Number: AR26 Kurdistan Independence <desc> Description: How does the National Council of Resistance relate to the potential independence of Kurdistan? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting activities of the National Council of Resistance are considered on topic. Articles discussing Ocalan's leadership within the context of the Kurdish efforts toward independence are also considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR27 <title> Iranian and Iraqi P.O.W.'s <desc> Description: What is the status of P.O.W.'s held over from the Iran/Iraq war? <narr> Narrative: Articles concerning political concessions and deals made in which P.O.W.'s are used as bargaining chips are considered on topic. Articles discussing the release of prisoners are considered on topic. Articles discussing health issues of prisoners, conditions within compounds, death rates among prisoners etc are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR28 <title> Hazardous waste disposal <desc> Description: What problems does North Africa face in the disposal of Hazardous Wastes? <narr> Narrative: Articles labeled yes discuss specific issues North African countries are dealing with in their effort to dispose of Hazardous Wastes. Articles reporting accidents, spills etc. within the context of specific disposal efforts are also considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR29 <title> Saudi Internet Service Providers <desc> Description: Who provides internet services in Saudi Arabia? <narr> Narrative: Articles labeled yes directly address specific ISP's in Saudi Arabia. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR30 <title> Iraqi Satellite Television <desc> Description: What is the importance of satellite television in Iraq? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting the increase in popularity of and access to satellite television are considered on topic. In addition, articles discussing the increased availability of diverse media are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR31 <title> Trade Integration <desc> Description: What is the reaction to efforts to deepen interregional trade and promote international trade integration in the Middle East and North Africa? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting boycotts in reaction to new trade initiatives are considered on topic. In addition, articles concerning the development of new business relations as facilitated by greater trade integration efforts are also considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR32 <title> Caspian Beluga Conservation <desc> Description: What Beluga conservation projects are present in the Caspian region? <narr> Narrative: Articles discussing particular conservation projects are considered on topic. In addition, articles that address the effect of inappropriate maintenance of the Caspian ecosystem on Beluga sales profits within the context of the necessity for conservation initiatives are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR33 <title> Suez Canal Traffic <desc> Description: What impact do U.S. military vessels in the Suez canal have on the region politically and economically? <narr> Narrative: Articles addressing local reaction to U.S. military presence in the Suez Canal are considered on topic. In addition, articles concerning any economic impact resulting from U.S. presence, e.g. trade interruption etc, are also considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR34 <title> Agricultural Development project <desc> Description: What is the effect of opposition parties on the Northern Sinai Agricultural Development project? <narr> Narrative: Articles related to the transportation of water from the Nile to North Sinai within the context of the effects of opposition to the Development project are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR35 <title> Mina Sulman/Umm Qasr Sea Link <desc> Description: What is the importance of the commercial sea link between Mina Sulman Bahrain and Umm Qasr Iraq? <narr> Narrative: Articles labeled yes discuss the fiscal benefits of an operational commercial sea link between Mina Sulman Bahrain and Umm Qasr Iraq. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR36 <title> 'Oil for Food' program <desc> Description: What is Russia's role in the construction of Iraqi power station under the 'oil for food' program? How is Russia going to construct an Iraqi power station under the 'oil for food' program? <narr> Narrative: Articles concerning the 'oil for food' program in general-- when the construction of an Iraqi power station is mentioned-- are considered on topic. Articles addressing the construction of a power station under the 'oil for food' program more directly are also considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR37 <title> Beirut Film Festival <desc> Description: How did European filmmakers participate in the Beirut International Film Festival? <narr> Narrative: Articles discussing European films participating in the Beirut Film Festival are considered on topic. In addition, articles discussing the attendance of particular European directors/producers at the Beirut Film Festival are labeled yes. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR38 <title> Traditional Arab Arts <desc> Description: How has traditional Arab dance and music modernized? <narr> Narrative: Articles discussing modern influences on Traditional Arab Arts are considered on topic. In addition, articles reporting Arts Festivals that feature artists whose work reflects modern influence are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR39 <title> Jerash Festival Critics <desc> Description: How have critics responded to the Jerash Festival in Jordan? <narr> Narrative: Articles labeled yes include critical reviews of specific performances that took place at the Jerash Festival. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR40 <title> Iranian Caspian Access <desc> Description: What access does Iran have to Caspian Sea resources? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting agreements and treaties concerning the Caspian in which Iran is partner in the respective agreement are considered on topic. Articles concerning Russo-Iranian cooperation in the context of the Caspian resources and the issue of U.S. presence in the region as an impediment to Iranian access are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR41 <title> Meningitis Vaccine Access <desc> Description: What is the availability of the meningitis vaccine in the MENA? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting incidents of meningitis infection and the resulting vaccinations are considered on topic. Articles discussing efforts to acquire sufficient funds in order to purchase vaccines are considered on topic. Articles concerning outbreaks of meningitis infections as facilitated by a lack of access to the vaccine are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR42 <title> Sadeq al-Sadr Assassination <desc> Description: How are religious students in al-Najef persecuted since the assassination of Sadeq al-Sadr? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting demonstrations staged by religious students in response to the assassination that are rapidly and violently squelched by local authorities are considered on topic. Articles concerning censorship of religious students who attempt to speak on the subject of the assassination are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR43 <title> Child/Motherhood Welfare Society <desc> Description: How does The Child and Motherhood Welfare Society provide aid and assistance to women and children in the MENA? <narr> Narrative: Articles labeled yes report specific grants provided to the Child and Motherhood Welfare Society. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR44 <title> Gaza International Airport <desc> Description: What controversy surrounds the opening of Gaza International Airport? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting security issues and other concerns causing the opening of the airport to be delayed are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR45 <title> Wye River Agreement <desc> Description: What difficulties surround the implementation of the Wye River agreement? <narr> Narrative: Most of the articles talk about events that took place after the Wye Plantation agreement. Articles concerning the negotiation process are not included. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR46 <title> Lahoud's Presidential Victory <desc> Description: What is the public and political reaction to Lahoud's victory in the Lebanese presidential elections? <narr> Narrative: Articles in response to Lahoud's victory which discuss public and political responses are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR47 <title> European Union Expansion <desc> Description: What is the response to the EU's plan to add six countries to its ranks? <narr> Narrative: Most articles concern issues with Turkey becoming a member of the European Union within the context of the addition of six countries. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR48 <title> Refugees in Zaire <desc> Description: How is ethnic violence in refugee camps in Zaire addressed in the Arab Press? <narr> Narrative: Articles labeled yes report incidents of ethnic violence in refugee camps in Zaire; the larger issues created by this ethnic conflict are also considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR49 <title> Earthquake in Turkey <desc> Description: How has the earthquake in Turkey affected the local population? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting damages, fatalities, increase in unemployment and the displacement of people as a result of the earthquake are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR50 <title> Transnational Muslim Brotherhood <desc> Description: What are the Transnational connections of the Muslim brotherhood ? <narr> Narrative: Articles report Muslim Brotherhood activity in and outside of Egypt in which participants reside in various countries; e.g. cooperation between Muslim Brothers in Syria and Egypt. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR51 <title> Personal Status Law. <desc> Description: How are female non-government organizations relating to the Personal Status Law? <narr> Narrative: Articles discussing action taken by women's organizations within the context of the Personal Status Law in effort to achieve greater social equality are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR52 <title> Nile Basin Initiative <desc> Description: How has Sudan participated in the Nile Basin Initiative? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting on Nile Basin negotiations/meetings in which Sudan participated are considered on topic. Articles that discuss the Nile Basin generally without addresses Sudanese participation are excluded. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR53 <title> Tunisian Urban Transport <desc> Description: What steps are being taken to improve urban transport in Tunisia? <narr> Narrative: Articles discussing road construction projects and other infrastructural improvement projects are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR54 <title> Blue Nile Dam <desc> Description: How do Ethiopian development efforts affect dam construction in the Blue Nile? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting on the negotiations concerning development efforts and dam construction in the Nile Basin are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR55 <title> Umm Kalthoum's Influence <desc> Description: How has Umm kalthoum influenced contemporary Arab musicians? <narr> Narrative: Articles that discuss the Umm Kalthoum's continuing influence on Arab musicians are considered on topic. In addition, articles about the TV series based on her life and musical career are also included. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR56 <title> Indo-Pakistani Political Instability <desc> Description: What are the results of the political instability between India and Pakistan? <narr> Narrative: Articles concerning nuclear testing are considered on topic. In addition, articles concerning tension and violence in the conflict over Kashmir are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR57 <title> Palestinian Students, Israeli Schools <desc> Description: What is the situation of Palestinian Students in Israeli Schools? <narr> Narrative: Articles included address the situation of Palestinian students in East Jerusalem. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR58 <title> Pan Am Lockerbie Negotiations <desc> Description: How is Ghadafi participating in political and legal negotiations related to the Lockerbie Pan Am plane bombing? <narr> Narrative: Articles discussing proposals put forth for Ghadafi's consideration are included; i.e.Ghadafi's attendance at a particular meeting is not necessary for the article to be considered on topic. Articles concerning Ghadafi's attendance to particular meetings for negotiation are also included. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR59 <title> Bosnian War Crimes Tribunal <desc> Description: What is the response to Bosnian War Crimes Tribunal? <narr> Narrative: All articles labeled yes discuss the Bosnian War Crimes Tribunal. Topics addressed include: trials, convictions and those who were indicted and imprisoned. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR60 <title> Microsoft Anti-trust Case <desc> Description: What is that response to the Microsoft Anti-Trust case? <narr> Narrative: Articles labeled yes discuss the reactions of individuals, companies, and the U.S. government to the anti-trust case against Microsoft. Also included are articles discussing the media's coverage of the case. Articles concerning the value of Microsoft shares in the context of the anti-trust case are also included. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR61 <title> Southern Lebanon, Israeli Retaliation <desc> Description: How does Israel retaliate against the Hezbollah in Lebanon? <narr> Narrative: Articles concerning Israeli military response to specific Hezbollah operations are included. Articles discussing the Peace Process specifically are not included. Hezbollah </top> <top> <num> Number: AR62 <title> Netanyahu's re-election campaign <desc> Description: What is Netanyahu's re-election campaign? <narr> Narrative: Articles discussing the influence of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict--and specific events arising from that conflict-- on Netanyahu's campaign are considered on topic. Articles concerning particular alliances formed in effort to achieve a stronger position during the election are considered on topic. Articles discussing slogans and events directly related to the campaign are also considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR63 <title> Changes, Russian Constitution <desc> Description: What changes to the Russian constitution does Yeltsin want to implement? <narr> Narrative: Articles included are primarily focused on Yeltsin's approval of constitutional changes; very little detail concerning the nature of the changes was included. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR64 <title> security measures, sporting events <desc> Description: What kind of security measures are instituted in France at large sporting events and soccer matches? <narr> Narrative: Articles that report the arrests of unruly fans at particular matches are considered on topic. Articles concerning organization of police and security forces to deal specifically with increased pedestrian and vehicle traffic created by sporting events are also considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR65 <title> Mad Cow and EU <desc> Description: What measures are being taken by member countries of the European Union to prevent the spread of mad cow disease? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting measures taken in Europe to prevent the spread of mad cow disease are considered on topic. Articles concerning a ban on dairy and meat products from some European countries are considered on topic. In addition,articles discussing Mad Cow research as it pertains to prevention are also considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR66 <title> Arab countries and mad cow <desc> Description: How are Arab countries responding to the spread of Mad Cow disease? <narr> Narrative: Articles which discuss any measures taken in the Arab world to avoid the spread of Mad Cow disease to Arab countries are considered on topic. Articles announcing bans on the purchasing and importing of livestock from Great Britain are considered on topic. Articles reporting an increase in domestic cultivation of foodstuffs in effort to counteract any shortages created by such bans are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR67 <title> Clinton and Camp David talks <desc> Description: What role did the U.S. government, specifically Bill Clinton play in the Camp David negotiations? <narr> Narrative: The role of American advisers and politicians led by the U.S. President Bill Clinton in the Camp David negotiations are considered on topic. Efforts made by Clinton and his American colleagues to organize the negotiations and overlook process are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR68 <title> AlFayed, Dodi and Diana's deaths <desc> Description: How did alFayed respond to the death of his son Dodi and Princess Diana? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting Mohammad alFayed's response to the death of his son and Princess Diana are considered on topic. Articles outlining conspiracy theories posited by alFayed- or his reaction to such theories are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR69 <title> Mir returns to earth <desc> Description: What are the financial and manpower issues influencing the Russian's policy concerning the Mir? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting financial and personnel shortages leading to policy change, revisions of the Mir's orbit schedule etc. are considered on topic. In addition, articles concerning the institution of these changes are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR70 <title> bin Laden Targets U.S. <desc> Description: How is bin Laden related to attacks against American targets? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting bombings at American embassies in Nairobi, Kenya that mention bin Laden as suspect or participant are considered on topic. In addition, articles concerning the bombing of the American vessel U.S.S. Cole in Yemin that mention bin Laden as suspect or participant are considered on topic. Articles concerning the collection of evidence of OBL's participation are considered on topic if they discuss the actual evidence. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR71 <title> The Pope in Palestine <desc> Description: What is the Pope's relationship with Palestine and the Palestinian authority? <narr> Narrative: Articles that report papal visits to Palestine are considered on topic. In addition, articles that report speeches made by the Pope in which he discusses the Palestinian land are considered on topic. Articles concerning the religious significance of Palestinian lands, e.g. Bethlehem in the eyes of the Catholic Church are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR72 <title> NATO, Serbo-Kosovar Conflict <desc> Description: How did NATO participate in the Serbian Kosovar conflict? <narr> Narrative: Articles labeled yes report the direct intervention of NATO forces in the effort to disarm the Kosovo Liberation Army. In addition, articles concerning peace keeping efforts taken by NATO are also considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR73 <title> Chechnyan Attacks against Russia <desc> Description: What attacks have the Chechnyans waged against Russian targets and military personnel? <narr> Narrative: Articles reporting Chechnyan attacks against Russian targets are considered on topic. Individual terrorist attacks as well as more organized military incursions are considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR74 <title> Year 2000 bug <desc> Description: How did Arab countries prepare to deal with the Y2K problem? <narr> Narrative: Articles labeled yes discuss Arab countries' responses to the threat of the Y2K bug. Articles outlining specific efforts to prepare for Y2K in order to avoid complications are also considered on topic. Articles that report precautions taken worldwide, without discussing the Arab world in particular, are not considered on topic. </top> <top> <num> Number: AR75 <title> Computer viruses in Arab world <desc> Description: How are the industrial and commercial sectors in the Arab world affected by computer viruses? <narr> Narrative: Articles labeled yes deal with the costs and expenses of computer viruses in different countries in the Arab world. Stories that involved the effects of computer viruses on other countries in the world were excluded from the search. </top>