Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:175 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes TUESDAY . JANUARY 24. 2017 -Dalw 05, 1395 HS

AT Monitoring Desk in Garmsir district. with intelligence directorate for these rockets were made-in Iran.” ing the threat of Islamic State, aka Primary report of the intelli- further probe in a bid to get clear “Iranian sign was clearly Daesh terrorist group. At that time, KABUL: The government of Ira- gence showed that Taliban and image of the meeting.” stamped on the rockets fired to- the ex-spy head said, “to keep nhas likely showed their support some Iranian representatives held Moreover, he added that ward the provincial compound,” alivethe flame of war in Afghani- to the Taliban militants as recent- meeting in Helmand province, the made-in Iran weapons were dis- the governor said, adding that this stan, Iran and Pakistan are finan- The former President of Afghani- 2001-14, said in order for Trump ly Iranian officials held a meeting governor added. covered after Taliban insurgents is a clear indication of Iranian in- cially supporting Taliban insur- stan Hamid Karzai said the Unit- to employ actionable policies in with Taliban insurgents in south- Iran is involved in insecurity fired toward provincial capital. terference and support to the Tal- gents. They also provide weapons- ed States and Russia must work the region he must first re-analyze ern Helmand province, official in Helmand province by support- Hayat said, several made-in iban insurgents with ammuni- to the Taliban to fight against together to plot a path along which and re-evaluate what had gone said. ing insurgency. However, the gov- Iran rockets were fired on provin- tions.” Earlier, the former NDS Daesh.” According to him, Paki- the Central Asian country could wrong in the past. He said peace The provincial governor, ernor said that further investiga- cial compound of Helmand. “As Chief Rahamatullah Nabil said that stan and Iran are looking forward progress. During an interview with in his country was achieved “by Hayatullah Hayat confirmed re- tions over Iran-Taliban meeting is some rockets were not exploded the government of Iran is support- to get rid of Daesh terrorists by EFE in New Delhi, Karzai said he being clear with Pakistan, first,” garding possible Iranian officials on card. after being fired by the Taliban in- ing Taliban insurgents in western putting their weight behind Tali- was convinced the Taliban, wrest- alluding to Pakistani interference meeting with the Taliban insurgents “The details had been shared surgents, we came to know that parts of the country, aimed at quell- ban militants. ed from power during the Ameri- in the Afghan conflict. “Second, by can invasion in 2001, sought a seeking the cooperation of Russia, peace process to end the bloody China and India. Mainly, especial- conflict that has ravaged Afghani- ly Russia here, because Russians stan. The former Afghan leader con- are very suspicious now of what gratulated Donald Trump on the is going on,” he continued. He said day of his inauguration as the 45th the US sent troops to Afghanistan President of the United States and with “a declared purpose: the de- said he would wait to see the first feat of extremism and terrorism,” steps he takes in the fight against adding that the objective had not extremism in Afghanistan. “Now been achieved. Karzai added the that President Trump has recog- Islamic State terror group had clear in his recognition of India as nized the need for friendship with caused “lots of concerns in the re- America’s preferred partner in Russia, which is a good thing that gion.” This was the reason why South Asia.” Many analysts in Pa- I admire in him, he must as soon as Russian “doubted” US policy on kistan are worried that Trump possible sit down with President Afghanistan, he said. They ques- would push Pakistan to a corner Putin (Vladimir Putin of Russia) tioned whether its aim was to over- due to double game of Islamabad and chart a common way for- come terror or whether there were and constant support to Taliban ward,” Karzai said. The former broader goals. Karzai said relations kistani security officials told a lo- ent parts of Pakistan. Earlier, the charge as commander-in-chief of insurgency in Afghanistan. president, who held office from were fluid with the...P2 AT Monitoring Desk cal Pakistani newspaper on condi- US Department of State’s spokes- the US forces. The new US presi- tion of anonymity that Gen. Ba- person Mark Toner has endorsed dent is committed to eliminate ter- KABUL: Islamabad is moving to jwa would leave for Kabul after the Kabul’s stand on Taliban’s ca- rorism from the surface of earth. It hold ‘tough talks’ with the Afghan the Afghan policy of the newly pability and safe havens, provid- is hoped that Trump would de- Pakistan government in the upcoming visit inaugurated American president to ed by Pakistan. While responding clare Pakistan as a terrorist state if of Pakistan’s Army Chief General mend ties and send Kabul a strong to a question, Mark Toner said that Islamabad denied cooperating with condoles over Javed Bajwa to Kabul. message to stop blame game. This Taliban use Pakistan’s soil for ter- international community in war Sources describe that Gen. diplomatic move comes after the rorist attacks carried out in Afghan- against terrorism. India has already Gailani’s death Bajwa would visit Afghanistan Afghan official and the US Depart- istan. He urged Islamabad to shut launched a campaign to isolate Pa- when the time is right, aimed to ment of State had criticized Islam- all the safe havens and breeding kistan. The former Pakistani Am- AT News Report rebuild the fractured ties between abad for providing sanctuaries to nurseries of Taliban. Pakistan is bassador to US, Hussain Haqqani, the two countries. One of the Pa- various terrorist outfits in differ- nervous after Donald Trump took believes that, “Donald Trump is KABUL: Pakistan expressed condolences at the sad demise of Pir Syed Ahmed Gailani, Increased Chairman of the High Peace Council (HPC) of Afghanistan. contacts to “We are deeply saddened to learn about the demise of Gailani, Chairman of the High defuse Af-Pak Peace Council of Afghanistan,” tensions: Pakistan embassy in Kabul said At least eight insurgents renounced in a statement. “Pir Saheb was an violence in northern Sar-e-Pul prov- influential religious leader who Sherpao ince and joined the peace process, was widely respected in Afghan- local officials said on Monday. istan, and throughout the region Acting Provincial Police Chief for his contributions towards Is- Enayatullah Habibi says that the lam and the Afghan nation,” it men joined the peace process on added, referring to Gilani with Sunday. He said the group was led respect. He will always be re- by Qari Ahmadi, who is the shad- ow district governor of Kohistanat membered for his tremendous district but that he was not part of efforts to bring peace to Afghan- the group. The insurgents fought istan and promote reconciliation, against security forces in Ko- the statement added. The state- PESHAWAR : A veteran Pakistani histanat, according to Ahmadi. ment furthered, “the government political leader has called for in- Kohistanat is one of the insecure and people of Pakistan express creased contacts at all levels to districts in the province in which their heartfelt condolences to the boost Kabul-Islamabad relations. the insurgents have activities and family and the people and Gov- Qaumi Watan Party chairman frequently clash with the security ernment of Afghanistan. May Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao told forces. (Tolo News) Allah Almighty rest the depart- a news conference in Peshawar on ed soul in eternal peace in Jannah Sunday that lingering tensions bod- (paradise).” ed ill for both neighbours. He asked the governments, Robbers’gangs busted in Kabul establishments and people of coun- tries to step up contacts so as to AT News Report of robbers, comprise of 10 thieves, ey. The robbers were detained, minimise bilateral tensions. leading by Rahim and Baba Sadam while they were struggling to steal Taliban Growing misunderstanding KABUL: The National Directorate in 17th district of Kabul city. Ac- £805 from an Afghan, who recent- was inimical to the future of the of Security (NDS) on Monday said cording to the statement, the rob- ly returned from the United King- region, Sherpao said, urging the that two gangs of robbers were busted bers during primary investigation dom, the statement said. Three vs Trump leadership of both countries to in Kabul city. In a press statement confessed that they were involved vehicles without documents were play their role in improving ties. issued here, NDS said that its oper- in robbing and stealing precious seized from possession of robbers, Editorial page 06 (Pajhwok) atives succeeded to arrest two groups items including vehicles and mon- the statement noted. TUESDAY . JANUARY 24, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES MINISTERSNOT ATTEND MINISTERIALMEETING ASGOV’T EXPERIENCES CHALLENGES

AS MOST of us juggled a drink Some key cabinet Ministers of invited even 4 up to 5 days in ad- and turning the meat on a barbecue National Unity Government vance to attend the Weekly Min- over Christmas one Buderim wom- (NUG) did not attend the weekly ister’s council meeting the Minis- an experienced a white Christmas Ministerial council meeting regu- ters instead the deputies to attend in a war zone. larly led by the Chief Executive the meeting. It wasn't London or the US, Abdullah Abdullah in the past one Chief Executive Deputy rather, it was Afghanistan where year since the country is experi- Spokesman Jawid Faisal said, International Committee of the encing various challenges, amid “Ministers are invited even 4 up Red Cross nurse Kerry Page saw officials at Chief Executive Office to 5 days earlier to attend the Min- snow fall over the festive season. urged that Ministers are invited 5 isterial weekly council meeting, in Based in nearby Tajikistan, the days in advance to attend the meet- some cases either Ministers are on Florence Nightingale Medal-win- ing. Minister of Finance Moham- visit in abroad or busy evaluating ning nurse has been flying in and mad Iklil Hakimi attended twice the provincial projects.” out of Afghanistan since April, the meeting while Minister of De- Most of the directions and 2016, when she began her role as fense participated few times, and guidelines given by the chief exec- War Wounded Assistance Program the Minister of Foreign Affairs utive seem not to be practiced or Manager. Salahuddin Rabbani missed to at- implemented by Ministers. She finished her previous role tend the meeting in the past sever- Political expert Ahmad Saiedi in South Sudan in October 2015, al months. said, “Ministers do not valorize enjoying a brief stint back home Chairman of the Ahmad Shah the Chief Executive Abdullah Ab- before heading back to Afghani- Masoud Foundation Ahmad Wali dullah rank, sometimes Deputy stan, a place she was based in 2010- Masoud said, “There is one per- Ministers attend the weekly Min- 11. son in the name of the Dr. Ashraf isterial meeting, most of the direc- Unfortunately she hasn't seen Ghani trying to monopolize the tions given were implemented.” much change in the six years that power, therefore it discouraged Most believe that by division passed. most of the Ministers not to at- of the National Unity Govern- "I was here in 2010-2011 and tend the weekly Minister’s coun- ment, Chief Executive position lost I find that little has changed since cil meeting held on Mondays but its values, therefore Ministers are then," she said. "Peace unfortu- the Deputies.” not trying to attend the weekly nately is no closer." Officials at Chief Executive Minister’s meeting led by the Ab- As we sweat through another Office urged that all Ministers are dullah Abdullah. (ATN) stinking summer, Ms Page has been rugged up, thankful the tem- peratures hadn't dipped into the negatives when we caught up with "The local people are very ern traditions, despite Afghanistan Afghanistan mission it will be time She said the Red Cross had a her just prior to Christmas. welcoming and have a culture of being a Muslim country, with the to hang up the hat and watch the mandate to work in countries of- "The weather here changes dra- hospitality," she said. Red Cross declaring it a holiday flowers grow, although I hope to ten shattered by conflict and said matically between seasons," she "We have many resident staff for all. It may be one of the last continue to work with the Austra- the Afghani health system strug- said. "The summers can see 40C who have worked for more than Christmas periods she spends in lian Red Cross in my home area," gled to meet the needs of its peo- and winters -20C. The local are 20 years with the ICRC and it is service. The well-travelled nurse she said. ple due to the length war. predicting a cold winter but to-date like a family. "The beneficiaries are will return home to Buderim for a "I miss the ocean and my morn- While the international com- it has been cold but not in the mi- particularly hospitable and appre- few months in April before return- ing swims but I'm very aware of munity couldn't solve all problems nuses yet and as I fly over the ciate the efforts we are making to ing in August for another 18 how lucky I am that Buderim is she said they continued to work mountains the snow still remains reach them." As many of us carved months. After that it may be time my home and that I can return at hard to alleviate the situation and sparse, but no doubt that will up Christmas Ham Ms Page was to return home for good she said. the end of my mission to a coun- help as many as they could. change quickly." also able to indulge in a little West- "Perhaps at the end of the next try that is far from conflict." (NORTHERNSTA) Her flights are limited in where they can venture as they head to different sites to treat casualties of conflict. "We are very restricted in our movements due to the conflict and Fighting terror in Afghanistan that makes the job so much harder as we have to be very inventive on how to reach those in need," Ms Page said. "There are daily inci- to remain a challenge for dents across the country and ICRC is not the target but the risk is of being in the wrong place at the Trump administration wrong time." The program she manages fo- cuses on war wounded, both civil- KABUL: Afghanistan remains one Xinhua. Backing his notion, the son that the new US administra- forces against the Taliban regime ian and combatants, as Internation- of the main challenges for the new military expert and political ob- tion would continue to back Af- on charges of providing shelter to al Law dictates all wounded com- US administration under President server argued that the "United ghanistan. Similarly, Mujib Rah- the then leader of the al-Qaida net- abtants should receive care, and her Donald Trump with local observ- States itself doesn't want to end man Rahimi, the spokesman for work Osama Bin Laden in Octo- program includes supporting med- ers suggesting he will have to re- the war in Afghanistan" saying "the the Afghan Chief Executive also in ber 2001, has claimed thousands ical facilities with materials as well view the strategy of the war on US-led coalition forces might have talks with media outlets last week of lives including Afghan civilians, terror in Afghanistan to conclude already won the war on terror accused Pakistan of supporting the security forces and the multi-na- ...P1 administration of George W. peace began to cooperate, the as First Aid training, protecting Bush, but with Barack Obama world would see that through ne- health facilities, ambulances, health the longest US war in its history when it had more than 150,000- Taliban outfit and hoped the new tional troops stationed in Afghan- successfully, reports China's Xin- strong multi-national troops in US administration would support istan. "The US-led war on terror they deteriorated, leading him to gotiations, many questions, staff and patients as well as trans- criticize Washington which he ac- doubts and demands would be an- port of wounded to care. hua news agency. Afghanistan if she fought sincere- the Afghan government in the war in Afghanistan has yet to deliver," Trump, who was sworn-in as ly." "The US-led coalition forces terror and put pressure on Islama- observed the analyst. "Failure in cused of causing civilian casualties, swered in a mutually beneficial Taxi drivers act as ambulance loss of security, the creation of way. He confirmed there was a re- officers in Afghanistan, transport- the 45th US president in a cere- overthrew the al-Qaeda backed bad to give up backing militants the war on terror has paved the mony on Friday, in his maiden yet Taliban regime within weeks in late operating in Afghanistan. Afghan way for the Islamic State terrorist parallel power structures in Af- lationship between Russia and Iran ing casualties from hard-to-reach ghanistan and the “complete neg- and the Taliban due to the pres- places to hospitals and Ms Page's short speech made after his inau- 2001 but the 'cat and mouse' war ex-President Hamid Karzai has group to emerge and kill Afghans. guration, reportedly said, "We will has been continuing over the past also called upon President Trump Afghans will continue to suffer at ligence” of Pakistan. Asked why ence of the IS in the country. “Imag- organisation runs First Aid cours- he had not taken action as presi- ine a situation where things have es for those drivers. unite the civilised world against 15 years," the analyst highlighted. to review Washington's strategy in the hands of terrorists in the years radical Islamic terrorism to eradi- The former army general and the war on terror and pay atten- ahead," Omarkhil predicted. Cor- dent to put an end to this situa- gone so badly, where trust has gone "I admire enormously these tion, he said he had in fact done so, so low, where things in Afghani- men who risk their lives constant- cate it completely from the face of political expert expressed doubt tion to the terrorists' safe havens roborating the notion, a former the earth." over the U.S. resolve in fighting in Pakistan. Afghans mostly accuse Afghan diplomat and prominent by refusing to sign the Bilateral stan, the US presence and all that ly to help their fellow man," she Security Agreement with the US, is seen with so much suspicion that said. In the event of attack Ms Page However, he did not mention terrorism sincerely in Afghanistan Pakistan of backing the Taliban and analyst, Ahmad Sayedi, said that the name of Afghanistan where the amid Kabul's desires that the new like-minded groups in fighting in President Trump in his speech which allowed US troops to re- the Russians and the Iranians and her team access underground main on Afghan soil. “I raised my would go to befriend the Taliban,” bunkers reinforced to withstand a US-coalition forces have been administration in Washington like Afghanistan, a claim utterly re- clearly indicated that he wants ev- fighting since October 2001 to elim- its predecessors would continue to buffed by Islamabad as baseless. erything for his country, the Unit- voice in a very forceful way in he said. barrage, however she conceded it 2006,” he said, adding that he was The president rejected the possi- was impossible to eliminate all inate the terrorist forces of al-Qai- support the Afghan government in Nevertheless, Omarkhil, as an em- ed States, and cautioned the gov- da, the Taliban and associated the war against the Taliban and inent analyst, brushed aside the ernment to be vigilant and do its not against the US presence and bility of presenting himself as a safety risk and it was something did not want their troops to leave. candidate in the 2019 elections and "one has to personally evaluate groups. associated groups. demand of Afghan officials from best to stand on its own feet. "With "The war on terror, initiated Afghan Presidential Spokes- the new US administration as wish- a backdrop of failure in the war on He assured the Taliban never spoke insisted that it was important to before accepting a mission". of war _ “nobody wants his fami- step aside and allow a new genera- As they work with all parties by former US President George W. man Haroon Chakhansori in talks ful thinking and observed, "the terror over the past 15 years, Af- Bush in Afghanistan, and contin- with reporters at a press confer- U.S. is not serious in the war on ghanistan will likely continue to ly to live forever under threat”_ tion of Afghanis to lead. “I’ve done to the conflict the Red Cross has and collectively demanded the exit my best, I was for 13 years the to keep dialogue open with all par- ued by President Obama would ence recently assumed that since terror, otherwise, the Taliban mil- remain a challenge for the U.S. ad- also last during President Trump's relations between Kabul and Wash- itants might already have been di- ministration in the years ahead," of foreign troops and the setting president of Afghanistan and I de- ties and Ms Page said the organi- up of an Islamic government. livered what I had to the Afghan sation's acceptance was "mostly tenure," renown analyst, General ington are strategic and based on minished." The war on terror the political expert observed. (Rtd) Atiqullah Omarkhil, told common interests, it stands to rea- launched by the US-led coalition (BERNAMA) Karzai said that once the situation people,” said Karzai. By Noemí- high" in the area. was ready and those blocking Jabois and José Luis Paniagua

KANDAHAR CITY : Poultry Dand, Daman, Arghandab, Zherai, solved by the government, they He also suggested the promo- farms have seen significantly Panjwai, Takhta Pul and Spin hope they will be able to meet tion of domestic production of growth in southern Kandahar Boldak districts. Kandahar’s need for poultry prod- poultry feed. He lamented that province in the recent years, with These farms produce 100,000 ucts. eggs and chicken meat were being 500 million afghanis invested in eggs and 30,000 kilograms of meat Haji Nasrullah, head of the imported from Pakistan at a large the roaring business. on a daily basis, Noori said, add- poultry farmers association, has scale despite the fact that domes- Currently, 470 poultry farms ing the ranches -- containing up to invested a huge amount of money tic production could meet local are operational in Kandahar, with 10,000 chickens -- met the need of in the business and owned several needs. Eng. Mohammadullah 12 of them producing eggs and the 70 percent of Kandahar residents. farms. Lack of medical facilities, Noori, director of agriculture, ac- rest providing chickens to meets However, he informed 100 doctors, low-quality medicines and knowledged the farmers had been 70 percent of the provincial de- other farms had been closed in the high duties are the major issues he struggling with multiple problems mand. However, poultry farms’ province due to different prob- has been facing. that had been shared repeatedly owners say that they can offer lems. “We would not need imports He, however, explained the is- with the ministry concerned. chicken meat to the entire south- from neighbouring countries if these sue of medicine had been resolved About poultry feed, he said ern region if their problems they farms are revived,” he believed. with the establishment of the first- eight factories functioned in the faced with resolved by the gov- Noori said there were no poul- ever poultry laboratory in Kanda- past but their number had fallen to ernment. try diagnostic laboratories in Kan- har. Most of the medicines are im- only two. Their production is not Agriculture Department offi- dahar in the past and the drugs ported from Iran and Pakistan. enough to meet the need of exist- cial Eng. Mohammadullah Noori, imported were of poor quality. But the low-quality drugs ing poultry farms in the province. in an exclusive interview with Pa- Fortunately, a poultry laboratory caused more harm than benefit, he He said some factories stopped jhwok Afghan News, said poultry was recently inaugurated by alleged, asking the government to production due to power shortag- farms in Kandahar had significant- CARD-F in the city. resolve the issues being faced by es. ly grown in the past few years. Two doctors, who have done the farmers to reduce Afghani- Zabihullah, a resident of Aino Of the 470 farms across the masters at an Indian institute in stan’s dependence on imports from Mena area, said the chickens im- province, 12 produced eggs and diagnosing chicken and livestock Pakistan and Iran. ported from Pakistan were neither 458 supplied meat to the market. diseases, are working at the labo- Ahmadullah, another investor, fresh nor tasty. Domestic eggs and Six years ago, only 23 farms were ratory -- operating at the southern said he had built farms, but prob- chickens were of higher quality, he active in Kandahar. zone level. lems hampered his business. He claimed, asking the government to The farms involving an invest- Poultry farm owners in Kan- asked the agriculture ministry to provide facilities for domestic ment of more than 500 million af- dahar complain they are faced with stop imports of low-quality med- poultry production. ghanis are located in Kandahar City, problems. If the problems are re- icines from neighbouring countries. (Pajhwok) TUESDAY . JANUARY 24, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES 50pc of Khost’s private health facilities operate

illegally EMERGENCY KHOST CITY : More than 50 CALLS percent of private health centres, clinics and medical stores in Khost Police City, the capital of southeastern Khost province, have been func- tional without work permits from 100 - 119 the municipality. Public Health Afghanistan’s first and only wom- Department A total of 701 health en’s orchestra, Zohra, has been facilities are functional in Khost Hospitals awarded the Freemuse Award City, the department says. They 2017. The orchestra is comprised include 377 medical stores, 15 clin- FMIC Hospital of a group of students from the ics, 95 check-up centres, 58 labo- Behind Kabul Medical National Institute of Music ratories, 45 dental clinics and 24 University: (ANIM) in Kabul. ultrasound facilities. The Afghanistan music indus- Additionally, 31 major phar- 0202500200-+93793275595 try is currently facing tremendous macies, 31 pharmaceutical branch challenges following years of op- offices, 11 X-ray clinics and oth- Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital pression under the Taliban and ers private health facilities are also decades of war, which has led to functioning. Pule Bagh-e- Umomi dozens of musicians having fled Officials say a total of 347 070263672 the country. Music and enter- health centres have obtained licenc- tainment was completely banned es, with the rest functioning with- under the Taliban after the hard- out legal documents. Khairkhana Hospital line group took over in 1995. The registered health centres In addition to banning music, include 261 medicine stores, five 0799-321007 the Taliban also prevented women clinics, 15 private check-up cen- 2401352 from being educated – a move that tres, 28 laboratories, 20 dental clin- dealt a heavy blow to literacy rates ics, four ultrasound centres, six among females. pharmacies, one X-ray centre and Indira Gandhi Children But, following the establish- some other facilities. ment of the new democratic sys- Public & civil society concerns Hospital, Wazir Akbar tem in 2001, the Afghan music in- Residents complain private clin- Khan, Kabul 2301372 dustry was revived. ics and check-up centres prescribe In 2010, Afghanistan’s vision- irrelevant and additional medicines, ary musician Dr. Ahmad Sarmast a practice that raises disturbing Ibn-e- Seena took a new initiative to revive the questions about the performance music school and ANIM was of private health facilities in Khost. Pul-e-Artan, Kabul founded. Empowerment of wom- Yousaf Entizar, an inhabitant 2100359 en in Afghanistan through music is of Khost City, alleges there are tens one of the key objectives pursued of clinics in the provincial capital by ANIM. At the moment, at least and districts exploiting patients Wazir Akbar Khan 65 girls are studying at the insti- and fleecing the general public. tute, which also has about 200 male “Some doctors at private clin- Hospital students. (Tolo News) ics have become butchers. People 2301741, 2301743 have no option but to take patients to them. These doctors dupe us and charge more money by pre- Ali Abad scribing druge we don’t need.” Shahrara, Kabul Syed Marjan, another dweller of Khost City, acknowledges pri- 2100439 vate clinics are generally good for the speedy recovery of patients. But some doctors are out to rake Malalai Maternity in money, he charges. Hospital Jahan, hailing from Nadirshah CHARIKAR : Construction work Kot district, says his son recently 2201377/ 2301743 on a 50-bed rehabilitation hospital suffered a bullet injury to his eye. for drug addicts was completed on When he took his to a private clin- Sunday in central Parwan province, ic, the doctor said the boy needed Banks home to some 15,000 addicts. enucleation due to severe trauma. Public Health Minister Fero- Jahan claims the doctor Da Afghanistan Bank zuddin Feroz, who attended the jumped to the conclusion without 2100302, 2100303 hospital’s inauguration ceremony any check-up or lab tests. Later, here, said besides treatment of ad- he took his son to Peshawar, where Bakhtar Bank dicts, they would be provided his eye surgery was satisfactorily counseling services as well to help performed. His son’s ocular sys- 0776777000 them quit the addiction habit. tem is stable now. Jahan wants the He said like other provinces government to strop non-profes- Azizi Bank Kunar local officials have raised nar are recruiting for the terror or- drug mafia groups were active in sional doctors from working if it 0799 700900 concerns over activities of Daesh ganization. Parwan as well and the number of really does not want people to take militants and said the group con- Kalimzai said that a number addicts would increase if the issue their ordinary patients abroad for Pashtany Bank tinues to recruit in the province. of Kunar residents traveled to Nan- of drugs was not addressed. common medical treatment. Jamal 2102908, 2103868 Mohammad Ismail Munib the garhar province to sign up and that Doctors at the new hospital Tanai, a civil society activist, blasts head of the High Peace Council for they returned to recruit more fight- said treatment of an addict would local officials for failing to imple- Kunar, said that Daesh militants ers. At that time Provincial Police take six months to fully recover. ment public health rules and regu- Air Services are distributing leaflets among the Chief Jumagul Hemat assured the Governor Mohammad Asim Asim lations. The department concerned residents and by this they [Daesh] people that security forces would urged people to help addicts quit and security officials should treat Safi Airways want to expand their influence in not let Daesh militants make safe consuming drugs. He vowed to illegal health centres under the law, the province. havens in Kunar. harshly punish drug peddlers, who he demands. 020 22 22 222 Local residents are also con- "I believe that Kunar residents he said used children in their busi- If the health centres get work cerned about Daesh and said the and tribal elders are opposed to ness. (Pajhwok) permits, they will improve their Ariana militants are mostly recruiting un- Daesh militants and their opposi- performance and provide quality employed youths and are trying tion will cause that Daesh militants medicine, he believes. Once these 020-2100270 to gain a foothold in the province. will not have safe havens in Kunar facilities start providing better ser- This comes after Kunar pro- province and if Daesh militants vices, public trust in them will be Kam Air vincial governor Wahidullah Kal- start any activity, they will face Some ministries restored. Public representatives 0799974422 imzai said late last year nearly 300 the response of security forces," Mujibur Rahman Salimzai, Daesh militants were promoting Hemat said. chairman of the Khost provincial the group in the province in order Reports indicate that Daesh council, says though improvement Hotels to strengthen their numbers. are active in six districts of Kunar has come about in the sector, yet impeding Laghman it has been unable to restore peo- Safi Landmark Kalimzai said those who and recently started training in the joined Daesh and returned to Ku- province. (Al Jazeera) ple’s confidence or meet their de- mands. He accuses the department 020-2203131 of preventing a commission tasked development:Governor with taking action against illegal SERENA health centres in the province from Heavy snowfall closes KABUL : Abdul Jabbar Naeemi, papers must be shared with the However, security threats had in- discharging its duties. “There are 0799654000 the governor of eastern Laghman provincial government before be- creased in the recent past, he add- individuals who have no medical province, has accused some min- ing placed before the Council of ed, seeking help from the central qualifications nut prescribe medi- New Rumi Restaurant Salang Pass for traffic istries of not cooperating in ad- Ministers. No progress had been government. Land-grab is another cines for all patients.” He rejects dressing public problems. made on six major demands of the major issue, according to Naeemi, the allegations leveled by Public 0776351347 In an exclusive interview with provincial government, including who admitted huge swaths of gov- Health Department officials that Pajhwok Afghan News, he asked improvement of security, work on ernment lands had been usurped local representatives are creating Internet Services the central government to pay development projects, an end to by a handful of individuals having hurdles to the reforms process. more attention to the development land-grab and ending meddling in strong connections. The practice Health activists Workers of illegal UA Telecom of Laghman in line with public de- appointments. Over the past 14 has impeded progress on some de- medical stores and private clinics 0796701701 / 0796702702 mands. He said the provincial gov- months, Naeemi said, he had been velopment projects in the prov- could not be reached for comments, ernment had written to the central asking security institutions to con- ince. “Mafia groups using fake but owners of legal facilities ac- Exchange Rate government regarding its needs and duct major clearing operations in ownership documents are in- knowledge problems in the health priorities but some ministries did Laghman against militants but no volved in land-grab. But the gov- sector. Dr. Badshah Zar Abdali, a not cooperate with it in meeting attention had been paid to his ernment and people of Laghman doctor at the Matoon Baba pri- Purchase: public demands and delayed the pleas. He warned the security sit- are determined to reclaim state vate clinic, admits some doctors process for months. uation was not good in the county, lands from grabbers,” Naeemi re- are fleecing patients under differ- One US$ = Four years back, he recalled, leaving a negative impact on major marked. He requested the central ent pretexts. Most of such doc- 66.75Afs some development projects were projects. “The people of Laghman authority to increase the power of tors do not have work permits. approved for the province and ini- often ask security organs to estab- governors and consult them on “We should avoid prescribing un- One Pound Sterling= tial work was also launched. But lish bases in the province, a de- major issues. Ministries should be necessary medicines that harm 80.87Afs the projects could not be complet- mand that has gone unheeded.” advised to resolve problems of human bodily systems.” A doctor One Euro = ed due to the non-cooperative at- Alingar, Alishang, Dawaltshah and provinces and act on their sugges- should prescribe medicines, keep- CHARIKAR : The Salang Pass 50 centimeters. Two Corolla cars titude of some ministries. Badish districts were faced with tions, he concluded. (Pajhwok) ing in view the patient’s financial 70.05Afs linking Kabul with northern prov- and a ranger pick-up have also been Without naming any ministry, immense security threats that ef- position, he suggests. Public 1000 Pak Rs = the governor complained no atten- fected good governance and devel- inces, was blocked early on Mundy overturned but no one was hurt in health department and governor’s 611Afs morning due to fear of snow slides, the incidents, Rajab added. He said tion had been paid to priority de- opment, the governor continued. house Public Health Director Dr. an official said. protection and care teams had ar- velopment projects. The minis- In addition, he acknowledged, se- Gul Mohammad Din Mangal in- Sale: There has been half of meter rived to the area to protect the tries did not issue orders as per curity on the 40 kilometres Kab- sists they have mounted pressure One US$ = information provided by his gov- ul-Jalalabad highway passing snow on both sides (northern and passengers stranded on both sides on owners of illegal medical cen- 66.95 Afs southern parts) of the key pass of the pass from any damage. ernment. through Laghman was unstable and tres. As a result, some have ap- since last few days, the Salang Hundreds of vehicles were Naeemi claimed one ministry the central government had been plied for permits. He says the de- One Pound Sterling= Maintenance commander, Gen. stranded in the Tajikan area of Ja- produced documents regarding de- asked repeatedly to improve the partment has tried over and over 81.67Afs Abdul Rajab, told Pajhwok Afghan balus Saraj district of Parwan and velopment projects in Laghman at situation. Security forces in Lagh- again to seal illegal health centres One Euro= a cabinet meeting without the con- man had rendered sacrifices and News. the Malakhan area of Khinjan dis- but provincial council members 70.65 Afs He said that it was still snow- trict of northern Baghlan province, sent of the provincial government. prevented devastating explosion, created hurdles in their way. ing as its thickness has reached to he added. (Pajhwok) He stressed all information and he said, seeking credit for them. (Pajhwok) 1000 Pak Rs= 619 TUESDAY . JANUARY 24, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Chinese media now finds an Indian voice to slam 'backward' India A German newspaper has reaf- firmed its earlier revelation regard- ing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam Nawaz’s in- volvement in Panama Papers scan- dal. “For those in Pakistan who doubt the role of the prime minis- ter’s daughter Mariam Safdar in Panama Papers – some of the doc- uments. Judge yourself,” Süddeut- sche Zeitung, the Germany daily, tweeted on Monday. The newspaper posted some documents which, it said, prove that Maryam Nawaz is the bene- ficial owner of offshore companies named in Panama Papers. Süddeutsche Zeitung was the first recipient of documents from Panama Papers’ whistleblower before the scandal came to fore. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has already submitted these documents in the Supreme Court, where a five-judge larger bench is hearing a slew of petitions against Sharif family over allegations of corruption. The family of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was named in the Panama Papers, one of the biggest leaks in history. The leak, compris- China's nationalistic State media economic prospects and asked ing 11.5 million documents from outlets usually turn to hawkish Chinese companies to invest not Panama-based law firm Mossack Chinese strategists when they in India but in western China. Fonseca, shows how some of the want to deploy verbal missiles tar- Not much is known about world’s most powerful people geting India, but they have now Tyagi. Sunday's article described have secreted away their money be his political successor; Hasan leased evidence proving Maryam nalists has once again released ev- released, the Qatari letter and trust found an unlikely source for blis- him as an Indian national settled in in offshore jurisdictions. and Hussain, with the records Nawaz owner of London flats: idence proving Maryam Nawaz is deed of London flats hold no val- tering op-eds: an Indian national China, while last year's piece said Among those named are three showing they owned London real Imran PTI leader Imran Khan on the beneficiary of luxury flats in a ue,” the PTI chief said while ad- living in China. he was "an Indian-born freelance of Sharif’s four children — estate through offshore companies Monday said the International posh London neighbourhood. dressing the media in Islamabad. "India has very serious issues writer living in Baiyin" in western Maryam, who has been tipped to administrated by the firm. ICIJ re- Consortium of Investigative Jour- “Now that more evidence has been (TRIBUNE) at home," wrote Gaurav Tyagi in Gansu province. The Indian Em- his latest commentary, published bassy and Consulates say they on Sunday in no less than the En- have no record or information glish-website of the People's Dai- about him, and he is not registered Wapda ly, the official mouthpiece of Chi- with the Indian mission as many IMFcommends Sri Lanka on na's Communist Party (CPC), say- Indian nationals are. ing that "violence, killings and Also read | India to China: Our rapes" were "common across the rise not harmful to your ascent, cancels country". sovereignty "It's highly regretful that in- Efforts to reach Tyagi failed. economic progress made so far Rs5.4b spite of 70 years of independence In response to queries, the Global from the British colonial rule, In- Times said Tyagi declined to speak The International Monetary Fund ication to take the country to eco- commitment in this regard. result of the prevailing drought, the dia has the largest number of mal- with the Indian media because he (IMF) has commended the new nomic prosperity when she met Prime Minister Ranil Wickre- worst in fifteen years. contracts nourished kids in the world, big- was "concerned" about his family strategy of Sri Lankan government with the Prime Minister Ranil mesinghe said that Sri Lanka had “Climatic changes dent the gest number of people, who don't in India. to create financial discipline and Wickremesinghe and the Sri Lan- to face unexpected challenges in economic progress of the island have access to toilets. Go on any In an October article, Tyagi lead the country in a correct path kan delegation at the World Eco- carrying forward the operations to nation.” Finance Minister Ravi for Dasu train journey in India, open the said Chinese companies shouldn't to economic development. nomic Forum at Davos, Switzer- rejuvenate the island’s economy. Karunanayake said that they were window early in the morning and invest in India but in Gansu, where Managing Director of the In- land. He said that the country had estimating the impact on the Sri watch this spectacle of people def- he lives, while "Indian authorities ternational Monetary Fund Chris- During discussion, Lagarde to face difficulties in achieving the Lankan economy following the project ecating openly in 'Incredible In- bark about the trade deficit". tine Lagarde said she highly values noted that the Sri Lankan govern- expected economic growth, espe- prevailing drought. ISLAMABAD: Even before the dia'." On Sunday, Tyagi slammed the the Sri Lankan Government’s ded- ment has exhibited a great deal of cially in the agriculture sector, as a (LANKABUSINESSONLINE) He didn't stop there, suggest- Indian media for "behaving in a formal launch of $4.5 billion Dasu ing India should be renamed highly provocative manner regard- hydropower project, the Water "Backwardistan". "If every com- ing China. The successful test-fir- and Power Development Authori- munity in India is so backward, ing of India's long range ballistic ty (Wapda) has terminated two of why don't [they] rename the coun- missile, purchase of Rafale fighter its key contracts with a Chinese try as 'Backwardistaan'? (the land jets from France and selling of INVESTIGATION INTO INDIA firm, citing ‘fundamental breach- of the backwards) at least it would weapons to Vietnam should have es’ of the agreement. provide a lot of Western aid to In- been reported objectively. There Moving swiftly, Wapda has dia. This can be utilized for the is no need for the media in India to not only encashed the performance forward march of India and its bil- be so subjective by coining phras- TRAIN CRASH LAUNCHED AS guarantees of the two contracts lions of communities. Vast num- es like they "cover entire China'' & awarded to China Railway First ber of which claim themselves as "to counter the Chinese threat.'" Group (CRFG) in November 2015 royal/martial race etc. in private Rather ironically, the Global — worth Rs5.4bn — but also or- DEATH TOLLRISES TO 41 dered the contractor to vacate the conversations but have no shame/ Times, where Tyagi earlier pub- guilt in demanding reservations as lished, is a hawkish tabloid pub- project area immediately, while backward communities." lished by the People's Daily, often The crash is the latest in a succes- calling for fresh tenders to make Also read | Natural for large in its columns has in the past of- sion of deadly derailments along up for lost time. countries like India, China to have ten put down India's capabilities, India's sprawling rail network The World Bank is the major differences, says PM Modi boasted of China's military and The death toll from a rail di- financier of the 4,320MW Dasu Tyagi added that "India is no- economic superiority and warned saster in southern India’s Andhra project. The project’s terminated where close to China inspite of of teaching India a lesson. Pradesh state on Saturday has ris- contracts include the ‘construction both countries being neighbors. Tyagi wrote that "Caste/com- en to 41 people, with rescuers of colony and infrastructure’ The majority of girls in India can- munities unite and block roads, pulling survivors from the wreck- worth Rs4.806bn and ‘resettle- not marry a life-partner of their railway tracks for days on end, age throughout Sunday. ment of village Choochang and con- choice. They dare not venture out indulge inarson, violence, killings Officials on Monday had struction of Shatial Museum’ by themselves in many parts of and rapes in the name of demand- reached the site of the crash and worth Rs572 million. the country. Women can’t en- ing govt job reservations. This were investigating why eight Chinese firm accuses authori- joy an evening with friends over a phenomenon is common across the coaches and the engine of the ty of acting illegally, vows to seek few drinks without being falsely whole country." Jagdalpur-Bhubaneswar express arbitration labeled as whores and facing mo- Perhaps without a sense of iro- derailed, injuring 68 people, The completion of these two lestation/rape threats.â€? ny, he ended his diatribe lamenting NDTV reports. There were 600 components was considered cru- As of Monday, the piece, ti- the Indian media's "war-monger- passengers on board. cial to the start of construction tled "Letter to the Editor: Indian ing and hawkish attitude" to Chi- According to Agence France- work at the main project site. media should focus on synergy na. Presse, one possible line of inqui- CRFG project director Fan Linga- rather than confrontation with Less surprising than the au- ry is whether Maoist rebels, who ng told Dawn: “The termination China", was still prominently dis- thor's argument, which has expect- are active in the area, tampered of the contract is un-contractual, played as the second lead on the edly found favour among China's with the tracks. “It is being looked illegal and fiercely unfair.” He smoothly using the same tracks intelligence officer as saying, “We nist guerrillas. Saturday’s crash is claimed it was Wapda’s responsi- website's home page. State media outlets, was the prom- into, it is one of the many angles earlier in the night.” totally reject any possibility of the latest in a succession of deadly This isn't Tyagi's first piece: inence accorded to it by the Peo- we are looking into,” national rail- bility to complete the land acqui- However, police in neighbor- Maoist involvement in the derail- derailments along India’s sprawl- sition process and hand over the an op-ed he wrote in October ple's Daily, which was, ultimate- way spokesperson Anil Kumar ing Odisha state, the train’s desti- ment.” ing rail network. A similar disaster stirred heated debate both online ly, perhaps more revealing than the Saxena said. “There is some sus- required area to the contractor, nation, reportedly moved to quash “Kuneru is not a Naxal-hit in the northern state of Uttar adding that all Dasu contracts were and among the Indian community articles themselves. picion (of sabotage) because two the suggestion. The Press Trust of area,” the officer reportedly add- Pradesh killed 146 people in No- in China, which slammed India's (INDIATODAY) other trains had crossed over suffering due to its default. In re- India quoted an unidentified senior ed, using a local term for commu- vember. (time) ply to a set of questions sent to Wapda chairman retired Lt Gen Muzammil Hussain, the authori- ty said it had “provided the par- tial possession of the site to the contractor M/s CRFG in line with the Contract Discussion Agree- ment/Conditions of the Con- tracts”. Asked if the World Bank had indicated that it would take any action, such as loan cancella- tion or postponement because of project delays, Wapda said: “There On Sunday, he made his custom- Speaking of the start of the hailed the Hasina government's presided over by Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury began at 4pm, Parliament was adjourned after adopting is no such indication from the ary speech to mark the first day of implementation of the 7th Five commitment to realise the dreams a condolence motion in memory of slain MP Manjurul Islam Liton. Earlier, after the session, presided over by World Bank”. “We are going to the parliament's first session of the Year Plan, he said the nation will of Bangabandhu through the 'Vi- Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury began at 4pm, Parliament was adjourned after adopting a condolence approach the local courts to allow new year. attain the middle income status by sion 2021' and 'Charter of Change'. motion in memory of slain MP Manjurul Islam Liton. The speaker announced the arrival of the president after us to approach an international "The present government con- 2021, the year that would also Calling on everyone to unite the session resumed at 6pm. (bdnews24) court of arbitration to protect our tinues on its attempt to fulfil the mark the golden jubilee of its inde- for the cause of the nation's devel- rights because Wapda is not will- aspirations of the people to bring pendence, and by 2041, Bang- opment, he said, "We are hugely ing to resolve [the issue] amica- in development within a democrat- ladesh will attain the status of a indebted to the martyrs of '71. bly,” Mr Fan said, adding: “Arbi- ic framework," he said. developed nation. “Come let us all forget all our tration is our right and we have to "The path of peace, democra- In his 119-page speech, he race, religion, caste and political protect ourselves, not only finan- cy and development along which highlighted the government's suc- and ideological differences and join cially but also our reputation and we are treading will soon take Bang- cess on key fronts. hands for the cause of the nation's image.” He maintained that his firm ladesh a long way ahead and (the He said the 2014 general elec- democratic march and its socio- would “complain to the World nation) will blossom as a devel- tions led to the formation of the economic development and pay Bank as well”. Mr Fan said the oped nation in the world," he said. tenth Parliament through a healthy back the debt of the blood of the company had mobilised 30 staff- "Spontaneous cooperation ex- democratic way which bestowed millions of martyrs." ers to the project site, but conced- tended to the several plans imple- responsibility on the current gov- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ed that practically no work was mented according to the 6th Five ernment to govern the country. and Leader of Opposition Raush- done because of Wapda’s inability Year Plan and Vision 2021 has Praising the government for its on Ershad were present in Parlia- to settle land disputes with locals. yielded vital development," Hamid initiatives and success in curbing ment during the president's ad- (DAWN) added. terrorism and other menaces, he dress. Earlier, after the session, TUESDAY . JANUARY 24, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief Mosul: Iraqi The Gambia: forces Ex-ruler 'liberate' Yahya east from Jammeh 'plundered ISIL fighters coffers' The Iraqi army announced on Sun- day that all districts of Mosul east The Gambia's ex-ruler, Yahya of the Tigris River had been cleared Jammeh, plundered the state of Islamic State of Iraq and the coffers in his final weeks in Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) power, stealing millions of dol- fighters, after retaking two areas. lars and shipping out luxury Government forces also said vehicles by cargo plane, accord- that the army has sealed control of ing to an aide to new president the east, with the exception of Al- Adama Barrow. Rashidiya neighbourhood, located Jammeh, who ruled the north of the city. small West African country for A military statement an- 22 years, flew into exile late on nounced that the Iraqi army recap- Saturday to Equatorial Guinea. tured "Al-Milayeen neighbour- He had refused to concede hood and Al-Binaa al-Jahiz area, defeat in a December 1 election A delegation of Syrian rebels at- negotiations raised concerns about next month, but are an additional role as a party to the talks, saying Syria's nearly six-year conflict, and raised the Iraqi flag over the but eventually relinquished tending a new round of talks in the effectiveness of the meeting. step," Roman Vassilenko, the Ka- they were between Syrians only. they have worked hand-in-hand in buildings." power after a delegation of West Kazakhstan's capital will not hold "It is making diplomatic sourc- zakh deputy foreign minister, said. "Turkey is violating Syrian recent weeks to try to secure an "These are the last neighbour- African leaders convinced him direct talks with representatives of es wonder how effective these Red lines The December 30 truce sovereignty, so there is no Syrian- end to the war. The US Trump ad- hoods of the centre of the city (on) to step down, even as troops the government, according to op- talks will be, because these meet- has largely been holding, despite Turkish dialogue," he said, a refer- ministration was invited to partic- the left bank," the statement add- from neighbouring countries en- position sources. ings really hinged on the idea that pockets of violence namely in the ence to Turkish support for anti- ipate in the talks, but did not send ed, referring to eastern Mosul. tered The Gambia. The meetings in Astana, orga- the rebels and government repre- suburbs of the capital Damascus, Assad armed groups in the north a delegation. Washington will in- According to the statement, On Sunday, hundreds of nised by Russia and Turkey, are sentatives will meet face-to-face," where Syrian government forces of Syria. stead be represented by its ambas- federal forces had retaken control Banjul residents cheered a mili- aimed at strengthening a shaky Jamjoom said. have been advancing to retake stra- Syrian opposition officials also sador to Kazakhstan, according to of the road linking Mosul, Iraq's tary force by ECOWAS, the ceasefire that has largely held de- "At this stage, there is a lot of tegic areas. The meetings are be- said they were focused on secur- the State Department. Staffan de second city, to Dohuk, a provin- West African regional bloc, as it spite incidents of violence across concern behind scenes about how ing sponsored by Syrian govern- ing the current ceasefire, as well as Mistura, the United Nations spe- cial capital in the west of the au- entered the capital to provide Syria. Opposition spokesman these talks will go." Organisers ment ally Russia and opposition getting humanitarian aid to people cial envoy for Syria, will also be tonomous region of Kurdistan. security and allow Barrow, who Yahya al-Aridi said the rebels had have played down expectations of backer Turkey living under siege. attending the talks to play a sup- The Iraqi prime minister, has been in neighbouring Sene- opted out of the first session of a breakthrough, with Numan - Syria's government is send- "The besieged areas should be portive role. UN envoy for Syria Haider al-Abadi, had already de- gal for more than a week, to re- face-to-face negotiations on Mon- Kurtulmus, Turkey's deputy ing 10 members, led by UN am- relieved from the torture," Aridi Staffan de Mistura on Sunday clared the city's east "liberated" on turn and take power. day, accusing the government of prime minister, saying the pros- bassador Bashar al-Jaafari told Al Jazeera on Monday. hailed the talks as a "good initia- Wednesday, and has previously But amid growing contro- Bashar al-Assad of violating the pect of an immediate solution was - The opposition delegation is "Aid should reach these be- tive", in comments carried by Rus- said that the group would be driv- versy over the assurances of- December 30 truce deal brokered still distant. "There are parties that made up of about a dozen armed sieged areas and the principle of sian news agencies. France and en out of the country by April. fered to Jammeh to guarantee his by Russia and Turkey. have been at war with each other groups and the High Negotiations kneel or starve to death should also Britain will also be represented at Residents of parts of eastern departure, Barrow adviser Mai "If there is seriousness in mak- for six years around the table at Committe - The US is not sending be humanely removed." When the ambassador level, according to Mosul have already attempted to Fatty said the new administra- ing these talks lead to something Astana," he told journalists on a team, but is being represented asked whether the rebels would sign a European diplomatic source. resume a normal daily life, despite tion had discovered that millions substantial, formality won't be that Monday. "A solution in one or two by its ambassador to Kazakhstan an agreement to continue negotia- Hundreds of thousands of Syrians the circulation of goods being re- of dollars had recently been sto- important," Aridi told Al Jazeera. days should not be expected." - Staffan de Mistura, the UN's Syr- tions in February's meeting in have been killed during the war, stricted. len. "The coffers are largely "We haven't seen any signs of The negotiations in Kazakh- ia envoy, is also attending the talks Geneva, Aridi replied: "It depends which initially started when large- Also on Sunday, dozens of stu- empty," he told reporters in the commitment to the ceasefire; there stan, which are expected be over Bashar al-Jaafari, the head of on the productivity and fruitful- ly unarmed anti-government up- dents gathered at the gate of the Senegalese capital, Dakar. should be clarity and agreement on by midday on Tuesday, are likely the Syrian government delegation, ness of these [Astana] talks. If they risings against Assad erupted in University of Mosul, which had "Over two weeks, over this first." to be followed by United Nations- told reporters on the plane to As- are quite successful, there could 2011. More than 12 million peo- been the group's headquarters 500m dalasi ($11 million) were Al Jazeera's Mohammed Jam- mediated diplomatic talks in Gene- tana on Sunday that the agenda come a product, a political one, that ple, approximately half of the coun- throughout its rule which began in withdrawn" by Jammeh, he said. joom, reporting from Astana, de- va, Switzerland, on February 8. would focus on strengthening last could be used in the Geneva talks." try's prewar population, have also 2014. They celebrated the recap- "As we take over, the govern- scribed the start of the talks as "The talks in Astana are not month's truce. Although Ankara and Moscow been displaced over the course of ture of one of the country's most ment of The Gambia is in finan- "rocky", saying the lack of direct an alternative to the Geneva talks Jaafari played down Turkey's have backed opposing sides of the war. (Al Jazeera) prestigious institutions - now se- cial distress." verely damaged due to the fighting Fatty also said that a Chad- - by chanting slogans, raising an ian cargo plane had transported Iraqi flag above the campus en- luxury goods out of the country trance, and a banner calling for its on Jammeh's behalf, in his final reopening. hours in power, including an In a separate incident, ISIL unknown number of vehicles. destroyed a landmark hotel in an (Al Jazeera) attack in western Mosul on Fri- day, in an attempt to prevent gov- ernment forces advancing from Egypt: The White House said, on Sunday, president-elect at the time, telling the occupied eastern part of the potentially utilising it as a base. that it is in the early stages of talks him not to move the US embassy. city, according to local officials. According to witnesses, the Attackers kill to fulfil President Donald Trump's 'Disastrous impact' Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman explosion on the Mosul hotel left pledge to move the American em- Abbas warned that such a for Abbas, condemned the build- the pyramid-shaped building tilt- five soldiers in bassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to move would have a "disastrous ing plans and called on the United ed to one side. Jerusalem, a move opposed by the impact on the peace process, on Nations to take action, particular- The hotel stands close to the Sinai Palestinian leadership. the two-state solution and on the ly given the recent Security Coun- Tigris River, which divides the city. "We are at the very beginning stability and security of the entire cil resolution condemning settle- Government forces are reportedly Peninsula stages of even discussing this sub- region", Palestinian news agency ments. "It is time to stop dealing preparing to attack the western ject," said White House spokes- Wafa reported at the time. with Israel as a state above the bank in efforts force out ISIL group man Sean Spicer. In addition to the Syrian Go- law," he said. Al Jazeera's Imran fighters in Mosul, their last major At least five soldiers have been Hundreds of Palestinians pro- lan Heights and part of the Egyp- Khan, reporting from West Jerus- stronghold in the country. The bat- killed by unknown gunmen in tested against the plans in cities tian Sinai, Israel occupied the West alem, said that with Trump now tle for Mosul The recapture of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, accord- across the occupied West Bank, Bank, including East Jerusalem, in the White House, the Israeli gov- Mosul is likely to end the group's ing to military officials, in the including East Jerusalem, accord- and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 ernment believes it can build ille- self-styled caliphate in it areas latest attack to hit the troubled ing to local media reports. war. The Sinai region was later re- gal settlements on Palestinian land seized in 2014, however ISIL area. "The armed forces mourn Trump reportedly spoke to turned to Egypt. without facing much criticism. would still be capable of fighting a with great sadness and sorrow hardline, right-wing Israeli Prime More than 530,000 Israelis live "They think that this is a retooling guerrilla-style insurgency in Iraq. the five martyrs who were mar- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ear- in Jewish-only settlements in the of the relationship with the US," Since the US-led offensive be- tyred in Sinai at the hands of dis- lier in the day. West Bank, including East Jerusa- Khan said. "Under President gan on October 17, select forces loyal fundamentalist elements, Jerusalem mayor, Nir Barkat, lem, according to the Israeli rights Trump, the Israelis feel that they have retaken a quarter of Mosul in enemies of the nation and reli- welcomed the Trump administra- group B'Tselem. They are consid- will have a lot more leeway to build the biggest ground operation in gion," the military said in a state- tion's announcement. ered illegal under international law. on Palestinian land," he added. Iraq. Although ISIL fighters are ment on Monday. "This evening's announcement Between 2009 and 2014, set- "And this is a message to the world hugely outnumbered in Mosul, The statement did not give has sent a clear message to the tlements were expanded by at least that they can build wherever they they have spread themselves any further details about the lo- world that the US recognises Jerus- 23 percent. Earlier on Sunday, Is- want, including on the land of a among the city's residents, hinder- cation or the circumstances sur- alem as the indivisible capital of raeli authorities approved building future Palestinian state." ing government forces who are at- rounding the incident, but online the State of Israel," Barkat said in permits for 566 settler homes in (Al Jazeera) tempting to avoid civilian casual- media reports said the attack a statement. ties. Thousands have fled their happened late on Sunday. "We will provide any and all homes in Mosul since the military's push began, while many remain in There was no immediate Egypt's National Defence Council armed forces in a combat opera- necessary assistance to the US claim of responsibility for the administration to ensure that the their homes despite food and wa- on Sunday extended the military's tion outside the nation's border to ter shortages. deadly incident. An armed move- participation in an Arab coalition defend Egyptian and Arab nation- embassy move is done seamlessly ment in the rugged and thinly and efficiently." Iraq's military officials and its operation in Yemen, the presiden- al security in the Gulf, Red Sea, foreign allies were expected to dis- populated Sinai Peninsula has cy said in a statement. and Bab al-Mandab areas," the Palestinians and their leader- gained pace since the military ship strongly opposed the move. cuss the strategy required to con- "The National Defence Coun- statement said, according to Reu- quer the west bank of Mosul, toppled President Mohamed cil agreed during the meeting to ters. The presidency did not spec- Earlier this month, Palestinian Morsi, of the Muslim Brother- President Mahmoud Abbas re- which is still under full ISIL con- extend the participation of the re- ify how long the extension would trol. (Al Jazeera) hood, in mid-2013. quired elements from the Egyptian be for.( BBC) portedly wrote to Trump, who was Since then, hundreds of po- lice officers and soldiers have been killed in attacks. Earlier in January, a truck- bomb attack on a checkpoint killed at least seven police offic- ers in the city of El-Arish in northern Sinai. President Donald Trump invited stages of talks to fulfill Trump's It is unclear whether Trump would ton's foreign policy is in practice recognize Israel's annexation of homes in three East Jerusalem set- In November, a car-bomb Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin campaign pledge to relocate the broadly aligned with that of the attack on a checkpoint in Sinai be able to legally override it and go Arab East Jerusalem after its cap- tlements in expectation that Netanyahu to visit Washington in embassy. ahead with relocation of the em- United Nations and other major ture in the 1967 Middle East war. Trump will row back on the pre- killed eight soldiers. (BBC) early February during a phone call "We are at the very beginning bassy. US diplomats say that, de- powers, which do not view Jerus- Israel approved building per- vious administration's criticism of in which they discussed the im- stages of even discussing this sub- spite the US legislation, Washing- alem as Israel's capital and do not mits on Sunday for hundreds of such projects. (Alarabiya) portance of strengthening the U.S.- ject," White House spokesman Dubai Israeli relationship, the White Sean Spicer said in a statement. House said on Sunday. Aides said no announcement of an toughens fire In his first call with Netanyahu embassy move was imminent. since taking office on Friday, Washington's embassy is in Tel rules after Trump stressed his "unprecedent- Aviv, as are most foreign diplomatic ed commitment to Israel's securi- posts. Israel calls Jerusalem its tower blazes ty." eternal capital, but Palestinians "The president and the prime also lay claim to the city as part of Dubai on Sunday announced minister agreed to continue to an eventual Palestinian state. Both tougher fire rules in a bid to min- closely consult on a range of re- sides cite biblical, historical and imize risks after several spectac- gional issues, including addressing political claims. ular blazes that have ripped the threats posed by Iran," the Any decision to break with the through skyscrapers in the mod- White House said in a statement. status quo is likely to prompt pro- ern Gulf emirate. Trump also said peace be- tests from US allies in the Middle Major fires have hit Dubai tween Israel and the Palestinians East such as Saudi Arabia, Jordan high-rises in recent years and could only be negotiated between and Egypt. Washington relies on spread quickly, mostly due to the two parties, but that the Unit- those countries for help in fighting flammable material used in clad- ed States would work with Israel ISIS, which the new US president ding, a covering or coating used to achieve that goal. has said is a priority. on the side of the buildings. Relations between Israel and The US Congress passed a law the Obama administration ended in 1995 describing Jerusalem as the Civil Defence Lieutenant on a contentious note, when the capital of Israel and saying it should Taher Hassan al-Taher an- United States declined to veto a not be divided, but successive Re- nounced the new regulations at UN Security Council resolution publican and Democratic presi- a security exhibition during calling for a halt to Israeli settle- dents have used their foreign poli- which authorities also launched ment-building. cy powers to maintain the embas- Dubai's new fire and safety code The readout from the White sy in Tel Aviv and to back negoti- for the emirate. House did not include any men- ations between Israel and the Pal- According to Taher builders tion of moving the US embassy in estinians on the status of Jerusa- must abide by a new requirement Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, lem. to ensure that the flammability an action that would likely spark In early December, then-Pres- of the cladding is as close to zero anger in the Arab world. ident Barack Obama renewed the as possible. (CNN) Earlier on Sunday, the White presidential waiver on an embas- House said it was only in the early sy move until the beginning of June. TUESDAY . JANUARY 24, 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 Editor: Mansoor Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] By Josh Rogin gence officer who retired in Octo- The risk of that approach? When military, will struggle to swim ef- ber after 28 years of service, tran- the only tools you have are ham- fectively in political currents.” Email: [email protected] US President Donald Trump is fill- sition officials said. Thompson mers, every problem looks like a That could be an issue not only ing the government’s national se- served multiple tours overseas, nail. when dealing with outside inter- curity leadership with former mil- worked as a fellow for two con- “It is a group of people who locutors such as Congress and for- www.afghanistantimes.af itary officials and businessmen, gressional committees and most are operators. There are very few eign governments. Inside Trump Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi rejecting the policy and academic recently worked at the consulting strategic people,” said the official, world, the competition for control types both parties have tradition- firm led by retired General Stan- who was not authorised to talk and influence on foreign policy is ally relied on. But the militarisa- ley McChrystal. about internal deliberations. “You already bruising, and highly polit- Advisory editorial board tion of the Trump foreign policy Transition officials told me had one extreme with Obama, and ical. team is even more concentrated on that Dave Horan, another career now Flynn is going to the other Not all of the NSC appoint- Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, the White House staff led by Na- Army officer, will be a senior Na- extreme. There’s a middle ground.” ments have been fresh-off-the-bat- Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir tional Security Adviser Michael T. tional Security Council official Strategic weakness tlefield military officers. Fox News Flynn — and it has observers both dealing with strategy. Former Ma- All of the NSC staffers Flynn analyst K.T. McFarland is depu- inside and outside the administra- rine intelligence officer Robin has appointed have distinguished ty national security adviser. Fox Graphic-Designer: tion concerned. Townley will be senior director for resumes, have served honourably News analyst Monica Crowley Edriss Akbari, Bilal Yusufi Flynn, a retired lieutenant- Africa. Former Marine intelligence and are praised by former col- was set to be the NSC’s strategic general, is steadily assembling the officer Matt Pottinger will be se- leagues as able and patriotic pub- communications chief until she Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: most military-heavy National Se- nior director for Asia. In Decem- lic servants. The concern over withdrew amid allegations of seri- curity Council staff of the modern ber, it was announced that retired Flynn’s appointments rests not in al plagiarism. Fox News analyst Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0778894038, 0782344728 era. His effort stems from two Lt-Gen Keith Kellogg will be NSC the people he is choosing but in Sebastian Gorka, a civilian military Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan motivations, according to several chief of staff. the overall balance within the team. expert, is helping Flynn with coun- transition officials. First, he wants All of these staffers not only Military officers bring knowl- terterrorism. Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 people he knows and trusts. More share careers in uniform, in and out edge, discipline and a keen organi- Flynn is under pressure to broadly, Flynn believes that the of war zones, but they also all have sational and planning mentality to show Trump he can make relatively Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press Obama administration’s NSC staff personal connections with Flynn. problems, said Kori Schake, who quick progress in the struggle had a dearth of real war-fighting One transition official told me that wrote a book on civil-military re- against terrorism, especially in Iraq experience, resulting in bad policy Flynn is surrounding himself with lations with Defence Secretary and Syria. That’s the straightest decisions and poor follow- people he is comfortable with, “his James N. Mattis, also a retired line for Flynn to establish himself The constitution says through, especially when combat- battle buddies.” general. But their strategic weak- as indispensable with a new pres- ing terrorist groups abroad. Flynn also believes that he ness is that they often shun the ident who has set up a team of “We’re going to have people must course-correct from an political dynamics of national se- rivals. To succeed in the long run, Article 65: who have looked down a rifle Obama NSC staff he thinks was curity problems, which are crucial however, Flynn and Trump will scope,” Flynn often said at meet- filled with wonky D.C. types who at the highest levels of policy. need to assemble an NSC staff Article Sixty-Five: On important national, political, social as well as ings during the transition, accord- only knew about war from reading “The president needs a White with diverse backgrounds that can economic issues the President can call for a referendum of the peo- ing to one senior transition offi- reports, according to transition House staff that is ambidextrous, approach problems not only from cial. officials involved in the discus- able to work both realms,” Schake a military lens.— (Washington ple of Afghanistan. The referendum shall not be contrary to the Next week, Vice-President sions. Flynn believes if you fill the said. “Obama was poorly served Post) provisions of this Constitution or require its amendment. Mike Pence will announce personal NSC staff with people who have by having staff that didn’t under- Josh Rogin is a columnist for national security adviser Andrea “borne the battle,” as he likes to stand the military demands. the Global Opinions section of The Thompson, a career Army intelli- say, you will get better outcomes. Trump’s, if it is predominantly Washington Post.

Taliban vs Trump ByJamie Maxwell under threat," she wrote recently. on economic growth. Sturgeon's loyalty to Europe. If forced to "Let us all hope that, in time, 2017 revamp was accelerated first by choose between the EU and the he Taliban militant group in Afghanistan has urged the new Not that long ago, Scottish Nation- will be seen to have been a turning Brexit and then by the election of British one, there is no guarantee al Party (SNP) leader Nicola Stur- point - one in which the values of Donald Trump. She aims to posi- that they will vote the way Stur- US administration to withdraw all foreign forces by chang geon was the most exciting social liberal democracy were able to tion the SNP - which is routinely geon wants them to. In fact, in the ing its Afghan policy. The Taliban has warned that the pres- democrat in European politics. She show that they can and will pre- attacked by supporters of the UK seven months since Brexit threat- took charge of the SNP - and with vail." The shift was substantive as as "insular" and "separatist" - ened to strip Scots of their Euro- ence of the US-led NATO forces in Afghanistan would prolong it an absolute majority at Holy- well as rhetorical. In advance of within what she believes is the pean citizenship, polls have actu- rood, Scotland's devolved national last May's Holyrood elections, moderate, tolerant European main- ally registered a decline in support the Afghan war. Prior to this, Talibanhas asked the Obama admin- legislature - in the aftermath of the Sturgeon moved decisively to the stream. That means free trade, for independence. There are two istration to leave Afghanistan.Such remarks showing frustration of 2014 Scottish independence refer- centre, ditching her commitments open borders, and a "competitive, powerful ironies at work here. The endum. The SNP lost that referen- to an increased top rate of income dynamic" economy cushioned by, first is that Sturgeon's decision to the insurgentswhich isgrowing day by day. The day is not far when dum, but left-leaning Scots, many tax, a far-reaching programme of at best, a modest welfare state. reinvent herself as a champion of of them former Labour voters, land reform (Scotland has the most Problematically, that vision is in- European liberalism, at the ex- they would face complete isolation like their masters. The state- flocked to her side. At the 2015 unequal distribution of land own- distinguishable from the one ad- pense of her initial reputation as ment of the insurgents has become a headlinein media, but it has UK general election, she won 56 ership anywhere in Europe), and vanced by the previous generation the saviour of Scottish social de- of Scotland's 59 Westminster seats the overhaul of the Council Tax, a of failed social democratic leaders. mocracy, was completely unnec- no value for Afghans and Americans. on the basis of what was, by mod- deeply regressive system of local If you remove independence from essary. No external factors forced But, what makes the Taliban so strong to issue such warning to ern British standards, a radical government levies. Worse still, she the equation, Sturgeonism - with her hand. Her status in 2015 was pitch: higher taxes on the rich, an began to shear the radical edges off its emphasis on European integra- unassailable. She had a working the superpower is a question in itself to ponder over. The US-led end to austerity, and the abolition the independence project. After tion, liberal identity politics, and majority at Holyrood and, within of Trident, the UK's Clyde-based the June Brexit vote, some econo- finance-led growth - has a lot in the limits of devolution, could have coalition forces’ war strategy against Afghan militants is based on nuclear deterrent. As she celebrat- mists raised the possibility of En- common with Blairism. Failure of passed any piece of legislation she short-term objectives and military gains. Drawdown and gradual ed her first anniversary as Scot- glish banks relocating to Scotland liberal politics It's not difficult to liked. (Now, she is two seats short land's first minister, in November in order to secure their European see why a strategic realignment of of a majority and relies on the sup- increase in troops is adopted as a common exercise. The US in- 2015, she was in total control of financial "passporting" rights this sort, at this time, is a political port of other parties to pass her the Scottish political landscape. (Scotland voted overwhelmingly to dead-end. Across Europe and the reforms.) The second is that she crease number of troops when Taliban gains foothold in the space Her approval ratings were sky- stay part of the EU and Sturgeon United States, politics is polaris- has chosen exactly the wrong mo- provided by the drawdown. Taking advantage of the space, the high. Her party, whose member- is determined to maintain Scot- ing and the centre-ground is giving ment to become a standard-bearer ship had more than quadrupled land's access to the European sin- way. As the crisis deepens, it makes for the status-quo. Liberalism is militants send message of their strong presence by launching mili- under her watch, maintained a re- gle market). Despite the fact that a no sense to embrace the same pack- the source of, not the solution to, markable hermetic discipline. Even massive increase in the size of the age of discredited Third Way pol- Brexit and Trump. tant attacks in various parts of the country. sections of the UK press tradition- Scottish financial sector would be icies that created the conditions for More of it, however vigorous- How to overcome the America’s longest war in Afghanistan, ally hostile to Scottish national- disastrous for Scotland's long-term the crisis in the first place. Cen- ly articulated, won't make them go ism gushingly acknowledged the economic prospects - heavily tral to Sturgeon's thinking is the away. Sturgeon still commands Trump’s Afghan policy has become a hot potato because the new strength of her appeal. But in the weighting the country's output in assumption that Scots will back huge authority in Scottish politics. US president has not shared his plans. On the other hand, while months since then, Sturgeon has favour of the kind of speculative, independence in a second referen- Although a sense of inertia is be- shed her insurgent image and re- laissez-faire activity that led to the dum if it looks like the least dis- ginning to shroud her administra- addressing US troops in Bagram, through a video link on Friday, cast herself as a defender of the 2008 crash - Sturgeon did nothing ruptive of the available constitu- tion and its lacklustre legislative liberal status-quo; as a rock of es- to stop a slew of nationalist poli- tional options: independence in agenda, she benefits from termi- Donald Trump appreciated and encouraged the American forces tablishment stability in a world ticians from publicly endorsing the Europe with minimal social and nally weak opposition. The next in Afghanistan. “We are going to win”. Trump said that US forces churned by the tides of right-wing idea. Indeed, she went one step economic change; sovereignty at all Scottish election is in 2021. It populism. further, appointing, in September, costs, but without the struggle. would be a pointless, and poten- are doing great to defeat militant and terrorist outfits in Afghani- Sturgeonism and Blairism Andrew Wilson - a corporate lob- This, too, is doomed logic. Scots tially costly, mistake to fight it in "The last 12 months have seen byist and former PR man for the may have voted by a large margin defence of an ideology so clearly stan. It is too early to predict that he would withdraw all troops a narrative develop that the estab- Edinburgh financial industry - to to remain within the EU, but they in decline. from the war-hit country by the end of his four-year term. Howev- lished political and social order is head up a new SNP commission don't share the SNP's obsessive (AlJazeera) er, if he took the decision it would prove catastrophic for the US. The high ranking officials of US army believe in continued mil- itary assistance to the Afghan security forces. Withdrawal of US- led NATO forces from Afghanistan would lead to failure of Af- Corruption in government institutions ghan mission and could create disastrous situation. Taliban’s at- tacks and interference of neighboring and regional hostile coun- tries cannot be ignored. Therefore, instead of withdrawal and drawdown, the US forces must target the safe sanctuaries of ter- rorists in the hostile neighboring countries. Military assistance to Afghan security forces must be provided to enhance and improve their capability. Donald Trump is sup- posed to be a man of strong will and commitment. Thus, the new US administration should not allow Pakistan and Iran—the two neighbors, to use Taliban as their strategic assets in Afghanistan. The new US president can improve relations with Russia which would be a bad news for Pakistan, functioning as the biggest sup- porter and launching pad of Taliban against Afghanistan and US- led NATO forces in Afghanistan as well. 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. TUESDAY. JANUARY 24, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

By Maya Schenwar diate relief or compensation, so you don't see a dime, not even a In the world of prison-related ad- bus pass. There are no social ser- vocacy, "innocence" is held up as vices, no medical help, no coun- a thing apart: Even politicians who seling. Your criminal record is not heartily endorse mass incarcera- automatically expunged, so find- tion won't usually admit to want- ing work is difficult. ing wrongfully convicted people Like anyone else who has been locked up. The stories of exonera- incarcerated, your family life can tions are often told as fairytales, be fractured. After a long incarcer- with the person who was wrong- ation, many of your family mem- fully convicted -- for years, some- bers may have died or moved on, times for decades -- walking out of your spouse probably divorced prison and into the sunset, headed you a long time ago and your kids for an inevitably happy ending. don't really know who you are Media accounts of these exonera- anymore. tions often gloss over or ignore the Depending on where you live, long years of pain and trauma en- your state may not compensate dured behind bars. And they al- you. About 20 states still do not most never discuss what comes have laws to compensate the ex- next: How do those who are exon- onerated. And even if you do live erated after many years in prison in a state with a compensation stat- piece together a new life path? ute, that means you have to un- Moreover, what can these sto- dergo another, often adversarial ries tell us about everyone else who process to prove your innocence is imprisoned? Those who have to the court to qualify for relief. been belatedly found innocent are Suing officials for misconduct said to be "unjustly incarcerated," is pretty rare and difficult. Those but if we look at the realities of multimillion dollar settlements that incarceration -- including its roots you hear about on the news are in slavery, Jim Crow, colonialism won by the few. and exploitation-driven capitalism You've written about how -- we must acknowledge that, in women often get left beyond in one way or another, everyone is exonerations, and I think it's so unjustly incarcerated. And, since important that you included the the vast majority of incarcerated story of Kristine Bunch, an exon- people are eventually released, all erated woman, in your book. What must forge a new road forward in a unique challenges did Bunch face society that does not welcome throughout her exoneration process them, and often actively shuns and upon release? them. Women exonerees face a When I met journalist Alison unique set of challenges after their Flowers a few years ago, I was release. More than 40 percent of struck by her deep, nuanced anal- these women were convicted of ysis of exoneration. Her book, Ex- harming or killing a child or loved oneree Diaries, is a revealing and ones under their care. Often, it is compassionate look at the brutal their own child -- a horrible, paral- truths behind the release of exo- lel tragedy that Kristine Bunch An exoneration is not a fairytale with a happy ending. It is the beginning of the painful process of rebuilding a life. nerees from prison. In reality, ex- experienced. Kristine lost her three- oneration is never a purely happy year-old son Tony in a home trail- tributes to more than half of all ries of exonerees' returns relate to help people care about the larger imacy of our way of doing justice. viewers who wrote Courtroom 302 ending -- not after a human being er fire. Within hours of her son's known exonerations. This is deep- the larger story of the 636,000 criminal justice issues we face as a It's easy for people to empathize so beautifully put it, too few are has spent years locked in a cage. death -- her hair was still singed ly entwined in issues of race and people released from prisons each society. The four exonerees pro- with people who were sent to pris- ever exonerated of being born into Plus, as Flowers shows us, the and her nose was blistered from privilege, as well as the gamesman- year (not to mention the 11 mil- filed in my book make a powerful on for something they didn't do. deprivation, which is what lands experiences of exonerees exiting the flames -- investigators tape- ship of the courtroom, where the lion people cycling through coun- case for how the system not only But what about their brothers most people in prison in the first prison provide a window into the recorded her first statement from state wants to win rather than be ty jails annually)? fails, but is designed to fail. and sisters still behind bars? As place. experience of "reentry" more a hospital room. That night she right. Despite the devastation this Exoneree Diaries is a hook to It calls into question the legit- Steve Bogira, one of my book re- (Truthout) broadly. They bring to light the walked barefoot to the sheriff's causes, police and prosecutors are many ways in which our society office for more questioning because rarely held accountable for even abandons people, not only by de- she had lost all her shoes in the intentionally framing people. positing them in prison, but again, fire. Kristine was convicted on fal- Exoneree Diaries makes clear upon releasing them into the out- sified arson evidence and bad fire that flinging people out into the side world. science. world without support after Maya Schenwar: Your book is Sexism pervades every stage they've been exonerated is not the different from a lot of stories we of a woman's case. The Reid Man- way to go. What are some mea- hear about exoneration. Generally, ual, which is used by most law sures that should be put in place innocence narratives tend to focus enforcement agencies to try to gar- for those exiting prison after exon- on the process of the state discov- ner a confession, says that women eration? ering the person is innocent, up may cry during an interrogation to Four wrongfully convicted until their release. In Exoneree Di- try to manipulate investigators -- people's stories and struggles, as aries, you focus a lot on what hap- that it is a "final, yet insincere ef- told to Alison Flowers. pens after exoneration occurs. What fort to gain sympathy." There must be immediate re- prompted this choice? When Kristine was sentenced, sources for exonerees upon release: Alison Flowers: I decided to she was pregnant with another food and housing, medical, dental explore this question when I was son. The judge who sentenced her (prison dental care pretty much working at an innocence project at accused her of becoming pregnant consists of pulling problem or pain- Northwestern University. It hit me to gain sympathy as well. And ful teeth, if at all) and counseling. one day -- while we were working when she gave birth to that son, The process to compensate them By David L. Wilson are coming back any time soon, US workers, but they haven't re- separate campaign off in a corner hard to uncover new evidence to she would have been shackled had should already be underway. All according to a 2015 study by the sulted in the sort of labor organiz- of the labor movement. free people from prison -- what her doctor not intervened and [for- states need to provide relief, not Donald Trump's well-publicized Information Technology and Inno- ing that marked the 1930s. We need to recognize that it's actually happens when these peo- bidden] it. only for the lost years behind bars, deal with the Carrier Corporation vation Foundation (ITIF). There are various reasons: It's a crucial element in the broad strug- ple are finally free? There was al- Seventeen years later, she was but for the years to come. last fall was "wildly popular" with As of 2014, manufacturing ac- more difficult to organize workers gle for social and economic justice. ready some awareness around the free -- and her second son was al- Most of all, exonerees need US voters, according to Politico. A counted for just 8.1 percent of the when they are dispersed in small The potential is certainly challenges formerly incarcerated most a grown man. The night of accompaniment. They need some- survey by Politico/Morning Con- jobs in the United States; the ser- shops and franchises than when there. We can see it in the support people face on the outside, but the her release was the first time she one to help them navigate the sult on December 1 and 2, 2016, vice sector's share was an over- they're crowded together in a large for Sanders' 2016 campaign from a Hollywood narrative around over- got to watch him sleep at night, as world, from the bureaucracy of found 60 percent of respondents whelming 80.1 percent. industrial plant; unionization drives highly diverse youth population, coming a wrongful conviction had any mother longs to do. getting a state ID to learning tech- viewing Trump more favorably That's the reality -- but is it a now run up against a series of anti- which happens to make up a large created a media myth that release I think people often see exon- nology. One terrific organization because of the November 30 agree- problem? labor laws and court decisions; and part of the service economy's from prison is a happy ending in erations as the result of accidents, for exonerees is After Innocence, ment, which the real estate mogul From what we hear and see in too much of the current labor lead- workforce. these cases. It isn't an ending at all. basically, in which the police or which helps fill the aftercare gaps. claimed would save 1,100 jobs that the mainstream media, we might ership tends to be cautious and Many older white workers will It's only the beginning of another prosecutor or jury made an inno- It operates with tremendous com- the air-conditioner manufacturer think manufacturing jobs have unimaginative. But the climate was be supportive as well, including set of struggles. cent mistake. But Exoneree Dia- passion and fierce advocacy for had been planning to move from some intrinsic quality ensuring far more anti-labor a century ago; some who backed Trump in the What are some of the specific ries (particularly the afterword) exonerees. They've helped hun- Indiana to a facility in Mexico. good pay and decent working con- back then even peaceful picketing election: they're bound to have a difficulties exonerees face upon points to the fact that sometimes, dreds find their way. As so often is the case, reality ditions. Apparently, no one re- was often met with injunctions and serious case of buyer's remorse if leaving prison, as they attempt to there's intentional wrongdoing hap- As you mention, when we dis- didn't match up with the presi- members the actual situation dur- nightsticks. they find themselves facing rebuild their lives in the outside pening, on the part of police and cuss the transition to society of dent's assertions. ing the 19th and early 20th centu- As for the union leadership, Trump's designated labor secretary, world? others. Can you say a bit about those who've been exonerated, it The actual number of jobs ries: the low pay, the long hours, it's hard to imagine bureaucrats fast-food CEO Andrew Puzder. For starters, when you exit this? raises the issue of all the others saved turned out to be more like the routine workplace accidents, more hidebound than the gentle- History never repeats itself prison as an exoneree, you leave It's staggering how often this coming back to the outside after 730, and the deal involved a $7 the exploitation of child labor. men who headed the old American exactly. The sit-down strikes of empty-handed. There is no imme- happens. Official misconduct con- being behind bars. How do the sto- million tax break for Carrier, a brand There was a reason factories were Federation of Labor at the start of the Great Depression may not be of United Technologies Corpora- regularly described as William the 1930s. coming back, but we can learn to tion. Chuck Jones, the president Blake's "dark satanic mills." But And people forget that the gar- emulate our predecessors' boldness of the Steelworkers local at the af- we don't need to go back to the ment shops of the early 1900s were and determination. fected plant, told The Washington history books; we can just look at small and scattered, and yet work- If we do, we'll be building a Post that Trump "lied his ass off." manufacturing right now in the ers managed to organize -- with- movement with far more right to LETTER TO THE EDITOR More recent claims that Trump Global South. out tools like the internet. In fact, be "wildly popular" than any pub- has already started saving US jobs Many of the 1,134 Bangladeshi the biggest impediment to service licity stunt from the reality-show are equally questionable. workers who died in the 2013 sector organizing today is just that president. But Trump's duplicity is noth- Rana Plaza collapse were working we have been viewing it as some ing new; there's a more important at jobs that had been offshored Inheritance issue problem with the popularity of from Europe and the United States. Trump's Carrier deal. The focus If we think of manufacturing Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) in the past had said that in a bid to reduce on trade and offshored jobs is dis- as a source of good jobs now, it's violence against women, the ministry is taking step to register all marriages and provide tracting us from the main issue: the only because working people made jobs we still have. it that way -- angry, militant work- certificates to the couples. Previously, the Ministry for Women’s Affairs said that mar- It's true that we need to stanch ing people who united to fight the riage certificate would help women to have access to inheritance rights, a right that the flow of manufacturing jobs out bosses and the politicians. they had been deprived of it for many years. Those women who don’t have marriage of the country. Actions like the 1909-10 Up- Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders rising of the 20,000 in New York certificate will be deprived of their right, particularly from inheritance or property rights. is proposing a sensible plan for City were what raised wages and It is also the responsibility of Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs to educate people this, and of course, we have to put helped end child labor in the gar- regarding registration of marriage as the society is conservative. Ministry of Hajj and an end to the misnamed "free ment industry, while mass walk- trade" agreements, with a special outs, such as the 1912 Lawrence Religious Affairs support is the most important thing to lead the process of marriage focus on solidarity with the su- Textile Strike did much to make registration toward success. per-exploited workers who now the lives of textile workers more Afghan women has suffered a lot during three decades of war and isolation in the hold the jobs these trade deals have bearable. encouraged US companies to send If people want to hold on to country. The relevant officials should make their last-ditch efforts to at least give wom- abroad. jobs in heavy industry today, it's en’s fundamental rights of inheritance. Still, all this is basically just only because of the great mass Nadia Alizada, Kabul Afghanistan closing the barn door. The jobs that strikes of 1934 and the plant oc- can be outsourced most easily have cupations of 1936 and 1937. long since bolted. As FiveThirtyEight's Ben Cas- Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must Remembering the "Satanic selman noted last spring, US work- have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: Mills" ers don't miss manufacturing jobs; [email protected] A huge range of goods on the they miss the benefits of union- US market -- textiles, for example, ization. apparel and electronics -- are now In other words, if we're faced produced in other countries. The with a service economy, we need Carrier Corporation may go on to concentrate on fighting for bet- Disclaimer: building some air conditioners in ter service jobs. Our priority now Indiana, but the fact remains that has to be efforts like OUR Wal- The views and opinions expressed in the articles are about 80 percent of the world's air mart and Fight for $15. conditioners come from China. The Return of the Sit-Down those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or And despite media stories about a Strike? opinions of the Afghanistan Times. US "manufacturing renaissance," These campaigns have already there's no indication that the jobs helped raise wages for millions of TUESDAY. JANUARY 24, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Celebrating I ndian heritage India’s tally of World Heritage Sites reaches 35 as three locations, including a mountain, make it to the list. By Preeti Puliyankunnel Earlier this year, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added four new sites to the World Heri- tage List. The Nalanda University ruins, Chandigarh’s Capitol Com- plex and the Khangchendzonga National Park in Sikkim were add- ed to the list of protected sites in July at the 40th session of the com- mittee, bringing India’s total to 35 recognised heritage sites. On January 16, Cambodia an- The programme to list and nounced that its annual joint mili- protect heritage sites around the The ruins of NalandaMahavihara tary exercises with the United world started in 1972 with the States, known as Angkor Sentinel, Convention Concerning the Pro- and Nalanda are strong; the Bud- architect Charles-Édouard Jean- will be canceled until at least 2019. tection of the World’s Cultural and dha is believed to have delivered neret-Gris, better known as Le The surprise move came just days Natural Heritage being adopted by lectures near the university and Corbusier. before the inauguration of US Pres- the UNESCO general conference. Shariputra, among his chief disci- Tasked by the first Indian ident Donald Trump and under- Over 44 years, 192 countries have ples, was born in the area and at- Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru scored Cambodia’s ever-growing ratified the convention, making it tained nirvana there. Mauryan to build a new capital city for Pun- economic and strategic ties with among the most adhered to global ruler Ashoka is also said to jab and Haryana in the 1950s, Cor- China. Defense Ministry spokes- treaties. have built a temple at Shariputra’s busier designed India’s first man Chhum Socheat attributed the The prestigious heritage list shrine. planned city and what was meant decision to two key reasons. First, includes places recognised for their Much of the site remained un- to symbolise the future of modern the military was too busy enforc- historical, discovered until the 19th century India. Recognising Corbusier’s ing a national anti-drug campaign, cultural and scientific signifi- when the Archaeological Survey of role in the “invention of a new ar- which was launched last month. cance, and are legally protected India began to excavate the area. A chitectural language that made a Second, with commune elections from endangerment by human and trove of excavated coins, sculp- break with the past,” UNESCO has scheduled for June, the armed forc- animal trespassing. At present, tures and inscriptions have given listed it alongside National Muse- es are needed to “protect the good 1,052 important world heritage great insight into the university’s um of Western Art in Tokyo, the security and public order for the sites across 165 countries are in- long and rich history. House of Dr Curutchet in La Pla- people,” he said. Analysts have cluded in it – 814 cultural sites, What remains of the universi- ta, Argentina and the Unité noted that past events, including 203 natural sites and 35 mixed sites ty is vast, extending around 1,600 d’habitation in Marseille, France. the country’s hotly contested (places that exhibit the qualities of feet north to south and around 800 Spread over 100 acres, the Capitol 2013 general elections, have not natural and cultural significance). feet east to west. The site includes Complex is popular among tour- notably overstretched the mili- At 51, Italy leads the list of the stupas, shrines, viharas – residen- ists. It is home to many adminis- tary’s capacity. If human resourc- countries with the most world her- tial and educational buildings – and trative buildings and monuments, es were an issue, however, analysts itage sites, followed by China (50), important art works in stucco, including the Palace of Assembly wonder why Cambodia did not Spain (45), France (42), Germany stone (Legislative Assembly), the Gov- suspend Angkor Sentinel until lat- (41) and India. and metal and excavations ernment Secretariat, the er this year, after the commune Other sites across India in this have revealed 11 monasteries and Punjab and Haryana High elections and six-month anti-drug illustrious list include the Taj Ma- six major brick temples. Court, the famous Open Hand campaign, to keep US strategic re- hal in Agra, the monuments in Although many details about monument, Geometric Hill and the lations on an even keel? Hun Sen Hampi, Goa’s churches and con- Nalanda remain unknown, the site Tower of Shadows. has expressed support for Trump, vents, the Sundarbans in West Ben- is believed to have been a flourish- Khangchendzonga Nation- likely because the incoming US gal and Assam’s Kaziranga Nation- ing centre for Buddhism. In fact, al Park leader has made comments and al Park. the decline of the university coin- Sikkim’s Khangchendzonga tweets to suggest he would not Nalanda University ruins cides with the waning of Buddhism National Park is India’s first mixed pressure countries to improve hu- The Nalanda site in Bihar in India. The site is now a well- world heritage site. Located in the man rights or democracy. Trump comprises the archaeological rem- known tourist destination and part Himalayas in northeast India, the said during his inauguration speech nants of a scholastic and monastic of the popular Buddhist tourism national park includes a vast di- that under his leadership the US institution dating to the third cen- circuit. versity of valleys, plains, caves, “will seek friendship and goodwill tury BC. Located about 100 km Capitol Complex, Chandi- lakes, glaciers and forests. with the nations of the world, but from Patna, Nalanda was a centre garh According to UNESCO, the we do so with the understanding of learning until the 13th century Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex park exhibits one of the widest al- that it is the right of all nations to AD. Celebrated for its role in the is part of 17 sites across seven titudinal ranges of any protected put their own interests first.” Hun transmission and dissemination of countries. These are transnational area worldwide and is home to the Sen’s decision to cancel the joint knowledge over an uninterrupted serial properties chosen to cele- world’s third-highest peak, Angkor Sentinel exercise, while period of 800 years, Nalanda is brate the work of famed modern Mount Khangchendzonga or testing ties with the US, will like- also the most ancient university in Kanchenjunga. ly embolden his Cambodian Peo the Indian subcontinent. Accord- Covering a quarter of Sikkim’s ing to UNESCO, “The historical area, the park is a favourite among development of the site testifies trekkers for its biodiversity. to the development of Buddhism Khangchendzonga is home to into a religion and the flourishing many animals such as the musk monastic and educational tradi- deer, Himalayan tahr, the red pan- Turkic peoples tions”. The ancient university da and the snow leopard. This thrived under the culturally liberal makes it an important ecological Gupta Empire and the rule of Har- site. It is also an important cultur- sha, the emperor of Kannauj. It al site. According to folklore, the face accusations was so revered that at its height, mountain, lakes, caves and other scholars and students from around natural elements are important the region, including China and objects of worship for the indige- nous community in Sikkim. These Central Asia, thronged it. Mahavi- The ruins at Nalanda, a large Syria peace talks kicks of terrorism ra is said to have spent many sea- together with Buddhist beliefs sons at Nalanda, as did Buddha. In Buddhist monastery, in the an- form the basis for Sikkimese iden- off in Kazakh capital fact, the ties between Buddhism cient kingdom of Magadha tity. The peace talks gathering the Syr- comed by all parties in the war, ian government and opposition but the two sides have arrived in Melbourne Neighbors see China groups together began on Monday Kazakhstan with apparently diver- in the Kazakh capital, Astana, as gent ideas on their aim, and offi- car deaths: the first priority is to stabilize the cials have cast doubt on whether using tourism as ceasefire, according to Iranian For- they will in fact sit down at the eign Ministry. Representatives of same table. Just before the talks Bail laws the Syrian government and oppo- were set to begin, opposition ‘diplomatic weapon’ sition groups sat at the same round spokesman Yehya al-Aridi told table as Kazakh Foreign Minister AFP that the opposition will “par- changed in Kairat Abdrakhmanov delivered an ticipate in the talks but the first opening speech. The face-to-face negotiating session will likely be Victoria talks are the first time armed rebel in separate rooms.” Kazakh depu- groups have negotiated with Pres- ty foreign minister Roman Vasilen- ident Bashar al-Assad’s govern- ko told reporters Monday morn- state ment since the conflict erupted in ing that the format was still under The Australian state of Victoria 2011. The talks have been wel- discussion. (Ifp News) has announced changes to its bail The recent terrorist attacks which ern borders, which urged major laws after five people died when a witnessed the involvement of countries to toughen their securi- man drove a car into pedestrians members from Central Asia, ty efforts. In an unprecedented in Melbourne. The allegedly de- known as the Turkic World, have step, U.S. has sent hundreds of liberate attack, which police said Kyrgyzstan has not raised many questions on the ex- armors, troop carriers, and huge was not terror-related, happened pansion of terrorist organizations amounts of weapons to the Re- after lunchtime on Friday. Suspect such as ISIS and al-Qaeda in these public of Uzbekistan while Rus- Dimitrious Gargasoulas, 26, was reached agreement with regions and the impact of this ex- sia provided Tajikistan- the only released by a bail justice against pansion on the Middle East. Ter- non-Turkic republic in the Soviet the wishes of police five days ear- Kazakhstan on veterinary rorists who attacked Istanbul Central Asia- with developed arms lier. Victorian Premier Daniel An- With 6 million Chinese tourists ruary were rejected without expla- Atatürk Airport on 28 June and (worth USD1.3 billion), to help it drews said a new Night Court will expected to travel abroad over the nation. “This is not a win-win sit- security in EEU Reina Nightclub in Istanbul with- in combating armed groups. From be set up for magistrates to hear Lunar New Year break, China’s uation — it is mutually disadvan- in the first hours of 2017 were ISIS its part, China also showed con- bail requests. Thalia Hakin, 10, Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 holiday is crucial tageous. But what can we do? As Almaty. January 23. KazTAG - national level, other works are members from Central Asia and cerned from the expansion of ISIS Matthew Si, 33, and Jess Mudie, for Taiwan tour agency operator far as defence is concerned, we Kyrgyzstan needs to reach an scheduled for 2017, including con- Caucasus. Experts in combating in the region known as East Turki- 22, died in the attack. A three- Li Chi-yueh, who relies on main- have no room to compromise,” said agreement with Kazakhstan in struction of 4 labs and repair of 13 terrorism see that the frequent ter- stan. month-old boy and a 25-year-old land visitors for a third of his rev- the official, declining to be named terms of veterinary security among labs," said Kalysbek Zhumakanov, rorist attacks in Turkey show that Caucasian Militants man, who have not been named, enue. But Li’s hopes are not high due to the sensitivity of the mat- the member states of the Eurasian director of state inspection on vet- the organization has launched a It is worth noting that mili- were also among the victims. Po- this year, after the number of main- ter. Chinese companies told him economic union (EEU), reports the erinary and phyto-sanitary secu- war against the country after An- tants from four Islamic Republics lice cordoned off the scene shortly land tourists plummeted 36 per- the measure was designed to cut KyrTAG news agency. "Kyr- rity of Kyrgyzstan. In his words, kara’s battles in Syria and its par- in Caucasus (Dagestan, Chechnya, after the incident Two others re- cent since President Tsai Ing-wen an excessive number of low-quali- gyzstan needs to reach an agree- inspection was conducted 3 times, ticipation in the Euphrates Shield Ingushetia, and Kabardino) have main in a critical condition, Mr took power in May. Though Tsai ty, low-priced tours for Chinese ment only with Kazakhstan for while the claims concerned pre- operation, which was launched in pledged allegiance to ISIS in a vid- Andrews said on Monday. "All of says Taiwan wants peace with tourists visiting Korea, the official recognition of our health system paredness of the labs and intro- 24 August. eo shared on the internet in both us feel it. How could this have hap- China, Beijing suspects she seeks said. The CNTA did not respond of cattle. Two labs have received duction of electronic control of Apparently, ISIS has actually Arabic and Russian languages. pened? How could such a tragedy formal independence. “China uses to requests for comment. The num- all the required conclusions on the veterinary certificates. (Kaztag) started to recruit its cells by tar- Officials from Russia have said have come to our city? How could its sightseeing tourists as a diplo- ber of Chinese tourists visiting geting Central Asian and Caucasian that thousands of Russians, most- so many lives end and so many matic weapon,” said Li, owner of South Korea inched up 1.8 per- citizens living in Turkey who ly from Caucasus, have traveled lives change forever?" he said. Taipei-based Chung Shin Travel cent on year in November, versus speak the Turkish language and are to Syria and Iraq to join ISIS in its Wide-ranging review The changes Service, who has been represent- a 70.2 percent increase in August well integrated in the local com- battles. An official noted that those mean magistrates will rule on af- ing Taiwan’s tour operators to lob- and a 22.8 percent rise in Septem- munity. The number of these mem- members amount around 2000, and ter-hours bail applications for peo- by Tsai to improve ties with ber. That was the worst since Au- Azerbaijan to put 79 state bers cannot be determined, but the that they have returned through ple charged with violent crimes, Beijing. “There’s a lot of concern gust 2015, when arrivals slid 32 majority of them have been used Turkey as tourists who lost their Mr Andrews said. Until now, Vic- that the industry won’t survive if percent after a Middle East Res- properties forprivatization in suicide bombings. The spread papers. On another hand, Tajiki- toria has been the only jurisdic- we carry on like this.” The con- piratory Syndrome outbreak. In of terrorist organizations, mainly stan issued an international war- tion in Australia to use volunteer cern is not confined to Taiwan — early November, the United States ISIS, have been a major concern rant to arrest the leader of its “pri- bail justices rather than on-call tour operators and government of- said it would deploy the anti-mis- The State Property Issues Com- Barda districts, the city of Siya- among the Central Asian Govern- vate forces” Gulmorad Halimov’s magistrates for after-hours hear- ficials elsewhere in Asia say they sile system battery in South Ko- mittee of Azerbaijan will hold the zan, as well as Sabunchu and Ga- ments, because of the real threat it for joining ISIS and accused him of ings. Mr Andrews also said the en- fear China is using its increasingly rea within eight to 10 months. next auction on state property radagh districts of Baku, Azer- imposes on stability and security. treason. Halimov, who was trained tire bail system would be reviewed high-spending tourists as a lever China has not said it is seeking to privatization on Feb. 21, 2017, the baijan’s capital. These governments have also in the United States, appeared in a by former Supreme Court of Vic- to pressure or reward its neighbors. limit tourists to South Korea or committee said in a message Jan. found difficulties in coping with video threatening U.S. and Russia. toria judge Paul Coghlan. A government official from South Taiwan to express displeasure at 23. The main part of unused non- these threats amid the huge eco- Experts see that the western me- "We need to have a really close Korea — which has irked China political disputes. Earlier this The auction will take place in residential areas is located in Baku. nomic and security crises they al- dia’s neglect for Central Asia dis- look at each and every element of by agreeing to let the United States month, when asked about the lim- the Auctions Center of the State The non-residential area located in ready suffer from. The Guardian tracts the world from links be- our bail system, and we need to deploy an anti-missile system — iting of charter flights over Lunar Property Issues Committee of Az- the Yasamal district of Baku is the Newspaper revealed that around tween ISIS and Turkic peoples in make profound change for the fu- said Chinese and Korean tour com- New Year, China’s Foreign Minis- erbaijan. most expensive among them. 4000 migrants from Central Asia the old Soviet areas – this neglect ture to keep Victoria safe," Mr panies had told him the China Na- try said it did not understand the Seventy-nine state properties This area’s starting price is traveled to Syria to join fighting has encouraged ISIS on benefiting Andrews said. (Tribune) tional Tourism Administration had details of the situation but that (22 joint stock companies, 19 520,000 Azerbaijani manats. groups after they were secretly from recruiting members from instructed Chinese agencies to cut cooperation and exchanges be- small enterprises and facilities, 35 recruited by Chechen these origins to launch attacks in tours to South Korea by at least tween the two countries needed to unused non-residential areas and The activity of the joint stock terrorists.While the United States Turkey. 20 percent between November and “have a basis in public opinion.” three vehicles) - will be put up for companies to be put up for priva- announced it’s concerns from Lack of Reforms February. The official calculated For Taiwan, China has said it was the auction. tization covers the areas of con- ISIS’s spread in Islamic countries Experts see that banning Islam- that thousands of potential travel- natural that Chinese tourists were The small enterprises to be put struction, industry, agriculture, which were part of the Soviet ic parties and organizations, like ers were lost after eight applica- choosing not to visit Taiwan at a up for the auction are located in transport and others. Union, Russia also feared extrem- Hizb ut-Tahrir, which has aimed tions to add charter flights between time of political uncertainly. the Samukh, Beylagan, Goranboy, (Tribune) ists breaching through its south- at establishing. (English.aawsat) the countries in January and Feb- (Japan Times) TUESDAY. JANUARY 24, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Chinese state think tank researcher says PBOC should stop selling nation’s foreign exchange reserves to shore up falling value of the yuan against the US dollar China’s central bank is playing a dangerous game using the coun- try’s foreign reserves to defend the yuan because it could leave the nation defenceless in an increas- ingly volatile world, a state re- searcher has warned. Zhang Ming, senior fellow at the Institute of World Economics and Politics under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) should take a hands-off approach to the currency and fo- cus on safeguarding foreign ex- change reserves. China’s three-trillion-dollar question: the yuan or forex re- serves? “Forex reserves are valuable assets that [China] can use at crit- ical times. It’s a pity that they are being sold heavily in the market,” Zhang said. “It should be the last resort.” Zhang said the PBOC was bet- ting on “the weakening of the US dollar and a domestic economic rebound”. The country’s forex reserves have shrunk by almost a US$1 tril- lion since June 2014 as the central India trailing Spain on the sover- ket assets. bank has sought to prevent a large eign ratings tables makes no sense The selling was intensified by fall in the yuan against the US -dol- bound as well. By doing this it will assets as collateral or selling dol- change purchases, even within the that the yuan had weakened to less to Aberdeen Asset Management Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s lar. help the domestic economy,” he lars in forward markets. But he annual quota of US$50,000 per than seven against the US dollar Plc, which calls the delay in ac- Nov. 8 decision to invalidate 86 Zhang call’s for Beijing to re- said. added that there was no evidence person. last month, the central bank issued knowledging the Asian economy’s percent of India’s currency in cir- verse tack and abandon its heavy Tsinghua University professor to prove this had happened. The risks of the yuan further a late-night statement -reminding improving outlook staggering. culation in a clampdown on tax intervention in the foreign exchange Zhu Ning also said earlier that If the central bank had carried depreciating against the US dollar the market that the key psycho- With India “isolated” and less evasion and undeclared wealth. The market is gaining traction among Beijing should let the market de- out these actions it was because it and capital flowing out of China logical level remained -unbroken. threatened by possible protection- unexpected demonetization drive researchers. termine the yuan’s exchange rate. was pinning its hopes on the dol- remain high, given the prospect of China tweaks yuan basket to ist measures by U.S. President rattled businesses in an economy Zhang Bin, another researcher The prospects of this ap- lar finally weakening, Zhang Ming higher interest rates on US dollar play down US dollar Donald Trump, Aberdeen is over- where 98 percent of consumer at the Chinese Academy of Social proach becoming a policy option said. assets and uncertainties over Chi- The central bank also adopted weight on the country and its local transactions are done in cash. Sciences, agreed that Beijing appear to be rising, especially with China should ‘stand back and na-US trade conflicts under a hard- fresh approaches, rather than mere- companies, said Hugh Young, the The Modi government has should free up controls on the the let yuan fall against US dollar be- line new US administration. ly selling US dollars, to maintain firm’s Singapore-based Asia man- been lobbying global agencies to yuan’s exchange rate by reducing decline in the reserves. fore Trump takes office’ The yuan would depreciate the stability of the Chinese cur- aging director, who helps oversees lift India’s sovereign rating from government intervention in the Zhang Ming said the real loss The country’s official foreign against the dollar by “about 5 per rency. assets of $400 billion. the lowest investment grade, cit- market. in reserves may be higher than exchange reserves stood at just cent” in 2017, according to Zhang The yuan exchange rate against “We are not in wait-and-see ing the introduction of simpler tax “Floatation does not mean a US$1 trillion because there were above US$3 trillion at the end of Ming. The yuan lost nearly 7 per the US dollar has strengthened in mode anymore,” Young said in an and bankruptcy laws, easing infla- large devaluation,” he said. ways the central bank could cover last year and Beijing has tightened cent against the dollar last year. recent weeks and the daily mid- e-mailed response to questions. tion and a pledge to narrow Asia’s “Actually, a one-off devalua- some of its interventions in the controls over the capital account Beijing has proved very sensi- price was set at 6.8693 in trading “Even though it is still relatively widest budget deficit. Higher rat- tion [of the yuan] doesn’t need to market, including borrowing by restricting outbound invest- tive to the yuan’s exchange rate. in China on Friday. early days, the economy has tran- ings may help India attract more be big, and [the currency] may re- dollars by using its overseas ment and individual foreign ex- When there were misreports (SCMP) sitioned, we are already seeing sig- foreign investors, lower borrow- nificant improvement and the ing costs and accelerate growth. groundwork has been laid for even Moody’s Investors Service stronger performance ahead. To not rates India at Baa3, while both S&P acknowledge that the outlook has Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings Turkey’s economy improved is staggering.” rate it at BBB-, the lowest invest- Prime Minister Narendra ment grade. Modi’s government has pushed Lower Debt Burden is being held back through a slew of reforms from Moody’s, which raised the amending archaic bankruptcy rules nation’s outlook to ‘positive’ from to allowing more foreign invest- ‘stable’ in 2015, wants more be- by bad policies ment and readying a nationwide fore considering an upgrade, in- sales tax. While a recent move to cluding a “sustainable” reduction Turkish assets have been one of a significant deleveraging created a ban some high-value currency in the government’s debt burden, the worst performers since the strong backstop. Together with notes has slowed the economy, said William Foster, its vice-pres- U.S. elections along with Mexico. higher commodity prices, spreads analysts still forecast a 6.8 per- ident of sovereign risk. This is hardly a surprise. Under tightened considerably. cent expansion this fiscal year, “We are not looking at any our base case of higher core rates, The Brazilian political crisis among the fastest for major econ- particular reform in isolation, but a stronger dollar, and higher com- was a slow burning one initially, omies. at the totality of reforms and their modity prices, we expected Tur- and picked up pace on the way, Aberdeen’s $7.7-billion overall effectiveness on achieving key to suffer dearly. Turkey has somewhat similar to Turkey. Emerging Market Fund has the sustainable investment-led growth low domestic savings; is highly While Central Bank of Brazil’s highest allocation weighted to In- and more favorable government dependent on external funding; tight monetary policy alone was dia compared with other countries debt dynamics,” Foster said. runs large external imbalances; and not enough to stop the bleeding, it and counted mortgage lender Hous- Fitch’s assessment of India is lacks real yield support behind the created a strong tailwind once ing Development Finance Co. Ltd. based on its higher public-debt Lira. Besides, domestic and geo- backed up by the political change and consumer company ITC Ltd. burden, said Thomas Rookmaak- political problems and the strong triggered by the impeachment of among its top 10 holdings as of er, director the sovereigns and su- push from President Erdogan for President Dilma. Higher commod- Dec. 30, data compiled by pranational group, with the com- the presidential system have been ity prices also helped. Following Bloomberg show. The equity fund pany, which last month upgraded adding extra layers of uncertainty. these examples, the missing key returned 27 percent to investors its outlook on Indonesia to posi- Following significant underperfor- ingredient in the Turkish case dur- in the past year, beating 61 per- tive. mance, the relevant question be- ing these turbulent times is a pru- cent of its peers. Aberdeen’s Young doesn’t comes whether Turkish assets dent set of macro policies to cre- “This is a reflection of the qual- agree. Spain has a better credit have cheapened enough or is there ate a backstop. This needs to ity and value of the underlying score from all three companies de- more pain to come? change. President Erdogan and his companies,” Young said. “From a spite a higher debt-to-gross domes- From a very top down view, economic advisers are still vocal fixed-income point of view, we re- tic product ratio, as does Italy, Turkey gives the impression that on their populist/unorthodox pro- main particularly bullish on India.” which is rated above India by two it keeps diverging from its success- posals and keep the risk premium Trump Exit of the three assessors. “As usual ful reformist past, rather than con- high. Central Bank of Turkey Still, foreign investors have it looks like the market is well ahead verging back to it. The commonly (CBT), on the other hand, once been net sellers of Indian shares in of the rating agencies on this one,” Newly inaugurated U.S. President U.S. business prospects have Mexico to border tax. In this sce- shared concern is that this path again resorts to unorthodox mea- nine of the last 11 weeks through Young said. “Demonetization has Donald Trump emphasized dur- been assessed in terms of the ex- nario, fiscal measures will boost would lead to a strong one-man- sures to put more yield support Jan. 18 since Trump was elected been a bit clumsy and certainly has ing a news conference held days tent to which Trump carries out the economy to a certain degree, rule with weakened institutions behind the Lira, rather than sim- amid speculation his spending dented growth in the short-term before taking office that he would his campaign pledges. There are but negative effects will also arise and checks and balances. If this is ply hiking the policy rates sharp- plans will prompt the Federal Re- but this shouldn’t affect longer- create jobs in the country. What three envisioned developments: a due to protectionist trade policies. the case, there is little reason to ly, which had worked every single serve to raise interest rates at a term prospects. India deserves an effect will “Trumponomics” have highly feasible “main scenario,” an As a result, the growth rate will be expect asset prices to start mean time in the past. We can easily make faster pace. Higher rates in the U.S. upgrade.” (Bloomberg) on the U.S. economy? The follow- “upside scenario” of accelerated held at the 1 percent level in the reverting to long-term averages giv- a strong medium-term macro case reduce the allure of emerging-mar- ing are scenarios projected and an- business expansion, and a “down- latter half of this year. en the unfolding structural break. for Turkey with its strong demo- alyzed by Erina Inoue of the Ja- side scenario” of business decline. Problem areas There will be more pain to come. graphics, established private sec- pan Research Institute, Ltd. In the main scenario, Trump’s There are many problems However, the Turkish private sec- tor, geopolitical advantage, large Election pledges pledge to “spend $7 trillion over with Trump’s assertions. A pro- tor and many investors still hope domestic market, good infrastruc- Korea likely to miss The U.S. economy is current- the coming decade” is predicted to tectionist trade policy would lead that this time is no different and ture and relatively strong public ly in a phase of self-sustaining re- be fulfilled at a rate of about 30 to the possibility of trading part- this is just another round of brink- finances. However, it’s kept back covery. It is possible to attain a percent. Regarding trade policy, ners taking retaliatory steps. It manship in the run up to elections. by bad policies and we need to see $1t trade target again growth rate of about 2 percent even although the possibility of review- would lead to decreasing exports They hope that things will norma- some genuine reform appetite at if a new fiscal policy is not carried ing NAFTA and introducing a from the United States, causing the lise soon after the forthcoming ref- the top level to start discounting a South Korea's trade has turned 2016, it fell further to $901.2 bil- out. Trump has put forth a huge “border tax” (see below) has been business performance of U.S. ex- erendum in late March/early April, better medium-term outlook. We upward after a two-year lull, but lion. The trade ministry's estimate package of fiscal measures, includ- taken into consideration, these port companies to worsen and and Turkey will open a new page have four main macro/political con- it is likely to miss the US$1 tril- for this year's trade volume is a bit ing corporate and income tax cuts measures are not yet concrete. In- domestic investment to decline. with the approval of the presiden- cerns: 1) Domestic politics in the lion target again this year and pos- less than the central bank at $945 and infrastructure investment. If stead, Trump will promote trade Prices of imported goods would tial system. If that is the case, we driver’s seat. The shift to the pres- sibly next year as well, the central billion. It cites strengthened trade these measures are implemented as negotiations on a bilateral basis. If soar, thereby producing the risk should be close to the bottom. Peer idential system has been a number bank said in its estimate Monday. protectionism as one of the main pledged, the U.S. economy is an- Trump takes this approach, the of higher domestic prices. The U.S. countries’ experience can offer one priority for President Er- The Bank of Korea projected a risks threatening to undo some ticipated to grow at a faster pace. pump-priming effects of fiscal working age population (see be- some guidance on Turkey’s recent dogan. The draft suggests that it trade volume of $955 billion this improvement in demand for South But if all of the fiscal measures stimulus will be limited to a cer- low) is forecast to decline without struggle. The below chart looks at will be a strong one-man rule with- year, a 6 percent increase from last Korea's main exports, such as semi- advocated by Trump are carried tain degree. Demerits resulting an inflow of immigrants. If Trump the sovereign spreads of Russia, out adequate checks and balances. year on a customs clearance basis. conductors and displays. The Ko- out, U.S. fiscal deficits will expand from the implementation of pro- steps up moves to reject immi- Brazil, and Turkey relative to the This may push Turkey closer to Exports are expected to rise 4.3 rea International Trade Association significantly, with sovereign debt tectionist measures will be small. grants, it will reduce the workforce J.P. Morgan EMBI Global Diver- an illiberal democracy with weak- percent to $517 billion and imports projected $950 billion, while the soaring by $7 trillion (about ¥800 As a result, the growth rate for the and become a factor pushing down sified Index. When faced with mul- er institutions. 8 percent to $438 billion. The es- Korea Development Institute put trillion) over the coming decade. latter half of this year is projected the U.S. growth rate. If fiscal mea- tiple shocks of adverse terms of 2) Turkey’s growth model is timate is an improvement from a out an estimate of $937.7 billion. Realizing tax cuts and infrastruc- to stand at between 2.5 percent sures advocated by Trump are trade, geopolitics and internation- out of date. The days of high pro- 5.9 percent fall in exports and 7.1 The Korea Economic Research In- ture investment will require legis- and less than 3 percent. This is approved by congressional Repub- al sanctions, Russia’s large reserves ductivity growth are long gone. percent drop in imports last year, stitute projected $925.8 billion. lative approval from the U.S. Con- higher than the 1.6 percent fore- licans and implemented in a way and orthodox policy responses of The consumption driven growth, but the $1 trillion target is still be- The BOK took a special note of gress. It remains uncertain to what cast by the International Mone- that closely corresponds to his floating RUB, tightening monetary supported by construction, and yond reach, according to the cen- the effect from trade protection- extent his policy proposals will be tary Fund, indicating the U.S. econ- campaign pledges, fiscal deficits policy to contain second round funded by external borrowing cre- tral bank. Outlook for 2018 remains ism, which it said cost South Ko- approved by congressional Repub- omy would be better off than it is will expand but a growth rate of effects on inflation, and managing ates macro imbalances. (Reuter) bleak, it said, with trade volume rea $2.4 billion in exports in 2015, licans, who traditionally attach now. The upside scenario assumes more than 3 percent is possible. stopping at $983 billion, or $530 or 0.5 percent of the total. In the importance to fiscal discipline. In that about 70 percent of Trump’s However, the U.S. economy would billion in exports (2.5 percent in- January-November period last a press conference held on Jan. 11, pledged fiscal measures are imple- overheat in such a scenario, possi- crease from 2017) and $453 bil- year, the effect accounted for $2.8 Trump said that he views trade mented and protectionist policies bly causing the the Federal Reserve lion in imports (3.4 percent in- billion in lost exports, or 0.6 per- deficits with China, Japan and are not carried out. In this case, Board to raise interest rates four crease). If the projections turn out cent, it said. Should such trade bar- Mexico as problematic. His pro- the growth rate for the latter half times in a year. If U.S. interest rates to be true, it will be the fourth year riers become stronger, South Ko- tectionist policy initiative — in- of this year is projected to stand increase and the strong dollar con- in a row that the target is missed. rea stands to lose an annual aver- cluding a call for renegotiating the at the mid-3 percent level, thus tinues, it will further put the brakes South Korea reached the wanted age of 0.8 percent of exports from North American Free Trade Agree- achieving a significantly high on exports from the United States. mark for the first time in 2011, this year to 2020, the central bank ment (NAFTA) concluded with growth rate. In the downside sce- The businesses of emerging econ- becoming the ninth country in the said. A 10 percent increase in trade Mexico and Canada — will prove nario, about 30 percent of Trump’s omies will deteriorate due to the world to achieve it. The trade vol- restrictions would mean a 1 per- disadvantageous for U.S. business- pledged fiscal measures are pro- acceleration of capital flight, there- ume for the year was $1.079 tril- cent drop in South Korea's exports, es that have built cross-border di- jected to be carried out. It is as- by increasing the risk of the global lion. It registered $1.067 trillion in it said. "Considering the high eco- visions of labor and also push up sumed Trump will rev up his pro- economy being thrown into tur- 2012, $1.075 trillion in 2013 and nomic connections with the Unit- commodity prices in the United tectionist approach to carrying out moil. Behind Trump’s victory in $1.098 trillion in 2014. The down- ed States, the country that account- States. trade policy, launch a review of the presidential election is the bi- turn came in 2015, when it fell ed for 13.3 percent of South Ko- 3 scenarios NAFTA and subject China and polarization of U.S. society. under the line at $963 billion. In rea's exports in 2015. (AP) TUESDAY. JANUARY 24, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Gavin Rossdale Hollywood set for regrets split from Oscars picks with ‘Incredible’ Gwen no big surprises Stefani: The ‘Most All eyes will be on Hollywood Meryl Streep, who stars in the Tuesday as the list of nominees comedy biopic “Florence Foster for this year’s Oscars is unveiled Jenkins.” Huppert — often de- painful experience’ he stand-alone 'Star Wars' with critical darlings “La La Land,” scribed as France’s equivalent of film achieved the victory on “Moonlight” and “Manchester by Streep — scooped the best actress its 39th day in release and the Sea” set to fare well. But be- award at the Golden Globes for T yond the suspense surrounding the her staggering performance in means Disney is home to all four 2016 movies that earned $1 billion batch of nominees, the announce- “Elle,” which also won for best or more. ment is also expected to address foreign film. Industry pundits say Rogue One: A Star Wars Story the long-running #OscarsSoWhite the 63-year-old could very well has joined the $1 billion club at the controversy that cast a shadow walk away with an Oscar next worldwide box office. The Gareth over last year’s awards ceremony month, becoming one of the rare Edwards-helmed stand-alone pre- because of its lack of diversity. actresses to win for a foreign lan- quel from Lucasfilm and Disney The nominated films, actors guage performance. “After a very reached $512.2 million in North and filmmakers will be unveiled at surprising Golden Globe win ear- America and $499.1 million over- a pre-dawn announcement which lier this month, we not only ex- seas over the weekend for a total for the first time will be streamed pect Isabelle Huppert to receive $1.011 billion. online. Industry watchers are pre- an Oscar nomination on Tuesday The film achieved the victory dicting that Damien Chazelle’s but to be a strong contender to on its 39th day in release and means whimsical, romantic musical “La even win in February,” said Chris box office, where it claimed an un- its release in December 2015. The La Land” — buoyed by a record Beachum, managing director of Disney is home to all four 2016 precedented 26 percent of market studio said it didn't expect Rogue movies that earned $1 billion or seven Golden Globe awards earli- awards prediction website Gold share in North America alone. All One to match Force Awakens. er this month — will also triumph Derby. French actress Marion Co- more: Captain America: Civil War along, Disney tried to dissuade Rogue One is the 28th movie to ($1.153 billion), Pixar/Disney's at the February 26 Oscars bash tillard won the award in 2008 for Wall Street and the press from com- earn $1 billion or more globally, with possible golden statuettes for her performance in “La Vie en Finding Dory ($1.028 billion) and paring Rogue One to Star Wars: not accounting for inflation. Also Disney Animation Studios' Zooto- best movie, best actor and for sev- Rose,” a biopic about the life of The Force Awakens, which over the weekend, Disney celebrat- eral other categories. But the mov- legendary singer Edith Piaf. As for pia ($1.024). Rogue One caps the grossed a staggering $2.068 billion ed animated hit Moana crossing studio's domination last year at the ie starring Emma Stone and Ryan diversity, the word on everyone’s at the global box office following $500 million globally. Gosling is facing stiff competition mind ahead of this year’s Oscars, from “Moonlight” — the coming- Beachum said he expects the up- of-age tale of a black man in Mi- coming nominations to reflect ef- ami — and “Manchester by the forts by the 6,000 plus members Salman Khan to Zaira Wasim Sea,” about a depressive loner of the Academy of Motion Pic- played by Casey Affleck. Both ture Arts and Sciences to be more films also received nods at the inclusive. Last year the Academy Golden Globes, though far fewer came under scathing criticism for than the seven to “La La Land.” its overwhelming bias toward Other frontrunners for best pic- white nominees — and vowed af- ture are Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi terwards to double by the year thriller “Arrival”; Mel Gibson’s 2020 the number of women and bloody WWII movie “Hacksaw people from minority backgrounds Ridge”; Garth Davis’s family dra- among its voting members. “With ma “Lion”; and Theodore Melfi’s films like ‘Fences,’ ‘Hidden Fig- biographical comedy-drama “Hid- ures,’ ‘Lion,’ ‘Moonlight’ all set den Figures.” In the lead actor cat- for major nominations, it seems egory, Affleck, Gosling and Den- like diversity will thankfully win zel Washington, who plays an Af- the day for this year’s Oscar nom- rican-American father trying to inations,” Beachum said. But the raise his family in the screen adap- woman behind the #Os- tation of the Broadway hit “Fenc- carsSoWhite hashtag, April Reign, es,” are leading the pack. Other said although Hollywood has made contenders are Andrew Garfield, progress, it was still too early to who plays an army medic in cancel the hashtag. “One year does “Hacksaw Ridge” and Viggo not fix a problem that has been Mortensen who plays a father try- going on for over 80,” she told ing to raise his six kids in “Captain National Public Radio in a recent Fantastic.” The field is also crowd- interview. “There has been an in- ed in the best actress race, where crease in the number of films that Bigg Boss’ Swami Om hogged head- Khan’s Dangal, posted an ‘apolo- week, Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees and Stone is expected to vie for an Oscar reflect the black experience.” lines all through between January gy’ on her Facebook page and it Hrithik Roshan’s Kaabil, only be- opposite Natalie Portman, who “However with respect to people 15 and 21 with his melodrama and went viral on the social media. came shrill over the week. Gwen Stefani may have moved on, of a loved one. plays a grieving JFK widow in of color overall, with respect to sensational accusations against the The 16-year-old deleted it And yes, we also had Deepika “Jackie”; Isabelle Huppert, for her marginalized communities — but her ex-husband Gavin Ross- Gwen Stefani In Total Awe Of reality show’s celebrity host Sal- soon after, but by then it had giv- Padukone’s much hyped Holly- dale still regrets their split. The Blake Shelton After PCA Wins performance in the rape-revenge which is what #OscarsSoWhite is man Khan. en enough fodder for all those fight- wood debut xXx – Return Of thriller “Elle”; Amy Adams, who all about — it’s still been a rela- singer has revealed just how pain- Gavin referred to Gwen’s re- But he was not the only one ing for freedom of speech. Amid Xander Cage in India last week. ful the 2015 divorce was for him lationship with fellow Voice judge plays a linguist able to communi- tively poor year.” who made news last week: Zaira all this clamour, the buzz around (Hindustan Times) cate with aliens in “Arrival”; and (Breitbart) and how he feels about the ‘incred- Blake Shelton, 40, kindly, calling Wasim, who played Geeta in Aamir the big box office clash of this ible’ mother of his three children it the “complete set up” she’s giv- now! en their children at her home.”When Gavin Rossdale, 51, still thinks they come to me – unlucky, it’s that his ex-wife Gwen Stefani, 47, just me! I always feel a bit like, is an “incredible” person even af- ‘sorry about that,'” he explained, It’s a great time to be a girl in ter their messy 2015 divorce saying that his boys are really hop- which occurred amid rumors that ing to find him a girlfriend. How- the Bush singer had slept with the ever, the singer isn’t quite up to Bollywood: Sonakshi Sinha family nanny. In fact Gavin re- dating at the moment after his vealed to Fabulous magazine that “lovely” 20-year romance with From a simpleton to more action- journey. the divorce was actually “the com- their mother. Aww! oriented roles, Bollywood beauty “I have learnt a lot! It has been plete opposite” of what he want- Meanwhile Gwen is doing just Sonakshi Sinha has explored a va- a great learning process and that’s ed. Whoa! fine, having recently appeared on riety of roles by now. how I look at it.” The father of Gwen’s three Blake’s arm at the People’s Choice According to the actor, it is a The daughter of veteran actor sons — Kingston, 10, Zuma, 8, Awards on Jan. 18. The “Holla- great time to be a girl in the indus- and politician Shatrughan Sinha and Apollo, 2 — told the maga- back Girl” singer watched her coun- try as more and more film-makers and actor Poonam Sinha, Sonakshi zine that he wishes he had acted try crooner perform his sweet hit are exploring women-centric sto- started her career as a costume de- differently at the time. “I mean, “Every Time I Hear That Song” ries. signer. obviously,” he said. “I know we and beamed as he accepted his Sonakshi made her Bollywood Years later, she served as the all wish that, but we can’t so I have awards for Favorite Male Coun- debut alongside superstar Salman showstopper for celebrated Indi- to deal with reality.” After going try Artist and Favorite Album. Khan in Dabangg and has been on an designer Monisha Jaising’ at the through all that, the Voice UK judge We’re so happy Gwen’s happy, a roll ever since. ongoing Lakme Fashion Week described a marital split as the and we hope Gavin will find some- She has featured in action- Summer/ Resort 2017. “hardest, most painful experi- one when he’s ready. packed films like Akira and Force Looking radiant in a playful ence,” apart from grieving the death (Hollywood Life) 2 and next will be seen in Noor. short tangerine dress with a long “It’s a great time to be a girl in trail, Sonakshi said she loved the the industry because there are such “princess theme” of the collection. wonderful roles being written for “I actually never wear stuff like us,” Sonakshi responded, when that, so when I got the opportuni- asked how she feels about film- ty to wear such a long trail, I really makers concentrating on women liked it.” Is Sonakshi a fashion con- nowadays. scious person? “Not at all!” she The 29-year-old – who has replied. also been a part of films like Loot- “I’ve a very individualistic era and Holiday: style, which is grungy, edgy and A Soldier Is Never off Duty – sporty. Because that’s how I have has clocked over half a dozen always dressed. I have grown up years in Bollywood and says they wearing boys’ clothes and I feel have been a learning experience. that now that has become fashion- “Very eventful,” Sonakshi able. So, I think little bit of that is said, when asked to describe her still in me.” (Santabanta)

Priyanka Chopra has created a cause they have tried to. “I don’t niche for herself in the West with a know why the boys haven’t. Anil hit TV show, an upcoming Holly- Kapoor has done it. He has gone wood film and much-talked-about out of his way to [work in Holly- appearances at international red wood], but not many other Indian carpets. But a few weeks ago, the actors have. Try kare toh ho sakta actor made news for allegedly stat- hai (it might work out if they try). ing that Indian male actors “need Irrfan (Khan) and Anil are the only guts to try [their luck] in Holly- two [actors] that come to mind,” wood”. she adds. A number of Indian ac- “Again, as usual, I was mis- tors such as Anushka Sharma and quoted,” says Priyanka. “When Kareena Kapoor Khan have they [the media] asked me why praised Priyanka ever since she the male actors weren’t doing any- started making waves in Holly- thing, I said, ‘Maybe because they wood. haven’t tried’. That’s all I said. I “I feel an extra push [when I don’t know where ‘guts’ came hear such things]. I don’t feel the from. I didn’t use the word, ‘guts’, pressure. Jab apna ghar ka sup- and whatever I said was said in a port hota hai na (When you are lighter vein,” she adds. Priyanka supported by your people), it Chopra will next be seen with feels great,” she says. Dwayne Johnson in Baywatch. The Quantico actor adds that (Instagram/PriyankaChopra) Priy- it makes her want to do better when anka says that maybe women [In- her colleagues and friends in India dian actresses] have been able to feel that she is “representing them do it [get projects in the West] be- well”. (Tribune) TUESDAY. JANUARY 24, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES South Africa v Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews leads tourists to T20 win An injured Angelo Mathews hit 19) removing Dhananjaya de Silva two sixes in the final over to lead and Kusal Mendis cheaply in the Sri Lanka to their first win of their third over. Zlatan Ibrahimovic cannot under- South Africa tour and keep the Niroshan Dickwella and stand why record-breaking Twenty20 series alive. Dinesh Chandimal (both 22) had Manchester United team-mate Mathews (54 not out) ap- some success but it was left to Wayne Rooney is so unappreciat- peared to hurt his ankle in the pen- skipper Mathews to lead his team ed and undervalued. On Saturday, ultimate over but recovered to lead home before he ran out of part- the 31-year-old broke United's all- his team to a three-wicket victory ners. time scoring record in sumptuous with two balls to spare in Johan- When Thikshila de Silva de- fashion, bending home an excep- nesburg. parted for three, Sri Lanka required tional free-kick to secure a last- After a 3-0 whitewash in the nine runs from eight balls with gasp 1-1 draw at Stoke. Rooney Test series and a defeat in the open- three wickets in hand. was widely praised after notching ing T20 at Centurion, Sri Lanka They scampered a single off his 250th United goal to move ended their losing streak and set the next delivery, which saw clear of Sir Bobby Charlton - just up a decider in the third T20 inter- Mathews suffer his injury, but he as he was when breaking the World national in Cape Town on Wednes- managed to limp a single off the Cup winner's England scoring day. last to keep the strike for the final record. Yet despite such feats, the South Africa chose to bat after over. forward cannot shake off an un- winning the toss but only Heino He skied the first shot towards dercurrent of antipathy from some Kuhn (29) and Farhaan Behardien deep mid-wicket where Kuhn was and Ibrahimovic, widely appreci- (27) had much luck against the Sri unable to hold what would have ated as one of the finest strikers of Lanka attack, who were led expert- been a stunning catch, but the sec- his generation, struggles to under- ly by Lakshan Sandakan (4-23) ond and fourth deliveries both dis- stand why his team-mate is not and Isuru Udana (3-13). appeared over the rope as cherished. "He's a complete play- The hosts managed just 113 Mathews completed his fifth T20I er," the Swede said. "Off the field but Sri Lanka made tough work of half-century in style. he's a real leader and on the field their chase, with Lungi Ngidi (4- (BBC) he's just complete. "He helps his team-mates well and has that big quality - he knows how to score goals, knows how to assist. "But he works very hard, he's got a good attitude and spirit. Everybody knows what Wayne is. But this country has to appreciate him. "I don't see any other strikers like him today. Give me some names. Tell me. And still you're not happy." Where Rooney will fit in the pan- theon of United greats is up for debate, but Ibrahimovic pointed to giants of the past when underlin- ing the enormity of what he has achieved. "It's amazing," he said. "He's the top scorer of the club and I'm very happy for him. "It's a big thing you know - many great Tommy Fleetwood players have been here and his name is right on top. "I'm very DEONTAY WILDER: “WE’RE TRYING proud to have been on the same reflects on field as him when he did it and hopefully he can continue to do what he's doing." (Sky Sport) UNIFY THE DIVISION SO THEY CAN unexpected victory Vote for in Abu Dhabi the men’s HAVE ONE FACE AND ONE NAME winner of WITH ALL THE TITLES!” the WBC heavyweight champion, ways bring excitement, they al- Deontay Wilder, is looking to have ways bring energy and it’s always a career defining year in 2017. ‘The great. It’s always great to see smil- Australian Bronze Bomber’ hopes this year ing faces that I haven’t seen in a will see him unify the titles and long time. I’m excited, I can’t wait. solidify himself as the number one Jenna J: What do you think about Open heavyweight in the world. Last the heavyweight division fractur- year saw Wilder defend his title ing in terms of the titles? Deontay after Andy twice, but end the year with an Wilder: I’m excited about getting injury. With the heavyweight title back in there and putting my two picture being wide open after cents up in it and taking off. I want Tommy Fleetwood admits he had you're going to come out and play Murray, years of being stale, 2017 could to unify the division and in 2017 no idea what to expect from his (after the Christmas break). see some of the most exciting there’s a big opportunity and a big opening event of the year at the "I got two good rounds under match-ups in over a decade. In part chance that I can unify the divi- Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, my belt and then played really well Novak 1 of my “On The Ropes” boxing sion. We are working hard to at- where he claimed a shock victory. over the weekend, but you never radio interview with Deontay tain that. There are a lot of things The world No 102 upstaged a know what to expect in your first Djokovic Wilder, I discuss with him his up- with the political side of boxing world-class field to claim a first tournament of the year - and I didn't coming title defense against An- but we think we can get everything European Tour title since 2013, really expect this!" drzej Wawrzyk. Wilder talks about worked out, whether it’s working carding a five-under 67 on Sunday Fleetwood finished one stroke bowed out how he hopes to perform and what with other people, different net- to finish a shot clear of the chasing ahead of 2014 champion Pablo he expects from 2017. Deontay works, different fighters. We’re pack. Larrazabal and US Open winner shares his thoughts on the heavy- trying to make everything possi- Beginning the day a shot be- Dustin Johnson, who eagled the weight division’s recent explosion and the result. He’s about 6’5, when I apply force to my hand. ble for 2017 so I can unify the di- hind overnight leader Tyrrell Hat- last to close a four-under 68 on and his views on Joshua vs. Kl- 230lbs. He’s a tough Polish guy, We all know that for every action vision so they can have one face ton, Fleetwood posted an eagle- Sunday. itschko. Additionally, Wilder most Poland fighters are pretty there is a reaction and once I punch and one name in all the titles, that three at the 10th and picked up a "It was a pretty good week," speaks on his experience sparring tough. That’s the only thing I real- him in the face we’re going to see person being Deontay Wilder. Jen- shot at the next before birdieing Johnson said. "Obviously I got off Wladimir Klitschko and gives his ly know about him. We thought he if my hand can hold up. Jenna J: na J: Wladimir Klitschko and An- two of his final three holes to seal to a rough start the first day and I opinion on Tyson Fury’s future. was a great candidate to come back You are going to be fighting again thony Joshua are set to fight April victory. didn't play very well. Here is what Deontay Wilder had to test my broken hand. I’m com- in Alabama. How do you feel about 29th, who are you favoring in that "I didn't see this coming real- "I wasn't feeling that great the to say. Jenna J: You’re going to be ing back from two major injuries constantly bringing it home for match? Deontay Wilder: We’ll see, ly," Fleetwood told Sky Sports. first day, but then obviously I came taking on Andrzej Wawrzyk on that were very serious, I tore my your fans? Deontay Wilder: I feel there’s a lot that can be said about "I've only made the cut here once back and played well Friday, Sat- February 25th. Can you tell me a bicep and I tore my hand, so this good, it’s always great and a plea- this fight as far as who wins and in six years, which just shows that urday and Sunday. little about your opponent? De- is going to be an interesting fight sure to come back home and fight. who doesn’t, but we’re only going makes no sense at all! "I'm happy with the golf game. ontay Wilder: I don’t know too to see if my hand holds up. The Home is where the heart is and I to know until they get in the ring. "I started the season well in It's going to keep getting better and much about him. I know about his doctor said it was 100% but we all enjoy being around with my Ala- My heart is for Joshua but my Hong Kong and I didn't really want I 'm happy with the way I played last fight with Alexander Povetkin know that it’s going to be different bamians when I’m here. They al- mind is always for Klitschko. to stop. You never quite know how and the way I finished." (Tribune)

Andy Murray and Novak Djok- Australia's Richie ovic suffered surprisingly early exits at the Australian Open, so Willie Mullins’ Faugheen on who do you think will win the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup? Porte wins his first Murray's exit to Mischa Zverev follows the second-round depar- course for Irish Champion ture of Djokovic, beaten by world Tour Down Under No 117 wild-card entry Denis Is- tomin. It's the first time since 2002 that the top two seeds in the men's Hurdle at Leopardstown draw haven't reached the Austra- lian Open quarter-finals, and the Willie Mullins reports Faugheen first time at a Grand Slam since on course to make his long-await- the French Open in 2004. ed return to action in the BHP In- In their absence, US Open surance Irish Champion Hurdle at champion Stan Wawrinka is a Leopardstown next weekend. growing contender, as is Wimble- The nine-year-old has not been don runner-up Milos Raonic. seen since his victory in the same Then there's the old guard - race 12 months ago, meaning he Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - was unable to defend his Champi- who have a combined total of 31 on Hurdle crown at Cheltenham major titles between them. last season. A bruised foot ruled And the new guard, with the Australia's Richie Porte won his was no chance of a breakaway out his comeback in the Morgiana likes of Dominic Thiem and long- first Tour Down Under after fin- spoiling Porte's party. The stage, Hurdle at Punchestown in Novem- time prospect Grigor Dimitrov ishing safely in the peloton on the 20 laps of an Adelaide street cir- ber. Mullins said: "All being well fancying their chances of Grand final 90-kilometre stage through the cuit, was won by Australia's Caleb he'll run. He's in good form and Slam glory. (Irish News) streets of Adelaide. The 31-year- Ewan in a mass sprint, with world he'll do a good bit of work during old, who seized the ochre leader's champion Peter Sagan of Slovakia the week, I hope. "As long as he's jersey after the third stage, led the finishing second and Slovenia's able to do that we'll let him take race from that point on and virtu- Marko Kump third. It was Ewan's his chance on Sunday." ally assured himself of the title fourth stage win of the week and "I was a bit further back than I when he won his second stage on confirmed his position as one of wanted to be. I switched in going Saturday. Porte took a lead of 48 the rising stars of world sprinting. to the last and I needed to wing it. seconds over Colombia's Esteban However, the day belonged to "He didn't jump like a novice Chaves into the final stage and his Porte, who had finished second at and it was a great performance. BMC Racing team controlled the the season-opening event the pre- He's tough and stayed galloping." peloton throughout, ensuring there vious two years. (AP) (Sky Sport) TUESDAY . JANUARY 24. 2017-Dalw 05, 1395 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 175 Price: Afs.20

All this posed enormous challeng- ed by Human Hamoudi, a SCIRI es to my security team. When I delegate. In an encourage move, left the Green Zone, travel by Iraqi leaders negotiated an agree- ground was extremely complicat- ment to include twenty-five Sunni ed. The route had to be cleared and Arab delegates from outside the secured. I rode in an armored SUV, TNA, the formation of which they with additional cars leading and had boycotted. And they had following. Among these was a agreed to make decisions on the Humvee equipped with a heavy basis of consensus. This meant that machine gun. Often, above the when a draft constitution was pre- motorcade, a helicopter would sur- sented to the TNA, all of Iraq’s By Farhad Naibkhel veil our journey, watching for major political groups would stand threatening movements that might behind it. KABUL: The New Line Organi- indicate an approaching so-called I knew from Afghanistan that zation (NLO) on Monday ex- VBIED, a vehicle-borne impro- constitutional negotiations bring to pressed deepest concern over gov- vised explosive device that could the surface people’s fundamental ernment decision to scrap the Elec- ram into my motorcade in a sui- hopes, fears, and psychologies. tronic ID card system and revert cide attack. My security detail Issues that strike outsiders as sym- to paper identification document could also move me by air, either bolic-the official language, the de- in the form of a booklet. NLO in what I called a VW helicopter-a sign of the flag-strike deep emo- out maximalist positions on key termed electronic ID cards “a very tiny round helicopter that was able tional chords and inspire desper- issues. The Shia Islamists called much important in order to have a to land in the backyards of Iraqi ate battles. Discussions about the for the creation, in effect, of an Is- fair and free election” in the coun- leaders’ compounds-or in larger form of government touch on a lamic republic, with elements eer- try. They emphasized on the gov- helicopters that could accommo- society’s conception of the role of ily similar to Iran’s constitution. ernment to initiate issuance of E- date more than one passenger. the individual versus the group, the The Kurds wanted to bolster the cards while termed ID-cards in I remain deeply indebted to the appropriate extent of the state’s autonomy and resources available form of a booklet as a step toward men and women who served on reach, and the relationship of reli- to the Kurdish Regional Govern- backwardness.” my security detail, both in Kabul gious to civil authority. Such dis- ment (KRG) and guarantee their Recently, the Ministry of In- and in Baghdad. We came to be not cussions revive fundamental po- right to secede from Iraq. The Sunni terior (MoI) said in a policy state- just colleagues but also friends. litical cleavages. Because a consti- Arabs opposed most of the key ment that they want to change the Tragically, several lost their lives tution defines the distribution of demands of the Shia Islamists and shape of ID cards from a page doc- in Iraq when one of the surveil- powers, negotiations reveal how Kurds. Mahmoud Mashhadani, a ument to a booklet. The MoI ID cards issuance, he said, “based zens who are eligible for voting in of the new commissioners are very lance helicopters was shot down. little or how much competing prominent Sunni Arab leader, in- spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi said that on our information, all technical the upcoming election. slow,” he added. I was heartbroken when I learned groups trust each other, how many sisted that federalism-sought by the booklet is important to over- and legal process have been com- “Counterfeit is also possible Pointing toward issuance of 20 of it. Hours before, we had joked checks and balances will be need- the Shia Islamists-posed a mortal come mishandlings. pleted to issue E-ID cards”. But, in the ID booklet, but in E-ID is million voting cards in the last elec- and laughed as usual; now I was ed, and what promises and com- threat to his community: if the However, Head of NLO, Fa- however, the process have halted almost impossible,” he said. tion, he said “if the previous vot- saying a final farewell to them in promises will induce cooperation. Kurds took the land and resources him Sediqi, said that ID-cards for- due to unknown reasons by the The NLO being as an observer ing election cards were not valid, the embassy morgue. Calling their Historic memories-particularly the of the north and the Shia Arabs did mat of booklet is step toward back- government,” he added. of the election process came hard the already challenges would be families to express my condolenc- traumatic ones-inspire constitu- the same in the south, the Sunni wardness. “Instead of booklet, the “Further delay in issuance of over failure of electoral bodies and expanded in the upcoming election. es was among the most difficult tional provisions to guard against would be left with the barren and National Unity Government E-ID cards would mar more elec- to the newly appointed commis- Based on report currently 10 things I have ever had to do. To one or another group’s nightmare resource-poor tracts of western (NUG), must begin issuance of E- toral system of the country.” sioners of the Independent Elec- million people are eligible of vot- vindicate their sacrifice, I vowed t scenario. In Afghanistan, leaders Iraq. Symbolic issues of national ID cards aimed at guarantying a He added that the government tion Commission (IEC). It has been ing, but 20 million ex-voting cards redouble my efforts in Iraq. had opted for a unitary state be- identity-particularly whether Iraq fair, free and transparent election must kick of the issuance process two months that the new commis- were distributed among people, BY THE TIME I arrived in cause the country had suffered was an “Arab state” or a “part of in the country,” he added. of E-ID cards quickly, and in the sioners assumed office.”Based on showing 50 percent extra votes, he Baghdad, the countdown was on: from anarchy in the absence of an the Arab world”-were high priori- Criticizing postponement of E- first phase should cover the citi- people expectation the activities underlined. there were just three weeks to go effective government. Iraq, by con- ties for the Sunni Arabs and were before the August 15dealine to sub- trast, had suffered from an exces- guaranteed to produce clashes with mit a draft constitution to the Tran- sively strong and oppressive state the Kurds, who were not Arabs sitional National Assembly under Saddam. For those who had and who wanted Iraqi identity to 1,500 US (TNA). But even with the clock suffered most under that regime- encompass the country’s minori- ticking, I wanted to avoid injecting the Shia Arabs and the Kurds-the ties. Still, I sensed that with help, myself into the talks too crudely. principal constitutional goal was negotiations could move to a suc- soldiers to be Ideally, Iraqis would solve the to limit the power the central gov- cessful end game. I STARTED TO problems on their own. If I was ernment could exert over their com- MAKE the rounds, reestablishing deployed to going to get involved, I wanted the munities. For the Sunni Arabs, who old friendships and taking the over- Iraqis to remember that they had felt entitled to ownership of Iraq, all temperature. One of the things actively requested my help. the issue was how to establish a I soon realized was how impor- Afghanistan Things started well. Iraqi lead- strong state and keep Iraq togeth- tant it was to speak the right lan- ers had formed the Constitutional er-under their control. guage at the right time. Drafting Commission (CDC) head- Each community had staked The United States will deploy at To be continued least 1,500 soldiers from the Ready First Brigade to Afghani- stan, it has been reported. The sol- KABUL : Former High Peace KABUL: Former President Hamid Karzai attends diers will serve for a period of 9 Council (HPC) chairman Pir Syed the funeral of jihadi leader and head of the High Canada months as part of the advise, as- Ahmad Gilani’s funeral prayers Peace Council, Pir Sayed Ahmad Gilani, at the sist, and train mission to help the were offered at the Presidential probing Afghan army and police. With 300 Palace on Monday morning. Pres- Presidential Palace here on Monday. already deployed to Afghanistan, ident Ashraf Ghani, former presi- the deployment of the remaining dent Hamid Karzai, former jihadi corruption soldiers will start this month with leaders and government officials the brigade expected to take up attended the funeral for Gilani who in aid to the mission in mid-February. “For breathed his last on Saturday many soldiers, it will be their first evening at a National Directorate Afghanistan deployment,” Strong, from Syra- of Security hospital in Kabul. He JALALABAD : Afghans travelling tor,” Mohammad added. cuse, N.Y. told The Stars and was 84. President Ghani and other to Pakistan for medical treatment Khadija, a woman from Kunar Stripes newspaper. “They are government officials paid respect complain of harsh treatment at the province, also reached Torkham to very excited. Honestly, it is what to the late top peace negotiator on Torkham crossing, saying they are take her sister to Peshawar for a lot join the military for – to serve arriving at the funeral site at Salam denied entry into the neighbouring medical treatment. Like others, she and defend the nation.” Before Khani House and later joined the country even in emergency situa- was also denied entry. their deployment to Afghanistan, funeral led by former veteran jiha- AT News Report the Law on Combating Money tions. They claimed their ailing rel- An Afghan security official, the soldiers have gone on three di commander Abdul Rab Rassoul laundering. atives were not allowed to cross who wished to go unnamed, said rotations to combat training cen- Sayyaf. The funeral participants KABUL: A man accused of trans- The obtained money by cus- the Torkham border without pass- Pakistan guards had imposed strict ters during that time – to the Na- ferring illegal money was detained toms officials of Ministry of Fi- ports. Afghan officials acknowl- measures after a brief clash be- prayed for the departed soul of KABUL : The Canadian govern- tional Training Center at Fort Ir- by custom officials of the Minis- nance was handed over to Da Af- edged hundreds of people without tween the two countries last sum- Gilani and wished him a chosen ment is investigating alleged cor- win, Calif., in June 2015 and Oc- try of Finance (MoF) at the Ha- ghanistan Bank and the case is un- passports had been turned back. mer. Now passports/visas have place in the Heaven, a statement ruption in aid to a project aimed at tober-November 2016 and to the mid Karzai International Airport der investigation by relevant judi- Nasratullah, a resident of the since been made mandatory for from the Presidential Palace said. helping Afghan children return to Joint Readiness Training Center in Kabul. In a press statement is- cial body, the statement added. Qarghayee district of eastern Lagh- entering Pakistan. Attaullah Kho- Foreign diplomats in Kabul also school, a media report said on at Fort Polk, La., in January 2016. sued here, the MoF said that the The High Authorities of Min- man province, traveled to Torkham gyani, the governor spokesman, attended Gilani’s funeral and paid Monday. The brigade and its battalions also accused man skillfully wanted to istry of Finance pursued special to take his sister to Pakistan for acknowledged the problem and respect. President Ghani hailed Over the past decade, Canada did extensive gated train-ups lead- transfer 23,000 Swiss francs, plans and measures to prevent traf- treatment. But police did not al- said the central government should services of Gilani as a jihadi leader has provided $117.2 million since ing up to all of those rotations. 238,700 USD, 141,500 Indian ficking of money illegally into and low him as his sister did not pos- resolve the issue. Pakistan had ear- and HPC chairman. Offering con- 2006 to increase equal access to “As in any train-up, you’ve been Rupee and 95,910 Euro from New out of the country that have had sess a visa/passport. lier promised allowing entry to dolences to the family of Gilani quality education for Afghan stu- training and you’ve been training, Delhi to Kabul. The main was ar- better and positive impacts, the At 12.00 noon, Nasratullah patients, but breached its commit- and the people of Afghanistan, the dents under the Education Quali- and it gets to the point where you rested according to Article VII of statement underlined. told Pajhwok Afghan News he had ment, he alleged. Last month, Pa- president said: “Today we say ty Improvement Project (EQUIP). are ready to go and do what good bye to someone who the peo- arrived in Torkham at 7:00am but kistan’s Interior Ministry said a you’ve been training so hard to The Ottawa Citizen reported security officials did not allow him medical branch would be opened ple of Afghanistan accepted as the Canadian funds were administered do,” Strong said. (KP) chief reconciliatory.” (Pajhwok) to enter Pakistan. They had an for emergency patients at the by the World Bank through the appointment with a doctor in Pe- Torkham gate but the promise is Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust shawar, and the fee they had paid yet to be honoured. Border offi- Fund (ARTF). lapsed. Khan Mohammad, a resi- cials said the team would thorough- Jessica Séguin, a spokeswom- dent of the Gardi Ghaus area of ly check the medical record and an for Global Affairs Canada, in- Nangarhar, said he had been wait- examine the nature of illness of formed the newspaper that the al- ing at the crossing point in the hope Afghan nationals going to hospi- leged misappropriation of funds that Pakistani officials would al- tals in Peshawar or other cities of was being probed. The money, if low him and his sick companion Pakistan -- without visas and pass- really embezzled, would be recov- to cross the border. ports. Over the last six months ered and the guilty held to account, “I have a valid passport and since the ban was imposed, they she promised. documents of an appointment had seen a number of seriously ill Earlier in the month, Afghan with the doctor. But the patient Afghans being refused entry only officials recently acknowledged I’m accompanying doesn’t have a because they had no visa for Paki- the results of a report on alleged At least six people lost their lives ed the house. passport. His condition will dete- stan, the officials said. corruption in the Ministry of Ed- riorate, if he doesn’t meet the doc- (Pajhwok) after the roof of their house col- Hundreds of thousands of peo- ucation. The report says six mil- lapsed in eastern Nangarhar prov- ple were forced to flee their homes lion children are in school, contrary ince of Afghanistan. due to rampant Taliban-led insur- to the 11 million as previously According to the local govern- gency last year. claimed by the Karzai government. ment officials, the incident took According to reports, armed 3 die, 4 injured in Kunar traffic accident Khalid Khosraw, a spokesman place in Surkh Rod district. conflict and rising insecurity in for the Afghan embassy in Otta- Provincial governor’s spokes- Afghanistan forced 245,000 wa, meanwhile, said: “Our govern- man AtaullahKhogyani said at people2to flee their homes in ASADABAD : Three people died province, were traveling from Pa- ment has taken the allegations se- least six more were wounded in the 2016, bringing the cumulative and four others sustained injuries roon, Nuristan’s capital, to Asad- riously and the issue is under re- incident. number of internally displaced in a traffic accident in Chapa Dara abad, the capital of Kunar prov- view. The findings will be (made) Khogyani confirmed that the people to 1.1 million. district of eastern Kunar province ince. Himmat said the wounded public.” victims of the incident all belonged Although more than 600,000 on Monday, an official said. Pro- persons had been evacuated to the Canada’s embassy in Kabul, to the same family and had recent- Afghan refugees returned from vincial police chief Maj. Gen. Juma Asadabad civil hospital but he had perturbed by the allegations, ly migrated to the area to flee con- Pakistan and Iran by early Decem- Gul Himmat told Pajhwok Afghan no information about their condi- tweeted recently: “We are aware flict. ber,3 most have not yet resettled News the incident took place when tion. Meanwhile, police arrested of allegations of corruption against He said the incident took place into their respective communities a car veered off the road and three persons on the accusation of the Ministry of Education & the late on Sunday night and it has been due to insecurity, according to flipped over. The victims, all resi- shifting landmines in Sarkano dis- EQUIP programme.” reported that the family had rent- UNICEF. (KP) dents of neighboring Nursitan trict and were being investigated. (Pajhwok)