December 2002
Saudi Arabia Assures the U.S. It Can Use Its Bases in Case of War with Iraq - 2002-12-30
Saudi Arabia has given private assurances to U.S. officials that American forces can utilize its bases for military operations if a conflict arises with Iraq.…
Interview with Ali Kashtgar, Director of the Mahaan Magazine - 2002-12-30
Ali Kashtgar discusses the current political climate in Iran, drawing parallels to the early 1980s and analyzing the implications of recent political developments, including the…
Fire in a Prison in Iran Leaves 27 Dead and 50 Injured - 2002-12-30
A fire in a prison in northern Iran resulted in 27 deaths and 50 injuries. The incident is believed to have been caused by an…
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.…
Expansion of Al Jazeera Activities - 2002-12-28
Al Jazeera is set to expand its reach by launching an English-language website and plans to start English broadcasts by 2004. This expansion follows its…
Over 100 UN Weapons Inspectors Continue Searches in Iraq - 2002-12-26
Over 100 UN weapons inspectors are actively searching for banned weapons in Iraq, while Saddam Hussein claims that the U.S. will be surprised by the…
Attack on Church in Pakistan - 2002-12-26
An attack on a church in Lahore, Pakistan, resulted in one death and seven injuries during evening prayers. The assailants were two men in burqas…
Interviews with Iraqi Scientists for the Discovery of Banned Weapons Continue
UN weapons inspectors are actively interviewing Iraqi scientists to find banned weapons, with claims from the scientists that Iraq has none. Saddam Hussein asserts that…
Attack on a Church in Lahore - 2002-12-25
An attack on a church in Lahore resulted in one death and seven injuries during evening prayers. The assailants were two men in burqas who…
Hekmatyar Will Collaborate with Al-Qaeda - December 25, 2002
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, an Afghan insurgent leader, has declared his intention to work with Taliban remnants and Al-Qaeda members. This development raises concerns about the resurgence…
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…
Continued Search for Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction During Christmas - 2002-12-25
UN weapons inspectors conducted searches for Iraq's weapons of mass destruction during Christmas at multiple sites, including military and industrial locations. President Saddam Hussein accused…
Most Muslims in Britain Perceive War on Terror as War Against Islam - 2002-12-23
A recent poll indicates that a majority of Muslims in Britain view the war on terror as a conflict against Islam, with many rejecting the…
Baghdad Challenges Washington to Prove Iraq Has Weapons of Mass Destruction - 2002-12-23
Baghdad has challenged Washington to prove its claims about Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction. General Amir al-Saadi has stated that Iraq will cooperate…
News and Opinions: Please Honk as Much as You Can - 2002-12-23
The radio program 'Chaharsou' discussed the topic of honking, inviting opinions from Iranians worldwide. The host suggested that honking could be a reflection of personal…
Interview with Dr. Saif Rahman Samadi - 2002-12-23
Nazi Baghlari interviewed Dr. Saif Rahman Samadi at the conclusion of a UNESCO conference focused on education in Afghanistan. The discussion highlights the current state…
Preparations for Possible Attack Against Iraq Continue - 2002-12-22
The U.S. military is conducting large-scale maneuvers in the Persian Gulf as preparations for a potential attack on Iraq intensify. Thousands of troops and armored…
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…
Interview with Dr. Ghasem Shoaleh Saadi, Lawyer and Former Representative of Shiraz - 2002-12-21
Dr. Ghasem Shoaleh Saadi, a former Iranian lawmaker, wrote an open letter to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei that has sparked considerable debate among political opposition…
Under the Microscope: Mr. Rafsanjani's Suspicious Quote from President Bush - 2002-12-20
The article discusses a questionable quote attributed to President George Bush by Iranian politician Hashemi Rafsanjani concerning political assassination. It highlights a disagreement between two…
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…
Leader of an Islamic militant group in the U.S. officially charged
Mousa Abu Marzook, a leader of Hamas, along with his wife and five employees, have been charged in the U.S. for financing terrorism. They are…
Saddam Hussein, Leader of Iraq, Plans to Destroy Oil Fields, Food Supplies, and Power Plants - 2002-12-19
U.S. intelligence reports suggest that Saddam Hussein plans to destroy critical infrastructure in Iraq to prevent an American invasion and may use chemical weapons against…
Signs of Revival Observed in Al-Qaeda Network in Afghanistan
A UN report reveals that Al-Qaeda is experiencing a revival in Afghanistan, with new training camps established and recruits being attracted. Despite the collapse of…
Jack Straw Calls Iraq's Claim of No Weapons of Mass Destruction a Gross Lie - 2002-12-18
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has labeled Iraq's assertion of lacking weapons of mass destruction as a blatant lie, following the submission of a 12,000-page…
Under the Microscope: The Trial of Hossein Ali Ghazian - 2002-12-18
The article discusses the closed trial of Hossein Ali Ghazian, who claims that others, not himself, had access to confidential documents. Additionally, it highlights an…
UN Inspectors to Present Their Assessment on Iraq's Armament Programs Tomorrow - 2002-12-18
UN weapons inspectors are set to assess Iraq's armament programs amid claims from the US about Saddam Hussein's potential nuclear capabilities. Mohamed ElBaradei indicates that…
Interview with Sara Ghafari about Current U.S. Immigration Laws - 2002-12-18
The article features an interview with immigration attorney Sara Ghafari discussing the status of illegal Iranian immigrants in the U.S. and the implications of current…
Annual Christmas Message from Archbishop Michel Sabbah - 2002-12-18
Archbishop Michel Sabbah called for Israeli and Palestinian leaders to resign if they cannot achieve peace in his Christmas message. He emphasized the need for…
Syrian and British Leaders Reach Agreements in London Talks - 2002-12-17
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and British Prime Minister Tony Blair held talks in London, reaching agreements on various issues but maintaining differing views on Iraq.…
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…
Iran's Pursuit of Nuclear Technology Continues to Be a Key Issue in Washington-Moscow Negotiations
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has reiterated concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions during discussions with Russia. Iran insists its nuclear program is for peaceful…
Yasser Arafat's Warning to Bin Laden - 2002-12-16
Yasser Arafat warned Osama Bin Laden against using the Palestinian cause for his terrorist activities during an interview. This interaction highlights the complexities of the…
United Nations Strengthens Its Inspection Teams in Iraq - 2002-12-16
The United Nations has bolstered its inspection teams in Iraq, searching for weapons of mass destruction amidst ongoing U.S. and British airstrikes on Iraqi defenses.…
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…
Meeting of Syrian President with Tony Blair in London - 2002-12-16
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London to discuss the potential U.S. military action against Iraq. Assad warned that…
Hassan Rouhani: Western Criticism of Iran's Nuclear Program is Unfounded - 2002-12-16
Hassan Rouhani defended Iran's nuclear program against Western criticism, asserting it is for peaceful purposes. He highlighted the hypocrisy of the U.S. allowing Israel's nuclear…
Knowledge and Society: Interview with Dr. Ali Samii about Parkinson's Disease - 2002-12-16
Dr. Ali Samii, a neurologist and expert on Parkinson's disease, discusses the condition and the potential benefits of vitamin Q10 in an interview. The conversation…
Interview with Mr. Akram al-Hakim - 2002-12-16
The conference of Saddam Hussein's regime opponents in London has ended, with Mr. Akram al-Hakim discussing its outcomes. This event involved key Iraqi opposition figures…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
UN Weapons Inspection Teams Continue Searches in Baghdad - 2002-12-15
UN weapons inspectors are actively searching sites in Baghdad linked to Iraq's weapons development. Iraqi Foreign Minister Naji Sabri condemns recent US and UK airstrikes,…
Weapons Inspection Teams Visit Sites Around Baghdad Again - 2002-12-15
UN weapons inspection teams are revisiting sites around Baghdad linked to Iraq's weapons development. U.S. and British forces have retaliated against Iraqi artillery fire, escalating…
Reports Indicate Bush Administration Granted CIA Permission to Kill Terrorist Leaders - 2002-12-15
The Bush administration has authorized the CIA to kill terrorist leaders without needing prior presidential approval. This includes a list of nearly twenty-four individuals, prominently…
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…
Science and Society: Who Were the Last Conquerors of the Moon?
The article discusses the first astronauts who landed on the Moon 30 years ago and their lasting impact. It highlights the significance of their achievement…
Opposition Gathering Against Saddam Hussein's Regime in London, Interview with Dr. Nouri Zadeh - 2002-12-14
Opponents of Saddam Hussein's regime have initiated discussions in London about changing the government in Baghdad. The event includes key figures such as journalist Alireza…
Operation Against Terrorist Groups in the Horn of Africa Has Begun - 2002-12-14
The U.S.-led coalition has initiated operations against terrorist groups in Djibouti, a key area for terrorism in the Horn of Africa. General John Sattler leads…
The Ballad of the Little Soldier
The documentary 'The Ballad of the Little Soldier' highlights the plight of the Miskito tribe in Nicaragua during the 1980s under Sandinista rule, showcasing their…
Echoes from a Dark Empire
The article discusses Werner Herzog's documentary 'Echoes from a Dark Empire,' which examines the brutal regime of Central African dictator Jean-Bedel Bokassa. It highlights Bokassa's…
American Actors Oppose War with Iraq - 2002-12-14
American actors have signed a statement opposing the war with Iraq, expressing concerns about the humanitarian impact and potential economic consequences. Notable signatories include Matt…
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…
An Inside Look: Interview with Mohsen Sazgara - 2002-12-13
The article features an interview with Mohsen Sazgara discussing the student movement in Iran. Sazgara, a political expert, shares insights on the current political landscape.…
Under the Microscope: The Resignation of Dr. Mir Mohammad Sadeghi, Spokesman of the Judiciary - 2002-12-13
Dr. Mir Mohammad Sadeghi, the spokesman for the Iranian Judiciary, has resigned, citing concerns about the Judiciary's performance. His resignation coincides with an open letter…
The First Teacher to Go to Space
NASA has announced that Barbara Morgan will be the first teacher to go to space, traveling aboard the Columbia spacecraft in November. She was initially…
Bashar al-Assad: War with Iraq Could Intensify Islamic Terrorism in the Middle East - 2002-12-13
Bashar al-Assad warns that the U.S. war against Iraq could exacerbate Islamic terrorism in the Middle East. He criticizes U.S. peace proposals as biased towards…
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…
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…
A Senior Judicial Official in Iran Resigns
A senior judicial official in Iran resigned in protest against the judiciary's harsh treatment of dissenters, particularly regarding the death sentence for a professor. This…
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…
Ahmad Zakayev Released Until His New Court Hearing
Ahmad Zakayev, a Chechen separatist, has been released on bail by a British court until his next hearing on January 9. He was arrested upon…
Interview with Dr. Sadruddin Elahi - 2002-12-10
Dr. Sadruddin Elahi discusses the works of the famous Persian poet Saadi with a group of Iranians in an interview conducted by Mohammad Qods Razavi.…
Launch of Saudi Opposition Radio - 2002-12-10
A Saudi opposition group has launched a radio station in Europe aimed at criticizing the Saudi royal family. The Islamic Reform Movement claims the station…
Criticism from the Head of a Major Russian Oil Company on the U.S. Plan to Overthrow Saddam - 2002-12-10
Nikolai Tokarev, head of Zarubezhneft, criticized the U.S. plan to overthrow Saddam Hussein, claiming it is driven by a desire for cheaper oil. He noted…
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…
A Senior Oil Official in Venezuela Says the Country is Heading Towards Disaster
Venezuela is facing a crisis as public strikes paralyze oil exports, causing shortages and unrest. Supporters of President Chavez protest media coverage while opponents demand…
Fear Eats the Soul
The article discusses the film 'Fear Eats the Soul' directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, which portrays the unconventional love story between an older German woman…
Hezbollah Leader Calls for New Suicide Terror Attacks Worldwide - 2002-12-09
Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, has called for new suicide attacks globally, encouraging Palestinians to carry out bombings. This statement highlights Hezbollah's ongoing commitment…
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…
Four Reports on the Events of December 7, Student Day in Iran - 2002-12-08
On December 7, 2002, which marks Student Day in Iran, student protests at Tehran University were met with violent repression from government forces. Eyewitnesses and…
President Bush: Time is Needed to Determine the Truthfulness and Honesty of the Iraqi Government
President Bush emphasizes the need for time to assess the Iraqi government's honesty regarding its weapons programs. He warns that failure to comply will lead…
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…
Iraq Claims No Weapons of Mass Destruction in 12,000-Page Report - 2002-12-07
Iraq has presented a comprehensive report to the UN asserting it possesses no weapons of mass destruction, urging the U.S. to acknowledge it. This comes…
American Astronaut and Two Russian Astronauts Return to Earth - 2002-12-07
An American astronaut and two Russian astronauts returned to Earth aboard the Endeavour spacecraft after a six-month mission at the International Space Station. The landing…
Palestinian Officials: Al-Qaeda Members Among Palestinians Are Israeli Agents - 2002-12-07
Palestinian officials allege that Mossad has trained individuals in Gaza to pose as Al-Qaeda members, claiming this is a tactic by Israel to undermine Palestinian…
Under the Microscope: Mr. Khatami Will Not Be Present Among Students on Student Day
Mr. Khatami announced in a press conference that he will not attend the Student Day events on December 7. Additionally, Dr. Shoaleh Saadi, a former…
Bomb Explosion in Southeastern Lebanon - 2002-12-06
A bomb explosion in southeastern Lebanon killed two men, one identified as a drug trafficker and double agent. Local officials suspect Israeli intelligence involvement in…
More than twenty Indonesians arrested in connection with Bali bombing
Indonesian police have arrested over twenty individuals linked to the Bali bombing, including key suspect Imam Samudra. This incident is significant as it highlights ongoing…
NASA's Attempt to Bring the Space Shuttle Back to Earth - 2002-12-06
NASA is trying to land the space shuttle 'Endeavour' today after bad weather delayed its return for two days. The shuttle has enough supplies to…
Saddam Hussein: Support UN Weapons Inspections - 2002-12-05
Saddam Hussein urges Iraqi citizens to support UN weapons inspections amid US claims of Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction. The Bush administration insists on…
Clashes Between Kurds and Islamic Militants - 2002-12-04
Kurdish forces in Iraq faced a surprise attack from Ansar al-Islam, resulting in the deaths of twenty Kurdish fighters. The attack occurred while many soldiers…
Saudi Arabia Distressed by Allegations of Financial Support to Terrorists - 2002-12-04
Saudi Arabia is responding to allegations of insufficient action against funding for terrorism, particularly following claims that charitable donations linked to the Saudi ambassador's wife…
Interview with Dr. Ahmad Madani on the Passing of Admiral Farajollah Rasayi
Admiral Farajollah Rasayi, a former commander of the Iranian Navy, has died. Dr. Ahmad Madani, another former Navy commander, reflects on Rasayi's life and contributions…
Turkey Has Not Committed to Supporting U.S. Actions
U.S. and Turkish officials are negotiating Turkey's role in a potential Iraq conflict, with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz expressing confidence in Turkey's…
Arrest of Suspected Member of Jamaah Islamiyah in Indonesia - 2002-12-04
Indonesian police have arrested Mokhlas, a suspected senior member of Jamaah Islamiyah, along with several others. He is believed to be the successor to a…
Iraq to Submit Its Weapons Program List to the United Nations
Iraq is set to submit a list of its weapons programs to the UN just before a deadline. Hussam Mohammed Amin claims the declaration will…
Interview with Saaduddin Saljuqi, Second Secretary of the Afghan Embassy in Bonn - 2002-12-03
The article features an interview with Saaduddin Saljuqi, the Second Secretary of the Afghan Embassy in Bonn, discussing the Bonn conference. This conference was significant…
Lawyer of Bali Bombing Suspect: My Client Was the Mastermind of the Attack
Imam Samudra's lawyer claims he is the mastermind behind the Bali bombings that killed over 190 people and is facing the death penalty. Samudra has…
President Bush's Warning to Iraq - 2002-12-03
President Bush has issued a warning to Iraq to comply with UN disarmament demands by a Sunday deadline, or face military action. Iraq must submit…
Reconsideration of the Trial of an American-Egyptian Academic
Egypt's highest court has ordered a retrial for Dr. Saad Eddin Ibrahim, an American-Egyptian academic convicted of damaging Egypt's reputation and receiving unauthorized foreign funds.…
U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense: War with Iraq is Not Inevitable - 2002-12-03
Paul Wolfowitz, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, asserts that war with Iraq is not unavoidable, countering claims that an attack would occur if Saddam…
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.…
Britain has published a detailed report on human rights violations in Iraq - 2002-12-02
Britain released a report detailing human rights abuses in Iraq under Saddam Hussein, claiming that his regime has caused significant suffering and mass emigration. Amnesty…
Imam Samudra has confessed to the terrorist act in Bali
Imam Samudra has confessed to being the mastermind behind the recent bombings in Bali, Indonesia, and is awaiting execution. His actions were reportedly motivated by…
Kenyan President Meets President Bush in Washington - 2002-12-02
Kenyan President Daniel arap Moi is meeting with President Bush in Washington to discuss recent terrorist attacks in Kenya. The meeting follows attacks on an…
Hashim Aghajari's Lawyer Appeals Islamic Court Ruling Today
Hashim Aghajari's lawyer has filed an appeal against the death sentence imposed by an Islamic court for criticizing the regime. The case has sparked significant…
Two pieces of bombs used in the explosion at the Israeli hotel in Mombasa have been found - 2002-12-01
Two pieces of bombs from the Mombasa hotel explosion have been discovered, which killed 16 people. The investigation points towards Al-Qaeda's involvement, as stated by…
Iraq: Deadline to Declare Weapons of Mass Destruction is December 8
Iraq has announced it will declare its status regarding weapons of mass destruction by December 8, following a meeting with UN officials. The US has…
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…
Astronauts of 'Endeavour' Conduct Their Final Spacewalk
Astronauts on the 'Endeavour' spacecraft are completing their final spacewalk to resolve a technical issue with a key module for the International Space Station. This…