Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:257 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes THURSDAY.APRIL 20. 2017 -Hamal 31, 1396 HS

AT News Report he Ministry of Defense T (MoD) on Wednesday said : The court of Criminal that night raids by Nation- Justice Task Force (CJTF) on al Army (ANA) special forces Wednesday said that 11 drug traf- units are of strategic importance ficker arrested in Hamid Karzai in the fight against insurgency. international airport in Kabul in the These operations help to eradicate past one month. terrorists from strategic locations CJTF in a press statement said quickly and effectively, defense that said that 11 smugglers were ministry spokesman Dawlat Wazi- Abdul Karim Khoram apprehended by Counter Narcot- ri said on Wednesday. He said that ics Police through different crack- night raids, special operations and down and were handed over to night operations were now top CJTF for criminal proceedings. priority for the security forces. Statement said that that the But security experts called on the investigation is going on over the MoD to carry out night raids on dossier of the indicts by the CJTF, the back of credible information which after examining the evidenc- only so as to protect civilians. “If es and arguments from both sides the information is credible, then we it will convict the accused traffick- can eliminate the enemies at night ers, added statement. quickly; but night operations have Some 4kg heroin and over 3kg some challenges as well and it dis- hashish seized from smugglers, turbs (civilian) families,” said who planned to transfer the nar- former military officer Atiqullah cotics to Delhi and Dubai, men- Amarkhail. “Our special units, the tioned the statement. All the con- commandos and our air force per- victed drug traffickers would have sonnel are working hard these days defense attorneys for their legal and they have several plans on the defense and will be convicted after table; the move is aimed to accom- separate judicial trials based on the plish the job with few personnel AT News Report bomb, he said, “prior to this bar- evidence brought before the court and quickly,” said Waziri. The and the Counter Narcotics law of baric act, terrorist attack on mili- statement comes hours after the tary hospital in Kabul was . Afghan National Security Forces KABUL: Abdul Karim Khoram, former President Hamid Karzai’s launched, followed by some US- (ANSF) carried out a night raid on pad people propagated pictures of Tuesday and eliminated a key Tal- Chief of Staff has termed the drop of ‘mother of all bombs’ MOAB victim on social media, just to lev- iban commander, Mawlawi Lal, el the ground for the US to test the 38 insurgents who had been the group’s shadow against Islamic State fighters, which is also known as Daesh terrorist, weapon without any concern.” governor for northern Baghlan He claimed that US backed province. The raid was carried out in Achin district of eastern Nan- killed in raids garhar province, as a barbaric act Daesh could launch another terror- jointly by the ANSF and their for- ist attack against innocent people AT News Report eign counterparts in Dand-e-Ghori conducted by US, persuading var- ious goals. Talking to the Waisa in Kabul or other parts of the coun- area of Pul-e-Khumri city. Mean- try to counter and influence the KABUL: At least 38 militants while, a number of lawmakers in Daily, he said “actually it was a were killed and 19 others were test of dangerous weapon on the ongoing reaction among the Afghan the Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of people over the MOAB. wounded in different operations Parliament) have said that the in- Afghan soil. Dropping of MOAB launched by the security forces on Afghan soil was also meant to Moreover, regarding the re- ternational community should step moval of Ahmad Zia Masood from within past 24 hours. In a press up its efforts to equip the Afghan convey a threatening message to the and also to sabo- his post as special envoy to the release issued here, Ministry of Ex-President of Afghanistan – about fighting terrorism and the Russian role in straitening peace in the region air force with modern weapons, Defense, (MoD) said that Afghan tage Moscow-led peace conference President Ashraf Ghani, he said, fighter jets and reconnaissance air- “this would give birth to political National Army (ANA) with the craft. “We need equipment for our on Afghanistan.” cooperation of the Afghan National Afghanistan topic is on the front the largest non-nuclear bomb Afghan President Hamid Karzai Pointing out toward harsh re- crisis.” He also termed this act as a air force personnel, they should tactic of dirty game carried out by Police (ANP) and National Direc- pages of the world media for a long weighing about 10 tons against ter- told about ways of peaceful set- also take a firm stand in the war action by the Afghan people, es- torate of Security (NDS) conduct- time. rorists in the Afghan province Nan- tlement the Taliban movement (the pecially, the stand of former Pres- the government to overcome the against terrorism,” said MP Da- widely reaction against MOAB. ed joint operations against insur- However, normally, just news garhar. The war in Afghanistan lasts organization’s activity is banned) woud Kalakani. “We cannot root ident Hamid Karzai over the US gents in different areas of Nangar- of incidents comes from this coun- almost 40 years. in the country, about the work of out a tree by cutting one of its har, Kapisa, Khost, Kandahar, try: explosions, terrorist attacks, In this interview with Special the current Afghan government branches, we need to cut the roots Uruzgan, Badghis, Faryab, Kun- murders. Correspondent of daily “Izvestia”, and the USA foreign policy mis- of the tree,” said MP Ramazan duz, Sar-e-Pul and Helmand prov- And last week the USA used Ph.D., Georgi Asatryan the former takes in the region...P2 Bashardost, referring to insurgents’ inces. The statement said that in backers. According to the MoD, Something is Editorial these operations38 insurgents in- over the past 24 hours, the Afghan cluding four Daesh and three al- security forces have carried out at P6 Qaeda fighters were killed and 19 Youth’s least seven air raids. (ToloNews) going wrong others were injured. This joint operation of the Defense Security coordination Forces was supporting by the ar- tillery and air forces, added state- foundation ment. “ANA discovered and con- fiscated weapons and ammunition call Achin in the operations as well.” bombardment as ‘war crime’ Shenkai AT News Report district police US b om b in g is n ot KABUL: The Youth’s Coordination Foundation strongly condemned the chief killed in a ccep t a b le: Ex -la w m a k er s US aerial attack on the Achin dis- trict of Nangarhar province, calling Taliban AT News Report it a “war crime”. The US air force dropped Thursday the biggest ever KABUL: Ex-lawmakers con- non-nuclear bomb under the pretext bomb attack demned the US airstrike in Achin of targeting Daesh terrorists’ strong- district, urging the United States holds. The attack was followed by of America (USA) should equip several protests inside Afghanistan Afghan forces with modern and and abroad. Former President Ha- heavy weapon in order to elimi- mid Karzai was the first one who nate terrorist groups across the condemned the attack, calling it an country. The US forces Afghani- aggression against the national sov- stan conducted an airstrike against ereignty. The foundation said the at- ISIS-K complex in Achin district tack was against all international Nangarhar province on Thursday norms, adding that the government of Afghanistan was part of the crime QALAT : The police chief for the and targeted Daesh hideout by GBU43 the biggest un-nuclear by confirming it. The youth’s foun- Shenkai district of southern Zabul dation declared support to Karzai’s province has been killed along with bomb. This attack had different positive and negative reaction. “If stance against the US attack, who a bodyguard in a roadside bomb- said that he would do his best to ing claimed by the Taliban, an offi- Afghan forces equipped with mod- expel the foreign troops from Af- cial said on Wednesday. ern heavy weapons and aerial forc- ghanistan. Tens of the youth raised Provincial police head Brig. es, they would have the capability voices against the “war crime” com- Gen. Mirwais Khan Noorzai told to eliminate Taliban, Daesh and Pacha Khan Zadran mitted by the US military in Achin. Pajhwok Afghan News the Tali- other foreign terrorist groups “Dropping the largest bomb by the ban insurgents stormed a security across the country,” said Ex-Law- for its carelessness regarding using US could not be battle against ter- check-post in Shenkai district at maker Pacha Khan Zadran. He said of biggest bomb in Afghanistan soil, rorism,” said a member of the foun- round 11:30pm on Tuesday night. that dropping of biggest bomb is he said that government must pre- dation. “The government of Afghan- He said the district police only a power show, which is not vent from dropping of mother of istan is a partner of the US in this chief, Saifullah Hotaki, wanted to acceptable for Afghans. If USA re- bombs in Achin. Former Senator crime.” So far, thousands of the rush to the site of the clash to help alty fight against terrorism must Amanullah Azimi strongly con- youth have supported Karzai’s security forces but his vehicle target main hideouts of terrorist in demned airstrike attack in Achin, stance against the US attack and other side of Durand, he noted. We said that US-forces tested his big- called it a war crime. They expressed struck a roadside bomb on the way. concerns about the “soft stance” of According to Noorai, Com- welcome targeting of terrorists and gest bomb here in Afghanistan. He Afghans’ enemies centers, but said that US-forces through this the government regarding the attack. mander Saifullah Hotaki and his They believe that if the situation con- bodyguard were killed and four through a legal process based of bomb wanted to give massage to the country law, he claimed. Af- tinues, it would provide opportuni- policemen wounded in the blast. , , and . Drop- ty for competitions among the Unit- As usual, the Taliban claimed ghanistan has over 300,000 capa- ping of this big bomb is not ac- ed States, Russia and other regional responsibility for the killing of ble troops, who fight better against ceptable for us, he added. Those countries. The US vice president Hotaki. The group's spokesman terrorist, thus it is essential to the who conducted the attack and Mike Pence said in his Qari Yousaf Ahmad took credit for US equip them with modern and those who welcomed this bomb visit that bombardments of Afghan- Hotaki's killing on his social media heavy weapons to win this war, attack are both condemnable, he istan and were power display account. (Pajhwok) he insisted. Criticizing government underlined. to North Korea and other US rivals. THURSDAY .APRIL 20, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Money from drug sales in Afghanistan...

...P1 — What do you think con- cerning efforts of Russia to orga- nize international consultations on Afghanistan, which will be held on April 14 in Moscow? It will be attended by representatives of more than ten countries, including the Afghan authorities. However, despite the invitation, the USA refused to participate. — I fully support the confer- ence and consultations organized by Russia. They are important for the consolidation of peace and sta- bility, both in Afghanistan and in the region as a whole. I’m so sorry that the USA has refused to par- Afghanistan is once again on the least de-funded eradication, but its Kunduz development. Although mend this set of policy measures, ticipate in this conference. The cusp of a bloody fighting season, efforts against predatory crime ul- Ghani and Abdullah had been po- elaborated in my forthcoming re- USA, as a country which is present which this year didn’t even relent timately proved unsatisfactory. litically indebted to their backers port, for the remaining two and in Afghanistan, should make ef- during the winter. In fact, since They were held hostage to the ad- and thus had a relatively weak half years of the NUG: Reducing forts to bring stability and peace. 2014 the Taliban has mounted and ministration’s own strategic deci- hand, they could have come togeth- corruption and improving gover- This requires strengthening of con- sustained its toughest military sions to define the Afghanistan er in the aftermath of Kunduz to nance, but in a prioritized manner: tacts with all regional countries: campaign yet, and the war has be- mission as one of limited counter- act against corruption within the tackling first the most dangerous come bloodier than ever. Extensive terrorism. It de-emphasized state- Afghan National Security Forces forms of corruption, including in Russia, China, India and Iran. A ciate it. The USA came to Afghan- with representatives of the move- successful fight with terrorism is predatory criminality, corruption, building and imposed restrictive and strengthen their power vis-à- the ANSF, against entire ethnic and istan in 2001, and liberated us from ment in , , and Eu- and power abuse—not effectively deadlines on U.S. assistance, par- vis predatory powerbrokers who tribal groups, and that which par- impossible without cooperation extremists. Afghans appreciate rope. The Germans, Norwegians with the countries of the region. In countered by the Afghan govern- ticularly military. Washington and had been engaged in tit-for-tat eth- alyzes any service delivery as op- that. Russia and China also played and British meet with the Taliban. ment—have facilitated the Tali- the international community did nic and tribal discrimination, land, posed to merely taxing it; Reining short, if someone wishes peace in their role in supporting of Afghan- Representatives of the Arab coun- Afghanistan, then he must take part ban’s entrenchment. Author attempt several anti-organized- revenue, resource theft, and extor- in the warlords and predatory crim- istan. We need this spirit and pol- tries meet with the leaders of this Vanda Felbab-Brown Senior crime and anti-corruption initia- tion in the province for years, long inality, once again in a prioritized in a conference in Moscow. itics again. I have already said that movement. Nobody hides that. The USA must to recreate the Fellow - Foreign Policy, Center for tives. One of the most visible tools fueling support for the Taliban. manner without taking on the en- at some point something went When they meet with the Taliban, 21st Century Security and Intelli- became the military’s anti-corrup- But once again, the opportunity tire system by focusing on the positive political environment sur- wrong at the western coalition. they consider it as normal thing, rounding Afghanistan. The word gence VFelbabBrown tion task force, Shafafiyat (Trans- was not seized. Meanwhile, poli- most egregious forms of predato- but when the Russian representa- The transition choices by the parency), headed by then-Briga- tics in Afghanistan remains frac- ry crime, including extensive land «cooperation» should dominate — Commander of the US tives meet with them, the West is there. I will give a specific exam- Afghan government and the inter- dier General H.R. McMaster. tious, self-interested, predatory, theft, thuggish monopolistic dom- Forces in Afghanistan General sounding an alarm (laughs). The national community—including Building on a previous Internation- and engaged in constant brinks- ination of local economic markets, ple. This situation was one of co- John W. Nicholson said that the Taliban are Afghans, and contacts operation between the US and the embrace of problematic war- al Security Assistance Force manship at the expense of the na- and rape and murder and the most fifteen-year war had reached a dead with the Taliban are necessary in lords for the sake of short-term (ISAF) task force to investigate tional interest. This, in a country egregious violators, targeting one world regional powers and until end. But most importantly he order to start the peace process in recently. The situation changed at military battlefield advantages, and corruption surrounding ISAF’s caught up in intensifying war and powerbroker at a time; and Con- asked for reinforcements, noting Afghanistan. Everyone who as tools of political co-optation— contracting, Shafafiyat had a broad deep social and economic prob- tinuing to properly sequence coun- some point, and the spirit of co- that the current contingent is not knows just anything about Afghan- operation around Afghanistan dis- shaped and reinforced criminality mandate to lead ISAF’s investiga- lems. Given these missed inflec- ternarcotics efforts, including main- enough to fight the radicals. istan understands that. Here we are and corruption in the post-2001 tions into all aspects of corrup- tion points and the basic balance taining a suspension of drug erad- appeared … The main thing that I — No (raised his voice), it will talking about double standards, want to emphasize is that regional Afghanistan. In turn, this delegiti- tion in Afghanistan. But ultimate- of power in Afghanistan, I recom- ication. (BROOKINGS) not help. They have been in Af- nothing more. As for the accusa- mized the post-Taliban political ly hamstrung by both political cooperation is necessary for peace ghanistan for more than fifteen tions of Russia’s support of the and stability in Afghanistan. It dispensation. Indeed, generalized complexities in Afghanistan and years. We see more radicalism and Taliban, I do not see any reason or predatory criminality in Afghani- the significant drop-off of ISAF’s should be returned. This requires terrorism. ISIS militants have ap- evidence for this. But I see anoth- the cooperation of the USA, as a stan lies at the crux of Afghani- focus on corruption and gover- Musician brings peared in Afghanistan. You should er: for example, the organization stan’s dire and fragile predicament. nance a year later due to pressing country which is present in Af- understand that this is not a solu- of very important consultations in ghanistan, with the countries of the In a forthcoming report for the timelines—and the ever more dif- tion of the problem. Believe me, Moscow on the Afghan issue. United Nations University on the ficult and obstructive then-Presi- Afghanistan region, including Russia. I hope for I’m an Afghan (laughs) and I know — Does Afghanistan need the the strong position of Moscow in effects of crime and illicit econo- dent Hamid Karzai—this anti-cor- my country, it will not help. Af- involvement of the Taliban in the mies on conflict and post-conflict ruption body also has struggled to the region, this will help Afghani- ghanistan does not need foreign peace process? experience to Gympie stan. dynamics in Afghanistan, I identi- make more than a sporadic differ- troops. Afghanistan does not need — Of course (agitated)! The fy four possible inflection points ence. The creation of the National — Representatives of the Af- anyone’s troops on its territory. Taliban are Afghans, they are our GYMPIE will be transported to The tour is supported by ghan government have recently where the international communi- Unity Government after the high- the front line in Afghanistan, when The Playing Queensland Fund We need good relations with our brothers. There will be no peace in ty and Afghan government could ly contested and fraudulent 2014 appealed to Russia with a request neighbors and our own armed forc- Afghanistan without the partici- Australian diplomat turned sing- and arTour, initiatives of the to invest in 124 facilities. These have fundamentally altered the presidential election represented a er-songwriter and author Fred Queensland Government through es that can provide security. Af- pation and involvement of the Tal- course after the initial choices on third possible inflection point to are The Salang tunnel, Kabul Bak- ghanistan needs neighboring Paki- iban. They must participate in the Smith performs here on Monday, Arts Queensland, part of the De- ery, the Polytechnic University, the informal distribution of power meaningfully tackle criminality April 24. Fred, whose regional partment of the Premier and Cab- stan to realize that the use of ex- peace process. and its connections to criminality that delegitimizes the post-2001 the Jangalak automobile repair tremists for its own purposes will — The production of drugs in Australia tour includes lectures inet. plant, and power station in Pul-i- were made in 2001: 1) the 2004 political dispensation. Despite the and book tours, will bring the dust, arTour's Creative Broker, not bring benefits to it. the period of your presidential disarmament effort; 2) the begin- animosity between Ghani and Ab- Khumri. The Russian side said that — And then what is needed? terms has increased at times, ac- heat, frustration, fighting and ca- Luke Harriman, said Fred Smith this was a complicated issue be- ning of the Obama administration dullah—and the impassioned con- maraderie captured in his poignant was one of Australia's most in- — A new contract with the cording to some sources, at 40 and its surge of resources in Af- stituencies behind them—there cause of the low level of security, people of Afghanistan. Under- times. Russia repeatedly demand- and witty album Dust of Uruzgan teresting songwriters, with two which, unfortunately, is fixed in ghanistan; 3) the 2014 formation was optimism in Afghanistan and to the Gympie Civic Centre at the decades working on peacekeep- standing, confidence and coopera- ed from the international forces to of the National Unity Government among its international partners Afghanistan. Whether these in- tion with the countries of the re- strengthen the fight against the drug invitation of CoolArts Gympie ing missions in Afghanistan and vestments have any future? Will (NUG)—whose two protagonists, that governance would improve and the Gympie Music Muster. the South Pacific, touring in gion. Only this will help. threat. Have there been sufficient President Ashraf Ghani and CEO after the Karzai years. After all, there be any obstacles from other — You have mentioned ISIS. efforts to fight the drug mafia? Fred Smith was the first Aus- America and travelling the Aus- partners of Afghanistan? Abdullah Abdullah crucially cam- improving governance and reduc- tralian diplomat sent to work in tralian festival circuit. How high the risk of ISIS in Af- — Unfortunately, the produc- paigned on an anti-corruption plat- ing corruption was the one on — Russia is Afghanistan’s ghanistan? tion of drugs had increased at times, Uruzgan Province, southern Af- "Fred's guitar served as a neighbor. Russia is a very old friend form; and 4) the October 2015 which Ghani and Abdullah osten- ghanistan, and the last to leave. bridge, not only to the troops, — It’s great. They already and the people of Afghanistan suf- Taliban takeover of Kunduz City. sibly agreed. and partner of Afghanistan. Our have a serious presence, especial- fered and continue to suffer from In the words of Colonel Jason but also to the people and tribal countries have a long tradition of But the international commu- Can Donald Trump avoid a Blain speaking in an Australian leaders of war-torn Afghanistan. ly in the east of Afghanistan, in it. There is an influential interna- nity and the Afghan government dangerous South China Sea show- close cooperation. And most im- the Nangarhar, Kunar provinces tional mafia that earns millions Story feature about Fred, "He's His songs have become anthems portantly, Russia is in close prox- failed to take advantage of these down? actually walked in the same foot- for soldiers and their families, and the surrounding area. ISIS in thereby. This money goes to West- possible inflection points to tack- But so far, the NUG has failed imity to Afghanistan. Hence the Afghanistan is an element of ex- ern banks, it does not remain in steps of those soldiers... He ate, and his masterful storytelling can common interests of the Afghan le corruption and criminality, limit to deliver robustly on these prom- he slept, he bathed, he worked, he help Queensland audiences con- ternal presence, this is not Af- Afghanistan. I have repeatedly power abuse, strengthen the rule ises. Ghani and Abdullah were and Russian peoples. Russian and ghans. called on the international forces lived with them and when soldiers nect with the reality of service Soviet investments in the econo- of law, and expand political inclu- deeply beholden to corrupt elites died, he mourned with them”. on the frontline,” Mr Harriman — You left the post of Presi- to intensify the fight against the siveness. Or to the extent that they without whose support they could my of Afghanistan had the most dent of Afghanistan in 2014. The international drug mafia. His Dust of Uruzgan perfor- said. positive effect in the development tried—such as during the first two not run in the elections, and on mances, which combine storytell- The two-hour performance is government of National Unity has — Afghanistan has been a field years of the Obama administra- whose support they have contin- of my country. Any patriots of appeared in the country. How do of «great game» and confrontation ing, song and projected images by recommended for audiences over Afghanistan will welcome Russian tion—other strategic directives, ued to depend in power. Thus, military photographers, has 12 years old, with parental guid- you estimate its activity? of great powers for centuries. Is timelines, and imperatives inter- two and half years after the for- investments. As for some obsta- — (pause) I wish them suc- this trend still the same? moved audiences to tears and ance due to themes of war. cles (pause), I hope that the West- fered with them and directly con- mation of the NUG, not even one laughter. As part of the tour, cess and all the best. I hope that — At least it looks like that. It tradicted them. Thus, the anti-cor- notorious powerbroker has been ern countries will see the positive they will manage to do everything seems that Afghanistan is being The title track has recently Mates4Mates liaison officers aspects of the Russian economic ruption and anti-criminality efforts legally prosecuted or marginalized. been covered by Australian coun- will be in attendance at Fred's so that other countries will treat used for their strategic goals were not underpinned by political The anti-crime and anti-cor- presence and will support it. Peace Afghanistan as a sovereign and in- (pause). And therefore, it is very try music icon Lee Kernaghan. Dust Of Uruzgan Gympie per- and stability should be the main heft and power, such as cutting off ruption measures that have been Fred's talents as a raconteur, formance. Mates4Mates is a na- dependent country. important that the regional pow- aid to or otherwise sanctioning undertaken have hardly been ro- task of the developments in Af- — It’s great, but are they suc- ers get involved in the struggle his wry humour and larrikin spir- tional organisation that supports ghanistan and around it. particular powerbrokers. bust enough. Ghani’s reopening of it, have prompted critics to label current and ex-serving Australian cessful or not? against threats that prevent my WRONG MOVES the notorious case of the fraudu- — The situation in Afghani- — I wish them success (raise country from living peacefully. him, "an exceptional songwriter Defence Force members and their stan is deteriorating every day. No doubt, the Taliban itself lent Kabul bank did not increase and certainly the equal of Bogle, families, who are wounded, in- voice). They will always have our — Is cooperation between has become deeply involved in all asset recovery. With determined According to the statistics of in- support. Russia and the USA in Afghani- Walker and Shuman”. jured or ill as a result of their ser- ternational institutions, including kinds of illicit economies, includ- international nudging, Ghani’s de- Fred's performances will also vice. The liaison officers will be — You still have a lot of sup- stan possible? ing drugs, timber, and gems. This cision to suspend and clean up a the UN, the level of violence is porters in Afghanistan. Do you — Of course, this cooperation give audience members a chance to connecting locals with their rele- breaking all records. involvement has grown over time, $1 billion fuel contract for the Af- understand the experiences of the vant outreach services that are fo- have political ambitions? is possible. It took place at the ini- despite the fact that since its in- ghan Ministry of Defense was — Unfortunately. — I will never again partici- tial stage, in the early 2000s. Rus- 20,000 Australians who served in cused on physical rehabilitation — Unfortunately. I’ll ask a ception in 1994 and as a product more successful. However, this Afghanistan, many of whom live and wellbeing, psychological ser- pate in the presidential elections, sia supported the USA efforts in of the brutality and chaos of the important case and Ghani’s sub- little naive, but interesting for but I will do my best to be useful Afghanistan. For this purpose it in Queensland, so they don't have vices, employment and educa- many readers question. Is it pos- 1990s civil war, the Taliban de- sequent efforts to directly oversee to walk the land as strangers like a tion, and a variety of other pro- to Afghanistan and fight against is necessary that the USA explain fined its purpose as improving Afghan government contracting at sible to stop the war in Afghani- terrorism. All my efforts are aimed its policies and objectives in Af- generation of veterans did. grams. (GYMPIETIMES) stan? governance in Afghanistan and act- least at the national level have not at strengthening Afghanistan’s po- ghanistan and seek cooperation ing against the rampant criminali- yet translated into broader clean- — Yes! Yes, of course such an sition in the region and strength- with regional countries, including opportunity exists. The stabiliza- ty that swept the country. up of the massive corruption, pa- ening relations with countries such Russia. There will be no stability During the administration of tronage, and ethnic favoritism that tion of the situation in Afghani- as Russia, China, India, Iran and in Afghanistan without coopera- stan can be achieved through re- President George W. Bush, it was still pervade and severely weaken Pakistan. tion between Russia and the USA. the Taliban’s involvement in the the Afghan security forces. White House warns gional cooperation. By the way of — What do you think of the — New US President Donald consultations and with the partic- drug economy that received most The tangle of ethnic divisions Russian policy concerning Afghan- Trump has not showed much in- international attention out of all the and rifts and competing patronage ipation, first of all, of the coun- istan? terest in relation to Afghanistan. tries of the region in Moscow are a illicit economies, corruption, and networks that for years have run North Korea not to — I have been following the He almost never mentioned Af- predatory criminality that went on through the Afghan security forc- good example. Of course, we are actions of Moscow in the region ghanistan during his election cam- not talking about the exclusion of in Afghanistan. Yet the chosen es complicate any anti-corruption and in particular in Afghanistan for paign. What do the Afghans expect counternarcotics policies failed to efforts. Under pressure from the the USA of negotiation format. I a very long time. Russia is a wise from the new head of the White test US resolve,.... would like them to accept the in- accomplish their stated goal of international community—frus- and ancient country, it has a long House? bankrupting the Taliban and turned trated with the meager progress in vitation and also participate. I’m history of presence in Afghanistan, — We hope that the policy of ...P12 Spicer later cautioned re- North Korea, during which the re- talking about regional cooperation. out highly counterproductive. Far fighting corruption and with an eye porters not to “make too much” gime showed off what appeared and it is aware of its specifics. The the new US president concerning from delegitimizing the Taliban in toward an important donors’ con- Sending new military contingents greater the presence of Russia in Afghanistan will be changed for the of an analogy between Syria and to be new missiles designed to does not solve the problem. The the eyes of local populations as a ference in Brussels in October North Korea. reach the United States. Pence the region and Afghanistan, the better. It is very important that he mere drug cartel, efforts to eradi- 2016—the NUG also established war can be resolved by the spirit better situation in the region and begin to really cooperate with Rus- A State Department official says 'all options are on the table' of cooperation around the prob- cate opium poppy cultivation and a specialized anti-corruption court said Monday that the United for North Korea Play Video1:29 Afghanistan. Moscow needs sta- sia concerning Afghanistan and the type of interdiction chosen to in 2016, called the Anti-Corrup- lems of Afghanistan of all, with- ble Afghanistan. And, based on his- fight against extremism and terror- States will continue trying to fur- There, during a trip to the demili- out exception: regional countries go after smuggled drugs and traf- tion Justice Center (ACJC). Per- ther isolate North Korea econom- tarized zone between North and torical experience, the stronger the ism. We need the cooperation of fickers allowed the Taliban to haps the most significant anti-cor- and great powers. government in Russia, the better the parties, not confrontation. ically, politically and diplomatical- South Korea and later in remarks — Does the current situation present itself a protector of peo- ruption and anti-crime accomplish- ly. to journalists, he issued strong the situation in Afghanistan. I re- — I can’t help asking you ple’s livelihoods—giving it signif- ment has been in tax and custom have “authors”? Who do you per- spect President Putin. He brought about the situation in Syria. The The pressure will keep ratch- warnings to . sonally blame for the fact that your icant political capital. revenue recovery. Back in 2014, eting up until Pyongyang stops “Just in the past two weeks, Russia to the international arena USA made a rocket attack on Mil- Thus, the international com- theft of revenues far exceeded that country is experiencing such a deep in a new capacity. He is fighting itary base of the Syrian army re- conducting missile tests and dem- the world witnessed the strength crisis? munity mounted the most intense which characterized the Hamid onstrates that it is willing to en- and resolve of our new president international terrorism and extrem- cently in response to the use of efforts against precisely the wrong Karzai era, debilitating the Afghan — I will be very honest with ism really honestly. Afghans re- chemical weapons against civilians. gage in negotiations, said Susan in actions taken in Syria and Af- you. Two countries: Pakistan and type of illicit economy and crimi- government. But the following Thornton, the acting assistant sec- ghanistan,” Pence said after deliv- spect the Russian president and Washington accused the govern- nality: the labor-intensive poppy year, the government delivered a the USA to blame for the main fault support him. And I would like ment of Bashar Assad of this. retary for East Asian and Pacific ering a statement to the news me- in strengthening radicalism and ex- cultivation that underpins much of spectacular turnaround in revenue affairs. “We’re looking for some dia alongside Hwang Kyo-ahn, Russia to take a greater part in What do you think about it? the country’s economic growth generation: from an eight percent tremism in Afghanistan and its working for stability in Afghani- — We still do not know for kind of signal that they realize the South Korea’s acting president. spread throughout the region and and provides elemental livelihoods drop in 2014 to a 22 percent rise current status quo is unsustain- Neither took questions. “North stan. sure who has made the chemical and human security to vast seg- in 2015. also the Middle and Near East. — NATO senior officials ac- attack. The US attacks on the mil- able,” she said. “They have to make Korea would do well not to test These two countries had all the ments of the rural population. In- When international troops a final decision about getting rid of his resolve or the strength of the cused Russia of supporting the itary base in Syria, in my opinion, stead, the anti-crime efforts should handed over security to the Af- chances to bring peace to the re- Taliban movement. It was stated is a clear violation of international illegal programs in order to turn armed forces of the United States gion, but they did nothing. have focused on the predatory ghans in 2014, there was a signifi- the page and have a more normal in this region,” Pence said. [N. that Moscow could even supply law. Confrontation and new attacks criminality and non-labor intensive cant deterioration in security. This — However, the USA did a weapons to the Taliban. So, ac- will not help to resolve the situa- relationship with the international Korea didn’t test a nuclear weap- lot at the beginning of the Afghan aspects of transactional crimes, was particularly evident in the community.” “We have not seen on, but it did try to launch another cording to your information, does tion. It is obvious that is impossi- such as drug smuggling. Taliban takeover of Kunduz in campaign in 2001, so that your Russia support the Taliban? ble to get out of the crisis situation that signal,” she added. Pence ar- missile] Earlier this month, on country would get out of the con- Instead, the anti-crime efforts October 2015. That moment was rived in South Korea just hours Trump’s command, the U.S. mili- — When they claim that Mos- by destroying state structures. The should have focused on the preda- a fourth inflection point to reverse trol of extremist forces. Russia, cow supports the Taliban, they Interview was taken by Georgi after North Korea launched its lat- tary launched 59 cruise missiles at in its turn, at least initially, sup- tory criminality and non-labor in- predatory criminality and corrup- est ballistic missile — which ex- a Syrian military airfield in retalia- mean that there is a channel for Asatryan, Ph.D., scholar, Senior tensive aspects of transactional tion. The Afghan elite, including ported these efforts. information exchange and meetings Lecturer, Special Correspondent ploded within a few seconds — tion for a chemical attack that killed — Yes. And we really appre- crimes, such as drug smuggling. its main powerbrokers in the north, and amid a weekend of fanfare in scores of civilians. between them. The USA meets for daily «Izvestia», 04.17.2017. The Obama administration at were profoundly shook up by the THURSDAY .APRIL 20, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

EMERGENCY CALLS Police 100 - 119

Afghanistan Chamber of Com- Hospitals merce and Industries (ACCI). “The plan will encourage the FMIC Hospital private sector, and provide finan- Behind Kabul Medical cial support to them from govern- ment’s side. These are the policies University: which will help us to boost part- 0202500200-+93793275595 nership between government and the private sector in a proper man- ner,“ he told TOLOnews on Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital Wednesday. Pule Bagh-e- Umomi “The main goal of the policy of partnership between govern- 070263672 ment and the private sector is to bring government and the private sector’s capabilities together in Khairkhana Hospital order to pave suitable ground for 0799-321007 investment in the country,” the fi- 2401352 nance ministry’s spokesman Ajmal Hamid Abdul Rahimzai said. Herat City : An Afghan woman body organs and sell them in the from Herat Province was forced black market. Meanwhile, the ministry of Indira Gandhi Children economy said the policy would to sell her kidney in order to res- She said: "The internal organs boost investment in generating cue her husband from captivity in of these abducted children are sold Hospital, Wazir Akbar power, building infrastructure and Iran. While Afghans are already by the traffickers for kidney trans- in the mining industry. suffering from various political, plantation in the country. These Khan, Kabul 2301372 The main goal is to encourage the private sector, provide it with financial support “The plan will prove effective economic and security challenges, criminal gangs also traffick livers for big investments in power gen- organ trafficking has emerged as the of these children. This is a matter and boost investment in the country. eration, infrastructure, mines and country’s latest form within a of grave concern to us all." More Ibn-e- Seena power transmission,” the ministry broader human trafficking prob- than 100 kidney transplants so far: Pul-e-Artan, Kabul The Afghan government is current- private sector to rebuild the sec- boost investment in Afghanistan, of economy’s spokesman Suhrab lem. Hameeda, 35, is among those Luqman Hakim Hospital ly drafting a joint plan with the tor’s trust in the country and to said Shafiq Ataee, deputy head of Bahman said. persons who sold her body organ Luqman Hakim Hospital is 2100359 in order to bail out her family from located in the capital of eastern trouble. Herat Province and it is the only She said her husband went to hospital in Afghanistan that has Wazir Akbar Khan Cricket Iran in search of employment facilities for kidney transplant Hospital Growing Russian involvement where he fell in trouble after some operations. time. According to Hameeda she Dr. Farid Ejaz, director of the 2301741, 2301743 fever hits received a call from Iran and was hospital, in an exclusive interview instructed to provide 50 million with Pajhwok Afghan News, said Ali Abad Afghanistan inAfghanistan –Analysis Rials (100 thousand AFS) in order that they transplanted a kidney for to rescue her husband. the first time in May, 2016. Shahrara, Kabul thanks After Syria, Afghanistan is emerg- stan. The failure of the US and Rus- “How could I have paid 100 He said 12 health profession- 2100439 ing as a new theatre of Russian- Moscow maintains that its ties sia to reconcile their differences on thousand AFS while I had no mon- als of the hospital had received a American power struggle, with with the Taliban are limited to Afghanistan can potentially turn ey to even provide food for my six-month kidney transplant train- to Rashid, growing Russian involvement in peace negotiations and countering Afghanistan into another Syria children,” she said. “They called ing in Iran’s Kidney Hospital in Malalai Maternity the war-torn country. The West- ISK’s influence. On the contrary, which will negatively affect the me incessantly and asked for mon- Mashhad. “In the past one year, ey. I told them that how could she we have so far conducted kidney Hospital Nabi ern drawdown from Afghanistan Washington believes Russia-Tali- regional and global peace. The Rus- arrange such an amount of mon- transplantation on 55 women and 2201377/ 2301743 in 2014 has allowed Moscow to ban contacts are to undermine the sian and American concerns respec- ey.” Hameeda said the callers from 45 men in the past one year, only flex its muscle in its backyard. This US and NATO mission in Afghan- tively over ISK’s presence and Al- Iran asked her to sell her kidneys one person lost his life during the will lead to new geopolitical rival- istan. The former advocates a flex- Qaeda and Taliban links are best and send the money to them. operation,” adding that the first Banks ries in South . ible approach towards the Taliban, addressed if the two sides cooper- The mother of four children, kidney operation was performed The United States under Pres- while the latter considers renunci- ate instead of compete for regional Hameeda, living in a rented house on a 11 years old girl. Da Afghanistan Bank ident Donald Trump has snubbed ation of violence, delinking of Tal- influence. in Herat City, said she had no op- In most cases, the kidneys are a Russian invitation to attend its iban’s ties with Al-Qaeda and the Old Peace Initiatives and Way tion but to sell her left kidney. She given by the family members of 2100302, 2100303 initiative on Afghanistan on 14 recognition of the Afghan consti- Forward sent part of the money to those the patient, therefore only a limit- April 2017. This development has tution and government as pre-con- If history is any guide, all ma- persons in Iran and rest of the ed number of people sold their kid- Bakhtar Bank taken place as Afghanistan is ditions for peace talks. jor initiatives so far to broker a money was used in repaying the neys, he said. emerging as a new theatre of Rus- Moreover, Russia views the ceasefire agreement between Kab- loans that she had taken from peo- Ejaz said the kidney donation 0776777000 sian-American power rivalry with American proposal of moderate ul and the Taliban have failed. The ple. should be traditionalized in the Azizi Bank Moscow’s return to the conflict- troop surge and increased military fate of the Russian peace initiative She said she sold her kidney country which would help rescue ridden country after an aloofness spending in Afghanistan as a reci- does not seem to be an exception for 200,000 AFS to a patient in lives of those who are suffering 0799 700900 of almost three decades. Buoyed pe for more war and destabilisa- to this rule. In 2013, the US-led Herat's Luqman Hakim Hospital. from the disease. “Those who have Pashtany Bank by its strategic incursion in tion. On the other hand, the US initiatives known as the “Qatar Hameeda is not the only per- not attained legal age are not al- and the success of its military di- considers support of the Afghan process” crashed after the Taliban son who had to sell her body or- lowed to donate their kidneys, only 2102908, 2103868 plomacy in Syria, Russia is now Taliban by Russia, Iran and Paki- hoisted their official flag and plaque gan, there are other Afghans who people above 22 years can donate overtly asserting itself in Afghani- stan as the major source of insta- ahead of the talks in . The have also been faced with similar their kidneys to patients follow- Air Services stan. bility in the country. then US administration and the situation. ing regulations of the Ministry of Taking advantage of the geo- In addition, Russia alleges that former Afghan President Hamid Another resident of Herat Justice,” he said. He said each kid- Safi Airways political opening created by an the US forces have not done Karzai rejected the move and province, Syed Asghar also sold ney transplant treatment costs his one kidney due to poverty and $5,000 to $10,000 in this hospi- 020 22 22 222 uncertain US foreign policy and enough to check the rise and ex- pulled out of negotiations. economic issues. tal. According to Article 12 of Af- the drawdown of Western forces pansion of ISK in Afghanistan. After a gap of two years, an- During an exclusive interview ghanistan's Law to Combat Traf- from Afghanistan in 2014, Mos- Moscow views the growing pres- other effort was made to revive the with Pajhwok Afghan News he ficking in Persons and Smuggling Ariana cow is trying to outflank Wash- ence of ISK fighters in Afghani- peace talks in 2015, under the said: “My family members were of Migrants, provision of long term 020-2100270 ington in Afghanistan. This marks stan’s northern provinces near the Quadrilateral Coordination Group almost dying due of hunger and to imprisonment is stipulated for the This year’s Indian Premier League a significant shift in Moscow’s tra- Central Asian states with suspi- comprising the US, China, Paki- save their lives, I had no other way perpetrator who removes a per- (IPL) has hundreds of thousands ditional Afghan policy of neutrali- cion. It alleges that the US is using stan and Afghanistan. The QCG but to sell my body part and feed son's body organs or performs Kam Air of Afghans glued to their TV ty. ISK as a proxy in Afghanistan. talks came to a halt in mid-2015 my children.” medical experiments. Additional- 0799974422 screens, every time Sunrisers Hy- Russia’s Afghan Initiative However, the US rejects such with the disclosure of the death of SyedAli who boughtAsghar’s ly, if the act results in the death of derbad play – and it’s all because Russia held the third meeting allegations, pointing out that 15 top Taliban’s founding leader Mullah kidney said: “My cousin in Iran victim, the perpetrator shall face of the country’s two exports, of its Afghan initiative in Moscow commanders of ISK, including its Umar. In early 2016, another ef- suffered from kidney problem and death penalty. TiP High Commis- Hotels Mohammad Nabi and Rashid on 14 April 2017. The stage for emir Hafiz Saeed Khan Orakzai, fort was underway to rekindle the we were trying to find a kidney sion: Human body organ smug- Safi Landmark Khan, who play for the ‘Orange these talks was set in December have been killed in US drone QCG dialogue, when the US killed donor.” He added that he bought glers exist in Afghanistan Abdul Army’. On the nights Sunrisers 2016 when Moscow hosted a tri- strikes and the territorial footprint the new Taliban chief Mullah Asghar’s kidney for 170,000 AFS Wahid Hedayat, a member of the play, countless businesses across lateral dialogue with and of the terror group has been re- Akhtar Mansoor in a drone attack and sent the kidney to his for it to TiP High Commission, told Pajh- 020-2203131 Kabul simply close their doors . Another round of consul- duced from nine to three districts in Pakistan’s province be transplanted to his cousin in wok that presence of human traf- SERENA until the match is over. From bread tations, comprising six nations — in Afghanistan. and dashed hopes of restarting the Iran. Also Mohammad Amin, 23 ficking groups and networks could shops, to barbers and travel agen- Russia, China, Pakistan, India, Iran New and Old Geopolitical Ri- peace talks. years, from Bamyan province is not be denied in a country where 0799654000 cies, doors close when the match and Afghanistan — was held in valries Notwithstanding the divergent hospitalized at Luqman Hakim such actions are exercised in. He begins and staff can often be seen Moscow on 15 February 2017. In Such divergent and opposing US and Russian perspectives of Hospial for kidney transplant. He said 10 to 12 human trafficking gathered around their TVs taking said: “We bought a kidney against networks have been identified and New Rumi Restaurant in every moment of the game. Nev- both meetings, the NATO and outlooks of the Afghan conflict, the Afghan war, the core dispute United States were not invited. even before the start of a formal remains the discord between the 480,000 Afghani that would be detained by the Ministry of Inte- er before has the IPL attracted as transplanted soon.” rior (MoI) and National Director- 0776351347 much attention as it has this year When Russia invited the US for dialogue process, is ominous. It Taliban and the NUG. The US pres- His brother said Amin was a ate of Security (NDS) each year. in Afghanistan. “India is very good the April talks, Washington re- will complicate the regional geo- ence in Afghanistan, regional states’ policeman in Kabul and was diag- “When we talk about human traf- Internet Services fused. politics turning Afghanistan into a interference in Afghanistan’s inter- in cricket but when our cricket nosed of kidney problem. Anoth- ficking, there are wide dimensions UA Telecom players are bought by IPL teams The US refusal to participate battleground for proxy wars. The nal affairs and the rise of opportu- er Afghan, Mohammad Salak, 25, to it. Afghanistan's law describes 0796701701 / 0796702702 and play in IPL it is a moment of in the 14 April meeting indicates inclusion of Russian competition nistic groups like ISK are irritants who is hospitalized at Luqman this issue as an action where one a great pride for us,” said one Kabul its growing discomfort with Rus- with the US and NATO, in addi- and by-products of the lingering Hakim hospital, said he went to person uses another person for shop owner. Another said: “I feel sia’s Afghan overtures. The Trump tion to ongoing power games be- conflict. If a political compromise Pakistan for kidney transplant but benefit,” he said. Unfortunately Exchange Rate really very happy when I am administration considers it as di- tween India and Pakistan, as well between Kabul and the Taliban is somehow was not able to get treat- criminal gangs and networks exist watching them play in IPL and I rect interference in Afghanistan. as between Iran and , reached, it will be easy to tackle ment there. Now, he is admitted in in Afghanistan which are involved Purchase: am very proud of them.” Kabul This will potentially give birth will work to the advantage of the the irritants. this hospital where his wife will in human trafficking, Hedayat said. residents said that their love and to new geopolitical rivalries while militant groups in Afghanistan. Pakistan, which has suffered donate her kidney. It is not only He added the Ministry of Justice pride for national cricket players further complicating the existing US and NATO’s financial as- the most because of the unrest in the economic problems that forc- has special public awareness pro- One US$ = makes them tune in to all cricket ones. Broadly, this will split the sistance bankroll the Afghan econ- Afghanistan, along with China, es people to sell their body organs, grams for eradication of human traf- 66.75Afs matches, IPL included. region into two rival political blocs omy while their military presence should play a bridging role instead however there is an emerging trend ficking in the country. The pro- One Pound Sterling= “Selecting our players for IPL of local and global powers: Rus- in Afghanistan has ensured the sur- of taking sides in this emerging of organ trading that is being evi- gram is implemented through reli- is a huge honor for us,” said anoth- sia-China-Iran-Pakistan-Central vival of the Afghan National Uni- geopolitical situation. denced in Afghanistan. This gious leaders who conduct aware- 80.87Afs er Kabul business owner. Asian States versus the US-India- ty Government (NUG). Without The regional and global pow- emerging phenomena of organ traf- ness programmes for people, par- One Euro = “When we watch them play, NATO-Afghanistan. the US inclusion, a durable and re- ers need to take a bipartisan view ficking is also acknowledged by ticularly children about the omi- 70.05Afs in international matches, we really concerned organizations in the nous consequences and modus US-Russian Divergences on alistic solution of the Afghan con- of the situation in Afghanistan. 1000 Pak Rs = feel joy and are happy,” said an- Afghanistan flict looks difficult. Reviving the QCG process and country. Human body organs sold operandi of human traffickers, he other. Rashid Khan Arman and Russia and the US have diver- At the same time, continued expanding it to include Russia and in black market: AIHRC Accord- said. He said human trafficking is 611Afs Mohammad Nabi Eisakhil are Af- ing to Afghanistan Independent a crime and those involved in such ghanistan’s first two cricketers to gent outlooks about the situation US military presence without ex- India offers the most viable diplo- Sale: in Afghanistan. Moscow views the ploring a realistic and flexible po- matic framework to end the war in Human Rights Commission activities have been sentenced with be snapped up by the IPL. Nabi (AIHRC), local agents connected different types of punishments. One US$ = made his debut this week, while Islamic state of Khurasan (ISK), a litical solution will further desta- Afghanistan. with broader trafficking nexus kid- Major kidney transplant hospital 68.30 Afs regional affiliate of the self-styled bilise Afghanistan. Arguably, when *Abdul Basit is an associate Rashid has shone throughout the nap children from across the coun- to be build in Nangarhar: MoPH One Pound Sterling= tournament. Nabi was bought on Islamic State (IS) in the Af-Pak 150,000 US and NATO troops in research fellow at the S. Rajarat- try and send them to Kabul for The Ministry of Public Health auction for three million Indian region—as the major regional se- Afghanistan could not break the nam School of International Stud- exploitation. AIHRC Commission- (MoPH) spokesman, Wahid Ma- 81.67Afs Rupees ($46,000 USD) while curity threat. On the contrary, deadlock of the Afghan conflict, a ies (RSIS), Nanyang Technologi- er, Sorayya Sobhrang said that jroh, confirmed thousands of peo- One Euro= Rashid Khan was sold for 40 mil- America and its NATO allies view meagre increase of 3,000 to 4,000 cal University, . An ear- some of these abducted children ple in the country were suffering 72.50 Afs lion Indian Rupees ($600,000). the Afghan Taliban as the major troops will not make any differ- lier version appeared in The News. end up in the hands of organ traf- from kidney diseases. 1000 Pak Rs= 631 (ToloNews) source of instability in Afghani- ence. (EURASIAREVIEW) fickers who then mutilate their (PAJHWOK) THURSDAY . APRIL 20, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Indian IT firms may face layoffs due to H-1B visa curbs

A three-member International Crimes Tribunal jury lead by Justice Anwarul Haque declared the verdict on the basis of majority. A special court has given death areas of the then Kishoreganj Ma- sentence to two members of Raza- hokuma personally or jointly. The kar Bahini, Moslem Pradhan and tribunal issued death sentence to Syed Mohammad Hossain of Husain's elder brother Mohammad Kishoreganj district for crimes Hasan alias Hasen Ali also for com- committed during 's mitting crimes against humanity in 1971 war of liberation. According liberation war who is also a fugi- to prosecutor Tureen Afroz, they tive at present. were also convicted of rape, tor- Tribunal's prosecutor Turin ture and other forms of crimes. A Afroz, in a quick statement on the three-member International Crimes verdict, said, "We are happy on With the US tightening the norms offs are real," said Assocham Sec- Tribunal (ICT) jury lead by Jus- the judgment. We have worked for H-1B visas under the President retary General D.S. Rawat. He tice Anwarul Haque declared the successfully. Two death sentenc- Donald Trump 's 'Buy American, said the IT industry apex organi- verdict on the basis of majority. es, one life imprisonment and an- Hire American' campaign, the In- sations and the government need Out of the two accused, Moham- other one for 22 years imprison- dian IT companies are bound to to work out a joint strategy to deal mad Hossain is now a fugitive. ment over three accusations have face disruptions by way of higher with the unfolding situation. In Home minister and police chief have been pronounced." In a statement costs and even some laying off the last three months, the Indian ordered to arrest the fugitive and over the success of the tribunal, work force back home, and the ris- currency has gained by at least five the authority has also been advised she further said," The rape has ing rupee is aggravating the situa- per cent against US dollar, reduc- to get help from the . been recognized as genocide. The tion further for the technology ex- ing net realisations for software They received death penalties by mass rape in '71 has been recog- port firms, an Assocham paper exporters, among other export-ori- the tribunal only for killing 26 vil- nized as genocidal rape, on which said here on Wednesday. Nearly ented sectors. According to the lagers of Gurui village under Nikli followed the death sentence." On 86 per cent of the H-1B visas is- Assocham paper, the reverses re- upazila. The criminal Hossain was the other hand, lawyer of the crim- sued for workers in the computer sulting from the tightening of the being accused for the 4th time on inals Abdus Satter Paloan said, "We space go to Indians and this figure H-1B visas would force IT giants which the verdict came up for com- respect the tribunal and the law. is now sure to be scaled down to to effect fundamental changes in mitting rape of Hindu women. We shall decide for the later deci- about 60 per cent or even less, the their strategies in terms of hiring, According to the charge sheet, the sion over the appeal procedure paper said. Remittances from the salaries, jobs, impacting employ- two war criminals stood against against the verdict." Appeal can be US would decline, hurting the bal- ees in India too. With Britain al- the liberation of Bangladesh dur- filed in the tribunal within a month, ance of payment. World Bank data ready hiking the minimum wage ing the war of liberation in 1971. according to the rules. But fugitive showed the US was the second larg- requirement to euro 35,000 for tier Out of them, Hossain was named Mohammad Hossain will have to est source of remittance for India II visa immigrants, this latest move and known as Razakar Daroga in surrender to the court if he wishes in 2015, behind Saudi Arabia, and by the US will act as a definitive Nikli thana area and Moslem to take the opportunity of the ap- about $10.96 billion, nearly 16 per dampener to the Indian outsourc- Pradhan was as Razakar Com- peal. So far, 30 war criminals have cent of the total inflows, were sent ing industry. The alternate solu- mander in Nikli union area. The received highest punishment, out to India. The industry chamber tions for the Indian outsourcing tribunal found that they commit- of 48 accused in 28 cases. expects it to disturb the balance industry are: Investing "near shore ted mass crimes at the different (Indiatoday) India deploys by 8-10 per cent. As the cost pres- centres" - facilities close to the US; sure would increase, aggravated by focus on local hiring in America; rising rupee leading to lower reali- and to work virtually, which is four warships with sations, the Indian IT firms may becoming easier with the wider Ahead of Panamagate verdict, be forced to displace work force. adoption of cloud services and advanced weapons in "In that case, the chances of lay- greater digitisation, the paper said. Imran Khan instructs party (Businessinsider) leaders to remain in the Mediterranean Sea : Five major parties The Indian Navy deployed four stroyer Mumbai and the frigates The current deployment in the Islamabad for three days warships in the Mediterranean Sea Trishul and Tarkash are equipped Mediterranean Sea will contribute and along the East coast of Africa with state-of-the-art weapons and towards the Indian Navy’s efforts agree to hold local level to ensure maritime order in soli- sensors.“In recent past, Indian to consolidate interoperability and darity with friendly and like-mind- Navy has been involved in assist- forge strong bonds of friendship polls in single phase ed countries. The ships — Mum- ing countries in the Indian Ocean across the seas,” read an Indian bai, Trishul, Tarkash and Aditya Region with Hydrographic Survey, Navy statement. During their de- [Nepal], April 19 ing forces as Dahal inquired about — will remain at the Greek coast Search and Rescue, EEZ Surveil- ployment in the Mediterranean, (ANI): The five major political the prevalent options of holding for three days to strengthen exist- lance and other such capacity- the Indian warships will engage parties of Nepal have agreed to the election in multiple phases. ing ties between India and . building and capability enhance- with the Hellenic Navy. hold the upcoming local level elec- However, the Communist Party of The indigenously designed de- ment activities. (Sputniknews) tion scheduled for May 14 in a sin- Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) gle phase. Nepal Prime Minister also showed its willingness to ini- Pushpa Kamal Dahal called a meet- tiate for the consensus. "The con- ing on Wednesday to discuss the clusion that was made at the end issue of ongoing rift between the of meeting was to hold the elec- agitating and the ruling parties on tion in a single phase election in Protest at Kalagedihena holding the local polls in two phas- the country successfully. People es. In the meeting, the leaders of are very enthusiastic to participate five major parties discussed over in the election; we have reached to the contention of holding the local that conclusion. To ensure the par- Imran Khan on Wednesday in- petitioner in the case, has agitated over garbage dumping polls in multi phase if the agitating ticipation of UDMF and others in structed the Pakistan Tehreek-i- repeatedly for the accountability parties agreed to come for the polls election on 14 May we decided to Insaf's (PTI) senior leadership to of ruling powers in the country at last minute. "We will be holding take necessary steps for the nego- remain in Islamabad for the next and stands to gain considerable polls on 14th of May, please don't tiation," senior CPN- UML leader three days ahead of the Panama- political capital ahead of next have any confusion regarding it, I Subash Chandra Nembang said. gate verdict on April 20. year's general election if its allega- want to tell this to all. If there is a The government is under intense Khan issued the missive in a meet- tions against the Sharif family are probability of United Democratic pressure to hold the election which ing to discuss party strategy in the vindicated by the apex court. In Madhesi Front's (UDMF) partic- is less than four weeks ahead. The days following the Panamagate the past, Khan said: “due to the ipation in the polls then the elec- meeting, which was held in the verdict, due to be announced on Panama Papers leaks case, the en- tion can be held in two phases, this Prime Minister's residence, was Thursday by the Supreme Court. tire nation has been in state of con- logic also exist. The thing is only chaired by top leaders of ruling The judgement will be announced fusion for the past 10 months and about the understanding of this coalition Nepali Congress, CPN by a five-member larger bench of the government machinery has contention," Deputy Prime Min- Maoist Center along with the Op- the Supreme Court, headed by done nothing but protect Prime ister and Home Minister Bimalen- position CPN-UML and the rul- Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, in Court- Minister Sharif." He believes the dra Nidhi told reporters. The op- ing ally Rastriya Prajatantra and room No 1 at 2pm amidst tight PML-N government has 'de- position questioned the assurance supporter Madhesi Jana Adhikar security. stroyed' state institutions "for the about the participation of agitat- Forum- Democratic. (ANI) No one is certain if it will be a protection of the rulers" and used unanimous judgement, with most these organisations as a tool to practitioners saying it’s very dif- "twist the arms of their political ficult to guess what dimension of opponents". the case the bench will consider. “Due to corruption at NAB and However, legal experts are of the the Federal Bureau Revenue, for- view that certain adverse observa- eign investment could not save the tions and directions may be in store country ... It is time for NAB’s for the National Accountability funeral as it has only pressurised Bureau (NAB) and the Federal In- the poor instead of laying its hands vestigation Agency (FIA) for their on bigwigs involved in mega cor- inaction over the Panama Papers ruption cases,” he said in the past. A group of people today staged a ed traffic on the Kandy-Colombo Attanagalla Provincial Council lim- leaks. Khan's party, which was a (DAWN) protest at the Kalagedihena Junc- main road which had to be cleared its had been dumped at Dadaga- tion on the Kandy-Colombo main by the police and Local Govern- muwa and the residents had staged road against the dumping of gar- ment authorities. They said gar- the protest fearing that garbage bage at Dadagamuwa, Police said. bage collected from within the from other areas would also be The protestors had obstruct- Gampaha Urban Council and the dumped there. Bangladeshi 457 visa worker facing deportation after (Dailymirror) questionable collapse of Canberra courier franchise COAS A Bangladeshi man is facing de- new prospective visa sponsor, it was too late to meet the Immigration ’s rising portation after the Canberra Fast- Department's 60-day deadline. way Couriers franchise he was After seeking help from Legal Aid ACT and the Fair Work Ombuds- signs death working at was wound up, amid man and applying for a ministerial intervention and an appeal to the fertility rate has serious allegations of failures to pay em- Administrative Appeals Tribunal, both of which failed, Mr Arefin now warrants of 30 ployees and the tax office hundreds faces deportation by the end of May. It comes as Prime Minister Mal- of thousands of dollars. The com- colm Turnbull moves to abolish the 457 visa scheme, announcing yester- implications: Experts pany, ANT Holdings Australia Pty day an "Australians first" approach, saying the government "will no ‘hardcore Ltd, is under external administra- longer allow 457 visas to be to jobs that could and should go tion, owing about $247,000 to six to Australians". While existing 457 visa holders will not be affected, the terrorists’ former employees and the tax of- government's new position suggests those whose visas have expired are fice in unpaid superannuation pay- unlikely to be granted any reprieve. "My job permission is now gone, ments, income tax and related pen- my intervention application and the tribunal case has failed, so I am not Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar alties. It is unrelated to the new allowed to stay and work in Australia, but without an income I am in big Javed Bajwa on Wednesday holder of the Fastway Couriers' trouble," he said. signed the death warrants for Canberra franchise, who took it on (Canberratimes) 30 "hardcore terrorists" with after the deed with ANT Holdings links to the 2014 Army Public Australia Pty Ltd was terminated School attack, the Inter-Servic- in 2015. Bangladeshi es Public Relations (ISPR) said. national Asik Arefin had worked The suspected terrorists for the company since August were involved in "heinous of- 2013 on a 457 visa and was one of fences," which included the six visa workers who were alleg- "kidnapping and slaughtering" edly not paid superannuation and ultimately lost their jobs when the of soldiers of the Frontier Con- company stopped trading. Sri Lanka’s rising fertility rate has serious implications for the that are not being adequately discussed, stabulary and an attack on Bangladeshi man and former experts say. Sri Lanka is the only country in the region with a rising Total Fertility Rate (TFR), a measure that Saidu Sharif airport, the mili- 457 visa holder Asik Arefin (now captures the average number of children per woman, according to a roar.lk report. The Census on Population tary's media wing said. and Housing report of 2012, stated that as of 1998, Sri Lanka’s TFR was 1.9, making it the only country in The 'terrorists' were also re- living in Queanbeyan) is facing the South Asian region to “achieve the level of replacement fertility before the end of last century, and ahead deportation after the Canberra cou- of the targeted time frame.” Since 1998, Sri Lanka’s fertility rate has been on the rise, reaching 2.3 in 2005 and sponsible for killing innocent rier company he worked with col- 2.4 in 2011. According to Professor Indralal De Silva of the Department of Demography, University of civilians, attacking the armed lapsed in questionable circum- Colombo, a rising TFR has implications including a rise in population size that puts greater pressure on land, forces of Pakistan and law en- stances over a year ago. Photo: water, the environment and natural resources. This also leads to a greater burden on tax payers, due to more forcement agencies, ISPR said. Karleen Minne. While he found a dependents in the population, and lower female labour participation rate. (AP) (Tribune) THURSDAY . APRIL 20, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief North Korea warns SaudiArabia ‘thermonuclear war launches could break out at programs to enhance fight any moment’ against North Korea warns 'thermonuclear war could terrorism break out at any moment' -King Abdulaziz Center for National Dialogue launched a supporting strategy for the se- curity efforts in Saudi Arabia to enhance aspects of combating terrorism and extremism and averting its harm to the society’s cohesion. Secretary General of King Abdulaziz Center for Na- tional Dialogue (KACND) Fais- al bin Muammar told Asharq Al- Awsat that the center relies, through its various programs to combat terrorism and extremism, on security and intellectual ef- forts and the positive interaction of the community with all activ- ities and programs of the center. Bin Muammar said that the strat- egy comes from the intellectual A senior North Korean official has Korea if the situation on the pen- and security achievements and accused the US of turning the Ko- insula became dangerous Her re- from the efforts of all the com- US jets intercepted two Russian rean peninsula into “the world’s marks are likely to cause anger in munity institutions in this field, bombers off the coast of Alaska biggest hotspot” and creating “a South Korea, where memories of confirming that the concerted ef- on Monday night in the first such dangerous situation in which a ther- ’s 1910-1945 colonial occu- forts between government and encounter since Donald Trump monuclear war may break out at pation of the peninsula continue civil society contribute to fight- took over the White House. The any moment”. North Korea’s dep- to cloud bilateral ties. North Ko- ing extremism and warding off its last time Russian bombers flew uty UN ambassador, Kim In-ry- rea’s deputy foreign minister, Han damage on the society. near the US was on July 4, 2015, ong, described US-South Korean Song-Ryol, told the BBC that Py- (AAWSAT) when the planes came as close as military exercises as the largest ever ongyang would continue to test 40 miles off the shore of Mendo- “aggressive war drill” and said his missiles “on a weekly, monthly and cino, California. While the planes country was “ready to react to any yearly basis”. All-out war would Ivanka Trump were flying off the US coast, mode of war desired by the US”. ensue if the US took military ac- , the Russian presi- Kim’s warning came as the US tion, he said. The Chinese foreign 'won China dent, made a point of calling Barack vice-president, Mike Pence, as- minister, Wang Yi, said he believed Obama to wish him a happy Inde- sured Japan that Washington the US was seeking to ease ten- trademarks as pendence Day. This time, Russia would work closely with its allies sions through multi-party talks, sent the two nuclear-capable bomb- in the region to bring about a peace- despite its repeated insistence that she dined with ers to within 100 miles of Kodiak ful resolution to the crisis and de- military action remains an option. Island, forcing the scrambling of nuclearise the Korean peninsula. “We know the situation is tense,” President Xi the US planes. The US Air Force “We appreciate the challenging Wang said. “The more tense things sent two F-22 stealth fighter jets times in which the people of Ja- are, the more calm we need to be Jinping' and an E-3 airborne early warning pan live with increasing provoca- to find the opportunities and pos- plane to intercept the Russian Turkish PM warns opposition tions from across the Sea of Ja- sibilities for dialogue.” The state- bombers. The American jets flew Ivanka Trump secured three pan,” Pence said during talks in ments from the North Korean of- alongside the Russian bombers for with the Japanese prime ficials came as Trump told the gov- trademarks for her goods in Chi- 12 minutes, Fox News reported, na on the same day she met Xi against street protests minister, Shinzo Abe, on Tuesday. ernment in Pyongyang that it has before the Russian bombers re- Jinping, the Chinese president, “We are with you 100%.” Pence “gotta behave” and Pence said the versed course and headed back to and Abe repeated calls for China “era of strategic patience is over”. it has been revealed. The issue their base in eastern Russia. The 's prime minister says op- raises serious concerns about position parties have the right to to play a bigger role in reining in On Monday Pence visited the two Russian Tu-95 “Bear” bomb- North Korea’s nuclear ambitions. tense demilitarised zone (DMZ) conflicts of interest for the ers were flying roughly 280 miles file objections to the outcome of a daughter of Donald Trump, who recent on expanding “While all options are on the ta- dividing North and South Korea at southwest of Elmendorf Air Force ble,” Pence said, “President Trump the start of a 10-day trip to Asia acts as an advisor to the US pres- Base, within the Air Defense Iden- presidential powers. But Binali ident. Ms Trump’s company Yildirim warned that calling for is determined to work closely with to underscore US commitment to tification Zone of the United Japan, with South Korea, with all the region. As the vice-president won provisional approval from States. And the provocative move street protests was unacceptable. Chinese authorities for three new Mr Yildirim also said that the our allies in the region, and with was briefed near the demarcation comes amid a time of high tension electoral board would rule on the China.” He added: “We seek peace line in South Korea on Monday, trademarks, giving monopoly between the US and Russia, fol- rights to sell Ivanka brand jewel- main opposition Republican Peo- always as a country, as does Ja- two North Korean soldiers lowing the gassing of a Syrian town ple's Party's request for the refer- pan, but as you know and the watched from a short distance ry, bags and spa services in the by Russian-backed Bashar al-As- world’s second-largest economy, endum's annulment. Opposition United States knows, peace comes away, one taking photographs of sad, and the US in retaliation bomb- parties have complained of a se- through strength and we will stand the American visitor. Pence told the Associated Press said. ing a Syrian airfield. Rex Tillerson, The trademarks were grant- ries of irregularities, particularly an strongly with Japan and strongly reporters Trump was hopeful Chi- the secretary of state, visited electoral board decision to accept with our allies for a peace and se- na would use its “extraordinary ed on April 6, the same day that Moscow last week, noting that she met Mr Xi at a summit at her ballots without official stamps, as curity in this region.” Along with levers” to pressure Pyongyang to relations were at a “low point” - required by Turkish law. Mr Yildi- South Korea, Japan is particularly abandon its weapons programme. father’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Ivan- while sitting next to Sergei Lavrov, ka Trump is viewed with fasci- rim said the "the path to seek vulnerable to a North Korean at- But the vice-president expressed his Russian counterpart. While Mr rights" should be limited to legal tack as it is within range of the impatience with the unwillingness nation among young, aspiring Tillerson was in Moscow, three people in China, a country where objections and urged the opposi- one. "Calling people to the street is wrong and is outside the line of regime’s conventional weapons. In of North Korea to rid itself of nu- Russian bombers flew near the east tion to accept the vote's outcome. another sign of how seriously To- clear weapons and ballistic mis- there are many second-genera- coast of America’s ally Japan, forc- legitimacy," Mr Yildirim said, adding that "we expect the main opposi- tion rich. Ms Trump boosted her Thousands have protested in tion party's leader to act more responsibly". Unofficial results show a kyo is taking the latest rise in ten- siles. Pointing to the quarter-cen- ing the Japanese military to scram- Istanbul and since Sunday's narrow win for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's "Yes" campaign, sions, Japan’s defence minister, tury since the US first confronted popularity in the country with a ble 14 fighter jets at various times video of her children singing in referendum, which has set into which won 51.4% of the vote. "The main opposition party not recogn- Tomomi Inada, said Japan was North Korea over its attempts to to intercept the bombers. A Rus- motion the transformation of Tur- ising the results is not an acceptable thing," Mr Yildirim said. Electoral prepared to send troops to evacu- build nuclear weapons, he said a Mandarin for President Xi at the sian spy plane also flew along Ja- Florida summit. key's system of government from board head Sadi Guven said the objections would be evaluated later on ate Japanese citizens from South period of patience had followed. pan’s west coast. a parliamentary into a presidential Wednesday. (AP) (Theguardian) (Telegraph) (Telegraph) Man held over The teenage refugee 21,000 drug convictions MalaysiaAirlines to track 'imminent' terror who escaped Aleppo set to be quashed after planes with satellites plot wanted in in a wheelchair Massachusetts chemist tampered with evidence A man arrested in France over an "imminent and violent attack" About 21,000 drug convictions are Dookhan that they would be un- ahead of the first round of set to be thrown out in Massachu- willing or unable to prosecute if France's presidential election was setts after a chemist admitted tam- new trials were ordered. Massa- also wanted in Belgium, it has pering with evidence and falsify- chusetts' Supreme Judicial Court emerged. Clement Baur, 23, was ing results. It could be the single said in January that prosecutors detained on Sunday along with largest dismissal of criminal con- would have to show they could another man, named in reports victions in US history. Annie retry these cases without falling as Mahiedine Merabet, 29. On Dookhan, who has been accused back on evidence handled by Wednesday, Belgium's federal of falsifying her work as long ago Dookhan. Prosecutors are recom- prosecutor revealed Baur was as 2004, pleaded guilty in 2013 to mending that more than 21,000 wanted for questioning, but did the obstruction of justice, perjury drug convictions in Massachusetts not disclose why. It said: "How- and tampering with evidence. Pros- be dismissed, according to the ever, there has been no trace of ecutors said she had admitted test- American Civil Liberties Union. him in Belgium since the end of ing only a fraction of a batch of The ACLU has put the final 2015." The prosecutor said Bel- samples at the state drug lab, be- tally at 21,587. About 2,000 cases gium had co-operated with the fore labelling them all as positive have already been dismissed. Many French authorities as they sought for illegal drugs. Her motive was of the defendants have now served to boost her productivity and im- their sentences, although some re- Baur. According to officials Baur, A Syrian refugee who escaped ing other refugees getting stuck at a French national, had links to prove her reputation, prosecutors main in prison because of other Airlines has become the MH370 disappearance. All track- Aleppo in a wheelchair has told of border crossings. "I felt like they said. It is not known exactly how charges. Some of them lost their Belgian jihadi networks. After the her incredible journey from the considered us an epidemic or a dis- first carrier to sign up to a new ing systems monitor a plane's lo- two men were arrested in many tests she falsified, but many jobs or homes or were deported, satellite flight tracking system for cation using its on-board transmit- war-torn country to safety in Ger- ease that they fear is going to thousands were rendered uncer- Anthony Benedetti, chief counsel Marseille, police found guns, ex- many. Appearing on ITV's This spread among them," Nujeen said. its fleet. It comes three years after ter. When the - plosives and an Islamic State tain. District attorneys in seven of the Committee for Public Coun- its MH370 flight bound for Beijing flight vanished in March Morning, Nujeen Mustafa told of She continued: "It's important that counties have been ordered to pro- sel Services, said. "In many re- flag. They were known to be her 3,500 mile journey with her you know that leaving was not a Beijing disappeared with 239 peo- 2014, the transmitter signal was "radicalised", according to inte- duce lists by the end of business spects the damage has been done," ple on board. Using a soon-to-be- lost, with some suspicions it was sister, Nisreen, to be reunited with choice, I would gladly go back on Tuesday of the approximate he commented. "Justice delayed is rior minister Matthias Fekl. Par- their brother Bland, in . home if I had the chance. "We are launched satellite network, the air- done deliberately. Most flights is prosecutor Francois Molins 24,000 cases involving Annie justice denied." line will be able to monitor its currently transmit their position The pair travelled on foot from the leaving because we are dying, not (SKY) said both had criminal records, Turkish/Syrian border to the coast- because we want to." Nujeen made planes in areas where there is cur- using signals tracked from both the and were suspected of planning al town of Bodrum, where they th 3,500 mile journey with her sis- rently no surveillance. They in- ground and space. The new ser- "an imminent, violent act on paid smugglers to take them on a ter Nisreen. Nujeen made th 3,500 clude polar regions and remote ar- vice, available in 2018, will add to French soil, though we don't dangerously overcrowded dinghy mile journey with her sister Nis- eas of oceans not covered by ex- that coverage, using the Iridium know precisely the day, the tar- to the Greek island of Lesbos. From reen. Credit: ITV/This Morning. isting systems. Path change NEXT satellite constellation which get or targets". there it had been a 14-hour ferry She reiterated: "Coming to The airline reached a deal for was launched earlier this year. The (CNN) ride to Piraeus on the Greek main- is not a choice, it's something we the service provided by US-based key pieces of debris land, followed by a bus journey are forced to do... If we had a safer Aireon, FlightAware and SITA- The fate of MH370 remains across Macedonia to the Serbian/ country, we would stay at home." ONAIR. The new system can also one of the world's greatest avia- Hungarian border, and after many And Syria is somewhere she hopes provide more regular updates on a tion mystery. More than 120,000 weeks of travelling the pair finally to be able to go back to in the fu- plane's location, especially when sq km (46,300 miles) of the Indian arrived in Germany in September ture, along with studying physics travelling over oceans and other Ocean has been searched with no 2015. The 18-year-old's condition at university and becoming an as- remote areas, said SITAONAIR's sign of the aircraft. Some pieces of means that she cannot walk, and tronaut. portfolio director Paul Gibson. debris have been found on African so it was up to her older sister to The teenager dreams of going into Aircrafts deviating from a flight including Madagascar. The push her wheelchair. Nujeen de- space because "it would give me path could be identified more quick- deep-water search for the flight was scribed the journey as an "awe- everything I ever wanted," she ex- ly as a result, he said. "With ac- called off earlier this year. Malay- some adventure", allowing her to plains. cess to up-to-the-minute report- sian Airlines has been trying to win see many of the things she never Becoming an astronaut would ing, Malaysia Airlines will know back customers' confidence, by had, confined to a fifth-floor apart- stretch her mentally, as well as the location, heading, speed and al- offering travel discounts and flight ment in Aleppo with no stairs. providing her with "stillness and titude of all aircraft in its fleet, at promotions. The carrier's chief op- However, the journey was far from quietness," two things not experi- all times, and be alerted to any ex- erating officer, Izham Ismail, said easy, and the largely self-educated enced in the civil-war tearing Syria ceptions." But it is unclear if the the firm was "proud" to be the first teenager told how the most diffi- apart. additional tracking ability would airline to sign up for the system. cult part of her journey was watch- (ITV) have had any impact on the (BBC) THURSDAY. APRIL 20, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] edly, is the road to hell. After all, it some more propaganda." Remem- was his murderous, barrel-bombing, ber, while ISIS loves to claim re- Email: [email protected] child-gassing acts that all but caused sponsibility for every attack in the the civil war in the first place. You West perpetrated by lost, disenfran- www.afghanistantimes.af can be sure that, sooner or later, chised, identity-seeking extremist Syria's majority Sunni population youths, that doesn't mean the orga- Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi and its separatist Kurds would sim- nization actually directs them. The ply rebel again, while (as the last 15 vast majority of these killers are self- Advisory editorial board years should have taught us) an even radicalized citizens, not refugees or uglier set of extremists rose to the immigrants. One of the most effec- Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, surface. Keep in mind as well that, tive -- and tragic -- ways to lose this when it comes to the US military, war is to prove the extremists right. Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir the Iraqi and Afghan "surges" of The Hypocrisy Trap 2007 and 2009 offered proof posi- Another way to feed the ISIS tive that more ground troops aren't narrative is to bolster perceptions Graphic-Designers: a cure-all in such situations. They of diplomatic insincerity. Americans Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada By Danny Sjursen, TomDispatch a two-state solution and the illegal are a formula for expending prodi- tend to be some of the least self- Israeli settlements in Palestine. Such gious amounts of money and signif- aware citizens on the planet. (Is it a Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: Make no mistake: after 15 years of policies would feed another ISIS nar- icant amounts of blood, while only coincidence that ours is about the Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 losing wars, spreading extremist rative: US support for illiberal des- further alienating local populations. only population left still question- movements, and multiplying failed pots and the failure of the Arab Meanwhile, unleashing manned and ing the existence of climate Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan states across the Greater Middle East, Spring is proof that practicing Mus- drone aircraft strikes, which occa- change?) Among the rare things that America will fight the next versions lims and peaceful Islamists will nev- sionally kill large numbers of civil- Democrats and Republicans agree Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 of our ongoing wars. Not that we er successfully gain power through ians, only add to the ISIS narrative. on, however, is that America is a ever really stopped. Sure, Washing- the democratic process. Key to such Every mass casualty civilian bomb- perennial force for good, in fact the Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press ton traded in George W. Bush's ex- a losing strategy would be doing any- ing or drone strike incident just de- force for good on Earth. As it hap- pansive, almost messianic attitude thing you could to reinforce ISIS's tracts further from American re- pens, the rest of the world begs to toward his Global War on Terror for twisted narrative of an end-of-days gional credibility. While both air differ. In Gallup global polls, the Barack Obama's limited approach to battle between Islam and Christen- strikes and artillery barrages may United States has, in fact, been iden- The constitution says an unnamed version of the same war dom, a virtuous East versus a de- hasten the offensive progress of tified as the number one threat to for hegemony in the Greater Mid- praved West, an authentic Caliph- America's Kurdish, Iraqi, and Syrian world peace! However uncomfort- dle East. Sure, in the process kitted- ate against hypocritical democra- allies, that benefit needs to be able that may be, it matters. One up 19 year-olds from Iowa became cies. In what amounts to a war of weighed against the moral and pro- reason many Middle Easterners, in Article 123: less ubiquitous features on 's ideas, pursuing such policies would paganda costs of those dead women particular, believe this to be so stems Article One Hundred Twenty-Three: With respect to the provisions of this Constitu- and Kabul's busy boulevards, even if all but hand victory to ISIS and oth- and children. For proof, see the er- from Washington's longstanding sup- that distinction was lost on the real- er extremist groups. And so you rant bombing strike on an apartment port for regional autocrats. In fiscal tion, statutes related to the formation, authority, as well as proceedings of courts and life targets of America's wars -- and would have successfully created a building in Mosul last month. After year 2017, 's military dicta- matters related to judges, shall be regulated by law. the bystanders (call them "collater- strategy for losing eternally in the all, those hundred-plus civilians are tor and 's king will receive al damage") scurrying across digital Greater Middle East. And if that was just as dead as Assad's recent victims $1.46 and $1 billion respectively in drone display screens. It's hardly a the desired outcome in Washington, and just as many angry, grieving US foreign aid -- nearly 7% of its brilliant observation to point out well, congratulations all around, but family members and friends have total assistance budget. After lead- that, more than 15 years later, the of course we all know that it wasn't. been left behind. In other words, any ing a coup to overturn Egypt's elect- entire region is a remarkable mess. Let's take these three points in such of the familiar US strategies, includ- ed government, General Sisi was of- So much worse off than Washing- a losing strategy one by one. (Of ing focusing all efforts on ISIS or ficially persona non grata in the ton found it, even if all of that mess course "losing" is itself a contested toppling Assad, or a bit of both, won't White House (though President can't simply be blamed on the Unit- term, but for our purposes, consider add up to a real policy for the re- Obama reinstated $1.3 billion in ed States -- at least not directly. It's the US to have lost as long as its gion. No matter how the Syrian civil military aid in 2015). Sisi's recent too late now, as the Trump admin- military spins its wheels in a never- war shakes out, Washington will visit to the Trump White House istration is discovering, to retreat ending quagmire, while gradually need a genuine "what next" plan. changed all that as, in a joint press behind two oceans and cover our col- empowering various local "adversar- Unfortunately, if the chosen course conference, the president swore that lective eyes. And yet, acts that might ies.") There are already thousands predictably relies heavily on the he was "very much behind" Egypt still do some modest amount of good of American soldiers and Marines in military lever to shape Syria's shat- and that Sisi himself had "done a (resettling refugees, sending aid, bro- and Syria, to say nothing of the tered society, America's presence and fantastic job." In another indicator kering truces, anything within rea- even more numerous troops and sail- actions will only (as in the past) ag- of future policy, the State Depart- son to limit suffering) don't seem to ors stationed on bases in , gravate the crisis and help rejuve- ment dropped existing human rights be on any American agenda. So, af- , Turkey, and other states nate its many adversaries. conditions for the multibillion-dol- ter 16 years of inconclusive or cat- ringing America's Middle Eastern "The Blessed Ban" lar sale of F-16s to Bahrain's mon- astrophic regional campaigns, may- battlefields. Still, if you want to rush The Trump administration's archy. All of this might be of mild be it's time to stop dreaming about into the fastest way to lose the next proposed "travel ban" quickly be- interest, if it weren't for the way it how to make things better in the phase of the war on terror, just ac- came fodder for left-versus-right bolstered ISIS claims that democra- Greater Middle East and try instead quiesce in the inevitable requests of vitriol in the US Here's a rundown cy is just an "idol," and the demo- to imagine how to make things worse your commanders for yet more on what it's likely to mean when it cratic process a fraud that Ameri- (since that's the path we often seem troops and planes needed to finish comes to foreign policy and the can presidents simply ignore. Then to take anyway). Here, then, is a the job in Syria ( and Iraq, and Af- "next" war. First, soaring domestic there's , already the object of little thought experiment for you: ghanistan, and , and so on). fears over terror attacks in this coun- deep hatred in the region, and now what if Washington actually wanted Let's play this out. First, the worst try and the possible role of migrants clearly about to receive a blank to lose? How might the US govern- (and most plausible) case: US ground and refugees in stoking them repre- check of support from the Trump t least 94 Islamic State (IS) fighters, which is also known as Daesh ment go about accomplishing that? forces get sucked into an ever more sent a potentially catastrophic over- administration. The role that Israe- Let me offer a quick (and inevitably complex, multi-faceted civil war -- reaction to a modest threat. Annu- li leaders already play in American terrorists were killed when US forces dropped the most powerful incomplete) to-do list on the sub- deeper and deeper still, until one day ally, from 2005 to 2015, extrem- domestic politics is certainly strik- ject: As a start, you would drop an they wake up in a world that looks ists killed an average of just seven ing to Arab audiences. Consider how non-nuclear bomb on their hideouts and caves on Achin district in enlarged, conventional army into like Baghdad, 2007, all over again. Americans on US soil. You are ap- unprecedented it was in 2015 to see eastern Nangarhar province. But, IS media wing, Aamaq News Agency, said Iraq and/or Syria. This would offer a Or, lest we be accused of defeatism, proximately 18,000 times more Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin giant red, white, and blue target for consider the best case: those end- likely to die in some sort of acci- Netanyahu criticize a sitting presi- none of the terror group’s fighters were killed or injured. However, offi- all those angry, young radicalized lessly fortified and reinforced Amer- dent than from such an attack. In dent before a joint session of Con- cially 94 Daesh militants were killed, and the Afghan masses are very happy men just wanting to extinguish some ican forces wipe the floor with ISIS addition, according to a study by the gress in an Israeli election year and new "crusader" force. It would serve and just maybe manage to engineer conservative Cato Institute, from receive multiple, bipartisan stand- over their killings. Daesh is a violent group that must be eliminated. There is as an effective religious-nationalist the toppling of Bashar al-Assad's 1975 to 2015 citizens of the coun- ing ovations. Even so, none of this no room in Afghanistan for Daesh militants, because the group carry’s ide- rallying cry (and target) throughout Syrian regime as well. It's V-Day in tries included in Trump's first ban prevented the Obama administra- the region. Then you would create a the Middle East! And then what? (including Iraq and Syria) killed pre- tion, domestically labeled "weak on ology of destruction. But at the same time there is a big question that de- news-magnet of a ban (or at least What happens the day after? When cisely zero people in the United Israel," from negotiating a record spite the use of ‘mother of all bombs’ why Daesh militants are still at large the appearance of one) on immi- and to whom do American troops States. Nor has any refugee conduct- $38 billion military aid deal with grants and visitors of every sort from turn over power? * The Kurds? ed a fatal domestic attack here. Fi- that country. While violent Pales- there and still in business of doing propaganda. Daesh radio on air despite predominantly Muslim countries That's a nonstarter for Turkey, Iran, nally, despite candidate and Presi- tinian fighters are far from blame- MOAB collapsed on their heads. Residents in eastern Nangarhar province coming to the United States. It's and Iraq, all countries with signifi- dent Trump's calls for "extreme less, for 40 years Israel has increas- hardly an accident that ISIS has tak- cant Kurdish minorities. * The Sau- vetting" of Muslim refugees, the ingly created facts on the ground said that Daesh radio has continued to broadcast its propaganda in the prov- en to calling the president's proposed dis? Don't count on it. They're busy government already has a complex, meant to preclude a viable Palestin- ince and that every evening the radio station airs anti-government program order to do just that "the bombing Houthi Shias in Yemen two-year vetting process for such ian state. Netanyahu and his prede- blessed ban" and praising Donald (with US-supplied ordnance) and refugees which is remarkably "ex- cessors increased illegal settlements and talking about recent drop of MOAB. According to residents, Daesh ra- Trump as the "best caller to Islam." grappling with the diversification of treme." Those are the facts. What in the Palestinian territories, built dio program are “horrible and disgusting”. Without doubt, if the radio broad- Such actions only confirm the ex- their oil-based economy in a world truly matters, however, is the ef- an exclusion wall, and further divid- tremist narrative: that Muslims are in which fossil fuels are struggling. * fect of such a ban on the war of ed the West Bank by constructing a casting not halted, it would defiantly lay down negative consequences among unwelcome in and incompatible Russia? Fat chance. Bombing "ter- ideas in the Middle East. In short, network of roads meant only for residents. Though, security forces said that Daesh radio station destroyed, with the West, that liberal plurality rorists"? Yes. Propping up an auto- it's manna from heaven for ISIS's the Israeli military and Jewish set- is a neo-imperial scam. Finally, you cratic client to secure basing rights? storyline in which Americans are tlers. Although most world leaders, but still it continues broadcasting, especially after the use of MOAB, which would feed the common perception Sure. Temporary transactional alli- alleged to hate all Muslims. It tells publics, and the United Nations see in the region that Washington's sup- ances of convenience in the region? you everything you need to know the Jewish settlements on the West is very concern if see it in open eyes. US termed the bombing as a success- port for Israel and assorted Arab au- Absolutely. But long-term nation- that, within days of the administra- Bank as a major impediment to ful one against Daesh terrorists. But Daesh militants claimed of no causal- tocrats is unconditional. To do so, building in the heart of the Middle tion's announcement of its first ban, peace, the current US ambassador you would go out of your way to East? It's just not the style of ISIS had taken to labeling it to Israel was once the president of a ity. At other side, seven days have been passed form the droop of ‘mother of hold fawning public meetings with Vladimir Putin's Russia, a country "blessed," just as al-Qaeda once ex- fundraising group supporting just all bombs’ on the district, but still the blast site is under lockdown by US military strongmen like Egyptian with its own shaky petro-economy. tolled George W. Bush's 2003 such an Israeli settlement. The no- President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and * So maybe leave Assad in power "blessed invasion" of Iraq. Even Sen- tion that he could be an honest bro- forces—barring access to all including Afghan security forces. Blast site suggest that, when it came to Israel, and turn the country back over to ator John McCain, a well-known ker in peace talks borders on the “off-limits” to everyone, expect to US forces, even to the government forc- you were considering changing what's left of his minority, Alawite- hawk, worried that Trump's execu- farcical. es that supported the bombing. This is indicating that something is going American policy when it comes to dominated regime? That, undoubt- tive order would "probably give ISIS (Truthout) wrong. Thought the government said that the bombing carried out with coor- dination with them, but why officials from three security agency—interior, defense, and National Directorate of Security are not going to visit the site of bombing, and tell the Afghans about its result. The Afghan masses are supporting every effort in fight against Daesh, but that doesn’t mean that Afghan soil should be turned into ground for testing weapons of such mass Growing insecurity destruction with having 11 tons of explosives. It is too much. Think twice you would realize that this was an attack against of Afghanistan. Several Afghan patriots stood against this immense atrocity, and asked the US to stop testing weapons in this land. Moreover, a large number of pro- testors in the capital Washington denounced the use of the largest non-nu- clear bombing in Afghanistan and other US military interventions around the world. Several Afghan Americans delivered short speeches during the rally to warn that US forces are destroying Afghanistan and “dehumanizing” its people. This is called true love for the country, despite living very far from—they took out to the streets under the very nose of US administration to give vent to their anger over bombing. It is a must to stand together when I n t e rf it comes to the matter of national interest. er en ce Subscription Rates Mines 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. THURSDAY. APRIL 20, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Why slashing the NIH budget is indefensible By Katrina vanden Heuvel to blindness. (Disclosure: I serve as a trustee of Research to Prevent Blindness, the leading private funder of vision research in the United States.) The budget proposal also “breaks with a history of bipartisan support for federally funded sci- ence,” as The Post reported. Indeed, In January 1970, the organizers of it was one of the bipartisan triumphs the first Earth Day published a full- in this country’s history to agree on By Richard Seymour page ad in the New York Times. A the importance of scientific re- few months ahead of thousands of search in driving progress. Just last demonstrations and teach-ins across year, despite persistent gridlock in the United States, they declared that Washington and a divisive presiden- Richard Seymour is an author and broad- Earth Day represented “a commit- tial campaign, Congress approved caster based in London. ment to make life better,” “to pro- an increase in the NIH budget with vide real rather than rhetorical so- strong bipartisan support. President lutions,” and “to challenge the cor- to go anywhere: and he knew it. Fi- Trump has introduced his budget nally, they tried to oust him with porate and government leaders who plan, but that's just the beginning of promise change, but who short In the week leading up to France's another election, just one year af- the appropriations process. And ter he was voted in. None of this change the necessary programs.” though the Republican Party is clear- elections, Prime Minister Theresa They continued, “April 22 seeks a May has ordered a snap general elec- worked, but it was incredibly self- ly guilty of advancing an anti-sci- destructive. At a crucial moment for future.” Nearly half a century later, ence agenda, especially when it tion for June 8 in Britain. May is the scientific community is once out to neutralise a few problems. the country, Labour was embroiled comes to climate change, it has been in factional warfare. The party again issuing a call to action. When encouraging to see members of both First of all, the Crown Prosecution the world commemorates the 48th Service is looking at prosecutions plummeted in the polls. And this parties speak out forcefully about snap election gives Corbyn's rivals Earth Day this weekend, the occa- the importance of fully funding the affecting two dozen Conservative sion will be marked by March for MPs. That number is greater than another chance to, they hope, fin- NIH. For example, Rep. Tom Cole ish the job. UK task force to tackle Science rallies nationwide and around (R-Okla.), an influential member of her parliamentary majority of 17. the globe. At a time when facts and Second, May's administration is ‘prison extremism’ the Appropriations and Budget It should be easy. The Conser- science are under attack, the orga- committees, called the proposed hamstrung by its weak majority, as nizers hope to send a loud and clear witnessed in a recent U-turn over vatives enjoy a mountainous 20 cuts “very shortsighted,” adding that percent poll lead. On a uniform message that “science is a vital fea- biomedical research is “part of the an attempt to raise taxes for the ture of a working .” De- self-employed. Above all, May is out swing, that would translate into 393 defense of the country.” Rep. Jamie to finish the left-wing opposition seats for the Conservatives and 166 nouncing policies that “threaten to B. Raskin (D-Md.), a progressive further restrict scientists’ ability to leader, Jeremy Corbyn. Indeed, the seats for Labour. May, by exploit- House freshman who represents the election looks dire for Corbyn, cur- ing this opportunity, hopes to break supporters think defeat is noble. It makes them look like they have no union affiliates never had the chance research and communicate their find- district where NIH is headquartered, ings,” they warn that “we face a rently at 25 percent in the polls. Labour as an instrument of opposi- is because Corbyn's Labour critics answers and dislike democracy. of voting for Corbyn. But then they described slashing the NIH budget as But why does it seem so much worse tion for the foreseeable future. Many don't understand why he is there. Members will apportion much of the face a new dilemma. possible future where people not “indefensible.” Nonetheless, the de- only ignore scientific evidence, but than that of France's radical left on the Labour right hope that will He was elected to address a crisis in blame for defeat to them. The only If they revert to the old pat- bate over NIH funding is further presidential candidate, Jean-Luc break Corbyn: resignations designed social democracy from the left, way the old guard could guarantee tern, where do they think that will seek to eliminate it entirely.” One evidence of what has been clear for of the most threatening of those Mélenchon, on 19 percent? Why is to damage him have begun anew. when all else had failed. He would victory against Corbyn would be to lead? If they drive out the only new quite some time: Science is now po- Melenchon a threat, while Corbyn Even if this happens, however, it not be where he was if the people engineer a more competent coup. members they have recruited in policies is in President Trump’s bud- litical. In response, scientists are be- get blueprint: a cut of nearly $6 bil- looks threatened? The first part of may not work. Not because, as some now attacking him hadn't lost all They would have to ensure that the years, where will renewal come coming more political, too. The the answer is that Corbyn doesn't Conservatives ludicrously claim, his credibility. Their plotting merely majority of members and trade from? lion to the National Institutes of March for Science is merely the Health (NIH). As The Post report- lead a radical split off from social (Aljazeera) most visible manifestation to date democracy, as Melenchon does. ed last month, the proposal would of an emerging social movement slash roughly a fifth of NIH’s fund- While the latter leads a politically Trump’s threats of action built on the common-sense princi- and ideologically coherent organi- ing in fiscal year 2018, “a seismic ple that scientific findings should in- disruption in government-funded sation, with plenty of media savvy, form policy and not the other way Corbyn leads a traditional social medical and scientific research.” The around. It will be followed later this against Syria to N-Korea administration has also proposed a democratic party. This didn't hap- month, on Trump’s 100th day in pen because of overweening left- separate $1.2 billion reduction in the office, by the People’s Climate remainder of this year’s NIH fund- wing power, but because of the ex- need more than force March. Meanwhile, the recently haustion of the old party elites, part ing, along with severe cuts to the formed group 314 Action is recruit- National Science Foundation, the of a wider social democratic decline. By Abdulrahman al-Rashed fending South Korea is a difficult ing and training members of the sci- Those elites never adjusted to the task. Its capital is only 30 ki- Environmental Protection Agency entific community to run for Con- and other programs, to pay for a new reality, and Corbyn had no North Korea’s foreign minister longs lometers away from the borders of gress, prioritizing races against choice but to work with them. They for Barack Obama’s days, as he re- the evil northern neighbor that border wall and higher defense spend- members of the House Science Com- ing. Thought-provoking opinions are now stuck with each other, nei- cently said that his successor Donald threatens to bury the capital with a claimed to a friend in a telephone mittee who are working to advance ther willing to give up Labour, and Trump seems to be evil judging by population is 11 million. This is why and commentary, in your inbox dai- anti-science policies. conversation (also filmed) that he ly. When news of the proposed NIH neither able to claim complete con- his tweets and statements. Irans Su- the Americans established the most While some politicians would trol. This gave Corbyn certain ad- had killed 13. As the Cleveland po- cuts broke, scientists expressed fear preme Leader feels the same as he’s fortified buffer zone in the world on lice chief put it, “he’s got deep, deep have us believe that we can’t spare vantages, such as the support of criticized Trump and said it was a the borders. There are around about the far-reaching implications. money for scientific research, the issues.” We don’t know whether In addition to biomedical research long-entrenched institutions with bad shift that he assumed power. 38,000 soldiers in this zone. opposite is true. We can’t afford to money and influence, such as the Stephens was interested in taking conducted at NIH headquarters in When Trump warned that This American-Korean struggle lives for the thrill of the kill, or defund the vital efforts that could trade unions. He leads not a radical it was playing with fire, Ayatollah has a lot of similarities in terms of Maryland, more than 80 percent of help solve some of our greatest chal- whether he was primarily interested the NIH budget is used to fund re- fringe party but the official opposi- Khamenei defiantly said Trump’s challenges that the international lenges, from cancer to climate tion, to which he has recruited hun- in capturing himself in the act. But search at universities and other in- statements did not scare them. This community currently confronts. it seems obvious that the video was change. Those who plan to attend dreds of thousands of members. But was before the US strike on the Syr- North Korea looks a lot like Iran. stitutions nationwide. In many cas- the March for Science — who are essential to the murder. This is the es, NIH grants account for most of it has limited his repertoire and ian al-Shayrat air base. It’s normal Both countries are ideological and not just progressives or Democrats locked him into a toxic internal spi- modern take on the tree falling in a laboratory’s funding, and they of- for North Korea’s foreign minister under a totalitarian rule which poli- the forest. If no one were to see but represent an ideologically and ral of constant war. Melenchon has to long for Obama’s days. Obama’s cies are mostly based on establish- ten drive follow-on contributions culturally diverse movement — Stephens’s murderous act, would the from other sources. In 2016, for been free to bash NATO, the World term was more like an eight year ing a massive regional power against know that science is for all. They Bank, and the rich. [Corbyn] was nap during which evil regimes, like neighboring countries. South Korea experience have mattered as much? example, NIH distributed more than are sending an unequivocal message elected to address a crisis in social Or at all? The randomness of the $23.5 billion in grants to support North Korea and Iran relaxed, de- improved on social and economic that while science may have become democracy from the left, when all veloped their capabilities and ex- levels and became one of the most victim suggests a lack of intent be- research on everything from can- political, it will never be negotiable. else had failed. He would not be By Kathleen Parker yond the placement of a bullet in cer to Alzheimer’s to mental health panded at the expense of others. developed and industrialized coun- (WP) where he was if the people now at- The result was that North Korea tries in the world. Meanwhile, its some unsuspecting person’s head. tacking him hadn't lost all credibili- dared to strike Japan for the first neighbor, North Korea, is very poor Imagine. Stephens aimed the barrel ty. Corbyn has been obliged to look time in its history since World War and lives under the governance of of his weapon at Godwin’s forehead, over his shoulder. He can't withdraw II, as well as develop its nuclear an obsessed man who spends every- watched as Godwin held up his hands, from NATO and the World Bank, weapons and missiles, so posing hor- thing the state has to fulfill his mil- while looking at Stephens — who no major tax hikes on the rich will rific threats to the world. Meanwhile itary ambitions. This is also the case was taking moving pictures. Incon- be announced, and energy national- Iran took over Iraq and Syria and is in Iran. Tehran is as rich as its Gulf ceivable, yet it was posted for all to isation has been dropped. Yet he is trying to do the same in Yemen. neighbors in terms of natural re- The Facebook video of a homicide see. The banality of the act — ran- still too left-wing for his critics, who Washington is trying to protect its sources. But instead of following in was surely inevitable. This isn’t the dom, ruthless and meaningless — were in more or less open revolt most important allies in the East, their footsteps and developing its same as saying that video murders underscored the truly hideous pur- from day one. The second part of Japan and South Korea. This is why economy, Iran chose to squander its soon will become all the rage, but it pose of Stephens’s brief moment on the answer is Brexit. Melenchon it dispatched the vice president to capabilities and establish its policies was more likely to happen eventu- the world stage. Not 15 minutes of may need less than 25 percent of Seoul and sent an aircraft carrier based on domination and regional ally than not. Forget the suspected fame, but eternity in the viral uni- the vote in the first round to have a there. Despite its political weakness, power. The US wants to protect its killer, Steve W. Stephens, who took verse. Murdering a stranger was sim- serious chance of winning. This is the US is still the biggest power in interests and zones of influence, but his own life Tuesday after a brief ply the worst thing he could do to because of the breakdown of the tra- the world. It possesses around 19 it turned out that it neglected that a police pursuit. If not he, then some- ensure that everyone would know ditional centre parties - both his aircraft carriers and 10 of them are lot during Obama’s term. Today one else would have become “that his name. Which is why Godwin’s former party, the Socialists, and the huge. Russia and China only have though, the US believes it must set guy who killed an old man while film- sad and terrible death was perhaps right-wing party Les Republicains, one each. It’s normal for North Ko- limits to Syria’s and North Korea’s ing himself doing it.” Thought-pro- fateful. He was the man stepping each of which he has overtaken. In rea’s foreign minister to long for behavior and send a frank message voking opinions and commentary, off the curb just as the bus swerved Britain, however, Brexit has elec- Obama’s days. Obama’s term was which stipulates that it’s willing to in your inbox daily. Shooting 74- too close, the fisherman on the lake torally consolidated the right-wing more like an eight year nap during defend its interests and regions year-old Godwin Sr. was ap- when lightning found his fishing rod. vote, with former UKIP voters de- which evil regimes, like North Ko- against Russian and Chinese orien- parently a random act. Acquaintan- Godwin was simply there when a serting the party for a Conserva- rea and Iran relaxed, developed their tations. Let’s keep in mind that the ces described Stephens as a “creep” roving human eye found him, when tive Party. Meanwhile, it has exac- capabilities and expanded at the ex- US has been struggling to restore its who, as a teen, used a pet python to the camera lens shuttered into fo- erbated the fragmentation of the left pense of others. But military power image as a strong country ever since try to woo women. Ah, yes, the old cus, and his 74 years on Earth sud- vote. In the aftermath, moreover, alone is not enough. America is the September 11, 2001 attacks. python trick. Nuance, one notes, denly became the locus in the the Labour establishment moved to fighting away from its territories, However, it hasn’t achieved much was not his forte. But — wait for it crosshairs of an ultimate exhibition- overthrow Corbyn. They hoped, before countries that are geograph- since then. Managing the Iraq war — he had a good personality. And, ist. I’ve seen only still shots of the through a string of resignations and ically close and are willing to sacri- was a failure, and Washington’s role finally, he worked in children’s men- murder taken from the film and timed media statements, to create fice a million soldiers without being regressed during Obama’s eight years tal health. Let’s create a monster, wouldn’t watch the recording if I an intolerable climate for him. How- held accountable by their own peo- in power. And today, Washington is shall we? The alleged killer walks could. Morbid curiosity has its lim- ever, they misunderstood him: he ple or governments. This week, before a world which borders and around seducing girls with a giant its — or should. But for much of the hadn't won by climbing the greasy China improved its military readi- influence are changing. snake that gives lethal hugs, once world these days, watching other pole. As long as members and the ness and sent 150,000 soldiers to This article was first published slapped to death his pet parakeet people performing all manner of unions backed him, he didn't have the borders with its ally North Ko- in Asharq Al-Awsat on April 18, (according to an erstwhile neighbor) activities has become routine, which rea that also shares borders with 2017. and likes to video himself commit- is to say, ordinary. Indeed, people Russia. Geopolitically speaking, de- (Alarabiya) ting at least one murder, though he will film themselves doing just about anything and everything. Younger folks who’ve been documented since LETTER TO THE EDITOR birth, as well as during, and have never known a cellphone-free mo- ment, perhaps can’t fathom why they shouldn’t “share” their every whim, appetite and mood. I’d like Endemic corruption By Garrison Keillor she isn’t interested. Instead of di- officer with an assault rifle stepped to think it’s because no one else is rections, you get a novella. into my room and said that they that interested, but apparently lots Up to Alaska last week to visit old Thought-provoking opinions and had a warrant out for a man next of other people are. For every ex- Corruption is endemic in the country, and it has been eating our infrastructures at high level. Corruption is commentary, in your inbox daily. I a form of dishonest or unethical that being conducting by a person entrusted with a position of authority. friends and relive fragrant memo- door and that the man had an- hibitionist, there are a million voy- ries of previous trips. Landing on a met a Tlingit woman who gave me nounced he had a gun. The officer eurs. We’re all so riveted to our Recently, we are aware that ten officials have been arrested in charge of corruption in Kapisa province. The short uphill grass strip near a native her unvarnished views on Alaska opened the door to my balcony and screens that a moment not captured corruption is phenomena that directly affects economic and politics situation of the country. village and later taking off on that politics and an old trucker who suggested I go into the hall. So I and telegraphed to our thousands of Despite efforts made by the government to bring corruption at least to low level in security organs, but, strip and off the edge of a cliff. Fish- hauled materials for the pipeline, and stepped out, barefoot, without glass- social media “friends” may as well however, it took further inroads in these important institutions. This trend is more dangerous for the ing in a fjord near Juneau as a dark finally quit, fed up with the rules es, in jeans and a T-shirt. Seven of- not have happened. stability of the government. enormity rolled up from the deep, a and regulations. His first truck was a ficers stood in the hall, including a Would Godwin still be alive if At the same time it is the responsibility of our countrymen to take step against those officials who takes humpback 30 feet off starboard. En- White, a good truck, and he wound slight young female, and four of Stephens’s battery had died? The bribe from them. The Afghans should also corporate with the government organize in recognizing the corrupt countering a moose while biking up driving a Peterbilt, which he hat- them had guns drawn, including her, temptations are great, no doubt, and officials, and through this provide an opportunity for corruption-free environment in Afghanistan. around Anchorage. Sitting in a friend- ed. “Never buy a truck that is on and were focused on the door next I’m no high priestess of moral will, Basir Ahmad, Kabul Afghanistan ly cafe in Sitka that felt like family. the assembly line on Friday and they to mine. They were on high alert. I though I do hate myself every time Hiking the Iditarod trail and seeing finish it on Monday,” he said. He slipped past the uniforms and none I share. And of course I was put on the body of a moose who broke was once fined $250 in Arizona for of them glanced at me. The one clos- this planet to worry, which I also do through the ice of a lake and speeding; the highway patrol sent est to the door yelled again, “Open publicly. I worry that the underly- drowned. Going to the state fair in him a picture of his truck taken by a the door! Now!” I’m a civilian. I ing imperative in our see-and-be- Palmer and mingling with Alaskans roadside camera on the desert that lead a casual jokey life. I mess seen culture — one increasingly with- in a state of euphoria produced by also recorded his speed, and he sent Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must around. I wouldn’t know how to out even the expectation of priva- sunlight. It is a state that one re- them a photo of $250 arranged on bring that steady intensity to bear cy — soon leads to the expectation have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: his kitchen table. I was sitting in my members long afterward. Last week on a closed door. That’s just a fact. that one shouldn’t have any priva- [email protected] I sat in a little cafe in Anchorage hotel room in Anchorage on I can do panic; I don’t do high-fo- Wednesday morning, when some- cy. Some slippery slopes really are and got into conversations by the cus readiness. If I am responsible for slippery. Whatever secrets Stephens simple device of asking directions. one yelled, “Open up! Open the your security, you are in serious trou- In a state that offers so much soli- door!” I opened the door. Two uni- took to his Maker when he took his ble. They got their man. He surren- own life, we’ll never know. But tude, people are happy to talk. I formed officers stood there. It dered and was handcuffed and I got a met a couple who’d lived for many wasn’t me they wanted. They were someone else’s secret urges or de- Disclaimer: glimpse of him in the hall, a skinny sires are always on the verge of dis- years in the mountains east of there, yelling at the door next to mine. guy with a hangdog expression, want- The views and opinions expressed in the articles are raised two kids, got divorced and now One cop had a revolver drawn, ed for drug dealing. play — and one-upmanship is the live a few blocks apart in the city. aimed at the next door. Another cop He had been dealing out of the hotel coin of the Facebook realm. Would those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or “We’re still best friends,” she said yelled, “Open the door now! And room. Whatever drugs he himself that the next worst thing were not opinions of the Afghanistan Times. cheerily, and he gave her a wan look. keep your hands where we can see was on were not a kind that make inevitable. He is still in love with her, he said, them!” Police can yell really loud you smarter. (WP) and wants to get back together, and and their diction is quite clear. An (Truthout) THURSDAY. APRIL 20, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Syrian army releases tens of captured soldiers after wining back terrorist-held prison in eastern US Navy officials have admitted tially erroneous explanation" from peated Trump's insistence that if that the USS Carl Vinson aircraft US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, China did not "deal with" the strike group was not heading to- which "perpetuated the false nar- North Korean threat, the US wards North Korea despite their rative that a flotilla was racing to- would. Speaking at the White assertions earlier this month. It was ward the waters off North Korea". House yesterday, Trump told announced on 8 April that the ship US Navy Deployment: North North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was heading north towards Py- Korea will continue to conduct that he has "gotta behave". He also ongyang as a deterrent signal to missile tests "on a weekly, month- announced the deployment of a North Korea. However, the US ly and yearly basis", a senior offi- missile defence system in South Navy has posted images of the cial from the country told the BBC. Korea would be accelerated to deal USS Carl Vinson sailing south Vice foreign minister Han Song- with the escalating crisis. North through the Sunda Strait between ryol warned that a US air strike Korea "has long been seen to use the Indonesian islands of Java and would be followed by "all-out provocation and brinkmanship to Sumatra, 3,500 nautical miles war", including the use of nuclear raise tension for its own strategic south-west of the Korean Penin- weapons. He said: "If the US is advantage", says the BBC's John sula. In an attempt to clarify the planning a military attack against Sudworth. "It is then able to win situation, Pentagon spokeswom- us, we will react with a nuclear pre- diplomatic and economic conces- an Dana White released a statement emptive strike by our own style sions through negotiations to de- saying: "The ship is now moving and method." His comments echo fuse the crisis, only later to go on The Syrian Army troops contin- was killed in the Syrian Army north to the Western Pacific. This those of North Korea's deputy am- to renege on its disarmament com- ued their advances against Al-Nus- troops' operations in al-Qaboun should have been communicated bassador to the UN Kim In-ryong mitments," he adds. North Korea ra Front (also known as Fatah al- district in Eastern Ghouta. more clearly at the time." BBC who accused Washington of turn- has reacted angrily to the deploy- Sham Front or the Levant Libera- The army soldiers, backed up Korea correspondent Stephen ing the region into "the world's big- ment of a US Navy strike group to sequences to be entailed by its lery pieces and a large number of tion Board) and managed to win by the country's fighter jets, con- Evans said it was "not clear" gest hotspot" and setting up "a dan- waters off the Korean Peninsula, back a prison controlled by terror- tinued their anti-terrorism opera- whether this was "a deliberate de- gerous situation in which a ther- accusing the US of staging "reck- outrageous actions." North Korea short-range missiles aimed at has a history of issuing threats in Seoul, a symbolic strike against ists in Eastern Ghouta, liberating tion near al-Qaboun and in a re- ception, perhaps designed to monuclear war may break out at less moves for invading". In a state- tens of captured soldiers. gion between al-Qaboun and West- frighten North Korea's leader Kim any moment". Last night, US Vice ment broadcast by the state-run response to any perceived slight. North Korea by the US would An editorial published in the Glo- bring a disaster to the people in The army forces, using intelli- ern Harasta, and killed Command- Jong-un, a change of plan or sim- President Mike Pence urged Py- Korean Central News Agency, the gence and aerial images, stormed er of Brigade 17th of Jeish al-Is- ple miscommunication". The New ongyang not to test the "resolve" foreign ministry said Pyongyang bal Times, which usually reflects Seoul," said the paper. "New nu- Chinese government thinking, clear tests [by North Korea] will Al-Nusra's defense lines in al- lam terrorist group, nom de guerre York Times says the confusion of President Donald Trump, cit- is "ready to react to any mode of Qaboun district and took back one Abu Amar al-Qeis. A local source resulted from a "glitch-ridden se- ing recent military actions taken in war desired by the US". It added: urged caution from both North meet with unprecedented reactions Korea and the US. "In view of Py- from the international communi- of the jails used by the terrorist said that the army's artillery and quence of events", including a "par- Syria and Afghanistan. He also re- "We will hold the US wholly ac- group. The army men liberated al- aircraft launched heavy attacks on countable for the catastrophic con- ongyang's several thousand artil- ty, even to a turning point." (THEWEEK) most 34 captured soldiers in the terrorists' positions in al-Qaboun attack. Relevant reports said on simultaneous with the advances of Monday that a field commander the ground troops. DK calls on gov’t to cancel of Jeish al-Islam terrorist group (Farsnews) nuclear cooperation ATurkey divided deal with Iran by Erdogan with The Democratic Coalition (DK) party has called on the government become prey to to cancel an agreement it had signed with Iran on a joint mini FM: Iran sees no limit nuclear power plant project. Hun- gary has no business in Iran’s nu- its enemies clear programme, DK lawmaker to ties with Lajos Oláh told a press conference. Iran does not consider any limit to the Central Asian country, Zarif He argued that Iran for years had the bilateral relations with Kyr- said Tehran and can launch not allowed international organi- gyzstan, Foreign Minister Mo- or promote cooperation in various sations to look into its nuclear pro- hammad Javad Zarif said on fields, including technology and gramme and that it had previously Wednesday, noting that strong science, energy industry, construc- supported the militant group Ha- bonds between the two countries tion projects, agriculture and ani- mas and ’s Hezbollah have roots in history. Addressing mal husbandry, as well as mines movement. He added that Iran is a conference on Iran-Kyrgyzstan and industries. As regards the bi- still seen by many as a supporter trade ties in Bishkek, Zarif said the lateral banking ties and financial of extremist forces. official diplomatic relations be- transactions, Zarif called for seri- Oláh said the deal with Iran, as part of which declared said DK would turn to the Euro- Semjén met the head of Iran’s nu- tween the two states over the past ous efforts to facilitate interaction pean Atomic Energy Community clear agency Ali Akbar Salehi with 25 years originate from their cul- between the entrepreneurs of the its readiness to fund joint power plant projects worth up to 85 mil- (Euratom) over the deal and de- whom he signed a declaration of tural and religious commonalities, two countries, expressing the hope mand that it be made public. Earli- intent on cooperating on nuclear their neighborliness, and joint his- that agreements between the cen- lion euros, was “more than an eco- nomic escapade”, adding that it er this month, during a visit to Iran, energy. torical background. “We consider tral banks of Iran and Kyrgyzstan Deputy Prime Minister Zsolt (Politics) no limit to the relations with Kyr- would stimulate private sectors’ was a “national security risk”. He gyzstan and are ready to expand activities. The Iranian foreign min- ties in all fields,” the top Iranian ister arrived in Bishkek on Tues- diplomat added. Pointing to a del- day night on the final leg of a re- egation of business people from gional tour that took him earlier to Iran’s state-run and private sectors and . What critics claim is the openly der a state of emergency under accompanying him in the trip to (Tasnimnews) fraudulent Turkish referendum which parliament, the judiciary and ends parliamentary democracy in other power centres will be brought the country and gives President under the full control of “an exec- Recep Tayyip Erdogan dictatorial utive presidency”. All of this will soldier wounded powers. The most unexpected as- be familiar to anybody familiar pect of the poll on Sunday was with the toxic politics of one par- byAzerbaijan remains in not the declared outcome, but that ty or monarchical states anywhere the ruling AKP (Justice and De- in the world. Syrian elections to velopment Party) allegedly found this day and Iraqi elections up to critical condition it necessary to fix the vote quite 2003 invariably returned over- The health condition of 1997) was wounded, on Monday so blatantly. The tightness of the whelming majorities in favour of of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh at around 6:20pm, at the protec- final outcome of the referendum – their regimes and some found it a Republic/NKR) Defense Army tion area of an NKR Defense Army 51.4 per cent “yes” to the consti- mystery why their rulers bothered soldier Tatul Harutyunyan, 19, unit located in a northerly direc- tutional changes and 48.59 per cent to hold a vote at all. The answer who was wounded by the adver- tion, and as a result of the shots voting “no” – shows that the “no” was that the vanity of autocrats is sary, remains critical. Senor Has- fired by the Azerbaijani armed forc- voters would have been in the ma- bottomless and they want to see ratyan, Spokesperson of the NKR es. He was taken to jority in any fairly conducted elec- reports in their state-controlled Defense Army, informed about the Military Hospital, in the capital tion. Late on election day the head media that they and their policies aforesaid to Armenian News- city of the Republic of Artsakh. of the Electoral Board overseeing are the people’s choice. A subtler NEWS.am. Artsakh defense army (NEWS) the process decided that votes not and more menacing message is to conscript Harutyunyan (born in stamped as legally valid, number- demonstrate their ability to force ing as many as 1.5 million, would their people to perform an elec- be counted as valid, quite contrary toral kow-tow as a demonstration to the practice in previous Turk- of raw power and to show the , China vow ish elections. An even cheekier world who is in charge. In the past ploy was to announce that cities foreign observers have often made to deepen cooperation with large Kurdish populations in the mistake of thinking that Tur- south-east Turkey, where Er- key was similar to Middle East dogan’s security services have bru- states. In reality, it was a much in agriculture tally crushed dissent, had swung more modern state closer in its China's Vice Premier Wang Yang during the meeting said his coun- North Korea will continue to test Korea on Monday that recent US week warned of a nuclear attack in his direction. These possible political history to the countries and Vice Prime Minister, Minister try is willing to continue expan- missiles regularly and any military strikes in Syria, one of Pyongy- on the United States at any sign of signs of fraud come in addition to of southern Europe. There were of Agriculture and Water Resourc- sion of cooperation in agricultural action against it by the United ang's few close allies, and Afghan- American aggression, but the White the detention of journalists, MPs military coups and military rule, es of Uzbekistan Zoir Mirzayev sector and promote the develop- States would prompt "all out war", istan showed that the resolve of House said there was no evidence and activists and the takeover or but there were also real elections discussed cooperation of the two ment of the countries' agriculture. a senior North Korean official has President Donald Trump should it possessed that capability. "If the closure of almost 150 media out- and powerful parliaments. There countries in agricultural sphere, Mirzayev, in turn, said that told the BBC. North Korea has not be tested. "We'll be conducting USA is planning a military attack lets. Some 145,000 people have was a sophisticated and influen- reports Xinhua. The talks took Uzbekistan highly appreciates the conducted several missile and nu- more missile tests on a weekly, against us we will react with a nu- been detained or arrested and a fur- tial media and an intellectual ener- place on April 18 in the state resi- cooperation development with clear tests in defiance of United monthly and yearly basis," Vice clear pre-emptive strike by our ther 134,000 sacked for alleged gy in Turkey superior to most dency Zhongnanhai. Wang Yan China and plans to deepen ties. Nations sanctions and has said it Foreign Minister Han Song-Ryol own style and method," Han said. links to the attempted military countries in Europe. It is this that (Akpress) has developed a missile that can said in an interview with the BBC. He also said North Korea believed coup on 16 July 2016 which is the is now being eliminated as Turkey strike the US mainland. Its latest "If the US is reckless enough to its nuclear weapons protect it from excuse for a purge in which any- becomes yet another member of missile test on Sunday failed a few use military means it would mean the threat of military action by the body suspected of dissent is tar- the corrupt and tawdry club of seconds after launch. US Vice Pres- from that very day, an all out war." United States. geted as “a terrorist”. Erdogan al- Middle East autocracies. Moscow police detain ident Mike Pence warned North North Korean state media last (SBS) ready holds arbitrary power un- (Counterpunch) Azerbaijani man suspected of opening fire on his China’s Xi restructures military, consolidates control compatriot’s car Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced a military restructure of rejiggering existing military regions, as well as streamlining troop num- bers particularly in noncombat facing roles. The previous seven military Moscow police have detained a the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to transform it into a leaner fight- ing force with improved joint operations capability, state media said. area commands were regrouped into five, and the four military depart- 35-year-old Azerbaijani man sus- ments — staff, politics, logistics and armaments — were reorganized pected of opening fire on his com- Centred around a new, condensed structure of 84 military units, the reshuffle builds on Xi’s years-long efforts to modernize the PLA with into 15 agencies last year. The 84 units will come under the 15 agencies. patriot’s car in the city’s Sever- Retired PLA Maj. Gen. Xu Guangyu, a senior researcher at the Beijing- noye Butovo District, APA report- greater emphasis on new capabilities including cyberspace, electronic and information warfare. As chair of the Central Military Commission, based China Arms Control and Disarmament Association, said the re- ed citing Russian media. Earlier, an structure represented the second major phase of Xi’s reforms. “Since unknown person in the Audi A8 Xi is also commander-in-chief of China’s armed forces. “This has pro- found and significant meaning in building a world-class military,” Xi told military reforms started it has been one step at a time,” Xu said. “The fired several times from the pistol high-level framework is now in place, now this is the second phase on a Toyota Camry on the Mos- commanders of the new units at the PLA headquarters in Beijing, ac- cording to an official Xinhua News Agency report late Tuesday. targeting the entire midranking levels of the military.” Beijing has been cow Automobile Ring Road and moving rapidly to upgrade its military hardware as it grows increasingly then fled the scene. After a while, All 84 new units are at the combined-corps level, which means commanders will hold the rank of major-general or rear-admiral, the assertive about its sovereignty claims in the South China Sea and as it a 47-year old Azerbaijani man ap- seeks to expand its military prowess overseas. Chinese media reports pealed to the police that his car official China Daily reported Wednesday, adding that unit members would likely be regrouped from existing forces given the Chinese mili- have speculated that the country’s second aircraft carrier — and its first came under fire on the Moscow built at home — will be launched Sunday, the navy’s founding anniver- Automobile Ring Road. An inves- tary was still engaged in cutting its troops by 300,000, one of the wide- ranging military reforms introduced by Xi in late 2015. Those reforms sary. tigation is underway into the inci- (Japantimes) dent. (Trend) include establishing a joint operational command structure by 2020 and THURSDAY.APRIL 20, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Japan, US agree on collaborative FDI of Indian companies approach to Korean Peninsula issue, leaps two-fold to $3b in March launch new economic dialogue Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) made by Indian companies in their overseas busi- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (L) ness projects has reportedly jumped over two-fold to $2.99 billion last month. and Japanese Deputy Prime Min- ister Taro Aso attend a press con- Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) ference in Tokyo, Japan, on April made by Indian companies in their 18, 2017. Japan and the United overseas business projects has re- States on Tuesday agreed to work portedly jumped over two-fold to together with countries in the re- $2.99 billion last month. gion to address tensions on the Investments made by these Korean Peninsular and took steps companies in March this year towards bridging gaps in econom- were much higher than February, ic cooperation with the launch of at $867.53 million as mentioned in the U.S.-Japan Economic Dia- a national news portal. logue. Japanese Prime Minister Indian companies made in- Shinzo Abe and visiting U.S. Vice vestments upto $1.42 billion in President Mike Pence reaffirmed their overseas joint ventures or the Japan-U.S. alliance and the im- subsidiaries in March 2016. These portance of cooperating with oth- investments were in the form of er countries in the region to peace- equities $1.99 billion, loans worth fully realize a denuclearized Kore- $742.60 million and issuance of an Peninsular. At the outset of a guarantee worth $251.40 million working lunch with Abe, Pence as mentioned in a national news said that the administration of U.S. portal. President Donald Trump re- Bharti Airtel invested $765.20 mained committed to working to- million and Tata International in- gether with regional stakeholders vested $179.22 million. ONGC to ensure a peaceful Korean Pen- Videsh Ltd invested $75.49 mil- insular. "President Trump is de- lion and WNS Global Services in- termined to work closely with Ja- vested over $53.78 million. pan, with South Korea, with all (Indiainfoline) our allies in the region, and with Monday, Chinese Foreign Minis- ation through an ongoing forum. The high-level talks were the China, to achieve a peaceable so- try spokesman Lu Kang said that The dialogue was agreed to in first of their kind since the United lution and denuclearization of the China welcomes the United States principle between Abe and Trump States, under the Trump adminis- Korean Peninsula," Pence said. to play a positive role in peaceful- when the two leaders met in Feb- tration, backed out of the Trans- Digital economy could add Prior to Pence's arrival from South ly resolving the Korean Peninsula ruary and sets out three policy Pacific Partnership multilateral free Korea, Abe on Monday called for nuclear issue. He added that seek- pillars that will structure the dia- trade agreement that would have increased diplomacy rather than ing a peaceful solution to the Ko- logue with further talks to be held seen Japan and the U.S. as the two the use of force in dealing with the rean Peninsula issue is a right di- in December. But a number of largest economies involved. Trump more than 20pc to Malaysia’s current situation regarding tensions rection and meets the interests of thorny issues were shelved for the in January signed an executive or- on the Korean Peninsular. Tensions all related parties. Dialogue and time being including the United der to officially withdraw the U.S. have risen in the region of late, as consultation is the only way to States' hefty trade deficit with Ja- from the Trans-Pacific Partnership the Democratic People's Republic resolve the Korean Peninsula is- pan in 2016, and Japan's highly- (TPP) trade deal. "The TPP is a GDP before 2020 of Korea (DPRK) has conducted sue, said Lu, reaffirming China's protectionist stance on imports, thing of the past for the United multiple missile tests and two nu- stance. During his visit, Vice Pres- particularly regarding agriculture States. The Unites States is deter- clear tests in the past 18 months, ident Pence also held talks with and automotive sectors. The fo- mined to reach out to our partners with the United States' recent de- Japan's Deputy Prime Minister rum, according to a joint press re- in the world to negotiate trade on a ployment of an aircraft carrier unit Taro Aso and launched the "U.S.- lease, spans trade and investment bilateral basis," Pence told a joint to the region after holding large- Japan Economic Dialogue" which standards, cooperation on global press briefing following talks with scale "war games" near the penin- will purportedly act as means to economic development, infrastruc- Aso. sula also stoking concerns. On deepen bilateral economic cooper- ture and energy and job creation. (PEOPLE) IMF expects oil prices to greatly boosts hover at around $55 per sunflower oil exports Large- and m edium -sized Ukrainian enterprises exported barrel in 2017-2018 683,470 tonnes of sunflow er oil in March 20 17, w hich w as 54.7% up from February 2017 and 59.2% up year-over-year (y-o-y), according to the association of vegetable oil and ani- m al fat producing enterprises Ukroliyaprom . Exports of Ukrainian sunflower oil sunflower oil are India, EU coun- in monetary terms were estimated tries, China, and Turkey. As The contribution of the digital vestments, we can achieve it (tar- force-ready ecosystem, technolog- at US$514.8 million, Uk- UNIAN reported earlier, Ukraini- economy to Malaysia's gross do- get of 20% to GDP) earlier than ically focused and a holistic con- roliyaprom's press service said. "In an enterprises in the 2016-2017 mestic product (GDP), at about 2020," he said after officiating the venience and lifestyle experience. March 2017, exports of sunflow- marketing year (September 2016 17% currently, is expected to ex- Malaysia Digital Hub and Malay- It focuses on four categories, name- er oil from Ukraine hit a record high through August 2017) are expect- ceed the projected target of 20% sia Tech Entrepreneur Programme ly, growing startups, global tech- of 683,470 tonnes worth $514.8 ed to produce about 5.5 million earlier than 2020, said Treasury in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. nology companies, accelerators and million in all years [of the coun- tonnes of sunflower oil. Of the Secretary-General Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan said the Malaysian talent builders and investors. try's independence]. The growth amount, about 5 million tonnes is Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah. ecosystem for startups is condu- Incentives for the Malaysia Digi- was 154.7% compared to Febru- to be exported, the Agrarian Poli- He expressed confidence that the cive and, due to the regulations, tal Hub includes corporate tax ex- ary 2017, and 159.2% y-o-y," the cy and Food Ministry forecasts. level could be achieved earlier as policies and facilities that have emptions for the tech startups, the report said. In general, since the According to the Ukrainian State Malaysia had started making been put in place, the country is Malaysia Tech Entrepreneurs Pro- beginning of the current 2016-2017 Statistics Service, the production waves in the digital economy are- now the second top hotspot to gramme that issues passes for in- marketing year, which started in of crude sunflower oil in Ukraine na this year, first with the launch launch startups in the world. "We dividuals who want to set up or September 2016, Ukrainian enter- in 2016 grew by 20.2%, to 4.4 of the Digital Free Trade Zone or have started seeing many new star- expand their businesses into Ma- prises have boosted sunflower oil million tonnes. Ukraine is the DFTZ on March 22 and now, the tups being launched in Malaysia, laysia, and access to funding. Malaysia Digital Hub. "Malaysia while those that began elsewhere, The special tax incentive would be The International Monetary Fund In the absence of shale, deple- exports by 29%. The highest in- world's largest exporter of sun- crease, by 35.8%, was recorded in flower oil. Ukroliyaprom report- can also leverage on the Regional such as in Singapore, are coming leveraging on the existing tax re- (IMF) expects oil prices will hov- tion forces and the legacy of low Comprehensive Economic Part- back now to build their base here," gime. Any further incentives would er at around $55 per barrel in 2017- investment would start to kick in Q1 2017 alone. Yet, Uk- ed that Ukrainian enterprises in roliyaprom's press service did not 2016 exported a record high nership (RCEP), and the DFTZ is he added. be announced later. 2018, said TASS news agency. The and push prices up significantly an area where our small and medi- The Malaysia Digital Hub offers The three digital hubs approved average price of crude oil amount- after a few years. "Instead, in the report the volume of exports in amount of sunflower oil totaling physical terms over this period. 4.8 million tonnes, which was 23% um enterprises (SMEs) can bene- startups an opportunity for glo- by the Government at present are ed to $42.84 per barrel in 2016, new normal for the oil market, shale fit from partnerships with big play- bal expansion, ready access to APW, The Co and Common the document said. In 2017, the oil oil production will be further stim- The main consumers of Ukrainian up against 2015. (UNIAN) ers like Alibaba. "Seeing the rate at high-speed broadband and fibre- Ground, all located in the Klang price is expected to reach $55.23 ulated by a moderate price in- which Digital Economy Corp Sdn optic connectivity, funding and Valley. per barrel, while in 2018 it may go crease. As a result, supply from Bhd (MDEC) is bringing in the in- facilitation opportunities, a work- (Bernama) slightly down to $55.06 per bar- shale will help somewhat tame the rel, report said. "Annual oil demand otherwise sharp upward swing in growth, commonly projected at oil prices. Over the medium term, about 1.2 mln barrels per day, will as prices increase further, techni- be met by unconventional sources cal improvements in unconven- Singapore regulator and UN team over the next few years, mainly tional oil recovery will be reacti- through resources under develop- vated, which will eventually set off ment for deep water and ultradeep- another price cycle," IMF experts up for ASEAN financial inclusion water oil, oil sands, and heavy and wrote. extra heavy oil," the report said. (KAZTAG) The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) have teamed up to improve access to digital finan- cial services in the ASEAN region. The partnership is under the ongoing UNCDF’s Shift (Shaping Inclusive Finance Transformations) programme for development in this part of the world. Sopnendu Mohanty, chief fintech officer, MAS, says financial services have a “role to play in the economic empowerment of women South Korean opposition adviser says and the marginalised”. MAS and UNCDF Shift will look to work on digitisation of low-tier financial institutions – such as financial co-operatives, micro finance institutions and banks – “particularly in extending last-mile distribution to the renegotiated US FTA won't hurt trade base of the pyramid in these markets”. They want to help the poor in plain English. As the first initiative, MAS is A key policy adviser to South Tuesday following Pence's com- supporting UNCDF Shift’s latest “challenge fund window”. Korea's presidential frontrunner ments. Kim said Washington is The fund provides co-funding grants for business models said on Wednesday he doesn't ex- likely to demand South Korea buy that foster regulated international remittances to , pect a renegotiated free trade agree- more U.S. products, but in order , and Vietnam (CLMV) for women, and in- ment with the United States to hurt to increase exports, the United crease adoption and usage of remittance-linked financial prod- trade between the two major ex- States would need to create prod- ucts and services in CLMV. According to MAS, remittances port nations. "Statistics show the ucts that South Korean customers for these four countries contributed $17.2 billion and their United States has achieved much would want. "There won't be any growing influx is playing a “signif- through the free trade agreement," harm to the essence of what the icant role” in economic develop- said Kim Kwang-doo, the head of trade agreement stands for," he ment in the Mekong region, and frontrunner Moon Jae-in's cam- said. Capital Economics said in a can act as a catalyst for the devel- paign advisory group, told Reu- research note on Wednesday a re- opment of the local digital finan- ters in an interview. "They (the negotiated FTA would likely mean cial services ecosystem by provid- United States) have a trade deficit South Korea opens more of its ing greater access to basic financial with us and they can complain economy to U.S. companies but services. about that, sure. But the deficit is would "have a relatively small im- (Bankingtech) in partly due to the fact South pact on the economy." Meanwhile, Korean products have the upper Kim said the Chinese backlash hand when it comes to trade." U.S. against the deployment of the U.S. Vice President Mike Pence told Terminal High Altitude Area De- SaudiArabia ready to invest $2b in region’s cultural tourism sector business leaders in Seoul on Tues- fence (THAAD) anti-missile sys- sites from 10 to 28 and day the Trump administration tem to South Korea would likely Saudi Arabia and will lead the GCC’s multi-billion dollar invest- increase the number of activities would review and reform the five- end in one or two years based on ments in cultural tourism with a series of projects to develop new and cultural events from 190 cur- year-old free trade agreement be- previous similar instances in other cultural attractions, according to a report by Reuters. According to the rently to 400 annually. tween the United States and South countries subjected to Chinese re- research, compiled by Colliers International, Saudi Arabia is ready to In 2015, Oman pledged invest- Korea. South Korean government taliation via economic pathways. invest up to US$2bn, one of the highest commitments of any govern- ments of $2.5bn for the Omagine officials said Pence's statement China has this year curbed South ment to cultural tourism in the region, with a number of projects and Project – a mixed-use development does not necessarily mean a com- Korean businesses operating on the targets set out under Saudi Vision 2030. set on 245 acres of prime beach- plete overhaul of the agreement. mainland and banned group tour- Under the vision, by the year 2030, Saudi Arabia will increase the num- front facing the Gulf of Oman, However, industry leaders are ists from visiting South Korea as a ber of public and private museums from 155 to 241, increase the number which is an integration of cultural, watching the situation closely, as retaliation against the deployment, of UNESCO World Heritage Sites from four to 10, and increase the heritage, educational, entertain- are market participants who sold although Beijing has denied its number of archaeological sites suitable to visit from 75 to 155. ment and residential elements. off the won and shares briefly on moves are linked to THAAD. In addition, the Kingdom will increase the number of archaeological (Alarabiya) THURSDAY .APRIL 20, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Padmavati shoot stalled ‘Game of Thrones’ once again, this time it’s star Lena Headey opens up because of Deepika on struggle with anxiety Actor Lena Headey, who essays Cersei Lannister in hit show Game of Thrones, has opened up about her struggle with anxiety. Current- ly embroiled in a custody battle with her former husband and mu- sician Peter Paul Loughran, Head- ey posted on Twitter that she tends to overthink and has been through depression. “I overthink for sure. I am familiar with depres- sion. I get huge anxiety,” Headey posted on Thursday. The 43-year- old added that she wasn’t sur- prised so many people today are suffering from anxiety of some sort. “Globally we see constant destruction of human lives. Which no matter your belief, has an ef- Meri Pyaari fect. If we scale it back to family and community, it’s been lost to greed and aspiration, no wonder Bindu: we have anxiety, no wonder we overthink… We’re slammed with bulls***. “Anxiety. Depression. Groove with It’s real and it’s chemical. It’s also spiritual. We’re slammed with bullshit; tricked into thinking Ayushmann, you’re not enough – well here’s Ever since film-maker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was slapped at the Jaipur sets of his upcoming project, the truth. You are enough. In fact Padmavati, the film’s shooting has been in the news for one thing or another. Ranveer Singh and you are who you are meant to be Parineeti in Deepika Padukone finally spotted together! Recently Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone report- which is beautiful,” she added. Headey believes that nobody edly stalled the shoot of the should be afraid to let someone film after spraining her neck “really see you. Magic happens Yeh jawaani during the shoot, reported Hin- Rishi when you are vulnerable and truth- This is the third song from the film dustan Times. The Piku star ful and human”. The Game of after Maana Ke Hum Yaar Nahin sprained her neck, owing to the Thrones star ended with a tweet and Haareya. It is sung by Nakash heavy costumes and jewellery. Kapoor saying that she was fine and fans do not have to worry. Aziz and Jonita Gandhi. “Deepika has sprained her neck (Tribune) a little and that’s why she couldn’t shoot, there is noth- wants Sunil The latest number from Parineeti Chopra-Ayushmann Khurrana’s Meri ing more to add to this. She will Pyaari Bindu is out and is definitely giving us retro vibes. Titled Ye resume shooting for Padmavati Grover, Jawaani Teri, both the stars look adorable in the video as they put on very soon, there is nothing to their dancing shoes and groove in the power-packed rendition. This is the third song released from the film after Maana Ke Hum worry, and all other specula- Kapil Yaar Nahin and Haareya, and is sung by Nakash Aziz and Jonita Gandhi, tions can rest,” said a source. while the lyrics of the song are penned by Kausar Munir and the music The period drama, directed by is given by the duo Sachin-Jigar. Sanjay Leela Bhansali, will fea- Sharma to The Kill Dil star shared the song on Twitter with a caption, “My ture Ranveer as Alauddin Khil- singing partner is now my dancing partner as well! #YeJawaaniTeri song ji, the medieval-era Delhi ruler, OUT NOW.” who fell in love with queen bury the (Santa Banta) Padmavati. The film also fea- tures Shahid Kapoor as Raja hatchet Ratan Singh, the Rajput ruler and husband of Padmavati Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor has (Deepika). On January 27, asked comedians-actors Kapil Bhansali was slapped, roughed Sharma and Sunil Grover to work up and his film set vandalised together again. Rishi on Monday by Karni Sena activists in a night took to Twitter, where he Jaipur fort for alleged distor- shared that there is a look-a-like of tions in the film script. Soon Kapil in the Indian Premier League after, an unidentified group (IPL). “IPL. There is a look-a-like hi on the show, said: “Sir, I am not playing this season because I am torched and reduced the film of Kapil Sharma in the team of Sun retired, hurt. Best regards.” It was earlier reported that during a flight Risers Hyderabad. Anyone find- from Australia to Mumbai, Kapil had physically assaulted Sunil, who is set in Maharashtra to ashes. ing Sunil Grover in any team? Mil known for essaying the role of Mashoor Gulati, a doctor in The Kapil Fingers crossed, the film is set jao yaaron (be together friends)!” Sharma Show. When the buzz about his spat with Kapil emerged, Sunil for a mid-November release this Rishi tweeted. In response to had posted on Twitter that the latter must “start respecting human year. Rishi, Sunil, who featured as Dr beings also apart from animals”. (Tribune) Mashoor Gulati and Rinku Bhab- (Santa Banta) Richa Chadha’brother debuts Fast, Furious then, now: Vin Diesel, The as musician with her short Rock have changed more than the movies film Khoon Aali Chithi A lot has changed since 2001 - even in the Fast and Furious saga. From selling stolen DVD players and tuna sandwiches, the daredevil he- roes of the series now pull multi- million dollar heists. The series began in 2001, with the relatively modest The Fast and the Furious, a film about illegal street racing in Los Angeles. And now, 16 years later, the eighth installment, The Fate of the Furi- ous involved The Rock pushing torpedoes with his bare hands and Vin Diesel racing nuclear subma- rines - a huge jump from the Maz- das and Toyotas from the first film. As the film breaks box office records worldwide, let’s take a look at the main cast and how they have changed over the years. (Tribune)

Bollywood actor Richa Chadha is all set to give break to her younger Aishwarya Rai Bachchan cranks up the brother Pranav Chadha for her first heat as she poses for magazine cover production venture - short film Khoon Aali Chithi. Aishwarya Rai has shot for Film- Pranav is a trained musician and fare for their May issue and she has provided background music looks stunning. The magazine for the film. shared a picture of the new cover Directed by Rupinder Inderjit, the on Monday. Check it out: Aish- film is based on the terrorism in warya leads the Women Power the 1980’s and 1990’s due to the special for the magazine which will in Punjab and also feature Deepika Padukone and Priyanka Chopra. The Hum Dil its impact on the common people. De Chuke Sanam actor is seen in a Talking about her brother, navy blue jacket hanging loose off Richa said, “Everyone thinks I am her shoulders and her hair has been talented. styled into soft curls. Aishwarya That’s because they haven’t Rai Bachchan upset with Karan met my brother yet. Johar for missing her father’s fu- He plays the piano, flute and neral? Aishwarya was last seen the guitar a bit and he sings. Karan Johar’sAe Dil Hai Mushkil This is my debut production with Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka and I wanted an authentic sound, Sharma. She also featured with hence I requested him to do the Ranbir on the cover of the same background music for it. magazine during the release of the (Santa Banta) film around Diwali 2016. THURSDAY.APRIL 20, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Somerset batsman James Hildreth signs four-year Real contract extension Madrid 4-2 Bayern Munich (agg 6-3) AET:

Somerset's long-serving batsman else. The next few years are going Cristiano James Hildreth has signed a new to be really exciting for Somerset four-year contract which runs un- and I'm thrilled that I'll be a part of til the end of the 2021 season. The that. Somerset's director of cricket Ronaldo 32-year-old has amassed more Matt Maynard added: "Hildy is than 21,000 runs since joining in an outstanding professional and Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick first of which was scored from an raced in behind and hit a shot the two he scored last week at the 2003, recording 39 first-class hun- epitomises everything that this hat-trick helped Real Madrid battle past 10- offside position, before substitute straight at Manuel Neuer - when Allianz Arena. That was not to be dreds with a top score of 303 not club is about. The way he goes man Bayern Munich and into the Marco Asensio completed the he could have squared across for the end of the drama. The tie out. Hildreth, who is celebrating about his business is first class and Champions League semi-finals, scoring with a fourth for Real. The Karim Benzema in the better po- turned on its head again in the 84th his testimonial season, told the he's a very tough individual as was with a 4-2 extra-time win (6-3 on Spanish giants now head into the sition. Bayern regained the mo- minute as Vidal was shown a sec- club's official website: "Obvious- evident last year when he played fires Real aggregate) in an epic encounter at final four of the competition, their mentum after the break, but were ond yellow card for a challenge on ly I'm delighted to have commit- on with a fractured ankle. He still the Bernabeu. Needing to score at seventh straight semi-final, while denied again by Marcelo after 50 Asensio and left Bayern with 10 ted my future to Somerset. "I love has a tremendous amount to offer least twice to go through after a 2- Bayern fall at their earliest stage minutes, who was alert enough to men, despite the Chilean - who had playing for the club and honestly this club." through 1 defeat in the first leg of the quar- since 2009. It was Bayern who race back onto his line to keep out scored and missed a penalty in the can't imagine playing anywhere (Cricket News) ter-final tie, Bayern struck the first started the sharper at the Berna- Arjen Robben's chipped effort. first leg - appearing to take the ball blow on Tuesday night with a beu, and they would have opened The Dutchman did make the dif- before the man. It was Real who Robert Lewandowski penalty the scoring after nine minutes were ference shortly afterwards, how- struck the killer blow on the stroke shortly after half-time. Sergio Ra- it not for an excellent piece of de- ever, as he was tripped by Casemi- of the break in extra-time. Again, mos' own goal sent the game into fending by Marcelo, who managed ro in the box and Lewandowski though, it was a decision that went Joshua vs Klitschko: extra-time after Ronaldo - who to scamper across to deny Thiago stepped up to slot the resulting their way as Ronaldo picked up became the first player to reach Alcantara from close range with a penalty. Casemiro then took it the ball in an offside position in 100 Champions League goals - had crucial last-ditch block. Real upon himself to make up for con- the box before punting past Neu- Anthony Joshua and Tyson levelled on the night for Real. The worked their way into the ascen- ceding the spot kick, as he created er. And that was that for Bayern, turning point, though, was when dancy as the half dragged on, and the goal which levelled the game who saw Ronaldo complete a per- Arturo Vidal received a second created a couple of great chances on the night with 15 minutes of fect hat-trick later in extra-time Fury exchange social media jibes yellow card late on to leave Bay- to take the lead. First, Ramos saw normal time remaining, clipping a before Asensio rushed through to ern a man light, and Ronaldo capi- a shot cleared off the line by Jer- fine ball into the box for Ronaldo add insult to injury with Real's talised with two more goals, the ome Boateng, before Ronaldo to head home his first, adding to fourth of the night. (Sky Sport) Monte Carlo Masters: Novak Djokovic edges out Gilles Simon in three

sets Novak Djokovic was forced to battle back in a dramatic decid- ing set to overcome the spirit- ed challenge of Gilles Simon at the Monte Carlo Masters. The Serbian, who has recently recovered from a lingering right elbow injury, took the first set before the Frenchman took the next to send the match into a Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury 29, he has responded to a jibe from ish Boxing Board of Control amid decider. have become embroiled in a heated former title-holder Fury. Fury, a UKAD investigation, blocking resident Djokovic, the verbal spat on social media. With who beat Klitschko for his world his proposed return to the ring. He 2013 and 2015 champion, was less than a fortnight until Joshua heavyweight titles before being has not competed since beating broken at 4-4 in the decider but meets Wladimir Klitschko for the stripped of the IBF belt which Klitschko in November 2015. A then reeled off three straight IBF and WBA 'super' heavyweight Joshua now owns, likened his Brit- loophole to obtain an Irish licence games to snatch a 6-3 3-6 7-5 world title in front of 90,000 peo- ish rival to the popular former with the Boxing Union of Ireland Bubba Watson wants return to victory over the world No 32 ple at Wembley Stadium, live on world champion Frank Bruno. has also been shut down, it has Simon in two hours and 30 min- Sky Sports Box Office on April Fury is still suspended by the Brit- been confirmed. utes. (Sky Sport) form at Shenzhen International He will play the winner of the match between Russia's Karen Khachanov or Pablo Carreno Khalidi under Frankie Dettori won after poor Masters Busta from in the third round. Bubba Watson believes his game "It was a very difficult match, the bet365 Feilden Stakes at HQ is heading in the right direction as with many changes of momen- he looks to make a return to form tum," Djokovic said. Khalidi showed willingness and a at the Shenzhen International. The "It was very tiring for me, the touch of quality to win the bet365 world No 22 heads to China with- first clay of the season. Feilden Stakes at Newmarket. The out a win in over a year and off the "But this is the start of the High Chaparral colt, trained by back of a missed cut at The Mas- Roland Garros build-up." Dav- John Gosden, was beaten in a ters, the event where he won both id Goffin made it safely through Doncaster handicap on his return of his major titles, with Watson into the third round after beat- to action a fortnight ago, but has only registering one top-10 in eight starts so far in 2017. ing Spain's Nicolas Almagro. seemingly made impressive The 10th seed sailed progress since that run in York- Watson finished tied 29th in the inaugural tournament at Genzon through 7-5 6-1 in 70 minutes. shire. Montataire steadily took the (BBC Sport) field along until the penultimate GC in 2015 and followed it up furlong when the front-runner with a share of eighth place last went out like a light and 5-2 favou- year, with the 38-year-old now rite Salouen took charge. looking to "My putting is coming But the Frankie Dettori-ridden around, my ball striking has been Elinor Barker claims third Khalidi (7-2) suddenly arrived with better," Watson told a pre-tourna- a powerful surge on the outside of ment press conference on Tues- the field, and as hard as Salouen day. tried, he could not claw back a neck "If you look at old scores you al- medal of Track Cycling deficit. Law And Order was a nev- ways think you can do better but I er-nearer third. Gosden won this World Championship: know I'm on the right path with nine-furlong Listed race with the what we are working on, so I'm World Championships great Golden Horn in 2015. Gos- beats Martin looking forward to getting out den said: "That was probably his there. "We can all play good golf Elinor Barker claimed her third en an individual focus here. And Barker now has a third world title Derby day, he ran very well at around here, we are all good play- medal of the Track Cycling World following team pursuit wins in 2013 and 2014. Earlier, Katy Marchant Doncaster on the opening day of Gould to move into second round ers, but sometimes wanting it so Championships on Sunday with a made a first-round exit from the women's Keirin and Joe Truman fin- the season, trying to give weight bad and wanting to compete and brilliant gold in the women's points ished 11th in qualification for the one-kilometre time-trial, recording a away to unexposed horses and he's Four-time champion John Higgins World Championships at the Cru- race. Barker won her second silver personal best but missing out on a second ride. overcame a slow start to ease into cible Theatre, Sheffield. Ding Jun- win a trophy brings that nervous only a little guy. "We knew he'd energy. medal on Saturday's fourth day, (BBC Sport) love the ground today as it was a the second round of the Betfred hui at the table in his match against claiming second place in the inau- World Championship with a 10-6 Zhou Yuelong on day four of the "I have to get better and make a bit loose the last day. "I don't think few more putts in the first two gural women's Madison alongside it was a vintage Feilden, but it victory over at the Betfred Snooker World Champi- Emily Nelson. And she was deter- Crucible. Higgins held a command- onships at the Crucible Theatre, days to be up there." Watson tees seemed like the right race to go for. off for the opening two rounds mined to prevail in the 100-lap "He's a real genuine, sweet horse. I ing 7-2 lead overnight in the best- Sheffield. Ding reached his first (25-kilometres) points race, which of-19 clash but lost three of the world final last year, losing 18-14 alongside home favourite Li Hao- think we should step him up in tong and Tommy Fleetwood, who featured 10 sprints, on Sunday's trip and avoid soft ground. "I'm all first four frames as Londoner to , and he got his 2017 final day of competition after also Gould took the score to 8-5. But bid off to the perfect start with a can close the gap on Sergio Garcia finishing second in the scratch race for going straight over a mile and a at the top of the Race to Dubai half now as he did take time to Higgins sent out a warning with fine performance that included on Wednesday's opening day. the manner of his third-frame suc- three century breaks (136,132 & standings with a strong showing Barker won with 59 points, Sarah work into it. "He's a genuine colt, this week. but very diminutive." He added: cess on Tuesday, putting together 103). The 30-year-old had little Hammer of the United States was a 127 break - the third highest of trouble seeing off his teenage op- "I had two good years here, so second on 51 and Kirsten Wild of "I think we can have a look at Ches- when you look at the schedule this ter (Vase) and be bold." Dettori the tournament to date. Can Ron- ponent who showed flashes of his Holland third with 35. The 22- said: "The first two or three fur- nie rule at the Crucible? Can Ron- class throughout but was unable is a course I really like so I was year-old Cardiff rider had to show longs I wasn't able to follow the nie O'Sullivan win a sixth World to trouble his more experienced always looking forward to coming all her composure and dig deep pace but then he came into the race Championship at the Crucible opponent. (BBC Sport) back," Fleetwood said. "My last when Hammer claimed a second quite good at the business end. "I Theatre? Gould averted defeat tournament was The Masters and lap of the field on her own and gave him plenty of fresh air be- with an 80 in the 15th frame but I actually played well, I just strug- Barker combined with Wild and cause he was getting a bit of kick- could not prevent the inevitable as gled on the greens and I didn't score Belgium's Lotte Kopecky to take back and wasn't facing the oppo- Higgins sealed his win at the next anywhere near what I should have her second lap 10 laps from the sition. attempt. is also done. end and seal victory. It was Brit- "The ground is key, good to firm is through, the fourth seed is chasing "My game has still held up, my ain's fifth medal and second gold what he wants. I think he'll cope a maiden world title and saw off swing is still good and I have been of the five-day competition, fol- up in class. He's no Golden Horn, fellow countryman Zhou Yuelong hitting it fine, so it is nice after a lowing Katie Archibald's omnium but he'll do his bit!" 10-5. Ding Junhui at the table in rest and a week off to come back success on Friday. Archibald and (Sky Sport) his match against Zhou Yuelong on out." Barker won Olympic team pursuit day four of the Betfred Snooker (Sky Sport) gold in Rio, but the pair were giv- THURSDAY . APRIL 20. 2017-Hamal 31, 1396 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 257 Price: Afs.20

ABUL: Former President, Hamid Karzai on Wednesday met with a number of religious scholars and the youth of Badakhshan province. They expressed concerns over the drop of the biggest bomb by US forces in Achin district, and condemned it in strongest possible terms.

KANDAHAR : At least 10 mili- tants have been killed and 13 oth- AT News Report Youth of Kandahar would never ers wounded during a cash with hesitate to offer sacrifices for peace security forces in southern Kan- KABUL: A large number of Kan- and stability in the country.” AT Monitoring Desk campaigners had so far faced no dahar province, officials said on dahar youth in a gathering have “However, interference of the for- resistance, adding that the drive is Wednesday. The clash erupted late harshly reacted to the US biggest eigners in peace process and their KABUL: Local officials of east- being supported by the tribal el- on Tuesday night in the Mianshin bomb, dropped against Islamic white and black lists would not be ern Kunar on Wednesday have said ders, religious scholars and the district, with both the sides suf- State (IS) terrorists, which is also tolerated anymore,” the statement that poppy eradication drive has youth, the police chief said. Gul fering casualties, the governor’s known as Daesh militants, in Achin added. Insisting on peace and na- been launched to root out the ille- Wali, a poppy grower, said the spokesperson, Samim Khpalwak, district of eastern Nangarhar prov- tional harmony, they called on the gal plants, covering 400 hectors of government should provide them told Pajhwok Afghan News. He ince, calling on government to pro- National Unity Government to land in the province. Kunar Coun- improved quality of seeds and said the clash broke out after mili- tect national sovereignty and lives overcome the ongoing proxy war ternarcotics Department Official, chemical fertilizer in order to en- tants stormed security forces and properties of innocent people. Mohammad Arif Safi told Pajhwok courage legal crops. He said they posts. He said 10 militants were in the country, despite legitimiz- Kandahar’s youth in a statement ing it for the interests of a country Afghan News the campaign has grew poppy to fight against pov- killed and 13 others wounded in on Wednesday, said that Afghani- the clash and one police and two which is a clear violation to the been launched with the kind sup- erty because other crops had little stan for the last forty years had Afghan pride and sovereignty. port and coordination of security income. army soldiers were injured. Mean- been changed into battlefield while, the Taliban claimed captur- They also pointed out that any forces.He said the government plan ground for international and region- approval and call for testing dan- ongoing proxy war across the coun- Afghan soil,” they said, adding that for the ongoing years is composed ing a military base in Mianshin dis- al powers, in which the Afghan trict and inflicting heavy losses on gerous weapons in any parts of try, then the government should the US presence in Afghanistan of to destroy the poppy crop on police. Taliban spokesman Qari people have been suffering the the country could be termed as trea- cancel the security and strategic must not be a threat for the region- 400 hectors of land across the prov- Yusuf Ahmadi said the fighters cap- worst. “The youth of Kandahar son of the national unity govern- agreement with United States.” al countries. ince. Kunar police chief Brig. Gen. tured Sarnavi military base, seiz- has decided not to allow any coun- ment and such coward acts would Furthermore, they called on the “Testing of big weapons on Juma Gul Himmat said police force ing light and heavy weapons. He try to use Afghan soil for their in- lead towards a new battle between government not to approve and Afghan soil, killing of innocent is cooperating with the campaign- added 10 soldiers were killed and terests,” the statement added. the big powers on Afghan soil. legitimize the coward acts of US people is an aggression of the US ers in compliance with directives detained with their weapons. Mi- They furthered, US or any other They furthered, the criminal silence by providing the cover of security and its allies which leads to a mas- from the Presidential Palace and anshin is 70km north of Kandahar country have no right and legiti- of US over the rocket shelling of agreement. “If the government con- sive reaction of the Afghan peo- the Ministry of Interior. He said city, the provincial capital. Mili- macy to use Afghan soil for test- Pakistan into Afghan territory is tinues it, then they would term it ple,” the Kandahar’s youth said. the anti-poppy drive has started tants attacked the district several ing their weapons. “We would not dishonestly and non-commitment as an act of treason against the At the end, they emphasized yesterday from Shaigal district weeks after they stormed the give right, and free hand to anyone to Afghans.” They added “if the Afghan land and people.” on the national unity government where dozens of acres of land was neighboring Nesh district, r aching to use Afghan soil against their ri- National Unity Government could “It is the responsibility of the to make sure to preserve the na- cleared of the crop in a number of the district center. In that clashes, vals.” Moreover, they said “we not stop the weapons testing ex- government to force US and its al- tional sovereignty and territorial villages. The police chief said tight 18 security forces were killed and want peace on our motherland. ercises of the US, and as well the lies not to pump proxy war on integrity of the country. security measures have been above 40 were wounded. adopted for the campaign and the (Pajhwok) White House warns North Korea not to KHOST CITY : The fiber optic project in southeastern Khost test US resolve, province took seven years to be completed instead of the promised offering Syria FARAH CITY : Residents of west- underway in various districts. The six months, civil society activists ern Farah province on Tuesday Taliban last year collected the same and provincial council members and Afghanistan said the Taliban had started col- tax from people, he added. A resi- say. They accuse the government lecting money from landowners as dent of Nawbahar area of Farah of committing negligence in imple- strikes as tax once again, a charge the rebels city, who wished to go unnamed, mentation of the fiber optic denied. Mehrabuddin, who owns said people in their area paid project in Khost. examples 35 acres of land in Ganahkan vil- 250,000 afghanis to the Taliban The project’s launch and cost TOKYO: Vice President Pence lage on the outskirts of Farah City, last year. He said the militants this Work on putting down the ABUL : Taliban's shadow warned North Korea not to test the provincial capital, told Pajh- year resumed the process a few underground wires was launched People’s complaints and con- manner. He asked the Ministry of governor for northern U.S. military might by pursuing wok Afghan News he paid 7,000 days ago. “The Taliban have a list in July 2011 and at the time of its cerns A civil society activist in Telecommunications and Informa- Baghlan province Maulvi afghanis to the Taliban last year. of landowners in this village and inauguration, the provincial author- Khost, Ahmad Shah, criticized the tion Technology (MCIT) to bring K its nuclear weapons program, cit- Helal and some key commanders ing recent strikes in Syria and Af- “Few days back, the Taliban people in Pushtrod district also ities had said the project would be Telecommunications and Informa- positive changes to their agencies of the militant group were among ghanistan as proof of American once again phoned our elders and pay them taxes,” he said. Most completed in six months and put tion Technology Department of in Khost and complete the fiber- 25 people killed in an overnight “strength and resolve.” The stark asked them for the payment of land parts of Pushtrod district are un- into service. the province, saying the project’s optic network successfully besides raid, an official said on Wednes- warning, delivered in Seoul after tax, the tax collection has been cur- der Taliban control. The resident Though work on the project affairs were slow going due to the seriously monitoring the quality of day. the vice president went to the mil- rently underway here over the past said people feared the Taliban and has been done to a great extent, department’s incompetency. Shah other telecom services. A resident Policechief Ekramuddin Sarei itary demarcation line that sepa- three days,” he said. He said the had no option but to pay the mon- yet it hasn’t finished fully and in on Tuesday told Pajhwok Afghan of Khost city, Karim Mangal, said told Pajhwok Afghan News the rates the two Koreas, could revive Taliban charged 2,000 afghanis on ey. Javed, a resident of Ishaqzai some areas the work done needed News: “This department serious- children had broken boxes from operation was conducted in coor- speculation that the White House five acres of land each year and village of Farah city, also said the repair as well. ly needs a head-to-toe reform. If a which connections were given to dination with police by the com- is considering military action people had to pay the money to Taliban had collected 6,000 afgha- The cable’s length extended department can’t implement a six- homes. He told Pajhwok people mando forces, enjoying close-air against the regime in Pyongyang. avoid the wrath of the insurgents. nis from landowners last year. from Kabul to southeastern prov- month project in seven years, its didn’t value fiber-optic cables be- support. Pence said the Trump administra- “Though areas around the provin- “Denying money to the Tali- inces is 480 kilometres which cost existence and activities come un- cause they carried no internet. “If Maulvi Helal, his command- cial capital are under government’s ban is risking one’s life, so they tion wants to persuade North Ko- $12 million through funding from der serious question.”He said some officials want to activate the fiber- ers Maulvi Sher Alam, Maulvi Sha- rea to abandon its nuclear weap- control, but the Taliban openly are helpless,” said Javed, who con- the World Bank (WB). fiber-optic cables extended to optic network, they should resume move and threaten people who firmed the Taliban were collecting habuddin, Maulvi Janbaz and Qari ons “through peaceful means,” but The fiber-optic network was Khost City, the provincial capital, work on it. And if the situation Khalid were among 25 insurgents he repeated the administration’s refuse to pay the tax,” he said. land taxes from people in a num- made operational in Logar, Paktia had been cut during reconstruction continues, the pylons erected at Mehrabuddin said the tax collec- ber of other villages in Farah city. killed in the raid. warning that “all options are on and Paktika provinces about three of roads and streams as the lines the beginning on every street In addition, two suspects, who tion process by the Taliban was (Pajhwok) years ago were buried in an un-standardized would begin disappearing.” the table.” In Washington, Presi- dfacilitated Taliban's contacts with dent Trump told CNN at the an- the Pakistani forces, were captured nual White House Easter Egg Roll and a military vehicle seized from that North Korea has “got to be- Sen ior bor d er p olice official k illed in Tak h ar am bu sh Badghis clash: them. Governor Abdul Hai Naimati have.” White House press secre- hailed security forces for cconduct- tary Sean Spicer said that Trump TALOQAN : A senior border po- wounded including the border po- 4 ALP personnel ing the successful operation and would not be “drawing red lines in lice official was killed and five oth- lice intelligence manager and re- said it was a huge setback to the the sand” with North Korea. The ers were wounded in a Taliban at- cruitment manager, Temor added. killed, 3 wounded Trump administration: Moments tack in Yangi Kala district of north- Tariq, a resident of the locali- Taliban. that made headlines View Photos eastern Takhar province, an offi- ty, said the Taliban ambushed a by rebels “I have already promised com- White House and Cabinet officials cial said. security forces convoy in Kohna ing hard on the Taliban and will left strong impressions in the ear- Sunnatullah Temor, the gover- Zakh area. QALA-I-NAW : Four Afghan Lo- honour my word. Dand-i-Ghori ly days of the administration. “He nor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok One and two ranger po- cal Police (ALP) personnel have and Dand-i-Shahabuddin areas of been killed and three others wound- Pul-i-Khumri will be cleared of holds his cards close to the vest, Afghan News the chief of staff of lice vehicles were destroyed in the ed in a Taliban attack in the Qades and I think you’re not going to see 2nd unit border police was travel- ensuing clash,ge saud, but had no fighters soon," he said. district of northwestern Badghis Haji Mohammad, the resident him telegraphing how he’s going ing along with four other officials information about casualties. province, an official said on to respond to any military or oth- to Darqad and Khowaja Bahaud- Taliban spokesman Zabihullah of the locality, said 11 civilians, Wednesday. District police chief including women and children, had er situation going forward,” Spicer din districts for assessing security Mujahid confirmed the killing of Lt. Col. Mohammad Hanzalah told said. “I think that the action that check-posts when they came un- Payinda Khan and said the fight- been killed in the offensive. Pajhwok Afghan News the police- The Taliban have not yet com- he took in Syria shows that when der attack from the Taliban. ers attacked security forces in men were delivering supplyies to appropriate, this president will Col. Payinda Khan was killed Khowaja Bahauddin district. outposts when they came under mented about the Baghlan opera- take decisive action.”...P2 and his four colleagues were (Pajhwok) Taliban's attack. (Pajhwok) tion. (Pajhwok)