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AT Monitoring Desk ate with Russia, China, India and Iran to bring long lasting peace and 25 stability to Afghanistan. Addressing the fifth conference INSURGENTS on international security, hosted by the Ministry of Defense of KILLED IN Russian Federation, Hamid Karzai said: “From my experience as the RAIDS By Farhad Naibkhel president of Afghanistan for 14 AT News Report years in the subsequent events there is only one way for a real KABUL: Twenty-five Taliban effective campaign against terror- fighters were killed and 12 others ism and extremism that is sincere wounded in different crackdowns cooperation between the United within past 24 hours, security of- States and its allies with Russia, ficials Tuesday. China and India.” In a press release, Ministry of The ex-president said that a Defense said that Afghan National sincere attention is needed to where Army with the collaboration of the radicalization is emerging, and Afghan National Police and Na- whether radicalization is used a tool tional Directorate of Security con- KABUL: Chief Executive Abdul- Pointing to media responsibil- ing cases, which revealed 33 per- by certain state structures. Spe- ducted operations against insur- lah Abdullah says that nobody has ity, the chief executive asked me- cent increase of insecurity threat cific to Afghanistan and the region gents in different areas of Kunar, the right to create barrier ahead of dia to prioritize national interests for journalists.” as we see the trouble continued for Nangarhar, Laghman, Khost, Kan- media across the country. in their reports. “Lack of budget is another the past 15 years. “The United dahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, Badghis, “No one has the right to call to Culture minister Abdul Bari problem for media, and 157 media KABUL: The former president of Moscow said that the United States and its allies will not achieve Balkh, Jawzjan, Faryab, Badakhs- media outlets and push them to Jahani called media achievements organization closed due to lack of Afghanistan in his recent visit to States and its allies must cooper- See P2 han, Kunduz, Baghlan, Sar-e-Pul censor publication and broadcast- the most important gain, saying financial support in the past two and Helmand provinces. ing,” Abdullah said Tuesday on the that the ministry would make ef- years across the country,” he add- “In these operations, 25 rebels occasion of the World Press Free- forts to further foster the move- ed. He highlighted that no media were killed and 12 others were in- dom Day. ment. outlets were closed due to insecu- jured,” the statement added. Though the government has Plan is underway to address rity, but some were due to lack of Nine insurgents were also ar- failed to fulfill commitments re- challenges particularly security is- budget in the country. rested and handed over to judicial garding media, but efforts will be sues faced journalists, he added. If the financial issue not organs for further inquiry, accord- held to address challenge faced by Mujeeb Khelwatgar from the solved, Afghanistan will be witness ing to the statement. media throughout the country, media supporting organization, of closing of more media organs, “Unfortunately, six army sol- Abdullah added. Nai, said that media faces infor- he noted. and MoD," said Shahussain Mur- NUG] to introduce minister of He said: “As press freedom mation limits, blaming the govern- Media outlets operation is tazawi, the deputy spokesman for defense and NDS chief, because it diers were martyred during the operations in the enemy’s firing.” day celebrated under the motto of ment for inattention. improving day by day, but Ghani. is important for stability of the ‘It is the right of you to have ac- He called security challenge grounds are limited day by day, so People also blasted the gov- country," said Najib Sharifi, a res- The national army has also dis- ernment for not keeping its prom- ident of Kabul city. cess to information’, the govern- another barrier ahead of the media, it is essential to the related organs covered and confiscated weapons ment would remain committed to saying that 117 security cases to pave better ground for further ises. Currently the two high level and ammunition in during the op- "It is very important [for the security organizations are being led support media to have access in- against media were registered since progress of media across the coun- by caretakers. erations, it mentioned. formation.” May, 2005. “These include 12 kill- try, he underlined. ‘Afghan A number of political and military constitution fails to analysts on Tuesday lashed out at Towards Economic Growth the National Unity Government protect right to (NUG) for not yet introducing its choice of Minister of Defense religious freedom’ Consisted of 530 families, the Biloursang village is located in Malistan district of Ghazni province.Most (MoD) and head of the National WASHINGTON: The Afghan Directorate of Security (NDS) to of the villagers in this community earn their living from agriculture and livestock activities while a parliament. constitution has failed to protect This comes after President the right to freedom and belief, the number of them have self-employment such as driving and shop-keeping. US Commission on International Ashraf Ghani said last week at a The Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses joint session of parliament that he Religious Freedom (USCIRF) said Considering rough and steep terrain, the residents of Biloursang village had a lot of difficulties while would introduce nominees for the (IDSA) said that Afghanistan represents strategic on Monday, regretting the deteri- importance for New Delhi and therefore India will transporting their agricultural productivities to the market before the National Solidarity Programme MoD and NDS soon. oration in the country’s security. "They say that they are going continue its aid to Kabul across various sectors. to devise security and devise a “Afghanistan’s overall stabili- India has been of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD/NSP) extended its coverage to this five-year plan; how can they do ty and security has deteriorated one of the largest this without having a minister of significantly in the last year due to donors to Afghani- area.The lack of a proper road indeed always caused problems, particularly in winter season. defense and chief of NDS?.... If a resurgence of the Afghan Taliban stan over the past they want peace to come and the and increased activity by other 14 years and has Following the establishment of an independent Community Development Council (CDC) composed security situation to improve..., they should introduce a minister extremist groups, including the Is- trained hundreds of of both elected male and female elected members, most of the problems around the community have of defense and NDS chief to par- lamic State and al-Qaeda,” US- officers at their liament soon," said Dawood Asas, CIRF said. In its annual report to modern military been solved by the people under the supervision of their CDC. As the construction of a road was one a former senator. the Congress, the commission said academy over the "Minister of defense and NDS the rebel groups’ violent ideology years. Where many of the community’s priority needs, the CDC in close consultation with the villagers gave top priority chief have the authorities that care- countries have cut back on aid to Afghanistan, India takers don't have .... legally there and attacks threatened all Afghans, but the Shi’a Muslim, Hindu and has stayed constant and promises to continue help- to this project. They have been able to construct a 7,500-meterroad connecting the community with is a big difference in administra- ing the country. "We will continue what we are doing tive duties," said Najman Massou- Sikh minorities were especially the district and provincial centers. di, a trainer at the Military Acade- vulnerable. in Afghanistan. There is no plan for India to with- draw. We will continue our assistance with our Af- my. USCIRF said that extremist ghan friends in Afghanistan in construction to build Khairullah, a villager revealed: “We could not travel back and forth as there was not any road in the The political analysts believe attacks on Shi’a Muslims increased that the NUG is a government of public centers and in funding projects," said Jayant region in the past. The villagers used to take their patients to health clinics on their backs and donkeys slogans and it has failed to deliver in 2015. Despite a sustained inter- Prasad the director general for IDSA. Currently 107 on its promises. national support effort, the Afghan Afghan officers are receiving military training at the by accepting a lot of risk. Unfortunately, many patients lost their lives on the way before reaching the "If the NUG had worked stra- government lacked the capacity to Indian Military Academy. The officers are getting tegically, it should have appointed protect civilians from attacks, it training in different areas including military exercises, hospital. Thanks to Allah – we are able to bring commodities to our community by vehicles now with compliant and qualified people as rued. minister of defense and NDS chief, use of weapons, horse riding and swimming. "Each because they are the most impor- In addition, the country’s con- student at the academy is taught how to swim and at the help of NSP.A Flying Coach van related to the community welfare foundation is also operating tant security institutions," said stitution and other laws violated the end of the semester the student must swim 35m Sayed Farhad Hashimi, a political international standards for free- and if he fails he will be failed for six months and if he between the village and the district center. This vehicle takes boys and girls to the school and university analyst. dom of religion or belief, according repeatedly fails he will be expelled from the acade- The Presidential Palace mean- to the report, which said based on my," said Asadullah Massoud, an Afghan trainer at on a daily basis.” while reiterated its promise that these concerns, USCIRF again the Indian academy. Nearly 3,000 Afghan officers The road project constructed at a sum of AFN 3,000,000 funded by the MRRD/NSP including the two nominees will be intro- have graduated from the Indian Military Academy duced soon. placed Afghanistan on Tier 2, "The president in his address where it has been since 2006. and received graduation certificates over the years. 10% community contribution directly benefits 1,928 inhabitants residing in Biloursang village. to parliament pledged [to introduce “The Afghan constitution fails "When the Afghan students graduate from here they the nominees] and now the NUG to protect the individual right to are directly introduced to the Afghanistan defense Encountered, Muhammad Taqi another villager: “Most of our agricultural productivities and fruit has started discussions to intro- freedom of religion or belief as guar- force's foreign relations department and after an as- duce new people to lead the NDS sessment their documents rank them and on the basis would putrefy before we had access to the road. The fruit mainly produced in our gardens include anteed under international human of that they are appointed to duties and the officers Delegation in rights law, providing only that non- start serving people in Afghanistan," Massoud add- grapes and apricot that need a lot of caution after collection from gardens. Due to lack of road, most Muslims are free to perform their ed. The Indian Military Academy was established by Nangarhar to assess religious rites within the limits of the British Empire in 1932 and at the moment nearly of these fruits would usually decay in the past years. Our economy was really affected by certain situation near the provisions of the law,” the re- 5,000 cadets from India and 17 other countries are losses.Following the implementation of the road project, we have been able to transport our agricultural Durand Line port said. receiving military training at the facility. productivities at our earliest soon after they have been collected. In comparison with past years, we At the head of a delegation, Bor- der and Tribal Affairs Minister ADB OKs $878m for uplift projects in Afghanistan could manage to make several times more profit this year from the sale of our crops in the market.” Gulab Mangal arrived in eastern KABUL: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has committed a grant allocation of $858 Nangarhar province to assess the million for project financing and $20 million for disaster reduction activities in Afghanistan security situation in the province for 2017 to 2020, the Ministry of Finance said on Tuesday. The grant allocation for the and districts along the Durand four-year period was discussed at the third and concluding meeting of the11th replenish- Line, an official said on Tuesday. ment of the Asian Development Fund (ADF-ADB grant window, on May 1, 2016. The Mangal-led delegation Minister of Finance Eklil Hakimi participated in the ADB annual meeting in Germany on that arrived in Jalalabad, the pro- May 2. On the sidelines of the meeting, he discussed the implementation and funding of development projects with ADB officials. A statement from the ministry quoted Hakimi vincial capital, comprised of rep- as saying: “This grant will enable us to implement large infrastructure projects in energy, resentatives from the interior, de- transport, and water infrastructure sectors and bring us closer to our aspiration of becom- fence ministries and the spy ser- ing a self-reliant country”. ADB Country Director Thomas Panella stated: “All in all, the vice, the Independent Directorate ADF contributions remain strong and ADB should be able to retain its commitment to of Local Governance and the Af- Afghanistan as its lead infrastructure development partner.” Hakimi and ADB Vice-Pres- ghanistan Natural Disaster Man- identWencai Zhang discussed the Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, development agement Authority, according to projects, Afghanistan’s priorities. ADB’s annual meeting, running from May 2 to 5, will Ataullah Khogyani, the Nangarhar draw over 3,000 finance ministers, central bank governorsand other government officials, governor’s spokesman. business leaders, investors, journalists, and representatives from civil society. (Pajhwok) WEDNESDAY. MAY 04, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Freedom of the press and freedom rights. It is within this area that few examples of vicious attacks ists continue to be threatened from nity. ment has made some important es the Afghan government to con- of expression is the touchstone of freedom of expressions and the and threats against journalists that all sides of the conflict. The most The increase in security inci- steps to strengthen freedom of ex- tinue investigate attacks on jour- all human rights and the backbone media lies. have taken place recently. From the recent statistics reveal that threats dents also underscores the very pression and the protection of nalists and prosecutes those im- of our international value system During the past 14 years Af- start of 2016 until now, the high- and violence against journalists is importance of finding and end to media workers by a by-law on plicated. and the key component in our dai- ghanistan has come a long way in est numbers of killed and injured also carried out by government the current violence which has Establishment and Activity of Pri- The EU also welcomes the ef- ly dialogue with each other. How- strengthening freedom of expres- forts made by the Afghan Govern- ever, around the worldinfo-icon, sion. Much has been achieved, but ment to ensure the country’s citi- the space for civic engagement is much more needs to be done. The zens the right to access informa- shrinking and we are witnessing development of a vibrant media tion. However, more needs to be outspoken critiques that empha- sector is regarded as one of the done. With increased transparen- size a weakening of the freedom of major achievements in recent cy and accountability government the press and expression. At the years. Afghanistan ranks 122 out institutions will be further same time violence against journal- of 180 countries in the 2015 World strengthened and become more ef- ists and media workers remain a Press Freedom Index and if com- fective. What is at stake for Af- significant concern. pared to other South Asian coun- ghanistan is to instill hope to its Afghanistaninfo-icon contin- tries, Afghanistan, is ranked in the war-torn citizens and a vision for ues to build its future upon its ru- middle. This already is an out- the future. In this regard Afghan ins, one of the poorest countries standing achievement compared to journalists and media organizations in the world, where peace-build- most countries in the region. are a vital resource with a signifi- ing and state-building are inter- At the same time the security cant role. The EU and its Member twined, and where the country is situation for journalists in Afghan- States and the Kingdom of Nor- facing violence which have lasted istan has worsened, and particu- way would like to commend the for several decades. However, de- larly vulnerable are womeninfo- efforts made by the women and spite facing substantial challeng- icon journalists and media work- men that constitute Afghanistan’s es, the Afghan Government is ers. On January 20 seven media media societyinfo-icon. With their committed to change. “Self-reli- workers from TOLO news were courageous and admirable work ance” and “mutual accountability” murdered on their way home from they are all key to the further de- are key words in this regard and work. The Talibaninfo-icon velopment of a vibrant, pluralistic are framed in the “Self-Reliance claimed responsibility for the at- and democratic society in Afghan- through Mutual Accountability tack, which it described in a state- istan. Freedom of the press and Framework” (SMAF) which is a ment as “revenge” for “false alle- freedom of expression are funda- commitment by the government of gations” made against the insurgent mental rights of every Afghan cit- Afghanistan and the international group. Ten days later, unidentified izen and of any free society around community to work on identified gunmen in Nangarhar province journalists and media workers over officials and members of the secu- caused a tremendous amount of vate Mass Media. The decree the world and it is strongly sup- reform priorities to ensure a more killed an Afghanistan National TV the last fifteen years were report- rity forces. Journalists are not part suffering, not the least among Af- commits the government to expe- ported by the EU and its Member prosperous and secure future for and Radio network reporter. This ed in Afghanistan. of the conflicts and should never ghan civilians. A political solution diting investigations of journalists States and the Kingdom of Nor- the Afghan people. Among these was followed by a series of threats Recent statistics from the Af- be confused with combatants. It is the only viable option. The EU killed since 2002 and to make the way. View expressed in this article priority areas are improvements against journalists in the area is- ghan Journalists Safety Commit- will be critical to investigate and, supports the government’s efforts results of these inquiries public. are of the author’s own and do not with regards to anti-corruption, sued by a radio station linked to tee, an independent monitoring if appropriate, prosecute all inci- to initiate a peace and reconcilia- The EU looks forward to follow necessarily reflect Pajhwok’s edi- governance, rule of law and human local insurgents. These are only a body, also indicates that journal- dents and leave no room for impu- tion process. The Afghan govern- its implementation and encourag- torial policy. Following timber ban, 3,000 Kunar carpenters go jobless New Gardez mayor ASADABAD (Pajhwok): Thou- He asked the government to “Earlier, there were 22 people Businesses had collapsed and As the revenue of the depart- sands of artisans and carpenters in allow the transfer of wood furni- working in my factory. After the revenue of the customs department ment came in the form of taxes on eastern Kunar province on Tues- ture, doors and windows to other prohibition, most of the workers declined, confirmed the provincial the transportation of timber and takes charge, vows day asked the government to pro- provinces for the sake of provid- have become jobless,” he said, head of the Afghanistan Chamber furniture, the ban had brought it vide work opportunities for them ing work opportunity for the peo- warning they would lose all their of Commerce and Industries, Mo- down to zero, he complained. better services or lift the ban on timber move- ple and restoring the economic sit- capital if the ban was not lifted. hammad Jalal. Kunar Governor Wahidullah ment.. uation of workers. He asked the government to He asked the government to Kalimzai insisted the ban had been Recently, the government There were people who had pay attention to the worrisome permit the transferof wooden fur- imposed in accordance with a pres- banned the transportation of wood- invested millions of afghanis in the situation of industrialists and arti- niture and equipment to other idential decree to prevent the cut- en furniture from Kunar to other factories, but they had either closed sans and allow the movement of provinces to resolve the problem. ting of Kunar forests. provinces of the country, leaving down businesses or were about to wooden equipment out of the the Cabinet ministers allowed “We have shared the issue with many carpenters jobless. do so, he said. province. transferring timber from Kunar to the central government. A delega- Qari Mohammadullah, who A furniture dealer in Asadabad, There are 350 carpentry and other provinces for three years in tion was later sent by the presi- owns a furniture factory, told Pa- Farhad, said he had been involved furniture factories across the prov- 2012, a period that has been ex- dent to Kunar and met artisans and jhwok Afghan News thousands of in the business over the past few ince, but after the ban imposed on pired. But now the ban is in force, provincial officials,” he said, add- people working in carpentry shops years and had invested all htois Jan. 15, 2016, hundreds of people according to Director of Customs ing they had been working on a had gone unemployed. capital in it. have been rendered jobless. Wazir Gun Khaksar. plan to address the problem.

GARDEZ: The newly-appointed He said only 20 percent of mayor for Gardez, the provincial shops had been issued licenses, but capital of southeastern Paktia prov- he would issue work permits to all ince, on Tuesday took charge, shops in the city in order to in- vowing to increase the municipal- crease the municipality’s revenue. ity's revenue and provide better A member of the provincial services to citizens. Ismatullah council, Taj Mohammad Mangal, Khalid, speaking at his introduc- said no attention had been paid to tory gathering here, said he had an Gardez over the past few years. organised plan to improve service “The roads are in a bad condi- delivery to Gardez dwellers. tion and other facilities have not “I have good plans to increase been provided to people,” the pub- revenue and clean the city and the lic representative said, adding if the plans will be implemented in a time- new mayor provided better servic- ly manner,” the mayor said, stress- es, all residents of the province ing need for people’s cooperation would cooperate with him. in implementing his plans. (Pajhwok) Agri fair held in Mazar to promote agricultural sector in Northern Afghanistan An agricultural exhibition was held close many deals with traders to on April 28th and 29th in Mazar- further improve my business and AIBAK: Triggered by heavy rains, e-Sharif, Afghanistan to help pro- income,” said businessman Farhad flash floods caused huge financial mote the agricultural sector in Rahimi. The AgFair was co-orga- losses to people in several districts Northern Afghanistan. nized by the German government’s of northern Samangan province, an The AgFair was organized by program for Sustainable Econom- official said on Tuesday. the Balkh Chamber of Commerce ic Development and Employment The floods wreaked havoc in and Industry (BCCI) and the Af- Promotion (SEDEP) and the Ruyi Doab, Hazrat Sultan and ghan-German cooperation at the BCCI. As the project is generally Khuram Sarbagh districts. Nuts and Dry Fruit market in aiming at helping to create jobs and About 100 homes, shops and Mazar-e Sharif. to strengthen business relation- health centres in various parts of The event provided a great ships in the agricultural sector, Ruyi Doad district alone were opportunity for businesses to de- matchmaking sessions were orga- damaged, said Ghulam Rabbani, velop new professional relation- nized at the event. The BCCI es- the town’s executive director. ships and close new contracts. pecially facilitated business to He said standing crops over 80 exhibitors from the agricul- business (B2B) contacts with ded- hundreds of acres of land and live- tural sector presented their prod- icated offices at the fair. stock were lost to the deluge that ucts at the event. That included The project SEDEP supports hit parts of the province late on input-suppliers, producers, pro- various activities to strengthen Monday. cessors and traders from the North- businesses and create jobs in Af- Sirajuddin Fitrat, administra- ern provinces in Afghanistan. Ser- ghanistan in the following five val- tive chief of Hazrat Sultan district, vice institutes, governmental de- ue chains: nuts, dairy, poultry, said flood entered the district at partments, donor-agencies, NGOs, wheat and vegetables. Apart from around 3:00am and washed away research and finance institutes, training and infrastructure devel- homes in Ghaznijak locality. He private companies and the general opment initiatives, the German public also attended the event. government also helps to establish said the flood destroyed standing “I met a number of exhibitors dialogues between public and pri- crops in the area. and shared contact detail with vate sector actors. Farmers and According to Fitrat, the early them. From the first day onwards, government can address concerns morning flooding had also blocked people have inquired about my and draft policy recommendations the Kabul-Balkh highway. business. I will make the best out to improve economic opportuni- Rajab Ali Yousufi, the Afghan- of this opportunity and hope to ties. istan Natural Disaster Manage- ment Authority provincial head, acknowledged losses people suf- fered due to the flood in Zwand Dara and other areas last night. Abdullah Mujahid, administra- tive chief of the Sarbagh district, said the flood also played havoc in some areas of the district and caused damage to properties. Two weeks ago, around 50 people lost their lives due to se- vere flooding in Samangan.. (Pajhwok) WEDNESDAY. MAY 04, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

9 kidnapers, 6 rebels held in Nangarhar raids JALALABAD: Nine alleged kid- nappers and six militants have been detained in a series of security operations in eastern Nangarhar province, an official said on Tues- day. Larry Macaulay first arrived on Three militants accused of ter- Italy's shores in May 2011 after rorist activities were detained in taking a dinghy from wartorn Lib- the Ghanikhel district, the provin- ya. cial government spokesman, At- Having fled Nigeria a few years taullah Khogyani, said. earlier during fighting between Separately, intelligence offi- armed groups, he was forced to cials detained three kidnappers on pack his bags and search for secu- Monday before they could reach rity yet again when the uprising their prey in Zangoi area of Beh- against Libyan leader Muammar sud district, the official said. EMERGENCY Gaddafi broke out in Libya that The same day, National Direc- year. torate of Security officials detained CALLS Sitting in his studio, he recalls another six kidnappers in the first the long journey from Nigeria and police district of Jalalabad, the Police how he ended up in 2014 as the provincial capital. Khogyani said Taliban mili- founder and editor-in-chief of the tants opened fire at the bazaar in 100 - 119 Hamburg-based Refugee Radio Hesarak district, injuring a woman Network (RNN), a project that has on Tuesday morning. Two sus- expanded with several sister initi- pected militants were detained. Hospitals atives in a number of cities across The official said the injured Germany. woman was under treatment at the FMIC Hospital Made possible by contribu- district clinic and her condition was Behind Kabul Medical tions from its audience and fund- said to be stable. Security forces University: raising, RNN operates in the stu- had launched a search operation in dio of a local left-wing radio sta- the area to hunt down the attack- 0202500200-+93793275595 tion. ers. I've been invited to a lot of The governor spokesman con- Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital tinued that security forces during mainstream media discussions and Pule Bagh-e- Umomi it's always them wanting to tell us search operations in Rodat and what to do. Ghanikhel districts a day earlier 070263672 detained two militants along with Larry Macaulay, founder of a walkie-talkie and a car. Refugee Radio Network The latest addition to RNN is the Afghan Voices programme [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera] Khairkhana Hospital Inspired by Radio Democra- cy, a pirate radio project in Nige- people continue to arrive in the 0799-321007 ria, he says the idea was "to get country every day. 2401352 the news, pick it up in different In early March, the hardline places, adapt it to our local con- rightist Alternative for Germany tent and share it with the commu- (AfD) party made huge gains in Indira Gandhi Children nity and also with the refugee regional parliamentary elections in groups". three German states. Hospital, Wazir Akbar Between January and April of Originally founded in 2013 as It is difficult waiting for bad news Khan, Kabul 2301372 2015, RNN started by taking a Eurosceptic party, the AfD took to do your work. phone calls from refugees and the lead as the most aggressive anti- I have been a journalist in Af- broadcasting an hour-long Refugee refugee voice in the country while ghanistan for more than 15 years, Ibn-e- Seena Voices show, a radio magazine pro- more than a million asylum seek- reporting on many different sub- Pul-e-Artan, Kabul gramme. ers arrived in Germany last year. jects. Sometimes the news is hap- "The phone lines became con- Critics accuse AfD of Islamo- py and sometimes upsetting. 2100359 gested and we couldn't keep up phobia and incitement to violence I have always loved my job. with the demand, so I told the guys against refugees and migrants. Every day brings a new challenge, Wazir Akbar Khan we needed to stop the phone thing Frauke Petry, the leader of the AfD, new subjects, and new people to now and go more into the field to in January proclaimed that offic- meet. Hospital get more reports," he tells Al ers "should use firearms if neces- The 2001 US invasion has dra- 2301741, 2301743 matically changed the way Afghans Jazeera. sary" in order to "prevent illegal border crossings. live in a way they could not have "It is now a mixture of news, imagined. Ali Abad gossip, politics and poetry," he "No policeman wants to fire Young people started getting explains. "We try to bring positive on a refugee and I don't want that educated. For a lucky few, it meant Shahrara, Kabul reports because the negative [top- either," she told the regional news- political power. For others, wealth ics] are already in the mainstream paper Mannheimer Morgen, argu- came in different ways, not abnor- 2100439 [media]." ing that "police must stop refu- mal in a war-torn country: drug The programmes include dis- gees entering German soil" in any money, corruption, military con- Malalai Maternity cussions and stories about human case. tracts, property and even profes- rights, self-organising, health, ed- The rhetoric of groups such as sional work. Hospital ucation, migration and others. the AfD is not divorced from real- Many others lost everything: 2201377/ 2301743 Macaulay says the project ity. In 2015, an estimated 159 at- their lives, family members, only grew more relevant as the tacks or incidents of vandalism tar- homes, social status and even their weather warmed up in the spring geted refugee centres across Ger- own body parts. ISIS loyalists targeting opium and heroin Banks of that year, when the refugee in- many, according to the Amadeu But I don't think I've ever seen people as disappointed as they are flux exploded. By the end of 2015, Antonio Foundation, an organisa- production inAfghanistan: Report Da Afghanistan Bank tion that tracks racially motivated today. more than a million refugees and Wherever you go, the subjects 2100302, 2100303 violence. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria py crop because they say it is ille- and target heroin production in migrants arrived on European of the conversations are related to (ISIS) terrorist group loyalists gal.” Nangarhar comes despite the shores by boat, according to UN- Macaulay asks: "Why must the attacks and how to get out of have started eradicating opium and “I had a one-hectare well- group received a major setback as Bakhtar Bank HCR, the United Nations refugee we always blame everything on the country. targeting heroin production in Af- grown poppy field. I did not grow a result of growing raids by Af- 0776777000 agency. the refugees?" Very few are optimistic about ghanistan, a similar approach the wheat, and now I lost the poppy ghan and US forces. RNN started with a team of He argues that Germany must the future. militants of the terror group are as well,” Nawab added. Meanwhile, the Afghan nation- Azizi Bank three people, but it has now grown be criticised for its failure to en- People are concerned about using to target the illicit drugs as Mohammad Naeem, an Achin al security advisor Hanif Atmar has 0799 700900 to 15 broadcasters, hosts and tech- sure the protection of desperate whether they'll be next or whether well as alcohol in Syria and Iraq. resident, told VOA that IS mili- said lst year that the loyalists of nicians [Sorin Furcoi/Al Jazeera] people fleeing for their lives, but their family members will be safe. According to reports, the loy- tants destroyed poppy fields in the terro group are looking to have Pashtany Bank 'By refugees, for refugees' "we must also give them a thumbs- As an Afghan journalist, it feels alists of the terror group have the district and arrested a number access to drugs market by starting RNN has expanded from an up". like all you are doing is waiting for launched the campaign in areas of local people for growing pop- 2102908, 2103868 the next Taliban attack or the re- operations in Afghanistan. initial team of three people to a There were a lot of grassroots where they have influence, includ- py. The surge in military raids fol- sponse to the next attack. ing the Achin district which was “They say this plant is Haram 15-person squad of broadcasters, creations, social projects that lowed amid concerns that the ter- Air Services hosts and technicians. "By refu- sprung up from the bubble… Some Afghanistan President Ashraf once the stronghold of ISIS loyal- [prohibited in Islam] … people had Ghani has called for a new chapter ists. cultivated poppy in a few villages ror group was attempting to es- gees, for refugees - that's our mot- of them are good; most of them are tablish a regional operational base Safi Airways not. But that shows a society that in the fight against the Taliban. He Nawab, a local farmer who but it has been destroyed,” Naeem to," Macaulay says. said there'll be no mercy. in Nangarhar and consolidate op- wants to be part of the change - goes by his first name only, told said. 020 22 22 222 The Listening Post: Reporting The government will imple- VOA’s Afghan Service that the Is- The latest attempt by ISIS erations with the terror group in for refugees in Germany and these are mostly driven by ment outstanding death-penalty lamic State “eradicated our pop- loyalists to eradicate opium fields Syria and Iraq. Though they work in Ham- young people." decisions that have been pending Ariana burg, Macaulay and his team now Broadcasting expansion for years. 020-2100270 take reports from across the coun- The radio project aims to pro- The Taliban has threatened re- try and some from elsewhere in vide refugee communities with a taliation if their captives are exe- Europe. "Our philosophy is not platform to broadcast their news cuted. Whatever happens, Afghan Kam Air the mainstream type," he adds. in their own languages, as well as civilians will pay the highest price. 0799974422 "I've been invited to a lot of main- in German and English. In the meantime, the attacks stream media discussions and it's Hoping to expand, RNN has continue. More than 40 Taliban Hotels always them wanting to tell us recently launched Afghan Voices, members were killed in a failed at- what to do." a programme that airs in Dari, Pa- tempt to seize the city of Kunduz Safi Landmark Macaulay argues that much of shto and German to report on news last month. relevant to the Afghan refugee com- Many here feel the internation- the mainstream media is dominat- al community has lost interest in 020-2203131 ed by "supremacist" voices that munity in the country. the country and that Afghan blood SERENA dictate to refugees or try to coopt Local Afghan community lead- doesn't matter any more. their voices. "We need to start in- ers approached Macaulay earlier The feeling of abandonment is terpreting our stories for our- in the year hoping to start the snatching away any hope people 0799654000 selves." project. "They told me they want- had. It's a feeling palpable across RNN is one of several refu- ed to do it because they want to the country. Aljazeera New Rumi Restaurant gee-launched initiatives to take tell the story of what they are fac- 0776351347 their narrative into their own hands. ing here and what they faced in Along with more than 1,000 Afghanistan," Macaulay remem- Internet Services refugees and migrants, the RNN bers. Helsinki, Kabul working on MoU to stem flow of asylum seekers team participated in a large con- "It conforms with our ideolo- KABUL: Finland and Afghani- had underlined the need for the stay in Finland, explained Nerg, lives due to border closures by UA Telecom ference organised by refugees in gy of bridging the camp between stan are working on a draft agree- voluntary return of refugees in her expressing deep concerns over the some EU countries. She said EU 0796701701 / 0796702702 Hamburg in late February. the local community and the refu- ment on the future of Afghan asy- meeting with Afghan officials. recent humanitarian crisis in the member countries had been The conference was a highly gees." lum seekers in the North Euro- The visiting secretary said EU EU region. working to prevent such trage- Exchange Rate successful attempt to organise and Today, several refugees partic- pean country, a top official an- countries had been pondering over Some asylum seekers, includ- dies. discuss the most pressing issues ipate on a voluntary basis, coming nounced on Tuesday. how they could provide financial ing women and children, lost their (Pajhwok) Purchase: across Europe at a time when bor- from the nearby camps to the stu- In an exclusive interview with support to the individuals who Pajhwok Afghan News, Perma- were ready to return to their coun- ders have been closing for many dio twice a week to record their shows. nent Secretary to Finland’s Min- try voluntarily. One US$ = fleeing from wars and economic istry of Interior Päivi Nerg said When asked about the future devastation. Elsewhere, RNN's shows are her country was dealing with the of refugees and her government’s 68.78Afs Macaulay recalls the confer- syndicated on local radio stations mass immigration issue in two strategy for treating them, she said One Pound Sterling= ence as an important learning ex- in Berlin, Munich and elsewhere, ways. the cases of all 7,000 Afghan asy- 98.50Afs perience. "I had never even while refugee groups from across One way of resolving the lum seekers were being studied. thought of deaf refugees until I went the country share content with problem was a joint Finland-EU Finland understood situation One Euro = to the conference. They were also RNN. strategy, she said. The two sides in Afghanistan and the reason why 76.78Afs represented there. That's good - Asked about the RNN's next will meet on May 17 in Brussels these people had chosen to leave 1000 Pak Rs = everyone must be included." step, Macaulay says the team is on the future of asylum seekers. their country, Nerg said, hinting 638Afs Right-wing surge now in the nascent stages of A second way for Finland 3,000 of the asylum seekers might While the media was flooded launching a television project based was take up the issue bilaterally be allowed stay there. Sale: with images of German solidarity on the same principles. with Afghan authorities, added Cases of the remaining 4,000 One US$ = with refugees in 2015, the influx "You have to erase it from your Nerg, who is currently in Kabul applicants are being investigated. 68.98 Afs of arrivals has not come without mind that [refugees] are zombies. to discuss the matter of asylum She quotedthe Finnish president They are human beings - they can seekers with the Afghan govern- as directing government officials to One Pound Sterling= complications. ment. help the individuals facing grave Like many European coun- create stuff," he concludes, laugh- 99.30Afs A memorandum of under- security in home countries. One Euro= tries, Germany has experienced a ing. "We are from earth. We are standing (MoU) containing the But those who merely wanted sharp surge in right-wing, anti-ref- human beings; we have blood in flow of illegal migrants was being to have more comfortable lives 77.38 Afs ugee sentiment as thousands of us." Aljazeera drafted, she revealed, saying she would not be given permission to 1000 Pak Rs= 646Afs WEDNESDAY. MAY 04, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Pakistan will get F-16s from other countries New hit-list threatens if funding not arranged, Aziz tells US Bangladeshi ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister’s senior aide Sartaj Aziz on Tues- teachers, politicians day cautioned US that Pakistan DHAKA: Bangladesh police were of English professor Rezaul Ka- will purchase F-16s from other on Tuesday investigating a new hit- rim Siddique, who was a poet and countries if it does not arrange list that includes the head of a uni- leading cultural activist. funding. versity, journalists and ruling par- Shortly after his killing, which “Pakistan will buy F-16s from ty officials, after a series of grue- has been claimed by the Islamic some other country if funding some killings. State group, two gay activists were [from US] is not arranged,” Aziz Police said they were taking hacked to death elsewhere. informed. His statement comes seriously the threat to kill 10 peo- Their killings were subsequent- hours after US State Department ple listed in a leaflet that was sent ly claimed by a Bangladeshi branch spokesperson John Kirby said to a press club in the northwest- of al Qaeda. Pakistan should pay if it wants F- ern town of Natore on Monday Teachers and students have 16 deal to go through. by a hitherto unknown group. been boycotting classes at the uni- Aziz stressed the importance Among those named was the versity since Siddique’s murder on of F-16 jets in the fight against ter- head of Rajshahi University, where April 23, demanding justice and rorism and said they were pivotal a liberal professor was hacked to the arrest of the killers. to the national defence of Pakistan. death by suspected Islamists less “The killers must be brought The US State Department on than two weeks ago. to book immediately. The govern- Monday said it has asked Paki- Al Qaeda affiliate says killed ment must protect the teachers and stan to fund the whole purchase gay activist in Bangladesh liberal voices as we’re all feeling of F-16 jet fighters on its own. “The leaflet bears the name of insecure,” the head of Rajshahi “Given congressional objections, Islami Liberation Front. It said it University Teachers Association, we have told the Pakistanis that has launched a mission to kill the Shahid Ullah, told AFP. they should put forward national 10 people,” Natore police chief Bangladesh’s government has funds for that purpose,” US State Shymal Kumar Mukherjee told been criticised for not doing Department spokesperson John AFP. enough to stem the tide of vio- Kirby said during his weekly press “We don’t know anything lence. At least 30 members of reli- briefing. about this group. There are no pre- gious minorities, secular bloggers “As a matter of longstanding vious information about this and other liberal activists, foreign- principle, the Department of State group. We have taken the matter ers and intellectuals have been opposes conditions to the release seriously,” he said. murdered in the past three years. of appropriated foreign assistance The Muslim-majority nation The government denies out- funds. We believe that such condi- is reeling from a string of killings side involvement in the killings, tions limit the president and the of secular and liberal activists and saying neither the IS group nor al secretary’s ability to conduct for- religious minorities by suspected Qaeda have a presence in the coun- eign policy in the best interest of militants. try and blaming banned local mili- the United States,” he added. The Islami Liberation Front tant groups for the attacks. Previously, Islamabad was said its objective was to establish National police chief A.K.M supposed to pay only $270 mil- an Islamic caliphate in Bangladesh Shahidul Hoque Tuesday denied lion while the Barack Obama-led by toppling what it called the “re- authorities were not doing enough administration was to pay $430 pressive” government. to bring the perpetrators to jus- million in subsidy through the US Bangladesh police arrest stu- tice. foreign military financing budget dent over professor’s murder: of- He said there had been 37 at- for the fighter jets. ficial tacks related to militancy since However, during a congres- Police in the city of Rajshahi February 2013, when an atheist sional hearing on Wednesday, US Indian police detain three over student's rape, murder said they were guarding those blogger was hacked to death by lawmakers made it clear that they NEW DELHI: Indian police de- of blood, her intestines hanging out. intestines came out after severe interrogation,” he told the NDTV named and investigating the au- homegrown militants. would not allow the Obama ad- tained three people Tuesday over Her mother discovered her violation by some foreign object,” news network. thenticity of the threat. “We were able to unearth the ministration to use US funds for the brutal rape and murder of a body at the family home in the Yadav told AFP. “Police are working very hard “We’re giving special attention motives in 33 cases and have de- the deal. young student in a case echoing southern state of Kerala. Kerala home minister Ramesh on this case, we will bring all the to these people,” deputy chief of tained 144 people in connection The decision to stop the sub- the 2012 gang-rape of a Delhi “The suspect attacked and Chennithala said police had regis- culprits to book within no time. Rajshahi police Sardar Tamizud- with the cases,” he told reporters. sidy came after the hearing of a woman that sparked mass pro- murdered her brutally and fled the tered a case of rape and murder There will be no laxity.” din Ahmed told AFP. Police said A long-running political crisis sub-committee on Asia and Pacif- tests. scene quickly,” said police inspec- and detained three people for ques- Protesters staged a demonstra- more than 1,000 students and in officially secular Bangladesh has ic of the US Congress Committee Police said the attack on the tor general Mahipal Yadav, who is tioning. tion in state capital Thiruvanan- teachers and students rallied on the radicalised opponents of the gov- on Foreign Affairs last week where 30-year-old law student from the heading the investigation into the “Police have booked a case of thapuram on Tuesday, many cov- Rajshahi University campus on ernment and analysts say Islamist lawmakers accused Pakistan of not lowest Dalit caste was so vicious case. rape and murder… today three ering their mouths with black hand- Tuesday to protest at the murder extremists pose a growing danger. doing enough to fight militants and she was found lying dead in a pool “There are indications that her people were taken into custody for kerchiefs and carrying placards expressed concerns that the jets demanding justice for the victim. could be used against India while The attack drew comparisons also raising objections to using with the fatal gang-rape of a stu- American taxpayers’ money to dent on a bus in Delhi in 2012, fund the sale. which shone a global spotlight on frightening levels of sexual violence Govt to build against women. It led to an overhaul of India’s rape laws, including the speeding international up of trials and tougher penalties for offenders, but high numbers of airport in assaults persist. The most recent official figures Bannu, says show that 36,735 rapes were re- ported across the country in 2014, Nawaz although activists say the true Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on number is likely much higher, with Tuesday announced the establish- many crimes going unreported due ment of an international airport in to the social stigma they attract. Bannu, alongside other develop- Social media users took to ment projects in Khyber-Pakh- Twitter to express their outrage tunkhwa. over the latest incident. “We will build an internation- “The horror of the Kerala rape al airport in Bannu,” the premier cannot and should not be silenced, said while addressing an inaugura- elections or no elections. Justice tion ceremony. “This is ‘Naya must be delivered swiftly,” wrote Pakistan’,” he told a cheering author Advaita Kala. crowd. The premier inaugurated sev- eral development projects, includ- ing four major highways, a univer- sity in Lakki Marwat, besides an- UN pledges int’l support to nouncing Rs200 million for devel- opment projects in Bannu district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P). Nepal for reconstruction “I have not seen ‘naya Paki- stan’ anywhere in K-P, where the Visiting United Nations (UN) Un- quake-ravaged infrastructures is humanitarian conference going to ready and the Authority will fur- provincial government has been in der-Secretary-General Jan Ken- challenging, collaboration and co- be held in Turkey. He suggested ther the reconstruction operation power for three years,” PM neth Eliasson has pledged the sup- operation among government, in- Sushil Gyawali, Chief Executive with the support from one and all. Nawaz said. The premier arrived port of international community ternational community, private Officer in Nepal Reconstruction He informed the visiting UN in Bannu as part of his public im- to Nepal for the reconstruction of sector and civic society would con- Authority to accelerate reconstruc- Under-Secretary-General that the age building campaign following quake-damaged infrastructure. In tribute to the post-disaster-recon- tion operation by utilizing domes- land survey of eight VDCs in Bun- revelations of his family’s alleged an on-site visit to Bungamati in struction. Eliasson shared that, he tic as well as foreign skills and acu- gamati was carried out in which a Sri Lanka IMF agreement offshore wealth in Panama Papers Lalitpur on Monday, Under-Sec- will also include about reconstruc- men. In response, CEO Gyawali total of 2,574 households were tak- last month. “During my visit to retary-General Eliasson said that tion in Nepal while presenting a informed Eliasson that the basic en into account for providing grant faces implementation risks K-P, I saw the same broken roads although the reconstruction of the working paper at the international framework for reconstruction was meant for the quake-survival. Sri Lanka's USD1.5bn three-year through comprehensive tax system and bridges which show no devel- IMF programme eases near-term reform. Persistently low govern- opment works are being done in balance-of-payments risks but will ment revenue, which has dropped the province. If we had made a require sustained commitment to around 12% of GDP, is a key provincial government in this prov- from the authorities to address contributor to fiscal weakness, and ince we would have created a new long-standing weaknesses in exter- implementing reforms to the tax K-P.” Taking a jibe at Pakistan Te- nal and public finances, Fitch Rat- system could be challenging (last hreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran ings says. It therefore has no im- November's budget did not outline Khan, the prime minister said: mediate impact on Sri Lanka's 'B+'/ any major tax reforms). A signifi- “Those who cried rigging in 2013 Negative sovereign rating. The cant pick-up in revenues will be general election did not even seek IMF said the staff-level agreement required to meet the 2016 budget's apology from the people after the on an Extended Fund Facility deficit target of 5.4%, because non- Supreme Court of Pakistan settled (EFF) would be considered by its discretionary government expen- Four former LTTE operatives have executive board in early June. Sri diture is high: salaries and interest the case, saying no rigging was car- Lanka's previous IMF programme payments account for almost 40% ried out in the elections.” Earlier, been arrested by police in Sri Lan- ka on suspicion of trying to revive ended in 2012. Sri Lanka formally of the total. Potential crystallisa- the prime minister laid the foun- requested IMF support in early tion of SOE debt on the sovereign's dation stone of a gas supply the banned group's separatist ac- February, and we noted the in- balance sheet remains a fiscal risk. project to five union councils of tivities. The police's Terrorism In- creased likelihood that the sover- High GDP growth has supported Bannu which will cost Rs259 mil- vestigation Division (TID) yester- eign would require external liquid- Sri Lanka's credit profile, but the lion and will complete in a year. day issued a receipt acknowledg- ity support when we downgraded country is likely to face a period Earlier on Monday, the prime min- ing the arrest of one Krishnapillai it by one notch later that month. of adjustment under its IMF pro- ister inaugurated the National Kaileshan who allegedly operated The downgrade resulted from ris- gramme that could have a negative Health Programme in Balochistan. as the LTTEs eastern Batticaloa ing refinancing risks, a decline in effect on economic performance in According to a statement, the pro- district intelligence senior. FX reserves, and weakening pub- the short term. Fiscal and mone- gramme under which 300,000 poor He was being questioned, po- lic finances. An EFF could boost tary tightening could be pro-cycli- patients are likely to avail free lice sources said. investor confidence and reduce Sri cal, while the central bank's planned treatment, will initially be launched It was also said that three more Lanka's vulnerability to shifts in shift to an inflation-targeting re- in Quetta, Loralai, Turbat and Las- intelligence seniors from the east- investor sentiment like that of last gime could push total public debt bela districts. “The programme has ern districts of Ampara and Batti- year, when investors sold off the higher in local-currency terms if the been launched to provide health fa- caloa and Jaffna in the north had equivalent of nearly USD2bn in rupee weakened, as nearly half of local-currency government securi- all public debt is foreign-currency cilities to people living below pov- also been arrested in the recent ties. Foreign-exchange reserves, denominated. But successful pro- erty line,” PM Nawaz said during days. which were USD6.2bn at end- gramme implementation should set an address in Governor House Northern Tamil media sources March, would be temporarily bol- Sri Lanka's economy on a more Balochistan. “As many as 76,000 said that since March 29, some 23 stered by USD1.5bn from the sustainable and robust footing once families in Balochistan will receive former LTTE operatives had been IMF and potentially USD650m the adjustment is complete. We their national health cards today,” arrested in the north and east. from other multilateral agencies. assigned a Negative Outlook to Sri the premier said, adding through Saturday said the government But refinancing risk remains high. Lanka's ratings at the same time as this programme, the poor can get would not permit the revival of the Sri Lanka has large external debts the downgrade on 29 February treated for fatal diseases, without LTTE and it was investigating pos- to refinance, with over USD3bn despite the likelihood of agreement spending any money. The premier sible attempts by individuals to of external debt coming due in 2016 with the IMF on a programme, in also inaugurated various projects, organise themselves to form a new and an external liquidity ratio far part because of the country's including the gas supply project terror group. below the 'B' and 'BB' category patchy implementation record to Qila Abdullah and Enayatullah The LTTE fought for three medians. The programme sets am- with previous programmes. We Karaiz, along with a project for gas decades with the government to bitious fiscal targets that may be will continue to monitor and as- supply to Mastung, Qalat and ad- carve out a separate Tamil home- hard to achieve. It aims to slash Sri sess progress under the pro- joining areas during his one-day Lanka's fiscal deficit to 3.5% of gramme, as it is likely to be key to land. It was defeated by the gov- GDP in 2020 from a recently re- the evolution of Sri Lanka's rat- visit. ernment troops in 2009. stated 7.4% last year, partly ings and Outlook. WEDNESDAY. MAY 04, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief Seven dead as Turks and Kurds clash in southeast Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militants armed with rocket launchers and rifles at- tacked a military outpost in southeast Turkey, triggering a clash in which two Turkish Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al- soldiers and five PKK fight- Abadi is in a strong position de- ers were killed, the military spite political unrest in Iraq, thanks said on Tuesday. in part to battlefield successes and The attack was launched his commitment to a multi-sectar- in the Semdinli district of ian state, US Defense Secretary Hakkari province, which bor- Ash Carter said on Monday. ders Iraq and Iran, at 5:35 pm “He seems to be in a very (1435 GMT) on Monday, the strong position. Obviously we armed forces statement said. support him strongly because of Thousands of militants what he stands for,” Carter told and hundreds of security force reporters traveling with him short- members and civilians have ly before landing in Germany. been killed since the conflict Carter’s full-throated backing between the PKK and the of Abadi, one of his most forceful state resumed last July after a to date, follows months of intense 2-1/2-year ceasefire. Iraqi political wrangling that has The PKK, designated a put the country on edge. terrorist group by Turkey and Abadi has attempted to re- its Western allies, began its place party-affiliated ministers insurgency in 1984 and more with technocrats as part of an anti- than 40,000 people have been corruption drive. A divided parlia- killed in the conflict. ment has failed to approve the pro- posal amid scuffles and protests. Son of ex-FBI “Prime Minister Abadi stands for and has been a partner in all of agent says US is the things that are important to Iraq’s future, namely a country letting father ‘rot’ that holds together and doesn’t just in Iran jail spiral off into sectarianism,” Cart- er said. The son of the longest-held ci- Corruption became a major is- vilian hostage in US history sue after global oil prices collapsed slammed the Obama adminis- two years ago, shrinking the state tration for abandoning the ex- budget at a time when it needed FBI agent in an Iranian jail. additional income to wage war Ex-CIA contractor and ex- against ISIS. FBI agent Robert Levinson “That’s why it’s so important has been missing for nearly a for the international community to decade. Now 68, he disap- help and support the Iraqi govern- peared in mysterious circum- ment at this time,” Carter said, stances in March 2007 during ahead of talks in Europe this week a visit to the Iranian island of with allies in the campaign against Kish. ISIS. He was reportedly inves- The militants have been re- Nuclear agreement benefited 188 countries: Iran tigating cigarette counterfeiting treating since December, when the in the region. Iraqi army recaptured Ramadi, the President Hassan Rouhani has the way of its implementation." them and Iran. in various economic areas, espe- cles.” After Iran released some largest city in the western region. praised Iran's nuclear agreement "The great Iranian nation which Rouhani said foreign partici- cially the aeronautic, railway, and He also considered the Islamic US nationals it was holding Last month, the army took the with the P5+1 countries, saying it has covered this path to the final pation and capital flow would en- automotive industry can lead to Republic to be an important play- following last year’s interna- nearby region of Hit, pushing them had resulted in a win-win outcome, goal will continue on the remain- able Iran to complete projects with- practical results in providing bank- er in regional developments, say- tional nuclear deal, his father’s further north along the Euphrates and ended up benefiting as many ing track with force," he added. in four or five years instead of some ing transactions with momentum ing, “We are always in need of con- fate remains alarming, over- valley. as 188 countries. The president touched on a 40 years which they took before and removing the current obsta- sultation with Iran.” looked by Washington time The United States is leading a Dubbed the Joint Comprehen- host of visits by foreign heads of "and this has huge significance.” and again, his son Dan coalition effort to help Iraq drive sive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the states and officials to Iran follow- Foreign Minister Mohammad Levinson wrote in an opinion back the group. But US officials agreement was concluded between ing the agreement. Javad Zarif on Monday insisted in the New York Post. acknowledge that military gains, Iran and the five permanent mem- “Today, foreign companies that Iran has lived up to its com- “The White House and including Iraq’s recapture of the bers of the UN Security Council and officials traveling to Iran as- mitments under the JCPOA. State Department have avoid- city of Ramadi and Hit, are not plus Germany in Vienna last year. sert that banking channels have “Now, we expect that all the ed acknowledging the basic fact enough. “In our region, there are one or been opened to the country. This parties [involved] practically take that he is a hostage,” he said Experts point with anxiety to two countries that feel losses from shows that the negotiations have effective steps toward the materi- on Monday. “When pressed Iraq’s unrelenting political infight- the JCPOA outcome,” Rouhani benefited both sides.” alization of banking transactions.” by a reporter about this, a State ing, corruption, a growing fiscal told the opening of the 28th edi- Rouhani said Iran made "big Speaking at a meeting with vis- Department spokesman spent crisis and the Shiite Muslim-led tion of the Tehran International achievements" from "very compli- iting Secretary General of the 3-1/2 excruciating minutes re- government’s fitful efforts to rec- Book Fair on Tuesday. cated and historically important French Ministry of Foreign Affairs fusing to call him a hostage.” oncile with aggrieved minority Sun- “Surely, that’s the way the negotiations" with world powers. Christian Masset in Tehran, Zarif The White House has con- nis, the bedrock of ISIS support. world works. One-hundred-and- "Normally, a side makes gains also referred to Rouhani’s recent sistently said Levinson was Three bombs went off in and eighty-eight countries benefit from and another side makes losses in trip to France, saying the visit had not working for the US gov- around Baghdad on Monday, kill- the JCPOA and two countries may negotiations. But these negotia- led to “good results for the devel- ernment when he disappeared. ing at least 14 people. The largest lose. That is the world,” he said. tions were a win for both us, the opment of bilateral ties.” In January, it said the United blast, which ISIS said it was be- Rouhani, "Certain regional region and the world," he added. The French official, for his States did not believe he was hind, came from a parked car bomb countries are angry about the re- The president assured that any part, acknowledged the positive now in Iran. in the Saydiya district of southern sults and achievements of the "infrastructural work" by foreign outcome of the visit. However, The Washington Baghdad. JCPOA and are after sabotage in companies would benefit both “Iran and France’s agreements Post reported that Levinson was working for the CIA at the time and was supposed to meet with an informer about Iran’s Dozens killed, wounded in 80 NATIONS TO ATTEND FIRST- nuclear program. “My father has appeared in a video pleading for help and EVER WORLD AID SUMMIT in pictures wearing chains, fresh Aleppo violence clearly being held against his will,” Levinson said. “What The Syrian army said rebel groups least 13 civilians and five militants, Dujarric. further evidence is needed?” had launched a widespread attack the Observatory said. The UN chief noted the re- In January, Tehran released in Aleppo on Tuesday and bom- The Syrian Observatory for launch of the cessation of hostili- four Iranian-American dual barded civilian areas with rockets, Human Rights had no immediate ties in Damascus and Latakia and nationals, some of whom had killing and wounding a number of word on whether the strikes were stressed “the need to expand these been held for years, in a pris- people and hitting a hospital. carried out by the Damascus re- arrangements to other parts of oner swap, while a fifth Amer- The army was making "the gime, its ally Moscow or the US- Syria, with a special urgency for ican was freed separately. appropriate response to the sourc- led coalition battling ISIS. Aleppo.” es of fire", a statement from the "Raqqa has not been targeted The appeal came on the eve of army command said. It accused by air raids of this intensity for talks between Ban’s envoy for Obama has groups including the al-Qaeda- several weeks," Observatory chief Syria, Staffan de Mistura, and linked Nusra Front, Ahrar al-Sham, Rami Abdel Rahman said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei and Jaish al-Islam of being behind "These raids continued Lavrov in Moscow on the collaps- wish about the attacks. throughout the night and into the ing ceasefire. The Syrian Observatory for morning." Meanwhile, British Foreign bin Laden’s Human Rights said rebels had fired UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- Secretary Philip Hammond said on rockets and shells on government- moon on Monday urged Russia and Monday he was deeply concerned last moments controlled western districts of the the United States to put Syria’s about the state of the ceasefire in city throughout the day. ceasefire back on track and Syria and that a new initiative was UN envoy Staffan de Mistura stressed that new truce arrange- needed to keep dialogue alive, af- said a cessation of hostilities in ments in place for two areas must ter a sharp escalation of violence Syria must be "brought back on be extended to Aleppo. in the city of Aleppo. track" as he held talks in Moscow Heavy air strikes hit rebel-held “There is a need for a new ini- with Russian Foreign Minister east Aleppo in the early hours of tiative in the Syria dialogue to keep Sergei Lavrov. Monday, days after the United it alive, the Syrian moderate op- In televised remarks, de Mis- States and Russia announced plans position is finding it increasingly tura praised the truce brokered by to reinforce the February 27 truce difficult to justify their participa- Moscow and Washington as a "re- in Latakia and Damascus regions. tion in a political process,” Ham- markable achievement" and said the Ban is “profoundly concerned mond told reporters during a visit two global powers should help "all about the dangerous escalation of to Mexico City. Five years after US special forc- of us to make sure that this is fighting in and around Aleppo and More than 270,000 people es killed Osama bin Laden, Pres- brought back on track". the intolerable suffering, counted have been killed since Syria’s con- ident Barack Obama says he Meanwhile, heavy air strikes in mounting deaths and destruc- flict erupted in March 2011 with hopes that in his last moments throughout the night on ISIS’s de tion, it is causing among civilians,” protests demanding that leader the terror mastermind realized facto Syria capital Raqqa killed at said UN spokesman Stephane Bashar al-Assad step down. Americans had not forgotten Some 80 countries so far are plan- tions. crises and the rising cost of aid ef- about 9/11. ning to attend the first-ever World The United Nations released a forts, said O’Brien. In an interview with CNN Humanitarian Summit in Istanbul short film featuring several celeb- “It is clear that the facts on broadcast on Monday, Obama this month to re-think how to con- rities including Daniel Craig, For- the ground are changing and so it’s marked the anniversary of what front global crises, the UN aid chief est Whitaker and Michael Douglas incumbent on all of us to change many see as one of his presiden- said . who called for leaders to attend the the way we are doing things,” he cy’s greatest achievements: end- Among those, 45 will be rep- summit. said. ing the long hunt for the illusive resented by their heads of state or World governments, interna- Part of the discussion will fo- al-Qaeda boss. heads of government who will be tional organizations and aid agen- cus on striking a “grand bargain” US special forces killed bin asked to pledge funds and make cies are struggling to cope with the between donor nations and UN Laden in Pakistan on May 2, commitments for action during the largest refugee crisis since World agencies to help address the fund- May 23-24 summit. War II affecting 60 million people ing crises, O’Brien said. 2011. Stephen O’Brien, the UN un- on the move. The goal would be to “try to “Hopefully, at that moment, der-secretary general for humani- Globally, some 125 million get a better predictable financial he understood that the Ameri- tarian affairs, said he found the people are in need of aid and, this base to support humanitarian ac- can people hadn’t forgotten the turnout “so far encouraging”, even year, the relief efforts will require tion in exchange for more effective some 3,000 people who he though it amounts to fewer than a record $20.1 billion in funding – delivery of those goods,” said killed,” Obama said. half of the UN’s 193 member- five times the amount a decade ago, O’Brien. The heads of leading in- Obama leaves office in Jan- states. according to UN estimates. ternational aid organizations and uary, with al-Qaeda significant- He declined to name the lead- Every year, 218 million peo- some private sector representa- ly diminished by drone strikes ers attending or give details of the ple are affected by disasters. tives will be among the 6,000 del- and somewhat eclipsed by its countries that have accepted the The three-day gathering will egates at the summit, which has invitation, saying only that they seek to chart a course with new been in preparation for the past offshoot, ISIS. represented a diverse group of na- strategies to address humanitarian three years. WEDNESDAY. MAY 04, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Abdul Saboor Sarir Phone No: +93-772364666 E-mail: [email protected] By William Rivers Pitt Email: [email protected] In September of 2014, President coming from “pundits” who are visers, are still in the middle of the the missiles. No one as unstable as Obama went all the way around umbilically and financially con- war and without authorization Trump should be allowed within a the block and back again trying to nected to the defense industry. from Congress.” Sen. John mile of the nuclear button, but www.afghanistantimes.af explain how the United States and This next war, like the last war, McCain, in a rare moment of sense, come January, it could be a phone Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi its allies would destroy ISIS (also stands to make them a great deal said, “We used to call it ‘mission call away. known as Daesh) without deploy- of money by selling US-made creep.’ I’ve seen this movie before. If Hillary Clinton wins in No- ing soldiers. Airstrikes would do bombs for use against the Ameri- It’s called Vietnam.” vember, we’re in the same boat Advisory editorial board the trick. “No boots on the can-made weapons they sold to us “Tomorrow and tomorrow without all the shouting. She is not ground,” he said. already, which are now in the and tomorrow creeps in its petty as frightening as her presumed Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, After his proclamation, I hands of ISIS, because war profit pace,” wrote Shakespeare. A quar- opponent, but her judgment on Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal wrote this: The fact that ISIS con- is a wheel, and it always comes ter century of war in that region matters of war and personal free- trols Mosul is not compatible with around. likewise creeps in its own petty dom have been shown to be sorely the idea that air strikes alone can Here we are just about two pace, fed by the bodies of soldiers lacking. Clinton voted with the Graphic-Designer: accomplish the president’s plan. years later, and US soldiers wear- and civilians and the ever-present Bush administration on the Iraq Edriss Akbari Ground troops will be required to ing boots are on the ground in Iraq profit motive that lubricates large- war (which gave us ISIS) and the ultimately accomplish the stated and Syria. scale mechanized murder. While I Patriot Act. Her recent hawkish Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: goal, and since we seem to be in The Green Zone in Baghdad damn the Bush administration for speech at the American Israel Pub- Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 this applecart pretty much by our- has been stormed. The latest US causing all this and recoil at the lic Affairs Committee convention selves, it isn’t difficult to guess deployments are small, but floods Obama administration’s decision would have made Barry Goldwa- Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan which uniform those ground always start with a drip. About to send more troops, my attention ter hide under the bed with a daisy troops will be wearing. 217 US soldiers have been sent to at present is fixed upon a differ- pressed between his palms. Should Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 I am not, with this, advocating Iraq to augment the more than ent, potentially catastrophic sce- she enter that round room after for the deployment of US ground 4,000 troops already there, along nario. You see, we have a presi- inauguration come January, you can Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press troops. I believe there are a num- with an additional 250 sent to the dential election coming up, and the bet your last dime that our 25-year ber of ways to skin this particular urban death zone that is Syria. two most likely contenders will adventure in Iraq will continue, and cat without going to war in Iraq They’re going to a place where have this situation waiting on their expand, unabated. for the third time in 24 years. I am hospitals are deliberately de- desk when they arrive in the Oval Obama is deploying more The constitution says also firmly in the camp of none stroyed; a medical facility in Alep- Office. troops to Iraq and Syria. Trump other than President Obama’s po was recently obliterated in an If Donald Trump wins in No- and Clinton will surely do the former top counterterrorism advis- airstrike, killing 14 people. vember, only the wind knows same given the chance. We are do- Article 20: er, Daniel Benjamin, who describes The US blamed the Syrian gov- what will happen. In his utterly ing the same thing over and over Article Twenty: The national anthem of Afghanistan shall be in Pashto with the mention of the ramped-up depiction of the ernment, the Syrians and Russians incoherent and truly frightening while expecting different results. “God is Great” as well as the names of the tribes of Afghanistan. alleged ISIS threat as a “farce” ped- blamed the US, and the dead lie “foreign policy” speech the other There has to be a way off this dled by “members of the cabinet still. day, he said, “We must, as a na- merry-go-round, but I don’t see it and top military officers all over “We see a continual escalation tion, be more unpredictable.” Cur- presenting itself any time soon. Get the place describing the threat in with the now 250 additional rent and former military officials ready for more folded flags, and lurid terms that are not justified.” troops,” said Rep. Barbara Lee. are literally freaking out over the more economic collapse as our Speaking of spinning the pub- “Whenever you have troops in prospect of Trump becoming com- hard-earned tax dollars, and our lic into a panic, it is also worth- harm’s way, unintended conse- mander-in-chief. It reminds me of children and theirs, are fed into the while to know that the loudest quences could occur. I’m very that scene from The Dead Zone frictionless machine of eternal war. drumbeats for war in the media are worried that our troops, while ad- when President Stilson launches —(Truthout) The unpredictability factor Media with clipped wings By ARTHUR C. BROOKS and GAIL COLLINS Arthur Brooks: Hi, Gail. It’s been could combine a promise to de- Gail: Speaking of campaign debate is a ghastly example of how On May 3, journalists across the globe commemorate the World a pretty active week out on the stroy ISIS with a name that sug- arguments, any thoughts on the politics and government can crowd Press Freedom Day with the hope that one day their respective trail. Donald Trump delivered a gests we should have left Hitler current Republican debate? Both out respect, judgment and common foreign policy speech to great press alone. Trump and Cruz contend that sense. Just when my kids have governments would hear their voice and pay heed to their prob- attention (although basically any- Arthur: One part of Trump’s they’re the only one who can de- gotten old enough to outgrow toi- lems. They are optimistic that one day their rights will be protected thing he does is an earth-shatter- remarks picked up more main- feat Clinton, while the Democrats let humor, I get to explain why ing event in the eyes of the Fourth stream appeal: He pointed out how are chortling at the idea of going public restrooms are now a cor- and respected. Rights of media-persons are suppressed even in Estate). Ted Cruz tapped a run- badly inconsistent our foreign pol- up against either of them. But I nerstone of our political discourse. developed countries. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qa- ning mate. Bernie Sanders laid off icy has been in recent years. A have never been a fan of the theo- Let’s move over to Bernie for hundreds of campaign workers prime example was our enthusias- ry that you root for the most aw- a minute. If I’m hearing things tar, Kuwait, Jordan and Turkey are no exception. It is a herculean (paying them, I assume, the same tic support for Muammar el-Qad- ful opponent. right, he basically said this week: lavish severance they would re- dafi’s ouster, followed by an utter Arthur: You are so right. Only “I know I can’t win. However, I job for a journalist to get visa of these countries due to several and ceive in dear old Denmark). So lack of meaningful action to help the most cynical partisans hope can still use my campaign to push severe restrictions. Journalists are the casualties of militancy and where should we start? stabilize Libya after he fell. for an awful opponent. It’s actual- Hillary toward the fringe.” Do I Gail Collins: I love it when you Gail: I would never claim Lib- ly sort of unpatriotic. The right have that about right? politics in Pakistan, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Sri Lanka, South get snarky. You’re usually so nice. ya was a great example of foreign approach is the Antonin Scalia Gail: A more charitable read- Sudan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and several other countries. The In that spirit I will take the high- affairs strategy. But did you no- model that we discussed a few ing would be, “I can still use my minded policy side and ask you tice that Trump is building his weeks ago. He actually lobbied for campaign to push the Democratic list of countries where journalists are working in insecure environ- what you thought of Trump’s big policy around being “unpredict- Elena Kagan; if he couldn’t get a Party to adopt more specific, pro- ment is lengthy. foreign-affairs speech. able?” A president our allies can conservative justice, he wanted the gressive positions on issues like Arthur: The address last count on. Except don’t count on smartest liberal justice possible. campaign finance reform, climate However, journalism is a challenging career in Afghanistan. Writ Wednesday here in D.C. was high- it. Both Republican campaigns change and the growing gap be- of the government is weak. Most of state institutions provide infor- ly anticipated, since he has almost Arthur: Nothing new about insist they can beat Clinton, but tween the very rich and the aver- never given a traditional speech or unpredictability, unfortunately. the numbers don’t look encourag- age American family.” mation to only favorite media outlets. Likewise, militant groups see laid out a specific agenda. His sup- Just ask the Syrians who predict- ing right now, especially in the de- Which is fair. porters were pitching this as a turn- ed we would do something about mographic areas where Republi- Arthur: Tomato, tomahto. In newsmen and women as spies. Recent threat of the Taliban to over ing point. the “red line” we set and that cans badly need to improve. For either reading, he wants to be the 18 independent media organizations is a clear indicator that local Gail: All of us were impressed Bashar al-Assad skipped right example, Trump’s unfavorable rat- conscience of the Democratic race by his skill at reading a teleprompt- across. Surprise — no consequenc- ing with Hispanic voters is now from here on out. Imagine a really journalists are facing a difficult situation to carry out their profes- er. es. 87 percent. This is on a par with cranky Jiminy Cricket yelling on sional duties in the country. Most of the time they hear and read Arthur: Hey, it’s trickier than Outside commentators noted head lice and letters from the I.R.S. Hillary’s shoulder. It’s could be a it looks. that Trump’s big speech had a Some think that his candidacy long spring. official statements about media freedom but they do not witness The speech was classically number of inconsistencies. But to could erode even the small foot- So Gail, our conversation is change in their work environment. populist and harked back to the be fair, presidential aspirants al- hold that conservatives do have about to go on a brief springtime days when Republicans preferred ways struggle to form a coherent with these groups, such as Cuban- hiatus. Tuesday mornings will be On Tuesday, the National Unity Government (NUG) leaders prom- retrenchment to foreign interven- foreign policy philosophy before Americans. sad and hollow for our readers, no ised to take steps to ensure media freedom and protect rights of tion. He continued to road-test the they have served. Everything is Gail: I’ve found it interesting doubt. slogan “America First,” which was theoretical until you’ve had on-the- that Cruz is pounding so hard on I’ll be tied up with my day job journalists. However, the local journalists have lost trust over the the actual name of the Charles Lind- job training. the transgender bathroom issue. running a tank full of thinking, and bergh-backed group that spent Gail: True, which I would say Even women who are social con- a few other experimental projects, state machinery because their rights are violated on daily basis. The 1940 and 1941 trying to convince is a great argument for Hillary Clin- servatives know our restrooms like a trip to Denmark and Spain authorities had imposed unannounced restrictions on media because everyone that America should stay ton. She’s already been through the aren’t really well designed for for fieldwork and speeches. What out of World War II. screw-it-up phase. Peeping Toms. Second, as our col- will you be working on? many spokespersons, in the ministries and provinces, do not pro- Trump’s stated objectives are Arthur: With respect to Clin- league Frank Bruni has pointed out, Gail: I’ve got a women’s his- vide information when approached by news reporters. It is not less to build up the military for defen- ton’s campaign, I’m starting to Cruz is actually demanding that tory book I’m trying to finish. sive use while intervening less in wonder whether that particular transgender men use the ladies’ This is “trying to finish” in the than a challenge even to connect with the spokesmen; though, they the world and forcing our allies to phase will ever end. Just think of room. sense of “almost halfway done.” would be available on social media. pay for part of our military pres- all the unforced errors over the last Arthur: Your column on this Writing my column. Maybe go out ence. couple of years. Her advisers must last Saturday was very funny and follow a candidate or two. But Similarly, opportunity for embedded journalism is only for those be starting to develop nervous tics (which is tough to pull off, given then when we come back next who are in the good books of the authorities. If a media organiza- Gail: Only Donald Trump by now. the topic). The whole bathroom month you’ll be talking about Denmark and Spain and I’ll only tion criticizes the government for its wrong polices then that outlet have what Ted Cruz said in Ore- gon. Life is unfair. cannot avail such opportunities. Arthur: Hey, it’s not much fun The spokesmen and women love to use Facebook, Twitter and trying to explain our presidential contest in Europe, where they other social media platforms but do not interact with local journal- think it must be some sort of elab- ists. Unfortunately, even the prominent politicians in the country orate prank. “You Americans are such funny jokers. But seriously, love to talk to foreign media. The craze for better coverage and who is your candidate?” television screen has clipped wings of the local media organiza- Every weekday, get thought- provoking commentary from Op- tions. As we celebrate the World Press Freedom Day, the govern- Ed columnists, ment must ensure that rights of Afghan journalists are operating The Times editorial board and contributing writers from around without hindrance and are respected. the world. Ah, yes, the curse of the half- Therefore, the government shall direct the spokespersons and done book. I know this all too well. chiefs of all state-run departments to facilitate journalists for easy Can you give us a sneak peek into your argument? access to public information. If the leaders do not pay heed then Gail: I’m writing a history of the day is not far when the government will find itself in troubled older women in America. It begins in the 1600s, when Colonial men waters to counter propaganda of the armed groups. In this media were advertising for wives who war, the truth will prevail over the false if the government ensured were “civil and under 50 years of age.” Then in the 19th century, 20 media freedom and protected rights of journalists. was over the hill. And now girls want to grow up to be Ruth Bader Ginsburg. So I think it’s fair to say there’s a lot of territory to cover. Arthur: Something tells me Subscription Rates that “civil and under 50” won’t be catching on for online dating pro- Categories Fee files. I’m interested to hear what Afghanistan Times your research turns up. Annual Afg: 3600 Gail: Bless you. at your door step I’m sure it’ll all be finished by For fast delivery service the time we pick up our conversa- Six Months Afg: 1800 Afghanistan Times seeks the tion in June — how long could it names, addresses of your take to cover the last 65 years? Good luck with the Spaniards, International Organization $200 per year organizations and the number of Arthur. Then it’s California, here copies you want. we come. WEDNESDAY. MAY 04, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Khaled Diab James Denselow

The citadel that dominates the According to the Syrian civil If Geneva is the only game in Aleppo city skyline gives the defence team the White Helmets, town, what will be played once place a sense of timelessness and a strike on a water-pumping sta- Aleppo reveals its failure? permanence, yet Syria's biggest tion has taken out the clean water The collapse of collective in- city is currently facing an existen- supply. ternational efforts is likely to mean tial challenge. If, or more likely The assault on Aleppo has ex- the start of a new chapter of the when, the opposition-controlled posed the shallow foundations of conflict characterised by increased areas are cut off from the outside the Geneva peace process. While support for the non-ISIL linked world it will signal not just the big- it may have appeared to have fi- Syrian opposition. gest siege in the country to date nally secured the right people's Already there is talk of more but also a new chapter in the five- engagement with a process, it was and better quality weapons being year conflict. ultimately divorced from the high- delivered into the country, and The Geneva process, which er priorities that were being played Foreign Policy magazine reported contained so much hope and prom- out on the ground. that continued efforts are being ise, gathering the main players and The Russian rhetoric and Jan- made in the US to develop sur- backers into an ambitious series of us two-faced approach to the con- face-to air-missiles that can be con- deadlines for transition and con- flict has been starkly exposed. tained and controlled in the region. stitutional reform, will surely not On one hand the Deputy For- Yet the loss of Aleppo is not survive the siege or fall of Aleppo. eign Minister, Gennady Gatilov, solely symbolic. Its strategic im- Inside Story - Will Syria's war declared that "we are not going to portance will make opposition ac- be won or lost in Aleppo? put pressure on [Assad] because tivity in the north a much more The cessation of hostilities, one must understand that the situ- difficult prospect. the main positive to emerge from ation in Aleppo is part of this fight Yet the fall is unlikely to be a the talks, saw a huge reduction in against the terrorist threat". dramatic moment that will occur mortality rates and 3.7 million 'Regime of silence' any time soon. As we've seen in Syrians receive food aid in March Then, on the other hand, Lieu- places such as Yarmouk and alone. tenant-General Sergei Kurylenko Darayya, urban areas with oppo- Increasingly, however, it could was quoted as saying by Russian sition fighters present are "soft- be seen not as a genuine space for news agencies that "currently ac- ened up" through starvation and peace to emerge but rather a peri- tive negotiations are under way to the tactics of siege attrition. So the od for redeployment before this establish a 'regime of silence' humanitarian picture, already latest offensive was launched. [ceasefire] in Aleppo province". mind-boggling in its sheer size and Heart of Syrian commerce Either the Russians are com- tragedy, will worsen further. Once Aleppo was the bustling plicit in the attacks or they have The international community heart of Syrian commerce. In 2013 created a monster in the regime that will need to again assess its hu- some two million people lived in can't be controlled. In each scenar- manitarian norms and practices to and around the city. io Aleppo will continue to burn. face this new chapter of catastro- Today that number is down to Smoke rises after air strikes on phe. Serious discussions will need 400,000. In opposition-controlled the rebel-held al-Sakhour neigh- to be rebooted and re-energised areas the medical infrastructure has bourhood of Aleppo, Syria [Reu- about how to deliver aid to be- been so badly hit that according to ters] sieged civilians. In areas where the Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Meanwhile the regime in regime is not in control, more 95 percent of medics have fled and Damascus has been much more thought to supporting civil first there are only between 70 and 80 consistent when outlining its in- responders with early-warning It is not just the news that is consistent and comprehensive as- ings. But even in the Arab upris- tigative journalism sites Inkyfada doctors left. tentions. It announced at the start systems and assistance in con- depressing. The state of the media sault on the state's media domi- ings' greatest success story so far, in Tunisia and Mada Masr in Wounded Syrians are report- of the month that it was inflicting structing underground shelters and around the world is increasingly nance. journalists still face regular harass- Egypt. edly being treated by vets without "heavy losses" on terrorists across hospitals can again mitigate the painkillers as hundred of air strikes the country, while in April Syria's damage of war while a peaceful becoming a cause for alarm. These violations can verge on ment and often exercise self-cen- For their part, regimes have and artillery shells pour down. Grand Mufti Ahmed Badr al-Din solution remains off the table. Tuesday is World Press Free- the insultingly absurd. An exam- sorship. been fighting back. Not only have dom Day and almost everywhere ple that would ring familiar with The large-scale war against Arab governments invested heavi- you turn your gaze, media free- many Arabs was the case late last media freedom in the Arab world ly in surveillance and monitoring dom is under threat from govern- year of a Thai man who was ar- actually distorts a key and perhaps technologies, they have also ments, terrorist organisations, rested for "lese majeste" after al- paradoxical truth: never have Ar- sought to beat activists and revo- crime syndicates and corporate legedly abs enjoyed freer access to infor- lutionaries at their own game by interests. "insulting" not the ailing King mation and never have the region's building up a dynamic propagan- The Freedom House's latest Bhumibol himself but his beloved journalists and citizens mounted da presence online. report found that global media free- dog in a series of Facebook posts. such a constant, consistent and But frustratingly for Arab dic- dom was at its lowest level in a As is often the case, the real comprehensive assault on the tators and despots, no matter how dozen years. target of the junta's ire are the alle- state's media dominance. much they clamp down on free Muzzling the media: Egypt's gations the same man published This is especially the case in expression and try to silence, in- new 'anti-terror' laws - The Lis- about widespread corruption in the frontline states of the Arab rev- timidate or co-opt the media, new tening Post high places. olutions. loud and critical voices, whether According to the Washington- In both rankings, the turbulent The most incredible and laud- underground or in broad daylight, based watchdog, only 13 percent and conflict-ridden Middle East able examples of this must be the invariably emerge. of humanity enjoys access to a free props up the bottom half of the journalists and citizen journalists Although the days are long press. global league and, according to Re- working to record and broadcast gone when Arab regimes enjoyed a Even in countries where free- porters Without Borders, is "one the truth in the region's warzones near monopoly on the flow of dom of the press is legally pro- of the world's most difficult and - Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya. news and information within their tected and supposedly sacrosanct, dangerous regions for journalists". The digital and social media borders, they still act as though Wounded Syrians are report- al-Hassoun urged the complete Aleppo's reckoning has already the media is experiencing mount- Repressive regimes have been a lifeline. they can control the minds and edly being treated by vets without destruction of insurgent-held areas begun and the darkness that has ing pressure, as governments ex- Freedom House concurs, not- Although Syria is the deadli- consciousness of their citizens. painkillers as hundred of air strikes in Aleppo from which shells were enveloped Syria continues to of- and artillery shells pour down. being fired. fer no sign of hope for its future. ploit the threat of terrorism to en- ing that "governments and militias est country for journalists in the Once upon a time, Arab lead- act restrictive legislation and pop- increasingly pressured journalists world, many Syrians continue to ers could figuratively parade with- ulist right-wingers find ways to co- and media outlets to take sides, put their lives on the line to re- out clothes in front of their pliant opt or muzzle the media. creating a 'with us or against us' port on the crimes and violations media and hypocritical "yes men" Tiran, Sanafir, Syria, Climate of fear climate and demonising those who of the Assad regime, ISIL and oth- and nobody would dare tell the A similar message is echoed by refused to be cowed". er armed groups. One of the most emperors they were nude. France-based Reporters Without Journalists here are at risk dramatic examples of this is the Though our leaders would love Yemen and Vision 2030 Borders whose latest Press Free- from repressive regimes and their award-winning Raqqa is Being nothing more than our turning a Jamal Khashoggi dom Index (PFI) has registered a security apparatuses, armed mili- Slaughtered Silently , a citizen-jour- blind eye to their naked lust for growth in violations of nearly 14 tias and terrorist groups, religious nalist group reporting indepen- power, millions of Arabs are no Everyone is asking about as caretaker of moderate Islam. benefit the whole region, as the secret behind the recent en- The concept of moderate Islam Saudi prosperity will positive- percent since 2013. radicals, not to mention the threats dently out of ISIL-controlled ter- longer willing to applaud our em- thusiasm and vitality of Saudi is mentioned many times in Vi- ly impact that of its neighbors. This reveals "a deep and dis- posed by restrictive laws, those ritory. perors' new clothes. foreign policy. The kingdom sion 2030. Similar examples in the re- turbing decline in respect for me- above the law or general lawless- Although government crack- The Arab public has become launched its first airstrike from Iran gion are Dubai, Duqm port in dia freedom at both the global and ness, depending on the location. downs have narrowed the space unwilling to accept illusion and Khamis Mushait airport over a Saudi investment capacity Oman, Lucille economic city in regional levels" which "is indica- With all the dangers to life and for free expression, frightening and delusion as substitutes for actual year ago against Houthi posi- is considered a substitute to its Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. All these tive of a climate of fear and ten- livelihood that independent media cowing many in the process, the change. tions in Yemen, declaring Op- oil-dependence. Prince Salman examples will be linked in Vi- eration Decisive Storm, which wants to invest for the benefit sion 2030. This will be comple- sion combined with increasing con- professionals in the region experi- region's courageous independent It is high time that Arab gov- is still gaining momentum. of the kingdom and the region. mented by King Salman Bridge, trol over newsrooms by govern- ence, it is almost a miracle that journalists have been forcing open ernments and other repressive ac- Why does Saudi Arabia in- However, this vision will clash which will pass over Tiran is- ments and private-sector inter- anyone would make journalism the cracks left behind. tors learned that the wise way to sist on expelling Iran from Syr- with a parallel Iranian project land and will be the most im- ests". their career choice. Digital and social media deal with criticism is not to shut ia at any cost, and possibly that does not aspire to good portant land crossing in the Never have Arabs enjoyed freer The main good news about the In this regard, the digital and down critical media but to respond from Iraq and Lebanon? Why neighborliness, mutual benefit, world, as described by the access to information and never region's media emanates from Tu- social media have been a lifeline. to and engage with opponents and was Riyadh keen to regain the or regional peace and stability. prince. have the region's journalists and nisia , the only Middle Eastern Two prominent examples of this critics, and to enact meaningful and islands of Tiran and Sanafir Saudi Arabia is blessed All these sites and future now, after they were placed with this stability, which will projects will offer hundreds of citizens mounted such a constant, country to rise in the PFI rank- are the audacious and daring inves- deep reforms. under Egypt’s custody for de- enable the success of Vision thousands of jobs for Saudis, cades? 2030. This will benefit the whole Egyptians, Jordanians, Afri- Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, region cans and Asians, but not Syri- announced by Deputy Crown Jamal Khashoggi ans, who are controlled by Iran. Prince Mohammed bin Salman, This Iranian vision is exe- Tehran has opted for confron- LETTER TO THE EDITOR answers both questions. “We cuted via militias, weapons- tation rather than being an in- have three areas of strength smuggling, conspiracies and tegral partner such as Turkey. with no competitors,” he told coups. It will not be based on Riyadh is preoccupied with Al Arabiya TV, citing Islam, the participation, but on the sup- using its army and diplomacy kingdom’s enormous invest- pression of others and subor- to prevent the collapse of re- Afghan security forces ment capacity, and its geo- dination to Tehran. We do not gional security. People aspire The Afghan National Security and Defense Forces (ANSDF) have been always s remaining firm in the battleground against the Taliban graphic location. do this in Saudi Arabia; instead, to a decent quality of life - all insurgents. The bravery of Afghan security forces is like open book to all of us. To maintain security in the country, the ANSDF had droved In a closed meeting with a we sign contracts and strate- regimes incapable of providing insurgents back as they launched mass attacks across the countries, in which the militants sustained huge casualties. As the Taliban announced small group of Saudi writers gic alliances in the light of day that must leave and not return. beginning of their spring offensive the Taliban and insurgents outfits sustained huge losses. The Afghan forces defeated Taliban insurgents as and religious scholars, the with governments, not with This article first appeared in they conducted complex attacks in the country. The Afghan security forces bravery fought the Taliban and give them tit-for-tat response to prince explained how the king- secret parties or militias. Al Hayat on Apr. 30, 2016. their assaults. According to the security officials the dead bodies of Taliban were laid downing in several districts of Kunduz province when dom was the promoter of real If the kingdom succeeds in ______the attempted to attack the province. Afghan security forces is our pride. We really appreciate them for their sacrifices as they have never moderate Islam, and it was un- being the main crossing point Jamal Khashoggi is a Saudi slowed down efforts in restoring peace and security in the country. acceptable that the religion be for trade between Asia, Africa journalist, columnist, author, Shabeer Ahmad, Kabul, Afghanistan represented by Iran, Al-Qaeda, and Europe, it will need neigh- and general manager of the or the Islamic State of Iraq and bors that share the same vision, upcoming Al Arab News Chan- Syria (ISIS). not Yemen’s Houthis or an Iran- nel. He previously served as a The intellectual war on the dominated Syria. To that end, media aide to Prince Turki al latter two will take a larger di- agreements have been signed Faisal while he was Saudi Ara- mension with support from of- with Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, bia's ambassador to the United ficial and prestigious Islamic Sudan, Djibouti, and potential- States. Khashoggi has written institutions in Saudi Arabia. ly Pakistan, which will revive for various daily and weekly Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must have the writer’s name and There is no “Saudi Islam,” as an old bilateral alliance. Arab newspapers, including address. You may send your letters to: [email protected] alleged by US President Barack Stability Asharq al-Awsat, al-Majalla Obama, just Islam. The most important issue in and al-Hayat, and was editor- This reminds me of a Saudi the prince’s announcements is in-chief of the Saudi-based al- radio program in the 1960s and the need for stability for long- Watan. He was a foreign corre- 1970s called “Muslims and term development, citing the spondent in Afghanistan, Al- Disclaimer: Enough,” which carried a mes- examples of South Korea and geria, Kuwait, Sudan, and oth- sage of Islamic solidarity for- Japan, which have been ruled er Middle Eastern countries. He mulated and managed by the by one party for decades. Sau- is also a political commentator The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) late King Faisal at a time when di Arabia is blessed with this for Saudi-based and interna- and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. the country occupied a privi- stability, which will enable the tional news channels. Twitter: leged position among Muslims success of Vision 2030. This will @JKhashoggi WEDNESDAY. MAY 04, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES

The first danger is the traffic - be it groups alleged to have carried them the lorries that indicate left before out. pulling out right, the speeding That means journalists fre- SUVs of Karachi's playboy elite quently find themselves in the fir- or the donkey carts that bring ev- ing line. eryone to a sudden, screeching halt. Karachi's darkest day If Athar Khan, a photographer Khan left for the United States with the Express Tribune news- during the 1990s, spending a de- paper, can weave his motorbike cade out of harm's way while the around such hazards he is in with government launched a brutal op- a chance of a scoop, being one of eration against Karachi's MQM the first journalists to the site of a party, which was effectively run- bombing or targeted shooting. ning a state within a state. He re- But once he arrives on the turned in 2004, leaving his wife scene, he knows he faces another and child behind in Atlanta. danger. He had a ringside seat during "If you go to cover a blast, Karachi's blackest day in 2007. there might be a second blast. We Benazir Bhutto, the country's all know that. We have all seen it former prime minister, had just happen once the journalists and returned home from years in self- emergency services arrive," he imposed exile. Corruption charges says. against her and her husband had Khan is one of Karachi's small been dropped as part of a general band of motorcycle photographers. amnesty to allow politicians to Mounted on their Hondas they can return and help ease Pervez Mush- navigate the city's choked streets arraf, who had seized power in with ease, racing past the rush-hour 1999, from office. gridlock to be the first on the scene. With a band of other photog- But in a megacity of almost 20 raphers, Khan was watching her million people, riddled with inse- convoy from a footbridge, all the curity, their motorbikes can keep better to get a sense of the crowds them out of danger or put them who had gathered in their thou- right in the line of fire. sands. Then came the first blast. Speaking quietly above the "It was not a big one - like a keyboard jingle of a city centre fire cracker or even a tyre explod- hotel coffee shop - secured behind ing. So we ran over there. Then the layers of barbed wire, bomb-sniff- second blast happened, not far ing dogs and guards armed with away. That was the big one," his AK-47s - he describes his morn- voice trails off. ing routine: how he joins his col- The attack killed at least 130 leagues at the city's Press Club to people. Khan was only about 100 city's education system when four ins and demonstrations by other cal groups frequently vent their tographers. According to the Com- sparkled in the sunlight, is pock- drink tea as they wait for their yards away when it struck, killing men rode up on a pair of motor- journalists, who blamed the pro- frustration on the media, who are mittee to Protect Journalists, 57 marked and reddened with rust. phones to ring. many of Bhutto's police escort. bikes. According to police reports, vincial government for failing to sometimes perceived as biased. have been killed in Pakistan since "There's not much we can do At the first warning of an at- The photographers did what they they carried 9mm handguns. They provide security to all citizens - "They think certain news chan- 1992. to stay safe," he tells me. tack, they are off. were there to do and documented leaned into the news van and not just the men and women of the nels or newspapers might not be Yet there is no shortage of "We travel together, so that we "It's a double risk," he says. the carnage in photographs that opened fire, pumping 17 bullets press. reflecting their views properly, or young men - and increasingly can watch each other's backs and "You are riding on a bike in undis- Khan says haunted him for weeks. into the vehicle. It is a losing battle in Karachi. they don't cover us," Khan ex- women - joining the journalists' spot signs of danger but it's the ciplined traffic. You don't know "The dead lying there, the Waqas Aziz Khan, a techni- At the same time that the city plains. "Or they accuse [us] of re- ranks. Around the corner from the nature of the photographer. who will hit you: it might be that body parts," he recalls. "There was cian, Muhammad Khalid, the driv- mourned the Express News em- porting with angles. It makes them Press Club stand rank after rank You have to be at the hot spots truck or a bike, even a donkey cart. the smell of burning flesh. I can't er, and Muhammad Ashraf, the ployees, it also mourned one of its mad. They might get mad with one of battered motorcycles. Hondas and you have to be there when the But you have to rush as soon as really describe it." team's security guard, were all hit most senior police officers. organisation and blame all of us." are the favoured ride, usually a light is right." you can. That's the commitment Targeted by the Taliban and were dead by the time they Chaudhry Aslam, who led Kara- During the floods of 2010, trips 70cc version which is cheap and "It's more important than life." to my profession. We have to be He tells his story at the Kara- reached hospital. chi's Anti-Extremism Cell, had sur- into the surrounding region occa- easily maintained. Incidentally, the Khan's Honda, which he there before anyone else." chi Press Club, a solid stone build- Not only are motorbikes used vived at least nine assassination sionally had to be cut short as an- Taliban also prefers Hondas. In one proudly says has never let him During the past decade the ing in the centre of the city where by the city's journalists; they are attempts. gry villagers who had lost every- edition of it's English-language down on the way to a job, was Pakistani government has loosened journalists drink tea on plastic also used by their killers. He died in January 2014, the thing tried to rob journalists of their magazine, Azan, it profiled the lined up nearby. its strict control over media hous- chairs beside a well-watered lawn, It did not take long for the Pa- victim of a suicide attack on his vehicles or cameras. higher powered Honda 125, call- "I'm addicted to this life. es. More than 100 TV channels, waiting for the call to another blast kistan Taliban - or the Tehreek-e- armoured car, prompting an out- And then there are government ing it a "steed of war". Sometimes I like the adventure but many dedicated to rolling news, or demonstration. Taliban Pakistan in Urdu - to claim pouring of grief - and a number of agencies, which have in the past "This is mine," says Saeed I suppose really I don't know why now compete for viewers in ram- In 2014, a black flag flew here responsibility, telephoning one of tributes - from political leaders and been accused of intimidating and Lashari, a photographer with Ibrat, I do it," he says before chuckling bunctious manner. Politicians de- for 10 days as a memorial to three the channel's hosts when he was ordinary residents alike. even killing journalists. a regional newspaper, pointing out at the thought of using his talents cry their sensationalist coverage of employees of Express News . live on air. 'More important than life' The result of all this is that a 30-year-old Honda City that has in a safer environment. "I'm not attacks, broadcasting hours of cov- Their satellite van had been The attack was the third on Then there are the other dan- Pakistan is consistently ranked as seen better days. Both indicators interested in taking photographs erage from bombing sites and even parked close to the Matric Board Express Media Group in no more gers. Demonstrations can rapidly one of the world's most dangerous were long ago lost to close scrapes. of weddings." interviewing spokesmen for the Office for a routine story on the than six months and prompted sit- turn violent. Religious and politi- countries for reporters and pho- The chrome, which must have once Aljazeera PHILIPPINE ELECTION: VOICES 'It's as if the Arab Spring never happened' Five years after the Arab Spring, a "Governments used many jus- rocco, meanwhile, the numbers Wilcke added. majority of people throughout the tifications, like fighting terrorism, were much lower (28 percent and In terms of fighting corruption OF FILIPINO ISLANDERS Middle East and North Africa re- to silence citizens' voices demand- 26 percent respectively). at the state level, most people Around 55 million registered vot- sell food items to locals and visi- Aquino took office. gion believe that corruption is on ing accountability from public of- Zughayar noted that the re- across the region said their gov- ers will head to the presidential tors in our village. I make native But I am voting for opposi- the rise, according to a new sur- ficials," Zughayar said. "The gov- sults for each country must be ernment was doing "very badly" polls in the Philippines on May 9. rice cakes topped with sweetened, tion candidate Senator Grace Poe. vey. ernments have escalated their at- viewed in context: For example, or "fairly badly", with negative It is one of the most conten- grated coconut which tourists love. I think she can better represent me Results of the poll by Trans- tack against civil liberties and civil despite the lower percentage of responses ranging from 91 percent tious presidential races in the coun- Every morning, I also make as the leader of our country. parency International, released on society." Egyptians citing a rise in corrup- in Yemen to 58 percent in Egypt, try in decades. coconut candies which I sell for 25 My name is Will Gabotero. I'm Tuesday, revealed that 61 percent The continuance of armed con- tion, 50 percent of respondents where former chief auditor Hesham Frontrunner Rodrigo Duterte, cents each. These young coconuts 46, married and have three chil- of people in a cross-section of flict and the return of authoritari- from Egypt said they had paid a Geneina was forced out of his job a mayor from the southern island are also popular among tourists. I dren. My kids have graduated from MENA countries saw an increase anism mean there is a breakdown bribe to access a basic service. This this year after highlighting corrup- of Mindanao, is facing allegations believe in hard work and self-suf- college so I retired as a public in corruption over the past year, in accountable public institutions. discrepancy could be because tion among government officials in of human rights abuses and hidden ficiency. If you are diligent, you school teacher and just concentrate while nearly a third said they had Christoph Wilcke, Human many already viewed corruption the country. wealth. can look after your family. on farming and fishing. paid a bribe in order to access ba- Rights Watch levels as high in Egypt, and did There was much variation in Despite the country's econom- I don't really rely on the gov- Two of my children are now sic services. The survey included Fear of retaliation and a lack not perceive a change in the past the scale of bribery allegations, close to 11,000 respondents from of faith that anyone would be held year, she said. with just 4 percent of respondents ic gains, Duterte has managed to ernment for help. But if there's based in Europe working as nurs- Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, accountable were among the most Countries surveyed by Trans- in Jordan saying they had paid a tap into a wave of frustration to- anything the government can do, I es. I just returned from Finland Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, Tuni- common reasons for people declin- parency International were select- bribe in order to access public ser- wards the current system of gov- hope it can finally set up a mobile where I went to visit them. Our sia and Yemen. ing to report corruption, the re- ed for a variety of reasons, includ- vices, compared with 77 percent ernance. phone tower in our village. They third child is a marine engineer. Although corruption was one port found. Such fears appear to ing on-the-ground safety and avail- in Yemen. Transparency Interna- Through brash talk and popu- promised to do it in the last elec- There's been a lot of progress of the catalysts that drove people be founded: Nearly 40 percent of able resources, the organisation tional pointed out that the statis- list appeal, Duterte promises to tion and are yet to deliver on that in our province and I thank Presi- to the streets during the Arab those who reported bribery said said. tics did not account for the use of hunt down drug syndicates and promise. dent Aquino for that. If you look Spring uprisings, the results indi- they suffered retaliation, while "It is telling that the survey personal connections, known as clean up the corrupted Philippine I've seen some progress in our around, our roads have improved, cate that governments "have not fewer than a third said authorities does not include countries with "wasta", to expedite access to pub- bureaucracy. village but I'm voting for opposi- our hospital is also getting some listened" to what their people subsequently took action. some of the highest levels of cor- lic services: "This form of nepo- One prominent Filipino col- tion candidate Senator Grace Poe funding for renovation. want, Ghada Zughayar, director of "These experiences indicate ruption: Libya and Iraq, where tism is reported to be prevalent in umnist branded his rhetoric as because I think she can bring I want this progress to contin- Transparency International's that whistleblowers and witness- conflict rages but oil proceeds pro- parts of the region, and further re- "Dutertismo", comparing it to the change to our country. ue so I am supporting Senator Mar MENA department, told Al es of corrupt acts need to be better vide incentives to siphon off funds search should assess the extent of rise of Nazism and Fascism in Eu- Pedro Gari earn about $17 a Roxas, who is being endorsed by Jazeera. protected, and also that reporting through corruption," Christoph this practice." rope in the early 20th century. day transporting tourists around the president. "It's as if the Arab Spring nev- channels need to be made more ef- Wilcke, a senior researcher with The report contained a num- Duterte's strongest challenger the island of Sabtang in Batanes Emmie Ponce is a staff mem- er happened," noted Jose Ugaz, the fective," the report noted. the Middle East and North Africa ber of recommendations to help is Grace Poe, a freshman senator [Ted Regencia/Al Jazeera] ber at a local inn and is married to organisation's chairman. Among the nine countries sur- division of Human Rights Watch, combat corruption throughout the who is weighed down by ques- I'm Pedro Gari, 39 and a mo- a Batanes native [Ted Regencia/Al Nearly one in three respon- veyed, there was significant varia- told Al Jazeera after reviewing the region, including the creation of tions about her previous US citi- torcyle-cab driver. I'm married and Jazeera] dents said they had paid a bribe tion. In Lebanon, which has been survey. mechanisms to hold corrupt offi- zenship. have two young children. I earn I'm Emmie Ponce, 40 years when dealing with the court sys- without a president since 2014 and "The continuance of armed cials to account, a safe environment Another candidate Manuel about $17 daily transporting tour- old and originally from the south- tem in their country, while one in remains in the midst of a rubbish conflict and the return of authori- for corruption reporting, and the Roxas II, a former senator backed ists around Sabtang where I was ern Philippine province of Surigao. four had paid a bribe to police. crisis, and in wartorn Yemen, over- tarianism mean there is a break- establishment of "a politically in- by current President Benigno Aqui- born and raised. Native Ivatans call me an Ipu- Government officials, tax officials whelming majorities (92 percent down in accountable public insti- dependent and well-resourced no, is battling anti-establishment We don't really get to appreci- la, their term for immigrants in and members of parliament were and 84 percent respectively) said tutions and the ability for people anti-corruption commission that is sentiment, while Jejomar Binay, ate much of the beauty of our own Batanes. But I am married to an viewed as the most corrupt groups that corruption had increased over to report corruption and press for given the lead and authority to fight the current vice president, is fac- land because it looks very familiar Ivatan. overall. the past year. In Egypt and Mo- those responsible to face justice," corruption". Aljazeera ing corruption allegations. to us. But I'm glad to show tour- For the past 14 years, I have Senator Miriam Santiago, a ists around. During the slow sea- been working as a staff at a local fifth candidate, barely registers in son, we don't get many tourists. inn that mostly caters to tourists. the polls. The waves are too high for visi- I love my job and I love entertain- In Batanes, the smallest and tors to cross from the main island. ing visitors in Batanes. It is a very least populated province in the To supplement my income, I quiet and peaceful place and I country, Ivatan voters are keenly till our farm, planting root crops would never trade this place for following the political fever de- while raising livestock. We get bat- another, even though we are very spite the fact that the island is in tered by typhoons six to seven far from the rest of the country. the country's northernmost tip - times a year and help from the gov- I am from Mindanao so I am poles apart from the capital Ma- ernment is hard to come by. Our supporting our very own Rodrigo nila. town is a peaceful place but I hear Duterte. Voices of the Ivatans in the news that other parts of the My name is Siony Misador. You can call me Grandma Emil- country are plagued with crime. I'm 62 years old and been living in ia. I was born and raised in I'm voting for Rodrigo Duterte Manila most of my life. Chavayan, one of the six villages because I think he can bring some I left Batanes when I was 16 on the island of Sabtang. discipline to our country. I only but I still call it home. I remember This island-town is one of the managed to finish high school be- when, at 6pm, the entire town was only three populated isles in the cause college education is not of- quiet and had gone to sleep. We entire Batanes province. I'm 81 and fered on our island of 1,400 peo- used to go to picnics on Sundays. have always lived on this island. ple. I used to dread Saturdays because We're quite far from the rest of the I hope the new president can all of us were told by our parents Philippines and we don't get much bring some progress to this coun- to work in the field, planting root attention from our leaders in Ma- try and give more opportunities crops and vegetables. nila. to my children. We could not plant rice on the This headgear I am wearing is My name is Cherry Gail Ve- island so we only have it on spe- called a vakul and is made from layo. I'm 29 years old, married and cial occasions. We also did not have date palm leaves. I've been work- a mother of two. My first-born is electricity then so during the sum- ing as a hat weaver for many years. five years old and my second child mer, it was very hot and humid. Now, my eyes are failing me is two. Me and my husband are During the Holy Week, us Catho- and I am afraid I won't be able to expecting our third child later this lics were all required to go to vote on May 9 because I can't read year. church, pray and stay quiet. Our the ballot papers any more. I'm from the Batanes island of only medium of communication My name is Rosalinda Homi- Itbayat. But there are more tour- was the radio. Those were happy gop. I am 40 years old, married ists here in Sabtang and I earn more times for us and everyone knew and mother of six. here selling souvenirs. There has everyone. I am voting for Grace I'm also a native of Chavayan been some progress in the last six Poe because we need change in the village. I am a businesswoman and years since President Benigno country. WEDNESDAY. MAY 04, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES Who created bitcoin? The long search may not be

over The U.S. dollar slid to its lowest Who is Satoshi Nakamoto? For against major currencies in well many in the tech world, the identi- over a year on Tuesday, a move ty of bitcoin's elusive creator has led by the yen's continued march been a long-running parlor game. higher as investors grew doubtful And the speculation might not be about central banks' ability to over. boost growth through aggressive Australian entrepreneur Craig policy easing. Steven Wright, who announced That did not stop Australia's central bank surprising markets by Monday that he founded the digi- cutting interest rates to a record tal currency , convinced at least low of 1.75 percent, however, hit- one longtime bitcoin contributor ting the currency but lifting the that he's the real deal. He managed country's shares. that feat via a technical demonstra- MSCI's broadest index of Asia- tion involving Nakamoto's secret Pacific shares outside Japan bitcoin keys. But Wright's public .MIAPJ0000PUS fell to a three- documentation, which he posted week low and the euro's burst online Monday , underwhelmed through $1.16 for the first time in others and left the question of eight months pushed European Nakamoto's true identity far from shares deeply into the red. settled. Europe's FTSE 300 index of "There's no way you can con- leading 300 shares fell 1.3 percent clusively prove that you are the .FTEU3 and Germany's DAX shed creator of bitcoin," said Jerry Brito, 1.7 percent .GDAXI, both the executive director of Coin Center, lowest in nearly three weeks. a Washington, D.C.-based crypto- Shares in German lender Com- currency think tank, who is skep- merzbank (CBKG.DE) were tical of Wright's claims. among the biggest decliners across Tracking a pseudonymous Europe, down 7 percent after prof- cryptographic genius would be its slumped in the first quarter. challenging under the best circum- Banks were among the biggest stances. And here we're talking sectoral losers in Europe, down someone who invented a way for nearly 2 percent in early trading. people to send money around the Shares in Swiss bank UBS world anonymously, without (UBSG.S) were down 6 percent banks or national currencies. Some- after first quarter results. one who apparently disappeared "Since the all-time highs seen five years ago for unknown rea- in the DAX in April last year the direction of travel has been that of sons. a slow decline, and while we just None of that has stopped peo- about remain in positive territory ple from trying. Journalists, re- for 2016, sentiment towards Eu- searchers and amateur detectives ropean markets continues to be have scoured Nakamoto's emails markedly cautious," said Michael and online posts, plus the original Hewson, chief analyst at CMC bitcoin code, for unusual phrases, Markets. cultural references and other po- Analysts at Rabobank noted tential clues to their author. the dollar's fall towards 105 yen One of the most celebrated from as high as 122 only a few ADM profit candidates — to his own dismay months ago, a remarkable move — was an unassuming Japanese- that will do nothing to relieve the Pfizer reports rock-solid quarter, more than American engineer who found him- deflationary pressures in Japan self in the cross-hairs of News- and which reflects "the broader week magazine in 2014. problem of unconventional mone- halves on A Newsweek cover story fin- tary policy reaching its limits just sees stronger year ahead gered Dorian Satoshi Nakamoto, a like conventional policy already Pfizer Inc. on Tuesday reported favorable foreign exchange rates, Analysts were expecting $51.24 expirations over recent years as lower US retired resident of suburban Los has". better-than-expected results for its led the company to boost its out- billion in revenue. In the latest quar- well as growing generic competi- Angeles County, after citing cir- The yen rallied to 105.60 per first quarter and raised its guidance look. ter, new drugs such as nerve pain tion for former blockbusters like grain exports cumstantial clues and a vague com- dollar JPY=, its highest since Oc- for the year as both new and es- How Pfizer Set Cost of a Drug drug Lyrica, pneumococcus vaccine cholesterol fighter Lipitor and pain ment that Nakamoto made when tober 2014, while the euro rose as tablished product lines showed at $9,850 a Month (Dec. 9, 2015) Prevnar and smoking cessation aid pill Celebrex. In all, Pfizer report- revenue growth. It now expects to earn between Champix helped drive a 23% in- ed a profit of $3.02 billion, or 49 U.S. agribusiness Archer Daniels confronted briefly on his front high as $1.1614 EUR=, a level not Midland Co reported a 53.3 per- doorstep. The article sparked a seen since August last year. In April, Pfizer and Allergan $2.38 and $2.48 a share this year, crease in innovative product sales. cents a share, up from $2.38 bil- This pushed the dollar index PLC terminated their planned excluding special items, up 18 cents Sales grew 17% in the estab- lion, or 38 cents a share a year pri- cent decline in quarterly profit, media frenzy and a car chase with weighed down by slumping ener- reporters that ended at the Los .DXY, a measure of the dollar's $150 billion merger after the from the previous muted guidance lished drug business. In Septem- or. Excluding certain items, adjust- value against a basket of major cur- Obama administration took aim at that was below analysts’ expecta- ber, Pfizer bought Hospira Inc. in ed earnings were 67 cents a share, gy prices and lower U.S. grain ex- Angeles offices of The Associated ports. Press — where Dorian Nakamoto rencies, down to 92.00. It was last the deal that would have moved tions at the time. Analysts polled a $16 billion deal that has made up from 51 cents. Revenue rose there in January 2015. the biggest drug company in the by Thomson Reuters had forecast the company a leading player in 20% to $13 billion. Analysts Chicago-based ADM, one of emphatically denied any involve- the world's largest grain traders and ment with bitcoin. The Japanese currency has U.S. to Ireland to lower its taxes. $2.30 a share in earnings. the growing market for lower- polled by Thomson Reuters had appreciated 13 percent against the Pfizer said strong performance The company forecast $51 bil- priced versions of costly biotech forecast adjusted earnings of 55 processors, said revenue at its ag- Other contenders dollar this year, accelerating its ricultural services business fell 19.5 An earlier contender named in so far this year and an improved lion to $53 billion in revenue, up drugs. Pfizer, like many of its cents a share on revenue of $12.02 ascent after the Bank of Japan business outlook, along with more $2 billion from the previous range. peers, has faced a string of patent billion. percent to $6.48 billion, hurt also a 2011 New Yorker magazine piece stunned markets last week by by ample global supplies of grain. was Michael Clear, then a gradu- keeping monetary policy un- In the United States, grains ate student in cryptography at changed in the face of growing head- prices have slumped after large Trinity College in Dublin. The winds for its economy. harvests, while the strong U.S. New Yorker cited some of Naka- Japan is in the middle of its dollar has hurt export demand. moto's writings, which used Brit- Golden Week series of holidays. ADM in February had ish slang such as "maths" for math- Markets were closed on Friday launched a "strategic review" of its ematics and "flat" for an apartment. and will be closed from Tuesday U.S. dry-mill ethanol plants, which It also noted that Clear had worked to Thursday this week. have been grappling with declines on currency-trading software for Australia's central bank on in crude oil prices and ample U.S. an Irish bank and co-authored a Tuesday joined a growing line of biofuel stockpiles. paper on "peer-to-peer" technol- central banks in adding more stim- ADM, which buys, sells, ogy similar to that used in bitcoin. ulus, cutting its cash rate to a record transports, stores and processes At first, according to the New low of 1.75 percent to head off grains and oilseeds, said on Tues- Yorker, Clear was evasive when deflationary risks. The majority of day it was "cautiously optimistic" asked at a cryptography confer- economists surveyed by Reuters that reduced South American soy- ence if he had created bitcoin. But had expected no change at the bean and corn production could he later denied it repeatedly. He meeting. bring improved soybean crush also suggested another candidate Australia's stock markets margins in the second half of the to the New Yorker reporter, nam- cheered the surprise rate cut with year. ing Finnish researcher Vili Lehdon- the benchmark index easily the outperformer in Asia and extend- Net income attributable to virta, who studied virtual curren- ADM fell to $230 million, or 39 cies and created video games. ing gains to close up more than 2 percent on the day. cents per share, in the first quarter "I would love to say that I'm ended March 31, from $493 mil- Satoshi, because bitcoin is very The Australian dollar AUD=D3 dropped sharply after lion, or 77 cents per share, a year clever," Lehdonvirta told the New earlier. Yorker, after laughing for several the surprise rate cut with the cur- rency falling below the 0.76 han- On an adjusted basis, the com- seconds. "But it's not me." dle against the greenback from 0.77 pany earned 42 cents per share. Speculation has also focused earlier. Revenue fell to $14.38 billion on a Hungarian-American comput- Emerging market stocks were from $17.51 billion. er scientist named Nick Szabo, 0.7 percent lower .MSCIEF, while ADM shares slipped 2 per- who was called a likely candidate U.S. futures pointed to a fall of cent to $39.45 in premarket trad- by linguistic experts who conduct- around 0.5 percent at the open on ing on Tuesday. Up to Monday's ed their own "reverse textual anal- Wall Street ESc1. close, they had risen 9.8 percent ysis" — essentially, looking for After raising interest rates in this year. (Reporting by Arunima distinctive phrases or word pat- December for the first time in near- Banerjee in Bengaluru and Tom terns — on an early white paper ly a decade, the Federal Reserve Polansek in Chicago; Editing by by the bitcoin creator. held monetary policy steady last Savio D'Souza) The only problem? Szabo, week. While it kept the door open who has worked on other digital to a hike in June, it gave no signal currencies, has repeatedly denied that it was in a hurry to tighten creating bitcoin. further given the economy's slow- Oracle scoops up cloud utilities solution Opower for $532m Other scientists' names have down, even as the labor market has Last week Oracle bought Textura per share on April 4, 2014 and has transition for a company like Oracle and perhaps it sees a vertical strategy as a way to differentiate itself from surfaced over the years; some the- improved. for $663 million, giving the data- gone steadily downhill ever since, the rest of the field. It’s not a bad approach. With over $50 billion in cash, Oracle obviously has the money to ories pose the notion of two or "The Fed still thinks growth base giant a vertical construction reaching a low of $6.25 per share buy its way into the cloud. three working together. But deni- will be just over 2 percent this year solution in the cloud. Today it on March 11th this year. The stock It’s certainly not the first deep-pocketed legacy vendor pursuing this tactic. IBM and Cisco in particular als have usually followed each new but, on the evidence of Q1, it seems bought Opower for $532 million was up this morning, selling at have been following a similar pattern buying up cloud properties in an effort to fight off disruptive forces. mention. more likely that the euro zone will giving it a vertical utilities cloud $7.91 a share with a market cap of As for this deal, the Opower board has approved it and it awaits standard regulatory and stockholder At one point, two Israeli math- scale 2 percent, not the U.S.," said solution. I can’t be sure, but I think almost $427 million. approvals. Oracle expects the deal to close some time later this year. ematicians floated, and later re- Steve Barrow, head of G10 strate- I see a pattern here. Opower gives Oracle a stron- tracted, the notion that bitcoin was gy at Standard bank. Opower provides cloud data ger position and a ready supply of created by the founder of Silk Road, "The upshot is that market expectations for U.S. growth might solutions for the utilities industry. customers in the cloud utilities an online bazaar known for trade What that means in practice is that market, where it already is offer- in various illicit goods. be too high – as investors take their cue from the Fed's forecasts – it gathers data from utilities like ing products. ” “Together, Oracle Conspiracy theorists have PG&E, Exelon and National Grid. Utilities and Opower will be the even speculated it could have been while those for the euro zone are too low." The company stores and analyzes largest provider of mission-criti- the work of some shadowy gov- Bond yields fell across the over 600 billion meter reads from cal cloud services to utilities,” ernment agency — no one's say- board, with U.S. Treasury yields 60 million utility customers via its Rodger Smith, senior vice presi- ing which government — to un- down 3 basis points across the cloud service, according to Oracle. dent and general manager for Ora- dermine established currencies or curve from two-year maturities out This data lets their subscribers stay cle Utilities Global Business Unit somehow monitor online transac- to 30-year maturities. The bench- ahead of customer and regulatory said in a statement. tions. (That theory depends on the mark 10-year yield was at last at requirements and find greater effi- As Oracle struggles to find a unproved notion that the creator 1.83 percent US10YT=RR. ciencies. place in the cloud market in which retained the ability to decode bit- Crude oil prices drew support While that kind of application it competes with AWS, Salesforce, coin's encryption.) from the weaker dollar, inching has a somewhat limited market, it’s Microsoft, Google, IBM and oth- Vice magazine once suggested back up towards Friday's 2016 likely lucrative and the company ers, it’s using its checkbook to ex- Nakamoto might be Gavin An- highs. U.S. crude futures CLc1 rose counts over 100 utility companies pand its position. While the com- dresen, an American software ex- to $45 a barrel, slightly below the from around the world as custom- pany’s financials have shown some pert and early bitcoin enthusiast 2016 high of $46.78 hit on Friday ers. Unfortunately, that hasn’t progress in the cloud, it has made who has helped push bitcoin for- but 80 percent above February's translated into great stock perfor- the bulk of its money over the ward in Nakamoto's absence. An- low. mance for Opower, which went years selling licensed software and dresen has denied it — and on Spot gold XAU= also got a public in April, 2014 after raising hardware. Monday declared that he believes boost from the weak dollar, rising almost $66 million. Moving to a subscription Wright is Nakamoto. above $1,300 an ounce. It went public at a healthy $23 model in the cloud is not an easy WEDNESDAY. MAY 04, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES

I DIDN’T GET Fawad Khan grabs INTO MUSIC BECAUSE I HAD third spot on Times TO: SANWAL 'Most Desirable ESAKHELVI When Attaullah Esakhelvi brought Men 2015' list up the prospects of taking up a After grabbing the top spot on the Times Celebex list and beating super- stars Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, Fawad Khan has now made his way on yet another celebrity list. Times has just revealed the ‘Top 50 Most Desirable Men 2015' and not surprisingly, our very own Pakistani heartthrob is among the top three stars! Although Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh and Indian cricketer Virat Kohli are number one and number two on the list, Fawad was ranked higher than Hrithik Roshan, Sidharth Malhotra and Ranbir Kapoor. Times Internet is the largest Indian Internet Network and the digital venture of Times of India, India’s largest media and entertainment group. Regarding Fawad’s ranking, Times writes, “Charming looks, deep singing career with his parents, he barritone, and tonnes of charisma — this Pakistani actor has it all.” was promptly asked to leave the house and to this day, he recalls his father’s dislike for his career choice. Several decades later, when roles were reversed and the folk icon was in his father’s shoes, he willingly let his children chase their dreams. As soon as he turned four, the young Sanwal Esakhelvi was con- sidered old enough to accompany his dad on stage. Over the years he developed his own sensibility for music, getting a chance to see leg- ends such as Mehdi Hasan, Mad- Celebrities and the elite unleashed am Noor Jahan and Nusrat Fateh tech-themed haute couture at the Ali Khan in person and learning Met Gala on Monday night in New from the larger-than-life figure that York, lighting up the Twittersphere his own father is. much like a dress worn by Claire Today the musician and sound Danes. engineer that he is, Sanwal said he Danes caused an early flurry on social media wearing a Zac Pos- never wanted to take up music as en dress, similar to Cinderella’s ball a profession. “I was always into gown, which was illuminated from sports but then an injury forced underneath as she walked the red music to take over,” he told The carpet. The Twittersphere briefly Express Tribune. While reading for mistook the “Homeland” actress a degree in sound engineering at for model Heidi Klum. City University London, Sanwal Pop singer and co-chair of the got a chance to lay his hands on a Gala, Taylor Swift, however ap- peared to win the night. True to special project. “I worked on two the “Manus x Machina: Fashion minutes of The Lord of the Rings in an Age of Technology” theme sequel while studying,” he proud- for this year’s Costume Institute ly recalled. exhibition, “Tay Tay” shimmered Starting out professionally in a silver Louis Vuitton gown, with film music and drama OSTs, black lace-up heels and boldly dark Sanwal instead found his calling lipstick. with electronic music. Play of colour: Models flaunt bridal, formal wear at ramp event Today he closely follows the Swift’s date for the night, Sel- work of James Blake and John ena Gomez, also rocked the red Hopkin, two artists that inspire Has Sussanne reunited carpet wearing Vuitton. “Am I cra- him with their technique and use zy? I like how Taylor Swift looks? of equipment. “I am working on I think it’s editorial. #MetGala,” how to infuse electronic with folk, WITH HRITHIK? wrote editorial director of Paper playback singing and ghazal,” he Sussanne Khan has shot down lunch date with their children re- Magazine Mickey Boardman VIDYA added. (@AskMrMickeyv). speculation that she is getting back cently. Others didn’t take as well to BALAN IN Sanwal is of the view that with her former husband Hrithik Last week, Sussanne had also Swift’s selection. Fashion blogger sounds effects in Pakistani cinema Roshan, saying they will never rec- tweeted a picture of them in hap- Bryanboy (@bryanboy) quipped, have a long way to go. “The in- oncile. pier times in a show of support to “Taylor Swift had the worst shoes LOVE WITH dustry is growing and it will take a Sussanne, who raises two chil- the 42-year-old actor, who is em- I swear.” Kanye West and Kim few years for them to catch up to dren with Hrithik, separated from broiled in a bitter legal battle with the actor in 2014. "Queen" actress Kangana Ranaut. Kardashian showed up to the ball PAKISTANI the level of work being done ”twinning” in Balmain, prompting "I request people to stop spec- The interior designer took to abroad,” he said. ulating. There will never be a rec- Twitter to say that an image leaked the Fashion company to go viral DRAMAS Among other projects, Sanw- on Twitter with many users ex- onciliation with @iHrithik. But we online showing Hrithik hugging pressing their “over-it” feelings al is currently working on the vid- will always be good parents. Kangana was photoshopped. toward the line. eo of a Punjabi folk song shot in #no1priority," Sussanne posted on "pictures are photoshopped “MORE OF THIS, LESS London and Barcelona. Twitter. and untrue stories carry 2 much BALMAIN,” opined fashion writ- Almost all of Sanwal’s family Reports of the couple getting weight.another pic for d rec. I sup- er Jessica Schiffer (@jessic- members are associated with the back together surfaced when the port @iHrithik in this (sic)," Sus- aschiffer), retweeting an image of entertainment business. two were spotted together on a sanne had said. actress Emma Watson at tonight’s His mother, Bazgha Atta, was Gala in a Calvin Klein pant and a renowned actor who worked with skirt ensemble. Mother-to-be and “Scandal” star Kerry Washington popular artists such as Nadeem rocked a black lace Marc Jacobs Baig, Babra Sharif and Sultan Rahi dress with a new do – purple hair in her heyday. His elder brother – while Lady Gaga strutted the red Bilawal Esakhelvi is an actor and carpet in a Versace one-piece. director in London who is current- Ciara also furthered the con- ly directing a short film. His sister versation online with her metallic Laraib Atta is a visual effects art- hair and custom-made H&M dress. ist who worked on Ex Machina Beyonce, who has dominated the Met Gala red carpet in recent which won an Oscar for best spe- years, wore a Givenchy gown. The Actor Vidya Balan went gaga over cial effects. singer tops dress searches at the Pakistani dramas saying the “writ- Surrounded by artists in a gala on Google from 2004 to ing, production values, make-up household led by one of the great- present, according to Google- and performances” of the shows est folk artists from our part of Trends (@GoogleTrends). are just par excellence. the country, Sanwal may have She also lauded the work of found it hard to find his own voice. female actors and for adding Speaking about Sanwal’s career in “grace” with a “realistic” touch to an earlier interview, Attaullah had Baaghi shatters records with their performances. said, “I will be happy if he fol- Here’s the ultimate list of Pa- kistani dramas you must watch in lows my style but if he wants to its opening weekend collection 2016 sing light music and people like that, then he can go ahead.” How- Tiger Shroff and Shraddha how! Nadiadwala, Sabbir Khan and Ti- The Paa actor took to Twitter on Saturday to share her views. ever, to Sanwal, there’s no pres- Kapoor starrer, 'Baaghi' has tak- Baaghi has been witnessing ger Shroff have yet another win- sure at all and getting into music en the Indian and gulf markets exceptional numbers in India too. ner at hand with Baaghi this She posted: “Im liking my new by storm and hit the bulls eye! The film minted 11.94 cr (up- year! habit of watching Zindagi channel was a conscious choice. “I didn’t The Jaw Dropping stunts, dated) on Friday followed by Directed by Sabbir Khan, the on d mornings after my night get into music because I had to but which have been pulled off easi- 11.13 cr on Saturday and 15.51 cr film released on 29th April, 2016. shoots,d latest reason for my mas- because I was inspired by him ly by Tiger and Shraddha leaves on Day 3, Sunday with a 40% rufeeyat. Kankar is ace!” [Attaullah],” said the musician the audience stunned and makes jump. “I am hooked to Kankar, Mere who recorded Aa Mera Jaani with Harjai and Ek Mohabbat Ke you go whistle at the same time. The weekend total lands up to his father. Baaghi opened to a spectac- the phenomenal number of Rs. Baad...The writing, production values, make-up and performanc- Nonetheless, being Attaullah’s ular box office on Thursday! Gulf 38.58 cr in India alone. son also brings some default Box Office collections estimated With such figures, Baaghi has es are just par excellence,” she add- ed. weight of expectations. “I feel the to close at USD 232 K across all become the third highest opener pressure every time I look at the 66 screens. of 2016. Vidya, busy with TE3N and This is the highest opening This power packed Action film, Kahaani 2, further said: “So nice keyboard or the harmonium but I for Shraddha Kapoor, Tiger Baaghi has really raised the bar high to see good quality television! I don’t think about it,” he main- Shroff and Sabbir Khan in the for other upcoming action films particularly like the female tained, adding, “Sometimes, when territory. and certainly has set a bench mark. actors…so beautiful and I’m performing live, people expect This is higher than the open- Sajid Nadiadwala's Baaghi is a graceful…and their portrayals are that I will present folk the same extremely realistic.” ing day of 2 States, ABCD 2 and rebellious Love story which fea- way as my father but my vocal 3 times that of Heropanti! tures Shraddha and Tiger going Zindagi channel is a Hindi channel which airs Pakistani dra- texture is different, as is my ap- This just proves that the against all odds for love. pearance and even experiences so movie has been been loved and The Heropanti team of Sajid mas as well as serials from other cities in India. I do it my way.” WEDNESDAY. MAY 04, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Women's bantamweight champion Miesha Tate had options after she OKC survives choked out former titleholder Holly Holm at UFC 196 in March. She big mistakes in could have waited for a trilogy fight with inaugural women's 135-pound wild ending, As the sun sets on a Friday Men gather around an infor- champion Ronda Rousey, or faced evening, a few hundred Pakistani mal fighting ring before sunset. Holm in an immediate rematch. takes Game 2 men gather to watch the latest [Celia Peterson/Al Jazeera] Tate didn't want to wait around round of traditional Kushti fight- Back in the ring of sand, the for Rousey; she wanted an oppo- over Spurs ing. “Welcome to the International referee, an elderly man with a co- nent that she hasn't faced before. Game 1 of the Western Conference Kushti stadium of Dubai,” laughs lourful stick steps into the circle That's exactly what she got when Semifinals between the San Anto- one man, looking at the patch of and shouts for the fighters to UFC matchmakers lined up Aman- nio Spurs and Oklahoma City desert wasteland that lies ahead. present themselves. Contestants in da Nunes as her first title defense. Thunder was a huge shock for the Nestled between the Deira fish traditional Pakistani shalwar ka- Nunes thinks Tate made a big mis- extent to which the hosts domi- market and a busy roundabout, meez step forward from the crowd, take accepting a fight with her. nated in a series most expected to many of those in the crowd have dancing and jumping to a loud “I have all the tools to beat be extremely close. Game 2 hewed travelled far to watch just over an round of applause. Sparring part- you. I’m going to show every- closer to what most analysts hour of sparring before sunset. ners are then matched, at which body,” Nunes said to Tate during a thought would transpire, but it Hailing from a 3,000-year her- point, the men change into bright- recent press conference promot- ended up just as surprising for the itage spanning India, Pakistan and ly coloured underwear. Music from ing the event in New York. wild events of the final few sec- Iran, Kushti fighters traditionally bagpipes fill the air, creating a car- The fourth-ranked Nunes onds. adhere to strict training pro- nival-like atmosphere. The fight- plans to exploit ‘holes' in Tate's It's best to start with that fin- grammes, focusing on building their ing begins with massive cheers skill set and dethrone the champi- ish, because it's sure to be a point sporting prowess. They’re expect- from the excited crowd. on no matter where the fight goes. of discussion in the run-up to Fri- ed to live a pure life where diet is Shahed is focused. He later “I think Miesha, as a fighter, day's Game 3 and perhaps an inci- strictly controlled to maximise says he never realises notices the she has a lot of holes in her game. dent spoken of for years to come. muscle, and drinking, smoking and crowd around him until the fight is Her stand-up, ground game. I have Down 98-94 with 18 seconds sex are banned. It is steeped in tra- over. As the referee explains the all the tools to beat Miesha. She’s remaining, the Spurs caught a ma- dition with a mystical and philo- rules, Shahed and his opponent rub beatable. I’m going to beat Miesha jor break when Serge Ibaka fouled sophical heritage. sand all over their bodies in prep- wherever, stand-up or the ground LaMarcus Aldridge on a three- Mohamed Shahed is a 23-year- aration for the bout. game,” said Nunes. point attempt five seconds into the old Kushti fighter from Pakistan “Our teachers tell us the dirt Nunes is on a three-fight win- possession. Aldridge nailed all who is currently working in Dubai in the ring is like our mother,” he ning streak, and the 27-year-old three attempts to cut the margin as a labourer, sending most of his says. At the referee signals, the two Brazilian is determined to move to one point, although the Thun- meagre daily wages of 60 dirhams lumbering men begin to grapple. from contender to champion when der still looked in good shape with ($16) back home to his wife and The fight lasts only a few minutes, she faces Tate at UFC 200 in the a chance to go back up three points three children. He’s here to both with Shahed clearly outsizing his T-Mobile Arena on July 9 in Las after free throws. Billy Donovan alleviate his poverty and make his opponent. He soon has him Vegas. called his team's final timeout to name in Kushti on an international pinned. The crowd erupts in ap- advance the ball for the ensuing level. Sometimes he lifts heavy plause. Though he is out of breath, inbound pass, and everything loads for 12 hours a day. When Shahed is beaming. looked set to play out as a fairly he’s not working, he is training for “I’m becoming the fighter my Kimbo Slice negotiates steroid settlement normal late-game scenario. his next fight. He trains in the parents dreamed I would be. I feel Then all hell broke loss. Dion mornings and wrestles on Fridays like I’ve touched the sky.” Waiters struggled to get the ball in during the weekly competition in The euphoria doesn’t last long, for failed drug test in Texas against pressure from Manu Gi- Deira. though. A few months later, Sha- nobili and finally lobbed a high- Shahed comes from a long lin- hed realises he’s not making enough Kevin “Kimbo Slice” Ferguson has ris) at Bellator 149, which took Kimbo reportedly waived the right $4,000 fine. Despite the license re- arcing pass for Kevin Durant, who eage of fighters - his father, grand- money to feed his family back in reached a settlement with the Tex- place on Feb. 19 in Houston. to a hearing, instead agreeing to a vocation, Bellator is moving ahead lost his footing first and the ball father, and great-grandfather all Pakistan. Getting a job that pays as Department of Licensing and Though Kimbo initially was silent $2,500 fine and the revocation of with Kimbo headlining the promo- second for a Danny Green steal. practised Kushti fighters. His better proves to be difficult, so he Regulation regarding a drug test that on the matter, following Bellator his license to fight in Texas. Ac- tion's first event in London. He The Spurs had a 3-on-2 break that now-deceased father dreamed of is forced to make the painful deci- showed nandrolone, an anabolic booking him for the main event of cording to TDLR records, Kimbo's squares off with James Thomp- looked likely to finish in a go-ahead Shahed becoming a famous fighter sion to give up on his dream for steroid, and an elevated testoster- Bellator 158 on July 16 in Lon- license was originally slated to ex- son in a rematch of their EliteXC basket, but it was not to be: and making their family proud. now and return home. one-to-epitestosterone ration in don, his camp negotiated a settle- pire on March 4, 2017. His fight fight from May of 2008, which The scramble for the ball in the his system. The TDLR oversees ment with the TDLR, according with Dada 5000, initially a victo- Kimbo won. There is no mixed aftermath of Patty Mills's three ate regulation of the state's combat to an initial report by ry, was also changed to a no con- martial arts regulatory body in up the final seconds to help the sports. The drug test in question MMAJunkie.com. There was no test. The settlement was a lessen- England, so Bellator will instead Thunder grab a 98-97 win that stems from Kimbo's fight with explanation as to why the TDLR ing of the original 90-day suspen- use the International Sport Karate evens up the series at 1-1. It was Dada 5000 (real name Dhafir Har- lessened Kimbo's punishment. sion, license revocation, and Association to oversee the event. just the second loss for the Spurs in 45 games at the AT&T Center this season and registers as partic- ularly incredible given their domi- nance in Saturday's Game 1. Those were secondary con- cerns right after the buzzer, though, because all anyone wanted to talk about was Waiters's interaction with Ginobili right before his pass to Durant. As TNT commentator Chris Webber immediately ex- claimed and replays showed, Wait- ers elbowed Ginobili near the top of his chest to create space. There are replays in the video above, but here's another look: I have watched lots of basket- ball in my life and never seen a player push an opponent in this manner to get space for an inbound pass. Lead official Ken Mauer said the same and believed a foul should have been called if someone had seen it: To be fair, the sideline view of the incident shows that Ginobili stepped on the sideline, which is a violation by the rulebook: Dion Waiters sitting at his lock- er, scrolling through his phone postgame: "He stepped on the line anyway" — Anthony Slater (@an- thonyVslater) May 3, 2016 On the other hand, it's tough to argue that shoving an opponent is a suitable response to that in- fraction.

"Well now we're going to believe them, well now we're gonna believe them, well now we're gonna believe them...they've gone and won the league." Leicester City, Premier League champions? Believe it! Has there ever been a more extraordinary sporting triumph? It's almost impossible to think of anything that bears comparison. This was a club who were bottom of the league and staring at relegation not much more than a year ago. A club which had never won the league in their 132-year history. Being in the midst of the delirium reminded me of being on the Champs-Elysees when huge numbers celebrated France winning the 1998 World Cup in Paris. Part of both celebrations was the diversity of those involved A club classed as 5,000-1 outsiders when the league started in Au- gust. Imagine predicting it back then. You'd have been laughed at, dis- missed. A club with a manager, Claudio Ranieri, whose appointment in last summer was sneered at. A club with journeyman players who seemed no more likely to be "Player of the year contenders" than charter a rocket to space. (Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy went on to win the major awards). And this is the Premier League. The world's top league, dominated by the richer clubs, and where the starting point for clubs such as Leicester is to avoid relegation. And here we are in May, with the city of Leicester dizzy with joy. A friendly, modest, diverse city full of people who never thought they would see scenes like these, results like these, days like these. And here I am, surrounded by the world's media. And they are in this English Midlands city from all corners. This is a big story wherever English football is watched. This is a front-page New York Times story. This is why Holly- wood is interested in a story on Leicester striker Jamie Vardy, a factory worker five years ago, now an England international coveted by Eu- rope's top clubs. But the point is that this is a team. A group of players who showed where hard work and togetherness can take you. Captain Wes Morgan epitomised their spirit - a man making use of every ounce of his talent having been dismissed by critics for years. And the role of coach Ranieri provides lessons for all football, all society. Respect for his players, simplicity in tactics. Common decency shining through to show that management can be about people respond- ing to encouragement. Nice guys can win. You think a single one of those Leicester players would want to let him down? WEDNESDAY. MAY 04. 2016-Saur 15, 1395 H.S Vol:X Issue No:273 Price: Afs.15

Regional Infrastructure Development Fund - RIDF BMZ-ID 2010 66 562 2011 65 034 2013 65 048 2014 67 885 Invitation for RIDF Bidders’ Conference for Construction Companies

By Akhtar M.Nikzad Potential bidders are invited to participate in a Bidder’s Conference if they have extensive MoD aims to increase construction work experience for mid-size infrastructure projects in the following sectors: Education (building of schools), Decentralized Power Supply, Irrigation and Flood Protection, Roads and female intake to 5,000 Bridges; and Water Supply and Sanitation. The Ministry of Defense (MoD) is hoping to in- crease the number of women in the ranks of the na- tional army to at least 5,000 in the next 10 years. The projects are financed by the German Development Bank (KfW), in the scope of the German Speaking at an event on women's roles in the Development Cooperation with Afghanistan, and being implemented through the Regional army, the MoD's advisor in women's affairs, Wazh- ma Frogh, said: "We have earmarked 5,000 positions Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), conditional to actual budget allocation. The average size for women and the MoD has to ensure 5,000 are of the infrastructure projects implemented in the six Northern Provinces Samangan, Balkh, Baghlan, appointed in different positions within the next 10 Kunduz, Taloqan and Badakhshan is between 500,000 and 1,500,000 Euro. The total RIDF years." The director of human rights and gender at the MoD, Zahir Azimi, stressed the need for the pres- budget is limited and is including actually up to 3 or 4 projects per province. ence of women in the army. "Fortunately, a lot of KABUL: A women affairs watch- women which would be registered efforts have been made over the past few months to Afghan and international contractors with a base in Afghanistan having a valid AISA registration, dog has launched a website to help in the mentioned address,” she stat- improve conditions [for women] in areas of capacity the financial capacity and experience as General Contractors in the design and construction in the women fight harassment through ed. building, recruitment and creating a safe environment," advice and consultation programs. The website is believed to help said Azimi. "Opportunity should be fostered, so that specific sector(s) named above, are herewith invited to attend a one day “RIDF Bidders’ “The website will help ladies only those women who have ac- women will be able to protect women in all areas," Conference” anticipated to be held in between 16 – 18 May 2016 in Kabul and/or Mazar-e- to send sexual harassment cases, cess the internet in the major cit- said Hasina Safi, a civil society activist. Sharif depending on the number of participants. and our legal consultants will give ies, while most of women do not them necessary recommenda- have information about the world The bidders’ conference is being organized based on previous positive experience with RIDF tions,” said Zarqa Yaftali, head of web in the rural areas. Taliban commander among Bidders’ Conference held in 2012/2013 in Kabul to provide guidelines and information to potential the Women and Children Legal “Fortunately sexual harass- bidders on the minimum requirements for the procurement of construction work contracts in the Research Foundation, who has ments and annoyances are very seven killed in Zabul launched the website. limited in the rural areas compared implementation of projects financed under German Development Bank (KfW). This will give She expressed concern about with the cities,” said MP Nilofar AT News Report potential bidders a better understanding of the procurement processes with focus on increasing the harassment and annoyance of Ibrahimi. She said that the most KABUL: Commander for a group of the Taliban quality of submitted offers, provides opportunity to companies to determine their interests in seeking women, saying it mostly takes cases registered in the provinces insurgents was killed along with six of his compan- out the project and also if their company is qualified to accomplish the work. place in the society, work place were sexual assaults, while wom- ions in the southern Zabul province, the Ministry of and education centers. en have only experienced harass- Interior said on Tuesday. Interested attendees shall kindly request a registration form by e-mail from: [email protected] clearly “The website is a particular ments and bothering in the cities. The commander has been identified as Ahmad stating Registration to RIDF Bidders’ Conference in the subject line. It is hereby emphasized address for ladies to offer their Women’s right supporters Agha, who was active mostly in the Meezan district, that only one (1) delegate may represent their company. complaints about men’s harass- have alleged always that due to where he and his comrades were killed, according to a ments, and the figures would be disapproval of law on elimination statement issued by the ministry. The deadline for submittal of completed registration form is on 12 May 2016. published annually on the web- of violation against women by “During an armed conflict between Afghan Na- site,” she said. Lower House of Parliament viola- tional Police and armed Taliban, seven armed Taliban Yaftali said that sexual violence tion cases against women have in- were killed including commander Ahmad Agha,” the is a widespread phenomenon and creased. statement said. no place is safe for women. There are several types of sex- It added that four other Taliban insurgents were Grontmij-GOPA-INTEGRATION “We plan to sign an agreement ual harassment, including verbal, injured, while no casualties for the security forces with Ministry of Women’s Affairs non-verbal and physical. In public were reported. and judiciary organs to prosecute places physical harassment occurs Taliban have not yet commented regarding the the serious violation cases against more than other types. incident.

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Regional Infrastructure Development Fund - RIDF Regional Infrastructure Development Fund - RIDF BMZ-ID 2010 66 562 2011 65 034 BMZ-ID 2010 66 562 2013 65 048 2011 65 034 2014 67 885 2013 65 048 Prequalification 2014 67 885 Design and Construction – Rural Electrification Project in Northern Afghanistan Prequalification Rural Electrification Project in Takhar Design and Construction of 2 km Asphalt Pavement, Mortared Stone Masonry Side For the purpose of providing electricity to rural villages, a construction project Drainage, Road Crossing and Access Way Slab Culverts in Northern Afghanistan in the energy sector is planned for execution in Taloqan District, Takhar Prov- BLK-R-2015-02 - Asphalting of 2 km Dasht-e-Shor Road in Nahr-e-Shahi District, Mazar- ince, Afghanistan: e-Sharif, Balkh Province. · TKH-E-2014-02 – Transmission and Distribution Network Hazar Sumuch, The existing Dasht-e-Shor Road has thin layer of gravel in very poor condition with lots of Takhar Province depression and potholes, always muddy and very difficult to drive during winter or rainy days. Main items of the project are survey and design, construction of 15 km 20 kV The drainage system existing on both sides are also in poor condition. In order to provide transmission lines, installation of five transformer substations and construction better access for people, goods and social services; the reduction of vehicle operating cost; of a low voltage supply network (approx. 13 km). reduction in dust pollution and flood; and to improve safety, comfort and durability, the road The project is financed by the German Development Bank KfW, in the scope of will be upgraded to a bituminous surface. the German Development Cooperation with Afghanistan, and will be implement- Main items of the project are engineering survey, design and construction. This includes ed through the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), conditional topographic survey, geotechnical survey, traffic count assessment and pavement design; design to actual budget allocation. and construction of mortared stone masonry side drainage, road crossing and access way slab Afghan contractors and international contractors with a base in Afghanistan with culverts as well as installation of pavement markings and signs. experience as General Contractors in the design and construction of electrifica- tion projects – preferably in Northern Afghanistan – are herewith invited to ap- The project is co-financed by the German Development Bank KfW, in the scope of the German ply for prequalification for above project. International contractors are explicitly Development Cooperation with Afghanistan, and will be implemented through the Regional encouraged to form Joint Ventures with national/local contractors. Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF). Tendering will be undertaken according to KfW-Development Bank’s “Guide- Afghan contractors and international contractors with a base in Afghanistan with experience as lines for Procurement of Goods, Works and associated Services in Financial General Contractors in the design and construction of roads and associated structures – Cooperation with Partner Countries” (May 2007, last updated in September preferably in Northern Afghanistan – are herewith invited to apply for prequalification for above 2013), which can be downloaded at project. International contractors are explicitly encouraged to form Joint Ventures with national/ local contractors. https://www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de/Download-Center/PDF-Dokumente-Rich- Tendering will be undertaken according to KfW-Development Bank’s “Guidelines for tlinien/Vergabe-E.pdf. Procurement of Goods, Works and associated Services in Financial Cooperation with Interested contractors shall request the prequalification documents by e-mail Partner Countries” (May 2007, last updated in September 2013), which can be downloaded from [email protected] clearly stating “Transmission and Distribution Net- at work Hazar Sumuch, Takhar Province” in the subject line. The request for https://www.kfw-entwicklungsbank.de/Download-Center/PDF-Dokumente-Richtlinien/ the prequalification documents must contain the full name and address of the Vergabe-E.pdf. applicant, including contact telephone and e-mail. Interested contractors shall request the prequalification documents by e-mail from info@ridf- Contractors fulfilling these requirements will receive the prequalification docu- af.org clearly stating “Asphalting of 2 km Dasht-e-Shor Road, Mazar-e-Sharif, Balkh ments via e-mail. Province” in the subject line. The request for the prequalification documents must contain the This notice is published in parallel in “Nachrichten für Außenhandel (NfA)”, full name and address of the applicant, including contact telephone and e-mail. Germany. Contractors fulfilling these requirements will receive the prequalification documents via e-mail. The deadline for submittal of the completed prequalification documents is 02 This notice is published in parallel in “Nachrichten für Außenhandel (NfA)”, Germany. June 2016. The deadline for submittal of the completed prequalification documents is 02 June 2016.

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