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‘US MUST ENSURE THAT PAKACTS LIKEANALLY’ Former Afghanistan President Ha- mid Karzai spoke to The Sunday Guardian. Excerpts: ON EXPECTATIONS FROM PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: Plenty... My advice to him (President Donald Trump) would be to do an in depth analy- sis of what is going on in Afghani- stan. Must also consult deeply with the regional countries, those who have concerns about the situ- ation in Afghanistan, concerns about the rise of new forms of ex- tremism in the region, namely Daesh (ISIS). It’s time for the US China to and for the Indian government to think deeper and go back to the support uplift drawing board. ON ADVICE TO PRESI- DENT TRUMP: We know that projects heavy handed military action in AT News Report Afghanistan did not bring the de- KABUL: Finance Minister Eklil sired result, rather it caused mas- Hakimi and Urban Development sive alienation of the Afghan peo- Minister Sayed Saadat Mansoor ple and suffering to the Afghans Naderi met with Yao Jing, Ambas- By Farhad Naibkhel and to the Americans. Hoping to- sador of People’s Republic of Chi- wards change in Pakistani behav- na to Kabul on Tuesday, talking KABUL: The Attorney General iour towards Afghanistan or poli- on Beijing’s support to the con- Office (AGO) ordered the arrest Policemen kill five Taliban cies on the whole did not bring them struction and development of nine bodyguards of First Vice what they were seeking. Pakistan projects in Afghanistan, the min- President Abdul Rashid Dostum to escape captivity continued to do what it wanted. istry of finance said. on charges of abduction and sexual AT Monitoring Desk On both these fronts the US must “They discussed bilateral co- assault of Ahmad Khan Ishchi, change track. One, begin to help operation between Afghanistan former Jawzjan governor. He was KABUL: Two police officers managed to escape Taliban captivity after Afghanistan in reconstruction, in and China, fund and implementa- allegedly kidnapped on 25th No- killing five fighters of the insurgent outfit in Baghlan province, provin- improvement of the economy of tion of developing projects, build- vember, and was under captivity cial officials said on Tuesday. Spokesman for the provincial police chief, Afghanistan rather than wasting ing 10,000 residential apartments, for 16 days. Zabihullah Shuja, said that the two escaped policemen were captured in resources on military action in Af- railway, construction of new build- “The prosecution team of Burka district of the province on Monday. “A police unit arrived in the ghanistan. They should start look- ing of Ministry of Finance in Dar- AGO has decided to issue arrest area after two policemen had killed five insurgents. The policemen fought ing at Afghanistan as a place where ul-Aman and some other impor- warrants of nine bodyguards of the the insurgents for three hours before leaving the area with the two they can invest and earn from. tant subjects,” it said in a state- first vice president on charges al- comrades that had been captured,” TOLOnews quoted the spokesman, Secondly, on Pakistan, they ment. leged against them. They were al- as saying. must be very clear that a country “Minister of Finance thanked leged of kidnapping and raping Ish- However, the terrorist group did not comment, so far. that they call ally must become an China for its support to Afghani- chi,” AGO’s spokesman Jamshid It is worth mentioning that Taliban insurgents in their spring offen- ally and follow the same objectives. stan.” Ambassador of People’s Re- Rasuli said. He added that AGO sive have carried several attacks in Afghanistan. However, the Afghan You cannot be allies and yet walk public of China reassured his coun- “would put utmost efforts to ob- security forces pushed them back in all fronts. in two different directions...one try’s continued support in fund- serve the law, and we want the ar- Last year, the Afghan security forces rescued more than 100 police- seeking an end to extremism and ing and implementing developing rest warrant to be implemented” men and Afghan Local Police from the Taliban siege in the Baghlan-i- the other, promoting extremism. projects, according to the state- Markazi district of northern Baghlan province. See P2 See P2 ment. The Role of People in Implementation of the Citizen’s CharterProgram Despite many difficulties, our brave people came together and took an active part in their country social-economic growth for the sake of development. As observed, their active role in implementation of welfare projects of the National Solidarity Programme of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD/NSP) had a positive impact on development process across the country. A standard mechanism has been put in place to help villagers select their representatives serving within the framework of Community Development Councils (CDCs) established through transparent democratic election process almost in every community of Afghanistan. Over more than a decade of operations, the CDCs have been able to make decisions at community level and the same councils consisted of both men and women elected representatives have been accepted by people. Meanwhile, these CDCs have always been cited as a prime example of local leadership considering the competence and capabilities they had. The CDCs have received certain national fame by implementation of thousands of NSP welfare projects as well as resolving many conflicts amongst villagers in the rural communities. In addition, more than 10% community contribution (labor, cash or in-kind) in the execution of projects was another positive role played by the CDCs at village level. The CDCs established through the NSP will carry on the development activities uninterruptedly although the NSP has ended successfully after an operation period predicted for this community-driven development program. In fact, the CDCs are the executors of people’s decisions as they play a vital role in progressing the communities that they are representing towards reconstruction, proper leadership, problems resolution and socio-economic growth. It means the decisions taken by the CDCs are indeed the ambitions of the communities. In order to foster sustainable development, alleviate poverty, improve livelihoods, advance rural and urban areas and promote socio-economic growth the National Unity Government has initiated another extensive development program called “Citizen’s Charter Program” upon successful completion of the NSP. The Citizen’s Charter Program, very identical to NSP, will make great achievements and will lead the country towards development in many aspects of life. Indeed, the success of the Citizens’ Charter will be more prominent since it is committed to developing the urban areas besides the rural communities of Afghanistan. With due consideration to its design, the success of the Citizen’s Charter is embedded into active participation of communities. People, therefore, have to play a vital role in advancing their communities under the Community and Urban Development Councils functioning in the form of Cluster Community Development Council (CCDC). As far as the Citizen’s Charter is an inter-ministerial program and is a bilateral commitment between Government and people, it facilitates grounds for communities to actively participate in the reconstruction and development of their communities across Afghanistan. Furthermore, the experiences acquired by the CDCs over past one decade prove that they could also help the Citizens’ Charter move towards success. In addition, people have learned from the NSP how to enhance their capabilities, ensure unity and fraternity among people, foster accountability and transparency, contribute towards their projects, monitor projects from maintenance and sustainability viewpoints. The villagers have already known their responsibilities as they pretend that the projects are their own property. Since these projects have been built by them, they always attempt to monitor them in terms of transparency, sustainability and operations. Moreover, one of the main tasks and responsibilities of people in Citizen’s Charter is to observe line ministries’ activities in order to create accountability in the disbursements made for projects implementation. The essential role of people in Citizen’s Charter has been approved and hopefully we will witness further achievements in this regard. In other words, the activities of line ministries will be monitored by the CDCs and UDCs as the President addressed the CDC representatives in the inauguration ceremony of the Citizen’s Charter Program: “You should take account of every single Afghani; however, you will give counting for every single Afghani too. What is the reason behind this? We are blamed for corruption on a daily basis. Do you think that the world would agree on a one-milliard dollar program with us if the National Unit Government would not make measures to combat the corruption? This is why we are being observed for ensuring thorough transparency”. WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 25, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

KABUL — Over the past eight years, Afghans have become in- creasingly disillusioned with the American role in their country. Many blamed President Barack Obama’s policies for an increase in Afghan corruption, for air at- tacks that killed civilians, and for a foreign troop presence that failed to stop Taliban insurgents and was pulled out too quickly. So it is not surprising that, like American voters who supported Donald Trump out of a longing for change, many Afghans are looking to his presidency as a chance for a fresh start. Most know little about Trump except that he may do something bold and unexpected. For now, that sounds appealing. “Obama was too predictable. Sometimes a small dose of mad- ness can be good,” said Davood Moradian, director of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies. He suggested that Trump’s bluntness and “masculine” approach may be useful for deterring the insurgen- cies that are thwarting Afghani- stan’s path to stability and devel- opment. “We need to work against both state-sponsored terror and violent attacks by nonstate actors,” Mo- radian said. “He may put some discipline into them.” A variety of Afghans inter- viewed in the capital also ex- pressed the hope that Trump would bring decisive action and sharp attention to the region’s problems. Many singled out Paki- stan as a neighbor that has med- dled destructively in their coun- try, especially by supporting the Taliban, while reaping the benefits of U.S. military aid as a partner in the war on terrorism. “We ask Trump to put im- mense pressure on Pakistan to power and are far less trusting of “The United States remains the close the training centers for ter- other regional governments such as indispensable actor in Afghanistan, rorists on its soil,” said Taj Mo- Russia’s, with its history of mili- and most Afghans want them to hammad Ahmadzada, 53, deputy tary intervention here. Many nev- remain despite their grievances. No Afghanistan: The taboo of sexual rejection director of the Afghan journalists er forgave the United States for one else can fill that vacuum,” union. Afghans, he added, expect abandoning Afghanistan after the Moradian said. Zarmina, 36, lives in Herat city to have sex with her, the court has so sad that so many women don’t course with me, but he that not Trump to “interact honestly with Soviets withdrew in 1989, and “The U.S. presence is the less- Afghanistan” after years of “vague they worry that it could happen er evil,” he added. “The greater evil with her husband Juma Gul, a driv- the right to order their separation.” understand Islamic law and so only rejected my request but also policies” that he said have fostered again. is anarchy.” er, and his second wife. But social pressure and the think that their husbands have the beat me.” suspicions that Washington has had “I got married to Juma Gul 17 fear of public disgrace mean that right to deprive them of sex. She said that although Islam a self-interested “secret agenda” in years ago, but after six years he few women pursue this course of “Many women in Herat have gave her the option of ending her the region. married another girl,” she said. action. the misconception that since Is- marriage, she feared that might Trump made little mention of AGO issues warrants . . . Ever since then, her husband Nafisa, 40, lives in the Naw lam has permitted men to have only make her life worse. Afghanistan in his campaign, and From P1 has refused to have sex with her. Abad neighbourhood of Herat city many wives, men therefore also “Due to fact that my parents his few remarks have been contra- “It’s so hard to feel like a wid- and has been married toAbdul have the right to deprive their first don’t want me to, I cannot divorce dictory. He has vowed to crack as soon as possible. tured by the first vice president in ow even though your husband is Qayum for 25 years. and second wives of sexual inter- my husband.” down on Islamist extremism and Moreover, he added that pre- Sheberghan, the capital city of still alive,” she said. “It’s so hard “I got married when I was 15, course after their third and fourth Immediately after this inter- violence but has shown little ap- viously, official letters were sent Jawzjan province. The incident for me to express how I feel.” but after the birth of my third baby marriages.” view, the IWPR reporter wit- petite for nation-building. He has to the First Vice President Office took place in a Buzkashi match on For more than a decade, my husband married again. He has Second or third wives often nessed the woman’s husband con- said he would reluctantly keep over the allegation to summon the 25th November. Zarmina said that she had felt un- not had sex with me for the last 19 put pressure on their husbands to fronting her and threatening to some U.S. troops in Afghanistan, accused guards. However, he said “My father was beaten in front loved and sexually frustrated. years,” she said. reject their first wife. shoot her dead if she returned to but only because of potential that they received no response in of spectators in Buzkashi play- “Whenever I wanted to be in- “Some nights when I wanted “There is a famous saying in his house. threats from Pakistan’s nuclear ar- this regard. ground by General Dostum’s timate with my husband and ap- to be close to my husband, I pre- Herat which says that a young “You have insulted and embar- senal. Afghanistan’s First Vice Pres- bodyguards and later taken to Dos- proached him only to be rejected, pared his bed in my room, but he wife is always envious; therefore, rassed me in front of my colleagues Trump on Friday spoke by ident Abdul Rashid Dostum was tum’s house,” his son added. accused of kidnapping, beating and He added that his father was I would go and kiss the holy Ko- was with his second wife. I would I don’t want my husband to have by complaining that I have de- teleconference from Washington ran and ask Allah for patience and call to him from my room to spend sex with his first wife,” said So- prived you of sex,” he shouted. with U.S. troops at Bagram air base torturing a rival, Ahmad Khan Ish- in captivity of Dostum for five chi. However, General Dostum days and then handed over to in- forgiveness, because there was no the night with me, but he would maya, 30, who married Dawood But most women simply suf- in Afghanistan while he was on- way I could leave my house and just insult me.” when she was just 12 years old. fer in silence, feeling powerless to stage at an inaugural ball. He told rejected the allegation and said that telligence personnel, and was re- he was arrested by the National leased after 11 days. satisfy my desires by having sex Nafisa said that her husband Somaya, who lives in the 6th change their situation. them, “I’m with you all the way,” with another man.” began mistreating her and even beat district of Herat, said that she was Syed Bibi, a resident of Guzar and added, “Keep fighting; we’re Directorate of Security (NDS) in He said that his father was a Jawzjan. political rival of the first VP. He To make matters worse, she her. After five years of this, he sent indeed intensely jealous of her hus- Baraman in Herat city, married her gonna win,” but he made no spe- shares a small house with Juma Gul her to live in her brother’s house in band’s first wife, adding that it was husband Ahmad when she was 18 cific comments about the Afghan As soon as Ishchi’ case took also remained as Jawzjan gover- surfaced in media, General Dos- nor and police chief. and his second wife, and their the Safi Abad area of Herat. common amongst her community years old. conflict or the U.S. military’s role rooms are directly opposite each “During these 15 years, Ab- for men to have three or four wives. Now 44, she said that her hus- in it. tum rejected allegations regarding The calls to arrest vice presi- abduction, torture and sexual abuse dent’s bodyguards are coming at a other. dul Qayum never visited my “It has been 18 years since I band had little interest in a woman Despite their eagerness for In Islam, it is obligatory to brother’s house to see me and he married Dawood, but I don’t think of her age. change, Afghans are ambivalent of Ishchi by bodyguards under his time when Afghan people and civ- authority. il society activistshave come hard wash one’s entire body after hav- never tried to be intimate with me,” that I have ever permitted my hus- “Ahmad went to Iran 14 years about whether they want Ameri- ing intercourse, and Zarmina said she continued, adding that he had band to have intercourse with Noor ago and got married for a second can troops to remain. They have “He was detained by the NDS on the government over impunity for his fueling insecurity and fund- culture in the country which has that it was obvious her husband also refused to support her finan- Bibi, his first wife.” time to an Iranian girl,” she said. been outraged by incidents of -ci- and his second wife enjoyed an cially. Abdul Bari, head of criminal “After this second marriage, he vilian casualties, such as a mistak- ing the anti-government elements,” shattered the foundation of legal the first vice president’s office said and justice system. active sex life. Nafisa now washes clothes, investigations at Herat police head- used to come to Herat just for 10 en airstrike on a combat zone hos- “The worst part of my life takes in sewing and does shifts at quarters, said that the problem or 12 days each summer. When pital that killed 42 people in 2015, in a statement at that time. They believe that the law is The statement termed the al- only for poor and ordinary Afghan that I’ve suffered over the last 11 a pistachio processing factory to was widespread. Ahmad stayed in Herat, he had sex and offended by allegations of years is to wake up in the morning earn enough to feed and clothe her “Many men who have multi- with me just once or twice.” American troops insulting Islam. legation as a devastating movement masses. According to them, pow- by unknown clusters against Gen- erful people violate laws on daily and see my husband’s second wife children. ple wives violate their rights by Syed Bibi continued, “Every The troop presence has been both taking a bath after having had sex Asked why she remained mar- refusing to sleep with them,” he year I asked him to come to Herat a lightning rod for Taliban attacks eral Dostum. “This allegation is basis, but the government cannot and a deterrent. leveled to defame the first vice pres- arrest members of the elite class. the previous night with my hus- ried, Nafisa replied, “I didn’t di- said, noting that it was impossible at least once every two months so “We do not trust the Ameri- ident.” Earlier, Shekib Ishchi, son They also accused the government band.” vorce my husband because I am a to get a clear understanding of the we could be intimate; however, it can government. It has used our of Ahmad Khan Ishchi said that of failure to bring its powerful Under Islamic law, a man can Muslim woman and the separation issue as so few women made for- never happened.” soil and people for its own goals,” his father was kidnapped and tor- wings before the law. take up to four wives but is sup- of a wife from her husband is con- mal complaints to the police. Last year, Ahmed divorced his said Sahar Gul, a taxi driver in his posed to treat them all equally. In sidered a great disgrace and shame.” “Herat is a province which is Iranian wife and treated Syed Bibi 30s. “I very much hope Mr. Trump practice, the first wife is often re- Mahbooba Jamshedi, director dominated by deep-rooted cus- more kindly during his annual sum- pulls out all the troops from our From P1 ‘US MUST ENSURE THAT . . . jected when her husband remarries. of Herat’s department of women’s toms and cultures, so people rare- mer visit. country, because the invasion has Although openly discussing affairs, said that men refusing to ly come to the police with such “But after a few days after he brought us more misery, deaths, ON REPORTS OF PAK USING CHEMICAL WEAPONS ON PA- such intimate matters is taboo in sleep with their wives was a wide- cases,” he said, adding that when got to Herat, he made a third mar- destruction and enriching of the SHTUNS: There is no doubt that they have those weapons, but wheth- Afghanistan’s conservative soci- spread complaint. such complaints were made they riage, to a 24-year old girl who was warlords.” er they have used it or not, I don’t know. I have never heard of a thing ety, IWPR spoke to a number of “Women come to my office and were passed on to community one of our neighbours,” she said, On the other hand, many Af- like this before, but this is something we must go and look at more women in the western city of Her- ask me, ‘how are we supposed to councils for arbitration. adding that her life had become ghans see the U.S. military pres- deeply. at who said that their husband’s satisfy our desires if our husbands “The police respect local trib- even worse since this latest union. ence as necessary to ward off in- ON ISI LINKS TO KANPUR RAIL TRAGEDY: So it was sabo- second marriage had ruined their will not have sexual intercourse al customs, so we don’t order the The three of them shared a surgent aggression that their own tage rather than accident. Our experience in Afghanistan shows that lives. As well as bitterly resenting with us?’” judicial authorities to intervene in house, with Syed Bibi’s room just forces cannot handle alone. They they (ISI) are quite capable of doing things like that. Here, if this is the years of being refused physical Maari Maihandyar, a prose- such cases.” opposite that of her husband and complain that Obama withdrew case then it is condemnable in the strongest possible way. One of the intimacy with their husband, some cutor dealing with gender violence However, IWPR spoke to one his third wife. She said that she most forces too soon, at the end of most important common causes that we have between our two coun- said that they had been denied the in Herat’s attorney general’s Of- woman who decided to take legal could hear all their romantic talk 2014, and they are relieved that he tries, Afghanistan and India, is the question of extremism, using religion chance to have more children. fice, agreed that it was a problem, action in an attempt to put pres- and that it was unbearably humil- later allowed about 10,000 to re- and exploiting religious sentiments towards radicalism and that unfortu- Most Islamic scholars agree albeit one that women found it hard sure on her husband to be intimate iating when it was clear the two main and has sent a contingent of nately is done in Pakistan... That has to change. that it is forbidden for husbands to talk about. with her. were having sex with each other. Marines to bolster the fight in be- ON CHINA’S REFUSAL TO CALL MASOOD AZHAR A TER- to forgo sex for more than four “Due to the fact that our so- Speaking to IWPR after she “Since my husband’s third sieged Helmand province. RORIST: China is a very close friend of Afghanistan. I know that China months, and Sharia law allows a ciety is dominated by conserva- had filed her complaint in the po- marriage, he has not had sex with “The failure of Afghanistan is knows what is going on in Pakistan. China suffers itself from extremism wife to seek a divorce if her hus- tive traditions, it’s shameful for lice station, the 30-year-old wom- me even once,” Syed Bibi said. the failure of America, and it seems and terrorism. We have had conversations with India on how to curb it, band is unable to satisfy her phys- women to complain that they have an, a resident of the Bakar Abad “My husband blames me because the war is heading for total fail- where inevitably the name of Pakistan comes up. The same is with ical needs. been deprived of sexual inter- area of Herat city, asked to remain I am too old and he has made it ure,” said Sayed Fatah, 25, a uni- China. We talk to them and this name comes up inevitably and very “Satisfying sexual desire is one course,” she said. anonymous. clear that he wants to live with his versity student. “Trump needs to often. Now what happened in the UN I am not privy to, but certainly of the two main purposes of mar- “Women register their cases as “Ten years ago I got married 24-year old wife.” review Obama’s policy and find someone like Masood Azhar is a bad element and we should join hands riage in Islam,” said Abdul Wahid violence,” Maihanyaar continued, to my husband, a police officer,” Syed Bibi said that she was out where the fault lies. We do not in naming him what he is. Asimi, the director of Herat’s de- “When we investigate, we some- she said. “Two years ago my hus- too ashamed to file for divorce, want troops withdrawn because of ON EXPECTATIONS FROM INDIA, US ON MORE MILITARY partment of haj and religious af- times find out that the real reason band got married for the second afraid of bringing disgrace upon the situation we are in, but at the SUPPORT: I spoke about the United States. India is a tremendous fairs. “When a man deprives his is that their husbands refuse to time and since the time of that herself and her family. same time, we do not want the sta- friend. India has been a kind friend. A country that has been at the wife of sexual intercourse, he will have sex with them.” marriage he has not had sex with She added, “I will never for- tus quo to go on for an -indefinite forefront. A country that went beyond its means to help Afghanistan. have to answer to Allah for his ac- Abdul Qadir Rahimi, head of me. give my husband for not fulfilling There are thousands of educated youth that have been trained in period.” tions.” the regional office of the Afghani- “In my letter of complaint, I his responsibilities as my husband Several analysts noted that for India...the development projects, the schools, the dams... India is a good buddy! And we like it very much and we are thankful. He added, “If a woman com- stan Independent Human Rights wrote that for two years I had asked for so many years.” all their complaints, Afghans have plains that her husband has refused Commission (AIHRC), said, “It’s my husband to have sexual inter- (IWPR) long accepted the primacy of U.S. (Sundayguardianlive) WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 25, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Will Washington and Moscow come

together on Eight female students graduated on Tuesday from USAID’s Engineer- ing and Architecture Internship program in Kabul. Afghanistan? The program was established by USAID in 2011 and so far, 23 fghanistan could offer a good platform female internship students have for cooperation between Moscow and the graduated. A The program provides intern- new government in Washington, Russian ex- ship opportunities for female stu- dents at Kabul University and perts say. They explain what the country Kabul Polytechnic University en- means to the Kremlin today. rolled in architecture, and civil, electrical, or mechanical engineer- Following the transition of power administration no longer insists on ing fields. MERGENCY in Washington, Russian observers unconditionally backing Ghani, During the internship program, E have identified new opportunities then Moscow may offer Washing- female students are exposed to the CALLS for Russian-American cooperation ton a new form of joint action for practical aspects of architecture on Afghanistan. Initially, Russia the regulation of the Afghanistan and engineering and are provided Police gave the impression that it had a question," surmises Dubnov. with opportunities to strengthen positive view of the US and Afghanistan could became a their professional and interperson- NATO mission in Afghanistan. In topic of Russian-American nego- al skills in the process. 100 - 119 the first few years, Washington tiations, believes Malashenko. If “The effects of this program and Moscow actively worked to- "Islamic State" maintains its strat- will extend beyond the intern’s gether. But the deterioration of bi- egy of being active in Afghanistan graduation date,” said USAID Hospitals lateral relations towards the end in the long run, then the country Mission Director Herbie Smith. of the 2000s led to Russia and the could become an area where Mos- “We are creating a network of portunities that include design and programs after completing their versity, emphasized his apprecia- FMIC Hospital West drifting apart on the issue. cow and Washington could work successful and skilled women with- collaborative processes, field vis- one year internships. Others are tion to USAID for providing op- Behind Kabul Medical in Afghanistan who will work to For example, Washington criti- together in the fight against terror- its, program management, and working or furthering their educa- portunities to female architectural University: cized alleged secret negotiations ism. build an empowering future for project implementation. They are tion, including a few graduates and engineering students. “The Afghan women in engineering and ussian diplomats held with "It would be good platform for also assisted with and encouraged working outside of Afghanistan. Internship Program has given me a 0202500200-+93793275595 that R architecture, as well as Afghani- representatives of the radical Is- cooperation and negotiations," to apply for job opportunities Mohammadullh Ebrahimi, Lectur- clear vision for my professional stan’s future.” within their fields of study. Sev- er and Vice President of Student career”, said Zulaikha Ahmadi, a lamic Taliban in Afghanistan. The says Malashenko. The interns are provided op- Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital Russian Foreign Ministry claims (DW) en were hired to work on USAID Affairs at Kabul Polytechnic Uni- USAID intern. (Tolonews) that no such negotiations have ever Pule Bagh-e- Umomi taken place. 070263672 By the end of 2015, the aim of Russia's Afghanistan policy was already to initiate dialogue with the Khairkhana Hospital Taliban, said the Central Asia ex- 0799-321007 pert Arkady Dubnov in an inter- view with Deutsche Welle. He 2401352 pointed out that at the time, the Russian special envoy for Afghan- istan, Zamir Kabulov, spoke of Indira Gandhi Children shared interests with the Taliban. Hospital, Wazir Akbar Dubnov says that in recent years, the Kremlin has re-evaluat- Khan, Kabul 2301372 ed threats emanating from Afghan- istan. Formerly, Russian leaders feared that Afghanistan's instabili- Ibn-e- Seena ty could spread to neighboring Pul-e-Artan, Kabul states in Central Asia and thus pose a threat to Russia. "These 2100359 days, Moscow realizes that as a political force in Afghanistan, the Wazir Akbar Khan Taliban - even if it is of a radical nature - does not pose a threat to Hospital Central Asia, which Russia sees as 2301741, 2301743 its sphere of influence," explains Dubnov. US to deploy hundreds of Ali Abad Marines to Afghanistan The US will send 300 Marines Shahrara, Kabul to train Afghan forces in the em- 2100439 battled Helmand province, adding to nearly 10,000 US troops still in the country. The Taliban claimed Malalai Maternity most of the opium-making region Hospital after NATO withdrawal. (07.01.2017) 2201377/ 2301743 Alexey Malashenko, research director at the Dialogue of Civili- Banks zations Research Institute and ex- pert at the Carnegie Moscow Cen- Da Afghanistan Bank ter, agrees with Dubnov. "There is no need to fear that any instability 2100302, 2100303 in Afghanistan could spill over into Russia. This danger simply does Bakhtar Bank not exist," said Malashenko to DW. 0776777000 He believes that Russia's ac- Azizi Bank tivities with regard to Afghanistan should not be overestimated. Mos- 0799 700900 cow is well aware of the fact that Pashtany Bank Afghanistan is one of the most problematic countries in the region, 2102908, 2103868 he says. According to Malashen- ko, the Kremlin has no objection Air Services to involvement in mediation and peacekeeping, as long as it does not cost anything. "Russia has no Safi Airways significant interests in Afghani- 020 22 22 222 stan," says the expert. He adds his picture, taken in 1962, shows two female medicine students at the University of Kabul listening to their that it is impossible for a relative- professor as they examine a plaster showing a human body part. At that time, women played an active role in Ariana ly poor country like Russia to have T its finger in every pie: "Moscow Afghan society. They also had access to education and were able to take up work outside home. 020-2100270 already bears the costs of the Eur- asian Economic Union, Crimea, the Donbass region, Abkhazia and Kam Air Syria." Furthermore, he says, the AFGHANISTAN: 0799974422 trade volume with Afghanistan is worth only a billion US dollars: WHO Hotels "There are barely any Russian in- vestments there." Safi Landmark Afghan government under CONTROLS pressure 020-2203131 Despite all this, Moscow WHAT wants to fill the vacuum after Since the Taliban was ousted from SERENA NATO troops leave Afghanistan, power following the US invasion believes Arkady Dubnov. Howev- of Afghanistan in 2001, the armed 0799654000 er, in his opinion, that is not the group's control over parts of Af- As President Trump inherits the snational terror groups cannot use anything like an efficient manner. ghanistan has fluctuated widely. Afghanistan is focused on counter- only reason why Moscow has a war in Afghanistan, the best piece it as a base for another 9-11 type The nation needs to decentralize terrorism rather than nation-build- New Rumi Restaurant heightened interest in Afghanistan. According to a recent report by the Special Inspector General of advice anyone can give him is attack on the American homeland. and give provincial governors the ing, we are probably right-sized for 0776351347 The expert feels that the Kremlin for Afghanistan Reconstruction that this is about as good as it is We would make a mistake if we power and resources to actually the mission at this time. Perhaps is trying to pit the different ex- (SIGAR), the Western-backed Af- going to get. The government con- totally left Afghanistan at this improve conditions while holding the mix of forces could be tinkered tremist groups in Afghanistan ghan government has lost control trols the major population areas point as we would lose any con- them accountable for real progress. with, but our presence gives the Internet Services against each other. "It is well- and the Taliban controls some trol over countering some kind of A direct transfer of funds from of nearly 5 percent of its territory Afghan government a bargaining chip UA Telecom known that the Taliban and the 'Is- to the Taliban since the beginning largely Pashtun dominated swaths ISIS-like revival in the country. The Kabul to the provinces would cut with the Taliban. The Taliban want 0796701701 / 0796702702 lamic State' terrorists, within of this year. of territory along the Pakistani Taliban themselves may be repug- out layers of Kabul bureaucracy, foreign fighters out of the country; whose ranks men from Central The report says the area un- border. Warlords of various ethnic nant to many Americans, but they each of which takes its cut. Cor- we want foreign jihadists out of the Asian countries are fighting, are der Afghan government "control or origins control large areas in the are not a transnational threat. The ruption is a given in that part of country. Getting the Taliban to agree Exchange Rate pursuing different interests in influence" decreased to 65.6 per- north and the west. None of this is continuing NATO/American pres- the world, but the layers of cor- to keep al Qaeda and ISIS out of the northern Afghanistan, and that cent by the end of May from 70.5 an immediate threat to the vital ence in Afghanistan should be ruption between Kabul and the areas they control as a precondition Purchase: these differences can be reinforced percent last year, based on data security interests of the United viewed as an insurance policy. provincial governors is debilitat- provided by US forces in Afghan- for US/NATO withdrawal would be by supporting the Taliban - and States. The Taliban will not over- First, it is a relatively inexpensive ing. If the governors are given re- a major step in the war on terror. istan. run the major cities, nor will the hedge against a resurgence of for- sources to create progress and held One US$ = that includes with weapons," said That amounts to a loss of 19 The Trump doctrine, as it is devel- Dubnov. government be able to exert true eign fighters who might use Af- accountable, they will be more pro- oping, does not appear to be to with- 66.77Afs of the country's approximately control over the more remote ar- ghanistan as a base for plotting at- active in fighting corruption as it According to him, establishing 400 governing districts. draw totally from the world, but it One Pound Sterling= dialogue with the Taliban would However, the commander of eas of the country due to its lack tacks against the United States or will make them look bad. The point seems to be aimed at ensuring that also put pressure on the govern- US forces in Afghanistan, Army of usable roads and communica- its closest allies. The Russians here is that the kind of changes the investments we make overseas 80.95Afs ment of Afghan President Ashraf General John Nicholson, said the tions. We got into the war in Af- have too much baggage regarding decentralization would require are in time and troop presence reflect One Euro = Ghani, whom Moscow has con- Taliban presence is mostly in rural ghanistan because we wanted tran- the Afghans for them ever be able an Afghan matter. Until they solve American interests rather than blind 70.05Afs sidered to be a puppet of Wash- areas. snational radical Islamists out. Al to accomplish such a mission. that internal problem, American altruism. We should diplomatically ington - at least under the Obama Afghan officials, on the other Qaeda is largely gone, and although Americans may not be universally efforts at nation building and coun- encourage the Afghans to decentral- 1000 Pak Rs = administration. hand, say an exact figure on areas ISIS would like in, there are no in- loved by Afghans, but our pres- terinsurgency are money flushed ize their government, continue to 612Afs Expectations of Washington controlled cannot be measured as dications they are welcomed by ence is tolerated in a way the Rus- down the toilet. We can advise the build up their logistical capability Moscow expects US President the fight against the Taliban and any of the major Afghan players. sians could never achieve. Afghan- Afghan government diplomatical- to combat terrorism, and encourage Sale: other armed groups is still ongo- This does not mean that we should istan’s real problem in developing ly on what it should do to make a peaceful settlement with the Tali- One US$ = Donald Trump to set new focuses ing. in Afghanistan policy. The Krem- leave Afghanistan entirely, but it itself more is something the US things better for its population, but ban that brings them into the gov- 66.97 Afs Based on reports gathered by does mean that the nation building cannot help it with. It is a country until the Afghans make real chang- ernment as political party. If we can lin is particularly interested in find- Al Jazeera from local police, secu- phase of that war is over. Our con- that has a centralized system of es, our development money should One Pound Sterling= ing out whether Washington is will- rity forces and the Taliban, here is accomplish those three goals, we 81.75Afs tinuing military presence in the strong government on paper, but be spent elsewhere while the Unit- may actually be able to say that the ing to withdraw the last 9,000 sol- a conservative estimate of the ar- nation is about right-sized for a the infrastructure of the nation ed States focuses it aid to Afghan- One Euro= diers from Afghanistan and to dis- eas in Afghanistan that are contest- war was worth the effort. continuing counterterrorism cam- does not allow for that government istan on counterterrorism issues. (Smallwarsjournal) 70.65 Afs continue support for the current ed, under the Taliban, and under paign to ensure that radical tran- to deliver goods and services in If our investment in resources in Afghan president. "If the new US government forces. (Aljazeera) 1000 Pak Rs= 620 WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 25, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

NEW DELHI — In the traditional bull-wrestling sport of jallikattu, men compete for prizes based on their ability to ride or hold on to a bull that is released into a crowd. Former president Asif Ali Zardari walks.” “The man has managed to But after years of complaints has urged US President Donald get a majority in states where it about cruelty to the animals, the Trump to seize an opportunity was never imagined that the Dem- Supreme Court issued a ban on the missed by the Obama administra- ocrats could lose,” he said. “So practice, leading to protests in the tion and appoint an envoy for the how do we underestimate him?” southern state of Tamil Nadu over South Asia region. He added that the US presi- the past week. The Pakistan Peoples Party dent must play the role of a mod- On Monday, those protests co-chairperson urged Trump to erator between Afghanistan and Pa- turned violent when the police appoint a high-level envoy to kistan as the wars against terror- tried to evict demonstrators from South Asia, as soon as possible, ism in both countries are the same. Marina Beach in Chennai, Tamil and work towards defeating ter- “We’re losing the battle of minds Nadu’s capital, and several other rorism — something former US against extremists in Afghanistan, districts, The Hindu newspaper President Barack Obama failed to we’ve lost it in Pakistan, we’ve reported. do. “[Do] what [President] Obama lost it in Syria, we’ve lost it in The newspaper said protest- never did — Obama never had Yemen, we’ve lost it in Iraq, we’ve ers, who had gathered at the beach proper interaction with any Paki- lost it Libya, we’ve lost it every- in support of jallikattu, refused to stani chief executive,” he said. where,” Zardari said, ‘requesting’ leave and blocked the roads near Zardari further urged critics to Trump to contact regional, as well Marina Beach and many other lo- give him a chance to make his mark as world leaders and draft a new cations. They said that the sport, in South Asia rather than “dismiss policy regarding the issue. long associated with a winter har- him out of hand”. “With the world being as it is, vest festival, was central to their During an interview with The with the mindset of terrorism as cultural identity. Washington Times, Zardari who the new war in the world,” he said, Protesters also attacked a po- recently attended Trump’s inau- “the least [the US. can do is sit lice station in Chennai, burning gural ceremony, said, “It’s too down with us and have a long, automobiles parked out front and early…wait for the first 90 days drawn-out strategy, which we can more than a dozen two-wheeled at least, and then we see how the work on together to fight this mind- vehicles, the NDTV television cookie crumbles, or talks and set.” (Tribune) channel said. Local news media reports said hundreds of people were detained. The local police, reached by phone, refused to release figures India and UAE hold for the number of people arrested state’s lawmakers to adopt an emergency law allowing the practice to continue, The Hindu reported, though it was not clear whether that and injured, or to discuss violence superseded the Supreme Court ruling. perpetuated. PETA India has said that bulls were often given alcohol and “poked with spears, knives and sticks” during the competition, in which men win Prime Minister Narendra prizes if they successfully hold on to the hump of a bull for a particular distance or length of time. Seventeen people died and about 1,100 people first defence talks Modi had said he appreciated the were injured in the festivals from 2010 to 2014, according to PETA India, which tallied injuries and deaths reported in local news media. rite’s cultural significance, and not- Jallikattu seemed to be going ahead elsewhere in Tamil Nadu, where a police officer in the Virudhunagar district died Monday afternoon after India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have held their first strategic ed that the court was reviewing its he was injured by a bull, a police official said. “The policeman was injured by the bull while on duty at the jallikattu and trying to save people,” dialogue with a view to expanding defence ties and related trade and ruling. The protests prompted the the official said in a telephone interview. (NYtimes ) industry links. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that officials from the two countries engaged in talks on defence, security, electronics, and information technologies and space. The talks coincide with the visit of 69 Pakistanis the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahy- Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina’s an, to India on 24 January. in Saudi jails The ministry said the talks are geared towards identifying opportu- nities that can lead to co-operation on the production of defence equip- on terror ment under New Delhi's 'Make in India' campaign. (Janes) visit likely to be delayed further The much-anticipated visit of requires the consent of West Ben- Hasina, early December had “We are at fortunate phase of charges Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh gal Chief Minister Mamata Ban- told reporters in Dhaka, “I am go- our history and we hope there will At least 69 Pakistanis are being Sri Lanka: More than a Hasina to India is likely to be de- erjee, who is protesting the NDA’s ing to India, I am not going with be no obstacles to future solu- held in Saudi Arabia for their al- layed further, top Bangladeshi of- government’s demonetisation any conditions… discussion is on tion… The horizon of bilateral re- leged involvement in terror-relat- ficials indicated at New Delhi. move. for Teesta river water sharing and lations has become a sunrise hori- ed offences. third of government “Both the prime ministers (Naren- Since Mamata has overtly ex- we are hopeful”. zon,” Akbar said at an event here The most recent arrest came dra Modi and Hasina) have been pressed her dissatisfaction, the In October, Modi had met yesterday. A senior Bangladeshi on Saturday when Saudi security revenue goes toward busy and she herself had been very Bangladesh administration, keep- Hasina on the sidelines of BRICS- official said, “We (India and Bang- forces rounded up Fatima Ramadan busy with meetings and (WEF at) ing everything in mind, realised BIMSTEC Outreach Summit in ladesh) have to take note of each Balochi Murad along with her Sau- Davos. So, we have not finalised that it was not a suitable time to Goa. At the invitation of Hasina, other’s sensitivities and vulnera- di husband from an apartment in servicing Chinese loans any date as of now,” a source said. discuss the Teesta issue, the Dha- Modi visited Bangladesh in June bilities and sustain dialogues with al Naseem district, Saudi Gazette 2015 was a major turning point for bo Port City Project, the govern- Asked if the visit would be ka Tribune reported last month. 2015. an open mind.” (Indianexpress) reported Monday. Murad was de- Sri Lanka as a nation. It was a year ment has been bound to grant fur- happening sometime in February tained in a security operation that saw the Sri Lankan people ther concessions that would give as expected, he said, “We are still launched after a firefight and sub- reject a corrupt and authoritarian Chinese owners even more control not sure about it. Maybe, we will sequent blowing up of two sus- regime led by Mahinda Rajapaksa over the project. A debt for equity having a meeting next week and pected terrorists in Jeddah on Sat- and move decisively towards de- swap for the uneconomic Hamban- work out on the dates.” During urday. This is not the first time mocracy and communal reconcili- tota Port will effectively hand over Minister of State for External Af- Pakistani citizens have been sus- ation. The new government under control of the port to China. fairs M J Akbar’s visit to Dhaka pected of perpetuating terror in President Maithripala Sirisena and Despite these problems, Sri last month, Hasina’s press secre- the kingdom. Prime Minister Ranil Wickremes- Lanka is still a country with big tary Ihsanul Karim had said she In July last year, a Pakistani inghe also signalled a return to Sri ambitions. Sri Lanka has long as- (Hasina) has plans to visit India suspect Abdullah Qalzar Khan Lanka’s traditional ‘balanced’ for- pired to become an Asian trading and officials of the two countries blew himself up near Solaiman eign policy, away from its previ- hub like Singapore. The govern- would work out the schedule. Fakeih Hospital in Jeddah, which ous tilt towards China. Sri Lan- ment sees Singapore’s model for Hasina was earlier expected to led to the arrest of as many as 49 ka’s decision to turn away from development as having special sig- leave for New Delhi on December Pakistani residents who were put authoritarianism, kleptocracy and nificance for Sri Lanka. Just as Sin- 18 to discuss a wide range of bilat- under interrogation. communal division augurs well for gapore successfully leveraged its eral issues with her Indian coun- Meanwhile, a terror attempt, its long-term future. But 2016 geographic position between the terpart Modi, but the plan got which involved two Pakistanis — stands as a reminder that Sri Lan- Pacific and Indian Oceans, the hope postponed. Solaiman Arab Deen and Farman ka must still pay the price for past is that Sri Lanka can leverage its The postponement had come Naqshaband Khan, was also foiled policies before it can move forward position in the middle of the trade amid speculation in the media in last October in Jeddah. The sus- with national renewal. routes that cross the Indian Ocean. Dhaka that it was not a suitable pects had planned to carry out Sri Lanka has long been the These aspirations are not new, but time to discuss Teesta water shar- blasts in al Jowhara Stadium. most economically developed state Sri Lanka now hopes to be able to ing issue given the preoccupation Through its communications in South Asia. Despite decades of break through the problems creat- of the government post-demone- portal, the Saudi interior ministry civil war its social indicators are ed during its 30-year ethnic con- tisation. revealed that 5,085 terror suspects still among the best in the region. flict, including weak institutions, A source in the Prime Minis- from 40 countries were undergo- But it is now paying the price for rampant corruption and loss-mak- ter’s Office in Dhaka and three ing detention in five intelligence past economic policies. After de- ing state-owned firms. Awami League policymakers had prisons in the kingdom. “There are stroying the Liberation Tigers of Looking beyond 2016, if sta- in December said the Teesta issue 4,254 Saudis detained in intelli- Tamil Eelam in 2009, the former bility and good governance can be gence prisons constituting the larg- Rajapaksa regime embarked on an restored then Sri Lanka could be est number of suspects,” it said. accelerated construction program well positioned to take advantage The Saudis are followed by 282 largely funded by foreign debt. The of the growing economic connec- PM may be summoned in Panamagate case: SC Yemenis and 218 Syrians. There are three suspects from the US and construction by Chinese compa- tions between East and South Asia. ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Sharifs to face legal repercus- mier may be summoned. The judge, Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday once nies of a port, an airport and a crick- Its geographic location and rela- one each from France, Belgium and Court (SC) on Tuesday said it may sions if London flats’ money trail however, clarified that such a move again denied allegations she was the Canada. (Tribune) et stadium in Rajapaksa’s home tively educated workforce could summon Prime Minister Nawaz not established: SC will only be taken after hearing the beneficial owner of London town of Hambantota, which now make it an attractive destination Sharif to record his statement in Justice Khosa told the JI coun- arguments of the counsels. properties.In her reply submitted lie largely unused, symbolise ev- for some industries that are mov- the ongoing Panamagate case. sel that the court will first hear the Meanwhile, Justice Gulzar in SC, the premier’s daughter also Pakistan conducts erything that was wrong with this ing out of Southeast Asia and Chi- The remarks were made by Ahmed observed that the apex rejected the correspondence be- approach. As a result, Sri Lanka’s na. Sri Lanka is well placed to be a Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who is court had declared in the Khewra tween Financial Investigation first flight test of foreign debt-to-GDP ratio in- major beneficiary of China’s Mar- heading a five-judge larger bench Mines case that it can record evi- Agency of the British Virgin Is- creased from 36 per cent in 2010 itime Silk Route initiative, which of the apex court to hear a slew of dence under Article 184(3) of the lands and Mossack Fonseca. Ababeel surface-to- to 94 per cent in 2015, with more involves developing infrastructure petitions against the Sharif family Constitution. Concluding his argu- Maryam’s response came a day than a third of government reve- and new special manufacturing over corruption, in response to a ments, the JI counsel said Nawaz after German newspaper, Süd- surface missile nue going towards servicing Chi- zones. It may also be in a position plea made by Jamaat-e-Islami had appeared in the top court sev- deutsche Zeitung — the original Pakistan on Tuesday conducted a nese loans. to play off other big investors, such counsel Advocate Taufiq Asif. eral times in different matters, source of the Panama Papers leaks Sri Lanka also regressed in as Japan and Singapore. successful test flight of the Aba- Asif requested the top court therefore, the court should sum- —, reaffirmed that the prime min- beel surface-to-surface ballistic trade. Rajapaksa moved to raise One big opportunity would be to summon the prime minister and mon him in this matter as well. ister’s daughter was connected barriers, including new para-tar- to use Sri Lanka’s comparative missile (SSM), the Inter Services record his statement regarding the “Everyone’s has doubts regarding with Minerva Financial Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a iffs, to Sri Lanka’s economy, re- advantage in port services as the ownership of luxury apartments stance of the counsels of PM the money trail of London flats Ltd, the company that owns the sulting in a real tariff rate of around basis for a broader shipping ser- statement. in an upscale London neighbour- Nawaz’s children and if there is given by the Sharif family,” he ar- Park Lane flats in London. Ababeel has a maximum range 30 per cent. Razeen Sally, a prom- vices industry, much as Singapore hood. anything required, then the pre- gued. Prime minister’s daughter (Tribune) inent Sri Lankan economist, argues used shipping as a foundation to of 2,200 kilometres and is capable that these measures effectively de- build its economy. Colombo Port of delivering multiple warheads globalised Sri Lanka’s economy, is already the biggest transhipment using Multiple Independent Re- reducing its trade-to-GDP ratio to hub in South Asia, with some 70 entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, 50 per cent just as Sri Lanka’s per cent of containers handled by an ISPR press release added. neighbours were moving towards the port destined for elsewhere, Bloomberg ranks Sri Lanka among "The test flight was aimed at greater global engagement. mostly India. validating various design and tech- 2016 was the year when the But a far bigger prize would nical parameters of the weapon bills really started to fall due. involve ‘opening the boxes’ and Growth slowed to around 5 per moving up the value chain just as highest risk countries for investors system," it said. cent in 2016, well below that of Singapore did, potentially turning Ababeel is capable of carrying India, its largest trading partner. Sri Colombo into a regional hub for Sri Lanka has been ranked among Norway has been listed as the low- domestic product, which according country risk score puts United nuclear warheads and has the ca- Lanka also suffered a debt and bal- logistics, maintenance, engineering the highest risk countries in the est risk country with the highest to them, could be inadequate to face States of America and United King- pability to engage multiple targets ance of payments crisis, with its and financial services. world for investors by Bloomberg, aggregate risk score of 96.5. Vene- sudden economic shocks such as dom as low-risk nations while Chi- with high precision, defeating hos- financial position only being tem- But this would require the which analysed as many as 29 in- zuela has been ranked as the high- hyperinflation and currency depre- na being risk neutral. Some com- tile radars, the ISPR elaborated. porarily stabilised through a government to take on the vested dicators covering financial, eco- est risk nation with an overall score ciation. Bloomberg forecasts Sri mentators argue for higher risk pro- "The development of the Aba- US$1.5 billion IMF rescue pack- interests in the shipping industry nomic and political risks. The of 3.1 as the entire Latin American Lanka’s unemployment in 2017 at files for the US and UK due to the beel weapon system was aimed at age. The government promised to and strengthen institutions, includ- Bloomberg country risk score, region battles with hyperinflation 5.2 percent – the only moderately victories of the populist movements ensuring survivability of Pakistan's implement new revenue measures ing tackling corruption and which measures a nation’s risk on and political chaos. Meanwhile, risk criteria for the country. “Un- in the respective countries by way ballistic missiles in the growing intended to limit budgetary deficit strengthening the rule of law. While a monthly basis based on a range Sri Lanka appears to be slipping employment can serve as a proxy of the presidency of Donald Trump regional Ballistic Missile Defence and it is negotiating a new trade Sri Lanka may have the potential from 0 to 100, put Sri Lanka at a further as its reserves adequacy for the overall health of the econo- and Brexit. Influenced by these de- (BMD) environment," read the score of 12, indicating a very high and inflation forecast also point to my. Long-term high unemployment velopments, populist movements deal with India. to one day become a ‘Bengal Ti- press release. But the high debt load has iron- ger’to rival some of the EastAsian overall risk relative to other nations. high-risk territories with each of levels eventually lead to less spend- are sweeping through Europe with A higher risk score indicates a less- those quadrants labelled in dark red. ing power among consumers, lower far right leaders making gains in Ger- The Ababeel test came on the ically made Sri Lanka even more economic tigers, this will require heels of a successful test of sub- beholden to China, constraining its hard decisions and disciplined gov- er overall risk relative to other coun- Bloomberg measures Sri Lanka’s tax revenues for governments and many, France, Italy and the Nether- choices. Despite an earlier pledge ernance. tries. The Scandinavian nations foreign reserves sans gold at 3.6 possible social unrest,” Bloomberg lands with their general elections marine-launched cruise missile to block the controversial Colom- (Guardian) topped the list and among them percent as a percentage of gross said. Meanwhile, the Bloomberg nearing. (Dailymirror) Babur-III earlier this month. WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 25, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief Sentencing hearing for Israel soldier convicted of manslaughter A sentencing hearing began Tuesday for an Israeli soldier Iran, Russia and Turkey will es- convicted of manslaughter for tablish a trilateral mechanism to shooting dead a prone Pales- observe and ensure full compliance tinian assailant, in a case that with the ceasefire in Syria, preven- has deeply divided the coun- tany provocations and determine try. exactly how the ceasefire will French-Israeli Sergeant work, the three nations said in a Elor Azaria, 20, arrived at the joint statement. military court in Israel’s de- Concluding the Syria talks in fense headquarters smiling and Astana, Tehran, Moscow and An- was applauded by his family, kara also said they supported the with his mother taking him in willingness of the armed opposi- her arms. tion groups to participate in the Azaria is not expected to next round of negotiations to be be sentenced in Tuesday’s held in Geneva on Feb. 8 and the hearing, though prosecutors implementation of UN Security may be given the opportunity Council resolution 2254. to request what his prison term It was not immediately clear should be. The hearing began whether Syrian opposition or the with procedural arguments. Damascus government backed the Azaria faces up to 20 years communique. in prison, though there have Syrian rebels are unhappy been reports that prosecutors with a communique establishing a will recommend between three ceasefire mechanism between Rus- and five years. sia, Iran and Turkey, an opposi- Prime Minister Benjamin tion delegate said. Netanyahu, who heads what "Iran is spearheading in a num- is seen as the most right-wing ber of areas military offensives and government in Israeli history, leading to forcible displacements has called for him to be par- of thousands of Syrians and caus- doned. ing bloodletting. This communique Right-wing ministers have legitimizes this role," said the del- defended Azaria despite top egate, who declined to be identi- army brass condemning his fied. actions in an extraordinary A second delegate, who said public rift between politicians the opposition would not endorse and the military. the communique, said Turkey had been weak in the negotiations and Europe needs unable to assert the rebel position. The meeting in the Kazakh new military capital comes at a time when Tur- key, which backs the rebels, and alliance: French Russia, which supports Syrian politician President Bashar al-Assad, each want to disentangle themselves NATO seeks closer ties with Jubeir: Optimistic French presidential front-run- from the fighting. ner Francois Fillon has called That has led them into an ad- for a new military alliance in hoc alliance that some believe rep- after contact with Europe after US President resents the best chance for Gulf, opens new center Donald Trump described progress towards a peace deal, es- NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg on Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and the individual cooperation programs NATO obsolete. pecially with the United States Tuesday called for boosting secu- United Arab Emirates are members with all our Gulf partners," he said. Trump cabinet Fillon, the former French distracted by domestic issues. rity cooperation with the Gulf of ICI while the remaining two Stoltenberg said that over the prime minister, said the new After facing each other to make states as the Western military alli- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) past year, NATO has trained hun- Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister international norms and regulations alliance must aim to protect the opening remarks on Monday, the ance opened its first office in the states -- Saudi Arabia and Oman - dreds of Iraqi officers in Jordan to Adel al-Jubeir said on Tuesday that after supplying Houthi militias in continent and fight Takfirism, rival delegations spent the rest of region. - plan to join. better fight ISIS. "We are now ex- the solution to Syria’s conflict Yemen with weapons. an extremist ideology which has the day negotiating indirectly "It will be a vital hub for co- Kuwaiti Foreign Minister tending our training and capacity- should be based on Security Coun- French Foreign Minister Jean- its roots in Saudi Arabia. through intermediaries and at times operation between the alliance and Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Sabah said building efforts into Iraq itself," he cil resolutions and the Geneva con- Marc Ayrault said that his coun- The leading contender for trading barbs. But the rebel side our Gulf partners," Stoltenberg the region is facing serious chal- said. NATO continues to fight ter- ventions. try and Saudi Arabia are leading a France's April-May election expressed optimism about Mos- said at the inauguration of the cen- lenges that require cooperation rorism in other ways, including Addressing a press conference battle against terrorism and extrem- made the remarks in an inter- cow's position. "We noticed a real ter in Kuwait in the presence of with international organizations. with direct support to the anti-ISIS held in Riyadh with his French ist ideologies. He stressed that view with Le Monde and understanding on the part of the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber "We face common security coalition, he said. The center will counterpart, Jean-Marc Ayrault, Saudi Arabia stands firmly against Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung Russians," Yahya al-Aridi, an op- Mubarak Al-Sabah. threats like terrorism, weapons strengthen the military-to-military Jubeir said that Astana talks terrorism. Ayrault added that a ahead of a meeting with Ger- position spokesman, told report- The center is based on the proliferation, and cyber-attacks. cooperation and the fight against should aim to reach a mechanism comprehensive political solution is man Chancellor Angela Merkel ers. "We understand that militari- Istanbul Cooperation Initiative And we share the same aspirations terrorism and extremism, Stolten- to broker a ceasefire in prepara- necessary to defeat ISIS in Iraq. in Berlin. ly they have achieved what they (ICI), which was launched by the for peace and for stability," Stol- berg said. The center will help the tion to return to the Geneva talks. The French foreign minister Washington, he said, is ag- wanted in Syria. Now they want NATO leaders in 2004 and aims tenberg said. Gulf states by providing advanced The minister said that Saudi- said the solution in Syria depends gravating the Takfiri threat as to translate this military achieve- to boost security links with the "So it is essential that we work training courses on cyber security, US relations are strong in all areas on the political transition in accor- he urged Europe to "organize ment into some sort of political Middle East, in particular Gulf more closely together than ever energy security, chemical, biologi- and that his country would respect dance with the Geneva convention itself", citing Trump’s "aggres- deal. That has to be a ceasefire." Arab states. before. We have now developed cal and nuclear weapons. (AFP) the decision of the American peo- and international resolutions. “We sive discourse". Fillon did not Russian news agency TASS ple. He also said he looks forward demand the resumption of the elaborate on how the new alli- cited an early draft communique to cooperating with the US presi- Geneva talks on Syria under the ance would work with NATO. as saying Moscow, Ankara and dent Donald Trump’s cabinet, and supervision of the UN,” he said. Speaking to reporters after Tehran would commit to jointly that he is “optimistic.” Jubeir also He also announced that France his meeting with Mekel, Fillon fighting ISIS and Jabhat Fateh al- welcomed the United States is ready to cooperate with Saudi also condemned US fines against Sham, the militant group formerly strengthening its role in the region. Arabia in all political and econom- European banks. known as Nusra Front. They Jubeir said that Saudi Arabia’s ic fields. He cited US penalties on would set up a mechanism for tri- intervention in Yemen came after Jubeir said that Saudi Arabia’s German and French banks un- lateral monitoring of the ceasefire. the UN Security Council resolu- intervention in Yemen came after der the Obama administration But fundamental divisions re- tion and after Abdrabbuh Mansur the UN Security Council resolu- as examples of American uni- main between Russia and Turkey Hadi’s government sent a formal tion and after Abdrabbuh Mansur lateralism that the Europeans which could complicate the final request for help after the Houthi Hadi’s government sent a formal need to confront. text. Turkey and Russia may also coup. request for help after the Houthi “I think there’s a shared vi- be at odds with Iran, whose mili- Jubeir also discussed the prob- coup. Jubeir also discussed the sion by France and Germany tias are core to Assad's military lems between Saudi Arabia and problems between Saudi Arabia that we can’t let them impose strength and who rebels blame for Iran, which began after the Iranian and Iran, which began after the Ira- rules tailored for the US and its rights violations. Mohammed Al- revolution. He said that the rela- nian revolution. He said that the banking system that are nega- loush, a leader of the powerful Jay- tionship worsened when Iran relationship worsened when Iran tive tools for Europe,” Fillon sh al-Islam group who heads the adopted a policy to support ter- adopted a policy to support ter- said. rebel delegation, insisted he want- rorism, as well as committed war rorism, as well as committed war “I told Merkel we should ed to stop "the horrific flow of crimes in Iraq and Syria alongside crimes in Iraq and Syria alongside put all these topics on the ta- blood" in the six-year-old war. Hezbollah, based in Lebanon. Hezbollah, based in Lebanon. ble,” he said. (Reuters) Jubeir also said that Iran violated (Alarabiya) Fillon also called for the res- toration of relations between Europe and Russia to help con- front Trump’s “America First” BEIJING TELLS WASHINGTON TO YEMEN GOVT OBJECTS UN policy. ( Presstv) 'SPEAKANDACT CAUTIOUSLY' ENVOY SANAA MEETINGS WHO urges The internationally recognized Sharaf, the Foreign Minister for the enter into detailed discussions on government of Yemen says it ob- Houthi government. the withdrawal of forces and han- global alert for jects to the UN envoy to Yemen, Cheikh Ahmed concluded his dover of medium and heavy weap- Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed’s meet- visit with a call for a comprehen- ons. flu pandemic ings in Sanaa with the Houthi mili- sive political settlement to the cri- “There is an urgent need for tia and their allies. sis and the restoration of the ces- Ansar Allah and the General Peo- The World Health Organiza- The Deputy Prime Minister sation of hostilities. ple's congress to provide a well tion (WHO) has issued a new and Foreign Minister of Yemen, “It is mandatory that the par- elaborated plan on security, with- directive on the deadly avian Abdul Malik Mikhlafi, said in a ties end the violence to ease the drawal and handover of medium virus, inviting countries around press statement the UN envoy’s suffering of the Yemeni people and and heavy weapons,” he said, not- the world to monitor its out- meetings in Sanaa were unaccept- pave the way for a peacefully ne- ing that the plan constitutes an break and potential threats to able and inconsistent with his ob- gotiated settlement,” said Mr. essential part of the comprehen- human beings. ligations as an envoy. Cheikh Ahmed. sive peace agreement which is the "The rapidly expanding geographical distribution of During his visit to Sanaa, In his meetings, Ould Cheikh UN is aiming to implement. these outbreaks and the num- Cheikh Ahmed met with Hisham Ahmed urged representatives to (Alarabiya) ber of virus strains currently co- circulating have put WHO on high alert," WHO Director- General Margaret Chan said in Geneva. China has warned the United China Sea. na Sea are reasonable and fair. No Over the past few months, States not to make any rash com- "It’s a question of if those is- matter what changes happen in the highly contagious H5N8 ments about its islands in the South lands are in fact in international other countries, what they say or virus has been reported in at China Sea, urging the White House waters and not part of China prop- what they want to do, China's re- least 40 countries. Scientists to mind the facts and not interfere er, then yeah, we’re going to make solve to protect its sovereignty have raised concerns that bird in the territorial dispute. sure that we defend international and maritime rights in the South flu strains could mutate to be "The United States is not a territories from being taken over China Sea will not change,” the transmitted in humans. party to the South China Sea dis- by one country," said Spicer. spokeswoman said. Chan also mentioned that pute," Chinese Foreign Ministry China claims sovereignty over Spicer’s remarks followed following the rather “mild” pandemic of the H1N1 virus in spokeswoman Hua Chunying told nearly all of the resource-rich South similar comments by new US Sec- 2009-2010, more preparation is reporters at a press briefing in China Sea. Brunei, Japan, Malay- retary of State Rex Tillerson who underway globally for the next Beijing on Tuesday. sia, the Philippines, Taiwan and said during his Senate confirmation influenza pandemic. "We urge the United States to Vietnam also have territorial claims hearing that Beijing should not be According to WHO, 350 respect the facts, speak and act in the waters which are also an given access to the disputed terri- million doses of vaccine have cautiously to avoid harming the important trade route. tory. been promised for distribution peace and stability of the South In response to Spicer's com- under a certain agreement with Tillerson said the White House China Sea," Hua said. ments, China’s spokeswoman con- needed to send China a “clear sig- drug makers. In return, coun- Hua was responding to com- tinued to say that Beijing's sover- tries must share their virus sam- nal” that such activities had to stop ples in a move towards deriv- ments made by White House Press eignty over its territories in the and that its access to such territo- ing a pandemic vaccine. Secretary Sean Spicer who said South China Sea, artificial islands Washington intended to stop included, was "irrefutable" . ries was “not going to be allowed”. With regards to China, The comments prompted a Chan said it was not possible Beijing’s “takeover” of the South She however added that Beijing to rule out the possibility of China Sea. was also dedicated to protecting strong response from Chinese me- human-to-human infection in Speaking on Monday at the freedom of navigation in the inter- dia, warning that any attempt to two of the reported cases, but first daily press briefing of the national waters and was open to prevent China accessing its terri- pointed out that these exam- Trump administration, Spicer said talks with nations directly involved tories in the region risked sparking ples were not accounted as grim the US would “make sure that we in the regional dispute. a “large-scale war”. strains of the virus. (Presstv) protect our interests” in the South "Our actions in the South Chi- (Presstv) WEDNESDAY . JANUARY 25, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Do they Portent the Beginning Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, of the End for the EU? By Dr. Emanuel L. Paparella world, where fundamentalist Islam pable of conceiving the greater tionship with Russia, the same Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir is progressing…or do we want an good, it would appear that we are Russia whose banks are funding Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s independent nation, with people two or three bad elections away her election campaign. Graphic-Designer: far right National Front, seems able to control their own destiny, from the end of NATO, the end of The question persists: is Le Edriss Akbari, Bilal Yusufi poised to become the next Presi- or do we accept to be a region, the European Union, and possi- Pen at least partially right in con- dent of France in 2018. Political managed by the technocrats of the bly the end of the liberal world sidering what is going on a civili- Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: pundits are predicting her victory European Union?” order. The almost inevitable con- zational breakdown? More specif- following Donald Trump’s victo- She has gone as far as compar- sequence will be the return of ne- ically: once France is out of the Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0778894038, 0782344728 ry in the US. They aver that ing the European Union to the So- farious ultra-nationalism and fas- EUtoo (after Brexit), possibly fol- Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan Trump’s populism has paved the viet Union: “I don’t see why we cism in Europe and the loss of de- lowed by other copycats, can Eu- way for a veritable political revo- should recreate, virtually, this wall mocracy in America. Putin and his rope’s economic single market sur- Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 lution in Europe which portends between European countries and Trojan horses all over Europe are vive in any shape or form? Will to reshape the existing world or- Russia, unless to obey the orders waiting in the wing. Their strategy NATO and the Atlantic Alliance Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press der. of the United States, which up is simple: divide and conquer. crumble? Trump of course will not How so? Well, for one thing, until now, have found an interest To repeat the urgent question: be sorry for that, as his misguid- Le Pen wants the EU to withdraw in this.” She has moreover blamed are the lights going out; is it the edly appealing rhetoric to his mis- from NATO, alleging that it would the EU and the US for destabiliz- end of the West as we presently guided followershas made clear; The constitution says end American dominance in Eu- ing Europe’s relations with Rus- know it? indeed, the short term cost of alli- rope. She repeats Trump’s asser- sia, and has claimed that there is What I call “the Caligua Pres- ances is easier to see and assess Article 66: tion that NATO is now obsolete, not “a hair’s breath” between her idency” constituted by political than the longer-term benefits. Let’s Article Sixty-Six: The President shall take into consideration the supreme and has in fact declared publicly party and the UKIP regarding im- entertainment and double talk, has not forget that his span of atten- that Trump’s victory makes such migration and the European Union. begun, people unfortunately end tion is that of the time needed to interests of the people of Afghanistan to enforce the authorities enshrined a feat quite possible now. To her Keep well in mind that Russia is up getting the government they write a tweet. in this Constitution. The President shall not sell or bestow state properties way of thinking, NATO is a “tool currently footing the bill for her deserve and the monsters they There is little doubt that shared for making sure countries that are campaign expenses. have created. The omens are bad, economic space, nuclear deterrence without the provision of the law. During the term of office, the Presiden- part of it comply with the will of What can one conclude from but let’s not forget Le Pen. She is via the NATO alliance, and stand- tial position shall not be used for linguistic, sectarian, tribal, and religious the United States.” She finds this the above analysis? It could prove now the front runner in next year’s ing armies, while being costly short as well as party considerations. unbearable. What would she sub- useful in answering this crucial French presidential elections and term, produced more than half a stitute it with? She has some in- question: is this the beginning of she also finds alliances burden- century of political stability and teresting proposals in this regard. the end of the world orderestab- some. Some of her campaign com- prosperity in Europe and North She has called for “cooperation lished after World War II with its mitments are that she will with- America. We all take those bene- agreements” with Russia with culmination the formation of the draw from both NATO and the fits for granted now, until they are close cooperation between Euro- European Union and the NATO EU, will nationalize French com- gone for good. pean capitals and Moscow. In other Alliance?Professor Anis H. Ba- panies, will restrict foreign inves- Those who have ears to hear, words, Washington gets substitut- jrektarevic rightfully asked: “…is tors, willpromote a special rela- let them hear. ed with Washington. She claims this unionistic condominium the that there is “absolutely no reason best of Europe, or Europe itself? we should turn systematically to Is this Reality or metanarrative of the United States.” dogmatic universalism?” Global cooperation This may sound a bit incoher- To put it another way: is this ent. She sees Trump’s victory as now the beginning of the break- an additional stone in the building down of overall pan-European sta- hen the United States bombed the extremists, it renewed of a new world order but at the bility? Let’s attempt an answer same time wants the EU to take beginning with some historical hopes of Afghans that they would see the heydays again. its distance from the US. How background in a rather personal Ouster of the Taliban from power was not only a victory does Le Pen square this circle? mode. Thus: “Obviously we have to Back in the 50s, when I was a for the US but a time for Afghan people to rejoice because they had compare this victory [Trump’s] teen-ager, still living in Italy, when with the rejection of the European the EU institutions were still frag- suffered a lot at the hands of fanatics. In 2002, major countries, ex- constitution by the French peo- ile, I remember writing an essay cept Pakistan, wholeheartedly supported Afghanistan in its recon- ple, of course, with the Brexit vote, launched by the lyceum I was at- but also with the emergence of tending at the time, where I opined struction efforts. China, the US, Russia, Iran, Japan, European Union movements devoted to the na- that I was rather skeptcal that the and Arab countries were on the same page. Their objectives were to tion—patriotic movements in Eu- Western Alliance and the Europe- rope. All these elections are essen- an Union would ever take off. In get rid of terrorism and help Afghanistan to stand on its feet. Stability tially referendums against the un- the 70s I was living and studying fettered globalization that has been in the US (where my father was and peace in the war-hit country remained major concern of these imposed upon us, that has been born) and lived through the Viet- countries. imposed upon people, and today nam War and read the news about has been clearly shown to have its the Red Brigades, and began hav- Therefore, they had conflicting interests in global politics but joined limits.” That is to say, she sees ing doubts again about the surviv- Trump’s victory as a “victory of al of the West. I was then in col- hands and cooperated to support the Afghan government and peo- the people against the elite.”This lege and was reading books like ple. These golden days had become part of cherished history around of course is populism at its best, “The Decline of the West” by Os- or perhaps its worst. wald Spengler. That might have two years ago. Tension between Moscow and Washington increased What is most intriguing about influenced me. But in all my adult the above glaring statements is that life I am hard pressed to remember after annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014. Failure they seem to reveal a mind-set a dramatic moment such as the one of the two global powers to build consensus on growing insecurity quite similar to that displayed by we are now witnessing. All we need Trump and Putin. All three seems now is for good men to do nothing and political structure in the Middle East have added to the problem. to have quite a few affinities and and the decline and possible de- Both Russia and the US are now miles away from reaching an agree- seem to like each other. The major struction of the West is pretty affinity seems to be this: they see much assured. ment on Syria. It is very unfortunate. the political struggles currently I hope I am wrong, but, fol- going on as struggles of civiliza- lowing Trump’s inauguration on However, the recent security and political developments in Afghan- tions against each other. Le Pen is January 20, 2017, with a President, istan have provided another opportunity to all the major powers to on record as saying that next year’s so called, totally uninterested in presidential election in France “shared values” with our allies set aside their differences and promote global cooperation as they would “establish some real choic- (“not worth American lives” as he es of civilization.” She made such puts it), seeming to prefer the com- did in 2002. Broader cooperation is possible if there was a common a statement in the context of a lash- pany of dictators such as Putin ground. Stability of Afghanistan is the ground. All the stakeholders ing out against the EU and its im- with whom he can make deals, to migrant policies based on open that of democratic allies, deeming “The Brussels wall will have come down just like the Berlin wall came and influential players can build the foundation for impregnable glo- borders. She added: “Do we want the geo-political world as a huge down. The EU, this oppressive model, will have disappeared. But the a multicultural society, following transactional stage to be exploited Europe of free nations will have been born…The EU should not last- bal understanding on war against terrorism on this ground. the model of the English-speaking on which to negotiate deals, inca- Russia has made an attempt to make Afghanistan and the region a more than two minutes longer.” better place. President Putin’s special envoy Zamir Kabulov urged the new US administration to keep troops in the war-hit country be- cause security situation would become worst after withdrawal of for- eign forces. His statement indicates that Moscow is trying to help Kabul. Likewise, our time-tested friend India and UAE have launched a dialogue aimed at discussing security and peace in Afghanistan. The two countries will explore different ways to improve security situa- tion in Afghanistan. Similarly, the EU special representative in the on t i militancy-hit country, Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin, called on the de t a en facto foreign minister of Pakistan, Sartaj Aziz, to remind him of un- em pl fulfilled promises on peace in Afghanistan. Aziz reiterated to help the im w Afghan-owned reconciliation process, a promise repeatedly made. La Thus, it will not be an exaggeration to say that the time is high to join hands and fight terrorism in order to make Afghanistan an abode of peace and stability. Countries with varying interests could cooper- ate on Afghanistan and give a positive message to the global commu- nity. Failure to do so would result in collapse of the current interna- tional system or world order. Subscription Rates Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 25, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

By Stanley L Cohen steady slither towards democracy. Perpetual warfare? Well, it's over … and good riddance. Perhaps, in a strange sort of What began with a purchased No- way, the election of Donald Trump, bel Peace Prize and a lecture to the consumed by the chase of money Middle East, under the then om- and women in that order, may at nipotent eyes of Hosni Mubarak, day's end be the best thing in years has ended with a parting bang … that has happened for the pros- yet another round of massive US pects of peace in the Middle East. air strikes in Libya and Syria. Unlike Obama - who has spent Forgive my cynicism, but if his lifetime wanting to be loved history is, in fact, a fair guidepost and who figured the best way to of what comes to be, Barack earn it was by proving just how Obama's parting shots at so-called tough he could be - Trump has "jihadi" camps most likely did lit- spent his life proudly ensuring tle more than slaughter civilians … there's just nothing there to love thereby enticing 10 times as many and, seemingly, could not care less others to pick up a gun or a bomb about it. and strike back, however possible, Maybe, when it comes to war, wherever feasible. the shrinks are right: those who Eight years ago the world held need to prove just how tough they its collective breath for what would can be are far more dangerous than prove to be an all-too-brief mo- those who just don't give a damn. ment with the election of a self- Hope surely springs eternal. professed anti-war "liberal" to the But wait a minute; these guys most powerful and deadly office in the Trump cabinet seem awful- in the world. ly familiar, don't they? Isn't that In October 2002, then Senator retired General James "Mad Dog" Obama, an orator of rare talent Mattis wearing an Armani suit? with keen mind and extraordinary Wasn't he the general who lost his youthful vigour and promise, an- tour of duty because Obama found nounced he was "opposed to dumb him too hawkish on Iran as he wars". He was going to be differ- pushed the military to punish it ent. He said so. He lied. and its allies through more covert Wartime president actions to capture and kill Iranian Well … not quite. He was dif- operatives and interdict its war- ferent. After all, he's the only two- ships? Didn't he only recently term president in US history who oversee combat operations has waged war every single day of throughout the Middle East? his eight years in office. Indeed, And that other guy in the cor- not to be outdone by the hawkish ner - the one looking awfully ner- George W Bush, Obama conduct- vous sitting there without his chest ed air strikes on seven countries: full of medals - can that be retired lions of dollars and counting. up 5.1 percent; Raytheon - up 6.2 cent. While hope may spring eter- White House. In the history of the party or allegiance. Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Soma- Marine General John Kelly? It's not by accident that in the percent; General Dynamics - up nal, reality flows from bitter expe- US, colonialism has always found Profit and military madness lia, Yemen, Libya and Syria. That's Wasn't he in charge of Guantana- days following Trump's election, 4.1 percent; L-3 Communications rience. Here, that experience a "welcome" host in the Middle make for a bad combination indeed. three more than Bush bombed. mo; you, know, the guy that chal- stock values for military contrac- - up 5.4 percent; Textron - up 2.2 should tell us that it matters little East, with or without its age old That marriage will continue as eight During his two terms, our lenged Obama any time the presi- tors soared: Lockheed Martin - up percent; Boeing - up 0.76 percent; whether a liberal democrat or an network of surrogates. It knows years of unabated war will surely peace president ordered a total of dent had the temerity to bring up 4.8 percent; Northrop Grumman - Huntington Ingalls - up 6.5 per- autocratic republican sits in the of no such restraint as political grow to 12. (Aljazeera) 563 "special" air strikes, largely the subject of closing it? Didn't he carried out by drones, that target- lose a son to combat in Afghani- ed Pakistan, Somalia and Yemen, stan against the Taliban? in particular, compared to "but" How about that third guy? He 57 such strikes under Bush. looks an awful lot like retired While impossible to know for Army Lieutenant-General Micha- sure, the total number of those el Flynn, whom Obama forced out killed by these attacks during at- of the Defense Intelligence Agen- tempts to target three dozen or so cy (the Pentagon's version of the "terrorists" - including US citizens CIA) because of his description of afforded no due process - appar- Islam as a "cancer" and saying "fear ently resulted in the deaths of al- of Muslims is rational". What's the most 1,200 civilians . As a parting worry with him as National Secu- peace gesture, Obama left behind rity Adviser? No problem. By s.e. smith, Care2 DeVos has supported private that schools provide accommoda- the framework that supports dis- schools historically have problems schools, and her comments about tions to disabled children, includ- ability rights in the U.S. Histori- with disability violations, as do "Special Operation Forces" de- Does anyone really think that Betsy DeVos' hearing before the ployed to more than 130 nations; Trump can - or cares to - reign in a public education during the hear- ing screening children for learning cally, disabled students were of- private schools more broadly. And Senate Committee on Health, Ed- ing certainly suggested that her disabilities and developing stu- ten -- and systematically -- exclud- sometimes, the only way disabled that's 70 percent of the world's collection of misanthrope generals ucation, Labor, and Pensions raised countries. with likely a century or more of opinion hasn't changed. dent-appropriate interventions to ed from the classroom, which de- students can get an education is at quite a few eyebrows, as the can- Many disabled children, how- support learning. prived them of future opportuni- a public school. On the other hand, let's give battle scars … those warriors that didate for Secretary of Education some credit where credit is due. see peace as very much a pastime ever, rely heavily on accessing ed- The law was initially passed ties. By asserting that disabled Chillingly, DeVos suggested appears to be unfamiliar with many ucation through public schools, in 1975 as the Education for All youth deserve an education just that defunding public schools Obama did slap around Benjamin of the meek … who see modera- components of the education sys- Netanyahu to the tune of $38bn, tion as soft, quiet as weak, and talk which are barred from discrimina- Handicapped Children Act and re- like everyone else, the government might be on the table under her tem. tion under several federal laws. titled in 1990. It mandates that made it clear that all children be- administration. Such a drastic move largely for weapons, before refus- but prelude to attack ? Of course One exchange in particular ing to veto the toothless settlement not. One of the most important is schools offer a "least restrictive long in public life. would be catastrophic for low-in- stuck out -- and no, it wasn't the the Individuals with Disabilities environment" for education and Disabled students are also cov- come people of all ability levels resolution in the United Nations. Profits and more one about bears. Rather, it was the War means profit, and that's What of Trump himself? Education Act (IDEA), which Sen- stresses that, when possible, dis- ered by the Americans with Dis- across the U.S. moment when Senator Tim Kaine ator Kaine referenced in his ques- abled children should be main- abilities Act, which provides pro- DeVos, like many other something that brings a huge smile Though he's gone on record as be- pressed DeVos on the issue of dis- to the face of the new president. ing opposed to regime change and tions. You may also have heard it streamed -- put in classes with tections to all disabled Americans, Trump nominees, supports priva- abled students in U.S. schools. come up in the context of Senator nondisabled students -- rather than including those in school. Both of tization of public services, and she The US invasions of Iraq and Af- committed to allies assuming more DeVos soon revealed that she ghanistan alone have earned the of their own military costs, he's Jeff Sessions, who has gone on isolated in segregated special edu- these acts are federal civil rights has dedicated a substantial amount wasn't familiar with the laws sur- record opposing the legislation. cation classrooms. Nearly six mil- laws, but DeVos didn't seem fa- of resources to promoting just that. American weapons industry tril- often expressed a hawkish stand rounding education rights for dis- lions of dollars and counting. on the Middle East, specifically But unless you're disabled or have lion students are covered by IDEA, miliar with IDEA or how it ap- If she succeeds, disabled students abled people, nor was she con- disabled kids in school, you might from children with brain injuries plies to education. could be among the first to lose Saudi Arabia, which has ob- with regard to the Islamic State of vinced that disabled children tained more than $100bn worth of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and sees not know much about the law. to autistic students. Notably, IDEA doesn't apply out. should have equal access to educa- IDEA specifically mandates IDEA is a huge component of to voucher schools. Charter (Truthout) weapons during the Obama admin- other threats, real and imagined, tion. istration, heard its "concerns" against the US almost everywhere. When Kaine asked if schools about how US-made weapons That translates to money - big receiving federal funding should be were being used in Yemen before money. Indeed, Trump has called required to provide education to proceeding to purchase another 153 for tens of thousands of additional disabled students, DeVos replied tanks, and hundreds of machine troops; a Navy of 350 ships; a sig- that this was a matter best left to guns in a deal worth $1.15bn. nificantly larger Air Force; an anti- the states. Egypt also felt the pinch of missile, space-based Star Wars- This isn't just in contradiction Obama's pacifist hand when he re- style programme; and an accelera- of federal law -- more on that in a quired that it make "credible tion of the Pentagon's $1 trillion moment -- but it also devalues the progress towards democracy" be- "modernisation" programme for its lives of disabled students, suggest- fore releasing billions in military nuclear arsenal. ing that they aren't worthy of edu- aid frozen since Abdel Fattah el- War means profit, and that's cation. Sisi came to power after the mili- something that brings a huge smile The right to a free public edu- tary coup that toppled the elected to the face of the new president. cation is an enshrined value in government of President Moham- The US invasions of Iraq and Af- American life, designed to ensure ed Morsi. We all know how well ghanistan alone have earned the that everyone has access to the Egypt has been progressing in its American weapons industry tril- same advantages. Historically, By Lauri Myllyvirta and Emma online in real time. Howard, Energydesk A National Crisis India's air is now more deadly Only two of India's ten most pol- than China's. luted cities are covered by the gov- All of the cities in the top 10 ernment's real-time air quality are experiencing levels of the par- LETTER TO THE EDITOR monitoring system, leaving more ticulate PM10 three and half times than one billion unprepared for the annual legal limit -- and 10 toxic episodes, according to an anal- times above international guide- ysis by Greenpeace India. lines -- according to data compiled In the cities not covered, lack by Greenpeace India for a report of real-time monitoring means in- on the state of the nation's air -- habitants cannot check current published recently. pollution levels to protect them- Where government data was selves, and the government is un- unavailable for download, freedom Afghanistan has been in war for more than three decades. The Afghan mass- able to issue public warnings. of information laws were used to Around 88 million Indians -- obtain government monitoring re- es want a full stop to this prolong war. This war should be ended through any only 7% of the population -- live sults. ways and means as the Afghan masses have been tired of war and desperate- in the 33 cities that have online air Although media attention fo- pollution monitoring that is avail- cuses on Delhi, some of the worst ly looking toward peace and security to be restored in the war-hit country. able in real time, meaning that less pollution hotspots -- four out of Peace is the first demand of the masses. The National Unity Government than 10% of India's 380 urban ag- the 10 most polluted cities -- are glomerations are covered. found in the coal mining state of should take every available resource to restore peace and security in the The two cities covered are the Jharkhand. It has a population of country. No more room left for the already troubled Afghans to further bear capital Delhi and Faridabad, an in- 32 million but not a single official the brunt of casualties. Government should convince the Taliban insurgents dustrial hotspot in Northern In- real-time air pollution monitor. dia. During a toxic episode in No- Yet Jharkhand is the state to renounce violence or they will face with iron hands of the Afghan securi- vember in Delhi, the government googling for information about air ty forces through military operations in order to eliminate them all. was able to use the real-time sys- pollution the most, well ahead of tem to warn citizens of an "emer- Delhi, per relative search interest gency situation", closing schools metrics on Google Trends. Mudasir Ahmad, Kabul Afghanistan and temporarily halting produc- Across the country, search in- tion at construction sites and a coal terest on air pollution has been ris- power plant. Although the govern- ing steadily and reached the high- Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must ment runs several monitoring net- est point on record -- at least since have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: works that cover more than 200 2004 -- following the enormous coal consumption almost doubled action plan on air pollution to ex- [email protected] cities and towns, measurements in pollution levels last October-No- and oil consumption increased pand measures to reduce emissions most are only taken twice a week vember. 60% from 2005 to 2015. from key polluting sectors -- pow- and are not available in real-time. Not a single city in northern A Greenpeace India report last er plants, industry, agriculture and Instead, a manual monitoring sys- India met international safety year showed that emissions from transport -- beyond individual cit- tem means samples must first be guidelines for particle pollution in coal-based power plants were the ies. Disclaimer: sent to a laboratory to be assessed. 2015. Less than 10% of the cities largest source of increase in SO2 The national crisis has Whereas in China, where levels in met India's national air quality stan- and NOx emissions in the country prompted measures such as new The views and opinions expressed in the articles are most cities are slowly dropping, dards -- which are three times as -- two key pollutants contributing emission standards for coal-based the government has built a particle high as the WHO safety guideline. to India's particle pollution levels. power plants, restrictions on ve- those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or pollution monitoring network cov- Action Organizations such as TERI hicles and the launch of a National opinions of the Afghanistan Times. ering 400 cities and including 1500 India's pollution levels have and CSE, along with Greenpeace, Air Quality Index. monitoring stations, all posting data been rising at an alarming rate as have started calling for a national (Truthout) WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 25, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Since the launch of the Skill India programme, a number of training institutions have tied up with the state governments to enroll maximum number of youth

The new US administration of President Donald Trump vowed on Monday that the United States would prevent China from taking over territory in international wa- ters in the South China Sea. “I think the US is going to make sure that we protect our interests there,” White House spokesman Sean Spicer told a news briefing. “It’s a question of if those is- lands are in fact in international waters and not part of China prop- er, then yeah, we’re going to make sure that we defend international territories from being taken over by one country.” Spicer was responding to a President DrPranab Mukherjee with Union Ministers Mr M Venkaiah Naidu, MsSmritiIrani, question as to whether Trump Mr Prakash Javadekar, MrJitendra Singh and Mr Rajiv Pratap Rudy at the inauguration of the agreed with comments by his Sec- retary of State nominee, Rex Tiller- first edition of “India Skills” son, last week that China should By Akanksha Jain ence of President DrPranab Pradesh, Telangana, West Bengal, not be allowed access to islands it Mukherjee, Rudy outlined the fol- Maharashtra, Punjab and Rajast- Even a year after the launch of the lowing programmes that will chart han. has built in the contested South ‘Skill India’ programme, a lot of China Sea. (Reuters) the way forward. India Skills Online impetus is being given to it as the Pradhan MantriKaushalVi- President Mukherjee inaugu- initiative aims at training the youth kas Yojana-2 As of July 18, 2016, rated India of the country in specific skills 17.93 lakh candidates were trained Skills Online, a national com- through which they can earn a live- out of 18 lakh who enrolled. In petition under the Ministry of Skill ‘Great concern’: lihood and live with pride. 2015, the scheme had an outlay of Development & Entrepreneurship With an aim to generate sur- ‘1,500 crore, with a target to cover (MSDE) and NSDC, to select the plus manpower of, at least, five 24 lakh persons within the next best talent to lead India’s partici- Government on alert crore over the next decade with year under skill training (including pation at the biennial World Skills skilled labour, India will be able to 10 lakh under Recognition of Prior International Competition sched- tackle global challenges. It is esti- Learning). PM Modi this year ap- uled at Abu Dhabi in 2017. over Russian-style mated that a meagre 2.3 per cent proved the Pradhan MantriKaush- National Labour Market of the workforce in India has for- alVikasYojana (PMKVY) with an Information System (LMIS) It mal training as compared to the UK outlay of ‘12,000 crore to impart is a single window to aggregate cyber hacks (68 per cent) and the US (80 per skilling to one crore people over supply and demand trends in the cent). the next four years (2016-2020). Indian skill development ecosys- Appellate court upholds Since the launch of ‘Skill In- Under this scheme, around 60 lakh tem. This is an integrated set of dia’, a number of training universi- youth will get trained and skill institutional arrangements, proce- Uzbek journalist’s ties, institutes and schools have training would be imparted based dures, mechanisms and data sys- mushroomed across the country on industry-led standards aligned tems designed to produce labour and tied up with the state govern- to the National Skill Qualification market information as per global life sentence ments to enroll the maximum num- Framework (NSQF). There will be standards and best practices. ber of youth. So far, over 55 lakh special focus on placement of Through LMIS, statistical and A regional court in Kyrgyzstan has Askarov's case was sent for review people trainees along with incentives. This non-statistical information on la- upheld a life sentence for a jour- last year after the United Nations have received training and 23 scheme will bour market will be generated. The nalist, who is also a human rights Human Rights Committee in April lakh people have been employed. emphasise on skill training as National Skills Development Agen- advocate, despite international crit- urged Kyrgyzstan to release him, Over the last year, the number of per international standards for cy (NSDA) is designatedas the icism over the ruling. A regional finding that he had been arbitrarily training centres crossed the 3,000 employment in Gulf countries, lead agency for the development court ruled that the life in prison detained, tortured and denied his mark and the Government has tied Europe and other overseas desti- of the national LMIS. sentence handed to 66-year-old right to a fair trial. Numerous up with around 250 training part- nations. Students undergoing train- National Apprenticeship Azimzhan Askarov at an earlier groups have advocated on his be- ners. The campaign’s vision is to ing in high-end job roles will be Promotion Scheme court of law is to be carried out. half, including Human Rights train over 40 crore people by 2022 provided scholarships. This ambitious scheme has an Askarov, who allegedly organized Watch, Reporters Without Bor- in different skills. ‘Skill India’ re- India International Skill outlay of10,000 Indian crore ru- mass rallies and incited violence and ders, People In Need, the Com- solves to bridge the digital divide Centres pee with a target of 50 lakh ap- murder of a police officer during mittee to Protect Journalists, and by providing basic digital literacy The first anniversary of ‘Skill prentices to be trained by 2019- ethnic unrest in the south of Kyr- Amnesty International, the latter opportunities to all skill-seekers. India’ saw announcement of 50 20. The scheme would be imple- gyzstan in 2010, said he would go of which designated him a prison- The web skilling opportunities India International Skill Centres, mented by Director General of on hunger strike in protest at the er of conscience. Askarov has come with the convenience of slated to open by the end of 2016. Training (DGT) under MSDE. It ruling. Askarov is a member of the worked as a human rights activist learning and practising skill-nug- In the first phase, 15 centres were provides for incentivising employ- ethnic Uzbek minority communi- since the mid-1990s, campaigning gets with a mobile app as well. launched by President Mukherjee. ers to engage apprentices. Appren- ty in Kyrgyzstan. In July 2010, against police brutality. The ma- The ambitious programme These will be set up through Na- ticeship training is considered to during clashes which left more jority of the 6 million people in completed one year in July 2016 tional Skill Development Corpo- be one of the most efficient ways than 450 people killed, mostly eth- the country are the Kyrgyz ethnic Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull are seeing [is] not so much a tech- and on the first anniversary of the ration (NSDC) and will implement to develop skilled manpower. It nic Uzbeks, Askarov had been group. The Uzbek are the largest has stressed that protecting Aus- nical hacking into the platforms, initiative, the Minister of State for the Pradhan MantriKaushal- aims to achieve the objective as filming killings and arson attacks. ethnic minority in Kyrgyzstan and tralia from Russian-style cyber into the infrastructure of organisa- Skill Development and Entrepre- VikasYojana (PMKVY) and stated in the National Policy, He was subsequently arrested, make up approximately 14 percent hacks will be a top priority. tions, as important as that is, but neurship (independent charge), Mr. PravasiKaushalVikasYojana 2015.The policy proposes to work tried and given a life sentence, of the population. The PM has declared cyber more the use of social media." Mr Rajiv Pratap Rudy, reinforced the (PKVY) to the youth seeking glo- proactively with the industry in- which he is currently serving. (Press TV) attacks "the new frontier of war- Turnbull said that while there was commitment promised by Prime bal mobility for jobs.The first 15 cluding MSMEs to facilitate 10- fare", describing a serious threat no evidence that an Australian elec- Minister NarendraModi. During centres will be in Uttar Pradesh, fold increase in opportunities by that Australia would be taking fur- tion had been compromised to date, an event in New Delhi, in the pres- Kerala, Jharkhand, Bihar, Andhra 2020. ther steps to mitigate. Following a the risk was omnipresent. "Alert- high-level briefing on cybersecuri- ness, awareness is absolutely crit- ty at the Australian Defence Sig- ical. We have the means to miti- nals Directorate in Canberra on gate the risk. You can't eliminate it Azerbaijan doubles Tuesday, Mr Turnbull acknowl- completely but it is very impor- South Korea will stick with edged that Russia's influence on the tant to take those steps to do so," US election was a cause for con- he said. The minister assisting the truck manufacture cern in Australia. "Russian efforts prime minister on cyber security, to influence the recent American Dan Tehan, added that while there Thaad as nuclear threat In 2016, Azerbaijan manufactured trailers rose 17%. election and this is acknowledged was no reason to doubt the integ- machinery and equipment, trans- Azerbaijan manufactured now on all sides," he said. "It was rity of Australia's electoral system, port facilities, cars and trailers 1,034 tractors, down 8.3% from controversial for a while political- the government would remain on ly in the United States, but it is high alert. "This goes beyond po- from North Korea grows worth AZN 316.2 mln. previous year (finished products State Statistical Committee made up 2 units) acknowledged that there was Rus- litical games, this goes to the heart How THAAD is affecting China- tain subsidies to South Korean developing the technology to cre- told APA-Economics that machin- At the same time, 709 trucks sian interference both in terms of and soul of what we are and who S.Korea ties H o w companies in China, he noted. ate nuclear weapons. They are also ery and equipment manufacturing were produced in the reporting hacking and in terms of seeking to we are as a nation," he said. "We THAAD is affecting China- Kohlbacher's comments come af- miniaturizing nuclear weapons," dropped 14.9%, other transport period, up 1.8 times from 2015. influence the election through so- have state elections coming up this S.Korea ties. South Korea will ter acting South Korean President Hwang told reporters. "Right now facilities rose 3.2% and cars and (APA) called fake news." New cyber se- year. We have to make sure that stick to the deployment of the Hwang Kyo-ahn on Monday said is not the time to talk to try to curity minister speaks about Aus- they are protected, that when Aus- Terminal High Altitude Area De- despite Chinese hostility to the resolve North Korea's nuclear is- tralia's 'vulnerabilities In his first tralians go to vote, they can have fense (Thaad) on its territory even move, the deployment of the sues," he said. Urgency over Py- major public address, the man lead- confidence that there is no com- if China takes stronger retaliatory Thaad system cannot be delayed ongyang's nuclear ambitions have ing Australia's cyber security de- promise of our electoral system and action against the perceived secu- in the face of a growing North escalated recently with United fence delivered the news that na- your democratic process," Mr Te- rity threat, an analyst said Tues- Korean nuclear missile threat. On States seeing indications that North tional security vulnerabilities need han said. Alarm bells sounded day. "(Chinese retaliation) is hap- Monday, Acting South Korean Korea may be preparing for a new Uzbekistan, Tajikistan to be addressed - and quickly. Di- among political leaders across the pening and will further accelerate. President Hwang Kyo-ahn on missile test-launch soon, rector of the Centre for Internet globe after a US intelligence report It's not going to have an impact on Monday said despite Chinese hos- U.S.officials said last week before eyeing creation of new Safety at the University of Can- found that Russia hacked into De- South Korea's in a sense that they tility to the move, the deployment President Donald Trump's inaugu- berra, Professor Nigel Phair, mocractic National Committee are not going to reconsider the de- of a U.S. anti-missile defense sys- ration. South Korean media, citing agreed that it was not just the hack- computers during the US Presi- cision to deploy Thaad," said tem cannot be delayed in the face intelligence agencies, said Pyongy- railway route to Russia ing of computers or organisations dential election. It was believed two North Asia director for the Econo- of a growing North Korean nucle- ang may be readying a test of a that individuals should be wary of. spies then leaked 19,000 emails, mist Corporate Network, Florian ar missile threat On Monday, Act- new, upgraded prototype of an Tajik and Uzbek railway authori- bypassing Turkmenistan," he said. "What we have seen, particularly after accessing encrypted informa- Kohlbacher "It's not realistic for ing South Korean President intercontinental ballistic missile. ties are considering possibilities of According to him, if this route via the US election is the prover- tion. Defence Industry Minister South Korea to stop going ahead Hwang Kyo-ahn on Monday said This comes amid speculation over the railway route to Russia through is created in future, the distance bial fake news story, for example, Christopher Pyne says business- with deployment in the end," he despite Chinese hostility to the Trump's foreign policies as he com- Uzbekistan and bypassing Turk- and time of transportation of and we are seeing through social es wanting work in the defence added to CNBC's The Rundown. move, the deployment of a U.S. plained that the U.S. spends too menistan, reports Avesta news goods and passengers will be re- media and other platforms and sector may need to beef up cyber China has already penalized South anti-missile defense system can- much defending allies, while chid- agency. duced. websites that messages are being security. Defence Industry Min- Korea for its decision to deploy not be delayed in the face of a grow- ing China for not doing more to According to Vice Chief of the "Our colleagues are studying distilled, messages are being ister Christopher Pyne was also the anti-ballistic missile system, ing North Korean nuclear missile contain Pyongyang's nuclear and Tajik Railway Company Usmon this issue, they will inform us changed, they can be spun in what- concerned by the threat online including limiting Korean pop cul- threat. "(North Korea) has been ex- ballistic missile ambitions. Kalandarov, this issue has been about their decision," added Ka- ever way," he said. "So what we hacking could pose.(BBC) tural imports and not offering cer- panding its nuclear capabilities and (Tribune) discussed at the meeting of the landarov. Tajik-Uzbek intergovernmental Tajikistan, according to him, commission held in Dushanbe. proposed Uzbekistan to restore "We are considering creation of the rail movement through Amu- More than 200 Bangladeshis died after being struck by the railway route Dushanbe — zang — Khatlon and decrease tar- Pahtaabad — Boisun — Karshi — iffs for transit of goods. Toshguzar and then to Kazakhstan (Aki Press) lightning last year. The solution? A million palm trees

Bangladesh has begun planting one million palm trees nationwide to help prevent hundreds of people being killed by lightning strikes every year, a top official said on Tuesday. Authorities last year declared lightning a natural disaster as official tallies recorded more than 200 deaths in 2016, with 82 people dying on a single Kazakhstan exported 71.8 day in May. Experts say the real number was actually much higher, with one independent monitor saying 349 people were killed by lightning strikes in 2016. Many people living in rural areas do not report deaths to the police. Disaster officials have spent several months looking at ways to reduce the toll and the tree planting mln tons of coal in 2016 programme is likely to be the first of several measures brought in by the government. “We’ve already started Astana. January 24. KazTAG- Last year 71.8 mln tons of coal planting palm trees in rural areas in an effort to reduce the number of deaths due to lightning,” Shah Kamal, Export of Kazakhstani coal were shipped to the interior mar- the government’s disaster management secretary, said. “We’ll plant one million palm trees by June this year.” amounted to 71.8 mln tons by the ket, export volume amounted to Experts say the high death toll stems in part from a lack of trees whose branches can absorb the impact of results of 2016, said Kanat Bo- 22.6 mln tons," he said at the ses- lightning. While the trees are damaged, it means the electric charge does not course through the earth. Kamal zumbayev, Minister of Energy of sion of the Government. said a similar programme in Thailand had already yielded results, adding that a team of Bangladeshi officials Kazakhstan. In his words, the reason for had also travelled to Vietnam to study how authorities there protect farmers along the Mekong delta. "Last year 98 mln tons of coal export drop was in performance Deaths from US lightning strikes at its highest since 2010 A top meteorologist who has conducted some or 96.5% of the plan were pro- of the Russian program replacing research on lightning said the tree planting should help ultimately help reduce the number of deaths, but the duced. This year we plan to pro- Kazakhstani coal with Kuznetsk benefits would only be felt some way down the line. “Palm trees take years to grow. But definitely, this is a duce 100 mln tons. coal. (Kazaq) good move by the government. It will reduce deaths,” Shah Alam, a former head of Bangladesh Meteorological Department, said. (Rueter) WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 25, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES India rejects attempts by EU, Canada for global investment agreement India, along with Brazil, Argentina provisions could be a part of bilat- and some other nations, has reject- eral agreements but they can’t be ed an informal attempt by the Eu- allowed in a multilateral agree- ropean Union (EU) and Canada to ment,” Ms.Sitharaman said. work towards a global investment She said at the recent trade agreement at the World Trade Or- ministers’ meeting held in Switzer- ganisation (WTO)-level that would land, India pushed for discussions It brings much of China’s econo- incorporate a contentious Inves- on its proposal for a Trade Facili- my to a halt and strains transport tor-State Dispute Settlement tation in Services (TFS) Agreement systems, not to mention waist- (ISDS) mechanism. at the WTO-level. The pact, among lines. Chinese New Year is an an- Contentious mechanism other things, aims to facilitate eas- nual ritual of family reunification The ISDS mechanism has be- ier movement of skilled workers and overindulgence. The scale of come contentious as it permits and professionals across borders the migration is astounding: While companies to drag governments to for short-term work. some 49 million Americans under- international arbitration without “The TFS proposal was some- take a significant journey for exhausting the local remedies and thing which the WTO director- Thanksgiving, Chinese citizens will claim huge amounts as compensa- general himself welcomed. The rack up 3 billion trips during this year’s travel-fest. Best book those seats early. 1. When exactly is Chinese New Year? Also known as the Spring Fes- tival, Chinese New Year marks the beginning of China’s lunar calen- dar. It’s China’s most important holiday, a period that’s seen en- shrining values like unity and fam- ily ties. Citizens get a statutory seven-day holiday beginning Chi- nese NewYear’s Eve, which is Jan. 27 this year. Traditionally, the cel- ebrations span 16 days, from a family feast on New Year’s Eve through the Lantern Festival on day 15. 2. "Mass migration" might be understating it? China’s railways expect to tion citing losses they suffered due TFS has never been a bargaining host 356 million passengers dur- to reasons, including policy chang- chip for India and it will never be ing the 40-day official travel sea- es. “The EU and Canada have one,” Ms.Sitharaman said when son, known as "Chunyun." (That inked an investment pact that has asked if India will dilute its posi- translates as "Spring Festival incorporated the contentious tion on the proposed investment Transportation" and begins 15 ISDS. At the meeting (of trade min- pact if the developed world agreed days before the start of Chinese isters of select countries held on to India’s demands for a TFS pact. New Year). Then there’s the esti- the sidelines of the recently held Meanwhile, the EU has indicated mated 58.3 million people who will World Economic Forum in Swit- to India that it wants to first con- take flights, up 10 percent from cided with the worst cold snap in chilly, venues than the wintry Technology has lessened the will be watching carefully as the zerland), they wanted theinvest- clude talks on a new Bilateral In- 2016. In total, the government is China in 30 years, with blizzards mainland. Among choice domestic need to stand in long lines. But it mass withdrawal of funds before ment pact to be the template for a vestment Treaty (BIT) with India anticipating a 2.2 percent increase in eastern and southern China de- spots are the tropical resort island can present its own problems, for the holiday puts a strain on liquid- similar multilateral agreement. In- and then restart negotiations on to 2.98 billion journeys for the laying flights and trains. Weather of Hainan, the coastal city of Xia- those without access or others who ity and travelers exchange their dia summarily rejected such an the proposed bilateral free trade 2017 holidays, as many migrant forecasts call for more benign con- men and Kunming, dubbed the struggle to prove they’re not a web yuan for foreign currency. idea,”Commerce and Industry agreement. “I asked the EU Trade workers seize their only chance in ditions this time, with the horren- "spring city" for its ever-pleasant robot, as Bloomberg reported last 7. Do any businesses benefit Minister Nirmala Sitharaman told Commissioner when the free trade the year to flock from the cities dous pollution that marked the weather. Popular international des- year. beyond the travel industry? reporters. Japan also opposed the negotiations could re-start. She said back to their rural roots. start of 2017 expected to have tinations include Japan, Singapore, 6. Who else suffers with the Alcohol sellers in China record idea on the grounds of the costs they are interested in getting the 3. That’s hardly the ideal sea- mostly cleared. Vietnam, Australia, South Korea travel operators? bumper sales during Chinese New involved in international arbitra- investment agreement negotiated,” son for Chunyun? 4. Have travel plans changed and even the U.S. According to Pity the economists. Because Year. And luxury retailers at home tion, she said. Ms. Sitharaman said. A year ago, Just ask last year’s pilgrims, much over the years? Ctrip, over 6 million Chinese will Chinese New Year moves around and in countries like South Korea “Only after all local options India had asked all nations, with who braved sub-zero temperatures The most important business travel abroad during the seven-day on the Gregorian calendar, starting count this among their make-or- have been exhausted for settling which it has BITs, to re-negotiate to travel an average 255 miles (440 stories of the day. holiday -- more than the popula- anytime from late January to mid- break seasons. disputes between a corporate and those agreements on the basis of kilometers), according to China’s Get Bloomberg's daily news- tion of Denmark. February, it creates distortions in 8.And this year’s animal sign? a government, do we want to per- the new draft text of BIT. Ministry of Transportation. The letter. Rising wealth has dispersed 5. So reserving tickets can be year-on-year comparisons of eco- Move aside monkey, it’s the mit issues to be taken up in inter- (The Hindu) start of the Spring Festival coin- celebrations to scenic, and less troublesome? nomic data. Also, the central bank year of the rooster. (Bloomberg) national arbitration tribunals. Such Regulator says Korea’s Turkey’s central economy robust despite bank needs to take political turmoil decisive action to save lira: Analysts

With President Donald Trump’s emphasis on “America First” eco- nomic policies, Japan and South Korea are bracing for contentious negotiations over trade and defense sharing costs. In his inauguration address on Friday, President Trump said he would enact pro- tectionist policies to end free trade practices that he said had caused the U.S. economy to decline while enriching foreign industry. “We must protect our borders from the ravages of other countries making our products, stealing our compa- Turkey’s central bank is widely quarter of a percentage point. Tur- nies, and destroying our jobs. Pro- expected to raise interest rates at key’s legislature recently backed tection will lead to great prosperi- Trump’s tough talk on trade. President Trump after he was its Tuesday meeting. However, laws that would drastically expand ty and strength,” Trump said in Japan sworn in, saying he looks forward few expect it to provide much sup- the powers of Turkish President his inaugural address. The White Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secre- to working hand in hand with the port for the country’s battered Recep Tayyip Erdogan while al- House also issued a statement that tary Yoshihide Suga told a news new president to ensure the peace currency, the lira. A team of emerg- lowing him to serve for an addi- the U.S. would renegotiate the conference that Tokyo wants to and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific ing-market strategists at UniCred- tional decade. The proposed con- North American Free Trade Agree- further deepen economic ties with region. The Japanese Foreign Min- it Spa, a large Italian lender, said stitutional changes must be ap- ment (NAFTA), which was signed Washington. ister Fumio Kishida said efforts are the central bank would need to proved in a referendum before in 1994 by the United States, Can- But Tokyo shares fell on underway to arrange a meeting raise interest rates by more than 3 they take effect. SErdogan has fre- ada and Mexico. President Trump Monday morning, signaling a neg- soon between Abe and Trump, so percentage points to spur what it quently leaned on the country’s is also expected to withdraw from ative Japanese market reaction to that the Japanese leader can stress believes would be a one-to-three central bank to keep interest rates the Trans Pacific Partnership Trump's inauguration speech. Ja- the importance of the TPP pact. month rally in the lira. However, low, despite sharp declines in the (TPP) free trade agreement that has pan's Parliament ratified the TPP Over 1,000 Japanese companies the team believes that such a dra- lira, saying it would help bolster yet to be ratified. The TPP in- on Friday, the day President also have operations in Mexico cludes the U.S., Japan and 10 oth- The head of South Korea's state power scandal. She is currently matic move is unlikely. Such a move the country’s business environ- Trump took office. Prime Minis- that export to the U.S., and that would bring the central bank’s ment by easing access to credit. er Pacific Rim countries that ac- ter Shinzo Abe has said without could suffer from any changes in financial watchdog assured foreign awaiting the Constitutional Court's count for 40 percent of the world’s investors Tuesday that the coun- final say amid speculation that the benchmark one-week repo rate to The central bank cut its overnight U.S. participation, the pact would NAFTA. leaders have voiced con- 11% (it is presently at 8%). So- lending rate for a seventh straight economy. Leaders in Asia reacted become “meaningless.” Abe had cern that U.S. protectionism will try's economy maintains strong next presidential election, originally with caution on Monday to fundamentals unscathed by a po- slated for December, may be held called repo rates are short-term month in September, a move that sent a congratulatory message to lead to. (Japanese-business) litical setback at home. in the first half of this year. repurchasing agreements that typ- elicited praise from the president. Zhin Woong-Seob, governor of Despite the political uncer- ically allow financial firms to bor- The market is split on its expecta- the Financial Supervisory Service, tainty, the FSS chief said the fun- row from the central bank in ex- tions for Tuesday’s meeting, ac- stressed that the fiscal, monetary damentals of Asia's fourth-biggest change for putting up certain se- cording to a Bloomberg survey cit- and financial authorities are in economy remain strong. curities as collateral. Meanwhile, ed by Brown Brothers Harriman. Thailand’s expanding state close cooperation for risk manage- On external risk factors espe- the overnight-lending rate would Of the 22 analysts polled by ment. cially from the U.S. and Europe, rise to 11.5% from 8.5%, and the Bloomberg, four see no change to "The South Korean government he mentioned a British proverb. overnight-borrowing rate would the central bank’s benchmark repo ‘threatens future growth’ and the financial authorities are "A smooth sea never made a rise to 10.25%, from 7.25%. Uni- rate, three see a quarter percentage swiftly responding to short- and skillful sailor," he said, adding such Credit believes Turkey’s central point hike and eight see a half a to spearhead economic growth in long-term challenges," he said dur- challenges could "turn out to be a bank will raise rates by three-quar- percentage point hike, two see a 2017 through massive investments ing a breakfast meeting with heads great opportunity for the financial ters of a percentage point, a large three-quarters of a percentage point in infrastructure. The push has of foreign investment companies investment industry to improve interest-rate increase the standards hike and five forecast a one per- brought one of the kingdom's big- operating here. itself and grow further if the in- of most developed-market, but centage-point hike, Win Thin, gest and oldest SOEs, the State Zhin cited the continued drop dustry fully understands what the short of what some economists head of emerging-market currency Railway of Thailand, to a critical in credit default swaps premium real economy wants from the cap- say is needed for the emerging strategy at BBH, believes the cen- juncture. on South Korea's sovereign bond ital market." market. “Anything below 100 ba- tral bank will raise rates by half a The Bangkok headquarters of to 44.71 basis points at the end of The FSS will "perform a full sis points, such as our base-case percentage point, though it should SRT, started by King Rama V in 2016 from 55.09 basis points half range of risk management in a pre- of a 75 basis point hike, will al- hike by a full point. In December, 1890. (Photo by Peter Janssen) a year earlier and 56.13 basis points emptive manner, focusing its su- most immediately disappoint…,” President Erdogan called on Turk- The military-led government in late 2015. pervisory capacity on stabilizing the UniCredit economists said in a ish citizens to exchange their eu- has budgeted more than 500 bil- He was apparently seeking to financial markets," he said. note to clients published Monday. ros and dollars for lira to help sup- lion baht ($14.1 billion) for invest- ease global investors' concerns He vowed to step up efforts To be sure, the central bank port the country’s battered curren- ments by state enterprises, with about the possible impact on the for South Korea's financial regula- has disappointed economists be- cy. The lira USDTRY, +0.1757% the SRT receiving the largest sin- economy from the months-long tions to be on par with global stan- fore. At its December meeting, the touched an all-time low on Jan. 11, gle allocation of 76 billion baht for political turmoil involving the fate dards. bank left interest rates unchanged, when it traded at just below four double-track rail expansions, an of President Park Geun-hye. He also asked foreign invest- disappointing economists who, lira to the dollar. On Monday, one Expansion of creaking rail system may put economy on the wrong extension of Bangkok's elevated She was impeached by the ment firms here to find new busi- according to a Wall Street Journal dollar bought 3.76 lira, compared track, critics say State Railway of Thailand hopes to increase its share railway, and construction of bridg- National Assembly in early De- ness models, not sticking to their survey, had expected the central with 3.77 lira late Friday in New of the cargo transport market from 1.4% to 6% within five years. (Pho- es, fences and track improvements. cember for a bribery and abuse-of- traditional business areas. (AP) bank to raise rates by at least a York. (Market Watch) to by Peter Janssen) Thailand is banking on its state-owned enterprises (Nikkei) WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 25, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Mahira Khan ups the Why Heath Ledger’s Unfair to compare style quotient with ex-partner Michelle Williams me with Priyanka: Raees promotions Deepika Padukone As the celestial Mahira Khan is still inconsolable, 9 years on braces for a dream Bolly- Comparisons between Deepika fair to make comparisons. Let me wood debut opposite Shah ate actor Heath Ledger’s Padukone and Priyanka Chopra just say everyone has a different partner at the time of his started as soon as the actresses path and journey,” she said. Rukh Khan in Raees, her ef- death, actress Michelle Wil- signed their Hollywood projects, Even Priyanka, who was re- fortlessly chic sartorial L liams says she was inconsolable but the Piku star says it is “un- cently on filmmaker Karan Johar’s choices have been making when -- six years after the star fair” as they both are following a chat show, said, “It’s so nice for waves in the Persian Gulf passed -- she sold the home they different path. me to see that Deepika is doing emirate of Dubai. once shared. Priyanka, 34, made her inter- xXx...and whatever else she does In her first look, Mahira The 36-year-old opened up national debut with Quantico in in the future or Sonam (Kapoor) about the heartbreak she experi- 2015, while the 31-year-old actress or so many other actors, who want balanced formal with fun, enced when she and her 11-year- debuted in Hollywood with her to come to America I hope they reaching for a contemporary old daughter left the house, reports recently released xXx: Return of are starting out.” outfit by Lavish Alice. aceshowbiz.com. Xander Cage. Sonam has also signed up with The actor lapped-up the “At that time, I was inconsol- During an interview with USA United Talent Agency (UTA), one off-the-shoulder trend by able, because I felt, How will he be Today, Deepika finally broke si- of the Hollywood’s premier talent baring a shoulder but cover- able to find us,” the three-time lence over being compared with her agencies. Oscar nominee told WSJ magazine. Bajirao Mastani co-star. “It’s not (Hindustan Times) ing up everywhere else. “This is where we lived, and The figure-hugging en- he won’t know where we are. And semble fit her petite figure now I can’t believe I thought that. well and was impeccably Maybe that’s what is making me styled with a pair of silver sti- cry ... I feel sad for the person who lettos. Mahira kept make- thought he won’t be able to locate us,” she added. up minimal with just a pop Williams was 27 when Ledger of a coral on her lips and died due to an accidental drug over- maroon nail paint for some dose in early 2008. drama. Her hair was perfect- The couple, who dated for ly blow-dried with loose three years, broke up just a few curls. months before his death. Though Williams dated How I No wonder Mahira’s ef- Met Your Mother star Jason Segel fortlessly chic and refreshing- and film director Spike Jonze ly fuss-free style has made years after Ledger’s passing, she her a permanent fixture on says that she has ruled out the idea best-dressed lists. of marriage. “It’s hard to romanticise ro- In her second look, Mahira went monochromatic with a mance when you’re 36. When mini palettes ankle-length dress. She wore the camel tone you’ve been a parent for 11 years pleated dress with a matching long jacket by Dubai fashion and you’ve done it alone, you house House of Nomad. Mahira accessorised her look with don’t have romantic ideals, because you have a practical understand- classic pointy-toe black pumps. The Raees actor kept her ing that you can do it by yourself. makeup simple, with her hair tied in a slick pony, a few The romantic idea of meeting your Amir Khan’s father strokes of black mascara and bold red lips — the ultimate person and having a storybook piece of beauty iconography. The complete look was fresh family life that looks like the mod- and radiated youth and charm with the stunner working el you grew up with, that doesn’t rejects Faryal really exist for me,” Williams said. every angle like a pro. “I’ve not gotten married be- cause I have not had a person to Makdoom’s sex whom I would -- so I have not let my sense of conformity or duty override my instincts,” the tape claims Manchester by the Sea actor add-

Singer Mariah Carey’s sister Ali- turned sexual. “For most of her son wants to reveal all that re- life, Alison has had only vague mains hidden about their lives, in- memories of the abuse she endured cluding stuff about her celebrity as a child. As a means of self-pro- sibling’s satanic rituals and sex tection, her mind suppressed rec- abuse claims. Alison, who is re- ollections of the horrific events she ceiving treatment at a sober house was exposed to and made to take Looks like international boxing sen- sible for leaking the video but I in upstate New York, has been part in. But now, as her brain re- sation Amir Khan’s very public cannot imagine it to be one of our “clean and sober for a while now”, covers from the injury she received family feud is intractable. present or erstwhile employees a source close to the siblings said. in a still-unsolved attack in her own Days after a sex tape of the even if Amir’s wife says so.” he “She’s starting to remember a home, details of that abuse are boxer surfaced on the internet, his said. whole lot of stuff about her child- coming to the surface,” a close family reportedly stands polarised Amir and Faryal recently ap- hood, her upbringing and a lot of friend of Alison’s named David on who might be possible behind peared on a morning show and things that happened. It’s some Baker claimed in his blog. Recov- the embarrassing leak. Earlier, spoke on the leak. They claimed pretty heavy-duty stuff,” said the ering from injury was tough for Amir’s wife Faryal Makhdoom the tape had been made well be- source. Alison has even claimed to Mariah Carey “We are now docu- had termed the incident an “act of fore their marriage. “I love my wife have vivid memories of devil wor- menting her descriptions of events revenge” by one of their former and I love my family. The mar- ship and racial problems between that have haunted her like a malev- staff members. “I feel someone’s riage is brilliant. It’s going really Mariah and her father Alfred Roy olent ghost for the past 50 years, done it out of revenge… someone well. Everything is fine between Carey. Mariah’s brother Morgan an unseen but disturbing presence, close to us. It’s not necessarily a with us,” said Amir. “It is some- previously revealed that their moth- and will be making them public in family member. Amir has fired a thing that happened a long long er had forced her daughters to par- a format still be be decided,” he lot of people who worked for the time ago. This was well before my ticipate in “horrible” and “evil” added. company so it could be a marriage. It’s trying to put me satanic rituals that sometimes (Tribune) worker,”Daily Mail quoted her as down,” he said. having remarked. Now,Amir’s fa- “It’s not about sacking, it’s ther Sajjad has categorically reject- about making redundancies and ed her claims, according to The Sun. there is a difference. I do think that The Shroff’s sip their “We have had to make some re- the only person or people who Favouritism, nepotism dundancies from the boxing side, leaked the video were the ones who which happens in business at recorded it and I have no idea who first Cup Of Koffee times. I will not discuss who and that was,” Sajjad went on to add. when. I have no idea who’s respon- (Tribune) Karan seems to be exploring all re- new generation of actors to stating does exist in the industry: lationship duos on this season of that love is overrated to profess- Koffee with Karan - from co-stars, ing his eternal love for Madhuri to childhood friends to married Dixit as the woman who still makes Emma Stone would couples. Get ready for this sea- his heart go Dhak Dhak, Jaggu Huma Qureshi son's first father-son duo with the Dada is his usual candid, cool clas- flamboyant Jackie Shroff and mar- sic self. love to theatre again tial arts and dance extraordinaire Tiger, who seems diametrical- Tiger Shroff! The duo will mark ly opposite to his father, will steal their debut on Koffee with Karan your heart with his honesty even The 'La La Land' star, who ap- actress said that while her voice in this Sunday's episode, which as he reveals his childhood crush peared in 'Cabaret' on Broadway may not be able to take the strain will air on Star World and Star on Shraddha Kapoor, taking his in 2014, said she is eager to now of a musical, there are a lot of plays World HD at 9 PM. father by surprise! And as is with tread the boards in London's the- she would be eager to appear in. Looking dapper in a black suit, every parent-child relationship, ater land. "I would love that. I'm "I've already done my dream mu- Jackie will prove that he has still Tiger will be left embarrassed when looking. I definitely would love to sical, 'Cabaret'. That was my got the all the charms of being the Karan asks if he would go to his do theater again, I don't know if I'd dream. I really don't have any oth- quintessential ladies' man as he father for advice about sex, to be able to do a musical any time ers that I'm dying to do. Really, answers Karan's questions with his which he declares a resounding no, soon just because maintaining the honestly my voice can't take it but unique style and panache. From leaving both Jackie and Karan voice is pretty tricky but, my god, straight plays, there's like a mil- calling himself younger than the amused! (Santa Banta) I'd love to do theater again very lion of those I'd love to do," she soon," Stone said. The 28-year-old said. (timesofindia)

Bollywood is slowly growing ily? “Yes. On the other hand, I may ing for another actor,” says the more inclusive and has opened up have also had to suffer a lot of the actor. “It is difficult and will con- to new talent, but it’s still popu- things that star-kids go through. tinue to be that way.” larly held that star-kids get prefer- For instance, they have to decide But Huma says she enjoys ential treatment, and are often the where their loyalties lie, which acting, regardless of the way the first to be considered for author- films to do, and how it will reflect industry functions. “If I am not backed roles. Ask Huma Qureshi on the family. There is so much happy with what is being offered, if she has faced that bias, and the pressure,” she says. I will just take a break. I don’t need actor says, “Some of the star-kids However, Huma does feel the to do something to prove a point. I’ve known personally are extreme- preference granted to star-kids can I don’t feel like I have to do three ly passionate and hard-working. be unfair sometimes. “There may films a year or else people will for- But that doesn’t take away from be a role that I might want to do, get me. I am not insecure. I am the fact that favouritism and nep- [but it may go to a star-kid]. And happy doing the work that comes otism does exist in the industry.” it has happened in the past. Some- my way, but it has to be interest- But would it have been easier times, I feel I may lose out on a ing.” says the Badlapur (2015) ac- had Huma hailed from a film fam- part because somebody is push- tor. (Hidustan Times) WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 25, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Yaya Toure wants to stay at Toure has been instrumental in Manchester City despite big-mon- City's successes since joining the ey interest from China, saying he club from Barcelona in 2010. owes it to the fans. Speculation over his future The midfielder, who is out of began when he was overlooked by contract at the end of the season, new manager Pep Guardiola, the has received lucrative approaches former Barca boss who oversaw from the Chinese Super League. his departure from the Nou Camp, Man City 2-2 Tottenham at the start of the season. Some reports have claimed There then seemed little way Toure could earn up to £500,000 back for him when he was frozen per week by moving but the 33- out of the side in September as his year-old insists he is not motivat- agent became involved in a row ed by money and is keen to stay in with Guardiola. the Premier League. But since that situation was He said: "Yes that's my idea. I resolved in November, Toure has always say that if I went to China reclaimed a place in the heart of I would end up feeling angry there. City's midfield and his performanc- "Do you play football because es have raised the prospect of an you love football, or do you play extended deal. because you want to make mon- Toure said: "I've said before ey? What's the purpose? that I've been involved with a lot "Me, I just want to play foot- of clubs but, especially at City, I ball because I enjoy it, I love play- want to give something back to the ing. I enjoy helping my team- fans. "I'd like to continue to work mates, I enjoy playing against the hard for them, keep giving them big players and teams. I want to entertainment, keep them happy - carry on in that way. that's what I want. "Some people have the men- "If I was tired, I'd say 'no tality that they want to do that, to more, move on', but I don't feel try something different but, for like that. I feel very, very good. I me, my feeling is that I want to feel young." (Sky Sport) play more football." Frampton vs Santa Cruz Chris Rogers to Rory McIlroy II: Five other memorable coach at Somerset a ruled out of Dubai year after retiring Desert Classic Las Vegas rematches as player, captain

Somerset have announced former both on and off the field last year," captain Chris Rogers will return said Somerset director of cricket to the county as batting coach and Matt Maynard. player mentor. "He was a huge part of what The 39-year-old retired from we achieved in the summer and playing in 2016 after leading Som- was by far the outstanding candi- erset to the brink of their first date for the position. County Championship title but "It goes without saying that will be back at Taunton from we are delighted he will be work- March to June subject to visa ap- ing with us again in 2017." proval. (Tribune) "Chris made a massive impact

Rory McIlroy will miss the Dubai round of the BMW SA Open but Desert Classic as he continues his went on to complete the week, los- recovery from a rib injury. ing only in a play-off with Graeme A stress fracture forced McIl- Storm. roy out of this month's Abu Dhabi In MRI scan later revealed the HSBC Championship, and a state- stress fracture, and McIlroy said ment from the European Tour con- at the time: "In situations like this firmed he will remain sidelined next you simply have to listen to the week. The world No 2 won the experts and the team I have con- tournament in 2009 and 2015 and sulted have all advised me to rest After a thrilling and closely con- one had ever done before. The Flor- Bruno's final bow in the ring. Hav- was tied for sixth 12 months ago, until my rib has fully recovered." tested first fight, Carl Frampton ida challenger landed a crushing left ing won gold at the 1992 Olym- four shots behind champion Danny Willett will defend his title in will again battle with Leo Santa hook on the exposed chin of Jones pics, Oscar De La Hoya - nick- Willett. the Middle East against a field fea- Cruz for the WBA 'Super' feather- Jr in the second round of the con- named 'The Golden Boy' - rose to McIlroy initially complained turing Tiger Woods and Race to weight world title, live on Sky test, a moment that shocked those stardom and finished his career as of back pain during the second Dubai winner Henrik Stenson. Sports in the early hours of Sun- in attendance and the many watch- a six-weight world champion and day morning. ing at home and the defeat would one of the sport's highest ever earn- Where better to start than with signal the beginning of the end for ers. One of the pound-for-pound the man who made Las Vegas his the great champion. It is in itself a best, De La Hoya, like Mayweath- home and took the glitz and glam- remarkable story that a Filipino er, would make the money-mak- our to new levels as he became flyweight, with an early knockout ing area of Las Vegas his fighting boxing's and Vegas' main attraction. defeat on his record, would go on home and his two fights with fel- After a thrilling and closely to become boxing's first ever eight- low boxing great, Shane Mosley, contested first fight, Carl Framp- division world champion, but would land at the iconic MGM ton will again battle with Leo San- Manny Pacquiao broke down ev- Grand. The first bout was razor ta Cruz for the WBA 'Super' feath- ery impeding barrier on his way to sharp, Mosley winning a conten- erweight world title, live on Sky greatness and eventual famed idol- tious split decision to claim the Sports in the early hours of Sun- isation in his native land. The ca- WBC welterweight world title and day morning. reer of 'Pac Man' is film-worthy, three years later, De La Hoya Where better to start than with and although Mexican legend Erik sought retribution as they battled the man who made Las Vegas his Morales would be just one of once again, this time at the super- home and took the glitz and glam- many great fighters to share the welterweight limit. The women’s quarter-finals are set seed Kerber was looking fallible, to her high-risk game; as a rule, our to new levels as he became ring with Pacquiao, he is one of Despite most feeling De La as the second week of play upon but it was still a shock when she Muguruza will either hit a winner boxing's and Vegas' main attraction. only a handful that would create a Hoya had controlled the contest, the blue courts of Melbourne Park came unstuck against the big-hit- or an error. 'Money', who retired in 2015 trilogy of fights with the Filipino outlanding his fellow Californian, begins. ting American, who had beaten The Spaniard has enjoyed a with 49 wins from as many fights, that will live long in the memory. again Mosley took a controversial The 2017 quarters will feature Roberta Vinci and Eugenie Boucha- straightforward ride, facing just one was well suited to the extravagan- Fighting at super-featherweight, decision on the judges' scorecards. four players who have not rd en route to her clash with the seed in Anastasija Sevastova, but za well associated with the city Morales, himself a four-weight 'Money', who retired in 2015 dropped a set - three of whom are world No 1. that’s about to change. and would finish a glittering career world champion, won the first with 49 wins from as many fights, Grand Slam winners - two unseed- Vandeweghe has equalled her Vandeweghe leads their head- having won 25 times in Vegas. fight between the two and the re- was well suited to the extravagan- ed athletes, a future star of the career-best Grand Slam perfor- to-head 2-1, although it was Mu- His swift, skilful and defen- match, ten months later, would za well associated with the city game, and an American baseliner mance - she reached the quarter- guruza who emerged victorious sive ability was something to be again land in the City of Lights. and would finish a glittering career who dethroned Angelique Kerber finals at Wimbledon in 2015 - and from their last encounter - at the admired and only twice in his ca- This time, Pacquiao would claim having won 25 times in Vegas. in straight sets in the third round. will hope her early ball striking and Cincinnati Masters. reer would an opponent push him the victory in spectacular fashion, His swift, skilful and defen- Each of these women stand to fearsome serve will continue to They are both aggressive play- so closely that a rematch would be stopping the Mexican in the tenth sive ability was something to be leave Australia with at least trouble opponents. ers with devastating baseline deemed necessary, even by May- round, the first man to ever beat admired and only twice in his ca- £266,000 in prize money, but pas- She faces one of the game’s games. weather himself. Morales inside the distance. The reer would an opponent push him sage to the semi-finals and beyond other power players: world No 7 If Muguruza is on form, this Jose Luis Castillo famously decisive trilogy-making fight so closely that a rematch would be is the greatest motivation. Murguruza. could develop into a war of attri- did it and so did Maidana, after a would see Pacquiao go one better deemed necessary, even by May- As week one draws to a close, The year she won her first tion - a high-octane quarter-final close first fight that many felt could and take just three rounds to dis- weather himself. we took a look at the four matches Grand Slam, this extraordinary tal- at the top of the draw. have gone either way. The return patch of 'El Terrible'. Jose Luis Castillo famously ahead: ent exited the other three majors (Live Sport) would see 'Money' earn over $30m Frank Bruno had just achieved did it and so did Maidana, after a Defending champion and top before the fourth round, testament (£24m) in a contest he won com- a lifelong dream, at the third time close first fight that many felt could fortably to maintain his welter- of asking, by beating Oliver Mc- have gone either way. The return weight dominance. It would prove Call to become the WBC heavy- would see 'Money' earn over $30m to be Maidana's last fight. weight world champion, but as he (£24m) in a contest he won com- Arguably the greatest light- had done earlier in his career, he fortably to maintain his welter- More Of That has X-country entry heavyweight of all time, certainly would once again run into 'Iron' weight dominance. It would prove of his generation, Roy Jones Jr had Mike Tyson. In their first meet- to be Maidana's last fight. More Of That is a fascinating con- Kylemore Lough, Top Gamble, seemed imperious at the 175lbs ing, unified champ and undefeated Arguably the greatest light- tender for the Glenfarclas Cross Royal Regatta and Shantou Flyer limit going into his rematch with Tyson stopped Bruno in the fifth heavyweight of all time, certainly Country Handicap Chase at Chel- rated over 155. Gordon Elliott has Antonio Tarver, the only blemish round as the self-proclaimed 'Bad- of his generation, Roy Jones Jr had tenham on Saturday. entered Noble Endeavor, winner of on his record being an avenged dis- dest Man on the Planet' continued seemed imperious at the 175lbs Jonjo O'Neill has entered the the Paddy Power Chase at Leop- qualification loss to Montell Grif- his commanding supremacy over limit going into his rematch with 2014 World Hurdle winner over the ardstown over Christmas, while the fin. The pair had previously met the heavyweight division. In the Antonio Tarver, the only blemish unique course, and he remains the long-absent Uxizandre may also six months earlier, Jones taking a seven years that would pass be- on his record being an avenged dis- only horse in training to have beaten return. The Timeform Novices' majority decision victory, and the fore a rematch with Bruno, Tyson qualification loss to Montell Grif- Champion Hurdle winner Annie Handicap Chase has been a good rematch dubbed 'More than Per- would be shocked by James 'Bust- fin. Power when she has completed. pointer towards Festival winners sonal' would once again land at the er' Douglas in one of boxing's great- The pair had previously met The nine-year-old has, how- in recent years, with Champers On Mandalay Bay Resort, many ex- est ever upsets. 1995 would be the six months earlier, Jones taking a ever, looked a shadow of his former Ice, Diamond King and Royal Va- pecting a similar or even more con- year of his comeback, the same year majority decision victory, and the self in three runs this season and cation among an entry of 29. As is clusive outcome to the first time that Bruno got his hands on 'Iron rematch dubbed 'More than Per- connections could now be going in Mercian Prince, winner of his last round. Mike's' old esteemed green belt and sonal' would once again land at the a different direction. two races and trained by Amy At his brilliant best, four- Tyson quickly went after the title Mandalay Bay Resort, many ex- West Approach, a half-broth- Murphy, who has made such a weight world champion Jones Jr, the following year in a rematch at pecting a similar or even more con- er to Thistlecrack, is among 15 good start to her new career. The who also won heavyweight ho- the MGM Grand. Tyson would clusive outcome to the first time possible runners in the Neptune McManus duo Defi Du Seuil and Charli Parcs are in the hat for the 11- Newmarket handler said: "He was nours, was virtually untouchable, win convincingly with a third- round. Investment Management Classic strong JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle. There are some classy en- really tough at Sandown as the but Tarver would stun him like no round stoppage in what would be (Fox Sport) Novices' Hurdle, while exciting JP tries in the Hugo's Restaurant Barbados Trophy Handicap Chase, with ground would not have been ideal. WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 25. 2017-Dalw 06, 1395 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 176 Price: Afs.20

The Envoy:From Kabul to the White House, My Journey Through a Turbulent World Some preferred to speak in Farsi joying the status of marja, or in private but quickly shifted to “source of emulation.” This was English or Arabic in larger meet- the title for someone considered ings least they draw attention to to be so virtuous and holy that their Iranian roots. Though I had others should try to be like him in studied Arabic for a year at AUB their thoughts and actions. and had refreshed my knowledge Ruba’i said that Sistani had AT Monitoring Desk with a tutor before leaving for Bagh- studied my background and ex- dad, I was far less fluent in Arabic pressed great respect for what I KABUL: Iran has been fueling in- than in Farsi. So with my counter- had done in Afghanistan. He had surgency in the southern Helmand parts who spoke only Arabic, I read the new constitutions of Af- province to divert the central gov- used an embassy interpreter. I un- ghanistan-twice in fact-and was ernment attention from water dis- derstood Arabic for the most part willing to accept for the Iraqi con- pute between the two states, pro- but wanted to make sure, in sensi- stitution the formula in the Afghan vincial official said on Tuesday. tive negotiations, that I was deliv- document on the role of Islam Briefing newsmen in Lashkar- ering precise points. I was cogni- “word for word.” gah, the provincial capital, Hel- zant, however that speaking Actually I could not recall pre- mand’s governor Hayatullah Hayat through an interpreter made in hard- cisely what the Afghan constitu- said, “It has been for four years er to establish rapport, so I tried tion stated on the relationship of that Iran increased its support to to speak in Arabic whenever pos- religious and civil law. In a break in the Taliban militants in a bid to In my meetings with women’s sible. I would also speak in Arabic the meeting, I called Karzai and leaders, they not only pressed for keep the flame of war erupting in when I wanted to put my counter- asked him to remind me of the ex- basic equality before the law but the province.” parts on the post, to deny them act language. He read the text to also wanted to see personal status He added that Iran is putting the excuse of waiting for the trans- me. Article 2 made Islam the offi- law-laws regulating marriage, di- weight behind Taliban in their in- lator before formulating a response. cial religion of Afghanistan but also vorce, custody, and inheritance- surgency due to water dispute be- President Talibani suggested guaranteed the rights of non-Mus- regulated by civil, not religious, tween the two countries. Iran is that I convene the key Iraqi lead- lim. Article 3 and 7 required courts law. They insisted that Islam not doing everything to divert Kabul’s ers for a summit meeting in Bagh- to integrate the tents of Islam and be cited by the constitution as attention from Helmand River dad to finalize the discussions. universal human rights. Article 130 “the” source of law, which would water.” Since we both knew that Barzani and 131 allowed courts to use Sun- allow Islamist to impose sharia It is worth to be mentioned that didn’t like to come to Baghdad, this ni and Shia jurisprudence to fill through the courts, but rather as Helmand River water has been entailed going to Erbil to request gaps in the constitutional or statu- “a” source of law, leaving room for flowing into Iran since long time, his presence in Baghdad personal- tory law, which was not a signifi- more secular legal provisions. And free of cost. ly. I asked Talibani to weight in cant concession because Afghani- they pressed for language in the To prove the involvement of during the constitutional negotia- stan had well-developed and com- constitution to guarantee univer- Iran in Helmand conflict, the gov- tions to ensure protections for prehensive legal codes. sal human rights. ernor informed of discovering and Gov’t to spare no human rights generally and wom- I told Ruba’i to thank Ayatol- When I went to see Barzani in seizing made-in Iran rockets and Almost 80 Daesh, Al-Qaeda effort for bringing en’s rights in particular, and he lah Sistani and also asked him to Erbil, I knew not to move to busi- bullets in the province. agreed, pledging that he would not bring to Sistani’s attention anoth- “Iran is nervous with the de- ness too quickly. That was not his insurgents killed in Zabul peace, says CEO allow Iraq to become an Islamic er part of the Afghan constitution style. We discussed our families, velopmental program of President Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Ab- republic. that I believed merited replication: world events, the weather, and so Ashraf Ghani for prioritizing the At least four foreign militants affiliated to Daesh insurgents were killed With Tariq Hashimi, a promi- that women were guaranteed two Kajaki dam in Helmand and Ka- dullah Abdullah says the National forth. As the meeting drew to a in drone strikes carried out by foreign forces in Nangarhar province, nent Sunni Arab leader, I raised the parliamentary seats for every close, we stood and walked to the mal Khan Dam in Nimroz prov- Unity Government (NUG) is do- provincial governor spokesman Attaullah Khogyani said on Friday. issue of federalism. Not surpris- province. door. I then turned to him and ince,” he added. ing everything to bring peace in the Khogyani said the drone strikes were conducted in Bandr Khor ingly, he opposed Hakim’s pro- I had already discovered that asked, “I would like you to join us Moreover, Hayat informed of country. “Peace is one of the main area in Achin district where four foreign insurgents – including Tajiki- posal to create one or more federal both Shia and Sunni Arabs were at the summit meeting in Baghdad. an operation to be carried out by demands of Afghan people. Efforts stan and Pakistan citizens – were killed. regions in southern Iraq. He didn’t largely indifferent to women’s You will be there. Right?” the Afghan security force to tame He said no casualty was inflicted to civilians in the airstrikes. are underway and we will do any- thing to provide peace for the coun- oppose federalism in principle but rights, and that the Islamists with- “Of course, I’ll be there,” he insurgents during winter. This comes after local officials in Nangarhar last week said they believed that the National Assem- in both groups were willing to pro- replied. He also made clear the Provincial Council Member, are concerned about a return of Daesh militants in parts of the province try,” said CEO, Abdullah Abdul- lah. CEO declared that a tangible bly should delay the process for tect those rights only on the con- Kudish red lines: preserve the sta- Attaullah Afghan, said Iran had which were cleared of the militant group last year. (Tolonews) at least the next four years. I saw dition that they were in accordance constantly supporting Taliban in result has not been achieved from tus of the Peshmerga as an inde- promise in the idea of phasing in with religious law. The generally pendent military force, give the Helmand to create obstacles ahead the quartet meeting for peace federalism provisions. more progressive Kurds, who Kurds control over natural resourc- of law and order situation. He also talks. Abdullah Abdullah has also My meeting with Mowaffak knew the rights of Kurds women es in KRG territories, and ensure believe that Iran want to keep un- al-Rub’i proved to be important. were well protected under the for Kurds an equitable share of resolved the water dispute be- noted that the insurgent groups are trying to capture more parts of the Ruba’i had a message to relay from KRG’s laws, were willing to sup- revenues from Iraq’s hydrocarbon tween the two countries by co- Grand Ayatollah Ali al Sistani was port my efforts on behalf of other vertly supporting militants. country by deteriorating the secu- revenues. These were reasonable one of the most senior and revered Iraqi women but would not take and should not deal-breakers, I Moreover, Abdul Basir, a res- rity situation. ayatollahs of Twelver Shiism, en- the lead themselves. thought. ident of Musa Kala, said that Ira- According to sources, there are To be continued nian officials held meetings with more than ten insurgent groups Taliban insurgents in the province who are fighting face to face against and provide them with heavy and the Afghan military forces. Taliban run light weapons to continue fighting (Ariananews) Afghan, Uzbek foreign against security forces. customs office Afghanistan has no major ter- ministers ink 5 MoUs ritorial disputes with Iran. How- KABUL: Afghanistan and Uzbeki- MoUs on bilateral cooperation ever, the disagreement and dispute between stan on Tuesday signed five Mem- on combating drug trafficking and over the water of Helmand River orandums of Understanding taking precautionary measures, is threatening issue. Wardak, Logar (MoUs) in Kabul , the Ministry enhanced contacts between the Afghanistan’s government of Foreign Affairs said. foreign ministries of the two coun- should strengthen the capability of PUL-I-ALAM: Taliban militants Foreign Minister Salahuddin tries, promoting cooperation in security forces in the insecure Hel- have established a ‘customs check- Rabbani and his Uzbek counter- areas of infrastructure, transport mand province. Kabul has to re- point’ between central Maidan part Abdul Aziz Kamilov inked and other projects signed. solve its water dispute with Iran Wardak and Logar provinces and the agreement at the Presidential A protocol for the creation of and should gear up the construc- take money from vehicles, govern- Palace, a statement from the min- a joint security commission was tion of ‘Kajaki’ and ‘Kamal Khan’ ment officials claim, but the rebels istry said. also signed. (Pajhwok) hydropower dams on priority reject the claim. bases. Mohammad Rahim Amin, ad- ministrative chief of Baraki Barak Uruzgan airstrike district, said the Taliban had es- tablished a customs office in a being investigated: small valley in Syedabad district Governor of Maidan Wardak province and TIRINKOT: The governor on they charged taxes on vehicles pass- Tuesday said the airstrike that in- amid Karzai, the former president had a farewell meeting with the Saudi ing through the area. jured 14 members of a family in Arabian ambassador to Kabul Mesfer Abdul Rahman al-Ghaseb, thanking He said around 15 heavy and H several light vehicles traveled on Chora district of central Uruzgan his efforts in strength and expansion of relationship between Afghanistan and province was being investigated. the route on a daily basis and their Few days back, the family the kingdom. Karzai wished al-Ghaseb success in his next missions. drivers paid money in ‘tax’ to the members were injured in an Afghan insurgents. UN agencies to empower National Army (ANA)’s airstrike German prelates “Taliban charge a lorry truck in Akhtar village of the district. OVERNIGHT SNOWSTORM 10,000 and 12,000 afghanis,” he young refugees The ANA’s fourth brigade criticize govt over claimed. commander had rejected the claim Afghan Saleem Saleh, the Logar gover- PESHAWAR: Two UN agencies have signed a memorandum of under- KILLS 3 IN SALANG PASS nor’s spokesman, confirmed the standing (MoU) on utilising mobile technology for the empowerment of injuries to civilians in the air- of young Afghan refugee in Pakistan. Under the UNICEF-UHCR MoU, strike in Chora district. deportations PUL-I-KHUMRI: Three bodies Baraki Barak district chief’s claim, but said security forces had driven U-Report PakAvaz -- a flagship social monitoring tool -- will be used to However, Uruzgan Governor The German Bishops’ Conference, have been recovered from snow as empower young people and strengthen community development through Mohammad Nazir Kharotai, who joined by a Lutheran body, has crit- the Salang Pass blockade entered a the rebels from the area. the SMS technology. Pakistan hosts approximately 1.3 million Afghan visited the injured people at the icized the German government for second, an official said on Tues- Maidan Wardak governor’s nationals, one of the largest protracted refugee populations in the world provincial civil hospital today, its decision to repatriate 11,900 day. spokesman Abdul Rahman Man- today. Around two-thirds of the total population resides in semi-urban confirmed the blitz had injured ci- Afghan migrants whose asylum 1st. Lt. Zabihullah Shuja, traf- gal said Taliban militants were run- areas, while the remaining one-third lives in 54 refugee villages. Most of vilians. He said those involved in requests have been denied. fic director for northern Baghlan ning a customs office in Syedabad these refugees are second or third-generation children and youth born in the incident would be soon re- Some 250,000 Afghans now province, said a large number of district. Pakistan. Around 64% of the Afghan refugee population is under the vealed to the public. live in Germany, according to Deut- passengers were trapped in the “Tangai area in Syedabad is age of 25 and 25% are youth between 18 and 24. U-Report PakAvaz Kharoti said a delegation sche Welle. overnight storm, but police res- Two wounded people were shift- unstable but we have not received has more than 2.8 million active users in over 28 countries globally, would be appointed to thorough- “No one should be sent back cued and evacuated them to safe- ed to the Pul-i-Khumri Hospital. any complaint from local people including Pakistan. The platform creates a space for young refugees to ly investigate the incident and bring to a region where his life is threat- ty. The official said hundreds of about Taliban’s customs office,” he have a voice and develop leadership opportunities for them in their the perpetrators to justice. The ened by war and violence,” said He, however, said two wom- trucks stranded in Khinjan district said. community. UNICEF representative Angela Kearney said: "We are in a governor said he also received a Archbishop Stefan Heße of Ham- en and a man were killed by an would be allowed to move after He said officials in neighbor- country with one of the largest populations of young people. This telephone call from the Presiden- burg, chairman of the bishops’ mi- avalanche. Their bodies were re- the situation returned to normal ing provinces were planning to collaboration will make visible the need and issues of young refugees in tial Palace and he was ordered to gration commission, and his Luth- covered on Monday and a third and the Salang Pass reopened. conduct clearing operations in the the areas of health, education, protection, water sanitation and hygiene investigate the incident. (Pajhwok) eran counterpart. (Catholicculture) copse was found early Tuesday. (Pajhwok) area soon. (Pajhwok) and social welfare through the use of technology and mobile phones."