza Izadpanah announced that the Supreme…
Nazi Baghlari: Interview with the Spokesperson for UN Refugee Affairs in Geneva - 2004-05-28
A group of Palestinian refugees is returning to Iraq due to dire conditions, while many Iranian Kurds remain stranded in difficult circumstances at the Jordan-Iraq…
Two Japanese Journalists Killed South of Baghdad - 2004-05-28
Two Japanese freelance journalists were killed in an attack while returning from Samawah, near Baghdad. Their deaths have not been confirmed by Japanese officials, and…
Explosives Discovered Near NATO Conference Venue in Slovakia
Explosives were found near the venue of a NATO conference in Bratislava, Slovakia, where lawmakers from NATO countries will meet for five days. This discovery…
Under the Microscope: The First Session of the Seventh Islamic Consultative Assembly and Muqtada al-Sadr's Proposal for Withdrawal - 2004-05-27
The first session of the seventh Islamic Consultative Assembly was held, where Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh analyzed the proceedings and Muqtada al-Sadr's suggestion to withdraw…
One Killed and 30 Injured in Karachi Car Bomb Explosions - 2004-05-27
Two car bomb explosions in Karachi resulted in one death and 30 injuries, with police suspecting Islamist militants. The attacks occurred shortly after the arrest…
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…
Nasrin Mahdavi Report: Activities of Islamic Terrorists Intensified in Germany - 2004-05-24
The German Federal Intelligence Service has reported an increase in subversive activities by Islamic terrorists and extremists. This development raises concerns about security in Germany…
Attack by Unknown Assailants on Military Vehicle in Southwestern Pakistan - 2004-05-24
An attack in Quetta, Pakistan, resulted in at least 14 injuries when assailants threw a grenade at a military vehicle. The injured primarily included police…
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,…
Islamabad Protests American Soldiers' Incursion into Pakistani Territory - 2004-05-21
Islamabad has lodged a protest against the U.S. for a military incursion into Pakistan's territory, which occurred during a search for al-Qaeda and Taliban suspects.…
In a Bomb Explosion in Southern Afghanistan, One Police Officer and Three Statistics Department Employees Were Injured - 2004-05-20
A bomb explosion in Khost province, Afghanistan, injured one police officer and three employees of the Central Statistics Department. The attack is attributed to Islamic…
Statement by Amnesty International Regarding Torture by Thai Police and Army - 2004-05-18
Amnesty International has demanded an independent investigation into allegations of excessive force, extrajudicial killings, and torture by Thai security forces against insurgents in southern Thailand.…
Arrest of a Senior Official from an Islamic Extremist Group by Chadian Rebels - 2004-05-18
Chadian rebels have arrested Amari Sifi, a senior official of an Islamic extremist group linked to the kidnapping of European tourists. This arrest follows an…
Nasrin Mahdavi Report: German PEN Association Calls for Freedom of Iranian Journalists and Writers - 2004-05-17
The German PEN Association held its annual congress, where it called for the release of Iranian writers and journalists from the Islamic Republic regime. This…
Colin Powell: I Wish Arab Governments Had Condemned the Killers of Nicholas Berg More Strongly
Colin Powell criticized Arab governments for not condemning the beheading of American contractor Nicholas Berg more forcefully. He noted that while some Arab nations condemned…
Approval of Bill Granting Voting Rights and Candidacy for Kuwaiti Women - 2004-05-17
The Kuwaiti cabinet has approved a bill allowing women to vote and run for parliament, pending the Emir's signature. This marks a significant step in…
13 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Recent Clashes in Gaza City - 2004-05-16
Recent clashes in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of 13 Israeli soldiers and injuries to at least 4 Palestinians due to Israeli helicopter attacks.…
Composition of Iran's National Freestyle and Greco-Roman Wrestling Teams for the U.S. Trip Announced
Iran's national wrestling teams for the upcoming 'Titan' tournament in Atlanta have been officially announced. The teams include notable wrestlers across various weight categories and…
Aghajari's Lawyer is Confident that the Supreme Court of the Islamic Republic of Iran Will Overturn His Client's Death Sentence
Hashim Aghajari, sentenced to death for questioning the political power of Iranian clerics, is represented by lawyer Saleh Nikbakht, who believes the Supreme Court will…
Withdrawal of 'Lizard' from Iranian Cinemas - 2004-05-16
The Iranian film 'Lizard' has been withdrawn from cinemas following pressure from religious leaders. Producer Manoochehr Mohammadi announced the decision after initial bans in a…
Statement from Al-Qaeda Leadership in Saudi Arabia - 2004-05-15
Al-Qaeda's leadership in Saudi Arabia claims to support militants fighting U.S. forces in Iraq and takes responsibility for a recent attack in Yanbu that killed…
Washington Newspapers May 15, 2004
On May 15, 2004, Washington newspapers highlighted a marriage between a Muslim man and a Catholic woman, which prompted a warning from the Vatican. The…
Israeli Helicopter Attacks Target in Gaza Strip - 2004-05-15
Israeli helicopters conducted missile strikes in the Gaza Strip, targeting Islamic Jihad leaders and injuring at least four Palestinians. The attacks highlight ongoing tensions and…
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…
At least 30 killed in two days of sectarian violence in northern Nigeria - 2004-05-13
At least 30 individuals were killed in sectarian violence in Kano, Nigeria, with Christian leaders claiming the death toll exceeds 400. The violence is rooted…
Palestinian Witnesses: Israel Kills at Least Seven Palestinians in Missile Attack
In a recent escalation of violence, Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians in Rafah, following the deaths of Israeli soldiers from bomb attacks in…
Five Israeli Soldiers Killed in Bomb Explosion in Gaza Strip - 2004-05-12
Five Israeli soldiers were killed in a bomb explosion in the Gaza Strip, marking the second attack against Israelis in a few days. Palestinian militants…
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…
Arrest of 4 Suspects in Thailand - 2004-05-12
Four suspects have been arrested in Thailand for their involvement in coordinated attacks on police and military facilities in April. The arrests come amid ongoing…
Pakistan Expects the U.S. to Release About 20 Pakistanis from Guantanamo Bay Prison
Pakistan anticipates the release of approximately 20 Pakistani detainees from Guantanamo Bay by the U.S. government. Major General Javad Iqbal Chima confirmed that these individuals…
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…
Coalition Officials Investigate the Death of Nick Berg in Iraq - 2004-05-12
Nick Berg, an American, was kidnapped and beheaded in Iraq, with his murder being showcased in a video by his captors. The U.S. government has…
At least 10 Christians killed in northern Nigeria
In northern Nigeria, at least 10 Christians were killed during clashes that erupted after a Muslim protest against ethnic violence. President Olusegun Obasanjo has called…
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…
An American Beheaded on Camera in Iraq - 2004-05-12
An American contractor, Nick Berg, was beheaded by masked men in Iraq, reportedly as revenge for U.S. mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners. The incident, claimed by…
Under the Microscope: The Story of the Closure of Imam Khomeini Airport - 2004-05-11
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the closure of Imam Khomeini Airport, the awarding of a prize to a parliamentary figure, and legal changes regarding women's…
Interview of Ebrahim Bi Parva with Dr. Mehrdad Mashayekhi - 2004-05-10
A conference titled 'Transition to Democracy' commenced at the University of Tehran, featuring researchers and analysts from diverse political backgrounds. Dr. Mehrdad Mashayekhi emphasized the…
Chechen President Buried in Grozny
Ahmed Kadyrov, the President of Chechnya, was assassinated in a bomb attack during a Victory Day ceremony and was buried the following day. The attack…
Interview with Dr. Nemat Ahmadi Regarding Two New Laws of the Sixth Islamic Consultative Assembly - 2004-05-09
Dr. Nemat Ahmadi discusses two significant laws passed by the Sixth Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran shortly before its term ended. The laws have also…
Five Suspects with Alleged Ties to Al-Qaeda Network Arrested in Italy
Five Tunisians and Algerians were arrested in Florence, Italy, for allegedly recruiting volunteers for suicide bombings in Iraq. They are linked to the illegal group…
Islamic Conservatives Tighten Their Control Over the Islamic Consultative Assembly
Islamic conservatives in Iran have strengthened their dominance in the Islamic Consultative Assembly by winning 37 out of 57 seats in a recent election. Reformists…
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.…
Indian Kashmir Officials: Suspected Muslim Militants Kill Politician
Suspected Muslim militants killed a politician and injured three women in Kashmir during two separate attacks. The incidents occurred ahead of general elections, raising concerns…
Shiite Leaders Reject Sadr
Iraq's influential Shiite leaders have rejected Muqtada al-Sadr's militia and called for its withdrawal from holy cities. They aim to restore power to Iraqi police…
American Soldiers Enter Najaf - 2004-05-06
American soldiers have entered Najaf, increasing pressure on Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr amid ongoing violence. Heavy fighting has resulted in numerous casualties, and a video…
Rebellious Leader of Autonomous Republic of Adjara in Georgia Escapes
Aslan Abashidze, the leader of Adjara, has resigned and fled Georgia, leading to celebrations among the local population. His departure follows tensions with President Mikhail…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with Moslem Mansouri on Underground Cinema in Iran - 2004-05-05
The article features an interview with Moslem Mansouri discussing the state of underground cinema in Iran. This highlights the challenges and creativity of filmmakers operating…
Under the Microscope: Upholding the Death Sentence of Aghajari - Approval of the Chief Justice's Circular in Parliament - 2004-05-04
The article discusses the confirmation of the death sentence for Aghajari and the approval of a circular from the Chief Justice in the Iranian Parliament.…
Iran's Islamic Consultative Assembly Approves Law Prohibiting Torture in Prisons
Iran's parliament has enacted a law banning torture in prisons, enhancing prisoner rights. Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi emphasized the need for humane treatment of detainees.…
80 Killed in Sectarian Violence Between Christians and Muslims in Nigeria
At least 80 people were killed in recent sectarian violence in Nigeria between Christians and Muslims, particularly in Yelwa. The violence was sparked by a…
Pas Tehran Wins the Iranian Premier Club Football Championship
Pas Tehran has clinched the championship title of the Iranian Premier Club Football League, finishing with 53 points after a decisive victory over Esteghlal Ahvaz.…
Research Findings: Muslims in America Face Harassment - 2004-05-04
A study by CAIR reveals that harassment of Muslims in America has significantly increased, with complaints rising from 602 in 2002 to 1,019 in 2003.…
Turkish Court Charges 9 Bombing Suspects - 2004-05-04
A Turkish court has charged 9 suspects linked to a bombing plot against the NATO summit in Istanbul. They are believed to be members of…
Interview with Dr. Mehrdad Darvishpour Regarding the Bloody Clashes in Baluchistan - 2004-05-03
A violent clash in Saravan, Baluchistan, resulted in over 20 protesters and 2 police officers dead, with hundreds arrested. Dr. Mehrdad Darvishpour analyzes the incident's…
Smarty Jones Wins the Kentucky Derby - 2004-05-03
Smarty Jones won the Kentucky Derby, marking a significant achievement as the first undefeated horse to win since 1977. This victory positions Smarty Jones as…
Production of Benz Cars in Beijing - 2004-05-03
Daimler-Chrysler has secured approval from the Chinese government to produce Benz cars in Beijing, announced after a meeting between Juergen Schrempp and Prime Minister Wen…
Arrest of 25 Islamic Militants in Turkey - 2004-05-03
Turkish police arrested 25 Islamic militants planning a bombing at the upcoming NATO summit in Istanbul. The arrests included 16 suspects in Bursa and 9…
US Military Commander in the Middle East: Islamic Countries Should Send Forces to Iraq
General John Abizaid has urged Islamic nations to contribute troops to the US-led coalition in Iraq, emphasizing the need for international military involvement. He identified…