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TUESDAY . MARCH 24 . 2015 -Hamal 04, 1394 HS www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes

Afghanistan Ghani thanks will be GRAVEYARD US troops FOR DAESH: GHANI AIDE for sacrifices WASHINGTON: With the in- creasing capabilities and strength of the security forces, Afghanistan will prove a graveyard of Daesh, a confident presidential spokesman in Afghanistan said ahead of Afghan-US talks at Camp David. Ajmal Obaid Abidy made the assertion during an inter- view Pajhwok Afghan News hours after President Ashraf Ghani and his CEO Dr Abdullah Abdullah ar- rived in Washington for talks with American leaders. He said the talks would focus not only on security KABUL: The ex-President Hamid Karzai talking to religious scholars from Nangarhar, Laghman, Kunar and aspects of the relationship, but also Nuristan provinces here on Monday. The scholars lauded Hamid Karzai s nation-building efforts. on economic self-reliance, a goal articulated by Ghani after coming to power last year. Stability of Efforts ongoing Afghanistan is key to stability of ANSF all set to forestall the region and Islamic countries. to reopen Of course, the United States can play a very significant role in cre- closed schools ation of such consensus (among DAESH THREAT, SAYS NDS regional players and Islamic coun- tries), he added. On Sunday in Zabul Abdul Zuhoor Qayomi North Waziristan. We have devised al allies of Afghanistan to give mod- a special mechanism for fight against ern weapons to Afghan security forc- evening, Secretary of State, John QALAT: Education officials say Kerry hosted a dinner for Ghani ational Directorate of Secu ISIS and we have sent the mecha- es. He said that currently some efforts would be made throughout rity (NDS) said that the Is nism to President Ashraf Ghani and 3,000 policemen with 98 police ve- and Abdullah. At Monday s talks, the new academic year to reopen Kerry will be joined by Defense Nlamic State of Iraq and Syr- are waiting for his order to imple- hicles are currently assigned to en- schools which had been closed due ia (ISIS) fighters are old Taliban ment it, Hesam said. He said that sure security of lawmakers. The Secretary Ashton Carter, Treasury to insecurity in southern Zabul Ministry of Interior (MoI) is intend- Secretary, Jack Lew and others. militants with a new flag. Deputy efforts are on to secure safe release province. They hope many such Director of the NDS, Hesamuddin of the 31 passengers in southern ed to collect the vehicle from the law- The visit of new Afghan leaders, schools will be reopened. These makers, Ulumi added. In the mean- AT Monitoring Desk difference. Some Republicans Abidy said, was to thank the Amer- Hesam, while briefing Wolesi Jirga Zabul province. Unidentified gun- have warned that not leaving be- views were expressed at a gather- on security situation in the coun- men stopped two buses in Shahjoi time the acting Minister of Defense, ican people, its security forces and ing marking the start of the new Murad Ali Murad said that their res- resident Ashraf Ghani in his hind a residual US presence in Af- leadership for the role they had try said that some Taliban mili- district of southern Zabul province academic year at Sheikh Mati High tants have switched white flags for on gunpoint and kidnapped 31 pas- cue operations for release of the kid- first visit to Washington DC ghanistan could lead to the coun- played and the sacrifices made to napped Hazara passengers haven t thanked the US troops for School in Qalat, the provincial black. He termed ISIS, also known sengers of the Hazara ethnicity P try s hard-won security falling bring peace and defeat insurgents. capital. Provincial education offi- yielded positive result yet, as the their service in the country and said back into chaos similar to what A lot of change has happened in as Daesh, as a serious threat to Af- around a month ago. Hessam said cials promised they would reopen ghanistan, as they are trying to at- that based on their information the kidnappers are constantly shifting they have helped to train a coun- happened in Iraq. Defense Secre- Afghanistan between 14 years ago closed schools and resolve prob- the kidnapped people from one try that can defend itself against and now. This change inside the tract and recruit Afghan youth. passengers were alive and safe. The place to another. He said that Af- tary Ashton B. Carter said that lems in functional schools in-time. Daesh fighters are trying to kidnappers are constantly shifting terrorism. So what s the legacy? while the US and other interna- country was not possible without Education Director Rahimullah ghan forces were pressurizing mili- The legacy is now a proud Afghan the support of the United States, mount insecurity in Afghanistan s the passengers in their captivity tants through military operations to tional partners will continue to Lodin told Pajhwok Afghan News north and find access to Central from one place to another, he add- security forces that has dealt with help in the fight, Mr. Ghani has he acknowledged. In fact, Ghani only 90 of 238 schools had been come to the negotiation table as and Abdullah would kick off their Asian region, he said. He added ed. The Minister of Interior, Nur- peace negotiations couldn t be the best of you and emulates the made it clear that Afghanistan s operational last academic year. He that some foreign elements who ul-Haq Ulumi, said that both polit- best of your example, Ghani told official engagement Monday when spurred only by plea. He stressed future is ultimately for Afghans to said 40000 to 50000 boys and girls have fled North Waziristan into Af- ical and military efforts were required that peace can only come through a gathering of members at the Pen- they drive down to the Pentagon remained deprived of education in grab hold of and for Afghans to and deliver a speech to the US ghanistan are trying to recruit Af- to secure safe release of the kid- military operations. The security tagon. The special forces who decide. During his first visit to Zabul and the reason was insecu- ghan youth. Pakistani forces have napped passengers. To raise the ca- officials were summoned by the worked shoulder to shoulder with armed forces for the sacrifices rity. He said they had been hold- Washington since being elected made by them in Afghanistan. On recently launched a large-scale mil- pacity of Afghan security forces, he Wolesi Jirga to brief lawmakers on you are now carrying the mission, president, Mr. Ghani is expected ing meetings with tribal elders over itary offensive against militants in said that they will urge internation- security situation in the country. Tuesday, the two leaders will visit the past three months to seek their he added. According to the Wash- to make the case for more flexibil- the Arlington Cemetery. The Af- ington Times, the president also ity in the planned drawdown of support in reopening schools. The ghan delegation will reiterate its elders had promised complete co- Baghlan man emphasized changes the country U.S. troops in Afghanistan at the commitment to the fight against Islamabad plans to build has made that allow young Afghan operation, he added. The educa- end of this year. corruption and administrative ef- tion director said they planned to slaughters spouse girls more freedom to get an edu- There are currently about fectiveness. This is a responsible Peshawar-Kabul motorway cation. He directed the remarks reopen 10 closed schools during 10,000 American service members government. the first week of the new academic KABUL: Islamabad planned to Muslims of Sub-Continent. with sickle specifically to someone in the au- We are taking measures to fight cor- in Afghanistan, though the White year. On the other hand, students construct a motorway from Pesha- The ceremony began with na- PUL-I-KHUMRI: A drug addict dience Reese Larson, a 9-year- House has said it will reduce that ruption and we have a very effec- said the education department had war to Kabul and a feasibility tional anthem and hoisting of Pa- tive agenda of reform. We are com- has killed his wife with a sickle in old girl whose father is currently to about 5,500 by December. Pres- been unable to resolve problems study for the project would be kistan flag by Ambassador. The the Shahabuddin area of Pul-i- deployed in Afghanistan. Reese, ident Ghani and Abdullah Abdul- mitted to fighting corruption and in functional schools. Samiullah, a commissioned soon, the Pakistan event was attended by members implementing reform, he said. Se- Khumri, the capital of northern I have greetings to you from 3 mil- lah the CEO of the National Unity student at the Sheikh Mati High ambassador said on Monday of the Pakistani community. Hus- Baghlan province, an official said lion Afghan girls who are attend- Government arrived in Washing- curity would be one of the major School No.2, said they had been The project would improve sain highlighted the historical sig- issues, Abidy said, adding the na- on Monday. Women s Affairs Di- ing school today. Fourteen years ton on Sunday. without a complete set of text- connectivity between the two nificance of the day and paid trib- rector Khadija Yaqin told Pajhwok ago, there were exactly none. Each ture of war had changed. books last year, when lack of pro- neighbours and Central Asian ute to the founding fathers for ren- More than 850,000 Americans There are new threats facing Afghan News that the uxoricide in- one of them wants to entertain the have served in Afghanistan since fessional teachers negatively im- states besides bringing economic dering immense sacrifices for cident took place Sunday night and hopes you do, and your dad is Afghanistan and the region, Islam- pacted their studies. He added stu- prosperity to Afghanistan, Syed achieving a separate homeland for 2001. Many have returned home ic countries and the whole world. the killer managed to escape. The making this possible, he said. injured and more than 2,000 were dents should be delivered text- Abrar Hussain hoped. Muslims. On Afghan-Pakistan couple had been living with her There should be effective and books in time and the problem of Addressing a Pakistan Day ties, he called for intensifying bi- Remember, he is there to make a killed in action. proper ways to overcome the husband for 10 years, having five teachers shortage resolved. An- function in Kabul, the diplomat lateral cooperation in areas of trade, children, the director said. She threats, he stressed. other student, Abdul Hamid, said recalled the passage of the histori- economy, culture and defence. Pa- Actually terror has morphed linked the killing to a domestic dis- Pakistanis among 13 fighters their school lacked sufficient cal Lahore Resolution on March kistan would like to see a strong, pute, but stopped short of giving into a system. It is not only a phe- benches and desks for students. 23, 1940 had played a vital role in stable, peaceful and prosperous nomenon. (Pajhwok) details. A resident of the area, Mo- DEAD IN HELMAND OFFENSIVE (Pajhwok) determining the destiny of the Afghanistan, he added. (Pajhwok) hibullah, said: Habibullah the husband of the victim was ad- LASHKARGAH: More than a told Pajhwok Afghan News the dead dicted to drugs. He had sold all dozen insurgents have been killed included 10 men from Pakistan s belongings and his wife prevented in an ongoing clearing operation in tribal region of Waziristan. Zazai him selling a carpet. southern Helmand province, an said the operation had been extend- Habibullah got angry and attacked official said on Monday. The fight- ed to Sangin district, with security her with a sickle, the man added. ers suffered the fatalities in Josha- forces launching an all-out push to Some 225 cases of violence against li locality, where security forces protect the areas cleared of militants. women, including six of murder defused 16 landmines and seized a Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed kill- incidents, were registered last year. walkie-talkie and hundreds Kalash- ing several security personnel in the (Pajhwok) nikov bullets. Lt. Col. Mohammad Sangin fighting, but local officials Rasoul Zazai, spokesman for the spurned the assertion as groundless. 400 PROJECTS TO 215th Maiwand Military Corps, (Pajhwok) BE EXECUTED IN Newly-formed electoral KHOST THIS YEAR KHOST CITY: The governor s house on Monday said 400 recon- reform panel to meet soon struction projects would be exe- KABUL: A member of the new- presidential decree, Madadzai cuted in 203 villages of various dis- ly-constituted Electoral Reform said, adding: The commission is tricts of southeastern Khost prov- assigned to assess all dimensions ince this solar year. A statement Commission on Monday called from the governor s house said the their task gigantic, saying the body of the electoral system including projects had been approved under was duty-bound to identify flaws problems in management of the the National Solidarity Programme and gaps in the system and come electoral bodies and shortcomings (NSP) as a result of untiring ef- up with solutions. Reforms in the in the electoral law and present- forts by the provincial administra- electoral system are part of the ing proposals to the president in tion. Baryalai Rawan, the provin- unity government deal between this regard. Due to various issues cial government s spokesman, said the president and the chief execu- in the electoral system, he said, it the projects would be implement- tive officer. After concerns were was not possible to predict a time- ed as per local people s wishes in raised regarding the absence of a table when the commission would Sabari, Yaqub, Bak, Tarzai, Alish- body to overhaul the electoral complete its tasks. However, he er, Musakhel, Nadir Shahkot, Gur- system, the president issued a said the commission would com- baz and Tani districts.Rawan said decree forming the electoral reform plete its activities ahead of the the projects had been estimated to commission two days ago. parliamentary elections due in cost about 391 million afghanis and The 15-member panel is June. Meanwhile, the Election the schemes would be implement- tasked with introducing reforms Watch Afghanistan (EWA) wel- ed in areas of transport, agricul- to the electoral system, strength- comed formation of the commis- ture and local reconstruction. With- ening democratic norms, restoring sion and hoped it would meet peo- out providing further details about public s trust in government in- ple s expectations in term of elec- the projects, the statement said stitutions and ensuring that the toral reforms. But the watchdog thousands of people would find rule of law is respected as their casted doubts over professional- jobs on the projects, which would main objectives. Gul Ahmad ism of the selected members, say- help further increase people s co- Madadzai, a member of the com- ing relevant observer groups had operation with the government. mission, told Pajhwok Afghan been ignored in its formation. Rawan said the provincial govern- News the commission had yet not In a press release, the organi- ment had sent proposals for some officially started its activities, but sation said it was concerned the Sculptor Pavel Greshnikov finalizes a statue of Russian President Vladimir Putin in the style of a Roman emperor in more new projects to Kabul in they would hold their maiden ses- reform process could meet politi- the workshop of the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. The bust, which will be cast in bronze, is due to be unveiled compliance with people s de- sion soon. Under the terms of ref- cal interferences and subsequent- mands. He said they were expect- outside a metro station on the northern outskirts of St. Petersburg on May 9, the holiday commemorating the Soviet ing a positive response from the erence, the commission will ar- ly overlooking people s and civil victory in World War II. (TASS/Sergei Konkov) range its activities in line with the society s demands. (Pajhwok) central government.(Pajhwok) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. TUESDAY . MARCH 24, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Afghan students CELEBRATE NAWROZ IN DELHI By Neelapu Shanti Persian calendar, Nawroz marks Kurdish region of Turkey. about our past what we have done munities suffer a lot from pover- Year is significant for Afghanistan better future. Abdullaha Ataee, an- the onset of spring season and The Afghan students feel that and how we can be more construc- ty, war, terrorism, conflict. as the country has been longing for other student enrolled with the NEW DELHI: The Afghan stu- New Year that is celebrated on Nawroz is not restricted to one tive not only in our personal life Nawroz has a message for us. The peace and stability. Mir Waez, a South Asian University, said it is dents in South Asian University March 21 every year. This festi- culture and brings people from but also in terms of our society, message of Nawroz will be peace, student pursuing Post Graduation an opportunity to introduce the Af- celebrated the New Year with gai- val is celebrated in Afghanistan, different groups closer to each said Omar Sadr, a PhD student prosperity and happiness..... So, in Economics, echoing similar sen- ghan culture not only in India but ety and wished for peace and pros- Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmen- other. Nawroz is a day we should pursuing International Relations. we should take this message from timents said the New Year brings across the South Asian region . perity in their country. As per the istan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and rethink our life, we should think Most of the South Asian com- Nawroz, he added. This New joy with hopes of a prosperous and (newKerala.com) Displaced women and girls Afghanistan in ICCCricket World Cup 2015: trapped in Afghanistan s cities Marks out of 10 f all nations participating in pace and making the ball jag at awk- ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, ward angles. The Scotland match OAfghanistan s story was dif- was easily his best performance: ferent. For a nation that did not have not only did he claim four for 38, a well-defined cricket team about a but his 12 not out (his ODI batting decade ago, Afghanistan rose from average reads a mere 7.25) was cru- the ashes, battling war and econom- cial in guiding Afghanistan to a vic- ic crisis and obstacles of all sorts to tory. Shapoor was hammered storm their way into the grandest by David Warner, but eventually stage of cricket. Abhishek Mukher- finished the tournament with 10 jee evaluates Afghanistan s perfor- wickets at 26.50 and an economy against Scotland, and certainly Nawroz Mangal (2/10): Mangal mance in ICC Cricket World Cup rate of 5.19. He also remained un- gets an extra point for inspired disappointed with the bat to the 2015 and analyses their player per- beaten throughout the World Cup, leadership. Javed Ahmadi (4/ extent that one almost forgot that formances. All team members of the batting five times. Hamid Hassan 10): Ahmadi s tournament was he was in the side. He batted at var- Afghanistan squad for ICC Cricket (6.5/10): Had Hamid been fully fit, similar to Nabi s: he could accu- ious positions, made a spirited 35- World Cup 2015 deserve 10 out of Afghanistan may have put up a mulate a mere 97 but that in- ball 33 against Australia at WACA 10 for the sheer adversities they better fight against the stronger na- cluded a 51-ball 51 in the Scot- and couple of 20s, but that was it. were up against when they made it tions. With his face glowing in the land match (he was third out when Aftab Alam (2/10): Aftab picked up to the tournament. Cricketers of characteristic war-paint and the cart Afghanistan were on 85; they two for 55 in Afghanistan s first other countries may have had ob- wheeling celebration that has at- soon became 97 for seven). Mir- match against Bangladesh and hit stacles of their own, but nothing tained iconic status (he gets half a wais Ashraf (4/10): The nagging, out (almost blindly) later in the day. compares to what Afghanistan had point for the celebration itself), probing Ashraf removed both He was never picked again. Afsar to go through to make their way to Hamid was definitely the fastest Bangladeshi openers at Manuka Zazai (2/10): Zazai was sound, if the tournament. However, since this of the pack, often leaving batsmen Oval but his batting did not come not spectacular, behind the stumps. exercise involves grading cricket- hurried for strokes. Hamid bowled off. The second match saw him He claimed seven catches, and gen- ers, let us be objective though, at an excellent first spell against Bang- smash two massive sixes and erally impressed everyone. His bat- heart, I have granted everyone a per- ladesh, claimed three for 45 against bowl another economic spell, but ting did not come off: a tally of 36 fect 10. Samiullah Shenwari (7/ Sri Lanka, played a crucial cameo he did not play another match. runs from six innings does not speak Photo: NRC/ Christian Jepsen 10): If Shenwari had done nothing against Scotland, and finished the Asghar Stanikzai (2/10): Stani- too highly of him. Gulbadin Naib else in the World Cup, he would have tournament with a difficult spell kzai s tournament can be sum- (1/10): Naib fell for a golden duck Displaced Afghan females face ny of women and girls presented marriage. Representing a form of etched his name in the history of against England in a losing cause. marised into one quality innings in the only match he played, but significant constraints to access- in the report paint a grim picture income, they are increasingly mar- Afghan cricket following his epic 96 Eight wickets at 32.62 and an econ- the 57-ball 54 against Sri Lan- deserves a solitary point for dis- ing education, health and employ- of the dire conditions facing wom- ried off to older men who are able against Scotland at Dunedin. Chas- omy rate of 5.11 make impressive ka. He did little else of note as his missing the Scottish captain Pre- ment opportunities, according to en and girls displaced to Afghani- to pay bride wealth/dowry. We are ing 211 Afghanistan were left reel- reading. Dawlat Zadran (5/ first-gear-to-fifth-gear-and-vice- ston Mommsen just when he was a new report by NRC. 7 out of 10 stan s cities and sheds new light being sold in exchange for money ing at 97 for seven, but Shenwari 10): Dawlat Zadran returned fig- versa approach to batting did not looking dangerous. After all, not ev- say they have never attended on the disproportionate risks like animals. Our rights are ignored; played out of his skin, adding 35 for ures of 10-1-29-3 (and provided come off. Shafiqullah Shafiq (2/ eryone plays a part in a World Cup school. Far more attention must they face being increasingly mar- we are often sold to widowers, blind the eighth wicket and 60 more for support to Shenwari during the 10): Shafiqullah got a consola- win! Usman Ghani (0.5/10): Ghani the ninth before he was dismissed chase) against Scotland; he also took tion match of sorts in Afghan- opened batting twice, scoring 12 be expended towards better iden- ginalised and isolated. Many of men, disabled or old men and we and a duck. He could easily have tifying and responding to the dis- them find themselves kept in have no choice to refuse marrying for 96. The last pair saw them a wicket off the first ball against istan s last appearance of the through, and Afghanistan registered Sri Lanka; but though he claimed been given a nought, but it can be placement related protection prison-like seclusion, and are not them , says a 23 year-old woman World Cup, against England at said in his defence that he played needs of women and girls dis- permitted to venture outside their from the Muhammad Aghai district their first ever win.Top 10 batsmen Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell, Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). against the two best sides of his placed in urban Afghanistan, homes and unable to seek much in the Logar province, now living in in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 they came at the cost of 101 runs. Afghanistan scored a mere 111 for group (he was dismissed by Mitch- Shenwari had walked out when Af- His economy rate read 6.04, but if seven, in which Shafiqullah top- says Secretary General, Jan Ege- needed assistance. We are im- a camp for internally displaced in ghanistan were three down for three one takes the Australia perfor- ell Johnson and Daniel Vettori). Na- land. A new report launched to- prisoned in our tents and we don t Kabul. This report provides a scored with 30. Najibullah Zadran sir Jamal (0.5/10): Like Shafiqullah, against Bangladesh at Manuka Oval, mance away, it reads an outstand- (2/10): Najibullah played a few Jamal was also given a solitary day by NRC and The Liaison have permission to go out. What voice for some of the most margin- and managed to score 42. He also ing 4.74. Mohammad Nabi (4/ cameos, but his only performance Office (TLO), an Afghan non- is this sort of life worth? says a alised and vulnerable groups of match against England. While scored 38 against Sri Lanka at Dune- 10): A lot was expected from Nabi, of note came against New Zealand. Shafiqullah top-scored with 30, Ja- governmental organization, pre- 24 year-old woman from the Hel- IDPs and should act as a sober re- din and 54 against New Zealand at but the Afghan captain generally He walked out with Afghanistan sents evidence and testimony mand province, internally dis- minder of the need to go further in mal, with a patient 52-ball 17, came Napier, and finished the tournament disappointed, managing only 90 in on 59 for six, and hit out for a 56- next. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: from women and girls in urban placed in Kabul and one of the order to meet the needs of women with 254 runs at 42.33. Shapoor the entire series. Almost half these ball 56 to lift his side to 186. Bar- Complete Coverage (Abhishek IDP informal settlements across respondents in the report. Dis- and girls living in appalling condi- Zadran (6.5/10): Shapoor, with his runs came against Bangladesh, ring that he did little of note in Mukherjee is the Chief Editor and Afghanistan and highlights wor- placed women and girls across tions in Afghanistan s cities , says imposing frame and sagging mane, where he clobbered a 43-ball 44 in the tournament if one dis- Cricket Historian at Cricket Coun- rying conditions experienced by Afghanistan s cities are also at in- Prasant Naik, NRC Afghanistan had troubled batsmen throughout a losing cause. He bowled tidily, counts that outrageous six try. He blogs here and can be fol- displaced females. The testimo- creased risk of forced and early Country Director. (NRC) the World Cup, bowling at brisk especially in the historic match off Rangana Herath, that is. lowed on Twitter here.)

Invitation for Bids (IFB) Project Coordination Unit For PROCURMENT OF INTERNET SERVICES

IFB No.: MEW/IRDP/G281C/NCB Date: 24 March 2015 1. The Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) has received a grant from the International Development Association towards the Irrigation Restoration and Development Project, and intends to apply part of the grant to payment under the contract for procurement of Internet Services as under. 1. The Project Coordination Unit of Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW)invite sealed bids from eligible bidders for providing of Internet Services as under. The contract period will be One (01) year. Lot Bandwidth Information Location No 3 MBPS Download Dedicated /3 MBPS Upload Office of PCU/IRDP, Ministry of Dedicated 1:1, Microwave, Full duplex IP with 4 Energy and Water, DarulAman Static IP Services and all required equipments 1 with their installations. The internet should be Road, Kabul, Afghanistan capable of supporting POLICOM Video Conference devices. The internet should conform to the specification and other details given in section VIII of bidding document. 3 MBPS Download Dedicated /3 MBPS Upload WAPECA Office, Airport Road Dedicated 1:1, Microwave, Full duplex IP with 4 Kabul, Afghanistan Static IP Services and all required equipments 2 with their installations. The internet should be capable of supporting POLICOM Video Conference devices. The internet should conform to the specification and other details given in section VIII of bidding document.

3. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the World Bank s Guidelines: Procurement of Goods, Works and Non-Consulting Services under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits & Grants by World Bank Borrowersdated January, 2011and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Bidding Documents. 4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Nasir Ahmad Ahadi (email:[email protected] Mobile No: +93(0)700 686 110), Procurement Officer, Project Coordination Unit, Main office and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 to 16:30 Hrs from Saturday to Wednesday. 5. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by the interested bidders on the submission of a written application to the address below and upon payment of non-refundable fee of 2,500Afs. The method of payment will be cash/direct payment. The bidding document may be collected by the bidders from address below. 6. Bids must be delivered to the address below on before 21 April 2015 at 10:00 hours Afghanistan Time. Electronic bidding shall not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened physically in the presence of the bidders representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below at the afore-mentioned date and time. 7. The address(s) referred to above is (are): Nasir Ahmad Ahadi, Procurement Officer Procurement Unit, 2nd Floor, Project Coordination Unit, Ministry of Energy and Water, DarulAman Road, Kabul, Afghanistan Mobile :0093 (0) 700686110 Electronic mail address: [email protected], This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. TUESDAY . MARCH 24, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES The importance OF AFGHAN-US

ALLIANCE By Akhtar M.Nikzad By Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah KABUL: Indian media reported recently that swine flu outbreak has been sweeping India including its capital city New Delhi. This virus has taken hundreds of lives and affected hundreds oth- ers. If media reports are any guide then the total number of deaths due to swine flu has reached 1,198 and over 22,000 people have been af- fected with the H1N1 virus across India. Swine flu is commonly known as an infectious disease EMERGENCY caused by the pig deadly virus. Symptoms can be mild or severe. CALLS The most common symptoms in- clude: a high fever, runny nose, sore Police throat, muscle pains, headache, coughing, and feeling tired. Since Afghanistan and India enjoy cor- 100 - 119 dial ties therefore Afghan nationals have not only been living in India but also do travelling. It s feared Hospitals they may bring home the virus from India as there are no health and vac- FMIC Hospital cination facilities at the Hamid Swine flu alert in Afghanistan: A young man in Kabul sells surgical masks on the street. Behind Kabul Medical aving chosen unity over di nomic mismanagement have stifled Karzai International Airport in vision in the first peaceful growth in Afghanistan, leaving us Kabul. It is believed that from 400- among Afghans that had returned main transformers of the virus from type but other types like H1N2, University: Hand democratic transition dependent on outside aid. We will 500 Afghans travel to India by flight from India, he added. The ACAA India to Afghanistan. The govern- H3N1 and H3N2 can also create the 0202500200-+93793275595 of power in our nation s history, develop our country s resources. on daily basis for medical care and spokesman did not confirm exist- ment should be aware about the infectious disease in human. There we are visiting the United States But we can t do this entirely on visit purposes. Talking to Afghan- ence of any health clinic at the air- outbreak of pig influenza in India are three types of influenza that to deepen the cooperation between our own. Just as we needed Amer- istan Times spokesman for Afghan- ports but he welcomed establish- and should take preventive mea- that affect people. The H1N1 virus Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital our countries. With US support, ica s help to fight terrorism, we still istan Civil Aviation Authority ment of a diagnostic center at Kab- sures as soon as possible, he sug- can be transferred through air parti- Pule Bagh-e- Umomi the hardworking people of Afghan- need your help to rebuild our econ- (ACAA), Qasim Rahimi said that ul, Herat and Kandahar airports gested. Reports suggest that the cles after sneezing and cough. The istan can rebuild our country, de- omy. We need know-how, not char- around 500 citizens fly to India on and said that they would help in H1N1 virus has taken 981 lives in symptoms caused by the swine in- 070263672 daily basis from different airports controlling the outbreak of the vi- 2009, 1,763 in 2010, 75 in 2011, fluenza virus (SIV) occur in short velop our economy and resist ter- ity. We ask your corporations, such as Kabul, Balkh, Kandahar and rus. Criticizing the Public Health 405 in 2012 and 692 lives in 2013. distances. The transmission of the rorism. your nonprofits and your start-ups Herat. According ACAA, around Ministry for reluctance in con- According to the recent reports, virus can occur by contact with con- Khairkhana Hospital Both cursed and blessed by its to help us embed clean, efficient 15,000 Afghans travel to India on trolling the spate of swine flu in the number of deaths due to out- taminated surfaces to eyes and location in the heart of Asia, our ways of doing business. monthly basis, and nearly 547,500 the country, a number of Afghans break of swine flu in 2015 has mouth, he added. Hinting at symp- 0799-321007 country has seen too much vio- Too much wealth has failed to Afghans travel to India for differ- who traveled to India claimed that reached to 1,198 and over 22,000 toms of hog flu, he said that symp- 2401352 lence. More than 1 million Afghans reach ordinary Afghans. Our three ent purposes including treatment. the MoPH had not taken any people have been affected with the toms of this infectious disease died, and more than 30 percent of numerical majorities women, In reply to a query that whether measure for testing those Afghans H1N1 virus across India. Howev- caused by the H1N1 virus are sim- our population was forced into youth and the poor are our eco- the Ministry of Public Health and foreigners who return from er, Dr. Feroz rejected outbreak of ilar to those of other types and in- Indira Gandhi Children exile during the struggle to defeat nomic minorities. Over the next (MoPH) have the facilities to diag- India. Nasim Nasrat, an Afghan swine flu in India and stressed that clude sudden fever a temperature the Soviet invasion in the 1980s. five years, a new Citizens Char- nose the swine flu virus among those who recently visited India, said Ministry of Health and Family of 38C, tiredness, aching muscles Hospital, Wazir Akbar Then came meddling regional ac- ter will ensure that most Afghan that return from India and as well that there was no heath facility at Welfare of India and World Health or joint pain, headache and runny tors, who took advantage of feud- villages can count on having clean as about any measures taken by the Hamid Karzai International Air- Organization (WHO) in a contact or blocked nose. About preventive Khan, Kabul 2301372 ing factions and a power vacuum, water, primary schooling and ministry in controlling the outbreak port in Kabul to diagnose the in- with the MoPH rejected the alle- measures to control outbreak of pig only to be followed by the Tali- health care, access to a market and of the H1N1, the Public Health fectious disease. I have not seen gations about existence of swine flu flu, Nooruddin said that the easiest ban, who brought deadly repres- technology for better farming. Minister, Ferozuddin Feroz, told any diagnostic center or health- in that country. We talked about way to prevent the disease is to take Ibn-e- Seena sion and became host to terrorists. While the opportunities to Afghanistan Times that after being care personnel at the airport to the issue with WHO and they re- hygienic measures including wash- Pul-e-Artan, Kabul For the past decade, Afghani- build peace and stability have never informed about the outbreak of the ask travelers about any health jected the allegations. In the mean- ing hands wish detergents, not swine flu virus, directed the MoPH problem and if they are affected time, we shared our concerns about touching contaminated eyes, nose 2100359 stan has joined the United States been greater, a new ecology of ter- to take concrete and urgent mea- with swine flu in India, he said. outbreak of pig flu with India s and mouth with contaminated and other nations in battling al- ror threatens to block not just our sures for controlling the likely He added that the virus could eas- Ministry of Health and Family hands as the virus can be transmit- Qaeda and regional terror net- prosperity but yours as well. Lo- spread of the virus and diagnosing ily spread as the MoPH was re- Welfare, and they also rejected the ted through the surface of cell Wazir Akbar Khan works, and now Afghanistan has calized insurgencies and external of affected citizens. He said that a luctant to take any measure in this reports but confirmed a few cases phones and other devises that are become the eastern wall standing enablers have evolved into existen- special team was assigned at Kab- regard. Wali Entezar, another Af- in remote states of Rajasthan and used daily by people, staying at Hospital against the butchery of ISIL, also tial threats to states. In parts of ul, Kandahar and Herat airports to ghan recently returned from India Gujarat, he said. He added that home when someone feels sick, 2301741, 2301743 known as the Islamic State. the Middle East, extremism has implement diagnostic measure after treatment, said that the out- Indian officials rejected any posi- avoiding large gatherings when Because Afghanistan must taken a violent form. To the east, among those who return from In- break of swine flu was a big threat tive case of swine flu in India s cap- swine flu is in its season. He also never again become a launching Pakistan s military operations are dia. Every Afghan who returns to Afghanistan as most of Afghans ital city, New Delhi. Nooruddin said that best remedy to prevent Ali Abad ground for terrorist attacks, we pushing a number of terrorist net- from India undergoes a blood test travel to that country on daily Andish, a specialist of infectious the disease is to rest at home, keep want to continue to work with the works into our territory. Narcot- at the airports. The type A of the basis for treatment and other pur- diseases, said that the main cause warm and drink plenty of water to Shahrara, Kabul United States. ics provide deadly criminal net- H1N1 virus has been diagnosed poses therefore they can serve as of swine flu is H1N1 influenza sub- avoid dehydration. 2100439 Afghanistan is not asking the works with the weapons and mon- United States to do our job for us. ey to attract new recruits from We thank the American people and around the world. We are deter- Pakistan s embassy Malalai Maternity remember your brave fallen sol- mined to fight this scourge. BRIEF LIFE diers who defended freedom and Weakened governments offer Hospital dignity here after the tragedies of fertile ground for violent groups celebrates Republic Day 2201377/ 2301743 Sept. 11, 2001. opposed to the democratic way of SKETCHES OF NEW Our ultimate goal is self-reli- life. We are responding to extrem- ance. On Dec. 31, we fulfilled our ism s threats by building partner- Banks promise to our people and our ships at the global, regional, Islamic commitment to your president and and national levels of governance. ministers-designate Da Afghanistan Bank to NATO by taking full responsi- Globally, Afghanistan abides 2100302, 2100303 bility for combat operations in our by international conventions and iven below are biographies natural resources development country. Gen. John F. Campbell, the rule of law. Our government of the new cabinet picks and strategic planning. He has 14 the US commander of the Interna- will join free-trade arrangements Gthat President Ashraf years of experience with various Kabul Bank tional Security Assistance Force, that build prosperity and promote Ghani nominated before embark- sectors of natural resources, rural 222666, 070285285 has testified to the high profession- peace. Regionally, we are engaging ing his five-day visit to Washing- development and education. He alism and morale of the Afghan our neighbors across Asia to build ton: Abdul Bari Jahani, informa- has a master s degree in econom- Azizi Bank my, culture and defense. He said tion and culture minister-desig- ics from the US. Humayun Rasa, armed forces. A continued securi- trust and trade. Afghanistan will AT News Report ty partnership with training, become a platform for cooperation that Pakistan attached utmost sig- nate, is a son of Haji Abdul Ah- commerce and industry minister- 0799 700900 nificance to its ties with the broth- mad Khan, Jahani. He was born designate, has a master s degree in advice and assistance from the in a vast region that extends from KABUL: The Embassy of Paki- Pashtany Bank United States will ensure that India to Azerbaijan and beyond. erly country and would like to see in 1948 in Kandahar City. He com- computer science. Earlier, he was stan in Kabul on Monday cele- a strong, stable, peaceful and pros- pleted early education in Kanda- deputy education minister and 2102908, 2103868 we will be an important ally in the Properly supported, Afghanistan brated Pakistan s Republic Day. perous Afghanistan. Talking of ef- decades to come. Our partnership is uniquely positioned to block the har in history and geography. In deputy director of the National According to a press release is- forts to enhance trade with Afghan- 1981, Jahani went to Pakistan and Directorate of Security (NDS). goes beyond assurances of mutual spread of extremism. With the bit- sued by Embassy of Pakistan in istan, the ambassador said that Pa- Air Services security. Now there is hope in a ter exception of the Taliban regime, Kabul, the ceremony was attend- two years later to the United Dilbar Nazari, women s affairs kistan had removed several trade im- States where he worked for the minister-designate, is an ex-law- nation that once had none. Afghans Islam in Afghanistan has tradition- ed by sizeable members of Paki- pediments so as to facilitate and en- Safi Airways protect and cherish the many ally been inclusive and reflective, stani community including educa- Voice of America (VOA). maker who has a degree in inter- courage bilateral trade. He stated He has authored more than 10 national affairs from Kabul Uni- schools built with US assistance not violent and angry. And after tionists, engineers, doctors, senior that Pakistan had executed various 020 22 22 222 that are teaching more than 3 mil- 36 years of conflict, our people executives and businessmen. Ad- projects in health, education and in- books in Pashto language and versity. Mohammad Batash, trans- lion of our daughters to read, along have become immunized against dressing participants of the cere- frastructure sectors in Afghanistan many of them have been translat- port minister-designate, is son of Ariana with the clinics that have saved the ideologically based conflict. Af- mony, the Ambassador of Paki- which would tremendously benefit ed to Dari and English. Jahani was Haji Bori. He was born in 1961 in lives of tens of thousands of our ghanistan s transformation will not stan in Kabul, Syed Abrar Hus- the Afghan people. Syed Abrar member of the constitution Loya the Imam Sahib district of Kun- 020-2100270 wives and mothers. With peace be easy. There will be setbacks. sain highlighted the historical sig- Hussain said that Pakistan had Jirga. He has the honour of au- duz province. He has a doctorate will come development that lets Because we will negotiate peace nificance of the Day and paid trib- planned to construct a motorway thoring Afghanistan s current na- in international affairs from a utes to the founding fathers that from Peshawar to Kabul and a fea- tional anthem. Basir Ahmad Os- Moscow university. Previously Kam Air Afghanistan benefit from Ameri- from a position of strength, vio- had rendered immense sacrifices ca s business experience. Our first lent encounters may rise as our sibility study about the project mani, energy and water minister- he held several governmental po- 0799974422 for achieving a separate homeland. would soon be commissioned. The designate, has a master s degree in sitions, including transport s dep- priority is to tackle corruption, armed forces tighten their hold on The ambassador also spoke on waste and mismanagement. Can- security. But we will not surren- motorway project will not only architecture. He was a lecturer at uty minister. Over the past three AfPak ties and underscored the improve connectivity between the Herat University and had worked years, he has been working as gov- Hotels didates for governorships and min- der the gains that we have made in need for intensifying bilateral co- two neighbors and Central Asian istries now undergo integrity re- education, health, democratic de- as coordinator with the European ernor of Faryab province. Salamat Safi Landmark operation between the two coun- States but would also bring eco- Union and WFP programmes in Azimi, counternarcotics minister- views, and a new national procure- velopment, the media, civil soci- tries in the areas of trade, econo- nomic prosperity to Afghanistan. ment agency will ensure that con- ety and women s rights. The Rev. western Afghanistan. designate, holds a degree in law 020-2203131 tracting for all large public projects Martin Luther King Jr. said that Mohammad Gulab Mangal, and political science and has borders and tribal affairs minis- worked as deputy head of Balkh is clean. Afghans believe deeply in the arc of history is long but that it Taliban, illegal gunmen SERENA the rights of the individual, but in- bends toward justice. Afghani- ter-designate, is a son of Yarud- University. Abdul Sattar Murad, justice, both legal and social, stan s history has been marked by terrorizing Kunduz residents din. He was born in 1957 in south- economy minister-designate, is a 0799654000 abounds. Our legal system must violence, sacrifice and tears. But eastern Paktia province. Holding former governor of Kapisa prov- be comprehensively restructured, the partnership between Afghani- KUNDUZ CITY: Some residents Around 9,000 armed men, in- a degree in Pashto literature, Man- ince. He has a degree in interna- and a national review of all prose- stan and the United States can make of northern Kunduz province on cluded militants, are said to be gal had served as the governor of tional relations from the US. Dr. New Rumi Restaurant cutors and judges to weed out cor- Afghanistan an enduring success, Monday complained of a heavy active in the province. Paktia, Laghman and Helmand Nasrin Oryakhel, labour and so- 0776351347 rupt or unqualified officials is al- replacing conflict and violence presence of militants and an armed Syed Attaullah, a resident of provinces in the previous admin- cial affairs minister-designate, has ready underway. More reforms with a legacy of justice and peace group, saying official had failed Khanabad district, said armed istration. Sayed Sadaat Naderi, graduated from Kabul Universi- to disarm them. men in special uniforms estab- urban development minister-des- ty. She has served a lecturer at Internet Services will follow. Political stability is for our children. The groups often resorted to lished checkpoints after evening. built on the bedrock of economic This column appeared in the ignate; Naderi, son of Sayed Man- Kabul Medical University besides UA Telecom infighting, they said, adding com- They snatch watches, mobile sour Naderi, was born in 1976 in serving as head of Rabia Balkhi growth. Sadly, nearly 40 years of Washington Post ahead of the au- mon people had become victims phones, cash and other valuables 0796701701 / 0796702702 conflict, poor governance and eco- thors 5-day visit to the US. Kabul City. He has a degree in and Malali hospitals in Kabul. Dr. of clashes. from residents. (Pajhwok) economics and international trade Abdul Basir Anwar, justice min- from North London University. ister-designate, was born in 1952 Exchange Rate He was a member of the central in the Jabalus Saraj district of cen- Paktika schools, seminaries to get new buildings bank s board of directors and pres- tral Parwan province. A graduate Purchase: ident of a private insurance com- from Kabul Medical University, SHARAN: The education depart- cording to information from his casion, a UNICEF representative edged education standards had pany in Kabul. Mahmood Baligh, he possesses master s degrees in ment of southeastern Paktika department, currently 155,000 pledged to extend all-out support improved, as people had started public works minister-designate; political science and Islamic Stud- One US$ = province on Monday announced students, including 26,000 girls, for promoting education in Pakti- understanding its value. But he Mahmood Baligh was born in ies. A former advisor to ex-presi- 57.70Afs 11 madaris and 12 schools would are enrolled in 353 schools across ka. complained of the late delivery of 1971 in central Daikundi province. dent Hamid Karzai, he has served One Pound Sterling= get new buildings, while 43 other the province. Speaking on the oc- Tribal Elder Badshah acknowl- books to schools. (Pajhwok) He has a master s degree in archi- in various governmental positions. schools would be rehabilitated in tecture. Asadullah Hanif Balkhi, edu- 84.40Afs the ongoing year. Education Di- He has taught at the Polytech- cation minister-designate, was One Euro = rector Kochai Zazai said funds for nic University and was editor-in- born in 1957 in Balkh province. 60.37Afs the rehabilitation and construction chief of Iqtedar-e-Milli newspa- He has a doctorate in Law and of schools would be provided by per. Abdul Razaq Wahidi, infor- Sharia from Saudi Arabia. He was 1000 Pak Rs = the ministry concerned and mation and technology minister- ambassador to Kuwait and held 560Afs UNICEF. In addition, the depart- designate; Wahidi has a master s several other governmental posi- ment plans to build 54 local edu- in mathematics. tions. Balkhi has translated more Sale: cation centres, 10 kindergartens He has worked as a universi- than 16 books from Arabic to Dari. One US$ = and playgrounds at different ty lecturer and deputy finance Farida Mohmand is higher 57.90Afs schools with the financial assis- minister. Assadullah Zameer, ag- education minister-designate. But One Pound Sterling= tance of World Bank (WB). Zazai riculture minister-designate; Asa- his background is yet to be shared 85.20Afs noted lack of professional teach- dullah Zameer, son of Haji Mo- with the media. ers, long distance between schools hammad Dil, was born in Kabul Nominees for the minister of One Euro= and residential areas and security city. Zameer has expertise in defence and attorney-general and 62.90 Afs concerns as major issues faced fields of economics, agricultural Central Bank head are yet to be 1000 Pak Rs= 568Afs during the last academic year. Ac- development, rural development, introduced. (Pajhwok) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. TUESDAY . MARCH 24 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Somali pirates shifting location towards India, Manohar Parrikar says BHUBANESWAR: Beaten back in India clarified on Monday there is their usual area of operations, So- no place for a third party in talks mali pirates are "shifting their lo- cation" towards India, but the coun- with Pakistan and the resolution try is watchful to deal with such of the issues between the neigh- threats, defence minister Manohar bouring countries will be carried Parrikar said . "Today's threats are out by their respective govern- not traditional. Somali pirates, af- ments. “The government of India ter being neutralized by various prefers to speak for itself. There countries' navies, are shifting their should be no scope for misunder- locations towards India. Because standing or misinterpretation on their (shipping) lanes are heavily India’s position on role of ‘so- guarded, they have moved 30-40 called’ Hurriyat,” the Indian Min- nautical miles, although they still istry of External Affairs (MEA) are 450 nautical miles away from said, according to IBN Live. India," he said. "They may not be “There are only two parties and next to India but ... We are watch- there is no place for third party in ful and careful," Parrikar said at an resolution for the India-Pakistan international conference on "India issue. Only way forward to pro- & the Indian Ocean: Renewing the ceed on all outstanding issues is Maritime Trade & Civilisational peaceful bilateral dialogue within Linkages", organized by the Insti- framework of Shimla Agreement & tute of Social and Cultural Studies Lahore Declaration,” MEA (ISCS) jointly with Research and spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin Information System for Develop- added. Akbaruddin’s statement ing Countries (RIS). Calling for comes on Pakistan’s national day greater cooperation between the and hours after Pakistan High neighbouring countries, he said, Commissioner to India Abdul Ba- "The Indian Ocean can be an en- sit claimed the Indian government richer and also a destroyer, hence does not object to his meetings we should also be prepared for di- with Hurriyat leaders. “I don’t saster and develop strong relation- think the government of India is ships and communication with objecting to our meeting with Hur- neighbouring countries to avoid riyat leaders,” Abdul Basit said. any kind of disaster." Pitching for Read: Don’t think Indian govt ob- a creation of a common platform jects to us meeting Hurriyat lead- for the Indian Ocean rim region, he ers: Abdul Basit Down playing his further said, "We are in a common meetings with Hurriyat leaders grid and are tied to each other. If which have earlier been the cause India strengthens, being the focal for India cancelling foreign secre- point and located strategically, it tary-level talks, Basit said, “Don’t can facilitate others." He also said try to make an issue out of non- that India's strength lies in non- issue.” Earlier this month Indian violence, but it can be practised foreign secretary S Jaishanker vis- only by those that are strong. So- ited Pakistan and held talks with mali pirates produced at the Sewri his counterparts in Islamabad. fast-track court. The pirates were Read: Ensuring peace and tranquil- nabbed in four different operations ity along border is vital: Indian for- that were carried out by the Coast eign secretary Further, earlier to- Guard and the Navy off Lakshad- day, Indian Prime Minister Naren- weep. (TOI Photo by Prashant dra Modi congratulated Prime Nakwe) Stressing that the Indian Minister Nawaz Sharif on Paki- Ocean region is "very important stan Day. Read: After 7-year hia- for us", Parrikar pointed out that tus, nation witnesses Pakistan Day it "accounts for more than 50 per parade Modi took to social net- cent of the world's oil reserves and working site Twitter and said, “It more than 45 per cent of the is my firm conviction that all out- standing issues can be resolved through bilateral dialogue in an atmosphere free from terror & violence.” world's gas reserves". Pakistan Day messages: Nation stands united against all odds, says Nawaz India’s Border Security Force (BSF) has shot dead a Bangladeshi ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister on the border at Chapainawab- Nawaz Sharif said the anti-state ganj’s Shibganj Upazila. The inci- elements threatening Pakistan dent happened around 1am on were out to challenge not only the Monday near the Ohedpur bor- lives but also the very fabric of ders, according to Chapainawab- Pakistani nation, vowing that the ganj-based Border Guards Bang- nation stands united to defeat all ladesh (BGB) battalion Command- kinds of militancy and extremism. er Lt Col AZSM Bazlul Haque. “Pakistan is resolved to redeem its His BSF counterpart, 20 Battal- pledge given to its founding fathers ion Commandant Raj Kumart that it will protect the homeland,” Batasha has been informed of the he made the remark in his message shooting, said the BGB officer, and to the nation on Pakistan Day. We added that a flag-meeting had been are also committed to preserve and convened. The dead has been iden- ensure freedom, equality and so- tified as Tarikul Islam, 35, of Ja- cial justice as core values of our maiparha Village of the Upazila. polity as desired by our enlight- Locals said that he was involved a few others had entered Indian territory to bring in cattle at the wee hours of Monday, when the BSF opened ened forbears, he added. Three in the cattle trade. Islam along with fire. His companions brought him home with gunshot wounds, where he died later, according to the locals. quarters of a century, the premier stated, had elapsed since the Mus- lims of the subcontinent irrevers- ibly resolved to seek their own in- dependent Muslim state. “I am Sri Lanka sets up national unity confident that with the valued as- sistance of our valiant armed forc- es, unconditionally supported by government to speed up reforms the entire array of political opin- Senior Indian and Chinese officials der and fought a brief war in 1962. ion, we will surely overpower are meeting in Delhi for talks aimed Tensions flare up from time to time threatening forces,” he observed. at resolving a contentious border and numerous rounds of border Presidential remarks Meanwhile, dispute, the first discussions since talks have been unsuccessful so far. President Mamnoon Hussain has Prime Minister Narendra Modi The latest meeting in Delhi is the said that on the historic occasion came to power. China's special rep- 18th round of boundary talks. Since of the Pakistan Day, all citizens resentative Yang Jiechi is in Delhi taking over as prime minister last should renew their resolve to bring for talks with National Security summer, Mr Modi has spoken of the country to the forefront of the Adviser Ajit Doval. The talks are his desire for better relations with comity of nations The president, seeking to improve ties before Mr China and called for an early set- in his message on the Pakistan Day, Modi visits Beijing in May. The tlement of the border dispute. In said the day marked the momen- neighbours were involved in a bit- September during his visit to In- tous occasion when Muslims of ter two-week stand-off near their dia, Chinese President Xi Jinping India resolved to struggle for an de facto border in September 2014. said he was committed to working independent state based on prin- The two countries share an ill-de- with India to maintain "peace and ciples of equality and justice. fined 4,057km (2,520 miles) bor- tranquillity". Miscreants set ablaze 5 tankers in Balochistan, abduct four drivers

QUETTA: Armed men set on fire five oil tankers in Balochistan's Mastung district on Monday and also kidnapped four drivers before fleeing from the scene. Levies sources told DawnNews that armed men opened indiscriminate fire on five oil tankers in Kirdi Gap area of Mastung. The sources add- ed that the tankers were carrying fuel from Karachi for the Saindak President Maithripala Sirisena ed. Proposed reforms Sirisena, a the new leader may have trouble Dayan Jayatilake, a former Sri Lan- Project situated in Balochistan's used his executive powers to ap- former SLFP member, stood for finding the two-thirds majority kan diplomat, told Reuters, add- Chaghi district when they were point 11 new cabinet members and the presidency in January 8 elec- in parliament needed for consti- ing that the new appointments targeted in Kirdi Gap. The tankers 15 deputy ministers from the main tions, promising to bring political tutional reforms, or winning such would slow down the decision- caught fire as the gunfire ignited opposition Sri Lanka Freedom stability to the country and em- a majority through the election making process. A SLFP faction is the fuel payload, following which Party (SLFP), government spokes- bark on a much-needed reconcilia- of a new parliament. The new trying to get former president the militants picked up four driv- man Rajitha Senaratne told Reu- tion process among political and appointments could also widen Mahinda Rajapakse back to pow- ers and fled to an undisclosed lo- ters news agency. With the new ethnic groups. He appointed the the rift within the already-divid- er. Rajapakse ruled the country for cation in the mountainous region. appointments, the number of min- then-opposition leader Ranil Wick- ed opposition ranks before par- a decade and was accused of cor- Fire fighters were dispatched from isters in Sirisena's cabinet has ris- remesinghe as prime minister to liamentary elections later this ruption, nepotism and cronyism. Mastung city to put off the fire. en to 39. "The move will enable consolidate the process. year. Observers say the move is The 69-year-old also faced criti- Levies and Frontier Corps (FC) better cooperation between the The proposed reforms, to be en- likely to upset the opposition cism from Western countries over personnel reached the spot as a ruling party and the main opposi- acted in Sirisena's first 100 days in United National Party (UNP), his refusal to allow an internation- probe into the incident went un- tion in parliament until parliamen- office, focus on the abolition of the which backed Sirisena in the Jan- al investigation into alleged war derway. A search operation was tary elections," Senaratne said. executive presidency and the re- uary 8 vote. crimes and his apparent unwilling- launched in the area to ensure the the attack, however, Levies suspect Baloch separatist militants could be "This is a national government, and establishment of independent "It will satisfy no one because ness to promote reconciliation with safe recovery of kidnapped driv- behind the attack. Oil tankers have regularly been targeted with arson this is a (SLFP) party decision. We commissions to oversee the police, UNP will feel it is being crowd- the country's Tamil minority fol- ers, Levies said. There was no im- attacks blamed on insurgents attempting to disrupt two key supply want to do all the reforms and then civil service and judiciary and to ed out by the integration of the lowing the decades-long civil war, mediate claim of responsibility for lines that cross western Pakistan go to the elections," Senaratne add- monitor human rights. However, SLFP members into the cabinet," which ended in May 2009. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. TUESDAY . MARCH 24 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Syrian insurgents ‘mimicking’ army violence

Insurgent groups in Syria have car- er, members of the "Free Syrian ried out scores of indiscriminate Army" and other rebel groups also attacks that have killed and maimed appear to have carried out deliber- civilians in violation of the laws of ate, deadly attacks on civilian ar- war, a Human Rights Watch report eas, the HRW report found. Free said on Monday. The report said Syrian Army is a name adopted armed groups could not point to by a plethora of mainstream rebel abuses by government forces and groups that often operate indepen- allied militias to justify their own dently of each other. Some of these violence, which it said had often groups have received support from targeted areas with a high concen- Assad's Western and Arab foes. tration of religious minorities. The research was based on victim "We've seen a race to the bottom and witness accounts, on-site in- in Syria, with rebel groups mim- vestigations, videos and informa- icking the ruthlessness of govern- tion on social media. It described ment forces with devastating con- attacks using car bombs, mortars sequences for civilians," said and rockets. The report document- Nadim Houry, HRW's deputy ed 17 car bombings and other ex- Middle East director. The Syrian plosions in the Damascus coun- crisis started in March 2011 with tryside, central Damascus and var- Arab Spring-inspired protests ious locations in Homs. Many of against President Bashar al-Assad. the areas targeted have a large pop- The uprising turned into armed ulation of religious minorities in- conflict as the security forces cluding Christians, Alawites, Shi- cracked down on protesters. Four ites and Druze which are seen by years on, more than 200,000 peo- Sunni Muslim insurgents as sup- ple have been killed in a civil war portive of the government, the re- pitting the army and allied militias port said. Assad is an Alawite and against a range of insurgent groups, his allies include the Shiite Islam- including hardline jihadists such as ist government in Iran. The report Islamic State and mainstream urged the United Nations Security Kurdish authorities in Iraq have accused Iran of sending 30,000 soldiers and military experts to fight the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group. Shakhawan Abdullah, the head rebels. The report covered attacks Council to refer the situation in of the Iraq's parliamentary security and defence committee, told Al Jazeera on Sunday that Iranian soldiers were operating in a number of Iraqi cities and fighting on Iraqi soil. Inside between January 2012 to April Syria to the International Criminal Story: Revenge and reprisals in Iraq? Abdullah said Iran's presence went beyond military advisers and experts, and that Iranians were fighting under the banner of the Popular 2014 in and around Damascus and Court and impose an arms embar- Mobilisation Forces. The Popular Mobilisation Forces is an umbrella organisation of Shia armed groups composed of around 100,000 fighters. Iran has repeatedly denied sending soldiers Homs. Some attacks were claimed go on forces implicated in wide- to Iraq despite claims by the US. In August, Iran was accused of sending hundreds of soldiers to retake the town of Jalawla from ISIL, while in December it was alleged that an Iranian by groups such as al-Qaeda's Syr- spread or systematic abuses, F-4 fighter struck ISIL targets in the province of Diyala. Shia fighters have been accused of killing dozens of civilians in retribution against the actions of ISIL since the group seized large ia wing Nusra Front and the ultra- whichever side they were fighting swathes of land and announced the establishment of a "caliphate" straddling the two countries. hardline ISIS, HRW said. Howev- on. Six Tunisia police chiefs dismissed over museum attack Tunisia's prime minister has dis- around the museum] last night and sponsibility for the attack, which missed six police commanders, in- saw several deficiencies. So he has has badly shaken the crucial tour- cluding those in charge of tourist decided to fire a number of offi- ism industry in the North African security and an intelligence bri- cials including the Tunis police nation considered the birthplace of gade, according to a spokesper- chief and the police chief for the the Arab Spring revolts. The Iraqi army, supported by Shia assault. "When we see that the time armed group has criticised the Ira- sion. In an interview with Fox son. Monday's decision by Habib Bardo area that includes the muse- Authorities say the two men fighters, is laying "full siege" to the is right for the Tikrit alliance, we qi army, saying it has asked for News Sunday, Brennan described Essid follows the March 18 at- um," Mofdi Mssedi, Essid's com- blamed for that attack had no clear city of Tikrit where Islamic State will storm in as quickly as possi- coalition air strikes to help retake General Qassem Soleimani as be- tack on the National Bardo Mu- munications director, told AFP links to armed groups. Several of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group ble," he said. "Tikrit is under full the city. Hadi al-Ameri's remarks ing "very aggressive and active" in seum in Tunis, which killed 21 news agency. well-armed groups in neighbour- fighters are now surrounded, ac- siege. We are taking caution to not on Sunday pointed to a possible advising the Shia militias, adding people, 20 of whom were foreign The Islamic State of Iraq and the ing and chaotic Libya have pledged cording to Iraq's defence minister. take any losses and to protect ci- divide between the Iraqi army and that he "wouldn't consider Iran an tourists. "He visited [the area Levant (ISIL) group claimed re- allegiance to ISIL. The Iraqi military - backed by at vilians in the city. "The terrorists Shia units, most of which are made ally right now inside Iraq". Iranian least 20,000 Shia fighters - has been are surrounded inside the city and up of fighters. While the US has advisers have played a prominent fighting to regain control of Sadd- their morale is low. When the right been working to train Iraqi mili- role on the front lines of Iraq's am Hussein's hometown of Tikrit, moment comes, we will storm the tary brigades, it has not worked Salahuddin province. If Iraqi forc- UN envoy warns Yemen is one of several predominantly Sun- city without any resistance or loss- with the Shia groups, since doing es are unable to push ISIL back ni towns to fall to ISIL last year. es." The Tikrit siege is one of the so would bring them uncomfort- and recover lost territory, US Pres- Operations to recapture Tikrit first major operations in which the ably close to Iran, which offers sig- ident Barack Obama would be have been on hold for nearly a US-led coalition is not taking part, nificant assistance to the groups. faced with a choice of accepting ‘on the edge of civil war’ week, with Khaled al-Obeidi, the with US officials saying they were John Brennan, CIA director, said failure in Iraq or committing US Iraqi defence minister, saying the not asked to participate. Possible having the leader of Iran's elite Quds combat troops - something both army was trying to minimise ca- divide Against the backdrop of the Force direct Iraqi forces against US and Iraqi officials have spoken sualties by not rushing the final Tikrit siege, the head of a Shia ISIL is complicating the US mis- firmly against. Libya unity govt could get first names this week: UN envoy The first names for a new Libyan unity government could emerge this week after progress in U.N.- mediated talks between its warring parties, U.N. special envoy Ber- nardino Leon said Monday. Leon was in Brussels for a conference of Libyan mayors after visiting Morocco, where he has been work- ing with representatives of Libya's rival parliaments to reach a deal to end months of fighting. “There is a chance that we can make progress and have the first names for a uni- ty government this week,” Leon told reporters. “It is going to be a difficult discussion and I wouldn't like expectations to be too high, bearing in mind how difficult the situation is on the ground. But there is a possibility and we will do our best to reach there by the end of this week.” Leon had said A boy wounded in one of Friday's suicide bomb attacks lies in a hospital bed in Sanaa on Sunday that the first documents to pave the way for a unity gov- The U.N. special envoy for Ye- warned that any party that push- injure Hadi, who is strongly sup- ernment could be ready within two men warned an emergency meet- es the country in either direction ported by the Security Council. days. Libya has been in turmoil ing of the U.N. Security Council “would be inviting a protracted “Following the suicide bombings since the overthrow of Muammar on Sunday that events appear to conflict in the vein of an Iraq, Syr- and fighting,” Benomar warned, Qaddafi in 2011 by rebels backed be leading the country “to the edge ia, Libya combined scenario.” “emotions are running extremely by U.S., French and British air of civil war” and urged all parties Meanwhile the U.N. Security high, and unless a solution can be strikes. Libya has had two gov- to step back from the brink and Council also voiced unanimous found in the coming days the coun- British Defense Secretary Micha- Cameron’s Conservatives and the lon wrote in the Daily Telegraph. ernments and parliaments since the resolve the conflict peacefully. Ja- support for Yemen’s President try will slide into further violent el Fallon told the United States on opposition Labour Party are un- “Our American friends know that capital Tripoli was seized in Au- mal Benomar stressed repeatedly Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi and the conflict and fragmentation.” He Monday his country would always der pressure from lawmakers the UK is not about to let down gust 2014 by Fajr Libya, a militia in a video briefing from Qatar that unity of the country. “The Securi- said Yemenis believe the situation be at Washington's side on the bat- across the spectrum to commit to its guard.” Fallon said Britain's fi- alliance which includes Islamists “peaceful dialogue is the only op- ty Council reaffirms its strong com- is “on a rapid downward spiral,” tlefield “when the chips are down,” protect defense spending after the nances were on a firm foundation, that has installed its own govern- tion we have.” That view was ech- mitment to the unity, sovereignty, and are concerned that the conflict part of a concerted campaign to ballot. Both have dodged firm that it was investing in its military ment and legislature. On Friday the oed by the Security Council in a independence and territorial integ- “has taken on worrying sectarian assuage U.S. fears over British de- pledges. and had the biggest defense budget internationally recognised cabinet presidential statement which reaf- rity of Yemen, and its commitment tones and deepening north-south fense spending. The U.S. army's Fallon, who held talks with U.S. in the EU, and that it was putting based in the eastern city of To- firmed the readiness of the U.N.’s to stand by the people of Yemen,” divisions.” “Fears exist that Al- chief of staff said earlier this month Defense Secretary Ash Carter ear- its capabilities to work in places bruk said loyalist forces had most powerful body to take “fur- the 15 members said in a statement Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula will he was very concerned about the lier this month, said Washington like Iraq. launched an offensive to “liberate” ther measures” against any party during an emergency meeting in exploit the current instability to impact of spending cuts on Brit- and concerned British lawmakers The United States knew it could Tripoli. The Tripoli parliament's impeding the road to peace in Ye- New York. The council “supports cause further chaos,” he said. The ish defense and future cooperation had nothing to worry about. “The rely on Britain, he said, saying that delegation threatened to walk out men. That could mean new sanc- the legitimacy” of Hadi, it added deteriorating situation led U.S. with London, traditionally a U.S. understands what really mat- when Carter greeted him in Wash- of the current peace talks in the tions, or possibly other actions. in its statement, and also made a troops to evacuate a southern air staunch U.S. ally. Ahead of an un- ters in today’s unstable world. ington earlier this month he told Moroccan resort of Skhirat when Lithuania’s U.N. Ambassador Rai- vague threat of more sanctions base crucial to the drone program usually close national election on When the chips are down, the UK him: “Thank God we're in this to- the fighting erupted at the end of monda Murmokaite said after the against the Shiite militia, known targeting al-Qaeda militants. May 7, Prime Minister David will always be at their side,” Fal- gether.” last week. closed consultations that all the as Huthis, who seized a key cen- Benomar said “extremists on many council members supported a re- tral Yemeni city’s airport. Yemen’s sides” are actively trying to un- turn to negotiations, but she turmoil and political crisis has dermine U.N.-brokered negotia- doesn't foresee new sanctions – deepened since the Houthis seized tions that he is leading aimed at Indonesia leader rejects China’s “not at this stage.” Benomar said Sanaa in September and put Hadi putting Yemen back on track to “it would be an illusion” to think under house arrest and eventually complete its transition to democ- and rescue operations, humanitar- that Houthi Shiite rebels - who dissolved the country’s parlia- racy so it can finish work on a con- ian assistance, and cyber control the capital Sanaa, much of ment. The country’s al-Qaeda stitution, hold a referendum on it, South China Sea claims defence",Yomiuri reported. Japan the north, and are moving further branch, considered by the United and conduct elections. He stressed has already bolstered partnerships south backed by some members States the terror network's most that the political impasse can only with the Philippines and Vietnam, of Yemen's armed forces - could dangerous offshoot, has stepped be unblocked by negotiations that Indonesian President Joko Wido- Monday in advance of Widodo's do was quoted as saying. "So we the two countries most at odds succeed in taking control of the up attacks against the Shiite rebels. include both the Houthis and Hadi. do has said China's claims to the visits to Japan and China this support the Code of Conduct [of with China over territorial rows in entire country. On Sunday, the The Houthis newly announced “I urge all sides at this time of ris- majority of the South China Sea week, Indonesia, the largest coun- the South China Sea] and also dia- the South China Sea. Japan itself Houthis seized Taiz, Yemen’s move to take over the entire coun- ing tensions and rhetoric to de-es- have "no legal foundation in inter- try in Southeast Asia, has been a logue between China and Japan, is embroiled in a bitter dispute with third-largest city. “It would be try follows the suicide bombings calate and exercise maximum re- national law", according to a re- self-appointed broker in the many China and ASEAN." Widodo is China over uninhabited islands in equally false,” Benomar said, to of a pair of mosques in Sanaa that straint, and refrain from provoca- port in Japan's Yomiuri newspa- territorial disputes between its scheduled to hold talks with Shin- the East China Sea, further to the think that embattled President killed 137 people which were tion,” Benomar said. In the presi- per. The comments were the first neighbours and China over the zo Abe, the Japanese prime minis- north. Widodo also said he hoped Abed-Rabbo Mansour Hadi, who claimed by the Islamic State group. dential statement approved by all time Widodo, who took office in South China Sea. "We need peace ter, on Monday. Widodo con- to discuss maritime cooperation fled earlier this month to the south- It also followed clashes around 15 members, the Security Council October, has taken a position on and stability in the Asia-Pacific firmed that he and Abe would sign with Japan's coast guard "because ern city of Aden - the country’s Aden's airport and planes from echoed Benomar’s call for all par- the South China Sea dispute. The region. It is important to have po- a defence cooperation agreement Japan has good experience to man- economic hub - could assemble Sanaa dropping bombs on the ties to stop fighting, engage in the English version of the interview litical and security stability to build that would cover "how to work age its waters", the newspaper re- sufficient forces “to liberate the city's presidential palace which U.N.-brokered negotiations and was published by Yomiuri on up our economic growth," Wido- with" Japan's military, and "search ported. country from the Houthis.” He Benomar said fortunately did not complete the peaceful transition. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. TUESDAY .MARCH 25 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES

We a r e a n a t ion a l in st it u t ion a n d n ot t h e voice of a gov t or a p r iva t e or ga n iza t ion AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Abdul Saboor Sarir Phone No: +93-772364666 E-mail: [email protected] By Aimal Faizi Afghanistan is with the Unite of civilian casualties was strategic partner” or as he had once Email: [email protected] States of America. As a close aide always at the top of the former been described by U.S. officials as to the former President, I wit- President’s concerns and of the Af- well as scholars like Barnett Ru- nessed how much President Karzai ghan people but did the U.S. ad- bin: “the most pro-American lead- www.afghanistantimes.af endeavoured to improve and ministration take any measure to er you can ask for in the Muslim Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi strengthen relations between Kab- ensure the protection of the Afghan world”. Karzai was not anti-Amer- ul and Washington over the years civilians? It will not be incorrect to ican. Like every other patriot Af- Advisory editorial board behind the closed-doors bilateral say none! The U.S. forces detained ghan, he was grateful for every talks with the senior U.S. officials. and kept thousands of Afghans in penny of U.S. assistance to the Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, All President Karzai wanted illegal detention for years without people of Afghanistan. He repeat- was for the U.S. administration to trial, in the maximum security edly expressed his Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal better understand him as the lead- prison Bagram. They financed and appreciation forthe sacrifices that er of the country and to respect armed irresponsible militias and the international community made Graphic-Designers: the Afghan sovereignty and digni- warlords which according to the in Afghanistan. In an interview Mansoor Faizy and Edriss Akbari ty in its policies and in its actions New York Times now “have be- with author, William Dalrymple, As Washington prepares for the towards Afghanistan. President come more predatory...to feed them- Karzai once said: “I feel it is my Marketing & Advertising: first official trip of the Afghan Pres- Karzai’s main concern -the key selves and because there is no one responsibility to make sure that Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 ident Ashraf Ghani, a U.S. National reason for the deterioration of Kab- to stop them.” the future is better for the Afghan Security Council official, Jeff Egg- ul’s relations with Washington- Such policies fed into Taliban pro- people than ever before. I just hope Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan ers called the U.S. administration’s was the issue of civilian causali- paganda, with many becoming the Americans will realize I have a Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 relationship with the Afghan Pres- ties caused by unilateral military sympathisers, eventually resulting responsibility toward Afghanistan, ident “better and qualitatively dif- operations including blind U.S. air- in many civilians joining the ranks and that my being adamant about Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press ferent” than what it used to be with strikes on residential areas in the of the Taliban as well as other anti- issues is not in opposition to them. the former President, Hamid Afghan villages and towns killing government armed forces adding to I am not an opponent of the West. Karzai. Dan Feldman, the U.S. innocent Afghans including chil- the overall insecurity and instabili- I am just the slave of the interests special representative for Afghan- dren and women. Based on a re- ty in the country. Lack of clarity in of the Afghan people. And that I The constitution says istan and Pakistan called the Af- cent study conducted by a Lon- the U.S. policies towards Pakistan shall fulfill.” Now, although the Article 100: ghan President and the Chief Ex- don-based research and advocacy and the so called war on terror gave U.S. administration expects Presi- If one House rejects decisions of the other, a joint commission comprised of an equal number of members ecutive “competent partners with organization called “Action on every reason to President Karzai dent Ashraf Ghani currently visit- from each House shall be formed to solve the difference. The decision of the commission, after endorsement a very different approach towards Armed Violence” (AOAV), with to be persuaded that the U.S. seeks ing Washington to deliver the mes- by the President, shall be enforced. If the joint commission does not solve the difference, the decision shall the bilateral relationship with the the withdrawal of foreign troops to perpetuate the war in Afghani- sage that “He is not Hamid be considered rejected. In such situation, the House of People shall pass it with two-thirds majority in its U.S., and a very different vision” from Afghanistan and reduction in stan and is conniving with Pakistan Karzai”, he had better make it clear next session. This decision, without submission to the House of Elders, shall be promulgated once endorse- which is “very much in alignment” U.S. military operations, “civilian to interfere in Afghan affairs. From to Washington that he is first and ment by the President. with what the U.S. has laid out deaths from aerial bombing in Af- the Afghan prospective, the U.S. foremost an Afghan and his prior- from “security to reconciliation.” ghanistan have fallen.” Iain Over- could and should have pressured ity is to fulfill the interests of his Reading the above statements from ton, Director of Policy at AOAV, Pakistan to halt aiding, abetting and people. Afghans want bilateral re- the senior U.S. officials which are said, that with the termination of sponsoring terrorism. Yet the ex- lations with the U.S. on the basis Editorial intended to shape the general opin- foreign military operations in Af- pectation in the U.S. of mutual respect as two sover- ion of the U.S. involvement in Af- ghanistan, “NATO recognized that administration had was eign countries in its practical terms. ghanistan, one can understand how even with well-trained and well- for Karzai to remain silent and to But it would be of no benefit to selfish and reckless the American quipped militaries, mistakes were not contradict its policies. Had Mr. them, if the U.S. partnership with Electoral reforms need prospective of a “better and qual- still made in Afghanistan that meant Karzai turned a blind eye on the Afghanistan does not translate into itatively different” bilateral rela- far too many civilians were being U.S. wrongdoings in Afghanistan, peace and stability in their coun- of the hour tionship of a poor country like killed by their bombs.” The issue he would have been an “adequate try. The presidential elections that led to the formation of the National Unity Govern- ment (NUG) were a revealing snapshot of what has been achieved in Afghanistan. Though, our democracy is not matured yet, but despite that the democratic transfer of power by ex-President Hamid Karzai to the incumbent Ashraf Ghani speaks volumes about the success of this new set up in the country. Even now, political differences are there in the NUG, nevertheless despite flaws, this is something better By Asma-Khan Lone to dip in 2013 and fell to 3.8 per Afghanistan and Pakistan have also iting huge promise, the enterpris- cent by the beginning of this year. signed a trade and transit agreement es are wrought with uncertainties. than despotism or an exotic-theocracy being exported by a neighboring country— The focus on the effectiveness of With little infrastructure, Afghani- in 2010 allowing for the free move- In the meantime, Afghanistan a country that doesn’t tolerate theocracy at home but yearns to see it imposed in the security forces is understand- stan is set to face a downwards spi- ment of goods. The other element could focus on its other strengths Afghanistan. As has happened elsewhere in the developing world, elections here able given the challenges that con- ral especially as donor funding dries of Afghanistan’s economic architec- such as agriculture and livestock. front Afghanistan.However, in the up. While the 2012 Strategic Part- ture is its natural resources. Afghan- With just 6 per cent of its land were also tense and fraught with rigging that unleashed a highly detrimental political long run, economic stability will nership Agreement with the US pro- istan has traditionally been rich in cultivated, it could increase yield crisis. The crisis risked too many gains. Luckily it was prevented by international have to be the key to sustainable vides a temporary reprieve, includ- resources such as coal, chromite and and switch over from a predomi- peace in Afghanistan. While the ing financial support for another marble and has exported gas to Rus- nantly opium-driven sector to al- intervention. Now the promise of the NUG to reform electoral bodies is a welcom- previous government was largely decade, Kabul will ultimately have sia since 1967. Though some stud- ternative crops. This would ad- ing gesture. A member of the Parliament and the Chairperson of the new Electoral security-driven, new president to devise plans to reboot its econo- ies were undertaken decades ago dress its food security issues too. Reform Commission, Shukria Barakzai, pledged reforms in structure of the national Ashraf Ghani is expected to un- my. In fact, at the core of its struc- indicating the presence of vast min- It could also enter into water-shar- derscore economic reconstruction tural weakness lies Afghanistan’s eral and hydrocarbon resources, it ing agreements with neighbours, electoral bodies. She hinted of keeping some of the electoral commissions members as a key component of state-build- overt reliance on foreign aid. At was not until 2010 that the US an- especially Pakistan. It could fur- on the chopping block. To overcome the deepening rift over electoral reforms mech- ing. Currently on a much antici- present, Afghanistan is banking on nounced the discovery of nearly $1 ther build on its expanding service anism, the reform commission was established shortly before the visit of President pated visit to the US, Mr. Ghani two factors to resuscitate its econ- trillion (Dh3.67 tn) in untapped sector while undertaking measures will need to work hard to convince omy: its strategic location and its mineral deposits. These reserves in- to plug corruption – the third high- Ashraf Ghani and CEO Abdullah Abdullah to the United States. A presidential de- the Obama administration to re- natural resources. Situated at the cluded huge veins of iron, copper, est in the world – and try to bring cree led to the formation of a 15-member committee. MP Barakzai is the chairper- view its decision to withdraw most intersection of the East-West trade cobalt, gold and critical industrial order to its vast informal econo- son of this commission while Sediqullah Tauhidi is the Deputy Chairman. Since the of its troops from Afghanistan by corridor it hopes to leverage its stra- metals such as lithium. Afghanistan my. Episodes such as the Kabul the end of 2016. Targeted econom- tegic position and revive the ancient has already attracted considerable Bank fraud, which was one of the 2014 presidential elections were fraught with massive scale rigging. The fraud alle- ic intervention could help bridge Silk Route. The US has already investment, with China pledging worst in international banking his- gations unleashed a tense situation where none of the candidates, Ashraf Ghani and the governance gap and financial drawn up plans for this in the form $2.8 billion for the development of tory, should never be allowed to deficits, which contribute to a wid- of its New Silk Road Initiative copper mines, and a consortium of happen and earnest efforts should Abdullah was ready to budge even an inch. There is no more any political stalemate ening political and security vacu- (NSRI). So has China, with its pro- Indian companies in partnership be made to reform the sector. Only but yes despite that state affairs are not going smoothly as there are still some differ- um. This vacuum in turn provides posed Silk Route Economic Belt. with Canadian companies announc- by developing a robust economy ences between the two leaders of the current government. Voters looked alienated. the leeway for extremists to move Also on the horizon is the trans- ing an investment of $14.6 billion will Afghanistan become a bulwark in. For a decade after 2002, Af- portation of gas from the Caspian for the development of iron ore against extremist ideology. if it does Their confidence sagged. Their huge sacrifices betrayed and their hopes dashed to ghanistan witnessed an encourag- region to South Asia through the mines in Hajigak. However these that it will not just be a win for ground. Many believed democracy is incompatible in this country. However, all that ing 9.5 per cent growth rate and Tapi (Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, projects are at a standstill due to this war-ravaged nation, but for the is the past. What the government currently needs is to overcome corruption, recon- single-digit inflation, but this eco- Pakistan, India) pipeline and the the precarious security scenario. wider world. Asma-Khan Lone is nomic cycle was widely sustained Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-China The wealth of resources is, howev- an assistant professor at Jindal struct people’s confidence, and introduce reforms in the electoral commissions. To by the inflow of donor funds and pipeline. Another energy project er, a double-edged sword that could Global University, India. This ar- reconstruct people’s confidence and win their trust, the government will have to aid. With the ISAF drawdown edg- envisages the transmission of hy- usher in a vicious cycle of violence. ticle was first seen at The Nation- make institutions countable and responsible. The government will have to introduce ing nearer, the growth rate began droelectric power to South Asia. So, while grand in design and exhib- al. meritocracy. Political and electoral reforms are need of the hour. To ensure the government is sincere in its efforts to bring about substantial changes in governance, political set up, and elections, it will have to discourage filibuster and gerrymander- ing. But the problem is the government looks all-mouth and no-performer. If being all-mouth is the solution then actions wouldn’t have any place in politics. Therefore, the government should be mindful that no political action and movement is possible when discussion and political rhetoric permanently is established. The two leaders still look busy in a tacit internal war, but the rising violence should motivate the ruling elite to settle their feuds and turn their attention to the deepening economic, political, and security challenges. The sooner they realize the importance of reforms and com- List of mitments the sooner the country will see the dawn of freedom—freedom from ter- land ror, militancy, corruption, political instability, economic bondage, and foreign inter- grabbers ferences. If the government wants to prevent the recurrence of what the nation witnessed in the 2014 presidential race, it will have to reform the electoral commis- sions at all costs. Subscription Rates Categories Fee Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 3600 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 1800 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $200 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.

TUESDAY .MARCH 25, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES What do opponents of an Iran nuclear deal really want? Dr. John Duke Anthony Members of the United Nations tial for yet another costly war. In- into any mutually binding agree- Security Council, i.e., China, France, deed, an article titled "Time to At- ment with it would arguably like By Mohammed thought to have links to the Taliban. proach to Afghanistan have not U.S. Secretary of State John Ker- Great Britain, Russia, and the Unit- tack Iran," appearing in the Janu- to achieve. It includes: (1) De- ed States, plus Germany – avoid ary/February 2012 issue of For- flecting Attention Away from Is- But these new conditions do not changed. Militancy remains an in- ry is once again in Switzerland with Umer Daudzai his British, Chinese, French, Ger- reaching an agreement that may con- eign Affairs – the most widely read rael One of the most important change the basic dynamic between strument of its foreign policy. The man, and Russian counterparts to tain provisions not to their liking, journal among American policy- neoconservative and Israeli objec- Afghanistan and Pakistan. And by Pakistani military will only stop continue negotiations regarding which they believe may be immi- makers, U.S. policy analysts, and tives in having the United States banking on them, Mr. Ghani is tak- backing the Taliban after it finds Iran's nuclear program. Whether nently near to being concluded with foreign affairs practitioners – im- attack Iran is to do whatever is nec- the Islamic Republic. Make no plied that, as the prospects are con- essary to shift the U.S. focus and ing great risks at a huge cost to Af- other proxies to advance its con- the respective diplomatic and na- tional security negotiators will suc- mistake, these groups seeks a pro- siderable that the United States will notions of Israel's culpability of ghanistan with little chance of re- ception of its national interests. ceed remains to be seen. To be sure, foundly different set of accomplish- have to use armed force against wrongdoing away from the east- ward. After a debilitating electoral One of those perceived interests a mutually acceptable agreement ments vis-à-vis Iran than the ones Iran's nuclear program eventually, ern Mediterranean towards lands crisis last year, he is spending enor- is maintaining so-called strategic with Iran by six among the world's under consideration in the nuclear it might as well proceed to do so east, e.g., Arabia and the Gulf. This most powerful and influential na- talks. The intentions of these op- now, when the likely costs would would arguably absorb precious mous political capital trying to jus- depth in Afghanistan: Islamabad ponents of a potentially acceptable arguably be less than later. The U.S. foreign policy energies, atten- tify a controversial agenda. His wide- has long sought to use my country tions, on one hand, and the Islamic Republic of Iran, on the other, is agreement are, rather, to see Amer- U.S. Secretary of State's and his tion, and other resources on mat- ly publicized visit to the Pakistani as a rear base in case of an Indian no small matter. In substance as ica directly confront Iran. The Old negotiator counterparts' efforts to ters other than Israel for far into military headquarters in Rawalpin- military advance. In 1988, the Pa- well as in procedure and desired Iraq Syndrome Those driving the do what is in American and global the future. It would likely squelch di in November and a new program kistani leader Gen. Muhammad Zia outcome, the goals – ensuring that issue in this antagonistic and pro- interests notwithstanding, many efforts to move as expeditiously Just weeks after becoming presi- vocative direction are hardly new among the American and Israeli as before to establish an indepen- dent of Afghanistan last Septem- to send Afghan cadets for training in ul-Haq said that Pakistan had Iran does not produce a nuclear bomb and, to that end, agreeing on to the American and Israeli politi- neoconservatives and other self- dent State of Palestine. In the pro- ber, Ashraf Ghani signaled a dra- Pakistan have brought him sharp crit- “earned the right” to have a friend- as intrusive a nature and range of cal scenes. One need only reference, centric interest groups wish him ponents' view, it would almost as matic shift in the country’s regional icism at home. In return, Pakistan ly regime in Kabul; certainly, he inspections as any in history – are as this author did in an address to to fail. While the true interests of surely deflect Washington from diplomacy. He promptly visited has taken only tactical steps — or would “not permit” any “Indian as laudable as they are in many The Voltaire Institute in Brussels the lead pressure groups seeking pressuring Israel into an early with- in 2005, their influence and collec- to trip him up are hardly unknown drawal from its illegal settlements Pakistan and its main allies Saudi steps primarily aimed at improving and Soviet influence” in Afghani- ways timely, urgent, and necessary. Rising Arab-Iranian Tensions The tive political and media clout in suc- to many specialists, the danger lies in the Palestinian and Syrian terri- Arabia and China, and then Paki- its international reputation and its stan. To this day, the Pakistani negotiators are keenly aware that cessfully moving Washington's de- elsewhere – in the fact that they tories. By maintaining Iran's pari- stan’s army chief and head of in- own security. After many years of military treats the Afghan Taliban the talks have been occurring cision making regarding confront- have largely and purposely been ah status, neoconservatives and telligence visited Kabul. The Af- supporting militancy in the region, as a strategic asset. Another major alongside a rise in regional ten- ing Iraq militarily from a concept obscured from important segments other groups are also thereby able to policy recommendation to an of a more generalized public. Rath- to preserve what they have con- ghan government is hoping Paki- the Pakistani government now wants concern of Islamabad is ensuring sions. Simultaneous to the discus- sions, the negotiators have been actual American-led invasion and er than the achievement of an ac- jured and built up in the main- stan will help facilitate dialogue to wash its hands of the problem by that Afghanistan does not encour- especially mindful of Arab govern- occupation. The outcomes that cord that could usher in a more stream American and other West- with the leaders of the Afghan Tal- claiming that its origins lie in Afghan- age Pashtun or Baluch separatists ments' ongoing objections to the these groups seek this time around, mutually beneficial U.S.-Iran rela- ern media as a recognizable "exis- iban, whom Pakistan has long har- istan. Under the National Action in Pakistan. Those groups were destabilizing influence of Iran's like those they sought before, have tionship than any that has existed tential threat" to Israel. The imag- ongoing interference in the domes- been heavily obscured. They remain since 1979, the neoconservatives, ery of such a threat in many cir- bored and enabled. Pakistan, for Plan initiated after the Peshawar divided between the two countries deliberately veiled in fear, myth, their Israeli bedfellows – and not cles helps sustain the narrative of school attack, Pakistan projects to by the 1893 Durand Line Agree- tic affairs of their countries, e.g., its part, has asked Kabul’s assis- members of the Gulf Cooperation rumor, innuendo, and warmonger- just, many believe, Israeli Prime Israel as a besieged beacon of vic- tance against the leaders of the expel many Afghan refugees, with ment, and at various times over the Council (GCC), a six-state group- ing. What those opposed to a mu- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, re- timhood rather than a militarily militant group Tehrik-e-Taliban little regard for the costs of reinte- years Islamabad has accused Kab- ing comprised of Bahrain, Kuwait, tually acceptable accord with Te- elected to a fourth term as premier, powerful scofflaw inflicting bru- grating them that the Afghan gov- ul of supporting their struggle for Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the hran have in mind bears a strong together with others, including an tal punishment on Palestinian Pakistan (T.T.P.), the so-called resemblance to the bill of goods sold indeterminate number of American Christian and Muslim Arab civil- Pakistani Taliban, whose leaders ernment will have to bear or the risk independence. Pakistan has an in- United Arab Emirates, plus Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen. In this to the American people with the Republican Members of Congress ians in Gaza, and not only expro- are said to be hiding in eastern Af- that some extremists will enter Af- terest in keeping Afghanistan so regard, they are cognizant of the U.S. effort to topple the regime of – prefer a continued standoff be- priating their land but also exploit- ghanistan. This rapprochement has ghanistan among the refugees. Giv- preoccupied by its own instabili- GCC leaders' resentment that the Saddam Hussein. The results of tween Washington and Tehran, and ing their orchards, olive and citrus generated much excitement, but all en recent signs that the West will ty that it cannot spare any resourc- issue of Iran's continuing intrusions the damage they wrought in Iraq – would not rule out a forceful Amer- groves, water, and other valuable a country that had not attacked the ican confrontation with the unde- natural resources in the Occupied the hype does not measure well continue to invest in Afghanistan and es on the Pashtuns’ and Baluchs’ in Arabia and the Gulf – destabi- lizing interventions as yet unrecip- United States or posed any credi- niable potential for yet another Territories. (2) Territorial Expan- against reality. Despite signs of that China is poised to do so in ear- cause. Pakistan’s end game, in other rocated – was not allowed to be ble threat to American interests – costly war. Returning to the Iraq sionism This similarly happened renewed cooperation, Afghanistan nest, Pakistan also has new incen- words, is not markedly different part of the talks. In the run-up to have yet to run their course. Al- War Playbook The language is sim- when Israel invaded Lebanon in and Pakistan still have fundamen- tives to be seen as helping any peace today than it has been for years. America and Iran's day of reckon- ready, with no end in sight, the con- ilar to the run-up to the invasion June 1982. That act shifted Wash- sequences are certain to cost more and occupation of Iraq that com- ington's attention away from rig- tally different goals and approach- process with the Taliban. But the And this is why Mr. Ghani’s over- ing there is much to consider Dr. John Duke Anthony The negotia- than a trillion dollars. Already, the menced in March 2003. To wit: orously continuing to pursue the es. While Mr. Ghani’s moves are promise of dialogue is a far cry from tures to Islamabad are dangerous: tors acknowledge these leaders' ir- human price is inestimable. In ad- Senate Majority Leader Mitch goal of a just, enduring, and com- bold and risky for Afghanistan, actual negotiations, let alone a polit- They are diverting attention away ritation at the reasons for the omis- dition to the thousands of Ameri- McConnell appeared on one of the prehensive peace agreement be- Pakistan’s response so far has been ical settlement. This is not the first from more essential, perhaps exis- sion: namely, that Tehran was op- can killed and tens of thousands most widely viewed Sunday talk tween Israel and the Palestinians posed to its inclusion. Indeed, in wounded are the hundreds of thou- shows on March 15 calling Iran's and towards Lebanon instead. By largely tactical and self-serving. time there has been talk of talks with tential, tasks — like strengthening sands of Iraqis killed, rendered government, "one of the worst re- the time that Lebanon regained the the Taliban. Throughout the 1990s, the Afghan National Security Forc- retrospect, in their eagerness to Mr. Ghani justifies this new poli- pursue an agreement of some kind homeless, made refugees, and gimes in the world." Much the lands that Israel had invaded and cy by arguing that circumstances the Taliban met repeatedly with their es, which is critical to increasing – however partial and limited in maimed for life. Even with the ces- same was said by Israeli Prime occupied directly and by proxy 19 have changed and the conditions opponents — asking them for ma- the Afghan government’s leverage its scope and potential impact – sation of U.S. military operations Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dur- years later, the extent of Palestin- jor concessions without much com- in any talks with the Taliban. In the negotiators were inadequately in Iraq at the end of 2011, the sui- ing a March 3 address to a joint ian territory brought under Israeli for peace are better than ever be- cide rate of U.S. soldiers returning session of the U.S. Congress, echo- control had expanded massively fore. And on the surface, he seems promising themselves. In 2011, af- its wishful attempt to make empathetic to the legitimate con- cerns of neighboring countries and from the cauldron forged by the ing his 2002 testimony to the U.S. and the Israeli settler movement to have a point. Pakistan appears ter President Hamid Karzai called progress with the Taliban, Kabul too quick to accommodate Iran's collective weight of the American Congress advocating for attacking had quintupled its number of set- to have more reason to fight back Pakistan “our twin brother,” there is gambling precious political cap- objections. Even so, the negotia- neoconservatives, elements among Iraq. As was the case prior to their tlers. Israel thereby achieved, on against terrorism, having been hit was renewed hope for progress. ital on superficial tweaks in Paki- tors argue in their defense that their their Israeli allies, and others in a urging that the United States go to one hand, its illegitimate interests post-September 11, 2001 revenge war with Iraq, opponents of an while blocking the legitimate inter- hard by T.T.P. in recent months. Over the next couple of years, Paki- stan’s policy. Rather than expect a efforts should not be defeated in advance by anyone with a sincere mode against Arabs and Muslims agreement with Iran have tended ests of the Palestinians, Syria, Leb- After an attack on a school in Pe- stan released some Taliban leaders miraculous U-turn from Islamabad, interest in advancing the legitimate continues at a disturbing rate. Be- to couch their argumentation in the anon, the United States, and the shawar in December and a slew of from its prisons and helped arrange Mr. Ghani’s government would do goals of regional and global peace, ginning in 2004, the year after Amer- deliberately seductive terms of rest of the world in resolving the bombings since, the Pakistani gov- meetings between Afghan officials better to use its resources, and the security, stability, and the possi- ica's war against Iraq commenced, providing serious and favorable Arab-Israeli conflict. (3) Regime the rate of U.S. veterans commit- consideration to using force to pro- Change Many believe American ernment seems to have abandoned and the group’s then number two. international community’s contin- ble accompanying prospects for prosperity. Opponents Outside of ting suicide climbed to record highs. tect America's alleged national se- and Israeli goals are not to change its appeasement-style approach of But those moves yielded no con- ued support, to concentrate on its the Arab World Possessing sepa- The result, moreover, toppled the curity and related interests. Over a the behavior of the regime in Te- the past and finally set out to elim- crete results. And now, despite Mr. main purpose: consolidating the rate motivations and desires from regime, decimated the country's se- decade ago, such rationales were hran but, again as with Iraq, to inate T.T.P. China, meanwhile, has Ghani’s recent gestures, the Taliban Afghan state. Mohammed Umer those noted above, it is useful to curity and defense forces, sowed transparently bogus to area stud- change the regime itself. Those of assess the true intentions of oth- many of the seeds that made it pos- ies specialists and scholars long this view seek an Iran that would expressed more interest in the re- have not yet come to the negotia- Daudzai was interior minister of sible for the Islamic State group to exposed to Iraqi culture, and its be more moderate in its approach tion table. Based on my experience Afghanistan from August 2013 to ers opposed to a potentially ac- gion, including a willingness to help ceptable agreement: a group large- emerge, spread, and wreak the hav- system of governance and politi- to the Arab-Israeli conflict, one less broker talks with the Afghan Tali- as Afghanistan’s ambassador to Pa- December 2014, and previously ly comprised of American neocon- oc it has wrought, and paved the cal dynamics. The result, to be supportive of Hezbollah in Leba- ban. In exchange it hopes to enlist kistan in 2011-13, and other deal- Afghanistan’s ambassador to Iran servatives, their Israeli allies, and way for Iran to become the single sure, has hardly been cost-free. As non and of the Assad regime in ings with the highest levels of the and Pakistan. A version of this op- other likeminded individuals and largest and most influential foreign reason is that the strength and Syria, one ending its intrusions into the assistance of Afghanistan and factor in Iraq – without its having weakness of any system of demo- the domestic affairs of the GCC Pakistan to counter the threat of Pakistani establishment over the ed appeared in print on March 23, institutions. These groups have loudly proclaimed that they would to fire a single shot or shed a drop cratic governance turns on the con- countries and Yemen, one curbing the East Turkestan Islamic Move- years, it seems clear to me that the 2015, in The International New have the P5+1 negotiators – rep- of blood. It also allowed Israelis and sent of the governed. Of course, if not reversing the degree to which ment, a Uighur separatist group fundamentals of Pakistan’s ap- York Times. resenting the Five Permanent Israeli agents to enter northern Iraq the most informed consent is that it has eroded de facto the national to assist in the training of Kurdish which typically follows adequate sovereignty and political indepen- security forces, thereby further ad- and responsible consultation. In dence of neighboring Iraq, and one vancing decades-old Israeli-Kurdi- the best of circumstances, consent terminating the nature and extent sh collaboration and their joint goal and consultation are linked to the of its forceful aid to Hamas and Is Gagauzia next on Russia’s list? of ensuring a weaker government in likelihood of citizens being able to Islamic Jihad in Palestine. These Baghdad than existed before in ad- make societally relevant judgments were among the exact same kinds dition to practically guaranteeing that are just, fair, and prudent. In of goals of the largely unstated By Luke Coffey slogans to drum up local support. One asked voters to decide their backed these referenda. Russian that Iraq would be deprived of the this case, however, the dynamics American neoconservative and Is- Events in eastern Ukraine have preference between closer relations media widely reported the results. means and ability to pose a threat of both processes fell far short of raeli geostrategic, geopolitical, and Gagauzia, a tiny autonomous re- only encouraged this. Russian with the European Union or the The voting was monitored by a to Israel at anytime in the foresee- what was required. Twelve years related Israeli objectives vis-à-vis gion in Moldova, checks most of sympathies Moldova: Under the Russian backed Eurasian Customs Transnistrian-born member of able future. Unspoken Goals The after the invasion and occupation Iraq prior to its invasion in 2003. the boxes for Russian meddling. It influenceRussian meddling in Union. The vote was not even Russia's State Duma, Roman dominant U.S. role in launching the of Iraq commenced, notwithstand- (4) Protecting Privileged Status is ethnically Turkic, religiously Moldova is nothing new. One only close: 98.5 percent of the voters Khudyakov. Less than 24 hours war and in administering the occu- ing the fact that commercially Israel cannot take its relationship Christian Orthodox, and the main has to look at the breakaway re- supported Moldova's integration after the voting ended, Russian pation also succeeded in the place- speaking some American interest with America for granted and ex- language spoken is Russian. The public of Transnistria and the with the Eurasian Customs Union. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry ment of American advisers in most groups made out "like bandits," the pect to compete effectively in the region is a byproduct of imperial 2,000 Russian troops that are The second referendum asked Rogozin welcomed the turnout and Iraqi government ministries. Such American misadventure in Iraq long run for America's favor. This rivalry between the Ottoman and based there to keep the conflict about support for a so-called "de- the outcome. Putin's behaviour is positioning enhanced American overall, and practically from its on- is why many Israelis believe they Russian empires typically found "frozen". Pro-Russian sympathies ferred independence" bill being like that of the Russian Tsars who proximity to Iraqis authorized to set, severely damaged American in- have no choice but to be strategi- in the Black Sea basin in the 19th run deep in Gagauzia. During last proposed in Gagauzia's legislative built the Imperial Russian Empire plan and administer the successor terests that have yet to recover. cally opposed to the strongest and century. Like Crimea, it was taken year's national elections in Mold- body. This proposed bill would nation by nation, khanate by kha- government's multi-billion dollar Viewed in this light, the clamor of most expanded American-Arab and by Russia from the Ottoman Em- ova, the pro-Russian Socialist Par- allow the autonomous region to nate, and kingdom by kingdom. contracts. This alone ensured that some to attack Iran reads like a sad U.S.-Saudi Arabian relationship, pire. In this case, Russia acquired ty got their best result in Gagau- become automatically independent Imperial Russia To understand Americans would have privileged sequel for those who all along pre- and the day when, possibly, the Gagauzia after the Russo-Turkish zia. While the rest of Moldova is if Moldova ever lost its national Russia's motives in Gagauzia it is access to invaluable intelligence ferred that the United States in- United States may find itself in a War (1806–1812) as part of the targeted by Russian economic sovereignty. Again, the outcome important to understand Vladimir ahead of others. And it practically vade Iran first and not Iraq. Indeed, reciprocally rewarding relationship 1812 Treaty of Bucharest. Today, sanctions, both Transnistria and was a landslide: 98 percent voted Putin's view of Russia's role in the guaranteed U.S. companies a pref- long before September 11, 2001, it with the six GCC countries as a it is the poorest region of Moldo- Gagauzia enjoy exemptions. In in favour of the motion. Moldo- world. What the world is witness- erential position not only vis-à-vis was well known among specialists single bloc to an even great extent va and Gagauzians blame the west- February 2014, as the crisis in van authorities said that the refer- ing today is not a resurgent Cold future exploration and development that, dating back to the mid-1990s, than in the series of bilateral ties ward orientation of the central gov- Crimea was reaching a peak, and enda in Gagauzia were unconsti- War or Soviet-style Russia as com- of the country's energy and other America's neoconservatives, their with these entities it has enjoyed ernment for many of their prob- eastern Ukraine was starting to tutional, calling it an attempt to mentators frequently claim, but an economic resources. It also enabled kindred citizen allies, and innumer- for quite some time with the six lems. Local politicians regularly simmer, the regional government undermine the country's foreign Imperial Russia. Putin's behaviour American firms to be in a better able Israelis alike wished for the countries all totaled already – there use separatists and pro-Russian in Gagauzia held two referenda. policy. Unsurprisingly, Moscow is like that of the Russian Tsars position than might otherwise have United States to wage war against are 22 Arab countries and only one who built the Imperial Russian been the case to bid successfully Iran – not eventually but before Israel. Tehran finds itself with a Empire nation by nation, khanate on Iraq's major lucrative aviation, any other country. similar strategic predicament. In- ETTER TO THE EDITOR by khanate, and kingdom by king- engineering, infrastructure, recon- As for any and all others to be deed, for nearly half as long as Is- L dom. In the eyes of Russians at struction, and construction projects. attacked and their regimes toppled rael has existed, Iran geopolitical- the time, the 17th and 18th centu- As with Iraq, what those against or brought to their knees – the neo- ly has viewed its situation similar- ry territorial gains that, in part, de- practically any mutually acceptable con list included not only Iran and ly and has reasoned likewise. fined Imperial Russia were regard- governmental accord with Iran re- Iraq, but also Syria, Egypt, and That Washington might be on the garding its nuclear program seek to Saudi Arabia – these could wait to verge of turning a new page with ed not as "annexations" but as tak- achieve is as devious as it is damag- have America change their govern- Tehran that in time could lead to ing what was already theirs. Luke ing. By no stretch of the imagina- ments later. Iran being added to Israel among Coffey is a research fellow spe- tion is it in accord with America's The Ultimate Neoconservative America's most valued strategic We are living in a society that people celebrate festivals of Zoroaster’s era. We live in a society that girls cialising in transatlantic and Eur- appear on TV screens wearing clothes that are against Afghan traditions. We are living in a society that legitimate interests. Instead, what Wish List Many perceive that this partners – and bringing nearer the asian security at a Washington DC they diligently seek might be seen is a rather embarrassingly sordid day when there might also be a rap- millions of its youths are job seekers, most them holding master degree. We are living in a society that our based think-tank. He previously Sufis are killed inside mosque. We are living in a society that its government cannot pay the state salary and as a single issue and interest: serv- and sorry juncture of American his- prochement between Iran and Is- served as a special adviser to the ing the perceived needs of Israel tory where the diplomats negoti- rael, as in days of old prior to the its economy is dwindling despite flow of billions of American dollars in past 13 years. And finally, we are British defence secretary and was living in a society that an angry mob lynches a girl for allegedly burning a copy of the Holy Qur’an. We are under the guise of doing what is best ating with one another in Switzer- onset of the Iranian Revolution in a commissioned officer in the Unit- for America when in fact nothing land find themselves. 1979 – is a pan-GCC nightmare. facing more and more hurdles in our society. The mentioned problems are a few from a bunch of them. ed States army. The views ex- What will be the fate of this ill-fated society? The answer for this query is that the fate of this society will could be further from the truth. As Bearing this history in mind, it is Dr. Anthony is the only American pressed in this article are the au- sure as actions have consequences, therefore worth pondering what to have been invited to attend each be unknown. Because, considering the problems in our society, the fate of the Afghan society appears thor's own and do not necessarily these U.S. and Israeli groups would those who would have the United of the GCC's Ministerial and unknown. And Afghans will not see the bright days in the near future. However, there are a number of few reflect Al Jazeera's editorial poli- abide a forceful American confron- States, with Israel's strong sup- Heads of State Summits since the points that will help us to step towards a bright future. The most and the very important point is to work tation with the undeniable poten- port, confront Iran and not enter GCC's inception in 1981. on our culture and education. Illiteracy has pushed us to see the day when a woman ‘Farkhunda’ was cy. lynched by an angry mob in Kabul. Another solution to this problem is to increase awareness programs on TV and radio channels, instead of vulgar programs in a number of TV and radio channels in Kabul. No one will feel our pains and no one will heel them until we roll up our sleeves and start finding solutions for decade-long problems in our society. Or else the Afghan society’s fate will remain Disclaimer: ‘unknown’ for very distant future. Saeeda Dunya Amin, 3rd Macroryan, Kabul The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. [email protected] This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. TUESDAY . MARCH 24, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Fears growing in Forcing children to fight in India’s restive east Yemen over recently for child recruits. "Since Houthis' the launching of serious offensives against the Maoists, recruitment advance to Aden to their ranks is thinning out. A major offensive was launched fol- Al Mukalla, Yemen - As the con- lowing the news that some chil- flict in Yemen between beleaguered dren were forcefully taken away, President Abd-Rabbu Mansour as a result of which, many of the Hadi and the Houthi rebel group children were returned." In Janu- escalates, there are growing spec- ary, the Jharkhand police, acting ulations that the Houthis may try on a tip, intercepted a few chil- to take the southern city of Aden dren being taken to join fighters where Hadi is based. On Sunday, near Jamshedpur. Although most Houthis seized the airport in Taiz, Maoist leaders deny demanding Yemen's third largest city and a five children from each village, a strategic entry point to Aden. Mil- commander from the Communist itary sources in Yemen said troops Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) loyal to Hadi and southern para- admitted they do practice forced military forces had deployed in recruitment of children. Many vil- Lahj province, north of Aden, in lagers in rebel-controlled areas fear anticipation of a possible advance for their children [Sanjay Pandey/ by the Houthis. In his first speech Al Jazeera] "This is our compul- since fleeing Sanaa for Aden in Feb- sion because the government ap- ruary, Hadi boasted that the Ye- paratus adopts every humane and meni government's flag would even- inhumane tactic against us to sup- tually be hoisted in the Houthis' press the voice of the common stronghold of Saada province. people," he told Al Jazeera on con- Houthi leaders responded by call- dition of anonymity, fearing re- ing for a general mobilisation [with prisals. Children recruited are used the aim of rallying forces loyal to as spies and fighters, the com- former President Ali Abdullah mander said. Sexual violence Na- Saleh who did not take part in re- tional Foundation for India fellow cent fighting] and called on Yeme- Gautam Sarkar, who is working on nis to fight against the "al-Qaeda- a project called "Childhood Under allied" president, in reference to the Shadow of a Gun", underlined Hadi. "We are heading to a bloody instances of sexual exploitation of confrontation," said Abdul Bari children - male and female - in rebel Taher, an independent political camps. Former female fighters analyst. The Houthis stormed the have testified they were subjected capital Sanaa last September and to sexual violence, including rape now controls a sizable chunk of and other forms of abuse, a com- the country. RELATED: Yemen mon practice in camps of the Nax- strife threatens neighbours too Al- alite communist group. "I was though Saleh stepped down in trained there to operate automatic 2012 following Arab Spring-in- weapons, I was involved in some spired protests, he has been ac- armed attacks in the region. Still I cused of fanning the flames of con- would be treated like a sex slave," flict by using his leverage over cer- said a former female fighter who tain military units that helped ex- requested anonymity for privacy tend Houthis' reach to many ar- eas. "What is happening in Yemen Mahavir Birja, 10, managed to escape the ranks of communist guerrillas after serving a year in India's jungles [Sanjay Pandey/ Al Jazeera] reasons. "I got so disheartened and is a big disaster created by some disenchanted that I decided to put forces [Saleh] that want to rule the Lohardaga, India - At the sight of a Jazeera] Mahavir's father subse- black and blue. "We used to get to be named. Demanding children tribal villages to deliver five chil- down my weapons." According to country again," Taher told Al stranger, a visibly frightened 10- quently died from the attack, his one meal [lentils and rice] a day. According to the Asian Centre for dren each. Though the demand the Indian government, boys and Jazeera. What is happening in Ye- year-old boy ran crying, "Grand- mother abandoned the children and Once a month, they would serve Human Rights report India's Child greatly upset the impoverished and girls between age six and 12 were men is a big disaster created by ma save me. They have come, they eloped with another man. The re- us chicken or mutton," said Ma- Soldiers, about 2,500 - girls and exploited people of these areas, recruited into children's squads in some forces [former President have come for me again." Mahavir sponsibility to raise Mahavir and havir, savouring the five-course boys - are involved in armed con- most did not have the courage to Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh and Saleh] that want to rule the coun- Birja was not always petrified of his 14-year-old sister fell on the home-cooked meal prepared by his flict in the states of Jharkhand, defy the guerrillas. Those who dare Odisha states. No separate statis- try again. They are determined to uninvited guests. But his dramatic frail shoulders of their 60-year-old grandma. His friend Sakaldip Kher- Bihar, Chhattisgarh and Orissa to do so are either beaten merci- tics are available on children killed destroy the country by using the abduction by Maoist fighters and grandmother, Parvat. Indoctrina- war, who was also abducted, where the communist fighters op- lessly in public - or killed. As de- or maimed in clashes between extreme limits of terrorism and equally dramatic escape from their tion and rehabilitation Fearing for pitched in. "They would ask us to erate. A United Nations report on mands for new recruits increased, armed groups and government se- death to finish the remaining struc- clutches has robbed him of his Mahavir, Parvat decided to send do their laundry, help with cook- child soldiers in India expressed people of the region started to curity forces. But at least 257 ci- ture of the state Abdul-Bari Taher, childhood innocence and filled his him to a centre in Lohardaga, in ing, carry rations and arms while concern over the killing and maim- question whether the rebels really vilians, 101 soldiers, and 97 Nax- independent analyst "They are de- heart and mind with fear. Hiding the Indian state of Jharkhand, the caravan was on the move. On a ing of children kidnapped and used were the "saviours of the op- alite rebels were killed in 2013 in termined to destroy the country behind his grandmother's tattered where about 28 children from re- normal day, the caravan walked 8- as fighters or human shields by pressed" as they claim. Farmer 998 incidents, the government by using the extreme limits of ter- sari, the boy with piercing dark mote tribal villages are being reha- 10km during the day or at night. rebels. These groups have recruit- Dhanjan Oram, 35, said he wor- said. Like Boko Haram, infamous rorism and death to finish the re- eyes recounted his horror story. bilitated by police under a pro- We were also trained to operate ed child soldiers with impunity ried for the safety of his child and for attacking schools and stealing maining structure of the state." "A group of armed men suddenly gramme that began in 2013. Ma- [assault weapons]," he said play- during India's silent civil war since sent him to Lohardaga's police-run children in Nigeria, communist Hadi, Saleh's deputy for 18 years, barged into our home and told my havir lived in the Maoist camps fully pointing his pen-turned-gun 1971. They come unannounced children's centre in 2013. "Every- rebels in India also attack places came to power in 2012 as part of parents that they were taking me for almost a year and finally man- at Al Jazeera. The children were and uninvitated like messengers of body is scared in our village. They of learning and rob kids of their an agreement on political transi- along. When my father opposed, aged to flee during a gun battle with usually allowed to visit their fam- death and take away our children. come unannounced and uninvited right to an education. "Even after tion put forward by the Gulf Co- they hit him on the head with the security forces. "There were ily if their unit happened to be Dhanjan Oram, 35, farmer Embo- like messengers of death and take 67 years of independence, devel- operation Council (GCC). But, rear of a rifle," he said. The impact around 50 boys our age in the passing by their village. But when ldened by the much-hyped zero- away our children. If anyone dares opment is a distant dream in these despite international support, Hadi was so hard that he fell to the camp. Our day started early with Sakaldip was allowed to see his tolerance policy against armed to defy them, they beat him. We impoverished pockets," Sarkar has been unable to restore securi- ground with blood pouring from a rigorous physical exercise ses- ailing mother, she did not want to groups of the Narendra Modi gov- live in perpetual fear. We have to said. "People living in these areas ty and stability to the country. In his head. Unmoved, the intruders sion, followed by indoctrination send him back. "After a lot of ne- ernment, security forces have save our lives and our kids' lives are left at the mercy of the Nax- the wake of suicide attacks on Fri- dragged Mahavir off to their camp sessions and training in guerrilla gotiation and pleading, they agreed stepped up the offensive against too. So we keep quiet." Govern- alites. So it is obvious that they day that killed more than 130 peo- - where he remained for nearly a warfare. In the evening, we would but only after our family agreed to the rebels, further pushing them ment offensives Manvinder Singh have to obey the Maoists, who run ple in two mosques frequented by year. Police-run children's lodges be asked to go and fetch wood from exchange my eight-year-old neph- up against the wall. Feeling pres- Bhatia, an inspector general with a parallel government in the im- Houthis in Sanaa, Houthi leaders rehabilitate those traumatised by the forest. If someone dared to ew with the squad instead," said sure to find new recruits, some the Jharkhand police, said commu- pregnable jungles of India." doubled down on their accusations Maoist rebels [Sanjay Pandey/Al defy them, he would be beaten Sakaldip's father, who asked not Maoist leaders issued a diktat to nist rebels have been on the hunt (AL JAZEERA) that Hadi is turning a blind eye to al-Qaeda's activities in the coun- try, vowing to attack the group's Putin’s biker gang fighters in their strongholds in the Israel reaches out to France before south. Hadi deployed army troops and allied tribesmen in Aden and lends muscle to rebel Lahj governorates to fight the Houthis. Meanwhile, the Houthis resumption of Iran nuclear talks amassed their forces in Taiz prov- cause in east Ukraine ince neighbouring Aden. "The mi- litias are replacing the state in Ye- LUGANSK: Dressed in leathers riden with them on a Harley- men," explained Taher. According and camouflage, motorbike gang Davidson. He is often photo- to military analysts, the mobilisa- leader Vitali waves at two charred graphed alongside its founder and tion of forces in Taiz during the Ukrainian tank turrets decorating leader in Russia, Alexander Zal- last three days is a clear indication the entrance to his club as he re- dostanov, who goes by the nick- of Houthis' plan to advance toward counts how his group has fought name of "Khirurg" (the surgeon). Aden. "The Houthis have massive alongside pro-Russian rebels. Last week, they both spoke on military reinforcements in Taiz province and they have increased "My love for my homeland, for stage at a rally in Moscow cele- the dose of propaganda against my territory, is my life," he ex- brating Crimea's annexation. "We Hadi," said Thabet Hussein, a re- plains as he stands outside his were fighting here when there were tired army Brigadier. "They headquarters in separatist bastion no rebel forces. From Khryashchu- [Houthis] are seriously consider- Lugansk. The biker -- also known vate to Novosvitlivka, to Lugansk ing advancing to Aden, Hadi's by his nickname "Prosecutor" -- is airport. We were fighting practi- power base," Hussein told Al boss of the east Ukraine branch of cally with sticks!" says Roman Jazeera. When the Yemeni presi- the Night Wolves motorcycle "Volk", or the wolf, the man in dent arrived in Aden, Hussein said, gang, a collection of Kremlin-lov- charge of the club's military oper- Houthis thought that [Saleh] ing toughs originally created in ations. Three Night Wolves have would be able to overthrow him Russia that boasts close ties to died since the beginning of the con- through Abdulhafiz al-Saqqaf, the President Vladimir Putin. "I'm a flict with the Ukrainian army, they chief security of Aden's Special Night Wolf, not a rebel," claims the say. Their portraits now adorn the Security Forces, one of the army's 35-year-old former soldier. "I'm club's common room, surrounded elite forces, who rejected Hadi's just defending my homeland", he by a wolf skin and icons. With Feb- orders to step down "As they adds, explaining that his men of- ruary's Minsk truce generally hold- [Houthis and Saleh] are assembling ten work "behind enemy lines". ing, the bikers have been tasked forces in Taiz, there is evidence that The leader and a dozen other mem- with providing safety for public they are thinking of pushing into bers of the eastern Ukrainian off- events organised by the rebels and the south and they are gauging the shoot of the club have been fight- with distributing humanitarian aid. cost," said the retired army offic- ing with the separatists since the But in the club's sleeping quarters, er. Nearly a day after Hadi's forc- conflict with Kiev forces erupted Kalashnikovs still sit at the end of es defeated [al-Saqqaf] defected se- nearly one year ago. Vitali says the members' beds. "We are ready for curity unit in Aden on March 19, shattered tanks were destroyed by anything. We do not believe in the al-Qaeda fighters briefly captured his men during a battle with gov- cease-fire," says Vitali, a dagger at the city of Huta in Lahj province. ernment troops in Khryashchu- his hip. Close to the common After executing more than 25 Ye- vate, a village close to Lugansk that room, a gym has been transformed meni government soldiers, the now lies largely in ruins. "Our tro- into a hangar, where around 20 mo- Top Israeli envoys were sent to he is flying to Paris at short notice phoned his team to ensure that it didn’t take unrealistic positions,” fighters left. In 2011, al-Qaeda cap- phies!" he jokes. Most of the club torcycles and classic cars are sur- confer with French officials on and may also hold meetings with made no more concessions, officials the diplomat told Reuters on con- italised on the Yemeni govern- members -- united by their pas- rounded by Russian flags. The col- Sunday about preventing what Is- other European nations to re-state at the talks said last week. And on dition of anonymity. “But here ment's struggle with its opponents sion for motorcycles, their love of lection includes vehicles from the rael considers an unfavorable nu- his country’s concerns. “This is Saturday Fabius said France wants they have gone too far. We told during the nation-wide protests the "Fatherland" and the Ortho- bomb-destroyed Lugansk car mu- clear deal with Iran after tensions an effort to prevent a [nuclear] deal an agreement that would guarantee them to play their part so they and controlled many cities in the dox faith -- hail from the Donbass seum, taken by the Wolves to pro- surfaced between France and the that is bad and full of loopholes, that Iran could not produce a nucle- could influence a final accord, but southern provinces of Abyan and region in Ukraine's east. But oth- tect them from looters. Following United States over negotiation or at least ... to succeed in closing ar weapon. Iran, meanwhile, says they have taken unrealistic posi- Shabwa. "What happened to Lahj ers have been drawn to the area the example of its Russian branch- strategy. Though France has de- or amending some of these loop- that its nuclear program is for peace- tions.” U.S. officials have private- is reminiscent of the Abyan sce- from Russia and other former So- es, the club aims to promote the manded more stringent restrictions holes,” said Steinitz, who is being ful needs only. Israel’s ties to its ly bristled at France’s outspoken nario in 2011, when the local au- viet states to defend what they call "patriotic education of society and than other Western delegations accompanied by Israeli National main ally, the United States, have criticism of the negotiating process thorities and army troops handed "the Russian world". "Wherever youth" by organising and financ- during talks with Iran, one French Security Adviser Joseph Cohen. frayed over Netanyahu’s lobbying and its demands for more stringent over cities to al-Qaeda," said one there are difficulties, we are the ing various projects "to unite the diplomat played down Israel’s Officials in Israel, which is not a against the prospective Iran deal. restrictions on Iran. Officials have military analyst. UN envoy: Ye- first to appear. This was the case Russian world". "The Soviet Union sway in Paris, saying that Israeli party to the negotiations but feels Many of U.S. President Barack expressed concerns that France men on brink of civil war To avoid in the Crimea," explains Oleg collapsed and the Soviet identity Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- especially threatened by the pos- Obama’s fellow Democrats boy- might block a deal at the United the Abyan scenario, pro-Hadi "Golova", who travelled from his disappeared, but the people re- yahu had overplayed his hand in a sibility of a nuclear-armed Iran, cotted Netanyahu’s March 3 speech Nations. France’s envoy to Wash- army officials, including Minister native Belarus to the peninsula mained united by the Russian iden- March 3 speech to the U.S. Con- have long described France as the in Congress, which had been ar- ington, Gerard Araud, has been par- of Defense Mahmoud Al Subihi, shortly before it was annexed by tity," says Oleg "Golova". "Being gress. France, the United States negotiating power with views clos- ranged by Republicans. One senior ticularly vocal, tweeting that the quickly sent troops to Lahj. "Some Russia last March. "Everything Russian is not a nationality, it is a and four other world powers sus- est to Israel’s. Steinitz credited French diplomat said that Netan- setting of a March 31 deadline for army units and popular commit- could have exploded just as quick- state of mind," he adds, pointing pended negotiations with Iran in France with including curbs on yahu’s speech, in which he reiterat- a framework deal was “a bad tac- tees moved quickly to foil that plot ly and just as tragically as in the to a large metal emblem created by Switzerland on Friday and are to Iran’s mid-level enrichment of ura- ed his demand for a total rollback of tic” and “counterproductive.” The that intended to create rationales Donbass," he adds. "We were the the gang's leader Khirurg, which he reconvene next week to try to nium to 20 percent fissile purity Iranian nuclear technologies, had di- target date for a full agreement is for invading the south," Hussein first defenders of the Crimea, even says represents the "best of Rus- break the deadlock over sensitive in the preliminary nuclear deal minished Israel’s clout. Paris is also June 30 and European Union for- said. For the third consecutive day, President Putin recognised that." sian history". It combines the dou- atomic research and lifting of sanc- agreed in November 2013. “The unhappy with long-stalled Israeli- eign policy chief Federica Mogh- the rebels have encircled Taiz air- The Kremlin strongman has not ble-headed eagle, a Tsarist symbol tions before a March 31 deadline French helped us a great deal,” he Palestinian peacemaking. “Israel has erini has played down the impor- port with armed vehicles to pro- been shy of showing his support readopted by modern Russia, and for a framework deal. Israel’s Stra- said. Frayed ties At one point dur- marginalized itself. In November tance of the end-of-March dead- tect hundreds of airborne soldiers for the biker gang, having previ- the wheatsheaf beneath a red star tegic Affairs Minister Yuval Stein- ing the latest negotiations French 2013 we were working with them line, saying that the priority is to and military equipment. ously lauded their patriotism and from the Soviet crest. (AFP) itz, however, told Israel Radio that Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and they played the game. They seal a comprehensive deal by July. (AL JAZEERA) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. TUESDAY . MARCH 24, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Germany gears up to open first Islamic bank Turkish lender Kuveyt Turk said it would launch Germany’s first full- fledged Islamic bank in July, a first step intended at offering sharia- compliant retail banking services across the continent. The wholly- owned subsidiary will be called KT Bank AG and use Frankfurt as its base, aiming to tap Europe's second-largest Muslim community, many of whose members are of Turkish descent. The subsidiary would seek to serve Germany’s roughly 4 million Muslims but also target a wider client base, expanding its branch network across the country and later into the rest of Europe, the statement said. Kuveyt Turk, the largest Islamic bank in Turkey and 62 percent owned by Kuwait Finance House, set up a financial services branch in Mannheim in 2010 and applied for a full banking license in 2012. At the time, the lender said it would invest initial capital of 45 million euros ($48.7 million) in the planned German unit. Islamic finance has been slow to gain a foothold in Europe due to a fragmented market and lack of industry-specific regulations. Britain remains Europe's main Islamic finance hub, with five full-fledged Islam- ic banks, with a Luxembourg venture also planning to launch an Islamic lender of its own. In 2004, the German state of Saxony-Anhalt raised 100 million euros via Islamic bonds, with Munich-based FWU Group tapping the market in 2012 and 2013.

Dubai’s Arabtec plans to sell four Saudi market, and to study the ex- of its five Saudi Arabian units, the pansion opportunities in other builder's annual results show de- markets, taking into account the spite also stating that one of its importance of the Egyptian mar- main aims this year is to expand its ket." Streamlining Arabtec's Saudi activities in the kingdom. The board operations into a single business of Arabtec, which is 36 percent may make sense, especially after owned by Abu Dhabi state fund its board "expressed dissatisfac- Aabar Investments and reported a tion" with surging general and ad- surprise fourth-quarter loss on ministration expenses, which Sunday, has approved disposing of jumped 75 percent in 2014 to Arabtec Saudi Arabia, Arabtec 749.9 million dirhams ($204.2 mil- Construction Machinery, Saudi lion). The four Arabtec units' gross Austrian Arabian Ready Mix Co profit margin was 11.7 percent, and EFECO Saudi. Arabtec owns higher than Arabtec's other opera- stakes of between 45 and 62 per- tions, Naeem Brokerage wrote in a cent of these firms and has control note. "We are yet to hear from man- over all of them. Selling the quartet agement on the reasoning behind LONDON: Oil prices edged up on Monday, holding above $55 a barrel as a weakening dollar offset losses after Saudi Arabia indicated it was now pumping near a record high of 10 million would leave the builder with a sol- the (proposed sale) and whether barrels per day. Saudi Arabia has stood firm on output, saying it would only consider cutting it if other producers outside OPEC also joined. Brent crude oil futures were trading up 8 itary Saudi subsidiary - Saudi Tar- this would imply an anticipated cents at $55.40 a barrel at 0933 GMT, after hitting a low of $54.12. U.S. WTI crude was down 40 cents at $46.17. Saudi oil minister Ali al Naimi also said the kingdom was now pumping get Engineering Construction Co, spin-off situation," Naeem added. around 10 million barrels per day (bpd), which could indicate an increase of 350,000 bpd over its February production. Analysts at Barclays forecast on Monday that if OPEC although it also owns 24 percent The four units' combined profits production held near current levels of near 30 million bpd, the market surplus would expand from 900,000 bpd to 1.3 million bpd. Oil prices have see-sawed, weighed down by concerns of a Riyadh residential project. The fell by more than half last year to of oversupply but boosted by swings in the strength of U.S. dollar ahead of the expected end of years of zero interest rate policy in the United States later this year. On Monday, oil proposed sale comes despite a 120.3 million dirhams. Arabtec, prices pared losses after the dollar renewed its slide. "In the past 15 years, the global economy was defined by rising commodity prices, zero interest rate policy, and a weak USD. This company press release accompa- which was not immediately avail- cycle has now gone into reverse with a decelerating industrial economy in China and the rise of U.S. shale," Bank of America Merrill Lynch said in a report. "A combination of a strong nying its results stating: "The com- able for comment, values their net dollar, higher interest rates and subdued growth may keep commodity prices in check in 2015," it added. China's February crude oil imports from Iran fell 3.7 percent from a year ago pany's plan (is) to continue expan- assets after liabilities at 860.5 mil- to 2.04 million tonnes. China boosted overall imports late last year, taking advantage of cheap oil to build its reserves, but storage tanks could be reaching their limits, forcing a slowdown sion in attractive markets, mainly lion dirhams, according to its fi- in orders. the Gulf region; in particular the nancial statements. US faces meager US refiners turn to tanker trucks “Despite duty options for further and taxes, to avoid ‘dumbbell’ crudes used cars keep Russia energy sanctions arriving WASHINGTON: The United Mobil out of Russia's Arctic and States will struggle to follow ended its collaboration with Rus- in Pak” through on threats to impose sian state oil company Rosneft, deeper sanctions on the Russian with which it signed a $3.2 billion KARACHI: The used-car import energy sector, as European fears deal in 2011 to develop the region. industry has been through a roller over collateral economic damage European Council President coaster ride in the last few years leave President Barack Obama's Donald Tusk said on Friday it was but has not completely collapsed. administration with diminished increasingly hard to maintain a There are several reasons for it not options. Energy is the economic united position on sanctions in the buckling under market pressures, lifeblood of Russia, which vies 28-country bloc. EU officials one of them being its appeal among with the United States and Saudi speaking on condition of anonym- customers, which has strengthened Arabia to be the world's top oil ity said that half or more of the over the years. Local car assem- producer, and the sector is the bloc's countries would like to see blers are right when they point out main target of Western sanctions easing of the measures. So far, that import of used cars have dent- over Moscow's role in the con- Western sanctions have blocked ed their sales figures but, it is a flict in Ukraine. But current sanc- investments and technology trans- bitter pill to swallow as the local tions have already hit the easiest fers in the frontier oil drilling industry has failed miserably in targets in Russia's high-tech ex- projects, targeted capital flows meeting customer demand. The sit- ploration projects in the Arctic, into Russia and slapped Putin's uation is not so bleak for the as- Siberian shale, and deep-sea. That inner circle with asset freezes and semblers though, as they have leaves the United States with less travel bans. Combined with the competed valiantly with import- palatable options, such as trying drop in oil prices, the sanctions ed vehicles in the 1,300 cubic cen- to target the country's oil ex- have hammered the Russian econ- timetres (cc) or above engine cate- ports, as it has done with Iran. omy, with the rouble down 40 per- gory with Toyota Corolla, Honda Even though global oil prices have cent against the dollar since mid- Civic and Honda City. However, dropped by roughly half since 2014, driving it toward recession. the bigger issue plaguing assem- last year, the United States' Eu- But none of this has loosened Pu- blers is the smaller engine vehicles ropean allies remain skittish over tin's grip on Crimea since Russia – 1,000cc or below Currently, only any damaging repercussions on annexed it a year ago, even though Pak Suzuki is producing two energy supplies. Russia could Russia agreed last month in Min- 1,000cc models while Indus Mo- HOUSTON : In a pressing quest blended barrel that hits the spec, tions of West Texas Intermediate be used for crude or fuel. "Every tor – the makers of the Toyota respond by squeezing the gas ex- sk to a cease-fire with Ukraine. Corolla – and Atlas Honda Cars ports on which Europe relies Putin's domestic popularity has to secure the best possible crude, but it's not as consistent as you'd (WTI), the longstanding U.S. place we can, we're procuring our U.S. refiners are increasingly go- like." Others are also seeking to benchmark familiar to, and favored own crude," Chief Executive Gary do not have a single model in this heavily. "If you start playing risen since the imposition of sanc- engine category. Indus Motor had around with oil prices, Russia is tions. The West could take ing straight to the source. Firms cut out the middleman where pos- by, many refiners in the region. Heminger said in an interview. earlier discontinued its only vari- going to play around with gas, further steps to halt investment in such as Marathon Petroleum Corp sible, delving into an industry once Typical light-sweet WTI crude has Western Refining Inc will use ant in the segment, the Daihatsu and there's no way Europe is go- Russian shale oil drilling, which and Delek U.S. Holdings are buy- dominated by independent local an API gravity of about 38 to 40. trucks run by its logistics unit to Cuore, and says that “the model ing to go along with it," said Car- Moscow is counting on to offset ing up tanker trucks and extending players and stepping up pressure Condensate, or super-light crude haul more than 50,000 bpd to its had outlived its life cycle” Mean- los Pascual, who until last Au- eventual declines in output from local pipeline networks in order to on bigger midstream transport and that is abundant in most U.S. shale plants in New Mexico and West while, Pakistan has imported gust was the top energy diplo- traditional oil fields. But more get more oil directly from the well- logistics firms to meet their needs. patches, ranges from 45 to 60 or Texas this year, up 39 percent from 11,881 used cars during the first mat at the U.S. State Department. sanctions on shale drilling would head, seeking to cut back on blend- In December, Delek Logistics Part- higher. Western Canadian Select, 2014, according to its annual regu- six months (Jul-Dec) of fiscal year The current top U.S. diplomat on be slow to do further damage to ed crude cocktails they say can ners LP paid $11.5 million to buy itself a blend, is about 20. While latory filing. Oil pipeline opera- 2014-15, out of which 76% of the energy issues, Amos Hochstein, the Russian economy because that leave a foul aftertaste. While the 120 trucks and 200 trailers used to the blends of these crudes may tors, who risk losing customers as cars fall under the 1,000cc or be- says Washington has not exhaust- resource is three to 10 years from business of hauling crude from in- haul crude and asphalt, mostly for technically meet the API gravity more refiners source their own sup- low category. The trend to favour ed its sanctions toolkit should significant production. That under- dividual oil wells to bulk storage its parent firm's East Texas and ceiling of 42 at Cushing, industry ply, are also responding. At least small cars is neither new nor un- Russian President Vladimir Pu- lines how the West lacks obvious depots or pipeline hubs has be- Arkansas refineries. CVR Refin- players say the mixes can be in- five new pipelines - including usual. Apart from design, custom- tin expand the war in Ukraine. options to hit Russia's energy busi- come a lucrative niche in recent ing LP, with two refineries within consistent in makeup and generate Tallgrass Energy Partners' Colo- ers have grown increasingly con- And Treasury Secretary Jack ness in the short-term and influ- years thanks to the shale oil revo- 120 miles (190 km) of Cushing, in less income because the most de- rado-to-Cushing Pony Express scious over fuel efficiency – one Lew said last week that the ad- ence its Ukraine strategy, experts lution, refiners are getting into the Oklahoma and Kansas, has in- sirable stuff is often missing. The line, which started up in Novem- of the main reasons for their pop- ministration is ready to "increase said. "These tools may hurt and "first mile" game for a different creased the amount of crude it gath- blends tend to produce a higher ber - will ship crudes in separate ularity. The share of smaller cars the costs" on Russia if it breaks bite over time, but the inherent fra- reason: taking control of their sup- ers directly, by pipeline or truck, proportion of fuel at two ends of batches, rather than throwing them in the imported used cars category the terms of a ceasefire. Hoch- gility of the Ukraine is so high it is ply chains to secure a more pre- by more than a fifth in the past the spectrum: light ends like gaso- together in a single stream, as has has been continuously increasing stein, the State Department's working against the ability of the dictable, consistent stream of two years. In January it gathered line, demand for which has dimmed been common for major crude pipe- over the last few years, but local special envoy and coordinator for West to achieve its goals," said crude. Phillips 66, the nation's 63,500 bpd, or more than a third in recent years, and lower-value lines to Cushing or Houston. carmakers have continued to ignore international affairs, told Reuters Andrew Weiss, a Russia expert in fourth-largest refiner, has added of its total crude slate. Shipping heavy products like fuel oil and Traditional "common stream" this trend. Out of the five engine it was unlikely Washington would two previous administrations. The trucks and offloading equipment crude by truck, though costly, has asphalt. What's missing are mid- lines, where super-light crudes categories, the share of small cars put sanctions on Russia's current bluntest sanctions tool available at several of its refineries to help become a fast-growing necessity dle distillates like diesel, where mingle with WTI-like oil, also are (1,000cc or below) in used car im- oil production, though he would be to block Russia access reduce its reliance on oil coming in places like the Eagle Ford in growing demand and profitability adapting. Magellan Midstream ports was 45% in fiscal year 2012 stopped short of ruling it out. to the SWIFT global electronic from Cushing, Oklahoma, the na- Texas and Permian Basin, newly lies. "You end up with a dumbbell- Partners' Longhorn pipeline, (FY12). It jumped to 59% in FY13, "We'd want to look at what af- banking system, as the West did tion's biggest crude oil crossroads productive shale oil patches ill- like material rich in front and back which moves West Texas Permian 72% in FY14 and it now hovers fects Russia, the assessment to- with Iran. Russian bankers and and storage hub. Here, a growing served by small local pipeline net- ends, neither of which refineries Basin crude to Houston, raised its around a massive 76% in the first day versus a year ago is differ- officials have described this as a volume of Canadian oil sands is works known as gathering sys- find most profitable," said Dennis gravity cap last year to 44 from six months (July-Dec) of FY15. ent, because the oil markets to- nuclear option that would lead to often mixed with lighter domestic tems. As a result, truck deliveries Sutton, a former chemist and re- 42. And it recently started up its This crisis could have been avert- day are different than they were full economic warfare. And beyond shale crude, resulting in blends that direct to U.S refiners have surged tired crude quality expert with joint-venture BridgeTex pipeline ed had local car makers done their then," Hochstein said. "Russia energy technology, the United can be less profitable than similar to nearly 400,000 bpd nationwide Marathon Petroleum Corp who with a cap of 44. homework and introduced new can and should be a market par- States and Europe simply do not oil fresh from the field. Phillips 66 in 2013, doubling since 2010, gov- now heads the Crude Oil Quality Common-stream lines could theo- models of small cars. Instead of ticipant, but it has to play by the have much that Russia needs, ex- executives say operations at its ernment data show. Midstream Association. The trend extends retically keep raising those caps introducing new models, Suzuki rules of the game." Cracks are perts say. "Apart from capital, 200,000-barrel-per-day refinery in companies including Blueknight beyond Cushing. as more lights enter the flow, but Alto and Cuore (both 1,000cc or showing in European support for technology, and certain market ac- Ponca City, Oklahoma, only 62 Energy Partners and some private With three refineries relatively refiners would demand price below category cars) were discon- more sanctions. Going alone on cess, some of which has been tar- miles (100 km) from Cushing, have equity firms, including Riverstone close to the Utica shale in Ohio, breaks, said Brian Melton of tinued from June 30, 2012 as these sanctions is not a realistic option geted by previous sanctions, there improved since it began getting Holdings, have also invested. For Marathon Petroleum has added Blueknight, which is part-owned companies were not able to intro- for Washington since it would are not that many things Russia more of its crude directly from refiners, the investment is less truck and barge offloading to han- by global oil trading group Vitol. duce the Euro II engines in these block U.S. energy companies from wants from the West," said Marik wells in the Mississippian Lime about profitable logistics than qual- dle crude and super-light conden- "If I can run a 44-45 grade and cars to meet the emission require- collaborating with Russia and let String, a sanctions lawyer at Wilm- shale patch nearby. ity control. sate as well as fuels, increasing its source it at enough of a discount ments of the government. The lo- European ones in. Western sanc- erHale and former counsel on the "That's really the key," Phillips 66 Many executives say that the crude tanker truck fleet 16 percent from that it makes sense to run it versus cal industry understands that it is tions imposed late last year Senate Foreign Relations Commit- President Tim Taylor told Reuters. oil blends being created in Cushing a year ago to 170, according to com- a 41 or 42 even if I give up yields, losing out on a big market by not forced U.S. oil company Exxon tee. "With Cushing, you can get a are often substandard approxima- pany presentations. The trucks can that's the tradeoff," he said. introducing small cars. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. TUESDAY . MARCH 24 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Fashion Pakistan JLo makes Week: What we Rihanna feel ‘safe’ Singer Rihanna finds a unique warmth and "safeness" in Jennifer are and aren’t Lopez's voice -- the kind her moth- er has. The two singers have voiced the mother and daughter Lucy and looking forward to Tip in animated movie "Home", which follows the 12-year-old's search for her parent after they are they went from staid old British separated following an alien inva- stalwart to one of the coolest la- sion. Rihanna says Lopez shares a bels. Here’s hoping Jafferjees lot of characteristics with her own TFPW collection is a step in that mother. "I love her. She is great. direction. TFPW’s lineup includes Doesn't everybody want JLo to a handful of newer designers. be their mum? When you hear Jen- Madiha Raza won her place after nifer, her voice has that warmth wowing the audience at FPC’s and safeness that my mother's has. emerging talent showcase, May- It has that tone. It's almost like it belline Millenial Fashion, last year. can hug you," Rihanna said. "My It will be interesting to see if she own mother is so loving and car- can live up to that phenomenal ing. She just makes you feel safe," debut. Inaaya is another of last she added. Rihanna, 27, relates a year’s discoveries that needs to lot to her young character in the build on an impressive beginning. movie because she is both shy and Other relative newcomers like Ab- sensitive. "Tip is vibrant, she's dul Samad and Somal Halepoto very strong, very independent and will have to justify being given the very sassy, but she's also very sen- chance to showcase It will also be sitive and those are all things I iden- interesting to see Body Focus tify with - characteristics that drew Museum and YBQ back on the her to me. I was always sassy, I ramp – both are excellent brands was like that at six years old, four It’s Fashion Week time! The Fash- we don’t see enough of. It’s great ion Pakistan Council has just an- years old. "But I was also shy. It's to see Lahore designers like Fahad strange. I'm a very shy person, nounced the lineup for Telenor Hussayn and HSY showing in Fashion Pakistan Week Spring even to this day," she told Grazia Karachi again, particularly as Kara- magazine. Summer 2015. The four-day event chi designers show regularly in features some of Pakistan’s top Lahore. I do wish they would make designers but there is also a signif- their designs more readily available icant high street presence at the in Karachi like Zara Shahjahan, Revealed: Shahid’s event. While the credentials of the who opened a store here recently likes of Sania Maskatiya, Shamaa- and is showing in Karachi for the el Ansari and HSY are unquestion- first time. It would be great if top ladylove, Mira Rajput! able, brands like Levis have Lahore labels like Elan, Muse and flopped badly on the ramp before Sublime would also come to Kara- good news! Haider actor has bro- ken millions of hearts, as he final- ly plan to settle down with his Delhi girlfriend! There had been a grapevine earlier this year, that Shahid has finally found the love of his life and would soon be tying the nuptial knot. Apparently, the couple got engaged on 14th Janu- ary this year. Now you all must be wondering who is the lucky girl. Mira Rajput, the bride-to-be basi- cally has no Bollywood connec- tion, she is presently pursuing her 3rd year in English (Hons.) from LSR. Ostensibly, the couple met at a religious gathering of Radha Soami Satsang Beas. Pankaj Kapur LAHORE: The city’s newest designer on the block, Maheen Ghani Taseer, always and Shahid are a very strong be- had a penchant for designing but it was only recently that she decided to bring it to liever of the religious group and so fruition with the launch of her label MGT. For Maheen, her passion for fashion and is the bride-to-be. Both the fami- styling go back to when she was just a child. The Express Tribune talks to the industry lies have been trying to keep a very novice to explore her styling mantra and sartorial vision. “Fashion is like art and it’s not low profile as to avoid any media just designing that I enjoy. I consider an outfit to be a statement, so I’m a stylist as well. I think the two go attention. But according to the lat- hand in hand,” says Maheen. As a relatively new designer, she is still exploring different styles. “Fashion, for est update by our Kabroo, Pankaj me, is ever-changing and keeps evolving. Inspiration comes to you organically, if design is your true love, you Kapur has recently visited Mira's chi – both to show and with a re- will have to take reference from everything you see around you,” she adds. Model wearing a Maheen Taseer’s house Well we are guessing the and their place at Telenor Fashion tail presence. Some Karachi stal- design She draws inspiration from Sabyasachi Mukherjee, which is evident in her work. When it comes to wedding arrangements are in a Pakistan Week (TFPW) is ques- warts are conspicuous by their western-wear, Maheen looks up to Jenny Peckham and Elie Saab. This winter, Maheen tried her hand at swing... And we hope to hear the tionable, this time I hope they hire absence. FPW will miss the likes velvet and embellishments, which gave her clothes a grand, regal and ethnic look. When asked about her good news very soon. We wish the a stylist who understands how to Maheen Karim, Sana Safinaz, She- signature style, she says she is still experimenting and working with different materials, such as lace and silk, Well, Well, Well, what an amazing couple all the very best! Stay tuned put together a runway show. hla Chatoor, Ayesha Farook Hash- juxtaposing modern and traditional looks. way to start your week with a to know the latest updates! Caanchi & Lugari, Lala Textiles, wani and Adnan Pardesy - all of Gul Ahmed and Daaman will have whom made the winter edition of to up their game and think out of FPW particularly memorable. On Hollywood Box the box if they want to make an paper this is not one of the stron- impact on the ramp. Unless they gest editions of Fashion Pakistan Office:‘Insurgent’ When Yami do, Fashion Pakistan Council Week – despite being a marathon needs to rethink whether high 4-day affair. Despite strong names tops with $54 street deserves a spot at what is like Deepak Perwani and Nida one of Pakistan’s top fashion Azwer, the lineup lacks depth. million, got a pleasant weeks. Fifth Element has teamed Let’s hope that the participating up with Rizwanullah for their designers make TFPW better than Gunman’ flops Swarovski segment and these sort it looks on paper. of designer collaborations are what OS ANGELES: Insurgent high street brands should be look- surprise topped the weekend box of ing at if they are serious about hav- Lfice with $54 million, but its ing a presence on the fashion scene. opening will likely fall just short of Yami Gautam who is currently shooting in Patiala opposite Pulkit Al Karam for example have cho- the numbers put up a year ago by Samrat was missing home as the actress comes from Chandigarh sen to launch their Sania the first film in the Divergent se- and home was merely two hours away from the sets. Yami was Maskatiya lawn at fashion week, ries. That’s a disappointment for missing family and the delicious home cooked Punjabi food. Co- which is smart as Sania has grown Lionsgate, the studio behind the ad- incidentally, call it telepathy, the actress' wish was heard right to appreciate what works on the aptations of Veronica Roth’s best- away. Yami's mother surprised her by dropping on sets and also runway. Jafferjees meanwhile is a selling books about a dystopian fu- spent time with her. Not only this, she had also made some yum- label that needs a makeover. Their ture. It hoped that the franchise my Punjabi home cooked food which made Yami's day. This was quality is simply phenomenal and would be able to build on its initial completely unexpected and purely amazed Yami who also got a yet they have a dowdy image. start, aided by star Shailene Wood- chance to spend some quality time with her mother. The two got to They don’t keep up to date with ley’s higher profile following the catch up on various things after pack up. Yami Gautam shares, "I international trends at all. I’m not success of The Fault in Our Stars. had not met my family for some time. So, when I went to Patiala suggesting that they make design- Going into the weekend, Lionsgate for my shoot schedule, my mom surprised me on sets with my er knock-offs but they do need to had been projecting an opening of favourite food which I miss so much living alone in Bombay." She pay attention to the iconic bags of between $57 million to $60 million. further adds, "Having her around was the best feeling. We caught our time. Everyone from Ferraga- Insurgent’s audience was 60 per- up on so many things after pack up." Yami has been juggling with mo to Forever 21 has done a ver- cent female and 55 percent under her schedule with shooting for movies back to back. Her latest film sion of the bucket bag made popu- 25. Hispanics made up 17 percent Badlapur was loved by the audience and performed a brilliantly at lar by Mansur Gavriel. Why of the opening weekend crowd and Box office. The actress will soon be seen in T- series's Sanam Re haven’t they done a play on Ce- African-Americans comprised 11 which is set to release on 12th February 2016. line’s luggage tote like Michael percent of ticket buyers. The stu- Kors and Kate Spade have done? dio says it's happy with the results, You’ll find both bags at Pedro. The noting that with an A-minus Cine- Deepika wells up during brand is a Pakistani icon and needs maScore and a lack of upcoming film Kim Kardashian a major fashion turnaround – sim- releases pegged at teenage girls, In- ilar to the one at Burberry where surgent has a clear runway. “Our first TV interview about her playability is incredibly strong,” said Richie Fay, Lionsgate’s distri- no more a blonde? battle with depression bution chief. “We’re seeing a few more males than we did on the first The beautiful Deepika Padukone one and we’re seeing an overall opened up about her battle with broadening of the audience.” Insur- depression in an exclusive inter- gent cost $110 million to produce, view with Burkha Dutt on Satur- roughly $25 million more than Di- day, during which the Bollywood vergent racked up in production actress fearlessly described break- fees. Divergent opened to $54.6 ing down ‘at the drop of a hat’ and million before going on to make the importance of having a strong $288.7 million globally. Internation- support system. While speaking ally, Insurgent grossed an estimat- about the early days of her ail- ed $47 million in 76 markets. Even ment, the actress welled up as she if the film’s domestic results are described how despite winning weaker than Lionsgate might have awards and giving talks on her hoped, foreign markets where achievements, she would often actress who was accompanied by Roth’s books have grown more lock herself up in a bathroom to her mother Ujjala Padukone, and popular over the last year could her doctors, Dr Shyam Bhatt and make up the difference, leading to a cry and how hard it was just to get greater worldwide bounty. The out of bed. “It’s scary, but I’m do- Dr Anna Chandy. Read: Deepika weekend’s other major wide release, ing what I’m doing because it was to set up mental health care foun- The Gunman, fired blanks, picking Reality TV star Kim Kardashian, who flaunted platinum blonde locks at so hard for me that I don’t want dation Deepika also called out up a meager $5 million and seem- the Paris Fashion Week earlier this month, may have gone back to a dark anyone else to go through it,” she media outlets that reported her de- ingly deep-sixing Sean Penn’s plans hair colour. The star shared an image on Twitter with photographer said. Read: ’I broke down often’: pression in an insensitive and of- to be an aging action star. Open Ellen Von Unwerth, and it clearly shows Kim with her signature dark Deepika talks about her depres- ten incorrect manner, saying the Road distributed the film in 2,816 locks, reports mirror.co.uk The 34-year-old wrote: "On set a few days sion The actress said that she felt actress was depressed “because her theaters and had expected a debut ago with the amazing @ellenvonunwerth. Can't wait for you to see the the need to share her story if it friend Ranvir was depressed.” Re- in the $8 million range. The Gun- projects we've been working on!" However, considering the surprises meant saving even one person from ports also suggested she was us- man’s modest results were good that the reality TV star keeps throwing up, it could easily just be a wig taking their own life. “If I can im- ing her depression to promote a enough for a fourth place finish in for the shoot. But photographs showing her seated behind the wheel of pact one life in this entire process movie and make money. Deepika, an otherwise slow weekend. “Ob- her car on Friday indicated that the star's hair colour has changed -- she of speaking up and letting people however, dismissed them, saying, viously we had hoped for a little is seen checking her reflection on the rear view mirror. On March 17, know that it’s something I have “I’ve been through hell and back. bit more,” said Jason Cassidy, chief Kim's makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic shared a picture of Kim on been through and something that I We are a nation with the most de- marketing officer at Open Road Instagram showing the curvaceous backside of the star with the caption, could deal with because I had a fan- pressed people in the world. There Films. `Brunette vibes on set. Guess who?` tastic support system,” said the is a larger issue at hand.” This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. 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NBA: Blake Griffin and Chris Paul play key roles as LA Clippers see off New Orleans Pelicans Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-1 at Blake Griffin and Chris Paul were the Nou Camp on Sunday night to the star performers as the LA Clip- move four points clear of their ri- vals at the top of La Liga. The Cat- pers damaged the play-off ambi- alans took a 20th-minute lead tions of the New Orleans Pelicans thanks to Jeremy Mathieu’s head- who were beaten 107-100 on Sun- er, only for Cristiano Ronaldo to day. Both Griffin and Paul scored equalise just past the half-hour 23 points with the latter adding 11 mark with his 42nd goal of the sea- assists, while Anthony Davis led son in all competitions. However, New Orleans with 26 points and Luis Enrique’s side claimed what 12 rebounds. Betting Bet £5 Get could turn out to be a vital victory £20 Free Davis played 39 minutes thanks to Luis Suarez’s 57th- after missing two games with a minute strike, the Uruguayan’s sprained left ankle, which was the first-ever El Clasico goal. Watch same injury that prevented team- Luis Suarez's winner for Barcelo- mate Tyreke Evans from taking to na as they beat Real Mdrid 2-1 It the court. Evans' replacement Nor- was Barcelona, as befits the home ris Cole collected 12 points before side, who made the faster start as fouling out in the final minutes. The they went in search of the win that Clippers were trailing by three would give them clear daylight in points at the half-way stage be- the title race. However, despite fore taking the third quarter 31- bossing the early exchanges - as 24. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, Rus- one would expect from a team sell Westbrook registered 12 with 17 victories to their name in points, 10 rebounds and 17 assists the previous 18 matches since sur- for his 10th triple-double of the prisingly losing at Real Sociedad back in January - it was Real who season as the Oklahoma City created the first real opening of the Thunder beat the Miami Heat 93- evening. And it came when Ronal- 75. Enes Kanter notched up 27 do escaped the attentions of the points and 12 rebounds for Thun- Barcelona defence at the back post der who have now won three in a after being picked out by a deli- row. Kanter had been expected to cious ball from Karim Benzema, miss his second straight game with only for the Portuguese forward’s an ankle injury but was cleared to effort to beat Claudio Bravo, but play on the morning of the match not the crossbar. Barcelona then and then got off to a fast start with responded to that near miss by 15 points during the first quarter. taking the lead, and through the The Heat had five players in dou- most unlikely of scorers in the ble figures, led by Hassan White- shape of centre-back Mathieu, side with 13 – all in the first half. who got the better of Sergio Ra- Elsewhere, in Milwaukee, LeBron mos to power Lionel Messi’s inch- James scored 28 points and perfect free kick from the left past sparked a key second-half run Iker Casillas. Gael Clichy and with an emphatic dunk to lead the Guillem Balague look back on the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 108-90 passage of playing leading to Re- triumph over the Bucks. JR Smith al's equaliser But the visitors took added 23 points for Cleveland who just 11 minutes to draw level, al- sealed a third straight win, while though only after Barca forward Neymar had somehow missed an with the World Player of the Year Bale was clearly two yards onside fore Bravo was first called upon the Real back four, although the to double their side’s advantage. Milwaukee have now lost six in a open goal from only six yards out, making no mistake with his ninth while Ronaldo was borderline lev- to keep out Benzema’s close-range forward still had much work to do But Barcelona were not made to row. The Cavaliers were thankful a glaring miss that was even more goal in only 11 matches at the Nou el with the defender when he effort after a fantastic move be- to bring the ball out of the sky, pay for their profligacy in front of that Smith made three straight 3s important when Madrid equalised Camp. And Madrid would have knocked the ball on. Minutes lat- tween Ronaldo and Modric four before coolly finishing low past goal though, with the closest to close out a run that turned a six- seconds later. It was a beautifully gone in at the break 2-1 ahead had er Bale somehow missed from minutes into the second period. Casillas for his 14th goal of the Madrid coming to grabbing an un- point deficit into a 93-78 lead with worked goal too from Real involv- Bale not been flagged offside after close range before Claudio Bravo Javier Mascherano gets booked campaign. And thereafter it was all deserved equaliser coming when 6:19 left in the game. And Archie ing Gareth Bale and Luka Modric, putting the ball in the net after a reacted smartly to tip over a rasp- while Sergio Ramos takes a tum- Barca as the Catalans missed a Benzema’s deflected shot from the Goodwin sank a three-pointer dur- with the Croatian playing Karim Ronaldo flick on. There was some ing drive from Ronaldo. After the ble Then came the decisive mo- whole host of chances with Mes- edge of the area forced Bravo into ing the final 30 seconds to seal a Benzema through on goal, before confusion around who the lines- interval it was Barcelona who ment of the match as Dani Alves si, twice, Neymar and Jordi Alba a smart reaction save 12 minutes 98-82 victory for the Phoenix Suns his cute back-heel found Ronaldo, man deemed to be ahead of play as moved up a gear, although not be- found Suarez with a high ball over all wasting presentable openings from time. over the Dallas Mavericks. Sheffield Steelers Novak Djokovic says he is at his win Elite League Floyd Mayweather title after beating ‘destroying’ sparring prime after beating Roger Federer Cardiff Devils Novak Djokovic says he is at the Sheffield Steelers clinched their partners as he prepares prime of his career after success- first Elite League title in four years fully defending his Indian Wells after winning their titanic show- for Manny Pacquiao crown against Roger Federer to down with Cardiff Devils 2-1. claim his 50th career ATP title . Cardiff would have kept their own The world No 1 is now tied with chances alive with a victory and 17-time Grand Slam champion Fe- were on course to do that after tak- derer for the most men's titles in ing the lead through Carl Hudson. the California desert with four However, Robert Dowd drew wins following his 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6- Sheffield level in the second peri- 2 success on Sunday. It was an- od before Jeff Legue slotted home other epic struggle in a long list of the winner in the third period as hardcourt battles between the two Sheffield, in their final game of the top players in the world, who have season, sealed their first Elite met 38 times with Swiss great Fe- League crown since 2011. Cardiff's derer still holding a slight 20-18 loss allowed Braehead to move up edge. Djokovic defended his BNP to second place with their 9-4 maul- Paribas Open title with a thrilling ing of Hull Stingrays. The Clan, win against Federer Djokovic had for whom Stefan Meyer, Leigh lost his last two matches to Feder- Salters and Matt Keith all netted er in straight sets after beating him braces against Hull, now hold the Floyd Mayweather is “destroying” sparring partners in training ahead in last year's Wimbledon final. The advantage for the second Champi- of his pound-for-pound showdown with Manny Pacquiao. Boxing five-time Australian Open winner ons Hockey League place heading Betting Bet £5 Get £20 Free Mayweather will put his unblemished 47- also needed three sets to beat Fed- into the final day of the regular 0 record on the line against his long-time welterweight rival in Las Vegas erer in the 2014 Indian Wells title season on Sunday. Braehead fin- on May 2. The American is reportedly beating up anyone foolish match. But after the clash, the top- ish off with a trip to Fife Flyers, enough to try and take him during the sparring sessions, claims his uncle seeded Serb felt that he fully de- who were beaten by last season's Jeff Mayweather. "The kids, early in camp, they don't care that he's served his win against one of the champions Belfast Giants on Sat- Floyd Mayweather. They want to prove something. They've proved greatest of all-time on the big stage. urday, while Cardiff host Notting- something, all right. They're getting destroyed," Jeff Mayweather told "If you look at the big picture, I ham Panthers. In Saturday's other MLive. "He's annihilating everybody. He's a beast. This isn't the same thought I deserved it in a way, be- match Edinburgh Capitals beat old Floyd. Former undisputed welterweight champion Zab Judah was cause I really fought for it," said Dundee Stars 5-3. Sunday Brae- enlisted to help prepare Mayweather for facing left-handers. However, Djokovic. "I am at the prime of head picked up the victory they the experienced southpaw, who gave Mayweather a scare before losing my career. I am going to use every needed against Fife Flyers to seal on points in their 2006 clash, suffered a similar fate to the younger part of this fact to stay where I am second spot in the Elite League and fighters. "Everybody was just hyped because they thought Judah was and to fight for as many major ti- secure qualification for the Cham- going to be something different, but Judah was worse than the other tles as possible. "I don't think these pions Hockey League on Sunday. guys," he added. "It seemed like Floyd had something personal against challenges that I go through and The Clan's 3-2 victory, with Ste- him. He beat the **** out of him. So then he quit, he let Judah off the the pressure that I feel are harming going to use every part of this fact to stay where I am and to fight for as many major titles as possible. Novak fan Meyer hitting the decider, lead hook, because Judah's got a fight coming up and he messed his eye up.” me or that I find it difficult. It is a Djokovic Djokovic, who blasted eight aces, 26 winners and broke Federer five times in front of a crowd of them to second place and a quar- “It may just be his mind, and all the **** he's been dealing with Manny privilege because I earned it." I am about 15,000 inside the Tennis Garden stadium and surpassed his coach Boris Becker (49) to become the 12th ter-final meeting with Hull Strin- over the years. Obviously, he's taken that in some kind of way. I mean, at the prime of my career. I am player in Open Era history with 50 ATP Tour titles. grays in the play-offs. he's punishing these guys." Anna Fenninger defends her Somerset have signed West Indies batsman Chris Gayle for a portion of the NatWest T20 Blast tourna- overall World Cup title in Meribel ment. Gayle will move to Taunton as an overseas player on either Anna Fenninger ensured double the discipline's best performer May 22 or May 29, depending on Austrian joy after pipping Tina over a thrilling season. "It's fan- how his franchise performs in the Maze to defend her overall World tastic!" beamed the 25-year-old IPL, and will stay with the club Cup title to mirror team-mate Fenninger. "The battle is until the until June 13, allowing him to play Marcel Hirscher's feat for the men's end, the last race. "It was hard to six T20 fixtures. He follows in the crystal globe. orld giant slalom stay focused on the skiing because footsteps of West Indies greats Joel champion Fenninger finished 22 there was so much pressure. I'm Garner and Viv Richards in signing points ahead of Olympic champi- happy to stand here as winner. It for the county. Cricket Betting on Maze of Slovenia in the overall was a good season and I'm happy Bet £5 Get £20 Free Gayle, who standings and sealed the trophy in about all my races." Fenninger nearly joined Somerset in 2012, has style with a commanding perfor- added of Maze: "She was great. played in 45 T20 Internationals, mance on the Roc de Fer course. She was fighting so hard and I've scoring 1406 runs at 35.15 with a Maze had gone into the last event never had such a big fight with any high score of 117. In 195 domes- of the World Cup finals with a nar- athlete. "In the end she lost the tic T20 matches, he has amassed row 18-point lead over Fenninger. overall by such a small margin. I 6975 runs at 42.01 with a top But the Austrian pulled out all the have to congratulate her, it was a had gone into the men's slalom 55 points adrift of Germany's Felix score of 175no, hitting 13 centu- tional character and we are delighted to be bringing him to Somerset. We stops in bad visibility down the great season and she had a lot of Neureuther. After finishing third in the first leg, Hirscher produced a ries and 45 half-centuries. Somer- have a number of overseas players on the roster for the 2015 campaign piste to win the giant slalom in an pressure too." It was hard to stay near-faultless second run to power to victory in a combined time of set Director of Cricket Matt May- and Chris’ arrival and registration will give us a number of options which aggregate time of 2min 26.91sec, focused on the skiing because there 1min 33.53sec to finish atop the slalom standings on 614 points, Neu- nard said: "Signing a world class we will look at as we approach each competition." Gayle added: "I’m 0.38sec ahead of teammate Eva- was so much pressure. I'm happy reuther netting only 22pts for his 12th-placed finish to stand second, player of the quality of Chris Gayle excited about joining Somerset for the NatWest T20 Blast this year. Maria Brem, with Maze in third to stand here as winner. It was a 23pts adrift. "It was definitely a tough situation, I am really sorry for is tremendously exciting for the "Many of the club’s members and supporters will know that I came at 0.46sec. The result saw Fen- good season and I'm happy about Felix as he was so close to his first globe. But you know, it's part of our club. He will be a tremendous ad- close to playing for the county in 2012 and I have always felt that, if I ninger not only leapfrog Maze to all my races. Anna Fenninger Near- sport," Hirscher said. "I am super happy, because before the race I was dition to our already extremely was able to, I wanted to honour that commitment to Somerset. "I’m the top of the overall standings, faultless Fenninger's success came in a very unusual position, normally I didn't stand a chance but the strong squad. "He is an inspira- looking forward to coming to Taunton and scoring some runs." but also claim the smaller globe for hot on the heels of Hirscher, who victory made it possible and I'm thrilled. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. 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Protestors seek 55,000 Afghan refugees have returned justice for Farkhunda, labad, where they receive a repa- triation grant of $200 each, mine chide police for failure home since beginning of 2015 awareness education, and medical attention. Those without docu- ments are registered and referred Govt should form a commission (anti-terror court) affiliated to the ORKHAM: Since the begin to the transit centre of the Inter- Supreme Court that should only deal with terror cases including courts ning of the year, over 55,000 national Organization for Migra- of the militants where award punishments and also lynching. The govt TAfghan refugees have re- tion (IOM) near the border when should allow space to civilians to become legislature, judiciary and turned to Afghanistan, more than they enter Afghanistan. executive. Lynching needs to be included in definition of terrorism twice as much as in the whole of Due to limited resources, 2014, The Telegraph reported. however, the IOM can only pro- The rate of spontaneous returns vide approximately 10% of the of undocumented Afghans has in- most vulnerable population with creased from an average of 59 a basic humanitarian assistance. day in 2014 to 651 in 2015. Af- Read: Afghan refugees return to ghans won t be forced out, says malnourished country An IOM Khattak The Pakistani police official said that many unregis- came to our house and told us to tered Afghan returnees reported leave, Hoji Karim, an Afghan ref- that they had left Pakistan to es- ugee tells of his ordeal. They cape harassment following the on negligence in action to rescue threw all our things onto the Peshawar attack. Every day, more AT News Report the innocent girl. She urged presi- street. Karim and his family than 30,000 people cross the dent to listen to protestors voice abandoned their home in Azad Torkham border. Read: 2,000 un- KABUL: Hundreds of protestors and punish murders of Farkhun- Kashmir and went to Afghanistan registered Afghans deported took to streets on Monday to seek da. In the meantime, the Wolesi where they live in tents with 15 since APS attack justice for Farkhunda, a 27-year old Jirga strongly condemned the bru- other families a makeshift set- woman who was lynched by an Pakistani officials should not tal action and asked the concerned tlement by the road that runs from be scapegoating Afghans because angry mob in Kabul last week for organs to prosecute those involved Torkham to Jalalabad. what is believed to be a concocted of the Taliban s atrocities in Pe- in the brutal killing of The family s home province of shawar, Human Rights Watch story of burning a copy of the holy Farkhunda.The Minister of Inte- Patkia is too dangerous for them Qura an. After accusing Farkhun- rior, Nur-ul-Haq Ulumi, admitted deputy Asia director Phelim Kine da of burning a copy of Holy to return. Back home Only about says. police s failure to rescue Farkhun- 4,000 of those are from among the Qura an, the angry mob beat her to da, but assured that they will spare It is inhumane, not to men- death, run a car over her, then set 1.6 million documented Afghan tion unlawful, to return Afghans no efforts to prevent from repeti- refugees in Pakistan. her dead body on fire, and thrown tion of such incidents in the fu- to places they may face harm and her corpse into the Kabul River by These lucky few are redirect- The rate of spontaneous returns of undocumented Afghans has increased from an average not protect them from harassment ture. We failed to rescue Farkhun- of 59 a day in 2014 to 651 in 2015. PHOTO: AFP Shah-e-Doshamshera Mosque in da. She was really innocent. She ed to the UNHCR centre near Jala- and abuse. Kabul on Thursday. However, lat- hasn t burned any copy of Holly er, Farkhunda was found innocent. Qura an, he said. Ulumi added 3 Jawzjan Hundreds of protestors, mostly that they have arrested 13 people 13 militants Haqani Network weapon depots seized women, gathered in the locale where in connection with lynching of police killed in Farkhunda was lynched, where killed in raids Farkhunda. Javed Barakzai, a The National Directorate of Secu- Haqani Network. A statement is- vincial capital while the other one they demanded of the government protestor, who looked to be at 40s, AT News Report predawn firefight to arrest those responsible for her rity (NDS) Afghanistan s intel- sued by the NDS on Monday was seized in Chahardiwal area of told Afghanistan Times that lynch- ligence agency has seized two states that one depot was seized Andar District. The statement with Taliban brutal killing. To give vent to their ing should be termed an act of ter- KABUL: As many as 13 Taliban anger, the protestors marched till rorism. Recently I returned from militants were killed in crackdowns depots belonging to the terrorist in Pakhtoon Abad area of the pro- adds that both depots belong to SHIBRGHAN: Three Afghan Na- Pul-e-Bagh Omumi carrying ban- UK with a hope that situation will carried out by security forces in Mawlawee Ismail, a commander of tional Police (ANP) personnel and ners reading Farkhunda was have improved much at home coun- different parts of the country. The Haqani terrorist network. The a militant were killed in a predawn burned in the fire of ignorance and try but I was shocked and couldn t Interior Ministry said in a press statement further adds that there a clash in the Aqcha district of we condemn killing of Farkhun- sleep normally when I watched the release on Monday that the Af- were eight different types of heavy northern Jawzjan province, an of- da . The protestors were chanting terrific news of Farkhunda, he ghan National Police (ANP) in col- and light weapons, 13 anti-vehicle ficial said Monday. The firefight the slogans against those involved said. Barakzai added the govern- laboration with the Afghan Nation- landmines, 75 kilograms of other was triggered by a militant attack in killing of 27-year old Farkhunda ment should form a commission al Army (ANA) and the National explosive materials, hundreds of on a security post at midnight, and said that the government should Directorate of Security (NDS) provincial police chief Brig. Gen. or anti-terrorism court inside the operatives conducted joint military rounds of ammunition and wire- bring perpetrators of the heinous Supreme Court that is meant to less systems in the depots. Faqir Mohammad Jawzjani told act to justice. Many of the pro- operations against Taliban mili- Pajhwok Afghan News. He said deal only with terror charges and tants in different parts of Nangar- According to the statement testors had covered their faces with lynching incidents. The govern- two binoculars were also recovered three policemen and a rebel were mask of Farkhunda.Belqis Roshan, har, Sar-i-Pul, Kandahar, Uruzgan, ment shouldn t provide space to Logar, Ghazni, Paktia, Farah and from the depots. NDS statements killed during the clash. The attack- a female senator who has also at- people (civilians) to become judi- Helmand provinces. At least 13 ers managed to flee after reinforce- tended the protest, said that the gov- usually do not contain information ments arrived at the site. A resi- ciary, legislature, and executive rebels were killed in the military about the exact date of the inci- ernment should exert its utmost ef- because it is the job of the govern- operations, the source added. Ac- dent of the area, Asadullah, said forts to arrest and punish those in- dents but their statements come the fire exchange lasted until 4am. ment and not civilians to award cording to the Interior Ministry, after recent achievements. volved in the brutal act. She called punishments to people, he sug- four Taliban militants were arrest- He added civilians had suffered no on people to seek justice for gested. ed and handed over to judiciaries Haqani terrorist network, casualties in the incident. But Tal- Farkhonda. She urged the govern- If lynching becomes a common for further inquiries. A number of which according to Afghan officials iban spokesman Zabihullah Mu- ment to prevent from repetition of practice, security situation will weapons and ammunition were is based in Pakistan, is blamed for jahid claimed killing five police- such incidents in the future.Roya, worsen and more precious lives will recovered by the ANP cops dur- several deadly attacks in Afghani- men and seizing their weapons. another protestor, slammed police be taken away by mobs, he said. ing the crackdowns. stan. (KP) (Pajhwok) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.