Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:186 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 04. 2017 -Dalw 16, 1395 HS

A number of electoral monitoring organizations on Friday ques- tioned government’s ‘silence’ over the selection of the head of the In- dependent Election Commission’s (IEC) secretariat, saying that the rejection of the three nominees for the position will undermine the independence of the electoral bod- ies. The institutions said the de- lay in selecting the head of the IEC secretariat will postpone the up- coming parliamentary and district councils’ elections. Three weeks ago, the IEC in- troduced Imam Mohammad Wari- mach, a former member of the IEC media commission; Ahmadullah Archiwal, head of public aware- ness department of the IEC and AT Monitoring Desk Popal Habib as nominees for head of the secretariat, but all were re- HEAVY KABUL: At least eight policemen jected by government. Laghman who were members of one family SNOWFALL “If the IEC trusts its decision were cowardly killed by the Tali- and its nominees, it should dis- clash leaves 3 CLOSES SALANG ban insurgents in Faryab province, cuss the issue with government. local official said on Friday And if there is a problem, govern- PASS FOR Almar district governor, Mo- policemen ment should make the issue clear TRAFFIC AGAIN hammad Saleh Saleh told TOLO- and make a clear decision in this hurt news that the deceased police forc- respect,” said Mohammad Yusuf CHARIKAR: The key Salang Pass es members include a father, his Rasheed, executive director of Free MEHTERLAM: Three Taliban, situated in central Parwan prov- two sons, his two son-in-laws and and Fair Election Foundation of including group leader, and as ince and connecting the capital his three nephew. Kabul with northern provinces of Afghanistan. many policemen have been wound- “The policemen were poi- the country has been blocked for “People will not expect a ed during a clash in eastern Lagh- soned first and then were shot dead traffic due to heavy snowfall and transparent elections in the future by the Taliban insurgents,” he said. man province, a statement from the snowstorm, an official said on Fri- if the [IEC] activities continue this The incident took place in Gard governor house said on Friday. day. way,” said Tawab Danish, mem- The clash took place Thurs- Gen. Rajab, the safety and se- Marshkar village in the district. ber of Afghansitan’s Lawyers According to media report, the day night in Shaheed Baba and curity in-charge of Salang Pass, Union. attacker, who is a resident of Al- Basram localities of Alingar dis- told Pajhwok Afghan news the stra- mar district, was surrendered to The IEC and the Presidential tegic Salang Pass had been closed Palace would not comment on the trict, the statement said. from Thursday evening and may the police force 15 days ago. issue. However, the Chief Execu- Taliban group leader Noor remain closed for 72 hours. This is not the first incident of tive Abdullah Abdullah’s spokes- Rahman was among the injured He said all kind of vehicles had its nature, as the Taliban insurgents man Mujib Rahman Rahimi at a rebels, according to the statement. been stopped at the Malkhan and carried such “cowardly attacks” Khenjan areas of Baghlan and Taje- several time in the past. It indi- press conference on Thursday said It added three policemen in- they are committed to bringing re- kan district of Parwan. cates that the Taliban insurgent has jured in the fire fight had been evac- forms to the electoral process. He said his department was lost influence to battle face-to-fact uated to the hospital. “The next election has two prepared to deal with unfortunate with security forces. The Afghan Alingar is among the insecure goals: people will select parliament incidents or avalanches. security forces repelled the spring According to the latest infor- and district councils’ members and districts of Laghman where clash- offensive of the Taliban insurgents mation he said 75 cm snow had will send their representatives to es take places between rebels and very effectively, which is a big blow been fallen in the northern Salang the Loya Jirga [the Grand Assem- security forces and 85 cm snow had fallen in the to the group. Taliban and other (Pajhwok) militant outfits would never win bly],” Rahimi said. southern Salang. (Pajhwok) war as they are at the wrong path. Afghan security forces have been fighting all form of insurgency with high moral. Balkh PC says bypassed 5 Taliban hideouts destroyed in IN BUDGET PLANS MAZAR-I-SHARIF: The provin- lation of Balkh people’s rights. Postgraduate Medical Education Residency Programme Intake 2017 Helmand air and cial council of northern Balkh prov- “Everyone’s authority is defined in the law, but ince on Thursday complained of some people only work for own interest,” she said. ground operations being always ignored by the gov- But the governor’s spokesman, Munir Farhad, Announcement ernor’s house in preparing and ex- said provincial council members had always been in- Five hideouts of the Taliban group ecuting provincial development vited to meetings about budgetary and development FMIC began its Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) Residency Programme in 2012 to address the need for were destroyed during the joint and budgetary plans. plans. specialists training in the country with a dedicated building for the PGME programme, equipped with latest teaching and military operations in the restive A member of the council, “Provincial annual budget plan is always final- learning facilities. southern Helmand province. Hasham Azimi, told Pajhwok Af- ized by a special committee in presence of provincial The provincial government ghan News the governor’s house council members,” he said. The PGME Programme at FMIC is accredited by the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), Islamic Republic of media office said the hideouts of used to prepare development and Farhad said sometimes provincial council mem- Afghanistan and planned and being implemented with active support from the PGME Programme of the Aga the group were destroyed in San- budgetary plans and send them for bers themselves did not want to join such meetings. Khan University (AKU), Pakistan. gin district. approval to the central govern- (Pajhwok) At least 18 militants were also ment, but the provincial council FMIC is pleased to announce the induction of residents for 2017. Applications are invited from Afghan physicians for killed and 3 others were wounded was never consulted. the following residency programmes: during the operations, the local He said making revenue and officials said. annual plans while not consulting 1. Paediatric Surgery (5 Years) Maximum 2 positions According to the officials, the the council was illegal, incomplete 2. Paediatric Medicine (4 Years) Maximum 2 positions operations were jointly conduct- and unjustifiable. 3. Anaesthesiology (4 Years) Maximum 2 positions ed by the Afghan National Defense He said the elected public rep- 4. Paediatric Orthopaedic (4 Years) Maximum 2 positions and Security Forces with the sup- resentatives were responsible to 5. Radiology (4 Years) Maximum 2 positions port of the Afghan Air Force. share their views about budgetary The officials further added that and development plans and allo- 6. Pathology (4 Years) Maximum 2 positions the son of the Taliban leader com- cate budget as per people’s require- The PGME Programme offers an excellent training environment with close faculty supervision. To complement the mander Furqani was also among ments in different areas. training, residents will have access to Continuing Medical Education Seminars, guest lectures by eminent scholars, those killed. Meanwhile, civil society activ- No further details have been ists in Balkh also criticized the health sciences library, skills lab and audio visual and IT facilities. Beside rotation to teaching hospitals in Kabul, disclosed by the officials regard- governor’s house for what they residents will have rotations at AKU Hospital in Karachi for clinical training and also benefit from other related trainings ing the casualties of the Afghan said arbitrary and illegal actions. being offered by AKU. forces so far. Razia Mirzayee, a civil soci- The Taliban militants group ety activist, said not consulting Requirements has not commented regarding the public representatives was a vio- - MD Diploma or equivalent degree from MoPH recognized institution report so far. Helmand is among the volatile - Must have passed the MoPH Entrance Exam for PGME provinces in southern Afghanistan - Must pass FMIC Entrance Test and go through the interview process where the Taliban insurgents are 17 WELFARE PROJECTS Applications: actively operating in its various districts and often carry out insur- IMPLEMENTED IN NANGARHAR Application forms can be received from the following contact person, daily except Fridays and Saturdays: gency activities. The group launched a coordi- At a sum of AFS 120,000,000 funded by ministry of rural rehabilitation and develop- - Mr. Saeed Ahmad Administrative assistant manager: Cell Phone: 0799457533 [email protected] nated attack on Sangin district ear- ment and ministry of public health 17 public utility projects have been completed in and [email protected] lier this week, forcing the Afghan eastern Nangarhar province. - Mr. Waheedullah Qasimi, Senior HR Officer: Cell Phone: 0796226112 [email protected] and government to deploy additional Mohammad Gulab Mangal governor of Nangarhar during the inauguration ceremo- [email protected] forces and a delegation to review § Last date for submission of Application Forms is Thursday March 2, 2017 (12 Hot 1395). the situation. ny of the projects said, 13 projects have been completed by national solidarity pro- Taliban launched several rock- gram of ministry of rural rehabilitation and development and 4 other projects have been Interested physicians should: ets on the provincial capital of executed by ministry of public health in Koot district of the province. - Receive application form. Electronic copy will be sent to email addresses on request, or FMIC HR Department Lashkargah on Wednesday morn- It is mentionable that, head of provincial council of the province, security officials can be visited to receive the form. ing as Chief Executive Abdullah and governmental authorities were presented during inauguration ceremony of these - Fill the Application Form, complete all requirements mentioned therein and send the scanned was visiting the city to meet the project. (BNA) form of application forms along with required documents in PDF format through mentioned officials. emails. - Incomplete applications or received after due date will not be considered. MoI officials trapped in snowstorm at Haji Gak Pass Dr. Khalilullah Shefa BAMYAN CITY: A government delegation on its way to central Bamyan province has been trapped in heavy snowfall and Academic Manager snowstorm in the Haji Gak Pass, an official said on Friday. The delegation started its journey from Bihsud district of central Postgraduate Medical Education Programme Maidan Wardak province at around 3:00pm on Thursday. Telephonic contact with the 7-vehicle convoy of the Ministry of French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children Interior (MoI) officials had been lost at the Haji Gak Pass, said Abdul Rahman Ahmadi, the governor’s spokesman. Maidan Email: [email protected] Wardak deputy governor Mohammad Amin Mubalegh confirmed that officials of the interior ministry had been trapped in Phone: 0799757010: Website: www.fmic.org.af snowstorm at Hajik Gak Pass. He said efforts were on to rescue the trapped officials. (Pajhwok) SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

By: Asad Ziar Selfie is a selfportrait photograph, trollable desire to take photos of typically taken with a digital cam- someone’s self and post them on era or smartphone held in the hand social media as a way to make up or supported by a selfie stick. Self- for the lack of self-esteem and to ies are often shared on social net- fill the gap in familiarity. working services such as Face- The Smartphone has intruded book, Instagram and Twitter. Most in our daily life without which we selfies are taken with a camera held cannot survive. The new genera- at arm’s length or pointed at a mir- tion phones are equipped with high ror. A selfie stick can be used to resolution and double side camer- place the camera farther away as. Though people were fond of from the subject, allowing the cam- taking photographs of their own era to see more around them. and others since many decades, In October 1839, Robert Cor- with smartphones and social me- nelius took a portrait of himself dia it has lead to an extreme effect. outside of the family store. The It is coupled with posting the self- daguerreotype (a photograph tak- ie on social networking sites. Fur- en by an early photographic pro- ther, they are waiting for com- cess) produced is an off-center ments, likes, reactions, remarks of portrait of a man with crossed arms friends and others. This has led to and tousled hair. The self-portrait a chain of reactions leading to a of Robert Cornelius is the oldest complex addiction disorder which known existing selfie of a human we may easily call as Selfie addic- in the in world. Crnelius owned tion disorder. two photographic studios in the A study led by Daniel Re of United States from 1841 to 1843, the University of Toronto’s De- An Afghan woman whose husband but as the art of photography grew partment of Psychology found cut off her ears said Thursday she and more photographers opened that selfie-takers believed their self- was seeking donations for treat- photographic studios, Cornelius ies to look more attractive and lik- ment abroad,n as activists con- returned back to his family gas and able than photos of them taken by demned the latest gruesome inci- lighting business. other people. The researchers add- dent to highlight the abuse of wom- Selfie has direct connection ed “Selfie-takers generally over en in the conservative country. with social media and as the usage perceived the positive attributes Zarina, 23, was still hospital- of social media grew , the word “ purveyed by their selfies,” ised in the northern city of Maz- Selfie “ became more common and There are no or very few re- ar-i-Sharif Thursday, her mutilat- MPOWERING FGHAN WOMEN TO more people started taking selfies search studies on this issue while ed ears bandaged and her face swol- . An estimated two billion photos much has to be done to tackle this len. are uploaded to Facebook, Twit- issue before it is too late. The “ She told AFP that she could ter, Instagram and WhatsApp ev- Selfie Addiction” has reached an not explain why her husband at- CODE TEACH LEARN AND INSPIRE ery day, with millions of them self- alarming phase, Almost all Smart- tacked her in the middle of the night ies. phone users have taken selfies at Tuesday in a remote district of The first known social media some point of time and we cannot Balkh province, bordering Uzbeki- site, Six Degree was launched in call each and every selfie taker a “ stan. 1997 which enabled users to up- Selfie Addict”. Before a large num- "He woke up at three in the load profiles and make friends. It ber of the population is affected morning, he tied my legs, my hands allowed users for the first time to and the selfie addition appears on with my veil ... I was begging him upload selfies on computer tech- the list of Global Burden of Dis- (to stop) but he didn't listen to nologies that permits the creating eases, the world health communi- me." and sharing of information, ideas, ties have to come together and be- The husband punched his interests and other forms of ex- gin result oriented researches and young wife several times then pressions via virtual networks. studies on “ Selfie Addition” and grabbed a sharp knife and sliced Sites like MySpace and LinkedIn how to tackle this new generation both her ears before disappearing. gained popularity in the early addition and to reach a collective Zarina bled all night, until a 2000s .Facebook and Twitter came conclusion. neighbour found her in the morn- out in 2005, creating an entirely There should be a proper and ing and rushed her to relatives, who new way for people to communi- specific definition of the issue and took her to hospital in Mazar-i- cate, post pictures and videos and have to set some kind of limit cri- Sharif, capital of Balkh province. share with each other across the teria. I propose taking more than 5 "She arrived at the ICU at 9.30, world. These sites remain some of selfies everyday in a week may be both of her ears were cut. She was the most popular social networks considered as an addiction, wheth- in shock ... imagine how much on the Internet. er or not if it is posted on social blood she lost," said hospital chief Oxford English Dictionary media network sites. If it comes to Dr Shafir Shayek. elected “selfie” as word of the year posting on social media network Zarina said she did not know in 2013 after research showed its sites, I will propose to reduce the why her husband attacked her, frequency of use had soared number to 3selfies per day, and on saying she had always obeyed him, 17,000 per cent in 12 months, to- the basis of the amount of time even when he refused to let her day selfie addiction is listed as a consumed, I will recommend more visit her mother "because he said I mental illness, psychologists fear that the search for the perfect self- than 5 minutes per selfie or more might meet boys". than 50 minutes of time per day to "He was very rude, very ie could lead to serious health problems.The selfie craze has be considered as a disease. harsh, when he became angry he There is also the possibility started beating everyone -- his dad, swept social media over the past seven years, everyone is taking that selfie addiction disorder may his mum, he didn't care," she said. be associated with many other Zarina and her husband were selfies if it is the president, celeb- betrothed when she was 13, rity, scientist, businessmen, teach- psychiatric or mental diseases. As though they did not marry for an- er or student even Pope Francis is there is no scientific management other seven years. Hospital offi- posting shots online and there is of selfie available. Probably some cials said he was known for drug There are 3.6 million female stu- female student in a technical field. you can work online. munity. no harm in taking one or two self- kind of counselling may help. Stop- use, though they did not specify dents in Afghanistan today, com- There are cultural barriers for Elshafey: How do you deal Elshafey: What is the key to ies every once in a while, when ing somebody using a smart phone which drug. pared to zero in 2001. However, women [in Afghanistan]. If they with the pushback against women promoting a more sustainable en- selfies become part of your daily or interacting through social media On Thursday the man was still social limitations for women still study computer science, they need in education in Afghanistan? vironment of success for women habit and take up more time than may not be a necessary action, on the run, but "we opened an in- exist — women make up only 16 to practice and to do group work Forough: Women’s education around the world? they should, it could be a sign of a but it may be required only in se- vestigation to stop him," said percent of the current Afghan la- and activities, and there is a lack of and empowerment is a very sensi- Forough: Women should sup- deeper underlying issue. vere cases. Balkh governor's spokesman Sher bor force. safe space for girls to go to for ex- tive topic in Afghanistan because port each other. In Afghanistan, There was a time when “self- It is unworkable to be away Jan Durrani. Fereshteh Forough, founder tra studying, networking and so- there are still a lot of people who there are few role models for the ie” didn’t exist, but today the term from social media networking sites. Zarina said she is seeking pri- and president of Code to Inspire cial activities. Many families can- are extremist or who are against girls in the technology sector, so “ Selfie” has become a well known We can only think about what the vate donations to fund a trip abroad (CTI), the first coding school for not afford extracurricular activities women’s education. They see it as creating a network of women pro- teen obsession that is prolonged, future of social networking may for treatment. If she cannot raise girls in Afghanistan, has a passion. for girls, like paying for further a threat, and not as a way to help fessionals who can be a role model time consuming and may lead to look in the next decade or even 100 the money, she said, "I implore She wants to empower young Af- classes. I established Code to In- the community. for younger girls, creating a com- mental health issues. Psycholo- years from today, but it is con- Afghan officials" for help. ghan women by hitching their eco- spire as safe place for girls to get In a traditionally male-domi- munity of women who can sup- gists have found a rise in egotistic firmed that it will exist in some Balkh women's rights activist nomic and social advancement to an education and create portfolios nated country like Afghanistan port each other, creating opportu- personality, insecurity, self-objec- form for as long as humans are alive. Fahima Rahimi said the attack was the country’s growing tech indus- and resumes so they can start where women face barriers in the nities for each other and mentor tification, addiction, damaged "only the latest" example of "dis- try. For businesses and govern- working online. education sector, it is important one another will go a long way to- friendships, body dysmorphic dis- Feeling blue gusting violence" and against Af- ments strive to align with the U.N. Being born as a refugee, you to establish a credible and trust- ward empowerment. order, and depression that coin- In case you are worried to be “ ghan women. Sustainable Development Goals face a lot of challenges, including worthy relationship with parents Elshafey: Where do you see cides with the increment of self- Selfie Addicted “Dr. Pankaj B. "Afghan officials should bring (SDGs), Code to Inspire is an or- being deprived of education. and community. Once you have the future of Code to Inspire? ies. Selfies seem blameless in mod- Shah, Department of Community the perpetrator of this crime to ganization to watch, as it encom- Elshafey: What will coding their support, they will become Forough: In the near future, we eration, but excess may lead to Medicine, SRMC & RI. SRU, justice so that it be a lesson for passes the aims of Goal 4 (inclu- enable Afghan girls and women to your advocate and help you grow would love to expand our coding social media narcissism and other Chennai, India recommends to others," she said. sive education) and Goal 5 (gender do? your cause. school to other cities in Afghani- mental health issues. look out for the following signs: But, she added, many such equality). Forough: During the Taliban At Code to Inspire, we try to stan. We also want to create a A recent study by the Univer- You can’t make it through the criminals are freed after bribes to Bard MBA in Sustainability regime, there were only 900,000 be engaged with the girl’s families strong professional network of sity of Copenhagen involving day without taking at least one police or prosecutors, and so ac- student Esra Elshafey spoke with students going to school in Afghan- and establish good relationships women in IT who can support and 1,095 people has revealed that selfie. tivists had "lost faith and trust in Forough to discuss how CTI edu- istan, and none of them were girls. with them so they can be our ad- help each other. Longer-term, I Facebook is making us unhappy You spend a lot of time think- our government". cates Afghan women with in-de- There were zero women in the vocate and support. We involve the would like to replicate the model and causing people who suffer ing about selfies and planning Many other cases of violence mand programming skills, empow- workforce. We made a lot of im- girl’s parents by sending thank-you to the Middle East, Africa and “Facebook envy” to be particular- where and when to take them. against women go unreported, she ers them to add unique value to provements after the Taliban col- letters. If we see that a student is countries that have the same is- ly depressed, users who took a There are instances when you said. their communities and inspires lapsed and now there are about 9 absent, we call the parents to let sues for women accessing educa- week-long break from the social simply cannot fight the urge to More than fifteen years after them to strive for financial and million students going to school them know and to ask why. tion and technology. media site were found to be more take a selfie, no matter how hard the end of the Taliban regime, Af- social independence. every day; 4.2 million of them are There is a lot of pushback on (Greenbiz) pleased with life and rated their you try. ghanistan remains the scene of reg- Esra Elshafey: What is your girls. There is huge progress, es- social media about whether wom- own health as higher. Social media You often find yourself taking ular abuse against women, most background, and what was the in- pecially for women’s education in en should learn coding. We not is not good for communicating selfies when you’re meant to be often perpetrated by spouses or spiration for Code to Inspire? Afghanistan. only teach our girls certain skills, with all of your audience and post- doing something very important. in-laws who are rarely arrested. Fereshteh Forough, founder Coding is like a language. You but we also want to bring a social ing selfies only,Social media is You’ve realized you’re taking In January 2016, a husband cut and president of Code to use language to communicate with impact to the community. By help- about communicating with exact- too many selfish, but can’t get off the nose of his wife, Reza Gul, Inspire.Fereshteh Forough: I was each other, so coding can be a com- ing the girls find specific problems ly the right people at exactly the yourself to cut down on the after a dispute in the remote north- born as a refugee in Iran during the munication tool. It can also em- in the community and come up right time and to get the connected amount. ern province of Faryab. Last sum- Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and power you be more creative and with mobile applications or other crowd to support what you do. You are almost compulsively mer a man set fire to his 14-year- got my high school degree in Iran. innovative. solutions that could solve them, it Psychologists believe that following to see how many peo- old pregnant wife in the central In 2002, one year after the Taliban Many challenges can be over- shows people that providing op- when we get any positive comment ple like your selfie and you take it province of Ghor. She died in a regime collapsed, my family and I come with coding. Many families portunities for women is impor- on selfies, it serves as encourage- personally when there’s little or hospital in Kabul. moved back to our home city of will not allow their daughters to tant so they can give back. There ment and gives our self-image a no response. (AFP) Herat, Afghanistan. I received my travel by themselves to other cit- is a value not only for the girls, but much-needed boost. However, it Taking selfies have interfered bachelor’s in computer science in ies to find a job. It is not part of also for the community. has been shown through various with your social life and relation- Afghanistan. Next, I went to Ger- our culture to go to live in other Elshafey: How do you balance studies that this desire for approval ships. EMBASSY OF many for my master’s in comput- cities by yourself, so women are culture and education in that envi- can become an addiction on its You start to think about ev- PAKISTAN er science from the Technical Uni- very limited to their hometowns ronment? own, making selfie addiction even erything you do as a potential self- versity of Berlin. Then, I taught as and mobility is a big issue. Forough: We try to keep the worse. It seems the growing use of ie. KABUL a computer science professor in If you know how to code, then balance between technology, edu- social media sites is making us You feel better about yourself Afghanistan for three years. with internet access and a comput- cation and family. By providing a It is for the information of general more concerned with our appear- or more important when you post A lot of issues in my life in- er, you can work online. So coding safe and secure environment and a ance. People are even undergoing a selfie. public that the Embassy of Paki- spired me to think about establish- allows you to tackle the issue of space only for girls, we want par- stan and the Consulates in Jalala- surgeries just to have the perfect If you are busy in capturing ing Code to Inspire as the very first travel and social restriction. And ents to feel comfortable when they selfie and as well it is almost im- life through the lens of your smart- bad, Kandhar, Herat and Mazar- coding school for girls in Afghani- once the girls are bringing income send their daughters to our coding e-Sharif, will remain closed on possible to find a smartphone phone, you have to start working th stan. Being born as a refugee, you to their families through coding, school. So not only do the families without camera. to minimize and limit your social 5 February, 2017 (Sunday) on the face a lot of challenges, including they can be financially indepen- feel good about this, but the girls occasion of Kashmir Solidarity The American Psychiatric As- media activities, make sure that being deprived of the basic human dent, which also helps them take also are in an environment in which sociation has already confirmed you do not need to seek approvals Day. All Pakistani and Afghan na- right of education. That definitely part in the decision-making pro- they can learn and feel relaxed and tionals are, therefore, informed to that taking selfies is a psychologi- and comments from others. It is made me think about how I could cess of the community. engaged. cal disorder, going as far as to ex- your own life and you do not need approach the Embassy for any help everyone, especially the girls Women are very limited to We not only teach our girls consular work, including the visa, pression the condition “selfitis”. anyone’s compliments and re- in Afghanistan, to access education. their hometowns and mobility is a certain skills, but we also want to The Association has defined selfie marks! on next working day. You also face challenges as a big issue. If you know how to code, bring a social impact to the com- Fereshteh Forough (PRESS RELEASE) taking as: “the obsessive uncon- KP SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Two state-owned companies will build a copper mine on Unesco world heritage site MesAynak. Two state-owned Chinese mining claim. "People are worried because companies are planning to destroy they have been displaced without ancient Buddhist city Mes Aynak being consulted or their consent EMERGENCY in Afghanistan, according to a doc- sought," he said. He described umentary. China's mining plan as "a breach CALLS In the Netflix film 'Saving Mes of international standards and laws Aynak' archaeologists say that on archaeology." Police they have to excavate the Unesco Liu said that MCC will out- World Heritage site quickly, "oth- source some of the work to Af- erwise everything will be de- ghan companies and provide resi- 100 - 119 stroyed by a Chinese copper dents with jobs. Brent Huffman, mine." the documentary's director, said he Jiangxi Copper and Metallur- is sceptical about this pledge. "Chi- Hospitals gical Group Corporation (MCC) nese companies have a history of are in the initial stages of building making big promises to third world FMIC Hospital a large copper mine on the site of countries," he said. Behind Kabul Medical the 5,000-year-old city located This is not the first time a University: 40km southeast of Kabul. Mes Unesco World Heritage site in Af- Aynak is the world's second larg- ghanistan has faced destruction. 0202500200-+93793275595 est copper deposit, according to The Taliban destroyed the famous the Afghan Ministry of Mines and Buddhas of Bamiyan in 2001 on Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital Petroleum. There is more than the grounds that the statues were $100bn worth of copper buried blasphemous. Pule Bagh-e- Umomi under the city. Bamiyan and Mes Anyak both 070263672 The documentary reveals how lie on the Silk Road, an ancient trade residents living in villages near the route running between China and city had to leave their homes be- the Mediterranean Sea. Around Khairkhana Hospital cause of the construction. In the 600 large Buddha statues and fres- 0799-321007 film MCC Vice-President Zhengou coes depicting the sage's life have Liu said the residents were in- so far been unearthed at the 2401352 formed in advance. 500,000 square metre site. Saving Javed Noorani from Integrity Mes Anyak reports that archaeol- Watch Afghanistan denied this ogists believe future discoveries Indira Gandhi Children "have the potential to redefine the history of Afghanistan and the his- Hospital, Wazir Akbar tory of Buddhism itself". Khan, Kabul 2301372 US, Australia (IBtimes) in spat over Ibn-e- Seena refugees from Pul-e-Artan, Kabul Iran, Pakistan, 2100359 Afghanistan Wazir Akbar Khan Hospital 2301741, 2301743

Ali Abad Shahrara, Kabul 2100439

Malalai Maternity Hospital 2201377/ 2301743 U.S. President Donald Trump has plunged the United States into a Banks dispute with Australia over the fate of 1,300 refugees primarily from Da Afghanistan Bank Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The refugees are among thou- 2100302, 2100303 sands of migrants who, fleeing con- flict or poverty, are being held in Bakhtar Bank camps on the Pacific islands of Nairu and Papua New Guinea, 0776777000 where Australia is paying to de- Azizi Bank tain them rather than admit them into the country. 0799 700900 Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, agreed to consider taking Pashtany Bank in about 1,300 migrants -- most of 2102908, 2103868 them from Iran, Sri Lanka, Paki- stan, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, and Sudan -- in exchange for Aus- Air Services tralia taking in Latin American ref- ugees, officials said. Safi Airways But Trump denounced that as a "dumb deal" this week and said 020 22 22 222 he was reviewing it. He made head- lines when word leaked of a con- Ariana tentious phone call over the week- end with Australian Prime Minis- 020-2100270 ter Malcolm Turnbull during which the two discussed the mat- Kam Air ter. 0799974422 The Washington Post report- ed on February 2 that Trump called the agreement the "worst deal Hotels ever" and accused Turnbull of seek- Safi Landmark ing to export the "next Boston bombers." Trump has suggested since 020-2203131 then that he is still mulling wheth- er to honor the deal, but Turnbull his 1981 picture shows an informal gathering of female and male Afghan students in Kabul. In 1979, a SERENA insists that Trump agreed to it out Soviet invasion of land-locked Afghanistan led to a 10-year war. When the Soviets withdrew from the of respect for the strong ties be- 0799654000 tween the countries. country in 1989, a civil war ensued which culminated in the Taliban's accession to power in 1996. REFRL New Rumi Restaurant 0776351347 Afghan kids direct traffic on mountain pass for $4 a day Internet Services UA Telecom Rights Watch has estimated that a 0796701701 / 0796702702 quarter of all Afghan children un- fghanistan bans children der 14 work for a living, many in dangerous industries like brick- Exchange Rate making and mining. On a recent winter morning, Purchase: under 14 from working and as other children headed off to school, Sedaqat set up black, red One US$ = and blue oil cans at his favorite bend has ratified international at the highway and took up his red 66.77Afs wooden traffic sign. One Pound Sterling= "When I see other kids going 80.95Afs conventions against child labor school, I feel sad because I also want to go to school," Sedaqat said. One Euro = On a mountain pass outside Af- Sedaqat, who like many Af- Sedaqat says his main worry "But I know that I'm the only 70.05Afs ghanistan's capital, trucks barrel- ghans has only one name, is one of is the exhaust fumes, which make breadwinner in my family. I have 1000 Pak Rs = ing down the highway slow down several children who make money his eyes hurt at night. He would to work to help myself and my when 11-year-old Sedaqat waves as volunteer traffic wardens on the prefer to go to school, but as the family survive." 612Afs his homemade sign to warn of a Maipur Pass, along the main high- eldest son, it fell to him to sup- He said he would like to be- Sale: hairpin turn. way from the capital, Kabul, to port the family when his father, a come a real traffic policeman, a job One US$ = He spends the entire day out Pakistan. brickmaker, developed chronic that pays around $180 a month. in the bitter cold, working as a vol- The highway cutting through stomach pains. But that would require some 66.97 Afs unteer traffic warden on a treach- the jagged peaks is clogged with "I warn my son every day schooling. One Pound Sterling= erous bend in the road and accept- overloaded trucks, busses and cars, about the cars coming from the work, and I'd rather see him go to der 14 from working and has rati- "I have to do this now to sup- 81.75Afs ing tips from grateful drivers. On a in a country where reckless driv- Kabul side. The drivers are com- school. But what he earns now is fied international conventions port my family," he said. "Maybe One Euro= good day he'll make the equivalent ing and poor road maintenance pletely careless and I fear for my one day I'll become a real traffic the only income we have in the against child labor. But rights 70.65 Afs of $4, which he'll use to support contribute to an untold number of son's life," said his father, Nader family." groups say laws against child la- policeman and help my nation." his family. deadly accidents. Khan. "It pains me to see him Afghanistan bans children un- bor are poorly enforced. Human (Asianage) 1000 Pak Rs= 620 SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 04, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

bought London flats for Sharifs’, SC observes According to sources, the judge was admitted to the Rawal- pindi Institute of Cardiology fol- lowing chest pain and may go un- dergo an angioplasty. On January 4, Justice Asif Saeed Khosa who is heading the SC bench ruled the hearings of the Panamagate case will be conduct- ed daily without any adjournment. The Sharif family’s attorney faced another torrid session in the Supreme Court on Tuesday when the judges asked for documentary proof of the investments made by the ruling family in Qatar during the 1980s. The attorney was left nonplussed as he knew there were no satisfactory replies he could offer. Salman Akram Raja, the coun- sel for the PM’s sons, quoted sev- eral judgments in his effort to con- vince the five-judge larger bench hearing the Panama Papers case to not pass any adverse verdict Indian Prime Minister Narendra A survey conducted earlier this against his clients. He, however, Modi tested the public with his month by THE WEEK-Hansa struggled in removing ambiguities controversial banknote policy last Research predicted the BJP to win linked with the money trail through year. Now, upcoming state elec- the battleground state, while a which the London flats were ac- tions will give citizens a chance to separate survey by Axis-My-In- quired in 2006. grade Modi's leadership on the dia for the India Today Group also SC to hold Panamagate hear- matter. Elections in five states— projected a BJP majority there. ings on daily basis Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Uttarakhand, BofAML however offered a more The counsel was also unable Punjab and Manipur—kick off this pessimistic take on the BJP's to give a cogent reply to another month, with final results due chances in Uttar Pradesh, noting key query: how the Sharif family March 11. First up are Goa and that the race was split three-ways could have made the investments Punjab, where polls open on Sat- with the SP and BSP. after selling the Dubai Steel Mills urday. As the country's most pop- A BJP loss in the all-impor- during the 1980s when they had ulous province and one with the tant state could result in several 15 million dirhams in pending dues. biggest share of seats in parliament, long-term consequences. He left another important link Uttar Pradesh is a political bell- If SP candidate—current chief to the case unanswered, ie, the wether and will be of most impor- minister Akhilesh Yadav—wins, ‘originator’ of Nielsen and Nescoll tance for the ruling Bharatiya Jan- SP will take a more prominent role ISLAMABAD: The Supreme day. The hearing of a slew of peti- as a member of a five-judge larger night, Justice Azmat Saeed Sheikh — two offshore companies that ata Party (BJP). Voting there be- in opposing Modi's agenda in New Court on Wednesday adjourned the tions against the Sharif family for bench of the Supreme Court has was rushed to the hospital. owned the luxury properties in gins Feb. 11. Delhi, with Yadav emerging as "a Panamagate case hearing till Mon- alleged corruption was adjourned been hospitalised. Late Tuesday ‘Qatari family may have London. (TRIBUNE) Because the polls come on the meaningful political threat to the heels of demonetization, that's set BJP as a national leader and po- to be a major theme. "The state tential alternative to Modi," polit- poll results will be a key indicator ical consultancy Eurasia said in a for the 2019 general election on note. If the low caste-centric BSP Proof to how people viewed Modi's drive is victorious, that would imply against black money," Bank of caste and identity politics remain America Merrill Lynch (BofAML) a major issue in India, which could prosecute summed up in a recent report. result in the BSP having less bear- In November, Modi recalled ing on the BJP and national poli- Hafiz Saeed existing 500 ($7.35) and 1,000 tics, Eurasia explained. ($14.70) rupee notes, which make To boost its chances, Modi's up 86 percent of Indian currency, administration was expected to CHENNAI: Raising the fisher- in refurbished condition to the fish- fishing boats, including the five preme Court against ceding of available in men's issue with the Centre once and issued new 500 and 2,000 ru- unveil voter-friendly policies in its ermen for their immediate use. fishermen and their mechanised Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka by pee notes in their replacement. annual budget on Wednesday, again, the Tamil Nadu government He requested Mr Modi to in- fishing boat apprehended on Feb- India by way of an agreement in has sought Prime Minister Naren- The shock announcement, aimed which strategically preceded the Pakistan, struct the External Affairs Minis- ruary 2, without any delay. 1974. He also reminded the PM of at cracking down on undeclared polls. For the 2017-2018 fiscal dra Modi's intervention in secur- try to take up the issue "effective- The Chief Minister also re- the state government's demand for ing release of 25 fishermen and 119 revenues, caused a drastic cash year, finance minister Arun Jait- ly" with Sri Lanka and to secure called that his predecessor, the late a deep-sea fishing package of Rs. shortage and economic pain, hit- ley did announce a number of pop- says India fishing boats from Sri Lankan cus- the release of 25 fishermen and 119 J Jayalalithaa, had moved the Su- 1,650 crore. (NDTV) tody. Chief Minister O Panneer- ting everything from factory out- ulist measures, including more in- selvam, while taking up the latest put to consumption. vestment on rural development and NEW DELHI: The "concrete evi- instance of arrest of five fishermen Public opinion was mixed at infrastructure. dence" needed to proceed against from Puthukottai on Wednesday, the time; many complained about "The mere potential of voter Lashkar chief Hafiz Saeed is avail- told Modi in a letter that Lankan the impact on low-income citizens backlash raised the prospects of a able in Pakistan and it needs to dis- authorities "continue to infringe and business supply chains, while populist budget," said Zalewski. play the political will to act against upon the historical rights enjoyed others praised Modi for his anti- Is Uttar Pradesh really crucial? the 26/11 terror mastermind, India by our fishermen to fish in their corruption efforts. For the bulk of legislation to said on Thursday. traditional waters of Palk Bay." Assessing the BJP's chances be signed into law, approval from While welcoming recent ac- Nearly three months on, Modi both houses of parliament is re- tions taken by Pakistan on "hu- The letter, dated February 2, 2017, was released by the state appears to continue to enjoy wide- quired. The BJP and its allies ac- manitarian grounds" such as the spread support, pointed out Jan count for 339 of the 545 seats in release of an Indian soldier who government today. The Chief Minister said the Zalewski, senior South Asia ana- the lower house, called the Lok crossed the Line of Control, India Sri Lankan authorities have not lyst at Verisk Maplecroft. Despite Sabha, but they only hold 73 of reminded Islamabad that it needed released any of the fishing boats poor implementation and wide- the 250 seats in the upper house, to act credibly against Saeed for that had been apprehended by spread ill-effects linked to the cur- or Rajya Sabha. his role in the Mumbai attacks. them since February 2015. rency reform, the Prime Minister Thus, the upper house is the The government said the conspir- "With their sole means of live- is still able to enter the election biggest roadblock to Modi's reform acy in the Mumbai terror attack lihood taken away, the Indian fish- race on a moral high ground be- agenda, especially his plans to re- case was hatched in Pakistan and cause he branded demonetization vamp Indian labor laws, Eurasia the evidence to implicate Saeed ermen from Tamil Nadu are in a despondent state. Presently there as an anti-corruption measure, he explained. And that situation is was available there. are 119 boats in Sri Lankan custo- continued. unlikely to change, even if Modi's "In fact, Hafiz Saeed has him- dy, which are precariously berthed Recent opinion polls indicate party sweeps Uttar Pradesh (UP), self confessed to masterminding victory for the BJP, particularly it added. multiple acts of terror directed at on the Sri Lankan shore," he said. "Though the government of Sri in Uttar Pradesh, where its prima- "Even if the BJP manages to India. So, the so-called concrete Lanka committed to consider the ry rivals are regional factions, in- increase its foothold in the UP state evidence that the Pakistani estab- release of the boats in the Minis- cluding the incumbent Samajwadi assembly from the present 40 seats lishment is looking for is already terial-level meeting held in Colom- Party (SP) and the Bahujan Samaj to 250, unprecedented as no party available in Pakistan. All they need bo on January 2, 2017, no action Party (BSP). In the other four has obtained this many seats in the is to find the requisite political has been taken as yet in this re- states, the BJP faces national op- last 25 years, it will equate to a net will," MEA spokesperson Vikas gard," he added. position parties, such as Congress. gain in the upper house of 5 seats Swarup said. Mr Panneerselvam told the Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi chief in 2018, 5 in 2020, and 6 in 2022; The statement comes as India PM that India should take up the minister and head of the Aam Aad- significantly shy of the 53 the party seeks to keep up the pressure on matter with the Lankan authori- mi Party, during a road show ahead needs to be able to form a majority Pakistan after it announced Saeed's ties and ensure the immediate re- of assembly elections in Patiala on in the upper house with its allies." detention some days ago. The In- lease of the boats and restore them January 27, 2017 . (CNBC) dian establishment views the de- velopment with caution as Saeed has been "detained" before too but without suffering any longterm disadvantage to his status as a trusted ally of the Pakistan army and the ISI. Pakistan's move is seen ISLAMABAD: The National As- the party concerned, which rea- ry, but hoped the provincial as- The PPP MNA demanded that lence over the controversial order of President Donald Trump banning in some quarters as a result of US sembly has passed an important sons shall be recorded by the court, semblies would also bring such leg- the interior minister brief the house people from seven Muslim countries from entering the United States. pressure, accentuated by Donald legislation aimed at discouraging the court may grant adjournment islations. on the efforts he had made for the She regretted that while non-Muslim countries, including the UK, were Trump becoming president but false and frivolous litigation and without imposing adjournment Shafqat Mehmood and Dr Arif recovery of the bloggers. She also protesting against the move, Pakistan had preferred silence. (DAWN) Indian sources argue that the sus- unnecessary adjournments in or- costs.” Alvi of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-In- expressed concern over the “accu- tained message that ties will hinge der to ensure speedy justice and Another clause of the bill says: saf (PTI) termed the bill “a posi- sations” of blasphemy on these on outcomes on terror is also a fac- avoid dragging of cases in courts. “If in any proceedings, the court tive step”, but suggested some bloggers and asked the government tor. The surgical strike on terror A brief debate on the issue of finds that any averment made by amendments. to take action under the cyber crime launchpads in Pakistan-occupied mysterious disappearances of blog- any party is false or vexatious to Dr Alvi was of the view that law against those using social me- Kashmir and heavy retaliatory fire gers and activists from different the knowledge of such party, the the bill should have a mention of dia for this campaign. along the LoC have enforced the parts of the country was the only court shall award special costs to the number of adjournments which Chaudhry Bashir Virk of the Modi government's message. other significant business under- the opposite party against whom could be sought in a case, whereas Pakistan Muslim League-N came Swarup's remark was in re- taken during the dull and poorly such averment has been made.” Mr Mehmood objected to a pro- out with a strange notion that there sponse to a statement by the Pa- attended proceedings of the lower The bill, however, provides vision in the law which gives in- was a possibility that these blog- kistani interior ministry that India house of parliament on Thursday. indemnity to the government as it demnity to the public servants. gers might have staged a drama and needed to come up with evidence The Costs of Litigation Bill says that “the government shall However, the law minister created the situation under a against Saeed which was concrete 2016 empowers judges to impose not be liable to the costs”. asked the legislators not to press planned scheme. He said it was and sustainable in a court of law. cost of litigations on those seeking Piloting the bill, Law Minister for amendments, saying the gov- strange that the bloggers them- This is a position that Pakistan has adjournment of hearings in both Zahid Hamid said the government ernment would keep the law un- selves asked their families to col- consistently adopted — disingen- civil and criminal cases on “base- had introduced this “very impor- der review. lect their cars from a certain place uously as per Indian officials, as less grounds”. The bill envisages tant” legislation on an “experimen- Speaking on a matter of public and then they returned one by one. the argument provides an excuse the minimum cost of Rs5,000 per tal basis” with the hope that it importance, Dr Nafeesa Shah of Without implicating the blog- for inaction. adjournment in civil cases and would bring positive results in en- the Pakistan Peoples Party drew gers, Mr Virk, who is also the chair- Time and again, Pakistan has Rs10,000 in criminal cases. suring speedy justice. He was of the attention of the house to the man of the law and justice com- pleaded that the courts have not The bill was passed by the the opinion that after the enforce- mysterious disappearances and mittee of the house, said that those found anything against Saeed or assembly with an amendment sug- ment of the law, everyone would resurfacing of bloggers. She criti- who committed blasphemy or any other 26/11 plotters even as it gested by the law and justice com- think twice before seeking adjourn- cised Interior Minister Chaudhry spoke against the armed forces has been apparent that the trial is mittee that “if the court is satis- ment of hearings in courts. Nisar Ali Khan’s reported state- would have to face the public plagued by frequent change of judg- fied that the adjournment being The minister said that for the ment that the whereabouts of the wrath. Trump’s actions es and prosecutors, some even re- sought is on account of unavoid- time being the law would only ap- missing persons were not known PTI’s Dr Shireen Mazari crit- ceiving threats. TIMESOFINDIA able reasons beyond the control of ply to Islamabad Capital Territo- to the government. icised the government for its si- SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 04, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief 'Hundreds US says Israeli of settlements Rohingyas' 'may not be helpful' killed in The Trump administration said Myanmar The US defence secretary warned on Thursday that Israel's build- North Korea on Friday of an "ef- ing of new settlements and ex- fective and overwhelming" re- pansion of existing ones in the crackdown sponse if Pyongyang chose to use occupied territories may not help nuclear weapons. to achieve peace with Palestin- Myanmar's security forces have "Any attack on the United ians, adopting a more measured committed mass killings and gang States, or our allies, will be defeat- tone than previous pro-Israel rapes of Rohingya Muslims and ed, and any use of nuclear weap- announcements. burned down villages since Octo- ons would be met with a response In a statement issued two ber in a campaign that likely that would be effective and over- weeks before Israeli Prime Min- amounts to crimes against human- whelming," Defense Secretary ity and possibly ethnic cleansing, ister Benjamin Netanyahu is due James Mattis said on a visit to to visit US President Donald according to the UN. Trump, the White House said South Korea, one of America's clos- "The 'area clearance operations' est allies. The remarks came as the administration "has not tak- have likely resulted in hundreds of concern from mounted that North en an official position on settle- deaths," a report from the United Korea could be readying a new ment activity". Nations human rights office said, ballistic missile test, in what could "While we don't believe the referring to a military crackdown be an early diplomatic challenge for existence of settlements is an launched in the wake of an attack impediment to peace, the con- President Donald Trump's admin- on a military post. struction of new settlements or istration. Witnesses testified to "the kill- Al Jazeera’s Harry Fawcett, the expansion of existing settle- ing of babies, toddlers, children, reporting from Seoul, said: "There ments beyond their current bor- women and elderly; opening fire is a great deal of focus as to poten- ders may not be helpful in at people fleeing; burning of entire achieving that goal," the state- tial change in US policy towards villages; massive detention; mas- North Korea and towards the alli- ment said. sive and systematic rape and sex- ance here in South Korea as well." Trump has signalled he ual violence; deliberate destruction could be more accommodating North Korea, which is techni- of food and sources of food." cally still at war with the South toward settlement projects than The report, which was based since signing an Armistice agree- his predecessor, Barack Obama. on interviews with 204 Rohingya ment in 1953, carried out more than Al Jazeera's Imran Khan, refugees who fled to neighbouring 20 missile tests last year, as well reporting from West Jerusalem, Bangladesh, recounted gruesome as two nuclear tests, in defiance of said there was "certainly a change violations allegedly carried out by UN resolutions and sanctions. of tone" in the White House members of Myanmar's security "North Korea continues to THAAD, saying it will destabi- that. So it remains something of an North Korea," Han said. which produces plutonium that statement. services or civilian fighters work- launch missiles, develop its nucle- lise the regional security balance, open question." The US military has a perma- can be used for its nuclear weap- "In the last two weeks they ing alongside the army and the ar weapons programme and engage leading to calls from some South South Korean Defence Minis- nent base in South Korea and the ons programme, according to US have not reacted at all to the police. Tun Khin, a Rohingya ac- in threatening rhetoric and behav- Korean opposition leaders to de- ter Han Min-koo, though, reaf- two countries conduct regular mil- think-tank 38 North. Once fully tivist, told Al Jazeera that the in- 6,000 new settlements an- developed, a North Korean inter- nounced by the Israelis. And a iour," Mattis said at the end of the lay or cancel it. firmed plans to deploy THAAD itary drills that the North has called ternational community now need- two-day visit - his first overseas "Both governments committed and said Mattis' visit to Seoul - his provocations. The reclusive state continental ballistic missile lot of people, particularly right- ed to change what he called a "soft trip. Missile system themselves to implementing it by first trip as defence secretary - sent has often threatened military ac- (ICBM) could threaten the conti- wing politicians, took that as a approach" towards Myanmar's A US missile defence system, the end of this year, but a presi- a clear message of strong US sup- tion, including nuclear and missile nental US, which is about 9,000km green light," he said. government. known as Terminal High-Altitude dential impeachment scandal is still port. "Faced with a current severe attacks against South Korea and from North Korea. ICBMs have a "This is nowhere near as "Every day Rohingya are fac- Area Defense (THAAD), is due ongoing here," Al Jazeera's Fawc- security situation, Secretary Mat- the US. The North appears to have minimum range of about 5,500km, strong a statement as compared ing abuses and extra-judicial kill- to be deployed in South Korea lat- ett said. "It is possible there will tis' visit to Korea ... also commu- restarted operation of a reactor at but some are designed to travel to the previous administration ings are going on," Khin, who heads under former President Barack er this year. China has objected to be a change in government before nicates the strongest warning to its main Yongbyon nuclear facility 10,000km or more. (BBC) the UK-based Burmese Rohingya Obama." Organisation, said. The White House state- "The [UN Security Council] ment came as Israel ratcheted up Iran slams ' has to come up with a strong bind- settlement activity. On Wednes- ing resolution to take action against day, it said it would establish a provocative' US the Myanmar government," he new settlement in the occupied said, adding that he was pushing West Bank, the first since the warning over hard for the issue to be tabled there. late 1990s. (BBC) The UN said it had reports of missile test three children aged six or younger being "slaughtered with knives". Duterte: 'I will Iran has rejected a warning from "An eight-month-old baby US President Donald Trump's ad- was reportedly killed while his kill more if said in a statement. Turkish jets ministration over its latest missile mother was gang-raped by five destroyed 64 targets, including 45 test as unfounded. security officers," the rights office only to get rid buildings, three bomb-laden vehi- Bahram Ghasemi, the Iranian also said, citing witness accounts. cles and five headquarters used by foreign ministry spokesman, was "What kind of hatred could of drugs' the armed groups in the region quoted as saying on Thursday by make a man stab a baby crying out around al-Bab, according to the state news agency IRNA that the for his mother's milk," UN rights statement. There was no immedi- claims were "baseless, repetitive chief Zeid bin Ra'ad Zeid al-Hus- ate response from ISIL. Turkey and provocative". sein said in the statement. "What Philippine President Rodrigo kind of 'clearance operation' is this? Duterte has declared that the first sent tanks across the border US puts Iran 'on notice' after on August 24 as part of the opera- missile test confirmation What national security goals could country's drug problem has be- possibly be served by this?" come a national security threat, tion Euphrates Shield. Four days "Instead of thanking Iran for later, the Turkish army suffered its continued fight against terror- Fleeing over the border and that he intends to issue an The Rohingya, numbering official order directing the mili- its first fatality in northern Syria, ism ... the American government is in a rocket attack blamed on Kurd- practically helping the terrorists some 1.1 million, are loathed by tary to help in his campaign. many among Myanmar's Buddhist Duterte said on Thursday ish militias. The city is in a strate- by claims about Iran that are base- gic area, close to the Turkish bor- less, repetitive and provocative," majority and live in apartheid-like that he does not intend to de- conditions in the Muslim-majori- clare martial law, but added that der in northern Syria en route to he said. Also on Thursday, a top Raqqa and Idlib. Al-Bab is one of adviser to Supreme Leader Aya- ty Rakhine state in the north. his controversial war against il- Yangon refuses to recognise the legal drugs will continue. the few remaining strongholds of tollah Ali Khamenei said Iran ISIL. If it takes Al-Bab, the Turk- would not yield to "useless" US Rohingya as an ethnic minority, "I'm taking in the AFP instead describing them as illegal (Armed Forces of the Philip- ish military says its next objective threats from "an inexperienced is to clear the whole area and re- person" over its ballistic missile immigrants from neighbouring pines) and raising the issue of Bangladesh, even though many drugs as a national security take the town of Manbij from the programme. "This is not the first SDF, a largely Kurdish militia. time that an inexperienced person have lived in Myanmar for genera- threat so that I will call on all tions. The government's own in- the armed forces to assist," he More than 215 residential ar- has threatened Iran ... the Ameri- Turkish and US-led coalition fight- months, according to a Turkish ing that buildings, defence posts, eas, including Jarablus city in can government will understand vestigation into the violence found said in a speech broadcast on- that the security forces had not line from his hometown of er jets have carried out bombing military statement. shelters and an ammunition depot northern Syria, have been cleared that threatening Iran is useless," raids against ISIL positions near A total of 47 ISIL (also known were destroyed in raids. The Turk- of ISIL as part of the Euphrates Ali Akbar Velayati said, without carried out a genocidal campaign Davao City. against the Rohingya. Referring to suspected drug Syria's al-Bab, a town held by ISIL as ISIS) fighters were "neutralised" ish army also hit 135 Islamic State Shield operation so far, according identifying any US official specif- and besieged by Turkey-backed in clashes and air raids in the past of Iraq and the Levant targets in to the Turkish military. ically in his comments. "Iran does Myanmar's government, led criminals, he said in a mix of by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Filipino and English: "You bleed Syrian rebels for almost two 24 hours, the statement said, add- northern Syria, the General Staff (Al Jazeera) not need permission from any country to defend itself," he was Kyi, has said the allegations are for those sons of a b****es. invented and has resisted mount- How many? Three thousand? I quoted as saying by the semi-offi- cial Fars news agency. President ing foreign pressure to protect the will kill more if only to get rid minority. But Zeid, who has pre- of drugs." Donald Trump himself tweeted Sorin Grindeanu defends graft decree despite protests earlier on Thursday that the Islamic viously urged Yangon to act, hit READ MORE: Philippines back on Friday demanding that army may now join Duterte's republic was now formally "on More than 200,000 Romanians decree decriminalises certain cor- past four years has uncovered al offences. notice" after Sunday's missile test. impunity for such serious crimes 'war on drugs' had to stop. Duterte made the statement across the country protested for a ruption offences and makes abuse myriad conflicts of interest and a The government said it was "Iran has been formally PUT ON third straight day as the prime min- of power punishable by jail only pattern of local officials handing designed to ease prison over- NOTICE for firing a ballistic mis- "The Government of Myan- after the Philippine defence mar must immediately halt these ministry urged him on Wednes- ister refused to squash a decree if the sums involved exceed 44,000 out state-funded contracts in ex- crowding and bring the criminal sile. Should have been thankful for that decriminalises a range of cor- euros ($47,500). change for bribes. code into line with recent consti- the terrible deal the US made with grave human rights violations day to call on the military for against its own people, instead of help in going after drug crimi- ruption offences. Florin Jianu, minister of busi- A day earlier, some 250,000 tutional court rulings. them!" Trump tweeted, echoing Thursday's protest were ness, trade and entrepreneurship, people protested, with the major- Juncker on Wednesday said he similar comments by National Se- continuing to deny they have oc- nals and corrupt police offic- curred," he said. ers. (Al Jazeera) among the biggest rallies in Roma- called his resignation an "ethical" ity taking to Bucharest's streets to was watching developments with curity Advisor Michael Flynn on nia since the end of communism in decision. decry the decree. "great concern", warning that the Wednesday. Later on Thursday, re- About 66,000 people have fled the late 1980s. "Not for my professional hon- The recent decree was adopt- fight against corruption in Roma- sponding to a question about from Rakhine to Bangladesh since Many shouted "Thieves!" and esty, my conscience is clean on that ed barely a month since the Social nia "needs to be advanced, not un- whether he would consider mili- the army launched a security op- Protests grow called on the government to resign. front, but for my child," he wrote Democrat-led government of Grin- done". tary options to respond to Iran, eration in response to attacks on Earlier, after a meeting in Bu- on Facebook. deanu took power. Six western states including Trump told reporters "nothing is police border posts on October 9, as Texas moves charest of his ruling Social Demo- "Am I going to tell him his fa- Romania's top judicial watch- Germany and the US have also crit- off the table". The White House the report said. The UN humani- crats, Prime Minister Sorin Grin- ther was a coward and supported dog has filed a constitutional court icised the government. said Iran's action would not go "un- tarian office has recently put the against deanu said: "We took a decision in actions he does not believe in, or challenge to the decree, which will "The Social Democrats are test- responded to". "We will have fur- figure at 69,000. the government and we are going that he chose to walk away from a take effect in 10 days unless ing how far they can go," Laura ther updates for you on those ad- The UN report was issued in 'sanctuary' to press ahead." is defiant remarks story that isn't his?" blocked by a court ruling. Stefan, an anti-corruption legal ex- ditional actions, but clearly (na- Geneva after the investigators gath- came after the country's business According to local media, more Grindeanu sent a letter on pert said. "If we accept they can tional security adviser Michael ered testimony last month from cities and trade minister resigned over than 200,000 people continued the Wednesday to European Commis- approve emergency decrees un- Flynn) warned to make sure that Rohingya victims and witnesses the decree. protest on Thursday in the capital sion head Jean-Claude Juncker ex- transparently, then tomorrow they Iran understood that they are on who fled the "lockdown area" in A wounded young man is ar- and dozens of cities across the plaining why his cabinet chose to will adopt others and so on. We notice that this is not going unre- Maungdaw in Rakhine for Cox's Texas, US - Hundreds of pro- rested by the riot police [EPA] European Union state, where a pass the decree and a draft bill will wake up without institutions sponded to," said Sean Spicer, the Bazar in Bangladesh. testers took to the Texas capi- Passed late on Tuesday, the crackdown on corruption over the granting prison pardons for sever- overnight." (Al Jazeera) White House spokesman. (BBC) (Bangladesh) tal on Thursday to rally against the halting of more than a mil- lion dollars towards law en- forcement. Earlier, Governor Greg Ab- Thousands mourn mosque shooting deaths in Quebec bott kept to his promise to withhold $1.5m from Travis County's law enforcement in an Thousands of people have gath- origin. Their bodies will be repa- Haj said. Thabti, Hassane and gether, we will overcome hatred and victims," Trudeau said. on Sunday, while Ibrahima Barry effort to penalise Austin's ered in Montreal to mourn and triated to their home countries for Belkacemi were killed when a gun- ignorance. My father will not have "As a community, and as a will be repatriated to Guinea for "sanctuary city" status. honour the memory of three of the burial. "We are here together to man opened fire in a prayer room died in vain,” his son, Amir, post- country, together, we will rise from burial. "Ibrahima Barry was very Sanctuary cities in general six Muslim men who were killed mourn the loss of Canadians who at the Islamic Cultural Centre in ed on Facebook earlier this week. this darkness stronger, more uni- devoted, a leader," Bah said. "They offer safety to undocumented as they prayed at a mosque in tragically left us last Sunday. They Quebec City on Sunday. In total, Canadian Prime Minister Jus- fied, than ever before. Because that were very sympathetic people… migrants and often do not use Quebec City on Sunday evening. leave behind beloved families, six men were killed, and more than tin Trudeau, Quebec Premier Phil- is who we are." who were well integrated, who municipal funds or resources to The families of Khaled Belka- friends, colleagues, and a sense of eight others were seriously injured ippe Couillard, and Quebec City Funeral services will also be were working, who were calm, and advance the enforcement of cemi, Abdelkrim Hassane and emptiness in this country," said in the attack. Mayor Regis Labeaume, were held on Friday in Quebec City for had a sense of faith." Soufiane, 57, federal immigration laws. Sanc- Aboubaker Thabti were joined by Chayma BenHaj, who presided Originally from Tunisia, Thab- among the many political figures the other three men killed in the owned a halal grocery store and tuary city is not an official des- members of the public, Muslim over the funeral. ti, 44, was a pharmacist and the who attended the funeral. attack: Mamadou Tanou Barry and butcher’s shop, and he was the fa- ignation. religious leaders, and political fig- Quebec mosque shooting father of two young children. Tributes paid to Quebec Ibrahima Barry, both from Guin- ther of three children. He had lived Now, Texas politicians are ures in Quebec, during a public puts islamophobia in focus Hassane, 41, was from Alge- shooting victims ea, and Azzedine Soufiane, who is in Quebec City for decades and discussing Senate Bill 4, which funeral service on Thursday after- "Through death, these brave ria, and had three young daughters. "Our country was united and originally from Morocco. served as a leader and confidante aims to cut funding and impose noon. men … united people from differ- “I lost a husband, a father and a showed solidarity with a commu- "We are in mourning," Souley- for members of the local Muslim other consequences on cities Belkacemi, Hassane and Thab- ent nationalities, colours, genders friend,” Hassane’s wife, Louiza, nity whose pride and strength is mane Bah, president of the community. “He was a calm and that provide safe harbour to the ti’s caskets were on display at the and religions. They united all of told Radio-Canada. unshakeable, despite the atrocities Guinean Association of Quebec, kind person," Rachid Ben-Amor, undocumented. Maurice Richard Arena in Mont- Canada. Today, it is with solidari- Also from Algeria, Belkacemi, that afflicted them so unjustly. This told Al Jazeera. one of Soufiane’s close friends, told real, draped in the flags of Tunisia ty, compassion, and love that we 60, was a professor at the Univer- afternoon, it is an entire country Bah said Mamadou Tanou Al Jazeera on Thursday. and Algeria, the men’s countries of cry the loss of these fathers," Ben- sité de Laval in Quebec City. “To- that is joining the families of the Barry will be buried in Montreal (Al Jazeera) SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Amazon Reef: BP, total set Editor: Mansoor Faizy to drill for oil near newly Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] discovered coral reef By Lawrence Carter ly connected with the reef system." regarding use and availability of discovery of the coral reef was Email: [email protected] A spokesperson for Total said: light, and physicochemical water announced, BP and Total have BP and Total are planning to drill "We are well aware that there is a conditions; it has a huge potential ruled out conducting fuller assess- www.afghanistantimes.af for oil near a recently discovered coral reef system located close to for new species and biotechnolo- ments of the impact that explora- coral reef off the coast of Brazil, the Amazon mouth and fully un- gy; it has a very large extension; it tion activities or an oil spill could Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Energydesk can reveal. derstand the need to preserve it, is important to fisheries as well, have on it. Together the oil majors own as it is a unique ecosystem. Before which is an important socioeco- A spokesperson for BP told Advisory editorial board five deepwater exploration licenc- the scientific publication you re- nomic aspect of the Amazonian Energydesk: "The reef system you es in the Foz do Amazonas fer to, Total had already performed Coastal Zone." refer to has been known since the Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, (Mouth of the Amazon River) ba- an extensive environmental char- Another member of the team, 1970s; the recent 2016 study con- sin and are expected to be granted acterization in the area where the oceanographer Patricia Yager, told tains more detail about the sys- Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir permits to begin exploratory drill- blocks are located. Total has com- the National Geographic that the tem. ing early this year -- once their plemented the initial study after reef contains some of the most "The environmental impact Graphic-Designer: environmental impact assessments Moura´s scientific paper -- al- amazing animals she has ever seen assessment for the block, which Edriss Akbari, Bilal Yusufi are approved by the Brazilian gov- though Total had identified the reef on an expedition. was submitted in 2015, acknowl- ernment. system beforehand, during the Endangered and Endemic Spe- edged the presence of the reef sys- Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: The nearest of these blocks is Environmental Impact Studies." cies tem c. 35km away from the block just 8 km from the reef, which was A Unique Discovery The region is also home to spe- in water depths up to 120m -- far Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0778894038, 0782344728 was described by National Geo- The reef -- which is believed cies that don't exist anywhere else shallower than any point in the Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan graphic as "one of the most sur- to be over 600 miles long and on earth, such as the Amazon river block (2400-3400m water depth)." prising finds in modern sea re- stretches from the southern tip of dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and Contrary to BP's claims Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 search" when it was announced French Guiana to Brazil's Mara- Amazonian manatee (Trichechus though, the reef was not known last year. nhão State -- lies beneath the thick inunguis). about in the 1970s -- scientists Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press The scientists who discovered plume of muddy water where the According to Total and BP's suspected there was a reef in the it are worried that an oil spill could Amazon pours into the Atlantic environmental assessment, endem- region for decades, but coral was dramatically affect the coral reef Ocean. ic species such as these "are par- only discovered in 2014 and an- and say the Brazilian ministry of The discovery amazed scien- ticularly vulnerable to extinction nounced last year. The constitution says environment, IBAMA, should re- tists because the murky waters if their habitat is impacted." Total is the lead partner and Article 74: quire the companies to submit new shield the ocean floor from sun- Both the Amazon river dolphin operator in its five blocks, with a Article Seventy-Four: Before assuming office, the Ministers shall take the following environmental studies fully ad- light for long periods of the year. and Amazonian manatee are cate- 40% stake -- BP and the Brazilian oath in the presence of the President: “In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Mer- dressing the potential risks to the But rather than use photosyn- gorized as "vulnerable species" by state-owned oil major Petrobras ecosystem. thesis, most of the corals in the the IUCN, which means there is a each own a 30% share. ciful, I swear in the name of God Almighty that I shall protect the Holy religion of Islam, Total and BP told Energydesk Foz do Amazonas appear to rely high risk of extinction in the wild. BP is also the operator of an- respect the Constitution and other laws of Afghanistan, safeguard the rights of citizens that the existing environmental on chemosynthesis, a process in Several endangered species are other block each in the area, to- as well as independence, territorial integrity and the national unity of the people of Af- studies acknowledge the reef and which organic matter and energy also present in the area, including gether with Petrobras. The British ghanistan, and, in all my deeds consider the Almighty’s presence, performing the en- said they plan to proceed without is produced from carbon dioxide, the critically endangered hawksbill oil major says it plans to begin ex- further risk assessments. water and other inorganic sub- sea turtle. ploration in late 2017 or early trusted duties honestly.” Ultra-Deep Water Drilling stances -- without the presence of Carry on Regardless 2018. According to speculative esti- light. IBAMA is expected to ap- London-listed mining firm, mates by the Brazilian govern- Dr. Asp told Energydesk that prove the environmental studies BHP Billiton, owns two deepwa- ment, the Foz do Amazonas basin the discovery is a significant one: submitted by Total and its part- ter blocks in the Foz do Amazo- could hold up to 14 billion barrels "This reef system is important for ners in the coming weeks. nas, while Petrobras owns two of oil. many reasons, including the fact And, despite the fact that these blocks that appear to directly over- Total has identified nine po- that it has unique characteristics studies were submitted before the lap the reef. (Alarabya) tential sites for the initial round of exploratory drilling in its five blocks. BP also owns another block in the basin and says it plans to The Egyptian roots of feminism begin exploration towards the end of 2017 or early 2018. By Khaled Diab a whopping $385bn of wealth in Egyptian women. All of BP and Total's blocks the Gulf as a whole. Unlike in to- Under the protective gaze of are in ultra-deepwater, with the Like our Greek cousins across the day's West, ancient Greek women the goddess Isis, who signified the first two drilling sites in depths of were not regarded as citizens, could throne of Egypt, women were en- 1900m and 2400m — far exceed- Mediterranean, Egyptians take he embassy of India to Kabul says it has simplified the outsized pride in their contribu- not vote, and were excluded from titled to work, own property, go ing the 1500m that Deepwater many public spaces. They went to court, bear witness, serve on a visa condition for the Afghan citizens. According to the Horizon was drilling in at the time tions to shaping human civilisa- tion, partly as an antidote to our from their father's guardianship to jury and much more. In their pri- of the disaster. their husband's. vate lives, they had the right to embassy’s statement, the period for tourist visa has changed The news comes after Ener- contemporary state of disarray. For their part, Europe and Spartan exception choose their partner freely, to mar- to one year during which, the visitor can stay for three months. gydesk last year revealed details The relative exception to this ry out of love, to spell out detailed of a leaked BP report, outlining America have enjoyed an infatua- tion with ancient Egyptian civili- was Sparta, where women could prenuptial agreements to protect Previously it was one month. how a litany of failures in the way own property, be educated and, them and their children, and to di- BP manages critical engineering sation ever since Egypt fell into the European sphere of influence unlike their shrouded Athenian sis- vorce for any reason they wished. Also, the business visa term is from one to five years and the information may be increasing the ters, were free to exercise outdoors In fact, in ancient Egypt "marriage" risk of major accidents at the oil in the 19th century and the archi- Afghan traders can stay there up to 180 days. tectural splendour of the pharaohs and dress in revealing clothes. This was very different to our concep- giant's plants across the world. prompted Aristotle to partly tions of it. Marriage was not a re- Scientists' Concern entered popular culture. But while As an old and time-tested friend, India has helped the people ancient Greece is widely regarded blame the downfall of Sparta on ligious matter in Egypt, no cere- The discovery of the reef has the freedom its women enjoyed. mony involving a priest took of Afghanistan in different sectors, from reconstruction to educa- raised concerns that oil exploration as the cradle of western civilisa- tion, ancient Egypt is generally "The want of men was their ruin," place, but simply a social conven- in the area poses a threat to a vast the famed philosopher concluded, tion that required an agreement, tion and from healthcare assistance to cultural cooperation. ecosystem that isn't yet under- viewed as a distant remote and ex- otic land that bears little direct re- because women, in his view, owned explain Egyptologists Bob Brier stood. too much of Sparta's property and Hoyt Hobbs. 'Reversing the Afghan people will not forget New Delhi’s basic works here. In a paper published in Sci- lation to contemporary life in the West. Although ancient Greek phi- which resulted in the "disorder of common practice of mankind' Giv- Indians have helped us in building roads, dams, health centers. ence the scientists who made the the women [that] tends in a mea- en the huge disparity between discovery said: "The environmen- losophy, science and culture have exercised a profound influence on sure to foster avarice". Spartan Egyptian women today and their The new building of parliament was also a gift from Indian peo- tal baseline compiled by the com- women were not the most empow- ancient sisters, it is little wonder panies and the Brazilian govern- European society since the Renais- ple to Afghans, while, unfortunately we see efforts by some of sance, the influence of Egypt on ered in the ancient world. In fact, that Greek travellers expressed dis- ment is still incipient and largely the relative rights they enjoyed may when visiting ancient Egypt. based on sparse museum speci- western civilisation should not be other neighboring countries to more destabilize our country. underestimated, both directly and paled into insignificance compared "In most of their manners and cus- mens." with their Egyptian counterparts. toms, [Egyptians] exactly reverse "Such large-scale industrial ac- through its influence on Greece and The new measure on simplifying visa condition is another good Rome. Unlike women anywhere in the the common practice of mankind," tivities present a major environ- world until the 20th century, Egyp- observed the ancient Greek histo- news for Afghan people. Afghans travel to India with different mental challenge, and companies One area where Egypt de- serves the title of the cradle of tian women were essentially the rian Herodotus. "The women at- should catalyze a more complete legal equals of men for millennia. tend the markets and trade, while purposes. Some go for higher education, others for business, some social-ecological assessment of the western civilisation is, perhaps surprisingly, gender equality. In Despite their legal equality, Egyp- the men sit at home at the loom." also want to visit India’s beautiful historic sights. But the major- system before impacts become tian women experienced something While Herodotus was wrong about extensive and conflicts among the ancient Greece, women's status bore little resemblance to the con- that would be familiar to their 21st- Egyptian men, few of whom prac- ity of them are patients who go there for treatment. stakeholders escalate." century counterpart: the glass ceil- tised role reversal, he was right Dr Nils Asp, one of the scien- temporary West and was more In the past, during the Soviet-backed government when Af- akin to that in the most conserva- ing. "From our earliest preserved about the women, who could the- tists, told Energydesk that he is records in the Old Kingdom on, oretically pursue any profession worried about the impacts of oil tive Muslim countries today - and, ghans could not get visa from the most of countries, India was in some ways, was far worse, as the formal legal status of Egyptian or career they wished. While Greek exploration on the reef: "The main women - whether unmarried, mar- women could not practise medi- concern is related to the possibili- Greek women were generally not one of a few countries that issued visa for them. allowed to own property. In con- ried, divorced or widowed - was cine until the advent of Agnodice - ty of oil spills and how dramati- nearly identical with that of Egyp- who fled Athens to study in Alex- Indians’ welcoming Afghans has another impact too. It sends a cally this could affect the reef, as trast, Saudi women, who are not allowed to drive, at least own the tian men," observes professor of andria - female doctors were high- well as the mangrove coast of the Egyptology Janet Johnson, whose ly regarded in Egypt. message to the world that Afghan people are not supporting ter- region, which is ecologically high- lion's share of the kingdom's cash, rorism and they are victims of this anti-human act. and female entrepreneurs manage special interests include ancient (Aljazeera) While some of the regional countries see their benefit and sta- bility in instability of Afghanistan and try to help for making our country insecure, Indians have always been trying to help Af- ghans aimed at having a peaceful life. They like Afghanistan to be a stable, secure, self-sufficient and united Afghanistan. Indi- ans know that a peaceful and united Afghanistan is in benefit of Our silen ce is sin the region, while the region will not be safe when Afghanistan is unsafe. Vio le n ce again s t w o m e n Afghans eager to more strengthen relationships with their Indi- an friends and their trips there as well as Indians’ visit to Af- ghanistan would strengthen friendships, especially that Afghans are big fans of the Bollywood movies and stars. While we are happy to have friendly relations with India, we are also interested in become friends with other regional coun- tries and our neighboring states. To reach this goal, we want these states to positively respond our request so that we have a calm and happy life in the region. Subscription Rates Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

By Caitlin Breedlove America want to be safe." Like so have a deep respect for what they many of Trump's cronies, she ech- do. Thousands of faith leaders are ac- oes the zero-sum game message: Christians and others who are tivating and rising to the moment in order for white, straight Chris- being painted as inside Trump's around the idea of sanctuary for tians and conservatives to be safe, circle of protection must do the those targeted by Trump's regime. some people will have to be same in this moment. We need the From airport protests to local or- banned, some deported, others si- white Christians whom Trump is ganizing around elected officials, lenced, and some dead. claiming to "protect" to say, "Not we are bringing our prayers, hands We already know that in our name, or in the name of false and communities into the fight Trump's vision of "making Amer- illusions about our safety." against the massive attacks we are ica great again" is a project that Trump and the religious right living through. requires those who have been are giving us profoundly false no- It is crucial for religious groups painted as foreign, as dark, as tions of what the role of religion to consider community defense queer, or as non-Christian to be and faith should be in our lives strategies that align with our deep- removed. Removed physically, and our political landscape. The est spiritual values. But we must removed as priorities, as people real role of spirituality in our time, also do this work inside a context with voices and bodies and real in my mind, is the ancestral and of how we got to this moment, families with needs. Removed current connection to life's deep- and what responsibility in this from the stories and narratives of est meaning, to our covenant with moment looks like for those of us who lives and who matters in this each other, to our hope for spiri- in faith communities that are not country. tual and embodied salvation for being targeted, as well as those of Liberation projects in our time all of us, no matter how marginal- us in faith communities that require those of us painted as out- ized. Trump claims he represents. In siders and as "the other" to rise So, what can we do? Across my work with Unitarian Univer- up and claim our lives as our own, the country, in towns like Chica- salists nationally, I see everyday to be determined by us. But, they go, Phoenix, Nashville, Louisville how much these communities are also require our neighbors who are and Atlanta, Black and Brown working to engage in progressive cast as insiders to rise up, resist communities are uniting forces to social change. and transform this moment. The wage local campaigns demanding Trump has claimed that his Trump administration has named mayors support an expanded and new ban on Muslims is about pro- Christians, white people, straight intersectional definition of sanc- tecting the US from terrorists, but people and those of us who are tuary. In the coming weeks, many we know better. Moreover those not trans as its insiders -- so all of communities will begin building of us who are part of faith com- these groups bear a particular re- Community Defense Zone cam- munities know we have to ask sponsibility to oppose the ban- paigns that will work to protect ourselves what our role will be in ning of whole communities based those targeted by widening the the resistance to Trump's at- on religion and on racism. circle of who is organized through tempts to employ conservative I think of what I have learned deep outreach. Thousands of faith Christian leaders (in particular) as from my friends at Iraq Veterans communities are wrestling with generals and ground troops in his Against the War as they have ris- how to use their buildings and army against Muslims, against im- en up for their own humanity as space to support sanctuary and migrants and against LGBTQ vets, and as part of progressive community defense work. More communities. movements. They are dangerous work is surely emerging as I write This week, former Arizona to a far-right agenda because they this. Our opportunities to do the Gov. Jan Brewer said, in response have defected from systems of kill- soul work needed are all around to the Muslim ban: "People in ing and false notions of security. I us. (Truthout)

By Amantha Perera By the third week of January, the supplies will be a deeply unpop- domestic product," UNCCD said government's Disaster Manage- ular move. Apart from the short- in a statement to IPS. The warnings are stark, the in- ment Center said that over term impacts of such frequent ex- In rural Sri Lanka, the impact structions, for a change, clear. 900,000 were receiving water treme weather events, experts also of generations of land use with- Sri Lanka is heading into one brought in from outside. worry about the long term impli- out proper care is clear. of its worst droughts in recent his- "Even if the country receives cations. In the southern Hambantota tory, and according some esti- average rains in the months of Jan- "Changing climate is an issue District, farmers who depend on mates the worst in 30 years. uary and February 2017, it is high- we have to deal with, our policies water supply for cultivation have The reservoirs are running on ly unlikely that the current now have to reflect awareness as been moving deeper into forests empty, at 30 percent or less ca- drought situation will improve well as adaptation measures," Di- and reserves as water availability pacity. Only 12 percent of the is- until March 2017," the joint as- saster Management Minister Anu- becomes less and less reliable in land's power generation is cur- sessment warned. Large tracts of ra Priyadarshna Yapa said. One more populated areas. rently from hydropower and 85 land, like these in the Sinhapura of these long-term consequences In the Andaraweva area in percent comes from thermal, with area of Sri Lanka’s North Central that is rarely highlighted is the Hambantota, about 20 km from a staggering 41 percent from coal. Polonnaruwa Province, have been impact droughts have on land deg- the closest town a large banana The rains have stayed away like denuded by years of overuse. radation. The United Nations' plantation has come up within never before. (Photo: Convention to Combat Desertifi- what is essentially a forest re- According to a recent survey Sanjana Hattotuwa / IPS) cation (UNCCD) estimates that serve. The plantation which could by the World Food Programme Large tracts of land, like these in 45 percent of the country's rural be as large 20 acres, gains water (WFP) and the government, last the Sinhapura area of Sri Lanka's population was living in degrad- from a tank meant to be for wild- year's rains were 23 percent less North Central Polonnaruwa Prov- ing agricultural areas at the turn of life nearby. than the 30-year average. One of ince, have been denuded by years the millennium, and that within a The cultivators who have ob- the long-term consequences that of overuse. decade that population grew by a tained written permission from is rarely highlighted is the impact (Photo: Sanjana Hattotuwa / further 20 percent. local government officials to use droughts have on land degrada- IPS) The government has already Researchers at the UNCCD the tank water, much to chagrin tion. slashed taxes on rice imports to headquarters warned that "when of wildlife officials, use five in- Now the instructions: Use fend off price hikes as well as there is drought, most of the plant dustrial level pumps powered by water sparingly, do not wash ve- shortages and decided to buy cover dies, which leaves the land small tractor motors to pump the hicles with pipe-borne water, do power on short-term agreements exposed to wind erosion, and to water and send it about a1km into not put air conditioning below 26 from private suppliers till the next water erosion when the rains re- the plantation. C, and light bonfires in the morn- rains. The additional power pur- turn. The small lake is being dried ing if you want to protect your chases are expected to cost the In addition, long dry spells can out by the over use of water, forc- crops from the morning mist, a government Rs 50b. make it difficult for the ground to ing wildlife officials to despair forerunner, according to local yore, It has also restricted water soak up the rainfall, which is the over water for animals. of a impending drought. supply to areas where there is an source of ground water." "We have been abusing our "It is a very serious situation, acute shortage of safe water and A little known fact is that land water resources for so long, at least something that we have not faced the rains failed yet again last year than usual. The effects have been tion level experienced in Sri Lan- ordered a survey of private wells. degradation has serious impact on now we should be more careful in a long time, but we are taking around September. In fact, in catastrophic. Of a possible ka during the last thirty years," Millions of Sri Lankan households Sri Lanka's economy. "Land deg- with it, or we would have to be precautions," said Lalith Chan- 2016, there were only three days 800,000 acres, only a little above the WFP-government joint survey use dug wells for domestic con- radation may be costing Sri Lanka really, really sorry," head of the darapala, the head of the Meteo- of exceptionally high rains, dur- 300,000 was planted with the sta- said. It estimated that by end of sumption without any purview up to about 300 million United Hambantota Wildlife office Ajith rological Department. ing mid-May, when 300 mm fell ple rice crops during the last har- December, already close to a mil- by any authority. States dollars every year. Gunathunga said. It was his department that on some parts of the island. On vesting season due to lack of wa- lion people were affected by the Any move to curtail such use That is approximately one (Aljazeera) first warned of the drought when either side of them, it was drier ter. "This is the lowest cultiva- drought in 23 of the 25 districts. or to use these wells for public percent of the country's gross LETTER TO THE EDITOR The prolong war

Afghanistan has been in war for more than three decades. However By Can Kasapoglu ly controlled an area of 2,000sq the last street. In its al-Bab defen- elements have been conducting as- this war should be concluded through any ways and means as the Af- km as it reached al-Bab. The Turk- sive action, ISIL relies on subter- saults targeting the ISIL lines of On August 24, 2016, Turkey ish forces' achievements in the east ranean and tunnel warfare, suicide communication in Qabasin and ghan masses have been tired of war and desperately looking toward launched a military operation in of Azaz and Mare towns, and in vehicle-borne improvised explo- Bza'a towns, as well as outflank- peace and security to be restored in the war-hit country. northern Syria, dubbed Operation Dabiq, were especially of key im- sive devices, and man-portable anti- ing manoeuvres in adjacent areas. Euphrates Shield. Turkish officials portance in paving the way to- tank guided missiles. Geopolitical Notably, in the face of emerging Peace is the first demand of the masses. The National Unity Gov- declared that the cross-border in- wards a final push towards al-Bab. factors also posed additional chal- challenges, the Turkish military ernment should take every available resource to restore peace and se- cursion was grounded on the self- Moreover, the operation secured lenges to the operation. Al-Bab has has altered its force composition defence rights codified under the the necessary territorial depth into remained ISIL's main stronghold in in the Operation Euphrates Shield. curity in the country. No more room left for the already troubled Af- United Nations Charter Article 51. Syria for Turkey's defence in or- the west of the Euphrates River, From its outset, the campaign was ghans to further bear the brunt of casualties.Government should con- Ankara explained that the main der to confront ISIL's attrition ef- which made its defensive more per- planned as a joint effort by em- objectives of the cross-border mil- forts. As the military operation sistent. Besides, the slowdown of ploying armoured and artillery vince the Taliban insurgents to shun violence or they will face with iron itary campaign were to maintain progressed towards capturing al- anti-ISIL operations in Raqqa and units, mechanised infantry, air hands of the Afghan security forces through military operations in order border security and confront the Bab by November-December Mosul has helped the terrorist force, unmanned aerial vehicles, Islamic State of Iraq and the Le- 2016, determining parameters and group to reinforce and fortify al- and engineering and signal units. to eliminate them all. vant (ISIL) terrorism, and to deny military characteristics of the con- Bab. Also, ISIL's lines of commu- Especially following the al-Bab Ahmad Sayeed, Kabul Afghanistan the Kurdistan Workers' Party flict shifted. As the fighting car- nication around the town were not stage, Turkey has deployed its elite (PKK) terrorist organisation - as ried on, ISIL adopted hybrid tac- completely destroyed or besieged forces from various branches that well as its affiliates Syrian PYD/ tics - a synchronised form of regu- before the operation kicked off. are experienced in counterterror- YPG - a fait accompli to create au- lar and irregular fighting. Lessons This complex battleground brought ism operations, notably units with tonomous zones on Turkey's door- learned from ISIL's way of fight- along increases in Turkish casual- experience against the PKK in mil- Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must step. In its fifth month, the big- ing in urban areas suggest that ru- ties. Yet, especially with recent itary operations in urbanised ter- have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: gest endeavour of the Euphrates ral belts surrounding villages and Turkish deployments, the fall of rain. Deployment of more com- [email protected] Shield revolves around al-Bab. towns are where the terrorist net- al-Bab remains fairly achievable. mando units in Syria shows that Changing military parameters The work puts up the most aggressive The Turkish strategy in al-Bab the Turkish military's role has Turkish campaign was proven ef- resistance. Despite the challenges, From a military strategic stand- reached well beyond fire-support, fective in terms of operational tem- achieving military victory against point, the Turkish offensive in al- armoured manoeuvres, and air po and military-geostrategic ISIL in al-Bab is well within Tur- Bab has pursued two simultaneous strikes to support local Free Syri- Disclaimer: progress. Especially in the initial key's capabilities. Yet clearing al- tactical objectives. In the west, an Army (FSA) and Turkmen ele- stages started from Jarablus, Tur- Bab from ISIL would not be the Turkish forces pushed for fully ments. Some experts suggested The views and opinions expressed in the articles are key captured its operational tar- end of the game. Moreover, ISIL seizing the critical high ground of that such a move was made to those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or gets swiftly. Speaking in military- follows a strategy in its defensive Aqil mountain and the hospital compensate for FSA elements' lim- geostrategic terms, the operation action that aims to increase cost district by joint combined arms ited combat capabilities in fighting opinions of the Afghanistan Times. cleared an area of 1,100sq km in and burden on Turkey, rather than operations. In the northeast, elite ISIL. the first 50 days, and subsequent- defending the urban territory to Turkish troops and friendly local (Aljazeera) SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Myanmar army killed, raped in Rohingya ethnic cleansing: UN

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has warned Pyongyang that any nuclear attack by N. Korea would trigger an "effective" response. But how is China looking at the Trump administration's aggressive stance towards its ally? The United States is planning to of the weapon, experts are unsure not be tolerated, and I believe that use joint military exercises with how accurate Kim's boast is - al- Obama would have done the South Korea in March as a show though they agree that separate same," he said. There is evidence of force to both Pyongyang and tests of nuclear warheads and long- to support that belief, with Obama Beijing that President Donald range missiles demonstrate that his ordering US aircraft to overfly Trump intends to follow through scientists are edging ever-closer to South Korean airspace after the on his vows to be firm with the giving North Korea a nuclear mis- North's SLBM test in October and enemies of America. There were sile capable of striking targets in using targeting technology to sim- indications that the US military the continental US. Trump fa- ulate a strike on key targets in presence will be larger than in pre- mously Tweeted "It won't happen" North Korea. "That was a very se- vious years for the regularly sched- - but Kingston believes it is dan- rious message designed to make uled exercises even before new US gerous to "draw red lines" because Pyongyang think twice," Nagy Defense Secretary James Mattis the president is backing himself said. "And I don't think that arrived in Seoul on Thursday to into a corner. What happens, he Trump's approach is very differ- deliver the blunt message that asks, if Kim does carry out an ent from that or out of line." North Washington remains committed to ICBM test launch? Will Trump Korea failed ballistic missile launch protecting its South Korean ally. feel that his power has been chal- (picture-alliance/dpa/KNCA) In The USS Carl Vinson supercarrier lenged and that he has no choice his New Year's address to the na- has already arrived in the western cism from China, which claims pus of Temple University. but to retaliate, leading to a rapid tion, Kim stated that his military Pacific with its supporting fleet that it threatens to unbalance re- "But this will, of course, sig- escalation in responses? Kombi- has perfected an ICBM And he after departing from San Diego on gional security. Mattis emphasized nificantly ratchet up tensions with Bild Kim Jong Un Donald Trump does not believe that it will come January 5. The US Air Force has once again during his visit to Seoul South Korea's immediate neighbor, 'Obama would have done the same' down to a question of which lead- Myanmar’s security forces have khine for the Cox’s Bazar district also announced that an additional that THAAD is solely designed which, we must remember, is on with North Korea, says expert er blinks first. "The North Korean committed mass killings and gang in Bangladesh. 12 F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to protect South Korea from North the brink of developing an inter- Stephen Nagy, an associate pro- regime sees its nuclear weapons as rapes of Rohingya Muslims and The plight of the stateless are to be deployed to Osan Air Korean ballistic missiles, but continental ballistic missile capa- fessor of international relations at being a guarantee of their survival burned their villages since Octo- Rohingya, of whom some 1.1 mil- Base before the end of February. Beijing is unlikely to be mollified. bility," he told DW. 'Harshly neg- Tokyo's International Christian and it is sufficient that they are ber in a campaign that “very like- lion live in apartheid-like condi- There are also suggestions that the "This is a gesture by the Trump ative' "It seems to me that the pol- University, says North Korea's able to continue to develop the ly” amounts to crimes against hu- tions in Rakhine, has long been a exercises may include strategic administration to demonstrate that icy of strategic patience that was development of an ICBM or sub- technology, but they also serve to manity and possibly ethnic cleans- source of friction between Myan- bombers. THAAD deployment it is committed to the security of exercised by the last US govern- marine-launched ballistic missiles legitimize the regime and, poten- ing, the U.N. human rights office mar and Bangladesh. On Wednesday, Mattis and his its allies in Asia and it will be par- ment may be over, and that the are a "game-changer" - but that in- tially, as a bargaining chip," he add- said on Friday. Myanmar has denied almost South Korean counterpart, Han ticularly welcomed in South Ko- reaction from North Korea is go- stead of a stepped-up response to ed. And while tensions on the Ko- Witnesses had testified to “the all allegations of human rights abus- Min-goo, reaffirmed in a telephone rea, given that Trump has sowed ing to be harshly negative." In his North Korea, Trump's reactions rean Peninsula will inevitably rise killing of babies, toddlers, children, es in northern Rakhine and says a conversation that they will push so many doubts during the cam- New Year's address to the nation, are in line with the latter days of in the immediate future, it is clear women and elderly; opening fire lawful counterinsurgency cam- ahead with plans to deploy a bat- paign about just how committed North Korean leader Kim Jong-un Barack Obama's presidency. Esca- that Japan and South Korea will at people fleeing; burning of entire paign is under way. While denying tery of the US Army's Terminal he was to continuing security alli- stated that his military has per- lating forces "By escalating the welcome Washington's renewed villages; massive detention; mas- observers and independent jour- High Altitude Area Defense ances with South Korea and Ja- fected an ICBM and is ready to forces in these military exercises, commitment to their security - sive and systematic rape and sex- nalists access to the conflict area, (THAAD) anti-missile system. pan," said Jeff Kingston, director use it "at any time." Given that Washington is making a clear mes- whether that be threatened by ual violence; deliberate destruction officials have accused Rohingya The plan has attracted fierce criti- of Asian Studies at the Japan cam- there have been no successful tests sage to North Korea that its will North Korean. (DW) of food and sources of food”, the residents and refugees of fabricat- report said. ing stories of killings, beatings, One woman told U.N. inves- mass rape and arson in collabora- tigators how her eight-month baby tion with insurgents who they say Heavy rain boy had had his throat slit. Anoth- are Rohingya terrorists with links Refugees face uncertain er was raped by soldiers and saw to Islamists overseas. her five-year-old daughter killed as Zeid called for a robust reac- causes flash she tried to stop them. tion from the international com- future in Indonesia “The devastating cruelty to munity and said Myanmar must floods in which these Rohingya children accept responsibility for commit- after Trump suspends have been subjected is unbearable,” ting grave human rights violations Tampines, U.N. High Commissioner for Hu- against its own people. “What man Rights Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein kind of hatred could make a man resettlement Lorong Halus, said in a statement. stab a baby crying out for his moth- “The ‘area clearance opera- er’s milk? And for the mother to Work on TAPI to commence other areas tions’ have likely resulted in hun- witness this murder while she is dreds of deaths,” the U.N. report being gang-raped by the very se- According to news sources, a se- been awarded the project manage- Heavy rain caused flash floods in said. Around 66,000 people have curity forces who should be pro- nior Pakistani official has stated ment consultant contract by the some parts of Singapore including fled from the Muslim-majority tecting her - what kind of ‘clear- that a route survey and detailed TAPI company. Tampines and Lorong Halus on northern part of Rakhine State to ance operation’ is this?” he asked. engineering and feasibility studies It also reported that Pakistan’s Friday (Feb 3) evening. Bangladesh since Myanmar’s mil- “What national security goals on the long-awaited 1680 km Turk- Inter State Gas Systems Manag- A video posted on Friday on itary launched a security operation could possibly be served by this?” menistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan- ing Director, Mobin Saulat, said Facebook page Beh Chia Lor - Sin- in response to attacks on police Bangladesh is determined to India (TAPI) gas pipeline, will take that the consultant is ready to con- gapore Road showed vehicles at- border posts on Oct. 9, the U.N. relocate Rohingya Muslims flee- place in Pakistan this month. duct the route survey, detailed en- tempting to go around the water report said. The U.N. humanitar- ing violence in Myanmar to an is- As cited by the Hindustan gineering and feasibility study this that had pooled on a dip in the ian office has recently put the fig- land in the Bay of Bengal, a Bang- Times, The Express Tribune re- month. road near Lorong Halus. ure at 69,000. The U.N. report was ladeshi minister said on Wednes- ported that German firm, ILF, has (Energyglobal) The vehicles' tyres were half issued in Geneva after the investi- day. Critics say the island is unin- submerged. gators gathered testimony last habitable. The minister said the Over at Block 275, Tampines month from 220 Rohingya victims move was temporary and Myan- Street 22, the rain pooled at the and witnesses who fled the “lock- mar would ultimately have to take base of a staircase, with one nurse down area” in Maungdaw in Ra- the Rohingyas back. (Reuters) Azerbaijan, Switzerland Iraqi asylum seeker Ayman, right, chats with his brother, left, and posting a video of the water on friend, center, during an interview with The Associated Press at tempo- Facebook. mark 25th anniversary of rary home in Puncak, West Java, Indonesia, Jan. 31, 2017. Ms Nurimah Mohd Alip, 34, Thai military seeks U.S. President Donald Trump's crease the flow of refugees and told The Straits Times that she was diplomatic relations decision to block entry to the U.S. migrants to the island nation. In- political reconciliation for citizens of seven Muslim ma- donesia is not a signatory to the jority nations has sparked a huge 1951 U.N. Convention on refu- On the occasion of the 25th anni- tance of inter-parliamentary rela- popular backlash, but the policy gees, so it functions as a point of ahead of national elections versary of the establishment of tions. that stands to affect even more transit until they are resettled by The Thai military government is Analysts say Thailand’s new diplomatic relations between Az- Mammadyarov mentioned people is his 120-day suspension the UNHCR in a third country, making a new bid at political rec- erbaijan and Switzerland, the two that more than 70 Swiss compa- king, Maha Vajiralongkorn, may of all refugee resettlement in the which can take up to ten years. onciliation ahead of general elec- also be an influence in the process countries’ foreign ministries have nies are operating in Azerbaijan and United States. The presidential "For decades, the United States has tions likely in 2018. The latest ef- had an exchange of letters. SOCAR is successfully operating after the 70-year reign of his fa- executive order, issued last week, been a global leader in refugee pro- fort to advance “the road map to ther, Bhumipol Adulyadej, who In his letter, Azerbaijani For- in Switzerland, adding that Swit- calls for the suspension of visas tection, a tradition rooted in the democracy” through cross-party eign Minister Elmar Mammad- zerland’s involvement in transport passed away in October. Thitinan and other immigration benefits to tolerance and generosity of the talks is being led by Deputy Prime Pongsudhirak, a political scientist yarov underlined the existence of and railway projects in Azerbaijan citizens of Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, American people," said Mitra Sal- Minister and Defense Minister huge potential for bilateral coop- are contributing to bilateral ties at Chulalongkorn University, in a Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Those ima Suryono of UNHCR Indone- Prawit Wongsuan. Prawit said the commentary in the Singapore- eration between the two countries, and that this country opens up countries were named in a 2016 sia. "We hope that this suspension aim is to establish among the di- noting that the partnership cover- vast opportunities in large swathes based Straits Times, said the new law concerning immigration visas is temporary and that the U.S. will vided parties common ground and king’s reign “will likely spell chang- ing a variety of areas continues of territory stretching from the Far as "countries of concern." It also continue its strong leadership role solicit ideas on a range of issues, developing, the Azerbaijani foreign East to Northern Europe. es to Thailand’s political configu- suspends the U.S. Refugee Admis- in protecting those who are fleeing including politics, social develop- rations and dynamics.” “The reign ministry told APA on Feb. 3. Mammadyarov also stressed sions Program for 120 days, while conflict and persecution." She said ment, the environment, foreign af- He also noted that the two the development of cooperation in may also bring about a more level- officials reevaluate its procedures, resettlement is a sign of "tangible fairs and mass media. A political playing field in Thai politics in the sides hold dynamic political dia- the areas of education, culture, ag- and limits the number of refugees solidarity" with major refugee- adviser to Prawit, Panitan Wat- logue and emphasized the impor- riculture, tourism, etc. (APA) near term,” Thitinan said. As that may be admitted to the Unit- hosting countries like Indonesia, tanaygorn, said the military is seek- Crown Prince, Vajiralongkorn had ed States to 50,000 within the 2017 which shoulder the brunt of the ing a smooth transition of power close ties with former Prime Min- fiscal year, the 12-month period displacement crisis despite having back to a civilian administration. ister Thaksin Shinawatra, who that ends on September 30. One far less resources and GDP than National reforms proposed lives in exile after fleeing the coun- group that is particularly distressed developed countries. "In Indone- Karabakh reports over 400 by the suspension is the 14,000 sia, refugees of various nationali- refugees and asylum seekers in In- ties who are fleeing for their lives shots from Azeri side overnight donesia. The United States was the and in need of protection are af- on her way to her son's tuition cen- biggest recipient of Indonesia's dis- fected by the suspension….some tre at about 5.30pm when she saw The Azerbaijani side used firearms Instiglal sniper rifles in the south- placed peoples, the vast majority of their cases have been accepted the flash flood. of different calibers, including snip- eastern direction, the Ministry of whom are Muslims. "In 2016 while others are going through vet- She said the heavy downpour er rifles, as it violated the ceasefire said. alone there were 790 people reset- ting and other clearances," said caused the water to "reach above about 30 times at the line of con- The front divisions of the tled to the United States," said Febi Suryono. "Many have been mak- my ankle", which she waded tact with the Karabakh forces last NKR Defense Army refrained Yonesta, chairman of SUAKA, the ing plans to rebuild their lives in through. night. from response actions and confi- Indonesian Civil Society Network the U.S. after years of waiting in Flash floods occurred in No- The rival fired more than 400 dently continued with their mili- for Refugee Rights Protection. "If refugee camps or precarious urban vena too, with water rising to about shots in the direction of the Arme- tary duty all along the line of con- Trump's policy continues, Indo- situations." They are worried, mid-wheel levels. nian positions, the NKR Defense tact. nesia's displaced population will shocked, and afraid, she said. The The National Environment Ministry reports. (Armradio) get seriously backed up." Aggra- top three countries of origin for Agency had issued a tweet around The Azerbaijani forces used vating that phenomenon is the In- refugees and asylum seekers in In- 6pm forecasting thundery show- donesian president's recent decree donesia are Afghanistan, Myan- ers mainly over northern and east- recognizing refugees and asylum mar, and Somalia, with Afghans ern Singapore in the evening. The new initiative is part of try in 2008 following corruption seekers, which some feel will in- accounting for roughly half.(AP) (Straitstimes) national reforms the military sees charges. as key, with the government set- FILE - Former Thai Prime Kyrgyzstan-born Valentina ting up four committees geared to Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Fiji deports Iranian refugee who fled Papua New Guinea helping the steps along the politi- speaks to Reuters during an inter- cal roadmap. Panitan said the gov- view in Singapore, Feb. 23, 2016. Shevchenko retains 1st Fiji has deported an Iranian refu- tained by Australia in two offshore ernment wants to listen to politi- FILE - Former Thai Prime gee back to Papua New Guinea, camps, in PNG's Manus Island cians’ concerns and register their Minister Thaksin Shinawatra place in UFC ranking where he spent years detained un- and on the Pacific island of Nauru. ideas in the process. “Some public speaks to Reuters during an inter- der Australia's controversial immi- Australia refuses to accept refu- contract could be constructed, but view in Singapore, Feb. 23, 2016. A native of Kyrgyzstan Valentina for Shevchenko. gration policies. Loghman Sawari gees who arrive by boat, and says we’re not going to force anyone to Thaksin’s political parties, in- Shevchenko has maintained the The Kyrgyz fighter kept the used fake documents to fly to Fiji they must resettle in Cambodia or sign anything if they don’t want cluding Pheu Thai, succeeded at leading position in the strongest first place in women's lightweight to seek asylum, saying he did not PNG. Rights groups say the poli- to and certainly making peace and several general elections since 2006 UFC fighters in the world. (61.2 kg) and now she has to fight feel safe in PNG. But on Friday cy contradicts international obli- reconciliation cannot be forced,” despite efforts by the military to The updated ranking was pub- for the title in her weight category the 21-year-old was stopped by gations and that conditions in the Panitan said, adding progress will promote the pro-establishment lished on February 1 as a result of against current champion Amanda police as he went to meet immi- camps are deplorable. Australia rest in the future elected govern- Democrat Party. In Thailand’s col- the UFC on Fox 23 results in Den- Nunes. gration officials and deported. asylum: Why is it controversial? ment. A military-backed constitu- or-coded politics, “red shirt” sup- ver, where Shevchenko defeated Peña after losing to Shevchen- Rights groups have condemned the Manus Island: Australia's Guan- tion, passed in an August referen- porters came under pro-Thaksin Peña by second-round armbar on ko dropped to 4th place. move. Amnesty International said tanamo? dum, provides added powers to the United Democratic Front for De- January 29. Shevchenko takes 2nd place in it had "grave concerns" about his Mr Sawari was recognised as military in a future elected govern- mocracy (UDD), with “yellow This victory was the third in the Sherdod ranking, the second wellbeing. Loghman Sawari arrived a refugee and released from the ment, especially through an ap- shirts” linked to the urban middle the UFC tournament and the 14th after the current champion Nunes. in PNG in 2013. He was one of Manus Island camp into the com- pointed 250-member Senate. class Peoples Democratic Reform in all official MMA tournaments (Akipress) about 1,250 asylum seekers de- munity. (BBC) New king Committee (PDRC). (Voanews) SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 04, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

The dollar climbed and European stocks gained before a report econ- omists forecast will show employ- ment growth in the U.S. expanded The Chinese economy remains the at a faster pace in January. Bonds engine for the global economy and slid, while oil advanced. China's efforts in pursuing multi- Bloomberg’s Dollar Spot In- lateral free trade mechanisms will dex rose, paring a sixth weekly further offer opportunities for oth- decline, its longest losing streak er countries and help the world since 2010. Europe’s Stoxx 600 economy, a renowned Indian ex- index advanced and the region’s pert said in a recent interview. bonds dropped, following moves China is still the engine for the in Treasuries. Britain’s pound development of the global econo- dropped against most of its major my and will continue to benefit the peers after growth slowed in the world, B. R. Deepak, a professor service industry amid surging of Chinese and China studies at costs. the Centre of Chinese and South- The most important market ly stable, the focus on the jobs re- The yield on German bonds east Asian Studies at Jawaharlal news of the day. Get our markets port will center on wage pressures. due in a decade also added one ba- Nehru University in New Delhi, daily newsletter. Central bank de- Stocks sis point to 0.43 percent. told the People's Daily. cisions have dominated the finan- European stocks rose 0.5 per- Commodities Deepak pointed out that the cial markets all week, as policy cent as of 10:51 a.m. in London, Oil headed for a third weekly Chinese economy grew by 6.7 per- makers from Japan to the U.S. try reversing the previous session’s gain as OPEC reached about 60 cent year-on-year in 2016 and con- to assess the impact of America’s losses. Only miners dropped, fol- percent of its output-cut target and tributed 33.2 percent of global new leadership on global growth. lowing lower-than-expected Chi- the U.S. was said to be planning growth, while the US contributed Investors are also looking for clues na macroeconomic data. new sanctions on Iran after a mis- one-quarter of what China contrib- on economic strength amid a wave Futures on the S&P 500 edged sile test. West Texas Intermediate uted, the People's Daily reported of corporate earnings. While signs higher. The index has gained or re- crude advanced 0.4 percent to on Thursday. point to increasing confidence that treated by less than 0.1 percent $53.74 a barrel and Brent climbed Under the backdrop of a slug- growth will accelerate, data have for five of the past six days, and is to $56.78. gish recovery in the global econo- painted a murkier picture, high- down 0.6 percent on the week. Gold pared the biggest week- my, this data is very impressive, lighting the significance of Friday’s Currencies ly gain since Jan. 13 as demand said Deepak, adding that China has jobs report. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot rebounded to a three-year high in achieved "major progress" in trans- “People are waiting for evi- Index fell 0.3 percent. The mea- 2016 as investor concerns over forming its economy to a consump- cooperation mechanisms. China Trump in the US and the UK's In a speech to the World Eco- dence that cyclicals are actually sure is down 2.5 percent so far in political issues including Brexit tion-based one, which benefited has been emerging as a leader for vote to leave the EU. Zhang Jun, a nomic Forum in Switzerland last delivering the earnings growth,” 2017. spurred demand for a haven. Bul- both the Chinese and global econ- economic globalization, increasing- top official at China's Ministry of month, Chinese President Xi Jin- Stephen Macklow-Smith, head of The pound slipped 0.3 per- lion for immediate delivery slipped omies. Deepak also said that as the ly positioning itself as a leader in Foreign Affairs, said China is pre- ping mounted a staunch defense European equity strategy at JP- cent to $1.2492, extending its loss 0.2 percent to $1,213.17 an ounce, world's second-largest economy, the global economy as the US and pared to lead the world economy of globalization and vowed to pur- Morgan Asset Management in over the week to 0.5 percent. The poised for a weekly increase of 1.9 China will further contribute more the UK appear to be retreating if other countries retreat from glo- sue free trade that will benefit all London, said in an interview with yen slid 0.5 percent and the euro percent. Industrial metals declined to the reform of global governance from the global stage through the balization, the Wall Street Journal countries. Bloomberg TV. “Profitability can was little changed. after after weaker-than-expected with its support of multilateral election of President Donald reported on January 23. (Global Times) recover from here so we’re trying Russia’s ruble pared an earlier factory data and signs of tighter to play through areas of the mar- loss and bonds retreated after the monetary policy in China, high- ket with more exposure to eco- central bank left its key rate un- lighting risks of demand slowing. nomic growth. ” changed at 10 percent and said the Copper dropped 0.9 percent to Bank of Japan Economists expect a 180,000 potential for a cut in the first half $5,832.50 a metric ton and zinc India is world’s fastest increase in U.S. nonfarm payrolls of the year has diminished. lost 2.6 percent. Nickel fell 1.8 disappoints for January when the Labor De- Bonds percent as companies in the Phil- partment releases jobs data on Fri- The yield on 10-year U.S. ippines pushed back on mine-clo- with bond day. With both hiring and unem- Treasuries rose one basis point to sure orders that could restrict sup- growing major business purchases, ployment likely to remain relative- 2.48 percent. ply of the metal. (Bloomberg) roiling travel market in 2016 markets India Poised to Move Up from 10th Largest Global Business Travel Market to 6th By 2019 Investor confidence in the Bank of Japan’s commitment to hold down bond yields was shaken Friday as the central bank offered a limited expansion of debt purchases in a regular operation, sending the yen higher and roiling government se- curities. Japan’s 10-year yield surged as much as 4 basis points to 0.15 percent, the highest since the Bank of Japan implemented its t’s just over a week after Donald European Monetary System Healey convinced himself that the negative-rate policy in January Trump’s inauguration, and his (EMS), which preceded the exist- EMS was a German racket after 2016, while the yen advanced. The Iadministration has already in- ence of the euro. The EMS was a then-German Finance Minister BOJ increased purchases for dicated that it is preparing for glo- fixed (but adjustable) exchange rate Manfred Lahnstein told him that bonds due in five-to-10 years to bal economic war. The currency system that reproduced most of Germany expected to get a com- 450 billion yen ($4 billion), from war the White House has in mind the features of the global Bretton petitive edge by limiting the scope the 410 billion yen planned, it said. is clearly aimed not just against Woods system established in 1944 for other currencies to depreciate; “There were some expectations China — which has long been sus- and was designed by Europeans since Germany had lower rates of that given the level of the yield rise, pected of “cheating” in order to as an immediate reaction to the mis- wage inflation than France and the amount would be boosted win the globalization game — but management of the U.S. dollar un- much lower rates than the Medi- more,” said Souichi Takeyama, a also Germany: On Tuesday, Peter der President Jimmy Carter. Dol- terranean countries, a locked cur- rates strategist at SMBC Nikko Navarro, the head of the new Na- lar weakness sent floods of capital rency would guarantee increased Securities Inc. in Tokyo. “The fo- tional Trade Council, claimed that — short-term money — into Ger- export surpluses, at the price of cus will be on whether the BOJ Germany is using its currency to many, pushing up the Deutsche misery elsewhere. The suggestion will deliver further action later in “exploit” both its neighbors and mark against the French franc and was that the EMS, and then later the day as it still has options to the United States. The White vastly complicating trade relations the euro, would allow Germany’s rein in the rise in yields.” BOJ House evidently thinks of the Eu- within the European customs grasp for European economic pri- The Global Business Travel As- ket in the world by the end of for hotel rooms. Governor Haruhiko Kuroda faces ropean Union, and the monetary union. () macy to succeed at the end of the sociation (GBTA) Foundation, the 2019. Additional highlights of the GBTA forecasts domestic the challenge of seeking to hold union that established the euro But there was always a suspi- 20th century and in the new mil- voice of the global business travel report include: business travel spending will con- down borrowing costs just as ac- currency, as essentially a mecha- cion that Germany was trying to lennium where a similar German industry, today announced the re- With 7.3 percent year-over- tinue to grow at consistently high celerating inflation and an improv- nism to protect German interests get long-term trade advantages military plan had failed one centu- sults of its latest GBTA BTI™ year growth in 2016 Q3 GDP, In- rates, 12 percent this year and 11.8 ing outlook for some of the world’s and extend German power — as from linking the currencies. In the ry earlier. The odd thing about this Outlook – India report, a semi-an- dia remains the fastest major grow- percent in 2017, reaching $33.8 biggest economies push up bond an instrument of Germany, as early 1980s, the former British theory is that it has been far more nual analysis that relates unfold- ing economy in the world. billion USD. yields globally. While Kuroda on Trump himself put it. This fear of Labour Party politician Denis current in Britain and the United ing economic events at home and Currently the WEC’s Global India’s international outbound Tuesday recommitted to his yield- Germany is both an outlandish States than in continental Europe. abroad to their resulting impacts Competitiveness Report ranks In- (IOB) business travel spending has curve control strategy to hold 10- expression of paranoia and an idea If the power grab is what the Ger- on India’s business travel market. dia 74 out of 140 countries for in- shown subdued growth in the 5-6 year debt at around zero percent, with a long pedigree among some mans were aiming at, wouldn’t The report reveals continued dou- frastructure, but we expect India’s percent per year range. Our IOB he also said. (Bloomberg) establishment economists and pol- other countries be able to get some ble digit business travel spending ranking to continue to improve as forecast for 2016 has been revised icymakers. Nobody doubts that the whiff of the nefarious plot? And growth for India, despite fears of the country continues to invest in upward from 3.1 percent project- White House has tools at its dis- more importantly, if this were re- fallout from the country’s demon- its infrastructure. ed previously to 5.4 percent. It posal to strong-arm Germany into ally a strategy, it would be a pret- etization efforts. Hotels are an important part seems commodity prices may have changing its economic policy, in- ty short-sighted one (not really In November, Prime Minis- of the infrastructure for business finally found their footing and bot- cluding its commitment to the that much better than the disas- ter Modi surprised domestic and travel. The construction of new tomed out, and the brightening euro, which currently binds the trous Schlieffen Plan of 1914 to international markets with his an- hotels has been burdened by high prospects for increased trade ac- European Union together — in- defeat both France and Russia at nouncement that 500 and 1,000 rates of taxation and long approv- tivity, especially with the oil-rich deed, the Trump administration the same time). Plunging one’s rupee notes would no longer be al processes, but the situation is MENA region, should help to push already seems to be doing just that. neighbors into national bankrupt- considered legal tender, effective improving. It remains to be seen if IOB spending forward by 9 per- The first version of such criticism cy is not a good way of building immediately. While these larger reforms can move fast enough to cent in 2017. directed at Germany came in the any kind of stable prosperity. denomination notes fueled corrup- keep up with the rising demand (Travelindustrywire) late 1970s and was focused on the (Foreignpolicy) tion, the shadow economy and counterfeiting, there was also fear that the move could dislocate le- gitimate economic activity, espe- cially in the short-term. Wiping out terror, Turkey Vietnam became Southeast “India continues to position itself to become a world leader in business travel for decades to looks to develop eastern cities come,” said Gaurav Sundaram, Asia’s top performer GBTA India regional director. “De- tion. Prime Minister Binali Yildi- spite fears surrounding the demon- rim announced an action plan a few Vietnam’s remarkable economic ing economies worldwide. Viet- turing sector experienced a 13.61 etization efforts, India saw a 10.9 months ago which includes the progress looks set to continue in nam’s astounding economic per- percent boost since the end of percent growth in year-over-year construction of factories, interest- the coming years, despite a regional formance is reflected in the end- 2015. Total imports for the year business travel spending for the free loans to investors, the con- slowdown which has affected oth- of-year statistics for the country, increased by 4.6 percent whilst second quarter of 2016 – even high- struction of thousands of housing er states in Southeast Asia. Its in- compiled by leading economic fore- exports rose by 8.6 percent, con- er than our last report projected.” units for the poor and new hospi- creasingly diversified and resilient caster, Bloomberg. It was report- tributing to a trade surplus of The GBTA Foundation re- tals. economy has grown at a healthy ed that disbursed Foreign Direct US$2.68 billion. Labourers work port forecasts 11.4 percent growth Hasan Maral, who heads a local rate – of above 6 percent – in each Investment (FDI) increased by 9 at a garment factory in Hung Yen in business travel spending in 2016, state-run development agency in of the last two years, and looks percent to a record US$15.8 bil- province, outside Hanoi Jan 5, followed by another 11.6 percent the region, says the action plan is well-placed to maintain its posi- lion in 2016, whilst the manufac- 2017. (Reuters) in 2017 – both increases over our one of the most comprehensive in tion as Southeast Asia’s top per- previous forecast – reaching $36.8 Turkish history for the develop- former in 2017. Whilst Vietnam’s billion USD. India continues to Turkey's southeastern and eastern lic investments worth TL 11 bil- ment of the often neglected region. economy grew at 6.21 percent last climb the world rankings of busi- regions, which has suffered from a lion ($2.95 billion) have been allo- He said in the provinces of Di- year, other ASEAN countries such ness travel markets, moving up five stunted and sometimes nonexist- cated for 23 cities in two regions yarbakir and Sanliurfa more than as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia spots during the early 2000s to ent economic growth for decades this year as part of an investment 300 investors were interested in and Singapore endured slower become the 10th largest global busi- because of terror threats, are set to program with a budget of TL 62 projects and loans. "We believe growth rates as a result of a slow- ness travel market at the end of receive major public investments billion. Local businesspeople are more will apply this year, and we down in global trade and declining 2015. Forecasts predicted India this year. In the aftermath of wide- hopeful that the state's plans will will see more large-scale invest- growth in China. Not only was would pass Brazil last year and spread anti-terror operations tar- help eradicate terrorism, as the ments," Maral told Anadolu Agen- Vietnam the top-performer in the will likely surpass both South geting the PKK, the state now PKK exploits the lack of prosper- cy (AA), noting that 40 compa- region, but it ranked second behind Korea and Italy in the coming year. plans to promote economic growth ity in the region to recruit youth nies applied for investments in India – the only country which A flower vendor wheels her bicycle though traffic in Hanoi's Old GBTA projects India will become through boosting employment disillusioned with policies de- Diyarbakir alone. achieved growth of over 7 percent Quarter, Vietnam. Vietnam's economy grew at a healthy rate in the last the 6th largest business travel mar- rates and curbing migration. Pub- signed to help the poor popula- (Dailysabah) in 2016 – in the list of fastest-grow- two years and is expected to stay ahead of its regional peers in 2017. SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 04, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Nickie Nina's latest Idealism over photo shoot it what parathay, says Osman Khalid Butt dreams are made of Osman Khalid Butt and Ainy Jaffri’s upcoming film Balu Mahi has been The latest campaign by Nickie Nina is but a display of opulence. The making headlines for its quirky trailer, which according to many, is designer duo has made sure that their latest bridal collection, entitled reminiscent of Runaway Bride and Jab We Met. The star cast of Balu Nouvelle Mariée, is feminine and classic and in line with the signature Mahi participated in a live Facebook session with The Express Tribune workmanship and ethnic and contemporary aura of the brand. on Tuesday to promote the film. Traditional aesthetics, intertwined with modern silhouettes bring The session included several hilarious moments. It started with the the independent woman of today to life in the latest shoot. Nickie and two stars being questioned about the title of the film, which has caused Nina have drawn on elements of history, fantasy and folklore to create the internet to make comparisons with balushahi and the Indian film the timeless masterpieces. Both designers – who happen to be sisters – Bahubali among many others. Butt revealed he has previously worked have built a unique understanding of the psyche of the fashion world with the director Haissam Hussain in the serial Aun Zara and he is fond which is reflected in Nouvelle Mariée. The clothes not only look good of naming characters differently, according to their principles. but are intelligent and innovative, having been studied so thoroughly. “He worked on the story for months and he was so invested in it that he said he could not think of any other names to go with,” said Butt, adding that Jaffri and he had heard every variation of the title and are glad that it has garnered curiosity. Osman, Ainy party the night away in catchy Balu Mahi title track

As the session progressed, Jaffri was asked about her preference between balushahi and chamcham. She quickly responded, “Chamcham. It’s the only Pakistani sweet I like.” Another interesting parallel was brought up when a commenter asked her whether she has noticed the similarities between Hollywood actor Kristen Stewart and herself. “I have and I take it as a compliment. I think she’s very cute. People have been telling me that for a long time.” Who changed Preity's mind to make a comeback into Bollywood after marriage? Lauded for her roles in films like dered with red, orange and yellow "Dil Se...", "Kal Ho Naa Ho", threads and gold prints. Preity "Veer-Zaara", "Salaam Namaste", wore minimal make-up and left her Preity Zinta had decided not to hair open with subtle beach curls. continue her journey in the Hindi The actress is gearing up for film industry after her marriage to her upcoming film "Bhaiyyaji Su- Gene Goodenough. But the actress perhitt" and says she doesn't feel says her husband pushed her back any pressure. into doing films. "There is absolutely no pres- Preity, who will be seen in sure because I'm not producing it. "Bhaiyyaji Superhitt", considers I don't have any stress. I think it's herself lucky to have such a life okay. If you look at any actor in partner. Asked how she juggles their entire career, whenever they between her personal and profes- have had their first production, sional life, Preity said here in re- they have all fallen flat because you sponse to a question by IANS: "I go all over the place... which is fine KARACHI: Several Pakistani the success of her Bollywood de- they paired up with superstars am happy and lucky that I am because I'm still very proud of my stars have crossed over to Bolly- but, Mahira joins her Humsafar co- such as Shah Rukh, Ranbir Kapoor married to somebody who pushed film ('Ishkq in Paris' which she pro- wood throughout the years, but star Fawad Khan in the club. and Anushka Sharma to reach the me back into doing a movie... Be- duced)." only a chosen few have become Mahira, Shah Rukh Khan’s status. But, nobody can overlook cause I thought I don't want to do The actress says "Bhaiyyaji superstars. Not that being in Bol- Raees continues to shatter box of- their growing stardom and the fact any more films and I moved to the Superhitt", which also stars Sun- lywood’s 100 Crore Club guaran- fice records According to ibtimes, that they bring a certain kind of business side of life." ny Deol and Ameesha Patel, is tees stardom, but it definitely helps the latter entered the club with his class and elegance with their pres- According to the actress, the special because she has never build a reputation. Bollywood outing, Kapoor & ence. Many stars who crossed toughest job in the world is to be a played an "earthy character" be- Since Aamir Khan’s 2008 Sons, which touched the 100-crore over, have tried to break in and housewife. fore. Talking about women-cen- blockbuster Ghajni, a film’s suc- mark when it collected 104 crores establish a solid ground in Bolly- "Because you get no appreci- tric films being made in the coun- cess has been marked by how in India. Following the release of wood. ation and you have to work 24x7 try, Preity said: "I don't think there many crores it collects at the box Ae Dil Hai Muskhil, Fawad has Ali Zafar made waves when and you never get time off. So peo- are woman-centric films. I think office, giving rise to 100, 200 and managed to have two films in the he debuted in Tere Bin Laden in ple like us, who are professionals, there is a great story. If you look 700 crore clubs. If we believe that club after the Karan Johar directo- 2010. He went on to star in sever- we get that kind of gratitude from at my first film 'Kya Kehna', then numbers don’t lie, Pakistani actor rial collected INR112.48 crores, al films such as Mere Brother Ki our work space. I think women in you will say it was a woman-cen- Mahira Khan recently made it into despite the many controversies it Dulhan alongside Imran Khan and general are super women, because tric film. I don't look at it like that... the elite of the Indian film indus- faced. From an on-screen couple Katrina Kaif and Kill Dil with Ran- they always do two jobs. If they I think a great story is very impor- try. According to Bollymoviere- in Humsafar to being loved by Bol- veer Singh and Parineeti Chopra. are married, they take care of home tant," she said. viewz, the Shah Rukh Khan and lywood fans, it has definitely been His recent outing was in Dear and on professional front they Preity added that entertain- Speaking with The Express Tribune, Nickie and Nina revealed ex- Mahira-starrer Raees has grossed an interesting journey for Mahira Zindagi, where he played a brief work." She married Goodenough ment is important in a film, but actly what was the inspiration behind the latest bridals. “The collection INR139 crore in seven days. With and Fawad. Some may argue that role. (TRIBUNE) last year. Preity looked radiant here having a positive message is piv- encompasses the compelling elements of vintage and retro,” said Nickie. as she walked as a showstopper otal too. “We wanted that theme to be seen through our campaign, without it for Assam-based designer Sanjuk- "I also feel that entertainment taking away from the clothes themselves. Therefore, we used vintage ta Dutta's label Mekhela Chador is fun, but it's always good when a cars from the private collection of a dear friend Asad Nawaz as props to at the Lakme Fashion Week Sum- lot of people watch movies, they emanate that effectively.” When asked how the brand plans to be differ- What! Ileana, a victim of mer/Resort 2017. She sported a get very influenced by movies," ent this year, Nickie responded, “We’ve always focused all our energies black mekhla, beautifully embroi- she said. (Santa Banta) on reinventing ourselves with every passing collection. This year won’t be any different. Staying true to our signature workmanship, we have introduced contemporary variations to conventional cuts. Look out for eve-teasing and harassment our ghararas and peplum tops in particular.” Actress Ileana D'Cruz admits to have been eve-teased and harassed, and described the experience as "traumatic". Sharing a link of an article that reads "I'm Leaking My Ex's Dirty Messages And Voice Notes Because He's Left Me No Choice", she tweeted: "Absolute- ly despicable piece of crap! So proud of this girl who exposed this swine! Whoever you are lady mad respect." Ileana then used the mi- cro-blogging site to talk about her experience. "I've been a victim of eve-teasing and harassment and it's traumatic. I'm lucky I have beauti- ful parents who gave me strength when I needed it," she wrote. Film- maker Anurag Kashyap had also shared the same article which is about an anonymous girl troubled by her former boyfriend. Kaabil's steady run at box-office Hrithik Roshan's 'Kaabil' has been as the two films released together lywood releases was lifted. Proud enjoying a steady run at the box- on January 25. 'Kaabil' is said to producer Rakesh Roshan even office. While the movie kicked off have got 40 per cent of the screens took to Twitter on February 1 to at the theatres with a bang over in comparison to SRK's 'Raees'. announce, "Yes it's true! Kaabil the extended weekend, it has un- While 'Raees' has already zoomed releasing tonight in Karachi & derstandably slowed down over past the 100-crore mark, Hrithik's shows starting tomorrow across the weekdays. 'Kaabil' made Rs film is heading towards making an Pakistan". 5.25 crore on Day 9 (Thursday) entry into the coveted club. The The team of 'Kaabil' is even and its total collections now read good news is that both the films planning to host a success bash an impressive Rs 90.63 crore. have made their mark at the box- soon. Hrithik recently posted a The Sanjay Gupta-directed office. In fact, 'Kaabil' has become video on Twitter, inviting all his film clashed with Shah Rukh the first Hindi film to be screened fans across the country to join him Khan's ambitious project 'Raees' in Pakistan, after the ban on Bol- in the celebration. (Santa Bata) SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 04, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Saido Berahino served ban for recreational drug use: Sky sources Saido Berahino served an eight- week suspension for "an FA disci- plinary matter", Stoke manager Mark Hughes has confirmed. The forward, who joined Stoke from West Bromwich Albi- on for £12m in January, served the ban earlier this season during his Tiger Woods has withdrawn from Palm Beach (February 23-26). time with the Baggies. the Omega Dubai Desert Classic His agent Mark Steinberg re- Sky sources understand Bera- ahead of his second round at Emir- mained upbeat when he spoke to hino tested positive for a recreation- ates Golf Club. the press on Friday: "He can move. al drug. "We are aware of it clearly The 41-year-old American, He just can't make a forward rota- - there was an FA disciplinary mat- who was playing in his second tion in the swing. ter and Saido had an eight-week comeback tournament, has pulled "Spasms are a funny thing. I'm suspension, I believe," Hughes out because of a "bad back". no doctor but they come and go. said. In Thursday's opening round, He feels it's not the nerve pain, so "We were aware of that before Woods carded a five-over-par 77 that's encouraging. we signed him. In terms of more which did not include a single birdie "He's got to get the spasms to detail, you would probably need and left him outside the top 120. calm down. He has his trainer here to refer back to his former club. The 14-time major winner ar- and he's been working on him for We aren't in a position to give any rived in the Middle East having the past several hours. more details as we don't have them. missed the cut at the Farmers In- "He thinks the short-term Berahino served the suspen- surance Open in San Diego last prognosis is strong based on the sion during his time at West Brom week, where he was competing in fact that it's not that nerve pain "He had issues at his previous his first official PGA Tour event that I alluded too. club for 18 months, which this is for 17 months. During the past "I'm not aware it happened last obviously a part of. As with all couple of years, the former world week and it came out of nowhere. players, we did our research on him No 1 has been sidelined with back He told you guys after the round before we signed him, but that pain and has undergone a series of yesterday there was no pain and I didn't change our thinking at all." operations. He has also suffered saw him before he went to dinner Hughes also confirmed Bera- from serious leg injuries and his last night and he said 'no pain'. hino is available for selection ahead plan to contest four tournaments "But he feels terrible that he of the trip to face his former club in five weeks may now have to be can't finish off today." at The Hawthorns on Saturday. curtailed. In addition to the events After his opening round on The 23-year-old made his at Torrey Pines and Dubai, Woods Thursday, Woods had told report- Stoke debut as a second-half sub- was hoping to take part in the ers he was not in any pain, as he stitute in the 1-1 draw with Ever- Genesis Open at Riviera (Febru- trailed leader Sergio Garcia by 12 ton on Wednesday. Berahino could ary 16-19) and Honda Classic in strokes." (Sky Sports) feature against his former club on Saturday as Stoke visit The Haw- thorns "We are pleased with what he is producing and he is looking forward to the game tomorrow," the Stoke boss added. Marcel Kittel "Why wouldn't I play him? He is in line to be involved. He came on to good effect on Wednesday and there is no reason why he angry after shouldn't be involved tomorrow. "He is itching to play a part, although the way the game is go- ing will determine whether he being punched comes on. Most opposition play- ers get some stick, and he will get some I am sure, but he is of the view that he is probably used to by Andriy Grivko having some stick from West Brom Dan Evans will take on 17-year- supporters. "We have brought in a old Denis Shapovalov in the open- player with great ability, of a good ing match of Britain’s Davis Cup age who hasn't reached his peak during Dubai clash against Canada this weekend. yet. He still has a lot of develop- The reigning Wimbledon jun- ment to come, and we feel that what ior champion will contest his first we can offer him here, it will ben- ever live rubber as he opens the tie efit him. "He will prosper here, I Tour stage against Evans on Friday, with the am sure of that and that is why we Brit also playing in his first match chased him for so long. The next as his country's No 1 in the ab- Marcel Kittel launched a stinging stressful, and Andriy Grivko sence of Andy Murray. three or four years are going to be really important for him, and for attack on Andriy Grivko after be- punched me," Kittel said. Evans has frequently been the ing punched by the Astana rider "I really can't understand how us. He wants to improve." lower-ranked wild card trying to West Brom head c during stage three of the Dubai he can do something like that. upset the odds, but recently oach Tony Pulis refused to elaborate on Bera- Tour. Kittel could be seen with a "I get that riding in the cross- moved into the world's top 50 and hino's ban at his media conference bloodied face during the stage, winds is always tense, but it gives he knows what an exciting talent on Friday and insisted the fitness which had started with him look- him no right to act like that. Shapovalov is having faced him at ing for a third successive victory. He could have hurt my eye. of the former England U21 inter- a second-tier Challenger tourna- national was the main reason be- Grivko apologised after the It's a real shame what happened. ment last year, winning in three stage, and was disqualified by race In the finale, my mind wasn't 100 sets. The rankings favour Leon hind his lack of playing time. Saido served a ban while he was organisers, but that was not enough per cent on the sprint, but I am Smith's visitors this weekend, with here but I won't comment why. He for Kittel. happy I have no big injuries and I Evans and Kyle Edmund at No 45 didn't play for me because he He wrote on Twitter moments kept the lead."Kittel has an eight- and No 47 respectively compared wasn't fit enough," Pulis said. after the stage finish: "I won't ac- second lead in a race that favours to No 234 for Shapovalov and No "Saido is no longer an Albion cept an apology for this. That has sprinters Kittel has an eight-sec- 133 for Vasek Pospisil. player. He is at a club which I used nothing to do with cycling. What ond lead in a race that favours Canada captain Martin Lau- Grivko did is a shame for our beau- sprinters The Quick-Step Floors rendeau drafted Peter Polansky - to manage and I have respect for. It's one for Stoke to handle. tiful sport." sprinter finished outside the top at No 128 the highest-ranked play- "This football club looked af- Kittel later spoke to his team's 10 as victory went to another Ger- er available to him - into the team ter Saido very well while he was website and explained what had man sprinter, John Degenkolb of when Milos Raonic pulled out happened. "When we passed a Trek-Segafredo. Kittel finished here. The club looks after all the through injury but has stuck with players. "Saido was one of the construction site, the sand began 11th and leads the overall stand- Shapovalov, and Smith was not blowing and as soon as we went ings by eight seconds with two main reasons this club stayed in surprised at the decision. the Premier League two seasons into the crosswinds we were fight- more stages remaining. "Denis was named in the orig- ready." Pospisil will meet Edmund before, while his only Davis Cup for maybe five sets. I wanted to ago. In his own mind he wanted to ing for position, which is always (Sky Sports) inal team, Polansky was a replace- in the second rubber on Friday experience came with a dead-rub- play the first match, kind of set while Saturday's doubles will see ber win against Chile last Septem- the tone for the team. "It's going to move. "Mark Hughes questioned ment so you'd expect Martin to go why I hadn't been picking Saido with his original pick," Smith said. Pospisil and 44-year-old Daniel ber, but the teenager appeared un- be a little bit different but I think Nestor take on Jamie Murray and fazed by the task ahead of him. He I'm ready for it. The whole team so he's got the answers. One was "I've done it before, I picked [Ed- he wasn't fit and the second one mund] to play in a Davis Cup fi- Dom Inglot. Shapovalov has nev- said: "We've toned down training a believes in me so I think it's going nal. When they're ready, they're er played a best-of-five-sets match bit to make sure my body is ready to be good." (Sky Sports) that he was serving an FA ban." Dont'a Hightower and (Sky Sports) Devin McCourty back New England Patriots chemistry in Super Bowl LI

Something has got to give on Su- In the seven prior instances per Bowl Sunday when the Na- where the NFL's top offence faced tional Football League's top-scor- the stingiest defence in the Super ing Atlanta Falcons face a New Bowl, the defence has prevailed six England Patriots defence that was times. the meanest in the league. While Atlanta averaged nearly Top MMA star Ronda Rousey is un- The Patriots would lose in the 40 points a game, New England likely to fight again in the octagon, ac- glamour department, but they can allowed less than 17 points a game cording to UFC president Dana White. count on their know-how and syn- on average, getting extra stingy Rousey, a former Olympic judo chronicity to get the job done in once opponents closed in on the medalist, has not announced her plans America sport's marquee occasion. end zone. after a humbling 48-second loss to Pats Linebacker Dont'a High- "That chemistry we built, Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 at the end tower said: "There's not a lot of we're able to know where guys are of last year. flash to us. We're a very competi- going to be," said Hightower. "If I had to say right here, right now tive team. What we do is make it "We're able to just kind of look at - and I don't like saying right here, right hard for the other team to score, each other and just know, 'Hey bro, now because it's up to her, it's her thing and we do a great job of that. I'm rushing. 'Hey, I'm dropping.'" - but I wouldn't say she fights again. I "The biggest thing for us is that Hightower also said having the think she's probably done," White said we kind of gelled together. That luxury of practising against prolif- on the UFC Unfiltered podcast. White chemistry, that brotherhood and ic passer Tom Brady helped their said the former women's bantamweight accountability really grew and took cause. champion was in good spirits after re- off. "We're not just a good football "We feel that we go against one cent conversations, but he had the sense team, we're a smart football team." of the best if not the best offence she did not want to return. The 29-year- Safety Devin McCourty said the every day in practice with Tom old American helped widen the sport's Pats' defence built momentum as and that outstanding pass team global appeal, becoming the first UFC the season progressed. Fans from that we have," said Hightower. "It's female champion in 2012. She defended around the world will make to the good we get that test every day." her title six times before being knocked trip to Houston for Super Bowl McCourty said the defensive sec- out by a kick to the head from Holly 51 "We got off to a slow start, but ondary had the same knack of Holm in November 2015 at UFC 193 in you do not want to peak during knowing how their colleagues Melbourne, Australia. Rousey drew at- Week 1 or Week 5. You want to would react "It starts with us hang- tention for her comeback fight against peak towards the end of the sea- ing out in the locker room, us hang- Nunes but suffered her second loss in a son," said McCourty. ing out off the field, going to din- row after winning her first 12 UFC "We just play as a team. That ners together, building that bond bouts. "She changed the world," White is what it is all about, playing as a and that trust it takes to play to- said of Rousey. "She put female fight- team. The numbers show it." gether." (Sky Sports) ing on the map." (Sky Sports) SATURDAY. FEBRUARY 04. 2017-Dalw 16, 1395 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 186 Price: Afs.20

The Envoy:From Kabul to the White House, My Journey Through a Turbulent World The group mentioned that the ing the violence. And as we suc- Sunni Arab insurgency might stand ceeded in forming a unity govern- down from violence during the elec- ment, perhaps we could pull in- tion. Ulayyan offered to issue a surgents out of the fight. AT Monitoring Desk public statement to this effect and TWENTY-THREE work his contracts in the armed FORGING A NATIONAL KABUL: The Afghan and U.S. opposition; he knew that I knew UNITY GOVERNMENT forces carried out overnight raids his son was a commander in the BAGHDAD, DECEMBER and drone strikes against militants insurgency. 2005-MAY 2006 loyal to the Islamic State (IS), also I encouraged him to do so but THE RESULTS OF THE known as Daesh militants, in was skeptical that anything would DECEMBER 2005 ELECTIONS which 33 Daesh militants were come of it. Although I had found WERE IN. THE MAIN COALI- killed in eastern Nangarhar prov- the group to be reliable interlocu- TION OF Shia Islamist parties ince, security official said. One tors during our talks over the elec- won 128 seats. Because the con- policeman was also killed in the operation. These raids were car- tions, I highly doubted their claims stitution required a two-thirds ried out in several areas such as on the insurgency. Casey and I had majority in the 275-member par- Kot, Achine and Haska Mena dis- previously tried to reach local liament to select the president and tricts of the province, local offi- cease-fires with insurgents in pock- prime minister, the Shia Arab coa- cials said. ets of western Iraq. We had limit- lition could not form a government Police Chief Brig. Gen. Syed ed success and never thought that alone. times: the rising Iranian influence Gul Aqa Rohani told Pajhwok Af- a broad case-fire was feasible. A national unity government in Iraq; detainee abuse by the Min- ghan News that militants attacked As promised, the Iraqi Nation- was not going to come about on its istry of Interior; coalition raids local police check-post in Khak- al Dialogue Council issued a pub- own. Ruba’i, the national security against people’s homes; and Iraqi sar locality at around 3:00am lic statement calling for the “hon- advisor, brought a message from Thursday night.” security forces that were being re- orable resistance” to cease opera- Sistani, urging me to help form a cruited almost exclusively from He added security forces re- tions for five days beginning on unity government. Mashaddani pelled Daesh militants attack on among the Shia Arab community. December 13. and Allawi both told me they sup- Sadly, some of their com- check-post, sustaining huge casu- On Election Day, Casey trav- ported a unity government. Tala- alties to the militants. plaints were valid, I, too, was wor- However, a police source who eled all over the country to moni- bani endorsed the idea as well, not- ried about Iran’s influence, partic- wish to remain anonymous said tor the voting. That evening, he ing that the Kurds and Sunni Ar- ularly within Shia Arab militias. that five policemen were killed and returned with good news, saying, abs could form a bloc to balance Reports had conclusively deter- many others wounded in the raids. “There was nothing going on out any undue influence by the Shia mined that the most deadly type “Over 20 insurgents have been ghanistan because there is a big ide- there all day.” Arabs. of roadside improvised explosive killed in overnight raids, conduct- ology differences. Maybe our view that the in- Yet many Shia Islamist lead- device-the so-called “explosively ed by Afghan and US forces,” Even Taliban announced war Hizbut Tahrir turning surgents lacked a central leadership ers preferred to re-create a Shia- formed projectile,” or EFPs-was source quoted him, as saying. against the group. was wrong. Kurd alliance to shut out the Sun- being produced in Iran. Shia Arab The overnight offensives were As Daesh is making all-out ef- If one conversation with one ni Arab and secular parties. Jaa- militias had used it to kill and maim conducted after the Daesh loyal- forts to gain a stronghold in Af- political leader could lead to a na- fari, who expected to continue on ists conducted attack on police youth against state: Zia coalition ad Iraqi troops. And re- ghanistan, the Taliban group de- tionwide stand-down, the insur- as prime minister, and Hakim made cently, coalition forces had raided check-post in Khaksar area. clared full-scale war against the cesses are against Islam, this orga- gency must have some kind of a statement that bordered on trium- In another raid, 21 militants an Iraqi government-operated de- group. Taliban said that its fight- nization may pose greater threat leadership that could order concert- phalism. tention center and discovered a loyal to the Daesh terrorist outfit ers are committed and ready to than Daesh in future,” he said. ed actions. I could see that going down were killed and six other received eliminate Daesh from Afghanistan. torture chamber. Hadaf said he had tried many times I took all of this in as Iraqis- this path would further alienate the Also at this time, Allawi’s con- injuries. Maj Sher Aqa Faqeri, However, both Taliban, Daesh to enlighten such lecturers, but in spokesman of 201st Selab Military both Sunni and Shia Arabs-celebrat- Kurds and Sunni Arabs and exac- tracts at his home just outside the and other militant outfits are the vain and instead retaliated with ed the election. erbate sectarian violence. Corps confirmed the news and said enemy of Afghans and the Afghan Green Zone, and then Casey and I no civilians were received casual- calling him ‘Abu Jehl’ and ‘nonbe- Now it was time to consult As I worked toward a unity asked David Litt, the head of po- security forces would carry out liever’. Sayed Malak Hussain Ra- ties in the attack. operation against them. Iraqi leaders on the formation of a government, I concluded it was litical-military affairs, and Major Security forces killing Daesh In the past, the Ministry of him, a student of a private univer- national unity government. When time for bold political moves on General Rick Lynch, the co-chairs militant on daily bases. However, Defense said that “all those who TALOQAN: The Hizbut Tahrir sity in Taloqan, the provincial cap- Hakim asserted that a Shia Arab- Sunni Arab outreach. of our task force on Sunni Arab Daesh insurgents group has not are fighting in Afghanistan and kill- group has increased its activities ital, said the Hizbut Tahrir ranks Kudish coalition would form the Casey and I reconvened the outreach, to follow up, Lynch, commented into the matter so far. ing innocent people are our ene- in northern Takhar province, pro- were swelling with each passing next government, I disagreed with Sunni Arab Advisory Council, the who looked the part of a senior Daesh will never welcome in Af- mies”. voking the youth against the gov- day in Takhar. He said the organi- him both privately and publicly, I group that had used its contacts army officer, put his feet up on ernment, the provincial governor zation had more supporters in ed- was determined to bring Iraqi lead- with the insurgents to prevent vi- the coffee table, held a cigar be- alleged on Thursday. ucational centers because the ers of all communities together into olence on Election Day. tween his fingers, and proclaimed, Mohammad Yasin Zia in an group wanted to promote their a national unity government. Only At the meeting, the Sunni Arab “Now I an diplomat!” 2 people killed, 1 missing exclusive interview with Pajhwok ideas through these facilities. then, I thought, would Iraqis rec- leaders were preoccupied with is- Afghan News said local people (Pajhwok) oncile differences that were fuel- sue that I had now heard many To be continued in Bamyan heavy snowfall were concerned about the increas- ing activities of Hizbut Tahrir in BAMYAN CITY: Two people have been killed, as many wounded and the province. one went missing due to heavy snowfall and snowstorm in the Yakawa- “The organization is more ac- ANOTHER TOP ISIS LEADER QARI MUNIB India softens lang district of central Bamyan province, an official said on Friday. tive in the higher education sector “These people were traveling from one village to another in Zaren here and it encourages newly en- visa regime area when trapped in snowstorm,” said Abdul Rahman Ahmadi, the rolled students to stand against the ALSO KILLED IN NANGARHAR: MOD governor’s spokesman. government.” Shahid Omar was leading a He said 23 passenger vehicles in which seven to 10 people were on “We are worried about this is- group of at least 40 ISIS militants forAfghans board had been rescued from being trapped in the snowstorm. sue and we have sent a letter to the in Achin district and was killed on Ahmadi added 40 more vehicles had been trapped in Qunaq tunnal Ministry of Higher Education Tuesday in a US drone strike, the situated between Bamyan and Daikundi provinces. (MoHE) about the group’s increas- local officials said. (Pajhwok) ing influence in higher education Provincial governor’s spokes- institutes,” he said, adding the min- man, Ataullah Khogyani, said istry was yet to respond. Omar was likely hailing from Khy- The governor said a security ber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pa- conference had decided to arrest kistan. members of the organization if ev- Nangarhar is among the rela- The Indian embassy in Kabul on idence was produced about their tively calm provinces in eastern Friday eased the visa policy to unlawful activities. Meanwhile, Another top leader of the loyal- the two senior ISIS leaders were Afghanistan but the anti-govern- make it easier for people of Af- Takhar Civil Society Network head ists of Islamic State of Iraq and among those killed. ment armed militants have recent- ghanistan to visit India, officials Munir Ahmad Hadaf said Hizbut Syria (ISIS) terrorist group Qari The statement further added ly increased their insurgency ac- said. Tahrir was spreading extremist Munib was also killed along with that around 20 ISIS militants were tivities in some remote districts of “Embassy of India, Kabul is ideas in universities. the senior ISIS commander Shahid killed overall in the past three days. the province. pleased to inform all Afghan na- “If you talk about Islam with Omar in Nangarhar province. According to the defense min- The loyalists of the ISIS ter- tionals that with effect from 1 Feb- Hizbut Tahrir-affiliated lecturers, The Ministry of Defense istry, the remaining 8 ISIS militants rorist group has also increased their ruary 2017 Indian visa regime has (MoD) said Thursday that Qari were killed in Deh Bala district of been further liberalised to make it they hold extremist thoughts,” he presence in some remote districts, even more convenient for Afghan said. Munib was among the 12 militants Nangarahr and at least 6 others including Achin during the recent killed in Achin district. were wounded in the two districts. nationals to visit India,” the state- “It is a matter of great con- years although counter-terrorism ment said. cern, this organization has no clear MoD in a statement said the The loyalists of the terror operations continue by the Afghan According to officials, the du- legal or Islamic standing, they be- militants were killed in a series of group have not commented regard- and US forces to restrict their ac- ration of a tourist visa has been lieve all Islamic intellectual pro- airstrikes conducted in Achin and ing the reports so far. tivities. (KP) enhanced to one year with contin- uous stay of 90 days during each visit as against the existing 30 days. However, the provision of a 44AfghanAir Force C-130H maintainers earn level 3 certification gap of 60 days between two tour- ist visits remains. As the train, advise and assist mis- C-130H to the AAF increases their The recent graduates were training time, but usually a one year contractors, while TAAC-Air ad- maintainers teaching classes. Also, to promote and encour- sions continue in Afghanistan, the capacity for airlift, casualty evac- trained by Total Force Airmen progression in each step due to the visors teach both in a classroom “Building a maintainer is a long age Afghan businessmen to visit Afghan Air Force is taking the lead uation, and troop transport,” said from Youngstown Air Reserve Sta- language barrier and the use of in- and hands-on setting. “The main- process. The increased capabilities India, their visas too have been lib- from Coalition in supporting Maj. Elbert Waters, 440th AEAS tion, Ohio and Dobbins Air Re- terpreters.” Both enlisted and of- tenance that keeps the C-130s in will not be seen or realized for sev- eralized. ground troops through air power. commander. “This capacity allows serve Base, Ga., that specialize in ficer Afghan maintainers who score the air is heavily dependent on eral more years,” said Waters. “The "Henceforth, Afghan business- Maintenance air advisors from Afghanistan to combat their war various maintenance Air Force higher than a 55 on an English ex- (Contractor Logistic Support) at AAF has had a jump in capabili- men investing in India or having a Train, Advise, Assist Command- on their own terms. This strategic Specialty Codes from; engine and amination have the opportunity to this time, and this will transition ties due to the lift missions that large trade turnover with India, Air (TAAC-Air), 440th Air Expe- advantage could never be realized propulsion, hydraulics, fuel, elec- attend the Defense Language In- to being heavily AAF only in the are being executed daily.” Before depending on volume of their in- ditionary Advisory Squadron, are without the hard work of these air trical and environmental, avionics, stitute in the United States. They next five to ten years,” said Wa- any training takes place, advisors vestment/trade, shall be issued In- working side-by-side with their advisors.” and crew chief specialist. then move forward to their respec- ters. “The maintenance training are taught to build a trusting rela- dian visas for one to five years, AAF counterparts to develop a For the past six months, main- “The AAF is trained in accor- tive career field specialty techni- occurring right now is building the tionship with their AAF counter- with continuous stay of up to 180 professional, capable and sustain- tenance air advisors have worked dance with their Career Field Edu- cal training in various parts of the force of qualified technicians that parts. The group of Total Force days during each such business visit, subject to production of rel- able air force. with their AAF counterparts be- cation and Training Program and U.S. This helps AAF maintenance will take the lead as CLS decreas- Airmen worked to build a connec- evant business documents," an At the beginning of 2014, the coming trained and qualified as lev- progress from zero level to three crews get a better understanding es.” Advisors continue to work tion that breaks the communica- embassy statement said. AAF received C-130H models in el three maintainers. On Jan. 11, level, then from three to two, and of technical and mechanical terms toward an end state of AAF main- tion barrier. Although only few of The embassy said it was con- which currently four crews are 2017, a group of 44 AAF C-130H then two to one,” explained Senior that do not translate well with the tenance becoming self-sufficient. the AAF maintainers speak En- fident that these changes "would trained and in full mission capable maintainers were the first in-coun- Master Sgt. Kevin Pratt, 440th use of interpreters, explained Pratt. Plans are currently in the works glish, crews can often be seen further strengthen the historic peo- status. try trained to graduate and receive AEAS C-130 maintenance team Currently, maintenance on the for a train-the-trainer program, laughing and telling jokes with ad- ple-to-people and business ties “Providing a platform like the their level three certification. lead. “It varies on the amount of AAF C-130H is accomplished by which will have qualified AAF visors during down time. (KP) between our two countries".