United States Minor Outlying Islands
March 2003
On This Day, March 30: Alaska Became U.S. Territory - 2003-03-30
On March 30, 1867, Alaska was officially acquired by the United States. This historical event marks a significant territorial expansion for the U.S. and is…
The U.S. Will Cover the Costs of Special Decontamination Units Sent by Ukraine to the War in Iraq - 2003-03-29
The U.S. has agreed to pay for Ukrainian decontamination units being sent to Iraq, marking a thaw in relations after previous tensions over arms sales.…
North Korea's Resistance to Any Disarmament Demands - 2003-03-29
North Korea refuses to make concessions regarding its nuclear program, asserting that it will strengthen its defense against potential attacks. The regime draws parallels with…
Turkey Temporarily Closes Its Airspace to U.S. Missiles - 2003-03-28
Turkey has temporarily restricted its airspace to U.S. missiles after a Tomahawk missile crashed on its territory. This decision comes amid ongoing military operations related…
The U.S. Opposes Iraqi Exiles' Plans for a Transitional Government Ahead of the Overthrow of Saddam Hussein - 2003-03-28
The U.S. has expressed its disapproval of Iraqi exiles' plans to form a transitional government before Saddam Hussein's overthrow. The U.S. aims to manage post-Saddam…
Vladimir Putin said the war in Iraq threatens global stability - 2003-03-28
Vladimir Putin has urged for an immediate cessation of the U.S.-led war in Iraq, advocating for a return to diplomatic efforts through the UN. He…
Hans Blix expresses relief that no weapons of mass destruction were used in the first week of the war - 2003-03-27
Hans Blix, head of the UN weapons inspection team, expressed relief that no weapons of mass destruction were used in the first week of the…
Deployment of 30,000 Fresh American Troops to the Persian Gulf - 2003-03-27
The U.S. is deploying over 30,000 troops, including the 4th Infantry Division, to the Persian Gulf to engage in combat against Iraq. This move follows…
Turkish Army Chief States Ankara Will Only Send Additional Forces to Northern Iraq in Coordination with the United States
The Turkish Army Chief announced that additional troops will only be sent to northern Iraq in coordination with the U.S. This decision hinges on the…
Iraq May Have Executed Some American Prisoners of War Whose Bodies Were Shown on Television - 2003-03-26
The New York Times reports that Iraq may have executed several American POWs captured in Nasiriyah, with evidence shown on Al Jazeera. The situation raises…
Release of Several Afghan Prisoners
The U.S. has released eighteen Afghan prisoners from Guantanamo Bay after determining they no longer pose a security threat. Most were captured over a year…
Deployment of Turkish Forces to Northern Iraq in Case of Refugee Influx
Turkey is preparing to deploy forces to northern Iraq if a refugee crisis occurs, with plans to establish a refugee camp within its borders. Abdullah…
North Korea Withdraws from Negotiations with the United Nations Command in South Korea
North Korea has exited negotiations with the UN Command in South Korea, protesting against US-South Korea military exercises. Additionally, it has warned Japan against launching…
Iraq Has Not Provided the Names of Prisoners of War to the International Red Cross
Iraq has not shared the names of prisoners of war with the International Red Cross, while state television aired images of two captured American pilots…
The United States and Turkey Still Disagree on the Deployment of Turkish Soldiers
The U.S. and Turkey are at an impasse over the deployment of Turkish troops to northern Iraq, with the U.S. and EU opposing the move.…
U.S. Disinterest in Any Diplomacy with Current Iraqi Leadership - 2003-03-25
The U.S. has expressed disinterest in Saudi Arabia's proposal to mediate an end to the Iraq war, stating it has not received any such proposal.…
Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed Kadhim Al-Sahhaf Claims Russia Has Never Provided Military Equipment to Iraq
Iraqi Information Minister Mohammed Saeed Kadhim Al-Sahhaf denied U.S. claims that Russia supplied military equipment to Iraq. The U.S. asserts it has evidence of Russian…
Syria's Foreign Ministry Protests the Death of Five Nationals in a Missile Attack in Iraq
The Syrian Foreign Ministry protested the deaths of five Syrian nationals in a U.S. missile attack in Iraq, claiming the right to seek compensation. The…
The U.S. has released 19 Afghans detained at Guantanamo Bay
The U.S. has released 19 Afghan detainees from Guantanamo Bay, returning them to Kabul. This decision was made as they were no longer deemed a…
Why Did UN Diplomacy Fail Regarding Iraq?
The article discusses the failure of UN diplomacy regarding Iraq, primarily due to disagreements among Security Council members over the implementation of Resolution 1441. Key…
Britain Asks Banks Worldwide to Track and Seize Saddam Hussein's Funds - 2003-03-22
Britain has requested global banks to track and seize Saddam Hussein's funds, echoing a similar request from the United States. Chancellor Gordon Brown indicated that…
Contact Between American Military and Intelligence Officials with Iraqi Military Commanders - 2003-03-22
U.S. military and intelligence officials have reached out to Iraqi commanders to offer safe havens for defectors from Saddam Hussein's regime. Some Iraqi leaders have…
Turkish Soldiers Enter Kurdish Region - 2003-03-22
Turkey has deployed around 1,000 soldiers to northern Iraq to stop Iraqi Kurds from entering Turkey, facing opposition from the U.S. and Iraqi Kurds. The…
Turkey Opens Airspace to Warplanes
Turkey has opened its airspace to U.S. and British warplanes after negotiations regarding Turkish military presence in northern Iraq. This move aims to prevent an…
North Korea Delays Talks with South Korea
North Korea has postponed upcoming talks with South Korea, blaming the latter for military readiness amid the Iraq war. This situation arises during joint military…
North Korea: Current Regional Tensions Have Brought Us to the Brink of Nuclear War - 2003-03-21
North Korea has warned that regional tensions have escalated to the brink of nuclear war, coinciding with U.S. and South Korean military exercises. While North…
Russia: War Against Iraq May Destabilize Neighboring Regions - 2003-03-21
Russia has expressed concerns that the U.S.-led war against Iraq could destabilize neighboring regions and complicate international negotiations regarding North Korea's nuclear program. President Vladimir…
Islam Karimov: Uzbekistan Knows Well Who to Support in War
Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov affirmed the country's commitment to support the U.S. in the fight against terrorism and Saddam Hussein. He emphasized the importance of…
Turkey's Airspace Remains Closed to US and UK Fighter Jets
Turkey's airspace is still closed to US and UK fighter jets amid ongoing negotiations between US and Turkish officials over the entry of Turkish forces…
Jacques Chirac: Opposes Any Resolution Allowing the United States and Britain to Govern Post-War Iraq - 2003-03-21
French President Jacques Chirac opposes any UN resolution that would allow the U.S. and Britain to govern Iraq after the war, arguing it would justify…
South African President Expresses Regret Over Start of Iraq War - 2003-03-20
South African President Thabo Mbeki expressed regret over the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, emphasizing that disarmament should have been handled by the UN. This sentiment…
Afghanistan Supports Use of Force for Disarming Iraq
Afghanistan has expressed its support for military action to disarm Iraq, citing Iraq's non-compliance with UN demands. The Afghan government emphasizes the importance of democratic…
Turkey's Government Reintroduces Bill for Deployment of US Forces to Parliament
Turkey's government is reintroducing a bill to allow the deployment of US forces, which was previously rejected by lawmakers due to public opposition. The US…
The Departure of United Nations Weapons Inspectors from Iraq Has Begun - 2003-03-18
The UN weapons inspectors have begun their departure from Iraq amid rising tensions. Kofi Annan ordered all UN staff to leave and suspended the 'Oil…
Turkey Holds Emergency Meeting to Review U.S. Use of Bases and Airspace
Turkey has called an emergency meeting to discuss the potential use of its bases by U.S. forces for an attack on Iraq, with a parliamentary…
Colin Powell: I Am Not Completely Hopeless About the Deployment of American Soldiers in Turkey
Colin Powell expressed cautious optimism regarding the potential deployment of American troops in Turkey, despite a recent parliamentary rejection. Turkish Prime Minister Erdoğan plans to…
Saddam Hussein: Iraq Once Had Weapons of Mass Destruction, But No Longer Does - 2003-03-17
Saddam Hussein acknowledged that Iraq once had weapons of mass destruction but claimed they no longer exist, amid rising tensions with the US and UK,…
Saddam: If Iraq is attacked, we will strike the U.S. everywhere in the world - 2003-03-17
Saddam Hussein warned that Iraq would retaliate against the U.S. globally if attacked. He dismissed accusations of possessing weapons of mass destruction as lies. The…
Senior Iraqi Official: Baghdad is Preparing for War - 2003-03-17
A senior Iraqi official, General Hosam Amin, announced that Baghdad is preparing for a possible attack from the United States, despite efforts to prove disarmament…
The U.S. Calls for Investigation into the Death of an American Protecting a Palestinian Home
The U.S. has requested an investigation into the death of American peace activist Rachel Corrie, who was killed while trying to protect a Palestinian home…
Turkish Prime Minister: The earliest time to address the issue of American troop deployment will not be earlier than next week - 2003-03-15
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that discussions regarding the deployment of American troops will not occur until at least next week. This decision…
Vatican Will Maintain Its Embassy in Baghdad in Case of War - 2003-03-14
The Vatican has announced it will keep its embassy in Baghdad despite the potential for war in Iraq, while Germany and Spain have advised their…
An American Aircraft Carrier Arrives on the Shores of South Korea - 2003-03-14
An American aircraft carrier has arrived in South Korea ahead of joint military exercises with South Korean forces. This deployment follows the dispatch of a…
U.S. Pressure on Turkey to Allow Use of Its Airspace
The U.S. is exerting pressure on Turkey to permit the use of its airspace for military operations against Iraq, following a recent rejection by the…
Britain's Six Conditions for Iraq - 2003-03-13
Britain has outlined six conditions for Iraq amidst ongoing opposition from France to a Security Council resolution for military action. Additionally, Iran continues to suppress…
The United States Sends Stealth Bombers to the Persian Gulf for Possible War Against Iraq - 2003-03-13
The U.S. has deployed stealth bombers to the Persian Gulf in preparation for a potential conflict with Iraq, joining a significant military presence in the…
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Continues Consultations to Form New Government in Turkey - 2003-03-12
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is in the process of forming a new government in Turkey, with the U.S. hoping for quick approval for the deployment of…
The U.S. Warns Baghdad That Using Civilians as Human Shields Will Be Considered a War Crime - 2003-03-12
The U.S. has issued a warning to Iraq regarding the use of civilians as human shields, labeling it a war crime. A group of South…
The U.S. Temporarily Halts U-2 Flights Over Iraq - 2003-03-12
The U.S. has temporarily suspended U-2 reconnaissance flights over Iraq after an encounter with Iraqi fighter jets. Defense Secretary Rumsfeld noted there was no direct…
Iraq Threatens Two U.S. U-2 Spy Planes - 2003-03-11
Iraqi fighter jets threatened two U.S. U-2 reconnaissance planes, forcing their return during a mission supporting UN weapons inspectors. This incident highlights ongoing tensions in…
South Korean President Calls for Stronger Military Ties with the United States - 2003-03-11
North Korea has issued a warning about potential conflict with the U.S. if negotiations on its nuclear program do not occur. In response, South Korean…
Colin Powell: The U.S. Will Finally Engage in Dialogue with North Korea - 2003-03-10
Colin Powell announced that the U.S. will engage in discussions with North Korea about its nuclear program, emphasizing the need for regional powers to participate.…
Baghdad Prepares for War - 2003-03-10
Baghdad is gearing up for potential military conflict as a senior Iraqi general expresses concerns over a possible U.S. attack, regardless of Iraq's compliance with…
North Korea Tests Another Medium-Range Missile Over the Sea of Japan - 2003-03-10
North Korea conducted a second medium-range missile test over the Sea of Japan within two weeks. The tests are seen as non-threatening to regional countries,…
Colin Powell: We Are Close to Securing the 9 Votes Needed for the Approval of a New Resolution
Colin Powell announced that the U.S. is nearing the required votes for a UN resolution that would authorize military action against Iraq. France, however, is…
Chilean President: The March 17 Deadline for Disarming Iraq is Short - 2003-03-09
Chilean President Ricardo Lagos expressed concerns about the short deadline of March 17 for disarming Iraq, suggesting that more time is needed for UN inspectors…
South Korea and the U.S.: North Korea Appears Ready to Test Another Missile
South Korea and the U.S. report that North Korea is preparing to test another missile, likely an anti-ship missile, in the Sea of Japan. This…
US: Al-Qaeda Plans to Attack American Forces and Allies in Iraq if War Occurs - 2003-03-09
US intelligence warns that Al-Qaeda is planning attacks on American and allied forces in Iraq if a war breaks out. The report highlights the involvement…
Threat of Resignation from Five British Parliament Members
Five British Parliament members threaten to resign if Prime Minister Tony Blair goes to war with Iraq without UN support. This raises concerns about potential…
Iraq Resumes Destruction of Prohibited Al-Samoud Missiles - 2003-03-08
Iraq has resumed destroying prohibited Al-Samoud missiles and President Saddam Hussein is urging the UN to lift sanctions, claiming compliance with disarmament orders. The U.S.…
French Foreign Minister's Visit to Three African Security Council Member Countries - 2003-03-08
French Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin is visiting Angola, Cameroon, and Guinea to persuade them to oppose a draft UN resolution on Iraq that sets…
Rwandan President Says Sometimes Countries Must Act Without UN Approval
Rwandan President Paul Kagame asserts that nations sometimes need to act independently of the UN, citing the failures during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda as…
The US and UK Claim Iraq Attempted to Purchase Uranium from Niger
The US and UK allege that Iraq sought to buy uranium from Niger, but the IAEA's director has dismissed the evidence as inauthentic. This situation…
Russia Welcomes the Approval of the Bilateral Arms Treaty Between Washington and Moscow in the U.S. Senate
Russia has expressed support for the U.S. Senate's unanimous approval of a bilateral arms treaty with the U.S. that aims to significantly reduce nuclear arsenals.…
North Korea Warns Mariners to Avoid Navigating in Japanese Waters - 2003-03-07
North Korea has issued a warning to mariners to avoid the Sea of Japan, which U.S. officials believe may indicate an upcoming missile test. The…
President Bush to Read Statement on Achievements in War Against Terrorism - 2003-03-06
President Bush is set to hold a press conference to discuss achievements in the war against terrorism while the U.S. seeks UN support for military…
Turkey Seeks Commitment from the U.S.
Turkey is demanding that the U.S. commit to preventing Kurdish independence in northern Iraq before a new vote on U.S. military deployment. This is crucial…
Deployment of American Bombers in Guam - 2003-03-05
The U.S. is deploying 24 bombers to Guam as a warning to North Korea amidst tensions over its nuclear capabilities. This move is intended to…
Russia Will Not Support Actions Leading to War with Iraq - 2003-03-04
Russia's Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov announced that Russia will not support any actions that could lead to war with Iraq and may exercise its veto…
The United States Expresses Concern Over the Destruction of Palestinian Homes
The U.S. has expressed concern over the destruction of Palestinian homes during Israeli operations, highlighting worsening humanitarian conditions. This comes after an Israeli attack in…
Turkey's Decision to Reject the Deployment of American Soldiers Complicates U.S. Military Planning
Turkey has rejected a U.S. plan to deploy soldiers for a potential war with Iraq, complicating American military strategies. This decision surprised U.S. officials, who…
Jacques Chirac Urges Baghdad to Intensify Cooperation with UN Weapons Inspectors - 2003-03-03
French President Jacques Chirac called on Iraq to enhance its cooperation with UN weapons inspectors while reiterating France's opposition to a US military attack. He…
Iraq: If the U.S. Continues Military Threats, We Will Halt Destruction of Al-Samoud Missiles - 2003-03-03
Iraq has issued a warning to the U.S. regarding its military threats, stating it will halt the destruction of Al-Samoud missiles if the threats continue.…
Demonstration of 100,000 in Support of Saddam Hussein in Pakistan - 2003-03-03
A massive protest of at least 100,000 people took place in Karachi, Pakistan, opposing a potential U.S.-led war in Iraq. The demonstration featured strong anti-American…
North Korean Government Claims Nuclear War Could Start at Any Moment - 2003-03-02
The North Korean government warns that nuclear war could start imminently, accusing the U.S. of escalating tensions through spy flights. In contrast, South Korea's new…
Hundreds of Thousands of Yemenis March in Protest Against War on Iraq - 2003-03-02
Hundreds of thousands of Yemenis protested in Sana'a against the impending war on Iraq, urging Arab leaders to condemn U.S. military threats. The protests highlight…
North Korean Media Warns of Nuclear War
North Korean media has issued a warning about the potential for nuclear war if the U.S. attacks. The article highlights increased military readiness by U.S.…
Iraq Begins Destruction of Al-Samoud 2 Missiles at Military Facility
Iraq has started destroying banned Al-Samoud 2 missiles to meet a UN deadline, monitored by international inspectors. This action is significant as it reflects Iraq's…
Turkish Parliament Approves Deployment of American Forces - 2003-03-01
The Turkish Parliament has approved the deployment of American forces in Turkey for a potential war against Iraq. This decision allows the U.S. to use…
Anti-War Protests in Yemen - 2003-03-01
Hundreds of thousands protested in Yemen against a potential war in Iraq, urging Arab leaders to condemn U.S. threats of military action. The protests highlight…
Calendar Day, March 1: Anniversary of the Establishment of the Peace Corps - 2003-03-01
The article marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Peace Corps on March 1, 1961. This organization was created to promote peace and friendship…