March 2004
USA: Leader of the Burmese Democracy Movement Must Be Released from Prison
The U.S. calls for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi to allow her participation in a military-proposed constitutional congress in Burma. The U.S. emphasizes…
Senior Hong Kong Official: No Changes to Electoral Policy Will Be Made
A senior Hong Kong official announced that no changes to the electoral policy will occur until the Chinese government decides on the timing for announcing…
The First Group of Two Thousand U.S. Marines Arrives in Afghanistan - 2004-03-31
The first group of 2,000 U.S. Marines has arrived in Afghanistan to assist in capturing Osama bin Laden and other militants. Their deployment will take…
Security Officials in Sudan Arrest an Opposing Islamist Leader
Security officials in Sudan have arrested Hassan al-Turabi, an Islamist opposition leader, following the detention of his party members linked to a failed coup attempt.…
Report by Nazi Baghlari: Interview with Kaveh Ehsani on the Human Rights Resolution Regarding Iran - 2004-03-31
The UN Human Rights Commission is currently meeting in Geneva, with a report on Iran's human rights situation expected from UN Special Rapporteur Mr. Ligabo.…
Report Shahid: Reflection of News Related to Saddam Hussein in French Media - 2004-03-31
A special correspondent reports on how French media is covering the future of Iraq and Saddam Hussein's fate, highlighting a disagreement between his French lawyer…
Athens Olympic Preparation Costs Exceed Proposed $5.6 Billion Budget - 2004-03-30
The costs for the Athens Olympic Games have exceeded the proposed budget of $5.6 billion, leading to potential project cancellations to cut expenses. Deputy Minister…
Iran National Futsal Team Defeated by Russia
The Iran national futsal team lost 6-3 to Russia in a friendly match as they prepare for the upcoming AFC Futsal Championship. This defeat highlights…
Nazanin Ansari's Report: The European Union's Stance on Human Rights Violations in Iran - 2004-03-30
The Iranian Foreign Ministry summoned the Irish Charge d'Affaires in response to critical remarks made by an Irish representative at a Geneva human rights meeting.…
Report Shahid: Interview with Ehsan Naraghi about Nowruz Celebration in Paris - 2004-03-30
Iranians and Persian speakers from Central Asia gathered in Paris for a Nowruz celebration at the invitation of Mayor Bertrand Delanoë. Ehsan Naraghi, a participant,…
Shizuka Arakawa from Japan Wins Women's World Figure Skating Championship
Shizuka Arakawa from Japan won the Women's World Figure Skating Championship in Germany, outperforming Sasha Cohen and Michelle Kwan. This victory marks a significant achievement…
Nazanin Ansari's Report: Financial and Political Corruption and Identification of Corrupt Governments - 2004-03-29
Nazanin Ansari reports on the detrimental impact of corruption on developing countries and the global economy, highlighting the role of international organizations in combating this…
During an Israeli raid on a house, a Palestinian man was shot dead
An Israeli military operation in the West Bank resulted in the death of a Palestinian man, who was claimed by the Israeli army to be…
The Librarian's Blog: Book Introduction and Translation - 2004-03-28
The article discusses the early struggles and eventual recognition of Samuel Beckett, particularly focusing on his play 'Waiting for Godot' and its impact. Beckett's works…
Attempt for a Coup and Overthrow of Joseph Kabila's Government in Congo - 2004-03-28
In Kinshasa, Congo, government forces have been deployed following attacks on military bases, resulting in one soldier's death and two injuries. The British ambassador claims…
Calendar Day, March 26: Anniversary of the Birth of Sandra Day O'Connor, First Female Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court - 2004-03-27
On March 26, we commemorate the birth of Sandra Day O'Connor, who became the first female justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Her appointment marked…
A French Lawyer Has Been Asked to Represent Saddam Hussein
A French lawyer, Jacques Vergès, has been asked to represent Saddam Hussein in a war crimes tribunal. This request comes from Saddam's nephew as Saddam…
Interview of Mohammad Reza Shahid with Iranian Journalist Masoud Behnoud - 2004-03-27
Masoud Behnoud, an Iranian journalist, participated in a discussion about journalism in Iran at Saint Denis University in Paris, invited by the Dialogue for Democracy…
London Report: The First Visit of a British Prime Minister to Libya in 61 Years - 2004-03-26
Tony Blair, the British Prime Minister, made a historic visit to Libya, the first by a British leader in over six decades. This visit signifies…
Weekly Discussion, March 25, 2004: With the Wife of Nasser Zarafshan and Ghasem Shole Saadi - 2004-03-26
On March 25, 2004, a discussion led by Behrouz Abbasi will focus on the judiciary's letter from the previous year and the imprisonment of Dr.…
Palestinians Condemn U.S. Action in Vetoing UN Security Council Resolution
Palestinians condemned the U.S. veto of a UN resolution that condemned the assassination of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. Saeb Erekat criticized the U.S. for…
Nazanin Ansari's Report: The Iraqi Constitution and Women's Rights - 2004-03-26
Nazanin Ansari's report examines the Iraqi Constitution's impact on women's rights following the 2003 invasion. It highlights both the legal protections established and the societal…
Freedom in Iraq
One year after the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraqis are experiencing newfound freedoms, particularly in the press and artistic expression. U.S. officials emphasize the…
Al Jazeera Broadcasts Audio Tape of Ayman al-Zawahiri
Al Jazeera aired an audio message from Ayman al-Zawahiri, calling for the overthrow of Pakistan's government and urging soldiers to disobey President Musharraf. This comes…
Afghanistan Reduces Official Death Toll in Herat to 16
The Afghan government has officially lowered the death toll from a recent battle in Herat to 16, contradicting earlier reports of over 100 fatalities. The…
Talks with Saudi Interior Minister for the Release of 6 Reformists Yield No Results
Talks with Saudi authorities for the release of six reformist activists have failed, leaving them imprisoned. The activists had called for a shift towards a…
Kuwait Disqualified from 2004 Athens Olympic Football Competition
Kuwait's U-23 football team was disqualified from the 2004 Athens Olympics after losing to Iraq. The defeat ended their hopes of Olympic participation, leading to…
Report by Nasrin Mahdavi: Demonstration of Iranian Human Rights Advocates in Geneva - 2004-03-24
Iranian human rights activists are set to demonstrate in front of the UN Human Rights Commission in Geneva. The event includes an interview with Manouchehr…
Palestinian Group Hamas Elects Spokesman as Interim Leader
Hamas has appointed Abdul Aziz Rantisi as its interim leader following the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin. The Israeli government has warned that no Palestinian…
Iran National Football Team Ranked 24th in the World
The Iran national football team has achieved a historic ranking of 24th in the world, making it the second-best team in Asia. This rise is…
Ismail Khan: The assassination of Afghanistan's Minister of Civil Aviation had personal motives
Mirwais Sadiq, Afghanistan's Minister of Civil Aviation and son of influential governor Ismail Khan, was assassinated by armed assailants in Herat. The attack is believed…
Relative Calm Established in Herat - 2004-03-22
After heavy fighting in Herat resulted in numerous deaths, calm has been restored, although tensions remain. The conflict was sparked by the assassination of Mirwais…
Federer and Henin-Harden Win Pacific Life Tennis Championships
Roger Federer and Justin Henin-Harden won the Pacific Life Tennis Championships in California, defeating Tim Henman and Lindsay Davenport respectively. This victory is significant for…
Bush Critic Has Been Senior Counterterrorism Official Under Three Presidents
Richard Clarke, a former senior counterterrorism official, criticizes President Bush for focusing on Iraq instead of pursuing al-Qaeda, claiming it jeopardizes U.S. security. His new…
Israeli Soldiers Shot Dead a Palestinian Teenager in Nablus
Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian teenager in Nablus during a clash, while a 7-year-old girl died from injuries sustained from Israeli gunfire in…
Pakistan's Military Operations to Arrest Al-Qaeda and Taliban Members Continue - 2004-03-21
Pakistan's military is actively engaged in operations to capture Al-Qaeda and Taliban members in the northwest region near Afghanistan. The operations have seen a decrease…
Afghanistan's Minister of Civil Aviation, Mirwais Sadiq, Killed
Mirwais Sadiq, Afghanistan's Minister of Civil Aviation and son of Herat's governor, was killed in a clash involving government forces and local militia. The incident…
Calendar Day, March 22: Signing of Friendship Treaty Between Native Americans and the Governor of the Massachusetts Colony - 2004-03-21
On March 22, 1621, the governor of the Massachusetts Colony established a friendship treaty with a Native American tribe. This event is significant as it…
An Israeli Shot Dead by Al-Aqsa Martyrs
An Israeli was shot dead in Jerusalem by the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, which claimed responsibility. Concurrently, Israeli military actions in Gaza resulted in injuries to…
President Bush Defends War in Iraq Again - 2004-03-20
President Bush reiterated his defense of the Iraq war, claiming it was beneficial for Iraqis, Americans, and the world. His remarks coincided with the first…
Ali Abdullah Saleh, President of Yemen, Meets with General John Abizaid - 2004-03-20
Ali Abdullah Saleh, the President of Yemen, met with General John Abizaid of the U.S. Central Command to discuss security and counter-terrorism efforts. The meeting…
100 Suspected Members of Al-Qaeda Network Arrested in Northwestern Pakistan - 2004-03-20
In a military operation in northwestern Pakistan, 100 suspected members of Al-Qaeda were arrested, including several foreign fighters. While there were initial reports of Ayman…
New Record for Number of Participating Countries in the Summer Olympics
The upcoming Summer Olympics in Athens will see a record participation of 202 countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan. This marks a significant increase from the…
Women in the Middle East
The article discusses the appointment of Rawya bint Saud al-Busaidi as Oman's first female cabinet member and highlights President Bush's remarks on the rising democracy…
Oil Prices Reached $38 per Barrel - 2004-03-18
Oil prices have surged to over $38 per barrel, the highest since 1990, due to declining gasoline production amid rising demand. Investors anticipate further price…
Nigerian National Football Team Training Camp in Paris - 2004-03-17
The Nigerian national football team is set to train in Paris for a week before facing Tunisia, a crucial match for Olympic qualification. The team…
U.S. Secretary of State's Visit to India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan - 2004-03-15
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell is visiting India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan to discuss terrorism and regional security. His visit focuses on nuclear cooperation between…
Eleven Killed in Two Bombings in Israel - 2004-03-15
Two bombings in Ashdod, Israel, have killed 11 people and injured 15, with Hamas and Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claiming responsibility. The attacks led to the…
Inspections of Iran's Nuclear Program to Resume
The IAEA announced that inspections of Iran's nuclear program will resume on March 27 after Iran agreed to allow UN inspectors back into the country.…
13 Arrested During 'Mountain Storm' Operation in Afghanistan - 2004-03-15
In Afghanistan, during the 'Mountain Storm' operation, U.S. forces killed three militants and arrested 13 others, including five during a confrontation in Zabul province. This…
Israeli Helicopter Gunships Attack Two Buildings in Gaza Strip - 2004-03-15
Israeli helicopter gunships launched an airstrike on Gaza City following two suicide bombings in Ashdod that killed 10 Israelis. Hamas and the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigade…
Several Cities in Afghanistan Targeted by Rocket Attacks - 2004-03-14
Today, several cities in Afghanistan, including Jalalabad and Kabul, were targeted by rocket attacks, with one injury reported. U.S. military operations, named 'Mountain Storm', are…
At least 11 killed and 10 injured in multiple bomb explosions in Ashdod port, Israel - 2004-03-14
Multiple bomb explosions in Ashdod, Israel, resulted in at least 11 fatalities and 10 injuries, with Hamas and Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades claiming responsibility. This incident…
Under the Microscope: Analysis of the Results of the Iranian Bar Association Elections - 2004-03-13
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses the recent elections for the Iranian Bar Association and comments on Saeed Hajarian's remarks on the anniversary of an assassination…
America Prepares to Arrest Osama bin Laden, Leader of the Al-Qaeda Terrorist Network - 2004-03-13
The U.S. is preparing to launch a military operation named 'Mountain Storm' to capture Osama bin Laden in the border region of Afghanistan and Pakistan.…
U.S. Officials in Baghdad Agree to Hand Over Abu Abbas's Body to Palestinians - 2004-03-13
U.S. officials have agreed to return the body of Abu Abbas, a key figure in the hijacking of the Italian ship Achille Lauro, to the…
New Military Operation in Afghanistan to Capture Senior Leaders of Al-Qaeda and Taliban - 2004-03-13
A new military operation named Mountain Storm has been initiated by U.S.-led forces in Afghanistan to capture Al-Qaeda and Taliban leaders, particularly targeting Osama bin…
Chad Government: Military Forces Kill 43 Islamic Terrorists Near Niger Border - 2004-03-12
Chad's military forces killed 43 individuals identified as Islamic terrorists near the Niger border, linked to an Algerian extremist group that has allied with Al-Qaeda.…
Reduction of Abu Bakar Bashir's Prison Sentence, Indonesian Muslim Cleric - 2004-03-12
The Indonesian Supreme Court has reduced the prison sentence of radical cleric Abu Bakar Bashir from three years to 15 months, prompting international criticism. Foreign…
An American Citizen Arrested on Charges of Spying for Iraq - 2004-03-11
Susan Lindauer, a 41-year-old American citizen, has been arrested for allegedly spying for Iraq and engaging in illegal financial dealings with Saddam Hussein's government. This…
Frenchman Alain Giresse Nominated for Head Coach of the Georgian National Football Team - 2004-03-11
Alain Giresse, a former French football star, is in talks to become the head coach of the Georgian national football team. He has not yet…
Life and Progress in America: Salinas Has the Best Post Office in the U.S. - 2004-03-10
The post office in Salinas, California, has been awarded the title of the best post office in the United States. This recognition highlights the efficiency…
Tehran Appeals Court Confirms Mohsen Sazgara's One-Year Prison Sentence - 2004-03-09
The Tehran Appeals Court upheld Mohsen Sazgara's one-year prison sentence for participating in protests and criticizing the Islamic regime. Sazgara's health has deteriorated due to…
Interview with Dr. Mohsen Sazgara Regarding the Court of Appeal Ruling - 2004-03-09
Dr. Mohsen Sazgara has been sentenced to one year in prison by a court of appeal. He is currently in London receiving medical treatment and…
Los Angeles Report: Interview with the President of the International Court for Saddam's Crimes - 2004-03-09
The International Court for the Crimes of Saddam Hussein is set to commence operations. An interview with Philip Gersh, the court's president, highlights the significance…
Under the Microscope: Mousavi Khoeini's Criticism of Power Authorities - 2004-03-08
Ali Akbar Mousavi Khoeini, a Tehran representative, delivered a speech criticizing the power authorities in Iran. The discussion also touched on the signing of Iraq's…
Iraq's Temporary Constitution to be Ratified Today - 2004-03-08
The Iraqi Governing Council is set to ratify a temporary constitution today, despite previous hesitations from Shia members regarding Kurdish powers. Concurrently, U.S. forces reported…
Top-Ranked College Basketball Team in the U.S. Suffers Defeat - 2004-03-08
Stanford's top-ranked college basketball team suffered its first defeat of the season against the University of Washington, ending a 26-game winning streak. St. Joseph's College…
Life and Progress in America: Salinas Post Office in California - 2004-03-07
The Salinas Post Office in California has been recognized as the best in the U.S. for its efficient mail delivery and has received a gold…
Head of the Red Crescent Society in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, Shot Dead
Mohammad Isa, the head of the Red Crescent Society in Zabul Province, Afghanistan, was shot dead by armed men while traveling. This assassination follows the…
Formation of a Case for War Crimes Against Saddam Hussein - 2004-03-07
The U.S. is sending a delegation to Iraq to assist in forming a case against Saddam Hussein for war crimes. This effort is part of…
Sunday Night Phone Program, March 7: The Future of Youth and Women's Political Movements - 2004-03-07
The program featured discussions on the upcoming seventh parliamentary elections in Iran, focusing on the roles and futures of youth and women's political movements. Key…
Interview with Kianoush Sanjari about the Situation of Political Prisoners in Iran - 2004-03-07
Kianoush Sanjari, a political activist and spokesperson for the Democratic Front of Iran, discusses the recent crackdown on political activists and the dire conditions of…
Interview with Dr. Saleh Nikbakht, Lawyer of Emadeddin Baghi - 2004-03-06
Emadeddin Baghi, a journalist critical of human rights violations, has been released after being charged in connection with his protests against recent parliamentary elections. His…
Colin Powell's Visit to South Asia - 2004-03-06
Colin Powell, the U.S. Secretary of State, is set to visit South Asia, focusing on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India. His trip aims to support the…
UN Special Envoy's Meeting with Myanmar's Prime Minister and Aung San Suu Kyi - 2004-03-06
The UN Special Envoy Razali Ismail met with Myanmar's Prime Minister and Aung San Suu Kyi to discuss the country's democratic transition. He stressed the…
Fighting in Sudan
The conflict in Darfur, Sudan, has escalated since 2003, with government forces and allied militias clashing with local rebels over resource management and governance. The…
Appeal in the Trial of Man Suspected of Ties to September 11 Terrorist Attacks
A German court has ordered a retrial for Munir al-Motassadeq, the only man convicted in relation to the September 11 attacks, overturning his 15-year sentence…
UN Special Envoy's Opinion on Peace in Burma - 2004-03-04
The UN Special Envoy to Burma, Razali Ismail, indicated that both the military rulers and Aung San Suu Kyi are open to resuming peace talks.…
Georgian President's Visit to Azerbaijan - 2004-03-04
The Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili is visiting Azerbaijan to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Environmental concerns regarding…
Two Senior Members of Al-Qaeda Network in Yemen Arrested - 2004-03-04
Yemeni security forces have arrested two senior Al-Qaeda members, including a former Islamic Jihad leader. This operation is part of a broader crackdown on militants…
Arab Officials Agree on Restructuring the Arab League
Arab officials, led by Egypt's Foreign Minister, have agreed on a formula to restructure the Arab League to enhance its international presence. The details will…
Two Kurdish Leaders Survive Possible Assassination Attempt
Two leaders of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan survived an assassination attempt while traveling in northern Iraq. The attack, which injured three bodyguards, follows previous…
Paul Bremer: The Number of Police Personnel Will Be Increased to Protect Iraq's Borders - 2004-03-03
Paul Bremer announced an increase in police personnel to secure Iraq's borders amid rising evidence of foreign terrorist involvement in recent attacks. The U.S. military…
Interview with Mohsen Sazgara about the Seventh Majlis Elections - 2004-03-03
Mohsen Sazgara discusses the Seventh Majlis elections and the future political landscape of Iran. The interview highlights the significance of these elections in shaping the…
UN Special Envoy's Meeting with Aung San Suu Kyi - 2004-03-02
The UN Special Envoy met with detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi and Prime Minister Khin Nyunt in an effort to advance democracy in…
Iran's U-23 Football Team Arrives in Malaysia
Iran's U-23 football team has arrived in Malaysia to compete in the Olympic qualifying matches for the 2004 Athens Olympics. They will face Malaysia in…
Philippine President Dismisses Abu Sayyaf Guerrilla Group's Claims as Baseless
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has rejected claims by the Abu Sayyaf group that they were responsible for a bombing on a passenger ship that caught…
Dialogue of Foreign Ministers of Arab League Member States in Cairo - 2004-03-01
The foreign ministers of the Arab League are meeting in Cairo to discuss proposed reforms aimed at addressing internal divisions within the organization. Key proposals…
Report: Increasing Speculations About Bin Laden's Status - 2004-03-01
Speculations regarding the status and fate of Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden are increasing. This report highlights the growing uncertainty surrounding his situation. Understanding Bin…