Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:194 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes SUNDAY . FEBRUARY 12. 2017 -Dalw 24, 1395 HS

are very suspicious now of what is going on.” Karzai picture the shape of the arc for the regional security, which would run from Iran to Russia and China, saying India would the “lynchpin of South Asia”. “The US, at the present juncture, is sending out signals of confusion, arbitrariness, even distress,” Karzai warned in his keynote address titled “Strate- gic Arc for South Asia: Why we need it”. “But it (US) is still the world’s single most powerful coun- try, capable of more destruction than any other power, should it be led that way in its anxiety,” he add- ed. Answering questions from N Ram, Chairman of Kasturi and AT News Report portunity for the U.S. to reverse its policy on Afghanistan under the Sons, Karzai hoped that there new U.S. President Donald would be an opportunity for the KABUL: Former President Hamid Trump, particularly with better US to reverse its policy on Afghan- Karzai has called on US to revise U.S.-Russia ties. Karzai had earli- istan under the new US President its Pakistan policy and persuade er suggested that President Trump Donald Trump, particularly with Islamabad to end its “policy of must first re-analyze and re-eval- better US-Russia ties. safe havens to terrorist groups”. uate what had gone wrong in the He also asked New Delhi to Speaking at ‘The Huddle’ Con- past in order for his administra- consider joining the China One Belt versation for Change, organized by tion employ actionable policies in One Road project, which if com- AT News Report The Hindu and YES BANK in the region. Pointing towards Paki- bined with India-Afghanistan-Iran ed in the attack.” Bengaluru, the former president stan’s interference in Afghanistan, project of Chabahar port to link KABUL: At least eleven people The Chief Executive Officer said: “I love the people of Paki- Karzai said peace in Afghanistan them would be a “win-win situa- were killed and 21 others received (CEO), Abdullah Abdullah strong- stan, but its military supports ter- can be achieved “by being clear tion for all”. “With Pakistan block- injuries after a suicide car bomber ly condemned terrorist attack in rorists and extremists across the with Pakistan first.” The former ing India’s access to Afghanistan detonated his explosives outside a the province. “I condemn the sui- border from us. The U.S. must President furthered: “Second, by and Central Asia, the One Belt One Kabul Bank branch in Lashkargah, cide attack in Helmand and offer stop this.” In other parts of his seeking the cooperation of Russia, Road and Chabahar projects are the the capital city of Helmand prov- sympathies to the victim families. speech, Karzai said that he was China and India. Mainly, especial- only alternative for India,” Karzai ince, officials said on Saturday. We honor their pride and sacrific- hopeful that there would be an op- ly Russia here, because Russians added. “Around 02:30am local time, es for peace,” the CEO twitted. a suicide car bomber targeted an The Taliban insurgents claimed Afghan National Army vehicle in responsibility for attack. Lashkargah city,” Provincial Gov- It has been for years that tough ernor Spokesman, Omer Zawak fight between Afghan security forc- said. es and Taliban insurgents are un- He confirmed that six killed and derway in Helmand province. Re- 21 others wounded in the attack, cently both sides suffered causali- ties. 11 Afghan security forces and however, public health officials Afghanistan is an unsafe country Westphalia (NRW), which called onstrations were also planned for received more causality. at least 54 Taliban insurgents were killed during a clash in Garmser and Germany should not be forc- for the Dusseldorf demonstration, Saturday in the cities of Berlin, An official at the emergency- ing people to return there, argued said that Afghanistan is an unsafe Hamburg, Hanover, Rostock, run hospital in Lashkargah, wish- district of Helmand province. the United States would deploy a the US Marine to train, advise and The casualties came after the new task force of around 300 sol- assist the Afghan security forces. several hundred demonstrators country, and that a report by the Nuremberg, Wiesbaden, Trier and ing anonymity said that eleven Saturday as they called for a halt UN's refugee agency shows the Erfurt. German Chancellor Angela people have been killed and 21 oth- Taliban insurgents carried out a diers to the province in the spring With no doubt, the deployment coordinate attack on the district in order to help Afghan security of new forces would help the Af- to German deportation policies. situation has deteriorated recent- Merkel announced Thursday that ers were received injuries in the The Refugee Council of the ly. The demonstration aims to en- the federal and state governments explosion. “Children and women centre and police headquarters. forces. It has been reported that ghan security forces to nip the evil However, to tame insurgency, the troops would be deployed by in the bud. German state of North Rhine- courage North Rhine-Westphalia had agreed to significantly speed are among those killed and wound- Interior Minister Ralf Jaeger to up the deportation of rejected asy- advocate a nationwide halt to de- lum applicants. On Saturday, a car portations to Afghanistan, the bomb claimed by the Taliban killed NUG failed to fulfill NRW Refugee Council said. In any at least eight people, including five case, Jaeger could issue a three- Afghan army soldiers, in the capi- promises-commitments month deportation stop in North tal of Afghanistan's Helmand prov- Rhine-Westphalia, they said. The ince, according to local and gov- for Afghans NRW Refugee Council said dem- ernment officials. (EBLNEWS) ‘Taliban’s IED-expert detained’

AT Monitoring Desk detained expertly is a resident of KABUL: The Afghan security forc- Bala Bolok district. However, fur- es on Saturday arrested a Taliban ther information regarding identi- skilled Improvised Explosive De- ty of the arrested militant have not vice (IED) expertly in western made public. Moreover, the Tali- Farah province, official said. Ac- ban insurgents have not comment- cording to the Ministry of Interior ed into the matter so far. (MoI,) the Taliban mine expertly IED considered as a most fre- was detained and took into custo- quent and common weapons of the dy when he was plotting a road- Taliban insurgents to target gov- side bomb on highway of Bala ernment officials and security forc- Bolok district of the province. The es. But, the majority of civilians are the worst victim of the IEDs. .

The Democracy International institution with 9 civil society institutions of Afghanistan in joint work have reviewed the 18 main promises of the Leaders of the National Unity Government given to the Afghans, the efforts indicate that Government failed in launching of KABUL : The death toll from av- stroyed, provincial governor Hafiz reforming the Election system, excavation of transpar- alanches and freezing weather con- Abdul Qayyom told AFP, adding ent of mines, ensuring peace, combating corruption, ditions across Afghanistan has ris- that cash and food items were be- creating jobs opportunities, amid the findings indicate en to 191, officials said Feb. 10, as ing delivered by helicopter to be- that Government only succeeded to accomplish one of rescue operations were underway reaved families. the promises. Civil society activist Timor Hekmatyar in the worst-affected areas. The International Federation said, “The aim of the persuasion of the National Unity Twenty-two provinces in Af- of Red Cross said thousands of Government leader’s commitments and promises giv- ghanistan have been blanketed by families in Afghanistan and neigh- en to the people during the Presidential Election is to days of heavy snowfall, triggering boring Pakistan were struggling to have the leaders fulfill the promises for the Nation.” avalanches, destroying buildings survive after heavy snowfall in Amid swollen within the system specially the issues and leaving many trapped in their both countries. between the Government and Parliament is clearly seen. snowbound homes. "Life will never be the same President Advisor on United Nations Organization "The death toll we have re- for these families," Ariel Kestens, Affairs Farkhunda Zahrah Nadiri said, “ We hope to ceived from avalanches and freez- IFRC's chief in Afghanistan, said see the Parliamentary Election is taking place, and the ing weather has risen to 191," in a statement. "Losing everything slogans is given in the Parliament should be pursued.” Mohammad Aslam Sayyas, depu- that they have overnight is already Meanwhile MP Fazia Kofi said, “Everyone only ty minister for disaster manage- tragic enough. Having to cope with speaks about some issues, I wish Miss Naderi was ment, told AFP. extreme cold on top of that is a here to make her understood how well communication "The worst-hit province is life-changing experience, regardless and coordination made with civil society activists on northeastern Nuristan where at of how used to low temperatures drafting the law on regulation prohibition the harass- least 68 people have been killed," they are." Deadly avalanches are ment of Women.” Part of the investigation also indi- Sayyas said. He added that search common in Afghanistan's moun- cates that there have been several barriers not holding and rescue efforts had been tainous areas in winter, and rescue the Parliamentary Election. No political wills of the stepped up this week amid im- efforts are frequently hampered by Government for not holding parliamentary Election, proving weather conditions, after lack of equipment. Despite billions rifts between the two leaders, rejection of the Election the authorities initially struggled of dollars in international aid after orders and decrees of the President, suspending of the to reach remote mountainous ar- the ousting of the Taliban govern- first Selective Election committee by the house of the eas. Sayyas said 300 people have ment in 2001, Afghanistan remains parliament. Earlier several National and International been injured and more than 500 among the world's poorest nations. Institutions have launched investigation and have re- others were rescued in different Last month heavy snowfall and viewed where the National Unity Government was parts of the country. freezing weather killed 27 children, criticized in several aspect specially combating cor- Residents of Nuristan have all under the age of five, in north- ruption, counter Narcotics, reformation of Election, suffered heavy financial losses as ern Jowzjan province. looting of the mines. (ATN) dozens of houses have been de- (INDIAWEST) SUNDAY . FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

With Washington completely en- gaged by tweets, leaks and parti- san bickering, few took notice of the recent sobering testimony from Gen. John W. Nicholson Jr. about the war in Afghanistan. Nicholson, the U.S. and Afghanistan’s Vice President Gen- Reportedly, the checkpoints NATO commander in Afghanistan, eral Abdul Rashid Dostum is cre- had been guarded by police, but assessed the coalition's 15-year ating new problems as the govern- then Dostum’s militias took over war as a "stalemate." In terms of ment tries to investigate his role in the area after he arrived to Kabul forces, he said that the coalition the alleged abduction and sexual with hundreds of guards. had adequate forces for countert- assault on Ahmad Ishchi, a politi- Police have for weeks been errorism, but was short several cal rival of him, it was reported on unable to question Dostum’s men thousand coalition troops to bol- Saturday. over the allegations while his of- ster the advisory and assistance Afghanistan’s attorney gener- fice said it would cooperate with mission "below the corps level," al ordered the arrest of nine of the the investigations. where hard-pressed Afghan bri- Vice-President’s bodyguards after Under Afghan law, he could be gades and police units are fighting Dostum and his guards ignored suspended from his position and hard and taking record casualties. three summons for questioning put under house arrest for his re- Nicholson also noted a num- over the accusations. fusal to cooperate with the inves- ber of positive developments: The Wall Street Journal quot- tigation. Last year, U.S. forces killed ing Afghan officials reported that The refusal comes as earlier, a five major terrorist leaders in or now Dostum is blocking police spokesman for the President, as- around Afghanistan. from arresting his bodyguards and sured that “for Afghan government, Afghan forces successfully has seized two checkpoints in the nobody is above the law”. blocked the Taliban from its key Capital, Kabul. (ATN) objective of seizing provincial cap- itals. Afghan special forces and the fledgling Afghan Air Force consis- tently punched above their weight class. The Afghan Army and police — hard-pressed and shrinking — remained excellent fighters and loy- al to the central government, which has proven itself to be a reliable ally. To mark these accomplish- ments and set the course for the future, 39 members of the coali- Defense Secretary Jim Mattis will stan during next week's meetings. tion last year pledged nearly $16 make his second trip as defense Subscribe today to get intelli- billion in aid during the next few secretary next week, where he'll gence and analysis on defense and years. Still, 13,000 coalition mili- meet with NATO allies to discuss national security issues in your tary personnel and 25,000 civilian increasing the number of coalition Inbox each weekday morning from contractors support the Afghans' forces in Afghanistan. veteran journalists Jamie McInty- efforts. Mattis is set to leave on Tues- re and Jacqueline Klimas. Nicholson and Secretary of day for a NATO defense ministe- Davis said there will be a se- Defense James Mattis will also a fixed schedule that ignored polit- of that peace conference, a war- diplomacy. The message to Paki- tioned in the campaign, and Trump rial in Brussels, where he'll also ries of bilateral and multilateral have to brief the challenges at the ical and military conditions. torn Afghanistan, with the help of stan should be that the future of has not yet had an opportunity to meet separately with those minis- meetings during the conferences to upcoming NATO summit. Once again, the United States its friends and allies, will then be the U.S.–Pakistan relationship look at it. Afghan political and mil- ters from countries participating allow the new secretary to meet Twenty international terrorist followed an exit strategy that able to address its domestic prob- hangs in the balance. Cooperate or itary leaders need reassurance, and in the campaign against the Islam- face-to-face with his international groups, including al Qaeda and the placed the emphasis on the exit and lems, endemic corruption and nar- be cut loose. the tenuous state of the war re- ic State. On Friday, he'll attend the counterparts. Islamic State in Iraq and Syria not the strategy. It is hard to argue cotics problem. 3. The U.S. should give quires that the U.S. National Se- Munich Security Conference in Vice President Mike Pence, (ISIS), have taken up residence in with Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), To get to success in Afghani- Nicholson the fair share of the re- curity Council address it on an ex- Germany. Homeland Security Secretary John Afghanistan. The U.S. Special In- who said last week that we tied stan, the United States will need inforcements he requested as coa- pedited basis. "This trip will underscore the Kelly, and more than a dozen mem- spector General for Afghanistan the military's hands and pursued to step up its efforts. Here are five lition commander. There is still time to help Af- commitment of the United States bers of a congressional delegation noted last month that the percent- an objective not of winning but of ways to do so: This will put more advisers ghanistan succeed against terror- to our NATO alliance and to de- lead by Sens. John McCain and age of the 407 Afghan districts that "trying not to lose." 1. The U.S. commitment to into lower-level Afghan units. To ism. To do this, the U.S. must re- feating ISIS," Capt. Jeff Davis, a Sheldon Whitehouse are also all are under government control de- To win in Afghanistan, we Afghanistan needs to be strength- up the ante on the battlefield, Af- affirm its commitment, reverse Pentagon spokesman, said in a expected to attend the security clined by 15 percent in the past have to defeat the international ter- ened. ghanistan and the coalition need to adverse trends on the battlefield, statement. conference in Munich. Mattis met year, falling to only 57 percent of rorist groups and the rabid ele- Our new line should be: Af- find ways to increase Afghan ac- cement Pakistani cooperation and Gen. John Nicholson, the lead- with German Minister of Defense the total. ments of what has become a very ghanistan is a major non-NATO cess to indigenous and allied tacti- reassure our Allies that their fight er of U.S. and NATO troops in Ursula von der Leyen at the Pen- More than 40 percent of Af- tired Taliban. We need to leave be- ally; abandonment is out of the cal air support. is our fight. Afghanistan, told Congress on tagon Friday morning, and Davis ghan districts are "contested," or hind an Afghanistan free of al Qae- question. This firm commitment Improving the Afghan Air With the right policy, a for- Thursday that the train, advise and said Afghanistan was part of their under Taliban control. While some da and ISIS and at peace with its will signal our allies and adversar- Force must be a top priority. gotten war can become a happy assist mission in Afghanistan is discussion. Mattis' first trip as de- of this is due to a strategic realign- neighbors. ies that we will help the Afghan 4. The U.S., its coalition part- memory and the first major nation- short a few thousand troops, fense secretary this month in- ment by the Afghan high command, The key to victory is to im- government fight on to victory and ners and the United Nations must al security success of the Trump which could come from the U.S. volved visits to Japan and South it also reflects fierce fighting across prove the performance of Afghan beyond. provide more humanitarian aid for administration. or from NATO allies. He said Korea to reinforce relationships the countryside, resulting in forces on the battlefield and shift 2. President Trump should put Afghanistan. Joseph J. Collins is the direc- Mattis is likely to discuss raising with two key allies in the Pacific. record Afghan casualties — more the momentum of the conflict to Pakistan on notice. In addition to fighting a war, tor of the Center for Complex the number of troops in Afghani- (washingtonexamine) than 30,000 in the last two years Afghanistan's favor. Simultaneous- The U.S. wants an ally, not a Afghanistan needs more help with Operations at the National Defense — for the 316,000 Afghan Army ly, the United States must press "frenemy" cooperating in some the millions of refugees who have University (NDU). A retired Army and police forces. Civilian casual- Pakistan to stop active assistance areas but aiding the Afghan Tali- returned from Europe, Iran and colonel and a former deputy assis- ties exceeded 15,000 in the same to, and passive toleration of, vari- ban and the Haqqani Network for Pakistan. The U.N. estimates that tant secretary of Defense, he has timeframe. ous elements of the Afghan Tali- its own interests. U.S. envoys 9.3 million Afghans will need hu- written two books on war in Af- How did we get to this point? ban and the Haqqani Network. need to be clear: The era of jaw- manitarian assistance in 2017, up ghanistan. The Obama administration start- With those two measures ac- boning and lax cooperation is over. 13 percent from 2016. The opinions here are his own ed off well in Afghanistan. It twice complished, a major peace confer- The U.S. henceforth will give its 5. The White House needs to and not necessarily those of NDU, surged forces there, but then inad- ence, supported by the powers in aid — nearly $1 billion dollars per pay more attention to this impor- the Department of Defense or any vertently motivated our enemies the region, may take place and year — conditionally and, if nec- tant conflict. other government entity. to fight harder by declaring our in- achieve a better peace. In the wake essary, we will pursue coercive Afghanistan was barely men- (THEHILL) tention to withdraw our troops on

Facing India at KABUL : Ten community devel- SCA. The unit in coordination Eden opment projects including four with relevant government line de- pipe water supply schemes were partments and communities had inaugurated in eastern Kunar prov- been involved in planning, survey- Gardens will be ince on Wednesday, the Swedish ing, designing and implementation Committee for Afghanistan (SCA) of the projects. perfect start: said. The projects included con- Upon completion, the projects struction and rehabilitation of four Afghanistan were formally inaugurated and school buildings and cricket pitch- handed over to the communities in es in Asadabad, Bayero, Bar Shen- Cricket CEO presence of relevant authorities, gas and Dab Shingas, two pipe the committee said in a statement. water schemes in Shegal district FOR LONG, Afghanistan have and one each in Asmar and Wata- tried to punch above their weight The SIDA-funded projects pur districts. and, occasionally in the shorter cost 55 million afghanis spent The pipe schemes benefit formats, have given the big team a through the Rural Development 8030 families in 18 villages at their real scare. Afghanistan Cricket Programme/Engineering Unit of doorsteps. (Pajhwok) CEO Shafiqullah Stanikzai tells The Indian Express that the chance to be a Test nation will be the most exciting thing to happen for their cricket. Kapisa, Paktika IDP families What does it mean for Afghan- istan to be called a Test nation? It justifies and validates all the hard-work we’ve put in and all the challenges we have overcome to get distributed aid items here. We’ve been the most consis- tent associate team in recent times. Motorists travelling between Kan- while said they will address these Our record in first-class cricket is MAHMOOD RAQI/SHARAN : said he left his home due to ongo- dahar and Uruzgan have raised problems as soon as possible. outstanding. We have lost only one concerns over the lack of safe routes Abdul Hanan Munib, Kanda- Tens of Internally Displace Peo- ing operation and was currently out of our 19 matches in the Inter- ple (IDPs) have been provided as- facing multiple issues. between the two provinces after har’s acting governor, said that continental Cup. the Taliban closed the key high- plans are being drawn up to build sistance in central Kapisa and Separately, 37 families in Pak- It also comes at a time when southeastern Paktika province, an tika had been provided with food way months ago. a 40km stretch of road as an alter- the Ahmad Shah Abdali regional According to motorists, they nate route. The “initial process has official and a statement said on and other necessary items. four-day tournament has been Friday. Mohammad Qasim The families had been dis- are now using alternate routes been done and the construction will awarded first-class status. which are unpaved and not safe. start in the near future,” he said. Malakzada, director refugees and placed due to insecurity and natu- First-class status for the tour- repatriation department in Kapisa, ral disasters, said a statement from They said the Kandahar-Uruz- Security officials who also use nament means the players have an gan highway has been closed for the alternate route said they face said hundreds of families had been the governor house. added motivation to perform even displaced due to recent clearing The aid items included 20,000 about five months. lots of difficulties. better and for us also to improve “People were stuck here for “Our military vehicles were operation in Tagab district. Afghanis cash, tent, appliances, the quality of grounds, umpires He said 184 displaced families blankets and others. The provin- days because of rain and snowfall. stuck there and the route was and coaching standards and pre- The road is not paved and its se- closed (due to the recent bad had been distributed aid items pro- cial government had been trying to pare to be a Test nation. Afghani- vided by different welfare organi- provide assistance to similar fam- curity is not maintained. We face weather). People do not benefit stan could also finally have voting lots of difficulties here,” said Azi- from this road,” said Bacha, police zations. ilies in the future, the statement rights on the ICC’s board matters. Khairullah, a displace person, said. (Pajhwok) zullah, an Uruzgan resident. chief of Shah Wali Kot district of (INDIANEXPRESS) Kandahar local officials mean- Kandahar province. (Al Jazeera) SUNDAY . FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Islamic university to be built in Nangarhar: Minister PESHAWAR : An Afghan educa- tion team has visited the Interna- tional Islamic University (IIU) campus in Pakistan’s capital of Islamabad. Headed by Higher Education Minister Farida Momand, the 11- KABUL : The International Com- member team discussed ways of mittee of the Red Cross (ICRC) boosting bilateral cooperation with EMERGENCY on Saturday said it would not re- IIU leadership. sume operations in Afghanistan “The Afghan Higher Educa- CALLS until the motive of a dead attack tion Ministry wants to build an on its workers in northern Jaw- Islamic university in eastern Nan- Police zjan province was established. garhar province,” the visiting min- Six ICRC aid workers were ister said. killed in a suspected Islamic State On the occasion, IIU Rector 100 - 119 attack and another two workers Dr. Masoom Yasinzai stressed the went missing in Jawzjan on need for higher education quality Wednesday. and linkages of universities in Af- Hospitals Soon after the attack, the ICRC ghanistan and Pakistan for sharing put on hold its humanitarian oper- experiences. FMIC Hospital ation across Afghanistan. The visitors met IIU Rector Behind Kabul Medical The ICRC has been working Dr. Masoom Yasinzai and Presi- in Afghanistan to protect civilians, dent Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Drai- University: defend prisoners’ human rights, weesh. (Pajhwok) 0202500200-+93793275595 and provide health services to peo- ple. Cooperating with emergency sections of hospitals, providing Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital drinking water, transferring injured Retirees’ Pule Bagh-e- Umomi from war grounds to hospitals and cooperating with the Afghan Red salaries to 070263672 Crescent Society (ARCS) are part of ICRC programs. Khairkhana Hospital Ahmad Ramin Ayaz, ICRC be paid spokesman, expressed concern 0799-321007 about security of humanitarian on-time next 2401352 workers in Afghanistan and said the organization had currently sus- pended all its operations, except year, official Indira Gandhi Children orthopedic services, in the coun- try. Talking to Pajhwok Afghan Majority of retirees complain on Hospital, Wazir Akbar News, Ayaz said the ICRC was payment of their salaries, as some- committed to supporting the Af- times they get paid within two Khan, Kabul 2301372 ghan people as it was providing years. Haji Gul Mohammad, head humanitarian services to them over would not resume its operations in Jawzjan are provided and be- He said it remained unclear information about the two ICRC of retirees’ treasury department Ibn-e- Seena the past 30 years. until the nature, motive and rea- cause protection of our staff is our what prompted the attack and who members who had gone missing, told The Kabul Times that he will However, he said: “The ICRC son for the attack on our workers high priority.” were behind it. There was also no Ayaz added. (Pajhwok) spare no effort to properly pay Pul-e-Artan, Kabul the retirees’ salaries. He added that budget deficiency is the main 2100359 factor behind non-payment of some retirees’ salaries. The depart- Wazir Akbar Khan Balkh activists call gor govt ment has made much effort, as a result of which we could pay the Hospital salaries of 19000 retirees, he said, 2301741, 2301743 adding that is why 10000 other action against insurgency retirees have protested and asked for payment of their payments. Ali Abad Totally, there are 106000 retirees The activists held a prayer cere- “Government must prevent thieves harm our people and we in the capital Kabul, 102000 of Shahrara, Kabul mony for all those killed this week terrorists’ movements which believe that poor governance has whom have been registered in re- 2100439 and urged government to clamp threaten security and stability of resulted in such incidents that are tirees’ treasury department and we down on the activities of insur- citizens,” said Safia Sayes a civil taking place in the north of the don’t have any problem in this re- gents. society activist. country,” said Abdul Hamid Safo- gard, he continued. Unfortunate- Malalai Maternity Religious scholars and civil “The incident which occurred wat, head of the Civil Society Net- ly, budget deficiency is the only society activists in Balkh on Sat- in Qoshtipa district of Jawzjan work in Balkh. “Silence by gov- problem the department is faced Hospital urday raised their voices against does not have any connection with ernment resulted in the audacity with, he said, adding that is why a 2201377/ 2301743 this week’s suicide bombing at Islam but the name of Islam is mis- of Daesh and Taliban and if ele- number of retirees complain about. Kabul’s Supreme Court and the used in this action and therefore as ments who paved the way inside We have created a biometric sys- killing of six International Commit- a religious scholar I am criticizing government for the opposition is tem in our department, through Banks tee of the Red Cross (ICRC) em- the act,” said Mohammad Arif not eliminated the situation will get which we can prevent corruption, ployees in Jawzjan. Wazin a religious scholar. worse,” said Najib Paikan, a Balkh he added. Likewise, if god willing, Da Afghanistan Bank They said the incidents were Balkh civil society activists civil society activist. the retirees won’t face any prob- crimes against humanity. believe that the existence of illegal The activists said that in or- lems in term of their salaries’ pay- 2100302, 2100303 The activists held a prayer cer- armed men and poor governance der to prevent terrorist activities ment next year, he stated. In the emony for those killed and called has led to the increase of violence the government must strictly mon- past, the retirees was faced with Bakhtar Bank on government to clamp down on and human rights violations in the itor security officials and other many problems while payment, 0776777000 the activities of illegal armed North. “Illegal armed men under officials in the districts and prov- but they can now receive their sal- groups and on insurgents. the name of Daesh and Taliban and inces. (Tolo News) aries through two banks, Maiwand Azizi Bank Bank and Bakhtar Bank, he said Furthermore, we have created an 0799 700900 easy process, through which they Pashtany Bank retirees can easily receive their sal- aries, he added. We ask the gov- 2102908, 2103868 ernment civil and military admin- TALOQAN : Two Afghan Local sides, drivers of the vehicles -- both istrations to prepare the retirees’ Air Services Police (ALP) members have been ALP personnel -- were detained. documents according to rules and detained with hundreds of bottles As many as 1,500 bottles of alco- regulations, he said, adding if the of alcohol by the spy-service in hol, recently smuggled from Tajiki- documents have any problems and Safi Airways northern Takhar province, an offi- stan, were seized. deficiencies, we and the retirees 020 22 22 222 cial said on Saturday. Khwaja Ghar district chief will face many problems. A veter- The governor’s spokesman, Mohammad Omar confirmed the an, Mohammad Akram said, ‘the Ariana Sunatullah Timor, told Pajhwok incident, saying the alcohol had government doesn’t pay the Af- Afghan News the alcohol was be- been smuggled into Tajikistan. ghan National Army retired offic- 020-2100270 ing smuggled in two ALP pick-ups They would crack down on the il- ers’ salaries according to law, as from Khwaja Ghar district to Talo- licit business, he promised. the old retirees should be paid as qan, the provincial capital/ Some days back, Governor much as the new retirees are paid.’ Kam Air He said National Directorate Mohammad Yasin Zia had warned The government pays 50000 to 0799974422 of Security (NDS) agents had a brief drug smuggling, if not prevented, 75000 afg to old retirees, but those clash with the smugglers, resulted could make the province a a hub of who have newly retired are paid Hotels in injuries to one intelligence oper- crime. The illegal commerce had 300000 afg per year, and it is not ative. Timor added after the ex- bad effects on the security situa- fair, Akram further said. Safi Landmark change of fire between the two tion, he said. (Pajhwok) (Kabul Times) 020-2203131 SERENA 0799654000 New Rumi Restaurant 0776351347 Internet Services utility; but technical faults, late delivery of fuel and other irritants UA Telecom disrupt the process, according to 0796701701 / 0796702702 the official. KANDAHAR CITY : Traders trucks in short time, he said, add- their capacity. Saleh Mohammad Nekzad said turbines had the capacity to pro- USAID was supposed to es- and investors in southern Kanda- ing that there was need for at least The only hope for industrial- they were busy working on a duce 33MW of power, with the tablish a solar power plant at a cost Exchange Rate har province complain of problems two truck scales in the custom. ists is the activation of a 10 mega- scheme, whose implementation third one adding 18.5MW. The of $15million for the Kandahar in- in paying taxes, delay in clearance Zaheer also hit out at Da Af- watts solar power plant, but the would eliminate delays in handing dam is now able to generate dustrial park. The centre was to Purchase: of goods by the customs depart- ghanistan Bank (DAB) for delay- project has delayed inordinately. goods over to their owners. 51.5MW of power. be functional by summer, but work ment and long power outages. ing traders’ cash transfers to for- Traders say they met the Chief Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) There was a 68-day halt to on it is yet to be initiated. One US$ = They shared the problem with eign countries. The slow process Executive Officer (CEO) and the in-charge in the south, Moham- power supply to Kandahar and The agency has asked DABS the officials concerned in the cen- has been impeding business deals. finance minister, who had prom- mad Naeem Akbari, said the issues Helmand due to work on the third to provide land for the solar pow- 66.75Afs tral government about a week ago. On the other hand, investors ised resolving their problems. in transferring money to foreign turbine. Now electricity is being er plant and extend transmission One Pound Sterling= Businessmen and investors in the grumble about the lack of electric- Samim Khpalwak, the gover- countries’ banks were because of supplied to the provinces on a tri- lines from the centre to the indus- 80.87Afs province are faced with a host of ity in Kandahar. The electricity nor’s spokesman, said Kandahar- the banks’ recent strict conditions al basis for about two months trial park. problems. provided to the Kandahar Indus- based businessmen and entrepre- in this regard. He recalled they were back. Besides snapping of power DABS has also met certain One Euro = Kandahar Chamber of Com- trial Park is inadequate, forcing fac- neurs had been invited to the gov- making all out efforts to find a way transmission lines as a result of other requirements, including the 70.05Afs merce and Industry head Haji Nas- tories to scale down their produc- ernor’s house for discussions on of solution to the problem. fighting, the water level in the Ka- acquisition of 80 acres of land, 1000 Pak Rs = rullah Zahir told Pajhwok Afghan tion. Haji Syed Mohammad, own- their problems. Steps for dealing Da Afghanistan Breshna Shir- jaki Dam has also gone down. The making a sketch and establishing News traders previously paid tax- er of the Beans Processing Facto- with the existing issues were dis- kat (DABS) chief for Kandahar, generation level of each of the tur- 135 pylons and extending power 611Afs es every six months. But now they ry at the Kandahar Industrial Park, cussed with the officials concerned. Eng. Sayed Rasool, called power bines, which earlier produced up transmission cables. Sale: have to pay taxes every three said his unit was powered by die- Revenue Director Mohammad shortages the main issue. Immedi- to 16.5MW of power, fell to Despite the work done by One US$ = months, a major problem and a sel generators that produced eight Zahir Ibadi revealed a new plan for ate resolution of the problem was 10MW each. DABS, the USAID had not kept time-consuming exercise. kilowatts of electricity. tax collection had been devised by impossible, he acknowledged, say- Ibadi said the water level had a its promise of launching work on 66.95 Afs The late clearance trade goods But he added that generators’ the central government and they ing they were trying to ensure direct link with the quantity of the project, the official alleged. One Pound Sterling= by customs staff is another big electricity was weak and interrup- were just implementing it. He power supply to the industrial power generation. When the wa- Electricity is far from enough 81.67Afs headache as it inflicts losses on tions created problems. As a re- promised sharing the issues of trad- park. He said work on installing ter level slumps in the winter sea- for Kandahar, which needs more One Euro= businesspeople. There is current- sult, many factories have already ers with the central government Kajaki Dam’s third turbine, which son, power production also falls. than 150MW. There are blackouts ly only one truck scale on Kanda- been closed and those still active and finding solutions to them. was launched on August 6, 2016, Power supply to the industri- for days and at times for weeks in 70.65 Afs har custom which cannot scale all are functioning at 50 percent of But Customs Director Eng. ended recently. Previously, the two al park is a top priority for the the province. (Pajhwok) 1000 Pak Rs= 619 SUNDAY . FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Pakistan to borrow $600m from China

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has de- cided to borrow $600 million from China to boost its dwindling for- eign currency reserves that have depleted by $1.7 billion since ex- piry of the International Monetary Fund programme. It is the second time in the last Voting has opened in India's most "The results will tell us wheth- three years that the Pakistan Mus- populous state of Uttar Pradesh, er Modi continues to enjoy un- lim League-Nawaz government in a contest seen as a key mid-term questioned support or if it has has decided to ask a friendly coun- test for Prime Minister Narendra started to erode," RK Mishra, an try to boost its foreign currency Modi and his economic reform independent political analyst reserves. Earlier, Saudi Arabia had policy. based in the state capital, Luc- gifted $1.5 billion to Pakistan in Some 26 million people are know, told the Reuters news agen- two equal tranches in 2014. expected to cast their ballots on cy. 'Godzilla of states' Pakistan’s debt pile soars to Saturday as part of a seven-stage, Modi's Bharatiya Janata Par- Rs22.5tr The country’s top eco- one month-long voting process to ty (BJP) polled 42 percent of the nomic managers on Thursday held elect a new state assembly. vote in Uttar Pradesh in the 2014 a meeting to thrash out details for Uttar Pradesh is home to an general election, winning 71 out of the Chinese loan, finance ministry estimated 220 million people and 80 seats on its way to claiming sources said. State Bank of Paki- polls in the state are typically a India's biggest national mandate in stan Governor Ashraf Wathra, Fi- bellwether of national politics. three decades. Yet, voters have nance Minister Ishaq Dar and Fi- The vote is widely seen as a shown growing impatience that nance Secretary Tariq Bajwa at- referendum on Modi's controver- Modi's campaign promises have tended the meeting. sial ban on high-value notes, a failed to deliver new jobs to a state The Bank of China will pro- move aimed at combating tax eva- where per capita incomes average vide the loan on commercial terms, sion by the rich that has also hit less than $750 a year. Many com- the sources said. They said the poor rural communities hard. munities in the state still lack ac- amount will be disbursed this The banknote ban, launched in cess to power, clean water and month. The loan is expected to be November to purge the economy basic medical services. "It is the given for a period of three years at of untaxed income and the proceeds Godzilla of states," said BJP na- an interest rate ranging between of crime and corruption, has dis- tional spokesman Nalin Kohli. 3.1% and 3.2%, said the sources. rupted daily life and commerce and People tend to vote along tradi- The response of SBP spokes- caused the economy to slow. tional caste and religious lines, and man Abid Qamar was awaited till On the campaign trail, Modi, successive governments have ex- the filing of the story. He had been who in 2014 swept the state in a ploited communal divisions to fire requested to confirm whether Pa- landslide, said he had the interests up their base and poach voters kistan has already received $300 of the poor at heart in making the from opponents. Pollsters say it million out of $600 million from move - the biggest gamble of his will be tough for the BJP to repeat China. With fresh borrowings, the prime ministership. its general election performance in Chinese contribution in Pakistan’s Because of its population size, 2014. The BJP is locked in a tough official foreign currency reserves voters in Uttar Pradesh will cast fight with the incumbent chief min- held by the SBP would increase to ballots in seven stages over one ister Akhilesh Yadav from the re- $1.3 billion, as China Development month [AP] A strong showing at gional Samajwadi Party, which has Bank has already lent $700 mil- the polls would strengthen his formed a political alliance with the gress Party, led by Rahul Gandhi, scion of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. The last phase of the Uttar Pradesh elections is scheduled for March 8, and lion for balance of payment sup- chances of a second term in 2019. country's main opposition Con- results from the state, along with elections in Punjab, Goa, Uttarakhand and Manipur, are due on March 11. (Al Jazeera) port during the current fiscal year. The China Development Bank has given the loan for a period of three years. The $1.3 billion Chinese borrowings are part of $2 billion foreign commercial bank loans that Pakistan has budgeted for current fiscal year 2016-17. In addition to Chinese $1.3 billion borrowings, Pakistan also obtained $200 mil- lion from Noor Bank of United Arab Emirates. The foreign loans would support the reserves besides COLOMBO: (Thomson Reuters hold of Kilinochchi said her son helping to meet the budget financ- Foundation) - Families whose was not in rebel ranks but surren- ing needs. loved ones disappeared during Sri dered to the army in May 2009. Will Pakistan forever be indebt- Lanka's civil war have called on the He has not been seen since. ed to China for CPEC? United Nations to pressure the "His wife, my daughter-in-law, Sources said the cabinet has government to speed up a war already approved a summary to At least 13 people were charred to is living with two children and crimes probe after a senior minis- waiting to see her husband. The obtain these loans from China. Last death and 20 others injured in mas- ter said it would take more time to children are expecting their father. month Pakistan had returned $500 sive fire explosions sparked by head-on collision between a bus investigate alleged abuses. Sometimes if the kids' mentality million that it had obtained from get affected, they will turn vio- China about five years back for and a covered van, hauling gas cyl- Almost eight years have passed since the civil war pitting lent," she said. providing a cushion to the foreign inders, in southwest Bangladesh, government forces against separat- "There is no more time is need- currency reserves. The reason for police said on Saturday. The accident took place last ist Tamil rebels ended, but the ed. The U.N. should investigate returning $500 million loan was and find the truth." that there was a requirement of night on a highway connecting government has failed to prosecute alleged war crimes such as torture, Ethnic minority Tamil politi- sending a formal request by prime Dhaka and Khulna town in Farid- unlawful killings and enforced dis- cians have complained of the gov- minister of Pakistan to China to pur district. appearances. ernment's slow progress in ad- extend the $500 million loan after “Thirteen people have died so far in the accident while nearly 20 More than 100,000 are esti- dressing alleged war crimes. every year, said the sources. In mated to have died some 65,000 October 2016, Pakistan’s official people are being treated for inju- President Maithripala Sirise- went missing during the 26-year na's government in 2015 commit- foreign currency reserves stood at ries caused by the accident,” a po- conflict, which ended in May 2009 ted to allowing foreign judges to $18.925 billion, according to the lice official said. with the defeat of the Liberation investigate allegations, but Sirise- central bank. During the week end- Media reports quoting wit- nesses said that a massive fire en- Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). na later opposed their involve- ing on February 3, the SBP’s re- ment. His predecessor, Mahinda serves decreased to $17.218 bil- gulfed both the vehicles as the gas The United Nations and rights lion, said the SBP on Thursday. cylinders fell off the van following activists have accused the military Rajapaksa, rejected requests by the of killing thousands of civilians, international community to probe There was a reduction of $376 the collision with a bus and explod- ed. They said that most of the vic- mostly Tamils, during the final war crime allegations and denied million in one week alone, taking weeks of the war and have urged U.N. officials entry to the island the total tally to $1.72 billion since tims were burned to death beyond justice for the families of those who nation. the expiry of the IMF programme. recognition. disappeared. Foreign Minister Mangala Sa- Pakistan has been struggling to “Most of them died almost But Sri Lanka's Foreign Min- maraweera told journalists on maintain its official foreign curren- instantly. Some of the wounded bus ister on Tuesday said more time Tuesday the investigation would cy reserves that it has built largely passengers were critically injured,” was needed - frustrating the fami- take more time, but offered reas- by obtaining expensive foreign a police officer said, adding that dead. Fire service and Civil Defence assistant director Momtaz Uddin said that the fire might have occurred lies of victims. surance Sri Lanka was committed loans during past three years. the death toll may increase. by explosion of gas cylinders. Four fire fighting units from Faridpur were rushed to the spot and brought the "My brother was arrested by to punishing perpetrators. (TRIBUNE) The van driver was among the fire under control, he added. (HINDUSTANTIMES) the army on June 12, 2009 just "I know there are lots of short- after the end of the war at mid- comings. I know we have not pro- night while he was working in a ceeded as fast as we ought to. Ob- bakery," said 27-year-old lawyer viously, we need more time," said Sivasubramaniam Mahalukshmi Samaraweera. Chinese man trapped I mran slams Najam from the northern city of Jaffna. "We are making haste slowly. His brother has not been seen But there will be no U-turns, but since, he said. occasionally there could be a de- in India goes home "Giving more time to the gov- tour. But the destination remains Sethi as fixing allegations ernment is not necessary... The the same." U.N. should pressurise for an im- The Tamil Tigers were also after 50 years mediate solution to the problem accused of widespread wartime "fixing" greater crime threatening of missing people." abuses, such as using child soldiers surface in PSL democracy," he tweeted. Leeladevi Anandanadrajah, 64, and targeting civilians with suicide The PTI chief had in 2015 ac- from the former Tamil Tiger strong- bombers. (RELIEFWEB) Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) United were suspended over cor- cused Sethi of fixing '35 punctures', Chairman Imran Khan on Satur- ruption charges, while the names which referred to alleged electoral day took a jibe at Pakistan Super of more players have surfaced in rigging in 35 constituencies of Pun- League Chairman Najam Sethi, connection with the probe. jab in the 2013 general elections, saying it was a "joke" that a per- Khan said while spot-fixing but had later brushed it aside as a son who was allegedly involved in only affects cricket, election "fix- "political statement". election rigging had set out to elim- ing" is a greater offence that threat- Joke: Election fixer Sethi to inate spot-fixing from the Pakistan ens democracy. eliminate cricket spot fixing! Lat- Cricket Team. "Joke: Election fixer Sethi to ter only affects cricket; elec "fix- The PTI chief's remarks came eliminate cricket spot fixing! Lat- ing" greater crime threatening de- after two players of the Islamabad ter only affects cricket; elec [sic] mocracy. (DAWN)

A Chinese man who was trapped so chose. Mr Wang's mother died in India for more than 50 years has in 2006 before he could go back finally been reunited with his fam- and see her It is not clear if Mr ily. The BBC had reported how Wang plans to return to India. He Wang Qi, an army surveyor who was never granted citizenship and says he accidentally crossed into was given a Chinese passport in India in 1963, had not been given 2013. Mr Wang says he was The commission investigating brokered peace deal ended the con- the necessary documents to leave "tasked with building roads for the deaths and abuses during Nepal's flict in 2006. It took years for the the country. Following the report, Chinese army" and was captured communist insurgency received a government to set up the commis- he was visited by Chinese diplo- when he "strayed erroneously" one-year extension Thursday af- sion, and even longer to establish mats, who told him efforts were into India's territory in January ter being unable to finish its work the laws and regulations for it to being made to take him back. Mr 1963. "I had gone out of my camp on thousands of claims and com- function. The government said in Wang was met by family members for a stroll but lost my way. I was plaints collected from victims and a statement that the decision to ex- when his flight landed in Beijing. tired and hungry. I saw a Red their families. The Truth and Rec- tend the commission's tenure was He will now fly on to his home Cross vehicle and asked them to onciliation Commission received made at a Cabinet meeting Thurs- city of Xianyang. help me. They handed me over to 58,052 claims and complaints since day. The commission has so far He flew out from Delhi on Fri- the Indian army," he said. 2 commissions were established in only been able to collect the com- day night accompanied by his son. He spent the next seven years 2015 - one to probe enforced dis- plaints, but it will likely take years Chinese officials took him and in a number of different jails be- appearances and another to inves- to investigate the claims. Survi- his family out shopping in a Delhi fore a court ordered his release in tigate more than 60,000 complaints vors, victim's families, and activ- mall before they boarded the flight. 1969. of violations committed during the ists said the extension was not The Indian foreign ministry Police took him to Tirodi, a war. More than 17,000 people are enough. They said current legisla- gave him a document stating that far-flung village in the central state believed to have been killed in a tion pertaining to war crimes must he was cleared to leave. His family of Madhya Pradesh. He had not decade of fighting between com- be amended as currently perpetra- were given Indian passports so that been allowed to leave the country munist rebels and government tors can be granted amnesty. ( they could leave with him, if they since then. (BBC) troops before a United Nations- AP, Reuters) SUNDAY . FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief Seventeen killed in Angola stadium

stampede TEXAS: Protests have erupted across the US after the Immigra- At least 17 football fans were tion and Customs Enforcement killed after a stampede broke (ICE) agency swept across sever- out at a stadium in northern al US cities, detaining undocument- At least four protesters and one Angola, police said, in an inci- ed migrants. policeman have been killed in the dent that also left scores of peo- Early Friday's raids came Iraqi capital during a rally by thou- ple wounded. quickly after President Donald sands calling for an overhaul of the A wave of panic spread Trump signed three executive or- electoral system, according to through the crowd on Friday, at ders on Thursday reportedly Baghdad's governor. a league game in the town of aimed at crime reduction. Iraqi security forces fired tear Uige, between the Santa Rita de Los Angeles, Austin and Phoe- gas and rubber-coated bullets at Cassia and Recreativo do Libo- nix have all seen demonstrations. thousands of supporters of Mu- lo football clubs. Demonstrators in Los Ange- qtada al-Sadr, an influential Shia "There was a blockage at the les shut down a highway follow- leader, who were demonstrating on entrance to the January 4 stadi- ing reports of raids, and Arizona Saturday near Baghdad's Green um ... this obstruction caused has seen increased numbers at a Zone to press for electoral chang- multiple fatalities and there are number of weeks-old protest sites es. 56 injured in the hospital," po- following the detainment of Guad- At least 320 protesters and lice spokesman Orlando Bernar- alupe Garcia de Rayos. seven police officers were wound- do told the AFP news agency. Garcia de Rayos was the first ed as violence gripped the rally. Bernardo said several chil- undocumented immigrant to be The Associated Press news dren had been killed. detained late on Wednesday in agency, quoting hospital officials, Police said the dead were Phoenix, prompting increased said the officer died of a bullet either trampled or suffocated demonstrations in front of Phoe- wound. after they were pushed to the nix's central ICE office. Sadr has accused the elections ground. Hundreds of people Jose Matus of the Arizona- commission of being corrupt and with tickets had reportedly at- based Indigenous Alliance without called for the commission's mem- tempted to enter the already Borders, a non-profit that works bers to be changed, according to a overcrowded stadium. to educate indigenous and non-in- statement from his office. President Jose Eduardo dos digenous people living on the bor- Rising to his call to protest, Santos expressed condolences der of their rights, told Al Jazeera demonstrators had gathered near to the victims' families and or- that Garcia de Rayos had been de- the Green Zone - a cluster of em- dered an investigation, the Luan- ported along with her family. ly known as the "deporter-in- fected by these actions are the provides low-cost legal help to ing. Now that the courts have bassies and government buildings da-based Angop news agency "They found she had a police chief". Matus did not view her as hardest to get in contact with, cur- immigrants, told Al Jazeera on Fri- blocked the Muslim ban, there's - to demand an overhaul of the com- reported. record, so they decided to take her. a threat to US national security. rently," Parker said Austin has day morning that ICE's actions the wall. The Tohono O'odham mission that supervises elections A history of stampedes "It It's part of Trump's idea to deport In Austin, at least five undoc- been the epicentre of the national were "counterproductive … they tribe, whose lands cross the [US- before a provincial vote due in Sep- is all the fault of the police. It so-called felons," Matus said. umented residents have been de- battle over so-called sanctuary cit- only sow mistrust between the Mexico] border, they don't want tember. was easy to avoid. They just The moves are seen as a cul- tained. 'Scrambling' for information ies, an unofficial designation of cit- immigrant community and the that there." Native Americans have Riot police fired tear gas when need to extend the safety cor- mination of a huge shift in the US Cristina Parker, the immigra- ies that generally offer safety to government". Painter was similar- seen an increase in threatening pol- the crowd tried to move towards don," Pedro Nzolonzi, the pres- immigration policy following tion programmes director at Aus- undocumented migrants and often ly unable to provide a firm num- icies, including infrastructure ini- the zone, which also houses inter- ident of the Santa Rita de Cas- Trump's January 25 executive or- tin-based Grassroots Leadership, do not use municipal funds or re- ber of how many had been detained tiatives and Trump's revival of the national organisations and the sia club, told Portuguese news der to "ensure the faithful execu- which organises against deporta- sources to advance the enforcement or if they were being deported. "We Dakota Access Pipeline that pro- homes of prominent politicians. agency, Lusa. "There was seri- tion of the immigration laws" of tions and mass incarceration, in- of federal immigration laws. Ac- stand ready to advocate for our im- testers at Standing Rock had fought Shots rang out in central Bagh- ous police error in letting the the country. formed Al Jazeera there may be cording to local reports, the ICE migrant community and provide for months to defeat. "We're also dad as security forces used live fire people so close to the field … The ICE reportedly declined more. "Everyone is scrambling to detained each of the five in sepa- representation wherever we can," worried about the changes to bor- and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Many of them did not want to to deport Garcia de Rayos for four get information. There are uncon- rate, targeted raids. Robert Paint- he concluded. Back in Arizona, der crossing following these exec- "We will not give in to threats," pay and those who had tickets years under former President firmed reports of detentions across er, the interim executive director Matus was similarly defiant: utive orders. It's a lot of threats," said Serbat Mustafa, the head of could not get in. Then, the con- Barack Obama, who was informal- the city. Those who are most af- of American Gateways, which "We're going to continue protest- Matus said. (Al Jazeera) the electoral commission, in an in- fusion began." (Alarabiya) terview with a local Iraqi televi- sion channel on Saturday afternoon. Mustafa said he would not offer his resignation and accused Refugees from Jitters in Hong Kong Sadr of using the commission as a political "scapegoat." Abadi's ap- South Sudan peal An Associated Press news over billionaire's agency team at the scene of Satur- cross 1.5m day's rally saw ambulances carry- ing away protesters suffering from mark: UN disappearance breathing difficulties. The protest organisers said about two dozen In an interview with Al demonstrators choked on the tear The number of refugees who Jazeera, Ali Abunimah, cofounder gas. Live TV footage showed have fled South Sudan has of the Palestine-focused Electron- young men running away as white crossed the 1.5 million mark, ic Intifada website, called the US smoke filled Tahrir Square in Bagh- putting the country third after move "bizarre". dad's business district. Haider al- Syria and Afghanistan in terms "It is ironic because Fayyad Abadi, Iraq's prime minister, called of producing refugees, according was elevated by the Bush admin- on the demonstrators to remain to the UNHCR. The UN refu- istration to the Palestinian Author- peaceful and to "abide by the law". gee agency said on Friday that ity," he said. Abunimah said Fayy- Sadr has been a fierce critic of Aba- unless rival government and ad's planned appointment to the di, and last year protests that in- rebel forces agreed to talk, the post "had nothing to do with Pal- cluded many of his followers ongoing flow of refugees within estine, the Palestinian Authority breached the highly fortified Green the country and abroad will con- or Israel." Difficult discussions Zone twice. Sadr suspects that tinue this year. More than 2.1 UN diplomats, speaking on members of the electoral commis- million people are internally dis- condition of anonymity, told the sion are loyal to his Shia rival, Nouri placed, the UNHCR said. "With Associated Press news agency that al-Maliki, former prime minister this large-scale displacement, Fayyad was well-respected for his and one of the closest allies of Iran South Sudan is now Africa's larg- work in reforming the Palestinian in Iraq. (Al Jazeera) est refugee crisis and the world's The United States has objected to so there was a real sense that the Authority and revitalising the Pal- third after Syria and Afghanistan the appointment of a former Pal- letter coming from Guterres was estinian economy. - with less attention and chronic estinian prime minister to lead the nothing more than a formality and Officials said Fayyad had the levels of underfunding," the agen- United Nations political mission that his appointment would be support of all 14 other Security Kremlin: cy said. "We are appealing on all in Libya, saying it was doing so to announced as early as next week." Council members to succeed Mar- parties involved in the conflict support its ally Israel. Palestine is a non-member ob- tin Kobler, a German career diplo- for an urgent peaceful resolution US Ambassador to the UN server state at the UN and its in- mat who has served as the UN's Turkey gave of the crisis." William Spindler, Nikki Haley said on Friday that dependence has been recognised by Libya envoy since late 2015. UNHCR, said that in 2016 alone, her government "was disappoint- 137 of the 193 UN member na- The US protest came days an estimated 760,000 fled the ed" to learn UN Secretary-Gener- tions. Haley, though, said the US before a planned meeting between target for country, including 500,000 in the al Antonio Guterres planned to does not recognise a Palestinian Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin second half of the year when the appoint Salam Fayyad as the spe- state "or support the signal" Fayy- Netanyahu and President Donald mistaken armed conflict - now in its fourth cial representative. ad's appointment would send. Trump at the White House on Feb- year - intensified. More than 60 Fayyad served as the Pales- Speaking from Ramallah, Ha- ruary 15. percent of the refugees are chil- tinian Authority's prime minister nan Ashrawi, senior member of the "This is the beginning of a new The disappearance from Hong consider Hong Kong a safe place Syria strike dren, many arriving with "alarm- from 2007-2013. Palestine Liberation Organization era at the UN, an era where the US Kong of Xiao Jianhua, a China- for his assets. Life in exile ing levels of malnutrition" and It was unclear whether the (PLO), dismissed Haley's state- stands firmly behind Israel against born billionaire businessman, has Guo has lived in exile for sev- The Kremlin has said that Turkey suffering trauma, he said. A split objection had ended Fayyad's can- ment as "absolutely ridiculous", any and all attempts to harm the sent a chill through mainland busi- eral years, having been investigat- had provided Russian forces with between Kiir and Machar esca- didacy. The United States wields adding "there is no logic" that can Jewish State," Israel's UN Ambas- ness circles linked to the city, and ed by Chinese authorities several the target location for air strikes in lated into a conflict in 2013 A significant influence as one of the explain the US position on Fayy- sador Danny Danon said of the US some are looking to move their as- times, including in connection with Syria that accidentally killed three political split between President five permanent members of the UN ad. UN officials say Fayyad has decision. Trump, though, indicat- sets, according to financiers, law- a fraud case. Turkish soldiers. Dmitry Peskov, Salva Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and Security Council. the support of 14 Security Coun- ed in comments to an Israeli news- yers and Chinese businessmen. No charges have ever been laid the Kremlin spokesman, said on his former deputy, Riek Machar, "For too long, the UN has been cil members [Reuters] "This is dis- paper on Friday that there may Hong Kong, a global financial and Guo said he had done nothing Friday that "there should not have escalated into a military conflict unfairly biased in favour of the crimination against the Palestinian still be difficult discussions with centre and a "special administra- wrong. A senior corporate lawyer been Turkish soldiers within the in December 2013, leaving tens Palestinian Authority to the detri- people as a whole," she told Al Netanyahu next week on Israel's tive region" of China, has served with a global law firm said some of limits of these coordinates". Be- of thousands of people dead. ment of our allies in Israel," Haley Jazeera. "This is the rejection, be- settlement expansion. as a major hub for mainland capi- his mainland Chinese clients living sides the three fatalities, 11 sol- (BBC) said. "Going forward, the United yond logic, of the most qualified The US president was quoted tal since the former British colony in Hong Kong had asked him for diers were wounded in Thursday's States will act, not just talk, in sup- person with the highest standard as saying that the expansion of il- returned to Chinese rule in 1997. advice on moving assets out in the incident, in which Russian forces, port of our allies." of profession and integrity. legal Israeli settlements did not But reports that Xiao was ab- two weeks since news Xiao's case trying to target the Islamic State Al Jazeera's Rosiland Jordan, "It sets a precedent of exclud- help peace prospects. ducted by Chinese agents from the broke, possibly to Japan, Sin- of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) Brutal heat reporting from New York, said the ing Palestinians from participation Israel's settlements in Gaza, luxury Four Seasons hotel have gapore or South Korea. group, hit a building where the "very strong statement" by the US in the international arena, and de- the West Bank and East Jerusa- helped undermine confidence in the "They want to change location. troops were deployed, according bears down ambassador had surprised many. priving the international commu- lem, have been declared illegal by legal autonomy that has under- They freaked out," he said. to the Turkish army. Russia and "Fayyad is universally liked by nity from the skills and abilities, the UN, and have been a stumbling pinned the economy. Xiao, who runs financial group Turkey have joined forces against many diplomats here at the UN, on the basis of national identity." block in talks. (Al Jazeera) Hong Kong police have said Tomorrow Holdings and has close ISIL, also known as ISIS, around on Australia Xiao crossed the border into Chi- ties with some of China's top lead- Al Bab, where Turkish forces are Extreme heat has been rolling na on January 27 through a check- ers and businessmen, is ranked battling the group on the ground. out of Australia's interior this point and are still investigating the 32nd on the 2016 Hurun China rich Al Bab, 30km south of the Syria- week with temperatures easily case. Unspecified location list, China's equivalent of the Turkey border, is the last remain- reaching the mid to high 40s. ISIS executes 5 Egyptians A source close to Xiao, who Forbes list, with a net worth of ing significant ISIL stronghold in While the heatwave is over now holds a Canadian passport, said he $6bn. Until his disappearance, Syria's north. "The situation is for the central part of Australia, is now in an unspecified location Xiao had for some years resided at obvious, unfortunately. Our mili- it was still very much a concern ‘for aiding army’ in China, and that Xiao's wife and the Four Seasons Place serviced tary, while launching strikes on for parts of Queensland and brother had "fled" Hong Kong to apartments in the heart of the city, terrorists, followed coordinates New South Wales on Saturday. ISIS in Egypt claims to have exe- a militant insurgency that has killed "500 terrorists" since it launched a Canada. The Canadian consulate a favourite haunt of wealthy main- that were given to us by our Turk- On Friday, Sydney Airport cuted five men it accused of work- hundreds of security personnel. wide-ranging security operation in in Hong Kong said they had no land Chinese businessmen. ish partners," Peskov said. 'Com- broke a record for the warmest ing for the army, which is battling Most of the attacks have tak- the Sinai in September 2015. further information on the family. 'Significant decline' munications failure' Peskov February temperature, reaching the militants in the Sinai Peninsu- en place in the Sinai Peninsula, In October 2015, ISIS claimed A second source close to Xiao A person with knowledge of stressed that the "causes of the a high of 42.9C. This exceeded la. In a series of photos published which borders Israel and the Gaza the downing of a plane carrying said on Thursday he was still able the matter at the hotel said there incident are clear. There is no de- the previous record of 42.6C in Friday on the secure messaging Strip, but attacks have also been Russian tourists home from the to get in touch with the tycoon, had been a "significant decline" in bate". Asked if this was a mistake 1980. Adelaide also broke a app Telegram, five men presented carried out in other areas including Sinai resort of Sharm el-Sheikh, with "some difficulties". Chinese occupancy since the news by the Turkish intelligence, he said record by experiencing 3 consec- as army "elements" are seen lying Cairo. The Egyptian army an- which killed all 224 people on Shortly after his disappear- broke. "Many mainlanders checked the incident was caused by a com- utive days in a row of tempera- face down on the ground before a nounced on Friday that it had killed board. (Al Jazeera) ance, a local newspaper ad pur- out," the person said. The hotel, munications failure. The Turkish tures reaching 40C. Consecutive militant shoots them in the back porting to be from Xiao himself including its three Michelin- military said it considered the Rus- days reaching this high haven't of their heads with an assault rifle, said he had not been abducted, but starred restaurant Lung King Heen, sian incident an accident. But it been felt since 1914. With the the SITE intelligence group said. was seeking medical treatment was quieter now, said a Hong reiterated on Friday it had given heat comes the inevitable dan- Militants have killed hundreds "outside the country". Kong regular who often meets the coordinates of the building to ger. Australian emergency servic- of soldiers and policemen since the The uncertainty is unnerving mainland Chinese clients there. its Russian counterparts on es braced for "potentially cata- military overthrow of Islamist businessmen with links to the city. The corporate lawyer source, who Wednesday. The Turkish state- strophic" fire conditions on Sat- president Mohamed Mursi in "I don't dare go to Hong Kong," also frequents the Four Seasons, ment said the soldiers had been in urday. Fifty bushfires were al- 2013 unleashed a bloody crack- said Guo Wengui, a Chinese prop- said several of his mainland Chi- the same position for 10 days and ready blazing across NSW and down on his supporters. erty and investment tycoon who nese clients had moved out of the that their coordinates had been with temperatures expected to The crackdown decimated the said he knows Xiao and used to property recently, citing concerns communicated to Russia's Khme- reach as high. (Al Jazeera) Islamist movement and killed hun- visit Hong Kong regularly. from the incident involving Xiao. imim airbase in Syria, and in per- dreds of his followers, and set off Now, he says he would not (Al Jazeera) son to the Russian. (Al Jazeera) SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES By Afrasiab Khattak ate grounds. So where is the social against all and sundry with the full state institutions including the leg- Editor: Mansoor Faizy contract that provides legitimacy knowledge that it can be a death islature, the executive and the ju- A virulent debate has been going to state authority on the ground warrant for the persons being tar- diciary, and can they keep the state Phone No: +93-797070563 on in Pakistan about the implemen- that it will fulfill its basic duty by geted by the vicious campaign. But and society hostage? Unfortunate- E-mail: [email protected] tation of the 20 points National providing security to the citizens? that exactly seems to be the vio- ly based on ground realities the Action Plan (NAP) against reli- Again one must accept the fact that lence inciting hate campaign. Most answer is in the affirmative, even gious extremism and terrorism enforced disappearances is a wide diabolical was the brazen nexus if we decide to live in denial. Mak- Email: [email protected] since its inception on December spread phenomena in Pakistan for between the abductors of the blog- ing a mockery of the NAP, banned 24, 2014. quite some time and these were def- gers and the extremist/terrorist cir- extremist/militant organisations are www.afghanistantimes.af The opposition political par- initely not the first cases. Baloch cles in building the aforementioned thriving. No shift in the policy of ties have been blaming the govern- nationalists have been facing large campaign. They weren’t shy at all mentoring “good Taliban” is in Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi ment of lacking the required polit- scale enforced disappearances and to publicly support and reinforce sight. In fact this project enjoys as ical will and commitment for tak- unfortunately the courts, main- each other in suffocating citizen’s strong a support as the CPEC if Advisory editorial board ing the short term and long term stream media and most of the po- voices that were criticising the not more. measures for eradicating the men- litical parties have been ignoring state policy for appeasement of But if historical experience is Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, ace. the issue. The so called war on ter- the extremist militants. Hate anything to go by, the aforemen- Civil and military institutions ror has also been used to justify speech was full supposed to be tioned dangerous drift can be ulti- Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir of the state have been accusing one abductions by state security agen- curbed by the state under NAP but mately suicidal. Those who are another of not doing enough for cies in almost every part of the it was used with impunity against gloating at the latest Russian in- Graphic-Designer: full implementation of NAP. Pa- country with total impunity. But all those who dared to raise voice terest in Afghan Taliban should not kistanis who believe in democracy the only difference in the previous against it. forget that US had also once sup- Edriss Akbari, Bilal Yusufi and peaceful socio-economic de- cases of enforced disappearances PEMRA had totally lost con- ported Saddam Hussain’s adven- Marketing & Advertising: velopment were hoping against and the latest one is the large scale trol. Even the Supreme Court of ture against Kuwait and Iran. hope that somehow the mentors hue and cry that was raised against Pakistan found it difficult to im- But that adventurism only Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0778894038, 0782344728 of extremism and militancy will the kidnapping of social media ac- plement its restraining orders brought Iraq on the wrong side of realise the gravity of the situation tivists in the capital and urban cen- against hate speech by a TV chan- international norms and led to its Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan and mend their ways. But all these ters. This protest was again met nel that became a mouthpiece of ultimate undoing. It won’t be dif- Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 hopes were dashed to dust by what by typical fascist tactics of intim- bloodshed seeking fanaticism. ferent for Pakistan. Afrasiab appears to be the reverse imple- idation and terror. Accusations of Question, are these “rogue ele- Khattak is a retired Senator and Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press mentation of NAP over the last blasphemy were recklessly hurled ments” more powerful than the an analyst of regional affairs few weeks. It is pertinent to note that progressive political parties (in comparative terms) had to face The constitution says coercion of the state on one pre- text or the other during the last few Afghanistan: which way next? years apart from bearing the brunt Article 81: of terrorist attacks. The latest bla- By Daud Khattak emerged during the post-Soviet civ- of Takhar brodering the Central Article Eighty-One: The National Assembly of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, as tant onslaught against the critics il war and later on further expand- Asian state of Turkmenistan are of misguided state policies repre- After 15 years of international en- ed during the Taliban regime. witnessing huge Taliban and IMU the highest legislative organ, shall manifest the will of its people as well as represent the The already tense political en- (Islmaic Movement of Uzbekistan) entire nation. Every member of the Assembly, when voting, shall judge according to the sents a new fascist drift that cre- gagement and spending of billions ates serious questions about the of dollars, Afghanistan still faces vironment further worsened by a presence in recent months. general interests as well as the supreme benefits of the people of Afghanistan. peaceful future of Pakistan and the multitude of challenges each hav- weeklong standoff between Presi- In the east, the IS has strong region. Social media has been the dent Ghani and his vice president presence in least four districts of particular target of the most recent ing its internal and external dimen- sions, and the road once believed Abdur Rashid Dostum last month Nangarhar province. fascist attacks. Five social media when the latter was accused by one A recent report by the Special activists Salman Haidar of Islama- leading to rebuilding and lasting bad, Ahmad Raza Naseer of Nan- peace suddenly turns out to be of his ethnic Uzbek rivals, Ahmad Inspector General for Afghani- kana, Ahmad Waqas Goraya, murky and bumpy. Eschi, of beating and rape. stan’s Re-construction (SIGAR) Aasim Saeed of Lahore and Samar Fading interest among West- The story of Eschi’s alleged says that the “Afghanistan’s gov- Abbas of Karachi have been re- ern backers and undue meddling rape by Dostam’s men appeared ernment controls or influences 52 leased after their abduction three from neighbours and regional pow- in December 2016 that roused fu- per cent of the districts today com- weeks back. They were kidnapped ers have unlocked doors for new ror in local and international me- pared to 72 per cent in November between January 4 and 7 from dif- actors, state and non-state, strug- dia. President Ghani promised 2015.” ferent cities. Apparently they were “full investigation”. Although the presence of 8,400 neither formally charged of any gling to pursue their own agendas. An elusive peace means con- In the provinces, police and US troops with another 3,000 Avert civilian casualties offense nor produced in any court security officials have their loyal- from the Nato alliance in Afghani- of law. No government department tinuation of bloodshed on the Af- or institution accepted responsi- ghan soil that has been used as a ties attached with warlords, min- stan still carry a message of hope, ll parties engaged in Afghanistan conflicts must ward off bility for their abduction, although playing field by major powers and isters, parliamentarians or gover- Afghanistan remained the low pri- civilian casualties. Killing civilian is an unforgivable act, from circumstantial evidence it is Afghanistan’s neighbours for long. nors than the central state author- ority topic during the recently- pretty obvious that some state The new unfolding scenario ity. concluded presidential election in and can’t be justified by any laws around the world. In security institution might have has its roots in the failure on three The division of authority is the United States. been involved. Their release came major fronts, namely socio-eco- providing room for armed groups Even fewer words were spo- general, a civilian is a person who is not a member of military or as mysteriously as their kidnap- nomic, political and security with to continue flourish and even win ken by President Trump since his of a police or firefighting forces. However, it seems that civil- ping, but during their absence a moral, if not material, support taking charge of the White House. vicious campaign was launched all closely inter-dependent. The successive Afghan gov- among sections of society or key The coming forward of Russia ians were not protected in Helmand offensive. The provincial against them on social media and people in their respective areas. and China with pro-active role in on some TV channels accusing ernments since 2001 have failed to council chief confirmed the killing of 20 civilians in foreign forc- them of having committed blasphe- adopt concrete measures to boost Although poor socio-econom- Afghanistan, recently, may have its es’ airstrike. There is no place where civilians are safe from my. A similarly vicious campaign the country’s economy that would ic conditions and political insta- negatives and positives in the fu- targeted even those journalists, civ- not only reduce dependency on bility are the key elements deter- ture. such atrocity. il society activists and political foreign aid, but also help generate mining the level of looming threat, Being the leading regional Responding to the claim, the Resolute Support (RS) said that cadres who raised their voices jobs to cater for the needs of its the major challenge to Afghani- powers and closes neighbors of against kidnapping of the bloggers. growing population, particularly stan’s peace and stability comes Afghanistan, the two countries can Most of the protesters explained they are investigating the incident in the Sangin district of the the educated youth. from the Taliban who are now play a constructive and meaning- that their protest was against ab- spreading the war front from the ful role in bringing stability to the province. RS said that US forces conducted an airstrike in the ductions and if the government Unemployment, corruption in government departments, misman- erstwhile southern and southeast- war-torn country. district in past 24 hours to support and defend Afghan forces. proceeds against any one charged ern to the comparatively peaceful However, if the aim, especial- under law of the land they would agement, and widening gap be- However, 215th Military Corps of the Afghan National Army have no problem with that. But tween the poor and rich are the northern region. ly in case of Russia, is to neutra- such explanations fell on deaf ears major elements increasing frustra- While the majority of Afghans lise the US and European interests confirmed civilian casualties, but said that Taliban incurred ci- as the fascist mindset behind the tion among the majority, especial- believe they can and will survive in Afghanistan, one can easily pre- vilian causalities. According to them, when Taliban came under campaign was least interested in ly youth, thus providing space to the bad governance and poor eco- dict a worst scenario in the days equity, fairness and rule of law. Taliban and the so-called Islamic nomic conditions, their worst ahead. immense pressure they use civilians as their shield. Their purpose is to bulldoze and State (IS) propagandists to carry nightmare is a resurgent Taliban “We support and will contin- bury the dissent at every cost and With dozens of civilians killed or wounded and more than forward their agendas. striking at the gates of Kabul in ue to support the international that includes taking of human lives. case the ethnic and political ten- community’s efforts if the pres- hundreds other people displaced, still the conflict continues to This is too serious a situation to On the political front, the Na- tional Unity Government (NUG) sion spirals into armed struggle ence of the (Nato) alliance’s coun- be ignored. Therefore the kidnap- among warlords, politicians and tries does not pursue goals other affect lives in record numbers, and no end sees insight. ping saga cannot be left to get lost is marred by differences between Civilian casualties in Afghanistan in 2016 were the highest into oblivion as it can make the President Ashraf Ghani and Dr officials. than stabilisation and peace,” Rus- fascist onslaught on dissent a new Abdullah Abdullah camps from This happened in the strategic sia’s permanent representative to recorded by the United Nations, the agency said, with nearly normal. What is extremely disturb- top to bottom spreading an air of province of Kunduz when Taliban Nato, Alexander Grushko, was 11,500 non-combatants—one—third of them children—killed or ing is the abject failure of the state uncertainty all around. twice took over the provincial cap- quoted as saying by Interfax news to provide protection to its citi- Warlords, mafia lords, corrupt ital, Kunduz City, in the past two agency. wounded. zens. During the three weeks all officials and parliamentarians shift years. Since the new US administra- the three main organs of state, leg- loyalties whenever they feel In the southern region, the tion has yet to settle its priorities The leading cause of civilian casualties is the ongoing fight islature, executive and judiciary re- province of Helmand is under con- outside the country, Afghanistan’s mained clueless about the abduc- threatened or their interests not between security forces and the militants, especially in populat- being fulfilled. stant Taliban pressure while the future will mostly depend on con- tions of citizens in plain sight. western Farah and Nimroz prov- tinued commitment or fading in- ed areas. They either remained passive or The uncertain situation has were confined to making appeals also widened the ethnic divide that inces, bordering Iran, and province terest of its Western allies. Only in 2016, at least 127 civilians were killed and 108 in- to the abductors on compassion- (Tribune) jured as a result of air raids by international warplanes, while the Afghan air forces accounted for at least 85 death and 167 injuries. But 61 percent of all civilian casualties were caused by the opposition armed groups. The UN attributed at least 4,953 deaths and injuries to the Taliban, but in a shift for 2016, investigators documented a 10-fold increase in casualties caused by the Is- lamic State, which is also known as Daesh terrorist group. This shows the heart-rending and prolonged suffering of ci- w vilians in Afghanistan, who continue to bear the brunt of casual- la of ties. n tio The climate of fear has been created among Afghans as they ta en live in insecurity and uncertainty in every area. Civilians can’t em pl roam freely even in Kabul, the capital city. Recently more than Im 20 people killed and over 40 wounded after a suicide bomber targeted Supreme Court employees. Civilians are the worst vic- tim. The Afghan and foreign security forces should exercise ex- treme caution to protect civilians while carrying out operations, reciprocally the militant outfits. Subscription Rates Note:The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

By Lawrence Wittner eled distances ranging from 19 miles Northrop Grumman -- donated to 620 miles. Naturally, as a small- $40.5 million to congressional cam- When Americans criticize waste- scale system, GMD would be of paign funds from 2003 through ful government spending, they of- no value against Russia's enormous October 2016. ten fail to realize that the biggest nuclear arsenal. GMD "will not work," US sinkhole for public funds is what's In fact, at this point GMD is Representative John Garamendi, a described as "national defense" -- of no value against anything. Thus member of the House Armed Ser- a program that, all too often, does far, the Pentagon has conducted 17 vices Committee, told Willman. little or nothing to defend them. tests of GMD interceptors since "Nevertheless, the momentum of Take national missile defense, 1999 -- all in conditions that should the fear, the momentum of the in- a program begun with much fan- produce success. In a situation vestments, the momentum of the fare during the mid-1980s, when quite unlike armed combat, the industry" carry it forward. President Ronald Reagan realized people conducting the tests knew A key factor keeping billions that US nuclear weapons could not the speed, location, and trajectory of US tax dollars flowing to this prevent a nuclear attack upon the of the mock enemy missiles ahead ill-conceived project is the desper- United States. According to the of time, as well as when they ation of declining American com- President, his Strategic Defense would be launched. Nevertheless, munities, anxious to attract the jobs Initiative (lampooned as "Star the GMD system failed the tests a GMD installation would provide. Wars" by Senator Edward eight times -- a 47 percent failure The three communities vying to Kennedy) would safeguard Amer- rate. house the third GMD site are all icans by developing a space-based Nor has the GMD test record in the hard-hit Rust Belt, and their anti-missile system to destroy in- been improving in recent years. public officials are eager to secure coming nuclear missiles. Most sci- Quite the contrary. GMD has it. "Our community has been dy- entists doubted its technical feasi- failed six of its last 10 tests and ing a little bit at a time," an Ohio bility, comparing it to using one three of its last four. In mid-2016, mayor explained. "So we're hop- speeding bullet to destroy another a report written by three physi- ing that the [local] site is select- speeding bullet. Critics also point- cists and released by the Union of ed." ed out that development of such a Concerned Scientists declared that But if the only good reason for system would simply end up en- the GMD system is "simply un- missile defense is that it provides couraging hostile nations to build able to protect the US public." In- a jobs program, why not invest more missiles to overwhelm it or, deed, they concluded, "the system those billions of dollars in jobs if they wanted to avoid the addi- is not even on a path to achieve a doing useful things? Why not in- tional cost, to use decoys to con- useful ability" to do so. vest in factories turning out solar fuse it. In addition, it would create Why, then, despite the enor- and wind power components, a false sense of security. mous cost and the lack of useful high-speed rail cars, and inexpen- Although "Star Wars" was nev- results over many years, is this sive medicines? Why not invest in er built, the fantastic dream of a project continuing? One factor is health care clinics, day care cen- missile shield took hold in Con- clearly the US fear of hostile gov- ters, libraries, schools, job-train- gress, which began to pour billions ernments. Beyond this, however, ing facilities, community centers, of dollars into variants of this pro- as David Willman -- a journalist concert halls, bridges, roads, inex- gram. And, today, more than thir- who has done extensive investiga- pensive housing, assisted living ty years later, the United States tions of GMD -- has reported, lies facilities, and nursing homes? still lacks an effective missile de- "the muscle wielded in Washing- This country has made useful fense system. The US government, ton by major defense contractors, investments before. With the po- however, ignoring this dismal which have billions of dollars of litical will, it could do so again. record, continues to lavish vast revenue at stake." Three of them, (Truthout) resources on this unworkable pro- in fact -- Boeing, Raytheon, and gram, which has already cost American taxpayers over $180 bil- lion. One of the major components of the missile defense program is the Ground-based Midcourse De- fense system. Better known as GMD, it is designed to use ground- based "kill-vehicles" to destroy incoming nuclear missiles by col- liding with them. In 2004, before any indication that GMD would By Michael Corcoran "support the president's agenda." Amendment, by far the most well- owners." But despite the media's issues." The deal is seen as part of report said. While some of this work, President George W. Bush Trump has already shown an ex- known and appreciated amend- tendency to ignore or dismiss such a new era of consolidation involv- merger talk is speculative, one thing ordered the deployment of its in- treme level of hostility toward the ment in the Constitution. But polls concerns, the issue of ownership ing megamergers between media is certain. "With such high stakes, Media advocates everywhere were also show a great deal of confu- terceptors. Today, there are four alarmed, if not surprised, when press. Now, he will have the Pai- is vital in any discussion of a free companies and satellite and cable the media and telecom lobbies are located at California's Vandenberg led FCC to function as his own sion over what the amendment press. "Critics of concentration providers. Comcast's acquisition of powerful and working full bore in Donald Trump recently appoint- does. This combination of rever- Air Force Base and 26 at Ft. Gree- ed former Verizon lawyer Ajit Pai personal toolbox to undermine the rightly view the media as a huge, NBC Universal, denounced by Washington," Copps said. In the ly, Alaska, and the Obama admin- free press. As Americans unite in ence and ignorance has led to what non-democratically organized media reform activists, is an early House of Representatives, media to be the next chairman of the Fed- Karr calls a "naïve perception that istration has given orders to in- eral Communications Commission resistance to Trump, it is vital that force that has major power poli- example of this. Trump has pub- issues are handled by the Commit- crease the total to 44 by the end of they take notice of what is going the First Amendment will always tics, public discourse and culture," licly vowed to stop the merger, but tee on Energy and Commerce, and (FCC). Central questions include be there to protect us." But the 2017. The GMD cost thus far is what Pai's appointment will mean on at the FCC. "The FCC is de- observed media scholar C. Edwin organizers are not buying it. more specifically, the Subcommit- $40 billion. signed to protect the media in the reality is that only with militant Baker, in his book, Media Con- "Trump hates CNN. I think Trump tee on Communications in Tech- for freedom of the press and the advocacy have these protections All of this might be viewed as future of the internet. Sources who interest of the public. But as a com- centration and Democracy: Why was trying to fire a shot at Time nology (whose members have been water under the bridge -- or per- missioner for all these years, I have been preserved. The fragility of the Ownership Matters. Baker la- Warner [which owns CNN], but named for both parties).The chair have met Pai, who is active on so- amendment has been evident since haps water down the drain -- were cial media, describe him as smart seen it become a willing accomplice mented an FCC whose actions too the reality is that his FCC transi- of the subcommittee is Rep. Mar- it not for the fact that a third GMD in diminishing our media," said before the Constitution was rati- often "lie in the power and eco- tion team was always pro-merger, sha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) who, and affable, but with a militant, fied. It was opposed by most of site is now being considered. Mil- ideological opposition to regulat- former FCC chairman Michael nomic self-interest of major media and the same is true of Pai," Karr as Karr notes, is "awash in mon- itary contractors are ferociously Copps, in an interview with the framers -- federalists who al- companies." Pai, however, doesn't said. This new kind of consolida- ey" from the major lobbies. But ing Big Media and Telecom. An lowed for the inclusion of the Bill lobbying for it, communities in FCC controlled by Trump and Pai, Truthout. "We have a sad state of see media concentration as a threat tion is not likely to end with Time Blackburn is hardly alone. Cross- New York, Ohio, and Michigan are affairs in the media ... Pai opposes of Rights only as a concession to to the First Amendment. In fact, Warner/AT&T. On January 27, the referencing members of the com- the latter of whom has "been on placate the anti-federalists who actively competing for it and, giv- the wrong side of just about every any kind of government oversight. he has oddly argued that the threat Wall Street Journal reported that mittee with donations from these en long-time Republican enthusi- So I am deeply worried." The FCC were skeptical of the 55 wealthy to the First Amendment lies in lim- Verizon is "exploring a merger" industries is a dizzying exercise. major issue that has come before elites who produced the Constitu- asm for missile defense, this ex- the FCC," according to the media was created in 1934 to make me- its on such concentration. with the cable/telecom giant Char- According to the most recent data pansion seems very likely to be dia and communications "available tion in secret and believed "the evils Bloomberg reports that Pai be- ter Communications, a prospect from the Center for Responsive reform group Free Press, poses a we experience flow from the ex- implemented by the Trump admin- serious threat to democracy. Pai, so far as possible, to all the people lieves that existing rules are "ob- which tech reporter Chris Mills Politics, Time Warner has donated istration. The cost? An additional of the United States, without dis- cess of democracy." Since then, the solete," and the industry is already said "is terrifying for anyone with more money to the Commerce an FCC commissioner since 2012, values in the First Amendment $4 billion. has constantly sided with the crimination on the basis of race, anticipating that he will relax cur- an internet connection." With Pai Committee than any other com- Is this a good investment? color, religion, national origin, or have been undermined many times. rent ownership restrictions. Of in charge, the prospects for the mittee, more than double that of powerful media and telecom lob- Examples abound: John Adams GMD, it should be noted, was bies. He pledged to take a "weed sex." At the time, it mostly ap- immediate concern to reformers approval of mergers are significant- the next largest recipient, the Judi- designed to defend against a nucle- plied to radio, but it has expanded jailed dissenters and journalists and the industry is the proposed ly improved. His appointment has ciary Committee. The same is true whacker" to net neutrality, op- with the Alien and Sedition Acts. ar attack by Iran or North Korea. posed lowering the cost of phone to include virtually all our meth- $85 billion merger of Time Warner some tech companies "salivating," of AT&T, the other half of the But, thanks to the Iran nuclear ods of mass communication: tele- Eugene Debs was jailed for years and AT&T, which Free Press ar- according to the financial news ser- pending merger that will more like- calls for families of people in pris- by the (still existent) Espionage agreement, its nuclear program is on, and enabled devastating media phone, television and the internet. gues "would create a television and vice, The Street. "Although many ly face hearings, and the National frozen until 2030 or later. North When functioning as it should, said Act of 1917 for giving an anti-war Internet colossus like no other." of President Donald Trump's cab- Association of Broadcasters concentration with his opposition speech. More recently, the Obama Korea is also not a nuclear threat to ownership restrictions. His pro- Free Press strategic director Tim The danger of this merger managed inet nominations and government (NAB) and Comcast donate mon- to the United States, for it does Karr in an interview with Truthout, administration waged a war against to unite Senators Mike Lee (R- appointees have been mired in con- ey along similar lines. Among the motion to chairman was met with whistleblowers and spied on the not possess long-range missiles. glee from free-market ideologues its "existence is vital in protecting Utah) and Amy Klobuchar (D- troversy, one of the more influen- top industries donating to Black- Of 14 North Korean missiles test- basic freedoms of speech that are Associated Press. Our First Minnesota), who issued a joint tial for a large swath of the U.S. burn in the recent cycle were tele- and executives at big media and Amendment rights are in even ed during 2016, some failed to clear telecom companies, such as important to Americans." Indeed, statement arguing the transaction economy and markets is barely com services, TV utilities and tele- the launch pad while others trav- the public has long revered the First greater peril given Trump's open would "raise significant antitrust registering with the media," the phone utilities. AT&T, who promised to help Pai hostility toward the media. Six re- porters were charged with felonies for committing the apparently criminal act of journalism at One person’s criminal may be another's terrorist Trump's inauguration (see LETTER TO THE EDITOR Truthout's statement of solidari- Alexandre Bissonnette was not charged with terrorism although his attack in ty). And the anti-Semitic, Islamo- phobic white nationalist Steve Quebec has all the elements of a terror act. Bannon called the media an "op- evidence against a suspect is solid, position party" that should "keep By Faisal Kutty social and political context in which then adding terrorism charges may such decisions are made. He fur- their mouths shut. If most Ameri- Within 24 hours of the Quebec unnecessarily complicate the case cans previously held the belief that ther contends that "men of colour, City mosque attack killing six and from a strictly legal perspective. and Muslim men, in particular, are the First Amendment will always wounding nineteen, the 27-year- Understandably, establishing in- protect their rights to free speech more likely to face terror charges What is child labor, it refers to the employment of children in any work that deprives old suspect, Alexandre Bisson- tent to kill is much easier than prov- than white male mass shooters …" and a free media, the actions of nette, stood in court charged with ing the motivation behind the ac- children of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend regular school, and that is Donald Trump -- just weeks into Bissonnette must be charged with murder and attempted murder. PM tion. But, assuming the evidence terrorism for the sake of public mentally, physically, socially or morally dangerous and harmful. This practice must be his reign -- should awaken them Justin Trudeau and others called it exists, prosecutors will undoubt- from the slumber. Media activism, perception and to challenge the stopped in those countries where child labor is a daily practice and the children are being terrorism. But why is there no edly introduce the hate angle dur- falsehood that only Muslims com- and specifically the function of the mention of terrorism or hate in the ing the sentencing stage to seek an deprived of their legal and constitutional rights. FCC, has arguably never been more mit terrorism. Indeed, the selective criminal charges? The Criminal enhancement of the ultimate sen- use is evident from even a cursory It is estimated that at least two million Afghan children are working, of which at least important. "We need to fight for a Code defines terrorism as an act tence, if he is found guilty. Yet, free press and free speech, and it review of a handful of recent cas- 1.2 million are doing hard labor. committed, entirely or in part, for many are cautioning against charg- es. A simple Google search will The related official should take bold steps to put a full stop to the child labor. Child are has to be the grassroots," said political, religious or ideological ing him with terrorism. In fact, Copps, who serves as an advisor also reveal that numerous Muslim the future maker of every nation, Afghanistan also needs these children to be educated purpose, objective or cause that some even contend that there is men were charged with terrorism at Common Cause, a national or- has "the intention of intimidating "no real purpose" to pursuing such because the future of the already war-hit country fallen on their shoulder. If our youth ganization that fights for democrat- offences, sometimes with tenuous the public, or a segment of the charges beyond the symbolism or imagined connections to terror. and children are become educated, they can steer the country toward development. ic reforms. "People have to fight public with regard to its security." because it would have little, if any, for it.... The media won't cover Meanwhile, non-Muslims get a They are very important. Government must pay huge heeds toward their education. In this case, there are plenty of impact on the sentence. I agree. pass. Let's go back to 2013. De- Only educated new generation can move the country toward developments. [these issues]." It is indeed rare for reports documenting the 27-year- Moreover, being a critic of the anti- the media to cover how the indus- spite evidence disclosing an elabo- Mozamel Ahmad, Kabul, Afghanistan old Laval University student's terror regime, I also believe the law rate plan to send a political mes- try's increasing concentration hurts journey from a moderate conser- should be scrapped. That said, democracy. Such journalism would sage by killing staff and blowing vative to someone with far-right until and unless that happens, Bis- up the Veterans Affairs building in put the profits of Big Media in sympathies and connections. And sonnette should be charged with jeopardy. The dearth of coverage Calgary, discharged ex-military in- there is no doubt that Bissonnette's terrorism. As long as we have the telligence operative Glen Gieschen Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must has limited study on the issue, but victims, Muslims, were terrorised law in place, to paraphrase PM have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: the available literature on the sub- was not charged with terrorism. There is still a possibility that Trudeau with a twist, a terrorist is The Calgary Herald reported that [email protected] ject is unambiguous. A study pub- charges of terrorism may follow a terrorist is a terrorist. The degree lished by the Journal of Politics he had building plans and specifi- because prosecutors are still re- of caution argued above is rarely cations on his mobile and laptop. on media coverage of concentra- viewing evidence. Ultimately, it's exercised when suspects are Mus- tion resulting from the Telecom- The paper also reported that he their call. Prosecutors have told the lims. In such instances, the terror- had "surveillance videos and pho- munications Act of 1996 -- the media that they have charged Bis- ism label is used with relative ease, Disclaimer: most damning loosening of own- tographs ... and a detailed attack sonnette with the offences for without regard to the devastating plan including equipment and ar- ership restrictions in the FCC's which they have evidence to con- impact on both the community and The views and opinions expressed in the articles are history -- found "substantial dif- maments to be used, military as- vict. Terrorism is more onerous to individual members. sault apparel … and strategies to those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or ferences in how newspapers re- prove than regular crimes, in part 'Terror' vs 'murder' ported on these proposed regula- complete the attack ..." Yet, ill-con- because critical parts of the charg- As Osgoode Hall Law School ceived and even amateurish initia- opinions of the Afghanistan Times. tory changes depending on the fi- es rely on motive and other fac- Professor Faisal Bhabha told nancial interests of their corporate tives by Muslims. tors. If the crown believes that the CBC, it's impossible to ignore the (Aljazeera) SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Analysts detail changes needed to resolve Myanmar’s Rohingya situation

Federica Mogherini says, after meetings with U.S. officials, that the two sides are also united in upholding Ukraine-related sanctions on Russia

Senior U.S. officials have given whole.” “For me it was extremely the 2016 political campaign. White assurances to the European Union important to stress the need to House press secretary Sean Spic- that the Trump administration is stick to the full implementation of er on Wednesday reiterated com- committed to the Iranian nuclear the nuclear deal as we see is hap- ments made a week earlier by the deal, the bloc’s foreign-policy chief pening now,” she said. “The deal administration’s United Nations said Friday. The EU’s high repre- is working.” The State Department ambassador, Nikki Haley, who crit- sentative in charge of foreign poli- declined to provide a readout of icized Russian meddling in Ukraine cy, Federica Mogherini, speaking the meeting between Mr. Tillerson and backed the continuation of to reporters after meeting with and Ms. Mogherini. Ms. Mogh- sanctions related to that conflict. A woman walks among debris after fire destroyed shelters at a Secretary of State Rex Tillerson erini said administration officials Ms. Mogherini said Mr. Tillerson camp for internally displaced Rohingya Muslims in the west- and other senior administration also agreed on the need to keep would travel next week to Bonn, ern Rakhine State near Sittwe, Myanmar. officials on Thursday, said the of- Ukraine-related sanctions in place Germany, for a meeting of foreign A recent report issued by the of- keeping, empathy, and religious ficials told her they would uphold against Russia until a two-year-old ministers from the group of 20 fice of the United Nations High tolerance, among other areas. Be- the nuclear deal. “I was reassured cease-fire agreement for the con- world powers. The State Depart- Commissioner for Human Rights yond that, the Myanmar govern- by what I heard in the meetings on flict is fully implemented. ment wouldn’t confirm Mr. Tiller- chronicles killings, gang rapes, beat- ment must allow more access to the intention to stick to the full “We agreed on the need to have son’s travel plans. Mr. Tillerson, ings, disappearances, and other humanitarian aid groups and the implementation of the agreement full implementation of the Minsk as chief executive officer of Exxon crimes and acts of cruelty against media. Only the free flow of infor- and all its parts and this I think is agreement and on the fact that sanc- Mobil Corp., had opposed sanc- ethnic Rohingya Muslims at the mation, unhampered by security a very important statement,” she tions are linked to the full imple- tions against Russia. Last month, hands of Myanmar’s security forc- forces and the NLD (National said. President Donald Trump has mentation of that agreement,” she during his Senate confirmation hear- es. Malaysian Prime Minister Ra- League for Democracy party) gov- repeatedly denounced the nuclear said, referring to the 2015 cease- ing, he said that the cease-fire agree- jib Nazak said, “Enough is ernment, can accurately report the accord as a “terrible deal” and fire and peace agreements between ment reached in 2014 in the Be- enough,” and sent an aid flotilla to facts on the ground, which will lead threatened during the election cam- Ukraine, Russia and pro-Russia larus capital of Minsk hasn’t been assist the Rohingya community, to effective policy making.” paign to pull out of the agreement. separatists is eastern Ukraine. U.S. fully implemented and that he but the vessel was met by pro- Habiba, 32, and her three chil- While his national-security cabi- officials have previously said would support providing lethal tests. Pope Francis said, “They dren at a Rohingya village in Bang- net picks suggested in their hear- Ukraine sanctions against Russia weapons to Ukraine in response have been suffering for years, they ladesh. According to the Rohingya ings that they supported strict Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets with EU Union High would remain in place, although the to Russia’s move to annex Crimea. have been tortured, killed simply woman, she was raped by a Bur- enforcement of the deal, the Trump Representative Federica Mogherini in Washington. White House has said it may re- Mr. Trump said before he was in- because they wanted to live their mese soldiers and a Mogh, after administration has signaled it will administration imposed new sanc- who also met with Mr. Flynn and evaluate separate sanctions im- augurated that he would support culture and their Muslim faith.” her husband was beaten up and take additional steps to confront tions. The deal, under which Iran Jared Kushner, Mr. Trump’s son- posed on Russia by President lifting sanctions imposed on Rus- What, however, will it take to taken away from her village in Ra- Iran. His national security advis- agreed with six world powers to in-law and senior adviser, said the Barack Obama after sia for its annexation of Crimea in resolve the abuses outlined in the khine in December. Habiba, 32, and er, Mike Flynn, last week said he curb its nuclear program in ex- accord isn’t a bilateral or multilat- U.S.intelligence findings that Mos- exchange for a nuclear-arms reduc- report? “At the most basic level, her three children at a Rohingya was putting Iran “on notice” after change for sanctions relief, took eral agreement but “belongs to the cow was responsible for election- tion deal with Russia. the governments of both Myan- village in Bangladesh. According to it conducted a missile test, and the effect last year. Ms. Mogherini, international community as a related computer hacking during (WSJ) mar and Bangladesh must grant the Rohingya woman, she was access to international relief work- raped by a Burmese soldiers and a ers and journalists - by Myanmar Mogh, after her husband was beat- to the Rohingya population in en up and taken away from her Rakhine State, and by Bangladesh village in Rakhine in December. Mexican immigrants in US Amsterdam to the refugees being housed in “Bottom line, there is no way barely-inhabitable camps. At a the situation of the Rohingya im- deeper level, however, the great- proves unless the political leader- urged to take precautions eager to est burden rests with Myanmar: ship in Myanmar, meaning espe- to end the abuses documented by cially Aung San Suu Kyi, chooses amid deportation concerns boost ties the U.N. and other observers; the to really grapple with the issue, government in Yangon must up- roll back state-sanctioned discrim- hold the basic human rights and inatory policies and pressure the Uzbekistan, Tajiki- with Iran civil rights of its Rohingya citi- military to change its approach. Dutch Foreign Minister Bert zens." “First of all, it would take The Rohingya have been system- Koenders underlined his country’s the establishment of genuine law atically disenfranchised and de- stan flights open new commitment to the 2015 nuclear and order on the ground in Ra- monized by successive govern- deal between Iran and world pow- khine State, where the abuses are ments since the 1960's. Now even chapter in ties ers. taking place. Thus far, the Myan- liberal members of society, includ- In a meeting with Iranian Dep- mar police force, which is loyal to ing many senior officials within the A plane carrying paying custom- route are scheduled to start from uty Foreign Minister for Europe- the military by way of the Minis- NLD government, see them as not ers, officials and reporters com- February 20. Dushanbe-based an and American Affairs Majid try of Home Affairs, has been un- only not citizens, but undeserving pleted the first commercial flight news website Asia-Plus reported Takht-Ravanchi in Amsterdam on able to play the role of neutral ar- of any basic human rights. Perhaps between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan that only 14 tickets were sold for Wednesday, Koenders said his biter. There have been frequent al- Aung San Suu Kyi doesn't agree for the first time in 25 years, sig- the maiden flight. Aside from pay- country is eager to boost relations legations of police non-interven- with that sentiment, but she has naling a hopeful new chapter in the ing customers, other fliers includ- with Iran. tion or active collusion in violence also been unwilling to say a word two countries’ often-strained rela- ed aviation officials and journal- Referring to areas of coopera- enacted upon the Rohingya. So it in defense of the Rohingya. In ef- tions. The plane departed the Tajik ists. tion between the two countries, he will take an active restructuring of fect, they are being sacrificed so capital, Dushanbe, at 10 a.m. on Asia-Plus quoted one passenger, said terrorism and refugees are the MPF (Myanmar Police Force) she and her government can focus February 10 and arrived less than Jamila Yusupova, as describing the among fields that his country and to find an effective solution, in ad- on the lot of ethnic Burmans. an hour later in the Uzbek capital flight as a momentous personal Europe can have collaboration with dition to further training in peace- (Voanews) of Tashkent. “The Tashkent-Dus- occasion. “I am originally from Iran, Fars News Agency reported. hanbe-Tashkent flight, which the Tashkent and back in the Soviet Takht-Ravanchi said Iran fa- peoples of Uzbekistan and Tajiki- days I moved to Tajikistan togeth- vors development of ties with the A single sentence from a stan have awaited for 25 years, was er with my husband. European Union and believes that made possible by the willingness And it has been 25 years since I cooperation with the bloc has the of the two nations’ leader to meet have not been able to see my fam- Mexico is warning its citizens to sistance. potential to help promote interac- senior EU official sums up halfway,” Tom Hallam, chief exec- ily. Now my brother and sister, take precautions after one of its “And of course they are ner- tion at bilateral and regional levels. utive at Tajikistan’s privately who I haven’t seen for a quarter of citizens was deported from the vous,” says Juan Carlos Mendo- He called for continued nego- the frustration with Brexit owned Somon Air, was quoted as a century, are waiting for me there,” U.S. Meanwhile, those in Mary- za, with the Mexican consulate. tiations on regional developments, saying by RIA Novosti news agen- she said. land are feeling the ripple effects. The consulate told WJZ including Yemen, Afghanistan, Valdis Dombrovskis, the Europe- Nevertheless, it is not something cy. Regular flights along the same (Trend) It’s an episode that unfolded they’d been preparing for a change Syria and Iraq. an Commission's vice president for where we wanted to go." in front of the cameras, Guada- in command. (Financialtribune) the financial services sector, Dombrovskis' comments come lupe Garcia de Rayos, an illegal “You never know what is go- summed up the European Union's during a trip to the UK to discuss immigrant here in the U.S. was re- ing to happen after an election. The view on Brexit in one perfect sen- the European Commission's plan Azerbaijan sees no ported Thursday, 24 hours after election was very close and so we tence. After giving a speech in Lon- to accelerate Europe's capital mar- immigration officials detained her were preparing for any situation. don on Friday, Dombrovskis was kets union — a scheme designed obstacle to expansion of during a routine check-in. In this case, we are ready to assist asked by an audience member what to "lower the cost of funding and The situation is riling up pro- our community with these new he would like to see the EU get out make the financial system more testors who believe the new ad- migratory policies,” says Mendo- of the Brexit process, and how he resilient — and to discuss a range ties with US:Top official ministration is separating families. za. Immigrants like Jesus came here sees negotiations. of issues surrounding the British A day later, her American chil- illegally, but now has a valid work His response was a pithy financial sector's role in Europe There is no obstacle to the expressed our position,” Mamma- dren followed her across the bor- permit and says he’s concerned. summary of just how frustrated after Brexit. The day before the strengthening and expansion of re- dov said. According to him, Azer- der to Mexico. “For that dream to stop one Brussels' top brass are with Brit- trip, Dombrovskis hinted in an in- lations between Azerbaijan and the baijan and the US have always en- “Last night, I felt so empty day, it’s going to be like well, ain's plans to leave the bloc. "In- terview with the newspaper City United States, said Novruz Mam- joyed high-level relations. “Last without her,” says Rayos’ daugh- what’s next? But I hope that many evitably the will be some econom- AM that Brussels could be ready madov, deputy head of the Azer- year, Azerbaijan’s president paid ter. This comes just days after Pres- of these politicians tough their ic disruption by clearing out de- to take away London's role as the baijani Presidential Administra- a successful visit to the US, held ident Trump’s expanded deporta- heart and see that we are not here cades of economic integration. main centre for the clearing of euro- tion, chief of the administration's productive meetings during which tion regulations. just to do bad things, but we have Unfortunately, it will be a situa- denominated trading. "There are foreign relations department. the importance of bilateral ties was But Garcia de Rayos had long here to contribute to help our com- tion where we will be spending lots several factors at play," Dom- Azerbaijan has always cooperat- emphasized again,” the top offi- been on the radar of immigration munities, especially here in Balti- of time and energy moving from brovskis told City AM. "One is ed with the US and tried to have cial added. Noting that there is no officials because years ago she more,” says Jesus. Point A to Point B, when we al- financial stability. There are ques- good relations with this country, problem with Azerbaijan-US ties, used someone else’s social securi- The consulate says they’ve ready know that Point B is likely tions related to the enforceability Mammadov said commenting on Mammadov expressed hope for ty number — a felony. On Friday, seen an increase in the number of to be worse than Point A. "That, of swap lines between ECB and the future of Azerbaijan’s relations the continuation of cooperation Mexico warned citizens to take people calling in with questions. unfortunately, is the reality that Bank of England if the UK is to with the new US administration. between the two countries. He un- precautions and keep in touch The Trump administration has we are in." The European Union's move out of the jurisdiction of the He noted that the protection of Az- derlined the importance of contin- with the nearest consulate. said criminals are at the top of the most senior staff have been pretty European Court of Justice." He erbaijan’s state interests in these ued peace and stability in the The Mexican consulate in D.C. priority list for deportation. unequivocal in their distaste for reiterated that position in his processes has always been the world. “Despite the fact that Az- says they are urging any Mexicans (Reuters) Brexit since the vote, and Dom- speech at Bloomberg's European main goal of the country’s presi- erbaijan is a small country, it is a with concerns to come in for as- brovskis is no different, saying: headquarters on Friday, saying that dent. “We are conducting this really important state in the re- "This is not the destination we the European Commission will process as essential. From this gion,” he said. “During these want to go towards. As I said, and "look at" proposals from the ECB point of view, when discontent years, we initiated major interna- Lebanon’s premiership slams as President Juncker has said, we to move clearing activities out of arose in connection with certain tional projects and played a lead- regret but respect the decision. London. issues, we have always openly ing role in their implementation. campaign on constitutional prerogatives (Businessinsider) Beirut- Lebanon’s premiership has atives, but they delegated admin- responded to what it called a “cam- istrative prerogatives on employ- Kyrgyz Education paign” alleging Prime Minister Saad ee leaves at the presidential palace Hariri has abandoned his preroga- or disciplinary action against pub- Ministry launches revised tives by transferring them to the lic servants, and the transfer of Director General of the Presiden- funds within the budget of the cy. This is a routine decision to presidency, to facilitate the work electronic wait list system facilitate the work and has nothing within the Directorate General of to do with constitutional powers, the Presidency, stressed Ham- said Hariri’s spokesman Hani moud. “The constitutional prerog- for kindergarten admission Hammoud at a press conference atives cannot be abandoned by The Ministry of Education and garten admission will be changed. he held on Friday. “We meet to- anyone in favor of anyone because Science of Kyrgyzstan announced The electronic wait list will be the day because of the campaign” that they are stipulated in the Consti- it has changing the rules kindergar- only option to be admitted into a claims “Hariri abandoned his pre- tution through Article 64. But the ten admission rules. The Ministry kindergarten where such option rogatives by transferring them to which are in fact administrative prime minister has other tasks, will introduce the revised electronic exists,” the Ministry of Education the Director General of the Presi- tasks,” he told reporters. “Those purely administrative, that require wait list system for admission into said. The electronic wait list will dency of the Republic, because he in charge of this campaign should the signing of administrative pa- preschool education institutions allow to establish fair, equitable and signed a decree dated January 4, know that they are targeting all pers. And as we have seen, in or- since this year. “The electronic wait transparent conditions for access 2017 authorizing the Director former prime ministers, without der to facilitate the work and sim- list will be introduced for kinder- to preschool education, the Min- General to execute some of the exception,” Hariri’s press advisor plify the procedures, all the heads gartens to abolish corrupted prac- istry believes. tasks, and not prerogatives, en- said. None of the ex-premiers aban- of government signed similar deci- tices. The regulations on kinder- (Akipress) (Akipress) trusted to the Prime Minister, doned their constitutional prerog- sions,” he said. (AAWSAT) SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

India will be world’s fastest growing economy in 5 years: US National Intelligence Council says India will be the fastest growing economy in 5 years. India will be the world's fastest assistance, and to develop a credi- growing economy during the next ble nuclear deterrent by expanding five years, a top US intelligence its nuclear arsenal and delivery think-tank has said while under- means, including "battlefield" nu- lining that Pakistan, unable to clear weapons and sea-based op- match India's economic prowess, tions. "In its efforts to curtail mil- will seek "other methods" to main- itancy, Islamabad will also face tain even a semblance of balance. multiple internal security threats, "Pakistan, unable to match In- as well as a gradual degradation of The New Silk Road infrastructure dia's economic prowess, will seek equipment used in these opera- project gives other countries an other methods to maintain even a tions, declining financial resourc- opportunity to take advantage of semblance of balance," said the re- es, and a debate over changes need- China's economic growth at a time port 'Global Trends' of the Nation- ed to reduce the space for extrem- of a global economic crisis. al Intelligence Council (NIC), ism," it said. Russian President Vladimir which is the center for mid-term NIC said India's growing eco- Putin will likely participate in the and long-term strategic thinking nomic power and profile in the re- Silk Road summit that is due to within the US Intelligence Com- gion will further complicate calcu- take place in Beijing on May 14- munity. lations, as New Delhi navigates 15, Russian Ambassador to China "India will be the world's fast- relations with Beijing, Moscow, Andrei Denisov said Thursday. est growing economy during the and Washington to protect its own Earlier, the Chinese Foreign next five years as China's econo- expanding interests. New Delhi, Ministry said that the leaders of my cools and growth elsewhere however, will continue to offer over 20 countries have already con- sputters, but internal tensions over smaller South Asian countries a firmed their participation in the inequality and religion will com- stake in India's economic growth event. plicate its expansion," the report through development assistance The New Silk Road strategy said. and increased connectivity to In- is part of China’s involvement in In its report, the National In- dia's economy, contributing to In- global governance and is expected telligence Council said that Paki- dia's broader effort to assert its role to be a driving force for regional stan will seek to maintain a diverse as the predominant regional pow- and global economic development, set of foreign partners, from which er, it added. according to Wang Zhimin, an ad- it can draw economic and security (NdTV) viser at the Fengmian think-tank and director of the Institute for Globalization and Chinese Mod- ernization. The expert stressed that the initiative is especially important for the global community, taking into account the current "uncertain- ty" in the world economy. "Since the 2008 economic cri- sis, the global economy has been to the global economy many coun- ed by more than 100 countries and Route, and the Southern Route. In addition to transforming the in decline. Growth in the United tries want to take advantage of the international organizations. In par- The Northern Route is consid- Eurasian logistics and infrastruc- States and Europe was capped at Chinese growing economy. "Chi- ticular, more than 40 countries and ered the most promising among the ture landscape, the project pre- two percent. Despite the down- nese President Xi Jinping has re- organizations have signed an agree- others. It would go through Kaza- sumed China’s investments into ward trend, the Chinese economy peatedly said that Beijing wel- ment with China on cooperation. khstan and Russia. The Sea Route neighboring economies involved. managed to keep growing, includ- comes such cooperation. The Silk The amount of investment by Chi- would include transit routes via "Let’s take Kazakhstan as an ing 6.7 percent last year. Donald Road strategy is a result of Chi- nese enterprises into the countries Kazakhstan as well as ports of the example. Its economy long relied Trump’s victory in the US elec- na’s economic achievements and is along the route has already exceed- Caspian Sea for transit to Turkey. on oil, but now crude prices are tion and his isolationist policy has the backbone for the global econo- ed $ 50 billion. The One Belt One The Southern Route would bypass low and the country needs to de- added to global economic uncer- my at a crisis time," he said. Dur- Road includes several transit cor- Russia via Kyrgyzstan, Uzbeki- velop other sectors of its econo- tainty," he told Sputnik Chinese. ing the three years since the Silk ridors from western China to Eu- stan, Turkmenistan, Iran and Pa- my. China is ready to provide fi- Wang noted that taking into Road strategy was announced, rope which can be divided into three kistan with an access to the Indian nancial assistance," Wang said. account China’s nearly 25 percent China has been actively support- groups – the Northern Route, Sea Ocean. (Sputniknews) Future generations Bank of England hikes UK to pay price for economic growth forecasts Abe’s tax hike delays Welfare, tax burden on Japan's citizens seen but warns of rising inflation remaining flat in fiscal 2017 ing rates if pay growth rises at a faster pace than anticipated. Policymakers now believe the The percentage of personal income Japan ranks 28th in this category. UK economy will grow by 0.5pc going to taxes and social security The value-added tax in Swe- in the first three months of 2017. in Japan is projected at 42.5% for den and France, the equivalent of This is 0.2 percentage points higher the fiscal year starting in April -- Japan's sales tax, is 25% and 20%, than it expected in November and unchanged from the current fiscal respectively. This means that only slightly lower than the 0.6pc year -- the Finance Ministry said young and old alike are shoulder- expansion seen in the final quarter Friday. ing more of the cost of welfare pro- of 2016. Households are expected The percentage, known as the grams. Japan, which has an 8% to reduce their savings levels more national burden ratio, would be the sales tax, faces a more acute case quickly than was anticipated in second highest for Japan, after the of population aging. Yet the tax November, allowing them to keep record 42.8% in fiscal 2015. But it burden on the working-age and eld- spending even if prices rise more is still far lower than in some other erly populations has been kept rel- quickly than earnings. The Bank advanced economies -- raising con- atively low, while funding costs for said consumers could also borrow cern that the price of putting off the pension and health care pro- more to finance spending to "main- fiscal reform will have to be paid grams that support the increasing tain a higher rate of consumption by future generations. ranks of seniors have kept climb- growth even as income growth The 42.5% rate consists of ing. If Japan's sales tax rate gradu- stalls". The pace of growth is still 25.1% for national and local gov- ally rises to 25%, the national bur- Mark Carney said the Bank of England is prepared to tolerate expected to slow, with quarterly ernment taxes, up a projected 0.1 den ratio would reach 53%, com- higher inflation without raising interest rates - but stressed growth in real household income percentage point from the prior parable to Germany, according to there are "limits" to that tolerance forecast to "slow to around zero" fiscal year, and 17.4% for social an estimate. Prime Minister Shin- The Bank of England has upgrad- to voting for higher interest rates. this year, weighing on household security contributions, down 0.1 zo Abe has already postponed a spending. However, policymakers point. planned sales tax hike twice due to ed its growth forecasts for the next The Bank's inflation forecasts three years as policymakers ac- continued to show price growth said there remained "uncertainty In value terms, the sum of so- the feared fallout on economic about the timing and extent to cial security contributions and tax- growth. Meanwhile, the govern- knowledged the UK's economic remaining above its 2pc target for KARACHI: Iran is ready to in- Iranian President Hasan Rou- performance had been "markedly the next three years, peaking at which consumption growth will es will edge up, as will income. ment's debt has mushroomed to respond to the slowing in real in- crease electricity supply to Paki- hani also signed an agreement with While the burden is expected to be record levels. The elderly and work- stronger" than its gloomy predic- 2.8pc in the first half of next year. stan from the existing 130 mega- Pakistan last year for the expan- tions following the Brexit vote. The nine-member committee come growth". The Bank also ex- one of Japan's highest ever, it's still ing-age populations are likely not pects the UK jobless rate to re- watts to 3,000 megawatts, said Ira- sion of cooperation in trade and far lower than in European coun- contributing enough to the system, Bank officials expect the UK voted unanimously to keep inter- nian Consul General Ahmad Mo- energy. economy will grow by 2pc this est rates on hold at a record low of main below pre-crisis averages for tries known for providing stellar leaving a heavier burden for future the next three years. Policymak- hammadi. Mohammadi announced that welfare benefits. Sweden's rate is generations. The latent national year. This is up from a forecast of 0.25pc and maintain its stockpile He was speaking at the Irani- an exhibition of Iranian products 1.4pc in November and just 0.8pc of asset purchases at £435bn, but ers said it was likely that there was 56%, France's 68.2% and Germa- burden ratio, which takes into ac- more room for the unemployment an Consulate General on Thurs- is going to be held from February ny's 52.5%. Among the 34 Orga- count fiscal deficits, is seen com- last August. repeated that there were "limits to day at an event held to mark the 24 to 27 in Karachi and a solo ex- Growth in 2017 is now pro- the degree to which above-target rate to fall before pay pressures nization for Economic Coopera- ing to 49.4% in fiscal 2017 -- close start to emerge. 38th anniversary of the Iranian hibition of Pakistan products will tion and Development members, to a record high. (Nikkei) jected to be only slightly weaker inflation could be tolerated". revolution. Sindh Chief Minister be organised in Tehran in April. than 2016, as well as the projec- While the spike in inflation The unemployment rate is forecast to edge up to 5pc this Murad Ali Shah, who was the chief Talking about the relations of tion of 2.3pc growth for 2017 that was "entirely" due to the fall in guest, and his predecessor, Qaim Iran with the province of Sindh in officials forecast last May, ahead the value of the pound following year, from 4.8pc in the three months to November, according to Ali Shah, were also present. particular, Mohammadi said that of the EU referendum. the Brexit vote, which has pushed Iran can export 3,000MW elec- the ties are excellent. Policymakers also raised their up import costs, policymakers the Office for National Statistics. Officials had previously expected tricity to Pakistan He said that due to Sindh’s forecasts for growth in 2018 and stressed that there remained a According to Mohammadi, pivotal role in Pakistan’s econo- 2019 to 1.6pc and 1.7pc respec- trade-off between supporting the rate to rise to 5.5pc this year and 5.6pc at the start of 2019. The the Iran gas pipeline is the cheap- my, culture and politics, it also tively, from 1.5pc and 1.6pc in growth and employment and keep- est, most secure and profitable enjoys a special place in foreign November. ing a lid on inflation. "For some Bank said the "persistent weak- ness" in wage growth, even as un- source of energy for Pakistan. It is relations between Iran and Paki- It said a more gradual slow- members, the risks around the a turning point for ties between stan. down in consumer spending, mea- trade-off embodied in the central employment has fallen back to pre- crisis averages, suggested that "the the two countries and both are de- Mohammadi said that it was sures announced by the Chancel- projection meant they had moved termined to complete it at the ear- with full cooperation of the Sindh lor in the Autumn Statement, and closer to those limits," the min- unemployment rate may be able to fall further below pre-crisis rates liest, he said. government that Iran constructed stronger outlook for the global utes of its February meeting said. Business and economic ties four hospitals in Badin, Khairpur, economy would all support UK The minutes said policymakers before wage growth and labour cost pressures build sufficiently to between Pakistan and Iran had Nawabshah and Thatta and three output. were prepared to respond with a been hampered over the past many high schools in Badin, Khairpur It came as some policymakers further cut in interest rates "if keep inflation at the 2pc target." (AP) years by international sanctions on and Larkana. on the Monetary Policy Commit- spending growth slows more Tehran over its nuclear programme. Pakistan, Iran to sign tee signalled that they were close abruptly than expected" or by rais- In January 2016, most of the curbs 3,000MW power supply deals were removed, which triggered ex- Talking about his own coun- tensive efforts by both sides to try, Mohammadi said that despite revive economic ties. economic sanctions, Iran has man- Vietnam’s GDP to grow 5.1pc a year till 2050: Report However, the new US admin- aged to come this far and has re- A report by the prestigious global power parity (PPP) at US$595 greatest jumps in the ranking sys- istration, led by President Donald mained the most stable, peaceful accounting firm of Pricewater- billion. PWC anticipates the coun- tem until 2050. However, PWC Trump, slapped fresh sanctions on country in the entire Middle East- houseCooper (PWC) predicts con- try will grow on average 5.1 per warned Vietnam of the current vol- Iran last week after Tehran con- ern region. tinued economic growth for Viet- cent per annum, making it one the atile world situation, with major ducted a ballistic rocket test. Speaking on the occasion, CM nam until 2050 period, with annu- world's most rapidly progressing political events such as Brexit and Mohammadi said that the ex- Murad Ali Shah recalled that Iran al Gross Domestic Product (GDP) countries. The report predicted Donald Trump's presidency, all of pansion of ties with neighbouring was the first country that recogn- increase of 5.1 per cent, on aver- that by 2030, according to GDP which would cause crucial disrup- countries is one of the priorities of ised Pakistan as an independent age, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) based on PPP, Vietnam would tions to the global economy until Iran’s foreign policy and Pakistan, state. “I totally agree that Iran-Pa- reported. The report issued Tues- climb up to No 29 in the world 2050. To achieve continuous suc- being a Muslim neighbouring coun- kistan gas pipeline is an important day, entitled "The World in 2050 - with GDP at US$1.3 trillion, and cess, as an emerging economy, Viet- try, has a very special place in the project,” he said. “It will bring The long view: How will the glo- would continue to rise until 2050 nam would need to enhance insti- foreign policy of Iran. cheapest energy to Pakistan and it bal economic order change by to become the 20th largest econo- tutions and infrastructure signifi- Iran desires prosperity, secu- is an honour for our party that it 2050?" lists Vietnam as the 32nd my with GDP of US$3.17 trillion. cantly to realise the country's long rity and stability of Pakistan and was former president Asif Ali Zar- largest economy in the world, with Together with Nigeria and the Phil- term growth potential and to de- believes that it will also be benefi- dari who conceived this project.” GDP value based on purchasing ippines, Vietnam could make the velop on the basis. (BERNAMA) cial for Iran, he said. (TRIBUNE) SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 12 , 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Shia LaBeouf vs Donald Trump: Actor’s art exhibit shut down in New a for-sale album is kind of obso- lete now,” he told television host York Lady Gaga is dating her agent, Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show. “It gives me more space to A museum in Queens borough in Christian Carino, reported US New York has shut down an on- Weekly. The Creative Artists create and put out stuff.” Stream- ing has brought new optimism to line art installation by the actor Agency agent was spotted kiss- Shia LaBeouf, calling it a “serious ing the pop superstar, 30, on the executives of the music industry, which has witnessed its first and ongoing public safety hazard” cheek at Houston’s NRG Stadi- after the actor was arrested and um before her Super Bowl LI half- healthy growth figures since the start of the internet era. In the the exhibit became a target for time performance on Sunday, Feb- threats of violence. The partici- ruary 5. He also brought Gaga to United States, the world’s biggest music market, subscriptions to patory exhibit, He Will Not Di- his close friend Tommy Hilfiger’s vide Us, was a collaboration be- fashion show in Venice, Califor- music streaming services more than doubled in 2016 alone, ac- tween Mr. LaBeouf and the art- nia, on Wednesday. The Million ists Luke Turner and Nastja Sade Reasons singer blushed and be- cording to analytical firm BuzzA- ngle Music. Larry Miller, direc- Ronkko, New York Times report- came shy when she was asked if ed. Intended as a rebuke to US she has any new men in her life tor of the music business program at New York University’s Stein- President Donald Trump, the ex- during an interview with Ryan Se- hibit hinged on a video camera acrest on Thursday. The six-time hardt School, said the change by the Recording Academy, the tra- mounted on the outside of the Grammy winner was discussing Museum of the Moving Image in her Super Bowl show when the dition-bound institution that ad- On Air With Ryan Seacrest host ministers the Grammys, would asked if she celebrated her suc- likely lead to more streaming ex- cessful performance with a “wild clusives in the future. “It’s cer- and dangerous” man after the tainly not the first and probably game. “I don’t know! You know I not the last but it is perhaps one don’t talk about my love life, of the most important validating Ryan!” Gaga said. “I’m really red. statements about the emergence, I’m really red, and it doesn’t go and maybe domination, of stream- with my outfit.” (Tribune) ing as the way that many, if not most, people are finding and lis- tening to music,” he said. The three top-selling albums last year Sushmita Sonakshi Sinha likely in the United States, which are all up for the prestigious Album of the Year Grammy, show the di- Sen: Not to team up with Vijay versity of strategies on streaming. Beyonce, who leads the Grammys with nine nominations, sprung her just a in Murugadoss’ next previously unannounced album Lemonade onto Tidal, the upstart pretty face treaming has rapidly trans through Apple Music and then on streaming service led by her hus- formed the music industry other services including the most band Jay Z. Beyonce started sell- ctor Sushmita Sen feels the Sand if there is to be a single popular one, Spotify. The 23- ing Lemonade on iTunes a day lat- Indian film industry is no moment to confirm the format’s year-old, known for incorporat- er and within two weeks put it longer based on an artist’s arrival, it may be the upcoming ing gospel elements into hip-hop, out on CD – but has not streamed Astoria, Queens, into which pass- A ers-by were invited to repeat the physical appearance and age, but Grammy Awards. The music in- is in the running for seven Gram- it on Tidal’s rivals. Toronto rap- talent is what is most important. dustry’s most prestigious awards, mys including Best New Artist. per Drake released Views through phrase “he will not divide us”, the She believes that age only adds which take place Sunday in a star- The Chicago artist insists he Apple for a two-week exclusive report added. experience to an actor’s career. studded gala in Los Angeles, this doesn’t plan ever to sell his songs. period – a triumph for the tech The aim was to stream online “No, I don’t agree with the age year for the first time considered His music giveaways have become giant as it promotes its young images of people repeating those thing anymore. If you had asked releases that were only streamed part of a social media strategy, streaming service – before sharing words throughout Trump’s time me this when I joined the film in- online. The biggest beneficiary with touring his primary source it with other platforms. Howev- in office. dustry, I would have said a re- has been Chance the Rapper, of revenue. “There’s so many er, English balladeer Adele re- After it began on January 20, sounding yes!” Sushmita said, whose Coloring Book came out in ways that music moves around leased 25 – the top-selling album the exhibition quickly became a when asked if she feels Indian cin- May only by streaming – first now. I feel like trying to fit it into in recent years. hot spot for politically charged ema is based on an actor’s looks (Holleywoodreports) confrontations, and the video and age. The actor shared that Actor Vijay and filmmaker AR shi is the front-runner for the lead- camera caught it all. Hollywood veteran Meryl Streep Murugadoss are set to team up ing lady’s role. The museum cited LaBeouf’s has played some incredible parts for the third time later this year. “Murugadoss approached arrest along with “dozens of through her career at different ages. According to a source, this yet- Sonakshi because both of them threats of violence and numerous “Meryl is someone I deeply untitled Tamil project is likely to understand each other very well. arrests” in announcing that it had admire…And now comes our very feature a leading Bollywood ac- Nothing has been confirmed yet,” closed the exhibit. own Sridevi…I mean, I give you tor. “It’s true that Murugadoss and the source said. The film will be “The installation had become just that one example because it’s Vijay are coming together for the bankrolled by Lyca Productions, a flash point for violence and was a success,” she added. The 41- third time. The project, in all prob- the company which produced disrupted from its original intent,” year-old said that age adds expe- ability, will go on the floors to- Murugadoss’s earlier film Kath- the museum said in a statement. rience onto the screen space. “It wards the end of this year. Talks thi with Vijay. Vijay has just be- (Holleywoodlife) goes to show that age only adds have been initiated with a few gun working on a yet-untitled to the experience and to actually Bollywood heroines including Tamil project with director Atlee. bringing alive more of that experi- Sonakshi Sinha,” a source privy Murugadoss, on the other hand, to the development said. Having is busy wrapping up a yet-unti- I’m capable of already worked with Murugadoss tled Telugu-Tamil bilingual project producing my films: twice in Holiday: A Soldier Is with Mahesh Babu. Anushka denies Never off Duty and Akira, Sonak- (Hindustan Times) he second song from the rumours of Virat movie 'Badrinath Ki Dul Kohli producing Priyanka Chopra interviews hania' is out and this time Phillauri its 'Tamma Tamma Again'. Dev Patel, talks about nose Yes, the hit song of 90's which was originally picturised on job rumours onTheView Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt. Now a re-created version of Priyanka Chopra was as US talk show The View recently this song has been released by where she talked about a lot of things which included ad- the makers of the movie. dressing the rumours of getting a nose job. She even inter- Interestingly this time the acted with Dev Patel who is nominated for the Best Support- original lyrics has not been ing Actor Academy Award for Lion. changed but it has some rap by Badshah. Priyanka Chopra, who recently That’s when one of the hosts Joy Song has been recreated co-hosted American talk show Behar interrupted saying, “Is that by Tanishk Bagchi. The View, opened up about her your original nose?” PeeCee’s re- Badrinath Ki Dulhania star- struggles before she entered Bol- ply left everyone in splits as she ring Varun Dhawan and Alia lywood as the actress was body confirmed, “Yes, this is my origi- Bhatt in lead roles is directed shamed by a producer. She also nal nose!” The 34-year-old then by Shashank Khaitan is joint- interviewed actor Dev Patel who gave a befitting explanation to the has been nominated for an Oscar notion of a ‘false perception ly produced by Dharma Pro- this year. “Before I became an ac- about women’s body’. “There is ductions & Fox Star Studios. tor, I met a producer about the such a false perception about (Santa Banta) possibility of acting. I was a beau- what women should look like and ty pageant winner at that time, what our bodies should look like. Miss World. And he said that ev- Especially when you are in the “I am more than capable of pro- erything was wrong about me. He business, you put on a couple of Gigi Hadid tried to play cool on first date ducing and promoting my own said my nose was not proportion- pounds and people are like..body films.” ate, the shape of my body was shaming you. It happens. Christ- Anushka Sharma has a mes- not proportionate,” Priyanka said mas happens to all of us. I have with Zayn, called him ‘cute’ in 10 min sage to all those who claimed that while the women anchors dis- Holi, I have Diwali, and my body he most in-demand model of her alleged boyfriend Virat Kohli cussed about people’s perception fluctuates and I am fine with it.” the world Gigi Hadid, who had a big role in her second home ence onto the screen,” said Sush- recently stopped by The mita, who walked the runway for about looking a certain way. (Tribune) T production Phillauri. Ellen DeGeneres Show for the first designer Sashi Vangapalli at the The actress took to social time, revealed her ‘struggle’ to media to express her annoyance recently concluded Lakme Fash- play it cool after falling hard for ion Week Summer/Resort 2017. and to clarify that the flick is pro- Zayn Malik when they first met. duced by FOX Star Hindi and The actor, who is a single mother “We actually met at a friend’s to daughters Renee and Alisah Clean State Films. birthday party a few years ago. Phillauri, which is directed by Sen, shared that it would be tragic Then, he was in New York to come if an actor’s career gets over at the Anshai Lal, is set to hit the screens to the Victoria’s Secret show... and on March 24, 2017. The film also age of 25. “It is a beautiful thing ended up not coming. I was like, to grow and then to depict that in features Suraj Sharma and Diljit ‘I’ll play it cool, I’ll go to the af- Dosanjh in important roles. (AP) cinema. So, I disagree with that. ter party.’ He wasn’t there,” Ha- We are definitely headed in the did confessed, laughing, “And right direction and there is a roll then later that week, we ended up and a script for everyone. We just going on our first date.” Gigi Had- need the right directors to come id made her Ellen debut. Ellen then up with them,” she added. The prodded: “Was he playing it cool former Miss Universe feels the like you were playing it cool?” change in the roles essayed by “We played it cool for like ten women in Indian cinema is fan- minutes, and then I was like, tastic. “It’s a fantastic time for “You’re really cute,”‘ Gigi di- women actors in the film indus- vulged, continuing, “We connect- try because I have seen in the last ed, like, really quickly.” Not just 13 years alone, the whole concept Katrina Kaif: Now Gigi Hadid gets of a woman-centric film being the her own Barbie. And it’s a stun- centre of all the attention,” Sush- ner She revealed that the couple mita stated. Sushmita stated the bonded over their mutual obses- Indian audience is getting more ed- sion with viral YouTube sensation ucated regarding such films. Noah Ritter. Hadid continued, “We’re a lovely film-going nation. “We have kind of the same sense I do feel very strongly that more of humour and started sharing vid- and more opportunities such as eos.” The runway stunner also these should arise through a good said that her Ellen appearance script, great makers and an audi- checked off the third and final ence that is willing to learn and item. (Hindustan Times) enjoy different kinds of cinema.” SUNDAY. FEBRUARY 12, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho does not expect any underhand tactics from his "friends" at Real Madrid amid growing talk of a summer move for David de Gea. The 26-year-old goalkeeper has won the club's Player of the Year award for the past three sea- sons and is contracted to the Old Trafford giants until at least 2019. De Gea penned that deal in September 2015 after a much- mooted move to Madrid collapsed in acrimonious circumstances, with talk now building over a re- newed bid for the Spain goalkeep- er. Real Madrid president Floren- tino Perez this week said "some- one is messing around" when quizzed about the current specu- lation and Mourinho does not ex- pect those at the club he managed for three years to resort to skul- duggery. "With Mr Perez and his right arm Jose Angel Sanchez, they are some of the people in football that I can say that I didn't work for them and it is over," the United boss, in charge at the Bern- abeu from 2010-2013, said. "I can say that we are friends forever, big friends. I like them a lot, they like me a lot. We are friends and friends speak - not every day be- cause they have their life and I have my life. But friends speak, friends are open, friends don't hide things, friends are honest. "So if at the end of the season I want one of their players or they want one of my players, it is not through the press that we are go- ing to change messages or are go- ing to send noises. "We will be very, very, very direct, so it is one of the clubs that I am not worried (about) at all because we are friends. "And if something has to hap- pen, it will happen between us South Africa v Sri Great Britain and not with you, so it's the kind Gary Cornish is targeting British of club I am really cool with." will face sked if he was confident that Lanka: Hosts go top of title afterreviving his career De Gea, who says he is "very happy" and focused at United, Croatia in a would remain at Old Trafford, ODI world rankings after following defeat toAnthony Joshua Mourinho said: "I have nothing Fed Cup to say, really, because, as I was Gary Cornish hopes to seize his saying, I am not going to speak 5-0 whitewash series win chance to win a British heavy- about hypothetical things. weight title against Sam Sexton promotion "The only thing that is real is after rebuilding his career follow- that he is my player, I am happy ing the defeat to Anthony Joshua. play-off with him. The Scotsman lost his unbeat- "I know that he is happy with en record in a first-round defeat Anne Keothavong's side se- me and there is nothing else. Ab- to Joshua in 2015, but the 29- cure easy victory over Tur- solutely nothing else." year-old has since linked up with Speculation over De Gea's new trainer Billy Nelson and will key in Tallinn to progress future will roll on for months to battle Sexton for the vacant Brit- come, as will that about Antoine ish belt, which was relinquished Great Britain will face second Griezmann's potential acquisition by Dillian Whyte. seeds Croatia in a Fed Cup pro- from Atletico Madrid. Cornish faces Revaz Karelish- motion play-off after Anne Willian, Victor Lindelof and vili next weekend as he seeks a Keothavong's side completed a Tiemoue Bakayoko are others re- third successive victory since that whitewash win over Turkey in portedly of interest to Mourin- setback at The O2 and admits it Tallinn. ho, who has confirmed targets are will be a 'dream' to claim the Lons- "No regrets, except losing ob- 13lbs during just a few weeks of Britain finished top of Pool C in mind for the summer. dale title. viously. I went in there thinking I training. to earn a play-off against Pool B "I know the players I want," I don't think a Scotsman has could beat him and nothing "The improvement in six winners Croatia on Saturday af- he said, having earlier admitted up ever fought for it. It will mean changed. I would do it all over weeks has been quite staggering," ter wins for Johanna Konta and to four new faces could arrive at everything. again. It was a brilliant learning said Nelson. "Hopefully he can Heather Watson secured victory Old Trafford. "I've got a fight next Saturday, curve for me, the arena, the crowd, make a wee statement next week over Turkey. Konta had to fight "Of course, the start of ev- so I want to concentrate on that it was just a brilliant experience and then it's all gun's blazing for back from a set down to beat Cag- erything is the qualities of the first, but I'm obviously happy I've for me." the Sam Sexton fight. la Buyukakcay 5-7 6-4 6-3 while players you want but then, soon- got the title shot," Cornish told Nelson has previously guid- "Sam is a tough, durable box- Watson thrashed Ipek Soylu 6-0 er or later, it has to end in the play- South Africa went top of the ODI halted the hosts' run-scoring some- Sky Sports. ed the career of world champion er, but I would like to think Gary 6-1, while in the dead rubber, Laura ers you want. world rankings after their 88-run what with regular wickets before "I don't think a Scotsman has Ricky Burns and has scaled down will be too fast, too slick, too quick Robson and Jocelyn Rae beat Ayla "And as I was saying, I try win over Sri Lanka in the fifth one- Amla and Farhaam Behardien (32 ever fought for it. It will mean Cornish from 19st 7lbs to 17st for him." (Tribune) Aksu and Pemra Ozgen 6-2 6-2 in always to be objective, I try al- day international in Centurion, off 20 balls) took apart the Sri everything. That's what you get the doubles to complete a com- ways not to participate in the securing a 5-0 series whitewash. Lankan attack late on. into boxing for, to win titles, and fortable 3-0 triumph. summer histories of trying to Hashim Amla hit a superb 154, Sri Lanka suffered an early fighting for the British title is ev- If Britain beat Croatia, they bring players that everybody sharing in a 187-run record open- blow in their run-chase as Upul ery boxer's dream so I'm no dif- Jordan Spieth and Jason will progress to another play-off knows is impossible. ing partnership with Quinton de Tharanga - who scored a century ferent than everyone else. in April to move out of Euro/Af- "I am not going to tell Mr Kock (109) - who also smacked a in the fourth ODI defeat - fell to "I have seen Sam spar up in rica Zone Group I, the competi- Woodward and Mr Glazers 'bring century - as South Africa amassed Chris Morris (4-31) for seven. Scotland with Dereck Chisora. I Day roar into contention tion's third tier, and into World me Messi' - don't spend the time 384-6 when batting first. Morris soon had a second was supposed to fight him a cou- Group II. until 31st August, so I am always Sri Lanka never came close in when Kusal Mendis (1) offered ple of years ago, but it never hap- in Pebble Beach ProAm Konta's task will be to over- objective. reply, especially after being re- up some catching practice to AB pened. I'm delighted to be fighting come Croatia's talented 19-year- "The sooner the better and I duced to 82-5 inside the opening de Villiers at mid-off. him, if I beat the next guy, and it Jordan Spieth claimed a share of old Ana Konjuh, ranked 37th in know exactly what I want. I know 14 overs. Then Niroshan Dickwella (39 will be good to share the ring with the lead as Jason Day also charged the world and widely considered what I want is possible, so let's And despite an enterprising off 19), who again provided a him." into contention on day two of the to be one of the game's rising stars. see if we can do that." unbeaten 114 by Asela Gunarat- spark at the top of the order, was After defeating Cornish, weather-hit AT&T Pebble Beach Watson will be up against an- Mourinho's focus now, ne lower down the order, the vis- next to go, as Sri Lanka's top or- Joshua needed just two more Pro Am. other youngster in 20-year-old though, is Saturday's match itors fell well short, finishing on der fell apart. fights to claim the IBF heavy- The strong winds and heavy Donna Vekic. Vekic's progress has against Watford and avenging Sep- 296-8, though they did bat out Some respectability was add- weight title, and the Inverness man rain which curtailed the opening slowed slightly since she burst tember's 3-1 defeat at Vicarage their full 50 overs for the first time ed to the visitors' score thanks to does not look back at that night round relented on Friday, although onto the scene as a teenager but Road. Marcus Rashford scored in the series. a 93-run stand for the sixth wick- with any bitterness. professionals and celebrities had she will push Watson who, at 72, the consolation that day but has Sri Lanka elected to field first et between Gunaratne and Sachith Cornish said: "Obviously the to contend with persistent fog is ranked only 12 places higher in struggled to match the goalscor- after winning the toss, but would Pathirana (56), but the pair failed Joshua fight, what happened, which forced play to again be sus- the world. ing form shown when bursting regret that decision as South Afri- to score at such a rate to keep Sri happened, but the thing with box- pended ahead of schedule. Spieth (Fox Sport) onto the scene. "He is not any- ca's openers put on 187 together Lanka in with a chance of victory. ing - one punch landed and that was one of only 32 of the 154 more the surprise kid," Mourin- in 26.3 overs, De Kock racing And despite some big-hitting can change a fight. That's what remaining competitors who man- ho said. "He is a player that ev- through to an 80-ball ton. late on by Gunaratne - including happened on the night. aged to complete their second erybody respects, that everybody Amla was slightly more cir- four consecutive boundaries off "Glad to be back now, getting rounds, and the two-time major knows and everybody knows the cumspect in reaching three figures, one Behardien over - to take him a few wins, and now I'm working champion found himself as the qualities. "It is normal he is in this bringing up his hundred - off 112 through to a maiden ODI hundred, with Billy, everything is improv- clubhouse leader after returning a period of transition where he is balls - in the 40th over, but swift- Sri Lanka slipped to another ing. seven-under 65 at Spyglass still a kid but not anymore the new ly added a further 50 to his score heavy defeat on their tour, while The 29-year-old will warm up Hill.The 23-year-old parred the kid in town. in the closing overs. South Africa claimed top spot in for Sexton with a fight this month final two holes at Monterey Pen- "I think next season will be Suranga Lakmal (3-71) and the world rankings. The 29-year-old will warm up insula early on to complete an very, very good for Marcus be- Lahiru Madushanka (2-70) had (BBC Sport) for Sexton with a fight this month opening 68 before making the short cause this season is giving him trip to Spyglass, where he started experience at this level of respon- on the back nine and made four sibility, at this level of being a pro- birdies in seven holes. Spieth fessional player at a club like picked up further shots at the sec- Manchester United. ond, fourth and seventh before a "So I am really happy with wayward approach to the next Marcus, that's why every match The Champion Hurdle has been at the Festival would have been a cost him his only bogey of the since the start of the season he is blown wide open by news of real fillip, but it's not to be. Given day, but he responded with an- there, on the bench or in the line- Faugheen's absence. Following the manner of Buveur D'Air's vic- other birdie at his final hole to up, or coming last 30, the last 20 Saturday's win for Buveur D'Air, tory at Sandown last Saturday and close on 10 under par. Derek or the last 10. what's your latest assessment of the way the race has fallen apart Fathauer is also 10 under with one "He said something the other the race? Well, we had been hang- somewhat, he is in there with hole to complete when he returns day that made me really happy, ing on for an update over strong claims and it's certainly to Pebble Beach in the morning, which is he says he is learning so Faugheen's participation and then more open than it was. It's worth and he would have been reluctant much, even in the tactical meet- came the bad news, which didn't reminding ourselves that he beat to walk off having rolled in eight ings and training sessions, so I feel like a huge surprise. It's a blow Petit Mouchoir in a Grade One birdie putts while keeping a blem- think his future will be brilliant. to Willie Mullins and his stable Novices' Hurdle at Aintree back ish off his card. Jason Day was "His present is good and we who have had a rollercoaster of a in April and he is a proper hur- seven under for the day after just need him." (Sky Sport) season and to see the stable stars dler. 12 holes. (Sky Sport) SUNDAY . FEBRUARY 12. 2017-Dalw 24, 1395 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 194 Price: Afs.20

Maliki found our decision- many other things to do besides making process too ponderous. worrying about a coup. There are “You think you see an opportuni- more than 150000 coalition troops ty to strike a terrorist, so you col- in Iraq, and we are committed to lect intelligence on it,” he once com- the success of the Iraqi govern- plained to me. “You then send the ment. How in the world do you information to Washington, where think a coup could succeed with another process of deliberations the U.S. military here in those takes place before you are autho- numbers?” He listened but never rized to do something. Then, here relinquished that fear. Still, Maliki in Baghdad, you plan and plan. was willing to take risks in pursu- Finally, by the time you decide to ing political reconciliation and dis- By Farhad Naibkhel Commander in Helmand, Mohm- determine whether what the facts destroyed during bombing of US act, the terrorist has left Iraq and tancing Iraq from Iran, provided mad Rasoul Zazai confirmed civil- are and whether civilians were hurt strike, which resulted at killing of gone even beyond Afghanistan.” he that he was confident in his rela- KABUL: Security officials in ian casualties in the district. “Six or killed as a result of our opera- 15 people including women and also believed that we were using tionship with the United States. southern Helmand province said killed and two others wounded in tions,” the statement added. If fur- children and wound of three oth- force with too much discrimina- He was carefully attuned to the that they are investigating civilian the district,” he said, adding that thered, “we take every precaution ers.” Similarly, in Mullah Bacha tion. Maliki’s critique stirred up balance of power in Iraq and would casualties possibly incurred dur- these people were killed by Tali- to prevent and mitigate civilian area another house targeted in problems with the U.S. military, not make a move if he believed it ing an operation in Sangin district ban. “When the Taliban insurgents casualties and we take every alle- which seven people killed includ- who suspected that he wanted entailed excessive risk to him, his of the province. The provincial came under immense pressure by gation seriously. With that said, ing women and children and two more control of Iraqi units for sec- party, his sect, or his government. council chief on Saturday con- Afghan security forces, they use we have no evidence that civilians others wounded, the statement tarian purposes. Maliki’s initial But when I briefed Maliki on my ly mixed results. We made the most firmed the killing of 20 civilians in civilians as their shelter,” he add- were killed in these strikes, rather added. objection to using force against the efforts to reach out to Sunni Arabs progress on reforming the Minis- foreign force’s airstrikes in Sangin ed. However, the Resolute Sup- just claims from the Taliban that However, the Taliban militants Sadrists, who formed part of his and pull insurgents out of the fight, try of Interior. Casey and I de- district of the province. “Provin- port Mission in a statement said civilians were killed as a result of suffered heavy casualties during a political base in parliament, fueled he endorsed my plan, albeit with clared that 2006 would be the cial governor office assigned a del- that there has been fighting in and our strikes in Sangin. Moreover, series of airstrikes in southern that suspicion. We eventually reluctance. Eventually, he gave the “year of the police.” The coalition egation to assess civilian casual- around Sangin over the last few in a statement, the Taliban mili- Helmand province on Friday. The agreed that the coalition would coalition the green light to act did a thorough analysis of the In- ties,” Provincial Governor Spokes- weeks, and the US Forces have tants said that 25 civilian killed and provincial government officials transfer control of some Iraqi forces against Shia Arab militias and au- terior Minister, pulled police units man, Omar Zawak told Afghani- conducted strikes to support and six others wounded in US airstrike said nearly 60 Taliban insurgents provided that Maliki coordinated thorized us to strike the secret out f deployment for retraining, stan Times. “It is before time to defend our Afghan partners. “As in Sangin district. The statement were killed as they were planning with us and was willing to use force cells-the so-called “special units”- and re-vetted police and minister say word on the issue.” Mean- with all claims of civilian casual- added, “in Charchino village house to launch a major attack on Sangin against all groups who violently within the Mahdi Army that were officials. while, the 215th Maiwand Corps ties, we will investigate them to of “Haji Fida Mohammad Aka” district. opposed the state. The most im- directly controlled by Iran. These reforms won me no fa- portant thing to understand about I was pleased with Maliki’s vors in Shia Islmist circles. Lead- Miliki, I realized was his near-ex- evolution, but knew that he still ers of Shia Islamist parties began istential fear of a Baathist coup. harbored sectarian and authoritar- to call me “Abu Omar”-a typical More than once, I would meet with ian impulses. While I thought we Sunni Arab male name, which sug- DABS owed him, and he would tell me about could help create the conditions in gested that I was “father of the elaborate conspiratorial plots on which he would emerge as a genu- Sunnis.” 6b Afs in the part of Sunni Arab leaders and ine national leader, I knew there We improved the capabilities former Baathists, who he alleged, were limits. We could not change of other institutions as well. My unpaid were scheming to take power. He who he was fundamentally, but we deputy chief of mission, Daniel watched like a hawk as the United could, and did, shape his conduct Speckhard, mobilized the embas- electricity bills States built and reformed Iraqi se- in important ways. IN THE LAT- sy to field Provincial Reconstruc- curity forces, fearing that we were TER half of 2006, I focused on tion Teams modeled on those in empowering individuals who helping Maliki and other Iraqi lead- Afghanistan. Given the federal na- Among those listed as being in ar- tremely limited ability to organize would execute a coup. He was par- ers implement the agreed-upon ture of the Iraqi government and rears is First Vice President Gen- ticularly suspicious of the intelli- agenda for their national unity gov- the delegation of authority to re- close-air support." eral Abdul Rashid Dostum who Nicholson agreed, but said the gence service that the CIA was ernment. gional and provincial bodies, I reportedly owes over 30 million helping to build, which was led by I selected the most significant thought it was critical to strength- Afghans are making progress. "In Afs in unpaid electricity bills. fact, it's been very impressive for a Sunni Arab. One day, after he issues and framed them as “bench- en the capacity of local govern- A list sent to the media by Da related a particularly far-fetched marks” or “milestones” for the ments. such a young capability," he said. Afghanistan Breshna Shirkat Nicholson also said he favored the conspiracy theory to me, I leaned unity government. Maliki, at times, In late 2006 and early 2007, I (DABS) has revealed that a num- toward him and said, “Look, Mr. loudly objected to the terms, mediated negotiations on a series continuation and expansion of the ber of companies, government of- Special Immigrant Visa program Prime Minister, I understand that which he felt demeaned Iraq’s sov- of important draft laws, but Iraqi fices and officials owe a total of at you worry about the stability of ereignty. But he worked hard to leaders did not push any of these that allows Afghan pilot and main- least six billion Afs in unpaid elec- tainers to come to the U.S. to train. the Iraqi government. But you are advance the agenda. over the finish line during my ten- tricity bills. wasting your time. We have so Our efforts produced decided- ure. However, the U.N. Assistance Among those listed as being in To be continued Mission in Afghanistan, or arrears is First Vice President Gen- UNAMA, released a report in eral Abdul Rashid Dostum. Also Kabul on Feb. 7 stating that in on the list are a number of MPs UKshuts down 2016, "Airstrikes carried out by and influential and political figures Afghan and international forces - who collectively owe the com- probe into caused 590 civilian casualties (250 pany at least three billion Afs. deaths and 340 injured), nearly Breshna spokesman Wahidul- claims against A member of the Afghan Air Force marshals in an A-29 double that recorded in 2015 and lah Tawhidi said a number of pow- the highest since 2009." erful figures are not paying their Super Tucano at Hamid Karzai International Airport, The airstrike figures were part British troops Afghanistan. (US Air Force/ Nathan Lipscomb) bills and when DABS officials try of an overall report stating that in to disconnect their power, they 2016, "11,418 conflict-related ci- Defense minister said about 90 physically stop them. percent of the 675 cases relating The A-29 Super Tucano turbo- by the Afghan pilots trained at vilian casualties, including 3,498 “We have cut off their electric- to alleged abuse of civilians in Af- props supplied to the Afghan Air Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, killed and 7,920 injured" were re- ity many times but unfortunately Force by the U.S. have flown hun- Nicholson said. corded. About two-thirds of the ghanistan will be dismissed. they reconnect it - with the force The UK’s Defense Minister dreds of combat missions amid "The system that does this is civilian casualties were attributed of weapons - and they are not concerns over mounting civilian more than the pilots and aircraft," to the Taliban and other insurgents, making any bid to pay off their Michael Fallon says the govern- casualties caused in the airstrikes, he said. "It also involves the Af- UNAMA said. According to an electricity bills,” he said. Tawhidi ment is shutting down a seven- Gen. John Nicholson said Thurs- ghan tactical air controllers on the analysis of figures from the U.N., stated the Ministry of Finance also year-old investigation into claims day. "We've grown our pool of pi- ground and the Afghan maintain- Afghan forces and the U.S. by owes a substantial amount of mon- of abuse by British forces in Iraq lots to around 20" for the eight A- ers back at the base" who also are Military Times, the A-29 pilots ey but has promised to pay 15 and Afghanistan. Media reports 29s now in Afghanistan, said trained in the U.S. are firing and dropping munitions percent of its debt. Ajmal Hamid, indicated that the team, set up in Nicholson, commander of U.S. "We have seen progress in all at a far higher rate than U.S. pi- spokesman for the Finance Min- 2010 to investigate claims of abuse lots. Forces-Afghanistan and NATO's these areas," Nicholson said. istry said they are taking steps to and torture by British soldiers, will Resolute Support mission, at a Sen. David Perdue, a Georgia Of 328 A-29 missions exam- rectify this. “This debt is from ined by Military Times in 2016, close in the summer, Fallon said. hearing of the Senate Armed Ser- Republican, cited the statement past years. We will collect infor- Fallon also said that about 90 per- vices Committee. last year of Army Gen. John Camp- 138 involved firing or the drop- mation and will take steps to pay Since the Embraer EMB 314 bell, then the U.S. commander in ping of munitions, a rate of 43 per- cent of the 675 cases relating to the money,” he said. According to KABUL : The Kazakh ambassa- occation of the country’s 25th In- alleged abuse of civilians in Af- Super Tucanos became operation- Afghanistan, that one of the great- cent. U.S. aircraft had a drop rate DABS, the two biggest offenders al in April 2016, they "have done est challenges faced by the Afghan of about 12 percent, the analysis dor in Kanbul on Saturday said his dependence . ghanistan will be dismissed and the are the Yasir Nabizada Company country supported Afghanistan’s Afghanistan always saw Ka- in excess of 800 missions" flown forces was "overcoming their ex- showed. .(MILITARY) and Dostum. (Tolo News) remaining claims will be investi- desire to become a permanent zakhstan as a good neighbor, Ab- gated by the Royal Navy police, member of the Shanghai Coopera- dullah said, desiring improved bi- media reports indicated. "This will tion Organisation (SCO). lateral relations between the two be a relief for our soldiers who have Ambassador Bitimov Omirtay, countries in areas of business and had allegations hanging over them Hundreds protest against night raids in Zabul who called on CEO Abdullah Ab- transit trade. dullah, said Afghanistan and Ka- He said Afghanistan’s mem- for too long," Fallon said. This zakhstan enjoyed friendly ties. bership of the SCO would not only comes after a parliamentary com- QALAT : A large number of peo- local officials have arrived to lis- He said for further strenghen- help improve security in the coun- mittee report on Friday claimed ple on Saturday blocked the Kab- ten to the complaints of the dem- ing relations between the two try but would also boost commer- that serving and retired UK troops ul-Kandahar highway during a pro- onstrators”, he said, adding the countries, his country was com- cial and transit relations in the re- had been subjected to "deeply dis- test demonstration against night- government would try to address mitted to supporting Afghanistan gion. Abdullah went on to say joint turbing" treatment by investigation time raids by security forces in the protestors’ concerns in its quest for becoming a SCO sessions of the Afghanistan-Kaza- team. The report by the Defense southern Zabul province. One of the protestors, Ahm- full member. khstan commission had already Select Committee in the House of The governor’s spokesman, adullah, said the aim of their pro- He said his country also sup- paved the way for expanding rela- Commons stated that many alle- Gul Islam Sial, told Pajhwok Af- test was to oppose Afghan Spe- ported Afghanistan’s position in tions between the countries and gations of abuse did not have any ghan News the protest in Shahr-i- cial Forces’ night raids in their area. the United Nations (UN) and the there was a need for only conduct- credible evidence. He said the district intelligence Safa district began at 9am and end- Organization of Islamic Coopera- ing and pursuing the meetings. However, Amnesty Interna- ed at 12:30pm. He said the pro- manager and his deputy were in- tion Conference (OIC). He hoped He also spoke about experi- testors numbering around 300 volved in such operations. Ahm- relations between the two nations ence and joint cooperation between tional reportedly criticized the de- blocked the Kabul-Kandahar high- adullah asked the government to would further improve in various the two countries to fight against cision to close the investigation, way for traffic during the demon- replace them. He said mostly ci- fields. Omirtay also conferred the terrorism and extremism and called calling for an independent investi- stration and torched vehicle tyres. vilians were targeted in night op- Supreme Kazakhstan President’s joint efforts as vital and fundamen- gation to be conducted. “Protest is legal right of people and erations. (Pajhwok) State medal on Abdullah on the tal. (Pajhwok) (Tolo News)