December 2002
All luggage and cargo of air passengers in the U.S. will be inspected starting January 1, 2003
Beginning January 1, 2003, all air passenger luggage and cargo in the U.S. will undergo inspections for explosives. This initiative is part of a congressional…
Fifteen Cargo Ships Worldwide Believed to Be Under Control of Al-Qaeda - 2002-12-31
U.S. intelligence has identified fifteen cargo ships worldwide that may be controlled by Al-Qaeda. These ships are tracked using various methods, but intelligence agencies sometimes…
UN Weapons Inspectors Visited Seven Locations in Iraq - 2002-12-30
UN weapons inspectors conducted visits to seven sites in Iraq as part of their search for prohibited weapons. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell indicated…
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.…
The Strengthening of U.S. Military Forces Around Iraq Continues - 2002-12-28
The U.S. continues to bolster its military presence around Iraq, with the USS George Washington ready to deploy on short notice. Additionally, UN weapons inspectors…
One of the detainees in France is the brother of a Guantanamo prisoner - 2002-12-27
French authorities arrested suspects planning to attack Russian buildings, including the embassy in Paris. One of the detainees is the brother of a Guantanamo prisoner…
Mohammad ElBaradei: Reactivating North Korea's Nuclear Plant Has No Relation to Its Electricity Needs
The IAEA reports that North Korea is reactivating its Yongbyon nuclear plant, which is unrelated to its electricity needs. ElBaradei emphasizes that North Korea has…
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…
Israel's Health Ministry Abandons Public Smallpox Vaccination
The Israeli Health Ministry has opted not to implement a public smallpox vaccination program despite concerns over a potential U.S. military strike on Iraq. Approximately…
British and American Airstrikes in Southern Iraq Leave 3 Dead and 16 Injured
On December 26, 2002, British and American airstrikes in southern Iraq resulted in 3 fatalities and 16 injuries, with conflicting reports on the targets of…
Science and Society: Taller Men Have More Children
Research indicates a correlation between height and fertility, with taller men and shorter women having more children. This study was conducted in England and touches…
North Korean Leaders Plan to Resume Operations at Nuclear Power Plant - 2002-12-25
North Korean leaders are planning to restart operations at a nuclear power plant, raising international concerns about nuclear weapons production. This move comes as U.S.…
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…
Russian Supreme Court Refuses to Release Igor Sutyagin
The Russian Supreme Court has upheld the detention of Igor Sutyagin, a researcher accused of espionage for the U.S. He was arrested in 1999 for…
Lawsuit Against Immigration Department and John Ashcroft - 2002-12-25
A coalition of Arab and Iranian Americans has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Immigration Department and Attorney General John Ashcroft after hundreds of men…
Bush - Christmas - 2002-12-25
President Bush celebrated Christmas at Camp David with his family, attended church, and sent a message to Americans emphasizing the spirit of giving and peace.…
Muslims and Middle Easterners Sue Immigration Office
Muslims and Middle Easterners have sued the U.S. Immigration Office after thousands were detained for registering under new anti-terrorism regulations. The lawsuit aims to stop…
One of the Prominent Democracy Activists in China Released from Prison
Zhou Wenli, a prominent democracy activist in China, has been released from prison and has left for the United States due to medical reasons. He…
Iraqi Fighter Jet Enters 'No-Fly Zone' in Southern Iraq - 2002-12-23
An Iraqi fighter jet entered a no-fly zone to target a U.S. reconnaissance drone, which was subsequently destroyed. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Iraq…
Israeli Defense Minister Says Israel Will Be Better Prepared If Iraq Attacks Again
Israeli Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz warns that if Iraq attacks Israel again, Israel will be more prepared than in the past. He emphasizes that military…
Calendar Day, December 23: Establishment of the U.S. Federal Reserve System - 2002-12-23
On December 23, 1913, President Woodrow Wilson established the U.S. Federal Reserve System. This event is significant as it laid the foundation for the modern…
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…
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…
U.S. Army Conducts Largest Military Exercises Since 1991 War - 2002-12-22
The U.S. Army has conducted its largest military exercises since the 1991 Gulf War, involving thousands of troops and armored vehicles in Kuwait. President Bush…
Roh Moo-hyun Rejected Any Fundamental Change in South Korea's Relations with the U.S.
Roh Moo-hyun, the newly elected president of South Korea, affirmed that there will be no fundamental changes in U.S.-South Korea relations but emphasized the need…
Allied Aircraft Strike Two Targets in Nasiriyah and Basra - 2002-12-20
Allied aircraft conducted missile strikes on targets in Nasiriyah and Basra in response to Iraqi military aircraft entering the no-fly zone. This action is part…
Most Foreigners Arrested in Los Angeles Released on Bail
Most foreigners arrested in Los Angeles under new immigration laws have been released on bail, but they must report for questioning. Thousands of Iranian Americans…
Summary of Newspaper Reports on the Arrest of Immigrants in Los Angeles - 2002-12-20
Reports indicate that several immigrants and foreigners in the U.S. have been detained, a topic that has garnered significant attention in American media. This situation…
Iraq Installs Barriers and Roadblocks at Its Main Bases Near Baghdad - 2002-12-19
Iraq is setting up barriers and roadblocks at its bases near Baghdad to thwart potential U.S. attacks. U.S. defense officials are concerned about the timing…
Protests by Iranians in Los Angeles Against Detentions - 2002-12-19
Thousands of Iranian-Americans protested in Los Angeles against the detention of immigrants following new U.S. immigration laws enacted after September 11. The protests were sparked…
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…
Russia's Reaction to the U.S. Decision on Deploying Missile Defense System - 2002-12-18
Russia has expressed regret over the U.S. decision to deploy a missile defense system starting in 2004, warning it could lead to an arms race…
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…
North Korea Has Conducted Tests for Nuclear Weapons in the Last Four Years - 2002-12-18
A South Korean newspaper claims that North Korea has conducted at least seventy tests for nuclear weapons in the past four years, with information sourced…
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…
U.S. Officials Negotiating the Use of Military in Covert Propaganda Operations - 2002-12-17
U.S. defense officials are debating the potential use of military resources for covert propaganda operations abroad, which could include funding journalists and schools. Critics warn…
Two American Soldiers Injured by Grenade Attack in Kabul
A grenade attack in Kabul injured two American soldiers and a translator. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan, particularly for foreign military personnel.…
Bush Decides to Begin Deployment of a National Missile Defense System in 2004 - 2002-12-17
President Bush has ordered the U.S. military to start deploying a national missile defense system before 2004, with installations planned in Alaska and California. This…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
Expansion of the Role of the U.S. Army in the Reconstruction of Afghanistan - 2002-12-14
The U.S. Army is increasing its involvement in Afghanistan's reconstruction and humanitarian efforts to support the legitimacy of the Afghan central government. This development is…
Iraq Has Not Disclosed Everything in Its Report
American experts have found that Iraq's weapons report contains outdated information and lacks critical details about its chemical and biological materials. The U.S. government has…
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…
On This Day, December 12: Election of the First African American to the U.S. Congress - 2002-12-13
On December 12, 1969, the first African American was elected to the U.S. Congress, marking a significant milestone in American political history. This event is…
President Bush Announces Smallpox Vaccination Program for U.S. Soldiers and Health Workers - 2002-12-13
President Bush has announced a vaccination program for half a million soldiers and health workers against smallpox due to concerns over potential biological attacks from…
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Lights Congressional Christmas Tree - 2002-12-13
On December 13, 2002, the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives lit the Congressional Christmas tree, marking a festive occasion in Washington. Laura Bush,…
Why is the Smallpox Vaccine More Dangerous than Other Vaccines?
The U.S. plans to vaccinate its armed forces and health workers against smallpox due to concerns over potential terrorist attacks. The smallpox vaccine is considered…
Inspection of Iran's Nuclear Facilities - 2002-12-13
An Iranian nuclear official refuted U.S. allegations regarding the potential use of Iran's nuclear facilities for secret weapons programs. This statement comes amidst ongoing tensions…
Iraq: Reports of Al-Qaeda's Acquisition of Chemical Weapons in Iraq are 'Ridiculous'
Iraq has dismissed U.S. media reports claiming that Al-Qaeda has obtained chemical weapons as absurd. U.S. officials remain silent on the matter but express ongoing…
Middle East Partnership Initiative Worth $29 Million - 2002-12-13
The U.S. Secretary of State, Colin Powell, announced a $29 million initiative to promote democracy and economic reforms in the Middle East. This initiative aims…
The Bush Administration Submitted a Strategic Document to the U.S. Congress - 2002-12-12
The Bush administration presented a strategic document to Congress emphasizing the U.S. right to use overwhelming military force against any attacks involving weapons of mass…
U.S. Defense Secretary's Visit to Qatar - 2002-12-12
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Qatar, emphasizing Iraq's possession of weapons of mass destruction and the need for disarmament. He signed an agreement to…
Agreement Between the U.S. and South Korea for the Deployment of American Soldiers in the Country - 2002-12-11
The U.S. and South Korea have agreed to form a committee to enhance the deployment of American soldiers amid rising anti-American sentiment following the acquittal…
Ship Carrying Scud Missile Cargo to be Released
The U.S. has agreed to release a ship carrying Scud missiles from North Korea, which Yemen claims were intended for its military. This incident highlights…
A North Korean Missile Ship Detained in the Arabian Sea - 2002-12-11
A ship carrying North Korean missiles was detained in the Arabian Sea by Spanish vessels. The U.S. has been tracking the ship for weeks, suspecting…
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…
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…
United Airlines Declares Bankruptcy - 2002-12-09
United Airlines has declared bankruptcy, marking the largest bankruptcy in the airline industry. The company has faced significant losses due to the economic downturn and…
United Airlines Files for Bankruptcy
United Airlines has filed for bankruptcy, marking the largest bankruptcy in the airline industry. The company has faced significant losses due to the economic downturn…
Testing a Type of Mobile Command Post by the U.S. in Qatar - 2002-12-09
U.S. military officials are testing a mobile command post in Qatar, which could be used in a potential war with Iraq. General Tommy Franks is…
U.S. Government's Doubts About Iraq's Weapons Reports - 2002-12-08
The U.S. government is skeptical about Iraq's weapons reports, with President Bush indicating the need for further evaluation. He warned of serious consequences for Baghdad…
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…
U.S. Defense Department Reports Collision of U.S. Navy Destroyer with Iranian Oil Tanker in the Persian Gulf
A U.S. Navy destroyer collided with an Iranian oil tanker in the Persian Gulf during an inspection attempt. No injuries were reported, and the damage…
Iran in the Mirror of World Media December 6, 2002
The article discusses various international media perspectives on Iran, highlighting U.S. support for student protests, the Alavi Foundation's role, Hezbollah's call for global attacks on…
Al-Qaeda Clue Found in Explosion at Macedonia Consulate in Karachi
A bombing at the Macedonian consulate in Karachi, attributed to Al-Qaeda, killed three people. The Macedonian government is on high alert, and the U.S. condemned…
Jose Padilla Has the Right to Counsel - 2002-12-05
Jose Padilla, an American citizen and suspected terrorist, has been granted the right to legal counsel after being held for five months without representation. He…
The Longest-Serving Senator in U.S. History Turns 100 Today
Strom Thurmond, the longest-serving senator in U.S. history, celebrated his 100th birthday today with a ceremony at the Capitol. He has had a long and…
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - December 4, 2002
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is set to celebrate its centennial in March 2003, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts. This event highlights…
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…
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.…
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…
U.S. Officials Say Al-Qaeda's Claim of Conducting Kenya Attacks is Credible
U.S. officials have deemed Al-Qaeda's claim of responsibility for the recent attacks on Israeli targets in Kenya as credible. The attacks included a suicide bombing…
Israel Had Prior Knowledge of Attacks in Kenya - 2002-12-03
Israeli officials had prior knowledge of planned al-Qaeda attacks in Kenya but lacked specific details to prevent them. The attacks resulted in the deaths of…
U.S. State Department Warns of Terrorist Attack Risks in East Africa and Yemen - 2002-12-01
The U.S. State Department has issued a warning about potential terrorist attacks in East Africa and Yemen, particularly highlighting threats from al-Qaeda. Americans traveling to…