The most important festival in the ancient Mesopotamia was that of Akitu- the New Year celebration.  It took place during the first eleven days of Neesan, the month which began with the new moon around the time of the Spring Equinox.  In the northern hemisphere Spring Equinox usually occurs around March 21st when the sun crosses the celestial equator.

The ancient Mesopotamian calendar was lunisolar, meaning it had a sequence of months based on the
lunar cycle, yet every few years, a month was added (intercalated) to synchronize the calendar with a solar year.  The Hebrew calendar is also lunisolar as it was adopted from the Babylonian calendar after the Babylonian Exile.

In the ancient Bet-Nahrain a day began at sunset.  A year comprised of 360 such days, divided into 12 months.  A solar year has 365 days.  To synchronize the lunar and the solar years it was necessary for the ancient Mesopotamians to add an extra month every three or four years.  At times this system did not make up for the accumulated differences and the Mesopotamian king found it necessary to order an extra month to adjust for the time gap.  Some ancient clay tablets found in Bet-Nahrain attest to the fascination of the Mesopotamian astrologers with the precise occurrences of the full and new moons, and the daily solar and lunar motions and positions.

The international calendar in common use is the Gregorian Calendar.  It has been adopted by major western Christian denominations, the Chaldean-Assyrian Catholic Church and the Assyrian Church of the East.  Other churches, namely the Ancient Church of the East, the Coptic Church, the Greek Orthodox Churches and the Syrian Orthodox Church adhere to the Julian Calendar.  In the Gregorian Calendar, a common year is 365 days in length; a leap year is 366 days.  The extra day is added in leap years on February 29 determined in the following fashion: each year that is exactly divisible by 4 is a leap year, except for years that are exactly divisible by 100.  Hence, the year 2000 is a leap year and its month of February should then be 29 days long.

Today there exists no official Assyrian calendar and the Assyrians continue to use the solar calendar of the Christian west by simply replacing the names of the 12 western months with the names of the twelve ancient Mesopotamian months.  For instance, the first day of April is also noted as the first day of Neesan, and so on.

Interestingly, the official calendar of modern Israel is similar to the ancient Babylonian calendar and follows the Metonic Cycle devised by the Babylonian astronomers.  Each year consists of twelve or thirteen months, with months consisting of 29 or 30 days. An intercalary month is added in years 3, 6, 8, 11, 14, 17, and 19 in a nineteen-year cycle of 235 lunations.  Then why haven't the Assyrians of today, in their effort to link their modern identity with their ancestors in Mesopotamia, adopt a new "Assyrian" calendar based on the lunisolar calendar used in Bet-Nahrain?

Adopting a new calendar has always been a controversial pursuit in the history of mankind.  Britain used to celebrate New Year's on December  25th until A.D. 1066 when William the Conqueror changed it to January 1.  This way it would coincide with the date of his coronation.  At one point, the French wanted to celebrate the New Year on Easter Sunday.  The Bolsheviks in Russia even adopted a five-day week which they later abandoned for the familiar one used elsewhere.

The ancient Mesopotamian calendar was based on the lunar cycles.  The first day of Neesan occurred sometime around the spring equinox.  This year for example, the Assyrian calendar, based on the ancient Mesopotamian tradition, would begin on March 17- clearly four days before the Spring Equinox.  This is different from the solar calendars used in such cultures as the Iranians and the Kurds.

The Iranian (and Kurdish) calendar, beginning with Norooz (New Day), was adopted in the eleventh century A.D.  The Jalaali Calendar, as it was called, was developed by the Persian poet and mathematician, Omay Khayyam, named after Jalaal al-Din, a Seljuk king.  The Jalaali calendar is based on a cycle of four seasons beginning with the first day of spring.  Until the Seljuk rule in Persia only the lunar Islamic calendar was in use.

For many the existence of an official "Assyrian" calendar has been a life-long dream.  It began in the 1950's with the adoption of the year 4750 B.C. as the first year of the Assyrian calendar.  To calculate the Assyrian year one simply adds the Christian years to the number 4750 as in the following:

Therefore, the upcoming Assyrian Year (currently April 1) would be calculated as A.Y. 6749.

There remain those who steadfastly adhere to the use of the Gregorian calendar and the rigid system of equating the first day of the western months with the first day of the Assyrian months.  For these, any other form of computing the Assyrian calendar would be considered a step towards loosening the grip of the Assyrian churches and even a retrospective affinity to what is incorrectly deemed as pagan.

The simple rational of the solar Gregorian calendar is quite attractive.  It would be difficult to replace such a widely-used system of calculating the dates by a more cumbersome lunisolar Assyrian calendar.  However, the rational behind such a rigid method of computing the years in the west is simply not based on the important dates of the Assyrian-Christian traditions.  Nor does it originate in the romantic and mystical attraction that has for millennia mesmerized the Middle Easterns with the attractive power of the moon.  The Gregorian calendar may be attractive in its everyday civic uses; yet it remains a reminder of the slow erosion of everything identifiable as Mesopotamian or Assyrian.

The Assyrian communities, scholars, and activists must now participate in a world-wide discussion leading to the adoption of a new Assyrian lunisolar calendar by the Assyrian Year 6750.  The global celebration of the Kha b'Neesan is the only event celebrated by all Assyrians, regardless of their religious and political affiliation, and ethnic background.  The basis for this celebration must surely be rooted in the historic conscious of the Assyrians- linking their present identity with that founded in the ancient lands of Bet-Nahrain.

Further readings:
Calendars by L. E. Doggett
The Astronomy of Babylon

Excerpted from two longer articles compiled by David Nissman For Radio Free Iraq

(ZNRF:  Prague)  According to the "Kurdistan Observer" (9 March), the KDP has denied reports of PLO mediation between the Kurds and the Iraqi government. While admitting that a KDP official is currently visiting a number of Arab countries, the KDP says that the purpose of this tour is "to discuss the latest situation in Iraqi Kurdistan, the region, and the developing of the historic relations with those Arab countries."

The meeting, if it is to take place over the denials of the KDP, is not one which will bring joy to the hearts of other politically-organized ethnic minorities in northern Iraq. Both the Iraqi Turkomans and the Assyrians were left out of the Washington Agreement, which united Jalal Talabani's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan with Mas'ud Barzani's Kurdistan Democratic Party. The prospect of using the meeting with Arafat to bring about a closer tie between Israel and the Kurdistan Regional Government will only spread suspicion that this is a move to enhance the possibility of full Kurdish independence in northern Iraq.

The Assyrian community in Iraqi Kurdistan had voiced similar objections. An Assyrian International News Agency (AINA) dispatch on 31 December 1998 also objected to a census planned by the Kurdistan Regional Government. It pointed out that there are two Assyrians for every three Kurds, and raised the issue as to the meaning of the phrase "democratic and pluralistic" in the Washington Agreement if only some ethnolinguistic groups are counted.

From the perspective of these other Iraqi minorities, the Washington Agreement has done little. The large Assyrian communities, for example, see their current situation as being little different than if they were under Baghdad's direct control. In a timetable, adopted at the same time as the Washington Agreement, specific confidence-building measures designed to ensure a smooth transition to the reinstitution of parliament on the basis of a "unified, pluralistic and democratic Iraq" was set in motion. According to this an interim assembly was to hold its first meeting by 1 January. But according to AINA on 19 February, Assyrian communities continue to be exposed to bombing campaigns and subject to other forms of ethnic cleansing. Some of these cases are under investigation by Amnesty International.

The AINA report says: "Many Assyrians are convinced that the bombing campaign is intended to intimidate the Assyrian community still residing in the northern three provinces." The bombings appear to be part of a greater policy to further ethnically cleanse the northern provinces. Killings of Assyrians by Kurdish assailants go uninvestigated and unpunished. Kurdish authorities and their associates expropriate historically Assyrian lands. Assyrian churches, convents, and clergy have been attacked. Efforts to Kurdify the Assyrians have led to restrictions on the teaching of the Assyrian language. Assyrians are not recognized as a distinct ethnicity, but only referred to as "Kurdish Christians." Essentially, the problems the Assyrians are having with the Kurds are similar to the problems the Kurds outside of Kurdistan are having with Baghdad.

On 25 October, the governor of Duhok and an official spokesman of the Kurdistan Regional Government sent a letter to U.N. officials pointing out that Baghdad is systematically arabicizing Kurdish, Assyrian, and Turkoman territories and is deporting non-Arabic inhabitants. He noted that it was not only in violation of international norms and human rights, but also UN Security Council Resolution No. 688.

This involuntary shifting of ethnic groups has not gone unnoticed by either the UN or the U.S. State Department. In a paper called the "Situation of Human Rights in Iraq" issued by the United Nations in October 1997, for example, specific attention is given to the displacement of Turkoman and Kurdish families in the strategically valuable (and oil-rich) sectors of Kirkuk and Khanaqin. According to the UN's special rapporteur, the victims of displacement are "almost exclusively Kurds, Turkomans, and Assyrians living in the city of Kirkuk and its vicinity."

On March 13, Iraqi Baath Party member Saad Kassem announced that Iraq is ready to reach a final accord with Iraqi Kurds away from foreign intervention, specifically US and British intervention.  Kassem added that dialogue with Kurdish opposition parties is still open, but the main problem was the United States' role, which he said threatens the Kurdish side, preventing it from reaching any accord with Baghdad.

(ZNRU: Rome)  Seeking to improve relations between Christianity and Islam, Pope John Paul II gave a private audience to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami last Thursday.  It was the first papal encounter with a leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran.  Khatami asked the pope to pray for him and through his translator commented: "The hope is for the final victory of monotheism, ethics and morality, together with peace and reconciliation...  May God protect you."  Last week ZENDA was informed that Mr. Khatami's translator was Mr. Ramsin Beit Jam, an Assyrian employed by the Italian Embassy in Tehran.  The Pope also stressed the common bonds and beliefs between Christianity, Islam and other faiths.

Khatami also met with Vatican City's secretary of state, Cardinal Angelo Sodano.  They discussed the Middle East, Christian-Islamic dialogue and human rights in Iran, including the rights of Catholics there. The pope had been expected to press Khatami to allow Iran’s small Christian minority more rights.  Christians in Iran number only 120,000 of whom less than 20,000 are Assyrian.  According to Vatican, an estimated 13,000 Catholics, including the Chaldean-Assyrians, remain in Iran.  According to Fides, the news agency of the Vatican’s missionary arm, Christians in Iran are free to worship inside their churches but their activities are strictly watched and they are denied some civil rights — barred from serving in the armed forces and government posts.

Last month, Mr. Shimshoon Maghsoodpour, the Assyrian representative in Iran's Parliament or Majlis, similarly objected to his government's denial of some basic civic rights, in an article published in Kehyane Landan.  The concern of the Assyrians in Diaspora for the civic rights of the Assyrian-Iranians was also an issue discussed between Mr. John Nimrod, Secretary General of the Assyrian Universal Alliance and President Khatami, at last year's AUA Congress in Tehran.  Mr. Maghsoodpour's alleged arrest in Tehran, subsequest to his writing of the Keyhane Landan article was confirmed by ZENDA as untrue as Mr. Maghsoudpour was seen last week celebrating a pre-Easter festivity in Tehran.

Khatami gave his host six video cassettes of a television series that was broadcast on Iranian television describing the trials and tribulations of early Christians who were persecuted by Romans in what is now Iran. "I hope you will find it interesting,'' Khatami said.  The Pope, who aides say hardly ever watches television but does enjoy an occasional movie, gave Khatami a framed bronze relief depicting the apostles
Peter and Paul, and commemorative medals of his pontificate in pearly white boxes.  Khatami also brought the Pope more traditional gifts of a framed, hand-made tapestry depicting St Mark's Square in Venice and a book of Islamic poems.

Photo courtesy of Massimo Sambucetti of Associated Press.

(ZNDA: Turlock)  Two friends are torn apart at a young age, only to meet again- twenty years later- in a battlefield as enemies.  This is the basis of  Daniel Benjamin's The New Dawn.  Mr. Benjamin, an Assyrian filmmaker,  has directed and produced this ninety-minute film.  The cast include Misters Johnny Daoud and Gigo Khnanisho.  The original music was written by Haroot Eskenian.  The New Dawn, a TeraStar production, will be shown at this year's Assyrian Community Networking Conference on May 29 in California.  For more information CLICK HERE.

"On Sunday, March 7,1999, my husband and I, along with our daughter who works in Cambridge,Mass, went to Harvard University for The Mishael and Lillie Naby Assyrian Inaugural Lecture entitled SYRIAC FROM SCRIPT TO PRINT 1529-1954.  The event was entitled The Assyrian Experience with accompanying exhibition. I want to commend you for alerting your readers to this lecture and exhibition. Chai, Nazuki and Kada were served and I was even able to understand some of the Assyrian I heard spoken. Thanks for your good work."

Irene Kliszus
New Jersey

Norman Tooma
California

Maybe our staff should consider a daily Tae Bo workout program now  :)    Since every Assyrian magazine, cultural or political, offers a different punch and kick on the current issues, we urge our readers to continue their financial and moral support of other printed and online magazines.  All opinions must be respected and no voice should be ignored.

We call upon all of you to provide assistance to all Assyrian Iraqis in Jordan. It is clear that all of us here in Jordan are going through very difficult times, imposed by the tragic conditions that we find ourselves in. Jordanian authorities are also tracking us down throughout the country with the aim of expelling us from Jordan back to Iraq. This campaign started a month ago and is still undergoing.

We urge you to take an immediate action responding to our current situation. We also ask you to put your slogan statements into action, NOW.

We all hope that you will respond to this appeal as soon as possible.

Sinhareeb al-Assyrian & Nashwan al-Assyrian
nashwan_g@yahoo.com
sanhreebbco_o@yahoo.com

Please note that the source of this message, the information noted above, and the identity of the listed organizations were not verified by ZENDA at press time.

According to Denis Halliday, former UN Assistant Secretary: "Four thousand to 5,000 children are dying unnecessarily every month [in Iraq] due to the impact of sanctions. We are in the process of destroying an entire society. It is as simple and terrifying as that."

Denis Halliday & Phyllis Bennis (Policy Analyst and Fellow at General & Humanitarian Institute for Policy, Coordinator for Iraq Studies, Washington) will be in the Chicago area on March 18 & 19 to discuss the crisis in Iraq and the social impact of the economic sanctions.

March 18 (Chicago)
12:00 PM
DePaul University Law School
#904 Lewis Building
25 East Jackson Boulevard
(Corner of Jackson and State)

March 18 (Chicago)
7:00 PM
DePaul University
Lincoln Park Campus
Schmitt Academic Center, Rm 154
2320 N. Kenmore Ave.

March 19 (Evanston)
7:00 PM
Garrett Theological Seminary
2121 Sheridan Rd.

For more info on these and other appearances by Denis Halliday and Phyllis Bennis in the Chicago area, call at 312-427-2533.

Local Sponsors are the: American Friends Service Committee, Arab-American ActionNetwork, Chicago Greens, DePaul University Department of Political Science, Eighth Day Center for Justice, Garrett Seminary Peace and Justice Center, Illinois Peace Action Education Fund, International Socialist Organization, Voices in the Wilderness.

National Tour Sponsors are the: American Friends Service Committee, Institute for Policy Studies, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, Fellowship of Reconciliation, Jerusalem Fund for Education and Community Development, Mennonite Central Committee, Peace Action, Pax Christi USA

American Friends Service Committee
1501 Cherry St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service. Its work is based on the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker) belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice. In 1947, the AFSC and the British Friends Service Council received the Nobel Peace Prize, on behalf of the Religious Society of Friends, for humanitarian service, work for reconciliation, and the spirit in which these were carried out.  To find out about Halliday & Bennis tour engagements in your area CLICK HERE.

Unfortunately, the word TISHMISHTA in modern Assyrian language is often used in reference to a funeral service only.  On the other hand a church service is called khilmat - a mispronunciation of the word  "khidmat"- Service in Farsi and Arabic.  Such phrases as "tishmishyate mdeetanayeh" or Civil Services can be used in everyday conversation.

BC (2050-1860)

Hammurabi of Babylon was not the first Mesopotamian ruler to draw up a Code of Law.  Similar codes had already been enacted by Lipit-Ishtar of Isin (1860), by a king of the city of Ashnunnak (1925), and by Ur-Nammu of Ur (2050).

Examples of Hammurabi's Laws:
Code #14:  A thief stealing from a child is to be put to death.
Code #25:  A thief stealing from a burning house is to be burned.
Code #229:  A builder who builds a house which falls and causes the death of the owner is to be put to death.

The Arts of Assyria, Parrot

Yusuf As'ar, the Jewish king of Yemen (then Himyar), massacres the Christian followers of the Assyrian church in Najran.  An Ethiopian expedition attacks As'ar and ends the two-century old Jewish rule in Yemen.  The Christian Ethiopians then build the famous church of al-Qalis in San'a.  In the sixth century San'a becomes an important Christian center, sanctified by such martyrs as al-Harith Ka'b (St. Arethas).

Pre-Islamic Arabia, Irfan Shahid

Although we're scattered, far and beyond,
Crossing the oceans to new worlds that found,
in times that are fast, and life that can bound,
the name Assyria, makes my heart pound.

We should listen to wise and be sound,
and make it part of our lives duty bound,
Unite and grow, as we climb up this mound,
nurture and teach our nation, at every round.

We are Assyrians, the last of our kind.
A people with vision who built to remind
us today, "Life is a gift, most precious to find."
It should be treasured and used well aligned.

A God-loving man was called from the "Ur",
a city of Chaldes that was not so poor.
He took his family and followed the rule,
and did not question or argue- was sure.

He started new nations, in desert and sand,
became prosperous, in great promised land.
From him two nations were born and at hand,
both grew and flourished, as neighbors profound.

Thousands of years went by, in the same land
cousins stayed rivals and fought foot and hand.
The children of God were scattered like sand,
till lately as professed, they came to demand.

The home that was promised, by Lord and was grand
they struggled and struggled, to pass his command.
It became real and now in their hand,
it stands for freedom, a liberty, a brand?

Last week, cousins' war ended in peace,
as I watched proceeding, it seemed great release.
I know, my nation, is still not at ease,
homeless and fighting, for freedom at lease?

The cousins have grown, famous and rich, still,
Assyrians are thought of, as gone and nil.
Some even think, that our nation's no more!
Some that know more, still choose to ignore!

The cries of my heart, are heard every day,
I've not seen Bet-Nahrain, and yet always pray,
That I'll see, the hills and valleys of old,
That are green, and luscious for eyes to behold.

The rivers of clear water that water the ground
the riches and treasures, born deep in this ground.
The mountains so high and the valley so deep,
the soil so fertile that grows food by heap!

Its people so strong, yet gentle and kind.
would share all they have with all their mind.
Defending their land, belief and their home,
as unwelcome strangers, everywhere roam.

All we are asking for is that this home,
be returned to us, be ours alone.
To hear the laughter of children at play,
in the green meadows that line up the way.

We'll not be forceful, hateful, unkind,
we will live in peace and be neighborly kind
We want to hear from all, the sweet sound
of Assyrian spoken and songs that are grand.

Live long my nation!  Live long precious land!
Stay safe my people, in "God's caring hand"!
Call us "Oh Atour", to gather and stand.
On the banks of Euphrates, with music and band.

"Assyria, My Atour, when will you rise,
From the sleep of the ages, and still be wise?"
Will I see that day, with my open eyes...
like the peace of the cousins, a rich final prize?

Germaine Merza
San Jose, California
October 31, 1998

March 20, 1843 :  The French Consul, Emilio Botta, begins the excavations at Khorsabad, north of Nineveh where he later finds Dur-Sharruken and King Sargon's Palace.  At this time he writes the following to Layard:  "As for you my dear Sir you are not a true lover of Semiramis if you do not come here to superintend my work.  I cannot remain there and numberless curious things will be lost for want of a constant attendance.  I do what I can but it is very little in comparison of what is to be done... Come I pray you, and let us have a little archeological fun at Khorsabad."

The Conquest of Assyria, Larsen

On Saturday, March 13, the Nineveh Choir offered its first 1999 choral performance at the Santa Clara Convention Center Theater in Santa Clara, California.  Sponsored by the Assyrian American Association of San Jose, this performance featured several Assyrian and European folk songs accompanied by a piano recital performed by Nineveh Issabey-Simons.  At the beginning of the program a life-time achievement award was presented to Mr. Emil Malik, a dramatic tenor,  for his contribution to the Assyrian choral music.  A slide-show presentation marked the notable years in Mr. Malik's 40-year musical & theatrical career since his debut performance in 1946.   Mr. Malik and Maestro Nebu Issabey, conductor of the Nineveh Choir, have been collaborating during much of this period.  The 70-year-old Malik was overwhelmed by the unexpected show of affection by his enthusiastic fans, as he acknowledged Maestro Nebu and his friends with his short speech.

This evening's program began with the surprisingly mediocre performances of William Daniel's Lullabye, Tears of the Beloved, and Maiden of Dreams; and Polous Khofri's Star.  The disappointed listeners were then pleasantly gratified by Mrs. Issabey-Simons' rendition of Chopin's Waltz Opus 64 No. 2, the splendid execution of Mozart's Turkish March and Nebu Issabey's Waltz Triste.  After a brief intermission Mrs. Issabey-Simmons astonished the audience with an eclectic performance of Chopin's Grand polonaise Opus 53.

The second half of the program regained the confidence of Nineveh Choir's northern California fans in their Assyrian choir's musical abilities.  Maestro Issabey skillfully managed to excite his audience with a repeat performance of his own works, Movement (Zowa) and Qooyama (Revolution). The lyrics to both pieces were written by Mr. Yosip bet-Yosip, also a member of the Nineveh Choir.  The nearly three hundred attendees then delighted in listening to the choir's Assyrian performance of the French folk song, Ah! Vous dirai je maman (Tell Me Mother!).  The child's part was performed by the five-year-old Shamina Khangaldi.  Mr. Fred Elieh, a lyrical tenor soloist, invited the audience to settle down after a resounding ovation as he confidently performed Ave Maria, carefully balanced with the Nineveh Choir's abundant background harmony.  The choir music was accompanied by Mrs. Issabey-Simon's piano, Mrs. Arbella Issabey's recorder, and Mr. Rodney Bakuniance's snare drum.

This weekend's program received mixed reviews as the female solo performances were dubbed "regrettable", while the choral renditions in the second half received several standing ovations.  The Nineveh Choir remains a leading Assyrian choral group, and despite the difficulties in bringing together an aggregate of talented Assyrian vocalists for weekly practices, it has consistently delivered exceptional choral performances.

AAC = Ancient Assyrian Church of the East
ACE = Assyrian Church of the East
CCC = Chaldean Catholic Church
COP = Coptic Church
MCC= Maronite Catholic Church
MSO = Malankara Syrian Orthodox Church
SCC = Syrian Catholic Church of Antioch
SKC = Syrian Knanaya Church
SOC = Syrian Orthodox Church

ZENDA Magazine is published every Monday. Views expressed in ZENDA do not necessarily represent those of the ZENDA editors, or any of our associated staff.  This publication reserves the right, at its sole discretion, not to publish comments or articles previously printed in or submitted to other journals. ZENDA   reserves the right to publish and republish your submission in any form or medium. All letters and messages  require the name(s) of sender and/or author. All messages published in the SURFS UP! section must be in 500 words or less and bear the name of the author(s). Distribution of material featured in ZENDA is not restricted, but permission from ZENDA is required.  This service is meant for the exchange of information, analyses and news. To subscribe, send e-mail to: zenda@ix.netcom.com.

The Directory of ZENDA News Sources
ZNAA (Assyrian Academic Society-Chicago)
ZNAD (Assyrian Democratic Organization)
ZNAF (Agence France-Presse)
ZNAH (Al-Ahram Newspaper, London)
ZNAL (Al-Hayat, London)
ZNAI  (Assyrian International News Agency)
ZNAK (American Kurdish
ZNAM (Archeology Magazine)
ZNAP (Associated Press International)
ZNBN (Bet-Nahrain Inc/ KBSV-TV "AssyriaVision")
ZNCN (ClariNews)
ZNIF (Iraq Foundation)
ZNDA (Zenda: zenda@ix.netcom.com)
ZNIN (Iraqi National Congress)
ZNLT (Los Angeles Times)
ZNMN (San Jose Mercury News)
ZNMS (Mar Shimun Magazine-Canada)
ZNMW (Mideast Newswire)
ZNNQ (Nabu Quarterly)
ZNNV (Nineveh Magazine)
ZNNY:  New York Times
ZNPR:  Palestinian Review
ZNQA (Qala Atouraya- Moscow)
ZNRF (Radio Free Iraq)
ZNRU (Reuters)
ZNSH (Shotapouta Newsletter)
ZNSJ (San Jose Mercury News)
ZNSM (Shufimafi Lebanese News)
ZNSO (Syrian Orthodox News "SOCNews")
ZNTD (Turkish Daily News)
ZNTM (Time Magazine)
ZNUP (United Press International)
ZNUS (US News & World Report)
ZNCW:  Catholic World News