February 2004
The National Budget Law Approved
The Iranian parliament approved the national budget for 1383 (2004) at over 100 billion tomans, focusing on increased borrowing, foreign trade liberalization, and healthcare expansion.…
Man Detonates Himself Near Mosque in Rawalpindi, Pakistan - 2004-02-28
A suspected suicide bomber detonated himself near a mosque in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, during a Shia observance, resulting in no other injuries. This incident highlights ongoing…
Teenage Girl Killed in Attack by Muslim Separatists in Kashmir, India - 2004-02-27
A teenage girl was killed and four others injured in a grenade attack by Muslim separatists during a protest in Kashmir against human rights violations.…
Los Angeles Report: Opinions of Various Writers and Researchers on the Parliamentary Elections - 2004-02-27
The article presents opinions from various writers and researchers about the upcoming parliamentary elections in Iran. This discussion is significant as it reflects the political…
10 Years in Prison for Man Involved in Deadly Hotel Bombing in Jakarta
An Indonesian court sentenced Sardona Sili Wangi to 10 years in prison for his role in the August bombing of the Marriott Hotel in Jakarta,…
Indian Prime Minister's Request to Muslims to Vote for Hindu Party
Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee has called on Muslims to support the Hindu nationalist party in upcoming elections while promising peace with Pakistan. This…
Israeli Forces Attack Four Palestinian Banks - 2004-02-25
Israeli forces conducted an operation against four Palestinian banks in the West Bank, targeting funds linked to extremist groups. The operation involved sealing the banks…
The U.S. Has No Plans to Establish Permanent Military Bases in Central Asia - 2004-02-25
U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld announced that the U.S. does not plan to create permanent military bases in Central Asia but is considering temporary…
A Man Hanged for Child Sexual Abuse in Southern Iran
A man named Mohammad Ali Firoozi was hanged in Marvdasht, southern Iran, after being convicted of child sexual abuse. He received multiple death sentences and…
U.S. Defense Secretary's Visit to Uzbekistan - 2004-02-24
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is visiting Uzbekistan to discuss regional security and human rights issues with President Islam Karimov. This visit comes shortly after…
Report Shahid: Reflection of Iran's Foreign Policies in Europe - 2004-02-23
The article discusses the analysis of Iran's foreign policies in Europe following recent elections. It highlights the implications of these policies and their reception in…
Islamic Republic: We Purchased Necessary Parts for Nuclear Program from South Asian Brokers - 2004-02-22
Iran admitted to sourcing some components for its nuclear program from South Asian brokers but did not confirm any links to a Pakistani nuclear transfer…
American Experts Have Found Evidence of a Bomb-Making Network - 2004-02-22
American experts have discovered a bomb-making network utilized by Islamic militants for terrorist attacks across multiple continents. The findings suggest a coordinated effort in bomb-making…
Islamic Consultative Assembly Elections and German Media: Nasrin Mahdavi - 2004-02-21
The article examines the German media's portrayal of the Islamic Consultative Assembly elections in Iran, highlighting the international scrutiny of Iran's political processes. It emphasizes…
Muslim Militants in Pakistan Set Another Girls' School on Fire - 2004-02-20
In northern Pakistan, suspected Muslim militants have burned down another girls' school, marking the eighth such incident in under a week. Local authorities report no…
Political Activists Told VOA Persian That Many Polling Stations in Major Cities Were Almost Empty - 2004-02-20
Voting for the Islamic Consultative Assembly is ongoing in Iran amid widespread disqualification of reformist candidates, leading to calls for a boycott. Despite reports of…
New Tactic by the Islamic Republic to Secure Votes from Students!
Iranian officials are implementing a new strategy to boost voter turnout among students by offering to increase their discipline grades for participating in the elections.…
U.S. Senate Considers Iranian Parliamentary Elections Full of Violations and Corruption
The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution condemning the upcoming parliamentary elections in Iran for being corrupt and undemocratic, led by Senator Sam Brownback. This…
Kyrgyz Military Court Sentences Two Uzbek Islamic Militants to Death
A military court in Kyrgyzstan has sentenced two Uzbek militants to death for their roles in bombings that killed eight people. They are associated with…
Death Toll from Iran Freight Train Accident Continues to Rise
A freight train explosion in Iran has resulted in at least 320 deaths and over 460 injuries, with the toll expected to rise as more…
The U.S. Expresses Concern Over Iran's Parliamentary Elections - 2004-02-19
The U.S. has raised concerns about the upcoming Iranian parliamentary elections, fearing they will not reflect the people's will due to disqualifications of reformist candidates.…
Increase in Casualties from Freight Train Incident in Khorasan Province - 2004-02-19
A freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed and exploded in Khorasan Province, resulting in at least 182 deaths, primarily among emergency responders. The incident was…
Over 200 Dead in Train Explosion in Iran - 2004-02-18
A train carrying fuel and chemicals derailed and exploded in Khorasan province, resulting in over 200 deaths and hundreds of injuries, primarily among firefighters. The…
Terry Waite, Former Hostage, Returns to Beirut - 2004-02-18
Terry Waite, who was held hostage for five years by an Islamic militant group, has returned to Beirut to lead a human rights initiative. He…
Aghajari: Unfree Elections Mark the End of Internal Developments in the Regime
Dr. Hashem Aghajari, a political prisoner, has called on Iranians to boycott upcoming elections in an open letter from prison. His statement highlights the lack…
Khatami: People Should Participate in the Islamic Consultative Assembly Elections
Former President Mohammad Khatami has called on Iranians to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections despite the disqualification of many reformist candidates. He warns that…
Interview with Dr. Asad Homayoun Regarding the Nuclear Activities of the Islamic Republic - 2004-02-15
Iraj Aryanpour interviews Dr. Asad Homayoun about Iran's nuclear activities and ambitions. This discussion sheds light on Iran's nuclear program and its implications for international…
Kamal Kharrazi: Iran Capable of Producing Nuclear Fuel
Kamal Kharrazi announced that Iran can produce nuclear fuel and is prepared to enter the international market with it. He emphasized Iran's commitment to cooperating…
Ayatollah Khamenei Calls on People to Participate Vigorously in Elections
Ayatollah Khamenei has called for strong public participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections, while reformists have announced a boycott due to perceived unfairness. The situation…
Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi in the Quarterfinals of the Siebel Open - 2004-02-13
Andy Roddick and Andre Agassi both advanced to the quarterfinals of the Siebel Open tennis tournament in California. Agassi defeated Wesley Moodie, while Roddick overcame…
Independence Loses to Al-Wasl
Independence lost a friendly match against Al-Wasl, with the first half ending 2-0 in favor of Al-Wasl. Despite a comeback attempt in the second half,…
The U.S. Has No Doubts About Tehran's Final Intentions in Producing Nuclear Weapons
The U.S. is convinced that Iran is still attempting to develop nuclear weapons, as stated by Deputy Secretary of State John Bolton. This assertion comes…
The Electoral Campaign for Parliamentary Candidates in Iran Has Officially Begun
The electoral campaign for parliamentary candidates in Iran has begun, with many conservatives running and reformist candidates barred from participation. President Khatami warns that ignoring…
Findings of United Nations Weapons Inspectors in Iran - 2004-02-12
United Nations weapons inspectors discovered blueprints in Iran that could be used to create materials for an atomic bomb, which Iran did not disclose during…
John Kerry Wins Against Rivals in Tennessee and Virginia - 2004-02-11
John Kerry emerged victorious in the presidential primaries in Tennessee and Virginia, securing over 50% of the votes in Virginia and 40% in Tennessee. His…
Khamenei: Both Sides Should Set Aside Their Differences
Ayatollah Khamenei urged both conservatives and reformists to put aside their differences ahead of the March 1 parliamentary elections, emphasizing the elections' vital importance. Despite…
Request for Investigation into Sale of Nuclear Secrets by Khan - 2004-02-07
Opposition parties in Pakistan are demanding an investigation into Abdul Qadeer Khan's sale of nuclear secrets to Iran, Libya, and North Korea. President Musharraf recently…
Senior Islamic Jihad Member Injured in Israeli Missile Attack in Gaza City - 2004-02-07
A senior Islamic Jihad member, Aziz al-Shami, was injured in an Israeli missile strike in Gaza, which also resulted in the death of a 12-year-old…
Under the Microscope: The End of the Sit-in by Resigned Representatives and the Goals of Kamal Kharrazi's Trip to Lebanon - 2004-02-06
The sit-in by resigned Iranian parliament representatives has concluded, and Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh analyzes the implications of this event alongside the goals of Foreign…
Kamal Kharrazi's Request to the German Government for the Search of Missing Islamic Republic Diplomats in Lebanon - 2004-02-06
Kamal Kharrazi, Iran's Foreign Minister, has asked Germany to help find missing Iranian diplomats in Lebanon. This situation reflects ongoing regional tensions and Iran's focus…
Life and Progress in America: Results of the Primary Elections in Seven States - 2004-02-06
The primary elections in seven U.S. states resulted in significant victories for Senator John Kerry in five states, Senator John Edwards in South Carolina, and…
Failed Assassination Attempt on Ayatollah Sistani - 2004-02-05
Ayatollah Sistani survived a failed assassination attempt in Najaf, with gunfire directed at him and his aides. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions in Iraq,…
Report by Shahid: End of Sit-in and Political Fasting of Protest Representatives
Protesting representatives in the Iranian Parliament have ended their sit-in and political fasting. This event is reported by Mohammad Reza Shahid and highlights the ongoing…
Most Disqualified Candidates Still Prohibited from Participating in Elections
Most disqualified candidates in Iran remain barred from elections despite a directive from the Supreme Leader for review. The Guardian Council reinstated only a small…
Clashes in the Counties of Khalkhal and Kiwi - 2004-02-05
Clashes between left and right factions have led to the declaration of martial law in Khalkhal and Kiwi, with security forces deployed to the area.…
The Sit-In Protest of Representatives, Mohsen Younesi - 2004-02-05
After the disqualification of a significant number of parliament members, some representatives staged a sit-in and a political fast, questioning the motives behind their actions…
Kofi Annan: The U.S. Deadline for Establishing a Transitional Government in Iraq May Be Delayed - 2004-02-05
Kofi Annan indicated that the U.S. deadline for establishing a transitional government in Iraq might be delayed. This comes amid ongoing violence in Iraq, including…
Results of Tuesday's Democratic Presidential Nomination Elections - 2004-02-04
Senator John Kerry won multiple states in the Democratic presidential nomination elections, while John Edwards won in his home state of South Carolina. Retired General…
Report by VOA Special Correspondent on Resignation of Members of Parliament - 2004-02-04
Several members of the Iranian Parliament have announced their collective resignation, highlighting potential political turmoil. This event is significant as it reflects ongoing discontent within…
Student March Against Disqualification of Candidates Banned on Wednesday
The Iranian authorities have banned a student march protesting the disqualification of reformist candidates. This decision comes amid ongoing discussions between reformist lawmakers and President…
Meeting of Dozens of Reformist Legislators with Mohammad Khatami - 2004-02-03
Dozens of reformist legislators met with former President Mohammad Khatami to demand the reinstatement of disqualified candidates and to urge a postponement of the upcoming…
Bomb Explosion Near Iskandariya, South of Baghdad - 2004-02-03
A bomb explosion near Iskandariya resulted in the death of an American soldier and injuries to another. Concurrently, the death toll from recent suicide bombings…
Islamic Participation Front Boycotts Parliamentary Elections
The Islamic Participation Front has decided to boycott the upcoming parliamentary elections, citing concerns over fairness and the disqualification of their candidates. This decision comes…
Norwegian Court Orders Founder of Ansar al-Islam Group to Remain in Custody
A Norwegian court has decided to keep Mullah Krekar, the founder of the Ansar al-Islam group, in custody for four more weeks while evidence is…
The Death Toll from the Bombings in Erbil Has Increased to 67
A series of suicide bombings in Erbil, Iraq, has resulted in 67 deaths and over 247 injuries, targeting Kurdish political party offices during a religious…
Nazi Baghlari's Report: Interview with Ben Kingsley about 'House of Sand and Fog' - 2004-02-02
This article features an interview with actor Ben Kingsley regarding his role in the successful film 'House of Sand and Fog.' The report highlights the…
Over 750 People Injured in Turkey During Eid al-Adha Celebrations
During Eid al-Adha celebrations in Turkey, over 750 people were injured while performing animal sacrifices. The Turkish government has recommended that butchers handle the sacrifices…
Democratic Presidential Candidates in the United States are Engaging in a Tough Electoral Battle - 2004-02-01
Democratic presidential candidates are competing fiercely ahead of the upcoming primary elections in seven states. John Kerry has emerged as a frontrunner, focusing his campaign…
Israeli Army Enters West Bank to Arrest Armed Muslim Rebel - 2004-02-01
The Israeli army conducted a military operation in the West Bank to arrest an armed Muslim rebel, utilizing approximately 20 military vehicles and resulting in…