Truthful, Factual and Unbiased [email protected] Eye on The

Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Afgtimes@Yahoo.Com Eye on The

Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XIV Issue No:51 Price: Afs.20

www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimes www.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes WEDNESDAY . SEPTEMBER 18 . 2019 -Sunbula 27, 1398 HS www.afghanistantimes.af

AT News Report AT News Report

KABUL: Former President, KABUL: A former official of Hamid Karzai strongly Taliban asked the United States condemned Tuesday’s attacks to restart negotiations with the against civilians in Kabul city and militants, after the US president the adjacent province of Parwan, announced that negotiations with as against all human and Islamic the insurgent group were principles and values. A suicide stopped following a suicide bomber rammed his explosive- attack that killed an American filled motorbike into a crowd soldier on September 5 in Kabul. gathered to attend President “We want the negotiations Ghani’s campaign rally in the be resumed from the subjects held and the two sides reach a Charikar city, the provincial they stopped so that the ceasefire agreement,” Sayed capital of Parwan, killing 22 problems be resolved sooner. The Akbar Agha, who now runs the civilians and four... intra-Afghan dialogues should be Council ...

Afghan security forces keep watch at the site of a blast in Kabul on Tuesday. (Omar Sobhani/Reuters)

AT News Report Ashraf Ghani’s election rally in killed at least 48 people, while all of the victims were civilians, northern Parwan province, and a 80 others wounded, officials and fatal attack by the Taliban KABUL: Double Taliban suicide second that ripped through PD 9th confirmed. This was deadliest group since peace talks with the bombings – one targeted President of Kabul city on Tuesday, have for the Afghan masses as almost group declared...

AT News Report AT News Report AT News Report KABUL: China and Russia have KBAUL: The Afghan security clashed with the US and other KABUL: Maulana Abdullah, the KABUL: After visiting Russia, the forces have killed 10 Pakistani Security Council members over commissioner of the Independent Taliban representatives have national’s terrorists among 35 Afghanistan, a media report said Election Commission on Tuesday landedin Tehran, the capital city Taliban rebels in a ground on Tuesday. The verbal dispute confirmed that... of Iran, to hold... operation carried... took place... WEDNESDAY . SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Afghanistan war: Tracking the killings in August 2019

....P12 the holiday period, scale of harm." from the evening of 10 August to The US and Afghan militaries Commissioner callspollingsecurityreport invalid sunset on 13 August. routinely deny or fail to report The highest number of civilian casualty figures. An official from the Independent Mohammad Abdullah, an IEC basis for their findings. He also alleged that people passed the test are walking in the casualties occurred on 27 August, What does the conflict look Election Commission (IEC) on commissioner. The report in “They [security institutions] holding positions in the IEC corridors of the courts,” added with 162 confirmed dead and 47 like? Large events, like the battle Tuesday said that the report by question indicates that some of the have reported that 431 centers secretariat were illegally hired. Abdullah. Fareed Ahmad, injured, primarily Taliban for the northern city of Kunduz fighters in air strikes. But the or the Kabul wedding bombing, security institutions about the polling stations that were opened are closed, 675 centers are under “We have illegal people spokesman for the Independent deadliest day for civilians was are the ones that make closure of 431 polling stations is during last October’s high level security threats, 907 working in the high-level posts in Administration Reform and Civil 18 August, when 112 people lost international headlines. Yet most unrealistic and fake. parliamentary elections are now centers are under medium security the secretariat, we have illegal Services Commission, spoke their lives. Most died in a single of Afghanistan's deadly conflict The election commission has closed due to serious security threats. But the 431 centers they people there, and they have an about the problems between the incident when a suicide bomber is persistent, small-scale violence, asked the security institutions to threats. mentioned, for me who lives in illegal presence there. There are IEC commissioners and the IEC killed 92 people and injured 142 typically between Afghan share credible findings about the Abdullah claims that the Afghanistan, this figure is not people who are hired illegally, secretariat regarding hiring: at a wedding in Kabul. security forces and the Taliban. closure of the polling centers, said security organizations have no true,” said Abdullah. while those who successfully (TOLONews) The groom Mirwais, a tailor In only three of Afghanistan's 34 from a working-class district, had provinces was the BBC unable to struggled to save for the event confirm fatalities in August. One 48 dead, 80 injured in double Taliban bombings that should have been the in 10 deaths occurred in the happiest day of his life. province of Ghazni, a restive area ...P1 dead by US President. “An peace talks. However, Taliban’s Instead, several of his and a centre of Taliban control, explosives-laden motorcycle attacks in Kabul and Parwan was closest friends were killed. His and therefore a key target of targeted Ghani’s election rally in condemned widely from Afghan new bride lost several cousins Afghan military operations. One- Charakar, the capital city of leaders to foreign countries and and a brother. Mirwais says that third of the 66 attacks in Ghazni Parwan province,” Ministry of diplomats. she now wants to burn her were airstrikes on suspected Interior Spokesman, Nasrat “Kabul was also hit by coward wedding dress and photo album. Taliban locations. Afghan civilians Rahimi told Afghanistan Times. enemy and again the target was He told the BBC, "all my describe living in an environment “Four among the 26 dead civilian lives. I offer my heartfelt hopes and all my joy was of extreme uncertainty. were Afghan security forces,” the condolences to victims of today’s destroyed in one second". Mohibullah from Uruzgan spokesman said, adding another tragedies in Kabul and Parwan and The Islamic State group said province spoke to the BBC in 42 were wounded, including pray for speedy recovery of those it carried out the attack. Kandahar's main hospital after women and children. who were wounded. We stand Who is most affected? doctors extracted a bullet from his Qasim Sangin, head of united in this hour of grief,” The Taliban have never been brother's shoulder. "Whenever Parwan’s Provincial Hospital said President Ghani wrote in his more powerful since 2001, but there's an operation in our area, that a number of the wounded twitter account. their fighters account for nearly ordinary people can't move people are not in a stable “Today’s Taliban attack on half of all deaths confirmed by anywhere, if they do, American condition. “11 injured are in election rally at Parwan showed the BBC for August - a huge or Afghan forces shoot them," he critical conditions, and all the despicable disregard for civilian life number, which comes as a said angrily. "They drop bombs medics spare no efforts to treat and fundamental human right to surprise. There may be a number wherever they want, all the them.” participate in democratic process. of factors for this, including the houses around us have been The brutal attack occurred Such attacks, with scores of civilian fact the Taliban have been on the destroyed." The deadliest conflict when President Ghani was casualties, are a violation of offensive during peace talks, and in the world? The war in delivering speech to his hundreds international law,” UNAMA US-led forces have increased air Afghanistan has gone on for four supporters. tweeted. strikes and night raids in decades, and has been at a Soon after Parwan, Kabul, the “Taliban again targeted response, killing many Taliban stalemate for a number of years. capital city was ripped by a civilians in Kabul and Parwan. I as well as civilians. How many Late last year, the Armed Conflict suicide bombing, in which 22 strongly condemn the Taliban fighters the Taliban has lost in Location & Event Data Project civilians were killed and 38 others murder today of fellow Afghan recent years is not known. It's (ACLED) pronounced received injuries. men, women and children, including thought they may have about Afghanistan the most lethal Ministry of interior said that at an election rally. NATO 60,000 men under arms. In a conflict in the world for battle- six among 22 dead were Afghan supports the ANDSF in their fight statement the Taliban said it related deaths. Their casualty data National Defense and Security against terrorism,” NATO Senior strongly rejected "the baseless for 2019 shows Afghanistan Forces members that caused by a Civilian Representative to allegations" of the killing of 1,000 maintaining that position. suicide bombing happened near Afghanistan, Nicholas Kay said in fighters in the past month, adding Fatalities in August in Afghanistan Massoud Square in PD 9th. a tweet message. that there was no document that are three times higher than either Taliban group pledged to This comes as Afghan could prove "casualties to that Syria or Yemen, according to continue fighting, and to target government emphasized over scale". It described the BBC's ACLED data. And in June 2019, election rallies after President timely conducting of presidential report as "based on the daily Afghanistan was named the least Trump revoked peace agreement election that slated for 28 propaganda of interior and peaceful place in the world by the with them when a US soldier September, and the Taliban warned defence ministries of Kabul Global Peace Index report. How among 12 innocent Afghans were Afghans to restrain from voting. administration". Afghan security the BBC gathered its data The killed in a car bombing in Kabul In the wake of insecurity, the force casualties are top secret - BBC collected more than 1,200 claimed by Taliban group. Afghan security agencies assured so our own confirmed counts for reports of violent incidents in However, since that the of improving security for the JALALALBAD: Commercial border crossing to Pakistan, but transferred goods were checked August may still be lower than Afghanistan between 1-31 August Taliban time and again expressed Afghans to cast their vote in a goods are being smuggled to said the business had created jobs in Nangarhar and Herat customs reality. In January Afghan 2019. BBC Afghan journalists willingness for resumption of peaceful atmosphere. Pakistan from Dorbaba district for hundreds of people. and revenue departments. President Ashraf Ghani said traced every reported incident, of eastern Nangarhar province on He said they had made a To a question, he said: “The 45,000 members of the security from those that often wouldn't Chinese, US envoys clash at UN Security Council hundreds of horses on a daily decision on tribal-level that those center has been there since King forces had been killed since late make it to news headlines to major basis, but the provincial governor who imported or exported drugs Zahir Shah time and many people 2014. The Afghan Ministry of attacks. To verify reports and ...P1 between (UNSC) members deputy ambassador Jonathan refused to talk about the matter. through this way, his house would are on job. The horses enter Defence said the research needed chase up tip-offs, the BBC used over China’s insistence on Cohen objected, saying Beijing was There is a huge center in be set alight by all the tribe. Pakistan legally.” "a serious review and a more its extensive on-the-ground team including a reference to the “Belt insisting on making the resolution Gorkoh area of the district where Hazrat Nabi, a tribal elder, said Pajhwok tried to contact serious research based on ground to contact multiple sources across and Road” global infrastructure “about Chinese national political realities must be conducted". Afghanistan including government illicit commercial goods are kept these goods were being checked Governor Shah Mahoomd The BBC confirmed that 473 officials, health workers, tribal programme in a resolution on UN priorities rather than the people in around 40 warehouse. by Afghanistan customs but Miakhel for comment but he mission in Afghanistan. According of Afghanistan.” civilians had been killed and 786 elders, local residents, eye Dozens of containers are transferred freely from Pakistan replied that talking in this regard injured in August. witnesses, hospital records and to the Voice of America, Russian Ahead of this month’s emptied there and then smuggled customs. He said all the goods was just a waste of time. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia mandate expiration, Germany and The Afghan war: The short Taliban sources. A minimum of to Pakistan on hundreds of arrived from China, Iran and other Mohammad Ayub Hussainkhel, and long story What has the war two reliable sources was required told reporters that diplomats Indonesia drafted a substantive horses. However, the goods are countries and then transferred to border police commander in the were working on a new text and resolution that would extend the cost the US? 'We embraced... but to confirm an event. Confirmed “we’re in the process of reaching mandate for a year. passed from customs and Pakistan. east, refused to talk on the issue I'd still kill him' "The conflict has casualties from hospital reports a compromise.” It focused on UN support for revenue departments in But most notably, the driver and said the provincial a devastating impact on were considered reliable even He said the council would an Afghan-led and Afghan- Nangarhar and Herat province, of a truck recentrly brought goods government should contacted in civilians," says Fiona Frazer, without secondary sourcing. meet again on Tuesday in a bid to controlled peace process, UN but the smugglers transfer these from Karachi to this spot and then this regard. human rights chief for the UN Only the lowest-confirmed reach a unanimous agreement on assistance in the Sept. 28 goods to Pakistan through Sasobi transferred them back to Pakistan Attaullah Khogyani, the mission in Afghanistan casualty counts were recorded. If the issue. This is the second time presidential election and strong Kandaw. Miakhan, head of the on horses. Arman Jan, the driver, governor’s spokesman, said no (UNAMA). "United Nations a range of casualties was given (eg in six months that the resolution backing for Afghan security forces. center’s affairs committee, said said he did this to evade taxes. body would be allowed to data strongly indicates that more 10-12), the minimum figure was to keep the UN mission in It made no reference to China’s the goods were customized in Hayat Wali, who has been in illegally transfere goods to civilians are killed or injured in considered the most reliable. If Afghanistan operating has “belt and road” initiative. Herat, Nangarhar before being the business for two decades, said Pakistan and security forces Afghanistan due to armed conflict multiple sources provided become the subject of controversy As a result, China and Russia transferred to Pakistan. hundred of moles and horses were always prevented smuggling of than anywhere else on Earth. conflicting figures for an incident, over “belt and road” language. circulated a rival draft resolution The goods include car tyres, used to transfer these goods with such nature. “We do not allow "Although the number of the minimum reliable number was Resolutions extending the that removes all the substantive TVs, black tea and 50 kinds of permission of border police to smuggling of drugs,” he added. recorded civilian casualties are included and the rest dropped. As mandate of the Afghan mission in language and simply extends the disturbingly high, due to rigorous a result, hundreds of reports were food and non-food items, which Pakistan on a daily basis. There are concerns that methods of verification, the excluded and the true number of 2016, 2017 and 2018 had language mission for a year. are daily smuggled to Pakistan. Ishab Wali Muslim, a member explosives are being brought to urging further efforts to Diplomats said after published figures almost attacks and casualties could be Miakhan refused to comment of the provincial council and also Afghanistan; but Pajhwok team certainly do not reflect the true much higher. (BBC) strengthen regional economic Monday’s meeting that China and when asked why these goods are resident of the area, acknowledged could not find any suspicious cooperation involving Russia would likely veto the not transferred via Torkhan the issue and said the all the activity in the area. Afghanistan, including through German-Indonesian draft the “belt and road” initiative. resolution, and the China-Russia Ghani’s No Show at TV Debate... But in March, when the draft would fail to get the required ...P12 began and the media. Media activists said mandate renewal came up, US nine “yes” votes. 2Parwaneducationofficialsfined15,000afseach Presidential Protective Service Ghani’s refusal shows his CHARIKAR : The Independent Electoral Complaints Commission (IECC)v on Tuesday fined the (PPS), Ghani’s security guards, disregard to the freedom of speech After Moscow, Taliban visits Iran on ... education director of central Parwan province and head of Charikar Education Office 15,000 afghanis each were busy on their routine and long awaited questions raised security check at the Bayat by millions of Afghans from ..P1 talks with the Iranian the main issues, which were for closing a voter registration centre. The voter registration process has already ended and currently the Media Center in Kabul when across the country and the world. officials regarding the Afghan discussed between the Taliban and election campaign is underway. Wahidullah Wahidi, IECC secretary for Parwan, said Education Director Ghani’s close aides announced Mohammad Rafi Rafiq peace process. Taliban Qatar- Tehranofficials, the media Abdul Zahoor Hakeem and Syed Hashim, head of Charikar Education Office, had been fined over keeping that Mr. Ghani has refused at the Sediqi, Director of the IEC’s based negotiation membersheld reported. a voter registration centre closed. last minute to take part in the media committee said that Ghani’s talks with Iran’s foreign ministry The US and Taliban were presidential debate with his main disregard to media reflects his officials and the country’s closed to sign a possible peace rival It was a surprising decision disloyalty to the Constitution. political figures,Iranian deal, but Trump has cancelled the Four drug peddlers nabbed in Kabul for everyone why Mr. Ghani Sediqullah Tawhidi, the mediareported Tuesday. peace talks, following an attack by back out of such a publicized and executive director of Journalists This comes as a second the Taliban group in Kabul, in ...P12 According to the statement,the police recovered and confiscated different kinds of drug such as much anticipated televised Protection Committee overseas trip of the Taliban which 12 people, including a US hashish and opium form the captured indicts. debate. Abdullah Abdullah On Tuesday, the Stability and representatives after the US soldier were killed. The detained drug peddlers are under custody and their dossiers would be sent to related organs for appeared at the stage and Partnership electoral ticket led by President Donald Trump had President Trump on further inquiry. described the move as Ghani’s Abdullah Abdullah released a called off the peace negotiation September 2018 had appointed “first escape”. He added that “his statement, saying that Ghani with the group. ZalmayKhalilzad as his peace Senators worried of increasing crisis after US-Taliban negotiations stopped second escape will happen after insulted media and public opinion However, the Taliban has envoy to talk with Taliban. the election”. by cancelling the debate. tried to continue diplomatic Khalilzadheld nine rounds of talks ...P12 should be given chance of presence in the talks. They called on the government not to ignore An advisor to President A couple of days ago, Shah negotiations with the US, and with Taliban. The talks had mainly peace process, saying that the peace ministry should had to lead peace process until the new government Ghani said that the debate has Hussain Murtazawai, Ghani’s several times showed willingness focused on US troops withdrawal, takes power. Senators said that security situation was worsening across the country, and Taliban had been suspended because Mr. senior advisor on cultural affairs for resumption of peace talks. intra-Afghan talks, a ceasefire many districts in each province under control. Abdullah has no plan to talk sarcastically wrote on Facebook Peace process, intra-Afghan agreement between Taliban and about. The move caused that Mr. Abdullah will step back talks and the cancellation of talks Afghan government, and widespread reaction among from the debate at the last minute between US and Taliban have been counterterrorism assurance. 17 drug traffickers sent behind bars Afghans especially in social but it became opposite. Former Taliban official demands US to ... Afghan journalist bags Swedish Per Anger Prize ...P12 Zabul, Panjshir, Kandahar and Kapisa provinces. CNP has recovered and seized 50.986kg ...P12 Lomfors, Director of the Living History Forum and chairman ...P1 for Afghanistan Hanafi discussed peace heroin, 82kg opium, 207.0244kg hashish, 106.984kg crystal and 416g tablets of K from the aforementioned nabbed drug runners, the statement added. Out of 17 detained drug dealers, two of them planned to of the Per Anger Prize jury. He added that Alimi’sworks encourage Salvation, a political party, said process, Iranian development and give hope to the new generation of Afghanistan. Meanwhile, on Tuesday. projects in Afghanistan and a smuggle drug via Hamid Karzai International Airport to India. “They were detained after being identified.” According to the statement, after examining the evidences and arguments from both sides, the CJTF Alimis said that women should be able to work in industries which He said that bomb blasts, lasting security with Iranian are considered as a “taboo” for them. “I found out that Journalism night raids and clashes increased officials. courts convicted the accused traffickers, mentioned the statement. All the convicted drug traffickers was the only way to reach women all around Afghanistan,” she said. in the country after the US- Earlier, a spokesman of would have defense attorneys for their legal defense and will be convicted after separate judicial trials based on the evidence brought before the court and the Counter Narcotics Law of Afghanistan. The annual Per Anger Prize is awarded for the humanitarian work and Taliban talks were stopped, Taliban had said that their was established by the Swedish government in 2004 to honor the adding that only civilians suffer representatives went to China. memory of Ambassador Per Anger. from this unrest. The government reacted to 10 Pakistanis among 35 Taliban rebels killed in Ghazni Meanwhile, SohailShahin, a Taliban’s visits to neighboring spokesman for Taliban’s political states, asking them not to host 93 Taliban killed in fresh ops office in Qatar, said that a militant representatives of a group “whose ...P1 out in central Ghazni Ghach villages of the capital city chief, Hehmat and Malang were delegation chaired by Maulavi hands are red with people’s province, provincial official said of Ghazni. According to the also among killed. At least 12 ...P12 insurgents in different areas of Ghazni, Nangarhar, Faryab, Abdul Salam Hanafi traveled to blood”. Tuesday. In a statement, the statement, the Taliban AK-47 rifles, two RPG, one Farah, Badakhshan, MaidanWardak and Nimroz provinces, in which Iran to talk to Iranian officials on “We do not expect our Provincial governor’s office said commanders, Mohammad Tahir PKM and a number of weapons 93 militants were killed and 15 others wounded. Moreover, Afghan different issues. neighboring countries to host a the operations were conducted Elyas and Omar Khalid, and the and ammunition were sized forces succeeded to arrest six militants during operation and handed The visit comes while terrorist group who has the in Mangoor, Qarabagh and Kala militants financial and recruitment during raids, said the statement. themoverjudicial organs for further inquiry. The Afghan National another team of the insurgents innocent Afghans’ blood in hand Defense and Security Forces shelled and bombed the enemies’ positions flew to Moscow to talk with and thinks of Afghanistan Ethnic variety considers in IEC’s appointment and sanctuaries by artilleries and air forces. During operations in the Russian officials, according to destruction,” said Sediq Sediqqi, past 24 hours,34 Taliban fighters were killed and two strongholds of Shahin. President Ghani’s Spokesman the enemy destroyed in Gilan, Qarabagh district and outskirt of ...P1 the ethnical variety has been presidential palace tried to make IEC. This comes as some of the Ghazni—17militants killed and six others wounded in Pachiragam, Karzai condemns Kabul, Parwan... considered in the IEC’s hurdles against the appointments presidential candidates, including Hesarak and Achin districts of Nangarhar—12insurgents killed, eight appointments. in the IEC. chief executive Abdullah wounded and one arrested with some amount of weapons and ...P1 security forces. The incident was followed by another attack in Talking to thereporters in He said that some of those Abdullahhad earlier criticized ammunition in Grezwan district of Faryab—12rebels killed in Bakwa Kabul, in which 22 people were killed. Kabul about illegal and ethnical employees, who were qualified government forinterfering in the district of Farah province. Similarly, 11 insurgents were killed and Karzai once again emphasized on the end of the war imposed by appointments, the electoral through a transparentprocess, election commissions. one injured in Wardoj district of Badakhshan—sevenmilitants killed the “aliens” on Afghans, calling on the war parties to obey people’s commissioner said, “These have still not been able to take their The presidential election is in Chak district of MaidanWardak and five rebels were captured in will that is peace and accelerate peace talks through the intra-Afghan individuals (employees) are posts. scheduled for September 28th. 17 Khashrod district of Nimroz province. In past 24 hours,21planed dialogues. appointed illegally.” Abdullah added that the candidates including incumbent clearing operations,and83Special Forcesoperations conducted in The former president wished paradise for the dead and quick Abdullah had earlier claimed presidential palace has not President, Ashraf Ghani are differentprovinces; also, Air Forces conductedaerial operations recovery for injured. that some figures at the received the suggestion from the running for presidency. supporting Afghan National Army,including28strikes on enemy’s sanctuaries. WEDNESDAY . SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

country in two years, said, “It is impossible.” He said 2030 had been set as the deadline for providing electricity to all the people in Afghanistan based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program, a goal he said was not possible to be achieved in 2021. The statements above show it is not possible for the Afghan government to increase electricity by 1,300 MW to 7,500 MW in the next two years. However, Javid Ghafor, a Some of my patients would walk especially pleased when the spokesman for Ashraf Ghani, a seven hours to reach the health System Enhancement for Health presidential candidate, about facility. My experience taught Action in Transition (SEHAT) views of different sources me about the challenges these was announced in 2013 as it would regarding the impossibility of communities faced, mainly poor focus on community-level efforts. Ghani’s plan, said, “Afghanistan access to health services and the SEHAT was a core MoPH project has many opportunities, we can socio-cultural norms that kept from 2013 to mid-2018. produce power from our own women and children from using The project contributed to sources such as sun, wind and health services. strengthening Afghanistan's water, Ghani has worked on it.” My patients' stories and healthcare and increasing access to He said electricity would be ordeals still influence how I critical health services through also transferred from central Asia perform my job today as an better facilities and services at the to South Asia through advisor for the Sehatmandi community level. Afghanistan and Afghanistan Project at the Ministry of Public The improvement in national KABUL: President Ashraf they have a viable strategy, the Afghanistan could produce up Private sector investments would also get a huge benefit Health (MoPH). health care is reflected in current Ghani’s promise to supply commitment will definitely be to 58,000 MW of electricity but it Jan Aqa Navid, spokesman from it. “Nine provinces were In 2012, I joined the MoPH, health status indicators. Figure 1. electricity to all districts of honoured. FarhadMahmoodi, an required domestic and foreign of Afghanistan Chamber of connected with electricity during where I felt my skills and Number of and trend in patient Afghanistan in two years seems official of MoWE, believes 75 investments, he added. Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the last few years, we would also experiences could be best used visits to primary health care impracticable. percent of people would get According to Pajhwok Afghan said that the private sector had be able to deliver the facility to to improve healthcare for my centers, 2004–2017 More than 87 Expertsview the promise access to electricity with the News report, the Afghan not been able to invest that huge more provinces and districts in fellow citizens. From my time percent of the population is within asan unrealistic election campaign implementation of the five years government’s revenue in 2018 was amount of money to provide the next two years,” he said. Do working in rural communities in two hours of health care facilities slogan, saying people should not plan (2020-2025). 189 billion afghanis. According to electricity to the whole of the not trust electioneering promises Balkh, Sar-e-Pul, and Takhar by any transportation means. believe in such vows. With regard to the Ministry of Water and Energy, country in two years. Saifuddin Saihoon, a lecturer Provinces, I find that working The Health Management President Ghani, who is presidential promise, he said power could be generated from “If the security situation of economics in Kabul closely with the community is Information System data indicate running for re-election, told his they would encourage the private water, coal, sun and wind and each stabilizes and the private sector University, about Ghani’s highly effective in overcoming that patient visits to health first campaign gathering on August sector to invest in power MW costs around 1.5 million US is provided with needed facilities promise, said, “It is an imaginary local challenges. I recall, when facilities jumped from 4.5 million 28 in Kabul: “Every district of projects, huge and small. But a dollars (to be produced). and loans with easy conditions, promise and its implementation several households refused our in 2004 to 58.4 million in 2017 Afghanistan will have electricity source in MoWE, speaking on Based on information from the then it would be possible for the is impossible.” “If we want to immunization and maternal and (see Figure 1). within two years. Power will also condition of anonymity, two sources, producing 7,500MW private sector to make electricity supply electricity to all our health services outreach. Then, Public hospital admissions be supplied to villages on the revealed: “The government has of electricity on average would cost available in the entire country in districts then we have to create the community health shura have also seen a similar upward other side of the Durand Line held out certain commitments to 11.25 billion US dollars, about five a period of five to 10 years,” he the required projects, measure (council) intervened and trend with an increase from 23,299 within four years.” the international community. times higher of the country’s said. our energy sources and create resolved the situation. Similarly, in 2004 to over 1.4 million in 2017 Pajhwok Afghan News has Under the Sustainable annual revenue. Without giving details, Navid networks which require much on another occasion, the (see Figure 2). The number of researched the possibilityof Development Goals (SDGs), the The Ministry of Water and said the private sector had human and financial abilities and community health shura community midwives has keeping the promise. Before going government should provide Energy says its five-year plan for invested on the second dam of time,” he said. Considering the mobilized community resources increased from 467 in 2002 to over into further details, it is important electricity to all citizens by the providing electricity to the whole Sarobi in Kabul and production country’s current situation, it is to build a perimeter wall around 4,000 today. The boost in to understand the current level of end of 2030.” of the country requires $13 billion. of electricity from Shiberghan gas not possible by any means to the health facility to improve midwifery services has pushed people’s access to electricity. But he acknowledged Figures show it is impossible and oil fields , a process he said implement such giant projects safety and privacy, particularly the national proportion of health Currentlevel of access to Afghanistan could not achieve for the government to provide would take three to six years. even in the next 10 years, he said, for women. Based on my facilities with at least one female electricity the goal due to problems in electricity to the whole of the Imported electricity adding that such projects community-level experiences, I health worker to above 90 percent Relevant sources provide financial, security, management country from domestic revenue in According to DABS, required at least $12 billion and have concluded that local . The significant progress in different numbers of people and leadership areas. two years. Afghanistan currently has 1,300 at least 10 years in a safe stable problems are best solved with Afghanistan’s healthcare can be having access to electricity. “Our affairs are currently not Foreign aid to 1,400 MW of electricity, with environment. local solutions. I believe that, as attributed to committed Wa h i d u l l a h Ta w h i d i , going according to the plan. We Shamroz Khan Masjedi, 80 percent being imported. “Don’t take electioneering a ministry, we cannot and should leadership, improved stewardship spokesman for Da Afghanistan are way behind,” he admitted. spokesman for the Ministry of Wahidullah Tawhidi said promises serious, they are not sit at our desks in Kabul and governance, sound MoPH BreshnaShirkat (DABS), told Referring to Ghani’s Finance (MoF), said that the 2,000 MW more electricity common during elections in the writing up solutions to issues public health policies/ strategies, Pajhwok Afghan News that six commitment, the source added: international community had so far would be imported from world for attracting votes,” he in rural areas. Instead, I believe and the development assistance to percent of Afghans had access to “Many of the programmeswe provided $3.4 billion in assistance Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan said. Ghani in the past had also that the ministry can best serve the SEHAT program. electricity about 10 years ago but have announced tend to be based to Afghanistan for electricity. and around 300 MW electricity made similar pledges, he added. people by being active in In July 2018, the Sehatmandi the number has now jumped to on the election campaign and their In response to a question would be produced domestically Citing an example, he said Ghani communities, seeing the issues project succeeded SEHAT and will 45 percent. implementation requires a lot of whether Afghanistan would be able until 2021 according to the power during 2014 election had said that first-hand, and empowering build on its efforts to expand the The Ministry of Water and time and resources.” He said the to provide $13 billion from its own utility’s plan. he would bring positive changes local residents to find the best scope, quality, and coverage of Energy says nearly 43 percent of timeline for a power dam in the revenue for electricity, he gave an “CASA-1000 project which to people’s lives, but rather he solution. As such, I was health services in Afghanistan. people enjoy the facility. But a ShakarDaradistrict of Kabul had unspecified answer and said, would start in a few days or turned people’s situation had. ministry official, who declined to been extended several times. It “MoF has not been asked so far weeks would give people access According to reports, be named, put the number at 30 meansthe project has not been for providing this amount of to electricity across the Durand poverty level in Afghanistan has percent. executed on schedule. money, if we are asked, the Line, it is a project of 1,300 MW increased from 39 percent in 2014 An average of figures from the Based on comments from the ministry would share its technical electricity that would be to 54 percent in 2018. Saihoon three sources shows that about sources, electricity supply to all view with the officials.” implemented in two years, the said deceptive pledges caused 61 percent of Afghans presently districts within two years is The international community Ministry of Water and Energy has negative consequences as people KANDAHAR CITY: A and introducing their handicrafts have access to electricity. impossible. Pajhwok has in 2016 in Brussels pledged $15.2 more than 60 projects, which are would lose trust in candidates and business centre exclusively for and other products to local and How long will it take for all evaluated the presidential billion in assistance to Afghanistan underway,” he said. would not participate in women has been put into international markets. people to gain access to promise of supplying electricity until 2020 for development The Ministry of Water and elections. Pajhwok Afghan News service after its completion in Achakzai said women would electricity? to all districts in light of domestic projects. Energy in 2016 also said that assesses presidential candidates’ southern Kandahar province, an get training in different handicraft If re-elected, Ghani says all revenue, resources, foreign Afghan officials had said that procurement process of CASA- promises and explains how much official said on Monday. skills such as tailoring, fashion, districts of the countries will have assistance, private sector the international community would 1000 project would be completed they are executable or in what Women Affairs Director for designing and running restaurants electricity within two years and investment and imported provide $3.8 billion to Afghanistan during that year and practical category, (good, fair, a little good, Kandahar Ruqaya Achakzai told and other modern skills at the villages on the other side of electricity. each year until 2020. work on the project would start a little not good and not good), Pajhwok Afghan News the center. Abdul Baqi Bena, Durand Line will be electrified in Afghanistan revenue, Considering that Afghanistan in the beginning of 2018, but they are placed. Pajhwok’s facility’s construction cost one Kandahar’s Chamber of Commerce three to four years. domestic electricity generation needs this financial assistance for practical work on the project is assessment team, learning from million dollars and has 37 and Industries deputy head, The DABS spokesman says DABS spokesman said, “We its development plans, it would be yet to be started. different sources and different shops with each described the women market’s under a plan, electricity supply have currently 1,300 to 1,400 not possible for the government to An official of the Ministry information, says that providing costing $250,000. inauguration a great facility for will surge to 59 percent in two MW of electricity in the country provide electricity to all districts of Water and Energy, who wished electricity to the whole of the She termed the women’s women in Kandahar. He said now years. About Ghani’s promise, but we would need 7,000 to of the country in two years even if to go unnamed, about President country in the next two years is market in Kandahar City as “an women would have a separate Tawhidi said: “The government 8,000 MW of electricity for the whole aid is allocated for this Ghani’s promise to provide impossible but it is possible to important step towards address to promote their may have strategies and plans. If nationwide consumption.” specific area. electricity to the whole of the expand electricity to some areas. encouraging businesswomen handicrafts and other products.

Dubbed Afghanistan’s first female director, Sahraa Karimi grew up in Iran with her refugee parents, and later studied cinema in Slovakia. With 30 shorts and a couple of documentaries under her belt, she travelled this year to the Venice Film Festival with her debut fiction feature, “Hava, Maryam, Ayesha.” Studying and making movies in Europe was not her scene. “Somehow, from a storytelling with the men in their lives. Ayesha (Hasiba Ebrahimi), comes perspective, I don’t belong to that Hava’s (Arezoo Ariapoor) from a middleclass family but is part of the world,” she said, husband is callous to the point left with no choice but to marry recalling her days in Slovakia. “I of being cruel, and her only her cousin after being dumped by belong to Afghanistan.” comfort is talking to the baby in her cowardly boyfriend. The three She returned to Kabul to shoot her womb. But when it stops stories, while seemingly interesting, “Hava, Maryam, Ayesha,” which kicking, she panics. Maryam fail to engage because there is hardly was produced by Katayoon (Fereshta Afshar) is a popular any dramatic curve in them. Shahabi of Noori Pictures that television news reporter who Possibly the only high point about once helped introduce Iranian wants to divorce her philandering the movie was Karimi’s relaying directors such as Asghar Farhadi husband. However, he insists on of the real-life tales she drew from and Mohammad Rasoulof to the giving their marriage one more women during her travels as a world. In her film, Karimi profiles chance, and Maryam finds out UNICEF representative. The the lives of three young Afghan she is pregnant. Another experience was cathartic for many. women, linked only by problems expectant mother, 18-year-old albawaba WEDNESDAY .SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 AFGHANISTANTIMES News-in-Brief 15killedastruck UK: Supreme Russiahasnot beenaskedtomediate Court starts plungesdownravine prorogation betweenSaudiArabiaandIran:Kremlin hearing inPhilippines Britain’s top court of appeal has started on Tuesday hearing two Fifteen people, including chil- The dead included children aged cases to determine whether dren, were killed Tuesday in the between one to six years old, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson southern Philippines when the at least 11 other people rushed to acted lawfully when he suspend- flatbed truck they were riding hospital due to their injuries. ed the parliament for five weeks. in plummeted into a ravine, po- The group had come from a swim- The Johnson government ap- lice said. The vehicle was bring- ming party at a beach in neigh- pealed at the Supreme Court to ing about 30 people home from bouring town and were on their a decision by Scotland’s Court a trip to the beach when the driv- way home when the accident oc- of Session, which said the pre- er lost control near the town of curred. Deadly road accidents are mier acted “unlawfully” in the T'boli in the latest deadly crash common in the Philippines, where prorogation move. The case was on the nation's dangerous roads. inadequately maintained buses last week brought to the Scot- Volunteers retrieve the bodies of and poorly trained drivers form tish court by a group of MPs victims following a road accident the backbone of land transport who said the suspension of par- in Philippine on Tuesday. AP options. In June, 13 people includ- liament was not lawful or legal. "Based on eyewitness accounts, ing a bride-to-be were killed when In a separate case, campaigner the truck lost its brakes. We will the truck they were riding on after Gina Miller appealed a High conduct further investigations attending a traditional pre-wed- Court decision that making a on the actual cause," T'boli town ding ceremony rolled over on a judgment over the prorogation police investigator George mountain road. was not a matter for the court. Tabayan told AFP. (BBC) Indonesia revises law to put checks I r a q i p o l i t i c i a n s on anti-graft agency, r e n ew c a l l f o r f u l l sparks protests Indonesia’s parliament on Tues- f o r e i g n t r o o p day approved changes to a law governing the country’s anti-cor- w i t h d r aw a l ruption agency, sparking alarm among activists who say revi- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov waits before a welcoming ceremony attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin sions that include curbing its free- and Kyrgyz President Sooronbay Jeenbekov in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan March 28, 2019. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov dom to wiretap suspects will hurt the fight against graft. The The Kremlin said on Tuesday an attack on Saudi Arabia’s oil in- not received any new information hurried accusations or con- Corruption Eradication Commis- that it had not received a formal frastructure. about the attack that could help clusions about who is re- sion, known by its Indonesian initials, KPK, has prosecuted request from any party for Mos- Speaking to reporters on a confer- it draw any final conclusions sponsible for this attack,” hundreds of politicians, officials, cow to act as a mediator between ence call, Kremlin spokesman about the incident. Peskov said. and businessmen since its forma- Saudi Arabia and Iran following Dmitry Peskov said Moscow had “We do not favour any kind of (Reuters) tion in 2002, becoming one of the country’s most respected agencies. Zimbabwe Czech Republic to Japan Regrets S-Korea's union leader launch competition still missing for smart cities Momentum is building for a inside the country. The bill urged Claims at IAEA over after suspected campaign to expel foreign troops parliament to discuss this issue from Iraq, which could leave the during Tuesday's session, but par- The Czech Republic is launching a competition for towns and abduction country exposed to militant liamentary sources told The Na- municipalities to test 5G tech- Fukushima Water Plan Concerns are growing for a doc- groups like ISIS and those tional that it was not on the agen- nologies, following a national tor and labour activist in Zimba- backed by Iran. Over 50 mem- da. The move comes as the US strategy approved in May. “5G Tokyo has expressed regret over on Monday, claiming that they are Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshim- bwe who remains missing more bers of Al Sadiqoun bloc, the and Saudi Arabia accused Iran of technologies are crucial to the Seoul’s appeal to the global nu- not based on fact and scientific itsu Motegi said in a separate than 48 hours after his abduction political wing of pro-Iranian being behind drone attacks on Sau- development of local govern- clear watchdog regarding its al- grounds. press conference that the Japa- by suspected state security paramilitary group Asaib Ahl Al di Aramco oil facilities at the week- ments,” commented the Czech leged plan to release contaminat- Suga went on to say that such nese government is still discuss- agents. Peter Magombeyi, the Haq, signed a draft bill on Mon- end. Some speculated that the at- deputy prime minister and min- ed water from the Fukushima claims can cause undeserved dam- ing how to deal with the contam- acting president of the Zimba- day night that called for the ex- tacks had been launched from Iraq ister of industry and trade, Karel nuclear meltdown site. In a press age to Japan, describing them as inated water from Fukushima. He bwean Hospital Doctors Asso- pulsion of foreign troops from after US Secretary of State Mike Havlícek. “As a result, munici- conference on Tuesday, Japan’s “extremely regrettable.” He said also said that Tokyo countered ciation (ZHDA), disappeared at Iraq. The group, which is led by Pompeo said there was no evidence palities will be able to work more Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshi- Japan will demand South Korea Seoul’s arguments by pointing to around 10pm on Saturday. The an anti-American Shiite com- the drones had come from Yemen, closely with companies and uni- hide Suga criticized South Ko- make its case with facts and sci- an IAEA report that positively union leader sent a short message mander, Qais Al Kazali, could despite the attacks being claimed versities on new systems such rea’s arguments at the General ence while offering what he called assessed Japan’s handling of the to colleagues saying he believed be one of the many to benefit by the country's Houthi rebels. he was being kidnapped before from the withdrawal of United Baghdad has strongly denied the as smart transportation, securi- Conference of the International “transparent and fair” explanations Fukushima water. all communications ceased. Ma- ty and digital applications for cit- Atomic Energy Agency(IAEA) to the international community. (AP) gombeyi, who is leading a nation- States troops, possibly grant- claims, but officials have ex- izens. All in the spirit of making wide doctors’ strike to force pres- ing them further influence and pressed concern that Iraq could the Czech Republic a country. ident Emmerson Mnangagwa’s reducing outside intervention. become the ground for a proxy government to raise wages for There are over 5,000 US troops conflict between Washington and Ukraine PM Trump: US medical staff, had previously re- in Iraq, training and advising Iraqi Tehran. The country is home to a denies report on UnitedNationssees ceived warnings, which he be- forces and helping them carry number of Iran-backed Shiite mi- negotiations over does not lieved came from security. out counterterrorism missions litias. PrivatBank need oil increaseinchildsoldiers Ukrainian Prime Minister Ole- ksiy Honcharuk told Reuters on from Middle Iran leader rules out US talks Tuesday that his government was recruitedinS-Sudan not holding any negotiations over East Girls are also being forcibly recruited amid tensions over Saudi attacks PrivatBank with its former own- US President Donald Trump said er. Honcharuk was earlier quoted yesterday that America has be- to provide sexual and labour services Iran's supreme leader on Tues- against the Iranian nation is mark accord, which gave it the by the Financial Times as saying come such a big oil producer that to fighters, investigators say day ruled out negotiations with worthless and all Islamic Repub- promise of sanctions relief in re- that President Volodymyr Zelen- it no longer needs petrol from the the US "at any level", as tensions lic of Iran officials unanimously turn for limiting the scope of its skiy wanted a settlement with the Middle East. Writing on Twit- mounted between the arch-foes believe there will be no negotia- nuclear programme. ter, Trump said: “Because we Forced recruitment of child soldiers the U.N. Human Rights Council. bank’s former owner, Ihor Kolo- is increasing in South Sudan de- Sooka later told Reuters in Gene- after Washington blamed Tehran tions with the US at any level," Iran singled out have done so well with Energy for attacks on Saudi oil installa- he said in a televised address. Trump said the US was ready to moisky. “We are not holding any over the last few years (thank spite a peace deal last year, the va: "What our investigators have negotiations,” Honcharuk said in head of a United Nations investi- picked up is that in many of the tions. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Tensions between Iran and the help Saudi Arabia after the attacks you, Mr. President!), we are a said the US adopted a policy of US and its allies have threatened that halted about six percent of a message, in response to queries gating body said on Monday, add- hotspots you are actually seeing net Energy Exporter, & now the "maximum pressure" on Iran be- to boil over since May last year the world's oil supply and trig- about his earlier comments. Number One Energy Producer in ing that a return to full-blown con- an increase in child soldiers." flict remained a possibility. Some Some of them were girls provid- cause it believes it cannot bring when President Donald Trump gered a record leap in crude pric- (AP) the World. “We don’t need Mid- the Islamic Republic to its knees abandoned a 2015 nuclear deal es. "I'm not looking to get into new dle Eastern Oil & Gas, & in fact of the country's thousands of child ing sexual and labour services to soldiers were released after the the fighters, she added. South through other means. The leader and began reimposing sanctions conflict, but sometimes you have Police recover 4 have very few tankers there, but was speaking after devastating in its campaign of "maximum to," he said. "That was a very large will help our Allies!” However 2018 accord, but the chair of the Sudan split away from Sudan in Zambian trucks Commission on Human Rights in 2011 after decades of war but drone attacks at the weekend that pressure". attack, and it could be met by an Reuters reported that US gov- halved oil output of Iran's regional Comment: Saudi Arabia, UAE attack many, many times larger. hijacked in SA ernment data tells a different sto- South Sudan said that investiga- plunged into its own conflict at ry: The technology-driven US tors have recently observed a re- the end of 2013. Both sides agreed arch-rival Saudi Arabia - the have lost the plot in Yemen "Certainly, it would look to most drilling boom that started more versal as both government and in September 2018 to end a civil world's top crude exporter. "The Iran responded by scaling back like it was Iran," Trump added. Gauteng police have recovered than a decade ago has made the rebel groups seek to swell their war that killed hundreds of thou- policy of 'maximum pressure' its commitments under the land- (AP) four Zambian trucks that were United States a massive produc- numbers. "Ironically, the prospect sands of people and to form a hijacked in the early hours of Sun- er, but imports of crude oil and of a peace deal has accelerated the national army. Implementation day, Lusaka Times reported. petroleum products from the forced recruitment of children, with has so far been slow but, in a Three of the trucks were report- Gulf region last year still flowed various groups now seeking to possible sign of progress, Presi- edly found abandoned in in abundantly. “By and large, we boost their numbers before they dent Salva Kiir and rebel leader Report: At least 10 killed Steeledale, about 15km from are still importing quite a bit and move into the cantonment sites," Riek Machar met last week and Wadeville, Germiston, where not totally immune to the world panel chair Yasmin Sooka, who vis- agreed to form a transitional gov- three of the hijackings took place. market,” Reuters reported. ited the country in late August, told ernment. in airstrikes in Syria The fourth truck was found abandoned in the Dragon City area in At least 10 people were killed in dia outlets, including Iraq’s Al- ican officials told The New York Johannesburg. It had been hi- airstrikes in Syria near the bor- Afaq claimed Israel was behind Times that Israel had carried out jacked in Johannesburg. Police re- Venezuela opp. members break with der with Iraq overnight, a Lon- the airstrikes. Last week, a base several air strikes on munitions portedly found the trucks with don-based observer group belonging to militias in that same storehouses for Iranian-backed the help of a private tracking com- Guiado, strike deal with government claimed Tuesday. According to a area was attacked by unidenti- groups in Iraq. A senior Middle pany. On Monday, the Zambian report by the Syrian Observato- fied aircraft. Al-Arabiya report- Eastern intelligence official told High Commission in South Afri- Members of the Venezuelan op- ry for Human Rights, at least 10 ed 21 people were killed in the the newspaper that Israel had ca issued a statement. position have broken ranks with people died in airstrikes on posi- air strike. There have been sev- bombed a base north of Baghdad the Western-backed opposition tions held by pro-Iranian Shi’ite eral attacks against Iraqi militias on July 19. The attack on July 19 2 migrants killed, 14 figure Juan Guaido and signed an militias in Al Bukamal, Syria, in recent weeks that have been struck a base that the Middle East- agreement with President Nico- close to the Iraqi border. attributed to Israel, which has ern intelligence official said was missing off Tunisia las Maduro’s government. Dur- While there have been no claims not commented on the reports. being used by the Iranian Revolu- after boat sinks ing a nationally televised event of responsibility, some Arab me- In late August, two senior Amer- tionary Guards to transfer. attended by foreign diplomats on Tunisia’s national guard says at Monday, the representatives of least two people are dead and 14 several opposition parties agreed are missing after a boat carrying to enter into negotiations with migrants sank off the Tunisian the government in Caracas and coast. National guard spokesman Iran confirms Houssameddine Jbabli told The concluded an agreement with Associated Press that authorities Maduro’s top aides. “The Boli- rescued nine people from the boat varian government maintains all cations Minister Jorge Rodriguez “plotting military interventions.” Tuesday and are searching for the of the doors open for dialog so said at a press conference in the ‘I oppose thoughtless confron- detention of 3 others near Tunisia’s Mediterra- as to solve the differences be- capital. Rodriguez urged foreign tation’ Lawmaker Timoteo Zam- nean coastal city of Sfax. tween Venezuelans in a peaceful states to cooperate with the Vene- brano, an opposition lawmaker He said Tunisian coast guard manner,” Venezuela’s Communi- zuelan government instead of speaking. patrols have detained 192 peo- Australians ple and stopped 10 boats trying to take migrants to Europe over UAE says it will stand by Riyadh after Iran's judiciary on Tuesday con- decide whether this person (detained in Iran after Britain's Times the last two days. All those de- firmed the detention of three tained for spying) is guilty or newspaper reported that two tained are Tunisian, except for 'unprecedented' Aramco attacks Australian citizens. "Two of them not." Esmaili did not identify the British-Australian women and the three Iraqis. The stepped-up ef- had taken pictures in military ar- detained people and gave no Australian boyfriend of one of forts against illegal migration are The UAE has urged the interna- In a tweet posted on Tuesday, UAE ing the unprecedented terrorist eas and the third (was detained) details about when they had them had been detained in Iran. coming as Tunisia mobilized tional community to stand with Minister of State for Foreign Af- attack on Aramco facilities on the for spying for a third country," been arrested. Australia's foreign Perth-based travel-blogging more than 100,000 security Saudi Arabia in the aftermath of fairs Anwar Gargash responded to basis of developments on the Fars news agency quoted judi- ministry had said it was pro- couple Jolie King and Mark Fir- agents around the country for "unprecedented" attacks on oil Iranian claims that the strikes were Yemen war is completely unac- ciary spokesman Gholamhossein viding consular assistance to the kin, who has been documenting Sunday’s presidential election. processing plants in the kingdom. perpetrated by Yemenis. "Justify- ceptable," Gargash tweeted. Esmaili as saying. "The court will families of three Australians de- their journey. WEDNESDAY .SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Ahmad Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir Graphic-Designers: Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0782344728, 0778894038 Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press The constitution says By Armstrong Williams These institutions’ continued egy? The Pentagon command has Afghans with intelligence and air Article 119: unwillingness to put their full actually told the President it will cover for the next five years all Members of the Supreme Court shall take the following oath of office in the presence of the After decades of American pre- commitment behind the Presi- take another 18 to 20 years to while shouldering just half of the President: “In the of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, I swear in the name of God Almighty to dictability, President Trump’s dent’s clearly stated objective to stabilize and rebuild Afghanistan cost. attain justice and righteousness in accordance with tenets of the Holy religion of Islam, provisions of unexpected decision to cancel a withdraw U.S. military conven- on pace with current operations President Trump is on the right this Constitution as well as other laws of Afghanistan, and to execute the judicial duty with utmost secret Camp David meeting with tional forces, reduce the 17-year and expenditures. track in terms of both policy and honesty, righteousness and impartiality.” the Taliban is the latest example presence of overt, uniformed ser- This shift from overt boots on tactics. But the intelligence appa- of the effectiveness and strength vices personnel and transition to the ground to a more effective ratus is either incapable and un- of the strategy of the Trump ne- a Title 50, covert action program, and streamlined force of special willing to do what is being asked gotiation team. The White House led by the CIA – is detrimental. operators will achieve several of them. A similar problem faced is no longer predictable. Instead, President Trump’s new strate- key objectives. First, it will de- President Reagan when he took the President has time and again gy dramatically reduces the overt plete far less of our nation’s valu- over a CIA that was seriously displayed a willingness to make footprint of the U.S. military, able fiscal reserves. Second, but depleted under President Carter. unanticipated maneuvers in order bending the cost curve in a direc- by far the most important to The Regan administration fixed to achieve U.S. national security tion that is sustainable and end- American parents, is that it will the CIA in short order through objectives. The sound decision to ing the senseless casualties we reduce needless deaths of young dynamic leadership, a handful of walk away from negotiations at continue to sustain. The fiscal men and women bravely serving strategic sackings of bureaucrats this time not only advanced the burn rate right for continuing but in a losing battle with no end in Washington and in the field sta- U.S. negotiation position and “business as usual” is approxi- in sight. tions, and by bringing in a cadre strengthened the hand of lead ne- mately $54 billion annually for As General Scott Miller follows of senior, experienced contract gotiator, Zalmay Khalilzad, but it us to keep “overseas contingen- the President’s directive and tran- case officers and leaders to men- also sent shock waves through cy operations in Afghanistan and sitions our troops to a more co- tor the incoming officer corps and Nationwidelapseof security Iraq." The President has stated vert footprint, the missing piece move the CIA forward. Within Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. President Trump’s decision to clearly to the intelligence com- at the moment is the CIA, which nine years, the Soviet Union col- fter US-Taliban peace talks called dead, the Taliban walk away from negotiations community and the Pentagon that is dragging its feet and failing to lapsed, and the Cold War was over. pounded by the leak of the planned this is not sustainable, but unac- do its share of planning, funding The bottom line is that optimal group pledged to continue fighting while the Afghan gov Camp David meeting has left the ceptable. and implementing a smart strat- results can occur in a shortened ernment scrambling to ensure security. Unfortunately, the Taliban delegation utterly humili- America spends over $1 billion egy. Sadly, the CIA has lost its timeframe, but not with the cur- ated. dollars every week from the Pen- institutional memory on how to rent leadership team at the CIA- scene of brutality is much visible than ever before. An average The President outmaneuvered the tagon budget in these two coun- properly design and implement holding America back. Mr. Will- of 74 men, women, and children were killed every day through- Taliban delegation, weakening tries. More troops and more a multi-year covert action pro- iams is Manager / Sole Owner of them inside Afghanistan. These money without a new strategy gram, and how to creatively fund Howard Stirk Holdings I & II out the month of August, according to BBC finding. This casu- high-stake moves have now sig- is a formula for failure. Retired such a program. Broadcast Television Stations and alty happened only this month – imagine how much Afghans naled a dramatic change in tactics General Stanley McCrystal sug- Our government, with proper the 2016 Multicultural Media to the region’s players: Pakistan gested that we just “muddle planning, could set up a program Broadcast Owner of the year. being killed during these years of conflict, and how much more and Iran. Back on the American through like this, for another few to stabilize the Afghan armed Listen to Mr. Williams on Sirius injured. The findings show unrelenting violence affects almost front, our strategic weakness lies years, and see what shakes out.” forces, build capacity through XM126 Urban View nightly 6:00- the entire country with the civilian’s doom are in hysteria. The within the CIA and the Pentagon. Does that sound like a wise strat- training and equipment, assist the 8:00 pm EST. casualty tool is just a snapshot of the situation on the ground in the country. However, it paints a bleak image as peace talks collapsed and Afghans are dying in large numbers in each week. Moreover, there are fears violence could be worsening as Af- ghanistan is preparing for upcoming presidential elections slated for 28 September amid Taliban threats and persisting challenges. Taliban openly warned Afghans to restrain from voting or attending polling rallies. Taliban insurgents pledged to derail By Richard Sisk the election, and carried the first deadly attack against an election rally in northern Parwan province, in which 26 people, The new AC-130J Ghostrider children and women among them, were killed and 42 others gunship, described by Air Force Special Operations Command as wounded.11 injured people are in critical condition. Further- "the ultimate battle plane," has more, another suicide bombing occurred in Kabul, the capital been "performing magnificently" in its initial combat missions in city, in which many residents were killed and wounded. It Afghanistan, AFSOC commander showed Taliban are extremely violent as getting others to die Lt. Gen. Jim Slife said Monday. The Ghostrider, with internal and for a nonsense cause. Targeting any gathering causing civilian external weapons systems includ- casualties is not a good idea. The Taliban fighters must confine ing a 105mm artillery piece, is re- placing the AC-130U version, their master’s order, and make them realize that no more attack which has provided close-air sup- in civilian-crowded areas whether it’s in polling gatherings or port for AFSOC "for many, many years," Slife said at the Air, Space other event, is acceptable. At the moment, Taliban fighters known and Cyber Conference in Nation- as murderer of innocent people. They are trained to murder al Harbor, Maryland. The AC- 130Js have a similar fire support masses in most brutal way such as suicide attacks. Of course, it system to the AC-130Us, he said, is not Islamic fir sure, its other cultish ideology. To mend ways, but the Ghostriders boast higher altitude ceilings and longer endur- Taliban in an immediate move should have announce not to ance. AFSOC started taking de- target public areas for leverage purposes. They need to stop livery of the Ghostrider in the spring. The aircraft began deploy- past blunders. What could peace in Afghanistan look like when ing to Afghanistan over the sum- time frame" of developing a la- supply system, we generate a lot under consideration," he said. Taliban yet to shun violence—a main reason behind revoca- mer to replace AC-130Us on a ser for the aircraft within five of flight hours," Slife said. As the new AFSOC commander, "one-to-one basis," Slife said. years. "When the airplanes fly, they fly Slife said one of his main priori- tion of peace talks by President Trump. Meanwhile, Kabul and "It's higher mission-capable rates "We're not experiencing any de- pretty well, but what we are see- ties is integrating women into the Parwan attacks claimed by Taliban have exhibited security lapse across the board" with the lays in the deliveries" of the Lock- ing is some components that are command, pointing to the exam- Ghostriders, he said. "It's been an heed Martin AC-130Js, said failing at a higher rate than ex- ple of 1st Lt. Chelsey Hibsch, a that many innocent lives lost. Despite security agencies an- improvement in our ability to pro- Slife, who declined to say how pected." The components' fail- security forces officer assigned to nounced their readiness to fully secure the upcoming presiden- vide close-air support to our many of the aircraft are in Af- ure rates "are driving additional the 821st Contingency Response ground teams." In addition to the ghanistan or where they're based. maintenance workload and put- Squadron at Travis Air Force tial elections, there is still concern in various region of the 105mm artillery piece, the He gave a different assessment ting pressure on our supply sys- Base, California. Hibsch made his- country that security threats could impact the process. It al- Ghostrider has a 30mm GAU-23/ of the status of the CV-22, AF- tem," he added. tory recently by becoming the Air A cannon and carries on its wing SOC's version of the Marine Slife also said that the Air Force Force's first female airman to grad- ready does after an election rally targeted. Security situation pylons GBU-39/B Small Diame- Corps' MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor is still looking into the possibili- uate from the U.S. Army's Rang- drastically deteriorated in many provinces, undermining elec- ter Bombs and AGM-114 Hell- aircraft. There are "readiness ty of mounting a weapon on the er School at Fort Benning, Geor- fire missiles. challenges" with the CV-22, said CV-22 that could fire forward. gia. "That's the caliber of airman" tion security and transparency credibility. Slife said AFSOC plans to put a Slife, former director of opera- "Engineering work continues on AFSOC is seeking, Slife said, add- laser weapon aboard the AC- tions for the 20th Special Oper- that," he said of the long-sought ing, "We're anxious to see our re- 130Js within five years. ations Squadron and command- weapon, either a machine gun or cruiting efforts bear fruit" to put "It's got an open architecture sys- er of the 1st Special Operations a cannon. women in the ranks of AFSOC. tem inside the airplane that kind Wing, who took over at AFSOC "It's just a matter of the trade- Currently, there are no women in Subscription Rates of allows the addition of sensors in late June from Lt. Gen. Brad offs in terms of the space, weight, AFSOC. Last month, the first and weapons systems as they be- Webb. power and drag that an external- enlisted woman to attempt the Air Categories Fee come available," he said. "And so He said the Osprey readiness ly mounted weapon system Force's special operations weath- Afghanistan Times we haven't seen any particular challenges are "pretty common would cause the airplane," Slife er career field -- now known as Six Months $120 challenges with integrating" lasers across the Air Force and the said, adding that the Air Force special reconnaissance (SR) -- was at your door step on the Ghostrider. There are "a Marine Corps," and involve isn't ready to say "whether we're not selected to proceed further in For fast delivery service number of technical integration maintenance and the failure of willing to do that or not." her training, according to Air Ed- One Year $240 Afghanistan Times seeks the challenges that we're working our components he did not identify. "So we haven't made a final deci- ucation and Training Command. names, addresses of your way through," Slife added, but "so "Our experience with the V-22 - sion on fielding a forward-mount- -- Richard Sisk can be reached at organizations and the number of far we haven't seen anything to - when it's deployed and when ed weapon on the V-22, but there [email protected]. copies you want. cause us to think we're outside that it's sustained by a responsive are a number of designs that are (military) WEDNESDAY .SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 AFGHANISTANTIMES TheAfghanDeal:ATaleOf Colliding AMarineLooksBackat Motivations,ExpectationsAndAims HisBattlesinAfghanistan By Thomas Gibbons-Neff

I don’t think there was ever a time when we thought we were winning or losing. We just wanted to deploy, to get into the war, to fight. We figured we’d make sense of it all when we got home. If we got home. But we didn’t think of that much either. It was Feb. 13, 2010, when we landed in the dark in Marja, a Taliban sanctuary in southern Afghanistan. I had enlisted at the end of my senior year of high school a few years earlier; now I was a corporal leading six other Marines and a Navy corpsman. President Barack Obama had announced a surge of 30,000 more American troops to Afghanistan, and we were in the first wave, on the first day of what many would later say was a misguided strategy. The engi- neers left the helicopter first, haul- asked if the whole deployment and put them on my chest. Don’t ing explosives. One of them would be so uneventful. want to lose these — they’re ex- would be dead by noon. Thirty minutes later, we were pensive, I said. When we called The war has again found its way getting shot at from three direc- for a medevac helicopter, it back into the political discourse. tions. There were thousands of couldn’t land because the armed President Trump invited the Tal- us in Marja that sunrise, but in helicopters needed to protect it iban to Camp David, then can- that little bazaar and village, it were protecting someone impor- celed the invitation after an at- felt as if we were fighting the tant enough to be protected by tack that killed an American sol- entire country alone. armed helicopters. A general? A dier. The peace talks are off, but In the days and months that fol- diplomat? We wondered if it was the pressure to bring American lowed, we’d go on patrols when someone visiting Marja to tell us By Ashok Malik hardy. The bet in Rawalpindi, and military families about how their billions of dollars of equipment troops home seems to be build- the shooting stopped. Some- what a great job we were doing among the Taliban, has been that contributions have been insulted. in Afghanistan, carefully put in ing, even without a deal. Mr. times roadside bombs would bringing peace and stability to Trump is essentially an isola- The media doesn’t bother Trump place over 18 years. Absence of Trump and his aides, and the explode. Sometimes we found Afghanistan. United States President Donald tionist whose constituency is fa- but misgivings among the military sea access makes it logistically Democratic presidential candi- them first. Charlie Company Eventually, the pilots landed any- Trump has failed to meet his dead- tigued by war; and he wants to community — many of whom are impossible to bring back that dates, seem to be saying that the shot a rocket into the wrong way. By then the drugs had soaked line of September 1 for a peace withdraw from global security drawn from patriotic, blue-collar equipment. The write-off the US war was only about routing Al house and killed a family of four. in and Brett was quiet. For some agreement with the Taliban. He responsibilities. That is why the heartland constituencies on which military will incur will, by itself, Qaeda after the Sept. 11 attacks, We gave cash to the relatives reason, I flashed him a thumbs up. has also cancelled his planned Taliban played hardball. It was the US president depends — be larger than the GDP of most though Al Qaeda was protected who remained. Brett lived. There’s a picture of then by the Taliban, who have meeting with the leaders of the convinced the White House would be serious. This sentiment countries. Anyone who Trump We tried to stop the poppy har- him in People magazine. Josh and extremist militia. There were been fighting us on the ground vest. We built wells. We cleaned Brandon weren’t as lucky. They would agree to just about any- will harden if a US withdrawal is appoints to the job of Secretary ever since. [An American Special many reasons for this. In part, the thing, if only to ensure substan- followed by any terror attack on of Defence, even his most ardent up a park around the mosque, died quickly in the fields of opi- Forces soldier was killed in east- and even built a bench with um poppy that surrounded us. Taliban began celebrating too ear- tial troop withdrawals before the American territory or assets that loyalist, will appreciate the Pen- ern Afghanistan on Monday. The fresh paint even though the Brandon was my first platoon ly and began to give the percep- 2020 US presidential election. can be traced back to Afghanistan. tagon’s arguments. No wonder tion of a government-in-waiting, soldier is the 17th American ser- imam was pro-Taliban. We commander and we used to rag him Trump is never consistent; his If this were to happen before the the previous incumbent, James vice member to die during com- negotiating a transfer of power. didn’t understand the Afghans. for once asking if “we could hear last decision is only as final as November vote in the US, it would Mattis, was the face of “remain” bat operations this year.] They mostly hated us for de- the war drums” when we got our The Pakistan military, intermedi- his last tweet. In the months jeopardise Trump. in Washington, DC. The implica- Those first few hours in Marja, aries on behalf of the Taliban, were stroying their homes, acciden- deployment orders in 2008. He ahead, he will continue to seek On their part, the military and the tions of a possible US withdraw- we felt like we’d won some sort tally killing them and showing was a good officer. Unlike some similarly exultant. A pushback an exit strategy. The “remainers” department of defence have been al are also reshaping approaches of lottery, like we’d get our shot up in helicopters and telling of the others, he seemed to care was inevitable. Taliban-backed — those in the American system doing their utmost to oppose, de- in the neighbourhood of Afghan- at a version of Falluja, the brutal them to respect a government for us. And Josh? His voice mail terror attacks only helped. The who worry about a hasty depar- lay and sabotage their president’s istan. For their own reasons, Pa- Marine battle in Iraq, or Hue in in Kabul that they cared little used to be the sound of waves rush towards a deal with the Tal- ture — will continue to seek to Afghan departure programme. kistan, China, Russia and Iran all Vietnam. We’d invade the city, about. The Afghan Army was crashing on the beach. “Hey, this iban risked completely marginal- tire him out. Already, they have They worry that whatever the cir- initially welcomed the prospect raise the flag and install a local near useless then. When the Af- is Josh. I’m off surfing right now; ising the formally-elected govern- succeeded in moderating his ini- cumstances, and whichever the of American humiliation. Iran has government. “Pages of history,” ghan troops weren’t high on leave a message.” In my dreams, ment in Kabul. That government tial rhetoric of bringing back ev- pieces of paper the Taliban signs, done tactical business with the our battalion commander said. hashish, we were worried they he is always 23 when we run into But Marja wasn’t really a city. It has its limitations and Afghan de- ery single soldier. The cat-and- a US withdrawal will be read as Taliban in the past decade to em- were going to shoot us. They each other at the airport. He is mocracy is far from perfect. Yet, was a bunch of hamlets within resembled nothing like the reli- excited to be going home. Our war mouse game will continue till surrender. From counter-insurgen- barrass and weaken American opium-poppy fields atop an in the past 18 years, since the re- Trump is convinced that an Af- cy and nation building, the US mis- presence. Such a partnership is able allies our generals spoke of went on until July and then we moval of the Taliban in 2001, Af- American agricultural project in public. But it wasn’t all bad. left. People got medals. Our bat- ghanistan withdrawal is no long- sion in Afghanistan is now restrict- not sustainable, and Iran will from decades before, a failure of My friend Brett patched up a talion even had a Marja challenge ghanistan has seen gains in social er a factor in his re-election cam- ed to a narrower counterterrorism sooner or later be sucked into a and gender reforms, development previous national security think- little girl who fell off the back of coin. There was an HBO docu- paign. When (and if) that point and containment. Frankly, it is not post-withdrawal civil war, aiding ing. And now it was the high- and capacity building, and politi- a motorcycle, something her mentary. You can watch it on You- arrives is anybody’s guess. losing lives the way it was. In ev- anti-Taliban groups. Russia is also water mark of the American mil- parents appreciated. A couple Tube. cal and economic evolution. This What is holding back Trump — ery year from 2016 to 2019 (so beginning to hedge its bets. It is itary’s acceptance of counterin- has come at a great price. In the of years earlier, on our previous My father was a Swift boat offic- and may even have spooked him far), fewer than 20 American dawning on the Kremlin that what surgency, the doctrine of trying deployment, he helped save a er in Vietnam. Both my grandfa- United States, there is a sense of — is the idea of an immediate troops have been killed in action in benefits Beijing does not auto- to win over the locals by clearing man’s camel from drowning in a thers fought in World War II, one sacrifice of blood and treasure. collapse of the political arrange- Afghanistan. This number used to matically benefit Moscow. A Tal- away militants, building schools, canal. In March, Brett got in the Pacific and the other in the To walk away with no guarantee ment in Kabul if the US announc- be in the hundreds – 710 body bags iban takeover will endanger the laying roads. We were fighting the blown up by a roadside bomb. Atlantic. I was in eighth grade on of the gains being sustained — and es a “we’re going home” timeta- in 2010 and 563 in 2011, to pick countries of Central Asia and Taliban to let Afghanistan build a He was my first roommate in Sept. 11, 2001, and I knew then with the Taliban giving no assur- ble. A return to a full-fledged Tal- two examples. threaten them with Islamist in- democracy. Or something like the Marines. When he first in- that I was going to follow them all ances of mending its ways, shar- iban/Taliban-style regime will The military is also clear that once surgencies. These countries were, that. That’s how they presented troduced himself at the door to into the military. I think it’s safe ing power, or even ceasing to har- it to us as they sent us in. our barracks in 2007, he was to say we lost Marja, our little make for messy media headlines. it goes, it can never come back. It and substantially still remain, As I got off the helicopter, my bour terrorists — was always fool- It will also raise questions from will have to destroy or write-off Russia’s backyard. drunk, wearing a foam hat and part of the war. The rest of us are rifle caught the crew chief stand- playing Guitar Hero. I heard the just waiting for all of it to end, to ing on the ramp. We both fell into explosion and then Brett write in our journals: the war in the muddy field. We were still screaming on the radio. Afghanistan 2001-20??. To start wading through the cold, gummy When we got to him, he was making some cohesive narrative muck when the next flight of he- sprawled on the side of a canal. out of the whole mess of our licopters almost landed on top Steel had torn through his face youths before our children can of us. My team moved north, to and legs. Lance Cpl. Willis had read. the roof of an abandoned pump taken some metal in his back, Even as we want it all to stop, we house. I had been afraid as we but he didn’t figure that out un- know on one level that it won’t. flew west over the Helmand playing nations. til five minutes later. There was After any peace deal, now, later, desert toward our battle, but as a lot of blood. We gave Brett in another decade, we’ll still be The war-torn nation have enjoyed the sun rose over the pump morphine. He wanted his pic- fighting the war in one place. most success against Ireland, beat- house, the morning was quiet. ture taken. I remember I picked Our heads. ing them 12 times in 15 encoun- One of the younger Marines up his sunglasses off the ground (Nytimes) ters and Zimbabwe, who they are undefeated against in the format with wins in all eight matches. Bangladesh and West Indies are Scientists’ Advice to People the only other Test playing nations to suffer defeat against them but West Indies’ have had the Living in Coastal Areas? Move. upper-hand against the Afghans, winning in three out of four BY Dahr Jamail an activity, or a mental state, atmospheric CO2 levels, which matches while Bangladesh stand please remember to go there, are already at a record of 415 parts with a dismal record of four loss- Arecent mountaineering trip regularly or as you are able, as per million. Given the critical role es in five matches. found me and two climbing part- the unraveling of Earth’s bio- the Amazon currently plays in se- Despite their rapid rise in the T20 ners camping alongside a beauti- sphere continues apace. The questering CO2 from the atmo- rankings, which is aided by their ful glacial lake in North Cascades signs are ever with us. In partic- sphere, these developments mean impressive record against lower National Park. Purple flowers ular, in the past month, scien- yet another self-reinforcing feed- ranked teams, Afghanistan are yet swayed in the cool breeze com- tists have warned that it appears back loop has been added to the to beat any one of the remaining ing down from the glacier above as though the Greenland Ice planetary climate crisis. The situ- seven Test playing nations, and us. No less than five wispy wa- Sheet has experienced a record ation is dire enough that the UN’s have even lost to weaker teams terfalls flowed down a rock wall melt year. This year alone, it lost chief of biodiversity warned that Bangladesh Twenty20 interna- first round match of the 2014 ICC in the format, a feat never before like Hong Kong, Kenya, Nepal behind our camp — the melting enough ice to raise global sea lev- the burning of the Amazon could tional skipper Sakib al Hasan on World Twenty20 in Dhaka. done in Twenty20 internationals. and Netherlands. runoff from a smaller glacier up els by more than one millimeter. lead to a “cascading collapse of Sunday tried to downplay the This lacklustre record against a This stat, although very impres- Afghanistan have proven them- above. The scene was idyllic, but Researchers told the BBC they natural systems” across the plan- are “astounded” by the acceler- et. Meanwhile, scientists are embarrassment of losing their side which is still relatively new sive, is actually a bit misleading as selves as a dominant T20 side it also betrayed a sinister reality. ation in melting and expressed warning people who live in coast- fourth straight 20-over match in international cricket should be Afghanistan didn’t beat any of the against teams who are yet to find The place where we were camp- fear for coastal cities in the fu- al areas to get out. It’s not a ques- against Afghanistan by labelling alarming for the Tigers but Sakib higher ranked sides in this period their feat in the format, like Bang- ing used to be all glacier. The lake ture. One scientist told the BBC, tion of whether they’ll need to them as a ‘big team’ in the format, tried to brush aside this notion as they played against only three ladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe beside us used to be solid ice. “So, we’re losing Greenland — move, researchers emphasize in a but a closer inspection raises by claiming that Afghanistan are sides, Bangladesh, Ireland and Zim- while they are still struggling Now, like most glaciers globally, it’s really a question of how recent study — it’s a question of many doubts over Sakib’s claim. a superior side than Bangladesh babwe beating them four, five and against big teams. Since 2010, Af- the glacier is in rapid retreat. fast,” and said Greenland is al- when. Scientists’ direst climate Mohammad Nabi’s blistering 84 in the format. ‘They [Afghani- three times respectively. Before ghanistan have taken part in four Still, the views afforded by our consecutive ICC Twenty20 climb the next day — stunning ready facing a melting “death predictions have often turned out and spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s stan] are definitely a big team in their current winning spree, Af- sentence.” Greenland is already to be underestimations. The psy- career-best 4-15 handed the hosts Twenty20s. We are ranked 10th, ghanistan had won 11 T20 match- World Cups and are yet to quali- glaciers, peaks, glowing orange fy for the knock-out stage of the clouds as the sun rose and tur- facing a melting “death sen- chological toll from the climate a 25-run defeat against Afghani- they are seventh,’ Sakib told re- es in a row starting with a shock tence.” crisis continues to make itself stan in a group-stage match of the porters in the post-match press win against West Indies in March, tournament. Without victories quoise lakes far below — soothed against any of the top ranked the soul. Any time in the wilds At the same time, the Amazon known as we progress deeper into tri-nation Twenty20 series at the conference in Dhaka. 2016 and then beating Ireland, UAE rainforest was burning amid runaway climate disruption. A re- Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in ‘As they are ranked seventh, it and Oman on five, four and one sides and not achieving anything of Earth now brings solace, without which I lose my psychologi- record wildfires (an 80 percent cent Reuters piece thankfully Mirpur, Dhaka. Bangladesh, ear- is difficult for us to win against occasion respectively. Since play- of note in big ICC events, Afghan- cal and spiritual footing as the increase of fires compared to the brings our attention back to this lier, were clean swept by the Af- them. It happened in Dehradun ing their first T20I match against istan can’t be considered as a top ongoing litany of loss, corruption, same period last year) that have fact, alongside the obvious psy- ghans in a three-match T20 series and it again happened today Ireland in February, 2010 Afghan- flight team in T20s, which meant degradation, aggression, death and scorched more than 1,300 square chological challenges brought in Dehradun, India in June last [Sunday],’ he added. istan have won 52 of their 73 that Bangladesh’s current hapless trauma that is the daily news as- miles at the time of this writing. about intensified disasters like year after winning the first T20 Afghanistan’s victory on Sunday matches, but none of those victo- state against them should not be saults us all. It is in nature, and Stunningly, Thomas Lovejoy, floods, fires and other extreme match between the countries in a was also their 12th straight win ries have come against top Test taken lightly. my loving nature with all my who has been studying the Am- weather events. Such disasters heart on a daily basis, where I azon since 1965 and had already correlate with rises in suicide, find the equanimity necessary to warned of Amazon tipping post-traumatic stress disorder Disclaimer: continue walking forward into points due to deforestation, told (PTSD) and depression, among our increasingly broken world. The Washington Post that if the other issues, according to the The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) And you, dear reader, where is it Amazon is lost, its disappear- American Psychological Associa- and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. you find your equanimity? ance alone would add the equiv- tion. Whether it is a place, a person, alent of 38 parts per million to (Truthout) WEDNESDAY .SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 AFGHANISTANTIMES

US strike on Iran would be disastrous for the region — and likely for the US use of civilians as human shields,” Rouhani said. It’s not The US is claiming that the Islamic Republic of Iran is re- clear as of now whether the ad- sponsible for attacks on Saudi state-owned oil giant Saudia ditional hour that Putin and Er- Aramco ahead of its IPO. Houthi rebels supported by Iran in dogan had was the extra mile Moscow and Ankara decided to Yemen's civil war claimed responsibility for the attack. go to have Idlib settled, but the 14-point final communique that Attacks on a major Saudi Arabi- Lincoln carrier strike group, and the three presidents signed fol- an oil plant may drive the US other assets to the region as a lowing the talks features some and Iran closer to open war, af- show of force to Iran. The US is important issues that show the ter the US blamed the Islamic building a case of Iranian guilt for direction where the matter may Republic for attacks Saturday on the Saudi Aramco strikes, just as be going. Namely, in the absence Saudi Aramco's facilities. The at- it did for June's tanker bombings, of a better deal, Moscow and tacks were claimed by Houthi which could be a justification for Ankara agreed to maintain the rebels in Yemen, who are backed retaliation strikes. But some ex- Sochi memorandum on Idlib of by Iran against the Saudi-backed perts say that a military strike Sept. 17, 2018, as the conceptu- remnants of the Yemeni govern- would not only set off other con- al framework for further bilater- ment in that country's devastat- flicts in the region, but work al dealings over the troubled area. ing civil war. US Secretary of against the US's interests. Ali Russia and Turkey also agreed State Mike Pompeo disputed the Vaez, the Director of the Iran to perfect their operational co- Houthi's claim on Twitter, blam- Project at Crisis Group, told In- ordination to address respective ing Iran instead. "Amid all the sider the most likely scenario is, mutual security concerns. In calls for de-escalation, Iran has "a strike against one or several [Is- practice, this means the Russia- now launched an unprecedented lamic] Revolutionary Guard backed Syrian government offen- attack on the world's energy sup- Corps facilities, maybe even some sive on Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and ply," he wrote. "There is no evi- of Iran's nuclear installations," other groups Damascus catego- dence the attacks came from Ye- pointing out that the latter would rizes as “terrorist” is likely to men." "The United States will be risky, given that there are UN continue but Ankara expects work with our partners and al- inspectors in Iranian nuclear fa- Moscow to ensure that Tur- lies to ensure that energy mar- cilities "all of the time." key’s assets — military posts kets remain well supplied and MOSCOW — The fifth trilateral Moscow had completed the sec- to Syrian government control. Idlib deescalation zone,” he added Iran is held accountable for its meeting today between the lead- ond stage of S-400 deliveries to Prior to the trilateral meeting, in the most concise speech of the and loyal opposition groups — are not attacked again. Since all aggression," he wrote in a later H ow Saudi ers of the guarantor states of the Turkey as a sign of being serious Putin had separate talks with three leaders. Rouhani echoed the tweet. Pompeo did not present Astana process on the settlement about its commitments to the both Erdogan and Rouhani in the sentiment, poking at Erdogan’s of this is easier said than done, the bumpy road ahead for the evidence for his assessment of Arabia can in Syria could have been just an- agreements with Ankara. Mean- company of their ministers and Syria skeleton in the closet. “Af- the attacks. But whatever their other routine gathering of three while, Russia’s feelings about Tur- advisers. The talks between the ter almost nine years of the crisis two will continue — hence the increased coordination to avoid provenance, the attacks seem to protect itself of “today’s friends — centuries- key’s implementation of its own Russian and the Turkish delega- in Syria and given the experience be giving US officials ammuni- old adversaries” if it were not for commitments remain sour. tion were scheduled to last for an we accumulated, we still believe collisions and provide timely crisis management. tion for conflict with Iran, after a from a US the complications that have “We are managing the cease-fire in hour but continued for over two that regime change [in Damascus] summer of escalating tensions. emerged since the previous such the province, but that does not hours and both presidents looked that some countries initially The statement on the need for “concrete measures” to protect On June 17, the Pentagon an- recession meeting in Sochi on Feb. 14. The mean we have to accept the pres- exhausted and visibly irritated sought failed. The Syrian crisis and nounced that 1,000 more troops smoldering tensions between ence of terrorist groups in Idlib. when they finally came out of similar crises across the region civilians could mean the creation of another improvised “sanitary would be headed to the Middle Analysts are concerned that the Russia and Iran that overshad- This is why I suggest examining the meeting room. “The deesca- should be settled diplomatically East after two tankers were at- owed that encounter now have practical steps that Russia, Tur- lation zone cannot just be a ter- and by the Syrians themselves. zone,” perhaps in a Syrian-gov- US economy is heading toward a tacked by Iran, according to Sec- recession. Saudi policymakers given full way to the Moscow- key and Iran might take together rorist harbor, let alone a foothold The fight with the Islamic State ernment controlled area along the Turkish border. retary of State Mike Pompeo, in should prepare for the fallout by Ankara rift over Idlib. Putin was to eradicate the terrorist strong- for armed provocations,” Putin and other terrorist groups should the Gulf of Oman early in the continuing to diversify the econ- unwilling to come unprotected hold completely,” Putin said sev- said in his opening remarks. “We be continued until their total anni- Putin had another issue he wanted enshrined in the communique morning of June 13. In May the omy away from oil, while build- from all sides, so a day before he en months ago. Now the tone has need to take additional measures hilation. Civilian casualties should US sent fighter jets, surface-to- ing links to ensure good relations landed in Ankara the Russian De- changed, and so has the Russian to completely eliminate the se- of course be avoided, but one can- and apparently enjoyed Rou- hani’s support for it. air missiles, the USS Abraham with the next US administration, fense Ministry announced that military strategy on returning Idlib curity threats coming from the not allow the terrorist cowardly regardless of political party. Al- though trade between Saudi Ara- bia and the US is relatively limited, the impact of the US economy on oil prices means that Saudi Arabia will likely be hit econom- ically by a US recession. Outside oil, trade between Saudi Arabia and the US is relatively limited. In 2017, Saudi exports to the US equaled $17 billion, representing ten percent of total Saudi exports, and around two percent of Saudi The resurgence of opposition is worrying the Russian government. GDP. Crude oil makes up the vast majority (94 percent) of these This week, President Vladimir uals, including Golos, an election exports. The limited volume of Putin launched the biggest secu- watchdog, activists from the en- Saudi-US trade did not prevent the Saudi economy from being rity operation of his 20 years in vironmental movement Ekovahta, adversely affected by the last power. Since the early hours of members of the Yabloko party, the major US recession during the glo- Four killedinTajikistan- September 12, raids on apart- parents of Krasnodar journalist bal financial crisis. Instead, Saudi ments and offices were launched Alexander Savelyev and many GDP suffered from the 2008 re- across Russia - from Vladivos- others. The formal excuse for most cession: In 2019, US GDP con- Kyrgyzstanborder clash tok in the east to St Petersburg in of the raids was the criminal case tracted by 2.5 percent; Saudi the west. Those targeted were against FBK, which last month GDP fell by 2.1 percent. The At least four people were killed overnight in clashes on the border of activists, NGO workers, human was accused of laundering money. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on September 16 following yet another weakening Saudi economy saw its rights defenders, journalists and The fund relies exclusively on current account surplus fall to 4.9 flareup of tensions among communities along the contested frontier. even environmentalists. The main crowdfunding to operate, but ac- Officials in Tajikistan told Asia-Plus newspaper that three Tajik bor- percent of GDP in 2009, from 25 focus of the campaign was the cording to the persecution, the percent the previous year. der guards were killed in an exchange of gunfire. The Kyrgyz border Anti-Corruption Fund (FBK) transfer of donated funds consti- service said one of its men, 40-year-old Ravshan Muminov, was also This hit to Saudi GDP was driv- founded by opposition activist tuted a criminal offence. Whether en by the recession’s effect on the killed. More than a dozen are said to have been injured in the unrest. Alexei Navalny, which over the this will actually stand in court - Both sides are accusing one another of triggering the violence. Kyr- global price of oil: when the US past few years has released a even a biased one - is doubtful, economy enters recession, the gyzstan’s border service said that the trouble began when residents of number of investigations into but it has given the state security Tajikistan’s Bobojon Gafurov’s district, which is located in the north- global economy is adversely af- high-level corruption and exposed apparatus an excuse to launch the ployees, along with many activ- tivists and other members of the fected (sometimes entering reces- ern region of that country, started construction work on an unsettled the lavish lifestyles of govern- biggest raid campaign since Stalin- ists, journalists and human rights opposition launched a campaign section of the border. Nearby Kyrgyz resident then began erecting a sion itself) due to the importance ment officials, including Prime ist times. It has also allowed it to defenders, have been frozen. to collect signatures and register of the US economy to global eco- fence in response, leading to a confrontation between the two groups Minister Dmitry Medvedev. literally rob FBK and other organ- Even if they are eventually re- as candidates for the local duma of people and involvement of border forces. “At around 19:30, Tajik nomic activity. In turn, this caus- While FBK's headquarters in isations of funds. These raids have leased, it will not be any time elections. City dumas are rather es a decrease in global oil demand soldiers began to demand aggressively that Kyrgyz citizens cease Moscow were repeatedly been accompanied by the confis- soon. In this way, the Kremlin powerless bodies which discuss construction. A verbal skirmish ensued and that turned into a shoot- and falling oil prices, thereby searched over the summer, this cation of not just documents but has left many political oppo- and vote on local policies as a harming the Saudi economy. A fu- out,” the Kyrgyz Border Service said. The Tajik government, mean- time security forces raided its also all expensive technology, in- nents without any means of sub- measure of formality; as a result, while, accuses Kyrgyzstan of “artificially escalating the situation” ture US recession could be expect- offices in 43 cities across the cluding phones and computers sistence. there has been little public inter- ed to have a similarly damaging and says Bishkek sent more than 250 troops to the conflict site. country. The operation was ex- (and in some cases even coffee ma- But what necessitated behind est in such elections previously. Dushanbe says those forces then began firing shells at the Tajik village effect on the Saudi economy. panded to include a number of chines). At the same time the bank such a massive intimidation cam- And yet, even though FBK mem- What can the Kingdom do to pro- of Bahor. Authorities on both sides reported that the situation had other organisations and individ- accounts of FBK itself and its em- paign? In late spring, FBK ac- bers managed. stabilized by September 17. The two nations’ foreign ministers are in tect its economy? talks and Kyrgyz Prime Minister Muhammetkaly Abulgaziyevhas travelled to the area. Boris Johnson could Democracy will be the loser of Number of officials arrested be forced to delay Tunisia's presidential election Brexit, admits UK for corruptioninTurkmenistan Political apathy among Tunisian voters The Turkmenistan’s Prosecutor General Batyr Atdayev briefed Pres- Justice Secretary ident Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov on the results of inspections is fuelling dangerous populism. carried out in various agencies on Sept 13, Chronicles of Turkmeni- stan reports. The state information agency TDH reports that among corrupt officials were those who work in the mosque and coerced Tunisians will head to the polls and the organisation of several interior. Meanwhile, repeated ter- bribes from pilgrims, who performed Hajj to Saudi Arabia. More on on September 15 to elect a new successful general and local elec- ror attacks on popular tourist des- the topic of bribery among pilgrims is available in the article by “Chron- president in the second such tions. However, all these achieve- tinations have devastated the all- icles of Turkmenistan” “Hajj for a bribe”. Rovshen Allaberdiev, lead vote since the country's 2011 ments have been overshadowed important tourism sector, caus- specialist of the Office of Mufti, Mukhammetmyrat Gurbangeldiev, revolution. The upcoming elec- by growing concerns over ideo- ing further deterioration of the lead specialist of HR department of the Office of Mufti and Gurban- tion, however, is unlikely to cure logical polarisation, insecurity, country's already struggling econ- berdi Nursakhedov, lead specialist of the religious organizations de- the Tunisian population's grow- terrorism, and a severe economic omy. The drastic austerity mea- partment under the Cabinet of Minister abused power. The case of ing sense of disenchantment crisis. Despite the efforts of suc- sures that have been adopted by entrepreneur Chary Kulov, who performed the responsibilities of the with the democratic process. In cessive governments, in recent the Tunisia central banks and oth- head of for-profit organizations department, who set up a ?riminal the eight years since the end of years Tunisia's national debt has er government financial institu- network, was presented. He conspired with B. Aydogdyev, head of President Zine El Abidine Ben reached 70 percent of the national tions have increased economic Ali's authoritarian rule, Tunisia GDP, inflation has risen to 6.7 pressure on ordinary people and the stock trading department of the State Commodity Exchange and Boris Johnson could be forced to an extension. Senior government has achieved several democratic percent, and the official unem- have fed into their resentment of Yazmyrat Mukhammetmyradov, CEO of Turkmenbashi Complex of delay Brexit, despite repeatedly sources have also reportedly sug- milestones, including the election ployment rate has remained high, the political elite. As a result, Tu- Oil Refineries to carry out a large-scale embezzlement of state-owned insisting that he won't, the Unit- gested that the prime minister of a constituent assembly, the at 15.5 percent, reaching as much nisians, whose mass mobilisation property. CEO of T?rkmenbashi Complex of Oil Refineries Muham- ed Kingdom's justice secretary would simply refuse to follow the drafting of a new constitution, as 30 percent in the country's against unemployment. metmyradov conspired with head of the textile industry department. has said. Opposition members of law. However, Johnson's Lord Parliament passed a new law ear- Chancellor and Justice Secretary lier this month which is designed Robert Buckland, on Tuesday told OSCE to conduct monitoring at to force the prime minister to seek Sky News that the government Thegangsthat rulealongColombia-Venezuelaborder another delay to Brexit, if he has could have little choice but to ac- "Forced disappearances," which plague. It's "easier to make some- they're making someone disap- failed to ratify a deal with the cept a delay if it were offered. He too often are kidnapping-mur- one disappear in this region than pear in Cúcuta." One of these Artsakh-Azerbaijan Line of Contact European Union by the middle said the law has the effect of "forc- ders, have risen in the last three to kill them," says Wilfredo people was Manuel Zegarra, who of October. Following its pas- ing the British government to ac- years on the border of Colombia Cañizares, head of the Fundación disappeared in July 2016 in La On September 18, in accordance with the arrangement reached with sage, Johnson insisted there were cept an extension if it is offered and Venezuela. In 2018, the Co- Progresar, a civil rights NGO Parada, near Cúcuta; he was the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Repub- "no circumstances" in which he one" and that "this government is lombian Coroner's office report- based in Cúcuta. "When there is crossing the border to change lic), the OSCE Mission will conduct a planned monitoring of the would request an extension to not about breaking the law." Buck- ed the forced disappearance of a homicide, you know about it money. Similarly, 39-year-old ceasefire regime on the Line of Contact between the armed forces of Article 50, adding that he would land described Raab's comment 233 people in Norte de Santand- because it appears on the front Nelly Martínez disappeared in Artsakh and Azerbaijan, in the south-east direction of the Martuni rather be "dead in a ditch" than that the law was "flawed" as beer, the border department whose pages of newspapers, but when October 2018 when crossing the region. From the positions of the Defense Army of the Republic of accept another delay. Other min- ing political "commentary." capital is Cúcuta. In June 2019 they make someone disappear, International Francisco de Paula Artsakh, the monitoring will be conducted by Field Assistants to the isters, including Foreign Secretary "It is entirely appropriate for col- alone, 97 people reportedly dis- nothing is said about the crime." Santander bridge. According to Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Mihail Dominic Raab, have suggested leagues to argue and analyse what appeared, and relatives are now Cañizares says forced disap- Cañizares, during the worst years Olaru (Moldova) and Ognjen Jovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The that there may be loopholes in this act of parliament means but calling on the governments of pearances are not new but their of Colombia's war with the leftist authorities of the Republic of Artsakh have expressed their readiness the law which would allow the that is very different from coun- Colombia and Venezuela to open sharp increase on the border is guerrillas, the chief targets of kid- to assist in conducting the monitoring and to ensure the security. UK government to avoid seeking tenancing breaking the rule of law." diplomatic channels to tackle this notable. "Every three days nappings were suspected. WEDNESDAY .SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 AFGHANISTANTIMES Japan will consider release of oil reserves if necessary: Industry Minister

The Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union and Iran signed Japan will consider coordinated try will cooperate with the Inter- release of oil reserves and other national Energy Agency and other a temporary agreement on a free trade zone in May 2018 measures if needed to ensure nations and provide the necessary sufficient supplies after attacks supply of oil through such means on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities, as the coordinated release of its its minister of economy trade reserves if necessary. Oil prices and industry, Mr Isshu Sug- rose nearly 15 per cent on Mon- awara, said on Tuesday (Sept day, with Brent logging its biggest 17). Mr Sugawara has previous- jump in over 30 years amid record ly said that Japan has oil re- trading volumes, after an attack on serves that are enough to cover Saudi Arabian crude facilities cut more than 230 days of domes- the kingdom's production in half. tic consumption and the minis- (BBC) ADB approves$50 million grant aimed at diversifying Kyrgyzstan'seconomy The Asian Development Bank Kyrgyz Republic.” The Promot- (ADB) has approved a $50 mil- ing Economic Diversification Pro- lion policy-based grant for the gram, which comprises two sub- first subprogram of the Promot- programs of $50 million each in ing Economic Diversification 2019 and 2021, will support the Program, which supports the government’s efforts to imple- Government of the Kyrgyz Re- ment four high priority reform ar- public’s efforts to diversify the eas from the country’s National economy through reforms Development Strategy, 2018– aimed at improving the coun- 2040: (1) trade and investment The presidents of Russia and Iran, was quoted as saying. "With the of bilateral economic cooperation on a free trade zone in May 2018, During his September 4 meeting try’s trade and investment com- competitiveness reforms to devel- Vladimir Putin and Hassan Rou- political will of the two govern- in various economic fields. "The which is aimed at boosting trade with Russian Energy Minister petitiveness, small and medium- op the non-mineral sector and di- hani, held a bilateral meeting in ments, the relations between Iran construction of the Sirik Power between the countries by simpli- Alexander Novak, Iranian Ener- sized enterprise (SME) devel- versify exports and investments; Ankara on Monday ahead of the and Russia are now closer and Plant and the Incheboron-Garm- fying customs procedures. The gy Minister Reza Ardakanian opment, public–private part- (2) SME development reforms to trilateral summit on Syria, the Ira- more sincere than ever before." sar railroad's electrification has be- draft has already been approved signed an additional agreement to nerships, and the link between broaden the economic base and nian president’s official website The Iranian president went on come a yet another symbol of the by the Iranian parliament (Maj- the Sirik Power Plant project skills development and indus- promote entrepreneurship; (3) said. "In addition to political and to say that Iran's cooperation new chapter in cooperation be- lis). On July 8, 2019 Iranian Pres- deal, which will be implemented try needs. “The Kyrgyz Repub- public–private partnership re- economic relations, Iran and Rus- with the Eurasian Economic tween the two countries," he said. ident Hassan Rouhani ordered the as part of Russia’s export state lic has the potential to achieve forms to develop the country’s sia have good ties in defense and Union would provide a good op- The Eurasian Economic Union and Ministry of Industry, Mine and credit for $1.2 billion. Work on economic growth that is more social and economic infrastructure; nuclear cooperation," Rouhani portunity for the development Iran signed a temporary agreement Trade to start fulfilling the deal. the project is expected. sustainable, broad-based, and and (4) industry-linked skills de- inclusive, but this is only pos- velopment and training reforms to sible if it maintains efforts to better equip graduates and work- Malaysia implement critical structural re- ers to meet labor market needs. forms that will help the econo- ADB has been helping the gov- de-industrialising China c.bank injects200 bln yuan via my transition to a more dynam- ernment implement its economic ic and globally oriented market diversification reforms since too soon, too economy,” said the Director of 2007. “Despite many challenges, one-year MLF, keepsrate unchanged Public Management, Financial including macroeconomic shocks fast, says Sector, and Trade for ADB’s and political crises that have Guan Eng China's central bank extended na to step up stimulus this week The People's Bank of China worth 80 billion yuan, also ma- Central and West Asia Depart- slowed reform implementation, loans from its medium-term lend- by setting benchmark rates for new (PBOC) extended 200 billion tures on the day. ment Mr. Tariq Niazi. “ADB’s ADB’s annual country perfor- ing facility on Tuesday but kept loans lower on Friday amid broad yuan ($28.27 billion) of one-year The PBOC kept the one-year assistance will help the govern- mance assessments demonstrate PETALING JAYA: Finance the one-year lending rate un- central bank easing globally. medium-term lending facility MLF rate unchanged, at 3.3%, ment to gradually reduce the that the Kyrgyz Republic has Minister Lim Guan Eng has changed, as it seeks to maintain The U.S. Federal Reserve is wide- (MLF) loans on Tuesday as a reflecting an inclination to avoid sounded the alarm over “prema- economy’s reliance on gold ex- made solid progress in improving ture de-industrialisation” in Ma- adequate liquidity in a slowing ly expected to cut rates later this batch of such loans - worth 265 loosening monetary policies too traction and remittances and the quality of its policies and in- laysia which he says has seen the economy without flooding the week, following renewed quanti- billion yuan - matures. much, despite China's growing strengthen the foundation for stitutions,” said ADB Country once flourishing manufacturing banking system. tative easing by the European Cen- Meanwhile, a batch of seven-day economic pressures. the creation of new businesses Director for the Kyrgyz Republic sector replaced by the low-level Still, many analysts expect Chi- tral Bank. reverse repurchase agreements, (AP) and jobs for the people of the Ms. Candice McDeigan. traditional services sector. In a speech on Sunday at a Bud- get 2020 focus group discussion on the electrical and electronics sector in Kulim, he said the man- Indonesia agrees to import WTOdisclosesSouthKorea'sexport ufacturing sector’s share of the economy last year stood at only 21.6% compared to 30.9% in Indian rice and sugar to push 2000. Within the manufacturing control complaint against Japan sub-sectors, he said, the de-industrialisation effect could best be LONDON – The World Trade ations unrelated to any legiti- to resolve it within 60 days. seen in high-tech manufacturing, trade volume to $50 billion Organization disclosed on Mon- mate export control consider- If the dispute remains unresolved where the share of the economy day Seoul’s recent complaint ations,” according to the com- at the panel, the countries can ap- declined from about 15.3% in The bilateral trade is currently in favour of Indonesia and export of rice against Japan over its tighter con- plaint. The measure causes “un- peal to the Appellate Body. If 1999 to about 7.9% in 2016. Add- and sugar from India will help to bridge trade deficit, ET has learnt. trols on exports of three semi- necessary delay and other seri- brought to the body, the dispute ing that de-industrialisation was conductor materials to South ous restrictions to the exporta- is likely to take years to resolve. happening “too soon, too fast”, Korea. The complaint, dated last tion of these products and their Tokyo flatly rejects South Korea’s he said the low-value traditional NEW DELHI: SE Asia’s biggest of India, Jakarta, in partnership ta, a B2B meeting session was Wednesday, claimed that the Jap- related technologies” bound for claims, saying that the Japanese services sector had replaced the nation Indonesia has decided to with the Ministry of Trade of Gov- held, which was followed by a anese measure constitutes “po- South Korea, the complaint also measure is consistent with the manufacturing sector while the purchase rice and sugarNSE 3.77 ernment of Indonesia, jointly host- Business Seminar on 16th Sep- litically-motivated, disguised re- states. WTO rules. It looks almost cer- growth of high value-add servic- % from India — a move that will ed a Multi Product Road Show, tember, which was inaugurated strictions on trade.” South Ko- Under WTO rules the two coun- tain that a dispute settlement panel es had weakened. “What makes help to reduce trade deficit be- focusing on exports of Bovine by Enggartiasto Lukita, Minister rea believes that the measure is tries will refer the issue to a dis- will be set up on the issue. it worse is that our reliance on tween the two sides and push Meat, Rice and Sugar from India of Trade, Indonesia. It was at- based on “political consider- pute settlement panel if they fail (BBC) low-cost, labour-intensive sec- trade volume to $ 50 billion by to Indonesia. The event attended tended by senior officials of the tors has increased,” he said. This 2025. The bilateral trade is cur- by 40 member trade promotion Ministry of Trade, Ministry of means that local productivity rently in favour of Indonesia and delegation led by Paban Kumar Agriculture, Indonesian meat growth has been on the decline, export of rice and sugar from In- Borthakur, Chairman of the Agri- producers/importers associa- he added. “Malaysia’s industrial dia will help to bridge trade def- cultural Products Export Develop- tions, Indonesian Chamber of Maduro regime ismoving money policy has seen results. In 1987, agriculture formed 20% of the icit, ET has learnt. This decision ment Authority (APEDA) (an apex Commerce and Industry (KA- Malaysian economy but by year to import Indian rice and sugar is body under the Ministry of Com- DIN), State Procurement/Logis- through Spain’sCentral Bank 2000, it was only 8.6%. “This understood to have been taken merce and Industry, Government tics Agencies (Bulog, PT Berdikari by Jakarta in the backdrop of of India). The business delegation and PT PPI), private import As a growing number of banks was replaced by manufacturing, around the world refuse to move as its share of the GDP rose from India providing level playing of APEDA comprised of senior houses and retailers, apart from field to Indonesian palm oil by representatives of Indian Agro In- the Media. money on President Nicolas 19.8% to 30.9% during the same Maduro’s behalf, Venezuela has period. Meanwhile, total trade charging same duties on Malay- dustry from key commodities of Ambassador of India Pradeep reached 220% of the GDP.” Lim sian palm oil. rice, sugar and bovine meat. Dur- Kumar Rawat in his opening ad- found an ally in the Bank of said Malaysia had become. On September 16 the Embassy ing the first leg of the visit to Jakar- dress reiterated the target of $ 50. Spain, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. Venezuela’s central bank is W TO indicators increasingly relying on its Span- ish counterpart to transfer and Nigeria: Buhari show a slowdown receive funds abroad at a time when U.S. sanctions have in global trade in prompted many large banks and replacesOsinbajo- services in the financial institutions to shy away from any actual or per- first quarter ceived dealings with the socialist Led economic regime. Venezuelan central bank SMM: global trade in services officials are telling contractors management team slowed in the first quarter of that going through the Bank of 2019, according to a new report Spain is an option to make and ing channels. The balance of the bassador in Caracas for months, from the World Trade Organiza- receive payments outside of the account is “relatively small and the Spanish government still main- tion (WTO). The report described country, while warning that it has not registered significant tains normal relations with Ma- "widespread kinetic energy loss- may still take at least a month to variation in the past year,” ac- duro and his allies. The help from es" in various areas of trade in clear transactions due to in- cording to the statement. The the Bank of Spain comes at a crit- services, including finance, sci- creased scrutiny, one of the peo- Spanish government has deftly ical time for the embattled Ma- President Muhammadu Buhari will be reporting directly to the Chukwuma Soludo, and Mr Bis- ence and technology, tourism and ple said. In an emailed statement, maintained relationships with duro administration after state-run yesterday replaced the Economic President. Adesina added that the mark Rewane. Adesina said the transport. The Geneva-based a Bank of Spain spokesman said both Maduro and the opposi- Ziraat Bank, Turkey’s largest Management Team (EMT) head- chairman might, however, request EAC will be advising the president WTO said in a statement that the the account kept by Venezuela is tion’s Juan Guaido who is rec- bank by assets, stopped offering ed by Vice President Yemi Osin- for unscheduled meetings if the on economic policy matters, in- index was 98.4 in the first quar- used to pay operating expenses ognized by more than 50 coun- its services to move money. The bajo with an Economic Advisory need arose. Other members of the cluding fiscal analysis, economic ter, below the baseline of 100, "in- related to the diplomatic relations tries as the rightful leader of the U.S. financial system is off Council (EAC) under the chair- EAC are Dr Mohammed Sagagi growth and a range of internal and dicating that trade in services con- between the two countries and crisis-ravaged nation. While a grounds and suppliers sometimes manship of Prof. Doyin Salami. (Vice-Chairman), Dr Moham- global economic issues working tinues to face strong resistance by international organizations to top Guaido ally, Leopoldo Lo- have to wait weeks to find a work- Announcing the constitution of med Adaya Salisu, Senior Spe- with the relevant cabinet members as it moves into the second half send funds to Venezuela since pez, has been living at the offi- ing account to make payments to the EAC in a statement yester- cial Assistant to the President, and heads of monetary and fiscal of the year." they can’t use commercial bank- cial residence of the Spanish am- the government. day, the Special Adviser to the Development Policy (Secretary), agencies. Daily Trust reports that In its first report on trade in President on Media and Publici- Prof. Ode Ojowu, Dr Shehu Ya- this would be the first time that services indicators, the WTO said ty, Femi Adesina, said the council haya, Dr Iyabo Masha, Prof. the economic team. services generally outperformed trade in goods because the latter US-Mexico-Canada trade pact: A were more directly affected by recent tariff tensions. The WTO Moonclaimseconomyheadedinright direction has lowered its forecast for glo- necessity in fragile global economy bal trade growth in 2019 to its President Moon Jae-in on Mon- of his much-derided "income-led low job numbers during the com- lowest level in three years, say- Timely ratification of the U.S.- blings of trade wars and impend- to address modern trends in trade day claimed that the Korean econ- growth" policy, citing August parative months of 2018 and 2017. ing it has been affected by rising Mexico-Canada Agreement ing recessions dominate head- brought on by substantial techno- omy "is headed in the right direc- employment data and household "Employment is improving both (USMCA) must be a priority for lines. Legislators from across logical advancements. However, tion" despite record low growth spending trends in the second qualitatively and quantitatively," commercial tensions and rising the recently reconvened 116th the political divide recognize lingering concerns that USMCA figures and soaring unemploy- quarter released by Statistics Ko- he said. "Record employment lev- tariffs. WTO has previously said Congress. Quick adoption of the that the North American Free does not sufficiently restructure ment. The claim came in a meet- rea last week.Moon was encour- els have been reached, while un- global merchandise trade will USMCA by U.S. and Canadian Trade Agreement (NAFTA), NAFTA — particularly in terms ing of senior economic officials at aged by improved employment employment is also at a record grow 2.6 per cent this year and 3 legislators is desperately needed which took effect on Jan. 1, of labor, environmental and intel- Cheong Wa Dae where the presi- figures in August when in fact low." per cent next year, following a 3 to restore faith in global econom- 1994, needs an update. Most lectual property protections — dent stressed the positive effects they increased due to extremely (BBC) per cent increase in 2018. ic institutions at a time when rum- notably, NAFTA is ill-equipped have delayed the submission. WEDNESDAY .SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Deepika Padukone launches lecture series on mental health for Live Laugh Love Foundation

With $155 million domestic and sica Chastain/James McAvoy/Bill $323.3 million worldwide in just Hader sequel ends up with around under two weeks of global play, $500 million, the two-part, five- The Live Love Laugh Founda- It Chapter Two is a smash hit by hour theatrical adaptation of tion which aims at increasing any other comparison save for Stephen King’s 1987 novel will awareness about mental health the first It. Assuming (specula- have earned around $560 million launched a lecture series on the tion alert) that Warner Bros. domestic and $1.2 billion global. same. The foundation, a charita- doesn’t magically pull off a Chi- That will make It, with just two ble trust that was set up in 2015 na play date (presumably with films (albeit existing in a compar- to give hope to every person ex- an edited cut of the film), we’re atively generous overseas market- periencing stress, anxiety and probably looking at a $225-$235 place), one of the very biggest R- depression (SA), held the first million domestic total and a glo- rated franchises of all time. It’ll edition of Live, Love, Laugh - a bal cume of around $500 million. sit among the ten current R-rated lecture series with Deepika That’ll still be the second-big- franchise that have topped $1 bil- Padukone. The aim of the annu- gest R-rated horror movie (sans lion in total grosses. Yes, I will al event was tp steer and shape inflation) right between The Ex- list them in the next two para- the conversation on mental orcist ($441 million, counting graphs, but none of this is ac- health and advance understand- reissues) and It ($700 million in counting for inflation (The Exor- ing on the topic. The maiden lec- 2017). With last weekend’s $88 cist has earned over $1 billion ture was delivered by Pulitzer million in global grosses ($47 domestic in inflation-adjusted prize-winning author & Padma million overseas and $41 million grosses), and this is very explicit- Shri Awardee, Dr. Siddhartha domestic), the two It movies have ly discounting the PG-13 entries Mukherjee. The event was held earned $1.023 billion worldwide of various R-rated franchises like at Taj Mahal, New Delhi which on a combined budget of around Alien, Terminator and Die Hard. was attended by Deepika $110 million. Presuming the Jes- (BBC) Comic book movie fans appar- 2020.” Downey Jr., who won this world. “Black Widow” is kick- “Avengers: Endgame,” making the Padukone, Anisha Padukone, ently have not seen the last of year’s Saturn Award for Best Ac- ing off the fourth phase of the upcoming “Black Widow” film a Prakash Padukone, Ujjala Robert Downey Jr.’s Tony Stark tor in a Film thanks to his work in MCU in summer 2020. The swan song for the actress in the Padukone, Sharmila Tagore, Indu on the big screen. In reporting on “Avengers: Endgame” (one of six script from Jac Schaeffer and Ned Marvel Cinematic Universe. Black Bhushan, CEO Ayushman Bhar- The Big Bull poster: this year’s SaturnAward winners, prizes the blockbuster received) Benson takes place after the Widow was introduced in the at; Amitabh Kant, CEO, Niti Deadline’s Geoff Boucher was supposed to make his final events of “Captain America: Civ- MCU in “Iron Man 2,” so the Aayog, Dr. Renu Sawarup, Dr. Abhishek Bachchan begins dropped a bombshell by saying MCU appearance in the record- il War,” so it’s not surprising that character’s long-standing relation- Balaram Bhargava, Prof. Vijay that “Robert Downey Jr. will be breaking “Avengers: Endgame,” Downey Jr. would pop up as ship with Tony Stark also makes Raghava, Prof. Gagandeep Kang, work on upcoming Ajay seen in the role of Stark one more which saw his character, Tony Tony Stark in a cameo appear- it appropriate for Downey Jr. to Sanjeev Sanyal. Deepika time, however, in the Marvel pre- Stark/Iron Man, sacrifice himself ance. Johansson’s Black Widow appear in the prequel film. Padukone shares, "The lecture quel ‘Black Widow’ in May to defeat Thanos and save the character was also killed off in (BBC) series is to invite people.” Devgn production Abhishek Bachchan and Ajay Devgn are all set to RadhikaApte join forces once again after Bol Bachchan. Abh- to star in 'Bollywood Oscars' comes home ishek will star in Ajay’s production, The Big Bull. Apple TV's 'Shantaram' with first ceremony in India adaptation Several Bollywood actors such as Radhika Apte, Ali Fazal, Rakul Preet Singh, and others, arrived at the IIFA Rocks 2019 event in Mumbai The international Indian film acad- emy awards – known as the Bol- lywood Oscars – are to be held in India for the first time in their history this week. Mumbai will host the 20th IIFA awards ceremony on Wednesday, where the me- gastars of a booming Hindi film industry will celebrate another bumper year, including in huge Actor Abhishek Bachchan has journey, a new beginning. Need markets such as China. The event shared the first poster of his up- your best wishes,” he captioned Radhika Apte is truly one of our has been held in countries around coming film, The Big Bull. The the picture on Instagram. The film generation's best working actress- the world since it began in 2000, dark poster shows the ornate is helmed by Kookie Gulati. As es. Already a global star with her with previous host cities includ- image of a bull and bears the per media reports, the film will Netflix appearances in 'Sacred Games', 'Ghoul', and 'Lust Sto- ing London, Toronto and Sin- words, ‘Abhishek Bachchan in also feature Ileana D’Cruz. Other ries', the 'Andhadhun' star is mov- gapore, and most recently and as The Big Bull’. “The Big details about the film have been ing to a different OTT platform Bangkok. With nearly 1,800 titles Bull. Now filming. @ajaydevgn kept under wraps. As Abhishek for now. Radhika Apte has been released in 2018, India has the big- @anandpandit63 @KumarMan- made the announcement, family cast as a series regular in Apple gest film industry in the world in gat @KookievGulati ?#TheBig- and friends wished the actor and Tv's adaptation of Gregory Rob- terms of the number of movies Bull,” Abhishek wrote in his congratulated him for the upcom- erts' novel 'Shantaram' She will made. The industry grew 12.2% tweet. The film is produced by ing project including his sister be playing the role of Kavitha, an last year, including not only Hin- Ajay Devgn and this will be the Shweta Bachchan, Anil Kapoor Indian Journalist looking for an- di-language movies but also titles first time he will work with Ab- and Bipasa Basu among others. swers. Meanwhile, 'Sons of An- in regional languages such as Tamil hishek since Rohit Shetty’s Bol Abhishek was last seen in Anurag archy' alumn Charlie Hunnam has and Telugu, according to a report Asian diaspora in North Ameri- and Britain are huge events, with where the black comedy Bachchan. Abhishek took to so- Kashyap’s Manmarziyaan. His been cast as Lindsay. Apple released in March by Ernst & ca, Britain and the Gulf region passionate fans often queueing for Andhadhun, nominated for best cial media on Monday to share performance in the film was ap- Streaming Service' has acquired Young (EY) and the Federation of has traditionally been the major hours. But Indian films have also picture at the IIFA awards, the news of the film with his fans preciated by critics and audienc- the rights of Gregory David Rob- Indian Chambers of Commerce & overseas market. Blockbuster re- been making huge inroads else- grossed almost $50m (£40m) . alongside a picture of the clap- es. The film also starred Vicky erts' best selling novel 'Shantaram'. Industry (FICCI). The huge south leases in parts of North America where – most notably in China, Aamir Khan. perboard. “Here we go! A new Kaushal and Taapsee Pannu. Dream Girl box office collection day 4: Ayushmann Khurrana starrer declared a Saaho rules the box office in Hindi hit, his fastest film to cross Rs 50 crore as it crosses the 150 crore net mark! The Prabhas starrer Saaho has in different languages. Attributing to the huge Dream Girl box office day 4: The Ayushmann Khurrana and been one of the biggest movies of success of Saaho is the massive Pan Indian Nushrat Bharucha film has collected over 52 crore in four days. this year and has made the head- stardom of superstar Prabhas and to the hard lines for various reasons from its work, the team behind Saaho is put over the Dream Girl, starring Ayushmann high octane action sequences to span of two years to perfectly execute ev- Khurrana and Nushrat Bharucha, Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor's ery part of the movie flawlessly. The digi- has been declared a hit. The film on-screen chemistry and the box tal, satellite and music rights for Saaho have crossed the Rs 50 crore mark on office collections. After three suc- been sold by the production house for 130 its first Monday. The film col- cessful weeks of running at the box Crores. Saaho has emerged as a blockbuster lected Rs 7.43 crore on Monday office in multiple languages, Saa- movie looking at its box office collections taking its total to Rs 52 crore. It ho has made a humongous box of- nationwide. The abundance fan following was Ayushmann’s highest week- fice collection individually in Hindi of Prabhas has shown it time and again that end grosser with collections of Rs as with a record 153 crores. Saaho Prabhas is an undisputed pan India super- 44.57 crore. Sharing the box of- is the biggest action movie of all star. Saaho marks as Prabhas's exemplary fice figures of the film, film trade time and is a definite commercial Bollywood debut and is surely turning out analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, blockbuster having made such to be the biggest Bollywood debut ever and “Dream Girl consolidates and ce- huge collections across the nation the superstar is surely. (Santa Banta) ments its status... Is a bonafide success, with Day 4 [working day] showing negligible decline of the year after his last release, weekend collections of the film [despite *lower ticket rates* on Anubhav Sinha’s Article 15. He with Ayushmann’s earlier gross- 'The Goldfinch' bomb may lose up to $50m for weekdays]... Fri 10.05 cr, Sat had played a no-nonsense cop in ers on Monday. Directed by Raaj 16.42 cr, Sun 18.10 cr, Mon 7.43 the film which collected Rs 65.45 Shaandilyaa, the film stars Ay- totally bereft for the studio — It: cr. Total: Rs 52 cr. India biz.” The crore at the domestic box office. ushmann in yet another quirky Warner Bros., Amazon studios Chapter Two stayed atop the film is Ayushmann’s second hit Taran had compared the first role. The adaptation of the sweeping, chart with a strong $40.7 million Pulitzer Prize-winning novel de- in its sophomore outing, pushing buted to $2.6 million in the U.S., the cumulative box office of the Shilpa Shinde blames CINTAA for not getting one of the worst showings of all two-picture adaptation of time for a pic launching in 2,542 Stephen King’s horror novel past work, it replies ‘no time to focus on a single actor’ theaters. What one hand giveth, the $1 billion mark in worldwide the other taketh away. Ground- ticket sales. Profits from It: Chap- Actor Shilpa Shinde, who had accused a producer of sexual harass- ed by scathing reviews, Warner ter Two — earning nearly $324 ment, recently blamed Cine and TV Artistes Association for not get- Bros.' The Goldfinch bombed at million globally in its first 10 days ting good offers in television industry. CINTAA has now termed her the U.S. box office over the week- — will no doubt help make up claims as “baseless”, saying they don’t have time to “make efforts to end with a debut of just $2.68 for the $25 million to $30 million sabotage anyone’s career.” According to a report on Spotboye, Amit million, one of the worst starts that Warners could lose because Behl, the joint secretary of CINTAA, has said, “We have nothing to do ever for a film opening in 2,542 of The Goldfinch. Amazon Stu- with people who are not our members.” theaters. But the frame wasn't dios will also take a hit. WEDNESDAY .SEPTEMBER 18, 2019 AFGHANISTANTIMES Jamie Murray Ronnie O'Sullivan reminds LTA that Scotland winsShanghai is a 'country, Masterstitle not a county'

Report and highlights as Hammers climb up to eighth in the Premier League with battling point at Villa Park

Ronnie O'Sullivan claimed the O'Sullivan started a run of four Jamie Murray has reminded the Shanghai Masters title for a winning frames. Murphy kept his Lawn Tennis Association that third straight year following an hopes alive with accomplished Scotland is a "country, not a coun- 11-9 victory over Shaun Mur- visits of 82 and 90, but O'Sullivan ty" as he called for more funding phy. O'Sullivan, playing his first finished with a break of 86 to take for the game in his homeland. Ten- event since the World Champi- the £200,000 top prize. For those nis Scotland is understood to re- onship in April, recovered from on the move, we will have the ceive about £700,000 from the a scratchy start where he lost Snooker season covered via our LTA each year, about one per cent the first three frames. He reeled website skysports.com/more- of the federation's annual expen- off breaks of 61, 54, 78 and 53 sports, our app for mobile devic- diture. The Scottish body has to tie the first session at 5-5. es and iPad, or our Twitter account been waiting since June to discov- Murphy nosed back ahead @skysportspool for latest news er whether a bid for increased in- 7-6 with breaks of 66, 61 and and reports. come has been successful with a 111. But a brilliant 130 from (Sky Sport) verdict expected next month. Murray and brother Andy have 10 Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals between them, as well as claiming all the points when Britain won the BenStokesreflects Davis Cup final in 2015. But the Dunblane doubles specialist does not believe enough has been done to capitalise on their success. The onasensational 33-year-old, who is competing in the Murray Trophy Challenger Tour event in Glasgow this week, summer withEngland told STV: "Things could have been better over the last 10 years to West Ham survived the second- when Anwar El Ghazi threw his ry and picked out Wesley with a heated exchange that saw the lat- make the most of what certainly half dismissal of Arthur Masuaku head into the face of defender Ty- peach of a cross to the near post, ter push his head into his team- Andy has been achieving. "Up to extend their unbeaten run in rone Mings in the flashpoint of the but the hosts' record signing head- mate's face. Both players sur- here Tennis Scotland are trying the Premier League to three first half. But Dean Smith's side ed over on 13 minutes when it vived a VAR review and, three their best to take things forward. games with a 0-0 draw at Aston failed to take advantage of that re- looked easier to score. It was then minutes later, Mark Noble was "You've got to be patient with Villa on Night Football. The prieve and the numerical advantage the turn of Sebastien Haller to go fortunate not shown a second planning, certainly for some of Hammers had to navigate the fi- as the Hammers battled their way close as the Hammers' top scorer yellow by referee Dean after go- the indoor centres they want to nal 23 minutes with a man down to a point that moves them up to stole a march on Mings to get on ing to ground without contact in get over the line to get built, and after referee Mike Dean issued eighth and sees Villa climb out of the end of Felipe Anderson's cross search of a penalty. Villa nearly that takes time. "We haven't al- Masuaku with a second yellow the relegation zone. Villa's bid to from the left, but he could only drew a line under an incident- ways had the best deal from the for a challenge on Ahmed Elmo- improve their dismal record of just steer a header wide. packed first half with the open- money that the LTA gets and how hamady which did not appear to one win in 16 Premier League The increased strain on the ing goal as El Ghazi rolled the they hand that out to Tennis Scot- make contact with the Villa de- games on a Monday nearly got off Villa defence caused tempers to ball into the path of John land." Asked whether Scotland fender. Villa may well have been to the perfect start when Jack Gre- flare on 35 minutes when Mings McGinn, but his crisp drive from deserved more, Murray said. reduced to 10 or even nine men alish drove into West Ham territo- and El Ghazi were involved in a the edge of the area drew.

England's leading man Ben I'll be able to look back with satis- Stokes spoke for an entire na- faction at what we managed to tion of cricket fans as he achieve as a one-day team and a CubanFrankSanchezFaurewill summed up an unforgettable Test team this year. "Before En- summer in five words: "It has gland had played a game this sum- been a blast." The sport has en- mer we knew we had the World risepast Britain'sheavyweights, joyed its most memorable year Cup and the Ashes ahead of us since 2005, elbowing its way and now we're stood here at the into the national conversation end as World Cup winners and with a constant diet of thrills with a drawn Ashes series. "It saysco-manager MichaelBorao and spills, from an historic hasn't all been plain sailing because World Cup win at Lord's to a we had to dig ourselves out of a first drawn Ashes series in 47 hole in the World Cup and then years. Nobody has played a big- we had to scrap until the very last ger part in delivering magical to get that trophy, but we got it. moments than Stokes. It was his "The same in the Ashes, we had one-handed 'Superman' catch in to fight all the way to the end to the World Cup curtain-raiser get the draw but we got it and I Salford's Lee Mossop that got the tournament going in think that is something we can be style, his never-say-die innings so proud of. When things got which dragged the hosts back tough, we didn't crumble, we says facing Wigan in from the brink in the final and stood tall to the end and showed his all-time classic knock at the character in our dressing Super League play-offs Headingley that provided the room." Stokes is destined to go highlight of a hard-fought Test down as the central figure in the campaign against Australia. sporting dramas of 2019, but he is 'perfect game' Having spent the past few was eager to share the credit with months in the eye of a perfect colleagues. Salford Red Devils’ Lee Mossop fect game for us. "They've been storm, Stokes was finally able says that their game against Wigan here every single year, they're to kick back and share a beer Warriors in the Super League reigning champions, and they with his England team-mates play-offs is the "perfect game" know how to win these games. Cuban dangerman Frank Sanchez Joshua, and is confident Cuba's won the NABO title. "He will and Australian rivals as both Caroline for them. Many tipped Salford It'll give us a good idea of where Faure would face Anthony Joshua former amateur champion will fight on US television again in sides came together to toast a 2- for relegation at the start of the we're at. "Although we're not "immediately", but will soon rise fulfil his potential as a profes- November and I believe will 2 draw in The Oval dressing O'Hanlon season but, after a successful sea- disrespecting them, we're very past Britain's heavyweights, says sional. Borao told Sky Sports: quickly advance past other pros- rooms. "It has been a blast," he son under the guidance of coach confident going up against them." co-manager Michael Borao. The "Frank would consider a fight pects in the US and UK because said. "There have been some in- returning to Ian Watson, they finished third A win against Leeds Rhinos a unbeaten 27-year-old blasted out against one of UK's big names of his incredible amateur pedigree, credible highs and some mo- and secured their play-off spot. couple of weeks ago all-but con- Victor Bisbal last month, his 13th immediately, especially Anthony combination of speed, power, ments that I can hardly believe Prop Mossop, who moved to firmed their spot in the play-offs, straight victory in under two Joshua, however, the more likely and an unmatched desire to win." happened, but they did and I Superleague the Red Devils from Wigan, says before it was confirmed with a years, and he will resume his re- scenario for Frank is to continue Sanchez Faure has been training will always be able to remem- it is the ideal game for them as narrow victory against Hull on lentless march up the rankings in making a name for himself fight- alongside compatriot Luis 'King ber what it was like being out champions they look to make the semi-finals. Friday. Despite a shaky start to November. Co-manager Borao ing on US television over the next Kong' Ortiz, who is expected to there in the middle when we won He said: "We're full of confi- the season, they have now some says Sanchez Faure is not daunted 12 months. "Frank is only 13-0 face WBC champion Deontay the World Cup or won at Head- dence at the minute. We've got momentum and are targeting the by the prospect of facing any UK- yet has already fought in front of Wilder again in a rematch later ingley. "It probably hasn't all Manchester Wigan this week and it's the per- Grand Final at Old Trafford. based rivals, even the likes of millions of people on FOX and this year. sunk in yet, but at some point Thunder Mark Cavendish: WNBA: Los Angeles Sparks and Las Vegas I'm excited for Aces come through 'pure racing' at playoff games of their three meetings with the Six Day London Sun (23-11) in the regular season. The last came in Los Ange- Northern Ireland captain Caroline les on August 25 and snapped O'Hanlon is returning to the Vital- Connecticut's four-game win ity Netball Superleague champi- cycling showpiece streak, knocking the Sun from ons Manchester Thunder for a the top of the WNBA standings, third season. The 35-year-old cen- one game behind the Washing- tre is Thunder's latest signing for Mark Cavendish has emphasised Welshman Owain Doull in the October 22-27, for the competi- "To get back on the boards, back ton Mystics. ''We're fortunate the 2020 campaign, taking the his excitement at racing against the event he finished second in with tive field as well as the atmosphere. where we're at home, and race - enough to now get into Connect- number of names announced to world's best ahead of the Six Day Sir Bradley Wiggins in 2016 and He said: "Facing the likes of Elia pure racing - it's quite exciting. icut tonight as opposed to to- seven. O'Hanlon captained the London cycling event. Cavendish, fellow Manx rider Peter Ken- Viviani and Caleb Ewan is pretty "It's daunting, they're the two morrow,'' Sparks coach Derek Northern Ireland side who fin- who was dropped from the Team naugh in 2017. The Manx Mis- special. Elia is Olympic champi- guys doing best in the world right Fisher said. ''So, hopefully that ished 10th at the Netball World Dimension Data squad for the sile confirmed he was looking on, Caleb I think was Australian now but I'll have the advantage will help us. ''We know they (the Cup in Liverpool in July as well 2019 Tour de France, will partner forward to the event, held from champion when he was younger. of the home crowd. Sun) are good at home. We know as taking her Gaelic Football team, the crowd is going to be into it Armagh, to the quarter-finals of The Los Angeles Sparks came but we are going to have to lean the All Ireland Championships. Five international support races to Saudi Cup unveiled through their single-elimination on our defense.'' Dearica Ham- Speaking about committing to second-round playoff game with by #5 of the Las Vegas Aces Thunder for 2020, O'Hanlon said: The Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia has announced five new international defending-champion Seattle. drives through the paint during "I'm delighted to sign on with my support races to the world's richest race, the Saudi Cup, which will take Chelsea Gray had 21 points and the game against the Phoenix third season at Thunder after such place in Riyadh at the end of February. On the back of revealing the $20 eight assists, Candace Parker Mercury on September 8, 2019 a great year last year. "We have million dollar feature event recently, it has been announced there will be added 11 points, 10 rebounds and at the Talking Stick Resort Are- the best fans in the league and it's three races to be run on a new turf course on the same card. There will be six assists, as the Sparks beat the na, in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE an absolute privilege every time I a staying handicap over just short of two miles, worth $1.5 million to Storm 92-69 on Sunday as they TO USER: User expressly ac- get to represent this franchise. I the winner, a contest over an extended 10 furlongs, worth $1 million, advanced to a meeting with sec- knowledges and agrees that, by can't wait to get back on court and and a sprint over nearly seven furlongs with the same prize money on ond-seeded Connecticut Sun, downloading and or using this defend our title." Head coach Karen offer. There will also be a six-furlong dirt race and one over a mile who earned a double-bye to the photograph, User is consenting Greig is over the moon to have her restricted to three-year-olds on February 29. semi-finals.The Sparks won two to the terms. "lynchpin" O'Hanlon. WEDNESDAY . SEPTEMBER 18. 2019 -Sunbula 27, 1398 H.S Vol:XIV Issue No:51 Price: Afs.20

Power supply Dalit BJP Russia has not Big Changes Russian, Iranian Saaho rules Aston Villa 0-0 parliamentarian been asked to Needed at the CIA leaders discuss the box West Ham: to all districts an denied entry into office in Karnataka village, mediate between to Advance economic Hindi as it Hammers survive unviable Saudi Arabia and Trump’s Smart cooperation, crosses the Arthur Masuaku promise says ‘mindsets’ must 150 crore change Iran: Kremlin Strategy regional security net mark! red card

a fifth were civilians. A further 1,948 people were injured. The casualty toll is just a snapshot of the situation on the ground in Afghanistan. However, it paints a bleak image as US President The moment millions of people Mr. Ghani stepped back. partners in the National Unity Donald Trump looks to fulfil a inside and outside Afghanistan A dedicated team of Ariana Government (NUG) who have key foreign policy aim and were waiting to watch the biggest News worked for nearly a month always accused each other for withdraw American troops. live TV debate between Ashraf to organize a presidential debate being incompetent. The Just more than a week ago, Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah, between two rivals and two countdown... President Trump cancelled year- long peace negotiations between the Taliban and United States, although a return to talks is not ruled out. A ceasefire, however, was never on the table, and hundreds of Afghans are still dying each week. There are fears that violence will worsen ahead AT News Report of presidential elections due at the end of the month. AT News Report resumption of negotiations KABUL: At least 17 drug runners To learn how the BBC between the US and Taliban. were arrested during anti-narcotics collected its data in August, scroll KABUL: Members of senate The senators also said that crackdown conducted by Counter to the end. Following a violent expressed concerns over the stop President Ghani’s government Narcotics Police (CNP) in first week in August, both Taliban of the US negotiations with and regional countries should be different provinces in the past one and government forces observed Taliban, calling for involvement included in the next rounds of week, official said Tuesday. An average of 74 men, women and almost the entire country as US government have questioned the an unofficial ceasefire during the of more countries in talks. negotiations. Members of senate A statement issued by the children were killed every day in negotiations to withdraw after 18 validity of the casualty figures three days of the Muslim festival The senators on their emphasized that the United courts of Criminal Justice Task Afghanistan throughout the years of war are in disarray. identified by the BBC. of Eid al-Adha. Tuesday session that States should not solely start and Force (CJTF) said that 17 drug month of August, the BBC has We confirmed 611 security Most people killed were Nonetheless, the BBC negotiations are the only way to stop negotiations, but other traffickers were arrested during found. The findings show incidents in which 2,307 people combatants - including more confirmed 90 people died in put an end to the long time war countries and the government of operation by CNP in Kabul, unrelenting violence affects died. Both the Taliban and Afghan Taliban fighters than expected - but violence during.... in Afghanistan. They demanded Afghanistan... Nangarhar, ...

The Taliban have with the US. But Mohammad Movements, said that the regional AT News Report Mohaqiq, the leader of Hizb-e- countries--and powerful met with Russia and Wahdat-e-Islami party states countries-- have not, as a whole, KABUL: At least 93 militants Iran in wake of failed that the Taliban should come up dealt with the Afghan peace have been killed and15others with a clear position towards process with honesty. woundedinmultiple extensive US peace talks. making the peace locally--in “Unfortunately, during the recent military crackdownsconducted by Afghanistan. “ [The Taliban] negotiations, the peace issue was the Afghan security forces across should come and sit like brothers not treated in a sincere manner. the country within past 24 hours, Officials from the Committee of with the Afghan people. They Everyone is trying to manipulate security officials Tuesday. Political Parties and Political accept us and we will accept peace for their own interests. You Ministry of Defense in a Movements on Tuesday said them. We should avoid insulting witnessed several explosions and statement saidthe Afghan that recent trips by senior each other,” said Mohaqiq. terror activities in the middle of NationalArmy (ANA) in members of the Taliban to Russia Mohammad Natiqi, the the peace process. But still we collaboration with Afghan and then Iran indicate that the chairman of the Committee of will support peace when it comes NationalPolice (ANP) and group is trying to resume talks Political Parties and Political back on track,” said Natiqi. National Directorate of Security (NDS) personalconducted joint operations against...

AT News Report

ajwa Alimi, a female AT News Report Afghan journalist will be awarded on October KABUL:Counter Narcotics 17th with Per Anger Police (CNP) have arrested four Prize (a Swedish award for drug vendors in an operations human rights) for her tremendous carried out in Kabul, the capital efforts over freedom and rights city. “CNP conducted crackdown of women in Afghanistan. 25 against drug retailers in Panjsad years old Alimi, is famous for her Family and Dahan-e-Bagh area of brave and fearless work as a addiction, and women’s rights, and girls, where they can study, Kabul, in which four drug reporter at the Afghan TV which are often avoided by other and freely express their opinions peddlers were detained,” Kabul channel called Zan TV. She journalists. Alimi and her friends and ideas. “As a journalist, Alimi Police Press Office said Tuesday makes topics over social run a book cafe and provide a safe has been shot and threatened,” in a statement. ... vulnerability, homelessness, drug circumstance for the young boys said Ingrid...

The Independent Election Complaints Commission (IECC) comprehensive and said Tuesday that sixty-six organised security plan complaints have been registered A has been chalked out for for the current presidential race. Election Day security in central Commission officials visiting Logar province to enable people Herat province, and local Herat to participate in the democratic officials, stated in a joint press exercise fearlessly, an official conference that most of the said Tuesday. Police spokesman complaints have been registered Shapur Ahmadzai told Pajhwok in Kabul, and some have Afghan News that security implicated high-level government forces in Logar had strengthened employees working for and they could make security campaigns. “There are sixty-six KANDAHAR CITY: A and construction work on its arrangements on Election Day. complaints in all across medicine producing factory, the building is half completed. “Our Election Day security plan Afghanistan for this election largest on national level, is being People and health workers are is final and I am sure that the campaign, including four in Herat. set up in southern Kandahar happiness over the establishment voting process will take place Eight complaints have been province at a cost of $31 million, of such a huge medicine producing peacefully.” Haji Naeem Khan, addressed, and all candidates are officials said Tuesday. factory and hope it would replace a resident of Abazak locality in treated equally,” said Zahra Bayan The factory, Sano Pharma, substandard medicines sold in Mohammad Agha district, said Shenwari. (TOLONews) will be of international standard markets. (Pajhwok) people in their area had attached.