February 2003
Armed Man Opens Fire at US Consulate in Karachi
An armed attack on the US consulate in Karachi resulted in the deaths of two police officers and injuries to six others. The attacker has…
Baghdad to Destroy Al-Sumoud 2 Missiles Starting Saturday - 2003-02-28
Iraq has announced it will begin destroying its Al-Sumoud 2 missiles in compliance with UN orders. This decision comes amid threats from the US and…
Israeli Forces Blow Up House of Deceased Suicide Bomber Near Nablus
Israeli forces destroyed the house of a deceased Palestinian suicide bomber near Nablus, claiming it was part of efforts to deter attacks. The explosion also…
Approximately 140,000 People Demonstrated in Cairo, Egypt, in Support of Iraq - 2003-02-27
Around 140,000 people protested in Cairo to show support for Iraq against the U.S. The Egyptian police monitored the event closely, warning against any disruption…
Baghdad to Respond to UN Order for Destruction of Al-Sumoud 2 Missiles in Two Days - 2003-02-27
Iraq is set to respond to a UN directive to destroy its Al-Sumoud 2 missiles within two days. The UN insists these missiles exceed the…
Saddam Hussein Says He Prefers to Die Rather Than Go into Exile - 2003-02-26
Saddam Hussein expressed a strong refusal to go into exile, stating he would rather die. He also assured that he would not destroy Iraq's oil…
In the event of a U.S. attack on Iraq, Iraq may strike its neighbors, Turkey and Kuwait - 2003-02-26
Taha Yassin Ramadan, Iraq's Vice President, warns that Iraq may retaliate against Turkey and Kuwait if the U.S. attacks. He asserts Iraq's right to self-defense…
Asian Elephant Who Fought in World War II Passes Away in Hong Kong - 2003-02-26
Lin Wang, an Asian elephant who served in both the Japanese and Chinese armies during World War II, has died in Hong Kong at the…
Preparations for Aid to One Million Potential War Victims in Iraq - 2003-02-26
The U.S. government is preparing to assist over one million Iraqis who may be affected by the impending war by stockpiling food, shelter, and medical…
Saddam: We Will Not Destroy Al-Samoud 2 Missiles - 2003-02-25
Saddam Hussein refuses to destroy Al-Samoud 2 missiles despite UN requests, denying claims of their potential to exceed limits. He challenges President Bush to a…
New South Korean President Calls North Korea's Nuclear Crisis a Major Threat to Global Peace
Roh Moo-hyun was inaugurated as South Korea's new president and labeled North Korea's nuclear crisis a major threat to global peace, urging dialogue. Tensions escalated…
Alberto Sordi, Famous Italian Actor, Passes Away at Age 83
Alberto Sordi, a celebrated Italian actor known for his extensive film career, died of a heart attack at 83. His work significantly impacted Italian comedy…
American and Turkish Officials Continue Negotiations
American and Turkish officials are negotiating an agreement to allow U.S. troops to be stationed in Turkey for a potential war against Iraq. The deal…
Severe Earthquake in China - 2003-02-24
A severe earthquake in Xinjiang, China, resulted in at least 257 deaths and over a thousand injuries. The region is primarily inhabited by the Uyghur…
No One Met Everyone Anywhere - 2003-02-24
The article reflects on the friendship between Iranian poet Nader Naderpour and an Afghan journalist in Paris post-revolution. It highlights the journalist's humorous critique of…
Death Toll from Plane Crash in Southeastern Iran Lower than Initially Reported
A plane crash in southeastern Iran resulted in 276 fatalities, lower than the initially reported 302. All passengers were members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard…
Colin Powell: The Time to Act on Disarming Iraq Has Come - 2003-02-23
Colin Powell announced that the U.S. believes it is time to take action against Iraq for its non-compliance with UN disarmament demands. A new resolution…
Colombian Army Rejects Rebels' Proposal to Halt Military Operations in Florencia
The Colombian Army has rejected a proposal from rebels to stop military operations in exchange for the safety of three American hostages. The situation escalated…
Thousands of Protesters Demand the Resignation of Robert Kocharian, President of Armenia - 2003-02-23
Thousands of protesters in Yerevan are calling for the resignation of President Robert Kocharian following controversial election results that favored him over opposition candidate Stepan…
Iraq has deployed missiles along its border with Kuwait to threaten American and British soldiers - 2003-02-23
Iraq has deployed missiles near its border with Kuwait, posing a threat to American and British troops stationed there. This action violates a 1994 agreement…
Bad Weather Continues to Hinder Recovery of Bodies of 302 Individuals Who Died in Military Plane Crash
A military plane crash in Iran resulted in the deaths of 302 individuals, with only fifty bodies recovered so far due to ongoing bad weather.…
Closer Cooperation of the International Atomic Energy Agency with Iran - 2003-02-22
The IAEA is set to enhance cooperation with Iran regarding its nuclear program, which Iran asserts is for peaceful purposes. President Khatami defended Iran's right…
The Announcement of U.S. Operations Faces Denials and Rejections from Filipino Officials - 2003-02-22
U.S. officials announced the deployment of 350 special forces to the southern Philippines to assist in operations against Abu Sayyaf militants. Filipino officials have denied…
Three Americans Taken Hostage - 2003-02-22
Three Americans have been taken hostage by Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces after surviving a plane crash during a spying mission. The group accuses them of…
Uncertainty from the Potential War in Iraq Harms the Global Economy - 2003-02-22
A European Union representative has warned that uncertainty over a potential war in Iraq is negatively impacting the global economy. Nikos Christodoulakis, the Greek Finance…
Interview with Saad Salman, a Dissatisfied Shia Iraqi - 2003-02-22
Saad Salman, an Iraqi Shia dissident, discusses his experiences of imprisonment under the Ba'ath Party and his thirty years in exile. This interview sheds light…
Concerns Raised Over US Threats Against Iraq - 2003-02-22
Ministers from developing countries expressed deep concerns over US threats of war against Iraq and urged compliance with UN Resolution 1441. The statement comes ahead…
The U.S. Sends Three Thousand Troops to the Philippines to Fight Abu Sayyaf Militants - 2003-02-21
The U.S. is deploying three thousand troops to the Philippines to assist in combating Abu Sayyaf militants, with a significant portion being special forces. The…
Colin Powell: The Goal of the U.S. is Not to Destroy Iraq - 2003-02-21
Colin Powell emphasized that the U.S. aims to improve Iraq rather than destroy it, asserting plans for a military government that would transition to civilian…
Armed Entry of Iranian-Supported Iraqi Forces into Northern Iraq - 2003-02-20
Iranian-supported Iraqi opposition forces have entered northern Iraq with approximately 5,000 troops to strengthen their position ahead of potential conflict. The troops are led by…
North Korea Asks Non-Aligned Movement to Hold the U.S. Responsible for Its Nuclear Crisis
North Korea is urging the Non-Aligned Movement to blame the U.S. for its nuclear crisis at an upcoming summit in Malaysia. This request has met…
Mohammad Mohsen Sazgara Arrested by Plainclothes Agents - 2003-02-19
Mohammad Mohsen Sazgara, a reformist journalist critical of Iran's ruling clerics, was arrested by plainclothes agents in Tehran. His arrest coincides with a UN inspection…
Ju Dou - 2003-02-19
Zhang Yimou's film "Ju Dou" tells a powerful story of lust and punishment set in a traditional dye workshop, where a wicked owner abuses his…
United States Says It May Publicize New UN Resolution on Use of Force Against Iraq This Week - 2003-02-19
The U.S. may announce a new UN resolution this week allowing military action against Iraq, justified by Saddam Hussein's non-compliance with disarmament. While the U.S.…
Red Sorghum
The article discusses the film 'Red Sorghum' directed by Zhang Yimou, which tells the story of a young woman who becomes a guerrilla fighter during…
The Story of Qiu Ju
The film 'The Story of Qiu Ju' follows a determined woman in northern China who seeks justice after her husband is injured by the village…
Raise the Red Lantern
The article discusses the film 'Raise the Red Lantern' directed by Zhang Yimou, which explores the life of a young woman in a polygamous marriage…
Fire in South Korea Subway Kills 130 and Injures Over 130 Others - 2003-02-19
An arson fire in the Daegu subway in South Korea led to the deaths of 130 people and injuries to over 130 others. The fire…
Palestinians: Israeli Tanks Enter Gaza City Today Supported by Helicopter Gunships - 2003-02-19
Israeli tanks, supported by helicopter gunships, entered Gaza City shortly after the killing of a Hamas leader in the West Bank. This escalation follows the…
Greeted Love and Fell in Love - 2003-02-18
Valentine's Day was celebrated in Iran and France, where singer Serge Reggiani reflected on his favorite song, 'The Wolves,' which addresses themes of occupation during…
Saudi Arabia to Trial 90 Individuals Suspected of Ties to Al-Qaeda - 2003-02-18
Saudi Arabia is set to trial 90 individuals suspected of having links to Al-Qaeda, with 250 more under investigation. This move follows ongoing scrutiny of…
EU Leaders Conclude Extraordinary Meeting with Warning to Iraq - 2003-02-18
EU leaders held an extraordinary meeting in Brussels where they issued a stern warning to Iraq regarding compliance with UN disarmament resolutions. Despite internal disagreements…
Cyprus Elections - 2003-02-17
Tassos Papadopoulos won the Greek Cypriot presidential elections, promising to unite Cyprus and pursue EU membership. He defeated incumbent Glafcos Clerides and aims to resolve…
Sanshiro Sugata
The article discusses Akira Kurosawa's first film, 'Sanshiro Sugata,' which was lost during World War II but later restored. The film tells the story of…
Approximately 250,000 People Took to the Streets in Australia on the Second Day of Anti-War Protests
On February 16, 2003, around 250,000 people protested in Australia against a potential U.S.-led war in Iraq, part of a global wave of anti-war demonstrations.…
Dersu Uzala
The article discusses the film 'Dersu Uzala,' directed by Akira Kurosawa, which tells the story of a Soviet officer saved by a local in Siberia.…
The Seven Samurai
The article discusses Akira Kurosawa's film 'The Seven Samurai,' highlighting its artistic creativity and innovative cinematic techniques. Despite similarities to John Ford's 'Stagecoach,' it was…
Third Round of Iraq-Kuwait Talks on Gulf War Missing Persons Ends Without Result - 2003-02-16
The third round of talks between Iraq and Kuwait regarding missing persons from the Gulf War concluded without any progress. Kuwait is seeking information on…
Iran's Supreme Court Overturns Death Sentence of Professor Accused of Questioning Clerics' Role in Government
Iran's Supreme Court has annulled the death sentence of Professor Hashem Aghajari, who was convicted for questioning the clerics' influence in governance. The decision followed…
Five Members of a Terrorist Network Arrested in Bahrain - 2003-02-15
Bahrain has arrested five men allegedly linked to a terrorist network, who were reportedly planning a terrorist act that threatened innocent lives. The arrests come…
Interview with Gholamreza Mohajerinejad about the Situation of Imprisoned Students - 2003-02-15
Gholamreza Mohajerinejad has been appointed as the representative of the Democratic Front of Iran abroad and discusses the plight of imprisoned students in an interview.…
Coalition Aircraft Destroy Several Caves in Southwestern Afghanistan - 2003-02-14
Coalition aircraft targeted and destroyed caves in southwestern Afghanistan used by suspected Al-Qaeda and Taliban members. The airstrikes took place in Helmand Province, where U.S.…
Anti-Terrorism Police Arrest Four Near Heathrow Airport in London - 2003-02-14
Four individuals were arrested by anti-terrorism police near Heathrow Airport following a security alert involving a suspicious package. The military has been deployed around the…
Yasser Arafat has agreed to create the position of Prime Minister in the Palestinian Authority - 2003-02-14
Yasser Arafat has agreed to establish a Prime Minister position in the Palestinian Authority as part of reforms demanded by the U.S. and others to…
Iran's Foreign Ministry Rejects US Claim of Al-Qaeda Network Presence in the Country
Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied US allegations that Al-Qaeda has a presence in the country, calling the claims baseless. This statement follows CIA Director George…
Meeting of Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister with the Leader of Catholics Worldwide - 2003-02-13
Tariq Aziz, Iraq's Deputy Prime Minister, is in Rome to meet with opposition politicians and Pope John Paul II. The Pope has called for the…
An Inside Look: Foreign Experts' Views on Iran's Revolution - 2003-02-13
The article presents a discussion between two foreign experts, Dr. Barry Rozen and Professor Olivier Roy, regarding the Iranian Revolution. Their insights are based on…
Germany Seeks 12.5 Years Imprisonment for Algerian Terrorists
German prosecutors are seeking a 12.5-year sentence for Algerian terrorists involved in a deadly bombing in Strasbourg in 2000. The case highlights ongoing concerns about…
In the Future, the Number of Permanent Inhabitants of the International Space Station Will Be Reduced from 3 to 2
The number of permanent crew members on the International Space Station is set to decrease from three to two due to insufficient resources. NASA's Sean…
Interview with Siamak Shojaei: Obstacles to Home Ownership in Iran - 2003-02-12
The Iranian Minister of Housing has introduced a new method aimed at helping low-income individuals become homeowners. Dr. Siamak Shojaei expresses skepticism about the effectiveness…
An Inside Look: Discussion with Experts on Iranian Issues Regarding the Revolution and Its Path - 2003-02-11
In a roundtable discussion commemorating the anniversary of the Iranian revolution, three experts analyze the revolution's trajectory and the challenges faced by its founders. The…
Algerian Terrorists Sentenced to 12.5 Years for Bombing in France
Algerian terrorists have been sentenced to 12.5 years for a bombing in France that killed many during a Christmas market. One member admitted to training…
Australian Prime Minister Meets President Bush at the White House - 2003-02-10
Australian Prime Minister John Howard met with President Bush at the White House to discuss Iraq disarmament efforts. Howard emphasized the necessity of UN Security…
Interview with Daryush Homayoun on Social Reforms in Iran during the 1960s - 2003-02-10
Daryush Homayoun discusses the social reforms of the 1960s in Iran and the opposition they faced from various groups. The interview highlights the significant social…
A Palestinian Bomber Arrested Near Ramallah in the West Bank - 2003-02-10
Israeli forces arrested a Palestinian bomber near Ramallah and shot dead two suspected militants. The bomber, linked to Hamas, had explosives that were neutralized by…
Nelson Mandela Asked to Convince Saddam Hussein to Step Down
Nelson Mandela has been approached to convince Saddam Hussein to step down to prevent war, as requested by Arab leaders from neighboring countries. Mandela's involvement…
American Officials Angered by Germany and France's Position in Munich
At the Munich Security Conference, American officials expressed anger over Germany and France's efforts to extend UN weapons inspectors' mission in Iraq. U.S. Secretary of…
UN Spokesperson: Afghanistan Police Academy to Recruit and Train More Women
The UN has announced that Afghanistan's police academy is starting to recruit and train more women, particularly those who were denied education under the Taliban.…
Pope John Paul II Sends Representative to Baghdad Tomorrow - 2003-02-09
Pope John Paul II is sending a representative to Baghdad to persuade Saddam Hussein to cooperate with UN weapons inspectors and prevent war. The Pope…
Democrats Accuse President Bush of Ignoring Domestic Issues - 2003-02-08
Democrats, led by Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack, have criticized President Bush for prioritizing the Iraq war over pressing domestic issues like the economy and education.…
Donald Rumsfeld, U.S. Secretary of Defense, is in Germany - 2003-02-08
Donald Rumsfeld is in Germany to speak at a security conference and promote the U.S. stance on war with Iraq. He is expected to meet…
Bush Administration Officials Held Rare Private Meeting with Iranian Representatives in Europe Last Month - 2003-02-08
Last month, Bush administration officials met privately with Iranian representatives in Europe to discuss Iraq and seek assurances from Iran regarding humanitarian aid and non-intervention…
Three Tamil Rebels Detonate Themselves and Their Arms Boat
Three Tamil rebels committed suicide by detonating themselves and their arms boat after ceasefire observers discovered weapons. This act of desperation occurred just as peace…
Interview with Dr. Manshipour Regarding Colin Powell's Remarks
Dr. Mahmoud Manshipour discusses Colin Powell's recent UN speech, asserting it won't shift the stance of war opponents. The interview highlights the ongoing debate regarding…
Bodies of 7 Columbia Astronauts Transferred to Dover Air Force Base
The bodies of the 7 astronauts from the Columbia shuttle disaster have been moved to Dover Air Force Base for formalities before being returned to…
Interview with Ramezan Haji Mashadi, Attorney for Abbass Abdi and Ali Ghazian
Ramezan Haji Mashadi, attorney for reformist Abbass Abdi and pollster Ali Ghazian, discusses their sentencing to prison for allegedly providing information to foreigners. Their polls…
Concerning Health Status of Several Imprisoned Leaders of the Iranian Student Movement
The health of several imprisoned leaders of the Iranian student movement is deteriorating due to various illnesses. Amir Abbas Fakhravar, an activist who has experienced…
Sentencing of a Moroccan Man for Supporting September 11 Terrorist Attacks
Mounir El Motassadeq, a Moroccan man, is facing a 15-year prison sentence in Germany for his involvement in supporting the September 11 attacks. Prosecutors allege…
An elderly Palestinian woman killed due to the destruction of her home by Israeli forces - 2003-02-05
An elderly Palestinian woman was killed when Israeli forces demolished her home in Gaza, which belonged to a militant killed in a previous attack. The…
President Bush: America's Space Program Will Continue - 2003-02-05
President Bush reaffirmed the commitment to the U.S. space program during a national mourning ceremony for seven deceased astronauts. The event featured notable figures like…
So far, 12,000 large and small pieces of the Columbia spacecraft debris have been collected - 2003-02-05
Searchers in Texas and Louisiana have collected 12,000 pieces of debris from the Columbia spacecraft, with efforts ongoing before an impending storm. Divers and horseback…
14 Al-Qaeda Prisoners Commit Suicide at U.S. Military Base in Cuba - 2003-02-05
Fourteen Al-Qaeda prisoners have committed suicide at the U.S. military base in Guantanamo, Cuba, with three recent incidents contributing to this total. Human rights organizations…
The President of the United States Will Meet with Australian Prime Minister John Howard Next Monday
President Bush is scheduled to meet with Australian Prime Minister John Howard to discuss key international issues, including Iraq. This meeting underscores Australia's strong alliance…
UN Security Council Members' Opinions on Colin Powell's Remarks - 2003-02-05
After Colin Powell's speech regarding Iraq's weapons programs, key UN Security Council members expressed differing opinions on how to proceed. While some call for continued…
White House: President Bush to Attend Memorial for Columbia Astronauts Today - 2003-02-04
President Bush is attending a memorial for the Columbia astronauts who died in a tragic accident during their mission. The event highlights the impact of…
President Bush Meets with Families of Columbia Victims - 2003-02-04
President Bush attended a memorial service for the Columbia crew members who died in a space accident. He met privately with the victims' families and…
President Bush Committed to Returning Americans to Space to Unravel Scientific Mysteries - 2003-02-04
President Bush pledged to continue American space exploration following the tragic Columbia shuttle disaster. He honored the seven astronauts who died, emphasizing their dedication to…
Abdi and Ghazian Sentenced for Selling Information to Foreigners
Abbas Abdi and Hossein Ghazian were sentenced to prison for selling survey data indicating that 74% of Iranians favor resuming talks with the U.S. Their…
African Union, consisting of 53 member countries, states that war in Iraq must be avoided - 2003-02-04
The African Union has called for the avoidance of war in Iraq, emphasizing the potential economic repercussions for African nations reliant on Middle Eastern oil.…
President Bush Attends Memorial for Columbia Space Shuttle Disaster Victims - 2003-02-03
President Bush is set to attend a memorial for the Columbia space shuttle disaster victims, which deeply affected both American and international communities, particularly India…
Nazi Baghlari Report: Kurds' Concerns About War - 2003-02-03
The article highlights the concerns of the Kurdish population in northern Iraq regarding potential war against Iraq, emphasizing their fears of losing autonomy and stability.…
Progress Made in Collecting Evidence for Columbia Spacecraft Destruction, but Analysis Will Take Weeks - 2003-02-03
NASA has made progress in understanding the Columbia spacecraft's destruction, which killed seven astronauts, but full analysis will take weeks. Investigators are examining temperature spikes…
Senator Bill Nelson: NASA Advisors Had Warned for Years About Such a Disaster
Senator Bill Nelson criticized NASA for budget issues that compromised safety, claiming he had warned about potential disasters for years. President Bush has called NASA's…
Indifference and Neutrality - 2003-02-03
Ahmad Batebi, an Iranian student known for his activism, remains imprisoned four years after his protest against Saddam Hussein's regime. The article discusses the fears…
Leaders from Various Asian Countries Thank Columbia Astronauts for Their Sacrifice and Efforts in the Pursuit of Science - 2003-02-03
Leaders from Asian countries have expressed condolences and gratitude to the Columbia astronauts who died in the shuttle disaster, emphasizing the importance of their contributions…
NASA Officials: Parts of All 7 Astronauts' Bodies from Columbia Disaster Found
NASA has confirmed that parts of the bodies of all 7 astronauts from the Columbia disaster have been found. They are working with Israeli officials…
Columbia Space Shuttle Encountered Accident During Critical Re-entry Moments - 2003-02-02
The Columbia Space Shuttle suffered an accident during re-entry, leading to the loss of all crew members. U.S. officials noted that communication loss is typical…
Journalists Held Hostage by Colombian Leftist Rebels Released - 2003-02-02
Two foreign journalists, Ruth Morris and Scott Dalton, were released by Colombian rebels after being held hostage for over a week. Their capture occurred while…
At least three separate investigations to clarify the cause of the Columbia spacecraft disaster
The Columbia spacecraft disaster led to the deaths of seven astronauts, prompting at least three investigations to determine the cause. NASA and U.S. lawmakers are…
New Developments in Determining the Cause of the Columbia Spacecraft Disintegration - 2003-02-02
NASA's program manager reports progress in determining the cause of the Columbia spacecraft's disintegration, which killed seven astronauts. Evidence suggests an unusual temperature increase on…
Vaclav Havel, President of the Czech Republic, Resigns from Office - 2003-02-02
Vaclav Havel has resigned as President of the Czech Republic without a successor. The Prime Minister and the Speaker of the House will take over…
Memorial Ceremonies Held for Columbia Astronauts - 2003-02-02
Memorial ceremonies were held in the U.S. for the astronauts lost in the Columbia disaster. Global condolences have been sent, particularly from Israel and India,…
Russia Launched an Unmanned Cargo Ship into Space - 2003-02-02
Russia launched an unmanned cargo ship into space following the tragic disintegration of the American shuttle Columbia, which killed seven astronauts. This cargo ship is…
Ilán Ramon, Israeli Astronaut, Was a National Hero
Ilán Ramon, an Israeli astronaut and national hero, tragically died in the Columbia disaster. He was a symbol of resilience, having survived the Holocaust and…
African Leaders Arrive in Addis Ababa Ahead of African Heads of State Conference
African leaders have gathered in Addis Ababa for a two-day summit to discuss regional conflicts, including the Ivory Coast situation, and the potential impact of…
NASA says all seven crew members of the American spacecraft Columbia have died after the spacecraft disintegrated over Texas
NASA confirmed that all seven crew members of the Columbia spacecraft died after it disintegrated over Texas shortly before landing in Florida. This tragic event…
Israeli Government States That People of Israel Pray for Columbia Space Shuttle Astronauts
The Israeli government expressed solidarity with the global community in praying for the astronauts of the Columbia space shuttle, which tragically disintegrated. Prime Minister Ariel…
Hope for Democracy in Iran?
In a State of the Union address, President Bush praised Iranian reformers, yet the struggle for democracy in Iran faces significant challenges, including government crackdowns…
President Bush Honors Seven Astronauts Who Died in Columbia Space Shuttle - 2003-02-01
President Bush paid tribute to the seven astronauts who died in the Columbia space shuttle disaster, emphasizing that their sacrifice will not stop space exploration.…