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www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimes www.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes SATURDAY . MAY 07. 2016 -Saur 18, 1395 HS Yo ur Yo ur ad ad he re he re 0778894038 UStroops targeting Daesh, Al-Qaeda in

AT News Report Afghanistan KABUL: The Special Forces of ABUL : US forces are con calling the counter-Daesh cam- the Afghan National Army (ANA) ducting operations to pre paign as an aggressive effort. About on Thursday night raided a Tali- Kvent Al-Qaeda from using 100 counterterrorism strikes were ban-run prison in Nowzad dis- Afghanistan as a launching pad for conducted in the first three months trict of southern Helmand prov- attack against the West, a top of the current year, he said of op- ince, the Ministry of Defense on American military official said on erations Al-Qaeda and Daesh tar- Friday said in a media statement. Thursday. gets in Afghanistan. Less than 19 After securing the prison, the Brig. Gen. Charles H. Cleve- strikes were carried out last month, ANA freed 60 prisoners from land, Resolute Support mission’s mostly against Daesh targets. Taliban captivity, the statement deputy communications chief, told “The No. 1 goal is for Afghans to said. Two militants were killed a Pentagon media briefing the be able to defend their own terri- and three others received injuries troops were authorised to target tory and address transnational and during the raid, the statement said. the Islamic State. trans-regional terrorist organisa- The prison was running by “We believe we really have ar- tions that often will base in this the Talban shadow provincial guably the best counterterrorism region and then try and strike the governor, Abdul Rahman, also forces on the planet … here in Af- West,” he said in a report on Pen- famous as Mullah Mannan, the ghanistan,” Cleveland remarked, tagon’s website. (Pajhwok) statement said. Without giving further details, MoD said that ten motorcycles belonging to the mil- itants were destroyed in the raid. Additionally, large amount of ex- plosives were also seized. However, the Taliban mili- tants didn’t no comment into the matter so far. Situation in Afghanistan Doctors claim neighbors misleading remains highly volatile, Indian Afghan patients in ad campaigns Embassy alerts citizens A number of doctors in Kabul said he Embassy of India in Kabul and maintain a high level of vigi- Friday that despite improved has issued a security alert lance.” treatment in Afghanistan for seri- Tto the Indian citizens resid- “Non-essential movements ous health problems, Afghans are ing in Afghanistan and travelling especially during peak commuting falling victim to false advertising to the country, warning regarding hours may be avoided, as also un- by health care facilities in neigh- the persistent volatile situation of known areas and establishments boring countries. The doctors said the country. frequented by foreigners. Move- that such treatment often comes “All Indians residing in Afghan- ment should not have a predict- at a very high price – adding that istan and Indian travellers to Af- able pattern and vehicle should be this practice also sees millions of ghanistan are advised that the se- parked in secure premises,” the dollars in capital outflow leaving curity situation in Afghanistan re- statement added. the country annually. But a num- mains highly volatile. This comes as the US Embas- ber of Kabul residents rejected Terrorist attacks have taken sy in Kabul issued two separate these claims and said the local Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Speaker Abdul Raouf Ibrahimi place in many parts of the coun- alerts on Wednesday and Thurs- health care services are still below on Thursday night assigned Ma- asked government to introduce try against a variety of targets in- day, warning regarding a possible standard in the capital, and often soum Stanekzai as caretaker min- another nominee for the key slot – cluding foreigners and are expect- suicide and coordinated attack or non-existent for people in remote ister for the National Directorate claiming the lack of leadership in ed to continue. kidnapping attempt of foreigners areas. (ToloNews) of Security (NDS) and minister the important ministry had added There is also the risk of kid- in capital Kabul. advisor to the president. He also to the rapidly-growing insecurity napping and hostage taking In its first statement the US assigned Lieutenant General Ab- across the country. Stanekzai throughout the Afghanistan,” ac- Embassy said the militants are at- dullah Khan as caretaker defense served as Afghan Communications cording to a statement by the Indi- tempting to carry out attack or kid- minister. Stanekzai is currently Minister from 2002 to 2004 and an Embassy. napping in police district 10 of the 2 wounded in rocket strike on acting defense minister and Khan then as former president Hamid The statement further added city, citing the police chief of the is currently chief of staff of the Karzai's security advisor. He was that “The Embassy advises all In- district. In its second statement, defense ministry. also the CEO of the Joint Secre- dians in Afghanistan to live and the Embassy said “An attempted Bagram Airfield: Police chief Stanekzai was nominated last tariat of the Afghanistan Peace and work with adequate security pre- kidnapping occurred in Kabul on year for the position of defense Reintegration Program in 2009. He cautions. May 2, 2016 targeting several ex- CHARIKAR : Two civilians have provincial police chief, told Pajh- gating the attack. Meanwhile, Tal- minister but the Wolesi Jirga was however, seriously injured in All should review their person- patriates including a U.S. citizen. been wounded in a rocket attack wok Afghan News the incident iban spokesman Zabihullah Mu- (Lower House of Parliament) a suicide bomb blast in 2011 that al security plans, take appropri- The U. S. Embassy Kabul reminds on the Bagram Airfield in central occurred at midnight. Two civil- jahid claimed responsibility for the failed to give him a vote of confi- killed the then High Peace Council ate steps to enhance personal safe- U.S. citizens that the threat of kid- Parwan province, local security ians injured in the rocket strike had strike, saying the US troops sta- dence. Chairman Berhanuddin Rabbani. ty, remain aware of surroundings, napping and hostage taking con- officials said on Friday. Brig. Gen. been transferred to hospital, he tioned at Bagram had been harmed. However after he was turned He has since recovered from his monitor local media for updates, tinues to be very high.” (KP) Mohammad Zaman Mamozai, the said, adding police were investi- (Pajhwok) down by Parliament, the House injuries. (ToloNews) Treatment ofAfghan interpreters:British minister under fire KABUL : The British minister of this country at great danger to state for defence has come under themselves.” Ashdown, former Lib scathing attack over his depart- Dem leader, referred to two Af- ment's policy on Afghan interpret- ghans waiting for a decision in the ers seeking asylum in the United UK and another 10 caught in de- Kingdom, Daily Mail reported on spair in Calais. One of them was Friday., Earl Howe came in for flak seriously wounded in an explosion. after he defended the British gov- (Pajhwok) ernment for keeping the interpret- ers in the Calais Jungle or deport- ing them. But House of Lords Taliban members slammed the action an 'inexplicable, inhumane and shame- ful'. A ruckus erupted in the house commander when Lord Ashdown insisted there was 'nothing' stopping the govern- arrested in ment from letting interpreters now 'languishing in despair' into Brit- Wardak ain. According to the newspaper, AT News Report 100 interpreters are believed to have directly appealed to the Min- ABUL: The National Di istry of Defence for help under a rectorate of Security second scheme. However, their (NDS) said Friday that its applications have gone unan- K operatives detained a Taliban swered. commander in the central prov- Under the first scheme, 270 ince of Wardak. The intelligence translators were permitted to stay operatives detained Taliban com- in Britain, but only one was al- mander, Qari Syedullah during a lowed in under the second. A doz- special raid in the Sheikhabad area en others are facing deportation of Syedabad district of the prov- from the UK. Ten of them, seek- ince, the NDS said in a media AMYAN CITY : Hundreds ture. The route issue has sparked ety activists protested in Neili alleged the Turkmenistan-Afghan- man firm had recently recommend- ing to make it to Britain, are caught statement. The detained com- of residents of Daikundi worries among inhabitants of cen- city, the capital of Daikundi, and istan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas ed the project should pass through in the Calais Jungle camp. The Mail mander was involved in major Bprovince on Saturday tral provinces. asked the government to change pipeline project had intentionally the central provinces. A civil soci- said 10 more individuals had fled terrorist attacks, including bomb- staged a protest for changing the Da Afghanistan Breshna Shirkat the project’s route so as to benefit been planned to pass through Kan- ety activist, Rahmatullah Shariati, Afghanistan in a bid to reach Eu- ings and conducting several am- proposed route for the Turkmeni- (DABS) spokesman Wahidullah Daikundi and Bamyan. dahar and Farah provinces. suggested a balance in budgetary rope through risky sea crossings. bushes on Kabul-Kandahar high- stan-Uzbekistan-Tajikistan-Af- Tawhidi says the decision to im- A provincial council member, Hadi If routed through Bamyan and allocations and development But Earl Howe dismissed criticism way, the statement said. “Two ghanistan-Pakistan (TUTAP) elec- plement the project through the Rahimi, told Pajhwok Afghan Ghor provinces, the project’s cost schemes for provinces. of the treatment meted out to the heavy machine guns, a Kalashni- tricity project. The TUTAP Salang Pass had been taken but News the protest was against im- and distance would be significant- Balanced development of the coun- translators Ex-Tory minister Lord kov assault rifles, a walkie-talkie project, transferring 500 kilowatts practical work has not been balances in implementation of ly reduced. try was the right of every Afghan, Fowler said: “Surely, the time has and weapons were also discov- of electricity through the Salang launched so far. Hundreds of peo- projects and some officials’ at- The TUTAP route had been he observed, asking why some come for us to recognise we owe a ered from Qari Syedullah,” the Pass of Afghanistan to Pakistan, ple, including provincial council tempted to keep the central prov- changed deliberately, Rahimi main- people were trying to keep some debt of honour to those who helped statement added. is to be implement in the near fu- members, religious and civil soci- inces deprived of development. He tained, recalling a survey by a Ger- areas backward. (Pajhwok) SATURDAY . MAY 07, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES LOCALDOCUMENTARY 'AFGHANISTANNIGHT

then find solutions to them.” But after the story aired on STORIES' WINSREMIAWARD VOA’s TV Asha and appeared on its social media platforms, people worldwide donated thousands of dollars to help. Reporter Zabihul- lah Ghazi, along with other jour- nalists and activists, returned to the factory to deliver the money NANGARHAR: With war still their days making bricks from mud have gone to school to study.” to the two working families. raging in Afghanistan, the country clay. Factory officials seemed un- The heads of the families also faces the problem of child la- “By God, I am frustrated with concerned, though indentured ser- promised to that their children bor as families put their school- my life,” said Razi Khan, whose vitude is officially illegal. would now attend school. age children to work to help make children were laborers. “I cannot “It is not that they are con- “I was trying to pay back the ends meet. get loans [for food or other basics] fined here,” said Samiullah, a sec- loan but now, as I will not owe VOA encountered two fami- from shopkeepers, nor can I get retary at factory, “… but they have any money, the older children will lies whose children toiled away at money from the owner of the fac- to pay back the money they owe.” work with me and the younger a brick-making factory. One fami- tory.” The governor of Nangarhar ones will go to school,” said Burha- ly had been working to pay off a The children had no choice but province, Salim Khan Kunduzi, nuddin, the head of the second loan of some $1,500 it borrowed to accept their fate. apparently was unaware of the sit- family. from the brick-factory owner 10 “My father works here by uation. And little Marwa could not years ago — so far without suc- himself as we don’t have any broth- “I will get more [and] accurate control her tears of joy. cess. ers,” said Sabila, who makes bricks. information,” he said. “My job is “I am very happy. I will go to Both families’ children spent “If we had brothers, we would to listen to people’s problems and school,” she said.—(VOA)

Afghan movie 'Afghanistan Night competitions in the world, with dustry including the first position Stories' has won a prestigious Gold more than 4,500 category entries at Al-Jazeera festival and Voice of Remi award at the 49th Annual received from 37 countries in Women Awards in the United WorldFest-Houston International 2015. (Overall only 15-20 percent States. Film and Video Festival in Hous- of the total category entries actu- This year, 600 filmmakers from ton in the United States. Film di- ally win an award at WorldFest.) all over the world attended the rector and writer Alka Sadat has Only about 15 percent of the event. expressed her joy over the win and entries in WorldFest actually win The Afghan documentary 'Af- described it a historical moment. a Remi Award. WorldFest is the ghanistan Night Stories' are among "We are thrilled and delighted to only International Film Festival in the new works by Sadat and is announce that "Afghanistan Night the world with ten major competi- based on the stories of the Afghan Stories" which was officially se- tion categories and more than 200 army soldiers on the battlefields. lected for the 49th Annual World- sub-categories. Sadat is the only Afghan film- Fest-Houston International Film Sadat has been associated with maker, who despite facing serous and Video Festival, has won a the film industry for many years. challenges, was able to make the prestigious Gold REMI award," She has made at least 30 documen- documentary which is based on Sadat said. WorldFest is one of the taries and gained 15 international lives and hard missions of the Af- oldest and largest film and video awards for Afghanistan cinema in- ghan army soldiers. (ToloNews) Well-attended poetry session held in Kandahar City KANDAHAR CITY : Hundreds all situation in the country. Selection of consulting services for Feasibility study and of poets and culturists from dif- In his remarks, Jehani said the ferent provinces participated in a regular conduct of the mushaira preparation of DPR Khak E Jabar to Azra district of logar lively poetry session in the south- over the years was reflective of the ern city of Kandahar, organisors cultural and intellectual prowess province, Total Length 52KM. said on Friday. of Kandahar residents. Minister of Information and The minister, who recalled that Culture Abdul Bari Jehani travelled Kandahar was once a great seat of Project: Asphalt of 52 km Road from khak Jabar to Azra all the way from Kabul to Kanda- learning and erudition, urged youth har City to attend the poetry re- to focus on education so as to re- district of logar province. cital titled Anar Gul (pomegranate vive the past glory of the city. flower). Governor Dr. Humayun Azizi Budget: AFG/42045, Afghanistan development budget Beginning on Thursday said such literary and cultural gath- evening, the traditional poetry ses- erings were useful in bringing about Procurement Title: feasibility studies of survey and de- sion concluded at 3am, with par- intellectual interaction among peo- session, the scene of a young Kabul boy’s kid-slaying was ticipants presenting a wide vari- ple from different areas and pro- enacted in a touching fashion. Identified as Abasin, the boy’s sign from khak Jabar to Azra district of Logar Province. ety of poems and skits on the over- moting peace and unity. During the killing has fuelled anger among the people. (Pajhwok) Type of Procurement: Quality and cost based selection (QCBS) Cont. Ref No: MPW/001/GOV/QCBS Address: Consultancy services office, Procurement Depart- ment, Ministry of Public works. Kabul, Afghanistan. · All qualified national and international Engineering and consultancy companies can get REOI and more details from consultancy department of procurement department of MoPW. · All qualified national and international companies should submit their EOI till 8 / 6/ 2016, 10 AM (Kabul local time) to the Ministry of Public Works, procurement Depart- ment, Kabul Afghanistan. Interested companies should submit their hard copy of EOI, The EOI should be stamp and sign for the mentioned project. Ministry of publics will not accept any electronic EOI. · For more details you can contact us on below email address and phone number. Address: Procurement Department, Consultancy services office Ministry of Public works, Kabul, Afghanistan, first Mac- royan second black Mobile number: 02002941369 Email Address: [email protected] SATURDAY . MAY 07, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES The m an w ho helped save Afghanistan’s treasures from ravages of w ar Afghanistan usually celebrates its Afghanistan’s defence and secu- has come a long way in terms of national heroes with pomp and rity forces face enormous chal- quantity but it is time to focus on fanfare. But Najibullah Popal is lenges. They are countering an in- quality and in-depth security sec- not remembered with the celebra- surgency of well-equipped guer- tor reform. The Afghan security tory gunfire that welcomes home rilla fighters, who enjoy the un- forces lack strong political and mil- a victorious cricket team, or the conditional support of organised itary leadership at all levels as well presidential speeches bestowed on crime, international terrorists and as the resources to fight hybrid assassinated rebel leaders. His feat some neighboring countries. warfare. The position of defense – preserving some of the country’s They are on the front line of the minister has been vacant since mid most valuable heritage from the fight against terrorist groups in- 2014. Moreover, reform of the ravages of war – was possible only cluding Al-Qaida, so-called Islam- ministry of interior has lagged. because it was kept secret. During ic State and the Haqqani Net- Nevertheless, Afghan forces the early 1990s, Popal was a work. Moreover – as Afghan have proved to be fierce fighters watchman at the National Muse- EMERGENCY President Mohammad Ashraf against the terrorists and insur- um on the outskirts of Kabul. As Ghani has said repeatedly – for gents. Beyond expectations – and civil war approached the capital, CALLS fourteen years Afghanistan has against the many predictions that he and a few colleagues decided to been in an undeclared war with civil war would follow the transi- stow away the most valuable ob- Police Pakistan. And it’s also believed tion of security to Afghan lead – jects, including the fabled Bactrian that the country continues to be they have been defending their na- Hoard, an exquisite gold collection the proxy battleground for India tion with courage and honor. excavated the year before the 1979 100 - 119 and Pakistan, two nuclear pow- The focus now should be on Soviet invasion. The museum ers. nurturing educated, professional workers eventually convinced four It is essential that the inter- and well-trained officers and non- Hospitals TIRINKOT : The level of corrup- individuals had made a beeline to also not tolerating any act that vi- government ministers to let them national community continues to commissioned officers. Leadership use a safe under the presidential stand by Afghanistan, building up development, gender mainstream- tion has increased in judicial or- their old profession. olated the law. FMIC Hospital gans of the central Uruzgan prov- Tribal elder Abdul Baqi told Uruzgan Governor Moham- palace that previously belonged to the capacity of is forces and sus- ing and accountability mechanisms the Central Bank. For 11 years, Behind Kabul Medical taining them financially until the in the security ministries should ince, a gathering complained on the gathering that courts and other mad Nazir Kharotai also said his Thursday, calling for the menace judicial organs daily decided doz- administration was serious about only seven men knew where the University: country is able to do so itself. be prioritised. Afghanistan also gold was; only they had keys. Not only is this support vital for needs to develop the capacity of to be addressed. ens of cases based on payments corruption and urged religious 0202500200-+93793275595 The gathering was attended by but the government had failed to scholars and common people to When his superiors would ask what Afghanistan, it is also in the stra- young officers and soldiers to re- was in the safe, Popal said it was tegic interest of its international place the older generation in the a number of religious scholars, trib- prevent them. cooperate with the provincial gov- al elders and government officials He said not punishing crimi- ernment in this regard. worthless ceramics, to stave off Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital partners. defence and security forces. More- curiosity. “Even my wife didn’t A proud military destroyed over, it is time to professionalise in Tirinkot, the provincial capital. nals had resulted in increased crimes He identified the fight against Pule Bagh-e- Umomi Uruzgan Hajj and Auqaf director and a large number of Taliban mil- corruption as his government’s top know about it,” he told the Guard- Afghanistan is no stranger to the police and draw greater distinc- ian, grinning. Hiding the gold was 070263672 conflict. It has suffered numer- tions between the duties of law Maulvi Hamdullah said the level itants and would be suicide bomb- priority and said strong measures of corruption had highly increased ers had been freed by judicial or- had already been taken in this re- a good call. In the coming years, ous civil, regional and cross-re- enforcement and the military. rebels and warlords plundered 70% gional wars over the past three Blood and treasure in the provincial judicial organs and gans after their arrest by security gard. needed to be tackled. forces. But the provincial head of Kharotai said he was commit- of the museum’s impressive as- Khairkhana Hospital millennia. The security and de- Afghanistan’s costly, bloody sortment of Buddha statues, Islam- fence of the country depended and lengthy war has exhausted the “The judicial organs released courts, Maulvi Mohammad Jan, ted to preventing bribery and 0799-321007 in exchange for money the accused reiterated that no one would be al- bringing to justice officials in- ic relics and items from the 1st- on militias for a long part of its taxpayers of donor countries and century Kushan empire. Later, the 2401352 history but started to develop its troop contributing nations. There who made a bid on my life,” he lowed to accept money as bribe. volved. said, citing it as an example. He told Pajhwok Afghan News Also on Thursday, President Taliban smashed 2,500 objects re- formal military in the tenth cen- is no exact figure for the costs in- sembling humans or animals. Most tury, during the Ghaznavid Em- curred by the international coali- The religious scholar claimed that if a judge was caught accept- Ashraf Ghani, addressing a gath- dozens of Taliban fighters and drug ing bribe, he would face a legal ac- ering in Kabul, said corruption was infamously, they ordered the de- Indira Gandhi Children pire. tion during the war. However, the struction of two magnificent 6th- By the 1980s, Afghanistan United States on its own has com- smugglers had been released in re- tion. He said they were not only a national stigma and vowed to root Hospital, Wazir Akbar turn for money and the released campaigning against corruption but out the menace. (Pajhwok) century Buddhas carved into the had a small, but strong military. mitted around US$113 billion since mountains in Bamiyan. “These Khan, Kabul 2301372 As a landlocked and mountain- 2002 for the reconstruction and guys wanted to destroy the histo- ous country, it depended heavily support of Afghanistan. And the ry and pride of this nation,” Popal on its air force for transport, re- human cost has been high: as of said. “Islam does not allow this. If Ibn-e- Seena connaissance and close air sup- end February 2016, 3515 coalition we want to convert someone to Pul-e-Artan, Kabul port. It had more than 400 air- members and tens of thousands of Islam, we should give them the craft, including around 240 fixed- Afghan security forces and civil- message of Islam, not damage their 2100359 wing combat aircraft, 150 heli- ians have died. beliefs.” For three years, Popal copters and perhaps 40 transport Yet, NATO and the wider in- has been part of a team – support- aircraft. ternational community have re- ed by Chicago University archae- Wazir Akbar Khan The country’s proud avia- newed their commitments to sup- Government sources said on Thursday President Ashraf Ghani ologists and US state department Hospital tion history was symbolised by port Afghanistan for another de- funding – that has restored 300 of Abdul Ahad Momand, an Afghan cade. NATO and its partners will announce his decision regard- 2301741, 2301743 ing the execution of a number of the destroyed artefacts. They also air force aviator who was the first launched a new train, advise and catalogued more than 100,000 Afghan – and the fourth Muslim assist mission (‘Resolute Sup- terrorists in the next few days. ? The sources said that the de- items and fragments that have been Ali Abad – to journey to outer space as port’) in January 2015. Wider co- returned, seized in customs or re- one of Soyuz TM-6 crew mem- operation with the Alliance is also cree will be implemented over a number of terrorists who have cently excavated. This summer, Shahrara, Kabul bers and spent nine days aboard being taken forward through its Afghanistan’s first electronic mu- the Mir space station in 1988 as Enduring Partnership programme been found guilty of organized 2100439 crimes and national security seum database will be completed. an Intercosmos Research Cosmo- with Afghanistan. The United Meanwhile, parts of the Bactrian naut. States and Afghanistan have also crimes. Meanwhile the father of a se- gold remain in the vaults, and some These achievements were agreed a long-term partnership of it is on display in Japan. Situat- Malalai Maternity erased and most military assets framework and a bilateral security curity force member, Safiullah, killed in the recent attack on the ed below the 100-year-old Daru- Hospital were looted and destroyed dur- agreement. laman Palace, which was devastat- ing decades of war and internal NATO and its partners com- VIP protection unit in Kabul, has 2201377/ 2301743 called on government to execute ed by the civil war, Kabul’s Na- conflict, before the international mitted – at NATO’s 2012 Summit tional Museum used to be a gloomy community intervened following in Chicago – to provide financial those terrorists who are charged for civilian murders. testament to decades of conflict. Banks the 9/11 terrorist attacks. support to sustain the Afghan forc- Today, it is a symbol of resilience Starting from scratch es until the end of 2017 and are "All day we searched the hos- pital looking for our son, but we and of new beginnings. As op- Da Afghanistan Bank In August 2003, NATO took currently working to ensure sup- posed to neighbouring Iran, where command of the International Se- port through 2020. Already, since could not find him," said Safiul- 2100302, 2100303 lah's father. pre-Islamic history is a pillar of curity Assistance Force (ISAF), 2007, NATO Allies and partners popular national identity, Afghans mandated by the United Nations have donated around US$430 mil- The victim's father said that the pain of loss has made him very generally do not know much about Bakhtar Bank (UN). Over the following decade lion per year to the NATO-Afghan Afghanistan’s historic role as a piv- of ISAF’s deployment, building National Army Trust Fund. weak and hopeless. 0776777000 "I only recognized my son's ot on the Silk Road, said Popal. up the Afghan national security Afghanistan’s partners want to Showcasing Afghanistan’s role and defence forces became an in- secure the investments of blood dead body from his teeth and after Azizi Bank that I become blind," Safiullah's in birthing ancient civilisations creasingly important part its mis- and treasure they have already would also help educate foreign- 0799 700900 sion. made to help the country get back father added. ing us with our studies," another death and hang them. Last month's Safiullah had three daughters daughter said. attack on the secret service unit ers whose knowledge of ancient Pashtany Bank This meant starting from on its feet. Reconciliation and a Afghan history is usually cursory scratch. Afghanistan’s military peace deal are the best options to and two sons - all of whom are Fayaz Hashmat one of Safiul- left 64 people dead including 20 teenagers. The victim's father said lah's nephews said: "Every night civilians and 347 others wounded. at best, said Mohammad Fahim 2102908, 2103868 assets had been destroyed. More- end the war but – until a settle- Rahimi, the museum’s director. “It over, the UN-led Disarmament, ment is reached – the deteriorating his children miss him terribly. Safiullah's children are crying and After the bloody incident "Whenever my father came off calling for their dad." Ghani promised to execute those gives a good picture of what it Air Services Demobilization and Reintegra- security situation and the growing means to be Afghan,” he said. tion programme disarmed around terrorist threats require the con- duty he used his vehicle's horn and Safiullah's family lives in a re- terrorists who are sentenced to then we would go out and sit in his mote area of Kabul. They have lost death. At the moment nearly 130 Popal sees an imitation of the 100,000 of the mujahedin and of- tinued engagement of NATO Al- Taliban’s cultural destruction in Safi Airways ficers of the former communist lies and partners in Afghanistan. car and then come into the house their only breadwinner. They have are sitting on death row after hav- together," Safiullah's daughter said. appealed to the government to find ing been convicted of various Islamic State’s vandalising of pre- 020 22 22 222 regime — and many were exclud- It is also in their own strategic Islamic antiquities. ed from serving in the Afghan se- interest to remain engaged. "My father was always help- those responsible for their father's crimes. (ToloNews) curity forces. Strategic choice Ariana With time it became clear that As a landlocked country neigh- disarming the militia groups and boring China, Pakistan, Iran and 020-2100270 excluding professional military Central Asian countries, Afghani- officers – along with ISAF’s ex- stan has significant geostrategic and THEMAN WHO SAVED MY LIFEIN Kam Air tremely centralised security and geopolitical importance. It is the governance strategy – provided only country in the region which 0799974422 an opportunity for the Taliban gives open access to the United AFGHANISTAN IS FOREVER MY BROTHER and terrorists to re-emerge and States and NATO Allies. The Exactly 10 years and two months started to ask a question when a Hotels re-organise in the rural areas of Khyber Pass, located between Af- ago, I was sitting in the dust of the young Taliban insurgent crept up Safi Landmark Afghanistan. ghanistan and Pakistan, has long Afghan village of Shinkay along behind me and swung an axe into Resistance and casualties in- been one of the most important with my platoon commander, my head like he was chopping a creased. Eventually, under the trade routes and strategic military Kevin Schamuhn, and an interpret- log. The attack was the signal for a 020-2203131 command of General Stanley Mc- locations in the world. Moreover, er at a meeting with village elders, carefully laid Taliban ambush. Chrystal, ISAF adopted a coun- the Silk Road passes through Af- or shura. Villagers scattered in all direc- SERENA terinsurgency strategy in 2009. ghanistan. This ancient network of Kevin and I sat cross-legged tions as the platoon came under This called for more ISAF troops trade routes, 4000 miles long, is on the ground on either side of our withering fire from across the riv- 0799654000 to push back the Taliban, while known as the cultural crossroads interpreter, facing the elders. I’d er, but amazingly there were no also placing a greater focus on of the Indian, Persian and Chinese placed my helmet on the ground other casualties. Kevin called in for New Rumi Restaurant training and building up the Af- civilisations. Insecurity and insta- next to me and laid my rifle on top a dustoff chopper and ordered that ghan security forces so that they bility in Afghanistan would desta- of it. One of the elders waved at a smoke grenades be popped to mark 0776351347 would be able to secure their own bilise the region and provide fer- young boy, who then disappeared our position but they landed too country eventually. tile ground for terrorist groups, for about 10 minutes and brought far away, so Kevin helped hustle Internet Services By the time that ISAF had posing a threat to Allies and part- back tea. The chai was freshly my 200-pound carcass over a hun- IEDs, a major battle and ambush- and was barely audible to anyone UA Telecom completed the gradual transition ners. made and surprisingly refreshing. dred metres to the chopper, where es like the one in Shinkay when I beyond our table, so Debbie stood of responsibility for security to Afghanistan also faces im- A small group of young men my Canadian stretcher had to be fell under the axe. When an Amer- and took over. She did a fabulous 0796701701 / 0796702702 the Afghan authorities before mense economic and development and kids milled about curiously shoehorned into the American ican F-15 mistakenly dropped two job of recognizing and thanking ending its mission in December challenges. behind us. The rest of the platoon Black Hawk. laser-guided bombs on the platoon, everyone who helped make the day Exchange Rate 2014, Afghanistan had around The country is rich in natural were fanned out behind them in By harming a guest at a shura, Kevin was sure his command had a reality. When it came time to toast 352,000 well-trained soldiers and resources, gas, minerals and oil defensive positions facing out- my attacker, who journalists iden- been destroyed but the troops Kevin, I needed him to hear it di- Purchase: police – an impressive achieve- (worth more than a trillion US dol- ward. I felt safe as usual with the tified as Abdul Karim, broke a cen- were again unscathed. My wife, rectly from me. I wanted every- ment. ISAF also underpinned lars according to some estimates). superb soldiers of One Platoon turies-old pact known as Pashtun- Debbie, and I have become friends one to know how much it meant other vital progress in Afghani- But insecurity and war has limited watching my back. wali, which demands that guests, with Kevin’s parents. Marie and to me to have them at our wed- One US$ = stan, helping provide the securi- opportunities to explore and ex- The elders waited for us to ini- even enemies, be fed, given water Ken live outside Vancouver and ding. I asked Debbie for the micro- 68.26Afs ty and space for democracy to tract these resources, and Afghan- tiate the conversation. Kevin and, most important, protected. paid us a visit a few years ago. phone, sucked oxygen deep into One Pound Sterling= take root, institutions and infra- istan remains among the poorest opened the shura as usual, speak- The Taliban must have put Marie crafted a beautiful wooden my lungs and spoke: “The man structures to be rebuilt, thou- countries of the world. Combined ing directly to the leader about our him under intense pressure to train set for my baby boy, Noah. standing at the back is Kevin Scha- 96.69Afs sands of schools to be reopened, with insecurity, lack of economic presence and their security situa- commit such an abomination, akin We found out that every day with- muhn, my good friend and platoon One Euro = free media to thrive, and the coun- opportunities are driving many tion. ‘’We are here to support your to shooting a gun in church. They out fail, Marie would pray for each commander in Afghanistan. Next 76.61Afs try to recover its international Afghans to flee the country. Ac- country and help the people of could have kidnapped his family member of the platoon, by name. I to him is his incredible wife, Ann- recognition. cording to the office of the UN High Afghanistan,” he began. The men and threatened to kill them. Or was only attached to the platoon alise. I am honoured to know a man 1000 Pak Rs = Lack of leadership Commissioner for Refugees, more leaned forward, as they usually convinced the illiterate Abdul that for workup training in 2005 so I who carried out our mission with 640Afs Of course, the insurgency than a quarter of the one million did, squinting and trying to make it is written in the Koran that he didn’t make the prayer list. One courage and integrity. No words was not defeated by the end of refugees and migrants who arrived sense of his words. would reach paradise if he killed Platoon was perhaps the only Ca- can ever express how grateful I am Sale: the ISAF mission. The challeng- in Europe in 2015 were Afghans Once the interpreter had trans- an infidel. nadian infantry platoon in the Af- to him for saving my life on the One US$ = es of insecurity and instability (coming second after Syrians). lated, only one man spoke back to Afghanistan has a fighting sea- ghan War to avoid casualties, and I battlefield. Please join me in rais- 68.46 Afs facing Afghanistan remain im- Helping Afghanistan establish the translator. The others watched son that begins when the snow was the only member of the pla- ing a glass to Kevin.” One hundred One Pound Sterling= mense and its national security peace and to grow its economy intently in silence. Kevin began the melts in the mountain passes, al- toon to be carried off the battle- and thirty glasses clinked to a cho- forces will require long-term in- could help stem the flow of refu- shura probing subtly for tactical lowing movement into the vulner- field. Kevin and his lovely wife, rus of “To Kevin.” Marie Scha- 74.43Afs ternational support both finan- gees, which represents a brain drain information then handed off to me able valleys. Kevin led One Pla- Annalise, were the guests of ho- muhn said her son always dreamed One Euro= cially and in terms of capacity for Afghanistan and also risks de- to ask about their infrastructure toon unerringly through the 2006 nour at my wedding in 2010. When of becoming a soldier. I’ll forever 71.21 Afs building. stabilizing the European Union.— needs. Afghanistan fighting season; sev- the time came for toasts after din- be grateful my brother followed his 1000 Pak Rs= 648Afs The Afghan security sector (The Financial) I took a sip of my tea and had en months of combat patrols, ner, my voice had become weak dream.—(Huffington Post) SATURDAY . MAY 07, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

MUSHARRAF’S ‘THREATENING’ CALLTOBENAZIR COULD NOT BE TRACED: JIT CHIEF

NEW DELHI: In a departure from marine to remain underwater for its traditional approach to business several days at a stretch instead of in India, Germany is for the first coming up to surface frequently time offering a military deal under to replenish oxygen needed to burn the government-government um- the fuel — for the submarines. brella for its new-generation con- "The offer has certain assur- ventional submarines that have ances that the product will meet exceptional underwater endurance. Indian requirements," an official While in the past the German involved in the process told ET. government had kept away from Russia, which is developing its contracts being bagged by its arms own AIP system, has already ad- industries in India, the HDW 214 vised India to conclude the P 75I submarines are being offered as a project under a government deal special case for Indian Navy's re- as it has too many complexities of quirement of six boats, which are technology transfer. to be made in India at an estimated German company Thyssenk- cost of over Rs 60,000 crore. rupp Marine Systems that manu- Sources told ET that the for- factures the submarine said it "is mal proposal is being shared with not in a position to comment on the defence ministry in which the talks between the governments of ISLAMABAD: The head of the German government will give as- the two nations", but said it was joint investigation team (JIT), surances on fair price, technology interested in offering its 214 class which probed the Benazir Bhutto transfer and quality. boats with "robust transfer of tech- murder case, on Thursday stated Russian and French subma- nology, training and meeting off- that the investigation team could rines are, too, competing for the set obligations". "We define this not trace the threatening call alleg- mega P 75I project, which is likely as a 'no-holds barred' transfer of edly made by former president re- to see a private sector yard in In- technology in line with Modi gov- tired General Pervez Musharraf to dia carry out a major chunk of the ernment's 'Make in India' push," Bhutto. work. India will be mandating Air the company spokesperson said Mohammad Khalid Qureshi, Independent Propulsion (AIP) - a in response to a detailed question- the JIT head, who is a former ad- technology that enables the sub- naire by ET. ditional director general of the Fed- eral Investigation Agency (FIA), was the last prosecution witness in the high-profile murder case. During the cross-examination AFTER Italian PM working to restore by Barrister Farogh Nasim, the counsel for Mr Musharraf, in the Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) DISSIDENTS, India ties post Marine order Rawalpindi, Qureshi admitted that JIT could not trace the call either from the two mobile phones of DELHI: Indicating that bilateral ing in Rome on Thursday that The marine Salvatore Girone can await istry spokesperson Vikas Swarup Bhutto or Mr Musharraf’s cell- ties had seen a trough following Hague arbitration tribunal's decision the sentence in Italy. It is a very said in New Delhi that the govern- phone. INDIA HOSTS the case against two Italian ma- to allow marine Salvatore Girone to important step that shows how ment will soon approach the SC However, he expressed the rines who shot dead two Indian return to Italy vindicated his gov- our government's strategy was along with Italy for relaxation of possibility that Gen Musharraf fishermen, talian prime minister ernment's strategy, adding that his correct after the clear errors made Girone's bail conditions. He is held might have made the call from any Matteo Renzi has said that his executive was working to restore at the start of this sad case. Now in India on murder charges. "As of his official phones. CHINESE government was now working to good relations with India. "Let's we are working to restore the ex- you know the tribunal has said Last prosecution witness restore "excellent relations with celebrate the extraordinary news cellent relations of friendship and both India and Italy should ap- cross-examined in Benazir murder India" following the verdict of the coming from The Hague," ANSA cooperation with the Indian peo- proach the SC to relax bail condi- case at ATC Rawalpindi Hague Tribunal. Italian news agen- quoted Renzi as saying. "The inter- ple and government," he said. On tions for Girone. That will hap- The prosecution case was LEADER cy ANSA quoted Renzi has say- national tribunal has ruled that our the same issue, external affairs min- pen in the near future." based on the threatening call which Mr Musharraf allegedly made to Bhutto while she was at the office of US Congressman Tom Lantos. According to the prosecution, US lobbyist Mark Siegel claimed that on September 25, 2007, in his presence at the office of Congress- man Lantos in Washington, Bhut- to received a telephone call which she later described as “a very bad call” from Mr Musharraf. The statement said the former military ruler had warned Bhutto that “her safety depends on the state of their [Musharraf and Bena- zir’s] relationship.” According to Mr Siegel, Bhut- to sent him an email on Oct 26, 2007, in which she expressed her NEW DELHI: The Indian govern- In addition, the government said sense of insecurity. She also said if ment has hosted Chinese dissidents he had taken a tourist visa to at- something happened to her, she and a Chinese Communist party tend a conference, which was a rea- would hold the military ruler re- secretary all in the space of one son cited for the cancellation. Top sponsible, apart from the individ- week, as India carries out its bal- sources said, CBI officials point- uals mentioned in her letter to Mr ancing act on China. ed out that they would have to ar- Musharraf on Oct 16, 2007. Even as Han Zheng member rest Isa if he showed up at an Indi- The individuals Bhutto had of politburo of the Communist an airport, because of the Red Cor- mentioned in the letter were: re- Party of China and party secre- ner notice against him, which could tired Brigadier Ejaz Shah, retired tary of Shanghai, started a five-day have created a bigger publicity di- Lt-Gen Hameed Gul and former official visit to India, beginning with saster. The RCN against Isa did Punjab chief minister Chaudhry a meeting with Prime Minister not reflect on India's visa black- Pervaiz Elahi. Narendra Modi on Thursday, the list. During the cross-examination, government asserted that the con- Here's Everything Coming To Barrister Nasim asked Mr Qureshi troversial China conference in Netflix In May whether he submitted any foren- Dharamsala held last week was "no Recommended By Colombia sic report of the email to the ATC. conference" at all, but just a meet- Some other Chinese activists In response, Mr Qureshi ad- ing of individuals with the Dalai like US-based dissident Lu Jing- mitted that no forensic report was Lama. hua, pro-democracy activist and submitted to the court, adding the The government's assertion Hong Kong Indigenous founder email was sent from two official comes as it became clear that sev- Ray Wong Toi-yeung and student accounts of Bhutto and did not eral democracy activists attended activist Alex Chow Yong Kang, BANGLADESH CENTRAL need any forensic audit. the controversial conference in found their visas cancelled after the Mr Qureshi also denied of hav- Dharamsala last week. The con- Indian government cited discrep- ing any direct evidence of the con- ference, officially called the "Elev- ancies in their visa applications, versation between Gen Mushar- enth Interethnic/Interfaith Leader- as well as the fact that they too BANKER TO MEET WITH FED’S raf and the then city police officer ship Conference - Strengthening were travelling on tourist visas. Rawalpindi, Saud Aziz, as the Our Alliance to Advance the Peo- Omer Kanat, another WUC activ- prosecution had alleged that Aziz ples' Dream: Freedom, Justice, ist found his visa application de- washed the crime scene to destroy Equality and Peace" saw its share nied after he failed to specify which WILLIAM DUDLEYAND TOP the evidence on the direction of Mr of Chinese democracy activists conference he was coming here for. Musharraf. attending the conference, quite The presence of Chinese ac- In the written statement re- contrary to popular perceptions. tivists at the Dalai Lama confer- corded with the ATC, Mr Qureshi According to sources, over six ence saved the Modi government SWIFT OFFICIALS said, “during the investigation of Chinese activists attended the two- from criticism of India caving in to The head of Bangladesh’s central used special codes to tell the Fed more broadly. “We have observed guise traces of attackers and this [Benazir murder] case, I also day conference held in Norbu Chinese pressure. But the MHA/ bank will meet next week with a to transfer $951 million from Bang- activity in other financial-services warned customers to secure their personally recorded statements of House, McLeodganj, which be- IB mishandling of the entire visa top Federal Reserve official and ladesh’s account to banks in Sri organizations that’s likely by the networks. …retired General Hameed Gul, came a closed-door affair follow- issue also did nothing for India's representatives of interbank-mes- Lanka and the Philippines. The same threat actor behind the cy- “The commonality in what we retired Brigadier Ejaz Shah, Za- ing the controversy generated af- image - in 2013 and 2014, India saging service Swift as part of an Fed blocked most of those orders berattack on the Bangladesh have seen is that [internal or exter- murd Khan (former MD Baitul ter a couple of Uyghur activists built up a credible reputation of effort to trace $81 million stolen but put through $101 million, of Bank,” FireEye said. nal] attackers have successfully Maal), Farhatullah Babar, retired were denied entry into India. diplomatically pushing back from the South Asian country’s which only $20 million was suc- Also on April 25, Swift dis- compromised banks’ own environ- General Tauqeer Zia, Senator Re- Though activists from the against an aggressive China. account at the Fed, a Bangladeshi cessfully reversed and returned to closed it had put out a software ments and thereby obtained valid hman Malik, Khusro Pervez, re- World Uyghur Congress, specifi- The government acknowl- official said. Bangladesh. update to customers that was in- operator credentials with the au- tired Brigadier Javed Iqbal Chee- cally Dolkun Isa and Omer Kanat edged they had cancelled visas for Fazle Kabir, governor of Bang- Authorities and payments ex- tended to counter the effects of the thority to create, approve and sub- ma and issued questionnaires to a could not make it, another Uyghur Isa and a couple other activists, ladesh Bank, will meet with Fed- perts have been unable to identify malware. The update came along- mit messages,” Swift said. number of people, including former activist, Ilshat Hassan attended but stayed silent on the activists eral Reserve Bank of New York the perpetrators of the attacks. A side a confidential message to cus- It added the malware was in- secretary interior Syed Kamal the conference, despite coming on who were allowed to come for the President William Dudley and se- report on the attack is expected tomers in which the company stalled on local users’ systems and Shah.” a tourist visa. Senior government conference. The statement on nior Swift officials in Basel, Swit- later this month by the Criminal alerted clients to the software up- Swift’s “network and core messag- He also said he included Mr sources pointed to the presence of Thursday by Vikas Swarup refus- zerland, on Tuesday in a bid to Investigations Department in date and said it had been made ing services are not affected and Musharraf, DIG Aziz and SSP Chinese activists at the conference ing to describe it as a conference speed up recovery of the stolen Bangladesh. aware of malware designed to dis- continue to operate as normal.” Khurram Shahzad in the high-pro- as a sign that India was not being was therefore unnecessary, but funds, said Bangladesh Bank In recent weeks, concern has file murder case. over-accommodating of Chinese may have been made keeping the spokesman Subhankar Saha. risen that software used to carry When Barrister Nasim told him concerns. importance of the visit of Han The New York Fed and Swift out the Bangladesh cyberattacks that he had some personal grudge Speaking to TOI from US, Zheng in mind. "There was no con- declined to comment on the ar- may highlight vulnerabilities at with Mr Musharraf due to which Hassan said, "Around 10 activists ference. Certain individuals had rangements; both have previously other banks. he implicated him in the murder from China were present in the come to India to meet the Dalai said their systems weren’t com- A security expert at defense case, Qureshi replied that he was conference. Most of them were Lama. As you are aware the Dalai promised. company BAE Systems said in a the head of the counterterrorism very young and it was interesting Lama is a respected spiritual lead- News of the planned meeting blog posted April 25 that the com- wing of the FIA and had probed to see how many different kinds er and there is no bar on foreigners was reported Thursday by Reu- pany had discovered malware in several high-profile cases. of people were unhappy with the coming to India to have a religious ters. certain local repositories that BAE He denied of having any per- Communist Party. They even in- or spiritual audience with him." Basel is home to the Bank for believed was linked to the heist sonal grudge with Mr Musharraf, clude activists from underground Han Zheng's visit will proba- International Settlements, an orga- because it was “submitted by a user adding he was also the investigat- Christian groups in China." Other bly be among the most important nization of central banks from in Bangladesh and contains sophis- ing officer in a terrorist attack on Chinese activists in the conference official Chinese visits to India this around the world. The BIS has a ticated functionality for interact- Mr Musharraf in 2003 in which included, a well known lawyer year. A rare political survivor in Committee on Payments and Mar- ing with local Swift” networks. the court awarded life imprison- Teng Biao and Han Lian Chao, Chinese politics, member of the ket Infrastructures; Mr. Dudley On the same day as the BAE ment to six persons. many of whom were reluctant to Shanghai elite and enjoying the was chairman of the panel from blog was published, Silicon Valley- On the request of senior law- share their full names. complete trust of president Xi Jin- 2009 to 2012, when it operated based cybersecurity firm FireEye yer Malik Rafique, the counsel for Uyghur activist Dolkun Isa's ping, Han Zheng will meet Indian under a different name. Inc., which Bangladesh Bank hired the two police officers, ATC Judge tourist visa was cancelled after an leaders and interact with a cross- The meeting comes three to investigate the incident in Dha- Rai Ayub Khan Marth adjourned Interpol Red Corner notice against section of Indian political and busi- months after one of the most suc- ka, said it also had suspicions that the proceedings to May 11 when him was seen to have been ignored ness circles, said MEA spokesper- cessful high-tech bank robberies in the software at the center of the he (Mr Rafique) would cross ex- by Indian visa issuing authorities. son. history. Cyberthieves in February Bangladesh attacks might be used amine the JIT head. SATURDAY . MAY 07, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief UN demands probe of air strikes on Syria displaced camp

The United Nations' top aid official has demanded an imme- The 120-nation Nonaligned Move- non and other attacks linked to Iran diate investigation into the kill- ment (NAM), headed by Iran, ac- can collect nearly $2 billion in fro- ing of displaced civilians in a cused the United States Supreme zen funds from Iran as compensa- camp hit by air strikes in north- Court on Thursday of violating tion. ern Syria. international law by ruling that The court’s ruling directly af- "If this obscene attack is nearly $2 billion in frozen Iranian fects more than 1,300 relatives of found to be a deliberate target- assets can be paid to victims of victims, some who have been seek- ing of a civilian structure, it attacks linked to the country. ing compensation for more than 30 could amount to a war crime," A communique issued by the years. They include families of the said Stephen O'Brien yesterday, NAM’s Coordinating Bureau fol- 241 US service members who died the UN under-secretary gener- lows an Iranian appeal to the Unit- in the bombing of the Marine bar- al for humanitarian affairs. ed Nations last week to intervene racks in Beirut. At least 28 civilians includ- with the US government to pre- Iran denies any links to the ing women and children were vent the loss of their funds. Iran’s attacks. Iran’s UN Ambassador killed in the air strikes at the Foreign Minister Mohammad Ja- Gholamali Khoshroo asked that camp near Sarmada in Idlib vad Zarif called the ruling an “out- Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon province, which is controlled rageous robbery, disguised under a circulate the NAM statement to by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al- court order.” the UN General Assembly and Nusra Front and rebel allies. The NAM, comprising main- Security Council. "I am horrified and sickened ly developing countries, called the The NAM called for “dialogue by the news of civilians killed US waiver of “the sovereign im- and accommodation over coercion today by air strikes that hit two munity of states and their institu- and confrontation” to peacefully settlements where displaced tions” a violation of US interna- settle disputes. people had sought sanctuary," tional and treaty obligations. In last week’s letter, Iran’s O'Brien said in a statement. It called on the US government Zarif appealed to secretary-gener- Thousands of Syrians have “to respect the principle of state al Ban to use his good offices “to fled fighting in the northern immunity” and warned that failing induce the US government to ad- province over the last weeks, to do so will have “adverse impli- here to its international obligations, and camps for the displaced cations, including uncertainty and put an end to the violation of the have been set up along the Turk- chaos in international relations.” It fundamental principle of state im- ish border. also warned that a failure would munity.” The air strikes come after also undermine the international State Department spokesman an intense diplomatic push to rule of law “and would constitute Mark Toner said in response that revive a landmark ceasefire and an international wrongful act, “US laws and the application of is being studied. Iran has also com- year’s nuclear deal which was sup- Kerry, who met Zarif on April 22, the administration was willing to salvage peace efforts to end which entails international respon- those laws by the courts of the plained to the United States that it posed to give the Iranians relief said the United States would not further clarify what transactions Syria's five-year conflict. The sibility.” United States comport with inter- is locked out of the international from crippling economic sanctions stand in the way of foreign banks are now permitted with Iran, and war in Syria has killed more The US Supreme Court ruled national law.” financial system. in exchange for curbing their nu- or firms doing business with Irani- he urged foreign financial institu- than 270,000 people and dis- on April 23 that the families of vic- UN spokesman Stephane Du- It accused the US of failing to clear program. an companies that are no longer tions to seek answers from US of- placed millions since it started tims of a 1983 bombing in Leba- jarric said Thursday that the letter fulfill its obligations under last US Secretary of State John subject to US sanctions. He said ficials if they have questions. after the brutal crackdown of anti-government protests in 2011.

Rebels reportedly seize village near Aleppo, Syrian army denies

Rebels seized a village from government forces near Alep- po overnight, a monitoring Close aides to Hillary Clinton in- er and whether classified informa- fully violated the law, it added. of information act lawsuit brought FBI has since launched a criminal group and rebel sources said on cluding longtime confidante Huma tion was exchanged. Bryan PaBenghazigliano, the by conservative watchdog group investigation amid Republican Friday, gaining important Abedin have been interviewed by The officials said no date had former State Department staffer Judicial Watch. It was yet another charges that use of the unsecured Commanders in Libya's third city ground near the Syrian city the FBI as part of its investigation yet been set for an FBI interview who reportedly helped set up Clin- twist in a long-running email saga system endangered national secu- Misrata rushed militiamen to a key where the United States and into the ex-secretary of state’s use of Clinton, the likely Democratic ton’s server and has been granted that continues to dog Clinton as rity. Clinton has maintained that crossroads on Friday after it was Russia are trying to de-esca- of a private email server, CNN re- presidential nominee, but that one immunity in the criminal investi- she runs for president. Clinton’s none of her emails had been marked overrun by ISIS in an assault in late the war. ported Thursday. The interviews, was expected in the coming weeks, gation, was also expected to be in- use of a private server for both “classified” when she sent them which a suicide bomber killed two The Syrian Observatory confirmed to the network by US CNN reported. terviewed. Spokespersons for the official and private correspondence and, after her own lawyers had re- police. for Human Rights said 73 peo- officials briefed on the probe, mark Abedin has cooperated with FBI and Justice Department, as first came to light in 2015 during moved mails they deemed purely The Abu Grein crossroads lies ple had been killed in the battle a step forward in the Federal Bu- investigators, who have not found well as lawyers for Abedin and Republican-led congressional in- personal, she submitted a 52,000- 120 kilometres south of Misrata for Khan Touman, some 15 km reau of Investigation’s probe, evidence that proves Clinton will- Clinton, declined to comment. On vestigations into her handling of a page document dump to the State where the highway along Libya's (9 miles) southwest of Aleppo which the officials described as fully violated the law. (File photo: Wednesday, federal judge Emmet militant attack on the US mission Department. The State Depart- Mediterranean coast meets the in a location near the Dam- nearing its end. AP) Abedin has cooperated with Sullivan said Clinton may be re- in Benghazi, Libya. The assault in ment made the official emails pub- main road south into the desert ascus-Aleppo highway. While The investigation has focused investigators, who have not found quired to testify about her private 2012 left the US ambassador and lic chunk by chunk, and released interior. multiple rebel sources said it on the security of the Clinton serv- evidence that proves Clinton will- email system as part of a freedom three other Americans dead. The the final batch in late February. It was captured by ISIS on had been captured, a Syrian Thursday in an advance from their army source denied Khan Tou- stronghold in the city of Sirte 140 man had fallen. kilometres to the east. The attack was launched The head of the Misrata mili- by an alliance of insurgents Britain slams Russia for blocking UN tary council, Colonel Ibrahim Bel- known as Jaish al-Fatah, includ- Rajab, said he had ordered all bri- ing the Qaeda-linked Nusra gades under his command to head Front, which has rejected dip- to Abu Grein without delay, Lib- lomatic efforts to halt the war ya's LANA news agency report- and promote peace talks. condemnation of Aleppo fighting ed. The United States and "Numerous armed vehicles of Russia this week brokered a Britain on Thursday slammed Rus- ence on the Assad regime to IS have been spotted in this area," ceasefire in the city of Aleppo sia for blocking a UN Security get them to respect the ces- he said. itself, where some 300 people Council statement condemning the sation of hostilities and ev- Misrata's two main television have been killed in the last two Syrian military offensive in the ery other obligation under in- channels broadcast appeals to mi- weeks in government - and battleground city of Aleppo. ternational humanitarian litiamen on leave to return to their rebel-held areas as a result of The statement was circulated law,” said Rycroft. barracks. air strikes and shelling. to the 15-member council on At least 28 civilians, in- In a statement, ISIS said a Tu- “Throughout the night the Wednesday during an emergency cluding women and children, nisian fighter had blown up a vehi- battles were very intense,” said meeting on Aleppo but was dis- were killed Thursday in the cle at the crossroads allowing oth- Abu al-Baraa al-Hamawi, a missed by Russian Ambassador bombing of the camp in Sar- er fighters to advance and take con- fighter from the Ajnad al-Sham Vitaly Churkin as a “propaganda mada in Idlib province, which trol of it and five other villages in group, one of the factions tak- coup”. is controlled by Syria’s Al- the area, the SITE Intelligence ing part in the attack. “Areas British Ambassador Matthew Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Group reported. south of Khan Touman have Rycroft said Russia’s refusal to Front. ISIS captured Sirte in June last been liberated,” he told Reu- back the statement “speaks vol- Regional, international year and has since transformed it ters. The Observatory said 43 umes about their support for and diplomats struggle over into a training camp for Libyan and of the dead were rebels and 30 protection of the Assad regime.” Aleppo foreign militants. were government forces. President Bashar al-Assad’s The proposed statement With its port and airport, there Groups fighting under the forces launched an offensive in would have condemned the are fears the militants could use banner of the Free Syrian Aleppo on April 22 that they said upsurge in Aleppo and at- the city as a staging post for at- Army, which have mostly sup- was aimed at flushing out jihad- tribute the violence to the tacks on European soil. ported diplomatic efforts in ists. But the West has accused Syrian military offensive. Western powers including the Syria, were not taking part in Damascus of targeting civilians, Addressing the council United States, Britain and France the attack, a fighter from one hitting hospitals and markets. on Wednesday, Syria’s Dep- have openly considered interna- Aleppo-based FSA group told After air strikes hit a camp of uty UN Ambassador Moun- tional military intervention in Lib- Reuters. displaced Syrians near the Turk- zer Mounzer insisted that ya against ISIS. ish border on T regime forces were taking on Experts have said that any fu- hursday, the British ambassa- terror groups in Aleppo. ture foreign strikes could target ISIS militants dor called for more pressure to be “What the Syrian gov- Sirte as well as the region around exerted to rein in the Damascus ernment has been doing in the it. seize gas field in regime. city of Aleppo is merely the The militants group is estimat- “It is really high time for ev- fulfilment of its obligations ed to have around 5,000 fighters in eastern Syria ery member of the Security Coun- to protect its citizens from Libya, and is trying to attract hun- cil to use every last drop of influ- terrorism,” he said. dreds more. ISIS militants on Thursday captured the main Shaer gas field in eastern Syria in the first gain for the ultra hardline fighters in the Palmyra desert Syria denies targeting camps, UN condemns “murderous attacks” area since they lost the ancient The Syrian military denied it had several weeks, and can be clearly cessation of hostilities brokered by city in March, rebel sources conducted air strikes on camps near viewed from the air, it is extreme- Russia and the United States had and a monitor said. Amaq, a the Turkish border on Thursday ly unlikely that these murderous brought a measure of relief on news agency affiliated to the which killed at least 28 people, but attacks were an accident,” Zeid Thursday. Zeid said most of the militants, said they had taken the UN human rights chief said said in a statement. people in the camps had been over the gas field area and its initial reports suggested a govern- “My staff, along with other forced to flee their homes in Alep- facility where Syrian troops ment plane was responsible. organizations, will leave no stone po in February because of sus- were stationed and killed at The death toll from attack on unturned in their efforts to research tained aerial attacks there. He said least 30 soldiers and gained the camp for internally displaced and record evidence of what ap- he was also alarmed about the sit- large caches of heavy weap- people near the town of Sarmada pears to be a particularly despica- uation in Syria’s Hama central pris- ons including tanks and mis- included women and children, the ble and calculated crime against an on, where detainees had taken siles. The Syrian Observatory Syrian Observatory for Human extremely vulnerable group of control of a section of the prison for Human Rights confirmed Rights said, and could rise further people,” he said. and were holding some guards hos- the militants seizure of the gas because many people were seri- “Initial reports suggest the at- tage. “Heavily armed security forc- field area that lies roughly 150 ously wounded. tacks were carried out by Syrian es are surrounding the prison and km northwest of Palmyra af- “There is no truth to reports... Government aircraft, but this re- we fear that a possibly lethal as- ter a three-day assault. The about the Syrian air force targeting mains to be verified.” sault is imminent. Hundreds of militants were able to seize the a camp for the displaced in the Idlib Footage shared on social me- lives are at stake, and I call on the area despite heavy aerial bomb- countryside”, the Syrian military dia showed rescue workers put- authorities to resort to mediation, ing to push them back, it said. said in a statement on Friday car- ting out fires which still burned or other alternatives to force,” Zeid The militants had captured ried by state media. among charred tent frames, pitched said. the gas field and nearby gas UN High Commissioner for in a muddy field. White smoke bil- He urged governments on the facilities in Homs province on Human Rights Zeid Raad al Hus- lowed from smoldering ashes, and UN Security Council to refer Syr- several occasions but had lost sein said the attacks were almost a burned and bloodied torso could ia to the International Criminal it late in 2014 although they certainly a deliberate war crime. be seen. Court so that there is “a clear path continued to attack govern “Given these tent settlements Sarmada lies about 30 km (20 to punishment for those who com- have been in these locations for miles) west of Aleppo, where a mit crimes like these”. SATURDAY . MAY 07, 2016 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: Abdul Saboor Sarir Phone No: +93-772364666 E-mail: [email protected] By Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor ni, Shiite, Christian or Druze, to sisters, who I know from per- non but they have forfeited the Email: [email protected] People often question why the live in an open, free, secure and sonal experience are generous, right to call themselves Arabs. Arab world, in particular, is in prosperous society. It alienates hospitable and proud to call And as known drug dealers, www.afghanistantimes.af such a mess. The fact is that so Lebanon’s natural Arab allies, themselves Lebanese. money launderers, diamond many of our problems have has infiltrated the country’s Proud Lebanese smugglers and terrorists, both Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi been triggered by the interfer- army and insists on its pick for You, my friends, are your within Lebanon and without, ence of foreign powers eager president. Moreover, it dragged country’s salvation. Without they have forfeited their ho- Advisory editorial board to dominate this strategically- Lebanon into war with Israel in support from sections of your nour and are undeserving of 2006 and into supporting the community, Hezbollah would any respect. Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, located and resource-rich area. The Ottomans, the British and Assad regime responsible for wither and fade away. I have I am asking Lebanese Shi- Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal the French carved-up the re- the death of over 400,000 Syri- known you since the late 1960s ites to do what is right. Leba- gion separating tribes and fam- an people. when I visited Lebanon with no non is badly injured and is Graphic-Designer: ilies with borders. The interna- The bottom line is that no penny in my pocket. I was wel- bleeding politically, geopoliti- amount of aid pumped into comed by the Wazni family and cally and economically. Our Edriss Akbari and Bilal Yusufi tional community rubber- stamped the theft of Palestin- Lebanon will make a difference. other kind Lebanese Shiites. arms are open to you. Come Marketing & Advertising: ian land, igniting a series of Lebanon’s economy would The Shiites I have known were back to us and reclaim your boom without the insecurity passionate in their love of coun- Arab identity; not behind Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 Arab-Israeli wars. As for Lebanon, it inherit- and instability Hezbollah deliv- try and they count as some of closed doors or in whispers. Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan ed a “confessional” system of ers my closest friends. They are Have the courage to shout your Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor proud Lebanese and proud Ar- rejection of what the Iranian Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 governance which in itself is separating rather than unifying I understand the reaction of abs. I do not want to see the Hezbollah stands for from the Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press encouraging sectarianism. some of my Lebanese friends day my grandchildren are hilltops, in the squares and in More recently, US military in- to Saudi Arabia’s freeze on $4bn forced to speak Farsi and nei- the streets – and, rest assured, terventions in Iraq and Libya aid to the military and security ther do they. that in no time, we will be by have fomented sectarian ten- serves. They complain they There is no escaping from your side to lift you out of this The constitution says sions while opening the door have been abandoned to Iran our blood lines, our DNA or our down spiral before Lebanon, to terrorists of all ugly stripes. whereas, in truth, as long as history. We are a different race like several of its neighbours, Worse, the Obama administra- Hezbollah keeps its grip instill- from the Persians. We do not are in need of intensive care. tion has enriched, empowered ing fear in the hearts of politi- share the same traditions or Khalaf Ahmad al-Habtoor and emboldened Iran, that has cal and military leaders, Leba- culture. I wish all Lebanese is a prominent UAE business- Article Twenty-Three: Life is the gift of God as well as the natural right of boasted of its control of Arab non will remain a toy in the Ira- Shiites thought the same way man and public figure. He is capitals, with a stroke of a pen, nian pocket. and hope with all my heart that Chairman of the Al Habtoor human beings. No one shall be deprived of this except by legal provision. thus making our region a more The Kingdom could no those connected to or are in Group - one of the most suc- dangerous place than ever. longer buy into the pretence support of Nasrallah or his sec- cessful conglomerates in the Arabs have been used as that Lebanese decision makers ond-in-command Naim Qassem Gulf. Al Habtoor is renowned pawns of foreign powers do not have tied hands, or that will see the light before Leba- for his knowledge and views on which have only one goal which the patriotic Lebanese are the non is viewed as an Iranian sat- international political affairs; is self interest. If we Arabs had ones in charge. If they were, the ellite, a foe of the Arab world. his philanthropic activity; his stood tall and together instead country would have a presi- I have so many wonderful efforts to promote peace; and of submitting or, in some cas- dent, a budget and there would memories bound up with my he has long acted as an unoffi- es, shaking hands with foreign be no rivers of garbage threat- stays in Lebanon and I have cial ambassador for his coun- states, our neighbourhood ening the health of citizens. always felt a strong emotional try abroad. Writing extensive- would look very different today. Anyone who believes anything tie to this land of amazing nat- ly on both local and interna- Admittedly, in the past we different has been duped by a ural beauty and its beautifully- tional politics, he publishes Reshuffle continues lacked the financial and military prettied-up façade. hearted people. I know that I regular articles in the media wherewithal to resist outside The bottomline is that no am not alone. Many Arab na- and has released a number of The challenges the country is facing are multiple with no end in interference. But that is chang- amount of aid pumped into tionals of GCC States feel ex- books. Al-Habtoor began his ing fast thanks to the leader- Lebanon will make a difference. actly the same. Believe me, career as an employee of a lo- sight. The national economy is tanking as the investors are tired ship of Saudi Arabia that is con- Lebanon’s economy would were Hezbollah to collapse, the cal UAE construction firm and of looking at the idle projects due to growing insecurity. The solidating its allies into a pow- boom without the insecurity country would be flooded with in 1970 established his own erful military, economic and dip- and instability Hezbollah deliv- new investment, businesses, company, Al Habtoor Engineer- local companies and international organizations were left with lomatic bloc. ers. This entity must be defeat- banks and, of course, tourists! ing. The UAE Federation, which no other option but to cut jobs or search for better and secure The question is this. Where ed by all means. Without an- Lebanon would open its petals united the seven emirates un- do the Lebanese stand; with other civil war, which no Leba- to flower again just as it did in der the one flag for the first business environment in other countries. The result is lost in Persians vying to become a re- nese citizen wants to even con- the 50s, 60s and early 70s. time, was founded in 1971 and gional hegemonic power or template, saving Lebanon and Reject Hezbollah’s propa- this inspired him to undertake the value of Afghani against the US dollar. The national curren- with their fellow Arabs? Are you bringing it back to the Arab ganda and lies. Its Iranian roots a series of innovative construc- cy has lost 20 percent against the USD in one year. Security with us or against us? The fold lies in the hands of our will never change. Its leaders tion projects – all of which choice should be no contest Lebanese Shiite brothers and may have been born in Leba- proved highly successful. forces and civilians casualties are on the rise as the Taliban when Iran’s Arab populations rejected to become part of the peace process. The recent dead- are severely oppressed and ex- cluded from the mainstream; What next after Muqtada al-Sadr? ly attack in Kabul City which claimed 64 lives and left 350 denied being taught Arabic in more injured is a reminder that the militants would not talk to schools, excluded from top jobs By Mshari Al Thaydi ton Carter. The latter said Abadi positive manifestations that con- and even forbidden from giv- “is in a strong position despite the firm the failure of the governance the government unless they had achieved what they want. The ing their newborns Arabic What is happening in Iraq is inter- political unrest in the country, and of political Islamist parties and the names. Make no mistake, esting and dangerous. Some are this is due to his successes on the projects they’ve announced.” fragile security situation across the country had forced hun- Hezbollah owes its creation optimistic that the Sadrist move- ground. We strongly support him.” These developments “have solidi- ment’s revolution will bring an end What is happening is a wave of fied the idea of the [people’s] abil- dreds of young and talented Afghans to leave for Europe, the and pays it allegiance to the to the rule of fundamentalist par- ayatollahs. Its 1985 Manifesto anger against political, financial and ity to confront political authority United States and other countries. ties in Iraq. Others, however, think ideological corruption of Iraqi Shi- and its suppressive apparatus.” clearly states the Ayatollah this is a delusion and Shiite cleric ite fundamentalist parties. This What is happening is a wave of Adding to the problem, writ of the government in several Ruhollah Khomeini – the former Muqtada al-Sadr is just like every- worries Tehran, but it also worries anger against political, financial and Supreme Leader of Iran – is the one else. Washington Mshari al-Thaydi ideological corruption of Iraqi Shi- parts of the country is weak. Mismanagement and corruption leader whose “orders we Significantly, the parties that Meanwhile, Ali Akbar Velayati, ite fundamentalist parties. This obey”, calls on Christians to have most strongly condemned the former Iranian foreign minister and worries Tehran, but what is strange had disappointed the public. Instead of resolving the problems, “embrace Islam” and supports Sadrist rebellion, Shiite protestors’ a consultant to Supreme Leader Ali is that it also worries Washington! the leaders in power corridors are chasing political objectives. Lebanon becoming an Shiite raid of Baghdad’s Green Zone and Khamenei, condemned Sadr sup- This article was first published in State. The manifesto may have the popular ‘occupation’ of par- porters who raided the Green Asharq al-Awsat on May 04, They have become part of the problem rather than solution. To liament were Iran and the United Zone, revolted against the Iraqi 2016.Saudi journalist Mshari Al been revised and softened by States. The US and Iran To Wash- ruling elite regardless of sect, and Thaydi presents Al Arabiya News count their achievements, there is only one area where they Hassan Nasrallah in 2009 to ington, the government of Iraqi even chanted against Iran. This is Channel’s “views on the news” have a broader appeal but who Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi is why the Sadrist parliamentary daily show “Maraya.” He has pre- scored perfect—firing, hiring and reshuffle of the high-ranking is he kidding? His organisation legitimate and important. The Unit- bloc condemned its supporters’ viously held the position of a man- officials. In other areas they scored perfect zero because the is bought, paid-for and armed ed States supports it as much as it chants against Iran. Some doubt the aging senior editor for Saudi Ara- by Tehran. is active in fighting the Islamic fate of a popular revolution led by bia & Gulf region at pan-Arab peace talks is still a distant dream, insecurity is all times high, Hezbollah is Lebanese in State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and an Iraqi fundamentalist cleric, and newspaper Asharq al-Awsat. Al name only. It is nothing short as much as it is willing to engage in they have the right to. However, Thaydi has published several pa- corruption is rampant and human rights are violated on regular of a tool wielded by a foreign the battle for Mosul, the capital of this development may go beyond pers on political Islam and social the group’s caliphate. Abadi re- Sadr. Fakhri Karim, owner of the history of Saudi Arabia. He ap- basis. Lack of health centers and educational institutions forced state clothed as a Lebanese re- ceived Washington’s support via a Iraqi Al-Mada Foundation for pears as a guest on several radio Afghans to leave for the neighboring countries. Several roads sistance. It is a resistance al- rare visit by Vice President Joe Media, Culture and Arts, which and television programs to discuss right; it resists the rights of the Biden to Iraq, and also through the publishes Al-Mada newspaper, the ideologies of extremist groups in the capital city in the suburb areas are in poor condition. Lebanese people whether Sun- visit of Secretary of Defense Ash- said: “We’re certainly [witnessing] and terrorists. Laws are for poor. The elite class enjoys impunity. If the leaders really want to develop the country by over- coming the potential and existing problems, they would have to search for talented people to appoint them on key posts. Nepo- tism and favoritism is eating the foundation of the state system. Appointing an acting minister as head of an important organi- zation will not resolve the problems. Reshuffle of the officials to accommodate the friends in the cabinet is making the situa- tion worst. It is not only eroding the public trust but also pro- viding an opportunity to the militants to strengthen their propa- ganda. Those who failed to bring peace to the country cannot bring security. Those who had been tested should not be tested again. The leaders themselves are digging grave for the gov- ernment. They should give priority to talent and merit when School appoint someone on key post.

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interview with NPR in March. tional Center for Scholars. overcome.” The situation is small boy called Abdul wan- think the Taliban can take total Later this year, Afghanistan By PHILIP REEVES Last Thursday, Wilson, a “Only a starry-eyed opti- made still more precarious by ders through a traffic jam. He’s control of their country. Many will turn again to reluctant in- charity worker, was abducted mist could reasonably expect it another factor: No one seems carrying, on a string, a tin can fear the country might fracture; ternational donors for yet more If you drive around Kabul long from the eastern Afghan city of to pass electoral reforms and sure of how long the govern- containing burning seeds. He some worry it may return to the funds. Officials will point to the enough, you will eventually Jalalabad, reportedly by two hold local elections in just a few ment is meant to serve. The waves the can around; smoke devastating civil war of the progress the country has made see what must be the most men posing as government in- months,” he says.Yet failing to signed agreement is silent on gushes out. Abdul moves from 1990s. in education, infrastructure, cheerful slogan in Afghanistan. telligence officials. deliver on promises made when this point. Some Afghans are car to car, engulfing each vehi- “I am afraid that if we don’t health services, the media and Cars traverse the city bear- Wilson has worked in Af- the government was cobbled convinced that its term is two cle in a small acrid cloud. take the right steps, this region more. ing a happy little window stick- ghanistan for 20 years, most together is risky. Ghani has years — much to the alarm of As he does this, he recites will break up like Libya, and the There will also be warnings er about the best way to ap- recently with a charity organi- many political enemies who can the Obama administration, an ancient verse about ward- Islamic State and Taliban will that if the West fails to provide proach life in a country beset zation that helps impoverished be expected to seize on this fail- which sees this interpretation ing off evil. A driver hands him fill the vacuum,” said Ahmad needed support, Afghanistan by deep — and, in the eyes of Afghan women become entre- ure as evidence that his gov- as further destabilizing. Kerry a few pennies. There’s a belief Saeedi, a Kabul-based political could easily return to anarchy most Afghans, worsening — preneurs — for example, by ernment has lost legitimacy. sought to douse this fire dur- among Afghans that smoke analyst and civil society activ- and civil war, and once again trouble. producing and selling handi- That, in turn, could trigger ing a recent visit to Kabul. He from these seeds, a kind of wild ist. become a haven for al-Qaida “Enjoy Today!” it reads. crafts. moves to oust his government. categorically declared that the rue, protects them against ill Saeedi is skeptical about and like-minded franchises. “Forget Tomorrow!” Until recently, it helped ad- “The state of play here is Afghan government’s term is fortune. the government’s chances for You could argue that, when That’s harder than it minister an arts and crafts shop quite stark,” says Kugelman. actually five years, although These days, there’s no survival, and says infighting lobbying for more internation- sounds. called Ganjina, a showcase for “A weak and fractured regime that’s not stated in the agree- shortage of small boys with between the president and al money, being pessimistic is This reality came into sharp Afghan artisans that was huge- in Kabul faces a Herculean ment, either. Afghans accused smoldering tin cans — and no chief executive’s offices is mak- in the Afghans’ interests. Yet relief last month when the Tali- ly popular with foreigners. A task, and yet unless it pulls off the U.S. of interference in their shortage of ill fortune for them ing matters worse. the realities on the ground are ban killed 64 people, and in- few weeks ago, the deteriorat- the seemingly impossible, the internal affairs. to keep at bay. “It is like a car with two hard to dispute. jured more than 340, in a large, ing security situation forced threats to its political survival Warding Off Evil Anxiety hangs in the air in steering wheels, driving in dif- To see that, just take a drive complex bombing and shooting Ganjina to close its doors for could become too strong to It’s rush hour in Kabul. A Kabul. Few people seem to ferent directions,” he says. around Kabul.—(NPR) attack that targeted the Afghan the last time; there were barely national security agency. any visitors. The fact that the militants Failing To Deliver could cause such mayhem in a Over the years, Afghani- supposedly high-security area stan has faded from the world Love in the time in the center of the capital add- headlines, overshadowed by ed to a crescendo of criticism other, bloodier wars. Now some leveled at Afghanistan’s Presi- heavy-hitter foreign policy of pre-revolution dent Ashraf Ghani. makers are raising the alarm It also strengthened a grow- anew — and in blunt terms. ing consensus among interna- In February, James R. Clap- tional and Afghan observers per, the director of National In- Iran that the “national unity govern- telligence, warned that Afghan- ment” that Ghani leads, under istan is at “serious risk of a an agreement cobbled togeth- political breakdown” in 2016. er after a botched 2014 election, He spoke of “waning polit- is at risk of collapse. ical cohesion, increasingly as- Ghani, a former World Bank sertive local power brokers, fi- official with a reputation as one nancial shortfalls and sus- of the world’s finer intellects, tained countrywide Taliban at- faces a monumental task if he tacks.” is to prevent his government In March, the United Na- from being overwhelmed by the tions envoy to Afghanistan, bySeth J Frantzman Across the border in Syria's only to see the breakdown of the crises facing Afghanistan. Nicholas Haysom, told the Se- “We didn’t ask for war, and Qamishli clashes between the Kur- ceasefire with the PKK lead to curity Council it would be an When protesters stormed Iraq's dish People's Protection Units massive conflict throughout east- we never seek war,” Ghani de- “achievement” if the Afghan byMassoumeh Torfeh capture huge audiences. clared in a speech shortly after parliament on September 30, a (YPG) and forces loyal to Syrian ern Turkey. There seems little in- government survives the year, Kurdish news team from Rudaw It is an online TV serial fi- the Kabul bombing. “But if President Bashar al-Assad ended terest on both sides in reducing this nanced and produced privately and citing similar concerns. found themselves reporting live in Set in the early 1950s Iran, in the they impose the war on us, we on April 23 with dozens of casual- conflict. era just after the US-led coup that marketed through what is known One of the Afghan govern- the midst of the chaos. A Kurdish ties. The objective for Kurds must In Syria the Assad government as Family Entertainment Network will fight.” ment’s most basic vulnerabili- reinstated Mohammad Reza Shah His government was “unit- Peshmerga soldier outside the par- be to build stable institutions and will move to neuter Kurdish aspi- Pahlavi, a new Iranian TV serial, (FEN). It is available on DVD in ties is the weak foundation on liament told them that protesters seek international support, while rations if it defeats the Syrian rebels Shahrzad, tells the story of an in- Iran and online for Persian speak- ed,” he said — though that is which it’s built. In 2014, Afghan- widely disputed. "had kissed [him] and given [him] not falling into the trap of interne- with help from Iran and Russia. nocent love tormented by power ers around the world. istan held a presidential elec- A still from the Iranian TV se- The crises facing the Af- flowers. It's very peaceful." It was cine fighting. Iraq's KRG President Mas- games and corruption. tion. A furious dispute erupted a momentary gesture in a region The serial, now in its 27th ep- ries Shahrzad [shahrzadseries.com] ghan government are multiple. In Iraq, conflict between Kurds soud Barzani [Reuters] isode, has captivated Iran with its [Unspecified] over the outcome, fueled by that has become increasingly frac- and Shia Turkmen in Tuz Khur- Yet here we find Russia polit- The Afghan economy is tank- allegations of fraud. double-edged criticism of what Shahrzad is the first success- ing. The national currency, the tured along sectarian lines. matu, about 170km north of Bagh- ically supporting the Syrian Kurds, went on then and the starting sim- ful quality production serial on Secretary of State John Kurds have been seeking great- afghani, has lost 20 percent Kerry intervened, brokering a dad, boiled over last week. and Turkey unsurprisingly at- ilarities with today. FEN, which is increasingly an im- against the dollar in a year. Sev- er independence and autonomy These conflicts are all inter- tempting to keep them from gain- It revives the memory of those portant medium of entertainment. deal in which the two candi- throughout the region in the last painful days in August 1953 when Its director, Hassan Fathi, has co- eral hundred thousand Af- dates shared power. Ashraf connected. Turkey's ruling party ing any ground or playing a role in ghans, many of whom are hundred years in the wake of what and President Recep Tayyip Er- peace talks. the military, supported by the US written the script with Naghmeh Ghani became president. His Samini both diligently observing young and middle-class, have many complain were European- dogan have amicable relations with Syrian rebel groups accuse the intelligence (CIA) and its local election rival, Abdullah Abdul- imposed colonial borders that ig- operatives, stormed the residence Islamic redlines but also bold in left for Europe in search of jobs, KRG leader Massoud Barzani, Kurds of collaborating with Assad, their messages. lah, was made chief executive nored their rights. of the elected premier of Iran, education and security. officer, a position created by while Turkey views both the PKK even though the two forces have Mohammad Mossadeq and, after Productions such as Shahrzad The war with the Taliban is Inside Story - Is an indepen- and YPG as "terrorist" organisa- come to blows in Qamishli, where a nine-hour battle, captured him. are not easy in Iran. Apart from presidential decree. dent Kurdish state possible? widening. Civilian casualties This power-sharing deal tions. Assad's forces still control the air- The local sound effects for the the censor, there are major issues are on the rise. Large parts of Since the rise of the Islamic While the PKK operates from port and a small enclave. event were provided by Sha’ban with financing and timely produc- was enshrined in a signed State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, tion and distribution, which have the landscape are outside the agreement. Its terms include a bases in Iraq, it is widely resented That puts the YPG in the un- "the brainless", who led noisy pro- government’s control. Peace also known as ISIS) group in 2014, among members of Barzani's Kur- enviable position of being disliked Shah demonstrations from the red- in the past been erratic. commitment to hold a loya jir- light district to the bazaar with the Attention must be paid to ev- negotiations remain a distant ga, a grand assembly of Af- the Kurdish regions in Syria and dish Democratic Party (KDP) who by both sides in the conflict while dream. Corruption is rampant. Iraq have found their areas largely full support of the gendarmerie. ery word used and to every detail ghan elders, within two years recall the bitter years of civil con- it still fights a brutal war against The Shah returned home from of clothing and costume design to As you drive around Kab- to debate amending the consti- cut off from the central govern- flict with it in the 1990s. ISIL. In Iraq, the KRG is fearful of Baghdad where he had fled for safe- avoid being blocked. ul, evidence of how this gener- tution and turning the post of ment. There is also a frigid coexist- Iranian attempts to undermine ty, and the armed forces disman- Shahrzad is a winner in almost al instability is affecting the CEO into prime minister. This has brought widespread ence between the KRG and the moves towards independence. Iran tled all rival political parties, dis- all these lines but perhaps espe- lives of Afghans is everywhere. That deadline expires in five hopes for a Kurdish referendum YPG-dominated Kurdish areas of has a deep influence over the Shia charging all officers loyal to Mos- cially because it is strong in cast- The roads have become on independence in the Kurdistan Syria. For instance, a border cross- militias such as Hashd al-Shaabi sadeq. ing. Ali Nassirian, acting at the age months. Few Afghan experts of 81 in the role of Bozorg Agha, is home to a multitude of check- believe there’s much chance of Regional Government (KRG) in ing between Kurdish Iraq and Syr- and in Baghdad. Iran remembers its Islamic points, police, soldiers, armed Iraq, and a federal structure in Syr- Revolution "superb". a loya jirga being held within ia has been closed for more than a In the lead-up to the liberation Shahrzad and Farhad are two "He surpasses three genera- guards and buildings wrapped that time. ia that would preserve the Kurds' month. of Mosul from ISIL, the Kurds in razor wire and meter-thick young intellectuals in love caught tions in creating a charismatic yet First, parliamentary and dis- hard-fought rights. Three international volunteers have been clear that they prefer a in this period of military transi- ruthless character," says actor and concrete blast barriers. Wom- trict council elections must take Conflicting interests for the YPG were briefly detained Sunni Arab militia such as the Turk- tion. They often meet in Cafe Na- critic, Ali Alaei. en in blue burqas and haggard place, as loya jirgamembers are But a series of incidents in re- in mid-April in the KRG while ish-backed Hashd al-Watani - deri near the fashionable Lalehzar Double-edged message men on crutches continue to drawn from those bodies. Be- cent weeks have threatened to undo trying to travel home to the Unit- which is led by the former Mosul quarter of Tehran, listening to mu- There are several other prize- beg on the streets, despite the fore elections can happen, elec- Kurdish gains and are a foreshad- ed Kingdom and Ireland. The mes- governor - to re-conquer the city. sic and reciting love poems but at winners in the cast, such as Mehdi tens of billions in foreign aid owing of worse to come if the dif- the same time seriously following Soltani, Shahab Hosseini, and toral reforms are required to sage was clear: the days of an open They don't want Iranian- Taraneh Alidoosti in the role of poured into this city. avoid a rerun of the 2014 deba- fering Kurdish political groups can- political developments. For a long time, Kabul was border are behind us. backed Shia militias in Mosul, Scenes of interrogation Shahrzad. Mostafa Zamani in the cle. not navigate the competing agen- Complex situation which they view as an attempt to Shahrzad is a bold, confident role of Farhad is also impressive. fairly safe for foreigners. They The government is already das in the region. ate in cafes and restaurants. At the very moment when surround Kurdistan. Saudi Arabia young woman studying to become In its storyline, the serial ben- overwhelmed. It hasn’t even Kurdistan Workers' Party Kurds are the most empowered, has been growing closer to the a doctor and Farhad is a journalist efits from juxtaposing a double- Now you’re about as likely to managed to fill all of its Cabi- (PKK) leader Cemil Bayik told the working for a pro-Mossadeq news- edged message between then and see a Western diplomat stroll- they face major obstacles. In Tur- KRG over this issue as well, be- net positions, says Michael BBC that they are willing to esca- key the Kurdish-dominated Peo- cause of fears of Iranian encroach- paper, Bakhtar Emrouz. now on taboo subjects such as so- ing the streets as a polar bear. cial freedoms. Kugelman, senior associate for late the conflict with Turkey that ples' Democratic Party (HDP) ment throughout the region. His office is ransacked by the “They’re locked up, basically,” mob and he is falsely implicated in We are taken into a world South and Southeast Asia at has killed thousands. made it into parliament in 2015, A Kurdish spring? Kerry Jane Wilson said in an the Woodrow Wilson Interna- the killing of one of the Shah's where men and women dressed in There was a kind of Kurdish Guards of Honour. high fashion are meeting in public, spring in the Middle East in the Farhad, together with several listening to music, going to coffee past few years, bolstered by mili- of his colleagues, are charged with bars and to the cinema for dates. tary successes against ISIL. murder and sentenced to death. The We are reminded of love in scenes The US has dispatched mili- scenes of interrogation, torture in that evoke Casablanca and Gone LETTER TO THE EDITOR tary missions to both the KRG and prison and false confessions that With the Wind. precede the executions are remi- Although the serial has been Syria's Rojava in recognition of niscent of today, as are the secret criticised for some minor aspects, these achievements. intelligence agents constantly fol- its central message resonates with But when Kurds talk indepen- lowing opposition figures. most. Bozorg Agha, mightily pow- dence or federalism, the US admin- The serial benefits from juxta- erful, highly charismatic and ma- istration is quick to oppose fur- posing a double-edged message nipulative, speaks to Iran today. Illegal extraction of mines ther gains. between then and now on taboo He feeds on the underlying cor- The objective for Kurds must subjects such as social freedoms. ruption in the political system that allows extrajudicial action against be to build stable institutions and Shahrzad works as a part-time Since long time it has been clear that extreme conditions and illegal labor practices is a rift in the mining sector across the country. After the Taliban nurse for the powerful Bozorg all those who come in his way. regime collapsed in 2001, millions of dollars showered into Afghanistan and work to improve almost all sectors, such as education, health, seek international support, while Agha [Grand Master]. Desperate Obey him and you kill love, dis- infrastructure, telecommunication, transportation were done, but, however mining sector still remains poorly in the country. not falling into the trap of interne- to save Farhad, she decides to ask obey him and you will be de- The government should stop its wait and see policy as it is not the job of third party to come up and fix the problems of mining sector. cine fighting. This means finding Bozorg Agha for help, not know- stroyed - that's Shahrzad's dilem- Moreover, illegal mining is all time high. And it is worth mentioning that a number of bigwig individuals have been busy in plundering natural accommodation in Turkey, patch- ing that he's the one who has fi- ma. resources and the government must stop them. Heavy crackdown should be adopted by the government to stop illegal extraction mines as in the ing up differences between the nanced "the brainless" mob. If dubbed or subtitled, Shahr- real scene it is the asset of the nation, while these plundering by illegal armed groups are being made under the very nose of the government. He agrees to help on the con- zad could compete well regionally The government will have to take some biggest decision to prevent illegal mining extraction as it is the national treasure of Afghanistan. YPG and KRG and frustrating Iran's growing power without open dition that Shahrzad becomes a with successful serials such as the Moreover, the related officials should seek support from the central government if they could not fight against these illegal armed individuals. surrogate mother for his daughter, Turkish Hareem al-Sultan. Its suc- The government must stop illegal extraction of mines as it is very significant to boost the already fragile economy of the conflict or allowing Iran to harm who cannot have children. cess may set an example for Iran's country. the KRG economically. As a post- Shahrzad, torn between her official broadcasting authority, Jalil Khan, Kabul Afghanistan ISIL region comes into shape, the love for Farhad and her own digni- IRIB, that it is possible to create Kurds can play an essential role ty, agrees. She lies to Farhad to quality entertainment and popu- for the first time in 100 years to save his life and becomes second lar serials while preserving their Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must have the writer’s name and wife to Bozorg Agha's son-in-law. religious borderlines. address. You may send your letters to: [email protected] heal the region's difficulties. Seth J Frantzman is a Jerusa- A web of intrigues follows, Dr Massoumeh Torfeh is the former director of strategic com- lem-based commentator on Mid- ruining the life not just of Shahr- zad and Farhad but also of Bozorg munication at the UN Assistance dle East politics and has lectured Agha's own daughter and the baby Mission for Afghanistan and is in American studies at Al-Quds born as his heir. currently a research associate at the Disclaimer: University. He has just returned In political affairs, too, Bozo- London School of Economics and from fieldwork in Iraqi Kurdistan. rg Agha destroys all rivals by or- Political Science specialising in The views expressed in this article dering their annihilation. Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asia. The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) are the author's own and do not Highly political nature The views expressed in this necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's ed- Despite the highly political article are the author's own and do and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. nature of the story, Shahrzad has not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's itorial policy. managed to pass all censors and editorial policy. SATURDAY . MAY 07, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES

sion, then what are you blaming ple and the Indian government. the media for? In fact, I believe Is- This dialogue should, however, be lam has no association with ter- free of Imperialist forces (the West) rorism and I have learned this from that are trying to divide and weak- the media itself. It's an unfortu- en Indian unity. There have been nate reality. But I do not believe other states as well that have de- that Indian culture has anything to manded freedom from India but do with this. Our culture and tra- after the government included dition is thousands of years old them in their policies and pro- and the phenomenon of rape is less grammes, these states have aban- than 200 years old. Rapists are doned their separatist movements. mentally sick people and need Indian media's portrayal of Mus- treatment. The ordinary citizens lims Indeed, the media is respon- Al Jazeera speaks to four youth leaders across the ideological spectrum to hear their opinions on four burning issues. of India can donate to political sible for fostering an image that In- parties but I am strongly against dian Muslims and terrorism are corporate funding of political par- strongly linked. However, it is ties. This is because there is a po- again an imperialist (Western) agen- tent risk that party candidates will da. It's a shameful picture of the return the favours. This is the root country. The patriarchal Indian cause of corruption in the coun- culture is to be blamed for the rape try. Candidates should be free to and abuse cases. If women are not contest elections using money do- considered equal to men, they will nated by ordinary people. The re- be vulnerable to abuse within the cent victory of the Aam Aadmi family. Indian women need to be Party in New Delhi is a good ex- educated about their rights so that ample of politicians not approach- they can fight and defend them- ing business houses for money to selves against all kinds of abuse. contest elections and yet defeat- Shahnawaz Shaikh, General Sec- ing candidates heavily backed by retary, National Students' Union businesses. I do agree that the peo- of India (NSUI) I am opposed to ple of Kashmir have a right to self- corporate funding of political par- determination just like other citi- ties. While not all politicians re- zens and that justice must be giv- turn favours to corporations in en to these people. They need to exchange for donations, there is a be included in talks with the gov- high possibility that some politi- ernment and their rights must be cians will. Hence it's best to stay respected. Yes, the media has prop- away from corporate funding al- agated the impression that there is together. I am a municipal corpo- a strong link between Muslims and rator in Ahmedabad and have won terrorism in the country. Howev- my seat through connecting with er, it is only a section of the media the people on the ground. If I can that has an agenda to tarnish the succeed without corporate fund- image of Indian Muslims. I will not ing, then so can other politicians. I blame all media groups. It's a hor- disagree that the people of Jammu rible problem for India. I blame both and Kashmir should have a right the prevalent Indian culture where to self-determination. However, women are not considered equal the Kashmiri people have not been to men and also the entertainment included in government policies media. There is too much vulgari- and programmes as much as they ty and indecency on television should have been. I demand great- which is fuelling sexual frustration er Kashmiri participation in polit- As the developed world struggles ral migration to crimes against political spectrum to gauge their asked the youth leaders to what from the people or business hous- among the youth. Objectifying ical, social and economic reforms with problems associated with age- women. opinions on four specific issues. extent do they hold the Indian es, are very much needed by polit- women can lead to sexual abuse. so that they too can reap the ben- ing societies, developing countries Writing recently in The New Corruption is widely cited as a media responsible for fostering the ical parties. It is a practical need. Dipsita Dhar: President, Student efits of a growing Indian economy. are confronted with challenges of York Times, Somini Sengupta, the major cause for concern by young impression of a link between Mus- However, political parties must be Federation of India, Jawaharlal There is no doubt that the Indian the opposite kind: Millions of their newspaper's UN correspondent Indians. Do the youth leaders be- lims and terrorism. very strict about not handing out Nehru University Unit (She is a media is responsible for creating citizens are coming of age, com- and author of The End of Karma: lieve that funding of political par- Finally, we asked them about favours in exchange for the dona- supporter of the Communist Par- an impression that Muslims and pleting their higher education and Hope and Fury Among India's ties by businesses is exacerbating violence against women in India. tions. ty of India-Marxist) I strongly op- terrorism are connected. Muslims trying to join the workforce and Young, said: "Nowhere can the the problem? The issue of Kash- The fatal Delhi gang rape of a 23- I do not agree that the people pose corporate funding of politi- have nothing to do with terrorism achieve a decent livelihood. pressures … be felt as profoundly mir is a very sensitive one in the year-old student shook the nation of Jammu and Kashmir have a right cal parties. It is obvious that cor- and the right picture should be According to United Nations as in India. Every month, some one country. A UN Security Council in 2012. People poured on to the to self-determination. However, a porations will demand favours in sketched of Muslims in the coun- estimates, nine out of 10 young million young Indians turn 18 - resolution in 1948 demanded a streets demanding stricter and tight- dialogue between the Kashmiri return for the money they have try. It's deplorable. But I blame the people live in less developed coun- coming of age, looking for work, plebiscite to decide the status of er implementation of anti-rape people and the Indian government given to political parties. This is entertainment media for youth tries. registering to vote and making In- Kashmir. However, the resolution laws. Who or what do the youth is necessary. But both parts of di- the major cause of corruption in sexual frustration. Youths are not The State of the World's Pop- dia home to the largest number of has been on the backburner ever leaders blame for the phenomenon? vided Kashmir should be includ- India. The Communist party of being taught at home or in school ulation report of 2014, produced young, working-age people any- since, with the region divided be- Abhishek Srivastava: Presi- ed. Why should the Pakistan-oc- India (Marxist) has always fought how to rape a woman; they learn by the UN Population Fund, said where in the world." tween India and Pakistan, neigh- dent, World Organisation of Stu- cupied Kashmir not be part of the elections on the basis of public these things from watching films 28 percent of India's population Against this backdrop of ris- bouring countries that have fought dents and Youth, Delhi dialogue? funds. In some cases, our candi- and TV serials, which are packed was between the ages of 10 and ing economic aspirations and grow- four major wars since 1947. Do Former state executive mem- Indian media's portrayal of dates have collected one rupee per with rape scenes, sex and violence. 24. ing demands for equality of op- the youth leaders believe the peo- ber of ABVP (Delhi) that partici- Muslims person to campaign during elec- There must be some kind of con- This youth bulge is putting portunity, female equality and civil ple of Jammu and Kashmir have a pates in joint activities with In- I do not believe there is any tions. I do not believe that the peo- trol on vulgarity in popular enter- enormous pressure on the Indian liberties, Al Jazeera spoke to lead- right to self-determination? dia's ruling Bharatiya Janata Par- public impression in India conflat- ple of Kashmir have a right to self- tainment to curb sexual violence economy and is being blamed for ers of the youth wings of organi- After Indonesia, India has the ty's youth wing) ing Indian Muslims with terrorists. determination but I demand a dia- against women. everything from caste unrest, ru- sations that cut across the Indian biggest population of Muslims. We Donations from society, be it And if there is no such impres- logue between the Kashmiri peo- Al Jazeera Puppet sho w casts When death brings spo tlight o n refugee crisis urban renewal in Nigeria Fo r the Yo ruba in Nigeria, fun erals pro vide an o ppo rtun ity Palestinian artist Mahm oud Hourani's silent play aim s to discover w hy refugees are risking everything to reach Europe. to renovate run-down family homes and their surroundings.

Ibadan, Nigeria - Mama Debo is a ideal spot from which to watch by who stop to admire the house, house-proud widow who takes Nollywood blockbusters. There's the Oyebodes have also contrib- special care of the one-storey resi- also a dining table and chairs. uted to the aesthetics of their dence her husband bequeathed his "We didn't renovate our [fam- neighbourhood and by extension, entire family. She complains that ily] house prior to the burial cer- the city. The Oba's palace was the her dirty tenants have become a emony of our husband," she re- seat of government before the city nuisance since his death. Ideally, calls. "The owner himself had became a British protectorate in she says, she would have evicted painted his property before his 1893. The edifice was upgraded to them from the property, but as the demise." reflect the influence of the colonial residence belongs to the extended Almost every family in overlords. But the surrounding family she doesn't feel able to. Yorubaland adheres to the custom buildings retain the ambience of The family house is a quintes- of refurbishing the family house in the distant past. Mud houses with sential symbol of genealogy for the preparation for funerals. rusted corrugated roofs spread out Yoruba people and a source of In many cases, years of neglect in all directions. The Oja'ba, the pride. It's a centre for ceremonies - have turned these residences into King's Market, is directly oppo- christenings, weddings, retirement run-down eyesores. So Nigerians site the palace and remains one of parties and, of course, funerals. and, in particular, members of the the busiest commercial centres in From the smallest villages to the Yoruba ethnic group use family the old town. Across the city, stat- biggest cities of Yorubaland, fam- occasions and ceremonies as a jus- ues of heroes adorn major road in- ily houses are architectural heir- tification to upgrade their family tersections and roundabouts - a looms passed from one generation house to meet modern aesthetic testament to the value afforded to to the next. styles. Since no single person can history and heritage here. "Yoruba Tradition forbids people from claim absolute ownership of a fam- culture is very dynamic and [our] s Europe faces its most tale and the ongoing refugees cri- can find in any place the refugees props are considered as puppets. selling the houses. They are often ily house, its maintenance is often society is very articulate in keep- urgent refugee crisis since sis? Mahmoud Hourani: Firstly, I reside. We deploy this traditional art form shared between the wives of a de- a collaborative effort. ing this dynamism," says Niyi World War II, Mahmoud thought about the similarities be- These flimsy objects symbol- to talk about the realities of our ceased patriarch - the size of a The wives and children of the Akangbe, a lecturer in the African Hourani's silent play, tween the faith of Titanic and the ise the fragility of humankind in era. We are trying to reintroduce woman's share is related mostly deceased pool their funds to re- languages department of the Uni- One Thousand and One Titanics, refugees' sinking dinghies. The wartime. The paper boats we show this art to people as well as adding to her seniority and sometimes to place old furniture, repair peeling versity of Ibadan. "It is part of the is travelling the world in an attempt former turned into a famous world- on the stage leave no doubt about new dimensions to this fading art the number of children she has. paintwork and renovate other unwritten tradition of the Yoruba to explore why so many refugees wide incident, while the latter is the vulnerability of the refugees' form. Apart from this play, which "The family is an undying con- worn-out fixtures. Some wealthy people to give a new touch to their have gambled on such a hazardous quickly becoming a story that peo- rubber boats and their hazardous targets the adult audience, we per- cept in Yoruba culture," explains families will even repair damaged buildings when the elderly ones journey. A hybrid between pup- ple are no longer interested in. The experience. It also demonstrates form shows for children in schools Kunle Ogundoro, a PhD candidate neighbourhood roads, particularly die." A front view of a newly reno- petry and modern performance, Titanic was carrying European the instability of their lives. Al in the Palestinian camps in Leba- and social commentator. "Hence those that lead to the residence of vated family house in Ibadan One Thousand and One Titanics immigrants to the US, and now the Jazeera: How have European au- non. We have a different approach renovating one's family house is the deceased, in order to bolster [Hamed Adedeji/Al Jazeera] "In tells the story of Ahmad, a young rubber boats are carrying immi- diences reacted to the perfor- to puppetry in those shows and an image-making endeavour." the family's image. fact, in 2012 when my own father Arab boy who escapes falling grants from Africa and Asia to Eu- mance? we focus on educational topics for And that renovation often But the rivalry that is common died we did the same thing. Well, bombs in an unnamed country and rope. These flimsy objects symb- Hourani: The main reaction children. Al Jazeera: What are the happens when somebody dies. within polygamous families in Ni- the [family] house is not too old. hops aboard a rubber boat to cross olise the fragility of humankind in was questions about the place topics of those performances? "Deaths [especially those of geria can make such efforts chal- So we repainted, and areas that had the Mediterranean Sea. So far, the wartime. The paper boats we show where the story occurs. The Euro- Hourani: Those shows are aimed the elderly] bring members of the lenging. cracks were fixed too. We gave performance has been staged in on the stage leave no doubt about pean audience asked me whether at delivering educational messages family together. The idea of beau- "I personally don't believe in maximum attention to the front- Denmark, Sweden, Tunisia and the vulnerability of the refugees' Ahmad is from Gaza, or Iraq, or and are produced in partnership tifying the family home is another the custom of refurbishing a de- age where guests and passers-by Lebanon, and it will next have rubber boats and their hazardous Syria. My answer was that he is with UNICEF. way of bestowing honour on the ceased [person's] property. Why would see. It cost us about 500,000 showings in the UK and Spain. experience. from none of them and from all of We first assess the main issues deceased." can't it be done when the person is naira [$2,175]." Akangbe explains Hourani, 43, started puppetry in In addition, I wanted to show them. This story is not bounded faced by children in the Palestin- When Mama Debo's husband still alive to enjoy and appreciate that such renewal projects are not the occupied West Bank city of the contrast between the reality of by frontiers or regions. War is an ian refugee camps and then design died three years ago, relatives came it?" says Mama Debo. "I think peculiar to the Yorubas. His aca- Hebron when he was just 19. He life in this region and the old Mid- ugly human act that could happen and perform the shows. from far and wide to attend the people do it for show. They want demic colleague, an Edo woman later moved to the UK to study dle Eastern fairytales. Stories with anywhere, from the Middle East For instance, our latest chil- funeral in Ibadan. Today, she is the their guests to think they are more who recently lost her mother, puppetry and, in 2008, he estab- happy endings, such as One Thou- to Zaire, Vietnam, or Colombia. dren's show, From Every Garden sole occupant of the landlord's sec- than they really are." spent more than $4,000 to refur- lished the Arab Puppet Theatre sand and One Nights, are well Al Jazeera: Why do you use a Rose, focuses on dropping out tion of the family house - a rela- Just across the street from her bish their family house in Benin Foundation (APTF) in Lebanon, known in the West. Finally, with puppets to communicate with of school, accepting newcomer ref- tively modern apartment in the residence is a newly renovated City. But Joe Omirin, a town plan- raising awareness of humanitarian this play, I wanted to flesh out the adults? Hourani: One of the goals ugees and violence against children. New Adeoyo district of the city. family house. The patriarch of the ner, believes such traditions may issues in the Middle East. Al causes and the challenges that each of the APTF is to change the mis- With these performances in Pales- Her grown-up children have left Oyebode family has recently died be dying. He was forced by elders Jazeera spoke with Hourani about refugee faces along the dangerous conception that puppet shows are tinian refugee schools in Lebanon, to fend for themselves. Despite her and in preparation for his funeral, in his family to perform certain the inspiration for his latest work journey across the Mediterranean only for children. we are filling the gaps left by the displeasure with the tenants' poor his residence had been painted in burial rites for his deceased mother and the feedback he has received Sea, which unfortunately has no This performance technique strict teaching methods in those hygiene and unsanitary habits, the bright hues. It stands out amid the and hopes others keep them alive in Europe and the Middle East. IN- happy endings. Al Jazeera: Why has a long tradition in the Arab schools. property is well-maintained. other weather-battered properties too. "When people die, they must TERACTIVE: Life on hold Al did you use materials such as world for talking about unspeak- Most of these refugee students Mama Debo lounges in her in the neighbourhood. A colourful be given a befitting burial," he says. Jazeera: What inspired you to newspaper, cardboard and plastic able political and social issues. have never seen a live show before parlour, a "family room" that is banner hangs proudly on the "Part of ... a befitting burial is that combine the story of the Titanic, sheets for the stage setting? Hou- Also, our performance is not lim- our performances. modestly furnished with four arm- façade - an obituary of the de- they leave behind a legacy." the One Thousand and One Nights rani: These are the materials you ited to puppets. For us, all the Al Jazeera chairs and a sofa that serves as an ceased. Unbeknown to the passers- Al Jazeera SATURDAY . MAY 07, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES Eco n o m ic refo rm s to spur Saudi’s ‘rapid’ chan ge: Says to p diplo m at Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister strictions are part of who we are voiced confidence that the king- and our society will deal with them dom could implement an ambi- in its own way.” tious plan to diversify its econo- Saudi Arabia is an Islamic ab- my, saying it had already under- solute monarchy with one of the gone “incredible” change in recent world’s tightest restrictions on decades. women, including the only de-fac- The Vision 2030 plan will take to ban on female driving. the country’s advancement “to Jubeir said Saudi society will another level”, creating jobs and deal with the women’s driving is- making government “more effi- sue on its own terms and “not be- Ja it ley r uled o u t r o llb a ck o f o n e p er cen t excise o n n o n -silv er jew eller y sa y in g t he lev y w a s n o t a p p lica b le o n sm a ll cient, more transparent, more ac- cause somebody outside the king- t r a d er s a n d a r t isa n s a n d o n ly jew eller s w it h m o r e t ha n Rs 12 cr o r e t ur n o v er w ill a t t r a ct t he d ut y . countable,” Adel al-Jubeir said. dom criticized us or asked that this Already the fastest growing major Jaitley warns of tough action He told reporters that Saudi happen.” economy in the world, India can against tax evasionGovt refuses Arabia would not succumb to for- The kingdom had the third- grow at an even faster pace this recall of 1% excise duty on eign pressure to ease what he de- highest number of recorded execu- year if predictions of good mon- jewelleryCongress’ proposals on scribed as “social restrictions”. tions in the world last year, ac- soon hold up, Finance Minister GST difficult to accept, says Arun “What Saudi Arabia has done cording to Amnesty International. Arun Jaitley said on Thursday. JaitleyJaitley will sink you, leave in the last 50 years is incredible. Rights activists have also com- Replying to a debate on the him: Kejriwal’s advice to ModiTo Very few if any societies have been plained that Saudi Arabia impris- Finance Bill 2016 which was later make economy more efficient, in- able to change as rapidly and as ons people for exercising the right passed in the Lok Sabha, Jaitley terest rates have to come down: effectively as Saudi Arabia has over to free expression. ruled out rollback of one per cent Arun Jaitley on PPF rate the last 50 years,” he said. But Jubeir said there has been excise on non-silver jewellery say- cutsExcise duty rollback: Mohan Jubeir was responding to a “very positive, if not radical change ing the levy was not applicable on Kundariya assures jewellers to take Norwegian journalist who asked in Saudi Arabia and we were able small traders and artisans and only up the issue with PM, FMArun how the kingdom could achieve its to do this while adhering to our jewellers with more than Rs 12 Jaitley warns of tough action wide-ranging Vision 2030 plan, to values.” In the early 1960s there crore turnover will attract the duty. against tax evasionGovt refuses reorient the economy away from were no schools for women but “I have not been able to un- recall of 1% excise duty on oil, while it restricts free speech now more than half of college stu- derstand the politics of hatred for jewelleryCongress’ proposals on and other civil liberties. dents are female, the minister said, ‘suit’ but love for gold,” he said as GST difficult to accept, says Arun ‘Social restrictions’ pointing to other changes includ- he took potshots at Congress JaitleyJaitley will sink you, leave “They are social restrictions, ing the development of govern- which is opposing the levy of ex- him: Kejriwal’s advice to ModiTo not necessarily government re- ment and business infrastructure, cise duty on gold and other previ- make economy more efficient, in- strictions,” Jubeir told a press con- and dramatic improvements in ous jewellery. If the Congress had terest rates have to come down: ference with his visiting Norwe- health. Infant mortality rates 60 objections to the levy, it can begin Arun Jaitley on PPF rate gian counterpart, Borge Brende. years ago “were at the level of sub- by removing the 5 per cent VAT cutsExcise duty rollback: Mohan “When you have a society that Saharan Africa. Today they are at on bullion in Kerala where it rules, Kundariya assures jewellers to take is conservative that lives by cer- the level of Western Europe,” he said. up the issue with PM, FM Jaitley, tain morals, you have to respect Jubeir said, while life expectancy Arun Jaitley warns of tough who moved some amendments to Arun Jaitley ruled out bringing agriculture income under the tax net, this. But these what you call re- has nearly doubled. action against tax evasionGovt re- the Finance Bill introduced by him s a y in g la r g e fa r m -b a s ed in co m e w a s r a r e a n d p eo p le u s in g a g r icu lt u r e a s fr o n t fuses recall of 1% excise duty on on February 28 along with de- t o hid e in co m e fr o m o t her s o u r ces w o u ld b e d ea lt w it h t a x a u t ho r it ies . jewelleryCongress’ proposals on mands for grants and appropria- Qatar looking to buy GST difficult to accept, says Arun tion bill, listed out measures taken net, saying large farm-based income Jaitley said India remains the fast- “Economy which had been ex- JaitleyJaitley will sink you, leave by the BJP government in last two was rare and people using agricul- est growing major economy in the panding on strength of public in- two St. Regis hotels in US him: Kejriwal’s advice to ModiTo years to give relief to small tax ture as front to hide income from world. “But we recognise we have vestment, highest foreign direct make economy more efficient, in- payers and reduce tax litigation. On other sources would be dealt with the potential to grow at an even investment (FDI) and urban de- terest rates have to come down: blackmoney, he said government atar’s sovereign wealth erty developer, and has a stake in tax authorities. The Bill, which is faster pace,” he said. After two mand, can grow faster if rural de- fund, which invests the Qatar Islamic Bank. Abroad, the Arun Jaitley on PPF rate efforts have brought to the books the penultimate part of the budget years of drought, if forecast of bet- mand is added,” he said. Indian cutsExcise duty rollback: Mohan Rs 71,000 crore of undisclosed country’s massive ener group owns French football club exercise, was passed with the ter monsoon rains this year holds economy grew by 7.6 per cent in gy revenues, is in ad- Paris Saint-Germain and has stakes Kundariya assures jewellers to take assets. He however ruled out bring- amendments by voice vote. While good, it will improve agriculture 2015-16 and is projected to grow up the issue with PM, FMArun ing agriculture income under the tax vanced talks to buy two luxury St. in Volkswagen and Barclay’s bank, the global outlook remains bleak, and raise rural income, he said. by 7.5 per cent in the current year. Regis hotels in the United States, among others. In September last Bloomberg reported unnamed year, the fund opened an office in sources as saying. The two St. New York to better access deals in Regis hotels, one in New York and the US, and to help invest $35 bil- Why the other in San Francisco, are lion stateside in the next five years. worth around $1 billion, although The news of the talks comes as China’s "they could sell for less," the Starwood sells off its real estate as sources told Bloomberg. The St. it prepares to be snapped up by economy is Regis chain is currently owned by Marriott International later on this Connecticut-based hospitality gi- year – a $12.2 billion deal that will ant Starwood. The Qatar Invest- create the world’s largest chain. on a ‘Tread- ment Authority is estimated to hold In addition to the St. Regis around $256 billion in assets, mak- brand, which has 58 hotels run- mill to Hell’ ing it the world’s ninth largest. At ning or set to open, Starwood’s home in the Qatari capital Doha, holdings include the Le Méridien, We left off yesterday asking the fund owns Qatari Diar, a prop- Sheraton and Westin chains. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo erage of just 0.7pc over the last whether China’s economy was in Abe is touring Europe this week. three years of so-called Abenomics, worse shape than many people He has so far lectured Germany hardly better than the previous think…and whether that portends on the virtues of ramping up gov- two decades. Japan can live with trouble for Australia. First, let’s ernment spending, and today its giant debt thanks to ultra-cheap have a quick look at yesterday’s Pakistan w o o s Ren ault warned Britian of the risks of leav- interest rates, but there is no guar- half-yearly profit release from ing the EU. But is Mr Abe's eco- antee its borrowing costs will stay National Australia Bank an d Nissan in push fo r nomic advice worth taking? low forever. The UK has gone the [ASX:NAB]. Apparently it was His main task since taking over other way and tightened spending good. The market liked it. NAB’s as Japanese Prime Minister in late while the economy's growth rate share price rose 2%. auto investment 2012 has been to to revive the remains one of the highest in the But there are a few question economy, which has failed to reg- G7. Japan has yet to create rates marks…or one in particular. Why, ister strong growth since a large of economic growth and inflation or how, are NAB’s bad debts fall- boom-bust cycle in the early comparable with the US and the ing compared to the other banks? 1990s. Mr Abe has launched a UK. Yet this is not for want of As the Financial Review reports: three-pronged attack consisting of trying. Japan first tried quantita- ‘NAB’s bad and doubtful debt "three arrows": one arrow for mon- tive easing, creating new money to charges in Australia fell 7 per cent etary policy, one for government buy assets, between 2002 and over the half to $375 million, which spending, and another for reforms 2006. Despite it appearing to have at 14 basis points is half the level of the economy. But his arrows little impact on either growth or gains in the value of the yen, the consultants Lombard Street Re- of ANZ Banking Group and lower appear to have landed wide of the inflation, Abe has ramped up the opposite direction intended by search. "With the massive cut in than Commonwealth Bank of Aus- mark. The Japanese government programme, increasing its size and policy makers. The third arrow real wages that has occurred, the tralia and Westpac Banking Corp.’ has a major amount ofdebt Japan connecting it to different targets, has been so-called structural re- relapse of real household spend- The market will sort that out. has racked up a fair amount of debt such as the size of the economy. forms. In Japan's case, they have ing could have been much worse." If NAB’s being dodgy, you’ll see from its spending endeavours. Quantitative easing has appeared focused predominantly on the The programme has failed to it reflected in the share price over While Abe has contributed to the more effective in the US and the labour market. "One can only be address other structural problems, the next few days and weeks. More stack of debt, the previous two UK, where the central banks de- thankful that Mr Abe’s so-called such as the so-called keiretsu, importantly, the bank’s profitabil- decades saw numerous govern- signed their programmes in differ- third arrow – structural change, which is when big companies link ity is declining. Return on equity ments come into office and loosen ent ways. Even more concerning chiefly consisting of greater labour together by taking shareholdings (ROE) fell from 15.8% in the same the purse strings. Debt to GDP was a decision at the start of the market flexibility, a euphemism for in each other. The system has been period last year, to 14.1%. ISLAMABAD: The government mailed statement, the company has climbed from below 100pc to year by the Bank of Japan to cut wage cuts – largely missed the blamed for preventing competition As I mentioned earlier this is wooing foreign car makers like said it had “no news to announce well over 200pc in that period. Yet interest rates into negative terri- mark," said economists Charles and encouraging inefficiencies in big week, ROE is a very important Renault and Nissan with generous at this time”. the economy has grown by an av- tory, which was followed by strong Dumas and Freya Beamish from companies. measure for the banks…and for all import duties, but convincing them Nissan chief spokesman companies for that matter. But the to set up factories will be an uphill Jonathan Adashek said: “Pakistan trend in ROE is clearly down for challenge given fears about the is certainly a market of interest for the banks now as mortgage growth country's long-term political sta- us at present”, but added no final Singapore bets on casinos tapers off, and they need to hold bility and security. decision had been made. Analysts Can ada’s eco n o m y more equity against their assets. Pakistan wants to shake up its say the odds are stacked against to bolster sluggish economy This week’s interest rate cut might Japanese-dominated car market Pakistan finalising deals, despite help a little bit but, as far as I can and loosen the grip of Toyota, the concessions on offer. A major sees first declin e tell, the tide has turned. Honda, and Suzuki, whose locally obstacle is the perennial concern Daily Reckoning contributor assembled cars are sold at relative- about political stability in a coun- Vern Gowdie reveals the three cri- ly high prices but lag behind im- try where the military has staged sin ce Septem ber sis scenarios that could play out ported vehicles in terms of quality several coups since independence as the next credit crisis hits Aussie and specifications. and attempted others. The threat Canada’s economy slipped in Feb- the recent loss of momentum in shores… and the steps you can To do that, analysts say, the of militant attacks also remains ruary, as weaker demand for ex- the United States, Canada’s criti- take to navigate profitably through government must convince manu- high, despite the armed forces' ported goods and a slowdown in cal export market. On Thursday, the troubling time ahead. facturers that the country has long-running campaign against oil and gas drilling handed the the U.S. government released a pre- Simply enter your email ad- turned a corner after a decade of groups including the Taliban who country’s gross domestic product liminary estimate that U.S. GDP dress in the box below and click economic turbulence and a series are opposed to the government in its first setback in five months. rose at a slim 0.5 per cent annual ‘claim my free report’. Plus… of major attacks by militant groups Islamabad. Foreign companies have Statistics Canada reported that pace in the first quarter of 2016. you’ll receive a free subscription including the Taliban. been reluctant to invest large sums real (inflation-adjusted) GDP “It’s only a tiny dip after a to The Daily Reckoning. We will With the economy growing at when the long-term outlook is so dipped 0.1 per cent month over huge gain, but February GDP is collect and handle your personal its fastest pace in eight years, the uncertain. “There is potential in Singapore is cashing in on its boom- beaches and ancient temples that month, the first decline since last the first hint that the big momen- information in accordance with our local currency stable against the Pakistan. There is no doubt about ing casinos, turning itself into a draw thousands of visitors to September. Manufacturing and tum seen in the last three months Privacy Policy. You can cancel dollar and interest rates at their that,” said Puneet Gupta, associ- tourist destination from a transit nearby Thailand and Vietnam. Yet wholesale trade suffered setbacks, is likely to fade in upcoming re- your subscription at any time. lowest in 42 years, Pakistani offi- ate director at consultant IHS Au- point for connecting flights to Bali it draws more travelers than coun- evidence of sluggish demand for ports,” said Avery Shenfeld, chief Speaking of the banks, they have a cials believe the country is once tomotive. “(But) we really don't and Phuket. Bloomberg is report- tries such as India, Indonesia and export goods as the U.S. economy economist at Canadian Imperial new central boss. Phillip Lowe, the again on the radar of investors seek- feel Pakistan is in a relatively sta- ing that more travelers are making Philippines. The city state has stumbled. But those losses were Bank of Commerce, in a note to current deputy governor of the ing to tap into a market of nearly ble condition, from a mid to long- Singapore their final stop after the managed to hold onto its 4.5 per- offset by strong retail demand at clients. RBA, will take over when Glenn 200 million people. Officials are term perspective.” Another poten- government ended a decades-old cent share of all tourist arrivals in home. Statscan said services-produc- Stevens retires in September. My touting a new auto policy, skewed tial turn off for investors is the size ban on casinos. The decision has the Asia-Pacific region between Economists had expected the ing industries, which make up guess is that not much will change. in favour of new entrants, that in- of Pakistan's car market, where helped double the number of Chi- 2010 and 2014, even as Malaysia economy to take a pause in Febru- about 70 per cent of the Canadian Central bankers tend to be victims cludes offering foreign car manu- 180,000 cars were sold in the 2014/ nese visitors to the country, help- and Australia lost ground to na- ary, as earlier data for the month economy, were flat in February, of circumstance, and they don’t facturers lower duties as an incen- 2015 fiscal year. That compares ing shore up a sluggish economy. tions like Thailand and South Ko- had suggested a pullback after after growing 0.4 per cent in Janu- many chances to assert themselves. tive to set up plants in Pakistan or with more than 2 million passen- Official figures show income from rea, according to data from the January’s very strong 0.6-per-cent ary. Goods-producing industries The tide of macroeconomic reality revive shuttered ones. “We expect ger vehicles a year in neighbouring tourism surged 25 percent in the United Nations’ World Tourism growth spurt. But the result was slumped 0.6 per cent, snapping tends to swamp them. I remember that there will be one or two for- India. “The Pakistan market is not four years since the first two ca- Organization. Casinos and China’s slightly smaller than their average three months of strong gains. reading one of Lowe’s research eign investors coming into Paki- big enough,” said Mumshad Ali, sino resorts were opened in 2010 boom in outbound tourism explain estimate of 0.2 per cent, and de- The strong suit for the papers when he was working at stan,” said Miftah Ismail, chairman chairman of the Pakistan Associa- — flashy and modern complexes some of that growth but there’s tracts only mildly from an eco- economy in February was un- the Bank of International Settle- of the Board of Investment, who tion of Automotive Parts. He add- housing hotels, shopping malls and more to the story. Singapore is also nomic outlook that has generally doubtedly the retail sector, which ments. has been talking to car makers ed that the government's new pol- restaurants. Credit Suisse said last a world leader in the business travel brightened since the start of the continues to benefit from low in- It was a criticism of the about setting up assembly plants icies were probably not bold month that tourist arrivals this year market focused on conferences and year. terest rates that are stoking con- Greenspan-led Federal Reserve. He for the local market. enough to tempt new manufactur- will probably exceed forecasts from exhibitions. These visitors gener- “A moderation was always in sumer spending. Retail trade ex- argued against the Fed’s insistence Ismail told Reuters he had held ers, nor did they address ways to the Singapore Tourism Board, ally spend on average twice as much the cards after January’s outsized panded 1.4 per cent in the month, that central banks should only talks with Japan's Nissan and increase demand, such as lowering climbing as much as 8 percent to as leisure tourists, according to the gains,” said National Bank of adding to January’s 1.6-per-cent ‘mop up’ after asset bubbles burst, France's Renault for “some time”, sales taxes. The local manufactur- 16.5 million compared to 2015. Singapore Tourism Board. Canada senior economist Krishen growth. Real estate services also rather than fighting against them and last month met Fiat executives ing partners of Suzuki, Toyota and That’s a big deal in a country where Gaming and entertainment rev- Rangasamy in a research note. rose 0.3 per cent and residential with monetary policy in the first in Italy for the first time. Honda did not respond to requests tourism accounts for about 10 per- enue is the largest single source of “But the big picture is positive construction gained 0.2 per cent, place. It was a very good report. A source close to Renault said for comment. But Ali said they felt cent of gross domestic product, ac- Singapore’s tourism income, ac- because it shows a much improved also signs of solid consumer de- So at least we know Lowe has a Pakistan was under consideration aggrieved that the government was cording to estimates from the counting for 24 percent of all re- overall outlook.” mand But beyond the domestic good deal of common sense. But for new production investment, favouring new investors and be- World Travel and Tourism Coun- ceipts in the first nine months of Still, some experts cautioned consumer, the rest of the economy employing it when you’re in the along with other potential loca- lieved they should be similarly cil, an industry body. The tiny is- 2015, the last period for which that the soft patch in growth may looked decidedly tepid, with sev- driver’s seat is a different propo- tions, but added that discussions encouraged to build new plants and land nation lacks the landscapes, there is full data. not be limited to February, given eral key pockets of weakness. sition to being a backseat driver. were at a very early stage. In an e- expand existing factories. SATURDAY . MAY 07. 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Deepika Padukone, who is current- ly shooting for xXx: The Return Of Xander Cage, is already look- ing ahead. The Bollywood actor auditioned for a key role in the Tom Cruise starrer The Mummy, re- ports Spotboye.com, but unfotru- nately, didn”t make the cut. Vin Diesel, Deepika’s ‘xXx’ release date announced Apparently the Bajirao Mas- tani actor had auditioned for the role of an Egyptian girl. However, she hasn’t received any response as yet. It is also being said that the casting directors are now looking for other actors to play the role. A source close to the project was quoted as saying, “They are looking at other options. Even if Deepika doesn’t make the cut, the very fact that she was in the run- ning for an important role in a Tom Cruise starrer is quite a high in it- self.” Another Bollywood actor, Huma Qureshi had also failed to bag the lead role opposite Tom Cruise. Deepika Padukone to star opposite Brad Pitt? The Mummy is the remake of ’90s popular franchise starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weiz in lead roles.

Actress Mandana Karimi says that she loves the dancing skills, acting Kangana-Hrithik controversy: Look and charisma of Madhuri Dixit. "Madhuri Dixit is my idol. She's been my favourite all the time for who is there to support Kangana her dancing skills, her acting, and the charisma that she has,` Man- Writer Shobhaa De has lashed out dana said during the shooting of at actresses in Bollywood for not her item number for the film `B speaking out in support of Kanga- Positive`. `I just love her,` she add- na Ranaut in her legal battle with ed. Mandana, who is known to be actor Hrithik Roshan. one of the most controversial con- In scathing comments against testants of "Bigg Boss 9," is quite the actress community, the colum- excited for the item number. "It is nist spoke about the 'shallow' na- actually the first time that I'm only ture of the industry, saying that doing just a song for the film. It's there was no sisterhood in Bolly- been a lot of fun and I was sur- wood and that all the solidarity prised by myself because I always beings and ends on the red carpet. thought I'm not a very good danc- Sharing her opinion on Twit- er. But he (choreographer) made ter, she wrote, "Strange.Not a sin- me look really look and I could gle top actress has spoken up for dance," she said. Mandana previ- Kangana. Solidarity begins and ously had brief roles in films like ends on the red carpet." "Roy" , "Main Aur Charles", She added that Kangana didn't "Bhaag Johnny" and "Kyaa Kool need any support and was capa- Hain Hum 3". The actress says ble of fighting her own battles. that she never intends to a film as She added,"Apparently, it's a a solo heroine but would like to case of no sisterhood in Bollywood, part of those films who makes when it comes to Queen Kangana. sense to her. "In today's time in She is more than capable of fight- the industry, it's not a matter of ing her own battles." doing a solo film. Look at 'Udta Interestingly, Vidya Balan ex- Punjab'. The film has Alia (Bhatt), tended her support to the 'Queen' Kareena (Kapoor). It has the big- star on Thursday. Asked about her gest stars in one film. "So you can't take on the ongoing controversy, say, I want to do solo film. I want LOS ANGELES: The star of Net- dramatic work.” tures studio from his office in Brit- Vidya told reporters, "It's none of to be part of movies which make flix hit Jessica Jones said on Tues- Jessica Jones is the second ain via Skype. my business, but I have great ad- sense to me. If I like the script, I day she knew she had found her Marvel television conversion af- “It’s four in the morning here, miration for her (Kangana)". would love to be part of that film." dream job even before she read for ter Daredevil, to form part of a I’m wearing my pajamas,” Tennant "She is standing up for herself. the role of the titular superhero “groundbreaking deal” with Net- joked, — gesturing to his off- It's easy to stand for other people sleuth. Krysten Ritter, 34, who flix, which committed in 2013 to screen bottom half, when it was but we rarely see people standing has won plaudits for her perfor- four 13-episode series culminating put to him that he inspired fear. up for themselves. Kudos to her mance as a private investigator in a miniseries “programming Tennant, known worldwide as the and more power to her," she add- with superpowers in the hard-hit- event.” Ritter’s co-star Mike Col- Tenth Doctor in long-running BBC ed. In her column, she had hit out ting Marvel television adaptation, ter, 39, who plays Jessica’s love sci-fi drama Doctor Who, recalled at Adhyayan Suman for talking hotly tipped to win big at the interest, is getting his own spin- initially seeing the part of bad guy about being allegedly abused both Emmy Awards in September last off series, Luke Cage, which is due Kilgrave in Jessica Jones as a gam- physically and mentally by Kan- year. “This was always meant to to air later this year. ble. “You just read the script and gana during the their affair. be this dark, gritty, grounded psy- Netflix admits to downgrading you go ‘Well writing isn’t this good The column got Adhyayan's chological character study,” she video quality on AT&T, Verizon normally - these scripts are just father Shekhar hot under the col- told the audience at a screening and phones: WSJ perfection.’ So I just thought this lar. Shekhar Suman sprung into panel discussion in Hollywood. The pair are due to team up is a gamble worth taking.” action to defend his son and said, “So at that point I’m like ‘Where with Charlie Cox, the titular char- Netflix, faced with increasing- "I've always been an admirer of how he was physically abused. his 'Krrish 3' co-star turned nasty do I sign? Give it to me.’ And then acter in Daredevil, and Finn Jones, ly aggressive competitors such as Shobhaa De's columns. She nor- But I think it takes a man a lot of after they slapped legal notices on Jeph (Loeb, the executive produc- who will portray Iron Fist, in en- Amazon and Hulu, has spent re- mally talks so much sense and guts to speak about being pushed each other. er) locked me in a room and took semble show The Defenders, at a cent years prioritizing the produc- she's so non-partisan in her com- around by a woman." Hrithik, who was the first to away my cell phone and I read the date yet-to-be announced. Cast tion of original series and exclu- ments. What has happened to her Issues between the Kangana send the legal notice, has demand- script and every page just got bet- members Rachael Taylor, 31, and sive distribution deals. The Net- now?! She has hit out at my son and Hrithik surfaced after the ac- ed that Kangana apologise in a ter. It was like everything I’d al- Carrie-Anne Moss, best known for flix political drama House of Cards for speaking out about the trauma tress hinted at being her 'ex', say- press conference and clear the air ways dreamed to do, from walk- her role as Trinity in The Matrix, made television history in 2013 that he suffered when he was in ing in an interview that she fails to about their alleged affair which he ing around looking cool to doing were also at the screening, with when it became the first online- the relationship with Kangna Ra- understand "why exes do silly firmly refutes. Kangana slapped a these cool action sequences to hav- series villain David Tennant only series ever nominated for a naut. Ms De thinks my son is be- things to get your attention". counter-notice to Hrithik claiming ing this really vulnerable, heavy beamed into the Paramount Pic- major Emmy award. ing a cry-baby for talking about The feud between Hrithik and the actor was slut-shaming her. TIGER SHROFFAND THE JOURNEY OFBOLLYWOOD'S actually worked both commercial- ly and critically. So began a new ACTIONHERO chapter in Akshay’s life and ended KARACHI: Bollywood has come til the late 1980s when Askhay an old one in Bollywood’s histo- of age and so have its heroes. From Kumar made it count. This Punja- ry. the time when film-makers would bi boy, who is formally trained in Shraddha Kapoor, the song- compromise on pot bellies for crisp martial arts, turned into a mean stress dialogue delivery to one where six- machine that Bollywood had nev- No one had the capability to packs are an unspoken prerequi- er imagined. The height of his fly- fill in Akshay’s shoes, save for site for male leads, we have seen it ing kick, the swiftness of his but- special effects, until Tiger Shroff all. terfly and his flexibility in general surfaced as his successor. The Be it the Guru Dutts or the made physique a part of the Bol- Shroff scion was introduced to the Rajesh Khannas, the overall de- lywood’s X factor for the first time. world with Heropanti and with meanour of the average hero used Although Salman Khan had also Baaghi, he has cemented an identi- to represent maturity more than begun to hit the gym in those years ty of his own in B-town. Keeping youthfulness. This made their but his muscles were and in many the conventionality and ridiculous- physique, not looks, a lesser con- cases still are, only restricted to ness of the film aside, the film that cern for the average audience and, taking his shirt off. Remember Oh also stars Shraddha Kapoor pro- in turn, for the directors. Ironical- Oo Jane Jana? vides an actor such as Tiger just ly, the trend also seeped into a more Akshay, on the other hand, was the right story and environment to specific Bollywood lead role such catering to a niche of both film- show the Chulbul Pandays, the as its very own action hero. makers and audiences. Much like Singhams and even the Rowdy Dharmendra, who in many Jean-Claude Van Damme, he made Rathores that action can still be ways is considered the first action writers pen scripts that utilised his done the old-school way. hero of Bollywood, was never fit body as a dynamic prop and his More than that, Baaghi reflects as per our modern standards and ability to fight. Akshay became to that Tiger is clearly striving for a neither was Amitabh Bachchan. action what Shah Rukh Khan was unique identity; one that is distin- Yet, both managed to scare the hell to romance. Shah Rukh, however, guishable from the likes of Ran- out of bad guys and instil a sense was not the first romantic hero, veer Singh, Arjun Kapoor and Varun of security among the audience while Akshay clearly was Bolly- Dhawan. It is very easy to be a with their powerful screen pres- wood’s first true action hero. De- good dancer and have the looks that ence. Will charge less for Pakistani spite his Khiladi legacy, Dhadkan make girls swoon, but it is diffi- films: Tiger Shroff happened to Akshay and the love cult to stand out amongst a league However, action hero was not triangle featuring another main- of clones. Having said that, one key a specialisation in Bollywood un- stream action hero, Suniel Shetty, factor that makes Tiger different. SATURDAY . MAY 07, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES Tottenham's Mousa Dembele to accept Pep Guardiola will FA charge but contest extended ban join a Manchester Mousa Dembele will accept an FA City ready to em- charge for violent conduct for his alleged eye gouge on Diego Costa, although he and Tottenham are set to contest the possibility of him brace his methods receiving more than a three-game ban. Dembele was charged over an incident involving Chelsea's Costa which was missed by officials dur- ing Monday's 'Battle of the Bridge'. Chelsea and Spurs have also been charged by the FA with three breaches of failing to control their players during the Monday Night Football encounter, which saw the home side come back from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw and end Tottenham's chances of winning the Premier League. The FA indicated earlier this week that the standard three-match suspension for violent conduct would be a 'clearly insufficient' punishment.

The appetite for Pep Guardiola in It's likely to be a different sto- Manchester will be greater than it ry in Manchester. Firstly, he is not ever was in Munich, writes Adam joining the Champions League Bate... With Pep Guardiola's time winners this time. City are a club at Bayern Munich coming to an who were competing in the semi- end, some will wish to style his finals of Europe's premier club efforts as a relative failure. After competition for the first time in all, he'd taken over a team that had their history this season. Second- reached the Champions League fi- ly, he is walking into an environ- nal in three of the previous four ment that's been primed for his seasons, only to fail to negotiate arrival. He is truly wanted at City. Andy Murray is into the semi-fi- the semi-final stage in each of his It's difficult to overstate the nals of the Madrid Open after bat- three years at the club. importance of Guardiola having a tling past long-time rival Tomas Guardiola, however, is likely receptive audience. He has a repu- Berdych on Friday. to take comfort in the process and tation for being prickly - a perfec- The British No 1 is the reign- the fact that he won't be alone in tionist - but will find allies at ing champion of the Spanish event the feeling that Bayern went about boardroom level in former Barce- and has moved one step closer to things in the right way. "We played lona colleagues Txiki Begiristain retaining his title after a 6-3 6-2 as we wanted to play," he said in and Ferran Soriano, City's sport- win in the quarter-finals. the aftermath of Tuesday's elimi- ing director and chief executive re- The encounter on Madrid's nation at the hands of a typically spectively. It was Begiristain who clay courts lacked the spikiness of stoic Atletico Madrid side, "but we helped appoint Guardiola at Bar- previous meetings between the came up one goal short. I'm sor- ca. players, but the Brit would have ry." In a sense, as Manuel Pellegri- appreciated a calmer day's work. Cup competitions simply ni was no doubt aware, much of Murray secured back-to-back cannot come with a guarantee of what's happened at City in recent breaks with a sensational backhand success. But there is little reason seasons has been built with drop shot that sent Berdych scur- to doubt that Guardiola has made Guardiola in mind. As well as the rying unsuccessfully across the red great players better. His training appointments of Begiristain and clay, before serving out the win. sessions have inspired awe among Soriano, there is the link-up with The result extends Murray's the squad - an education. He has Pere Guardiola, the coach's broth- head-to-head record against Ber- challenged players. "I've never had er, who is part of a consortium at dych to 8-6, emphasising the dif- a manager who has changed so Girona, where City youngsters ficulties that the Czech player has many things," said veteran striker have been sent on loan. given him throughout their careers. Claudio Pizarro upon his arrival. Even the focus on the new Berdych had won their previ- Toni Kroos described him as training ground that opened last ous meeting in Madrid three years "the best coach I ever had in terms season has a La Masia feel. There's ago but rarely looked capable of of football ideas" and this atten- a growing appetite to bring through repeating that trick. tion to detail - a devotion to help- talent that might make the likes of Watch the Madrid Open semi- ing his players find solutions - has Spanish teenagers Aleix Garcia and finals on Saturday from 11am, live helped forge Guardiola's reputa- Manu Garcia optimistic. Kelechi on Sky Sports 3 HD. tion. Trophies are important but Iheanacho has already made an it's this training ground work that impact, while old stalwarts such employers can count upon. "I gave as Yaya Toure and Pablo Zabaleta my life for this team," added edge towards the exit. Guardiola on Tuesday. It's a group of players who That is respected in Munich, haven't yet reached the pinnacle in Queen's granddaughter Zara Tindall but the five-time European cham- quite the same way as Bayern had. pions have high expectations. Instead, they are in need of fresh They reached the semi-finals three impetus. Pellegrini has kept things times under Guardiola, but then, ticking over with trophies in each inside top 20 at Badminton they'd got that far 15 times before. of his three seasons at the helm, Perhaps that's why Franz Beck- but there's still been a suspicion enbauer could criticise the style of that it's a club in stasis until Zara Tindall made a solid return to with him. Some of his work play and Lothar Matthaus felt able Guardiola's arrival. Aguero? Ozil? four-star eventing on day two of was really good. to comment it was "never was true De Bruyne? Pick your Fantasy Six- dressage at the Badminton Horse "There are bits we have love" between coach and club. a-Side team for the chance to win Trials. Former world champion got to work on, and he was a It's a questioning culture in £10,000 That was never more ap- Tindall posted a score of 48.0 pen- little bit fresher than he nor- which Arjen Robben stressed the parent than at the Bernabeu in the alties on High Kingdom, putting mally probably is, but you need not to "make football more second leg of City's semi-final them inside the leaderboard's top just have got to deal with complicated than it really is" and against Real Madrid. If Leicester's 20. High Kingdom missed almost what you get and make sure so the decision to leave Thomas title triumph was an example of all of last season after suffering a everything is accurate. Now, Muller on the bench in Madrid players seizing the day in the freak stable accident just before he can go and do the fun bit!" wasn't without criticism. "He is knowledge that the chance dressage at the Rolex Kentucky Saturday's cross-coun- not everybody's darling," Sky's wouldn't come again, this was a event in America. try course will, as always at reporter in Munich, Uli Koehler, City side living anywhere but in It means the horse has still to Badminton, go a considerable says of Guardiola. "But he devel- the moment - some belonging to secure Olympic qualification to be way to shaping the battle for oped the team to a top level. the past, others with half an eye in the selection frame ahead of Rio top 10 finishes 24 hours lat- "He will be remembered as on the future. There should be hope this summer, although that should er, when an £80,000 top fantastic manager but also one who that Sergio Aguero will be ready to be achieved at Badminton if Tin- prize will be at stake. was missing the cherry on the embrace new ideas; that players dall and High Kingdom go any- Tindall added: "There cake. Maybe sometimes the play- such as Kevin De Bruyne are still where near their usual level of per- are a lot of big fences out ers were confused by all of his de- harnessing their full potential and formance. there and plenty to do, cisions. Sometimes he makes the will relish the help. It's a club cry- "He was a little bit jolly in which is what we want. The games too complicated. In one ing out for a world-class coach there, but it is better to be that ground is great. game he changed the tactics four with the trust and the time to im- way," Tindall said. "He is a good jumper, times." It's worth pointing out that plement his vision. Guardiola is "He hasn't been in a proper and he loves his cross-coun- Bayern did win that game. But the that man - Champions League win- arena for a year, so I am pleased try." grumbles were real. ner with Bayern Munich or not. Sky Academy Scholar Mark English on summer preparation and why athletics is so great For a man who is used to prepar- my sport so great. So I wrote a watch. Take John Treacy's victo- came the fashion conscious Bas- to the Morton Games two years records - it's a great place to chill some popcorn - it's a well-sold ing for a new season pounding the few words..... Sebastian Coe beats ry over Ovett - otherwise known tian Swillims to be 2007 European ago. This is an athletics meeting in the summer. You don't even need package. tarmac, spending the last few fierce rival Steve Ovett in the as that "arrogance personified" vid- indoor champion held in July in Santry, Dublin. to fully understand athletics to Athletics could do even more weeks in water hasn't been easy. 1500m final at the 1980 Moscow eo on YouTube. Ireland's David Gillick over- They weren't regulars at athletics enjoy watching it. to package itself along these lines, Swimming has been a major Olympics Sebastian Coe beats The "mud lark" Treacy out- came the fashion conscious Bas- meets but they thoroughly en- I'm sure if I went to watch an but meets like the Morton Games part of Mark English's return to fierce rival Steve Ovett in the leans a celebrating Ovett who clear- tian Swillims to be 2007 European joyed it. NFL game, I wouldn't have a Scoo- lead the way when it comes to en- fitness since a foot injury (thanks 1500m final at the 1980 Moscow ly thought he had the race sewn indoor champion From the exciting commentary by Doo what was going on, but I'd tertainment and carnival-type at- to running over a pothole) forced Olympics 1. RIVALRIES up. You'd be hard pressed to pick 4. NATIONAL GLORY trackside to great weather and track still have a great time munching on mospheres. his withdrawal from the World In- The IAAF and meet directors a better video to teach someone There's a huge surge of nation- door Championships in March. are really trying to promote head- that "it ain't over till it's over". 3. al pride anytime someone does The 23-year-old Sky Acade- to-heads this year and it is needed THE PAIN IS RELATABLE well on the big stage. I know I felt my Sports Scholar and 800m run- if they want to return to the Seb I have to put my hands up and incredibly proud watching David ner opens up about his season Coe vs Steve Ovett and Linford admit that before I was 10, I Gillick (400m) and hurdler Derval preparation and love affair with Christie vs Carl Lewis days. wouldn't run more than a mile. I O'Rourke winning their indoor ti- athletics.... . I'm optimistic about Essentially, it's about creating wondered what the point was. tles over the years. The arenas can the summer. The challenge since the right story around it and al- Grabbing a football and using be viewed as "proving" grounds, the injury has been finding ways lowing people to naturally choose jumpers as goalposts seemed more where nations seek to get one up to keep fit so when I return to train- sides. Take the Coe-Ovett rivalry. fun than running around in circles. on each other. ing properly I can focus on finding This was pitted as a good boy vs But then I had to run cross-coun- I remember very well when my rhythm again. bad boy rivalry. The public were try and experienced a whole new Gillick beat the German athlete I'm hungrier than ever to put intrigued because they were a Coe world of pain. Bastian Swillims (donning a very on my spikes and leave the swim- or an Ovett fan. Similarly, you Then came the 'fun run' 5k and eccentric one-piece suit) to win the ming goggles behind. I have a 600m were a Linford Christie or Carl 10k races at local Turkey Trots. European indoors in 2006. race planned for Birmingham on Lewis fan. After grinding my way through 5. SIZES FOR EVERYONE June 6 but I'll need to see how the And it's no surprise to watch those races, I could only imagine Athletics is a sport that caters injury progresses. these showdowns and see packed- what marathoners had to put their for all sizes. It's fascinating to walk I really hope I can race in Am- out stadiums. Last year, we saw bodies through on a daily basis. around the dining hall at a Diamond sterdam at the European Champi- huge interest in Usain Bolt vs Jus- From then on, I went from League meeting and note the dif- onships, but it isn't the priority. tin Gatlin in Beijing. Everyone switching the channel when a mar- ference between the lean maratho- The Olympics come first, and I loves a good ol' showdown. 2. athon came on, to empathising with ners and the muscled shot-putters. won't do anything that would put DRAMA Anything can and does the pain, focus and the slog. And No other sport has such a vast ar- my race preparations for Rio in happen. Even the overwhelming those who have run any of these ray of sizes. jeopardy. Fighting back to fitness favourites have a capacity to bot- races will know what I'm on about. 6. SUMMER MEETS got me thinking about what makes tle and it's an irresistible sight to Ireland's David Gillick over- A few of my mates came along SATURDAY . MAY 07. 2016-Saur 18, 1395 H.S Vol:X Issue No:276 Price: Afs.15

94 girls, boys attempted suicide in Jawzjan’s Darzab last year HIBERGHAN : At least 94 girls and boys attempted sui cide by self-immolation and KANDAHAR CITY x: Members gents, but security forces were yet S drinking acid in Darzab district of of provincial councils and tribal to get assistance there. northern Jawzjan province during elders on Thursday accused the He complained when a similar the past one year, with 15 of them government of ignoring the south- situation emerged in other zones losing lives, an official said on ern zone and not taking measures or provinces, special operations Thursday. to prevent insecurity in the coun- and air support were immediately Rahmatullah Hashar, the dis- try’s south. These views were ex- sent there. trict administrative chief, told Pa- pressed at a gathering attended by Khakrezwal continued the KABUL : The US embassy in jhwok Afghan News 79 individu- provincial council members and southern zone provinces were Kabul has warned American citi- als got their body organs paraly- tribal elders from Kandahar, Hel- struggling with a lot of problems zens of a high threat of kidnap- sed due to their suicide attempt. mand, Uruzgan and Zabul prov- in areas of education, health and ping in Afghanistan’s capital. He said undesirable customs, inces in Kandahar City. others and the central government The warning came after an at- poverty, joblessness and pressures Kandahar provincial council had failed to honour its promises tempted kidnapping of an Ameri- from militants had badly affected chief Haji Syeda Jan Khakrezwal in this regard. Zabul provincial can and other foreigners in the the told the gathering that insecurity council chief Haji Atta Jan the lives of youngsters in far-flung capital earlier this week. areas of the province. was on the increase with each Haqbayan said if the central gov- In a warning posted on its passing day in the southern zone, ernment did not take measures to Hashar lamented there were no website, the embassy referred to a opportunities available for the particularly in Helmand and resolve problems in the south, it May 2 attempt to kidnap several Uruzgan provinces, but the cen- would further exacerbate the situ- youth to utilise their energies and expatriates. The threat of kidnap- make life ideal for themselves. The tral authority was not taking steps ation. He warned if the central ping and hostage-taking was high, waste of their valuable time and to reverse the tide of insecurity. government continued to ignore it said. He said the strength of police problems in the south, they would Last week, unidentified gun- bleak future encouraged the youth had been insufficient in the south also continue holding protest gath- men kidnapped an Australian aid to attempt suicide and other dan- over the past many years and the erings. “We will demand the rights worker in the Jalalabad, the capi- gerous things, he added. force had been lacking ammuni- of our people in any way possi- tal of eastern Nangarhar province. He called the figures on sui- tion as well. He said the south ble.” Dr. Zalmai Zabuli, who rep- (Pajhwok) cidal attempts and incidents as had been experiencing power out- resents Zabul province in the Me- authentic, though some families ages amid dwindling economy shrano Jirga, said the youth in the denied sharing such incidents in over the past many years, but no south had long suffered from the public due to cultural restrictions action could be taken to resolve conflict and deprived of their right Mohaqiq warns of parting and embarrassment in society. these issues. As an example, the to education and other rights. 3 fighters killed, Fazela, 27, a resident of Darz- public representative mentioned He said not a single faculty at ab district, attempted self-immo- the Kandahar-Uruzgan highway the university of Zabul was oper- with Ghani administration lation, but was rescued and now in which had been closed since a ational. The lawmaker asked the landmines seized in terrible condition. She faced vio- week. He said a number of dis- people to support their leaders in Baghlan province, but a number of lence everyday at the hands of her tricts in Uruzgan province were demanding their rights from the people want the scheme to pass husband, an aggressive person who on the verge of falling to insur- government. (Pajhwok) through Bamyan. Speaking at a beat her daily for no reason. gathering of Shia scholars in the Zabul operation Maghfirat Samimi, Afghani- capital of northern Balkh province, stan Independent Human Rights Mohaqiq called on the government Commission (AIHRC) head for 74 Afghan citizens apprehended to work for the even-handed de- Jawzjan, Faryab and Sar-i-Pul velopment of all provinces so as provinces, said forced marriages, in Peshawar operation to remove a sense of injustice child marriages and giving girls into among certain communities. Past marriages to settle a dispute were governments had ignored the Haz- main natures of violence against ara-inhabited areas, as well as some women. MAZAR-I-SHARIF : Deputy central provinces, the deputy CEO She said some girls married in Chief Executive Officer Moham- alleged, acknowledging some devel- childhood did not understand mar- mad Mohaqiq on Friday warned opment activity in those regions ital life and when they grew up, of quitting the government if a pro- over the past one decade. Moha- they faced multiple problems, posed multinational power project qiq called electricity one of the fun- which ultimately led to violence was not routed through central damental modern-day facilities and and an unhappy life. Bamyan province. central provinces had the right to KABUL ): Three insurgents have Shahr-i-Safa and Shah Joi districts Mohammad Rassoul Akhun- KABUL : Scores of Afghan citizens covered weapons during the po- The Ministry of Water and have access to it. A 2013 survey been killed in Afghan National over the past 24 hours. A state- zada, head of a local council, said have been arrested during search lice raids on houses, shops, com- Energy (MoWE) has recommend by a German company had rec- Army (ANA) operations in south- ment from the ANA Atal Corps Islam strictly prohibited suicide as operations in the capital of Paki- mercial buildings, hostels and mo- the Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan- ommended a 500-km stretch of the ern Zabul province, the military said several fighters were wound- a sin. Darzab is 105 kilometers stan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa prov- tels in different parts of Peshawar, Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan transmission line from Uzbekistan claimed on Friday. The operations ed in the offensives, which also led west of Shiberghan, the provincial ince, a media report said on Friday. according to a Pakistani newspa- (TUTAP) power project be imple- should pass through Bamyan, he were conducted in the provincial to the seizure of 48 landmines and capital, and is one of the insecure Law-enforcement agencies also re- per. (Pajhwok) mented through the Salang Pass in explained. (Pajhwok) capital Qalat and Shinkai and weapons. (Pajhwok) districts. (Pajhwok)