Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:141 Price: Afs.20

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AT News Report said. In addition to that eight terrorist group claimed. The attack Afghan forces also retaken several militants were wounded. The was carried out by Taliban’s Red areas from militants in Helmand, KABUL: At least eleven attack was carried out against check Unit, Ahmadi said. The Red Unit which is producing a big percentage policemen embraced martyrdom posts in police district 7th and 8th in commander Mullah Nasir was of the country’s opium. The and 12 Taliban insurgents have eastern part of Lashkargah around killed last month by the Afghan opium business annually channel been killed in overnight militants’ 1:00am Saturday night, and lasted security forces in Musa-Qala of an estimated $200 million to attacks in southwestern Helmand until nearly 5:00am, Salam Afghan, Helmand. Taliban have been under Taliban pockets, an amount more province, officials said on Sunday. spokesman for Helmand police pressure for the past few months than what Taliban need for run their Several Taliban fighters on chief told Afghanistan Times. from the Afghan Special Forces and war campaign in the country. But, Sunday early morning, attacked However, Taliban spokesman, Qari US air strikes, particularly under the Afghan and US forces in recent and in the region. They agreed to security check-posts of the Afghan Yusuf Ahmadi, in a statement the new US strategy that gave a months have kicked out targeting further bolster bilateral relations forces in east of Lashkargah, the claimed their fighters have captured broader hand to the US forces to Taliban drug labs and trafficking and productive cooperation in a capital city, in which 11 security two check posts of the security hint Taliban in the country. The networks to dry their financial number of areas. forces martyred and 12 Taliban forces in the attack. 16 policemen militants have lost several sources. So far tens of Taliban drug Commenting into his India’s insurgents were killed, provincial were killed and several vehicles of commanders in airstrikes and facilities have been destroyed in visit, the former Afghan President governor spokesman, Omar Zwak the security forces destroyed, the special operations, in which joint operations. Hamid Karzai displayed a message on his official Twitter account, “An honor and pleasure to meet our great friend PM, Narendra Modi in New Delhi.” “Thanking PM Modi for the gracious hospitality extended to us,” Karzai twitted. Karzai, in his message said, “Discussed the deepening bilateral relations.” Moreover, the Indian Ambassador to Kabul, Manpreet Vohra also held a meeting with the ex-Afghan President in his office before his departure to New Delhi. Hamid Karzai, serving his national responsibilities has been struggling for improving Afghanistan’s relations with the AT News Report Narendra Modi, who also hosted regional and international dinner for the ex-Afghan President, community and seeking their KABUL: The former President tweeted. During the meeting, the support to establish durable peace AT News Report Hamid Karzai, and the Indian two prominent leaders discussed and stability in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi the strategic bilateral relations, Karzai has repeatedly wanted the KABUL: The Chief Executive Dr. other day held a meeting in New comprising New Delhi’s regional and international big Abdullah Abdullah has urged the Delhi, where the two sides development assistance to powers and rivals to let Afghanistan Pakistan’s parliamentary discussed bilateral ties and shared Afghanistan and India’s to be a center of cooperation, delegation to shun terror havens views on security situations in cooperation in other key areas. instead of confrontation. India’s and dismantle networks of Afghanistan and in the region. According to officials, the two role in developing larger consensus terrorist groups functioning in “Delighted to meet my friend sides also shared opinions on in Afghanistan is of tremendous Pakistan, from where they Hamid Karzai in New Delhi, PM security situations in Afghanistan importance, needs to be played. KABUL: Da Afghanistan Breshna (militant groups) have been Shirkat (DABS) on Sunday talked launching and operating terrorist about the immanent financial crisis and destructive activities in of the power utility and said the Afghanistan. Referring to donors have linked future Pakistan’s duplicity in war on assistance to the resolution of terror and its Afghan course, problems with neighbouring Abdullah said battling terrorism countries. The Meshrano Jira or and eradication of safe terror upper house of the parliament sanctuaries in Pakistan is the today summoned DABS Head required condition to create Amanullah Ghaleb to brief the productive environment for trust- house about alleged corruption building and improving relations. AT News Report and reforms as major obstacles to allegation, continuous power Abdullah made the remarks dialogue and in line with the actions against terrorist outfits in hold election. Yousuf Rashid, head outage and financial condition of during a meeting held with a principles of good neighborliness. the country, and change the KABUL: A political party on of the Free and Fair Election the power utility. delegation of Pakistani Shedding light on Afghanistan’s Afghan course to pave way for Ghaleb said 850 big and small parliamentarians, civil society official policy, Abdullah said Kabul good neighborhood and bilateral AT News Report Sunday said that the government Foundation of Afghanistan was not determined to hold (FEFA), asked the government to development projects were activists and media-men here in had always wished cordial friendship. election, accusing government of immediately introduce new head underway from the past few years. Kabul on Sunday, a statement from relations- based on mutual respect President Ashraf Ghani during trying to sabotage electric ID cards for the election commission. DABS was now giving priority to his office said. with all neighboring countries, his official visit to the United distribution and the Loya Jirga. “Unfortunately, the government those projects which are 80 percent During the meeting, the two including Islamabad, he remarked. States on the occasion of United The Council for Protection and does not want to hold the election completed. “The donors are not sides discussed normalizing The CEO added spirit of Nations General Assembly this Stability, an opposition party and the parliament members ready to help us in the electricity relations, expansion of trade; cooperation between the peoples year, said Afghanistan had generation projects. They are developing mutual confidence and of both countries has been existed, repeatedly offered a hand of warned the country would further remain silent to stay at the ready to provide us with power resolution to issues between the suggesting the goodwill should be bilateral friendship—based on go toward crisis if the election was parliament seats for more time,” supply cables, sub-stations and two countries, the statement utilized for bolstering positive mutual respect to Pakistan, but not held timely. “As we know the he said. But deputy spokesman for pylon but when it comes to the added. The CEO said bilateral bilateral relations between the two Islamabad spit on it and remains ground for distributing the electric the chief executive said that the power generation they say go relations between the two countries. The Afghan government stuck to its pro-terror policies in ID cards is paved and security government was serious to hold the resolve your problems with your neighboring countries should be and the US-led international order to destabilize Afghanistan situation is also good, but we have election and was working to neighbours,” he said. (Pajhwok) strengthened and bilateral issues community have been emphasized and undermining the US-led war found out that the government provide the election commission were needed to be resolved through on Pakistan to take meaningful on terror. KABUL: The Kabul police say doesn’t have intention to hold the with budget. there would be no exemption in election,” Massoud Terashtwal, the “The government has said to collecting the arms and vehicles spokesman of the council told hold election next year. This means without documents, adding that reporters. He called lack of budget, that it will hold,” said Omid they had cleaned up the tints of polling centers, list of voters, Maisam, adding that foreign over 1,000 vehicles in the past dependence of the electoral bodies donors would provide the budget five days. Kabul police and violation of the constitution for election. spokesman Basir Mujahid, said that police would continue the program despite some high-level officials including members of the parliament were against the plan. Officials of the electronic identity Other government officials and cards (e-NIC) department said on lawmakers are supporting this Sunday it closely coordinating with program, Mujahid said, calling for the presidential palace to finalize KABUL: The Afghanistan Civil their more cooperation. He added the date for the rollout of the new Aviation Authority (ACAA) says that more than 50 armored identity cards. All necessary airlines will be fined for delayed vehicles without legal documents arrangements and preparations are flights under a draft rule. were collected in the past five The draft would be placed days. A number of the at their peak to roll out the parliamentarians opposed the electronic identity cards. The first soon before the Council of program, alleging that they were rollout will be in Kabul, said e-NIC KUNDUZ CITY : Thousands of of displaced families. A proper plan Ministers for approval, the ACAA disgraced by police during the advisor and spokesman Rohullah families have fled their homes as a would be devised for immediate chief told a media briefing in Kabul implementation of the program. Ahmadzai. A join committee of the result of clashes in the Imam Sahib assistance to them,” he promised. on Saturday. Mahmud Shah Habibi But the critic legislator, Ramazan national assembly is expected to district of northern Kunduz Hashmi added the families had also announced a 34 percent Bashardost told the Radio Free debate the fate of electronic province, officials said on Sunday. been displaced to the district centre increase in ACAA income, saying Europe/Radio Liberty that identity cards next week. “Next Mahboobullah Syedi, the district and some other stable areas. The flight regulations were being commuting in the vehicles with week we will share the exact date chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News displaced people were faced with toughened. Unveiling the annual tinted glasses could not stop KABUL: Four teachers of Afghan- AGO and Interior Ministry. of the rolling out process with the security forces recently launched major problems, he continued. report of the authority, he recalled: security threats. The Turk High School detained by Earlier, security forces have people of Afghanistan,” said an operation that had harmed many Nawroz, who was displaced from “The the ACAA income in 2016 undocumented tinted vehicles personnel of National Directorate arrested one Afghan and three Ahmadzai. In terms of president families. The affected people are Kunjak village, said: “Afghan was four billion and 364 million would help insecurity, he said. of Security (NDS) days before Turkish teachers linked to the Ashraf Ghani’s order, the new ID said to be in serious trouble. He forces conducted air-and-ground aghanis.” But the revenue for the “There can be a minister, a have been released and their cases faith-based Gülen movement. cards will include the religion and said around 2,000 household had operations in our village. Our current year (2017), which has not parliamentarian or a thief and have been referred to the Attorney According to the Reuters, the ethnicity of the holder. been displaced from Kambz, Joi homes were destroyed and we were ended yet, are at five billion and smugglers in such vehicles,” General Office (AGO), reliable move against Afghan Turk CAG On Thursday Ghani ordered Begum and Kunjak villages of the 835 million afs, up by 34 percent. Bashardost said, citing former security sources said on Sunday. Educational NGO (ATCE), the forced to flee.” He complained the census department, the town due to continuing violence. they were yet to get assistance. He linked the revenue hike to interior minister that had claimed A security official from NDS who organization that runs the schools, the handing over of Afghanistan’s some parliamentarians were wished to go unnamed said: “Four appeared to be part of a witch- Afghanistan Civil Registration Meanwhile, Salam Hashmi, Another resident, Janullah, said the engage in smuggling. Bashardost detained Afghan-Turk School hunt being waged on followers of Authority, to be prepared for the director of refugees and repatriation government should inform the airspace control to Afghan said that government officials, teachers have been released and Turkish Islamic scholar Fethullah rollout of electronic identity cards affairs, confirmed about 2,000 residents before conducting institutions. Previously, legislators and jihadi leaders were their cases referred to the AGO.” Gülen, accused by the Turkish within the days to come, director families had fled Imam Sahib so operation. “When operation begins Afghanistan’s airspace was still using vehicles with tinted The source added NDS discharged government of masterminding a of the department, Homayoun far. “Many houses have been people remain unaware and leaving controlled by NATO forces. “Two windows and did not care police’s its responsibility according the law coup attempt in July 2016. Mohtaat said Thursday. damaged. We have dispatched a as a result of problems.” years earlier, Afghan airspace was call. and the remaining belonged to the (Pajhwok) (ToloNews) team to survey the exact number (Pajhwok) controlled by NATO. (Pajhwok) MONDAY .DECEMBER 18, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Notification for intention to contract Notification for intention to contract award award The Ministry of energy and water of Afghanistan(MEW)intends to The Ministry of energy and water of Afghanistan(MEW)intends to award the contract,Construction/Rehabilitation of Injel Canal award the contract,Procurement of Works for Construction of new Irrigation scheme in Injel District of Herat province,under the building for Logar River basin,under the contract No, MEW/PCU/ contract No, MEW/PCU/IRDP/H-517/Lot-2withM/S IRDP/B-52/NCBwithM/S Yong generation cons com (JV) Green TawseaWaTakmal Cons.coAddress:KololaPushta,KBL. License Circle Cons CompAddress:Karte 4 Opposite to pot Officer.License No: D-20524in the amount of 16,815,407.19Afs (Sixteen million No: D-41888in the amount of 15,519,770 Afs(Fifteen million five eight hundred Fifteen thousand and four hundred seven point hundred nineteen thousand and seven hundred seventy Afghanis). nineteen Afghanis).only. Bidders who want to appealfor only. Bidders who want to appealfor reconsideration or have any reconsideration or have any objection, they can submit their objection, they can submit their application within 7 days application within 7 days totheMinistry of Energy and Water from the totheMinistry of Energy and Water from the date of announcement. date of announcement. This notification does not constitute award of contract. The contract This notification does not constitute award of contract. The contract shall not be awarded until the notice provided elapsed and complaints, shall not be awarded until the notice provided elapsed and complaints, if any received, is addressed in compliance with appeal and review if any received, is addressed in compliance with appeal and review manual. manual.

Notification for intention to contract Notification for intention to contract award award The Ministry of energy and water of Afghanistan(MEW)intends to The Ministry of energy and water of Afghanistan(MEW)intends to award the contract,Rehabilitation of Shamalan Canal Irrigation award the contract,Rehabilitation of Babughdi River Bank Schemein Bolan Laskargah of Helmand province,under the Protection Wall Scheme works,under the contract No, MEW/PCU/ contract No, MEW/PCU/IRDP/Q-175/Helmand/NCBwithM/S IRDP/QR-06/Kandahar/NCBwithM/S Ariana Hikmat Helmand Jahani Barak Cons.CoAddress:Hajji GulamNabi Barak Construction CompanyAddress:Traffic Square, Kabul, Market/Lashkergah/Helmand Afghanistan. License No: D-40832in Afghanistan. License No: D-24497in the amount of 10,352,720 the amount of 18,231,700 Afs (Eighteen million two hundred thirty Afs(Ten million three hundred fifty two thousand and seven one thousand and seventy hundred Afghanis only).Bidders who hundred twenty Afghanis).only. Bidders who want to appealfor want to appealfor reconsideration or have any objection, they can reconsideration or have any objection, they can submit their application submit their application within 7 days totheMinistry of Energy and within 7 days totheMinistry of Energy and Water from the date of Water from the date of announcement. announcement. This notification does not constitute award of contract. The contract This notification does not constitute award of contract. The contract shall not be awarded until the notice provided elapsed and complaints, shall not be awarded until the notice provided elapsed and complaints, if any received, is addressed in compliance with appeal and review if any received, is addressed in compliance with appeal and review manual. manual. MONDAY .DECEMBER 18, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

68pc satisfied with Charikar municipal services: IWA KABUL: Forty to 68 percent of people are satisfied with munici- pal services in Charikar, Herat City, Mazar-i-Sharif, Jalalabad, Bamyan City, Mahmud Raqi, Kunduz City, Kabul and Gardez. The level of public satisfaction AT News Report provinces. In addition, the trans- with municipal services was as- mission line will have capacity to sessed in a recent survey by the AT News Report energize additional 300,000 new Integrity Watch Afghanistan KABUL: Eklil Hakimi, Minister connections to residential, com- (IWA), which interviewed more of Finance and Ms. Shanny Camp- mercial and industrial consumers, than 4,000 people aged above 18 bell, the Asian Development Bank the statement added. years old. EMERGENCY (ADB) Deputy Country Director ADB is Afghanistan’s largest IWA CEO Sayed Ikram Afzali for Afghanistan today (Sunday) official development partner in the announced the results of the sur- CALLS signed grant agreement of $60 energy sector. ADB has helped vey at a press conference here in million to provide more electrici- deliver electricity to more than 5 Kabul on Saturday. Public satis- ty for Afghan households, busi- million people in Afghanistan. faction with the Charikar Munici- Police nesses and industry by extending Over the coming years, ADB will pality was put at 68 percent. the national grid connectivity into support the increase in the coun- Similarly, 64 percent of respon- 100 - 119 eastern provinces and strengthen try’s electrification rate from 30% dents voiced their satisfaction with the north-east power system in to 83%, and lift the share of do- the performance of the Herat Mu- the presence of H.E. the President, mestic generation from 20% to nicipality and 64 percent with Hospitals Cabinet Members and PMs at the 67% by 2030. ADB will also play Mazar-i-Sharif, he said. beginning of the High Economic a major role in power transmis- People’s contentment with the FMIC Hospital Council in ARG, a statement from sion both regionally and domesti- Jalalabad Municipality stood at 59 Ministry of Finance said. cally, and promote clean energy, percent, 55 percent with Bamyan, Behind Kabul Medical The project is part of the to- including through solar power. 54 percent with Mahmud Raqi, 50 University: tal $1.2 billion Energy Supply ADB, based in Manila, is ded- percent with Kunduz, 47 percent Improvement Investment Pro- icated to reducing poverty in Asia with Kabul and 40 percent with 0202500200-+93793275595 and the Pacific through inclusive Gardez. In the top three provinces, gram (2015-2024) and will be fi- the level of people’s satisfaction nanced from the Afghanistan In- economic growth, environmental- Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital frastructure Trust Fund (AITF). ly sustainable growth, and region- was high with services such as con- AITF, administered by ADB, is a tion and new construction projects growth and income opportuni- transmission line between capital al integration. Established in 1966, trol and standardisation of con- Pule Bagh-e- Umomi will bring reliable electricity sup- ties.” Kabul and Nangarhar provincial ADB is celebrating 50 years of struction of buildings, bus termi- donor-financed fund established in nals, solid-waste management, ur- 2010 which aims to improve live- ply,” said Eklil Hakimi, Minister Energy demand in Afghani- capital Jalalabad. It will enable development partnership in the 070263672 of Finance. stan is increasing by almost twice nearly 300 MW of grid power into region. It is owned by 67 mem- ban health and hygiene, access to lihoods of the Afghan people information and canalisation. through infrastructure develop- “Increased access to efficient its economic growth rate. Current- Nangarhar and adjoining provinc- bers—48 from the region. In 2016, ADB assistance totaled $31.7 bil- However, residents of the cities Khairkhana Hospital ment, the statement added. and sustainable energy sources can ly, 20 out of 34 provinces in Af- es. Phase 2 of this project will wanted improvement in gover- “Energy is one of the govern- help Afghanistan to meet its eco- ghanistan are not connected to the extend the power grid into Kunar lion, including $14 billion in co- 0799-321007 financing. nance in delivery of urban services, ment’s high priority sectors and a nomic growth aspirations,” said power grid supply which increas- province. he said, adding: “They say base for economic growth. Con- Samuel Tumiwa, ADB Country es cost of doing business, deterio- The transmission line would It is worth mentioning that, 2401352 Ministry of Finance and the Asian people’s suggestions should be nections between major power Director for Afghanistan. “The rates environment, and subdues provide significant value addition heeded in implementation of dif- systems in the country can create assistance signed today will, re- sustainable development indica- to provide sustainable power to Development Bank (ADB) has provided information to media ferent programmes.” He said pub- plenty of opportunities for new- spectively, support the govern- tors, the statement added. two industrial parks in eastern lic satisfaction with the Kabul Indira Gandhi Children ly-connected communities. The ment’s national energy supply According to statement, the Afghanistan and enable grid sta- about the agreement in the Gov- Municipality had risen to 48 per- Hospital, Wazir Akbar transmission networks support- program, which aims to expand project will construct a 190-kilo- bility by interconnection with ernment Media and Information cent from 34 percent in last solar ed by ADB under both reconstruc- power supply to boost economic meter (km) 220-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines in adjoining Center (GMIC). year. (Pajhwok) Khan, Kabul 2301372

Ibn-e- Seena BAYAT FOUNDATION 1 person killed, 2 injured in Balkh blast Pul-e-Artan, Kabul MAZAR-I-SHARIF: One civilian dul Razaq Qaderi told Pajhwok killed and two others injured. Qa- 2100359 RECEIVES MOTHER TERESA was killed and two others wound- Afghan News the explosion took deri added the reason behind the ed in a magnetic bomb blast in place at around 11:00AM when a blast could not be ascertained, but Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of magnetic bomb attached to a pri- investigation into the incident had Wazir Akbar Khan AWARD FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE northern Balkh province, on Sun- vate Surf vehicle went off in Maz- been launched. There was no im- Hospital day, an official said. ar-i-Sharif City. mediate claim of responsibility for Afghanistan’s Leading Private Philanthropy Received Honor At December 10th Ceremony Deputy police Chief Col. Ab- He said one individual was the blast. (Pajhwok) 2301741, 2301743 preservation and progress. The Ali Abad Harmony Foundation was established in 2005 by Dr. Abraham Shahrara, Kabul Matai. The mission of The Harmony Foundation is to 2100439 establish peaceful relations and social harmony between communities throughout the world. Malalai Maternity Prior recipients of Mother Teresa fghanistan’s Under-19 Hospital Memorial International Award national cricket team left For Social Justice, include His Kabul for New Zealand 2201377/ 2301743 Holiness, The Dali Lama, Nana on Sunday to play in the Akufo-Addo, the Former President under-19 World Cup tournament. of Ghana, Doctors Without This comes few weeks after Banks Borders, and H.E. Bin Zayed Al Afghanistan's U-19 team returned Nayan, Minster of Foreign Affairs, home as champions retaining the Da Afghanistan Bank The United Arab Emirates. “Saint Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Un- 2100302, 2100303 Teresa of Calcutta embraced the der-19 Premier Cup title. The Af- commandment to love, and serve, ghan team won all its matches in and improve the lives of the that tournament. It was the sec- Bakhtar Bank poorest of the poor, as the sacred ond time that the team brought The Bayat Foundation High Commissioner for work, and the sole mission of her 0776777000 (www.bayatfoundation.org), Refugees;and Mr.Tushar Gandhi, home the trophy. life, and we accept the Mother In the run-up to the finals, Af- Azizi Bank Afghanistan’s largest private, non- g r e a t - g r a n d s o n Teresa Memorial International profit Health, Education and Social of Mahatma Gandhi. Other ghanistan beat Kuwait, Nepal, Award For Social Justice with UAE, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia. 0799 700900 Development Organization, 2017 honorees tremendous humility and announced today that The Bayat includedMs.Priyanka Chopra– “Our team has made all neces- said team captain Naween-ul-Haq. group will advance to the Super gratitude,” said Dr. Ehsan Bayat, sary preparations to participate in Defending champions West Indies League, while the remaining eight Pashtany Bank Foundationhas been selected by Indian actress, singer, film the Co-Founder and Chairman of The Harmony Foundation as the producer, and philanthropist – the tournament. After our team re- will begin their 2018 Under-19 teams will feature in the Plate com- 2102908, 2103868 The Bayat Foundation. “In 2006, turned home from the Asian cham- World Cup campaign against hosts petition. Twenty matches, includ- recipient of the 2017 Mother and prolific Japanese architect and when my wife Mrs. Fatema Bayat Teresa Memorial International Pritzker Prize recipient, Mr. pionship, we held a training camp New Zealand in Tauranga on Janu- ing the Super League quarter-fi- and I started The Bayat where we continued preparations. ary 13, the opening day of the tour- nals, semi-finals, and final, will be Air Services Award For Social Justice. Shigeru Ban for his dedication Foundation, we had a simple, but Dr. Ehsan Bayat – Co-Founder of to creating humanitarian designs The team will compete in the nament. televised, with the final scheduled powerful wish—we wanted to World Cup games in full force,” West Indies and New Zealand to be played at the Bay Oval in The Bayat Foundation, and that combine the needs of refugees help provide Afghans with Safi Airways Chairman of The Bayat Group with sustainability. said Atif Mashal, chairman Af- have been placed in Group A, along Tauranga. healthcare, education, clean ghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). with South Africa and the Africa Both Super League semi-finals 020 22 22 222 (www.bayat-group.com) – and his Established in 2005 by The water—the basic necessities of wife, Mrs. Fatema Bayat – Harmony Foundation to honor “Currently, we are focused qualifier, Kenya. Tauranga will also will be held at Christchurch's life,” Dr. Bayat said. only on the New Zealand World host the tournament final, on Feb- Hagley Oval. The 11th edition of Executive Director of The Bayat Mother (Saint) Teresa’s lifetime “Today, I am proud to note that Ariana Foundation – jointly accepted the of service to the ‘Poorest of the Cup. All our players have contin- ruary 3. Sixteen teams will partici- the Under-19 World Cup will be The Bayat Foundation has ued their training. We are grateful pate in the 2018 edition, including played across seven venues in four award from Mr. Shri Tushar Arun Poor,’ The Mother Teresa sponsored over 300 projects in 020-2100270 Gandhi, great grandson of Memorial International Award For to the cricket board for sending us the five qualifiers - Kenya, Papua cities - Whangarei, Tauranga, Afghanistan, including the to New Zealand a month before New Guinea, Canada, Afghanistan Christchurch and Queenstown - Mahatma Gandhi; Dr. Abraham Social Justice has been bestowed construction of thirteen hospitals, Mathai, President of Harmony on Dr. Bayat and The Bayat the games,” said coach Andy and Ireland. over 22 days. Kam Air which have cared for 2,000,000 Moles. The ten Test teams [prior to This is the third time the tour- Foundation; and Mr. Jerry Jose, Foundation, in recognition of The Afghan mothers and their children” 0799974422 Head of Human Resources at ICICI Bayat Foundation’s leading, “After New Zealand, our team Afghanistan and Ireland's eleva- nament is being held in New Dr. Bayat said. “We have been will be the second most powerful tion] and Namibia, who finished Zealand, after 2002 and 2010. Af- Lombard. The ceremony was exceptional and successful efforts blessed by this opportunity to attended by a number of dignitaries to provide the neediest Afghans team in the world. It is good for as the best Associate team in the ghanistan has been placed in D Hotels serve Afghans, and every day we the team to go a little bit early to 2016 edition, had gained automatic group where it will compete with such as Mr. Mohammad Sarwar with food, clothing, health care, try our best to live out the wisdom Safi Landmark Danish, Vice President of the education, clean water and other get acclimatized in New Zealand qualification. Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Ireland. that Mother Teresa gave to the and this will help us to play well,” The top two teams from each (TOLONews) Islamic Republic of Afghanistan; critical and basic building blocks world, when she said ‘The Greatest Ms. Yasuko Shimizu, Chief of of life, that every human being Good is what we do for one 020-2203131 Mission for the United Nations requires for their protection, another.’” (Press Release) SERENA MTN Afghanistan donated 0799654000 1200 sets of bed sheets, mattress case and New Rumi Restaurant pillow case to 15 provincial hospitals. 0776351347 Internet Services MTN Afghanistan foundation ministry introduced 14 outreached have taken such initiative to main- donates 1200 sets of bed sheets, provincial hospitals and Kabul tain a hygienic environment in hos- UA Telecom mattress cases and pillow cases Jamhuriat hospital for such dona- pitals for our Afghan’s patients. We 0796701701 / 0796702702 to 15 provincial hospitals in or- tion considering their high priori- feel this is our moral responsibili- der to maintain reasonable degree ty and needs. This donation hand- ty to serve our Afghans in all as- of cleanliness and standard hy- ed over to Ministry of Public pects of their lives. The Acting Exchange Rate giene. The aim of this initiative is Health on Sunday 17th of Decem- Director for Provincial health co- to equip the provincial hospital ber 2017, The General Manager ordination Mr. Hakim Noori ap- 1 USD with the desperately needed items of Corporate Affairs of MTN preciated such donation for 15 hos- 68.90AFN which can avail a neat and clean Afghanistan Mr. Hidayatullah pitals and thanked MTN Afghani- environment for the patients. This Zahid said, since MTN is always stan for their sincere contribution. donation took place with duly taking into account the highest This is not the first time MTN is coordination with the ministry of priorities and categorize the needs running such health care project as 1000.00 IRR public health as the honorable of the community, that’s why we previously MTN Foundation in 16.70AFN addition to other projects such as education scholarship, providing free education opportunity and cre- ating well-equipped and modern 1.00 UAE Computer labs for orphans and 18.70AFN School Teachers, distributing blan- kets to internal displaced and war affected families and so on, de- 1.00 EUR ployed its medical crew along with 81.80AFN Mobile Clinic to Nangarhar Prov- ince for the urgent medical treat- ment also assists the needy and un- 1000.00 INR derprivileged people with Blood 1060.00AFN Donation for Thalassemia and kan- go affected patients and such pro- grams & support will be kept up 1000.00 PKR in the future as well. 636.00AFN (Press Release) MONDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Asma seeks In Kashmir, parliamentary India and probe into Pakistan race Faizabad sit-in to tap the ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court Himalayas lawyer and human rights activist Asma Jahangir has called for a probe MUZAFFARABAD: Several by a parliamentary committee to hundred metres underground, thou- ascertain as to who was behind the sands of labourers grind away day recent Faizabad sit-in and from and night on a mammoth hydro- where a new lot came despite a electric project in contested Kash- successful operation against reli- mir, where India and Pakistan are gious activists. racing to tap the subcontinent's di- Speaking at a press conference minishing freshwater supplies. after a meeting organised by the NEW DELHI — Rahul Gandhi, The arch rivals have been Human Rights Commission of Pa- the scion of India’s famous politi- building duelling power plants kistan (HRCP) at a hotel here on cal dynasty, on Saturday took over along the banks of the turquoise Saturday, she said: “We don’t as president of the main opposi- Neelum River for years. want a judicial commission on it tion Congress party, which faces a The two projects, located on and demand that only a parliamen- stiff challenge from Prime Minis- opposite sides of the Line of Con- tary committee should investigate ter Narendra Modi’s ruling Hindu trol — the de facto border in Kash- the matter.” nationalists. mir — are now close to comple- The HRCP meeting was held Mr. Gandhi, who took the tion, fuelling tensions between the to finalise recommendations on mantle from his mother, Sonia, at neighbours with Pakistan particu- possible strategies to protect plac- a party function, assumes leader- larly worried their downstream es of religious significance against ship of a party that has been los- project will be deprived of much- faith-based violence. ing power to Mr. Modi’s needed water by India. “We need to know how the Bharatiya Janata Party since 2014. The Himalayan region of army became a guarantor during the Mr. Gandhi’s party has suffered Kashmir is at the heart of a 70- agreement between the government humiliating defeats in recent state year conflict between the nuclear- and protesters. Why money was elections despite his active cam- armed foes, with both sides laying distributed among the protesters,” paigning. claim to the conflict-riven territo- she said. “The parliamentary com- In a speech, Sonia Gandhi de- ry. mittee should see how people scribed her son as the new hope The rivalry on the Neelum is reached Islamabad and who for the Congress party, as work- underlined by both countries' un- brought them,” she said. ers danced, burst firecrackers and quenchable need for freshwater, as On Nov 25, an operation was distributed sweets to celebrate the their surging populations and de- started by thousands of personnel generational shift in leadership. veloping economies continue to of law enforcement agencies Mr. Gandhi, 47, will be taking stress already diminished waters against the activists of a religious on Mr. Modi when the prime min- tables. group who were demanding resig- ister seeks a second, five-year term This situation represents a se- nation of then law minister Zahid in 2019. Mr. Modi has vowed to rious challenge to Pakistan's food Hamid. Police removed the pro- create a Congress-free India while security and long-term growth, its testers in the morning, but later a working for the rise of Hindu na- central bank recently warned in a new lot reached there and occu- tionalist forces. “Today, the Con- report. pied the Faizabad interchange. gress faces a possibly existential The geography of the wider Ms Jahangir claimed that ev- crisis even as Sonia Gandhi makes region only exacerbates the prob- ery department and institution, way for Rahul Gandhi,” said Neer- lem. such as the opposition, econom- ja Chowdhury, a political commen- The Indus River — into which ics and Foreign Office, were being tator. In his speech, Mr. Gandhi the waters of the Neelum ultimately influenced by the same people who described himself as an “idealist” flow — is one of the longest on were playing a role in issues of and said the Indian people were the continent, cutting through ul- Balochistan and Fata. “The gov- disillusioned by the policies pur- tra-sensitive borders in the region. ernment and civil society have be- sued by the Modi government. He It rises in Tibet, crosses Kash- come hostage,” she said, adding: said the Congress party, which had mir and waters 65 per cent of Pa- “Militarisation of politics has been ruled India for decades, took the kistan's territory, including the started in Pakistan.” country into the 21st century vast, fertile plains of Punjab prov- The lawyer said that by the through modernization and devel- Supporters of the Indian National Congress party on Saturday celebrated the appointment of Rahul Gandhi as party leader in New ince — the country's bread basket Faizabad sit-in a message had been opment. He accused Mr. Modi of Delhi. Credit Prakash Singh/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images — before flowing into the Indian conveyed that the powers that be taking India “to a medieval path Ocean. had every kind of groups for wag- where people are butchered be- The Indus Water Treaty+ , ing proxy wars. “It has politicians, cause of who they are, beaten for has involved fringe Hindu vigilan- ther Jawaharlal Nehru have all well in recent years and has been mitment to Congress ideology shall painfully ratified in 1960 under the lawyers and even those groups what they believe in and killed for te groups that have become active served as prime minister since In- pushing her son to the fore. always be our guiding light,” he auspices of the World Bank, theo- who can do politics in the name of what they eat.” “The Congress in small towns and cities across dia’s independence from British Asked what role she would wrote on Twitter. retically regulates water allocation religion. Unfortunately political will take on this challenge and will India. Muslims make up about 14 colonialists in 1947. Rahul Gan- play after her son’s elevation, Mrs. The Gandhi family and the between the countries and is con- parties have surrendered.” never back down,” he said. percent of India’s 1.3 billion peo- dhi entered politics in 2004. Gandhi told New Delhi Television Congress party have released lit- sidered a rare diplomatic success The rights activist claimed that Mr. Gandhi was referring to ple and Hindus about 80 percent. Mr. Gandhi was elevated to on Friday, “My role is to retire.” tle information about Mrs. Gan- story Kishanganga power station+ even on the issue of Fata reforms, killings and attacks on minority Mr. Gandhi is the sixth mem- party vice president in January Randeep Surejewala, a party dhi’s health problems. She had sur- is also in its final phase, but has the same powerful people had tak- groups, especially Muslims, since ber of the Nehru-Gandhi family to 2013, serving as his mother’s No. spokesman, said later that Mrs. gery in the United States for an delayed its late 2017 completion en a lead role. “If politicians can- the Bharatiya Janata Party swept lead the Congress party. His fa- 2. Mrs. Gandhi, 71, was the par- Gandhi had retired as party presi- undisclosed reason in 2011, and date, according to an official, in part not control the situation, they national elections in 2014. Most ther, Rajiv Gandhi, grandmother ty’s longest-serving chief, leading dent but not from politics. “Her has returned to the United States because of ongoing unrest in the should call out the masses,” she of the violence against Muslims Indira Gandhi, and great-grandfa- it for 19 years. She has been un- blessings, wisdom and innate com- for regular checkups since then. Kashmir valley. suggested. Pakistan has filed cases at the While talking about a negative World Bank+ against India and the impact on society because of such Neelum dam, which it says will interference, she said that religious unfairly restrict the amount of intolerance had been increasing, Sr i La n k a u r ged water headed downstream. especially after the Faizabad sit- FI RST TI ME: According to the plant's direc- in, as now people had been decid- tor Nayyar Aluddin, the produc- ing who was a good Muslim and t o r ep ea l tion of electricity could shrink by who was not. Insurgent camps on Bangladesh 10-13 per cent because of the In- Ms Jahangir said the civil so- dian project. ciety had taken an initiative in But the hydroelectric projects Karachi and started a signature P r ev en t io n on the Neelum River are only one campaign for rights, but political soil reduced to zero, says BSF of several points of friction be- parties had surrendered and some tween the two countries as the In- of the politicians had admitted that of Ter r or Act NEW DELHI: In a major develop- I congratulate our counterparts at other levels, the BGB did some dus Treaty faces increasingly in parliament things were con- ment reported after decades of cross- (BGB)," the DG said. The devel- crackdown in these forests and the pressing disputes. trolled. “A charter of civil society eiterating a long-pend pointed out that under the PTA, a border insurgency along India's opment is being seen as a major IIGs are now on run," the officer Beyond the technical bicker- will be made after consultation ing demand from hu suspect cannot access legal assis- eastern frontier, the BSF has said victory of the security forces over said. The officer, quoting an offi- ing, Islamabad is especially afraid with the media, chambers of com- man rights activists and tance until the court proceedings that camps and hideouts of Indian the insurgency and terrorism situa- cial document, said the BGB has of India cutting into its precious merce and other stakeholders,” she some politicians in Sri commence. “In practice, this Insurgent Groups (IIGs) across the tion along the Bangladesh border in now made some arrangements to water supplies during strategic ag- said. “Pakistan can develop only Lanka, visiting UN ex- means that any statements, includ- country's frontier on the the northeast. For the past so have their "permanent camps" in ricultural seasons that are key to under a democratic system. More- perts on Friday urged the govern- ing confessions, which normally Bangladeshi soil have been reduced many years and decades, the BSF these areas so that the activities of feeding the country's 207 million over, the judiciary should give jus- ment to repeal the Prevention of form an essential part of the pros- to "almost zero". The director used to hand over a list of IIGs and insurgents and other criminals are residents. The possibility of hit- tice rather than becoming involved Terrorism Act (PTA). ecution under the PTA, are given general of the Border Security Force, terror groups to the BGB during checked and no regular bases of the ting Pakistan's food supply is reg- in political balancing acts. The ju- Following a 10-day visit to the in the absence of lawyers,” mem- ularly amped up by both Indian island, the UN Working Group on bers said. K K Sharma, told PTI that this first- the DG-level talks seeking action IIGs can come up. The official diciary should not look at political time achievement was the result of against them, a senior officer said said the major IIGs operating in and Pakistani media, stretching pe- cases in a political way,” Ms Jah- Arbitrary Detention pointed to The Working Group also un- rennially taut relations. Prime “significant challenges” to Sri Lan- derscored instances where persons an excellent and positive requesting anonymity. "The these areas were National Libera- angir said. In reply to a question, cooperation between the border numbers of these IIGs used to be tion Front of Tripura and Manipur Minister Narendra Modi hinted at she said ‘encroachments’ would kans enjoying the right to person- convicted under the PTA had al- such reprisals following an attack al liberty, resulting in “arbitrary legedly been subjected to harass- guarding forces of the two countries 150-200 everytime a list was hand- valley groups like Kanglei Yawol not be accepted without resistance over the past few years. The BSF's ed over to the Bangladeshi side. That Kanna Lup (KYKL) and United in Kashmir's Uri by Pakistan- because whenever a dictatorship detention across the country”. The ment, intimidation, threats and tor- based terrorists in September came in Pakistan it took 20 years PTA of 1979, they observed, was ture to extract confessions. counterpart in the neighbouring situation has now changed and the National Liberation Front 2016. "Blood and water can't flow to bring the country back on track. one of the key enablers of arbi- Successive governments have country is the Border Guard Bang- IIGs are now on the run, without (UNLF). In two more districts of together," he said. However, a Even in parliament there was cen- trary detention for over four de- used the PTA against Tamils in the ladesh (BGB). "Whenever we have being able to stay put at a place on Bangladesh - Moulvibazar and blockade of any significant magni- sorship and politicians faced cades. “Any new legislation must north and east during the war and information about exodus or insur- the other side for long," the officer Sherpur - that adjoin North Tripu- tude is not really technically feasi- threats, she regretted. “We have be in accordance with internation- after, at times arresting large gents of the northeastern states in said. Another official of the Indo- ra and the Cachar region of Assam ble, while neither party has seri- also requested politicians to speak al human rights law and best prac- groups of people by surrounding Bangladesh, we share the informa- Bangla border guarding force ex- and Meghalaya, the official said, ously sought to challenge the Trea- up, but we cannot keep silent just tices,” the experts said in a state- villages. In the south, the govern- tion and immediate raids are under- plained the current situation. In the the United Liberation Front of ty of the Indus. "The disputes over because they are not ready to ment issued here. ment used it in the late 1980s, dur- taken (by the BGB). "As a result, Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Assam (ULFA) had camps. the barrages are mostly symptoms speak against those who are hatch- While the Sri Lankan govern- ing the second armed insurrection the number of training places and Bangladesh, he said, like Khagra- "Crackdown by the BGB has also of poor bilateral relationships," ing conspiracies,” she said. In re- ment maintains that no arrests have led by the leftist JVP, in an appar- hideouts of these insurgents have chari and Bandarban located oppo- happened in these regions and the said Gareth Price, a researcher at ply to a question that the PPP, PTI been made under the PTA after ent attempt to curb dissent. been reduced to almost zero," the site Tripura and Mizoram, did not situation is much better now. The Chatham House. The problem is and PSP had been showing soli- 2015 — when the President In 2016, the Sirisena-Wickre- that the rival countries conceive Maithripala Sirisena and Prime mesinghe administration began BSF DG said. If there are some had any "habitation and domina- BSF too has pressed its manpow- darity with Dr Tahirul Qadri and still existing, they are of a floating tion" from the BGB and the insur- er in these areas to check the activ- water as a zero-sum game — if one he might hold a sit-in in Islama- Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe drafting a new legislation to counter taps the resource, it means they combine rose to power — the UN terrorism that would replace the nature, Sharma said, indicating that gent groups were using these ities of the IIGs on the other side bad, Ms Jahangir said that Mr no permanent camps of these locations for their anti-India activi- and inform the BGB quickly in are lost to the other. But Islama- Qadri had become Nawabzada Working Group said it was “grave- PTA. However, several lawyers bad must do its part, wrote Neil ly concerned about the numerous and human rights practitioners banned terror and insurgent groups ties. "With the consistent pursu- case any activity is detected or Nasrullah Khan. “Politicians now exist on the Bangladeshi side. ance during the DG-level talks and brought to our knowledge," he said. Buhne, UN coordinator in Paki- should draw a red line and need to severe restrictions to fair trial guar- have voiced concern about the draft stan, in an op-ed calling for the understand what is right and what antees that the application of the carrying forward problematic ele- country to diversify "its water re- is wrong,” she said. PTA entails”. Threats and torture ments from the PTA, particularly sources" while reigning in ineffi- The three-member delegation those which sanction torture. To su p p or t t r an sp or t sect or ciencies that wastes water. ...P12 Afghanistan to recover will be designed and constructed to country’s major highways, economically.” said Ms. Shanny incorporate disaster risk and climate including classroom and on-the- 5 4 Notification for intention to contract award Campbell, ADB Deputy Country change adaptation features, which job training to build the technical Director, for Afghanistan. “The two are critical for the country to capacity of the Ministry of Public The Ministry of energy and water of Afghanistan (MEW) projects signed today (Sunday), will increase the resiliency of its Works on road asset management in su r gen ts intends to award the contract, Rehabilitation of Shikh Miran improve the quality and efficiency infrastructure. The second grant practices. The transport sector is of road transport services, facilitate agreement of $30 million was signed one of ADB’s three priority areas, killed Bank Protection Works Ashterley district of Daikondi regional connectivity, and promote as additional financing to the Road together with energy and inclusive economic growth. ADB Asset Management Project. The agriculture and natural resources province , under the contract No, MEW/PCU/IRDP/KR-06/ remains committed to help the project will help finance the gap that will be supported in the new in r aids country achieve its growth and arising from changes in financing country partnership strategy, Kabul/NCB with M/SASCENT (Ascent Afghanistan group development goals.” According to arrangements as well as in revisions approved in October 2017. Since ...P12 five others were wounded statement, the first grant agreement of the project’s scope. This includes 2002, ADB has rebuilt or in Khogyani and Dehbala .com Address: 1st Street Qala-E-Fatullah District 10, KBL, of $330 million was signed for the 240 km priority maintenance works reconstructed over 850 km of roads districts of Nangarhar province. Afghanistan. License No: D-43233 in the amount of construction of 151kilometers (km) for the Southern National Ring Road in Afghanistan; with work Similar, five Taliban fighters Qaisar to Dari Bum road, a vital of Afghanistan’s regional highway continuing on an additional 850 were killed and two others 21,597,351.40 Afs (Twenty one million five hundred ninety national strategic corridor and a from Ghazni to Kandahar, which is km. ADB’s total assistance to wounded in Ghazi Abad district critical part of the country’s regional considered as an economic lifeline Afghanistan’s roads, railways and of Kunar, two rebels killed and seven thousand and three hundred fifty one point four integration agenda. This financing of the country’s eastern region, the airports amounts to around $2.2 three others were injured in Afghanis). Bidders who want to appeal for reconsideration or comprises $150 million of new statement added. The additional billion. ADB, based in Manila, is Maiwand district of Kandahar funding and $180 million of recycled financing will also include a capacity dedicated to reducing poverty in province. have any objection, they can submit their application within 7 funding for Afghanistan. The road development component to Asia and the Pacific through In past 24 hours, eight is the last section of the2, 200-km introduce sustainable practices in inclusive economic growth, planed clearing operations, 18 days to the Ministry of Energy and Water from the date of Road that connects Afghanistan’s road asset management and road environmentally sustainable major cities and is also a key corridor maintenance. The overall project growth, and regional integration. Special Forces operations announcement. under the Central Asia Regional will facilitate regional connectivity, Established in 1966, ADB is conducted in six provinces; also, Economic Cooperation (CAREC) improve the quality and efficiency celebrating 50 years of Air forces conducted 84 aerial This notification does not constitute award of contract. The program. The project will include of road transport services, and development partnership in the operations supporting Afghan both drainage and modern highway promote inclusive economic growth region. National army including 18 contract shall not be awarded until the notice provided elapsed safety features. It also features in Afghanistan. This follows the It is owned by 67 members—48 strikes on enemy’s sanctuaries. and complaints, if any received, is addressed in compliance roadside infrastructure facilities, approval of a $25.5 million ADB from the region. In 2016, ADB ANA discovered and including rural access roads and a grant in October last year to assistance totaled $31.7 billion, confiscated weapons and with appeal and review manual. community development program establish sustainable road including $14 billion in co- ammunition in the operations as for 60 local communities. The road management practices for the financing. well. MONDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief Chinese Saudi Arabia military trans- releases bil- port plane flies lionaire Sabih near Taiwan al-Masri Palestinian billionaire businessman Sabih al-Masri has been released TAIPEI: At least one Chinese Air by Saudi authorities following his Force Yun-8 transport plane detention last week. conducted a long-haul flight near Al-Masri told the Reuters Taiwan on Sunday, the island’s news agency on Sunday that he Defense Ministry said, amid was treated with "respect" by the simmering tensions between the Saudis and would be returning to two rivals. the Jordanian capital, Amman, Taiwan dispatched its air- upon the conclusion of business craft and ships to “monitor and meetings this week. deal with” the Yun8, which re- In the meantime, he had re- turned to its base after flying turned to his home in Riyadh, the N-Korea through the Bashi Channel and news agency reported. Miyako waterway, Defense The 80-year-old founder of threat on Minister Feng Shih-kuan said. It Zara Investment Holding and was unclear whether one plane chairman of the Arab Bank was or more made the flight. held in the Saudi capital for ques- agenda There was no untoward in- tioning last week about "informa- cident and the public should not tion related to corruption", accord- be alarmed, Feng said. He did not ing to the Arab news website Rai when South give further details. al-Youm. There were no formal China has considered Tai- charges against al-Masri, who re- wan to be a wayward province portedly also holds Saudi and Jor- Korean FM since Chiang Kai-shek’s Nation- danian citizenship. One of Jordan's alist troops fled to the island in most prominent businessmen, visits Japan 1949 after losing the Chinese civil Sabih al-Masri is the cousin of the war to Mao Zedong’s Commu- billionaire Munib al-Masri, the nist forces on the mainland. SEOUL: South Korea’s foreign wealthiest person in Palestine. minister will visit Japan this week Beijing suspects Taiwan He also founded the Palestine President Tsai Ing-wen of the in- to meet her Japanese counterpart, Securities Exchange and has man- the foreign ministry said on Sun- dependence-leaning Democratic aged investment companies and fi- day, with Seoul and Tokyo seek- Progressive Party wants to de- nancial economic institutions ing to boost cooperation over the clare the island’s formal indepen- across the Middle East and beyond. handling of North Korea’s nuclear dence. Tsai says she wants to His detention sent shock- and missile programs. The need to maintain peace with China but waves across Jordan, where al- confront the threat posed by North will defend the island’s security. Masri's multibillion-dollar invest- Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear China has never renounced ments are a cornerstone of the tests comes despite lingering ten- the use of force to bring the self- economy. His detention came amid sion over the issue of sexual sla- ruled democratic island under its an anti-corruption purge initiated very during Japan’s wartime oc- control. by Saudi Arabia at the beginning cupation of Korea. Kang Kyung- of November, an unprecedented wha will arrive in Tokyo on Tues- crackdown targeting some of the day and meet Japanese Foreign Former Israeli country's top officials, business- Minister Taro Kono during her men and members of the royal two-day visit, her first trip to Ja- minister starts jail family. Protesters in Jakarta rallied to condemn the US decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital [Darren Whiteside/Reuters] pan as South Korea’s top diplo- sentence for fraud AL JAZEERA NEWS mat, the foreign ministry in Seoul Tens of thousands of protesters while rallying at the National Mon- for a boycott of US goods. leaders' council, Ma'ruf Amin, said: said in a statement. “The two min- rallied outside the US embassy in ument in Jakarta at sunrise on Sun- Jakarta police spokesman Argo "Let's fight together with the gov- isters will exchange views on is- sues of common interests focus- JERUSALEM: A former Israeli Weapons the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, day," Arianti said. "Many people, Yuwono said the protesters ernment and the world for the free- against President Donald Trump's wearing white Muslim robes, held marched peacefully about 3km dom of Palestine through politi- ing on bilateral relations and North minister on Sunday started serv- Korea-related issues, including its ing a 15-month jail sentence for used by recognition of Jerusalem as Isra- hands in prayers and called on Is- from the National Monument Park cal, diplomatic and economic nuclear program,” the ministry fraud and breach of trust, judi- el's capital. rael to leave Palestinian soil. Indo- to the US embassy. ways." Indonesian President Joko statement said. South Korea and cial sources said. Sunday's protest was the nesia has been a long-time sup- Some local media reported that "Jokowi" Widodo has strongly Japan are seeking to improve se- Stas Misezhnikov, who was I S in Syria fourth and largest mass rally in porter of independent Palestine. the number of demonstrators was condemned Trump's move as a vi- curity cooperation over North tourism minister from 2009 to Indonesia, the world's largest Mus- Protesters called for a resolution double the police estimate. olation of UN resolutions. Indo- Korea, but there have been con- 2013, was sentenced to prison and I raq lim nation, since Trump's an- to end the conflict and vowed to In the petition, the leaders and nesia does not have diplomatic ties flicting signals over whether they in October for handing one mil- nouncement on Jerusalem's status continue fighting for the cause," our scholars urged Trump to immedi- with Israel and has long been a can resolve a feud over “comfort lion shekels ($280,000) in finan- on December 6. correspondent said. Anwar Abbas, ately revoke his recognition of strong supporter of Palestinian women” who were forced to work cial support to a student festi- traced to An estimated 80,000 protest- a top scholar from the Indonesian Jerusalem as Israel's capital be- aspirations for statehood. Trump's in Japan’s wartime military broth- val while securing a job at the ers called on Trump to stop his Council of Ulema, read a petition cause it has hurt international jus- announcement overturned decades els. Ties have been frozen over the event for a woman with whom US, Saudi plans to move the US embassy calling on Indonesians to stop buy- tice, violated Palestinians' human of US policy, and a long-standing issue, with South Korean President he had an intimate relationship. from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. ing American products until rights and undermined peace ef- international consensus, that the Moon Jae-in has promising to re- Misezhnikov starts serving Arabia: Al Jazeera's Dessi Arianti, re- Trump revoked his move. forts. fate of Jerusalem be decided as part negotiate an unpopular 2015 pact time as public pressure increas- porting from the protest in Jakar- "Don't rely on their products," It also demanded nations not of a peace deal between Israel and signed with Japan. Under that es to demand legal action against ta, said that many of the marchers he said, as the crowd - including follow the US in moving their em- Palestinians. Israeli and Palestin- pact, Japan apologized again to “corrupt” officials and Prime REPORT travelled from out of town to show men, women and children - re- bassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusa- ian claims to the city's eastern sec- former comfort women and prom- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu solidarity with the Palestinian sponded by waving Indonesian and lem and urged the UN Security tor form the core of their conflict, ised 1 billion yen ($8.9 million) for himself faces two separate graft Arms provided by the United cause. Palestinian flags and shouting "boy- Council to hold an emergency ses- and Trump's announcement was a fund to help them. The two gov- probes. States and Saudi Arabia to Syrian "Men, women and children, cott!" sion to discuss Trump's declara- seen as siding with the Israelis. ernments agreed the issue would Misezhnikov is a member of opposition groups often ended up carrying Palestinian flags and ban- Previous anti-American pro- tion. SOURCE: AL JAZEERA be “irreversibly resolved” if both Defense Minister Avigdor Lie- in the hands of the militant Islamic ners, condemned the US move tests have unsuccessfully lobbied The chairman of the Muslim AND NEWS AGENCIES fulfilled their obligations. berman’s ultra-nationalist Yisrael State (IS) group, according to a re- Beitenu party. port by the UK-based organisa- In August, Yisrael Beitenu tion Conflict Armament Research secretary general Faina Kirshen- (CAR). baum, who was deputy interior "Iraq and Syria have seen IS forces use large numbers of weap- New Austrian minister from 2013 to 2015, was charged with corruption, breach ons, supplied by states such as of trust, fraud and money laun- Saudi Arabia and the United States, dering. against the various international anti-IS coalitions that the two govt pledges On Saturday, thousands of Israelis protested for a third week states support," reads the study running in Tel Aviv to demand published on Thursday. legal action against “corrupt” The report, "Weapons of the pro-EU approach people in the government and Islamic State — a three-year in- their resignation. vestigation in Iraq and Syria", is BERLIN: The new Austrian gov- for bolstering the country’s police The demonstration came a the result of more than three years ernment led by a conservative and forces with another 2,100 officers, day after Netanyahu was ques- of field investigation into IS sup- a nationalist party is pledging to as well as immigration policies that tioned for the seventh time since ply chains and presents an analy- tighten the country’s asylum and “can be sustained by the popula- January 2 in a corruption probe. sis of more than 40,000 items re- immigration regulations while tion.” It also says asylum should covered from the group between maintaining a firm commitment to only be offered to people “for the 2014 and 2017. These items in- the European Union, according to duration of their persecution, who California winds clude weapons, ammunition, and their coalition agreement released really need Austria’s help”. Other the traceable components and on Saturday. points include ending illegal migra- fuel state’s third- chemical precursors used by the Under the deal, Sebastian tion, cutting government bureau- group to manufacture improvised Kurz, head of the Austrian Peo- cracy, reducing taxes and creating largest wildfire explosive devices. ple’s Party, will become chancel- a new national climate and energy According to the findings, lor, which will make him Europe’s strategy. 90% of the weapons and ammuni- youngest leader when he is sworn Kurz’s party finished first in CALIFORNIA: Strong winds tion used by IS since 2014 origi- in on Monday at age 31. Right- the country’s Oct 15 election and that have powered the third-larg- nated in China, Russia and East- wing Freedom Party leader Hei- then embarked on coalition talks est wildfire in California’s histo- ern Europe. nz-Christian Strache will be vice with the Freedom Party, which ry were expected on Sunday to Some of the weapons that were chancellor and minister for sports came in third after the centre-left further fuel a blaze that has eventually diverted to ISIS were and public servants. “This can be Social Democrats. burned 267,500 acres. originally provided by the US and the basis for real change in Aus- In the new government, the Nearly 8,500 firefighters are Saudi Arabia to Syrian opposition tria,” Kurz told reporters, intro- Freedom Party will have another battling the so-called Thomas forces over the course of the con- ducing the government programme five ministers in addition to Strache Fire in Southern California, flict, adds the study by the arms- that runs more than 180 pages. and a deputy minister, including which began December 4 and has monitoring group. The document begins with a leadership of the important Interi- destroyed more than 1,000 "Supplies of materiel into the statement reinforcing Austria’s or, Defence and Foreign Minis- structures and threatened 18,000 Syrian conflict from foreign par- commitment to the EU and other tries, the Austria Press Agency re- more, including homes in the ties — notably the United States international organisations, saying ported. wealthy town of Montecito just and Saudi Arabia — have indirect- that no Brexit-like referendums Along with Kurz as chancel- outside the coastal city of Santa ly allowed IS to obtain substantial would be allowed. lor, the People’s Party will have Barbara. quantities of anti-armour ammu- “Only in a strong Europe can seven ministers and one deputy, While the winds were ex- nition." The report concludes that there also be a strong Austria, in with responsibilities including the pected to ease on Sunday near international weapon supplies to which we are able to take advan- Finance, Economy and Justice Santa Barbara, northeast wind factions in the Syrian conflict have tage of the opportunities of the Ministries. gusts up to 55 mph were fore- "significantly augmented the quan- 21st century,” the document reads. Kurz is the foreign minister in cast through Sunday for parts of tity and quality of weapons avail- MANILA: Landslides triggered by Biliran included the initial three fa- city without power and water, ac- At the same time, the People’s the outgoing government under Ventura and Los Angeles coun- able to IS forces — in numbers far Tropical Storm Kai-Tak have killed talities it reported on Saturday. cording to its disaster office chief. Party-Freedom Party partnership Chancellor Christian Kern, a So- ties, National Weather Service beyond those that would have been 26 people and 23 more are missing Kai-Tak weakened on Sunday “The storm moved so slowly is expected to move the country cial Democrat. He has stressed the forecasters said. The blaze, cen- available to the group through bat- in the eastern Philippines, author- afternoon, with gusts of up to 80 that it brought so much rain to our to the right. Both campaigned on importance of a pro-European di- tered less than 100 miles (160 tlefield capture alone". It warns ities said Sunday. kilometers (50 miles) an hour, and city. The floods resulted from four the need for tougher immigration rection and is expected to contin- km) northwest of downtown that IS forces continue to pose a The deaths were reported in was reclassified as a tropical de- days of rain,” Ildebrando Berna- controls, quick deportations of ue to take the lead on European Los Angeles, has forced evacua- grave threat to regional and inter- the small island province of Bili- pression, state weather forecast- das, head of Tacloban’s disaster asylum-seekers whose requests issues even though the Freedom tions that turned neighborhoods national security. "Evidence pre- ran, a day after the storm pounded ers said. risk reduction office, told AFP. are denied and a crackdown on rad- Party, which has traditionally been into ghost towns and filled the sented in this report demonstrates the east of the archipelago nation. But disaster officials warned Bernadas said 82 percent of ical Islam. strongly eurosceptic, will have the air with smoke. The fire is now that IS forces possess advanced Kai-Tak tore across the major that more floods and landslides Tacloban’s districts were flooded. The coalition agreement calls Foreign Ministry. 40 percent contained despite hot weapon systems, which will pose islands of Samar and Leyte on Sat- were possible and said 15,500 pas- Santa Ana winds that have pow- a threat to regional and international urday, toppling power lines in 39 sengers were stranded because fer- ered its expansion, at times send- forces in the years to come." Last towns or cities and damaging roads ry services remained suspended in ing embers far ahead of its main month, Iranian President Hassan and bridges, the national disaster parts of the region. flank. Firefighters were employ- Rouhani had declared the end of agency said. “I’ve been stranded for three Egypt opens Gaza border for four days ing more than 970 fire engines IS. The Syrian conflict entered a Some 87,700 people were days, sleeping in the bus, and I just and 34 helicopters to battle the new phase with the capture of forced from their homes in the re- want to get home to my family for GAZA CITY: Egypt opened its at the makeshift departure point 2007. Egypt opened the border blaze. “It is a beast,” Santa Bar- Albu Kamal, the last significant gion. But the previous death toll Christmas,” Eliaquin Pilapil, a 55- largely sealed border with Gaza on as families said their farewells. for three days last month — the bara County Fire Department town in Syria held by IS, in No- had stood at just three. year-old farmer, told AFP from a Saturday for only the second time Rafah is Gaza’s only border cross- first time it had done so since the Division Chief Martin Johnson vember. Iraqi forces last month also “There is a total of 26 people port in the town of Matnog in the since the Palestinian Authority ing not controlled by Israel. Ha- reconciliation deal. Prior to that told a news conference on Satur- captured the border town of Rawa, dead from landslides in four towns eastern province of Sorsogon. The took control of the crossing from mas handed control of the Gaza the crossing had been open for day. “But we will kill it.” Five of the last remaining town there un- of Biliran. We have recovered the Christmas holidays are a busy trav- the territory’s Islamist rulers Ha- side to the West Bank-based Pal- just 14 days this year, according 20 most destructive fires in re- der IS, signalling the collapse of bodies,” Sofronio Dacillo, provin- el season in the mainly Catholic mas. The Hamas-run interior min- estinian Authority on November to the Hamas-run interior minis- corded history ravaged the state the so-called caliphate the group cial disaster risk reduction and Philippines, with people heading istry, which was organising depar- 1 as the first part of an Egyptian- try. Up to 20,000 Gazans have in 2017, according to Cal Fire. proclaimed in 2014 across vast management officer, told AFP. home to the provinces. The nation tures from the southern Gaza Strip brokered reconciliation deal de- applied to enter Egypt, far more The Thomas fire, the seventh- swathes of Iraqi and Syrian terri- Gerardo Espina, governor of is battered by about 20 major city of Khan Yunis, said the cross- signed to end a bitter decade-long than are able to cross during the most destructive in state histo- tory. the island province just east of storms each year. Samar and Leyte ing would stay open for four days split. That was supposed to have brief openings. Some 200 people ry, forced many schools to close Despite victory announce- Leyte, gave the same figure for bore the brunt in 2013 of Super but, in the Egypt direction, for hu- been followed by the handover of passed through on Saturday for days, shut roads and drove ments of Syria and Iraq being deaths in an interview on ABS- Typhoon Haiyan which left more manitarian cases only. Those in- full civil control in Gaza by De- morning, 10 of them medical cas- hundreds of thousands from their cleared of the militants, experts CBN television. He said 23 peo- than 7,350 people dead or miss- clude people needing medical treat- cember 1. But the target date was es, the ministry said. Both Israel homes. It was also responsible have warned that IS retains the ple were missing. ing. In the Leyte city of Tacloban, ment unavailable in Gaza as well missed amid differences over the and Egypt have maintained for poor air quality throughout capacity as an insurgent group to The national disaster risk re- Saturday’s storm brought flash as students enrolled at Egyptian future of tens of thousands of civil blockades of Gaza for years, ar- Southern California. carry out high-casualty bomb at- duction agency could not immedi- floods of up to 1.5 meters (five universities and Gazans with jobs servants recruited by Hamas since guing that they are necessary to tacks using sleeper cells. ately confirm if the 26 deaths in feet) and strong winds that left the abroad. There were tearful scenes it seized control of the territory in isolate Hamas. MONDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Ahmad Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] By Dr. Azeem Ibrahim www.afghanistantimes.af of Malacca far outweighs even all recognised across the board by history. Even as we look forward On a recent visit to Pakistan I was the problems and costs associated almost all the political parties in with trepidation to the rise of Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi surprised to find a great deal of with investing in Pakistan. So far, this fractured, divided country – China and the relative decline of infrastructure development going China has committed $62 billion even the militant religious ones. the West, if China achieves their Advisory editorial board on: new bridges, roads, airports, to the Pakistan section of their They, along with the powerful rise entirely by peaceful means, ports, the works. The amount of New Silk Road, and are likely to Army and intelligence services are that will still be something we have Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, economic development was invest much more in the future. all in agreement that Pakistan’s to respect. Just as we have to Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir staggering – to say nothing of quite Even as we look forward with relationship with China is the most respect the fact that, in the words inconsistent with our image of trepidation to the rise of China and important strategic relationship of Prof Wang again, China is having Graphic-Designers: Pakistan as rather backwards and the relative decline of the West, if the country has, and must be much more success eliminating impoverished and chronically China achieves their rise entirely preserved and advanced. poverty in the New Silk Road areas Edriss Akbari, Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada corrupt. Inconsistent even with by peaceful means, that will still New Silk Road than Western-imposed Washington Marketing & Advertising: my knowledge of the place which be something we have to respect. And Pakistan is not the only Consensus economics and I owe to my family ties to the Dr. Azeem Ibrahim country where this is true. Western sweatshop investments Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 country. The benefits that this Myanmar is also edging ever closer have done. China’s power grows Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan But the mystery is soon investment brings to the people of to China due to Chinese by winning over hearts and minds: elucidated. All the projects have Pakistan cannot be overstated. investment in another branch of the and it is winning them for good Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 the same brand to them. They are They will reap much of the New Silk Road across the country. reasons. Azeem Ibrahim is Senior Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press all part of the China-Pakistan rewards of that investment. And The central Asian former Soviet Fellow at the Centre for Global Economic Corridor (CPEC). China has shown in the past, for republics are also on board. And Policy and Adj Research Professor Because of the lack of security, the example in Africa, that it is a good before long, Russia too will be at the Strategic Studies Institute, endemic corruption and the frailty partner to local populations, firmly within China’s sphere of US Army War College. He The constitution says of the rule of law, no one in building not only infrastructure and influence, especially when the completed his PhD from the international capital markets productive facilities where they natural gas pipelines between the University of Cambridge and would lend to the country on this employ locals, but also schools two countries open and the served as an International Security Article 162: scale. Frankly, I would not trust and other public utility facilities. Russian state’s revenues will be Fellow at the Kennedy School of Article One Hundred Sixty-Two: This Constitution shall be enforced from the date the government in power to have To underline their ambitions in increasingly dependent on Chinese Government at Harvard and a of approval by the Loya Jirga, and endorsed and proclaimed by the President of the the imagination to try to borrow Pakistan, Chinese academic Prof largesse. World Fellow at Yale. Over the Islamic Transitional Government of Afghanistan. Upon the enforcement of this Consti- to invest in their country’s Yiwei Wang proposed at the All this points towards years he has met and advised tution, laws and legislative decrees contrary to its provisions shall be invalid. development. Warsaw Security Summit that China’s inexorable rise as the numerous world leaders on policy Luckily, Pakistan happens to China’s investment in the country world’s pre-eminent superpower. development and was ranked as a be just where China needs to build will make Pakistan fully energy And if things continue along the Top 100 Global Thinker by the its trade infrastructure towards the independent by 2020 – this will current trajectory, it seems like European Social Think Tank in West. The price China is willing to be a first in the country’s history. China will be able to achieve this 2010 and a Young Global Leader pay to avoid having to trade The salutary effects of entirely through peaceful means: by the World Economic Forum. He through the treacherous waters of Chinese involvement in the something no other dominant tweets @AzeemIbrahim the South China Sea and the Straits country are such that they are also power has ever achieved in (Alarabiya)

Ch in a, In dia t w o global gian t s; Afgh an ist an ben efit s Indeed, Afghanistan has been enjoying warmest relations with two global giants— By Ramzy Baroud Instead, it granted Palestinians the sake of political convenience popular discontent and criticism. limited autonomous control over than as an actual attempt at finding Without doubt, Israel and the China and India, and the relations have been all the time affectionate and friendly. In Speaking at an emergency summit disjointed parts of the West Bank. a just peace. Oddly, the EU is now US deserve all the condemnation the 21st century, relations have improved significantly with giving hope to the war-hit in Istanbul, Palestinian Authority Soon after Arafat chose to rebel apparently shocked by and for their role in sustaining, funding (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas against US-Israel diktats, he was dismayed at Trump’s decision on and defending the military country, Afghanistan toward having a brighter future with support of New Delhi and attempted to recast his role in a holed in his office in Ramallah and Jerusalem which defies occupation and subjugation of the Beijing. There is no doubt that China and India are two global giants. If they work defunct ‘peace process’. taunted by Israeli soldiers, until he international law and torpedo any Palestinian people. But this does He declared before the was flown to Paris for treatment possibility of a ‘two-state not deflect any condemnation from together, the world will benefit in general, but Afghanistan in particular due to its Organization of Islamic where he died, in 2004. solution’. the Palestinian leadership as well. geopolitical location. Kabul’s relations with these two big Asian Countries go back to Cooperation (OIC) conference on Immediately, Abbas took over Having wasted nearly a quarter Palestinian leaders and an December 13 that his authority the PA, resurrecting the futile of a century in empty talks, Abbas army of officials, politicians, the history of Silk Road-hundreds of years’ ago. A decade of democracy has opened will no longer accept US mediation ‘peace process’ discourse for is now trying to rally Palestinians pundits and contractors made up Afghan society, and India’s and China’s cooperation have helped develop sustainable in the Middle East peace process. many years to follow, feeding his into further uncharted territory, all billions of dollars from foreign He told attendants oppressed people with tired with the aim of keeping himself funds to keep the ‘peace process’ links around a shared vision. India is already the sixth largest donor to Afghanistan. It representing all Muslim-majority slogans and empty promises, and and a few other Palestinians at the charade afloat for over 25 years, has been involved in diverse development projects in infrastructure, education, water countries that Washington is no punishing those who dared helm. while the general population grew longer ‘fit’ for the task, following disagree. But enough is enough. poorer and more despondent than management, power production, agriculture and other productive areas. China is also US President, Donald Trump’s Having wasted nearly a quarter Politics of ‘Rage’ ever. in the same path, helping Afghanistan in every area. We need China’s financial resources, decision to recognize Jerusalem as of a century in empty talks, Abbas Now that the American mask Those who resisted, outside the capital of Israel. is now trying to rally Palestinians has completely fallen, Palestinians the acceptable political framework construction industry, and political leverage. China’s role in regional stability is very Instead, Abbas wishes to seek into further uncharted territory, all require an urgent rethink regarding as presented by the Palestinian, much crucial. The good thing is that Kabul and Beijing, bypassing Pakistan have already the mediation of the United with the aim of keeping himself their own political priorities, leadership were harassed, Nations Security Council. But and a few other Palestinians at the alliances and national liberation imprisoned and severely punished. built a strong partnership based on mutual interests. With the recent surge in direct why did Abbas wait this long and helm. fact, both Abbas and Israeli strategy. This was the case not only in Gaza, diplomacy and high level bilateral visits between Afghanistan and China, there is an what is his latest gambit all about? Prime Minister, Benjamin The Fatah movement, which but in the West Bank as well. What ‘Peace Process’? Netanyahu, perfected their role in has controlled the PA since its Many journalists, academicians, emerging hope that such visits must go beyond diplomatic niceties and be based on The fact of the matter is that the American charade - Abbas inception in 1994 has pre-empted artists and activists were treated strong foundation to lead the region toward durable peace and stability. The current there has been no ‘peace process’ thrived on donors’ money and kept people’s anger over the US move, harshly for questioning the PA’s since the failed Camp David his Palestinian rivals at bay. by declaring a ‘day of rage.’ Several methods throughout the years. ongoing war in Afghanistan could be ended in shortest time when China, India, and Summit in July 2000. Netanyahu expanded illegal Jewish Palestinians were killed and many Currently, the PA is calling on surely Russia work together with Afghanistan and the US-led international community Hosted by former US settlements and carried out wounded in clashes throughout the those very Palestinians to rage President, Bill Clinton, the summit murderous policies against Occupied Territories in what is against Trump’s decision. in the country. Pressurizing terror sponsor states and establishing durable peace and was a trap set by the US and then- Palestinian civilians, yet continued understandably justified anger over Hamas is also calling for a new stability in Afghanistan is the solution to the shared problems and interests of all at a Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud to pay lip-service to peace. In the the unwarranted American Intifada. Oddly, Palestinian Barak, to pressure PA leader, meanwhile, the US sustained a decision. factions never learnt from history. time. However, as a rising powers, China and India cannot and should not tolerate an Yasser Arafat, to concede on political status quo in the Middle But the manipulation of Real, sustainable popular uprisings unstable Afghanistan and terror sponsor states as well in its neighborhood. Surely, a Palestinian rights in Jerusalem. East based on its role in a ‘peace Palestinian emotions by their are never a response to a party’s Despite his many political process’ that evidently served no leadership is contemptable to say or a politician’s call. It is a trouble and unstable neighborhood infested with extremists and regional proxy terrorist errors, Arafat at least had the sense practical purpose. the least. The ‘politics of rage’, spontaneous, genuine cry for groups is probably the biggest impediment to China and India’s rise to peaceful and to reject an unwritten proposal, Even the Europeans must have which has been used by the freedom that originates from the which denied Palestinians known at one point that the ‘peace Palestinian leadership in the past masses, not the political elites. responsible powers. Unfortunately, if their interest clash, and there is friction between sovereignty in their occupied city. process’ was prolonged more for has often worked to deflect (Alarabiya) them, then like two elephants all that comes in between will be crushed. In this case, it is the small countries that will suffer. There are already examples of both kinds. India and China have been cooperating against piracy in the Indian Ocean. Their navies have worked together to fight the pirates. On the other hand their interests have clashed in South China Sea. Fortunately, on the international stage they often find themselves on the same side, for instance on the climate issue. Moreover, in bilateral relations, they have a trade which exceeds $100 billion annually, maybe more than that. Furthermore, they are looking to invest in a big way in each other’s country. Not turning blind eye that there is both cooperation and competition between them. Therefore, when they act together they are a force for the good. In that sense both can find ample scope for positive cooperation in Afghanistan. We, as Afghan masses do believe that China and India have never viewed Afghanistan as a competing ground in the Great Game. India and China is Afghanistan’s most reliable regional partner and Taliban the largest contributor of development assistance in the country. Afghan masses want these two important partners in the region to help them in establishing peace and stability in the country which could be done through pressing and countering terror sponsor states and encouraging Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Subscription Rates Note:The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. MONDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

By Hamid Dabashi mayhem perpetrated in this Arab against other Muslims. Here the and rhetoric of its own, for capital. term is the entry point into one of "beginning with the Timurid period Early in the evening of a delightful I have also had more than one the most glorious phases of Islamic in Iran and Central Asia (1370- December Monday, accompanied occasion to celebrate the other cultural history. 1507)," again in the judicious by an Egyptian and an Italian magnificent art institution in Doha What we are witnessing words of the curators, "this friend, I entered the Museum of - Mathaf: Arab Museum of throughout the Arab and Muslim exhibition shows the continuation Islamic Art (MIA) in Doha and I Modern Art, the site of the finest world is a battle for the soul of the of artistic practices shared amongst wondered to myself: What are the collection of contemporary and Muslim past to inhabit the spirit succeeding and neighboring Saudis afraid of? modern Arab art. of the Muslim future. dynasties, namely the Safavid in Upon our arrival, we noticed a But I have also had reasons and Imagine, just try to fathom, Iran (1501-1736), the Ottomans in special exhibition called Imperial on multiple occasions to cast a Saudi Crown Prince Muhammad Turkey (1299-1923) and the Threads: Motifs and Artisans from critical look at some other bin Salman, the bosom buddy of Mughals in India (1526-1857)."' Turkey, Iran and India. We entered curatorial decisions in these Jared Kushner and Thomas This is the rich and and toured the exhibition and I important art institutions in Doha. Friedman, allowing a celebration of empowering Muslim history in full found out what exactly it is that I feel at home in these museums the dynasty that for centuries panoramic view - staged just few the Saudis are so afraid of. though I do not know a single soul ruled Iran with might and majesty, hundred kilometres away from There was not a single soul in a position of authority there - I cruelty and glory. With respect, Yemen where more than 8 million except the three of us wondering like to keep it that way. Add to with love, with admiration for the Muslims are "a step away from through those glorious halls. One that constellation of galleries and sublime and the beautiful, the caring famine". How could have we Christian and two Muslims - one museums various art residency hands of a curatorial policy at work inherited that history and ended Sunni the other Shia by birth and programmes and you'll get a sense here mark a historical period when up in this calamity? upbringing - we were engulfed by of collective commitment to a wide a Muslim dynasty of Turkic Reclaiming a robust past the generosity of a history of arts spectrum of contemporary, descent ruled a prosperous swath None of such historic and craft that had mapped a modern, and Islamic art across time of Muslim lands in Iran. reminiscences is with a sense of different world than the one we and continents and you'll get a Then you move along the same misplaced nostalgia for lost elite, Saudi Arabia represents a battlefield of fear and fanaticism: particularly the two belligerent left behind entering the museum. glimpse of how Doha has carved a line of recognition and admiration Muslim empires or letting the state colossal obscenity of wealth and open-minded, generous, forgiving, states of Iran and Saudi Arabia. We I have for long been an admirer niche for itself among Arab for the Ottomans in Anatolia and of Qatar, where the Museum of power dedicated to a peculiar embracing the best of Muslim past the people, Arabs and Muslims, of a number of art institutions in capitals. the Mughals in India - which leads Islamic Art is located, off the hook brand of outdated Islamism that for the freest Muslim future. configure our own destinies. Doha. I have had occasions to What are museums for? you to discover the logical for its own share in the current combines violent militarism and I have nothing against giving a The ruling states do their own celebrate the generosity of spirit Immediately upon your arrival progression of the artifacts crafted mayhem in the Arab and Muslim puritanical fanaticism. robot citizenship in Saudi Arabia things and we do ours. In between with which the curatorial to the Imperial Threads exhibition, by artisans from Turkey, Iran and world. No state gets a clean bill of Its arch nemesis, on the other or even having it convert to Islam the pernicious machinations of our authorities at MIA have allocated you realise you are in the capable India highlighting "the exchange of health in this region. hand, the ruling regime in the if that is the thing the robot opts ruling states there is plenty of their resources to collecting hands of a learned, caring, artistic and material cultures in the Nor is this to dismiss an entire Islamic Republic of Iran, is also to do. space in which we can dismantle artifacts from across the Arab and competent, and above all early modern era (16th-19th nation trapped, like all other holding an entire nation of liberating But I am convinced Muslims their manufactured hostilities and Muslim world without the cosmopolitan curatorial century)" - as the curators rightly nations, in the claws of a self- possibilities in the claws of its have far more urgent tasks upon remap the contours of our slightest sense of ethnic or confidence. The first segment of put it. serving Saudi clan, systemically outdated clericalism. The ruling their hands: the critical retrieving children's future. This particular sectarian prejudice. the exhibition as you enter is We further learn: "Focusing on vulnerable to the whims of one regime in Iran is only slightly of the unresolved trouble spot of exhibition at the Museum of Islamic The site of MIA in Doha is an dedicated to a marked celebration carpets as the prominent medium, prince like Mohammad bin Salman. cleverer than its Saudi counterpart their past before they can embark Art is one such crucial space to island of peace and serenity crafted of the Safavid art and craft. Imagine manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, What we are witnessing in fighting this losing battle for the upon any such adventurous future. visit and wonder. masterfully by the legendary that! Just a few hundred kilometres and other objects are also featured throughout the Arab and Muslim future of the Muslim soul. Our fates are not in the hands The views expressed in this Chinese-American architect I M away from this museum, the term to further illustrate the historical world is a battle for the soul of the What is staged at the Islamic of the ruling families or cliques or article are the author's own and do Pei in the midst of a rambunctious Safavid has degenerated into a and artistic context of this time." Muslim past to inhabit the spirit Art Museum in Doha is precisely ideologies of any state that is under not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's cacophony of architectural curse abused by some Muslims That artistic history has the logic of the Muslim future. In its ruling the opposite vision of Islam in this the illusion of ruling over us - editorial policy. (Al Jazeera) Br exit r ow leaves vot er s t h in k in g Tor ies ar e m or e d ivid ed t h an Lab ou r By Toby Helm The Tories are seen as more divided than Labour by voters, according to the final Opinium/Observer poll of 2017. Almost half of voters see the By Barik Mhadeen building. The economies of the Conservatives as disunited (47%) region were linked to the broader political and global oil economies, compared with the 40% who see On Dec. 17 2010, Tunisian street vendor Mohamed Bouazizi was largelywithin the frameworks of Labour as split. the spark that lit the fuse, changing the International Monetary Fund The findings come after a the political landscape of West (IMF) and the World Bank. bruising period for Theresa May’s Asia and North Africa. This process came at a social party over Brexit. The division What followed was a series of cost: it contributed directly to the were exposed last week when 11 uprisings that swept across the enlargement of class differences Tory MPs rebelled in a vote over region. As countries confronted and consolidated the foundations the role parliament should have in their own version of the ‘Arab of the rentier state. High levels of approving the final Brexit deal. Spring’, it became clear that a new corruption and cronyism plunged Overall Labour holds a two- social contract was evolving. What the region into a serious financial point lead over the Tories. Labour should it look like and what crisis and led the IMF to impose structuraladjustments in a number is down one point on a month ago opportunities does it provide for the region’s youth? of countries, pushing them to at 42% while the Tories are also The Social Welfare State The implement austerity measures down one point on 39%. evolution of the social contract in based on a neoliberal model. Yet The Liberal Democrats and the Arab world has witnessed again, the region could not carry Ukip are both up one point on 7% voters, 43% said their opinion of negative. Public approval of how different stages. A version emerged on with the existing social contract. Arab Human Development Report as citizens, not subjects. Equally and 6% respectively. May had become more positive, Theresa May is handling Brexit has in the aftermath of the Second The change began in Tunisia 2016 estimates that 60 per cent of crucial, this new generation of Arab After a year in which she called while 34% said it had become more improved since October, with her World War (1950s – 1970s), with the bread uprising of 1984, the WANA region’s population is citizens no longer seeks change and a snap general election only to lose negative. Jeremy Corbyn fared net rating improving from -22% to largely influenced by the rise of which was followed by a number under the age of 30. In addition, reform from their governments. In the Tory majority in the Commons better. More than a third (34%) -15%. Currently 30% approve of post-colonial Arab nationalist and of similarly-driven uprisings and the World Economic Forum fact, most of them see their – leaving her party dependent on said their view of him had become the way she is handling Brexit and socialist movements. It entailed a riots in other countries shortly indicates that the region has the governments as a hurdle getting in the DUP for support – 44% of more positive since the start of almost half (45%) disapprove. model of social welfare ensured by after. Contrary to the Arab Spring youngest average age for the way of achieving their full entrepreneurs — 26 years old. potential. They are seen as part of those questioned said their view 2017, while 22% said it had Leave voters remain evenly existing political regimes, and a of 2011, Arab governments had the transformation from agricultural ability to co-opt and contain these They also seem to work the the problem, no longer the of May had become more negative become more negative. divided on whether they approve Among Labour voters, 66% or disapprove of the way Theresa communities to industrial societies uprisings efficiently as they had a hardest, with an average workday solution. Last, the space for since the start of 2017, while only of 12.5 hours, which is more than ideology in the Arab world has said their opinion of the Labour May is handling Brexit (39% and under highly centralised states. monopoly over information and 22% said it had become more communication channels. 2.5 hours above the global average shrunk in favour of concrete, leader had improved, while only 38% respectively). A decent level of social and positive. economic welfare was maintained Moreover, Arab citizens for millennials. These are not mere practical programmes that address However, among Conservative 7% said it had become more (THEGUARDIAN) for a period of time, yet little was demanded change and reform from statistics — they are unseized the day-to-day grievances and done to pursue meaningful political their governments and saw them opportunities. Through this lens, challenges of Arab citizens. The reforms beyond bright promises as part of the solution. They are what sets the evolving social dominant propagandist discourse and patriotic slogans. Essentially, Young Citizens, not Subjects Fast- contract in the Arab world apart calling for great reform projects that it was the norm that any educated forward to 2011 and the situation from previous ones, becomes clear. have interpreted everything in a LETTER TO THE EDITOR citizen would secure a job in the was different. Not only was the Youth no longer want a ‘seat at the blasphemous way — right and public sector. This model was Arab population far more educated, table’ or a job in the public sector. wrong, black and white — is no inherently unsustainable and left it also had greater access to internet They demand an equal shot in life. longer acceptable. The evolving the Arab world with a heavy legacy and was more connected than past The social contract should reward social contract sees progress and of growing financial deficits and a generations.The number of internet their meritocracy, provide them achievement — whether of bloated government sector. users in the region has seen a with the space to innovate and individuals, governments, non- Government as Part of the growth rate of 2500% over the establish start-ups, grant them the governmental organisations, Solution From the 1970s onwards, past 10 years according to freedom to express theiropinions political parties, or civil society the Arab world saw a shift from ArabNet, a leading reference for constructively, and equip them actors — as the only compass. Thawra [revolution] to Tharwa digital businesses in the Middle- with the skillsets needed to Barik Mhadeen is a researcher at The Unity Government has to take prior and required measures during the winter season [wealth] which facilitated a East. Entrepreneurship also develop their own capacity. In the WANA Institute, specialising process of bold economic became highly regarded among the short, the new social contract in Human Security and Countering to overcome sufferings and human loses by natural disasters in the country. During the liberalization and institutional region’s young population. The should acknowledge young Arabs Violent Extremism. (albawaba) previous winter, a series of avalanches and heavy snowfall struck a number of villages and led to blockage of main highways in mountainous areas of the country which resulted in heavy sufferings and casualties. Thousands of thousands families were displaced and hundreds of hundreds lost their precious lives. The recent snowfall caused closure Change recount law to ensure fair elections of the Salang highway—linking capital Kabul with the northern parts of the country. By Stephanie Chang That equates to more than 7,000 Though the highway reopened, but measure needs to keep it open all the time. Hope votes not being able to be verified the government leadership and civil society would not turn blind eyes by taking preventive Community leaders, advocates and for accuracy. This is absolutely public officials of all political unacceptable. In the overwhelming measures in advance. The national disaster management authority should be equipped persuasions have time and time majority of these precincts, the with necessary machinery and emergency cell under the required institutions should be again urged our residents to get out precincts could not be recounted established. The international community and donor organizations should be taken into and vote in elections, because their because the number of ballots votes matter. indicated on the box did not match account. When we knock on someone’s the actual count of ballots within Baber Ahmad, Kabul, Afghanistan door or call them urging them to the box. In many of these cases, vote, we remind them how their the numbers were only off by voices must be heard so we can fewer than 10 ballots. Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must change things for the better. We tell Michigan law currently says have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: that if the number of ballots in the [email protected] them that elections are one of the most important ways to box to be recounted and the requested for a recount be counted current reality, and that needs to participate. "One person, one number of ballots indicated on the — no exceptions. change. The Michigan House of vote" is fundamental to making poll list as being issued on Election Michigan voters deserve to Representatives should take up sure that our democracy works. Day do not match, those ballots know with certainty that our votes House Bill 4161 and fix our Disclaimer: This core value is threatened shall not be recounted. truly mattered. Whether we’re outdated recount law. It’s time to when a third of precincts in a Both Detroit City Clerk Janice talking about a presidential make this change so that voters The views and opinions expressed in the articles are recount cannot be considered in the Winfrey,and Garlin Gilchrist II, her election, city clerk or city council from all political parties and effort to make sure we have recent challenger, agree that election, the margins of victory can backgrounds can have greater those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or accurate election results. Michigan’s recount law needs to only be trusted if we know that a certainty about our election results In the recent recount of the be changed. Earlier this year, I recount will bring greater accuracy and so that we can better uphold opinions of the Afghanistan Times. Detroit City Clerk race, 33 introduced House Bill 4161, which and confidence in the election our core democratic values. precincts were unrecountable. would ensure that every precinct results. The opposite of this is our (FREEP) MONDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

emails, laptops, mobile phones Norm Eisen, who worked as a and other materials associated with lawyer on former President Barack nine transition members Obama's transition team in 2008, "responsible for national security said he warned "everyone" within and policy matters" on August 23. his team that "there is NO Langhofer requested that expectation of privacy in … "Congress act immediately to transition emails", adding that the protect future presidential "clue [is] emails are 'name [at] transitions from having their ptt.gov'. private records misappropriated He also tweeted: "Executive by government agencies". privilege does not apply until you Peter Carr, a spokesman for are the executive; these documents the special counsel's office, said in are from the transition, before a statement to Reuters news Trump became the executive agency that "when we have [demonstrating] no executive obtained emails in the course of privilege." our ongoing criminal investigation, Trump and the White House we have secured either the account have repeatedly said that owner's consent or appropriate "absolutely no collusion" has criminal process". taken place nor has been proven The GSA had not responded by Mueller's investigation. to Al Jazeera's request for Trump tweets about 'witch comment at the time of publication. hunt' as Russia probe charges 'No executive privilege' reported Democrats and other legal Former National Security A lawyer with US President special counsel's office". The probe, headed by Special experts have criticised the letter, Advisor Flynn pleaded guilty to Donald Trump's transition team The GSA is responsible for Counsel Robert Mueller, began in saying the accusations are another lying to the FBI earlier this month has accused the special counsel managing and supporting federal May to investigate any potential attempt to "smear the Mueller in relation to his contact with the that is probing alleged Russian agencies. links between the Russian investigation". Russian ambassador just before meddling in the 2016 presidential In the letter, published by government and the Trump Former federal prosecutor Trump took office. election of illegally obtaining "tens Politico, Langhofer argued that the campaign. So far, four people, Renato Mariotti tweeted that it is He is said to be cooperating of thousands" of emails during its special counsel's office "was aware including Trump's former National not "inappropriate or even with Mueller's team. investigation. that the GSA did not own or Security Advisor Michael Flynn, unusual" for prosecutors to obtain George Papadopoulos, an Kory Langhofer, counsel for control the records in question" have been charged as part of the emails from a third party. adviser during the campaign, also Trump for America, Inc (TFA), and that the documents and "tens investigation. 'Privileged' Congressman Eric Swalwell, a pleaded guilty to making false submitted a letter to the primary of thousands of emails" have been Langhofer maintains that Democrat from California, statements to the FBI in October. Senate and House oversight "extensively used" during the although the TFA undertakes questioned how "private Paul Manafort, Trump's committees on Thursday, outlining investigation. "executive or quasi-executive documents" can be kept on a former campaign manager, and his how "career staff at the General The letter and accusations have functions … they are not federal government email system. business associate Rick Gates, Services Administration (GSA) ... been swiftly discounted by agencies" and therefore their He tweeted: "'Private were charged with 12 counts, unlawfully produced TFA's Democrats and other legal experts communications are private and documents' on a US government including conspiracy against the private materials, including as an attempt to discredit the some are "privileged". public email system? What are US, money laundering and other privileged communications, to the Russia-Trump investigation. The lawyer said the TFA had they afraid was found? Baloney. financial charges, as part of the learned of the disclosure last week. This is another attempt to discredit investigation. They pleaded not According to the letter, the Mueller as his #TrumpRussia guilty in October. FBI requested the copies of the probe tightens." (Al Jazeera) Evros river: Tales of death and despair Azer b aijan est ab lish in g It has been a year of elections in February 2000, he was exclaiming at the edge of EU Nepal. On January 31, then belligerently, "I hate revisionism. I p lan t s for p r od u ct ion Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan seriously hate revisionism. I never Mahat promised to a clutch of compromise with revisionism. I of exp losives The bodies are usually discovered increased traffic since the the border. Kathmandu-based envoys that the fought and fought again with half naked. They have been in the European Union and Turkey "They were three of my best country would hold all three levels revisionism." It seems he did so for am m u n it ion Evros, the river dividing Greece struck a deal to shut down the friends," he told Al Jazeera. "We of elections - local, provincial and only to join revisionists at a time from Turkey, for weeks. And the route into Europe via the Aegean were out in the open ... We didn't parliamentary - within the year. and place of his choosing. currents or the fish have taken their sea. The UN said Turkish have any food or clothes." In just concluded polls, Mahat In a roundabout way, the The work is underway to establish plants for the production of clothes. Sometimes there are authorities at the land border with Al Jazeera's Laurence Lee, himself lost and his Nepali Maoist motto of the 1970s has explosives for ammunition in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani Minister of Defense personal effects - a pair of glasses, Greece intercepted almost 20,700 reporting from Alexandroupolis, Congress party performed turned out to be true - China's Industry Yaver Jamal said in an article published in the country’s official a chain of beads, a bracelet - that people between January and said hypothermia was the cause miserably, but the government Chairman and China's Path are press Dec. 17. The minister recalled that the complex work was over at can offer a clue to someone's September this year, compared to of many deaths on the Evros. Some succeeded in delivering upon its indeed shared ideals of demagogues two production enterprises in June 2017 and Azerbaijani Supreme identity. But usually they remain 7,500 reported for the same period of the bodies have been promise to the international and populists of developing Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev attended the commissioning unidentified, stored here at a last year. "discovered by fishermen in the community. countries. It just so happens that ceremony. “Thus, the number of industrial enterprises, which were put hospital morgue in the northeast According to the UN's refugee shallows", or "in outbuildings, half The three-phased polls were the Chairman now is Xi Jinping into operation, has been brought u to 58,” he said. (The work is underway Greek town of Alexandroupolis - agency, an estimated 4,300 people eaten by wild dogs". first held to elect local government and the path is called the Beijing to establish plants for the production of explosives for ammunition in silent witnesses to the horror of a had arrived this year at the Evros Refugees are forced into the officials. They were soon followed Consensus - or China's Azerbaijan, Azerbaijani Minister of Defense Industry Yaver Jamal said refugee's journey. "It's very Greek-Turkish land border by the river because of a double-barbed by two-phased elections for development model. Along with in an article published in the country’s official press Dec. 17. (trend) difficult because we have women, end of October. More than 800 wire fence on the border, paid for provincial assemblies and the Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Nepal we have little boys, girls, we have crossed using this route in October by the EU to keep refugees out, lower house of the parliament. rushed to join One Belt One Road children," Pavlos Pavlidis, a alone. Lee said. "They cross either in the Phased elections engaged the (OBOR) initiative, which aims to forensic pathologist at However, attempting to cross hands of illegal smuggling gangs or entire government machinery and invest in infrastructural projects as T u r km en istan appr oves Alexandroupolis' general hospital, Evros can de deadly. by themselves," he added. over 200,000 security personnel a part of President Xi's peripheral told Al Jazeera. The land border "It was so dangerous, so cold," "It's really dangerous either had to be employed in the exercise. diplomacy doctrine with China at state program for between Greece and Turkey, a recalled Martin Jafari, an Afghan way, and yet again exposes the lack It was the most expensive elections its centre. The lapsed Maoist duo nearly 200km frontier mostly refugee who said that he lost three of safe routes at the edges of the in the history of the country. of Oli and Prachand expects to archaeological research formed by the Evros, has seen friends while attempting to cross EU for refugees." (Al Jazeera) As a result, for the better part attract enough Chinese money to of the year, the government did build trans-Himalayan railways, nothing to ameliorate the suffering hydroelectric projects modelled for 2018-2021 of the people. Governance after the Three Gorges dam and stagnated, corruption escalated, make the entire economy of Nepal Q & A: S ou th Afr ica 's r u lin g development projects were almost look northwards for sustenance. on hold and survivors of the Unlike the post-war Marshall Plan Gorkha earthquake continued to for Europe, the OBOR scheme is AN C fa ces 'a deep cr isis' languish in utter neglect, as the premised on trade rather than aid state prioritised polls over and even though loans are lent at Johannesburg, South Africa - It is everything else. concessional rates, they have to be being called a battle that will Results have been predictable repaid as Sri Lanka discovered determine the future of South for a nation put consistently in when it had to cede control of the Africa. every list of extremely fragile and Hambantota port to the Chinese This weekend, about 5,000 underdeveloped countries of the on a 99-year lease. Loans require delegates will descend on world. The Left Alliance swept the financial feasibility, political Johannesburg to vote for the future polls at all levels of the stability and sovereign guarantees. leader of the African National government. Apart from hydroelectric potential, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov approved the state Congress (ANC). Northward ho! in itself a high-risk enterprise in a program for 2018-2021 implying archaeological research of monuments The two leading candidates, Composed of the Communist chronically earthquake-prone located on the country’s territory along the Great Silk Road, the Turkmen Cyril Ramaphosa, the party's Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist- zone, Nepal has little-proven Dovlet Habarlary state news agency reported. The document was current deputy president, and Leninist, UML) and the resource of exportable quantity prepared by the country’s Academy of Sciences together with the Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, former Communist Party of Nepal and quality. With the statute National Directorate for the Protection, Study and Restoration of chairperson of the African Union (Maoist Centre), the Left Alliance contested in the Madhesh plains, Monuments of History and Culture. The state program envisages High Commission and President is a political marriage of where the electorate has largely cooperation with foreign research centers. The surveys on various issues Jacob Zuma's ex-wife, are facing convenience. It hasn't come up rejected the Left Alliance and of archeology, architecture, ethnography and history on the basis of off in one of the most contested with a workable agenda and is endorsed the agenda of archaeological values ??discovered during the study of monuments of elections in ANC history. relying solely on illusive slogans constitutional amendments, ancient and medieval history of Turkmenistan are planned to be carried The winner of the vote will of development and prosperity. political stability may turn out to out. Besides excavations, archaeological, cultural and historical most likely become president when to vote [may be] subject to bribery land expropriation without Presumptive prime minister be illusory. Over one-third of the monuments located along the route of the Great Silk Road are planned the country takes to the polls in or that they are not immune to fear compensation and other populist and UML chieftain Khadga Prasad Nepalese economy is based on to be restored. The Great Silk Road passed through Turkmenistan. 2019. and thuggery; they can be policies. I think we aren't making Sharma Oli began his political remittances from unskilled and Turkmenistan has a rich culture, various natural landscapes and unique A great deal is at stake, as the intimidated to vote a particular enough of [the] crisis in the ANC. career as a Maoist in the early low-skilled labourers sweating out archaeological monuments included in the UNESCO World Cultural South African government under way. I can't see a way out. EBRAHIM 1970s in Jhapa across the border in volatile countries. Sovereign Heritage List. (trend) Jacob Zuma has been dogged by Though ballots are meant to FAKIR Ramaphosa talks about with India's West Bengal state. guarantees of an externally countless allegations of corruption, be secret, there are delegates of their the Black Industrialist Programme Those were the days of slogans dependent economy may not have leaving the ruling ANC in the midst branches [who] have made and strategic inclusion in the like "China's Chairman is Our anything more than geopolitical of its biggest crisis since it was decisions on how they would like economy hinged on all the Chairman and China's Path is Our significance. That is likely to put a Kyrgyzstan, Russia anticipate formed in 1912. their delegates to vote. But the empowerment policies being Path" rending the air in West spanner in the grandiose plans of Al Jazeera spoke to secrecy means the delegates can [enacted]. The argument is that Bengal. But Oli embraced the Left Alliance if India decides further cooperation independent political analyst vote any way they want. those policies have not worked revisionism early on and by 1990s to protect its traditional sphere of Ebrahim Fakir about what the Al Jazeera: The two leading together because of a weak state he had begun to reclaim hyper- influence. Powerful southerlies BISHKEK: Kyrgyzstan and Russia exchanged views on the prospects conference means for the ANC and candidates are Cyril Ramaphosa [and] because of [the] nationalist rhetoric. He is known Monarchists in the early 1960s for trade and economic cooperation, vowing to implement joint for South Africa. and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. manipulation of institutions and better for his demagoguery than came up with the idea of investment projects and intensify cooperation, the press service of the Al Jazeera: Is this election a What are their visions for the processes, inappropriate meddling democratic convictions. equidistance from Beijing and New Kyrgyz president said. "We are interested in increasing the volume of referendum on Zuma or is it about future? of treasury and the treasury's China's Chairman and China's Delhi. However, the credit for supplies of products from Kyrgyzstan to the regions of Russia," said implementing new policies? Fakir: Nkosazana Dlamini- inability to stem the tide of Path are indeed shared ideals of reviving the concept vociferously President of Kyrgyzstan Sooronbai Jeenbekov on Friday while Ebrahim Fakir: No one knows Zuma's is presenting a programme corruption. With the Ramaphosa demagogues and populists of goes to Maoist hardliner C P welcoming the Russian delegation led by Russia's Deputy Prime what ANC branch delegates vote of radical economic transformation government, you might have more developing countries Gajurel. There is one major Minister Arkady Dvorkovich to the Sixth Russian-Kyrgyz Interregional for. They vote for any number of and Cyril Ramaphosa's is people prepared to invest, which The Maoist Supremo Pushpa problem with the proposition: Conference in Bishkek. things and are [moved] by good proposing a "New Deal". Dlamini- is what will help in the short-term. Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda has Equidistance from Beijing and New Russia's deputy prime minister also met with Kyrgyz Prime policy ideas. Don't discard [the Zuma wants a retributive approach In the long-term, how you turn that turned out to be a rank populist Delhi is geographically incorrect. Minister Sapar Isakov. (Xinhua) fact] that ANC delegates who go to the path forward, which means around and ... (Al Jazeera) with fungible beliefs. As late as (Al Jazeera) MONDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

The global economy is partying like it’s 2008 In late 2008, at a meeting with academics at the London School The UK is in the midst of a University Business School, The which highlights financial attitudes of Economics, Queen Elizabeth II financial knowledge gap, with just True Potential Centre for the in our current economy and how asked why no one seemed to have 38% of UK adults understanding Public Understanding of Finance to change bad habits. It has been anticipated the world’s worst the term ‘inflation’ according to a (PUFin) aims to develop financial designed to help households make financial crisis in the postwar study by the Organisation for knowledge on a general and better decisions with their money. period. The so-called Great Economic Cooperation and personal level. The modules can be accessed Recession, which had begun in Development (OECD). 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Visit the True Potential But global asset prices are once provider and investment specialist The newest course to be made Investor website to learn more again rising rapidly above their that has partnered with the Open available is Finance Fundamentals: about the free finance courses and underlying value — in other University. Part of the Open Financial Planning and Budgeting, to sign up. (dailybusinessgroup) words, they are in a bubble. Considering the virtual silence among economists about the danger they pose, one has to wonder whether in a year or two, An on ym ou s Rupee’s when those bubbles eventually burst, the queen will not be asking the same sort of question. fall set to This silence is all the more don or dr ops surprising considering how much more pervasive bubbles are today than they were 10 years ago. change While in 2008 bubbles were gold coin wor th largely confined to the American housing and credit markets, they economic are now to be found in almost $ 1,2 5 5 in every corner of the world economy. As the former Federal landscape Reserve chairman Alan Greenspan recently warned, R en o S a lva tion KARACHI: The economic years of highly unorthodox landscape in Pakistan is set to monetary policy by the world’s change massively in the coming major central banks has created a Ar m y kettle days after a much-awaited global government bond bubble, depreciation of the rupee by 4.67% with long-term interest rates in the past about one week as it plumbing historically low levels. RENO: The Salvation Army help and hope to people in need settles at Rs110.43 to a US dollar. He might have added that this confirmed that a gold 1979 Some of those things are pocket The depreciation is still lower bubble has hardly been confined Krugerrand coin was dropped in a lint, screws, washers, game tokens, than what was desired by to the sovereign bond market. kettle at a Walmart in Reno this foreign coins, Alcoholics exporters, foreign portfolio Indeed, stock values are at lofty week. Anonymous chips, batteries, investors and global lending heights that have been reached The one-ounce gold coin is angels, pills, gum wrappers, institutions such as the only three times in the last worth $1,255, said Allen Rowe, staples, earrings, women’s rings, International Monetary Fund century. At the same time, housing president of Northern Nevada bracelets, a Navy souvenir coin and (IMF). However, Prime Minister bubbles are all too evident in Coin. The coin is not particularly keys. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has countries like Australia, Britain, rare but it is literally worth its "This one, however, is a categorically said that the Canada and China, while interest weight in gold. The Krugerrand is tremendous boost to the bell government has no plans to let the rates have been driven down to gold bullion. In the 1970s, mints ringing campaign," according to rupee weaken further. unusually low levels for high- produced millions of them, he said. Fowler. "Whoever this donor is, I Experts now say the drop in yield debt and emerging-market Last Christmas season, another just want to say thanks for the rupee’s value will make imports corporate debt. One reason for gold 1979 Krugerrand coin was put helping us and this community." expensive, push inflation to the fearing that these bubbles might into the kettle. And in 2015, two The Red Kettle campaign is annual target of 6% sometime in soon start bursting is that the years rare coins were each wrapped in currently down 13% compared the middle of current fiscal year of low interest rates and avid $100 bills, each valued at about with the income raised last and force the central bank to central bank government bond $550. Christmas season, according to the increase interest rate by March buying that spawned the bubbles “I’m shocked and pleased to Salvation Army. The Reno Corps 2018. now appear to be drawing to an have this blessing in our red kettle.” set a $285,000 goal for this year. On the other hand, it will help end. The Federal Reserve has Major Charles Fowler, Washoe Donations collected in the the government reduce pressure on already started to raise interest County Salvation Army Reno Salvation Army kettles help the external trade front, rein in the rates — on Wednesday it hiked corps coordinator, said in a news support local programs like the fast widening current account the benchmark rate by a quarter release. “We find unusual items in Christmas assistance program, JERUSALEM : Israel’s main not pay for the company’s failed “We are fighting on behalf of deficit, minimise pressure on of a percentage point — and has our kettles from time to time. Most year-round food assistance and foreign exchange reserves, attract announced a schedule for reducing have no value." other social services and youth public-sector labor union went on investments abroad. Teva’s workers to save Israel’s a half-day strike on Sunday, Sunday is the beginning of the industry ... and to convey the higher remittances from Pakistanis the mammoth amount of More: Food truck hands out programs. (USATODAY) abroad and delay the floating of government securities it holds. At closing the airport, the stock Israeli work week. Hundreds of message that layoffs are the last exchange, banks and all thousands of workers went on and not the first step in the public more Eurobonds or going back to the same time, with the European the IMF. Institute of Bankers and Japanese economic recoveries government ministries as part of strike until 12:00 pm (1000 GMT) and private sectors,” said a protest against mass layoffs and many held solidarity rallies Histadrut chief Avi Nissenkorn. Pakistan Chief Executive Husain picking up pace, both the Lawai finds the rupee’s European Central Bank and the planned by Teva Pharmaceutical outside Teva facilities. He called the current crisis the This is China’s answer Industries (TEVA.TA). Worker of The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange fault of Teva’s management and depreciation a healthy sign for the Bank of Japan are hinting that they economy. “It will help reduce are likely to soon follow the Fed’s Teva Pharmaceutical Industries said the trading day would be board, adding: “It is the state’s block a road during a shortened, opening at 1 pm and responsibility to prevent imports…revive exports and check lead in tightening monetary policy to the Tesla Model X – the widening current account by raising rates. demonstration near the facility in closing as usual at about 4:30 pm. thousands of Israeli families from Neot Hovav, southern Israel All departing flights - mainly paying the price for this.” deficit.” The current account Other reasons for fearing that deficit widened 122% in the first the bubbles might soon start at about half the price December 17, 2017. REUTERS/ from Europe - at Tel Aviv’s Ben Saddled with nearly $35 billion Amir Cohen The debt-ridden Teva Gurion Airport between 8 am and in debt since acquiring Allergan’s four months (July-October) of the bursting are the fault lines in a current fiscal year 2017-18 to number of major economies. Italy (TEVA.N), one of Israel’s largest at least 12 pm were either canceled (AGN.N) Actavis generic drug companies and the world’s largest or delayed. Similarly, no flights will business for $40.5 billion, Teva $5.01 billion compared to $2.26 has both a serious public debt ES8, SUVlaunched by electric vehicle billion in the same period of problem and a shaky banking generics drugmaker, last week said be allowed to land until after 12 made a series of changes after Kare it would cut its global workforce pm. Trains and buses were initially Schultz joined as its new chief previous year, according to the system. Brazil is experiencing start-up NIO, will also feature State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). political turmoil while its public by more than a quarter, or 14,000 supposed to strike as well, but the executive on Nov. 1. Its two-year artificial intelligence system jobs.Some 1,700 jobs will be cut Histadrut labor federation decided restructuring plan is intended to “The move (depreciation)…will finances are on a clearly also help increase remittances as unsustainable path. China has a and a manufacturing site will be to allow public transit to operate reduce Teva’s cost base by $3 closed in Israel, prompting anger so that soldiers could get back to billion by the end of 2019, out of those who had chosen to send housing and credit-market bubble money back home via illegal hundi/ that dwarfs the one in the United from unions and politicians, who their bases, as they typically do an estimated cost base for 2017 of believe Teva’s employees should on Sunday mornings. $16.1 billion. (REUTERS) hawala system should now rely on States at the start of this century. proper banking channels to enjoy And both Brazil and Italy will be a higher exchange rate,” Lawai said. holding contested parliamentary Rupee suffers 4% fall in intra-day elections next year. This is not to movement EFG Hermes Pakistan mention the economic dislocation Fin st ar com m it s Chief Executive Officer that could result from a termination Muzammil Aslam said, “Each of the North American Free Trade percentage-point depreciation in Agreement, or from the the rupee adds up 0.5-0.75 accentuation of other $50m t o APAC r egion percentage point to the inflation protectionist tendencies, whether (in Pakistan).” This suggests that Private equity firm Finstar opportunities for FinTech-enabled principles and foundations,” he by the United States or by inflation would touch the full-year Financial Group has committed to disruptive lending technologies. continued. “Our outlook is one of another big country. Nor is it to target of 6% by January 2018 from invest up to $50 million in APAC’s With our market-leading expertise, optimism and excitement, and mention the risk that events in the an average of 3.59% in the first consumer lending sector, in line Finstar can capitalise on these we’re confident in seeing our Korean Peninsula could spin out five months of FY18, he said. The with its five-year plan to invest emerging trends. “DFI’s strong investment deliver significant value of control. expected surge in inflation may Chinese electric vehicle start-up at the SUV’s launch event in $150 million in the financial proposition, high quality for the long term, not just for Economic policymakers seem persuade the central bank to revise NIO has thrown down the gauntlet Beijing Wukesong Arena. The technology space globally. management and excellent Finstar but for billions of to have lulled themselves into a the interest rate upwards by to US car maker Tesla by launching company flew in thousands of The company is also planning governance all reflect Finstar’s key consumers worldwide.” (fstech) false sense of security by trusting March 2018 against earlier forecast ES8, a seven-seater high- reservation holders to see the a roll-out of its Digital Finance the stricter bank regulations put for June 2018, he said. The SBP performance electric SUV, on vehicle in person. Li said a better International (DFI) division in in place after the collapse of has kept the policy rate unchanged Saturday, at about half the price of understanding of Chinese several large Asian economies in Lehman Brothers in 2008. They O ver 1m U K h om es a n d bu sin esses at 5.75% since May 2016. Another seem to be turning a blind eye to the latter’s Model X. NIO, which consumers was expected to give the near future. DFI centres on was founded in 2014 and counts responsible lending, enabling with ou t decen t br oa dba n d seasoned banker said the the dominant role that so-called domestic carmakers an edge when depreciation would not help the Chinese tech giants such as Tencent competing with companies such as customers in developing markets shadow banks (hedge funds, government a lot in placing a cap Holdings, Baidu and Xiaomi Tesla. Electric carmaker NIO to access a method of financing Over 1m UK homes and businesses August 10 File photo dated 22/10/ private equity funds, large money on the current account deficit due market funds and pension funds) among its investors, launched the confident of beating Tesla in that is affordable and fully are without decent broadband 16 of the lights on the front panel connections, despite extensive of a broadband internet router. to structural problems on the play in the American financial ES8 – its first production car – in Chinese market The launch of the compliant with regulation. external economic front like lack system now. Unlike the banks Beijing at a base price of 448,000 ES8 comes amid a rising wave of Finstar’s five-year investment government investment in Consumers who pay for the fastest improving services across the broadband speeds are receiving of export diversification and that were covered by the Dodd- yuan (US$67,788) before “Tesla challengers”, a clutch of plan, adopted in July 2017, is unnecessary imports. “Pakistan subsidies. Tesla’s Model X, which mainland start-ups such as NIO, aimed at strengthening the group’s country. significantly slower connections Frank regulations, these will go back to the IMF by August- is popular on the mainland despite Byton and Xpeng that are in a race holdings in innovative consumer Around 1.1m properties – than they expected, latest figures institutions are lightly regulated September 2018 despite floating — but, as we painfully learned in its price, starts at 836,000 yuan to be the next big electric vehicle technologies and increase its around 4 per cent of the country’s show. PRESS ASSOCIATION premises – fail to receive broadband Photo. Issue date: Thursday Eurobonds and Sukuk (Islamic 1998 when the hedge fund Long- after import duties. “Tesla is a major. These companies want to portfolio exposure to high growth bond) worth $2.5 billion recently company founded in the era of the rival Tesla with smart electric emerging markets across Europe, speeds to meet their needs, August 10, 2017. Which? analysis Term Capital Management had to and increase in regulatory duty on internet while NIO was born in the vehicles that feature internet Latin America and Asia-Pacific. according to Ofcom’s Connected of broadband tests found overall be bailed out, are subject to imports,” he said. Impact on PSX deposit runs just like banks. era of mobile internet. The new connectivity and new Oleg Boyko, Finstar’s Nations 2017 report. speeds were only 58% of those era, in which smartphones and technologies, and by leveraging executive chairman and founder, Connectivity is particularly expected by users. See PA story The depreciation should leave a It is too late for policymakers positive impact on the weakening apps play a much bigger role in their understanding of Chinese commented: “We’re thrilled to poor in rural areas, where 17 per CONSUMER Broadband. Photo to do much to prevent bubbles Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) as from forming. However, it’s not people’s daily lives, gives consumers. The rise of these announce our latest investment cent of homes and businesses credit should read: Yui Mok/PA companies like us a great companies was facilitated by the experience poor broadband, Wire earnings of heavyweight oil too early for them to start commitment in DFI and Southeast companies were closely linked opportunity to revolutionise the Chinese government, which gave Asia. The rapid growth in compared to 2 per cent of rural People without superfast thinking about how to respond in with the dollar valuation in automobile industry,” said William out electric vehicle manufacturing consumer demand across the areas, it found. broadband are creating their own a manner that might free us from Pakistan, Aslam said. Li, founder and chairman of NIO, licences. (SCMP) emerging markets offers exciting Embargoed to 0001 Thursday networks. (INEWS) the boom-bust. (AAWSAT) (TRIBUNE) MONDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Shahid Kapoor's last release might set to star in Rakeysh's Kabaddi. have been the disastrous Vishal The film was initially slated Bhardwaj directorial 'Rangoon', but to star Hrithik Roshan. the actor has still got the best of Incidentally, Hrithik has signed directors lining up to work with Vikas Bahl's Super 30, which was him. And the latest to join the list initially rumoured to headline is none other than Rakeysh Shahid. According to rumours, Omprakash Mehra. Shahid, who's Shahid was even spotted outside awaiting the release of Sanjay Leela Rakeysh's office recently. The Bhansali's highly controversial filmmaker is currently working on Padmavati, has signed Shree Fanne Khan, starring Rajkummar Narayan Singh's Batti Gul Meter Rao, and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Chalu, and is now reportedly all (SantaBanta)

Another year is coming to an end. Esha Gupta. The movie opened Just like each year, this year too with at a whopping 12.6 crores. saw a wide variety of movies do Not just that, this was Ajay well at the box office. So as the Devgn's 3rd highest opener after year comes to an end, here's looking Golmaal Again and Singham at the top ten 1st day grossing Returns. Director Milan Luthria's movies of this year. In this list of earlier films Once Upon A Time In films, Baadshaho ranks on number Mumbaai, The Dirty Picture were eight. This movie was directed by definitely massive box-office hits Rumours have surfaced regarding seen together and have never to call Jennifer but one of her Milan Luthria and had Ajay Devgn but -Baadshaho has turned out to Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lawrence’s worked on a film with each friends told him to go for it because and Emraan Hashmi as the leading be Milan Luthria's highest opener budding romance. According to another. The only time the two he’s been single long enough.” men along with Ileana D'Cruz and till date. (SantaBanta) Star, the two are dating. “Brad and actors were spotted together was Trailer of Jennifer Lawrence’s Jennifer have been enjoying lots in a selfie from the 2014 Academy ‘Mother!’ will ruin your sleep of late nights and quality time Awards which also featured Meryl tonight However, Gossip Cop Film-maker Rahul Dholakia, who interview on his Twitter handle. together. Is Angelina Jolie the real Streep, Bradley Cooper and reported that Brad exclusively directed Mahira Khan in the 2017 He captioned, “Somewhere I feel villain in her divorce with Brad Angelina Jolie amongst others. At confirmed this news is completely film Raees, says Indians have we have wronged her. Our people Pitt? “There’s an intense the time, the Maleficent star was false. Adding on to that, a “wronged” the Pakistani actor. forgot that she is an artist, not the connection between them,” a still in a committed relationship representative for the Hunger While Mahira was in Dubai for enemy! We took away her right as source told the magazine. The with Brad. Further reports claim Games star also confirmed that she the Masala! Awards 2017, she an actor! Unfair. Mahira Khan you source also noted that, “Brad has that the Fightclub actor and Jennifer is indeed not dating the Brad. But spoke to Bollywood Hungama and are wonderful and thank you for had his eyes on Jennifer for years.” met through mutual friends and a who knows what the New Year said, “Whether it was Shah Rukh being a part of Raees.” It is important to note however, source stated, “Brad was having a will bring for these two?! Khan, Ritesh Batra, Farhan Akhtar The Verna actor was in India that the two have hardly ever been little trouble working up the nerve (TRIBUNE) or Rahul, they all have been so last year to shoot for the film amazing. It was important for alongside King Khan. However, Raees to be released and do well at she was not allowed to attend the the box office. At the end of the promotional events of the film in Indian film day it’s all about films, which is the country, after a ban was bigger than all of us combined.” imposed by some groups on faternity Rahul found her statement Pakistani artist to work in India. mourns the “sweet,” and shared a link of her (TRIBUNE) loss of 'Hera Pheri' director, Neeraj Vora Bollywood’s multi-faceted talent Neeraj Vora, known for his humorous and happy streak on and off the screen, passed away in Mumbai on December 14, months after being comatose. Vora’s younger brother Uttank Vora told IANS that he died at 4am at an Andheri hospital. Vora was 54. From the hospital, his body was The makers of the highly tale of four Kashmiri women ... and taken to the house of producer anticipated web series 'Haq Se' how they live out their dreams Firoz Nadiadwala, who had been have finally unveiled the first look desires love admist unrest and war looking after him for over a year, of the upcoming show, starring ...HAQ SE?? (coming soon on and later to the electric Rajeev Khandelwal and Surveen #altbalaji )" The web series, which crematorium in Santa Cruz. For Chawla. is directed by Ken Ghosh, is months altogether, a room in Rajeev Khandelwal and adapted from Louisa May Alcott's Nadiadwala’s home Barkat was Surveen Chawla will be making classic drama 'Little Women'. converted into a fully functional their debut digitally. The show revolves around four ICU for Vora. Nadiadwala mourned Ekta Kapoor took to her sisters Meher, Jannat, Bano and his demise saying, “I’ve lost the Instagram handle and posted the Amal set in the backdrop of the battle to save my brother and poster of the show, captioning, beautiful valleys of Kashmir. friend from the clutches of death. "Adapted from Louisa May 'Haq Se' will soon be streaming His health had improved so much, Alcott's classic drama LITTLE on the ALTBalaji app and the but it deteriorated suddenly last WOMEN ...here's a modern day website. (SantaBanta) Recently, Radhika Apte treated us stunned us again with her splendid Friday, December 8. He had to be with two distinctive looks in a span GQ shoot pictures which had her shifted to hospital. But it was of of just a week and left us stunned in the chicest and sensual manner. no use. We lost him.” Vora’s last with them both. Radhika Apte carried the bold The Academy of Motion Picture Wound' (South Africa) and 'The rites saw Nadiadwala, Rohit At first, the actress GQ look in the most elegant and Arts and Sciences, on Thursday, Square' (Sweden). Shetty, Abhishek Bachchan, mesmerised the audience with her classy way. unveiled the nine films that will Angelina Jolie also failed to Paresh Rawal, Sushant Singh de-glam Indian avatar for her When the climate was already compete for a nomination for the earn a nomination for her film 'First Rajput, Deepak Tijori, Ashoke upcoming film Padman. Radhika playing cold, the graceful beauty best foreign-language film Oscar. They Killed My Father'. Pandit, Sunil Pal, Ashutosh Apte looked simply remarkable in Radhika added the much-needed Rajkummar Rao's 'Newton,' Five, out of the nine films, will Gowarikar, Meet Bros, Abbas- her modest yet astonishing avatar. hotness to the weather. the official entry for Oscars 2018 make it to the final list of nominees Mastan, Rajpal Yadav, Darshan There was a huge buzz The actress has time and again from India, has not made it to the that will be announced with the Jariwala and other celebrities surrounding the look as the sensual proved her acting prowess with the list. The shortlisted films are 'A rest of the categories on January paying their last respects. Indian Radhika plays a village belle. versatile choices of her films. Fantastic Woman' (Chile), 'In the 23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Radhika Apte plays Akshay Radhika is known to carry off any Fade' (Germany), 'On Body and The 90th Oscars will be held said he was saddened by the Kumar's wife in the much- character with utmost conviction. Soul' (Hungary), 'Foxtrot' (Israel), on March 4 at the Dolby Theatre demise of the Gujarat-born actor, anticipated film Padman. Here is to one actress who 'The Insult' (Lebanon), 'Loveless' at Hollywood & Highland Center. whom he described as “an energetic While we were still in awe of perfects every look with utmost (Russia), Felicite (Senegal), 'The (SantaBanta) and creative personality.” the village beauty, Radhika Apte ease. (SantaBanta) MONDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Au st r alia on t h e b r in k of r egain in g t h e

and what strengths they have and Ash es aft er how good a side they are, and the players they have, but we're going to put the game to them," Rodriguez told Sky Sports News. Mit ch ell St ar c's "We want to try and take the three points; we're at home and we want to try and get the atmosphere m agic b all going and really get a positive feeling. "I feel we're just on the edge of England need another 127 just to getting that win and then getting on a run. I think that win will be make Australia bat again at the WACA massive for us and I feel it's going to come soon, definitely. I think once we do get that, it gives us confidence going into the next game to go win again." West Brom boss Alan Pardew says the club are ready to make Ahmed Hegazi's loan from Egyptian side Al Ahly permanent after impressing in the first half of the season Rodriguez has only three goals to his name since his summer move from Southampton and is hoping he can arrest that form when United come to town. "None of us are happy with how many goals we've scored and Mitchell Starc produced the 259 after the first innings. that's a disappointment. We can't delivery of the series to bowl James The England openers came out do anything about that apart from Vince as Australia closed in on an with the tourists knowing that, get on the training ground and start Ashes-clinching victory in the realistically, they would have to practising. third Test. bat for the remaining four and a "I always have belief in myself The left-arm quick's 89mph half sessions to save the match and and the work I do and if you are delivery looked to be heading cling on to the urn, at least for going through a rough patch you've down the legside before hitting a another week or so. They were just got to keep that belief in you crack and jagging away to knock soon under pressure, though, as J a y R od r igu ez is look in g for t h r ee p oin t s a ga in st M a n ch est er U n it ed and keep that confidence to go and Vince's off stump out of the ground. Mark Stoneman played tentatively try things as you get a goal That left Australia needing outside off and nicked behind as another six wickets to regain the Josh Hazlewood angled the ball West Brom have gone 15 games run against Manchester United. points manager Tony Pulis has Pardew, with West Brom drawing sometimes when it just bounces off you and then you go on a run urn as England reached 132-4, across him in the second over. without securing a victory, but Their last Premier League win been dismissed and been replaced four out of their last five league requiring another 127 to make the Alastair Cook was next to go, striker Jay Rodriguez says the came in August away at Burnley by Alan Pardew. games but a win remains elusive. after that, so you'll take any goal." (SkySports) home side bat again, when rain getting a leading edge as he tried to team will be looking to end that and since picking up those three Things have improved under "We spoke about Man United brought day four in Perth to a turn the ball to leg enabling premature end. Hazlewood to take a brilliant one- England started the day in the handed grab off his own bowling. Jose field and having taken only one Josh Hazlewood took a brilliant wicket on day three, matched that return catch to remove Alastair within two balls as James Cook Vince and Joe Root steadied Jocelyn Rae has retired Mourinho Anderson nipped one back to things briefly and both looked in Mitchell Marsh (181) and hit his good touch with Vince, in is more of back leg, DRS confirming the lbw particular, stroking the ball through decision with the all-rounder the covers with real class. unable to add to his overnight total. As such, that Root (14) was from tennis at the age of 26 'winner' DRS came into play again soon dismissed in such tame fashion, will now focus on coaching and career, and I'm already enjoying after as Anderson continued to driving loosely at the first ball of charity work. giving back to the sport that has than Pep make the old ball talk, catching Lyon's spell and edging to Smith "I'm incredibly lucky to have given me so much." Steve Smith (239) on the crease at slip, was all the more frustrating played tennis across the world and Rae played at all four Grand Guardiola, and England successfully for England, the captain clearly experienced so much through the Slams during her career, while she overturned the original 'not out' furious with himself as he left the sport. The sport has given me won gold for Scotland in the mixed decision. Later in the over, field. Vince continued to impress many opportunities and I have met doubles with Colin Fleming at the says Alan Anderson thought he had Tim though and reached his second half- the most incredible people along 2010 Commonwealth Games in Paine leg before too, but as he century of the series after tea. Joe the way," Rae said in a statement. Delhi. We'll be back in 2018 with Pardew appealed, a mix up resulted in both Root fell to Nathan Lyon playing "Being on the tour can be a coverage from the Australian Open batsmen standing next to each a loose drive He looked as though gruelling place, but I feel that now on www.skysports.com/tennis Alan Pardew says Manchester other in the middle of the wicket, he could make his stay at the crease is the right time for me to take a with news, previews, live blogs, United boss Jose Mourinho's allowing Vince to run in from gully a long one, only to be ousted by step back and spend more time at reports and expert analysis. winning mentality sets him apart and take off the bails to remove Starc's stunning delivery from home with my friends and family On the move? Head to our app from Manchester City manager Starc (1). around the wicket. and I'm really looking forward to for mobile devices and iPad, or Pep Guardiola. There was to be no quick That brought first innings it. follow our Twitter account West Brom manager Pardew conclusion to the innings though centurions Dawid Malan (28no) "There's no doubt that the wear @SkySportsTennis to join in the says criticism of Mourinho is as Paine (49no) and Pat Cummins and Jonny Bairstow (14no) back and tear on the body has played a conversation. Who will win the "unfounded" because he is added 93 for the eighth wicket, together and they batted well, British doubles specialist Jocelyn Rae made 17 Fed Cup part in this decision, but I'm excited Australian Open? Have your say... unrivalled in his ability to win either side of lunch. James adding 32 together as Australia Rae has retired at the age of 26. appearances during her career but for the next chapter in my tennis (SkySports) trophies. Anderson took the four Australian pushed for further inroads before The Baggies boss believes wickets to fall on day four the rain came midway through the Mourinho, who won the Europa Anderson (4-116) came back evening session. League, Community Shield and to break the stand, Cummins (41) Further rain is forecast for day Tony League Cup in his first season at his third lbw victim of the day, and five and that may be England's best Johnny Nelson on mentoring gymnast Old Trafford, is unmatched even then had Nathan Lyon (4) caught chance of salvaging a draw and Martin by Guardiola, whose City side before Smith made the declaration keeping possession of the Ashes currently lead the Premier League with Australia 662-9, leading by over Christmas. (SkySports) retracts Joe Fraser as a Sky Sports Scholar standings 14 points clear of Johnny Nelson was blown away second-placed United. comments seeing Joe Fraser for the first time "Jose and myself would love flying over the pommel at his gym to win a game 4-0 playing about Chris in Birmingham. The Sky Sports flamboyant football," he said. boxing pundit and former world "You can't do that, you just Froome champion is a Sky Sports Scholar have to find a way to win mentor again, but this time has sometimes. That's the thing he jumped into a very unfamiliar does better than anyone else, sport. Fraser, only 19 and crowned including Pep. He wins more British All-Around gymnastics trophies. Jose Mourinho and Pep champion in March in his debut Guardiola on the touchline at Old senior season, described finally Trafford during the Manchester meeting Johnny as "absolutely Derby Jose Mourinho and Pep amazing". "He challenged me to do Guardiola on the touchline at Old a muscle-up on the rings so that's Trafford during the Manchester something I'm going to get him Derby "He gets a lot of criticism doing," Fraser said. "I can't wait to which I think is unfounded. see how we can maximise my "You get to the Community performance and have fun along the because we speak the same same and I soon believed I could Shield by winning the Premier way." Johnny, who previously language and I thought we'd need adapt my mindset to whoever they League or FA Cup. Then that's mentored boxers Savannah that common ground. But the more gave me! It was so funny they gave another trophy. I don't Time trial specialist Tony Martin Marshall and Jack Bateson, reveals I thought about it I realised me JOE FRASER! There's understand why people don't Billy Joe Saunders has retracted his comments about his emotions on catching up with everyone has common ground, obviously former heavyweight think it's a trophy. His targets and Chris Froome, who is currently Fraser and his hopes as a mentor. I whatever the sport. Joe was a champion Joe Frazier and I thought what he does are about winning. challenges Gennady under investigation for an adverse was initially hoping to get a boxer gymnast but the mindset is the who 'is this kid?!' (SkySports) Simple as that. Christmas has drugs test during this year's Vuelta come early. MUTV is free from a Espana. When tested in December 8-18 on Sky channel Golovkin after defeating September, Froome had double the 418. Find out more. allowed level of the legal asthma "As managers of course, David Lemieux drug Salbutamol in his urine. particularly if you're manager of Britain's four-time Tour de France Manchester United, you're going Billy Joe Saunders challenged Gennady Golovkin in his next winner went on to win the to get criticised. Sir Alex Ferguson Gennady Golovkin to a fight aunders says he wants to face prestigious race in Spain, before got criticised and went through middleweight unification bout after Gennady Golovkin in his next competing in the World Road Race Nearly 75m tickets were sold for five per cent increase on 2016. said: "Despite rising inflation, periods where fans were baying making a successful defence of his fight "Then you wanted to fight Championships a few weeks later. UK sports events in 2017 - the Next came horse racing and limited real wage growth and for him. WBO title on Saturday as he out- me. Fight me now. Now fight me, Earlier this week, Martin highest total since London hosted equestrian-based events (7.5m), squeezed household incomes, the "It comes with the territory classed David Lemieux in Canada. cos we'll be seeing a different story. expressed his anger that cycling's the Olympic and Paralympic rugby union (5.5m), cricket (2.7m) fact that the UK public is and Jose's strong enough and big The British fighter controlled You'll be punching fresh air." authorities had permitted Froome Games in 2012. and rugby league (2.3m). continuing to show strong appetite enough to win trophies, which the bout from start to finish as he Lemieux's first clean punch of to compete in the championships, The sale of 74.5m tickets Dan Jones, partner in the for watching live sport is I'm sure he's going to do." defended his title by unanimous the fight came in round three but it believing he had been given showed a seven per cent increase sports business group at Deloitte, reassuring to see." (SkySports) Mourinho knew job wouldn't decision at Place Bell in Quebec, was not enough to stop Saunders, "special status" by the UCI (the on last year's figure of 69.8m, be easy Jose Mourinho says being winning 120-108, 117-111, 118- who retaliated with a combination sport's world governing body). according to analysis by the Manchester United boss is a 110 on the judges' scorecards. uppercut in the fourth. However, the German has changed Deloitte Sports Business Group. difficult job but he is not new to It was a fourth defeat for By the fifth, Saunders began his view on the matter, saying: "I Ticket sales in 2017 were the challenge of a club with high Lemieux, who had won each of his taunting his opponent for his now understand that the UCI is boosted by the UK staging the expectations. Jose Mourinho four fights since being stopped by misses, drawing boos from the managing this case in accordance World Athletics Championships, says being Manchester United unified middleweight champion crowd, but went on to land the with the rules and that Chris cricket's Champions Trophy and boss is a difficult job but he is Golovkin in 2015. better shots. Froome did not get any special Women's World Cup and the not new to the challenge of a club After the fight, Saunders called The masterclass continued treatment. Tony Martin of football Champions League final. with high expectations Pardew out Golovkin and insisted he can into the seventh when Lemieux left Germany has updated his The World Athletics also praised Mourinho for become the first man to defeat the the round bloody and hurt and comments made about Britain's Championships at the London championing the 'art of defending' Kazakh knockout specialist. with little answer to Saunders' jabs Chris Froome earlier in the week Stadium proved the most popular and instilling defensive discipline "Golovkin, you kept saying and footwork. "According to the rules, in a single event in 2017 with more than into his teams. "There's always you want my WBO belt when I Saunders, who has already case involving a specified 700,000 spectators. been two sides to winning football was 14 stone, out of shape and defended the belt twice since substance, every athlete shall have Football continued to be the matches, defensive discipline and wasn't in love with boxing," he said winning it from Ireland's Andy Lee the chance to explain whether the dominant sport with 47.6m fans offensive prowess. You have to in an interview shown on BT in 2015, dominated the later rounds numbers can be due to natural paying at the turnstiles to support get the balance right," he said. Sport. to take his record to 26-0. causes." (SkySports) their clubs and national teams - a (SkySports) Saunders says he wants to face (SkySports) MONDAY . DECEMBER 18. 2017-Qaws 27, 1396 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 141 Price: Afs.20

AT News Report ground operation and airstrike in operation conducted by Afghan KABUL: At least 27 Taliban Chamirza area of Nadali district, forces in Nahr-e-Seraj and Marja fighters were killed and eight others which as result 24 Taliban were districts of Helmand mentioned the wounded during an operation killed and three others wounded, statement. conducted by Afghan forces in said a press statement issued by Numbers of Taliban vehicle and southern Helmand Province in the Provincial press office. motorbike were destroyed during past 24 hours, provincial office said Similar in three Taliban killed operation as well, underlined the Sunday. Afghan forces conducted and five other wounded during an statement. AT News Report KABUL: Eklil Hakimi, Minister of Finance and Ms. Shanny Campbell, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Deputy Country Director for Afghanistan today (Sunday) signed two grant agreements worth $360 million grant to support Transport Sector in Afghanistan in the presence of the President, Cabinet Members and MPs at the beginning of the High Economic Council in ARG, Ministry of Finance (MoF) said in a statement. “Roads are an integral part of the government’s development agenda. The construction of roads networks helps the government achieve its aim of a connected Afghanistan. Also, a transport network of roads and railway lines would form a crucial link in connecting Afghanistan to the economies in the region. Further, adequate maintenance, which helps without major deterioration over Finance. “Having a functional and substantial economic benefits from keep a road network in good time and avoiding economic losses, reliable transport sector is an roads cannot be sustained without condition, operating indefinitely said Eklil Hakimi, Minister of important pillar for...P4

Shahzad Mohammadi, who was banned from cricket in 2017 AT News Report operations 54 insurgents including for using unauthorized medicines, will return to the game KABUL: At least 54 militants nine Daesh affiliates were killed and after serving a one-year ban. were killed and 24 others wounded 24 others were injured. in different operations launched by During these operations in the Well-known Afghanistan cricketer, Mohammadi once again the security forces in the past 24 past 24 hours, Afghan National and Shahzad Mohammadi, appeared at apologized to the people on Sunday hours. In a statement, the ministry Defense Security forces shelled a press conference in Kabul on at the press conference because of of defense said, that the Afghan and bombed the enemies’ positions Sunday for the first time since the using unauthorized medicines. National Army with the by artilleries and air force International Cricket Council “What I did was not cooperation of the Afghan National During these operations, 22 (ICC) had banned him from intentional, it was a mistake and I Police and the National Directorate insurgents were killed and eight playing cricket. did not understand. Once again, I of Security (NDS), conducted others were wounded in Sancharak Mohammadi was banned on apologize to the people. When I operations against insurgents in district of Sar-e-Pul, 10 Taliban 17th of January 2017 from taking was watching the national team different areas of Nangarhar, fighters were killed and six other the field for one year over use of playing, my family told me not to Kunar, Ghazni, Paktia, Kandahar, wounded in Giro and Dehyak unauthorized medicines. He will worry and one day I will play Faryab and Sar-e-Pul provinces. district of Ghazni and nine Daesh now step onto the cricket ground again,” Mohammadi said. The statement said that in these affiliates were killed and...P4 on 17th January 2018. (ToloNews)