February 2004
North Korea Blames the U.S. for the Failure of Recent Beijing Negotiations - 2004-02-29
North Korea has accused the U.S. of being responsible for the failure of recent nuclear negotiations in Beijing. While North Korea demands a change in…
U.S. Department of Defense Denies Islamic Republic Media Reports on Osama bin Laden's Arrest - 2004-02-28
The U.S. Department of Defense has refuted claims from Iranian media about the arrest of Osama bin Laden, asserting that the search is ongoing but…
From Iran's Elections to the International Atomic Energy Agency - Part Three - 2004-02-27
Patrick Clawson discusses the potential for Iranian leaders to offer concessions to Western powers in return for not interfering with democratic reforms in Iran. This…
Colin Powell: The Completion Stage of Iraq's Temporary Constitution is Very Close - 2004-02-27
Colin Powell announced that the U.S.-led coalition and the Iraqi Transitional Governing Council are nearing completion of Iraq's temporary constitution. The completion deadline is set…
Colin Powell Questions the Continuation of Haiti's President
Colin Powell has raised doubts about Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's ability to lead effectively amid ongoing crises. Aristide insists he will not resign and plans…
Drafting of Iraq's Temporary Constitution Will Not Be Completed by Saturday Deadline
The Iraqi Governing Council is struggling to finalize the temporary constitution by the upcoming Saturday deadline due to unresolved disagreements on key issues such as…
The Security Council Holds a Meeting to Address the Situation in Haiti - 2004-02-26
The UN Security Council is convening to discuss the worsening situation in Haiti, where rebel groups have gained control over the north and are demanding…
Deputy Police Chief of Mosul in Iraq Assassinated - 2004-02-26
The Deputy Police Chief of Mosul was assassinated by armed attackers, marking a continued trend of violence against Iraqi security forces working with U.S. troops.…
Libya Once Again Accepts Responsibility for the Lockerbie Explosion - 2004-02-26
Libya has reaffirmed its acceptance of responsibility for the Lockerbie bombing while the Prime Minister claims that compensation to victims' families does not equate to…
Hamid Karzai Declares Taliban Defeated - 2004-02-26
Hamid Karzai announced the defeat of the Taliban during a press conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in Kabul. Karzai emphasized that there are…
Syrian Police Arrest Several Students - 2004-02-26
Syrian police arrested several students protesting the government's decision to stop hiring engineering graduates at Aleppo University. Human rights activists reported the arrests, but the…
Under the Microscope: U.S. State Department Reports on Human Rights Situation in Iran - 2004-02-26
Dr. Alireza Noori Zadeh discusses U.S. State Department reports on human rights in Iran, the U.S. representative's report to the IAEA, and concerns from Iranian…
Calendar Day, February 24: Registration of the First Invention in America - 2004-02-25
On February 24, 1790, the U.S. federal government registered the first invention by an American. This event marks a significant milestone in American innovation and…
Two Prisoners at Guantanamo Bay Officially Charged with War Crimes - 2004-02-25
Two prisoners at Guantanamo Bay have been charged with war crimes, marking the first military court trials for detainees. The individuals are linked to Osama…
Donald Rumsfeld Praises Kazakhstan as a Model for Successful Disarmament - 2004-02-25
U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld visited Kazakhstan, praising its successful disarmament and pledging support for its security in the Caspian Sea. He highlighted Kazakhstan's role…
Continued U.S. Efforts Regarding International Peace Plan in Haiti - 2004-02-25
U.S. officials are working to secure opposition approval for a peace plan that would allow President Aristide to remain in power with limited authority. Opposition…
Deputy Police Chief of Mosul Killed by Gunmen - 2004-02-25
The deputy police chief of Mosul was assassinated by gunmen while on his way to work. This incident follows a threat from an unidentified militant…
Haitian Opposition Requests 24-Hour Extension
Haitian opposition leaders have requested a 24-hour extension to consider an international peace plan amid ongoing political unrest. The U.S. and allies have agreed to…
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…
Rejection of Human Rights Advocates' Request to Attend Terrorists' Trial in Guantanamo - 2004-02-24
Human rights organizations have had their request to attend the trials of suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay denied by the U.S. Department of Defense. This…
Discussion on the Timing of Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-24
The Iraqi Governing Council is discussing the timing of elections following a UN report suggesting they could occur late this year or early 2005. Security…
Al-Qaeda Still Considers Attacking America a Major Goal - 2004-02-24
The CIA Director, George Tenet, reported that despite significant losses, Al-Qaeda remains committed to attacking the U.S. This statement highlights ongoing threats and failures in…
Iranian Human Rights Group: UN Should Pressure for Leadership Change in Iran
An Iranian-American human rights group is calling on the UN to pressure for a leadership change in Iran following a controversial parliamentary election marked by…
Life and Progress in America: The 100th Anniversary of Dr. Seuss - 2004-02-22
The article announces the upcoming 100th anniversary of Dr. Seuss, a beloved American author, and mentions that the U.S. government will issue a commemorative stamp…
Tony Blair to Compete for Third Term as Prime Minister - 2004-02-22
Tony Blair has declared his intention to run for a third term as Prime Minister of Britain, emphasizing that the decision of his re-election lies…
Helicopter Carrying American Workers Crashes in Afghanistan - 2004-02-22
A helicopter carrying American construction workers crashed in southern Afghanistan, killing at least one person. The crash occurred near Kandahar, an area with active Taliban…
Iranian Elections in the Media of the Political Capital of the United States - 2004-02-21
The article discusses the coverage of Iranian elections in U.S. media, emphasizing the attention these elections receive from international observers. This is significant as it…
U.S. Supreme Court to Decide on President Bush's Intent - 2004-02-21
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on the legality of President Bush's order to detain American citizen Jose Padilla without charges, amid claims…
International Committee of the Red Cross Visits Saddam Hussein, Former President of Iraq - 2004-02-21
The International Committee of the Red Cross visited Saddam Hussein in U.S. custody for the first time since his capture. The visit included an examination…
Iran's Interior Ministry Claims Conservatives Secured Majority Votes - 2004-02-21
The Iranian Interior Ministry claims that conservatives won a decisive victory in the recent parliamentary elections, following the disqualification of thousands of reformist candidates. This…
Haitian President Says He Agrees to International Plan for New Government with Political Opponents - 2004-02-21
Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide has agreed to an international plan to form a new government with his political opponents amid ongoing violence that has resulted…
Threat from a Passenger Forced Moroccan Airline Flight to Return to the U.S.
A passenger on a Moroccan airline flight threatened that there was a bomb on board, prompting the flight to return to the U.S. and make…
Iraq's Shiite Leader Will Agree to Delay Elections
Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani is willing to accept a delay in Iraq's elections if the interim government's power is limited. This comes after Kofi Annan…
Taliban Fighters Have Formed Groups in Southern Afghanistan
Hundreds of Taliban fighters have regrouped in Zabul province, raising concerns among locals about potential attacks and undermining stability efforts ahead of upcoming elections. U.S.…
Kofi Annan to Present His Proposals for Conducting Elections in Iraq - 2004-02-19
Kofi Annan is set to announce his proposals for elections in Iraq, aligning with the U.S. view that elections are impractical before the June power…
Please Do Not Forget to Support the People of Iran - 2004-02-19
An Iranian citizen expresses the urgent need for U.S. support for the Iranian people against their oppressive government. They emphasize the widespread discontent with the…
Ariel Sharon Meets with High-Level U.S. Delegation - 2004-02-19
Ariel Sharon met with a high-level U.S. delegation to discuss his unilateral withdrawal plan from Gaza and parts of the West Bank. He emphasized his…
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…
Israel's Security Barrier Violates International Law - 2004-02-18
The International Committee of the Red Cross has declared that Israel's security barrier in the West Bank violates international law, impacting Palestinian access to essential…
USA: Venezuelan Election Officials Should Support the Referendum
The U.S. is pressing Venezuelan officials to support a referendum against President Hugo Chavez, citing significant public demand with 4 million signatures gathered. This situation…
An Iraqi Child Killed in Bomb Explosion Outside School in Baghdad - 2004-02-16
An Iraqi child was killed by a grenade explosion while playing outside a school in Baghdad. Two American soldiers also died from roadside bombs in…
An American Soldier Killed in Landmine Explosion in Afghanistan - 2004-02-14
An American soldier was killed and nine others injured in a landmine explosion in Afghanistan. The incident occurred when their vehicle hit an anti-tank mine…
At least 21 killed in insurgent attack on Fallujah
Insurgents launched an attack on a police station and a government building in Fallujah, resulting in at least 21 deaths, including police and civilians. The…
Negotiations Between U.S. and South Korea on Withdrawal of American Troops from Seoul - 2004-02-14
U.S. and South Korean officials are in negotiations about the withdrawal of American troops from Seoul, with an agreement close but not finalized due to…
Weekly Radio Address by President Bush - February 14, 2004
In his weekly radio address, President Bush emphasized the U.S. efforts to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction to terrorists. He highlighted the…
Four Afghans Killed in Ambush in Western Afghanistan - 2004-02-14
Four Afghan demining workers were killed in an ambush by suspected Taliban militants while traveling to Herat. This incident highlights the ongoing violence in Afghanistan…
Interview with Bijan Kian about the Visit of Several U.S. Congressional Staff to Iran - 2004-02-13
Several U.S. Congressional staff visited Iran after meeting with the Iranian UN representative, raising discussions about a possible shift in U.S. policy towards Iran. Bijan…
A Member of the U.S. National Guard Arrested on Charges of Collaborating with the Terrorist Group Al-Qaeda - 2004-02-13
Ryan Anderson, a member of the U.S. National Guard, was arrested for allegedly collaborating with Al-Qaeda. This incident raises concerns about security and potential infiltration…
USA: Everyone Can Participate in Non-Construction Bids in Iraq
The U.S. has announced that all nations can bid on $6 billion worth of non-construction contracts in Iraq, with a notable exception for a $330…
UN Team Meets with Ayatollah Ali Sistani - 2004-02-12
A UN team led by Lakhdar Brahimi met with Ayatollah Ali Sistani to discuss the possibility of early nationwide elections in Iraq. Sistani emphasized the…
Restoration of U.S. Diplomatic Presence in Libya - 2004-02-11
The U.S. has resumed its diplomatic presence in Libya after years of hostility, with one diplomat currently stationed at the Belgian embassy in Tripoli. This…
U.S. State Department Expresses Concern Over Palestinian Officials' Actions
The U.S. State Department is concerned about the military trial of four Palestinians accused of involvement in a bombing against an American diplomatic mission. The…
At least 66 killed in bomb explosion in Baghdad - 2004-02-11
A bomb explosion in Baghdad killed at least 66 people, with U.S. officials reporting a lower toll of 36. The attack occurred outside a recruitment…
Mexico Defeats U.S. Under-23 Soccer Team
Mexico defeated the U.S. under-23 soccer team 4-0, eliminating them from Olympic qualification for Athens. This victory ensured Mexico's participation in the Olympics while the…
The Number of Taliban and Al-Qaeda Fighters in Afghanistan Has Decreased to Less Than One Thousand
NATO's military commander reported a decrease in Taliban and Al-Qaeda fighters in Afghanistan to under one thousand, suggesting a lower threat level than expected. This…
At least 45 killed in bomb explosion in southern Iraq
A bomb explosion at a police station in Iskandariyah, southern Iraq, killed at least 45 people, mostly civilians seeking employment. The attack highlights the ongoing…
Hundreds of Palestinians Protest Trial of 4 Palestinian Men in Gaza - 2004-02-10
Hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza protested the trial of four men accused of involvement in a deadly explosion targeting a U.S. diplomatic convoy. The protestors,…
Bomb Explosion in Iraq Kills One American Soldier - 2004-02-09
A bomb explosion in Iraq killed an American soldier, while U.S. forces responded to an attack in a Sunni area, resulting in one death and…
Michelle Wie, the 14-Year-Old Golf Prodigy
Michelle Wie, a 14-year-old golf prodigy from the U.S., has been selected for the Curtis Cup, becoming the youngest participant in its history. This event…
An Egyptian Man Stabbed Two Foreign Tourists in Cairo
An Egyptian man stabbed two foreign tourists in Cairo, citing anger over Middle Eastern events as his motivation. The victims, an Australian man and a…
Ladan Boroumand Discusses the Political Crisis in Iran - 2004-02-08
Ladan Boroumand discusses the ongoing political crisis in Iran and the implications of a U.S. congressional delegation's planned visit. This conversation highlights the intersection of…
President Bush: Saddam Hussein was a dangerous and insane man - 2004-02-08
President Bush defended his decision to go to war in Iraq, labeling Saddam Hussein as dangerous and insane, despite the lack of discovered weapons of…
U.S.-Russia Relations
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell discussed U.S.-Russia cooperation with Russian officials, emphasizing strategic partnerships and concerns over democracy and human rights in Russia. The…
Calendar Day: February 6, 1974 - House of Representatives Votes in Favor of Impeachment of the President
On February 6, 1974, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Richard Nixon. This significant political event involved key figures in American politics…
Investigation into Allegations of Bribery in Nigeria - 2004-02-07
The Nigerian government is investigating allegations that Halliburton's agent bribed officials to secure a contract worth $180 million in the late 1990s. This investigation follows…
The United States is Considering Lifting Some Sanctions Against Libya - 2004-02-07
The U.S. is contemplating the lifting of certain sanctions against Libya following a positive meeting between Deputy Secretary of State William Burns and Libyan officials.…
Iraqi Wrestlers' Training Camp in the USA - 2004-02-06
The U.S. plans to train Iraqi wrestlers ahead of the Athens Olympics, with support from the IOC. This initiative is significant as it could allow…
Investigation into the Origin of 'Ricin' Continues in the U.S. Senate
The U.S. Senate is investigating the source of ricin found in its premises, potentially linked to a previous incident at the White House. Law enforcement…
CIA Director's Speech on Saddam's Weapons - 2004-02-05
CIA Director George Tenet is set to announce that the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq is ongoing and that there are significant…
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…
Attack on a U.S. Base Near Baghdad Airport - 2004-02-05
A mortar attack on a U.S. military base near Baghdad Airport resulted in the death of one American soldier and another individual. The attack highlights…
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,…
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…
Bush Requests $1.2 Billion from Congress for Afghanistan - 2004-02-03
President Bush has requested $1.2 billion from Congress to support Afghanistan's recovery through educational, medical, and security initiatives. The funding aims to establish new schools…
Formation of a Commission to Address Intelligence Reports Related to Iraq - 2004-02-03
President Bush announced the formation of a commission to investigate intelligence reports on Iraq that justified the U.S. invasion. The decision follows David Kay's recent…
Searching for the Missing American Pilot
Captain Michael Scott Spicher, a U.S. Navy pilot, was shot down during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, and his fate remains unknown. The U.S. government…
Statements from a Friend of the Founder of Pakistan's Nuclear Program on the Transfer of Nuclear Technology - 2004-02-03
A friend of Abdul Qadeer Khan claims that senior Pakistani military officials, including President Musharraf, were aware of the transfer of nuclear technology to Iran,…
Voice of America to Cease Broadcasting 10 Programs in Central and Eastern European Languages by the End of This Month
Voice of America will stop broadcasting 10 programs in various Central and Eastern European languages due to funding cuts from Congress, as proposed by the…
Two Suicide Bombings in Erbil, Iraq Leave 56 Dead
Two suicide bombings in Erbil, Iraq, killed 56 people and injured over 200, including a senior Kurdish official. The U.S. military also reported casualties from…
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…
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…
U.S. Soldiers Plan to Reduce Their Presence in Baghdad - 2004-02-02
U.S. military officials announced plans to decrease their presence in Baghdad, transferring security responsibilities to Iraqi forces trained by the U.S. This shift indicates a…
Two Bombs Shake Northern Iraq - 2004-02-01
Two suicide bombings in Erbil, northern Iraq, resulted in at least 7 deaths during an Eid al-Adha celebration. The attacks targeted political party offices, highlighting…
Possible Use of Passenger Jets by Al-Qaeda as Flying Bombs - 2004-02-01
U.S. officials reported potential threats from Al-Qaeda using passenger jets as bombs, leading British Airways and Air France to cancel multiple flights to the U.S.…
Paul Wolfowitz: The War in Iraq Was Necessary - 2004-02-01
Paul Wolfowitz, the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, argues that the Iraq war was justified despite the absence of found weapons of mass destruction. He…
Powerful Bomb Explosion at Police Station in Mosul
A powerful bomb exploded at a police station in Mosul, killing at least 9 and injuring 45. Separately, three American soldiers died from a roadside…
The U.S. Welcomes Agreement of Rival Factions in Somalia to Form a New Government - 2004-02-01
The U.S. has expressed support for an agreement reached by rival factions in Somalia to establish a new government. Richard Boucher emphasized that while this…
Hamid Karzai Praises U.S. Army's Commitment to Capture Osama bin Laden by Year-End
Hamid Karzai commended the U.S. Army's commitment to capture Osama bin Laden by the year's end, suggesting he may still be alive in the Afghanistan-Pakistan…
56 Killed in Sunday Bombing in Northern Iraq
A twin suicide bombing in Erbil, northern Iraq, resulted in 56 deaths and 200 injuries, including Kurdish leader Sami Abdul Rahman. The attack occurred during…