November 16, 2003

• The Serbian presidential election fails as only 38% of the registered electorate show up to vote. About 18% of registered voters cast a vote for Tomislav Nikolic, 14% for Dragoljub Micunovic, 4% for Velimir Ilic, and 3% for other candidates. With a turnout of less than 50%, the poll is declared invalid.
• Occupation of Iraq:
• An audio-tape, purportedly from Saddam Hussein, airs on the Dubai station al-Arabiya. The CIA later informs that it is probably not the voice of Saddam Hussein.
• At least 2 loud blasts echo across Baghdad after dark on Sunday night.
• Top Iraqi scientist Dr. Modher Sadeq-Saba al-Tamimi flees to Iran. After 8 months without work, and with no clear plans from the occupying Coalition, the scientist seeks work abroad. Iranian officials deny the claims.
• In the United Kingdom, Tony Blair faces the "electoral poison" of U.S. President George W. Bush's state visit next week.
• A BBC poll suggests that there is dangerously poor AIDS awareness in China and India; the poll leaves little grounds for optimism.
• Israeli-Palestinian conflict: In Israel, four former heads of Shin Bet say Israel is heading for disaster unless Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's right-wing government changes its policies with regard to the Palestinians and begins negotiations. Ministers accuse the former security heads of creating a controversy for political reasons.
• A 7.5-magnitude earthquake in the Aleutian Islands in Alaska triggers tsunami warnings.
• 2003 Rugby Union World Cup: England beats France 24-7 in high winds and heavy rain in the World Cup semi-final.