Iran Signs Deal to Open Nuclear Complexes Iran has signed an agreement opening its nuclear facilities to intrusive and unannounced inspections, a demand pushed by several Western nations, the United States and Canada among them, amid suspicions that Iran might be concealing an atomic weapons program.
Pakistan offers to ignore UN resolutions on Kashmir India has welcomed a statement from Pakistan's President Pervez Musharraf which offers to set aside Pakistan's 50 year demand for a U.N. mandated referendum on the future of the disputed Kashmir region. Resolutions call for both armies to withdraw and for the people of Kashmir to vote on whether to join India or Pakistan.
Libya agrees to dismantle WMD programs The President of Libya, Colonel Muammar Al-Qaddafi, has said his country sought to develop weapons of mass destruction but will dismantle all WMD programs. He invited western inspectors into the country to find anything and destroy anything hoping this move will carry favor with the Americans and help improve relations. Libya likely does not have a large number, if any, sophisticated programs or weapons. It is believed at this point they have a small number of chemical weapons, perhaps some interests in biological weapons, and they are believed to have had some past nuclear cooperation with China and the former Soviet Union.
Egyptian Foreign Minister attacked in Jerusalem Saying intelligence chatter is more intense then at any time since 911, the threat level was raised by Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge to high (orange). The media however fails to mentions that "since 911" implies there was a higher terror threat level the day before 911... and the government did nothing.
Pakistani Nuclear Scientists Helping Iran? Pakistan begins an investigation of the possible transfer to Iran of sensitive nuclear technology information and designs. "There are indications that certain individuals might have been motivated by personal ambition or greed, but let me add we have not made a final determination." - Masood Khan, the spokesman for Pakistan's foreign ministry.
Pakistani President agrees to step down from military Pervez Musharraf will continue as President of Pakistan, but he will step down from his post as head of the military. Update: 1 week later a bill was passed in the Parliament allowing Musharraf to remain in his military position for another year.
Earthquake in Iran An earthquake measuring 6.6 on the richter scale hit the ancient city of Bam and destroyed 60% of the homes. Up to 50,000 are dead, many more injured and as many as 100,000 are left homeless. The government has asked for and received international aid, including from the United States.
US warns of long normalization process with Libya The United States, as expected, will continue to manufacture excuses to keep Qaddafi isolated. The US state department has publicly warned Libya to expect a "long process" for normalization of relations, despite Tripoli's decision to abandon weapons of mass destruction.
IAEA visits Nuclear Facilities in Libya International Atomic Energy Agency director Muhammed El Baradei said that Libya was 'very cooperative' in the first phases of inspections. Baradei said Libya was in the very early stages of the development of a weapons program (which is likely code for meaning they had very little). Libya admits to buying equipment from the black market.
Ashcroft recuses himself from CIA-leak investigation US Attorney General John Ashcroft recused himself from the investigation over who leaked the name of a CIA operative, allegedly to get back at her husband for making anti-Bush remarks. The Justice Department appointed Patrick J. Fitzgerald to take over the investigation.
