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AT News Report run a joint investigation with the AT News Report Afghan government over the recent KABUL: Afghan officials attack in Kabul. While expressing KABUL: “There are persons as discussed Saturday the ‘Action optimism over today’s joint rulers who have come to power Plan for Peace and Solidarity’ with Afghan-Pak officials session, he with support of their foreign a Pakistani delegation visited Kabul insited that Afghanitan not only masters and these persons are three days after head of intelligence killing time over submitting unbeliever to Islam,” ousted agency and interior minister were documents anymore. He said that governor of Balkh province, Atta in Islamabad to hand evidences in the past there was denial by Mohammad Noor said. “Some over the recent Kabul attacks. Pakistan, but now the time of rootless and baseless people Following Afghan delegation visit denial finished. Today not only whose identities are not clear and to Pakistan today Pakistan Afghanistan, but different world delegation included civil and have come to power with support countries including USA rose vice of the foreigners want to rule on military officials leading by about Pakistan, he added. There Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua are still some important areas to us,” he added. “Where were these people in the past?” Noor asked a AT News Report visit Kabul “Afghanistan Pakistan be discussed and agreed upon, and The representatives of the Action Plan for peace and both sides remain committed to crowd of his supporters, saying KABUL: Former President, Hamid youth underlined unity of the Solidarity discussed and progress continue their discussion to reach that the nation is the only owner Karzai called the youth as the nation, asking for a suitable has been made in the aspect,” said an agreement on the Afghanistan of this land, those “who have given mighty arms of the country, saying solution for the current crisis. Spokesman for Ministry of Pakistan Action Plan for peace and sacrifices”. He called presidential that Afghanistan would have a They expressed concerns over Foreign Affairs Ahamad Shekib Solidarity, he noted. The next palace as “center of conspiracies bright future with the help of the the foreigners’ plots to disunite Mustaghani. He said that today’s meeting will take place on Ahmad Barmak and Intelligence delegation met with prime minister, that divides the people”. “You capable youth. Afghans. They also called on the session was constructive and also February 9th-10th 2018 in Chief visited Pakistan on interior minister, Inter Services destroyed Afghanistan and the “We will have a stable and Karzai Foundation to provide the the Pakistan delegation pledge to Islamabad. It is pertained to Wednesday and shared some Intelligence (ISI) and the other youth with scholarships so they people are victims due to your developed country with the efforts assess documents submitted by mention that after recent attacks documents regarding terrorist military official of Pakistan and plots every day.” “You are of the youth,” Karzai addressed a continue higher education. Karzai Afghan delegation. He said that based in Pakistan and are threat shared everything clearly and promised to help the youth. in Kabul Afghan delegation insufficient, you are unable, you group of the youth in his office. also Pakistan delegation pledged to including Minister of Interior Wais for Afghanistan. The Afghan asked Islamabad to take action. are thieves and you are unbelievers to Islam.” He warned the government officials to recognize the political elites’ rights, otherwise they would face a crisis. He criticized security officials for being unable to provide security in the capital and provinces. Noor AT News Report has been accusing government KABUL : Russian Ambassador on terrorism were discussed, as the “There was no negotiation in the past 10 days,” Sattar officials of different charges since to Afghanistan Alexander Russian ambassador extended his KABUL: Negotiations between Morad said, calling the government delegation’s business the president’s office announced Mantytskiy has vehemently heartfelt condolence to Atmar on the government and Jamiat party in other issues as the reason. his resignation was approved. condemned the latest terrorist the loss of innocent Afghans in the are over without any agreement over the fate of the ousted Balkh attacks in Kabul, an official said terrorist acts. He reaffirmed Morad says two were still cultural limits,” said Habibullah on Saturday. Russia’s supports for Afghanistan. governor, a party’s senior member said Saturday. unsolved. “Now, everything Janebdar, a political analyst. Qader Shah, spokesman for Atmar thanked the diplomat “There was no negotiation in depends on the government’s Meanwhile, the government says the national security advisor for his gesture and emphasised the past 10 days,” Sattar Morad position. Our proposals guarantee negotiations would continue, with (NSA), told Pajhwok Afghan terrorism would be a serious threat said, calling the government the country’s stability.” People Javid Faisal, spokesman for the News the diplomat denounced the to the region and world until delegation’s business in other issues and analysts are emphasizing on chief executive that says: “we hope assaults at a meeting with Hanif militant sanctuaries were as the reason. the solution of differences between the problems would be solved Atmar in Kabul late on Friday. eliminated outside Afghanistan. The Jamiat had 12 proposals the government and Jamiat. “The through negotiations and people’s Bilateral relations and the war (Pajhwok) from the government, of which, differences are out of the legal and concerns would end.”

AT News Report KABUL: At least 95 militants were killed and 34 others were AT News Report KABUL: A Memorandum of the MoU, tax evasion will be wounded in different crackdowns Understanding on cooperation avoided” ”said Abdullah Habibzai, within past 24 hours. In a was signed Saturday between Ministry of Finance Mayor of Kabul. “After this, the statement issued here, Ministry and Kabul Municipality regarding contingent tax-payers should pay their taxes of Defense, (MoD) said that extension of tax-payer license upon their tax clearance. in accordance with the laws and Afghan National Army (ANA) According to a statement, the memorandum of regulation at the given time in order with the cooperation of the understanding was signed in order to collect and to renew and obtain license, Afghan National Police (ANP) manage the tax-payer revenue better, Kabul otherwise they will be denied and National Directorate of Municipality is required to extend and cancel the tax- access to license” he added. Security (NDS), conducted joint payer license, conditional to their tax clearance and It is worth mentioning that, operations against insurgents in subject to the tax laws. the memorandum of understanding different areas of Nangarhar, There was no communication between the facilitates and speeds up the Ghazni, Logar, Maidan Wardak, Ministry of Finance and the Kabul Municipality process of licensing and tax Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, before signing of the memorandum of understanding. clearance, accurate statistics of tax- Faryab, Baghlan, Farah, Nimroz “The memorandum of understanding aims further payers and identification of new and Helmand provinces. cooperation and coordination between Ministry of categories of taxpayers, raise their Statement said that in these Finance and the Municipality of Kabul” said level of compliance, enforce the operations 95 insurgents including Najeebullah Wardak, deputy finance minister signing. same laws, increase the quality of nine Daesh affiliates were killed “According to the memorandum of understanding, service for citizens, simplifies the and 34 others were injured. the municipality is obliged to renew license of those process of data sharing between Afghan forces also arrested 31 tax-payers owing in the past subject to their tax the parties, saves costs and insurgent and handed over him to clearance “he added. “With the implementation of increase national revenues. judicial organs for further inquiry. During these operations in the past 24 hours, 51 Taliban fighters were killed, two wounded and 31 others arrested in Maiwand district of Kandahar, 167 rifles of different weapons and an enemy vehicle destroyed in the district, 19 insurgents were killed and 23 others wounded in Khwaja Sabzposh district of Faryab, nine rebels were killed and six others wounded in Andar and Dehyak districts of Ghazni, also two ammunition cache, 255 mines and Addressing the general session of the High Peace “The door of peace for those 630 kg explosives belonged to Council meeting on Saturday, President Ashraf Ghani behind the tragedy (in enemy destroyed in the said the peace door for those involved in the recent mentioned districts, nine Daesh Afghanistan) is closed,” he said. fighters were killed in Achin attacks in Afghanistan is no longer open and that “We will chase them (militants) government will hunt the attackers down no matter district of Nangarhar. Similar, five anywhere they hide. Afghanistan insurgents killed and a drug where they are hiding. “The door of peace for those will take revenge,but wisely.” factory destroyed in Kajaki and behind the tragedy (in Afghanistan) is closed,” he Nadali districts of Helmand, one said. “We will chase them (militants) anywhere they terrorist killed and two other hide. Afghanistan will take revenge, but wisely.” He an Afghan-led process. wounded in Sayedabad district of said the severity of the Kabul attacks this month He added that one of the Maidan Wardak, one killed, one was because of the success of the High Peace Council, reasons that people align wounded and one arrested in not the failure of Afghans. He said the Taliban at war themselves with the Taliban is Padkhwab area center of Logar with Afghanistan, those killing the people, are not because of shortcomings in province. During these part of Afghanistan’s society and that recent attacks government. He recommends operations, 26 Taliban fighters in Kabul have defined this route. Ghani said war is government bring reforms so as to were killed, 22 wounded and one the only option against those who carried out such prevent people from joining arrested in Andar district of heinous crimes. But peace was in the interests of the militant groups. Ghazni, 11 insurgents including a nation, he said. Ghani added that the issues discussed Khalili stated that the HPC local commander were killed and at Saturday’s conference will be shared with the will start negotiations with anti- 11 mines discovered and international community at the Kabul Process government armed militants who confiscated in Khakriz district of want to negotiate. He commended Kandahar, one rebels killed and conference – which will be held later this month. At another wounded in Nadali Saturday’s event, Mohammad Karim Khalili, the head the Afghan security forces for district of Helmand. In past 24 of the High Peace Council, said a negotiations process defending the country against hours, 11 planed clearing is the only way to ensure enduring peace in threats but said a peace process operations, 38 Special Forces Afghanistan. He said people have consensus on two was the only way to achieve operations conducted in 11 issues: the need for peace and reaching peace through lasting peace. (ToloNews) provinces; also. SUNDAY .FEBRURAY 04, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Request for “Expressions of Interest” for National Individual Consultants Organization: Project Coordination Unit (PCU) Project: Irrigation Restoration and Development Project (IRDP) Reference No.: MEW/ PCU/ REOI/ 591 Announcement Date: 04- Feb- 18 Closing Date: 25- Feb -2018

Nationality: Afghanistan Duration: one year (Likely to be extended) The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ministry of Energy & Water has applied for a grant from the International Development Association toward the cost of Irrigation Restoration and Development Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this “grant” to payments for hiring the services of following qualified national individual consultants.

Srl Brief details of the consultant’s position Job Description/Duties and Required Qualification and responsibilities Experience

1 Senior Water History Research Specialist, ·Identify and liaise with background · Having at least Master’s or its (C- 926)Duration: 12 months from the paper authors to use as reference for equivalent degree in Codicology start of the project subject to satisfactory background of water history Study, ,Dari literature or history with 5 work.Duty Station: Kabul, Ministry of comment on the contributions received years working experience or having Energy and Water, Willingness to travel from them and integrate them in the Bachelor’s degree with 7 years’ to the field if required report. experience in relevant/ similar · Provide feedback on water history works(surveys and researches) during the review of Water law of with exposure to participatory Afghanistan specially from the old development in historical water documents (8-9th Centuries of distribution studies or related Afghanistan) . works.; · Develop Terms of Reference for · Having experience and Water history study in order to analyze expertise to read and analyze the old and handwrites manuscripts and special manuscripts used in the papers of Water history and water documents 8-9 th centuries, division in Afghanistan · Being familiar in the historical · Contribute to the finalization of the water and irrigation issues in report by interacting with the editing Afghanistan and the production teams, including Specific skills required: participating in various rounds of · Demonstrate knowledge and proofreading of chapter. drafts, fact experience of special manuscripts of checking, ensuring consistency of data old documents related to water used throughout the study report. management and Irrigation in · Undertake study on conceptual and Afghanistan. methodological areas of Afghanistan · Ability to use personal water division history. computers and related software. · Find out background studies and · Ability to express ideas researches for Afghanistan water concisely and clearly in English and division history at national and one of the local languages. international level (regional archives) if · Writing skills and demonstrated available and accessible. ability to develop written reports · Develop and maintain close and action plans. collaboration with academics, and researches in various universities and research institutions and statistical agencies. · Contribute to outreach and advocate the message of the report to provide the Afghanistan digital and physical library of water and water division and water distribution historically. · Conduct field and librarian study if required from historically point of view. · Making the bibliography of water and water distribution in Afghanistan from old documents ( 8-9th centuries) · Perform other duties as required by the H.E Minister, PCU Director and IRDP Manager.

The Project Coordination Unit (PCU) of IRDP under Ministry of Energy and water now invites National eligible consultants to indicate their interest. Interested eligible candidates must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services and are invited to submit their CV(Curriculum Vitae), including employment records, description of similar assignments carried out, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills etc. The covering application letter should indicate that he meets all the required qualifications and experience (as mentioned above) quoting references to various paragraphs of CV to demonstrate this. A consultant will be selected in accordance with Section VSelection of Individual Consultants procedures set out in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers (January 2011). Interested eligible consultants may obtain further information from the address below during the office hours 08:00 am to 16:30 pm from Saturday to Wednesday or by e-mail. Expressions of interest must be delivered or sent by e-mail to the address below no later than 25- Feb -2018 Eng. Nasir Ahmad ”Ahadi” Acting Director of Project Coordination Unit PCU Ministry of Energy and Water Mobile: 0700686110 Email address: - [email protected] Copy to [email protected], [email protected] SUNDAY .FEBRURAY 04, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

A 26-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl both committed suicide on Friday in the province. The incidents were not linked.

Two women committed suicide on Amani said the incident by eating rat poison. She had lived Friday in Sar-e-Pul, in separate happened in Bazar Kami village of in Kharaba village in the provincial incidents, local officials said Sayyad district of Sar-e-Pul and capital. Amani said she had been Saturday. that her husband, her father-in-law engaged for three years but he did According to officials both and her mother-in-law have been not provide further information. appeared to have committed arrested. Meanwhile, Nasima Arozo, the suicide due to family problems. Amani said the woman had head of Sar-e-Pul’s woman affairs Provincial governor children but did not provide any department, said since the spokesman Zabiullah Amani said details. beginning of this solar year (March that on Friday a 26-year-old According to Amani, in a 2017), 40 women attempted to woman took an overdose of tablets. separate incident, a 17-year-old girl commit suicide while another four She had problems at home, he said. also committed suicide on Friday committed suicide. (ToloNews)

A Balkh woman is making inroads women in the factory are the into the local market after opening breadwinners in their families and a spaghetti factory in Dehdadi said they are happy to have work. district of Balkh province. One female employee said that by In addition the factory working at the factory she was able provides jobs to 30 other females. to cover her family’s expenses. Ruqia Hakimi, the owner of the “We must also work, because work KABUL (Pajhwok): The prices of factory, said she was tried of being is not just for males, females must firewood and gold have dipped unemployed and two years ago, also work,” said Bilqes, another while the rates of other essential along with five other women, factory worker. Zahra, who is 20 items remain steady during the started the factory. years old and is in the 10th grade, JALALABAD: A 12-years-old outgoing week in the capital Kabul, Hakimi said they implemented has also been working at the boy has shouldered all market source said Saturday. their business plan and currently factory for a year. She said the responsibilities of his family in Haji Hassain, a firewood seller employ thirty other women. “On money she earns is paying for her eastern Nangarhar province since in Charahi Shaheed area of Kabul a daily bases we use 49kg of flour schooling. “I am going to school his elder brother was killed in Jan told Pajhwok Afghan News the and if the demand is high at the and also working in the factory 27 ambulance bombing in capital price of 560 kilograms of peeled market we even use double that,” and the salary I get I use for my Kabul. Sanaullah lost his elder oak dipped from 7,500 Afghanis Hakimi said. Hakimi believes that stationary,” Zahra said. These brother, Mohammad Wajid, to the to 7,200 Afghanis and the same a small investment can improve the women however said if massive bombing in Kabul’s quantity of cedar from 7,000afs to financial status of people. Hakimi government supports small Sadarat Square, in which 103 6,800afs. has however called on government businesses by giving start up loans people were killed and hundreds He linked decline in firewood to help them with small loans, and and if the public buys their more injured. The Taliban have prices to low demand. The she has urged the public to support products local businesses, theirs claimed responsibility for the firewood prices declined after locally made products. Most of the included, will grow. (ToloNews) Saturday’s bombing which was January 10 when 560kg of peeled carried out through an ambulance oak cost 7,800afs and the same in front of Jamhoriat hospital, quantity of cedar 7,200afs. drawing worldwide condemnation. However, the prices of fuel and The dead included Mohammad liquefied gas remained steady. Wajid, a resident of Kama district Abdul Hadi, a worker at Wazir of eastern Nangarhar province, who Abad Fuel Station in Kabul, told had travelled to Kabul to eke out a Pajhwok Afghan News one liter of living for his family. diesel cost 45afs and the same Now the head of the family is amount of petrol 45afs, the same 12-years-old Sanaullah as their rates of last week’s. father, Nashtar Gul, is serving a Ahmadullah, a gas dealer in 20-year jail term. Kolola Pushta area, said the rate Gul has been convicted in a of one kilogram of the commodity dispute with his relatives. On that remained stable at 55afs. remain unchanged. Food Traders and the same amount of African for 300afs and the same quantity fateful day, Wajid was on his way The prices of gold also Union head, Fazal Rahman, said black tea 300afs -- same prices as of black African tea for 350afs. to a mobile phone repairing shop decreased. 50kg of Kazkhstani flour cost last week’s. Ahmad Wali Panjsheri, According to Sadaqat Money to get repaired his cell phone when Haji Fawad Ahmad Salehzada, 1,100afs, 49kg of Pakistani sugar who owns a grocery store in Dahn- Exchange Service in Sara-I- the massive bombing occurred, a jeweler in Timor Shahi area, said from 1,650afs, 16 liters of Khurshid i-Bagh area, sold a 49-kg bag of Shahzada in Kabul, one US dollar taking his life. Back at home, the price of one gram of Arabian ghee 1,020afs and 24kg of Pakistani sugar for 1,800afs, a 16-litre tin of accounted for 68.75afs and 1,000 Sanaullah waited for three days gold decreased from 2,450afs to rice 2,000afs. Meanwhile, Noor ghee for 1,100afs, a 50-kg sack of Pakistani rupees for 606afs this but did not receive any call from 2,400afs and the same quantity of Ahmad Khairkhwa, a tea seller in Kazakhstani flour for 1,180afs, 24- week, against last week's rates of his brother until someone informed Russian variety from 1,950afs to Kabul Mandavi, said a kilogram of kg Pakistani rice for 2,400afs, a 69.10afs and 610afs respectively. him over the phone about the death 1,900afs. The prices of food items Indonesian green tea cost 280afs kilogram of green Indonesian tea (Pajhwok) of his brother Wajid was buried in Kama district on Tuesday and his father was released on guarantee to attend his son’s funeral and return back to the prison. After the burrial, Sanaullah was once standing besides his father, looking at his brother’s grave. When MAZAR-I-SHARIF: Farmers in time for wheat cultivation on rain- approached by this scribe, northern Balkh province are fed land was over. Future snow and Sanaullah was unable to talk much. concerned at inadequate snowfall rainfall, therefore, would not be He requested the government to this year, fearing that continued beneficial for rge crop, he argued. release his father after losing his FARAH: An Iranian national has a resident of northeastern Mashhad Ahmad Sherzad said. drought will damage their crops. “Wheat on rain-fed farms elder son. He started crying, saying been detained for trafficking 68 city, had skillfully hidden the drug, He told Pajhwok Afghan News In most parts of northern should have been cultivated earlier. “my father is imprisoned, free him, 3 shops gutted kilograms of crystal meth in a popularly known as ice, in his the drug was seized during a joint Afghanistan, including Balkh, the When the weather gets hotter, there is no one in our family to trailer vehicle near the border with trailer which was confiscated at the operation of border and time for crop cultivation on rain- plants should have grown up,” he help us, only my mother and in Kabul’s Iran in western Farah province, Sheik Abu Nasar Farahi dry port, counternarcotics police. fed land is over, they say. More said, adding farmers were worried sisters are left in home, I had only police said on Friday. The Iranian, Farah police chief Brig. Fazl (Pajhwok) snowfall and rains are unlikely, the about a decline in yield. one brother who was martyred, third police growers believe. Agriculture Director Sirajuddin I..I.. request the government to Haji Abdul Qayyum, a farmer Mehraban confirmed to Pajhwok release my father.” Sanaullah, his district, from the Chamtal district, told the wheat cultivated on rain-fed mother and sisters are currently Pajhwok Afghan News Balkh land in Balkh had not germinated living with his maternal uncle and say police always faced a shortage of water. yet. He said they were still the family still fears Sanaullah’s Both rain-fed and irrigated lands expecting rain and snowfall. More paternal uncle, with whom his KABUL: A fire gutted three shops in the province need rains and rains and snowfall would prepare father had disputed. Nashtari Gul near the Khatimun Nabiyeen snowfall. “No, it was not enough the ground for spring crops, the thanked Mirwais Yasini, a University in Kabul on Saturday morning, an official said. Police this time around. In the past, it official thought, saying Balkh parliament member who helped spokesman Basir Mujahid told would snow every winter four or needed 400 cubic metres of water find his dead son and guaranteed Pajhwok Afghan News the fire five times. But this year, the per second. Currently 34 cubic his temporary release from the occurred in inside a fuel shop in an snowfall has been scant,” he said, metres of water were provided in prison. Gul, whose eyes had auto workshop in the 3rd police referring to the wet spell at the a second. He termed the water turned red after having cried too district at around 8:30am. He said weekend in Balkh. shortage a big issue, stressing the much over his son’s death, was three shops were gutted before Mohammad Anwar, hailing need for government help in dealing concerned about his family. firefighters extinguished the blaze. from Char-Bulak district, said the with the situation. (Pajhwok) (Pajhwok) An eyewitness, Mohammad Yousaf, said an explosion was heard in the area but later he came to know that a gas cylinder blast triggered the fires at the fuel shop. (Pajhwok)

TIRINKOT: Without any this solar year after the Taliban qualification or degree, some ordered so. individuals are working as doctors Mohammad Nasim, a resident and nurses in various parts of of Chora district, told Pajhwok central Uruzgan province, Afghan News that a man who including the provincial capital, formerly served as a prayer leader Tirinkot, putting at risk the lives was now dispensing medical of many people, residents say. advise and selling medicines on The residents complain the people at his private clinic in the lack of attention and monitoring district bazaar. on the part of the provincial public He said dozens of people daily health department, the number of visited the fake doctor and so far quacks in the province has no public health department increased, fleecing the mostly official had taken notice of the uneducated people. On the other activity. hand, the government-run The residents of Tirinkot say hospitals and clinics have been a large number of fake doctors have struggling with various problems opened their private clinics in the but doctors and nurses in these not monitor or prevent fake including lack of doctors, city. One of them, Aminullah, said facilities did not possess any doctors from operating. Officials medicines and other facilities, there were three private hospitals qualification or degree, putting at at the provincial public health allowing the untrained medical and dozens of clinics which risk the lives of mothers during department contended that they practitioners to operate privately. operated without any legal childbirth. Civil society activist, could not put hand on the quacks While all state-run hospitals permission. Javed Khpalwak, said the because they had the backing of and clinics across Uruzgan had He said a number of maternity provincial public health department powerful individuals and warlords. been shut for three months during centers were operational in the city was weak to the extent that it could (Pajhwok) SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday addressed the Global Investors Summit in Guwa- hati, where he said the northeastern region was at the heart of India’sAct East Policy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi it. The Act East Policy requires reforms, changed working of offi- minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Myanmar officials have denied a independently accessing the con- reiterated they had not heard of said on Saturday the northeast is increased people to people con- cial machinery’ Modi said his gov- chief ministers of Arunachal report of five mass graves of Ro- flict zone.On Saturday government any massacres near their village," at the heart of India’s Act East tact, trade ties and other relations ernment has undertaken many path Pradesh and Manipur, ambassa- hingya in a village in crisis-hit Ra- media reported that Rakhine state it added. However, authorities said Policy for connecting with South- with countries on India’s east, par- breaking economic reforms, mak- dors and high commissioners of 16 khine, a border region gutted by a authorities had refuted a recent there had been deadly clashes be- east Asia and build trade and peo- ticularly Asean countries,” Modi ing the country the most preferred countries, RIL chairman Mukesh military crackdown on the Mus- Associated Press investigation that tween security forces and Ro- ple-to-people ties with the Asean said. “Our vision is development investment destination with the Ambani, Tata Sons chairman N lim minority. Myanmar troops are said testimony from Rohingya ref- hingya militants in the village on bloc. Addressing the Global Inves- of the eastern part of India, as the highest FDI in last fiscal at $ 60 Chandrasekharan besides other. accused of waging an ethnic cleans- ugees and time-stamped cell phone August 28, several days after the tors Summit in Guwahati, Modi country’s fast pace of develop- billion. He said the NDA govern- Assam is hosting its first global ing campaign against the Rohingya, videos revealed the existence of sweeping military crackdown was said the tagline of the meet ”Ad- ment will only be effective when ment has speeded up the function- investors summit to showcase its nearly 700,000 of whom have fled five previously unreported mass launched. vantage Assam: India’s express- the people living in the northeast ing of official machinery and “we manufacturing opportunities and to Bangladesh since last graves in Rakhine's Gu Dar Pyin Nineteen "terrorists" were killed way to ASEAN” was very appro- develop,” he said. Modi said roads want all programmes to be com- geostrategic advantages to foreign August.Myanmar denies the alle- village.After an inspection of the in the violence and buried, accord- priate and not just a statement but and railways are being construct- pleted before target”. Those and domestic investors. The sum- gation, saying it launched a pro- village, a team of officials, police ing to the report, which did not it is a “comprehensive vision”. ed at a faster pace in the northeast present at the event included Bhu- mit aims at highlighting Assam’s portionate crackdown on Ro- and locals "refuted the AP report," elaborate on the location or nature “We created the Act East Policy and electricity is being generated tanese PM Tshering Tobgay, sev- core competencies in different sec- hingya rebels, but has blocked re- said the state-run Global New of the graves. and the northeast is at the heart of at a similar pace. ‘Undertaken big eral Union ministers, Assam chief tors along. (Hindustan Times) porters and UN investigators from Light of Myanmar."The villagers (PressTV) UNsupports Sri Lanka Nepalesepolicearrest 13illegal Bangladesh’s Chinesedoctors in raids on efforts to urges protect Maldives Kathmanduhospitalsandclinics Rohingya The Chinese embassy in Nepal has palese government’s crackdown, reminded its nationals to strictly adding that its citizens had to re- camps to uphold abide by local laws and regulations spect the local culture and tradi- after the arrest late last month of tions, the report said. Some of the 13 Chinese citizens working ille- health centres the foreigners were 2 February 2018 – The United gally as doctors in Kathmandu. working at were unregistered, ac- Nations refugee agency and its The 13 were among 17 foreigners cording to The Himalayan Times. partners are ramping up to assist the rule of law Bangladesh’s efforts to mitigate caught in a series of raids by Ne- The raids were the result of a pal’s Central Investigation Bureau tip-off and conducted in coordina- some expected impacts of the up- on January 29, China News Ser- tion with the Nepal Medical Coun- coming monsoon season in the The Sri Lankan Government today said it is observing the evolving vice reported on Saturday. None cil and the Forum for Protection country, during which, according situation in the Maldives and urged all parties to uphold the law fol- of the detainees had permission to of Consumer Rights. ‘It’s good for to an initial risk analysis, at least lowing that country's Supreme Court ruling to release opposition lead- operate as doctors in the country the country, but my family may 100,000 Rohingya refugees could ers. "Sri Lanka is observing the evolving situation in the Maldives. We and some had been performing sur- suffer’: Nepalese villagers in lim- be in grave danger from landslides urge all parties to uphold the rule of law and the constitution, and find gery in local hospitals, the report bo as fate of Chinese-built dam and floods. “The adverse weather a peaceful solution to the current situation," Ministry of Foreign Af- said. Their names were not dis- hangs in balance “The raids were conditions, including potential cy- fairs said in a statement. The Maldivian Supreme Court on Thursday closed but the embassy said the carried out in ... Apollo Hospital, clones, could put tens of thousands ordered the immediate release and retrial of the exiled former president Chinese nationals had access to Thamel, CIWEC Hospital, three of Rohingya refugees staying at the Mohamed Nasheed and eight other opposition leaders saying their lawyers and the embassy would Lazimpat and Boudha-based highly congested settlements in trials had violated the constitution. Mr. Nasheed, who is currently in provide necessary help. Is Nepal health centres China Great Wall, Cox’s Bazar district at serious exile in Sri Lanka, told BBC that he will return from exile to contest falling for China’s soft power China Dental and China People,” risk,” Andrej Mahecic, spokesper- elections. Mr. Nasheed, was Maldives' first democratically elected leader. charm offensive? The embassy CIB spokesman Jeevan Kumar son for the Office of the UN High (Colombo) said it firmly supported the Ne- Shrestha was quoted as saying. Commissioner for Refugees (UN- (BBC) HCR) told reporters at the regular press briefing in Geneva, Switzer- land, on Friday. The findings of an initial risk analysis of the world’s largest refugee settlement area in Ahead of Madhya Kutapalong and Balukhali indicate that at least 100,000 of the more than 569,000 refugees there could Pradesh polls, Shivraj be in grave danger from landslides and floods. Up to one third of the settlement area could be flooded. Singh Chouhan inducts As a result, more than 85,000 ref- ugees could lose their shelters. Another 23,000 refugees living on steep slopes within the site could 3 new ministers be at risk of landslides, Mr. Ma- hecic said. Key services in the set- Madhya Pradesh tlement are also at risk of being washed away, including latrines, chief minister washrooms, tube wells, and health centres, and access roads into the Shivraj Singh Chou- settlements could be blocked and han inducted inaccessible to vehicles, making it hard to provide emergency aid. Balkrishna Patidar, There is also a high risk for public Narayan Singh health situation, especially of out- breaks of communicable diseases, Kushwaha and he added. The Government of Jalam Singh Patel Bangladesh has acknowledged and committed to addressing these as ministers of concerns, while UN and humani- state, ahead of the tarian partners have set up an emer- gency preparedness group to co- assembly elections ordinate these efforts. UNHCR has already taken a number of The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf consultations were held over for- In addition, the meeting re- later this year. steps, including provision of bio- (PTI) on Friday discussed award- mulating a strategy in the Senate viewed progress of the Khyber- degradable sandbags to help anchor ing of tickets to party candidates elections and award of the related Pakhtunkhwa government. Senate the structures in heavy rains. Sev- for the Senate polls during a meet- tickets. The press release did not polls to be held for 46 seats on Madhya Pradesh chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday expanded his ministry, inducting three new faces ahead of assembly elections in the state due later this year. BJP MLA from Gwalior, Narayan eral engineering projects are also ing of the central executive com- mention if any names were fina- March 3 With at least six of its underway to build bamboo-rein- mittee’s core group chaired by lised for the Senate polls sched- new lawmakers expected to get Singh Kushwaha, took oath as a cabinet minister while Narsingpur legislator Jalam Singh Patel and Khargone MLA Balkrishna Patidar were made minister of states, purportedly to woo Patidar, Lodhi and Kushwaha forced footpaths and stairs, raised Chairman Imran Khan. PTI lead- uled for March 3 on 46 seats. Us- elected to the upper house of par- communities. Governor Anandiben Patel administered the oath of office to the new ministers at a function in bridges, bamboo/brick/concrete re- ers – including Khyber-Pakh- man Dar briefed the meeting about liament, the PTI is eyeing to be- the Raj Bhavan in Bhopal. Balkrishna’s inclusion in the cabinet is seen as an effort by the BJP government taining walls for soil stabilisation tunkhwa Chief Minister Pervaiz the disqualification case being come the third largest political par- to placate the Patidar community that was angry with the saffron party following their agitation for reserva- and drainage networks. Khattak, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, moved by the PTI against Foreign ty in terms of its strength in the tion benefits in Gujarat and violent farmer stir in Mandsaur last year. Four of the five farmers killed in the The work is scheduled to start Asad Umar, Shah Farman, Ali Minister Khawaja Asif. It was de- Senate. Currently, the PTI stands police firing in the agitation on June 6 last year were from the Patidar community. Induction of Kushwaha within the next few weeks to level Amin Gandapur, Fawad Chaudhry cided that the PTI would soon at the fourth position, given its and Patel (from Lodhi community) in the ministry will help the party to consolidate its support base among some of the steep hilltops to re- and Azam Swati –besides others move the apex court to have Kha- strength of seven senators in the the two communities, who have a significant presence in the state where the BJP is in power since 2003. duce the risk of landslides, as well attended the meeting. PTI set to waja disqualified in the corruption house and only one of its sena- Singh is the brother of former union minister Prahlad Singh Patel. The state has now 20 cabinet ministers, as to increase the amount of use- emerge third largest party in Sen- cases. The cases against the Sharif tors, Azam Swati, is scheduled to including the chief minister and nine minister of states. According to constitutional provisions, the state can able area. ate A brief press release said the family were also discussed. retire in March. (Tribune) have a maximum of 35 ministers. (ANI) SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief USsays Russia Gunman ppens fire on foreigners developing in drive-by shootings in 'doomsday' Macerata, Italy autonomous (MILAN) — A lone gunman opened fire on foreigners in drive- by shootings in a central Italian nuclear torpedo, city, wounding six people Satur- day morning before being arrest- ed, according to police and the mayor of Macerata. Mayor Ro- as Trump mano Carancini told Sky TG24 that the victims were five men and one woman. One of the vic- tims has life-threatening injuries. administration The suspect was identified as a 28-year-old Italian with no pre- vious record. Carancini con- announces more firmed that all of the victims in ders with Jerusalem as its capital.” media reports cited the unnamed Saturday’s shootings were black. When asked about talks, Abu US official accusing the Palestin- Video posted by the newspaper Rudeineh pointed out that the Is- ians of rejecting talks with the Is- il Resto di Carlino showed what aggressive The Palestinian Authority insist- bas has refused to return to nego- raelis need to believe in negotia- raeli occupation authorities. He appeared to be a body on the ed on Friday that President Mah- tiations. “These claims are irre- tions and the two-state solution, also stressed that the new US ground on a shopping street. The moud Abbas has never rejected any sponsible and incitement,” said not in diktats, stating: When we peace plan had not been proposed shooting spree came days after talks based on the principle of a Nabil Abu Rudeineh, a spokesman asked for a new international mech- yet. On 6 December, US President the murder of 18-year-old Pame- stance to two-state solution, agencies have for the PA Presidency. “We stick anism for the talks, this did not Donald Trump recognised Jerusa- la Mastropietro and amid a heat- mean that we had given up our lem as Israel’s capital, pushing the ed electoral campaign in Italy reported. The comment was made to the serious negotiations which where anti-foreigner sentiment in response to remarks by a senior lead to the establishment of the commitment to talks as a means to PA to reject America’s sponsorship Moscow US official, who claimed that Ab- Palestinian state on the 1967 bor- achieve peace with Israel. Mass of the peace process. (BBC) has become a key theme. (BBC) Defence department report Zuma should says Moscow has been work- Russiaacts resign, says ing on range of 'new war- to prevent senior official heads and launchers' in South 'inevitable' Africa's ruling Israeli party attack South African President Jacob Zuma should step down, a se- A high-ranking Russian delegation nior ruling African National Con- held talks with Palestinian leader- gress official said, raising fresh ships in Ramallah on Friday to pressure on Zuma who has been avoid an “inevitable” attack weakened since Cyril Ramapho- planned by Tel Aviv against Irani- sa became ANC leader in Decem- an missile factories hidden in south- ber. South Africa’s President Ja- ern Lebanon and Syria. The Rus- cob Zuma arrives for the 30th sian initiative followed talks with Ordinary Session of the Assem- Israeli officials, who expressed bly of the Heads of State and the their fears from the spread of the Government of the African Union Iranian power in the region. In- in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Janu- formed sources said that late last ary 28, 2018. Zuma faces a grow- month, Israeli Prime Minister Ben- ing chorus of calls for him to re- yamin Netanyahu discussed with sign as president and is expected Russian President Vladimir Putin to meet the ANC’s six most pow- in Moscow “the continuous sup- erful officials this weekend, state The Pentagon has warned Russia “These include air-to-surface mis- ply of arms to Hezbollah, hinting broadcaster SABC said. Deputy is developing a “nuclear-armed, siles, short range ballistic missiles, about Israel’s decision to attack President Ramaphosa is in pole undersea autonomous torpedo”, as gravity bombs, and depth charges Iranian arms factories and Hezbol- position to win an election next Donald Trump’s administration for medium-range bombers, tacti- Lebanese Prime Minister Saad iri told his supporters that his slain Hariri added. President Michel Hariri has said that the recent up- father former PM Rafik Hariri and Aoun spoke with Speaker Nabih lah positions in Syria and Leba- year and many in the party want outlined a more aggressive stance cal bombers, and naval aviation, as non.” The sources said that based Zuma out so that Ramaphosa can towards Moscow. The US de- well as anti-ship, anti-submarine, heaval in the country “was a les- himself had been the target of in- Berri by telephone Thursday, eas- son for everyone, that loud rheto- sults much worse than those cur- ing heightened tensions following on this information, a Russian del- embark on his anti-corruption fence department said Russia has and anti-aircraft missiles and tor- egation, including National Securi- agenda. “There should be a been constructing a “new intercon- pedoes for surface ships and sub- ric does not lead to a solution but rently effecting the country. “But offensive remarks made by For- creates political tension.” It was we have always thought that the eign Minister Jebran Bassil against ty Council Secretary Nikolai Patru- change of guard. You can’t have tinental, nuclear-armed, nuclear- marines, a nuclear groundlaunched shev, was tasked to “carefully two centres of power. The best powered” weapon, in a policy cruise missile in violation of the also a lesson that “the use of weap- country’s dignity is more impor- the speaker. The remarks triggered ons to solve political disputes will tant than the dignity of people and a wave of street protests by Ber- study the Israeli fears from possible way is if the state pres- statement known as the Nuclear 1987 INF Treaty, and Moscow’s Hezbollah and Iran in Syria, par- ident exits,” ANC treasurer-gen- Posture Review (NPR). Officials antiballistic missile system.” The only lead to strife,” Hariri said on parties, and that our country de- ri’s supporters from Amal Move- Friday in a speech at a Future serves concessions from our part,” ment who blocked main roads in ticularly after Tehran rejected eral Paul Mashatile told CNBC warned that upon detonation, the document also outlined the US Moscow’s requests to pull out its Africa late on Friday. undersea device could cause large multibillion nuclear deterrence ef- Movement ceremony in Beirut. he said. Beirut and set fire to tires and to “Closing roads and burning tires “The voice of reason and wisdom pictures of Aoun and Bassil, who forces from south Syria.” US De- areas of radioactive contamination, fort targeted at Russia. The mili- fense Secretary James Mattis said with some analysts describing it tary is considering developing does not lead to any solution,” the prevailed yesterday (Thursday) is the president’s son-in-law and PM stated. “Even those who car- over the voice of motorcycles, stop- heads his Free Patriotic Move- the US has no evidence that the Czech PM as a “doomsday weapon”. But the smaller means of carrying the pay- chemical agent sarin has ever been White House said Russia would loads, after concerns were raised ry weapons inside Lebanon are ping a problem that could have tak- ment. now afraid of it,” he stressed. Har- en the country to another level,” (BBC) used by the Syrian government in raises prospect face “unacceptably dire costs” if that Moscow saw US nuclear Damascus’ Ghouta. However, it were to threaten even a limited weapons as too big to be used, and Mattis said his country was look- nuclear attack in Europe. The therefore not a viable nuclear de- ing into information obtained from of early Trump administration announced terrent. The report also said North other groups; NGOs and fighters it would continue much of Presi- Korea represented a “clear and Winter Olympics: North Korea on the ground. “We are looking for election if no dent Barack Obama’s nuclear grave threat” to the US and its al- evidence of it,” he said, adding that weapons policies, but would take lies, and said any attempt by the the US is now “even more con- a harder line towards Russia. The North Korean regime to attack presses ahead with military parade cerned about the possibility of deal on new report said Vladimir Putin's regime would result “in the end of that sarin use.” For its part, Moscow had been developing a range of regime”. It also cast China as a North Korea has defended plans accused Washington of working to government “new nuclear warheads and launch- potential nuclear adversary, say- for a large-scale military parade undermine any chances of politi- ers” and modernising “legacy” So- ing the US arsenal is tailored to scheduled for the day before the cal settlement in Syria by renew- viet nuclear systems. “Russia is “prevent Beijing from mistakenly Winter Olympics in South Korea. ing claims of the “chemical.” Czech Prime Minister Andrej modernising an active stockpile of concluding” that it could gain ad- Pyongyang's annual military pa- France said on Friday it was “deep- Babis said on Saturday that ear- up to 2,000 non-strategic nuclear vantage by using its nuclear weap- rade to mark the founding of its ly concerned” that Syria's govern- ly elections could be a last resort weapons, including those employ- ons in Asia, or that “any use of armed forces has taken place in ment was flouting its pledges to if he fails to win support for a able by ships, planes, and ground nuclear weapons, however limit- April for 40 years. From 2018, stop using chemical weapons. Sep- new government after his minor- forces,” the summary reads. ed, is acceptable”. (AFP) ity cabinet lost a confidence vote however, it has been changed to 8 arately, UN Secretary General last month. Czech Prime Minis- February - when athletes will gath- Antonio Guterres said that the ter Andrej Babis speaks to me- er in Pyeongchang for the opening peace operation conducted by his dia after tendering the resignation ceremony the following day. North envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistu- of his cabinet to President Milos Egyptian army Korea said that no-one had the right ra, has reached a fruitful phase. Zeman at the Prague, Castle in to take issue with its plans. A col- Speaking about the Syrian politi- Prague, Czech Republic, January umn in the ruling Workers' Party cal process and the Russia-spon- 24, 2018. The billionaire busi- newspaper - the Rodong Sinmun - sored Congress of the Syrian Na- destroystunnel dismissed views that the event was tional Dialogue in Sochi, he said nessman’s anti-establishment ANO party won a parliamenta- provocative or designed to show- military on 25 April. The 2018 celebration, however, will mark the 70th that there is an understanding that ry election last October but lacks case the North's nuclear weapons. anniversary of the foundation of the Korean People's Army, which was the Constitutional Committee a majority. With a booming econ- under Gaza border Instead, the newspaper said, "it is established on 8 February 1948. North Korea's military parades are should at the very least comprise omy and rising wages, ANO ap- a custom and very basic common usually large-scale affairs, often featuring thousands of troops and a the Government, opposition rep- pealed to voters with its pledge sense that any country in the world display of missiles or other military hardware. The Pyeongchang Win- resentatives in the intra-Syrian to fight corruption, streamline takes the founding anniversary of ter Olympics have been the subject of sudden co-operation between the talks in Geneva, Syrian experts, government, fix outdated roads its military very seriously and cel- two Korean nations. The two countries will march under a unified civil society, independents, tribal and cut taxes. Babis faces allega- ebrates it with extravagant events," banner at the event, and even field a joint women's ice hockey team. leaders and women. It would also tions that he fraudulently claimed according to South Korea's Yon- But the diplomatic spat over the military parade threatens to cast a include adequate representation of European Union subsidies worth hap news. Pyongyang previously shadow over proceedings. Syria’s ethnic and religious com- 2 million euros a decade ago and held its main celebration of the (BBC) ponents. other parties decline to work with him. He denies wrongdoing and ANO refuses to nominate another candidate for prime min- ister. “If we don’t reach agree- ment (with other parties) then Donald Trump to get tough with maybe the only solution will be early elections,” he said in an in- terview with daily Pravo, adding it was “a last resort” he did not Russia over nuclear weapons want. His ally President Milos Zeman also opposes the idea. Donald Trump is taking a more aggressive stance against Russia when it Babis said he would seek sup- comes to nuclear weapons. His government announced yesterday it would port by the end of this month continue the Obama administration’s nuclear weapons policy but go even and then ask parliament for a further in relation to Russia. Several wounded after gunman opens fire on confidence vote. He views sin- busy street in Italy It warned the super power it would face ‘unacceptably gle-party government as the best dire costs’ if it were to threaten even a limited nuclear attack in Europe. option and said he would con- The Egyptian army announced on Friday the destruction of a tunnel North Korea was also mentioned in the review, with the US describing it as tinue talks on gaining support under the Gaza border, Anadolu has reported. A spokesman said that a ‘clear and grave threat’. It warned the regime would end if it ever launched from the far-left Communist par- explosive devices in three warehouses as well as a tunnel used by “ter- a nuclear attack against the US or its allies. MORE: Man accused of tortur- ty and far-right, anti-EU SPD rorists” were destroyed. Since September 2015, the Egyptian army has ing pets by slapping rabbit and tearing guinea pig’s hair out Russian Presi- party. His Foreign Minister Mar- been pumping sea water under the border in an attempt to destroy all of dent Vladimir Putin (Picture: EPA) China was also addressed, with Amer- tin Stropnicky, said in an inter- the tunnels used by the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip to smug- ican officials stating its arsenal would ‘prevent Beijing from mistakenly view with Mlada Fronta Dnes, gle essential goods. The tunnels have been described as Gaza’s “lifeline” concluding’ that it could gain advantage by using its nuclear weapons in that he and other ANO members but Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi has backed the Israeli-led Asia. The nuclear posture review, which was ordered by Trump a year ago, would have a problem relying on siege by trying to destroy all of them. The Egyptian authorities claim also seemingly referred to cyber-attacks when it stated it would confront support from the SPD. that the tunnels are used by Daesh and other terrorists who target the major attacks that ‘may not come in the form of nuclear weapons.’ MORE: (CNN) army and police in Sinai. WORLD Rescued climber describes agonising decision to leave partner to (AFP) die on mountain Disabled boy left covered in blood after 'bullies. SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2018 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 Ahmad Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi By Faisal Al-Shammeri among many, many others. In to- then it would potentially mark the election, surveil or spy, or manipu- day’s world everything is more or most considerable abuse of power late the transition of power if they less on mobile networks, stored on since Watergate. In addition to the feel that they can successfully exe- Advisory editorial board One of the biggest stories making networks, or clouds, and simply not initial questions posed in the open- cute such activities for obtaining an headlines in Washington these days accessible by means of ‘wiretap’.” ing paragraph other questions outcome that will be favorable for Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar centers on allegations of ‘wiretap- Potentially bigger scandal than Wa- should be considered as well. Were them and if it is in their strategic ping’ during the presidential cam- tergate? Surveillance is something there any other candidates placed interest. Soviet Russia almost cer- Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir paign, which involves senior offi- that happens all the time. All states under the same surveillance tech- tainly would not have missed an cials over the Congressional Intelli- engage in surveillance - in one form niques? Where those surveilled in opportunity to do and subsequently Graphic-Designers: gence Committee memos, issued or another. Some is used to monitor both parties of just one? The Rus- The United States would not have during the election to The Office of criminal activity, terrorism, while sian connection The allegation of passed one up either to work with Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada the Presidency of the United States. in other cases surveillance is used to Russia interfering in the election is Soviet dissidents or its assets within Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: It is important to understand what keep track of the actions of foreign critically important as well. As we The Communist Party. The issue words mean and in this case the is- agents, diplomats and intelligence have been told the issue in this sto- ultimately becomes that if Russian Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0782344728, 0778894038 sue relates to the meaning of ‘wire- operatives, among many others. ry is the manipulation by Moscow interference did result in one candi- tapping.’ Simply put, there was no- Countries surveil one another, in- into the Presidential election as the date losing and another being pro- Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan body from the US Government who cluding those who have friendly re- decisive factor that propelled the pelled into the Office of the Presi- stealthily snuck up to the Trump lations. However, the current mat- then candidate into the Office of dency, then proof should be provid- Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 Tower in the dark of night, lowered ter at hand in Washington is differ- the Presidency. But it should be ed. This is an allegation of the high- Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press himself from the rooftop to surgi- ent in context and potentially con- clearly and emphatically stated that est order if a campaign knowingly cally remove a window pane and siderably larger in magnitude. To not only do nation-states spy on used this interference as the deci- applied clamps to a hard phone line protect its interests it is also widely one another, many do interfere in sive factor in winning an election. in order to listen to phone calls. The known that Israel spies on The Unit- the transition of power where the And since it is the outside interfer- crucial questions are what forms of ed States nearly as much as China or possibility exists to do so. We know ence of Moscow that is the essen- The constitution says surveillance were actually used, who Russia does. What we know at the that the previous administration tial element in this story of ‘wire- issued the orders for the surveillance moment is that surveillance of the interfered in the previous election tapping’ then it too deserves clari- Article 134: that was needed to monitor officials Trump campaign did occur. We also in Israel with the goal of removing ty. If this can be proved, then it in the Trump Campaign, and who know that it began well before the Netanyahu from power with the becomes understandable how the Discovery of crimes shall be the duty of police, and investigation and filing the case against the accused had an interest in viewing the intel- in the court shall be the responsibility of the Attorney’s Office, in accordance with the provisions of the law. President became the official nom- ambition of placing the opposition surveillance of a campaign becomes ligence gathered? These would be a inee for his party. We also know in power. To protect its interests, it permissible. However, if none is The Attorney’s Office shall be part of the Executive organ and shall be independent in its performance. The good place to start for the question that officials at the highest levels is also widely known that Israel spies provided or if this activity never organization, authority as well as method of work of the Attorney’s Office shall be regulated by law. Special on surveillance because there was no of the US Government had access on The United States nearly as much occurred then the original questions law shall regulate discovery and investigation of crimes of duty by the armed forces, police and officials of ‘wiretapping.’ Nobody wiretaps fre- to it and that senior officials within as China or Russia does. Tel Aviv need to be looked into with the ut- national security. quently, if at all. Wiretapping as an the White House Cabinet also had has a strategic interest of the high- most urgency: (1) What forms of effective form of surveillance is be- access to it. Potentially, this could est order to know what senior offi- surveillance were actually used, (2) yond outdated and not a frequently be a White House, weaponizing the cials in any US Administration are who ordered that surveillance was used practice in today’s world. How American Intelligence Services, to thinking. It has also been that Mos- needed to monitor officials in The do you ‘wiretap’ an iPhone, iPad or obtain the use of clandestinely ob- cow meddled in Ukrainian presiden- Trump Campaign, (3) who had an Galaxy? You can hack these devices tained intelligence, for the purpose tial elections throughout the last de- interest in viewing the intelligence but not ‘wiretap’ them. There is the of using it against the opposition cade. If it is in the interest to do so gathered, and (4) who actually means of electronic surveillance party. If this turns out to be true, nation-states will interfere in an viewed the intelligence.

ollowing the deadliest wave of terrorism—conducted by Paki stan-based terrorist groups in capital Kabul and other parts of the By Eyad Abu Shakra many claims to the contrary; hence, more powerful regional depth, so anon and Yemen. ‘Shadow govern- country, President Ashraf Ghani in a televised address on Friday regardless of how vehemently they they claimed the need for ‘stability’ mental’ network In Lebanon, said, the center of Taliban terrorists is in Pakistan harboring terrorist From now until elections day sched- may deny it, the Lebanese are much as a justification for accepting the Hezbollah is now so powerful, and uled for next May, the Lebanese more sectarian than they were be- status quo; and now that ‘submis- its ‘shadow governmental’ network groups. President Ghani asked Islamabad to abandon its project of have to endure loud diatribes and fore their Civil - Regional War. Sec- sion’ has become a price worth pay- of organizations so sophisticated, terrorism and start meaningful crackdown against terrorists in its soil, vocal misrepresentations on TV ular and non-sectarian parties and ing to insure ‘stability’ the elections that it is more than able to freely channels, while concealing the real organizations have all but disap- scenario will be a foregone conclu- maneuver, while most of its politi- rather than mare talks, and process on papers. Prior to this, the Na- intentions. To begin with, an elec- peared, and many became weak and sion. A few days ago, I read a bril- cal rivals have reached two conclu- tional Directorate of Security (NDS) Chief Masoom Stanekzai and toral system based on Proportional exploited ‘vehicles’ of various in- liant newspaper article written by sions: 1- Any direct confrontation Representations (PR) is the last telligence services in the post East- the press advisor of a prominent is futile. 2- Iranian expansion, even Interior Minister Wais Ahmad Barmak visited Islamabad, and handed thing Lebanon needed, given its trib- West confrontation. ‘Arab regional Sunni political personality. The ar- its increasing demographic pres- over evidences of Pakistan’s involvement in terrorist attacks in Af- alism sectarianism and political order’ has now collapsed in the light ticle says that Hezbollah, which has ence, would have been impossible schizophrenia. This system is alien of mushrooming ‘failed states’ and pushed for PR while exclusively with tacit international and Israeli ghanistan. In return, a Pakistani delegation arrived in Kabul on Febru- in a country where religious sectar- horrific Arab setbacks in the face of keeping its military arsenal, is now acquiescence. After the ‘July 2006 ary 3 to negotiate issues—an act of deceit, diverting pressure. As far as ianism is now institutionalized, and ‘tri-partite’ ascendancy of Israel, claiming that it is only seeking – War’, many Lebanese later realized has permeated parliament as well as Iran and Turkey. Last but not least, along with its ‘allies’ – one third of it was launched by Israel against the concerned to the responsibilities of unity government and Afghan mass- all positions of government, be the after the West’s victory in the Cold the parliamentary seats, which is ‘Lebanese state’, ‘Lebanese people’ civilian or military. In fact, the Leb- War, the divided and disintegrating enough to protect it from being and ‘Lebanese economy’ rather es, they have been doing it well to a larger extent. The government anese have never practiced PR, and countries of Eastern Europe sought marginalized by others. The truth, than against Hezbollah, and its po- leadership has long advocated peace and decisive fight against terrorist even those who pushed for its adop- refuge in nationalism – in some cas- however, as the article explains, is litical and economic infrastructure. tion disagree on its operational de- es, under Mafia-rule and outright that Hezbollah is shrewdly planning Even today most of Israel’s threats groups and terror sponsor states whenever they speak on regional and tails, due to their mutual doubts, il- racism. Across the former ‘Iron Cur- for an absolute majority through two suggest its willingness to “bring back international forums. The country’s security forces have been chasing lusions and distrust of each other. tain’ Western leaderships mishan- sets of ‘allies’… ‘First Class’ and Lebanon – the whole of Lebanon – The simple fact is that sectarianism dled the ‘New World Order’, and Second Class’! Hezbollah, the arti- to the Stone Age”. Furthermore, the insurgency in mountains and valleys across the country on the cost of in Lebanon is today much worse than suffered almost the same malady; as cle adds, is keen to spare the major tangible outcome of the 2006 War, highest number of sacrifices. Moreover, Afghans—identifying Paki- it was in 1975 when the Lebanese winds of ‘Globalization’ brought players it seeks to help the ‘unease’ which was supposed to keep Hezbol- Civil - Regional War (1975-1990) about by the West’s historic victory of joining its lists in order to por- lah’s military machine north of the stan as an enemy have drawn a line between friends and foes. Howev- broke out. Then, at least, there were: created nationalist, racist and isola- tray them as ‘independent’ within Litani River in South Lebanon, away er, the international community, specifically our strategic allies in fight 1- Multi-sect parties and political tionist reactions that are re-defin- their sectarian communities; thus from the Israeli borders, was actual- groupings. 2- Clear-cut issues on ing the ‘nation-state’. As a result, giving them false credibility. This ly giving Hezbollah a free rein in- against terrorism has yet to materialize its will and remarks by elimi- which the Lebanese disagreed, such there are no more mechanisms ca- applies not only to the Free Patri- side Lebanon since 2008 and inside nating terrorist groups and triggering terror sponsor states into the court. as the future of the political sys- pable of containing conflicts, and otic Movement (FPM) – founded Syria too since 2011. This back- tem, and how to deal with the Pal- no serious and profound approach- by current President Michel Aoun, ground is a must to understand the For the past 17 years, the US-led coalition is here in the country, estinian guerrilla organizations. 3- es to solve them, creating deterio- which is actually in some form of recent conflict between President fighting terrorism and taking part in reconstruction of the war-hit Af- An ‘Arab regional system’ relative- rating hotspots all around the World. alliance with it – but also with the Aoun’s FPM and Amal Movement ly capable of containing problems Given the above, come next May, Future Movement of Prime Minis- led by Parliament Speaker Nabih ghanistan, but what is the position of peace and stability in the country and sponsoring initiatives. 4- The Lebanon will be jumping into the ter Saad Hariri which claims before Berri, which has taken extreme re- is known to all. Last day, the former President Hamid Karzai in an climate of the Cold War which pre- ‘unknown’. It is, since the only sure its Sunni supporters that is willing ligious overtones, and reached an vented open-ended sectarian wars, thing is that the expected ‘elections’ to cooperate with every group ex- unprecedented level of post-1990 interview with the Voice of America, urged President Trump to hold whether in the shape of classic armed would not reflect clean vote free of cept Hezbollah! Indeed, this is pre- agitation. It is also a must to com- ISI and other security institutions of Pakistan accountable, if Washing- conflicts or terrorist attacks. To- fear, pressures and threats. Some cisely the strategy of Hezbollah prehend why Hezbollah has, so far. day, however, Lebanon is living a Lebanese chose to ignore the reali- backed by the Iranian regime, which decided not to be directly embroiled; ton wants durable peace and stability in Afghanistan and around the state of ‘vertical’ divisions where ty of submission to a local ‘dispro- is orchestrating the political and bringing back the historical quote region. Despite pressure, Pakistan-based and Pakistan-trained terror- each encapsulates one sect, despite portionate power’ backed by an even military actions in Iraq, Syria, Leb- of Abbasid Caliph Harun. ists conduct violent and destructive activities in various parts of the country and take lives of our people and challenging US/NATO pres- ence. It’s time to remind everyone that Afghan women are not giving birth to their sons and daughters to be ashes in the Pakistan imposed terrorism, and remain silent spectators. We have to get united to over- come all internal rifts and political divisions to confront the challenges, and lead the country towards a peaceful and prosperous future. A national and international campaign should be kicked off to pave way for peace in Afghanistan and held Pakistan accountable for its wrong- doings. Building pressure on Pakistan and paving way for revisiting Durand Line. Overseas Afghans should be institutionalized and special Tax tasks to influence opinion in favor of Afghanistan should be assigned to them. Being a responsible country, we could not close doors to negotiations; however, we must not be deceived at the hands of Paki- stan. Time has arrived for the US-led coalition and the rest of the civilized world to gear up efforts against terrorists and terror sponsor states for the sake of peace and joint harmony.

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blockchain depends on a growing could verify the labour used to pro- By Tallha Abdulrazaq community of people and institu- duce goods, and the payment for that tions online. Those peers run bit- labour. Governments could also keep coin software to verify bitcoin track of companies and how much Since the end of last year, people transactions, independent of any tax they ought to be paying. As have been left dumbfounded by the bank or treasury. Every time peo- VeChain's CEO Sunny Lu told me at meteoric rise in the value of Bit- ple exchange bitcoin online, the a recent Blockchain event in Lon- coin, the father of all cryptocur- whole network gets updated with the don, governments have numerous rencies. The digital currency start- new information, creating new departments and each interacts with ed off in 2017 with a value of around "blocks", i.e. long chains of data for numerous stakeholders, whether tax- $800, but, by the end of the year, computers to solve. In its simplest payers or contractors. By using was probably the highest-perform- form, a blockchain is "a distributed blockchain, governments can not ing investment anyone could have open ledger that can record trans- only ensure that accurate records are ever made, as it reached dizzying actions between parties quickly in a kept, but that there will always be a heights of $19,783 in December. verifiable and permanent way". As clear audit trail that would make it Such gains are enough to make the the data held on a blockchain is de- harder for corruption to slip through most well-heeled Wall Street sharks centralised and immutable, it builds the cracks. Cryptocurrencies and giddy with glee. However, on the trust that "what you see, is what you blockchain are here to stay flipside, there has been a lot of con- get" as any retroactive changes to While this may just sound like dull cern recently that cryptocurrencies the chain will be immediately obvi- news one might find in a financial might be a bubble that could burst ous. Such technology lends itself to newspaper, its implications for ev- any day, crumbling the fortunes of business transactions and the keep- eryday people are major. With many would-be investors and send- ing of verifiable records. It may also blockchains, things as mundane as ing the markets reeling. On January be a vision of the future, as more medical records, identity documents 17, Bitcoin's value suddenly halved and more major companies are and even qualifications and creden- as futures contracts on the cryp- adopting the technology, bringing tials could be stored and verified eas- By Mohammed Cherkaoui he shaped the sections of his speech showcased his preference for mus- as one of the two economic rivals of tocurrency expired, sending shock- it into the mainstream. While the ily, scrapping a lot of the day-to- that deal with foreign policy around cle-flexing military superiority as a the US, and avoided any mention of waves through the cryptocurrency current crypto craze is seen as a day grind of dealing with the bureau- advocacy of freedom and American deterrence strategy. By stating that Russian rivalry in the turbulent Mid- market that buffeted even top per- "nerds only" endeavour, businesses cratic systems of modern life, and As former speaker of the House of morality. He told the gruelling sto- he believes "weakness is the surest dle East and beyond. Many Ameri- and even governments around the allowing employers to make sure Representatives Tip O'Neill once forming "alt-coins" like Ethereum ry of North Korean defector Ji path to conflict, and unmatched cans remain uneasy about Russia's and Ripple. While Bitcoin's central world are waking up to its possible that a person's CV, for instance, is said, "all politics is local". United Seong-ho, and equated his yearning power is the surest means of our de- growing influence in the region amidst role in the crypto market is undeni- applications, with major shipping not merely a fanciful story tailored States President Donald Trump ad- for freedom on the other side of the fense", the president clearly dem- Trump's isolationism, and criticise able, it is arguably in its own specu- firm Maersk and technology giant to get a job. Due to cryptocurren- hered to this motto when he deliv- globe to the construct of freedom onstrated his inclination to focus on his lack of strategy in Syria, beyond lative bubble within the larger mar- IBM announcing earlier this month cies being used as decentralised to- ered his first State of the Union ad- that is deeply rooted in America's his country's "hard power" capabil- his loud criticism of his predecessor ket, which contains more stable alt- that they will create their own block- kens to execute transactions on dress on Tuesday, reserving approx- exceptionalism and historical col- ities, and to neglect its considerable Barack Obama's failure to act against coins. If Bitcoin's bubble was to burst, chain. Even Disney developed its blockchains, and considering gov- imately 80 percent of his 90- lective memory. He asserted it was "soft power" resources. In his ad- Assad's use of chemical weapons. it would inevitably stagger the own private blockchain in 2015, ernments and corporations are part- minute-long speech for domestic "that same yearning for freedom dress, Trump expressed his inten- Since his decision to fire dozens of $700bn market, as it occupies about which has now evolved into Drag- nering with these blockchain devel- policy issues. He focused specifical- that nearly 250 years ago gave birth tion to "modernise and rebuild our cruise missiles at the government- a third of it. Also, many exchanges onchain, a new competitor to num- opers who actually provide a ser- ly on the Tax Reform Act and to a special place called America." nuclear arsenal" and asked Congress controlled Shayrat airbase in Syria, use bitcoin to buy and sell other ber two cryptocurrency, Ethereum. vice, investors see value in buying shrinking unemployment figures, He also mentioned the recent pro- to "fully fund" the US military, even in retaliation for a suspected chemi- cryptocurrencies or to convert them Similarly, the Chinese government up other cryptocurrencies. Unlike and repeatedly congratulated him- tests in Iran against the government, though the US military spending - cal weapons attack on a rebel-held back into fiat. But investors are now - which is notoriously strict on cryp- Bitcoin, blockchain as a service that self for taking steps towards "build- and emphasised that "America at 16 percent of the federal budget - town that killed scores of civilians, diversifying their portfolios by buy- tocurrencies - has teamed up with a is directly applicable to our every- ing a safe, strong and proud Ameri- stands with the people of Iran in already exceeds the military spend- Trump has drifted between five con- ing other, arguably more stable cryp- little-known but up and coming firm day lives is unlikely to simply col- ca". In the brief moments that he their courageous struggle for free- ing by China, Saudi Arabia, Russia, flicting policies: Assad must go, As- tocurrencies that could absorb any called VeChain. The company spe- lapse, especially considering its touched upon foreign policy, he care- dom." Trump has perpetuated this United Kingdom, India, France, and sad can stay, fight ISIL first, let the blows that may shake the Bitcoin cialises in authentication and veri- adoption by big players who clearly fully avoided delving into salient is- pro-freedom narrative for more Japan combined. However, he re- Russians and Iranians fight our ene- pillar. But what makes these other fication technologies, allowing sell- see a future for the technology. In- sues like Syria, Yemen, the Gulf cri- than one purpose. First, by present- frained from mentioning cultural mies, and let's see what Russia wants cryptocurrencies any different from ers using its blockchain to provide vesting in cryptocurrencies that sis or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ing himself as a protector of human and educational exchanges and oth- in Syria. Trump's address, which co- Bitcoin? Are they not just other Bit- assurance to their customers that form part of a service ecosystem, He avoided commenting on these rights and freedoms, he implicitly er forms of public diplomacy be- incided with the Kremlin-hosted So- coins, only carrying different mon- they are buying what they are pay- rather than solely offering ethereal significant foreign policy challeng- countered his critics' argument that tween nations. The decades-long chi meeting on Syria, failed to clari- ikers? The answer to that lies in the ing for. For instance, a car could be tokens that have no real, fundamen- es either because his administration he is undermining the values of practice of soft power by certain fy which one of these five strategies technology used to validate bitcoin tracked from the production of its tal value, could prove to be the new failed to produce coherent strate- American democracy by his nativ- agencies, such as the State Depart- -or any strategy at all- the president transactions, known as blockchain. parts and where it was assembled, to stocks and shares, as blockchains gies to tackle them, or he simply ist, racist, misogynist, and Islamo- ment, the International Institute of is currently pursuing in Syria. Earlier Like peer-to-peer (P2P) networks the taxes, sales and any resales of move from being perceived as "just did not want to taint an opportuni- phobic positions. After all, there is Education, and the Smithsonian, has this month, Pentagon implicitly gave where unidentified people upload the car. It also has implications for a fad" to a mainstream technology ty to brag about his "successful" first growing conviction in the interna- already been waning after he im- green light to Turkey's military op- and download music and films, the ethical standards, as the blockchain we all rely on in our day-to-day lives. year in office by addressing thorny tional community that Trump's posed a 40 percent cut on interna- eration in Afrin, which is targeting issues. Instead, he stuck to his usual America has relinquished its com- tional programs at the State Depart- Kurdish groups that allied themselves talking points and criticised the Iran mitment to human rights and other ment. Second, Trump's speech sig- with the US in the fight against ISIL. nuclear deal, praised the US mili- liberties. Second, by taking a pro- nals a selective resurrection of the In a recent phone call, President tary's success in its war against the freedom stance in his first State of Cold War paradigm, not against Rus- Trump urged his Turkish counter- Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant the Union speech, Trump sought to sia the heir to the Soviet Union, but part "to de-escalate, limit its mili- Turkishforeignpolicy:From (ISIL, also known as ISIS) and at- affirm his extreme right-wing and a nouveau Trumpian "axis of evil". tary actions, and avoid civilian casu- tacked "the cruel dictatorship" that Evangelical base's attachment to the In his State of the Nation address, alties and increases to displaced per- is North Korea. He briefly men- idea of American exceptionalism, Trump sought to overdramatise his sons and refugees". All this raised new tioned his widely condemned deci- defensivetooffensive and ultimately positioned himself stance on Korea, Iran, and ISIL, and questions about the US' lack of strat- sion to move the US embassy in Is- on a high moral ground close to his praised himself for speaking against egy in Syria, yet the president did rael from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, but Iran's "corrupt dictatorship". He also not clarify his administration's idol Reagan, who once said "Free- years ago, the flotilla incident, and ber 19, 2016: "As of now we will rather than using this opportunity dom is not the sole prerogative of a vowed to impose sanctions on "com- stance on Turkey's cross-border op- to respond to the controversy, or munist and socialist dictatorships" eration. In fact, he did not mention By Shehab Al-Makahleh Turkey's support for some Arab not wait for problems, we will not chosen few; it is the universal right demonstrations, including those of wait for the terrorist organizations explain how this move fits into his of all God's children." Of course, in Cuba and Venezuela. But he did all Turkey or the Kurds even once plan to end the Israeli-Palestinian this without indexing his strategy throughout his address. Fourth, the Tunisia, Libya and Egypt as well as to attack us, but we will attack the Trump's moralistic call for freedom Turkey has sought to exploit the Syria. The Cold War has largely de- areas where these organizations are conflict, he chose to launch an at- in Iran and North Korea was con- of containment, let alone deter- State of the Nation address showed tack against the countries that vot- Qatar dispute with Saudi Arabia, the fined Turkey's strategic perspective hiding, and we will destroy their bases tradictory to his anti-globalist mot- rence. He advocates for a sharper, that Trump's political radar does not UAE, Bahrain and Egypt to grab a vis-à-vis the Middle East in general over their heads and we will uproots ed against him in a UN vote about to of "keeping America first", but it defensive realism, but does not seem seem to detect the upcoming crises the issue. In his first State of the historic opportunity in the region. and the Arab world in particular. An- of all parties supporting them." That seems irony is lost on his support- to have a coherent foreign policy in the Middle East and beyond. It The dreams of a strong, regional kara's strategic perspective to limit is the policy adopted for their at- Union address, Trump also took a ers. A brief analysis of Trump's ad- strategy beyond simplifications showed that the president is not plan- page from the Cold War playbook Turkey necessitates great financial the influence of the Soviet Union tack on Afrin and even beyond Af- dress at the Congress proposes a few based on us vs them dichotomies. ning to adopt an informed, pro-ac- capabilities that cannot be achieved in the Middle East has been shaped. rin that would take them to Idlib and resurrected the idea that the US revealing observations: First, Third, Trump avoided addressing tive foreign policy strategy to lift is the protector of global freedoms. in light of the decline of the Turk- The Arab Nationalist trend was also and east to the Iraqi borders. Tur- Trump's realpolitik mindset that was several elephants in the room. He up the US's standing in the world. ish economy and its suffering from a means of supporting the influence key saw the attack as the best way Just like Ronald Reagan and Richard apparent throughout his address uttered the word "Russia" only once (Aljazeera) Nixon frequently did in the 1980's, several crises, especially with its of the Soviet Union in the region. to defend itself and contribute to strained relations with the USA. This view was formed according to the formulation of new maps instead Thus, Turkish President Erdogan the perspective of the Western of being imposed on Ankara, espe- found his relations with Qatar and Camp to ensure the flow of oil from cially after the attempted coup Russia a decisive solution to Anka- the Middle East region in a safe way d'état in mid-July 2016. This has ra’s financial problems. Turkey has to world markets. At that stage, been the justification for the Turk- maintained its footprint in the re- Turkey has adopted a Western Camp ish parliament to approve military gion and has expanded its influence stand. Two political tremors operations outside Turkish borders, in 2011, principally with the his- Since the end of the 1980s, changes chiefly in Syria and Iraq for an addi- torical opportunity of the so-called in Turkish politics have been clear tional year. The Turkish moves in By CORNELIA MEYER Osborne had left off. They placed ancient trade routes of the Silk Road. home are starting to feel embold- "Arab Spring" in the Middle East, as there have been international and the context of the Turkish foreign great emphasis on the UK’s rela- The issues are transparency, prefer- ened, she also felt compelled to state which was exploited by many coun- regional transformation as well defense policy, which Ankara has tionship with China. May’s efforts ential treatment of Chinese busi- that she was not a quitter, and in- tries including Turkey and Iran. As which had driven Ankara to change adopted recently to protect its na- Prime Minister Theresa May has paid off. She could return to the UK nesses, and whether some of its ini- tended to lead her party well beyond for Turkey, the Arab Spring has en- its foreign policy. This has affected tional interests, are based on its be- crisscrossed the world in a quest to with deals worth £9 billion ($12.8 tiatives might impact existing alli- the next general election. The con- abled political Islam Movements find trading partners for a post-Brex- Turkey's view of the Middle East lief that soft power is no longer ef- billion), which are estimated to cre- ances and diplomatic arrangements, fusion over Brexit did not stop there. (Muslim Brotherhood) to jump to after the end of the bipolar world in fective to achieve its external am- it Britain. She has visited the US, ate as many as 2,500 jobs in Brit- such as the EU.The UK needs to May also commented on EU citi- power in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, the aftermath of the Cold War. bitions, especially in light of the Japan and Saudi Arabia, to mention ain. And she notably did not shy away engage with the EU to find com- zens’ rights during the transition and Ankara has become the major just a few of the major economies. There were two political tremors competition between regional and from addressing harder issues such mon ground, not with the press or phase (the time between the formal supporter of these movements. On that have affected the Middle East international powers. Therefore, Last week, it was China’s turn. It is as democracy, human rights and the the British public. So far so good, exit from the bloc in March 2019, the other hand, Iran has benefitted since 1980-1990s: The collapse of Turkey has incepted to activate its the world’s second-largest economy, environment, at least according to but while May was schmoozing the and the implementation of trade from the demonstrations in the Arab yet only ranks eighth in terms of the Soviet Union and the Gulf cri- military tools for several reasons as Downing Street’s statements on the Chinese, her detractors were at it in arrangements). The EU’s chief ne- World to have a say in the region sis. Turkey was deeply affected by follows: First, the desire to open up export markets for the UK. So there visit. The issue of democracy was Westminster. And the British press gotiator Michel Barnier had made it and to expand its influence as well. these tremors, and the Gulf War in- new markets for Turkish weapons. is a clear upside to developing a deep- particularly important because Brit- paid little attention to what she clear that EU citizens need to be Turkey has intervened vigorously er relationship. May’s relationship creased Turkey's interest in the Mid- Turkish military industries rose in ain had negotiated a “One Country, wanted to achieve in China, instead accorded the same rights as though in many regional crises in order to dle East. Everyone is aware of the 2015 to reach $4.3 billion, of which with Beijing got off to a rocky start: Two Systems” deal for Hong Kong focusing on her travails back home. the UK was still a fully-fledged achieve its objectives and interests importance of the region; mainly $ 1.3 billion was exported. Second, Upon assuming office, she said she when it handed its former colony What a way to start a state visit. A member during that time. May dis- in the beginning with full support wanted to review China’s invest- Iraq and Syria for Turkey. The Turk- the new military tool aims to over to China. There are concerns row had broken out in the UK over sented vociferously. One could ar- from the United States of America ish government has started to con- strengthen its presence in the Arab ment in the nuclear power plant at about Beijing backtracking on some a civil service paper on the poten- gue that this was neither the time with which it has strategic relations sider how to develop a new vision region and Africa by controlling the Hinkley Point due to security con- of its promises under the deal. Xi tial economic impact of Brexit. The nor the place for engaging in such until both Washington and Ankara cerns. A few weeks later, she did a that better serves its interests in the international crossings to protect its lauded Britain as one of the first sig- study outlined a negative impact on squabbles. It also has to be empha- had taken a new approach after Middle East. Turkey has abandoned economic interests and national se- U-turn and waved the project natories to, and staunchest support- gross domestic product (GDP), rang- sized that less is more in terms of Turkey had chosen to form its for- its defense policy after 2011, years curity interests from any regional through. This indecisiveness did lit- ers of, the Asia Infrastructure In- ing from 8 percent down to 2 per- publicly staking claims while nego- eign policy that serve its own inter- tle to curry favor with the Chinese. after the adoption of "zero prob- or international interventions or vestment Bank (AIIB). May suc- cent, depending on what sort of deal tiating. Wish lists belong at the ne- ests, deviating away from the course lems" policy. The godfather of this sanctions that would be imposed in But China’s President Xi Jinping cessfully walked a tightrope, verbal- the UK is able to negotiate. This gotiating table, not in the media, that was drawn for the country for policy is Ahmet Davutoglu, former the future on Turkey as a result of hailed her recent state visit as the ly supporting China’s “One Belt One was supposed to be an internal study. because they need to be networked many years. Turkey's involvement beginning of a golden era in bilater- Turkish prime minister. Turkey is its foreign policies. Third, the oth- Road” initiative while not signing There was never any intention of with the opposite party if they are in the Middle East has increased due no longer waiting for the problems er motive is the desire to partici- al relations. In many ways, May fi- any formal memoranda of under- sharing its outcome with the public. to be successful. He or she who to its effective use of soft power, of the region to come to its borders, pate in the international coalition nally picked up from where her pre- standing. There are concerns in the So May had to comment once more shouts the loudest is often not the such as the public debate between decessor David Cameron and his but rather it is acting to defend it- against terrorism not only to UK over the implementation of this on the Brexit shenanigans upon her most successful negotiator. Erdogan and the then Israeli Presi- self as the Turkish foreign policy counter the threat of terrorists near Chancellor of the Exchequer George megaproject aimed at rebuilding the arrival in China. As her critics back (Arabnews) dent Shimon Peres in Davos a few stipulates. Davutoglu said on Octo- its borders. (Aljazeera)

of the repressive Moi regime, sev- terest. In contrast, editors at the houses just because you can is the the Kenyan media has lost in recent eral journalists were arrested and state-owned broadcasters and those definition of swatting a fly on your years has been ceded willingly. Over their publications stopped, but in this owned privately by the president head with a hammer - painful, self- the 2017 election period, none of period only the print market was insist covering the parallel inaugu- destructive and counterproductive. the established media houses - in- diversified while only state-owned ration ceremony was "subversion". It's worth noting that while this lat- cluding the three affected - would organisations operated television For his determination, Kaikai spent est move is certainly surprising it cover ongoing violence in informal and radio stations. Private televi- Wednesday night in his office as isn't exactly unexpected. One of the settlements until the information sion was only allowed in 1990, so plain-clothes policemen allegedly first moves of this administration circulating on social media could no there is little precedent for such a surrounded the office building, wait- was the Media Council Act of 2013, longer be ignored. At the same time, sweeping action within the televi- ing to arrest him and his colleagues. which among other things gave the both NMG and the Royal Media of Kenya, Linus Kaikai, alleging summoned their supporters to Uhu- sion space. Only during the height The Jubilee administration doesn't Cabinet Secretary for Information Group that owns Citizen asserted in By Nanjala Nyabola that all senior editors in the coun- ru Park in Nairobi so they could wit- of the 2007 political crisis that led need another battlefront given the the authority to establish a Com- the build-up to the August vote that try had been summoned by the pres- ness Odinga sworn in as "the Peo- to the post-election violence were legitimacy questions leftover by munications and Multimedia Ap- they had a reporter at every polling ident and deputy president among ple's President". And tens of thou- television stations banned from contentious 2017 election, and it is peals Tribunal with the power to station yet neither published inde- On Tuesday, December 30, the Ken- other officials and told that if they sands showed up - far more than at- broadcasting for a few hours, fol- unclear from a purely instrumental- impose criminal sanctions and hefty pendent tallies of the electoral re- yan government took the unprece- covered the parallel inauguration tended the Independence Day cele- lowed by a still-in-place mandatory ist perspective why they would open fines, as well as suspend any mem- sults. dented step of shutting down three ceremony called by the opposition brations in December. The state, 7-minute delay on live broadcasts. one up. By responding with so much ber. In court, lawyers representing They simply parroted Independent of the largest television stations in coalition NASA, they would be pun- fronted by Cabinet Secretary for the The authoritarian move opens a new force, the administration unwittingly the Editors Guild and other inter- Electoral and Boundaries Commis- the country. At KTN, the first inde- ished. That's a lot of information Interior, Fred Matiang'i insists that front in what had so far been a strug- signalled that the NASA event rat- ested parties argued that this bill sion (IEBC) statistics that the com- pendent station in Kenya, the sig- for anyone to process in five days, the inauguration was treasonous and gle between two political networks, tled them even while the actual "in- would greatly reduce media freedom mission itself disavowed during the nal was merely switched off. But at but for Kenyans especially this lat- any media house that covered it is adding the media to the fray even if auguration" was rather anticlimac- in the country - which it did by rais- Supreme Court proceedings. More- Citizen Television and NTV, offi- est plot twist in the story of an elec- party to treason. All three stations the fraternity is highly divided in its tic. Odinga was only on stage for ing a fear of retribution. At the same over, until the High Court ruled that cials of the Communications Au- tion that just won't end marks an- remained off air until today, when a response. Kaikai, also the manag- about 15 minutes. None of the oth- time, senior journalists like Gado and they had to stop, every station thority of Kenya (CAK) allegedly other step deep into unchartered high court judge issued an injunc- ing editor at the Nation Media Group, er NASA principles turned up. For Dennis Galava, fired for publishing broadcast advertisements praising went to one of their main distribu- territory. The opposition coalition tion against the action pending full leads a faction that insists it will not most of the morning, viewers were materials unpopular with the state, the administration's achievements tion locations and physically discon- NASA called for the parallel inaugu- legal review. This is a small victory be intimidated by the state, and that treated to panoramic images of the also assert on record that they were in the lead up to the election even nected their machines. This after a ration because they insist that Raila in the context of the alarming con- the constitutional freedom of ex- crowd gathering at Uhuru Park and fired because of directives from State though the Election law expressly Monday evening memorandum Odinga won the August election and traction of civil space that the dis- pression protects the media's right a gaggle of men offering in-studio House rather than from their supe- forbids it. from the chair of the Editor's Guild the October rerun was invalid. They connection represents. At the height to broadcast any issues of public in- analysis. Switching off three media riors. Yet much of the space that (Truthout) SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Treasury: Increasing sanctionson Russiacould Last summer, I was positioned just ington bills the PKK ‘terrorists.’ across the border from the Syrian Clearly, it can’t even keep its ‘ter- town of Afrin around which Turk- rorists’ straight. The neocons un- 'forceaction' ish and Kurdish and, possibly, der Trump have gutted the State American forces, are now poised Department. The Turks rightly for a head-on clash. It seems cra- fear that events in war-torn Syria zy to me that anyone would want may enflame demands by Tur- against to fight over this one-donkey farm key’s restive Kurdish minority for town. We were there on a mission an independent state. The very to rescue wild animals trapped in likely involvement of the US in the a zoo in war-torn Aleppo, Syria. 2016 failed coup attempt to over- the US Why on earth are at least 2,000 throw Turkey’s president, Presi- US troops mixed up in this fracas dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have in darkest Syria? Because the pro- deepened Turkish fears of another The Department of the Treasury warned Friday that increasing sanc- who made their money corruptly Russia’s international affairs com- to the nadir,” Putin reportedly said, Israel neocons in Washington, who US-backed plot to divide Turkey tions on Russia could “increase strain on Russia’s banking sector” and from their ties with Vladimir Pu- mittee said the move “obviously “But we’re going to refrain from pretty much run US foreign poli- Turks recall post World War I lead the nation to fight back against U.S. interests, according to a memo tin, were both mandated by Con- leads to further escalation of ten- taking these steps for now. cy these days, are determined to efforts by Britain, France, Greece reported by Bloomberg. “Expanding [U.S. sanctions] to include deal- gress in August, but the findings sions” between the countries. Tensions between the U.S. and have revenge for the defeat of US- and Italy in 1918-19 to divide up ings in new Russian sovereign debt and the full range of related deriva- of both were not previously dis- “We were waiting for this list to Russia have escalated since the backed rebel forces in Syria. So post-Ottoman Turkey between tives would likely raise borrowing costs for Russia,” the Treasury wrote closed. Putin declared the decision come out, and I’m not going to hide 2016 presidential election, though it’s once more into the breach near them.The Turks are in a rage. Tur- in the memo, warning that it could “put downward pressure on Russian to publish the list of oligarchs ear- it: We were going to take steps in the White House has denied all al- Afrin and the town Manbij though key has been battling a wide-scale economic grown, destabilize markets,” and “increase strain on Russia’s lier this week a “hostile step,” and response, and, mind you, serious legations of collusion with Russia. America has zero national inter- Kurdish insurgency since the banking sector.” “The magnitude and scope of consequences from ex- a senior political official within steps, that could push our relations (AP) ests in Syria. The US first tried to 1980’s. I was with the Turkish panding sanctions to sovereign debt and derivatives is uncertain and the overthrow Syria’s governments in Army in eastern Anatolia (just effects could be born by both the Russian Federation and U.S. investors Damascus in 1948 because it was north of Syria), witnessing the bru- and businesses,” the memo said. The memo and a list of 96 oligarchs and too independent and flirting with tal, bloody guerilla war between 114 political figures — including the head of the Russian presidential the Soviets. Today’s intervention the Turks and Kurds that left administration and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, among others — is part of Israel’s plan to fragment 40,000 dead, mostly civilians. Tur- Syria and gobble up its water and key’s democratic leader, President fertile land resources. Worse, the Erdogan, had almost forged a peace Pentagon decided to enlist and arm with the rebellious Kurds and their rebellious Kurds in southern Tur- PKK leadership when the west- key and Syria, and use them as ern intervention in Syria rekindled ‘native troops’ to fight first the rag- the war. As often in the past, for- tag bands of ISIS, then the Turk- eign powers used the warlike ish armed forces. This was a ter- Kurds for their own aims, then rible idea – compounded by US abandoned them. Israel has been Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s particularly active in arming and incredibly foolish recent announce- organizing Kurdish rebels since the ment that the US would mobilize, 1970’s as part of its grand strate- arm and finance a ‘border force’ of gy to fragment the Arab world and 30,000 Kurds that was closely tied Turkey, and degrade them into fee- to the Kurdish PKK rebel group. ble mini-states.Intervention by Washington has only a child’s un- Russia, Iran and Lebanon’s derstanding of events in Turkey Hezbollah into Syrian ‘civil-war’ and the dangers involved. Wash- caused. (BBC) Uzbekistan to develop roadmap for eco-investors Rohingya The issues of improving the environmental situation and environmental protection in Uzbekistan were considered at a meeting chaired by the country’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the presidential press service told Trend. During the meeting it was stressed that in accordance with returneesneedto the presidential decree, dated April 21, 2017, Uzbekistan improved the public administration system in ecology and environmental protection NorthKorea is flouting UN sanc- North Korea in response to its trous implications for internation- In particular, the Uzbek State Committee for Ecology and Environmen- tions on oil and gas, engaging in nuclear and ballistic missile tests. al peace and security," the experts tal Protection has been charged with broad tasks to improve the envi- prohibited ballistic missile coop- The latest resolution in December said. According to the report, the bereintegrated ronmental situation, collect, store, transport and recycle household eration with Syria and Burma, and - in response to the launch of a panel investigated North Korea 's waste. A comprehensive program was also adopted to improve house- illegally exporting commodities ballistic missile that Pyongyang ongoing ballistic missile coopera- hold waste management in 2017-2021. In 2017, 305 sites for waste collection were created. Almost all villages do not have any system for that brought in nearly $200 mil- says is capable of reaching any- tion with Syria and Burma, also intoMyanmar collecting, storing and transporting household waste. Those and other lion in just nine months last year, where on the US mainland - sharp- known as Myanmar. It also inves- shortcomings were analyzed at the meeting. according to UN experts. The ex- ly lowered limits on North Ko- tigated illegal ship-to-ship trans- perts said Pyongyang is still able rea 's refined oil imports and au- fers of oil "comprising a multimil- to access the global financial sys- thorised the inspection and seizure lion-dollar business that is driving society: More Kyrgyz villages to tem through "deceptive practices of ships suspected of smuggling an international network of bro- combined with critical deficiencies banned items including coal and oil kers and ship charterers as well as be provided with clean in the implementation of financial to and from the country. US Am- unwitting global commodity trad- sanctions." And it continues to en- bassador Nikki Haley said sanc- ing companies and oil suppliers." Bangladeshi gage in "widespread conventional tions now ban well over 90 per North Korea also continued drinking water arms deals and cyber operations cent of North Korea 's exports its illegal coal exports by combin- The Kyrgyz government plans to lay on a drinking water supply sys- to steal military secrets," the pan- reported in 2016. But the panel of ing deceptive navigation patterns, tem in 653 villages, which requires about $ 432 mln, Deputy Prime el said. The experts report to the experts said the expansion of UN trans-shipment through third coun- commissioner Minister, Daiyr Kenekeev said at a meeting of the parliamentary fac- UN Security Council, obtained sanctions hasn't been matched by tries and fraudulent documentation tion Respublika Ata Jurt, Kabar reports. Concerning the issue of pro- Friday by The Associated Press, the "political will," international "to obscure the origin of the coal." viding drinking water in the regions, Kenekeev stressed that in 267 out said North Korean diplomats "con- coordination, and allocation of re- The report said North Korea of 1813 villages, water pipes were laid on back in 1950-1960 and in 386 tinue to play a key role in the coun- sources to implement them. "This exported coal to China, Malaysia, villages there is no water supply system at all. "In order to provide the try's prohibited programmes." year could represent a critical win- South Korea , Russia and Viet- population with drinking water, the Government has adopted a Strate- The council has imposed increas- dow of opportunity before a po- nam in 2017 in violation of sanc- gy for Development of Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Systems ingly tougher sanctions against tential miscalculation with disas- tions. (AFP) in the populated localities of the Kyrgyz Republic until 2026," Kene- keev stressed. (Trend) Tajikistan, SaudiArabia to Am er ica n Accused strengthen co-op between Russian law-enforcement agencies m em ber of Representatives of Tajikistan and Saudi Arabia discussed issues of co- operation between law-enforcement agencies of the two countries, local hacker news agency TajikTA reported. “Tajik Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Zarobiddin Kosimi met with Saudi Arabia’s attorney general Saud bin I S I S killed by Abdullah al-Mujib. The parties discussed cooperation between law- extradited enforcement agencies of the two countries during the meeting,” the message reads. They also mulled issues of mutual actions, especially against organized r iva l gr ou p in toUS and cross-border crime, terrorism and extremism. The sides confirmed commitment to the strengthening and development A Russian man accused of operat- of cooperation between law-enforcement agencies in security sphere. ing a network of infected comput- (AP) sou th wester n ers used by cyber criminals has been extradited to the United States from Spain, the US Depart- Turkmen president ment of Justice says. US prosecu- COX'S BAZAR - For repatriation Despite widespread reports S yr ia tors say Peter Levashov, 37, ran of Rohingya refugees to take place, of atrocities during the military's the Kelihos botnet, a network of there must be preparations within "clearance operation", it has only demands further more than 100,000 infected devic- Myanmar that would allow return- admitted one occasion - in Inn Din es used by cyber criminals to dis- ees to be reintegrated into society, village where soldiers conducted an development of agriculture tribute viruses, ransomware, ph- ishing emails and other spam at- said Bangladesh's refugee relief and extrajudicial killing of 10 Rohingya. tacks. Levashov denies the charg- repatriation commissioner Abul Rohingya refugees waiting for food es in an eight-count indictment Kalam. "Safety is a big issue. It's aid at Thankhali refugee camp in handed down by a federal grand not only about taking them back Bangladesh's Ukhia district, on Jan jury in Connecticut in April. to their respective villages, for 21, 2017. Bangladesh says start of Levashov, who fought the extradi- example...these people have to be Rohingya return to Myanmar de- tion, told Spain's High Court in reintegrated into their society," he layed In an article published earli- September that he had worked for told reporters in his office earlier er this week, the Associated Press Russian President Vladimir Putin's this week. Bangladesh would also reported on at least five mass United Russia party for the last need time to draw up a list of fam- graves that contained the bodies 10 years, Russia's RIA news agen- ilies that volunteered to return, and of people massacred in Gu Dar An American gunman from the ISIS terrorist group was killed in South- cy reported. He told the court that get the list approved by the My- Pyin village on Aug 27. According western Syria, the pro-government National Defense Forces (NDF) investigators in the United States anmar government. He would not to survivors, the soldiers came with President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov de- said citing pro-opposition media on Friday. The dissident-affiliated web- would torture him for information say on Wednesday ( Jan 31) when weapons and shovels to dig holes, manded maximum attention to advancement of soil productivity, sites reported that Abu Hariri Al-Muhajar, an American fighter of the about his political work if he was the actual repatriation would be- as well as acid to melt the body land improvement and water supply during a government ses- ISIS terrorist group, was killed during clashes with the Free Syrian sent there to face the charges, RIA gin, but denied that it could take parts and make the corpses unrec- sion, Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary state news agency reports. The Army (FSA) in the Yarmouk Basin region in Western Dara’a. No further said. Levashov was charged by US several years. The repatriation ognisable. The United Nations head of state underlined the importance of the current field mea- information has been released on the slain ISIS militant. Dissident-affil- prosecutors with causing inten- was supposed to start on Jan 23 special rapporteur on human rights sures, laying the basis for future harvests of wheat, cotton and iated websites reported on Wednesday that a notorious commander of tional damage to a protected com- but was postponed by Bangladesh, in Myanmar, Dr Yanghee Lee, said other agricultural crops, and ordered to ensure their full confor- the FSA was killed and another FSA commander was injured in remote- puter and wire fraud, which carry which said then that preparations the military operations last year mity with science-based agrotechnology. Specific orders were controlled bomb blasts in their vehicles in Dara’a province. The news a potential prison sentence of up were not completed. Rohingya mil- bore the "the hallmarks of a geno- given concerning the future increase of production and expan- websites reported that a field commander of the FSA-affiliated Jeish al- to 52 years if he is convicted at itant attacks in Myanmar's Ra- cide". On Friday (Feb 2), Rakhine sion of range of local agricultural products. Cotton planting in Thowrah was killed in a remote-controlled bomb planted in his car as he trial. He was arrested while on hol- khine state on Aug 25 last year state authorities refuted the AP Turkmenistan usually begins in the late March. Cotton is an was driving on a road near the town of Seida in Eastern Dara’a. The iday in Barcelona last April and in (2017) triggered a scorched-earth report and said that “terrorists” had websites further said that Hossein Mahamid nom de guerre Abu Ali October, Spain's High Court grant- military response that led to the attacked security forces there. The important export item in Turkmenistan and is a highly demanded Dushka (DShK), a field commander of Ferqa Aswad al-Sunna affiliated ed a US request to extradite him. exodus of some 700,000 people. bodies of 19 “terrorists” were raw material for tens of businesses in dynamically developing to the FSA, was also critically injured after a remote-controlled bomb in Levashov was scheduled to appear It also hardened nationalist senti- found after the fighting and bur- textile industry. Total cultivated area in Turkmenistan exceeds his car went off in Dara’a al-Balad district in Southern part of Dara’a in court in Bridgeport, Connecti- ments against the Rohingya Mus- ied, according to the government 500,000 hectares. city. Local sources said that the rival terrorists had planted the bombs in cut on Friday, the Justice Depart- lims, who are not recognised as one mouthpiece Global New Light of (Trend) the FSA commanders’ vehicles. (CNN) ment said. of Myanmar's ethnic groups. Myanmar. SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Friday it will only start lending to Zimbabwe once it clears its arrears to other multilateral creditors which include the World Bank and the African Development Bank. It however, called for con- certed international effort coupled Trade between India and the Unit- with robust local economic reforms ed States is estimated to have to revive and re-integrate Zimba- jumped substantially from $118 bwe into the global economy. billion in 2016 to $140 billion in While noting that the IMF and 2017, according to an advocacy Zimbabwe's ties had been evolv- group that aims to promote bilat- ing in a positive way for some eral trade. In 2016, India was the months now, the multilateral cred- ninth largest trading partner of the itor insisted that Zimbabwe will US and one of the major countries need to clear its debt to other in- with which America has had trade ternational financiers first before deficit of more than $30 billion. it can resume lending. "We have This is expected to continue in normalized our relationship in 2017 as well, an issue which has terms of their arrears to the IMF, repeatedly been raised by Presi- but they still have a significant debt dent Donald Trump and his top overhang problem with other in- officials in their interaction with ternational financial institutions their Indian counterpart. “We es- and other official creditors. "So it's timate that in 2017 India’s trade an issue that has to be addressed. Bank 1.15 billion U.S. dollars, 601 it started defaulting. Murray said ternational isolation after the West [with the US] has gone up from There has to be an arrears clear- million dollars to the African De- Zimbabwe's economy faces severe imposed sanctions on the country USD 118 billion [the previous ance process and a clear strategy velopment Bank and over 3 billion challenges including an unsustain- at the turn of the millennium. But year] to USD140,” Mukesh Aghi, for clearing those arrears with oth- dollars the Paris Club, among oth- able fiscal deficit which has led to with the advent of a new adminis- president of the US India Strategic er creditors and that also has to be er creditors. The debt ridden coun- severe liquidity shortages, created tration led by President Emerson and Partnership Forum (USISPF) factored in to their ability, their try in 2016 cleared its 108 million inflationary pressures, and threat- Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe has begun told PTI in an interview. sustainability over time," said Wil- U.S. dollars arrears to the IMF. It ened the viability of the financial taking steps to re-integrate with Not official but approximate liam Murray, an official with the has not been receiving concession- sector and Zimbabwe's exchange the global community. Last month, Official figures of annual bi- IMF communications department. ary loans from the multilateral fi- rate regime. The Zimbabwean President Mnangagwa became the lateral trade are yet to come, but Zimbabwe owes the World nancial institution since 2001 when economy has suffered years of in- first President. (AP) the USISPF estimates are based on its own research and surveys. In- dia, Mr. Aghi said, has proactively started working on addressing the issue of trade deficit with India. Egypt aims to “India roughly has a thousand plane orders with US companies. finish Zohr That will start bringing trade im- balance in the right direction. In- US,” he said. “I think next five years, you will see a little more balance dia, last year bought $2 billion in the trade between two countries,” Mr. Aghi said.India and the US development worth of energy from the US. In- have set a goal of increasing the bilateral trade to $500 billion a year. “I dia spends roughly $80 billion dol- think it [bilateral trade] is moving,” he said. Overall, the relationship by early lars acquiring energy. And I think a between India and the US is moving in a right direction. 2019: lot of that will start moving to the (AP) Minister

Egypt aims to finish the develop- ment of its giant Zohr gas field by the beginning of 2019, Petroleum Minister Tarek El Molla told a lo- cal television channel late on Wednesday. Egypt had initially planned to finish the third and last phase of the project by the end of 2019. In December the giant off- shore field, whose estimated 30 trillion cubic feet makes it the big- gest gas field in the Mediterranean, began initial production of 350 US job growth surged in January age workweek fell to 34.3 hours, icymakers, who voted to keep in- million cubic feet per day. This is and wages increased further, re- the shortest in four months, from terest rates unchanged, described expected to increase to around 1 cording their largest annual gain in 34.5 hours in December. The ro- the labor market as having “con- billion cubic feet per day by mid- more than eight and-a-half years, bust employment report under- tinued to strengthen,” and econom- 2018. On Wednesday, President bolstering expectations that infla- scored the strong momentum in the ic activity as “rising at a solid rate.” Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, while attend- tion will push higher this year as economy, raising the possibility US financial markets have priced ing the inauguration of the first the labor market hits full employ- that the Federal Reserve could be in a rate hike in March. Prices for phase of the Zohr development, ment. Nonfarm payrolls jumped a bit more aggressive in raising in- US Treasuries fell, with the yield asked Molla to finish work on the by 200,000 jobs last month after terest rates this year. The US cen- on the benchmark 10-year note field by the end of 2018. rising 160,000 in December, the La- tral bank has forecast three rate in- hitting a four-year high as inves- “That’s what we will be work- bor Department said on Friday. creases this year after raising bor- tors worried about high inflation. ing on, to follow the president’s The unemployment rate was un- rowing costs three times in 2017. The dollar rose against a basket of instructions ... we will... try to changed at a 17-year low of 4.1 “The acceleration in average currencies on the data while US The Iraqi capital's decrepit water network will be overhauled under a $210 million World Bank project complete all the phases by the end percent. Average hourly earnings hourly earnings growth punches a stocks were trading lower. The un- aimed at tackling chronic supply shortages and outbreaks of disease. Five million people are expected to of 2018 or early 2019,” Molla said. rose 0.3 percent in January to hole in the narrative that wage employment rate dropped seven- benefit from the work, which includes steps to stop leaking sewer pipes contaminating Baghdad's water Zohr has created over 40,000 di- $26.74, building on December’s growth remains lackluster,” said tenths of a percentage point in supply, the Bank said in a statement on Wednesday. A 135,000 cubic meter reservoir will help the city cope rect and indirect job opportunities solid 0.4 percent gain. That boost- Scott Anderson, chief economist 2017 and economists expect it to with climate-induced droughts. Sewerage pumping stations will be modernizsed to reduce the health risks during its development phase and ed the year-on-year increase in at Bank of the West in San Fran- hit 3.5 percent by the end of the of untreated wastewater discharged into the Tigris river, and about 130 kilometers of the water distribution is expected to draw $12 billion in average hourly earnings to 2.9 per- cisco. “The Goldilocks view of year. Economists say job gains are network will be replaced. “Water supply and sanitation have immediate and major impacts on the quality investment, Molla said. Egypt cent, the largest rise since June inflation is being sorely challenged being driven by buoyant domestic of life of citizens,”Baghdad mayor Thikra Alwash said in the statement. “We are committed to improving hopes to save over $2.5 billion per 2009, from 2.7 percent in Decem- right now.” Fed officials on and global demand. Some worry public services for the residents of Baghdad and to alleviating the burden households face on a daily basis in year when development of the field ber. Workers, however, put in few- Wednesday expressed optimism that the Trump administration’s getting clean and reliable water supply.” Years of war and international sanctions under dictator Saddam is completed, Molla said. er hours last month likely because that inflation will rise toward the $1.5 billion tax cut package passed Hussein took a heavy toll on the infrastructure of the capital, whose population has soared by 45 percent of bitterly cold weather. The aver- central bank’s target this year. Pol- by the Republican-controlled. in three years. (Alarabiya) IMF advised Ukrainian authorities to resist the Silk Road to help boost Iran economic 'temptation' to raise salaries ties with regional countries

Chairman of Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agricul- ture (ICCIMA) Gholam-Hossein Shafe’ei said on today morning that revitalization of Silk Road can be the guarantor of national interests.” Speaking in the 29th Standing Committee of the International Confer- ence of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), he said, “Silk Road can reach from Iran via three land routes and one sea route, so that Silk Road was the largest trade and commercial route until 15th century, because, Silk Road in Iran passes from about 20 main cities, ranging from northeast to northwest.” Restoration of this significant Road can be guarantor of national interests, he emphasized. Construction of Silk Road project can expand and develop Iran’s economic relations with the regional coun- Gosta Ljungman, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Resident Repre- tries to a great extent, he said, adding, “urban planning, cultural exchang- sentative in Ukraine, warned authorities against a sharp increase in es and economic planning will boom under the auspices of this giant wages, as UNIAN reports. "There is a temptation to increase wages project.” He pointed to the People’s Republic of China as one of the very quickly, but this will be bad for the growth of the economy ... We important investment sources for the construction operation of projects are for increasing wages of Ukrainians, but this should be accompanied by an increase in labor productivity," he said. Ljungman emphasized in the Silk Road and said, “rail route between Iran and China will mea- that the leaders of Ukraine should keep the growth of salaries under sure as long as 3,000 kilometers.” control and to deal with fiscal challenges in order to maintain economic To conclude his remarks, Shafe’ei added, “undoubtedly, materializing growth. It was reported earlier that the government of Ukraine plans to objectives of this significant road, which will preserve interests of vari- consider the possibility of raising the minimum wage to 4200 hryvnia in ous countries in different parts of world, strictly hinges on the cooper- the first quarter of 2018. ation and use of capacities and potentials of all countries.” (BBC) (AFP) SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Hina Khan is no longer a TV bahu. The Bigg Boss 11 runner-up has finally arrived as a stylish diva.

Hina Khan is no longer the saree- her TV show but it was her stint was difficult,” Hina said. “When clad, sindoor-toting TV bahu. The in Bigg Boss 11 which gave her the it is a one or two years long show, former Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai tag of one of the most stylish di- it is easy to move on (from a char- actor who made quite a splash in vas of the small screen. Hina Khan acter), but for me, breaking that Bigg Boss 11 house has her eyes says that it was not easy for her to stereotype image was tough. How- set on bigger goals and her appear- move away from the image of a ever, I took it positively. I will not ance at the Lakme Fashion Week “bahu”. “Honestly, it was a chal- give up,” added the actor. Hina’s (LFW) Spring-Summer 2018 is a lenge for me. I never thought I will stint in Bigg Boss has given her a step in the right direction. Hina reach or achieve this goal so fast style and image transformation, walked as the showstopper for because breaking that stereotyped and she would like to take another Kolkata-based designer label Osaa image of the ‘bahu’ that I played leap of faith with films. “I want to by Adarsh and felt it is a “privi- for eight years, where I wore all do good work -- whether it is TV lege and just another baby step” Indian clothes, was more difficult. or films. I am reading scripts as far that she is taking towards progress. I have done (one of the) longest as films are concerned. She played the leading role on running shows of Indian TV and it (Hindustan Times) John Abraham bows out of clash with Anushka Sharma’s Bollywood actor Sooraj Pancholi Housefull (2010), committed sui- has been charged with abetment to cide — so far, the case is being Pari, Parmanu suicide by a Mumbai sessions treated as suicide — in her flat in court in the case of actor Jiah Juhu, Mumbai, in 2013. A six-page Khan’s 2013 suicide. Finally, the suicide note was found in the trial is set to start on February 14 apartment; in it, Jiah spoke of be- to release this year. Jiah’s mother Rabbiya ing in a very unhappy relationship Khan, the complainant in the case, with Sooraj. “Let me tell you, my says that she’s ready to fight the daughter was far braver than I can battle and is waiting for the truth ever be,” says Rabbiya. “She left on April 6 to come out. “I’m partially hap- her comfortable life in London, to py,” Rabbiya tells us in a telephone follow her passion and this is what conversation. “At least, the mo- happened to her. It has been very To avoid a clash with Anushka mentum has begun and we can now painful for me and my family in Sharma’s Pari, the release date of actually fight the case. I’ve given the past so many years.” Rabbiya all the findings to the Supreme says that she will only be able to John Abraham’s Parmanu has been Court and they made the sessions decide her plan of action once she court the fact-finder. It was a good is back. shifted for the fourth time. It will thing that we could persuade the “I’ll come back to India and then judge to look into the matter. I will see what needs to be done next. now hit theatres on April 6. fight for the truth till my last The only thing which keeps me breath,” adds Rabbiya, who is in going is the truth,” says the emo- London and will fly back to India tional mother. “Justice is a very before the trial begins. In June big word for me. All I want to 2013, Bollywood actor Jiah Khan know is who did this to my daugh- was found hanging in her apart- ter. As a mother, it’s my right to ment in Juhu, Mumbai. Jiah, whose know and I will keep fighting for filmography includes Nishabd this till I don’t get an answer.” (2007), Ghajini (2008), and (Hindustan Times)

Everyone knows 'Desi girl' Priy- not, the 'Bajirao Mastani' star still of so many things; of women, of anka Chopra and the newest mem- excited for Markle to tie the knots. feminism, of diversity, of race, of Karni Sena accepts ber of the 'royal family' Meghan "I don't think anybody else would the monarchy versus everyone Markle are best friends. But will be able to do it the way she will. else. It's a beautiful step in the right the 'Quantico' star serve as a brides- She's just right for it. She's an icon, direction." The 33-year-old prince Padmaavat glorifies maid in Markle and Prince Harry's truly, that girls can look up to, that and his bride-to-be announced upcoming wedding? That is still a women can look up to. She's nor- their engagement on November 27 mystery. In a new interview given mal, she's sweet, she's nice, she last year. They are set to marry at Rajput valour, to Harper's Bazaar Arabia, she ad- thinks about the world, wants to St George's Chapel, Windsor, on dressed the question of whether change it and this was even before May 19. Recently it was an- she would be the bridesmaid at the any of this happened," noted Priy- nounced that Lifetime has an- royal wedding or not and said, "If anka. She added, "So I do think nounced plans for a TV movie ti- withdraws protest you see me there, you'll know". Meghan being a part of the royal tled 'Harry & Meghan: The Royal Whether she's going to be there or family is a big step in the direction Love Story'. (Santa Banta)

Avoiding a clash with Anushka is based on the nuclear tests con- Sharma’s horror film, Pari, the re- ducted at Pokhran in May 1998. lease date of John Abraham-star- It was India’s second nuclear test; rer Parmanu- The Story of the first one was conducted in The film had managed Pokhran has been shifted from 1974. Talking about the subject of March 2 to April 6. Pari will hit Parmanu, John had said earlier: to rake in a whopping theatres on March 2. This is the “Nuclear power is never always Rs 174 crore in just fourth time that the release date used for negative purposes and for Parmanu has been shifted. Ini- that’s what we have shown in our three days at the Chi- tially slated to hit theatres on De- film. There was a no first use pol- cember 15, the release date was icy and it’s quite and intriguing nese box office. changed to February 9 when San- subject and interesting film, and jay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat we are very proud to be a part of Secret Superstar’s magic run was scheduled to hit screens on it.” continues in China as the Aamir December 1. After Padmaavat got While the premise of the film is After more than a year of launching massive protests against Sanjay Khan-starrer has already crossed January 25 as a new release date, based on true events, the charac- Leela Bhansali’s Padmavati, later christened Padmaavat, for Rs 500 crore in the country. Parmanu was again shifted to ters are fictitious. Pari is Anush- allegedly distorting history, Karni Sena announced on Friday that it After the phenomenal success of March 2 when Neeraj Pandey’s ka’s third venture as a producer decided to take back its protest and accepted that the movie his films like 3 Idiots, PK and Aiyaary and Akshay Kumar’s and also stars Parambrata Chatter- glorifies the valour of the Rajputs. The protests started in January Dangal, Aamir’s latest release is Padman postponed their releases jee, Rajat Kapoor and Ritabhari 2016 when Bhansali was assaulted on the sets of the film in Jaipur also receiving tremendous to February 9. Directed by Abh- Chakraborty. Directed by Prosit as the members of the fringe group claimed that the film has a response from the nation. Trade ishek Sharma, Parmanu stars Di- Roy, Pari is slated to be released romantic sequence between Deepika Padukone’s Padmini and analyst Taran Adarsh reports ana Penty and Boman Irani along on March 2. Ranveer Singh’s Alauddin Khilji. Despite the filmmaker’s denial that that the film has earned USD with John. The story of Parmanu (Hindustan Times) no such scene exists, the protests continued in many states across 79.42 million (Rs. 509 cr). India and came to a head around film’s release. Padukone and “#SecretSuperstar continues its Bhansali also faced death threats . Now, Shri Rashtriya Rajput PHENOMENAL RUN in Karni Sena’s Mumbai leader Yogendra Singh Katar said that on the China... Crosses Rs. 500 cr in 2 Padmaavat: Have had to wait longer to get directions of organisation’s national President Sukhdev Singh weeks... Question is, will it cross Gogamadi, a few members watched the movie in Mumbai on Friday, USD 100 mn? [Week 2] Mon and found that the movie glorifies the valour and sacrifice of Rajput USD 3.43 mn Tue USD 3.33 mn career milestones, says Shahid Kapoor and every Rajput will feel proud after watching the film. There is no Wed USD 3.23 mn Thu USD such objectionable scene between Delhi Sultanate ruler Alauddin 2.82 mn Total: USD 79.42 Bollywood actor Shahid Kapoor, happy and content to receive a positive Khilji and Queen Padmini of Mewar which hurts the sentiments of million [Rs. 509 cr],” he tweeted. response from the audience for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat, says Rajputs, he said in a letter, declaring that the Karni Sena takes back The film had managed to rake that with each film, he has had to wait much longer than many of his their protest and will help the administration to release the film in in a whopping Rs 174 crore in contemporaries to achieve milestones in his career. But he chose to Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat as well as across all cinema just three days at the Chinese maximize his space with a skilled performance. In Padmaavat, Shahid essays houses in India. The Karni Sena had been demanding a ban on box office. Directed by Advait Maharawal Ratan Singh, said to be a comparatively lesser known historical Padmaavat on the grounds that it “distorts” historical facts and Chandan, Secret Superstar character than Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji or Rani Padmavati for common projects queen Padmini in poor light. Last month, Supreme Court features Zaira Wasim in the lead people. It was quite ironical then that the real and reel met the same also lifted the ban on the movie imposed by several states and role and the Thugs of Hindostan situation to navigate their way for finding a space -- as in the film Shahid directed them to ensure its release. (Santa Banta) star in an extended cameo. was pitted against two author-backed characters Khilji and Padmavati, and in real life, between two stars like Ranveer and Deepika. SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES N or th Rickie K or ean Fowler tiedat skater s begin thetopin tr a in in g for Phoenix P yeon gCh an g asJordan G am es Spieth bowsout

North Korean skaters attending the of the North Koreans has been well Rickie Fowler fired another 66 to PyeongChang Games in South documented in the South, especially earn a share of the halfway lead Korea have not had the best start after a large North Korea flag, cov- with the fast-finishing Bryson to their training on Friday. After ering three floors, was hung out DeChambeau as a record crowd the IOC president Thomas Bach the balcony. Although other coun- turned out for day two of the cleared North Korea's participa- tries have also put up their flags, Waste Management Phoenix Open. tion in the Winter Olympics, their North Korea's was described to be Fowler matched his opening round skaters had officially begun train- the largest. Displaying a North but was denied the outright lead ing, but are already a man down. Korean national flag in a public David Moyes admits he thought Wednesday. I only woke up on cause we hadn't seen him often "I've got a thing about where do when he misjudged a pitch at the Short-track speed skater Choe place is prohibited in South Korea Islam Slimani's proposed loan Wednesday to be told that it wasn't enough to say it was worth put- players come from, as in where do 17th and dropped his second shot Un Song fell and slid into a padded under its anti-North Korean secu- move to West Ham was a done deal going to happen," said Moyes, ting out £16m for him but we made you bring them in if you're buying of the back nine, while DeCham- wall during practice at the Gang- rity law. But exceptions are made before the Algerian joined Newcas- who also revealed the reasons be- a really big loan offer and couldn't new players. beau birdied the final two holes to neung Ice Arena with a team-mate. when hosting international events. tle. The Hammers were hopeful of hind the club's failed bid to land get him in the end."While the Ham- "It either has to come from join the clubhouse leader on 10 Song, 25, was taken to a nearby The decision to allow the flags was taking the Leicester striker on loan Lille midfielder Ibrahim Amadou. mers missed out on Slimani and your academy or the lower leagues. under. Fan favourite Phil Mickel- hospital, and officials later said he questioned by many, as South for the remainder of the campaign "Then on Wednesday afternoon we Amadou, the club did manage to Do we have it in the academy? No, son delighted the packed galleries was released after a laceration on Korean skiers were not allowed to before talks fell through, with Sli- hoped to do Amadou. sign Jordan Hugill on a four-and- well then the next place we should at TPC Scottsdale as he birdied five his ankle was treated. The skaters display their flag on their uniforms mani instead heading to Newcas- We put in a loan offer for him, a-half-year deal from Preston look is in the UK. "We went look- of the last six holes to get within are among a total of 22 North Ko- during a goodwill event at a North tle on the final day of the window. which we hoped might have been North End. "He was always some- ing and I thought Jordan would be three of the leaders, but Jordan rean athletes who will be attend- Korean ski resort. "Slimani was agreed on Tuesday good enough to get him. "We didn't one we had an eye on," said Moy- worth a go." Spieth's disappointing start to the ing the Winter Games. The arrival (BBC Sport) night and it didn't come off on want to pay the asking price be- es. (Sky Sport) year continued as he missed the halfway cut by one stroke. Fri- day's attendance was officially re- corded at an astonishing 191,400, a new record for the one of the most popular sporting events in Okolie vs Chamberlain: Enzo the United States, and organisers have predicted that the overall crowds for the week could reach 800,000. Daniel Berger had set the Maccarinelli recalls his own early target at nine under after re- turning a flawless six-birdie 65, but he was soon overtaken by Fowler when the Ryder Cup star birdied British battle with David Haye four of the first six holes, starting with a superb 30-foot putt for a three at the first. Fowler holed an- other long-range putt to pick up And both fighters offer advice to another shot at the 10th, although he gave it straight back when he failed to get up and down from a greenside bunker at the next. Rick- Okolie and Chamberlain. ie Fowler looks back on the high- lights of his second-round 66 at Ahead of Lawrence Okolie's 'Brit- matic evening at the very same venue. Haye's WBC and WBA world If you think about two world the week of the fight. With my- weigh-in. Certain people know, but the Phoenix Open and reveals the ish Beef' battle with Isaac Cham- titles were at stake against WBO champion Maccarinelli in a unifica- champions, WBO and WBC, self, certain things happened, but I won't make an excuse, because significance of the photo attached berlain, we asked Enzo Maccar- tion clash, with the added incentive of national pride. Why did you WBA, first unification fight be- I don't really want to talk about it. no one made me. Whether it would to his cap. The world No 7 atoned inelli to recall his own cruiser- decide to face Haye at this stage of your career? There was a lot at tween two British boys, two mas- Something happened, I shouldn't have been any different, I do not with birdies at each of the two par- weight clash with David Haye in stake, the two of us at the time didn't have to fight each other. For the sive punchers, two entertaining have gone through [with the fight], know. He hit that hard, he was that fives on the inward half, the 13th 2008. The London duo will put money I earned, we could have had two relatively easy fights for that. fighters, it makes me think how I did go through. I don't blame any- good. and 15th, and he had high hopes of unbeaten records on the line at The But I was never one to try and swerve anyone. I knew the dangers. Not much money we would have made. one. I don't use it as an excuse. I I would have just given myself a getting to 12 under at 17 only to O2 on Saturday night, live on Sky many people wanted to fight David Haye, but I don't see fear, I'm quite What can you remember about the made a few mistakes. I travelled to better opportunity. Did you think over-hit a chip which raced past Sports, and we are approaching the dopey that way. We wanted to fight each other and prove who was the big fight build-up? It was mad. I London for the press conference, I Haye would struggle with the the flag and rolled off the other side 10-year anniversary of when two best. How big would the fight have been if it was staged 10 years later? don't want to talk too much about travelled back home, then I went weight limit? of the green. other domestic rivals shared a dra- Can you imagine the money you would have made in this day and age? it, but certain things went on in back up for the next day for the (BBC Sport) (Sky Sport) Ca r olin e DavidWilleyhits34 W ozn ia ck i off oneNathanLyon loses in S t over asEngland P eter sbu r g winwarm-up qu a r t er -fin a ls

David Willey struck 34 off one over as he powered England to a thump- ing eight-wicket win over a Prime Minister's XI in the Twenty20 warm- up match at Canberra's Manuka Oval. Opener Willey smote a 23-ball Petit Mouchoir and Footpad, a March, but where else are they Mouchoir suffered a setback which fifty as he blasted spinner Nathan Lyon for five consecutive sixes and respective third and fourth in the going to go? "This is where they has kept him off the track for over a four on his way to 79 off 36 deliveries as the tourists overhauled their Champion Hurdle in March, clash have to go. It's our big novice race, 100 days. De Bromhead told Rac- target of 137 in just 12.4 overs. James Vince (26 off 14) was the only Australian Open champion Caroline Wozniacki suffered a quarter-final in a fascinating Frank Ward Solici- so we'll take our chance." His son ing UK: "He won the Irish Cham- other batsman dismissed, bowled by Mitchell Swepson (2-33), while defeat to Russia's Daria Kasatkina at the St Petersburg Ladies' Trophy tors Irish Arkle at Leopardstown and assistant Patrick added: "Petit pion Hurdle and the Ryanair Hur- Lyon finished with figures of 0-43 off two overs after Dawid Malan on Friday. The Dane was edged out 7-6 6-3 by Russia's world no 23 on Saturday. Henry de Bromhead's Mouchoir had the upper hand on dle at Leopardstown. "He was (21no off 22) and Eoin Morgan (eight no) knocked off the remaining Kasatkina in her first tournament since lifting her maiden Grand Slam Petit Mouchoir also won the Irish Footpad over hurdles, but Foot- third in the Champion Hurdle (at runs. Earlier, Willey (3-32) and spinner Liam Dawson (3-16) took three title in Melbourne less than a week ago. Wozniacki returned to the Champion Hurdle last season, but pad definitely looks like a better Cheltenham) and obviously his wickets apiece as the home side struggled to inject momentum into their world no 1 spot with victory over SImona Halep in a breathtaking Footpad is currently favourite for chaser than hurdler. "His jumping hurdle form is rock-solid. "He put innings. Willey picked off both openers cheaply, bowling Peter Nevill women's final and her exertions in the year's opening major took their the Arkle at Cheltenham. In two has been immaculate so far and up a nice performance in his be- for six before picking up Nic Maddinson for eight courtesy of an Adil toll after a second-round victory earlier in the week. 20-year-old Kasat- runs over fences to date he has not we're hoping the change of code ginners' chase and unfortunately Rashid catch. Rashid's only wicket in a tight spell of 1-14 from three kina was dominant in the tiebreak to claim the opening set and won put a foot wrong and barely will help us get a different result. had a setback after that, but he overs came when Sam Billings produced a stunning catch on the bound- three of the last four games of the match against Wozniacki, who had touched a twig, looking a natural He seems in very good form. seems good now and he's working ary to remove James Faulkner - lobbing the ball in the air as his momen- fought hard to get back on serve halfway into the second set. "She just in the process. Willie Mullins also "Demi Sang did well to win in Naas well. "He's finished in front of tum took him over the rope before stepping back onto the field of play won the Australian Open, and since I beat her, it means I was playing runs Demi Sang, a French import given his jumping wasn't that slick. Footpad a few time over hurdles. to complete the catch. Peter Handscomb, dropped after the first two really well," said Kasatkina said. "I was just trying to play point-by- who won on his first outing for That was probably no surprise giv- We need to be sure we're back all Ashes Tests, provided the only innings of substance, striking seven point and focus on the rally."Kasatkina will next face defending cham- the yard at Naas last month. en he's run over fences in France guns blazing." Completing the fours on his way to 43 off 29 deliveries before he was bowled by pion Kristina Mladenovic, who continued her strong run with a 6-4 6- "Footpad is in good form and Demi and if he can sharpen his jumping small but select field of five are Dawson. The spinner picked off Kurtis Patterson, caught and bowled, 3 win over Czech Katerina Siniakova in the quarter-finals. Earlier in the Sang is in good order as well," said up then he's entitled to run well." Ted Walsh's Any Second Now and and removed Daniel Hughes courtesy of a Jos Buttler stumping to leave day, two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova booked her place in the Irish champion trainer. "I'd After a scintillating chasing debut Gordon Elliott's Tycoon Prince. the Prime Minister's XI flailing on 90-6 off 14.1 Overs. the semi-finals with an attacking masterclass to defeat second seed rather try and keep them apart until at Punchestown in October, Petit (Sky Sport) SUNDAY . FEBRUARY 04. 2018-Dalwa 15, 1396 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 189 Price: Afs.20

AT News Report step towards an alternative and different sections. “This is the “If we don’t have political saving the country from sinking right and responsibility of the opposition, then the variety of KABUL: A newly-formed political into another whirlpool is in our political opposition to criticize the opinions will be removed and the party blamed the government for priority,” Olumi said. He added government, but political parties, government will turn into shortcomings in “ensuring that Afghanistan’s problems have civil society and the public have dictatorship,” said Kabir Ranjbar, security, economic growth and domestic and foreign dimensions also responsibility to help the a lawyer and political expert. people’s political partnership”. which both are working for their government in resolve,” said Javid “The existence of opposition Noorulhaq Olumi, head of the goals against the wish of Afghans. Faisal, deputy spokesman for the is good, but their viewpoints National Front of Afghanistan, said “The government is playing only chief executive. should not be destructive for the Saturday that his party was a symbolic role in giving role to Political experts believe that system,” Ranjbar said, adding that working to form a “good alternative women and the youth, fight against the existence of political parties is critical opinions are effective. in governance”. “Today, with corruption and narcotics.” effective, but warn that their Many political parties are announcing the National Front of But the government says it has viewpoints should not be criticizing the government for what Afghanistan, we are taking a big fulfilled its commitments in destructive for system. they call “poor performance”.

arah deputy police chief, Gen. Abdur Razaq Shirzad, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Niaz Mohammad was killed in Ffront of the mosque where he offered his afternoon prayer in Farah city, the provincial capital, on Friday

The meeting of the leadership FARAH CITY: The prosecutor council of Jamiat-e-Islami was for Pushto Koh district of western organized in Kabul to discuss the Farah province has been killed by recent upheavals on political and unidentified armed motorcyclists security level. According to a who were also killed in police’s The Asian Development Bank’s statement by Jamiat-e-Islami, the retaliatory firing, officials said (ADB) Board of Directors has meeting was chaired by Salahuddin Saturday. Farah deputy police endorsed a new 5-year country Rabbani and was attended by the chief, Gen. Abdur Razaq Shirzad, partnership strategy (CPS) to told Pajhwok Afghan News that establish a stronger foundation for senior leaders of the party. The sustainable growth and poverty statement further added that the Niaz Mohammad was killed in reduction in Afghanistan, the bank recent security and political front of the mosque where he upheavals including the recent offered his afternoon prayer in injured condition. The wounded said in a press release. The 2017- attacker also succumbed in Farah 2021 strategy is expected to deadly a attacks in Kabul and other Farah city, the provincial capital, parts of the country were on Friday. He said two attackers Civil Hospital, Shirzad added. No provide $887 million in grants to the industrial park. Employees at Afghanistan, a founding member discussed during the meeting. The riding a motorcycle were involved any groups so far claimed the industrial park claimed that leaders of Jamiat-e-Islami also held responsibility for the attack. of ADB, through 2020. Sovereign government has not been able to in the incident but one of them was operations will focus on energy, talks on upcoming parliamentary killed and another was detained in (Pajhwok) reclaim the usurped land. “A large elections and the ongoing talks transport, and agriculture and part of the park has been grabbed natural resources. To date, ADB between Jamiat-e-Islami and the by local land grabbers where they government regarding the issue of has provided over $4.9 billion in have built illegal houses. Now that grants and loans to the country. Balkh political leadership, the factory owners want to start work statement said. It also added that “ADB is one of Afghanistan’s here they are prevented from doing leading partners in infrastructure the leaders of the party insisted so and they are threatened, and that the parliamentary elections and regional cooperation and they cannot build factories here,” brings in-depth experience should be organized on time and said Mohammad Amiri, a factory all political parties should be given delivering projects in fragile and owner, who has a facility in the conflict situations,” said Samuel the fair share and role in the second phase of the park. Bagrami elections. The party did not MAIMANA: Local officials on However, Gen. Abdul Malik, Tumiwa, ADB Country Director industry owners’ association has Saturday said five guards of a the leader of Azadi political party for Afghanistan. “Our new CPS disclose further information meanwhile also called for basic regarding any development in the political party have been killed and and a senior advisor to the Chief brings a holistic approach services to be provided. “First, a four others wounded in a Taliban Executive Officer, said that five of combining infrastructure road should be built for us and then ongoing talks over the Balkh investments with capacity political leadership. The issue attack in Sherin Tagab district of his office guards were killed and the water system should be built, northwestern Faryab province. four others wounded in the attack. building for the government to electricity which is an important between Jamiat-e-Islami chief ensure ADB projects make an executive Ata Mohammad Noor Provincial deputy police chief, He said that the attack on his need, should be provided for us,” Col. Mohammad Naim Andarabi, office launched on 9pm Friday impact in reducing poverty and Factory owners at an industrial but that problems, including land said Mohammad Qasim, head of and the government over the Balkh encouraging growth. Despite political leadership continue as told Pajhwok Afghan News that night and continued until today park in Kabul said work that grabbing in the park, have forced Bagrami industry owners’ Taliban stormed the office of Azadi morning. marked improvements since 2002, started on the second phase of an work on the project to stop. association. “You can see, many more than a month has passed since Afghanistan still faces a severe industrial park three years ago Businessmen in the area said the factories here are ready to start the two sides entered into a political party, led by Gen. Abdul Malik termed as questionable infrastructure deficit that ground to a halt last year despite park is now surrounded by operating,” he said. deadlock over the issue. Noor had Malik, in Sherin Tagab district on negligence of the government, negatively affects the country’s factories waiting to start residential houses and that parts Previously, factory owners earlier said that he will continue to Friday night, leaving three Afghan particularly Faryab administration economic growth and job creation. operations. The factory owners of the area zoned for the park have from Nangarhar and Herat his work as the Balkh governor Local Police (ALP) members killed for failing to protect people, saying According to the bank, only about said many businesses were ready been usurped in the past few years. complained about the slow pace until he does not receive a positive and three others wounded. security situation in Faryab, 32% of the population has access to move into the new phase of the They also said a perimeter wall has of construction at industrial parks outcome from the meeting and the He said reinforcements were especially in Shering Tagab district to grid-connected electricity and Juma Mohammad Mohammadi remained incomplete due to the in the provinces. final decision of Jamiat-e-Islami arrived to the incident area and the was worth concerning. more than 70% of the Industril Bark in Bagrami district existence of residential houses in (ToloNews) regarding the issue. (KP) Taliban fighters were pushed back. (Pajhwok) interprovincial and inter-district roads remain in a poor state. Only 10% of irrigated land has formal irrigation systems, with the rest relying on inefficient informal systems that hold back productivity, higher incomes, and job opportunities. The country’s security situation has hampered economic growth, averaging 1.4% during 2014-2016. With the poverty rate close to 40%, there is still a need to improve the country’s infrastructure, climate resilience, and gender equality. ADB was one of the first organizations to return to Afghanistan in 2002 when the country needed help. The reconstruction work is part of a decade long partnership that has Afghanistan is expected to open products. He said that with India's New Delhi and transformed lives in the country. air cargo corridors with five other implementation of the new plan is Mumbai cities last year.The (ATN) countries to boost trade. Currently, expected to cost more than $5 corridors have increased Afghanistan has air cargo link with million. He said that work on the Afghanistnan's exports by 44 India. The new countries which projects were underway, adding percent. More than 20 thousand will have air corridor with the new air corridors would be tonnes of fresh fruits have been Afghanistan are Kazakhstan, inaugurated during next fruit transported so far from Azerbaijan, Indonesia, the United season in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Afghanistan to India through air Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, head of Fresh and Dried Fruits corridors. According to official Khan Jan Alokozay, deputy Exports Development, Sayed statistics, Afghanistan has chairman of Afghanistan Chamber Azeem Mustafa, said that new air exported goods worth more than of Commerce, told 1TV. The corridors have opened new $600 million to different countries official said that the aim was to markets for fruits of the country. during the past nine months. increase exports level of Afghan Afghanistan opened air corridors (1tvnews)

The Under-19 National Cricket Team is back home after attending the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand where the Afghan PUL-I-KHUMRI: Residents of from Bala Duri village, told voice was not listened. A number squad came in fourth. India went Dand Shahabuddin area of Pul-I- Pajhwok Afghan News, “We are of other people in the gathering had on to scoop the title. Afghanistan Khumri, the capital of northern visiting the governor’s house every similar complains. Shamsul Haq however notched up three wins - Baghlan province, on Saturday day from the last two weeks and Barakzai, a provincial council against Pakistan, Sri Lanka and asked the government to ask the officials to help us in member, accused the local New Zealand. In their last match, compensate them for their homes reconstruction of houses destroyed administration on negligence and on Thursday, persistent rain destroyed during Afghan forces in airstrikes in our village, but the said that he told relevant officials forced match officials to call off the ICC Under-19 World Cup airstrikes. Dozens of residents of governor’s house does not listen such operation were third place play-off game between Dand Shahabuddin gathered in to our complain,” Haji Mohammad counterproductive. “Only civilians Afghanistan and Pakistan in front of Baghlan provincial council Karim, another protestor, who had suffered damage in these Queenstown in New Zealand. The building today for protest and the same complain, said that their operations, the government is result meant Pakistan took third demanded the government to houses were destroyed in Afghan responsible to help displaced spot having finished ahead of compensate destruction of their forces airstrikes but no one so far people with the support of charity Afghanistan in the group because houses and help them. Gul promised them of any help. He organizations,” he siad. of their net run rate. Mohammad, one of the protestors warned to continue protests if their (Pajhwok)