December 2002
The U.S. Condemns the Killing of 3 American Religious Missionaries in Yemen
Three American religious missionaries were killed in Yemen by a suspected Islamic extremist while they were providing humanitarian aid. The U.S. government is working with…
Search for Those Responsible for the Assassination of Three American Philanthropic Doctors - 2002-12-31
Three American doctors providing humanitarian aid in Yemen were assassinated by a terrorist. The U.S. government has pledged to hold the perpetrators accountable and is…
United Nations Calls for Acceptance of Refugees in Europe
The United Nations has called on European nations to help reduce the refugee burden on Britain by accepting some refugees into their own communities. This…
Hundreds of Thousands of Opposition Supporters Protest in Caracas, Venezuela - 2002-12-30
Hundreds of thousands of opposition supporters protested in Caracas during a general strike aimed at ousting President Hugo Chávez. The strike has resulted in severe…
Three American Doctors Assassinated in Yemen
Three American doctors were shot and killed by an Islamic militant in a charity hospital in Yemen. The attacker entered the hospital disguised as a…
Publication of Vatican Documents Regarding Vatican-Germany Relations Before World War II - 2002-12-29
The Vatican is set to publish documents detailing its relations with Germany from 1922 to 1939, with a focus on the Catholic Church's knowledge of…
New March Against Hugo Chavez Planned
In Venezuela, opposition leaders are organizing a march against President Hugo Chavez amid a debilitating strike that has caused significant fuel shortages. The opposition argues…
Saudi Arabia Privately Allowed Use of Its Airspace and Bases - 2002-12-29
Saudi Arabia has privately granted the U.S. military access to its airspace and bases in case of war with Iraq, primarily for support operations. U.S.…
Turkey Still Indecisive About U.S. Military Operations Against Iraq - 2002-12-27
Turkey is currently undecided about joining U.S. military operations in Iraq, pending a UN approval. Tayyip Erdogan has stated that Turkey will take its time…
In Venezuela, Government and Striking Workers Strengthen Their Positions - 2002-12-27
Nationwide strikes in Venezuela are intensifying as the government rejects demands from striking oil workers for job security and President Hugo Chavez's resignation. The strikes,…
Peace Talks Between Sudanese Government and Main Rebel Group Representatives - 2002-12-27
High-ranking officials from the Sudanese government are meeting with representatives of the main southern rebel group in Nigeria to negotiate an end to a 19-year…
Pope John Paul II's Message for Christmas - 2002-12-26
Pope John Paul II and President Bush both delivered Christmas messages emphasizing the need for peace in the Middle East and urging global cooperation to…
Venezuelan Opposition Calls for More Widespread Strikes - 2002-12-26
The Venezuelan opposition has called for more strikes on the 25th day of a general strike in Caracas, urging supporters to prepare for further demonstrations…
President Bush: The True Message of Christmas is Commitment to Helping the Needy and Bringing Hope to the Despairing - 2002-12-25
President Bush celebrated Christmas with his family at Camp David and delivered a message emphasizing the importance of helping the needy and spreading hope. He…
Pope's Annual Message - 2002-12-25
Pope John Paul II called for an end to violence in the Middle East during his Christmas message, urging peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The…
Pope John Paul II Celebrates Christmas for the Twenty-Fifth Consecutive Year - 2002-12-24
Pope John Paul II is set to celebrate Christmas for the twenty-fifth consecutive year, despite his health challenges. This event is significant as it draws…
Venezuelan Government Attempts to End General Strike by Force - 2002-12-24
The Venezuelan government is using force to end a general strike that has severely impacted oil production, reducing it by 90%. This strike is part…
Christmas Celebrations in Asia - December 24, 2002
Christians globally celebrate Christmas amid heightened security due to fears of terrorist attacks. In Indonesia, extensive police presence is noted, while in Bethlehem, celebrations are…
Delay of Palestinian Legislative Elections Until Israeli Withdrawal from Re-Occupied West Bank Settlements - 2002-12-23
The Palestinian leadership has postponed legislative elections originally set for January due to Israeli re-occupation of key settlements in the West Bank. This decision comes…
Foreigners Leave Venezuela as Violence Escalates - 2002-12-22
As violence escalates in Venezuela, foreigners are being urged to leave the country amidst a continuing general strike by oil workers. The opposition plans to…
Six Gulf Cooperation Council Countries Conclude Their First Round of Talks
The six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council held their first round of talks in Doha, focusing on unity and the UN's role in…
Order to Arrest Disruptors in Ending General Strike in Venezuela - 2002-12-22
Hugo Chavez has ordered the arrest of anyone disrupting efforts to end a three-week general strike that has severely impacted Venezuela's oil production. The strike,…
Philippines Announces Unilateral Ceasefire with Communist Rebels - 2002-12-21
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo declared a unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels, but the rebels have rejected it and plan to continue their fight. This annual…
OPEC Oil Production Will Increase in Case of War with Iraq - 2002-12-21
Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members are prepared to increase oil production in response to potential war with Iraq, aiming to stabilize oil prices. This…
President Bush's Message on the Opening of the New Persian Radio 'Farda' December 20, 2002
President Bush welcomed the opening of the new Persian radio station 'Farda' and emphasized the need for more uncensored information for the Iranian people. He…
End of London Conference Delayed by One Day - 2002-12-20
The London conference aimed at discussing the future of Iraq concluded after an additional day of deliberations, with all opposition factions agreeing on the need…
Assassination of a New Member of the Kashmir Assembly by Islamic Extremists - 2002-12-20
A new member of the Kashmir Assembly, Abdulaziz Mir, was assassinated by Islamic extremists after leaving a mosque in Pampore. This incident highlights ongoing violence…
The U.S. Will Officially Respond to Baghdad's Weapons Declaration Today - 2002-12-19
The U.S. government is set to officially respond to Iraq's weapons declaration, which claims no prohibited weapons exist in the country. Key figures involved include…
In Ivory Coast, Rebels Take Major City from Government Forces - 2002-12-19
Rebels in Ivory Coast have captured the city of Man from government forces amid ongoing conflict. Amnesty International has condemned both sides for human rights…
Congo Peace Agreement Signed After Months of Negotiation - 2002-12-18
The Congo peace agreement was signed in Pretoria to end a four-year civil war, with political factions committing to respect it. The agreement involves power-sharing…
Bill to Lift Ban on Satellite Dishes in Iran
The Iranian reformist parliament has passed a bill to legalize satellite dishes, which were previously banned and widely ignored. This change allows for the broadcasting…
Alliance of Leaders of Opposition Groups Against Saddam - 2002-12-17
Iraqi opposition leaders met in London to form a united front against Saddam Hussein, establishing a 65-member committee to oversee the country after his expected…
Seizure of an Oil Tanker in Venezuela - 2002-12-16
Hugo Chavez has ordered the seizure of an oil tanker to counter an opposition strike affecting Venezuela's oil industry. He vows to end the strike…
Third Week of General Strike in Venezuela - 2002-12-16
Venezuela is experiencing a general strike against President Hugo Chavez, now in its third week, with opposition leaders expanding protests. Chavez has vowed to suppress…
Knowledge and Society: The Inspiring Story of Christopher Reeve - 2002-12-16
Christopher Reeve, after a horse riding accident that left him paralyzed, shifted his focus from acting to advocating for more research into brain and spinal…
Under the Microscope: The Right-Wing Conspiracy to Marginalize Reformists and Seize Power - 2002-12-16
The article discusses a right-wing conspiracy to undermine the reformist government in Iran by rejecting President Khatami's proposals and aligning with Ayatollah Khamenei. It also…
Bill Clinton's Appearance Alongside Sophia Loren for Charity - 2002-12-16
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton appeared alongside actress Sophia Loren for a charity event, as reported by Voice of America from Paris. This event highlights…
British Officials: The Content of Iraq's Report is Very Regrettable - 2002-12-16
British officials express regret over Iraq's report on its weapons, highlighting significant omissions that could affect Iraq's ability to avoid war. The report does not…
Interview with Mr. Nourizadeh Regarding the Results of the Gathering of Saddam's Opponents - 2002-12-16
The article features an interview with Mr. Nourizadeh discussing the outcomes of a gathering of groups opposing Saddam Hussein. This event is significant as it…
Oswaldo Paya Granted Permission to Leave Cuba
Oswaldo Paya, a prominent Cuban dissident, has been granted permission by the Cuban government to travel to Europe to receive the Sakharov Prize for Freedom…
Israel Will Not Allow Yasser Arafat to Travel to Bethlehem This Christmas Either - 2002-12-15
Israel has decided to prevent Yasser Arafat from traveling to Bethlehem during Christmas for security reasons. This decision has been criticized as a violation of…
Continuation of the Iraqi Opposition Conference to Propose a Transitional Government - 2002-12-15
Iraqi opposition leaders are meeting in London to propose a transitional government to replace Saddam Hussein. They are advocating for a coordinating committee to unify…
Iraqi Opposition Aims to Establish a Democratic Government After Saddam Hussein - 2002-12-15
Iraqi opposition leaders in London plan to create a democratic government after Saddam Hussein's removal, aiming for a representative and accountable administration. However, they face…
Negotiations Among Leaders of Saddam's Opponents Regarding Future Government Continue
Opposition leaders to Saddam Hussein are meeting in London to discuss the future government of Iraq post-Saddam. They agree on establishing a democratic government but…
Under the Microscope: The Islamic Regime's Game with Nuclear Power - 2002-12-14
The article discusses why the Islamic regime of Iran is pursuing nuclear power despite its abundant natural gas resources. It includes an interpretation by Michael…
Protests in Copenhagen Against EU Expansion and Global Inequality - 2002-12-14
Thousands protested in Copenhagen against EU expansion and U.S. threats of military action against Iraq. The demonstration coincided with a summit of EU leaders inviting…
Turkey's Membership in the European Union Postponed to Next Year
Turkey's EU membership talks have been delayed until next year, with hopes to start negotiations in 2004 following an agreement among EU leaders. This development…
Iraqi Opposition Groups Hold Conference in London
Iraqi opposition groups convened in London to strategize for a post-Saddam Iraq, focusing on transitioning to democracy. Around 350 representatives from six groups participated, despite…
EU Aid Proposal Request - 2002-12-13
The EU has urged 10 candidate countries to accept a new aid proposal to facilitate its expansion. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen emphasized that…
EU Expansion Talks in Denmark - 2002-12-13
The European Union summit focusing on its expansion has started in Copenhagen under heightened security. The event is reported by Nasrin Mahdavi from Voice of…
The News of Kennedy's Death Spread Quickly Around the World and Saddened the People
The article discusses the global reaction to the death of John F. Kennedy, highlighting the widespread mourning in cities like Paris, Berlin, and London. Kennedy's…
Interview with Mr. Amir Taheri - 2002-12-13
Nazi Baghlari interviewed Amir Taheri about an upcoming conference for Iraqi opposition groups in London. This event is significant as it highlights the dynamics of…
EU Summit in Denmark - 2002-12-12
The EU Summit in Copenhagen invited ten countries to join the Union in 2004, aiming to unify a historically divided continent. Key discussions included financial…
General Strike in Venezuela Enters Its Eleventh Day
A general strike in Venezuela has reached its eleventh day, with ongoing negotiations between the government and opposition. Cesar Gaviria warns of potential violence if…
OPEC Oil Production Cut - 2002-12-12
OPEC has decided to cut oil production by up to 1.7 million barrels per day to stabilize high prices amid concerns of conflict in the…
Captain of an Oil Ship Arrested in Connection with Venezuela Strikes - 2002-12-11
The captain of an oil ship has been arrested by the Venezuelan Navy amid ongoing nationwide strikes that have paralyzed the country for ten days.…
Loan Allocation to Afghanistan - 2002-12-11
The Asian Development Bank has approved a $150 million loan for Afghanistan aimed at revitalizing its economy. This development is reported by Nazi Bagheri from…
Israeli Forces Kill Palestinian Activist in Gaza
Israeli forces killed Palestinian activist Osama Badra and arrested over twelve others in Gaza. This incident highlights ongoing tensions and violence in the region, particularly…
Preparations for the European Union Leaders' Summit - 2002-12-11
The foreign ministers of the European Union convened in Brussels to prepare for an upcoming leaders' summit. This meeting is significant as it sets the…
Saudi Arabia Asks Other OPEC Members to Reduce Oil Production
Saudi Arabia is urging OPEC members to cut oil production by 8% to avert a significant drop in oil prices. This request comes from Oil…
Donald Rumsfeld's Visit to the Horn of Africa - 2002-12-11
U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld visited the Horn of Africa to stress the significance of combating terrorism. He met with officials in Ethiopia and…
Fishermen Protest EU Plan to Reduce Fishing Quotas
Fishermen from several European countries protested by blocking ports in France and Belgium against the EU's proposed 79% reduction in fishing quotas. This action highlights…
Union Ministers Have Unifiedly Supported the Proposal from France and Germany - 2002-12-10
European Union foreign ministers are discussing the union's expansion and Turkey's potential membership. Joschka Fischer, the German Foreign Minister, confirmed unanimous support for a proposal…
Regarding the Visit of the President of Israel to Germany - 2002-12-10
Moshe Katsav, the President of Israel, visited Germany, which sparked demonstrations from both supporters and opponents of Israeli policies in the Middle East. This visit…
The Fox and His Friends
Franz Bieberkopf, a carnival performer, wins a lottery and attracts the attention of a bourgeois homosexual named Eugene, who becomes his lover for financial gain.…
Venezuela's General Strike Enters Its Second Week
Venezuela's general strike has entered its second week, causing panic buying and gasoline shortages as the oil industry is largely shut down. Opposition leaders are…
Iraq Calls on Arabs to Attack US Forces in Kuwait - 2002-12-09
Iraq's parliament has urged Arabs to attack US troops in Kuwait, framing it as a duty for believers. This comes in response to a rejection…
Bangladesh Police Detain Twenty-One in Connection with Yesterday's Explosions
Following deadly explosions in Bangladesh that killed seventeen and injured over two hundred, police have detained twenty-one individuals, including notable opposition figures. The lack of…
King of Jordan: Violent Acts Have No Relation to 'Jihad'
King Abdullah of Jordan published an article urging Muslims worldwide to embrace tolerance and reject extremism, asserting that violent acts are not representative of true…
Kenyan President Calls for Investment in His Country - 2002-12-07
Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi is seeking Western investment to boost his country's economy and security, following a recent suicide bombing in Mombasa. He met…
Turkey's EU Membership Bid Delayed at the Suggestion of France and Germany - 2002-12-06
France and Germany have suggested delaying Turkey's EU membership application review until 2004, with a focus on Turkey's progress in human rights and democracy. Turkish…
European Union Leaders' Summit Next Week in Denmark - 2002-12-06
The European Union leaders are set to meet in Denmark next week to address environmental issues and prevent future disasters. This summit highlights the EU's…
Kenyan Police Crack Down on Refugees Under the Pretext of Recent Explosions - 2002-12-06
Kenyan police are targeting refugees from Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing recent bombings as justification. Human Rights Watch condemns these…
Four Kilograms of Explosives Discovered in One of Kabul's Largest Mosques - 2002-12-05
Four kilograms of explosives were found in a major mosque in Kabul shortly before Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The Afghan Interior Minister announced this discovery, highlighting…
American Forces Attacked in Afghanistan - 2002-12-03
American forces in Afghanistan were attacked by armed assailants near Jalalabad. No American casualties were reported, and air support was requested to pursue the attackers.…
Trial of Four Individuals in the Netherlands for Involvement in a Terrorist Group
Four men are on trial in the Netherlands for allegedly plotting attacks against American targets in Europe shortly after 9/11. The group is believed to…
Russia has not yet received a request regarding the assassination of the President of Turkmenistan
The Russian Attorney General's office announced it has not received any request from Turkmenistan regarding an assassination plot against President Saparmurat Niyazov. Niyazov survived an…
Israeli Officials Forced Ethiopian Passenger Plane to Land at Military Airport in Southern Israel - 2002-12-01
Israeli officials diverted an Ethiopian passenger plane to a military airport due to security concerns about the Ethiopian airport. This decision was made following recent…
Crew of 'Endeavour' Spending Last Day at International Space Station
The crew of the Endeavour shuttle is concluding their mission at the International Space Station and preparing to return to Earth. They are transferring supplies…