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Reopen crossing, Sherpao asks Pakistan govt

By Farhad Naibkhel PESHAWAR: A senior Pakistani KABUL: Transparent Election political figure has called for the Foundation of Afghanistan (TEFA) immediate reopening of the border on Sunday expressed its deepest crossings at Torkham and Chaman concerns over political interferenc- Taliban chief’s strange to ease tensions between the two es in the electoral bodies through neighbours. high wings in the government and spring message ‘Everyone The border sealing had caused political clusters. While lamenting, huge losses to traders besides in- TEFA said, “intrusion in electoral should plant a tree’ conveniencing peoples from both commission work is an apparent countries, the Qaumi Watan Party breach of the law, and also it will The supreme leader of the Taliban ery individual of its devout nation (QWP) chief told reporters in Pe- seriously affect practicing of de- group has issued a new statement to plant one or several fruit or non- shawar on Saturday. mocracy in the country”. on upcoming new solar year, call- fruit trees for the beautification of Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, “We are worried about politi- ing its fighters and the Afghan peo- earth and for the benefit of Al- also a former chief minister and cal pressure over electoral commis- ple to plant a tree. mighty Allah’s creations.” interior minister, said: “Both Pa- sions by the government and po- Claiming that the group is in- “They must understand that kistan and Afghanistan need to litical clusters,” Head of TEFA, volved in fight for the freedom of with tree plantation, they would undertake confidence-building Naim Ayobzada said. the country, Mawlavi Haibatullah be following the practical foot- measures to reduce the trust defi- He also informed of some re- Akhundzada said the group is uti- steps of the Prophet (peace and cit.” port received by TEFA, showing lizing all the available resources for blessing be upon him) and show- He underlined the need for us- interference in electoral bodies. the betterment of the country and ing appreciation for the blessing ing diplomatic channels to build “We are aware of interference in- the Afghan nation. of Allah Almighty by developing bilateral trust, improve mutual side the body.” “The Islamic Emirate – just as the earth and protecting the envi- understanding and forge coopera- Coming up with an example it is actively engaged in a struggle ronment,” he added. The latest tion. Testy exchanges served no he said, “not assigning Secretary against foreign invaders and their statement by Akhundzada comes one’s purpose, he argued. Head for Independent Election hirelings for the attainment of true as the group is blamed for the ma- Student exchange programmes Commission (IEC) in the past one peace and security – works within jority of the destruction and civil- could help create better understand- month is questionable.” Unity govt has clear Faryab the limits of its resources for the ian casualties in the country. ing between citizens of both coun- He asked on the government prosperity, economic welfare, de- According to the latest report tries, Sherpao believed, voicing and political figures not to inter- blast velopment and self-reliance of its by the UN mission in Afghanistan, grave concern over the recent wave fere in Independent Election Com- definition for enemies beloved countrymen,” he claimed the anti-government armed mili- of terrorist attacks in Pakistan. mission (IEC), and Independent leaves one in his statement. tant groups, particularly the Tali- (Pajhwok) Electoral Compliant Commission Akhundzada further added ban group is behind the two thirds (IECC), in order to provide a and friends: Abdullah “Therefore as spring approaches, of the civilian casualties in Afghan- it calls on its Mujahideen and ev- istan. (KP) ground to continue working inde- The national unity government has a dead, 16 Anti-polio drive pendently and professionally. clear definition for friends and foes, “Any deal won’t be acceptable in the chief executive of the government wounded covering 5.6m election.” Abdullah Abdullah said Sunday. One policeman was killed, one oth- SAROBI DISTRICT CHIEF “The upcoming election is a He made the remarks during a er and 15 civilians were wounded great opportunity for the govern- meeting with the youths and activ- in an explosion in Faryab prov- DETAINED ON children from ment to earn people’s trust back ists of the Afghanistan Intellectuals ince on Sunday, local officials said. over democracy process,” he in- Process. The provincial governor sisted. Clarifying the stance of the gov- spomesman Karim Yurish said the CORRUPTION CHARGES today He highlighted, “if people once ernment in fight against terrorism, incident occurred in Almar district SHARANA: The Sarobi district chief of northeastern Paktika province again mislay their trust over elec- KABUL: The second round of a Abdullah said a clear definition for when a roadside bomb exploded in has been detained by intelligence officials on administrative corruption sub-national immunization cam- toral bodies, then it would be im- the friends and foes currently exist. front of a police ranger vehicle in and forgery charges, officials said on Sunday. The accused, Mohabbat possible to regain it.” paign against polio, covering 5.6 Abdullah further added that the the area. Kharoti, was shown to media persons in Sharana, the provincial capital, million children under the age of While showing strong commit- government of national unity consid- “The blast took place this af- by National Directorate of Security (NDS) personnel. ment for running of a free and fair five years, is set to begin tomor- ers an enemy as an enemy and a friend as a friend. ternoon in Almar district. Police An NDS official told Pajhwok Afghan News the district chief was row, the Ministry of Public Health parliamentary election, the Head According to Abdullah, the government is committed to continue have started investigation to find detained on bribery and forgery charges. He said Kharoti had committed of IEC, Najeebullah Ahmadzai, (MoPH) announced on Sunday. fighting terrorism based on the definitions created by the government. the perpetrators,” he said. corruption and fraud in distribution of aid to displaced families. With the help of UNICEF and called on all political figures inside He said all necessary preparations are in place to respond to the Faryab health department said “The district chief has issued fake cards to his relatives to benefit and outside of the government that WHO, the ministry will launch the threats and conspiracies of the enemy, emphasizing that the government a number of wounded civilians are from the aid that was for people in need. We have 13 copies of the ID campaign in all provinces in the restrain from interfering in the and national defense and security forces are prepared to defend their in critical health condition. cards as proof.” He said the district chief had embezzled nearly one work of electoral bodies. He em- southern and southeastern regions, nation and soil. “The condition of some of the million afghanis. Kharoti would be referred to judicial organs soon. most districts in the eastern zone phasized that the IEC won’t let In regards to the role of the youths in the system, Abdullah said the wounded is not stable and doctors A displaced person from Omnai district living in Sarobi district, anyone to interfere in IEC’s work as well as some other areas, includ- youths of the country continue to create barriers against the enemies of are busy in their treatment,” said Jafar, said aid-giving organizations had announced assistance for them, ing Kabul. A statement from and play with the fate of 30 mil- the country with their commitments and devotions. Marof Samar, the Director of Pub- but they were yet to receive that. “We know who has looted the aid and lion Afghan people. MoPH said the campaign would See P3 Abdullah also pointed towards the modification of the national con- lic Health of Faryab. why it did not reach us.” NDS officials had earlier detained many gov- run for three days, involving more stitution and said the only to move forward is the establishment of a No group has claimed respon- ernment officials on charges of corruption in several provinces, includ- than 36,000 polio workers. On Taliban shadow national grand assembly, Loya Jirga. (KP) sibility for the attack. (Tolonews) ing Paktika. (Pajhwok) Friday, polio teams will revisit households where children are governor among 21 missed to ensure all of them are vaccinated. The minister of public killed in health said: “Polio causes perma- nent disability or even death. It is counter-terrorism the right of all Afghan children to operations grow up healthy and we are re- sponsible to ensure that all chil- A shadow provincial governor of dren under the age of 5 receive two the Taliban group was killed along drops of the polio vaccine during with at least 20 others during the counter-terrorism operations, the every campaign.” Dr Ferozuddin Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Feroz added “only by reaching all Sunday. According to a statement children with these life-saving vac- by MoD, at least twenty three People on both sides of the Af- dozens of patients on the Afghan fresh border restrictions and shuts has been stuck on the border for es for Samiullah. “They (the Paki- cines can we eradicate polio from militants were also wounded dur- ghanistan-Pakistan borders are ex- side of the border who are waiting down the Torkham and Spin Bold- ten days. “The Pakistani border stanis) are not opening the border, Afghanistan for good.” The vac- ing the same operations. The state- periencing tough times following for permission to enter Pakistan ak crossings. police beat me with sticks and told this is not the ethics of a Muslim. cine, endorsed by scholars, is safe ment further added that the opera- fresh border restrictions imposed for treatment. Pakistani immigra- “The Pakistani military came us to go. We will not be allowed to We are detained here, we spent all and it does not have any side-ef- tions were conducted in the past by Pakistan in the aftermath of a tion officials are not allowing them and burnt down the Indian flag in enter Pakistan, because we are Af- our money on the way here,” said 24 hours in Nangarhar, Kapisa, fects even for sick and newborn recent terrorist attack in Pakistan’s entry into Pakistan. front of my soldiers. They always ghan citizens. Our patient fell un- Samiullah’s mother Shukria. Mean- children. Afghanistan, Pakistan Paktia, Ghazni, Logar, Khost, Sindh province. The situation is leading to huge make such excuses. The Afghan conscious on the ground,” said Sa- while, businessmen in Spin Bold- Bamyan, Uruzgan, Zabul, and Nigeria are the only countries Baghlan, and Helmand provinces. Hundreds of Afghans and Pa- financial losses for those trying to government has no problem with miullah. “This boy is my brother ak district of southern Kandahar in the world where polio is still The Taliban shadow governor kistanis are stuck on both side of enter Pakistan. them (Pakistan) neither do the Af- and he is suffering from Hepatitis province have said that border con- circulating. Two polio cases have killed during the operations was in the border. The business traffic Pakistan shut the Spin Boldak ghan forces,” said commissioner of B, my sister and mother also have trol by Pakistan has left major eco- been reported in 2017 from Hel- charge of the group for southern between the two neighbors has crossing ten days ago. Whenever Spin Boldak port, Mohammad Ali the same illness,” said Nadia, Sa- nomic implications for business mand and Kandahar. In 2016, 13 Uruzgan province, MoD said, add- been halted. the relations between the two Dawari. Samiullah is a resident of miullah’s sister. The Border clo- community from both countries. polio cases were reported, down ing that he was identified as Sheikh Among those stuck, there are countries sour, Pakistan imposes northern province of Takhar who sure has led to major economic loss- (Tolonews) Hamza. (KP) from 20 in 2015. (Pajhwok) MONDAY. FEBRUARY 27, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES StrandAfghans protest in Landi Kotal By Shamim Shahid

PESHAWAR: In a bid to convince ities in the under construction Pakistani authorities of allowing building. He said that all of them them to enter their motherland, remain in Pakistan and spent good hundreds of Afghans stranded due days, therefore, they may not be to sealing of Pak Afghan border at punished. They having nothing to Torkham have staged a protest do with government policies and demonstration at Landi Kotal respecting Pakistan and its peo- Khyber Agency on Sunday. ple. The protesters along with their The tribesmen in Landi Kotal belongings after assembling and informed that they providing stopping by personnel of security cooked food through collecting of forces at Mechani Post, marched donations to these stranded Af- towards Landi Kotal in a proces- ghan nationals. Amongst them sion. They chanted slogans in around 300 are possessing Afghan favour of their just and lone de- passports with valid visa and the mand-open the border and let them remaining are in possession of to proceed to their motherland. Proof Of Registration (POR) is- Inside the border town of Landi sued jointly by UNHCR and Af- Kotal, these Afghan protesters ghan Refugees were also accompanied by a num- Commissioner through NADRA. ber of local tribesmen who are ex- These stranded Afghans are most- tending them food facilities from ly patients and their attended and last 10 days. their visa’s already expired, there- Hukam Khan an Afghan na- fore, they assembled on Pak Af- tional who was working as Labour ghan border just in hunt of a chance in Rawalpindi was included to enter their motherland. amongst the protesters, told VOA Two days ago Pakistani au- that he was part of the peaceful thorities announced allowing more protest just to convince Pakistani than 250 Afghan nationals to enter authorities to let them to enter their their motherland at Torkham. But own motherland. He said that nei- the procedure was named as de- ther hotel owners and managers nor portation of arrested/detained Af- local tribesmen allowed to give ghans to their motherland through them (Afghan nationals) accommo- political administration of Khyber dation, therefore, they are com- Agency. pelled to stay in mosques. But even Besides Torkham, similar is the they were evacuated from the al- situation on almost other crossing ready built mosques. points between the two countries. Hukam Khan said that now Across the border in Afghanistan, hundreds of stranded Afghans are thousands of Pakistani nationals compelled to stay under the roof are also stranded due to sealing of of an under-construction mosque borders in reaction of latest terror- in outskirt of Landi Kotal town. ist attacks in Lahore, Sehwan There is no any sort of basic facil- Sharif Sindh and Peshawar.

Like other Afghan immigrants, ly as Razmal has. Some overcome his home to help take care of his Faisal Razmal thought he was leav- the culture shock, the challenges wife. ing violence behind for a new life of getting a job or an education and “He told me that I was the in the United States, considered the even the homesickness that accom- only person in the U.S. who he land of opportunity. panies being in a strange new land. could trust, because I am the broth- After all, he survived an IED Some thrive. er of his wife,” Razmal said. He (improvised explosive device) The U.S. and refugee-support agreed and got a job as a security blast in Kabul during five years as organizations try to prepare new guard. an interpreter for U.S. forces. immigrants for what they will face. “For the first couple weeks, Threats to his life were worth it, There is initial financial support they welcomed us. But after that, Amid a rise in attacks in Afghani- fighting with the Afghan military. in his opinion, because fighting the and counseling aimed at getting my sister began to find fault, argu- stan attributed to the so-called Is- Meanwhile, several hundred IS “enemies” was the best way to America’s new residents settled ing with my wife and so on” until lamic State (IS), the BBC's Da- fighters have been killed in clashes serve his country - and because his and helping those who run into tensions boiled over, Razmal said. wood Azami examines what kind with the Afghan Taliban. dream was to move to the U.S. trouble as they try to adjust. Some- “My sister wanted to call the po- of threat the militant group poses Around a dozen top leaders of with a Special Immigrant Visa times, however, the toughest les- lice, and I decided to leave her home in the conflict-hit nation and the the group's Afghanistan-Pakistan (SIV). son is that freedom also brings the at 2 a.m. because it was impossi- wider region. branch, including founding leader After his visa was approved, freedom to fail, even if a person ble for me to continue living with How much territory has IS Hafiz Saeed Khan, a former Paki- Razmal recalls how excited he was does nothing wrong or just hap- her.” captured? stani Taliban commander, and his to arrive in Austin with his family pens to be in the wrong place at Sacramento move IS announced the establish- deputies, have been killed in Af- and see the gleaming skyscrapers the wrong time or underestimates Ramzal then moved to Sacra- ment of its Khorasan branch - an ghanistan, mostly in US drone at- and busy highways of the Texas a threat very different than those mento, California, where he took a old name for Afghanistan and sur- tacks. capital. he or she left behind. job with the same company. He rounding areas - in January 2015. Estimates about IS's numeri- “It looked very beautiful,” he A State Department letter that said he was happy - for two It was the first time that IS had cal strength inside Afghanistan officially spread outside the Arab vary, ranging from 1,000 to 5,000. said. is sent to those about to move to months. Then, in August of 2015, world. US General John Nicholson, Nato estimates that there are which follows an austere version What followed, he said, was a the U.S. outlines a bare-bones sup- Razmal met in his apartment com- Within a few weeks, the group the top commander of US and between 1,000 and 1,500 IS fight- of Sunni Islam. steady descent into a nightmare. port package that they will receive. plex’s parking lot with some appeared in at least five Afghan Nato troops in Afghanistan, esti- ers in Afghanistan Read more While in California, where he took “The resettlement agency to former colleagues, trying to help provinces, including Helmand, mates that between 1,000 and Like its counterparts in the The new 'Great Game' in Af- a job, he was shot in the left eye which you are assigned receives two Afghan friends find jobs in the Zabul, Farah, Logar and Nangar- 1,500 IS fighters are in Afghani- Middle East, IS Khorasan has tak- ghanistan with a flare gun during an alterca- $1,875 per person in U.S. Gov- neighborhood. har, trying to establish pockets of stan. He says their number has en violence to new levels, even by Pakistan's bloody week: Who tion with a 16-year-old youth. He ernment funds, of which a mini- “There was another Afghan territory from which to expand. been cut in half, from an estimated the bloody standards of the region. is to blame? has not been able to work due to mum of $925 must be spent di- fellow who said he can find them a It was the first major militant 3,000, by military operations over While al-Qaeda introduced suicide Islamic State group: The full the physical and psychological rectly on your behalf,” the letter job. So, I introduced them to each group to directly challenge the Af- the past year or so. bombings into the Afghanistan- story impact. Jaded by his experiences, reads. “These funds will be used other,” Razmal said. ghan Taliban's dominance over the Afghan security forces patrol Pakistan region, IS brought new Although IS has also killed he appears ready to give up on to pay for your rent and/or basic A group of youths approached, local insurgency. Its first aim was during ongoing clashes between and more ruthless tactics. many of its Sunni opponents, it building a new life. necessities.” and the 16-year-old suspect de- to drive Afghan Taliban fighters security forces and Islamic State In one notorious example an has clearly stated sectarian goals Things started well. “I was Hard work manded $1, then their cellphones. out of the area and it also hoped to (IS) militants in Kot District in IS video released in August 2015 in a number of its attacks. thinking, 'This is United States. No Word of higher payouts, how- Both Razmal and his friends re- evict Taliban ally al-Qaeda from eastern Nangarhar province on showed 10 blindfolded communi- Justifying the July 2016 attack one can hurt you, this is a country ever, spread. Razmal says he ar- jected his demands. the Afghanistan-Pakistan region, or July 26, 2016.Image copyright- ty elders in Achin district in Nan- on the Shia rally in Kabul, IS called absorb its fighters. AFP where law rules; there is good gov- rived with just $50 in his pocket Later, one of his friends left, garhar being forced to sit on holes it retaliation for the activities of Yet despite efforts to energise Image caption in the ground filled with explosives. Afghan Shia Hazaras who have ernment, good security; people are after hearing from other interpret- then called within minutes to say battle-weary militants, IS strug- Afghan security forces have They were then blown to pieces. gone to Syria via Iran to fight for educated; there is the FBI and ers already living in the U.S. that the same kids had stopped him, gled to build a wide political base been battling IS fighters, but the Beheadings and abductions, the government of President CIA.' I trusted America,” Razmal he would get $3,000 in “welcome but he didn’t understand what and the indigenous support it ex- group has survived the onslaught including of women and children, Bashar al-Assad, an Alawi-Shia, said. money” - $1,000 for each of his they wanted. pected in Afghanistan. Instead, it He adds that about 70% of are other tactics. against the Islamic State group. SIV program family members - along with a few “I rushed to them, and this made enemies of almost everyone, those fighters come from the Paki- In addition, IS propaganda on Deliberate attacks by IS against Several throusand Afghan in- months’ rent and food stamps for young man was screaming at my including the Afghan Taliban. stani Taliban group (TTP), some the internet and air waves is Shia in Afghanistan add a danger- terpreters and their family mem- a while. Afghan fellow. I asked the young Map of Afghanistan showing of whom moved to Afghanistan strong. The group has several Twit- ous complication to the conflict. bers have immigrated to the U.S. Instead, he found himself in a boy, `Why you are screaming and various provinces after the Pakistani military ter and Facebook accounts and has How do regional powers view under the SIV program, since it rough neighborhood, where drunks what do you want?’” In the first half of 2015, IS launched an operation in North been broadcasting on an FM radio IS? was established in 2008, because played loud music in front of the The youth, identified as Re- managed to capture large chunks Waziristan tribal area in 2014. But station in Nangarhar since Decem- The future of IS in Afghani- their work for U.S. forces put them apartment that the caseworker for nardo Dejour Williams, pulled a of territory in eastern Nangarhar Afghan security officials insist that ber 2015. stan and Pakistan is in many ways in danger. the International Rescue Commit- flare gun from his pocket. province. This became the de fac- 80% of IS militants are Pakistanis. Radio Caliphate can be heard linked to the fate of IS in Syria and “I don’t believe that Afghans tee found for his family, along with “I began laughing and told him, to "capital" principally for two The other members were part in Nangarhar and Kunar provinc- Iraq. who come through the SIV get the a mattress, a sofa and some other 'You want to scare me with this reasons - its proximity to the trib- of the Islamic Movement of es, as well as adjacent parts of Pa- Western and Afghan military al areas of Pakistan, home of IS Uzbekistan (IMU), a group fo- necessary support to resettle,” basic household goods. baby gun?'” Razmal said. “And he kistan. The station was once hit in officials confirm the group has fi- Khorasan's top leaders, and the cused on Central Asian countries, a US airstrike but was back on air nancial ties to, and is in communi- said U.S. Army Staff Sgt. David “Seeing such a situation scared pulled the trigger and shot me in presence of some people who fol- and former Afghan Taliban or new within a few weeks. cation with, the main IS leadership. Granillo, who worked with my wife,” Razmal said. “It was a the face. I felt as if my face was on low a similar Salafi/Wahhabi inter- recruits, they say. Why does IS attack Shias? It also has contacts with IS cells Razmal in Kabul. very, very, very poor place.” fire. I did not even think that such pretation of Islam to IS. IS has so far survived the on- IS has also carried out attacks operating in South and Central “My sincere belief is that our The rent was only paid for a a baby gun is so powerful.” IS is also trying to get a foot- slaught and it seems the group is in Pakistan, where it relies mainly Asian countries. translators provided an invaluable month, so he struggled to find Razmal lost the vision in his hold in northern Afghanistan, attracting new recruits to replace on the support of certain anti-Shia So far, IS has not been able to service to our mission and should work, finally landing a minimum- eye, then his job. Financial issues where it aims to link up with Cen- those killed. sectarian groups. The first major carry out attacks outside Afghani- be treated as veterans,” Granillo wage job in a taco restaurant. followed. His psychotherapist, tral Asian, Chechen and Chinese What are its tactics? attack in Pakistan for which IS stan and Pakistan. But the group said. “I wish they could receive “I was working in everything: Homeyra Ghaffari Sorooshian, Uighur militants. After losing territory, IS Kho- claimed responsibility was in May has many sympathisers in the re- the same VA (veterans’) benefits cleaning the restaurant, washing the said he has been diagnosed with But it has largely been elimi- rasan is emulating its Middle East 2015 when about 40 minority Sh- gion. and educational benefits that the glasses, washing dishes, cooking Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, nated from southern and western counterparts by resorting to guer- ias were killed in a gun attack on a Additionally, thousands of service members they worked hand food, making tacos, every work has lost hope and wants to give Afghanistan by the Afghan Tali- rilla tactics such as suicide attacks, bus in the country's biggest city, volunteers from nine South and in hand with receive.” from A to Z,” said Razmal. up. ban and military operations con- targeted killings and the use of Karachi. Central Asian states - Afghanistan, Granillo still strongly believes After two months, he added a The California Victim Com- ducted by Afghan and US/Nato IEDs. On 16 February, IS said it car- Bangladesh, India, Kazakhstan, that the U.S. really is the land of second job as a security guard, then pensation Program supported him forces. It says it carried out some of ried out an attack on the Lal Shah- Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Afghan mourners carry the the deadliest recent attacks in Af- opportunity, but says the new a third delivering pizzas to help for a year, but that assistance ran baz Qalandar Sufi shrine in the Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan - coffin of one of the six Afghan ghanistan, several of them in the town of Sehwan in Sindh province. have gone to Syria and Iraq to fight wave of immigrants must bear pay the bills. It was hard work, out last September. The program employees of the Red Cross in capital, Kabul. Police say 90 people were killed. for IS. hardships to pave the way for fu- but he said he accepted it as a new- asked Razmal to bring a letter from Mazar-i-Sharif on February 9, In July 2016, a suicide bomb Pakistani people light candles They have been trained and ture generations. comer to the U.S., and he slowly his doctor saying how long he will 2017Image copyrightAFP attack on a rally in Kabul killed for the victims of a suicide bomb radicalised there. The return of FILE - A U.S. Marine talks became financially stable. be unable to work. Image caption about 80 people. Three months attack that targeted the shrine of these militants will pose a new with an Afghan interpreter during Faisal Razmal, with vision in “It is very disappointing. Six Red Cross workers were later, two similar attacks during the Sufi Muslim saint Lal Shahbaz threat and might strengthen the a joint patrol in Helmand province, his left eye lost, is being driven in When it comes to mental state, no killed earlier this month in north- religious festival of Ashura claimed Qalandar, in Karachi, Pakistan, 17 existing IS infrastructure in the re- southern Afghanistan, Sept. 19, car. Ramzal says his real pain is doctor can guarantee how long it ern Afghanistan by suspected IS around 30 lives and in November February 201Image copyrightEPA gion. 2009. Faisal Razmal worked as an his loss of independence. “I want takes for a person to recover. There militants 2016 an attack at a mosque in Kabul Image caption Such developments further interpreter for U.S. forces in Af- to work and feel ashamed to ask are so many elements involved,” It has also lost territory in east- killed more than 30. All of these The attack at the Lal Shahbaz complicate the conflict in Afghan- ghanistan for five years prior to for help,” he says. Sorooshian said. Razmal managed ern Afghanistan in recent months. attacks targeted minority Shia Qalandar Sufi shrine shocked Pa- istan and pose a long term risk to coming to the U.S. under a Special Faisal Razmal, with vision in to get a letter from another doctor But it still has control over some Muslims. kistan regional stability. Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. his left eye lost, is being driven in to cover a six-month period, but parts of Nangarhar and Kunar IS has also claimed responsi- The conflict in Afghanistan has Regional powers, such as Rus- FILE - A U.S. Marine talks car. Ramzal says his real pain is his payments were cut from provinces, where it plans attacks bility for attacks in other parts of been going on for nearly four de- sia, China and Iran, are concerned with an Afghan interpreter during his loss of independence. “I want $1,600 per month to $900. “It is and trains fighters. the country and has killed civil- cades, but the country has largely about the threat that IS poses to Small IS pockets have also ians, including tribal elders and re- a joint patrol in Helmand province, to work and feel ashamed to ask not enough to support a family,” remained immune to the sectarian their internal security. These pow- been reported in Zabul and Ghaz- ligious scholars opposed to its ex- violence that has hit other regional ers have established contacts with southern Afghanistan, Sept. 19, for help,” he says. Razmal said. A trial for the alleged ni, as well as a few northern prov- treme ideology and brutal tactics. nations. the Afghan Taliban, which is fight- 2009. Faisal Razmal worked as an Then he got a call from his assailant has been postponed sev- inces. Suspected Islamic State (IS) IS, however, aims to turn the ing IS, to hedge against the poten- interpreter for U.S. forces in Af- brother-in-law, an Afghan-Ameri- eral times, but for Ramzal, the real How many fighters does IS and Taliban militants are brought conflict in Afghanistan into a sec- tial risk. ghanistan for five years prior to can living in Washington state, who pain is his loss of independence. have? before media during a press con- tarian war between the majority Mutual mistrust is preventing coming to the U.S. under a Special said he was returning to Afghani- “I want to work and feel Since its emergence in Afghan- ference in Jalalabad on December Sunnis and minority Shias, as it regional players from reaching a Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. stan to work for the U.S. Army ashamed to ask for help,” he said. istan, IS has lost hundreds of mil- 6, 2016.Image copyrightAFP has tried in Syria and Iraq. Shias consensus to end the conflict in Certainly, not all suffer as bad- and wanted Razmal to move into (VOA) itants in US air strikes and ground Image caption are considered apostates by IS, Afghanistan. (BBC) MONDAY. FEBRUARY 27, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

In what has become a regular oc- currence in recent months, a de- portation flight bound for Kabul, Afghanistan, took off from Ger- many with less than half of the expected passengers on board. EMERGENCY While 50 people were sched- uled to be repatriated, "in fact, only CALLS 18 got on the flight," Interior Min- istry spokesman Tobias Plate was Police quoted as saying by The Local. "There are always a few who don't turn up because of different 100 - 119 reasons – health reasons, success- ful applications for urgent rights protection of which there are three Hospitals cases here… Others go into hiding or seek asylum in churches," he FMIC Hospital added. Behind Kabul Medical "That's why the government has initiated several measures, in- University: cluding for example no longer an- 0202500200-+93793275595 nouncing such flights in advance," Plate confirmed. This is the third wave of de- Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital portations since December as part of an ongoing, Europe-wide effort Pule Bagh-e- Umomi to alleviate the refugee crisis. A 070263672 flight from Germany to Afghani- stan in December 2016, when the current phase of the repatriation Aimal, a 20-year old living in the recognizing them as third gender. norms. Khairkhana Hospital initiative began, had 16 of 50 pas- eastern Afghan province of Nan- Mudasir Shah, a social activ- Mohammad Wali Hashimi, di- 0799-321007 sengers disappear. garhar, does not identify as ei- ist and journalist from Khyber rector of Nangaahar’s court of ap- "We sent home 80,000 last ther male or female. Instead, Aim- Pashtunkhwa, told IWPR in a tele- peal told IWPR, “In some excep- 2401352 year whose asylum applications al is “third gender,” a category phone interview that there were tional cases we can seek help from were rejected – that's a record… that does not fit typical defini- more than 700,000 third gender the forensic medicine department And the number will rise again fur- tions of masculine or feminine. people in Pakistan. in order to determine their sexual- Indira Gandhi Children ther,” Peter Altmaier, German Regionally, there are ancient Although they are a margina- ity. If they have more dominant Chancellor Angela Merkel's chief traditions surrounding this iden- lised community, often only able masculine characteristics the male Hospital, Wazir Akbar of staff told Bild in an interview. “There were some 700,000 tification and the term has been to earn money dancing at weddings punishment would be imposed, Khan, Kabul 2301372 asylum applications in 2016 and legally recognised in India, Paki- or through sex work, they none- and if they had more feminine char- nearly 300,000 were rejected. We'll stan, and Bangladesh. theless had rights in law. acteristics the female punishment be sending these people home In conservative Afghanistan, Shah said, “The federal state would be applied.” Ibn-e- Seena quickly, because if we don't, it'll however, there is no such provi- of Khayber Pashtunkhwa last He declined to elaborate as to Pul-e-Artan, Kabul damage our credibility as a state sion and those who do not con- month announced a dedicated bud- what kind of exceptional circum- based on the rule of law," he add- form to gender norms face dis- get for third gender communities,” stances he was referring to. 2100359 Afghan LGBT crimination and abuse. adding that the government had Abdul Qadir, director of the ed. There is still strong support In a shaking voice, Aimal ex- taken action after a sustained cam- Afghan population registry also for refugees to remain in the coun- plained that that life was utterly paign by third gender groups. said they had no data on the num- Wazir Akbar Khan try, as evidenced by the 300 pro- miserable. However, there is little or no ber of third sex people in the coun- Hospital testers at Munich airport on asylum seekers “My parents treat my other activism on third gender issues in try. “There is no specific law re- Wednesday. brothers well, but I am treated as Afghanistan. Even dedicated hu- garding this, and we can only reg- 2301741, 2301743 In addition, the German state a slave and as a servant because man rights groups said that they ister them as neutral,” he said. “We of Schleswig-Holstein will not be of my gender and they think of had no information on the subject. have nothing to do with any other deporting any refugees to Afghan- me as a burden and disgrace to The Afghanistan Independent rights and privileges.” Ali Abad istan until May 31, at the earliest. in UK among the family.” Human Rights Commission Despite widespread prejudice, Shahrara, Kabul This bold move further highlights Having dropped out of (AIHRC) said that discrimination Islamic scholars said that there was the complexity of the refugee cri- school in the 9th grade when the against third gender people was not no basis in Sharia for discriminat- 2100439 sis in Germany as national and bullying from other students be- an issue that they had ever ad- ing again third gender people. state authorities clash on an ongo- came too much to bear, Aimal dressed. Religious expert Fazlullah ing basis. most vulnerable Malalai Maternity "The security situation in Af- now earns a pittance working for “I have no any information or Mumtaz told IWPR that Islam ghanistan may vary from region to At Risk of Imprisonment, Violence if a nearby tailor. knowledge and [AIHRC] has not gave rights to all people, regard- Hospital region, but one cannot say that the Aimal said that there were conducted any investigations less of their gender identity. “Any 2201377/ 2301743 situation anywhere in the country Deported to Afghanistan around 150 other third gender about this,” said Hashima Sharifa, kind of misbehaviour, mistreat- is particularly good," Bärbel Kof- people in Nangarhar province, representing the AIHRC in east- ment, ridicule or making them feel ler, the Bundestag's human rights Despite this, lawyers working with Afghan refugees in the United King- adding that many people tried to ern Afghanistan. ashamed are against Islamic teach- Banks commissioner told the German dom have told Human Rights Watch that they find themselves pushing mask their identity for fear of Spokesman Bilal Sidiqui also ings,” he said, adding, “Third gen- Passauer Neue Presse newspaper, back against British immigration officials unwilling to accept even these abuse. told IWPR, “AIHRC has not con- der people are creatures of Allah Da Afghanistan Bank as reported by DW. refugees, among the most vulnerable of asylum seekers. Weeping, Aimal continued, ducted any research or represent- and laughing and mocking them is More than 12,500 Afghan ref- Protesters hold up placards during a demonstration to express sol- “People disrespect us and don’t ed them, however if they present a major sin in Islam, akin to laugh- 2100302, 2100303 ugees in Germany will be sent back idarity with migrants and to demand the government welcome refugees consider to be human beings. their concerns as a group the com- ing at Allah almighty’s creation.” to their home country because the into Britain, in London, September 12, 2015. They abuse us in the streets as mission will pass these on to the He said that third gender people Bakhtar Bank security situation there is consid- Bizarrely, the UK immigration office states in its January 2017 we go about our daily business. authorities.” also had equal rights when it came ered safe enough by German offi- guidelines on asylum claims based on sexual orientation that a gay man Even our families don’t treat us He agreed that legislation to legal issues such as inheritance 0776777000 cials, a national newspaper report- who “on return to Kabul, would not attract or seek to cause public well, but we too were created by should exist to protect their rights, law, and called for imams to high- Azizi Bank ed. outrage, would not face a real risk of persecution,” and that “it may be Allah almighty and there’s wis- adding, “Our suggestion to the light the issue in their Friday ser- The newspaper cites a Ger- a safe and viable option for a gay man to relocate to Kabul.” In an annex dom in the way God made us.” Afghan government would be to mons as a means of educating peo- 0799 700900 man Interior Ministry document, to the official guidance, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office notes Aimal’s father Mohammad make effective programmes for the ple about the subject. Pashtany Bank which is said to be the govern- that “the only option for a homosexual individual … would be to con- Gulab, 53, said that he was deep- rights of third gender communi- Marginalised and isolated, ment’s formal reply to a question ceal their sexual orientation to avoid punishment.” ly ashamed of his child. ties.” third gender people often turn to 2102908, 2103868 posed by the leftist party Die In Afghanistan, same-sex relations are punishable by 5 to 15 years “I wish Aimal had not been The legal issue is a particular sex work to survive. Social affairs Linke. It states that about 5 per- given to us by God, or that he problem as Afghanistan’s justice expert Shaf-ul-allah said that abuse cent of the nearly 247,000 Afghans in prison under a law that bans all sex between individuals not married to Air Services who had arrived in Germany by each other. Afghan law specifies that marriage is between a man and a had died in his childhood so that system mandates different penal- and exploitation was a common the end of September will proba- woman. Under Sharia, or Islamic law, the punishment for sex outside people would not abuse us,” he ties for male and female criminals. experience among the community. Safi Airways bly have to return to their home- marriage could be a death sentence. Because the evidentiary require- said. “I fear for his future.” Mangal Sherzad, a law profes- “Experience shows that third land because the security situation ments of this law are difficult to meet, this punishment hasn’t been Third gender people in Af- sor at Nangarhar university, said gender people are often rejected by 020 22 22 222 there is stable enough for them to applied by Afghan courts since 2001. ghanistan live in a legal and social that this should have been ad- their families and forced to flee be repatriated. Afghan law provides no protection against discrimination or harass- limbo, with no rights in law and dressed when Afghanistan’s new their homes, and eventually peo- "A worsening of the security ment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Groups work- widespread ignorance of their body of law was put together af- ple sexually abuse them,” he said. Ariana situation across the country can- ing to protect LGBT people operate underground to avoid being shut community. ter the fall of the Taleban in 2001. This is an ever-present risk for 020-2100270 not be confirmed,” Neue down or attacked. Numerous officials inter- He told IWPR, “Afghanistan’s Muska, who identifies as female Osnabrücker Zeitung newspaper The latest US State Department human rights report refers to “ha- viewed by IWPR on this subject lawmakers should have included and told IWPR said she originally quoted the Interior Ministry as rassment, violence, and detentions by police of gay men.” Gay men simply laughed when asked about and protected third gender peo- had been named Muskan. “I don’t Kam Air stating, adding that the “threat to have described being beaten and threatened with death. Some have been the issue or said that it was too ple’s rights while writing the con- like to be called by the name my 0799974422 Afghan civilians has not changed killed by their own relatives. Lesbian and transgender Afghans also shameful to discuss. stitution, but this was ignored.” family gave me, but I feel happy as compared to the previous year." describe living in fear. This is in contrast to neigh- Officials in the judiciary ac- when somebody uses the name According to the paper, 27 re- United Nations guidelines specify that LGBT people “cannot be bouring Pakistan, for instance, knowledge that there is a legal Muska,” she said, adding that her Hotels jected Afghan asylum seekers have denied refugee status based on a requirement that they change or conceal where in 2009 tens of thousands loophole when it comes to those family had rejected her after she Safi Landmark been deported from Germany this their identity, opinions or characteristics in order to avoid persecution.” of people received identity cards who do not conform to gender came out to them. (IWPR) year, compared to nine in 2015. Members of the LGBT community in Afghanistan can only hope to Last month, Afghanistan and escape abuse if they deny and suppress their sexual identities, marry as 020-2203131 the EU signed an agreement allow- arranged by their families, have sex only with spouses, have children, ing the bloc’s member states to SERENA deport an unlimited number of and never have a sexual relationship outside that norm. But if they do, Important Notice for Customers! Afghan asylum seekers. The deal they risk arrest, prosecution, and violence from their families, the larger 0799654000 also obliged Kabul “to readmit its community and the government. citizens who entered into the EU Surely this does not count as living “safely.” (HRW) Dear Valued Customers, or are staying on the EU territory In accordance with new guidelines issued by Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) New Rumi Restaurant irregularly, after due consideration under section 6, article12 of AML/CFT law and circular No. 3201 dated 0776351347 of each individual case by Mem- 02.06.1395 of FINTRACA regarding transactionsprocessed on behalf of ber States.” customers, all customers are required to submit supporting documentsrelating The German Interior Minis- Internet Services try’s positive assessment of the to the source of fund for cash deposits in individual / legal entity accounts beyond AFN500,000/- or USD 7,500/- or EUR 7,000/- and or GBP 6,000/-. UA Telecom security situation in Afghanistan 0796701701 / 0796702702 comes at a time when Taliban mil- A source of fund document may be any one of the following: itants have intensified their attacks 1. Property rent document in various parts of the country. 2. Business License copy (for Individual Accounts only) Exchange Rate In addition, scores of civilians, 3. Employment agreement / certified Employer letter including children, were reported- Purchase: ly killed in US airstrikes support- 4. Any business agreement / deal documents ing a ground operation in Kunduz, 5. Any shares documents / dividend / interest / any benefit documents / Share officials and media reported earli- transfer document One US$ = er this month. NATO forces in 6. Any Letter specifying the date, amount and purpose of payment 66.77Afs Afghanistan said the airstrikes 7. Any Invoice copy / sell documents / Merchandising trade documents were “to defend friendly forces 8. Any agreement or letter between 2 persons for a business deal One Pound Sterling= under fire.” Two US soldiers were 80.95Afs also killed and two wounded dur- ‘Won’t let anyone to interfere . . . 9. Sale of physical products / and or rendering any service ing a raid on Taliban positions. From P1 10. An email copy for a regular payment or cash payment between customer and a third party One Euro = Stratfor, a US-based private Pointing toward introducing of ter huge frauds in the presidential 11. Another Bank’s withdrawal slip / voucher copy / statement of accounts 70.05Afs intelligence agency, said in an Au- three candidates to the Presiden- election in 2014, the National Unity 12. Pension statement 1000 Pak Rs = gust report that Taliban fighters are tial Palace around one and half Government in their initial days 13. Donation / charities / grant / advances / from any bona fide institution / individual now operating in more Afghan ter- months ago, he asked the presi- of work vowed to bring reform in 14. Receipt of insurance benefit of any nature 612Afs ritories than prior to the 2001 US dent to select one of the qualified election commissions aimed at dig- 15. Sponsorship document invasion. They have made territo- Sale: figures for secretary head of the ging people’s trust back on the elec- 16. Any other proof document for the source of fund One US$ = rial gains despite the efforts of the IEC. The Head of IECC, Abdul toral bodies. After passing two Western-trained Afghan National Important Note: 66.97 Afs Army and US troops to push for- Aziz Ibrahimi said “often the gov- years the government finally suc- While submitting any supporting document to the bank, same should be ensured to begenuine, correctand ernmental officials pledge to re- ceeded to assign new faces as com- One Pound Sterling= ward in other provinces. best of your knowledge since all such documents will be verified as per the applicable Laws andRegulations “There is a security crisis in spect independency of electoral missioners for the electoral bod- 81.75Afs bodies, but however it is just ver- ies. Delay in assigning new com- of the Central Bank. One Euro= Afghanistan,” Professor Sreeram If required and found that documents submitted are not genuine or having doubt, Azizi Bank may refer tothe Chaulia, from the Jindal School of bally. It must be put into practice missioners are the major cause of 70.65 Afs International Affairs in Delhi, told practically.” holdup in the parliamentary elec- concerned Law Enforcement Agency and bank will have no liability for any future consequence. RT. (RT) It is worth mentioning that af- tion. (Press Release) 1000 Pak Rs= 620 MONDAY . FEBRUARY 27, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister NEW DELHI: Canadian PM Jus- million five-year deal to power Nawaz Sharif cannot claim privi- tin Trudeau is expected to visit to Indian reactors. The agreement for lege under Article 66 on the con- India later this year uranium supply came two years tent of his speech on May 16 last He inducted 4 members from after protracted negotiations fol- year in parliament, asserted coun- Sikh-Canadian community in his lowing the 2013 civil nuclear deal sel for the Pakistan Tehreek-i-In- diverse cabinet Around 1.3 million between India and Canada. saf’s (PTI) chief Naeem Bukhari people living in Canada are of In- PM Narendra Modi was the in the Supreme Court. dian origin Canadian Prime Min- first Indian prime ministerial visit “This is not sustainable,” the ister Justin Trudeau is expected to to Canada in 42 years. rebuttal stated. ‘Panamagate case make a state visit to India later this Justin Trudeau, the son of to take Sharifs to prison’ year, India's High Commissioner- former Canadian Prime Minister On Thursday, Imran Khan’s designate to Canada Vikas Swarup Pierre Trudeau, assumed office in counsel submitted 70-page rebut- said on Saturday. November 2015. Canada PM Jus- tal in the Panamagate case, a copy "We expect the Canadian tin Trudeau inducted a record 4 of which was obtained by The Prime Minister to visit India some- members from the Sikh-Canadian Express Tribune. time later this year," Mr Swarup, community to his cabinet Of Can- The rejoinder feared that if any who served as the spokesperson ada's population of over 35 mil- member of parliament claimed im- of the External Affairs Ministry, lion, around 1.3 million people are munity or privilege after giving an said on the occasion of his fare- of Indian origin. explanation of his conduct, it well party. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would amount to perpetrating Prime Minister Narendra inducted a record four members ‘fraud on parliament’, which Modi visited Canada in April 2015 from the Sikh-Canadian commu- would be in violation of his oath during which India inked a multi- nity in his diverse Cabinet for the of office. million-dollar deal for uranium to first time in the country's history. The PTI is seeking to disqual- power its civilian nuclear pro- His cabinet is also equally balanced ify the PM on charges of alleged gramme for five years and also between women and men. misstatement about the money inked 13 agreements, following Three Indian-origin men and trail for acquiring London flats in talks with then Canadian Prime one woman are part of his cabinet parliament. However, Makhdoom Minister Stephen Harper. that comprises of 15 female and Ali Khan, the counsel for the Canada had agreed to supply 15 male ministers. The team marks prime minister, contended that 3,000 metric tonnes of uranium to both a generational change and re- despite some ‘omissions’, the PM energy-hungry India under a $254 flect Canada's diversity. (NDTV) did not lie. Citing dozens of domestic and international precedents for the PM’s statement under Article 66 of the Constitution, Makhdoom contended that the PM had full privilege on his statement in par- liament. But Naeem Bukhari as- serted that the privilege did not apply and could not be construed to apply on personal matters of a parliamentarian, adding that Arti- cle 66 did not provide protection ingless and illusory thereby defeat- 62 (1) and 63 (1) of the Constitu- ists (ICIJ). revisions and changing positions to a parliamentarian on an expla- ing the object the member in ques- tion would “in any event override The website of ICIJ states that of the Sharif family proved that nation or clarification about seri- tion being accountable to parlia- any immunity being claimed by PM’s children were approached “all versions of events are concoc- ous allegations of impropriety, in- ment.” The rebuttal stated that dur- the PM regarding his speech”. for comments before the release tions and fabrications just to ob- cluding concealment of assets, ing the PM’s speech on May 16 Regarding the credibility of and publication but no denial was fuscate the truth. made against him. last year, he was not exercising his Panama papers, it is stated that ever issued by them. Panamagate It is stated that acceptance of If the privilege under Article right to freedom of speech in any the ultimate source of the docu- case: Aitzaz hopes SC will dis- an explanation, based on docu- 66 was extended to such matters, legislative or policy matter, which ments, filed by the PTI relating to pense justice Separate replies sub- ments such as the ‘Qatari letter’, it would defeat the purpose of such would require the extension of Ar- the Sharif family’s two offshore mitted by the Sharif family were will encourage corruption and ef- a clarification. ticle 66 of the constitution. companies is the documents re- employed as a device to “try and fectively provide an escape route “The clarification and expla- Naeem Bukhari contended leased by the International Con- complicate matters”. The counsel to the individuals inv Security Forces (BSF) were recent- pattern, number pattern, see nation would be rendered mean- that Article 5 (2) read with Article sortium of Investigative Journal- of the PTI chief submitted that (TRIBUNE) ly shocked to find that Bangladesh through water mark, portrait of stamp paper -- printed only in Mahatma Gandhi, Swachh Bharat government presses -- was used logo and slogan, motif of Maga- for counterfeiting Indian notes that layan (reflecting India’s first ven- were smuggled in bulk into the ture into interplanetary space). country through Bengal after de- There are deeper implications monetisation. The fake Indian cur- -- it is impossible to procure stamp rency notes (FICN) printed on paper in bulk except without ac- stamp paper were of ‘good’ quali- tive cooperation of a section of ty and these copied most security government employees. features of the bonafide currency. “If one has to buy a stamp Earlier, it was believed that paper in Bangladesh, one has to Colombo: Managing Director of ing a review. Prime Minister Ranil strengthen foreign reserves. Of this fake Indian currency was printed reveal identity similar to the pro- the International Monetary Fund, Wickremesinghe and Finance Min- the IMF has decided to disburse in Pakistan and most of which was cess in India. So if the counterfeit- Christine Lagarde will visit Sri Lan- ister Ravi Karunanayake met Ms. 325.2 million dollars for 2016 of routed into India through the Bang- ers have to ensure a regular and ka on March 21, state-run Sunday Lagarde at the World Economic which the first installment was ladesh-Bengal border. bulk supply of the stamp paper, weekly, The Observer said citing Forum at Davos, Switzerland in paid in June and the second tranche BSF has already sent a report it is not possible without the col- official sources. January and discussed Sri Lanka's was disbursed in November. from Bengal to its headquarters in lusion with a section of the gov- The local head of Internation- economic prospects. Since the start of the Extended Delhi alerting them of the discov- ernment employees,” remarked a al Monetary Fund is currently in The IMF has approved a Arrangement in June 2016, Sri Indian Prime Minister Narendra was swept away by a Modi 'wave' ery. source. the process of making prepara- three-year USD 1.5 billion Extend- Lanka's economy has begun to sta- Modi out-campaigned all-comers as the Bharatiya Janata Party If the seizure of fake currency Earlier it was believed that tions for her visit. An IMF mis- ed Arrangement in June 2016 as a bilize, the IMF said in December in the 2014 general election but, as (BJP) won 42 percent of the vote within a few weeks of demoneti- FICN was manufactured in differ- sion is also in Sri Lanka conduct- loan for Sri Lanka mainly to last year. (COLOMBOPAGE) he faces his biggest mid-term test, in the battleground state. sation shocked agencies such as ent parts of Pakistan. With the he is up against a rival determined Yadav, who received a univer- BSF and police, the discovery that help of its intelligence agency ISI, to beat him at his own game. sity education in Australia yet be- it was printed on stamp paper has the consignments used to reach In Uttar Pradesh his oppo- came typecast as the ineffectual come as a double whammy. Nepal and Bangladesh, from where nent, Chief Minister Akhilesh Ya- scion of a political patriarch, de- “Experts have told us the fake a bulk was smuggled into Indian dav, has been repackaged as a cided he needed a makeover. notes were made using Bangladeshi through the porous border of Mal- Terry Mikeska is finalizing details youthful and media-savvy go-get- "It was at this point Yadav stamp paper. The texture of the da district in north Bengal before for his next mission to Nepal, ter who seeks to steal a unique sell- took a cue from Modi's image as a paper is good. Many of the secu- spreading throughout India. which is set for March 5-22. ing point of Modi's - development. technology-loving modern man," rity features have been successful- The stamp paper is of better The Light Up Nepal mission "I am taking it a bit beyond said R.K. Mishra, an independent ly copied. The FICN seized is of quality, though a little bit thicker trip aims to install solar-powered Modi: I work," Yadav told Reu- political analyst in Lucknow. good quality and difficult to tell than the paper used earlier. It pre- lighting systems in rural Himalay- ters in an interview in Lucknow, Yadav commissioned the con- from the bonafide ones,” P S R vents the ink on one side to create an villages. capital of the state of 220 million struction of a mansion behind his Anjaneyulu, inspector general of an impression on the other. The Mikeska Foundation that is holding the biggest demo- old party headquarters to operate BSF (South Bengal) told HT. “Since the paper is of good made an appeal to the crafters of cratic election anywhere in the as his campaign "war room". Shariful Shah, 32, who was quality it is easy to apply the wa- the Concho Valley, asking for knit- world this year. He met two dozen Indian and arrested on February 19 in Malda ter mark of Mahatma Gandhi on ted or crocheted hats for distribu- "My work speaks for itself. international political scientists, with 48 fake notes of Rs 2,000 have it. The colour print is also better tion on his journey, and Terry said Modi's empty promises do not," and roped in Harvard graduates admitted that he got the notes from and lasts long. Since the stamp the response has been overwhelm- said the 43-year-old leader of the and marketing gurus from Mum- Chapai Nawabganj in Bangladesh paper increases the like of the ing. “The Terry Mikeska Founda- Samajwadi, or Socialist, Party. bai. They set up a big data opera- which is just across the border in notes, it remains fresh and does tion would like to thank the hun- Yadav entered the vast elec- tion - cloning the backroom setup Malda. not trigger suspicion when it is dreds of men, women, churches, tion, being held over the course of used by Modi in his own rise to “It seems that Bangladesh soil eventually distributed in the mar- organizations and clubs that have a month, as a narrow favorite: He national power. is used to manufacture counterfeit kets in India,” said a BSF source. knitted and crocheted hats and had just emerged from a power "The recruitment brief was notes that is sneaked into India, “We are receiving full co-operation scarves for the 500-plus people in struggle with his domineering fa- clear: Everyone working in the war mostly through Malda. However, from Bangladesh government and Nepal - including hundreds or- ther and struck a pre-poll alliance room should be in their thirties and we are also aware that a section of its security forces to curb the men- phans from the 2015 earthquake. with the Indian National Congress. have family in Uttar Pradesh," said the notes are still being made in ace,” Anjaneyulu added. BSF alone “The March mission will in- While Modi excels as a stump Aashish Yadav, a campaign man- Pakistan, which is of the best qual- has seized counterfeit notes with clude solar panels for the village speaker who can deliver an hour- ager who previously worked at ity and almost similar to real face value of Rs 2.96 lakh in Mal- homes and schools, educational According to a news release from Mikeska noted that 100 per- long address without notes, BBC Media Action, a develop- notes,” said a senior BSF officer. da district since Prime Minister supplies for the teachers and or- the foundation, donations will be cent of donations will go directly Akhilesh has sought to connect ment charity. Aashish Yadav man- In the Rs 2,000 notes seized Narendra Modi announced demon- phanages. “We want to thank Wal- accepted through March 20, and to purchasing supplies for the with the youth vote via new me- ages a team of 100 young men and from Malda (printed in Bang- etisation on November 8 2016 cull- mart Neighborhood Market, on can be sent to: Terry Mikeska project, as his travel expenses have dia, taking personal control over women who compose jingles as ladesh) about 10 of the 17 securi- ing 86% of the currency in circula- Knickerbocker Road in San Ange- Foundation P.O. Box 61692, San been covered by a Christian fami- his social media accounts and do- well as messages that are circulat- ty features have been copied in the tion on November 8 last year. lo, for donating more than 400 Angelo, Texas 76906 or online at ly from the Permian Basin. ing a Facebook Live with one of ed via WhatsApp and community notes including the design, colour (HINDUSTANTIMES) pounds of candy for the children.” www.terrymikeskafoundation.org (GOSANANGELO) India's best-known TV journalists. radio services. "Modi's campaign He has even climbed on a bi- looks jaded compared to our blitz- cycle - his party's symbol - for krieg," said Aashish. Click another prime-time interview that tmsnrt.rs/2lpDML2 for graphic on gave him a chance to showcase the PM Modi's previous election suc- newly landscaped riverfront in the cess. It's been a tough sell for a state capital. party that under founder Mulayam As the country reels from a surge The Rangers have asked citi- vens in Afghanistan and the Pak-Afghan border was sealed at the crossings at Torkham and Chaman as part Yadav's campaign has been Singh Yadav, Akhilesh's father, was in terror activity, the Pakistan zens to 'assist' them in the opera- of tightening security in the wake of the attack on the shrine, indefinitely. (DAWN) backed by his wife Dimple, a fed- criticized for breakdown of law and Army on Sunday reiterated a re- tion and "report suspicious activ- eral lawmaker, who has courted order. Many resented corruption quest to the general public to re- ity or information related to ter- women voters and helped create that favored the Yadav communi- port 'suspicious' militant activity rorism in Punjab" by calling 042- an image as a political 'power cou- ty - a "backward" caste that makes 'regarding terrorists' on helplines 99220030, 99221230, texting ple'. Throughout, Yadav has stayed up 9 percent of the population of set up in Dec 2014 following the 0340-8880047, WhatsApp mes- firmly on message. Asked about Uttar Pradesh. Wary of Trump un- Army Public School attack. saging 0340-8880100 or emailing endemic crime, he says he has set predictability, China ramps up Inter-Services Public Relations [email protected]. up a new police hotline that is en- naval abilities Iran holds naval war encouraged citizens of Sindh, Pun- Security forces have reinvigo- suring quicker response times. On games amid rising tensions with jab and Balochistan to use the 1135 rated nationwide intelligence op- developing his poor state where U.S. "Akhilesh had to dismantle helpline to report unusual activi- erations as Pakistan faces a fresh incomes average less than $750 a the existing perception about him- ty, whereas the citizens of Khy- resurgence in terror attacks. year, he highlights his achieve- self and his party," said one close ber Pakhtunkhwa can call 1125. At least 88 people were killed ments in building an expressway aide, who spoke on condition of These numbers can be dialled and hundreds were injured when a to Agra, site of the Taj Mahal, and anonymity. By teaming up with directly from mobile phones or bomb ripped through the shrine of a new city metro in Lucknow. Click Rahul Gandhi of Congress - an- PTCL landline numbers. Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan tmsnrt.rs/2eIWO8W for graphic other forty-something politician - The Rangers released contact this month - the deadliest amongst on India's electoral map. Yadav be- Yadav hopes to prevail in the information for residents of Pun- a series of attacks carried out by came the youngest-ever chief min- three-cornered contest with the jab as the paramilitary force was militants in recent weeks. ister of Uttar Pradesh with a slim BJP and the Bahujan Samaj Party deployed across the province as Military leadership claimed mandate, winning just 29 percent (BSP) led by Mayawati, a former part of military operation Radd- the attacks were carried out by in the 2012 state poll. But in the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. ul-Fasaad. militants operating from safe ha- general election two years later he (reuters) MONDAY . FEBRUARY 27, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief March to Philippines: remember Thirteen escape in latest slain prison break Kremlin sieged rebel enclave of Homs, the al-Waer neighbourhood. At least 13 "high value" detain- Speaking to Al Jazeera in Gene- critic Boris ees facing drug charges have es- va, Issam al-Reis, spokesman for caped from a jail in northern the Southern Front branch of the Philippines, the latest in a series FSA, accused the Assad govern- Nemtsov of prison breaks in the country, ment of staging Saturday's attacks according to authorities. in Homs to influence the Geneva The escapees slipped out of talks. "During the last Geneva the jail in a police camp in San talks, an explosion happened in the Fernando City, north of the cap- government area of Sayyida Zein- ital, Manila, before dawn on ab," he said. "But now, we're talk- Sunday. "They sawed through ing about military and security the bars of the metal grille," branches, which is a military zone Derrick Arnold Carreon, spokes- inside the [Homs] Green Zone. No man for the Philippine Drug En- one is allowed to enter these areas, forcement Agency, told the AFP Geneva, Switzerland - Deadly sui- delegation officially condemn the chief negotiator for the opposition "What happened today could not even close. news agency, adding that an in- cide attacks in the Syrian govern- attacks in Homs. If they failed to High Negotiations Committee. be counted as liquidation by the "This order is coming from the vestigation was under way to ment-held city of Homs threaten do so, the government would con- He singled out groups the op- regime of [detainees] who are same branch ... because the pres- find out how they got the saw. to derail talks in Geneva, with gov- sider them "terrorists", he said. position condemns including the wanted by international courts." sure the regime is getting from In Pictures: Inside over- ernment and opposition delegates "Today, the test is that we expect Islamic State of Iraq and the Le- Hassoun said he used to be an Russia to be in the ceasefire may crowded prisons in the Philip- in the Swiss city sparring over the that the [opposition] platforms [in vant (ISIL) group and former al- officer in state security. have pushed the regime to find an pines It was not clear how the violence. General Hassan Daabul, Geneva] condemn this terrorist Qaeda affiliate al-Nusra Front. "I know how the regime can excuse to launch an attack." prisoners obtained the metal- an army intelligence chief and close attack ... If anyone refuses to con- Al-Nusra Front became Jab- use events to serve its purposes In a statement released on Sat- cutting materials, and how they confidant of President Bashar al- demn this terrorist attack then he hat Fateh al-Sham, which is the … and I know how they can twist urday evening, Staffan de Mistu- got past security at the prison Russian activists have started gath- Assad, was among the dozens is an accomplice of terrorism and group that created Hayet Tahrir al- things to effect the Geneva negoti- ra, the UN special envoy for Syr- ering in the capital, Moscow, for a gates. The Philippine Daily In- killed on Saturday in blasts target- we will deal with them according- Sham. In addition, he condemned ations," he said. Almost all of Homs ia, said the "horrific terrorist at- quirer website reported that the march in memory of Boris Nemts- ing two security service bases in ly." Jaafari focused nearly the en- the Syrian government itself and has been under government con- tack" in Homs was an attempt to ov, an opposition leader murdered escapees were inmates from the Homs. Hayet Tahrir al-Sham, a tire 45-minute press conference on its affiliated Iran-backed militias. trol since May 2014, when rebels derail the peace talks. province of Bulacan, and have two years ago. former al-Qaeda affiliate, claimed the need to combat "terrorism". However, in a follow-up ques- withdrew from the centre under a "Spoilers were always expect- Nemtsov, a former deputy been in jail for at least five the attack. The UK-based Syrian Rebels respond Later, at a sepa- tion, Fateh Hassoun, a Free Syri- UN-brokered truce deal. ed, and should continue to be ex- months. The website quoted prime minister who became an Observatory for Human Rights rate press conference, leaders of an Army (FSA) colonel, implied But it has seen repeated bomb- pected, to try to influence the pro- outspoken critic of longtime Pres- Juvenal Azurin, an anti-drug said at least 42 people were killed, Syria's main opposition camp con- that the attacks were "facilitated" ings since, including twin attacks ceedings of the talks," the state- agency official, as saying that the ident Vladimir Putin, was shot in but the provincial governor put the demned the attacks in Homs as by the Syrian government. last year that killed 64. Al-Waer ment said. "It is in the interest of February 2015 while walking detainees are considered "high figure at 30 dead. "terrorism", but it was unclear "The region where the securi- attacks The Syrian Observatory all parties who are against terror- value targets, because of the vol- across a bridge a short distance At a press conference in Gene- which group they blamed for the ty branches are is very secure and said that Syrian army air strikes ism and are committed to a politi- from the Kremlin with his Ukrai- ume of illegal drugs seized" from va late on Saturday, Bashar al-Jaa- attacks. "Our positions are clear no operation could reach it unless on Saturday also killed 13 civil- cal process in Syria not to allow them. Azurin was also quoted nian girlfriend. fari, the lead government negotia- in condemning terrorism and ter- it was facilitated by the security ians across the country, including these attempts to succeed." At the time, the 55-year-old as saying that a manhunt opera- tor, demanded that the opposition rorists," said Nasr al-Hariri, the forces," he said. three in the last government-be- (Al Jazeera) tion is being carried out in Ma- was working on a report that he nila and other nearby provinces. said proved Russia's direct involve- Police hunt for inmates after ment in a separatist rebellion that massive jailbreak Prisons in the Donald Trump to has raged in eastern Ukraine since Philippines are usually over- skip White House April 2014. Moscow has denied crowded, poorly maintained and the accusations. inadequately guarded - and mass correspondents' Five men accused of murder- escapes are frequent. In the coun- ing Nemtsov went on trial in Oc- try's biggest jailbreak, more than dinner tober 2016. Some marchers on 150 inmates escaped a prison in Sunday carried Nemtsov's por- the southern Philippines in Jan- US President Donald Trump has traits, Russian flags and placards uary after about 100 gunmen announced he will not attend a cen- with slogans such as "Russia with- stormed the facility. (BBC) tury-old annual correspondents' out Putin". When Boris Nemtsov dinner, a day after a fierce fight was killed two years ago, the Rus- Indonesia and Australia have re- erupted over press access to the sian opposition lost one of its most Kyrgyz stored full military relations, weeks White House. appealing and charismatic figures. after Jakarta suspended coopera- In a post on Twitter on Satur- It's a mark of the affection that opposition tion because of "insulting" teach- day, Trump wrote: "I will not be many people had for him that still ing material found at an Australian attending the White House Corre- thousands of people can come out leader army centre. spondents' Association Dinner this and mourn him. Australian Prime Minister year. Please wish everyone well But it also speaks to the prob- Almazbek Malcolm Turnbull made the an- and have a great evening!" lem that the opposition movement nouncement on Sunday alongside He made the announcement has here because you have to go Atambayev Indonesian President Joko Wido- just a day after a speech to conser- back to this time last year to see do, who arrived in Australia on vative activists, wherein he reiter- an opposition rally of any compa- detained Saturday for his first visit as pres- ated his criticism of journalists as rable size to this one. ident. "President Widodo and I have "the enemy of the people", and a The loss of Nemtsov was of agreed to full restoration of defence Authorities in Kyrgyzstan have decision by his spokesman to ex- course devastating for the opposi- cooperation, training exchanges clude major news organisations, tion, but it provides, really, the detained a prominent opposition and activities," Turnbull told re- leader on charges of fraud and including Al Jazeera, from a media only rallying point at the moment porters in Sydney. briefing. around which so many people can corruption, claims that his sup- Military cooperation between porters say are politically moti- The reporters' group said it coalesce and so many people can the two countries has ranged from would go ahead with its April 29 come out and voice their opinion vated in advance of a presiden- joint training and counterterrorism tial poll. Omurbek Tekebayev, dinner despite Trump's decision, on the street. cooperation to border protection. which breaks with an annual tradi- That is a deep and lasting prob- leader of the nominally socialist It was suspended in January Ata Meken party and one of the tion in which the US president is lem for the opposition. after an Indonesian officer saw ref- the guest of honour at a light-heart- "It's at times like this, particu- most outspoken critics of Pres- erences which he deemed deroga- ident Almazbek Atambayev, was ed roast held by journalists and larly on the anniversary of Boris tory to Indonesia's state ideology typically studded with movie detained on Sunday after land- ment on maritime cooperation that foreign fighters from the Syrian fident that a free trade deal would Nemtsov's death, where you can Pancasila in training materials used stars, politicians and business lead- ing at Bishkek airport. In a state- includes strengthening maritime se- and Iraq conflict zone, would con- be finalised this year. "I have con- kind of check in with the opposi- at a special forces base in the west ers. The dinner "has been and will ment, the prosecutor general's curity and border protection as well tinue, Turnbull said. veyed to Prime Minister Turnbull tion and take the pulse of how Australian city of Perth. continue to be a celebration of the office said it suspected Teke- as combating crime and improving Trade relations some of the key issues," he said. [strong] the movement is," Al A minor diplomatic spat en- First Amendment and the impor- Jazeera's Rory Challands, report- bayev of taking a $1m bribe from sued, followed by an apology from efficiency of shipping. While the primary focus of the "First, is the removal of barriers to a Russian investor in 2010. Teke- tant role played by an indepen- ing from the march, said. Australia's army chief in February. "We have vested interests in visit was on security and econom- trade, tariffs and non-tariffs for In- dent news media in a healthy re- bayev, who was then a senior the peace and stability in our re- ic issues, talks also touched on donesian products such as Indo- "What we are finding at the Indonesia and Australia have a public", said Jeff Mason, a Reu- moment is that there is still obvi- member of the provisional gov- history of patchy ties, but both gion's seas and oceans, so we both tourism, cyber-security and social nesia’s paper and palm oil." Earli- ernment, promised the investor ters White House correspondent ously a good number of people leaders were keen on Sunday to strongly encourage the countries links. er this week, Widodo told The who heads the association this he would be able to take over a in our region to resolve disputes in Two-way trade between Aus- Australian newspaper that he devoted to the cause to keeping emphasise their commitment to a year. the idea of a more democratic, a local telecommunications com- strong relationship. accordance with international law tralia and Indonesia was worth would like to see joint patrols with pany, prosecutors said. Sup- Ronald Reagan was the last more liberal Russia alive, but it's "That robust relationship can which is the foundation for stabil- $15.3bn in 2015-16, according to Australia in the South China Sea if president to miss the event after porters held demonstrations to ity and prosperity," Turnbull said. Australia’s Department of Foreign they did not further inflame ten- an uphill struggle for these peo- be established when both countries he was shot in 1981. ple; they are not the majority in protest the arrest across the have respect for each other's terri- The leaders stopped short of Affairs and Trade. Following one- sions with China. China, which country as it may eliminate him announcing joint patrols, but Some news outlets such as the country. torial integrity, non-interference on-one talks,Turnbull said tariffs claims almost the entire sea region, Bloomberg News and the New as a contender for the upcoming stressed the importance of resolv- would be cut for Australian sugar irked Indonesia last year by say- "Certainly when you get out into the domestic affairs of each Yorker have said that they will not presidential election on Novem- ing disputes peacefully and in ac- and Indonesian pesticides and her- ing the two countries had "over- of Moscow and St Petersburg, and other and the ability to develop a host the lavish after-parties that ber 19. Kanybek Imanaliyev, a cordance to international law. bicides. He also praised changes lapping claims" to waters close to into more rural parts of Russia, you mutually beneficial partnership," have been a fixture of past events. member of parliament who be- Collaboration on counterter- to the export rules for live Austra- them, an area Indonesia calls the find a population that's much more Widodo said. The two leaders also The dinner occasionally makes conservative and satisfied with the longs to Tekebayev's Ata Mek- witnessed the signing of an agree- rorism, especially the return of lian cattle. Widodo said he was con- Natuna Sea. (Al Jazeera) en faction, said he denied any news: in 2011, President Barack current status quo." wrongdoing. (CNN) Obama delivered a scathing evis- A march to remember Nemts- ceration of Trump, joking that the ov last year drew thousands of mogul, who sat stone-faced in the people, with officials saying about Keith Ellison audience, would move on from 7,500 protesters had taken part in Saudi's Adel Al-Jubeir makes questioning Obama's citizenship to the rally, while others put the fig- figuring out "did we fake the Moon ure closer to 20,000. loses to Tom landing". The five men standing trial, Perez in DNC This was after Trump ap- who have been identified as ethnic surprise visit to Baghdad peared on several networks ques- Chechens, are accused of murder tioning the legitimacy of Obama's and arms trafficking and could face contest presidency, and promoting the jail terms of up to eight years. Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has and the alleged persecution of Sun- from being turned into a battlefield in the fight against ISIL. conspiracy that the 43rd president Nemtsov's killing shocked Democrats have elected a former made a rare visit to Baghdad in an ni Muslims had angered Iraq's lo- where the rivalry of its neighbours Jubeir expressed his country's was born in Kenya, not the US Russia's already beleaguered and labour secretary in Barack attempt to mend the kingdom's cal Shia politicians and militia lead- are played out. support for an ongoing US-backed state of Hawaii. marginalised opposition. Suspicion Obama's administration as their tense relations with Iraq. ers. Ali Khedery, the former spe- Iraqi campaign aimed at dislodging Critics of the correspondents' in the opposition is rampant that new leader - a role analysts say Adel al-Jubeir's surprise trip Sabhan had also called on Iraq cial assistant to five US ambassa- the group from Iraq, according to say the event encourages journal- the killing was ordered by the would be crucial to helping the on Saturday marked the first offi- to exclude Shia paramilitary groups dors to Iraq, told Al Jazeera that Abadi's official statement. ists to cosy up to politicians they Kremlin in retaliation for his criti- Democratic Party regain federal cial visit by a Saudi foreign minis- from its military campaign against Iran was likely to be suspicious of A day earlier, Iraqi forces should cover aggressively. cism of Putin. power, which has been lost to a ter since 1990, and the first high- the Islamic State of Iraq and the Jubeir's visit. punched through the defences of News outlets blocked Russian officials have denied great degree to the rival Repub- level visit since the 2003 US-led Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), "[Iran] will possibly move to the last ISIL stronghold in Mosul. Trump built his campaign on involvement in Nemtsov's death. lican Party. invasion. in order to avoid abuses against guard the gains they consolidated Defeating ISIL in Mosul criticising the mainstream US Putin has called the incident a Members of the Democrat- "It's the hope of the Kingdom Sunnis in the country. in [Iraq], which might lead to out- would roll back the self-styled ca- press - many of whose editorial "provocation", suggesting Nemts- ic National Committee, the par- of Saudi Arabia to build excellent Sabhan was the first ambassa- bursts of additional violence that liphate it declared in Iraq and Syr- boards opposed his election - and ov was killed by one of Putin's ty's administrative and fund- relations between the two broth- dor appointed by Saudi Arabia af- target Arab Gulf states' interests ia in 2014 after seizing large parts has intensified his rhetoric since enemies to stoke discontent in raising arm, chose Tom Perez erly countries," said Jubeir. ter it reopened its embassy in Bagh- in the country," Khedery said. of both countries. taking office, routinely accusing the Russia. Inside Story - Russian op- over Keith Ellison, the Minne- "There are also many shared dad in 2015, following a 25-year Cooperation against ISIL About 100,000 Iraqi soldiers, media of bias in overstating his position: Critics or traitors? Op- sota Congress member, follow- interests, from fighting extremism break. Jubeir's visit comes amid a security forces, Kurdish Peshmer- setbacks and downplaying his ac- position activist released Separate- ing two rounds of voting on Sat- and terrorism [to] opportunities Saudi has long accused Iraq of major Iraqi offensive to recapture ga fighters, and mainly Shia para- complishments. On Friday, the ly, prominent opposition activist urday. Perez will face challeng- for investment and trade between being too close to Iran, its main the ISIL-held city of Mosul. military forces are participating in White House excluded several Ildar Dadin was released on Sun- es in trying to unify and rejuve- the two countries." regional rival, and of encouraging During Saturday's meetings, the Mosul campaign that began on news outlets from covering a ques- day from a Siberian prison, after a nate a party still reeling from Jubeir, who met his Iraqi coun- sectarian discrimination against the both sides discussed cooperating October 17. (BBC) tion-and-answer session with court quashed a sentence that made the November 8 loss of Demo- terpart Ibrahim al-Jaafari and Prime Sunnis, a charge the Shia-led gov- spokesman Sean Spicer held in him the only person convicted cratic presidential candidate Hil- Minister Haider al-Abadi, also an- ernment in Baghdad denies. place of the daily press briefing. under a tough law against public lary Clinton and anxious to chan- nounced Saudi plans to appoint a Previously, Jubeir himself ac- Media organisations including The protests. nel the growing grassroots re- new ambassador to Iraq. cused the Hashd al-Shaabi militia, New York Times, CNN, Politico The 34-year-old emerged from sistance to Republican Presi- An Iraqi foreign ministry offi- a main partner of the Iraqi army in and Al Jazeera were blocked from a Siberian penal colony after 15 dent Donald Trump into politi- cial said the kingdom supported its fight against ISIL, of being a joining the informal, on-the-record, months behind bars for repeated- cal support for Democrats the resumption of direct flights proxy force for Iran, prompting off-camera press briefing on Fri- ly holding unsanctioned rallies across the country. "We are suf- between the two countries. Baghdad to accuse him of meddling day, referred to as a "gaggle". Spic- against Putin's rule. Dadin, who fering from a crisis of confi- Abadi, who has been in power in Iraqi affairs. er invited only a pool of news or- was declared a prisoner of con- dence, a crisis of relevance," since 2014, has supported efforts Since the fall of Saddam Hus- ganisations that represents and science by Amnesty Internation- Perez, a favourite of former to improve strained ties, but the sein's government in 2003, Iran has shares reporting with the larger al, has complained of torture and Obama administration officials, road to normalisation has been advanced its influence in Iraq, press corps. Journalists from sev- abuse behind bars. "I will continue told DNC members. He prom- rocky. Ambassador spat which has further strained relations eral right-leaning outlets were also to fight against Putin's fascist re- ised to lead the fight against Thamer al-Sabhan, Saudi Ara- with Saudi Arabia. allowed into Spicer's office, includ- gime," Dadin said in footage broad- Trump and change the DNC's bia's previous ambassador to Iraq, Iran has helped Iraq in the fight ing the website Breitbart News, cast online by the independent culture to make it a more grass- was removed in August. against ISIL, while supporting the whose former executive chairman, Dozhd channel. "I will fight so that roots operation. (CNN) Sabhan's comments about powerful Shia militias in the coun- Steve Bannon, is Trump's chief human rights are respected in Rus- Iran's involvement in Iraqi affairs try. In turn, Iraq has often suffered strategist. (Al Jazeera) sia." (Al Jazeera) MONDAY . FEBRUARY 27, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

We a r e a n a t ion a l in st it u t ion a n d n ot t h e voice of a gov t or a p r iva t e or ga n iza t ion

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Russia’s new game in Afghanistan Editor: Mansoor Faizy Vladimir Putin's posturing towards Afghanistan has opened a new Phone No: +93-797070563 chapter in the great game in the heart of Asia. E-mail: [email protected] wards defending Afghanistan against markets, especially in the energy- government and the regional and in- By Najib Sharifi the growing threat of the Taliban thirsty South Asia. This is because if ternational partners to address the and other terrorist groups. By pro- Central Asian states manage to di- growing menace of extremism in the Email: [email protected] A resurgent Russia is making new viding support to the Taliban, Rus- versify markets for their natural gas, region. Partnering with a dangerous inroads into Afghanistan, not in the sia might be hedging itself against it will further reduce Russia's grip and unpredictable group to pursue a way the former USSR did, but by the increasing fatigue of the West- over the region's energy markets zero-sum game could easily back- www.afghanistantimes.af aligning itself with some of the very ern countries, preparing to manage (PDF). As Afghanistan is the short- fire. extremists whose leaders were in- the political landscape, and shape est route for Central Asian natural Russian support for the Taliban Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi volved in the defeat of the Soviet the future government if the cur- gas to reach South Asia, alignment has already helped the militant Union's decade-long invasion of Af- rent government collapses. By hyp- with the Taliban would enable Rus- group make battlefield gains and Advisory editorial board ghanistan. ing the ISIL threat, Russia not only sia to derail attempts to take Cen- enhance their legitimacy. The ques- In December 2016, Moscow dis- tries to create legitimacy for their tral Asian natural gas to South Asia, tion is to what extent will Russia Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, closed its contacts with the Taliban, collusion with the Taliban, but they thus compelling Central Asian states support the Taliban and whether it the group that is intent on toppling may also want to pave the ground to remain dependent on Russia and will remain purely tactical support. Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir the Afghan government. The Rus- for their augmented military pres- China as the main purchasers of This will most likely be determined sian Foreign Ministry announced ence and political influence in Cen- Central Asian natural gas. There is by the state of relations between Graphic-Designer: that it is sharing intelligence and co- tral Asia. no doubt Russia has legitimate con- Putin and the Trump administration operating with the Taliban to fight Partnering with a dangerous and cerns about growing extremism in and their approach towards fighting Edriss Akbari, Bilal Yusufi Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant unpredictable group to pursue a zero- the region. A remarkable number of terrorism in Afghanistan. group's (ISIL, also known as ISIS) sum game could easily backfire. As ISIL fighters come from the Cen- If Russia has begun to view the Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: militants in Afghanistan. Moscow the Central Asian states have been tral Asian countries, which Russia Taliban as an alternative to the Af- Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0778894038 , 0772122003 has repeatedly declared its concerns falling under increasing economic considers its security backyard. ghan government, then it is on the about ISIL militants, in many in- influence of China, Russia sees it- However, supporting one terrorist wrong side of history. Perhaps, in Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan stances exaggerating their presence self losing its hegemonic role. group to defeat another terrorist the short-run, Russia might gain in and power in Afghanistan. Mean- Increasing its military presence group is not a sustainable geopoliti- terms of undermining the US and its Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 while, Afghan government officials will enhance Russia's policing role cal strategy, particularly in the com- allies' efforts in Afghanistan or even have claimed Russia has been deliv- in the Central Asian region and ex- plex landscape of Afghanistan where forcing them to abandon Afghani- Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press ering weapons to the Taliban, alle- pand Central Asia's security depen- history has proved many political stan. Yet in the long-run, Russia's gations that have been rejected by dency on Russia. There could also and military calculations wrong. It support for the Taliban militants will Russian officials. Russia's recent be economic motives behind Rus- is hard to believe the hardcore ideo- only unleash a new wave of terror- posturing towards Afghanistan has sia's new game. The Central Asian logues could become strategic part- ism in the region, which might see The constitution says opened a new chapter in what could republics have some of the richest ners to Russia because of their deep- no end and endanger Russia's very be termed a new great game in the natural gas and oil reserves in the seated ideological animosity towards security and stability. heart of Asia with multiple players, entire region. Leaders of these re- the country. The best approach (Aljazeera) including Russia, the United States, publics have sought to find new would be to work with the Afghan China, India, Pakistan and others. Article 93: Russia's diplomatic offensive cou- Article Ninety-Three: Any commission of both houses of the parliament can question pled with battlefield support to the any Minister about special issues. The individual questioned shall provide an oral or Taliban has perplexed many about written response. the Russian intention in Afghani- Remaking the Republican stan. Russia's encroachment into Afghanistan could be part of Presi- dent Vladimir Putin's expansionist ideals to restore Russia's position as Party: Populism a la Trump a geopolitical player. Since coming to power in 1999, Putin has pursued what can be called By Gregory Aftandilian enunciated during the campaign. His he accused the "corporatist, global- an interventionist policy through speech at CPAC has taken this ide- ist media" of adamantly opposing ology one step further. One can now Trump's economic nationalist agen- armed conflicts, cyberattacks and Even though US President Donald call it "America only". He empha- da. Soon after Trump's denunciation propaganda wars. The second Trump has been criticised by "true" Chechen war in 1999, the conflict sised to the CPAC audience that he of the media at CPAC, several prom- conservatives for his past liberal is president of the US, not a presi- inent American news organisations, in Georgia in 2008, the annexation positions on social issues and his de- dent "representing the globe", and such as CNN, the New York Times, of Crimea in 2014, the military en- nunciations of trade pacts, his Feb- gagement in Syria in 2015 and the ruary 24 speech at the Conserva- was going to make sure that his eco- and the Los Angeles Times were cyber operations on the US in 2016 tive Political Action Conference nomic policies only benefit Ameri- barred from a White House press can business and American workers. briefing. Not surprisingly, such me- are prominent examples. (CPAC) was widely applauded. President Putin has successful- Such comments were also empha- dia lambasted the Trump adminis- His comments, and those of his sised by Bannon, a self-described tration for infringement on freedom ly exploited these wars to elevate chief adviser, Stephen Bannon, sug- American nationalist who founded of the press, considered sacrosanct Russia's standing in the internation- gest that he aims to take the Repub- al political transactions and consol- the right-wing media outlet, Breit- in American law and culture. Al- lican Party in a more populist and bart. At the same CPAC conference, though this is not the first time idate his position in Russia. So the nationalist direction, and believe here is no place in Afghanistan where the Taliban and other question now is: what does Russia that traditional conservatives will Bannon said Trump's first line of Trump has denounced the media, it want in Afghanistan? be forced to fall in line. Although work is "economic nationalism" does represent his first punitive ac- militant outfits did no target, and it has been for years that Russia is most likely following Trump did mention some orthodox which he defined as renegotiating tion as president against them. Prom- trade deals to benefit the US and inent Republican Senator John multiple objectives. By aligning it- conservative positions, such as cut- these groups have been engaged in devastation course. The self with the Taliban, it could gain bring back "high value-added" man- McCain - Trump's nemesis in the ting taxes and regulations on busi- ufacturing jobs. This messaging on US Senate - warned several days ear- the ability to strengthen its bargain- ness, much of his speech was aimed militants have committed numerous of big crimes against the Afghan jobs for Americans only is also un- lier that restrictions on the press ing position in broader dealings with at showing the conservative rank masses, and still putting no step toward backward. Despite Afghan Washington. Insecurity and insta- orthodox for traditional conserva- are "how dictatorships start". Al- and file that the popularity he gained tives who have long favoured free though McCain prefaced his remarks bility in Afghanistan is on the rise, during the election campaign means and foreign security forces, the militants also targeted city dwellers in trade and have been loathe to put by stating that he was not saying directly threatening the survival of that he, not the traditional conser- public and even in holy places such as mosques, shrines, Sufi’s ritu- the US-backed Afghan government restrictions on American businesses Trump was trying to be a dictator, vative movement, is setting the wishing to move overseas. the political class in Washington al, Quran reciting gatherings, and etc...—taking this into account we and pose a great danger to the US agenda - a concentration on milita- and NATO mission in the country. rism, economic nationalism, and Reinforcing populism read his comments as a comparison can come to know that the militants are the enemy of humanity and In Russian calculation, harass- populism. Trump promised a large By contrast, Trump stated that to a dark era of the 1930s in Eu- ing US/NATO attempts at this pre- boost in defence spending so that the Republican Party should now be rope. the party of "workers". This appeal Indeed, when one adds up Islam. Though they labeled themselves as an adherent of Islam, but carious situation could be the best their adversaries would not think of time to extract concessions in the to populism is not only aimed at Trump's appeal to populism, his at bona fide they (militants) are acting against Islamic teachings. challenging the United States. He weakening the Democrats who have stoking fear of "the other" (in the form of reducing US pressure on coupled this message with a pledge long had ties to the trade unions, case, Muslims), his infatuation with The militants have never hesitated to produce fear and dread via Russia regarding Crimea and easing (again) to destroy the Islamic State US sanctions, among others. but also in steering the Republican militarism, his economic national- dense clouds of smokes across the country. The militant outfits have of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also Party to working class constituents ism, and his relishing of a fight (Ban- Creating legitimacy known as ISIS) and implement a re- It is also likely that Russia is who believe they have lost out to non warned CPAC, "if you think unleashed the floodgates of violence and terror; however violence strictive immigration policy aimed "globalisation". Trump also spoke they're going to give your country trying to gather additional chips at what he said was preventing "rad- kills what it intends to create. In short scan, the 2016 was the deadli- with regards to the future of Afghan- about his meetings with unions, as back without a fight, you're sadly ical Islamic terrorists" from enter- mistaken"), all of this points to el- est year as the militants killed and wounded a large number of civil- istan so that it can then have a front ing the US. How Trump plans to well as business leaders, suggesting row seat at any regional and global that the former would continue to ements of fascism. increase defence spending dramati- have a link to the White House de- The key question for the Re- ians. The insurgents have never been sincere with Afghanistan in ev- diplomacy/talks on the future of cally while cutting taxes and not bal- spite the fact that his cabinet is publican Party is whether they want peace and security in Afghanistan. looning the deficit (long a conser- ery front. The object of terrorisms is promoting of terrorisms, and A key motivation in this regard could dominated by millionaires. Finally, to throw their lot in with a presi- vative pillar) was not mentioned. he saved special wrath for the me- they (militants) even opposed and hampered development projects— be Russia's exclusion in most key He may believe that more business dent who seems to have contempt discussions on Afghanistan in the a dia, which he denounced for propa- for the Constitution, is alienating ctivity and job growth in the US millions of Americans, and is rely- an act that has nothing to do their purpose of irrational fight. 6,000 past. Russia's attempts could have will, in the end, generate a larger gating "fake news" and described National Solidarity Program (NSP’s) development projects had been also been motivated by its concerns tax pool, but the math right now some of them as "enemies of the ing on an ultra-nationalist ideologue over the degrading status of the simply does not add up. Regard- American people". These com- for guidance or do they want to stick brought to a standstill due to insecurity in the past 14 years, posing Kabul government and the lack of less, these all fit into Trump's ments came on the heels of Ban- with principles that McCain and by the militants. clarity of Kabul's western allies to- "America first" ideology that he non's remarks a day earlier in which others hold dear. The purpose of NSP, which had been started in 2003, was to only provide grants of funds directly to village communities, who manage the allocated funds themselves and decide what development projects they need through elected village councils. The facilities of NSP were included irrigation system, construction of roads, schools for girls, development of solar and generator power, water reservation, and etc...—85,000 projects at total cost of $1.5 billion have so far been implemented through NSP nationwide. The NSP would be no more Govt. step after this. Citizens Charter Program would put shoes into it in April and would cover the whole communities. Putting a glance to the last year, the Taliban insurgent offered se- curity to mega developmental projects. In a statement, the militant group said that it backs all uplift projects in the country and also provide security to them. The militant showed readiness to support Dowry important project, including the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan- India gas pipeline, CASA-1000 electricity transmission line, Mes Aynak cooper mine, highway and railway projects as well as power and agriculture dams. Nonetheless, this is no more than a wall-type statement, as offi- cials termed militants behind hampering development projects in the country. If it is not so, the militants should come to the fore and provide security for development projects in all areas even under their control. All parties engaged in Afghanistan’s conflict must bear in mind that development projects have no link with political doc- trine. Subscription Rates Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. MONDAY . FEBRUARY 27, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Kim Jong-nam attack reveals true nature of North Korea

By J Berkshire Miller

In an episode that evokes memo- ries of Cold War era spy sagas, Kim Jong Nam - the half-brother of North Korean dictator Kim Jong- un - appears to have been assassi- nated on February 13 at Kuala By Chris Moore-Backman Lumpur's airport in Malaysia. Reports indicate that two fe- Across the nation, activists, orga- male agents, with probable connec- nizers and newly enlivened social tions to North Korea's security ons Convention (CWC) bans the only an attack of terrorism, but change onlookers are hungry for a services, poisoned the estranged shared, coherent sense of direction. agent. could be an act using weapons of sibling with lethal toxins. Malay- This incident raises a host of mass destruction (WMD) - and the George Lakey's recent 10-point sian authorities are also holding a strategy for nonviolent resistance questions on how to deal with the materials may have crossed bor- North Korean suspect and have incident as the assassination is not ders raising serious questions about to the new Trump administration released the names of several offers an excellent beginning to an only an attack of terrorism but horizontal WMD proliferation North Korean suspects thought to could be an act using WMDs- one from the North - one of the deep- absolutely critical conversation have fled the country after the kill- about comprehensive movement of the deepest fears of the interna- est fears of the international com- ing. Meanwhile, there has been a tional community. Despite this, munity. The risk of proliferation strategy. diplomatic standoff between Kuala But our many social change North Korea - which is not party to non-state actors is perhaps the Lumpur and Pyongyang with both to the CWC - maintains as much most startling concern, especially movements, which together have sides accusing the other of inter- begun to comprise the macro as 5,000 tonnes of lethal agents as sanctions continue to bite down ference in the investigation. including: VX, sarin, mustard, on the income flows into the North. "movement of movements" Lakey There are a host of potential describes, may have a short win- tabun and hydrogen cyanid. Indeed, earlier this month, reasons why Kim Jong-un wanted VX nerve agents have never China's Ministry of Commerce dow of time to get our strategic to eliminate his seemingly harm- ducks in a row. The new adminis- been knowingly used by states and Customs Administration made less brother - but the most proba- during combat, but there have been a highly visible joint announce- tration has demonstrated a deter- ble was his paranoia and ruthless mined will to consolidate power, some cases of non-state actors us- ment that it would "ban" coal im- pursuit of political legitimacy at ing them such as an attack by the ports from North Korea, effective- and to do so quickly. Fascistic ex- home. Kim Jong-nam's murder fol- ecutive orders; the systematic del- Japanese cult Aum Shinrikyo in ly immediately, for the rest of this lows a host of purges over the past 1994-5 (although different from year. egitimization of existing institu- the status quo of the Domination haps none more persuasively than exander's insights about the para- few years, including the killing of tions, checks and balances; unfet- System (a system of which we are Michelle Alexander and Naomi lyzing limits of superficial reform, the sarin gas used in the large scale Last year, North Korea export- Kim Jong-un's uncle and top ad- Tokyo subway attack). ed 22 million metric tonnes of coal tered propaganda (aka "fake a part, if only unwittingly). Klein. Klein couldn't help but notice, viser Jang Song-thaek in 2013. The news"); and the normalization of The Great Turning does a mag- Movement builders of many point to and name the elephant VX agents are not simply ly- to China, netting nearly $1.2bn in purges also fall in line with his ing around research facilitates and cash for the Kim regime. Beijing is bombastic and hateful rhetoric are nificent job of meeting our move- stripes have begun to discern the standing in the middle of the room: marked up-tick in provocations stark early-warning signs of total- ment of movement's current need sturdy movement footpath that capitalism. Through her monu- are illicit and deadly nerve agents, - by far - the North's largest ex- aimed at enhancing the regime's which North Korea is known to port market for coal, and Pyongy- itarian takeover. In this setting, as for an overarching visional state- Alexander and Klein have con- mental and terrifying exploration nuclear and missile capabilities. Lakey argues, the new administra- ment, and I encourage us to claim structed for us. Alexander's The of the climate crisis, Klein could possess - almost eliminating any ang depends on China as a trading This week, the plot has deep- doubt that this attack was com- lifeline, with nearly 90 percent of tion is relying on social changemak- and celebrate it as the spacious, New Jim Crow, released in 2010, not escape the conclusion that our ened as Malaysian authorities have ers to stay in their customary mode yet exacting umbrella under which did far more than expose the treach- society's allegiance and addiction mitted by some group outside of trade going through Beijing. De- indicated that Kim Jong-nam ap- one ordered by Pyongyang. spite the concerns on ratcheting up of "playing defense." We're called our vast constellation of social eries of the US system of mass to winner/loser capitalism -- a sys- peared to have been killed by the to be culture-shifting movement struggles can now locate them- incarceration. The book presented tem that requires by default the China out? the pressure on North Korea, some highly lethal VX nerve agent, a The North's chemical pro- integral international norms and builders, but by setting enough selves. a crushing critique of gradualism two-fold plunder of the earth and substance that is banned as a chem- fires in enough places, Trump, Some will argue that language and of social change advocates' poor people -- must be renounced gramme has kind of fallen under laws - such as the moratorium on ical weapon by the Organisation the radar in most analysis about the use of chemical weapons - Bannon and Co. seek to render us such as this, and the high ideal to loyalty to it. The gist of Alex- and abandoned, personally and for the Prohibition of Chemical firefighters. which it points, is unrealistic, and ander's argument is that piecemeal collectively, if we want to see our the threat perceptions emanating should be adhered to. Weapons (OPCW). This attack - from the North, as most concerns Malaysia, a state that has tra- In the face of the new admin- that the emerging movement of policy reform is simply not going way to a livable future. if confirmed that it was conducted istration's systematic dehumaniza- movement's should set its sights to cut it in our age of cultural col- The Great Turning -- the ep- - rightfully so - focus on its con- ditionally had good ties with the with a VX nerve agent - would be ventional forces and nuclear pro- North, should move to sever dip- tion, the strength and clarity of on lower hanging fruit. This, I ar- lapse. ochal shift from our extraction- a game-changer. VX is a lethal agent purpose needed in order to break gue, would be a potentially fatal What's needed, she says, is a based, plunder-ridden industrial- gramme. That said, intelligence lomatic ties with Pyongyang if it that effectively shuts down your communities in the West and South is sufficiently proved that there is free of our defensive posture is mistake. shift in public consciousness that growth society to a truly just and muscle system in a short period going to require us to very thought- In the face of our existential will give rise to a massive social life-sustaining society -- is the nat- Korea have warned for years about a link between the killing and state and causing muscle clenching, con- the dangers of the North's chemi- security organs. Meanwhile, the fully and intentionally knit our climate crisis, what has passed as movement with the courage and ural, inevitable and majestic move- vulsions and eventually death. movements together. This doesn't political pragmatism up until now power to fully transform our eco- ment goal to which such prophet- cal and biological weapons pro- Trump administration in the US Stockpiles of the substance, gramme and their potential use in faces tough options as it reviews mean that our emerging movement has most definitely become im- nomic and political systems. ic thought leaders are pointing. which used to be held by some of movements needs to become a practical. Four years later, in This Chang- It's time to rally to this call asymmetric ways should the Kim its North Korea policy - but it states - including the United States regime feel threatened. must look at taking immediate centralized, top-heavy institution. A great many of our most pow- es Everything, Naomi Klein fol- and to let it serve as the founda- and the Soviet Union - for poten- On the contrary, decentralized erful thought leaders have been lowed and expanded on this thesis tion for our emerging strategy for This incident raises a host of steps such as moving towards re- tial military use, have been mostly questions on how to deal with the instating Pyongyang on the list of models of organizing are wholly going to great lengths to explain in a most powerful and instructive national transformation. eliminated as the Chemical Weap- appropriate right now, and fully this to us in recent years -- per- way. While harmonizing with Al- (Truthout) incident as the assassination is not state sponsors of terrorism. (WP) in step with the times. But, to move in decentralized concert -- the paradoxical holy grail for move- ment-makers today -- we need to set our sights on a shared and deep- ly inspiring beacon. Why Hollywood has abandoned Brand I srael Visionaries Joanna Macy and David Korten have popularized the phrase "the Great Turning" as By Catherine Rottenberg tors seem to be buying it. pate in Israel's branding efforts of the South African Apartheid re- a way to name our collective and Apropos actors - let's take a could well mark an important gime, the cultural front has become diverse efforts to transition from As Israel moves ever more danger- look at the latest reports from transformation in popular United an increasingly important site of our exploitative and destructive ously rightward - evidenced by the Hollywood. In the days before the States-Israel relations. struggle in Israel-Palestine. Indeed, industrial growth society to a tru- latest law legalising the state's ex- 2017 Oscars award ceremony, a On the one hand, these actors just last week, another crisis erupt- ly just and life-sustaining society, propriation of private Palestinian flurry of articles were published have not made any public declara- ed when only five of 11 NFL play- a shift that they and a growing lands and the extremely conserva- on how the Tourist Ministry at- tion or come out publicly in sup- ers joined a trip to Israel after the number of changemakers believe tive appointees to the High Court tempted to lure 26 nominees to port of the Boycott, Divestment Super Bowl. represents a new and pivotal ep- - Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- Israel with lavish tour packages and Sanctions movement (BDS). As Seattle Seahawks defensive och in our human evolution. yahu seems, perhaps paradoxical- estimated at about $55,000 each. Therefore, their refusal to accept end, Michael Bennett stated, he The Great Turning is all-en- ly, more obsessed than in the past Government officials justified their an all-expenses-paid - and more - would "not be used" by Israel for compassing, giving answer to the with promoting Israel's positive actions by insisting on the impor- visit to Israel should not be under- publicity. "When I do go to Israel - great array of our current social and image in the international arena. tance of regaling celebrities with stood as an active or overt politi- and I do plan to go - it will be to ecological concerns -- from racial Indeed, the current government has the "real Israel". Clearly what is at cal statement. On the other hand, see not only Israel but also the justice to indigenous sovereignty, poured millions of dollars into its stake here is the projection - and the total absence of any signs of West Bank and Gaza so I can see from economic imperialism to Brand Israel campaign. Just this exorbitant chorographical produc- enthusiasm about visiting the how the Palestinians, who have murderous drones, from factory past December, Haaretz reported tion - of normality, where the ce- "Holy Land" on the part of the called this land home for thousands farming to fracking, and far beyond. that the tourism ministry "was lebrities are used as a vital prop in Oscar nominees could point to of years, live their lives." Although And, by definition, the Great Turn- granted its biggest marketing bud- the Brand Israel campaign. Lead- something else, namely, a pro- the fight against Israel's headlong ing is inclusive of three mutually get ever in the past year as it tried ing media outlets, however, re- found shift in cultural perceptions. move towards apartheid will un- supportive modes of action: bold to change Israel's image as a travel ported that not one of the two As Israel's settler colonial project doubtedly have to continue to be nonviolent resistance to the sys- destination and expand the range dozen stars had accepted the invi- continues unabated, many young- waged on a variety of fronts, stars tems and forces of empire, the con- of tourism offerings." Apparent- tation. The often politically incor- er Americans - who also happen and superstars may well have an structive building up of the alter- ly, the government is hell bent on rect Jennifer Lawrence handed her to be these celebrities' main fan increasingly important part to play native society in which we long to trying to convince the internation- package deal over to her parents, base - consider the country and its in this very real drama. After all, if live, and a depth of self-transfor- al community that the Jewish state while Leonardo DiCaprio appears policies incredibly divisive. Hollywood has taught us anything mation, individual by individual, is and remains the only democra- to have had enough of Israeli pa- A recent Pew Report highlights at all, it is that we should never that will enable a critical mass of cy in the Middle East. parazzi, particularly given his ex- this trend. Although most Ameri- underestimate the power or influ- us to break free of our personal This illusion appears increas- periences during his past visits cans still sympathise more with ence of popular culture. collaboration and collusion with ingly difficult to sustain as time with his then girlfriend, supermodel Israel than with the Palestinians, (Aljazeera) passes and fewer international ac- Bar Refaeli. The unwillingness of over the past decade US public these Hollywood stars to partici- opinion has shifted quite dramati- cally. Indeed, for the first time this century - and thus in history - lib- How illegal immigrant advocates eral Democrats are about equally split between sympathising more LETTER TO THE EDITOR with Israel (33 percent) and with demonize Trump, terrify people the Palestinians (40 percent). Fur- thermore, among the Millennials fewer than half (43 percent) sym- By Liz Peek also has made it clear that he would prioritize deporting criminals. pathise more with Israel, while The hysteria over recent ICE operations is a great example of how about a quarter of them (27 per- The New York Times describes 11 Trump’s policies are being misrepresented. Last week, Immigration cent) sympathise more with the million people – those who are liv- and Customs Enforcement officials arrested 680 individuals, “stoking Palestinians, the highest percent- ing in the country illegally – as fears that the Trump administration is increasing the arrests and de- Over three decades of conflict has inflicted large human and economic costs to Afghanistan. age of any generation. The Holly- sleepless with anxiety, waiting for portations of undocumented immigrants,” as The Times reported. wood stars' refusal to take advan- the “fists pounding on the door, Another news organization proclaimed that “panic” and “terror” However, the human cost is much higher than the latter. There are large numbers of children who tage of Israel’s lavish package tours are deprived from love of parents. Either their fathers or mothers were killed in the never ending the agents in black, the van ride, is…running through immigrant communities in the U.S. following raids could therefore reflect a desire to the cell.” Who has thrown such fear carried out across at least six states as part of Donald Trump’s pledge spiral of violence. The war has snatched love and sole breadwinner of many families. The govern- avoid entering into this very po- to crack down on illegal immigrants.” ment can deal with the financial disaster by drafting comprehensive recovery plans. But the into this community? How about larised and incendiary discussion. the Left, aided and abetted by the But the head of ICE in LA said, "These operations take weeks and authorities could not give life back to those who are no more in this world and left vacuum that Although the fight against Is- liberal media, which has purpose- sometimes months of planning, so this operation was in the planning could not filled. Women have suffered a lot from death of their guardians especially life partner. rael's headlong move towards fully distorted President Trump’s stages before the current administration came out with the executive The estimated number of total number of widows in Afghanistan is now at a staggering 500,000. apartheid will undoubtedly have immigration policies, characteriz- orders." In other words, the raids had nothing to do with Trump. According to some statistics 37 percent of widows are working in offices, and 50 percent are to continue to be waged on a vari- ing them erroneously as a radical (Foxnews) involved in the profession of handicrafts making. ety of fronts, stars and superstars departure from past practices? may well have an increasingly im- In a feverish blast to donors It has been also observed that widows do not have property and inheritance rights. The portant part to play in this very government should guarantee women’s inheritance rights. Gender equality will always remain sent out yesterday, the Democrat- real drama. In other words, these ic Legislative Campaign Commit- and important pillar of women’s empowering strategy. Therefore, the gender gaps in earning stars - who are endlessly promot- should be decreased or closed. Reduction of occupational segregation will be vital to empower tee claims that “Donald Trump ing brands and products (mostly plans to add thousands of immi- women. their own) to as broad an audience gration agents and begin deporting Halemai Alizada, Kabul, Afghanistan as possible (but mostly to Millen- “almost all” undocumented immi- nials) - may well have realised that grants.” endorsing the Israel brand has sim- That is, excuse the expression, Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must ply become too controversial. Ul- fake news. Trump is doing no such have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: timately, though, no matter what thing. In fact, he recently hinted [email protected] the stars' convictions are vis-a-vis that he would most likely abide Israel, the overwhelming lack of by President Obama’s Deferred response reveals, at the very least, Action for Childhood Arrivals, al- that Israel is no longer a particu- lowing the 740,000 people covered Disclaimer: larly desirable destination, even for by that initiative to stay in the an all-expenses paid vacation. The country. In addition, the new The views and opinions expressed in the articles are Israeli lobby, it turns out, can no guidelines rolled out by Homeland longer take Hollywood for grant- Security indicate that people who those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or ed as part of its Brand Israel cam- have lived in the country for two paign. And this is significant. Ad- years or more will not be vulnera- opinions of the Afghanistan Times. ditionally, however, this also sug- ble to “expedited removal.” Trump gests that, not unlike the final years MONDAY . FEBRUARY 27, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES US wary as a More than 3,500 attacks Largest mass grave Chinese base rises as with bodies of 4000 a neighbor in Africa on refugees in Germany people found in Iraq in 2016: Report

New figures show there were nearly ten attacks on refugees and refugee ac- commodation every day in Germany in 2016. The country's opposition says the government is not doing enough against right-wing violence. There were 3,533 attacks on refu- gees and refugee hostels across Germany last year, the Funke Media Group reported on Sunday. The attacks left 560 people injured, among them 43 children, according to an interior ministry response to a parliamentary ques- tion cited by the media group. Out of the attacks, almost three quarters targeted refugees outside of their accommodations. Another 988 attacks were carried out on refugee housing, a slight drop from 2015. In addition, 217 refugee orga- nizations and volunteers were at- The largest mass grave, allegedly According to local residents, The two countries keep dozens of can desert. China is constructing tacked. The figures are only pre- with four thousand bodies was Hasfa killings began six months intercontinental nuclear missiles its first overseas military base in liminary and may be adjusted lat- found in Iraq, not far from Mosul, after militants in the summer of pointed at each other’s cities. Their Djibouti — just a few miles from er. It comes as Germany grapples where an operation against Islam- 2014 entered Mosul. frigates and fighter jets occasion- Camp Lemonnier, one of the Pen- with processing a backlog of asy- ic State terrorist group was con- Also, according to eyewit- ally face off in the contested wa- tagon’s largest and most important lum requests amid heightened con- ducted, APA reports quoting Tele- nesses, most of the victims were ters of the South China Sea. foreign installations. cern over security in the wake of a rity are right-wing attacks on refu- at the top of the domestic policy graph. shot, and the pit was deeper than With no shared border, China With increasing tensions on string of terror attacks across Eu- gees. Opposition Left Party agenda?" she questioned. She de- According to the newspaper, 400 meters before they beganto and the United States mostly cir- China’s island-building efforts in rope. The government has re- spokesperson Ulla Jelpke told the manded that "at least the govern- a huge funnel is located near Has- dump the bodies. cle each other from afar, relying on the South China Sea, US strate- sponded by toughening asylum media group the numbers show ment stop giving the impression fa, near the road linking Mosul One of the witnesses of these satellites and cybersnooping to gists worry that a naval port so procedures and implementing a raft there are nearly ten attacks on asy- through new tougher asylum laws with the Iraqi capital Baghdad.ISIS events, Mahmud said that he was peek inside the workings of each close to Camp Lemonnier could of security measures ahead of fed- lum seekers a day. "Must there that refugees are a threat." Instead, militants killed here captured in forced to look at how the insur- other’s war machines. provide a front-row seat to the eral elections in September, in first be deaths before right-wing she commented, "Nazis are threat- 2014 Iraqi security forces officers gentsexecuted in one day about two But the two strategic rivals are staging ground for US counterter- which refugees are a top issue. But violence is classified as a central ening refugees and therefore our and dumped their bodies into this thousand police and military, in- about to become neighbors in this rorism operations in the Arabian often lost in the debate over secu- internal security problem and put democracy." (AFP) pit. cluding his relative. (APA) sun-scorched patch of East Afri- Peninsula and North Africa. Did North Korea kill Kim Jong Over 160 Turkish soldiers, allied Nam with VX nerve agent to send a signal to its enemies? militants killed, wounded in Last week’s stunning revelation clear and missile efforts,” said J. ISIL’s suicide attack: Syria that the deadly VX nerve agent was Berkshire Miller, a Tokyo-based used to kill the estranged half international affairs fellow at the Kyrgyzstan arrests brother of North Korea’s leader at Council on Foreign Relations. a crowded air terminal in Malay- “That said,” Miller added, “intel- sia has thrown a spotlight on Py- ligence communities in the West opposition leader ongyang’s chemical weapons arse- and South Korea have warned for nal — and raised questions of years about the dangers of the Kyrgyzstan has arrested a veteran dent Almazbek Atambayev. His whether the operation was a pur- North’s chemical and biological opposition leader on corruption arrest came after two other mem- poseful but deniable signal to its weapons program and their poten- charges as political tensions mount bers of his party were questioned enemies, including Japan. The tial use in asymmetric ways should in the Central Asian country ahead for four and nearly nine hours, re- claim that VX, deadly even in mi- the Kim regime feel threatened.” of a November presidential poll. spectively, in unrelated corruption nuscule amounts, was employed While nuclear weapons are Omurbek Tekebayev, 58, who cases earlier this month. In Decem- in the Feb. 13 attack has contrib- seen as a strategic deterrent meant leads the nominally socialist Ata- ber last year, the Ata-Meken par- uted to the widespread belief that to maintain the Kim dynasty’s grip Meken party, was detained on ty showed strong opposition to a Pyongyang had sent a hit team to on power, chemical arms would Sunday in connection with an in- referendum on constitutional assassinate Kim Jong Nam, the likely have an operational role in vestigation into corruption at a key changes that was driven by Presi- older sibling of leader Kim Jong any wartime scenario, analysts telecommunications company, the dent Atambayev’s office. Teke- Un. The North, which is not par- say. Its rockets and missiles, in- State Committee for National Se- bayev recently called for President ty to a global chemical weapons cluding the intermediate-range Ro- curity (GKNB) said in a statement. Atambayev’s impeachment and convention that prohibits their dong with a range of 1,000-1,500 The statement added that Teke- urged authorities to probe the pres- production, stockpiling and use, km, could be tipped with a chem- bayev will be in detention for at ident and his family members for has denied that it possesses such ical-laden warhead for strikes on least 48 hours. Tekebayev is a bit- evidence of corruption. an arsenal. But experts say the VX much of Japan. “It is possible that ter adversary of incumbent Presi- (PressTV) was almost certainly manufactured North Korea could target Japan in an advanced state-run weapons with the missiles it has tested,” said lab. Hamish de Bretton-Gordon, a “If North Korea was behind former commander of the U.K.’s the assassination, it has just un- chemical and biological regiment World should veiled a glimpse of its chemical who now works as a private con- warfare capability to the world,” sultant. “It is much easier to put recognize Khojaly said Duyeon Kim, a Seoul-based VX in a warhead on a missile than researcher at Georgetown Univer- to put a nuclear warhead on it. sity’s Institute for the Study of They could have a payload of up genocide:Azerbaijan Diplomacy. “In the event of war, to 500 kg, which would be a con- any and all targets would proba- siderable amount of VX and if ISIL's suicide attack on a joint base village of Sousian. Reports said earlier this month Every Azerbaijani citizen should including 63 children, 106 women bly be fair game for North Korea fired at a city could create many carry out the work for the world and 70 old people were killed as a of the Turkish soldiers and Anka- Hawar news added that 8 that a Turkish soldier was killed using any of its WMD tools,” Kim casualties.” In any war or looming ra-backed militants of the Euph- Turkish soldiers and 60 militant and three more were wounded in to recognize the Khojaly genocide result of the massacre. A total of added. While the size of the conflict, U.S. bases in Japan and punish its perpetrators, Azer- 1,000 civilians became disabled as rates Shield Operation in al-Bab were killed in the attack. clashes with ISIL near a key town North’s stockpile is notoriously would be tempting targets for region in Eastern Aleppo left more The news agency went on to in Eastern Aleppo. baijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister a result of the onslaught. Some difficult to ascertain, the U.S.- chemical strikes as the North Khalaf Khalafov told reporters in 1,275 innocent residents were tak- than 160 dead and wounded, me- say that over 100 members of the Turkish soldiers and forces of based nonprofit Nuclear Threat seeks to nullify America’s advan- dia sources said. Euphrates Shield Operation have the Euphrates Shield Operation Baku Feb. 26. “Investigation will en hostage, while the fate of 150 Initiative, says the country is be- tages in naval and air power. But be further carried out in this direc- people still remains unknown. The Hawar news reported that ISIL also been wounded in the ISIL at- engaged in fierce clashes with ISIL lieved to be among the world’s larg- attacks on Japan and U.S. bases in used a bomb-laden vehicle in the tack. near the town of al-Bab. tion,” he said. “It is necessary to conflict between the two South est possessors of chemical weap- the country, while possible, make efforts for the international Caucasus countries began in 1988 suicide attack on a base of the Turk- Two military vehicles of the A Turkish soldier was killed ons. It estimates that the North “would be out of desperation,” ish soldiers and militants of the Turkish army were also destroyed and three others were injured by community to give political and when Armenia made territorial ranks third — after the United said Daniel Pinkston, a North Ko- legal assessment to the Khojaly claims against Azerbaijan. As a re- Euphrates Shield Operation in the in the assault. ISIL in the battlefield. (AP) genocide so that the perpetrators sult of the ensuing war, in 1992 would be brought to justice. Co- Armenian armed forces occupied operation with international orga- 20 percent of Azerbaijan, includ- nizations is very important for ing the Nagorno-Karabakh region Man in China arrested for selling tree that.” On February 25-26, 1992, and seven surrounding districts. the Armenian armed forces, togeth- The 1994 ceasefire agreement was trunk worth less than $30 for $343,000 er with the 366th infantry regiment followed by peace negotiations. of the former Soviet troops, sta- Armenia has not yet implemented tioned in Khankendi, committed an four UN Security Council resolu- A man was arrested in China after act of genocide against the popu- tions on withdrawal of its armed selling an ordinary tree trunk for lation of the Azerbaijani town of forces from the Nagorno-Karaba- 1.68 million yuan (S$343,000), Khojaly. As many as 613 people, kh and the surrounding districts. reports said. The man, surnamed Lin, bought the old tree trunk three years ago at 200 yuan, which Situation calm at Karaba- means he turned a profit of about 8,000 times his cost. The buyer paid top dollar for kh’s Talish village, after the trunk as Lin claimed it came from a phoebe zhennan tree. Azerbaijan shelling The phoebe zhennan is known for glowing with a golden lustre The situation in Talish village of men are in Talish, who carry out when polished and varnished. Artsakh is calm after the shelling, relevant work toward the restora- States and Russia — with between rea specialist at Troy University 2,500 and 5,000 metric tons in its in Seoul, adding that inaccurate Its Chinese name means "gold- informed Artak Beglaryan, tion of the village. Now, the situa- en silk wood". Spokesperson of the Nagorno- tion is calm there.” As reported arsenal, the majority of which are North Korean missiles would be nerve agents such as sarin and VX. unable to take out an airfield for It was used by Ming dynasty Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsa- earlier, the adversary continued emperors for their thrones and bed- kh) Prime Minister. “No loss and intensively violating the ceasefire At maximum capacity, the North long. “It would degrade operations is thought to be capable of pro- but they could decontaminate and room furniture, and whole logs of damage was recorded in Talish vil- along the line of contact between the wood were used in the con- lage, as a result of the firing of those the Karabakh and Azerbaijani op- ducing up to 12,000 tons of the resume operations,” Pinkston said. weapons. Beyond the use of missiles, Py- struction of the Forbidden City. 18 shells,” Beglaryan wrote on his posing forces, from late Saturday It is now under second-class Facebook account: “A group of night to early Sunday morning. But despite the massive ongyang’s large number of special amount, concerns over the North’s forces — skilled in infiltration tech- national protection and sells for a chemical threat have in recent years niques and likely trained in the use fortune, a report said. been largely drowned out by its of chemical arms — would also be Found in Guizhou, Hubei, Turkmenistan names its growing nuclear weapons and mis- an option for delivering the weap- Hunan and Sichuan, the tree is list- sile capabilities. Pyongyang con- ons. “I see the use in more of a ed as a "vulnerable" species by the new representative to IFAS ducted two nuclear tests last year terrorism lens for Japan — and International Union for the Con- and Kim Jong Un said in January there theoretically could be a wor- servation of Nature. Lin forged a certificate of au- Under a decree of the Turkmen by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, that the country was in the final ry about potential sleeper cells or stages of preparations for an in- illegitimate travelers trying to plan thenticity for the tree trunk. The president, the country’s Deputy Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and buyer later got an expert to check Prime Minister Rejep Bazarov has Uzbekistan to support scientific tercontinental ballistic missile test. an attack during the Tokyo 2020 “The North’s chemical program Olympics,” said the Council on the tree, and was told that it was been appointed as member of the and practical research and organize worthless. International Fund for Saving the financing social and economic and has kind of fallen under the radar Foreign Relations’ Miller. Chemi- in most analysis about the threat cal terrorism has been a closely The buyer found that Lin had Aral Sea (IFAS). Turkmenistan will environmental programs in the re- slipped away by then. chair the International Fund for gion aimed at improving environ- perceptions emanating from the monitored concern for Japan since North, as most concerns — right- the Aum Shinrikyo cult’s sarin gas Police later tracked Lin down Saving the Aral Sea in 2017-2019. mental situation of Aral Sea region. and arrested him. A tree trunk that was sold for more than $300,000 after the The IFAS was established in 1993 (Trend) fully so — focus on the conven- attack on the Tokyo subway sys- tional programs and also the nu- tem killed 12. (Japantimes) (BBC) seller lied that it came from a rare phoebe zhennan tree. MONDAY . FEBRUARY 27, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Korean stocks are world’s most undervalued: Study Korean stocks are the most under- valued in the world, being cheaper than not only those in advanced countries but also emerging econ- omy shares, according to local ex- perts Sunday. According to data by Samsung Securities and local reports, the Japan is ready to propose a spe- previous 12-month price-earnings cific plan to Russia for the joint ratio in the domestic stock market economic development of an island was 9.6-to-1, much lower than the averages of the MSCI’s emerging chain that both countries claim, and advanced market indexes. The Nikkei Asia Review reports. The price-earnings ratio is the According to the report pub- ratio for valuing a company by lished February 25, the Japanese measuring its current share price government will propose that it compared to its per-share earnings. promote the small, windswept is- The ratio is used by investors as a lands northeast of Hokkaido as a measure of whether a share is over- tourist destination, with a view to priced. attracting Japanese visitors. The lower the ratio, the lower Private Japanese and Russian the price of stock compared to its companies would jointly offer associated profits. tourist cruises under Japan's plan The US stock market ranked for the islands, which Moscow at the top of the pack among de- Philippines was listed with an av- valuation of Korean stocks partly currently administers and calls the veloped nations with a P/E ratio erage P/E ratio of 17.8-to-1, fol- to investors’ low expectations for Southern Kuriles, but Tokyo of 18.5-to-1, followed by Japan at lowed by India at 16.8-to-1, Indo- listed companies’ growth as well claims and calls its Northern Ter- 15.9-to-1, Hong Kong at 15.9-to- nesia at 15.5-to-1, China at 12.5- as uncertainties growing over con- ritories. 1, United Kingdom at 14.8-to-1, to-1 and Russia at 9.7-to-1. flicts with the high-altitude mis- Medical institutions and uni- France at 14.7-to-1 and Singapore In addition to low dividends sile defense system and the US versities in Hokkaido would re- at 13.9-to-1. and poor corporate governance, interest rate hike. motely provide medical services to Among emerging countries, the some experts attribute the under- (Koreaherald) the islands, perhaps through inter- net-based links. Japan will also propose joint operation of processing facilities Turkey tourism woes for salmon, abalone, and other fish catches, the report said. Although Russia administers slash GDP: IMF the islands, which have a popula- tion of about 20,000, their sover- eignty remains a matter of dispute. However, that issue will be put aside for the time being while eco- nomic issues are decided, the Ni- Guo Shuqing, who is stepping glement with traditional financial kkei report said. down as governor of Shandong institutions, especially more vul- The dispute over the four-is- province to take control of Chi- nerable small and mid-sized banks, na’s banking regulator, returns to has raised concerns about poten- land chain goes back decades. Beijing at a decisive moment for tial systemic risks. Shang, who led They were seized by Soviet the country’s financial system fol- the CBRC from 2011 to 2016, forces at the end of World War II, lowing years of breakneck econom- faced criticism for not being firm hobbling relations ever since and ic growth. enough on those activities. “Shang The dwindling number of visitors and leisure industries. preventing the two countries from The immediate challenge for has not been a tough regulator in to Turkey has hurt tourism and its The turn came in 2016, with a signing a peace treaty to formally the new chairman of the China keeping things under control,” said connecting sectors, chopping off sharp rise in terrorist attacks cou- end the war. Banking Regulatory Commission Fraser Howie, an independent an- about one percentage point of pled with political uncertainty. In December, Russian Presi- (CRBC) is formidable – Guo must alyst and author of Red Capital- GDP from the country’s growth Terrorist attacks—400 in just dent Vladimir Putin and Japanese vigorously address troubled lend- ism. “Banking is far more compli- in 2016, according to a recent study 2015 from an average of 70 annu- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dis- ing in the country’s 232tn yuan cated and opaque than it was be- by the International Monetary ally between 2010 and 2014—re- cussed possible joint-economic ($34tn) banking sector and imple- fore.” Guo’s needs to come out Fund. sulted in a more than 30% fall in projects on the island chain, but ment tougher measures to control with “serious and respected” reg- Turkey’s previously booming the number of European tourists no breakthrough was reported. lightly regulated shadow banking ulation addressing shadow bank- tourism sector was gravely hit in who used to make up over half the Negotiators for the two sides activities. ing products, Howie said. Guo will the wake of a series of terrorist visitors. plan to meet again on March 18 in For Guo, highly regarded as work closely with China’s power- attacks and domestic political tur- The inflow of another impor- Tokyo to discuss proposals, Ni- one of China’s most experienced ful central bank, which is tighten- moil, IMF said in a statement on tant cohort, Russian tourists, fell kkei said. financial services professionals, ing oversight of the surging asset its website. Just before 2016, Tur- dramatically due to sanctions, in- Russian Deputy Foreign Min- returning to Beijing follows an ac- management industry that has key grew into one of the most pop- cluding restrictions on charter ister Igor Morgulov and Japanese complished career including ap- drawn the eye of investors seek- ular tourist destinations in the flights and sales of travel packag- counterpart Takeo Akiba are ex- pointments as chairman of China ing high yields and quick profits. world. The growing network of the es. According to staff estimates, a pected to lead the talks. Construction Bank Corp, the head Before joining the securities national air carrier, infrastructure 10% decline in foreign arrivals They are hoping to reach agree- of the China Securities Regulatory regulator, Guo steered China Con- development, hotel construction translates into a 0.3–0.5% fall in ment on details before Abe and Commission, and most recently as struction Bank Corp to its suc- and country marketing fueled the GDP. Putin meet later in the year, Ni- a provincial governor. Guo is con- cessful initial share sale, which expansion. Beyond hotels, restaurants and kkei said. (RFERL) sidered by many as a passionate raised $8bn. (Gulf-times) To ease entry, only 3% of for- transportation, industries as di- reformist, drawing up more than eign tourists needed visas, divert- verse as telecommunications, re- 70 new policies during his 18 ing visitors from competitors in tail trade and textiles have felt the months as chief stock market reg- the Mediterranean, such as Egypt. shock. Studies show that the re- Whole Foods ulator from 2011 to 2013. The thriving tourism brought covery is likely to be slow, as re- He tried to revive a stagnant Dollar touches 7-week low on in revenues equivalent to 3.7% of peated incidents of violence tend Market’s stock market, boosting participa- GDP and generated 600,000 jobs, to have long-lasting effects on tour- clampdown on tion by foreign investors while or 2.3% of total employment. An- ist arrivals. campaigning against widespread worry over US protectionism other million jobs sprung up in re- (Financialtribune) UK store thefts insider trading, poor information lated sectors, including restaurant disclosure and weak corporate gov- The dollar slumped to seven-week nya Tanase, chief currency strate- kets in a long term,” said Masashi help lift profits ernance. He also advocated reform lows on Thursday, pressured by gist at JPMorgan Chase Bank. The Murata, senior currency strategist of the initial public offerings sys- investors’ concerns about US pro- dollar last stood at 113.38 yen at Brown Brothers Harriman. There are more than 50 for the second tem and promoted the delisting of tectionism after President Donald against the yen, nearly flat on the “Trump would keep his strong loss-making firms. “Guo’s ap- Trump gave the go-ahead to con- day and not far from a two-month rhetoric from his candidate days Indian companies in Egypt: year running pointment to CBRC brings him struction of a US-Mexican border low of 112.52 yen touched on to assure his followers, but he has back to his area of core expertise: wall and prepared to impose some Tuesday, even as US Treasuries not detailed the actual action plans. Indian ambassador A clampdown on store thefts banking,” said James Stent, a immigration curbs. yields stayed near four-week His policy won’t be a straight-for- helped the British arm of Whole former independent director at two The dollar index, which tracks highs. ward protectionism, considering By the end of the last year, the Federation of Egyptian Foods Market make a profit for Chinese banks and author of Chi- the greenback against a basket of The US benchmark 10-year his positive comments on the Industries paid a visit to India, which quickly respond- its second consecutive year. na’s Banking Transformation. major currencies, was last down Treasury yield last stood at 2.523 strong Mexican economy,” added “CBRC is a big, complicated or- 0.1 percent at 99.886. It dipped to percent, close to a 4-week high of ed by the Confederation of Indian Industry paying a vis- Directors of the upmarket Murata. it to Egypt around two weeks ago. American health food super- ganisation. You have to be a com- 99.793 earlier in the day, its low- 2.538 percent hit on Wednesday. Mexico’s peso strengthened to market said profit increased in petent manager. Guo Shuqing has est level since Dec. 8. The dollar “It’s similar to the US-Japan trade a three-week high of 20.9300 peso proven in spades he’s capable of was generally weaker despite a ral- conflicts in 1990s. Back then, the Earlier this month, Sun Pharma’s lations “and today we are assuring relation to turnover ‘primarily on Wednesday as Trump said the Ranbaxy opened a new factory in this economic engagement and tak- doing the job.” Guo, a philosophy ly on Wall Street, where the Dow dollar was weak despite the high country’s economic future was reflecting improved shrink’ – major and a visiting scholar at Ox- Jones Industrial Average closed US interest rates. The dollar would 6th of October City. Daily News ing it to a higher level.” the term retailers use for shop- important to the United States. Egypt sat down with Indian am- Bhattacharyya was very op- ford University, is a native of Chi- atop the 20,000 mark for the first remain weak if Trump pushes his The currency last stood at 21.0835 lifting and theft by employees. na’s Inner Mongolia region and is time. protectionist rhetoric,” said JP- bassador to Egypt Sanjay Bhatta- timistic about deeper cooperation Whole Foods – which has a fluent English speaker. Since charyya to talk about new Indian between India and Egypt, as he nine stores in Britain including 2001, he also has served as a dep- investments in Egypt, as well as expressed that “the first element branches in London, Chelten- uty central bank governor and as a about the economic and political of the economic engagement is the ham and Glasgow – launched top foreign exchange regulator. Like relationships of the two countries. economic investments. There are in the UK ten years ago and central bank governor Zhou Xiao- Regarding the new factory, the more than 50 Indian companies made a loss for the first eight chuan and former finance minister ambassador stated that “opening present in Egypt, with investments years. Lou Jiwei, Guo is widely respect- this factory is a huge step, which that now exceed $3bn,” adding that However, pre-tax profits re- ed as a reform-minded policymak- achieves India’s desire to be “this means new companies are mained steady at £1.2million for er. He was appointed to run CBRC present in the Egyptian market as coming in constantly, and the exis- the year ending September 25, to replace Shang Fulin, who has it will be providing the Egyptian tent ones are expanding their op- 2016, while sales grew from reached the official retirement age people with high quality and af- erations.” £114million to £117million. of 65. Deleveraging and containing fordable pharmaceutical prod- Although last year was diffi- Whole Foods was found- risk have been identified as top pri- ucts.” He added that another ben- cult regarding the economic situa- ed in Austin, Texas, in 1980 and orities for the current government, efit is offering Egyptians employ- tion, the ambassador believes that as China’s top leaders prepare to ment opportunities. After a tour towards the end of the last year, now has more than 430 stores in the factory, he said that Sun there were very positive sides, in- across the US, Canada and Brit- gather at the twice-a-decade lead- ership reshuffle of the ruling Com- Pharma is commencing operations cluding the reforms announced by ain. on a large scale in Egypt. “I have the Egyptian government. “A good (Dailymail) munist Party this autumn. China’s banking sector is dominated by seen that the project was conduct- sign was that the investment law state-owned lenders, which are re- ed with the highest international is under discussion, so several ar- sponsible for supporting political standards.” The ambassador add- eas will attract Indian investors to and economic priorities of central ed, “I expect that the Egyptian au- Egypt.” and provincial governments. Guo, thorities will give them more facil- Taking part in the mutual eco- 60, also must wrestle with the ities to expand their production in nomic cooperation was the Feder- thorny problems associated with order to offer the Egyptian market ation of Egyptian Industries, vis- helping regulate China’s fast-grow- more needed products.” Bhatta- iting India by the end of the last ing online finance industry, which charyya believes that India makes year. Something which the ambas- has become a hothouse for both great progress in the healthcare sador considers a very big step, as innovation and fraud. A prolific Trump has made several busi- Morgan Chase’s Tanase. pesos per dollar. Sterling was last sector: “we are currently working it was an invitation welcoming In- author with more than 300 re- ness-friendly decisions since tak- On immigration policy, Trump up 0.1 percent at $1.2648, its high- to provide other healthcare facili- dia to the Egyptian market. search papers and 16 books to his ing office on Friday, including sign- is expected to sign an executive est peak in six weeks. The pound ties in Egypt, including establish- (Dailynewsegypt) name, Guo inherits a banking sec- ing executive orders to reduce reg- order in the coming days to block was helped by expectations for a ing hospitals in joint ventures with tor that has expanded swiftly, fu- ulatory burdens on domestic man- the entry of refugees from war- rapid trade deal between Britain Egyptian companies and improv- elled by the country’s rapid credit ufacturers and clearing the way for torn Syria and suspend the entry and the United States, which Prime ing healthcare education.” This is growth. Banking assets over the the construction of two oil pipe- of any immigrants from Muslim- Minister Theresa May said on included in India’s plan to conduct last five years have more than dou- lines. However, the president’s majority Middle Eastern and Afri- Wednesday would “put UK inter- wider collaboration with Egypt in bled, helping to push the volume broad but divisive plans to reshape can countries while permanent ests and UK values first.” the health sector. Speaking about of non-performing loans at Chinese US immigration and national secu- rules are studied. May will be the first foreign bilateral cooperation between both commercial banks to 1.51tn by the rity policy rattled some investors, However, some analysts are leader to meet the new US presi- countries on a wider scale, Bhatta- end of last year, the highest since partly because the US needs for- skeptical as to what extent Trump dent, and trade is expected to dom- charyya said that when President 2005. China’s shadow banking eign capital to finance its large cur- would back up his protectionist inate their first talks on Friday. The Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi visited India system, comprising a range of rent account deficit. remarks with action. euro was last up 0.1 percent at in September, he announced to- opaque and lightly-regulated finan- “Amid concerns over Trump’s “It is highly doubtful whether $1.0762 against the dollar, slight- gether with Indian prime minister cial products, also has grown rap- protectionism, the correlation be- Trump would go ahead with a ly below Tuesday’s seven-week Narendra Modi that there will be idly under the guise of financial in- tween US Treasury yields and the large-scale immigration ban to an high of $1.0775. three main pillars of cooperation, novation. Shadow banking’s entan- dollar has gotten weaker,” said Ju- extent that would affect the mar- (Alarabiya) including deepening economic re- MONDAY . FEBRUARY 27, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Satur-bae! Un a H ealy Kate Beckin sale is sho w s o ff her slen der Oscars 2017: 10 most effo rtlessly stun n in g in figure in sw eepin g se- iconic beauty looks in figure -huggin g black quin n ed go w n at Ro n an go w n ado rn ed w ith Ke atin g's star-s tudde d recent memory feathers as she arrives Emeralds, Ivy Ball Days before the big night of Oscars 2017, we look at the 10 most memora- at the In depen den t ble red carpet appearances at the Academy Awards through the years. Spirit Aw ards in LA

Hollywood’s most famous actresses will be primped and primed to perfection when they tread the red carpet on Sunday night for the 89th Academy Awards. We take the opportunity to look back on some of the most stunning Oscar beauty looks in recent history.

Halle Berry dazzled on Scarlett Johans- the Oscars red carpet son, Oscars 2015. in 2011, adding a punk- (AFP) ish edge to her other- Scarlett Johans- wise smoky, neutral son shook off her beauty look by adding traditional pin-up a few spikes to her pix- image in 2015 ie crop. when she showed 2016 was a great year the world how to for Alicia Vikander, but rock a ball gown the Best Supporting and a buzz cut on Actress winner kept the red carpet. A her cool at the Oscars taupe eye and a with a funky half-up- mid-pink lip kept half-down topknot things edgy but and neutral makeup. beautifully pol- 2015: Gwyneth Pal- ished. trow 2 0 1 4 : L u p i t a Gwyneth Paltrow usu- Nyong’o ally plays it safe when Lupita Nyong’o, it comes to red carpet Oscars 2014. beauty, but the star (AFP) added a contemporary Lupita Nyong’o’s twist to her 2015 look 2014 Oscars look with this sleek under- is nothing short of pinned hairstyle. iconic. The Best Scarlett Johansson Supporting Ac- tress winner teamed her edgy crew cut with a bejeweled head- band, a soft indi- go eyeshadow and a hot pink lip. Cate Blanchett Cate Blanchett, Oscars 2014. (You- tube) Cate Blanchett let Una Healy is known for her lilting voice and flame-haired beauty. her hair down in And The Saturdays singer looked every inch the star as she flaunted her 2014, and a signa- flawless figure in a breathtaking floor-length bejewelled gown at fellow ture style was She is known for both her award-winning acting ability and her show- Irishman Ronan Keating's Emeralds and Ivy Ball on Saturday night. stopping fashion sense. And Kate Beckinsale certainly did not disappoint The 35-year-old attended the annual event held at Battersea Evolution in born: the Best Ac- tress winner’s in the style stakes on Saturday night, as she made an effortlessly glamor- London alongside a host of other music, screen and film stars in order ous arrival at the 32nd Independent Spirit Awards. to raise money for Cancer Research UK and the Marie Keating Founda- sleek shoulder- The actress, 43, stole the spotlight in a figure-hugging gown, adorned tion. length waves were with striking feather detailing, as she posed on the blue carpet in Santa a throwback to the Monica, California. golden age of Hol- The Pink effect: Taapsee Pannu lywood glamour. 2007: Nicole Kid- I don’t read stuff about extends support to women-run man : We love Nicole Kidman’s natural curls, but there’s no denying that her ultra-sleek, ultra-blonde myself,: Sidharth Malhotra cafe in Mangalore 2007 approach was an eye-opener. Barely-there eye makeup and a flash of crimson lipstick was all Sidharth Malhotra has been linked to Alia Bhatt ever since they made it took to seal her femme fatale status. (Hindustan Times) their debut in Student Of The Year (2012). While the two have chosen to stay mum about their equation, they’re both spotted taking vaca- tions, at parties and social do’s. Kabir Khan locks horns with CBFC Of late, he has also been linked to Priyanka to attend Reload co-start Jacqueline Ferna- After Farhan Akhtar, Shyam Bene- Now the time has come for the in- dez. But Sidharth says that he isn’t gal and Ashoke Pandit, filmmaker dustry people to formally stand Oscars this year too Kabir Khan has slammed the Cen- up against this and shout for their Internationally ac- tral Board of Film Certification's rights," he added. CBFC listed the claimed Bollywood ac- move to "refuse" a certificate to reasons for denial of the certificate tress Priyanka Chopra director Prakash Jha's Lipstick in a letter where it said: "The sto- has announced that she Under My Burkha, terming it "ri- ry is lady oriented, their fantasy will be attending the diculous". "It's a strange situation about life. There are continuous upcoming 89th Acade- and problem lies when these kind sexual scenes, abusive words, au- my Awards. Priyanka of incidents are happening regu- dio pornography and a bit sensi- took to Instagram on For actor Taapsee Pannu, the Pink on. Despite six months having larly. Watching a film is a volun- tive touch about one particular sec- Friday night to share the tary act. It is not forced on anyone tion of society, hence film refused (2016) effect is clearly, still on. gone by since the film’s release, news with her fans Despite six months having gone by Taapsee still gets messages and and two-three people sitting out under guidelines." Directed by while posting a photo- there in CBFC cannot take deci- Alankrita Shrivastava, the film since the film’s release, Taapsee emails thanking her and appreciat- graph with legendary still gets messages and emails ing her for the character she sion for the entire society, which speaks about four women, from aware of what gets written about British singer Mick Jag- is absolutely ridiculous," Kabir different sections of society who thanking her and appreciating her played. The interactions that she ger. "Change of plans! him because he consciously choos- for the character she played. The has with her fans sometimes bring said at the screening of short film are seeking freedom and want to es not to read anything at all. The Oscars here we come. The Strange Smile here on Friday. fulfil their desires. The film stars 32-year-old says that his equa- interactions that she has with her to light a lot of interesting things. Mick Jagger LA LA fans sometimes bring to light a lot Recently, Taapsee got a message "We say India is a global power, Konkona Sen Sharma, Ratna tions with his friends remains un- Land," Priyanka wrote but I think global powers don't act Pathak, Aahana Kumra and Plabi- changed, despite what is written of interesting things. from a fan, through social media, alongside the image. Recently, Taapsee got a mes- informing her that the latter is in like this. They think society is so ta Borthakur in lead roles along about them. “I don’t read stuff However, this won't be fragile that after seeing a particular with Sushant Singh, Vikrant Mas- about myself, so that keeps it easy. sage from a fan, through social the process of opening a café her first time at Oscars. media, informing her that the lat- named Pink in Mangalore, Karna- film, our values can be damaged. sey, Shashank Arora, Vaibbhav Also, I don’t think none of the ac- Priyanka, who got fame tors read the papers and then go ter is in the process of opening a taka. The café’s speciality is that in the West through her café named Pink in Mangalore, it is not only owned by a woman and question each other. At least, I lead role of Alex Parrish don’t,” he says. While he has cho- Karnataka. The café’s speciality is but will also have only female staff, in TV thriller series that it is not only owned by a right from the cashier to the serv- sen to take link-ups with a pinch Quantico, was one of of salt, it wasn’t the same for his woman but will also have only fe- er. Taapsee loved the idea and is the presenters at the male staff, right from the cashier now, partially sponsoring the café. family, who is absolutely new to 88th Academy Awards the glamour world. “Initially my to the server. Taapsee loved the Talking about it, the Baby last year. Donning a parents read the paper and got re- idea and is now, partially spon- (2015) actor says, “When I heard white gown by Leba- ally excited about what was writ- soring the café. the idea, I was impressed as to nese designer Zuhair ten about me. But now, it’s gone Actor Taapsee Pannu is par- how a film can turn into an inspi- Murad, Priyanka pre- down, mostly because I am busy. tially sponsoring a cafe Pink named ration at so many levels. It’s re- sented the award for Also, they know there are some after her 2016 film on women’s warding when someone takes the best film editing with conversations that are not to be rights. The Mangalore cafe is positive impact of a film and con- Liev Schreiber. The had. They know to respect my owned and run entirely by wom- verts that into reality, especially 89th Academy Awards space and trust me with my deci- en. For actor Taapsee Pannu, the with an initiative like this. will take place on Sun- sions because I am sensible,” he Pink (2016) effect is clearly, still (Tribune) day night here. says. (Santa Banta) MONDAY . FEBRUARY 27, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Rickie England score 379 to Fowler start West Indies tour opens up with warm-up win big lead on day three of Honda Utrecht came from two goals down dam ran out 1-0 winners at out-of- Classic to win 3-2 at Groningen to record form NEC Nijmegen to put some Rickie Fowler put himself on a fourth win in the last five Eredi- daylight between themselves and course for his first PGA Tour vic- visie matches. the dropzone. Paco van Moorsel's tory in almost 18 months as Tyr- Bryan Linssen gave Groningen goal on 33 minutes when he slot- rell Hatton stayed in contention in an early lead and sent the hosts ted in from the edge of the penalty the third round of the Honda Clas- into half-time with a 2-0 advan- area proved enough for all three sic. tage when he latched onto a long points and a fifth straight defeat Fowler will go into the final pass up field and held off Utrecht for the home side. Excelsior re- day at PGA National armed with a captain Willem Janssen at the edge mained second from bottom after commanding four-shot lead after of the area to slot into the bottom Willem II won 2-0 at Stadion he fired a flawless five-under 65 to corner. The visitors hit back when Woudestein. Two goals in as many hit the front on 13 under par. Sebastien Haller headed in on 54 minutes just after the hour did the The popular American will be minutes before 18-year-old Gio- damage, defender Dico Koppers paired with Hatton in Sunday's fi- vanni Troupee levelled with 11 stabbing the ball in at the far post nal group as the Englishman con- minutes left when he lashed in an before Erik Falkenburg's near post England's batsmen fired in the (1) fell cheaply in the pursuit of tinued to impress in his first PGA angled drive and then midfielder header doubled the lead. opening game of their tour of the quick runs in the final 10 overs, Tour start of the year, breaking 70 Yassin Ayoub snatched a late win- Excelsior finished the match West Indies, scoring 379-8 in a but Stokes - well supported by for the third straight day to claim ner after a swift counter attack. with 10 men when substitute Da- 117-run warm-up win over a Uni- Liam Dawson (30 off 19) helped outright second. Heerenveen moved up into nilo Pantic, who is on loan from versity of West Indies Vice Chan- England to a formidable score. Martin Kaymer was just one fifth place after they beat 10-man Chelsea, was sent off in the final cellor's XI, in St Kitts. Steven Finn (2-22) then struck off the lead after he turned in 31 Roda 3-0 at the Abe Lenstra Stadi- ter that the floodgates opened af- man added the second from close minute after picking up two yel- Captain Eoin Morgan top twice in the second over of the before capping a poor back-nine on to end a six-game winless run. ter defender Doke Schmidt broke range in the closing stages and Reza low cards in the closing quarter- scored with 95 - smashing six fours hosts' run-chase - removing Amir with a scrappy bogey-six at the Roda had Mohamed El Makrini the deadlock when nodding in a Ghoochannej converted a penalty of-an-hour. and six sixes in his 84-ball knock - Jangoo and Anthony Alleyne for last to slip to seven under, while sent off in the 54th minute and af- free-kick on the hour. Henk Veer- in stoppage time. Sparta Rotter- (Sky Sport) while Jason Roy (79 off 43 balls), ducks - to have the West Indies overnight leaders Wes Bryan (72) Joe Root (71 off 76) and Ben outfit immediately on the back and Ryan Palmer (73) tumbled Stokes (61 off 53) also hit half cen- foot. But Walton's battling hun- down the leaderboard. turies. In reply, opener Chadwick dred frustrated the England attack, Fowler picked up his first shot Walton (121 off 109) scored a mag- as he shared in 70 and 81-run part- of the day with a two-putt birdie Jo-Wilfried nificent century, but wickets nerships with Shimron Hetmyer at the long third, and he enjoyed a Gavin McDonnell can take steadily fell at the other end and (40) and Cassius Burton (25) for bonus birdie at the seventh when the hosts were ultimately bowled the third and fourth wickets. he rattled in a 35-foot putt for an Tsonga to out for 262 in the 40th over. En- Burton's departure - one of unlikely two. New customers: pride from points defeat to gland, put into bat first, got off to three run outs in the innings - Grab a Sky Sports Month Pass play Lucas a flying start despite the early sparked a mini-collapse as four for £20pm for the first 2 months. wicket of Sam Billings (14), as Roy wickets fell for 33 runs, including No contract. hit 12 fours and three sixes and in Shivnarine Chanderpaul's son, Ta- Rey Vargas in WBC title Pouille for a characteristically enterprising genarine, for 13. innings. He had helped the score Walton was the eighth wicket Marseille rattle along to 114-1 in the 14th to fall as England ultimately cruised fight,: Paul Smith over when he was finally dismissed to a comfortable win in the first of caught and bowled by Khary Pierre their two warm-up games before Open title (2-53). Root and Morgan main- their three-match ODI series tained the momentum in a century against the West Indies starts on Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will play Lu- stand for the fourth wicket, though Friday. cas Pouille in the final of the the latter departed five runs short (Cricket News) Marseille Open as he looks to of a personal hundred. Jos Buttler claim a second successive title. Tsonga stayed on course for consecutive trophies as he beat Australia's Nick Kyrgios 7-6 (7- Greg Van Avermaet pips 5) 2-6 6-4 on Saturday. The Frenchman secured his first title since 2015 last week in Rotterdam Peter Sagan to Omloop and maintained his form in the face of some typically inspired play by Het Nieuwsblad victory the unpredictable Kyrgios. Second seed Tsonga lost his way in the second set but recovered to break once in the decider. Tsonga will face his compatriot Pouille in Sunday's final after he beat sixth seed Rich- The world No 14, whose last ard Gasquet 7-5 6-3. Tsonga and victory in his homeland was the Pouille have met only once before, Deutsche Bank Championship in when Tsonga came out winner in September 2015, added another their FedEx ATP Head2Head en- birdie at the ninth before grinding counter at the 2016 Monte-Carlo out a series of pars on the inward Masters on clay. half. Victory in the final would mean He broke the run with an ag- a career first for Tsonga of back- gressive approach to 10 feet at the Gavin McDonnell can still hold his 12 hard-fought rounds with a and his friends and the fans watch- to-back ATP triumphs and marks 16th which set up his fourth gain head high after Rey Vargas claimed classy Mexican. "At the end of the ing back home proud. a stunning return to form for the of the day, and a monster 340-yard the WBC super-bantamweight belt day, it's about levels, and I think Paul Smith 2016 US Open quarter-finalist. drive down the last allowed him to with a points win, says Sky Sports Vargas showed tonight he was a "Gavin McDonnell has left Tsonga said: "I'm on top form right find the putting surface in two, al- expert Paul Smith. level above," said Smith. "One qual- every ounce of himself in that ring now so let's see. I did what I had though he narrowly missed the The Doncaster man's brave ity operator. tonight. He cannot ask for any to do, it was great tennis." "I want- Olympic road race champion Greg ing short climbs, was marred by a chance for eagle. effort was in vain as Vargas took New customers: Grab a Sky more from himself. He gave every- ed to show him I'd be there for Van Avermaet edged a three-man big pile-up around 62km from the Fowler tapped in for a birdie the vacant WBC title with two Sports Month Pass for £20pm for thing in camp, he gave even more each shot," added Tsonga, who will sprint to claim a second consecu- finish. Two pre-race favorites, vet- which lifted him four clear of Hat- scores of 117-111, 116-112, while the first 2 months. No contract. in the fight. now climb to eighth in the ATP tive victory in the Het Nieuws- eran Tom Boonen and Alexander ton, who turned in 33 and then the third judge controversially "I think he certainly knows "He made himself, his family, world rankings. Pouille thumped blad, which marks the start of the Kristoff, fell on the narrow cob- charged up the leaderboard with made it a 114-114 draw at Hull Ice he's been in a fight tonight, Vargas. and his friends, and the fans watch- Gasquet in straight sets and had Spring Classics. bled section. Both were able to re- three consecutive birdies from the Arena. He knows he has been made to ing back home proud. even been leading 5-0 in the sec- For the second year in a row, sume racing but could not compete 12th, but he tugged his tee-shot to McDonnell had fallen short in work for that title and he certainly "He did everything that he ond set. Pouille said: "Jo is right the Belgian rider was faster than for the win, and Boonen ultimate- the 17th and failed to get up and his first fight at world level, but earned the belt that is around his could tonight, he just came up back on form and I'm glad to be world champion Peter Sagan of ly abandoned because of pain in down from the rough. Smith believes the 30-year-old has waist. against a better fighter." playing him. I'll need to serve well Slovakia at the finish line on Sat- his knee. Hatton's drive at the last also emerged with credit after sharing He made himself, his family (BBC Sport) to beat him." urday. Another Belgian, Sep Van- With half the peloton trapped found the long grass and forced him marcke, who took the initiative in behind, Trek-Segafredo rider Jas- to lay up, and he pushed his ap- the final sprint about 200 meters per Stuyven accelerated on the proach before scrambling a good out, completed the podium. Taaienberg climb, a move that closing par which kept him two Frodon scores for Paul Nicholls in Pendil Novices’Chase "It's an amazing feeling. Last stretched the leading pack. Sagan ahead of Kaymer, Bryan, Emiliano year, my season started here with attacked again in the Wolvenberg Grillo, Sean O'Hair and Gary a big victory and now it's the same and the group of early breakaway Woodland. Paul Nicholls celebrated his ninth victory in the BetBright Best For this year," Van Avermaet said. "It's riders was reined in soon after. Kaymer looked likely to post nice to come home and to win the "It was really nice to come a competitive target in the club- Festival Betting Pendil Novices' Chase after Frodon made it six first race on home ground." New with three guys to the finish and house after capping a bogey-free customers: Grab a Sky Sports wonderful that I could finish it outward half with his fourth bird- wins from eight starts over fences. Despite giving weight away to Month Pass for £20pm for the first off," Van Avermaet said. "I had ie at the ninth, but his momentum 2 months. No contract. confidence from last year that I stalled when he came up short his rivals, the five-year-old con- tinued his remarkable season over The gruelling race, which fea- could win in a sprint to this fin- with his approach to the 10th and tures cobbled sections and punish- ish." (Sky Sport) missed from 10 feet for par. the larger obstacles when follow- The German struggled to ing up his odds-on win at Mussel- threaten the flags over the next sev- burgh in the Grade Two affair. en holes, although he missed a good Prominent throughout the Lizzy Yarnold secures bronze birdie chance from 10 feet at the two-and-a-half-mile contest the 8/ 16th, and he made a mess of the 11 favourite, having seen off the at Skeleton World Champion- last to lose ground on the leader. attentions of Charmix, was then Major champions Jimmy faced with a home-straight battle ships after year out Walker, Zach Johnson and Jason with Gold Present. Although little to choose be- Dufner are among a group of a doz- Lizzy Yarnold capped her come- triumph in Sochi, is focused on en players on six under, while Ser- tween the pair over the third-last, the odds-on favourite gradually back from a year out by winning a retaining her Olympic crown in gio Garcia (66), Paul Casey (67) bronze medal at the Skeleton World South Korea next year. and Luke Donald (69) are one pulled away over the remaining two fences before claiming victo- Championships in Germany. Yarnold's Great Britain team- stroke further adrift. The 28-year-old Olympic mate Laura Deas finished 10th in a But defending champion ry by two lengths. Nicholls said: "He just loves it champion moved up from fourth race reduced to three runs due to Adam Scott played himself out of Surrey Storm overcome Manchester Thunder place overnight to finish third be- bad weather which aborted the contention after he struggled to and is full of enthusiasm. He has been a great horse and this has been hind Germans Jacqueline Lolling scheduled second run on Friday recover from finding water from Surrey Storm are top of the Vital- and Tina Hermann. night. the tee at the fifth, labouring to a a good race for us. ity Netball Superleague after two We definitely won't put him Yarnold, who had opted to (Fox Sport) 71 to close alongside Ian Poulter weeks of the new season after miss last season in the wake of her on two under par. (Sky Sport) away for sure. beating Manchester Thunder 58- "I hoped it was not too quick 48 on Saturday. Storm took con- after Musselburgh, but he just trol during the final quarter of the loves it. He is not very big, but he stand-out fixture of the Super- is genuine. league's Super Ten Weekend, both "I'm not convinced he wants team's having contested last year's to run at Cheltenham with 20 run- Grand Final. They now have max- ners around him. imum points from two matches, We might try and place him in alongside Wasps Netball, Lough- these type of races and dodge Chel- borough Lightning and Sirens, tenham. while Thunder are rooted to the He could go to Aintree or Ayr. bottom of the table after two de- "There is a race at Fairyhouse feats. Katy Holland was an out- which is a Grade One worth a lot standing performer for Storm on of money and we might stick him Saturday, emphasising her impor- time but Thunder threatened a share of the points by drawing level at in that. tance with a pair of interceptions 33-apiece during the third quarter. There is no pressure to go to in the final quarter that prevented Earlier, Lightning beat Severn Stars 56-44 and Sirens won 77-36 Cheltenham at all." Thunder narrowing a nine-point against Celtic Dragons. Wasps beat Team Northumbria 70-46. (Sky Sport) deficit. Storm had led 30-26 at half- MONDAY. FEBRUARY 27. 2017-Hoot 09, 1395 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 208 Price: Afs.20

Economy, trade Afghan, Indian officials strength discussed The Envoy:From Kabul to by Afghan-Turkmen officials the White House, My Journey AT News Report discuss air trade AT News Report KABUL: Afghan and Indian offi- KABUL: The Afghan and Turk- cials talked on a joint procedure men officials talked Sunday on the Through a Turbulent World based on which, the air trade strength of economy and business. would be accelerated. In a meeting finance minister For Russia, the Security Coun- pendent powers when it came to Deputy foreign minister Na- Eklil Hakimi held with Turkmeni- cil is an important part of its broad- U.N. reform, the budget, and hu- sir Andisha in meeting with Indian stan ambassador to Kabul Togala- er geopolitical strategy. Russia’s man rights. The General Assem- ambassador Manpreet Vohra also kow Hemra, the two sides dis- assertive role in the Security Coun- bly president is elected on an an- discussed the increase of export- cussed the seventh meeting of the cil reflects nostalgia for the days nual term from a regional rotation import between the two countries joint commission for economic and when it was a superpower. U.S. and has the authority to establish through air transport, quality of trade between Afghanistan and interest in an issue is a signal to ad hoc working relationship with the goods and facilities for custom Turkmenistan, strengthen and de- Russia that Moscow, too, should former Macedonian foreign minis- duties and encouraging private sec- velop commercial and industrial be involved, constructive or not. ter Serjan Kerim. His successor, tor to take more part in this re- relations between the two coun- China views the United Na- former foreign minister of Nicara- gard. As a landlocked country, Af- tries, oil and gas purchase, Afghan- tions as a vehicle for facilitating its gua Migel d’Escoto Brokmann, ghanistan is linked to the world istan’s access to Turkmenbashi rise as a global power. I would nee- was more difficult. A onetime for- markets through the neighboring port, construction of oil storage in countries’ seaports. The recent dle my Chinese colleagues, who eign minister of the Sandinistas, Aqina port and some other impor- tended to downplay their national d’Escoto’s views had moderated agreement among Afghanistan, Iran tant subjects, according to finance and India is believed to help Af- ministry. The sixth meeting of the ambitions, by joking that long into over the years, but his fiery rheto- ghan business to get more access Joint Commission for economic the future, the United States and ric against the United States had to the international markets. and trade between Afghanistan and China would become the “P2.” For not. Within days of assuming the Turkmenistan was held in Kabul the most part, China exercises its General Assembly presidency, dated 14-15 June 2016 discussing power selectively, focusing on its d’Escoto lashed out against the US welcomes on the 500 kv transmission line interests in Asia and in resource- United States. Having made head- ism were rallying cries that served from Turkmenistan to Pakistan rich areas of Africa. lines a few years earlier for calling to drown out substantive, fact- Afghan law 300,000AFGHAN GIRLS through Afghanistan, oil and gas Britain and France have to President Reagan a “butcher” based discussion. The other influ- purchase, construction of railway navigate a tricky road. Their sta- d’Escoto labeled President Bush ential blocs were organized by re- on combat BENEFITED FROM UK from Aqina to Andkhoy, optical tus as permanent members puts as Reagan’s “spiritual heir” and gion. By NAM/G-77 was most fiber connection and the progress them in the same league as China, blamed him for making the world important. The regional groups of Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pa- Russia, and the United States-flat- “far less safe and secure than it echoed the views of regional orga- trafficking EDUCATION PROGRAM kistan and India (TAPI) project tering, perhaps, but increasingly an has never been.” with details. nizations outside the United Na- AT News Report More than 300,000 Afghan girls have benefited from the program of The anachronism. They have tacitly My dealings with d’Escoto tions to varying degrees. The Arab United Kingdom’s Department for International Development (DFID) redefined their role, seeking to rep- were eased by an unusual coinci- Group could usually count on the KABUL: The United States says since 2012, Priti Patel, the UK’s Secretary of State for International 2 rebel commanders resent European interests more dence. On her father’s side, Cher- NAM/G-77 on Middle East is- it welcomes the new law on the Development said on Sunday. generally. They also try to act as yl can claim Nicaraguan ancestry. sues, and the Africa Group could trafficking in person and smuggling In a trip to Kabul, she said that UK had also built nearly a thousand killed, 7 fighters mediators and bridge-builders for The Benard family has historical- do so on development and climate migrants, saying it would provide classrooms and distributed more than 500,000 books to the girl stu- the United States, Russia, and ly played a prominent role in the change. The positions of the Afri- “significant advancements to pro- dents. The program, carried out within the framework of ‘The Girls’ nabbed in Logar China. They usually vote in con- country’s politics. They helped can Union were virtually identical tect human rights”. Education Challenges’, is aimed at helping Afghan girls in remote regions PUL-I-ALAM: Two Taliban com- cord but have different concerns build the nation railroad and cham- to those of the Africa Group. The “The United States is proud across the nation to have an opportunity to improve their lives through manders have been killed and sev- and diplomatic cultures. National- pioned the idea of a Nicaragua Ca- Organization of the Islamic Con- of our assistance to the Ministry education. Shagoofa is a program coordinator in Kunduz province in en insurgents detained in opera- istic France demands to be seen as nal, which lost out to the Panama ference, however, had mixed suc- of Justice in support of the multi- northern Afghanistan who, through the program, tries to persuade Af- tions by security forces in central an independent actor, which makes Canal. Cheryl presented d’Escoto cess in pressing to position year project. In particular, the new ghan girls to go to school and learn. Logar province, officials said on it unpredictable. Sometimes France with a dove of peace she had made through the Arab or Asia-Pacific law represents a major achieve- “We are doing this to persuade the girls to come and learn. We Sunday. The governor’s spokes- will champion some shared cause herself. He displayed this gift in Groups, given that their member- ment in strengthening the rule of consult their mothers to let them come and build their future,” said man, Salim Saleh, told Pajhwok with dramatic flair. The United his office. ship did not entirely overlap. law and protecting Afghanistan’s program coordinator Shagoofa. Farzana is also a program coordinator Afghan News an operation was Kingdom emphasizes its “special Over time, he became more The voting blocs knew that most vulnerable populations,” the who works in northern Balkh province where she, with the support of conducted by Special Forces in relationship” with the United receptive to my argument that, as their influence depended on cohe- US special charge d affaires am- local council, try to motivate the girls to get an education. Zarghoon Khar area of Moham- States. At times, I found this atti- the General Assembly president, sion and consensus, which created “I was threatened while coming home from work by those opposing mad Agha district on Saturday tude to be patronizing, as though he should act as a bridge between bassador Hugo Llorens was quot- night. He said two notorious Tali- opportunities for intransigent or ed in a statement from the US em- education and learning. Such incidents usually hamper our work,” said the British were the brains behind members. TO PREVAIL in Gen- dominant countries to play out- another program coordinator Farzana “We are very happy for having ban commanders -- Qari Mujahid the operation and we Yankees were eral Assembly, it was necessary to bassy to Kab- and Mullah Baryalai -- were killed sized roles. Often, extreme posi- ul. such a good place for learning,” said student Nagina. and seven of their associates ar- just the muscle acting on London’s work a complex system of voting tions advanced by more radical “The United States will con- “From the first day, we started learning we have been supported by rested. According to him, eight mo- guidance. On occasions, they bloc, regional groupings, pivot members emerged as the group’s tinue to support the efforts of the this institution. There have been a lot of changes and we have learnt torbikes, weapons and ammunition could bless than forthright. It states, and personalities. Many of shared position. Cuba’s role in the Government of the Islamic Repub- many things,” said student Mandina. belonging to the insurgents were helped that my British counter- the group were semi-anachronis- NAM/G-77 was the most striking lic of Afghanistan to strengthen the The United Kingdom Department for International Development also seized by security forces. part, Johan Sawers, and has wife, tic or were driven by material con- case of this dynamic. Most coun- rule of law, respect human rights, (DFID) initially started the program in Afghanistan in 2012 and the “Taliban fought hard but were frus- Shelley, were an engaging couple cern cloaked in moralistic ideolo- tries went along with the group’s and provide citizens access to fair, program will continue to September 2017. trated and no civilian or security who became good friends. gy. They advocated policies to leadership, effectively giving the efficient, independent, and trans- The DFID spent more than 55 million pounds through the local personnel suffered casualties,” the MOST OF MY WORK cen- transfer resources from Western, leadership a proxy to decide issues parent justice based on Afghan law councils to facilitate the Afghan girls living in remote areas get access to governor’s spokesman added. tered on the Security Council, but developed states to themselves. on their behalf. and international obligations.” education. (Tolonews) (Pajhwok) the General Assembly had inde- Anti-Zionism and anti-American- To be continued