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devoted supporter of the presidential candi date Abdullah Abdullah, Hezb-i-Wahdat Islami Party led by Karim Khalili has announced plans to form a paral- lel government if final results of the presidential election would give lead to frontrunner Ashraf Ghani. Preliminary results an- nounced in December showed that Ashraf Ghani won the Septem- ber 28 presidential election, but his rival Abdullah Abdullah im- mediately rejected the outcome, saying the vote was marred by widespread fraud. Abdullah’s an- other running mate and the incum- bent first vice president, General Dustom, also announced plans for a parallel state if election results are riddled with...

esidents and provincial council mem The United States Special Rep- on Twitter that he had met with bers in the western provinces of Farah resentative for Afghanistan’s Rec- President Ashraf Ghani in Munich and Badghis are demanding that atten onciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, on Friday and held a series of meet- tion be paid to civilian casualties from tweeted updates about progress ings with leaders and representa- air raids and said that children and women have in the peace process, noting the tives from different countries. been killed in airstrikes recently. A watchdog reduction in violence agreement Khalilzad also mentioned a “pro- group in Herat has called for an end of the between the US and Taliban, but longed and fruitful” trip to Doha strikes, and for those responsible for civilian stressed that “success cannot be before attending the Munich Se- casualties to be brought to justice. Members of guaranteed.” Khalilzad reported curity... the provincial council of ... MONDAY . FEBRUARY, 17, 2020 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Is peace in A fghanist an on t he Poll Result s W ill be A nnounced horizon? The peace W it hin Nex t Tw o Days: IEC process ex amined Afghanistan has been rocked by a prolonged war for more than 18 years. The warring parties are currently mired in a perennial stale- The Independent Election Com- few days and we have worked on parent votes, all the disputed the process was boycotted by sults.” “They should have re- mate with both sides failing to make sustainable territorial gains. With mission (IEC) has started the au- it and finally, today, we officially votes will be validated, but if 35% Chief Executive Abdullah Abdul- quired coordination based on U.S. anti-war sentiment on the rise and deals-seeking Trump at the dit of disputed votes and will an- started implementing them, both of the votes do not complete the lah’s Stability and Convergence their duties,” said Nasir Nasir helm of the White House, an unprecedented initiative to start direct nounce the final results of the in the center and in provinces of measure, all the disputed votes campaign team. Zada, member of the Free and talks with the Taliban in the hope of securing a peace deal was launched September presidential elections Afghanistan,” IEC chairperson will be recounted – once again. “We have continued the pro- Fair Election Foundation of Af- in September 2018. The talks have now hit 11 rounds but the process within the next two days, the dep- Hawa Alam Nuristani said. “We match the number of cess up until now, and if the voice ghanistan. Meanwhile, the IEC has been on-and-off due to intensifying violence for which the Tali- uty of the commission said. “It will not take more time. the center and a local code with of right is heard otherwise, we will started the recount of votes in ban is largely responsible. Washington's latest re-engagement with The process was delayed for We will complete our work within the database,” said Sayedullah, an withdraw from the process,” said 298 polling stations from which the Taliban only started in December, a month after Trump decided three days because of a protest one or two days, and we will an- IEC official. “Then we check the Fazl Ahmad Manawi, technical biometric information was lost, to pump the breaks for a moment because of Taliban attacks on U.S. from Chief Executive Abdullah nounce the final results,” said Es- biometric information… and we head of Abdullah’s campaign. “In in nine provinces. Moreover, the assets in Afghanistan. Although the protracted negotiations have yet Abdullah’s campaign team. matullah Mal, the IEC deputy register it here.” that case, they can announce the commission claims to have com- to produce tangible results, a glimmer of hope has resurfaced when “The decisions of the Inde- chief. According to the special au- President Ghani’s campaign result and it will be evident to the pleted the audit of disputed U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper on Saturday confirmed that pendent Electoral Complaints dit, if 65% of the disputed votes team, State Builder, approved the people, and we will see from votes in Ghazni, Helmand and the U.S. has reached a "reduction in violence" agreement with the Commission reached us in the past meet the characteristics of trans- audit of the disputed votes, but whom they will accept the re- Sar-e-Pul provinces. Taliban. ‘Rigged election results NATO Envoy: not acceptable’ Afghans Need PTMchief Pashteen granted bail byKP court To Benefit PESHAWAR: A court in Khyber Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province has ordered the release of the Pashtun ...P1 fraud. Threats to form a announced earlier this week that Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) chief. Struggling for Pakhtuns’ rights, Manzoor Pashteen had been detained last month on charges of sedition, parallel government marks an es- fraud-mired election results won’t From Reduction hate speech, incitement against the state and criminal conspiracy. Saeed Akhtar, a lawyer for the PTM chief, told AFP the sessions’ court in calation of tension amid fears that be acceptable and that his camp Tank district granted him bail on Saturday against surety bonds of one hundred thousand rupees. He hoped Pashteen would be freed from jail deadlock over fraud allegations will stand against fraudulent gov- In Violence immediately. could send the country into a vi- ernment. Fazl Ahmad Manawi, a olent spiral – a scenario that once senior member of Abdullah’s ...P12 The majority of vio- happened in the controversial camp, said the election commis- lence and enemy-initiated attacks 2014 race for presidency that gave sion was not even doing the bare at the moment are against Afghan Security forces arrest Taliban ‘logistics’official in Logar birth the government of national minimum the complaints panel has targets, government forces, and ...P12 government has recently pinned reliance on its special forces’ operations, however there are great concerns by the human rights unity through a disconcerting told it to, “and even baulking at Afghan civilians. And it’s impor- watchdogs about the highly surge in civilian casualties during these operations. American intervention. our exhortations and reserva- tant in a reduction in violence that In a statement, Karim Khalili tions”. the Afghans see that reducing sig- said, “If election authority an- This is as the election com- nificantly. Gunmen open fire on drug addicts in Kabul, killing nine nounces a flawed government mission has begun a recount of RFE/RL: You know that in having emerged from fraud, we contested ballots. Manawi be- the long conflict in Afghanistan will have to announce a national lieves that their camp has played Afghan civilians have been hard- ...P12 have been shifted to the forensic and that investigations are underway to find the perpetrators. Earlier, there have been reports about government led by Abdullah Ab- by all rules, but it will swerve left hit during years of war. How con- the drug addict’s death due to sever cold weather. There is no fresh statics about the number of addicts in Afghanistan but it has been said that dullah – in deference to people’s and use any means possible to re- cerned are you about civilian ca- there are over five million people. will and valid votes.” verse the flawed outcome of elec- sualties in Afghanistan? This is as Abdullah himself tion. Kay: Very concerned. The death toll for civilians in the last year was one of the highest ever Saleh melting under criticism over Munich trip Khalilzad calls for collective... and unacceptable. Any civilian casualty is a tragedy. Certainly, ...P12 notorious Anas Haqqani and several other instances. In defense, the presidential palace has argued that Saleh being a prominent ...P1 Conference. During a meet- It looks very promising. We have NATO in its train, advise, and politician can attend those crucial meetings. University lecturer, Wadir Safi, believes that the president should not be accompanied by ing with President Ghani, Kha- now been for a few days now in assist mission gives every advice him running mate and that if it happens, the president should explain the reason. “The president has no right to take any person lilzad said the two “spoke about the process of consulting, first possible to the Afghan forces on with him in his official overseas trips,” he said. the opportunity of this reduction with our congress--I have had how to avoid and minimize civil- in violence and the imperative of many conversations--and then, ian casualties, and that’s because preparing for an inclusive Afghan secondly—concurrently--with our NATO is not a combat mission. peace process.” NATO allies in Brussels.” We are not fighting, we are train- Kabul, Taliban urged to show flexibility for peace “We urge all Afghans to seize He added: “I think there is gen- ing the Afghan forces, and part the moment and end the misery eral agreement--and it is my view of the training is to avoid civilian st of more than four decades of war,” as well--that we have to give peace casualties. RFE/RL: Reports say ...P12 ceremony to mark the Soviet withdrawal 31 anniversary. He said that the war parties need to show flexibility in their peace stances, Khalilzad said. a chance, that the best if not only a deal could be signed between adding that people do not want government’s interpretation of peace that if peace was ideas were on the track of the government, they are Khalilzad said he briefed lead- way forward in Afghanistan is to the U.S. and the Taliban in Feb- Afghan, legal and Islamic, if no, it would be vice versa. Monib welcomed Taliban-US peace deal, urging that an intra-Afghan dialogue was ers at the Munich Security Con- a political agreement and that ruary. How feasible does that needed to be held soon after the deal signed. He also rejected any ideas that Afghanistan was in invaded country, saying the fate of invaders ference about the peace process means taking some risk, that means look to you? Kay: This has been, would be like the fate of Soviet. and “also discussed next steps enabling our diplomats and that as you know, a long process of and committed to working togeth- means working together with our negotiations between the U.S. Elect ion aut horit y begins president ial vot e recount er on the difficult and complicat- partners and allies on the ground and the Taliban. NATO has fully ed road ahead.” “We all know suc- to effect such a thing.” supported these efforts, and the ...P12 to implement the audit at the earliest. It may take one week. But it all depends on cooperation of all stakeholders,” he said. The recount cess is not guaranteed but we all In Kabul, analysts insist on U.S. kept NATO fully briefed on came after a decision of the electoral complaints commission earlier last week to retally 10% of 137,630 suspicious ballots and 15% of 102,000 believe we must do our best,” creating a political and national what it’s doing. We hope there belated ballots. These overall 300,000 ballots were the bone of contention between the leading electoral camps, triggering repetitive calls for Khalilzad said in a tweet. “I ap- consensus for the peace process will be an agreement signed. And a major recount. The decision is backed by the frontrunner Ashraf Ghani’s camp but boycotted by his rival Abdullah Abdullah’s team. preciate the overwhelming sup- by the government. it’s important because it opens Fereydoon Khozon, a spokesman for Abdullah’s camp said that their observers will not attend the conduct of the recount. “We won’t attend port here for the Afghan peace “Dividing the peace process the door to intra-Afghan negoti- unless all stakeholders including the complaints commission and observing team participate in the recount,” he said. Emphasizing on process.” Meanwhile, the US into different phases is a key,” said ations when the Taliban, the gov- participation of all electoral teams, the election commission has said that a failure of the teams to show up won’t deter the recount process. Secretary of Defense Mark Es- Tamim Asey, head of the Kabul- ernment of Afghanistan, and oth- per in an address at the Munich based Institute of War and Peace. er Afghans sit at the negotiating Security Conference stated that a “We should be cautiously optimis- table and solve this conflict political agreement is the best tic that this stage will lead to the through negotiation. That is Circus, a hub of fun and talent for children option to end violence in Afghan- second stage, which is intra-Af- where we need to get, and the istan. “We have on the table right ghan negotiations, and the third U.S. Taliban agreement is a way ...P12 not of modern or high said. Circus teams have per- are cordially welcomed and en- watching a performance in TV,” now a reduction in violence pro- stage, which is agreements as an to open the door to that. quality, but we put them in their formed in Denmark in 2005, Ja- couraged by the people. He was she enthused, “finally, my cousin posal that was negotiated between outcome of the intra-Afghan ne- RFE/RL: You know that the best use.” pan in 2006, Italy in 2011 and also grateful to the government who was a trainer here helped me our ambassador and the Taliban. gotiations after they are signed.” Taliban have been talking and fighting simultaneously so far. The Circus offers two huge 2015 and Germany in 2019, with for supporting the circus in terms get into the circus. I wish I could What if the militant group launch- programs every year – one is in- thousands of spectators. He, of security and facilitating shows be a great teacher and circus train- Airstrikes, Killing Civilians, ... es its annual spring offensive in country programs in which circus however, grinned at a decapitat- in schools. er in the future.” March under a new name? performers from eleven provinc- ing shortage of funds bedeviling Rabia Ahmadi, 15, is a cir- Hamid, 16, joined a year ago Kay: This is really the time es gather and compete; and the a development of their activities. cus trainer who joined eight years and is now a gymnastic trainer. “I ...P1 Badghis province said on Independent Human Rights Com- for peace. And people have ex- other is a program that offers priz- Immensely complacent ago. She said she is a good juggler am very happy to have joined this Sunday that 14 civilians have been mission (AIHRC) in Herat prov- pressed so clearly on so many es for competitors who win first, about public support for the cir- and trainer. “I floated and cher- circus and I will continue for many killed--including women and chil- ince urged security forces to stop occasions that they are desper- second and third positions, they cus, Hamid said children who ished the idea of joining circus years to come to make children dren--in the past two weeks dur- the operations. ate for peace. They have called will be sent abroad to perform, he perform on the street or in parks eight years ago when I was laugh,” he said. ing air raids. “We demand the officials to upon the Taliban to cease their “The civilian casualties are the investigate the attacks and identi- violence. The Taliban should re- main issue for the people, the fy the perpetrators, for the sake spect the will of the people. And nation, the security forces and of justice,” said Abdul Wahid Asl- neither side should be preparing Kabul faces fresh w at er short ages also the central government. The ami, head of the monitoring of the for a spring offensive. Reduction government always said that the security forces section in AIHRC in violence should mean exactly ...P12 live, several times a day. don’t have men at home to bring ter supply company, said that to assist us in water management, security of the civilians is their in Herat. that. A reduction in violence that “I carry water for my family water. Ahmad Siyar Nekzad, Afghans lost lots of opportuni- nobody paid attention to that.” priority, and it has been said to Mohammad Naim Ghuroor, a is noted by the Afghan people from this water spout. We lack spokesman of the ministry of ty for managing water in the past According to Yalani, five bil- and that is enduring. And that water and have no man at home to energy and water, said Sunday 14 years. He said they planned lion Afs were expended for water the security forces to take care," military affairs analyst, said: bring water. We don’t have water that the surface of water was to build three major water re- supply projects, but the money said Abdul Aziz Bek, head of “They are negligent in the detec- would not be compatible with the spring offensive. supply system at home, so I have expected to rise up because of serves for Kabul city. “Unfortu- was not enough. Badghis provincial council. tion process, and are not to come here for water,” said recent snowfalls. “It is difficult nately, we lost golden chances He said the company would “The security forces do not thorough...in coordination.” RFE/RL: Many Afghans are concerned about their hard-won Zoleikha. Her friend Sadaf has thè to say how much will it rise.” on water managements. When the make modern canalization system have good coordination...Why do However, Fawad Aman, dep- rights gained in the past 18 years. similar problems as she says they Hamidullah Yalani, head of wa- international donors were ready besides building of water dams. they do that? Why do they kill uty spokesman for the Ministry Especially women are concerned dozens of civilians for the sake of of Defense (MoD), said that se- that in any possible potential deal one Talib? It raises concerns,” said curity forces are accurate during their rights might be compro- Nasir Omar Zia, a civil society operations. mised. How can you reassure US: No Start Date Yet for Temporary Afghan Truce activist. Meanwhile, provincial “The Afghan National Securi- them? Kay: When the Afghans council members of Farah prov- ty and Defense Forces are trying sit with the Taliban at the negoti- ...P12 way for a comprehensive binds the Taliban to halt major be signed on February 29. within 10 days with an inclusive ince are also concerned about the to save civilians lives during oper- ating table, these issues, I am sure, peace deal with the insurgent attacks, including roadside and U.S. and Taliban represen- Afghan delegation that represents civilian casualties. ations. The civilians and their would be front and center of the group that could end America’s suicide bombings, against Afghan tatives have negotiated the draft all political and ethnic groups in “Sometimes the security forc- property are a top priority of the negotiations. From the point of longest war and bring home about and U.S.-led international forces peace agreement during months the country, including the govern- es conduct operations against Afghan security and defense forc- view of NATO, we want the Af- 13,000 U.S. troops from Afghan- anywhere in the country. of meetings in the Gulf state of ment in Kabul. those who are not Taliban... We es,” said Aman. ghans to agree something that istan. “Where we are right now is Some risk, but 'promising' Qatar. If signed, it immediately That intra-Afghan dialogue want the operations to stop. The A month ago during an opera- would be enduring, a peace agree- on the doorstep of a reduction-of- Earlier, Esper told an audi- could lead to a gradual withdrawal will discuss a permanent nation- Taliban, the government and for- tion against Mullah Nangyalay, a ment that will last. Our best ad- violence period. If we decide to ence at the Munich Security of American forces, bringing the wide cease-fire and power-shar- eign forces should stop all opera- top Taliban splinter group com- vice, as the train, assist, and ad- move forward, if all sides hold up Conference the reduction in vio- force down to 8,600 personnel ing in postwar Afghanistan. Ger- vise mission, to the Afghans will — meet their obligations under that lence was not without risk but in the initial few months. Tali- many and Norway have both of- tions," said Khair Mohammad mander, many civilians were also reduction in violence — then we'll looked “very promising” and ban sources say the agreement fered to host Taliban-Afghan ne- Noorzai, member of Farah pro- reportedly killed, but security in- be to base that agreement on the achievements of the last 18 years: start talking about the next part, “we have to give peace a chance.” will require all foreign troops to gotiations, but no final decision vincial council. stitutions declined to comment democracy, full respect for hu- whether to move forward [with He went on to reiterate that leave Afghanistan within two has been made. The office of Afghanistan’s about the operation yet. man rights, including women's’ the comprehensive peace agree- “the best if not the only way years. Insurgent sources say in- U.S. officials have stressed rights, freedom of expression — ment],” Esper said. forward in Afghanistan is through ternational guarantors such as the the troop drawdown plans, how- all of those will lead to lasting As part of the short-term a political agreement, and that United Nations, Russia, China, ever, will be linked to progress in peace. agreement, he added, the United means taking some risk.” Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Germa- intra-Afghan negotiations and ef- ‘Rigged elect ion re- States will suspend “a significant Taliban sources have said the ny, Norway and Qatar will wit- fective implementation of Taliban 35 people die of part of our operations," though the seven-day period will begin Feb- ness the signing ceremony. undertakings, including a further Pentagon chief declined to discuss ruary 22 and the comprehensive The agreement will require reduction in insurgent violence. sult s not accept able’ respiratory diseases... details. U.S. officials say the deal peace agreement is expected to the Taliban to open negotiations (voanews) ...P12 the last two and a half ...P12 to him, there is no mea- be repeated, we will stand against months in the province. She said sure in the election law about spe- it by any mean,” Manawi added. two health teams with needed cial auditing process. Manawi has The Afghanistan Presidential medicines arrived in Wakhan dis- expressed frustration over the Polls were conducted on Septem- th trict last week and the situation process, saying that the Indepen- ber 28 of last year. After a long was currently under control. Ka- dent Election Commission has time delay, the IEC had announced rimi rejected rumors that the launched the auditing process the preliminary results, in which deaths were caused by coronavi- with the absence of electoral ob- Incumbent President Ashraf Ghani rus and said their assessments servers. He once again rejected the has won the rivalry with securing showed other respiratory diseas- non-biometric votes that had been around 50+1 votes. But, accord- es had caused the deaths. How- used out of the exact time. ing to some electoral officials, there ever, local people and deputy “We are worried about either is possibility of run off in the com- provincial council head said the The Ministry of energy and water of Afghanistan (MPW) is supposed to award the contract, Procurement of of the electoral commissions as petition between Ghani and Ab- number of people who died of the IEC has been making selec- dullah, as thousands of votes may such diseases was double com- Stationary for Main Office AND Regional offices, under the contract No, MEW/PCU/NCB/IOC/ G-153/II tive decisions.” be declared invalid, as a result of pared to figures provided by with Asri Kabul Shamal LTD. ( License No: 21910) Address: Darulaman road Estgah Sherkat, in the amount of If the election commissions IECC’s auditing process. public health officials. Talabud- 2,346,645 .00 AFN (Two million three hundred forty-six thousand and six hundred forty five) Afghanis. did meet their wishes, the elec- Earlier, the IECC has sent 10 din Qaderi, deputy head of the toral team has warned of its ex- percent of 300,000 votes to a spe- provincial council of Badakhshan, Bidders who appeal reconsideration or have any objection, they can submit their application within 7 days to the traction from the ongoing election cial probing process to declare the said that the public health depart- Ministry of Energy and Water (Procurement Directorate) from the date of announcement. This notification does not process. “Any possible option fate of these votes - which are ment had been neglecting send- constitute award of contract. The contract shall not be awarded until the notice provided elapsed and complaints, if is on the table, if a scenario simi- claimed by Abdullah’s supporters, ing medical teams to Wakhan dis- any received, is addressed in compliance with appeal and review manual. lar to the 2014 election is going to to be casted illegally. trict. MONDAY . FEBRUARY, 17, 2020 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Afghanistan's first-ever robot waitress glides up to a table of curious diners in central Kabul and presents them with a plate of French fries. "Thank you very much," the machine says in Dari, one of Af- ghanistan's two main languages. Restaurant manager Moham- mad Rafi Shirzad says the hu- manoid robot, imported from Ja- pan and designed to look vaguely like a women wearing a hijab, has already pulled in new customers since it started working last month. "It is interesting for many people here to see a robot in real life," he said. "Sometimes kids jump in joy and surprise when they see the robot bring them food." While robots are becom- ing increasingly commonplace in Japan and China, they are not un- usual in conflict-wracked Afghan- istan. After decades of war that has left much of the country's in- frastructure in ruins, the sight of a battery-powered waitress has provided some light relief in Kab- ul. Nine-year-old Ahmad Zaki height, the robot performs only comes across an obstacle, and unemployment situation. "This is was desperate to see the machine. rudimentary tasks. It delivers customers can place orders via ridiculously wrong," Facebook "I saw the robot on TV, and plates to tables, which diners a touch panel. user Kashif Abobaker wrote. asked my father to take me to then take from a tray, and can But the story is not with- "They employ a robot when this restaurant," he said. say basic phrases including out controversy. there are tens of thousands of Named "Timea" and measur- "Happy Birthday". Some Afghans see Timea as young people desperately look- ing about 150 centimeters in It also can stop when it a threat to the country's dire ing for a job."

Afghan refugee Nadia Hamidi (far left) attends her computer class at Safe from the Start, an initiative supported by UNHCR on the outskirts of Quetta. © UNHCR/Ivor Prickett eventy-three Afghan chil The fact that she’s not squeamish dren returned on Sunday may come in handy one day. Now ike many refugees, a hunger for more educa- from Germany after their at the top of her high school class teenagers tional opportunities, particularly treatment there for severe here, she dreams of becoming a at university level, was a recurring burns and dengue fever, officials surgeon – “to help my family, to the world theme. said. Hassan Bano Ghazanfar, help my country, to make them over, Nadia Hami- On the question of return, the acting head of the Afghan Red better.” Now 17, Nadia was born primary obstacle is insecurity. Crescent Society, told a meeting a refugee. Her parents fled Afghan- di gets a thrill “I’m getting an education so I can in this regard today that the chil- istan 40 years ago, around the time go back to Afghanistan,” said Me- dren had been sent to Germany of the Soviet invasion, and the from watching hbooba, a 19-year-old refugee who with support of the German family have lived in Pakistan ever scary movies. was born here. “If the situation Peace Village in cooperation with since. becomes stable, then I will defi- the Afghan Red Crescent Society Nadia is among some 2.7 mil- “Ghosts, blood, nitely go back.” to Germany for their treatment lion Afghans registered as refugees gore – I love all of That Nadia and Mehbooba six months ago. She said the Ger- When Qaisar Khan fled to Paki- peace in Afghanistan, more gen- years ago, the Pakistani govern- worldwide. Their needs, and have come so far is a tribute to man Peace Village had been sup- stan with his family from Afghan- erations are to follow into Paki- ment issued Afghan Citizenship those of the communities hosting it,” she says. their families, and to the education porting the Afghan Red Crescent istan in the 1980s, he barely stan, in the refugee camp. How Cards to about 800,000 people in them, are the focus of a two-day they have received thus far. Society since 1990 for treatment thought that even after four de- can we go back? To die of hun- order to document the large pop- conference that kicks off Mon- “I want to commend Pakistan of severe burns or dengue fever. cades he could not be able to re- ger or bullet," Khan told Xin- ulation of unregistered Afghans day in Pakistan’s capital, Islama- his early 70s, had a chance to for these efforts, which are always So far, 4,165 Afghan children turn to the place where he was hua in Khazana camp for Af- living illegally in the country, bad. Speakers include UN Secre- meet the High Commissioner difficult for an asylum country,” have received treatment, she add- born and spent the prime of his ghan refugees in Peshawar, the though the card does not have perk tary-General António Guterres, when he visited Balochistan Grandi said, “and really encourage ed. Mohammad Salim Bahra- life. The then 63-year-old made capital city of Pakistan's north- and privileges like the PoR card." the international community to do mand, in charge of health affairs the choice right after a fateful west Khyber Pakhtunkhwa The Afghan refugees stay in more to share this burden and this of Afghan Red Crescent Society night when rattles of guns forced province. According to United 44 camps where they are provid- responsibility with the Pakistani said that the process was still him to think that maybe he and Nations High Commissioner for ed basic health and education fa- people.” ongoing and 100 children would his kids would not be able to see Refugees (UNHCR), Pakistan cilities. The housing at the camps Nadia’s father would also like be treated annually. Maazama, 10, the rising sun of the next day. The hosts 210,465 household of along with basic facilities are be- to return to Afghanistan, a coun- who had dengue fever was walk- blazing guns were not only in- 1,416,078 registered refugees, ing financed by Pakistan, while try he misses dearly. ing with the help of a stick and timidating but also stirred the feel- making the country one of the education, medical and other com- “The whole place is beautiful,” returned from Germany. She said ing in him to escape. biggest host of refugees in the munity services are covered by the he says, grateful that he’s had a she would get sad on seeing other "The fear of death was loom- world. However, Muhammad UNHCR or donor organizations, chance to visit his brother in Kun- girls playing. She seemed happy ing on me. I did not want to leave Abbas Khan, commissioner at according to the official. "We duz a few times in recent years. and said her health had improved my house, but I had to do it for the Pakistani government's roughly spent about 280 billion But continued violence and eco- and she would walk without the my children's safety." Commissionerate for Afghan U.S. dollars on the refugees since nomic hardships have kept him help of a walking stick after some Due to the unrest in Afghan- Refugees, told Xinhua that apart the beginning of the Afghan refu- from staying long. “I cannot af- time. A resident of Tanai district istan, the 103-year-old, who nev- from the over 1.4 million refu- gee issue in the 1980s till 2008," ford to go back and settle in that of Khost province, Maazama er saw a foreign land before he gees, there are 800,000 more the commissioner said, adding the region. When you don’t have thanked the Afghan Red Crescent stepped on Pakistan's land, nev- registered with the Pakistani new figure is being estimated by enough food to eat, you’re thank- Society and German Peace Vil- er wished to return to his home government, while an estimated an independent agency. Naseer Pakistan Prime Minister Imran ahead of the conference. ful for just one meal.” lage for helping children like her country where his forefathers are 500,000 others are staying un- Ahmad, 31, was born and schooled Khan and UN High Commission- Speaking in English, a lan- In Quetta, at least, he has been in their treatment. Other children buried. For him, his family's safe- documented in the country. in Pakistan. "I have been to Af- er for Refugees Filippo Grandi. guage she learned by watching able to eke out a living. Each morn- who returned from Germany af- ty is priority. "The registered with the ghanistan only once to seek em- For decades now, Pakistan television, she told him about her ing, he sets out with a cart of qabli ter their treatment were also hap- "I came with seven members UNHCR hold a proof of regis- ployment, but came back in less and Iran – which together host 90 high school, where she’s a star – an Afghan dish made with rice, py and thanked organizations of my family including my wife tration (PoR) card issued in than a year because being away per cent of the world’s Afghan ref- student, as well as the computer chicken, raisins and cumin – to sell who helped them in their health’s and kids, now we have more than 2005 after a census, and the card from Pakistan is being away from ugees – have let refugees attend classes she takes at Safe for the on the street. He returns home late recovery. 50 of us here, and if there is no is renewed on yearly basis. Two my family which is settled here." public schools and access nation- Start, a programme for women in the evening, weary from a al health-care systems. The con- and girls that is supported by slipped disc and a sore foot. ference aims to generate more in- UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agen- See also: Refugees and com- ternational solidarity and support cy. Nadia knows her path will be munities bank on a brighter future for such efforts, as well as more challenging, as a refugee and as a in Pakistan “It’s up to Nadia if she support for host communities like woman, but she doesn’t scare wants to become a doctor,” he Quetta. Nadia plans to return to easily. “If I want something, I says. “That’s her choice. But we Afghanistan someday, but not just have to work hard,” she says. “I are happy for her to become a doc- yet. First, she says, her country should forget the difficulties be- tor so she can build her own life.” needs peace. And until then, she cause I want to become some- He adds: “I’m doing my best is intent on studying medicine so thing.” to help her take her studies for- she can help it rebuild when the “If I want something, I have ward. It’s an achievement for both time comes. to work hard.” of us.” For now, Nadia has a plan “In Afghanistan we need ed- In Quetta, the High Commis- to keep studying and working to- ucated people,” she says. “If we sioner also met with several wards her dream of becoming a don’t have educated people, we groups of Afghans and Paki- doctor. But the idea of settling won’t improve ourselves, and we stanis, including women from down in Afghanistan is never far won’t improve our country.” both nations taking courses to- from her thoughts. “If peace comes, This weekend Nadia and her gether in rug making, embroidery, there is no more beautiful place father, Abdul Rashid, who is in cooking and hair care. Among the than your own country,” she says.

KABUL: Indian Foreign Minis- US4AfghanPeace Zalmay Kha- An agreement is expected be- ter S Jaishankar has met US spe- lilzad at MSC2020. Appreciat- tween the US and the Taliban on cial envoy on Afghan reconcilia- ed his update on the Afghanistan reducing violence, which could tion on the sidelines of the Mu- negotiations,” the foreign minis- eventually lead to withdrawal of nich Security Conference in Ger- ter tweeted. American troops from Afghani- many. An Indian newspaper re- The Statesman reported he also stan. ported on Sunday Jaishankar met had a meeting with Saudi For- With President Donald Trump several foreign dignitaries in Mu- eign Minister Prince Faisal bin scheduled to visit India on Febru- nich and discussed with them re- Farhan and “appreciated his per- ary 24-25, Jaishankar discussed gional and global issues of com- spectives on global and regional with Secretary of State Mike Pom- mon interest. “Met issues”. peo bilateral ties. MONDAY . FEBRUARY 17, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES Pakistan: SCorders auction of mills owned by Sharif’s relatives The apex court has ordered auc- claims. The total liability of the Sugar Mills has not made any tion of the ‘Brother Sugar Mills’ Brother Sugar Mills is more than payment to anyone and “every- owned by a close relative of Rs5 billion. The banks subse- one is waiting for the outcome of former prime minister Nawaz quently approached the Supreme auction”. The court asked the Sharif for defaulting on billions Court. And a three-judge bench cane commissioner to ensure the The prime minister dedicated to the nation the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Memorial Centre and of rupees payments to farmers – headed by Justice Maqbool mill is sold following the proce- unveiled a 63-feet tall statue of the RSS ideologue - the tallest statue of the leader in the country. and banks. Last year, the Nation- Baqar – on February 12 resumed dure as prescribed by law, so that al Accountability Bureau (NAB) hearing of a petition seeking a the claimants’ claim may be satis- also initiated an inquiry into al- claim against the mills. fied in accordance with law. Lat- legations that PML-N President According to the written or- er, the bench adjourned the hear- Shehbaz Sharif had shares in the der of the bench – issued on Sat- ing till March 4. Haris Azmat, the mills which has been a defaulter urday – Punjab Cane Commis- counsel for Brother Sugar Mills, since 2015-16. In 2016, the sioner Wajid Ali Shah told the believes if the owners are given Lahore High Court (LHC) or- bench that since the amount of- more time, then they would be dered the Punjab cane commis- fered by the buyers was below able to arrange funds. “Being a sioner to seal the mills for de- the reserve price of Rs6 billion – commercial lawyer I’m always in faulting on Rs840 million pay- according to an earlier exercise – favour of saving businesses rath- ments to cane growers. The court he has undertaken the entire ex- er than selling them off,” Haris also ordered that the sugar stocks ercise afresh. The process will told The Express Tribune. It is worth Rs700 million be paid to culminate on March 3, when the also in the benefit of the cane grow- the growers. However, the LHC bids are supposed to be fur- ers that the unit is not sold be- had not entertained a banks writ nished/opened, he said. The cause it is the only buyer of their petition against the mills for their bench noted that the Brother crops in the area, he added. Sri Lanka Nepal: Four killed calls on US in road t o reconsider accidents barring army in Morang At least four persons died in sep- arate road accidents in Morang Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses during the closing ceremony of the Centenary Celebrations of today. Two persons died and an- Shri Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gurukul at Jangamwadi Math in Varanasi on Sunday ch ief other one was injured after a mo- torcycle heading towards Birat- Prime Minister Narendra Modi first overnight private train in the RSS ideologue - the tallest statue es and its mobile application. Ut- US ambassador Alaina Teplitz was sum- nagar from Itahari collided with a on Sunday launched or laid foun- country to connect three Jyotirling of the leader in the country. Ear- tar Pradesh Governor Anandiben moned by Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister tipper along the Koshi Highway dation of 50 projects worth Rs pilgrim centres of Varanasi in Ut- lier in the day he participated in Patel, Chief Minster Yogi Adity- in Biratnagar Metropolis this 1,254 crore in Varanasi, his Lok tar Pradesh, and Ujjain and the closing ceremony of the cen- anath and Karnataka Chief Min- Dinesh Gunawardena on Sunday morning. The deceased have been Sabha constituency. Omkareshwar in Madhya Pradesh. tenary celebrations of the Shri ister B S Yediyurappa were identified as bike rider Moham- He also flagged off the The prime minister dedicated to Jagadguru Vishwaradhya Gu- present on the occasion. Modi also mad Ojir Rain, 24, of Sukhipur IRCTC’s ‘Maha Kaal Express’ the nation the Pandit Deendayal rukul here and released the trans- inaugurated a 430-bed super-spe- Municipality and Hareram Sah, through video link during his day- Upadhyaya Memorial Centre and lated version of the Shri Siddhant ciality government hospital here. 28, of Chandimalhaniya Rural long visit to the city. It will be the unveiled a 63-feet tall statue of the Shikhamani Granth in 19 languag- (Hindustan times) Municipality, Siraha. According to police, Dhanraj Yadav, 18, of Rupani Rural Municipality, Sap- tari, was injured in the accident. Nepal evacuates Rain, Sah and Yadav were travel- ing in the same motorcycle, said 175 citizens, police. A critically injured Yadav was receiving treatment in Koshi mostly students, Hospital, said police. DSP Lokdarsan Thapa in from Wuhan District Police Office, Morang, said the overspeeding motorcy- after coronavirus cle bumped with the tipper while outbreak it was trying to overtake it. DSP Thapa added the bike riders were Nepal on Sunday evacuated 175 students of Biratnagar-based of its nationals from the Chinese Golden Park College. Meanwhile, Rights groups say move denies refugee rights, city of Wuhan, the epicentre of a police took the tipper and its driv- coronavirus outbreak, an official er Sashi Kumar Thandar, 35, of will turn area into concentration camps said, after protests by parents of Gramthan Rural Municipality, students studying in the city. A Sri Lanka on Sunday said the US Silva was unfairly barred on should reconsider its decision to unverified allegations, Gunawar- Morang, under control. In anoth- plane operated by state-owned er incident, two persons died and Nepal Airlines carrying 134 men refuse entry to the island's army dena added. The foreign minis- chief over his alleged war crimes try quoted Teplitz as saying the two others were injured after two and 41 women, mostly students, motorcycles collided along the landed at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan and warned that relations were US would continue its coopera- being "unnecessarily complicat- tion with Sri Lanka, including in East-west Highway at Salakpur International Airport before dawn, of Sundarharinchaya Municipali- Health Minisitry spokesman ed". The US Friday said the trav- defence, despite the ban on Sil- el ban for Lieutenant General va. Silva's appointment in Au- ty in Morang last night. The de- Mahendra Shrestha said. All evac- ceased have been identified as uees will be held in quarantine for Shavendra Silva and his family gust sparked international out- two weeks in the nearby town of was imposed over what it called rage because of his links to al- Bishal Khatri, 22, and Arpan Bhaktapur. “They will be under credible evidence of human rights leged war crimes, and the UN Guragain, 22, of the municipali- the close observation of doctors violations in the 2009 finale to briefly suspended the recruit- ty. Khatri was riding a bike with in quarantine and will be allowed the civil war. US ambassador ment of Sri Lankan troops for number plate Ko 37 Pa 17 while to join their families if found Alaina Teplitz was summoned peacekeeping duties. Guragain was riding the bike bear- healthy after two weeks,” Shrest- by Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Silva headed the army's 58th ing number plate Ko 34 Pa 6602. ha told Reuters. Dinesh Gunawardena on Sun- division in the final months of Police said Pradip Thapa, 21, Last week parents protested day, officials said. the battle against Tamil Tiger of Salakpur, and Laxman Khatri, in front of the Health Ministry He said Colombo was "disap- rebels. 20, of Chainpur Municipality, Bangladesh started erecting been started to this effect to cantly increased through the Bay demanding that Nepali students in pointed" with the decision, the The military claimed victo- Shankhuwashabha, were injured barbed-wire fences around Ro- strengthen the surveillance on the of Bengal. Surveillance at the Wuhan be brought home sooner. first against a Sri Lankan mili- ry in May 2009, but it also in the accident. They were receiv- hingya refugee camps to rein in Rohingya people and the refugee camps remains as needed and in- The government said delays were tary officer. sparked allegations that up to ing treatment in Birat Nursing illegal trafficking of the vulnera- camps,” according to Bangladesh itiatives have been taken in ac- due to the time needed to prepare "The minister said this action un- 40,000 civilians were killed by Home of Biratnagar. A version of ble refugees, the government said Home Minister Asaduzzaman cordance with instructions of buildings to keep the returnees in necessarily complicates the US- troops. There was no immediate this article appears in print on Saturday. Other measures, includ- Khan Kamal. In recent months in- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he quarantine. Nepal has only one Sri Lanka relationship," his of- comment from Teplitz or the US February 16, 2020 of The Hima- ing “installation of watchtower cidents of risky trafficking of Ro- said. Rohingya refugees and rights confirmed case of coronavirus so fice said in a statement shortly embassy in Colombo. layan Times. and CCTV cameras have also hingya to Malaysia have signifi- groups urged the government not far. after the closed-door meeting. (LBO) (AP) Military stands I ndia: I am everyone’s chief minister - Arvind by govt because Kejriwal begins 3rd innings as Delhi CM The Aam Aadmi Party leader dedicated the victory in the Delhi assembly elections to the 20 million people of I’m not corrupt: the national capital and put forward the agenda his government is going to follow in the next five years. Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday be- piness and relief in the lives of the gan the third term in office as the people of Delhi and to develop chief minister of Delhi by extend- Delhi. Friends, we will keep try- Pakistan PM ing a forgive and forget approach ing to do the same thing,” he said. as he sought the support of the “Call everyone back in your residents of the national capital villages that your son has become to continue to work towards de- the CM and there is nothing to velopment. The Aam Aadmi Par- worry about.” The 51-year-old ty leader dedicated the victory in third-time chief minister also the Delhi assembly elections to spoke about the bitter electoral the 20 million people of the na- campaign and stressed all that is tional capital and put forward the now in the past. “Some people agenda his government is going voted for the AAP, some for the to follow in the next five years. BJP, some for the Congress and “Today your son has taken the other parties. But as I have taken oath as the chief minister for the an oath today I am everyone’s third time. This is not my victo- chief minister,” he said to loud ry but that of each one of you cheers and claps. He said he never that of the mothers, sisters, stu- based his work on party affilia- Prime Minister Imran Khan has been ongoing in the media about dents and every family of Del- tions as he helped everyone and sought to dispel the impression the government’s relations sour- hi,” he said. “We always tried in will continue doing so for the next of a strain in the working rela- ing with the establishment. Last the last five years to bring hap- five years as he sought support. tionship between his government year’s protest sit-in by JUI-F chief and the powerful military estab- Maulana Fazlur Rehman and the lishment. “The military intelli- recent tiff with coalition partners gence agencies know who is do- provided grist to the rumour mill. Bangladesh: BD envoy to UN seeks justice, accountability for Rohingyas ing what. I’m not corrupt. Nei- Bringing the politico-religious lead- The Permanent Representative in Myanmar. She said this on ally recognized criminal justice tions and atrocity crimes by and Security, and Youth, Peace and ther am I amassing fortunes,” he er into the equation, the prime (PR) of Bangladesh to the UN, Thursday while addressing the mechanisms in ensuring justice Myanmar against its Rohingya Security agenda the envoy said, said while speaking to a select minister called for trying him for Ambassador Rabab Fatima has Security Council Open debate on for countries coming out of con- population. She also exemplified “We remain committed to sup- group of media persons at his res- “conspiring to topple his govern- said ensuring justice and account- “Peace building and sustaining flict, she welcomed the “ground- the ICJ’s order of 23 January as porting multi-pronged efforts of idence in Islamabad on Friday. ment”. “He [Fazl] should be ability for the Rohingya popula- peace: transitional justice in con- breaking decision” of the Inter- a momentous development in the UN to prevent and ensure ac- “The military stands by the gov- charged under Article 6 of the Con- tion is an important precondition flict and post-conflict situation, ” national Criminal Court about this regard. In reiterating Bang- countability for violence against ernment. There is no strain in our stitution,” he added. for their safe, dignified and vol- said a press release Highlighting ensuring accountability of the ladesh’s commitment to the Se- women and children during armed relations.” A guessing game has (Tribune) untary return to Rakhaine state on the importance of internation- egregious human rights viola- curity Council’s Women Peace conflicts.” MONDAY . FEBRUARY 17, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES News-in-Brief Kim Jong Un Venezuela reappears holds military after 22-day exercises absence amid Venezuela's military on Saturday coronavirus held exercises that deployed ci- vilian militia and armored vehi- cles in the capital Caracas and outbreak around the country, an effort by Democratic People's Republic of President Nicolas Maduro to show strength as Washington Korea (DPRK) leader Kim Jong prepares to escalate sanctions. Un made his first public appear- Maduro accuses the United ance in 22 days, in time to mark States of preparing an invasion the anniversary of the country's of the OPEC nation, which in late leader Kim Jong Il's birth. Kim 2017 U.S. President Donald Jong Un paid tribute to his father Trump described as a possibili- Kim Jong Il at Pyongyang's Kum- ty. Since last year the United susan Palace of the Sun, where States has ramped up economic both the bodies of his father and sanctions against the Venezuelan his grandfather and founding lead- government. The exercises were er, Kim Il Sung, are enshrined. The launched days after Maduro. visit marked his first public ap- pearance since he attended Lunar Erdogan dismisses New Year celebrations in late Jan- accusation, says uary, DPRK's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) it's not 'intending said. Kim Jong Un has visited the to invade Syria' mausoleum since his inauguration after the death of his father in Turkey will not remain silent 2011. Accompanying Kim to the while Syrian government forces surround Turkish military posts mausoleum were high ranking par- in Syria's Idlib region, President ty officials, including Choe Ry- Tayyip Erdogan said in com- ong Hae, president of the Presidi- ments reported by NTV, as An- um of the Supreme People's As- kara and Moscow trade barbs sembly and Pak Pong Ju, vice over the escalating conflict. chairman of the State Affairs Com- Turkey has dismissed Russian mission. Pyongyang has yet to accusations that its actions in confirm any cases of the new pneu- Idlib have flouted de-escalation monia caused by the novel coro- agreements with Russia and Iran, navirus, which has claimed lives and said it would take military of over 1,600. According to the action if diplomatic efforts with state media, the government has Moscow fail. Erdogan told re- In December, Hassan Rouhani on the condition that the US halts hani has stated that Tehran will against the Islamic Republic. thrives in the face of the US’ extended the quarantine period for porters on a flight from Paki- underscored that Iran is still its economic pressure on the Is- only sit down with Washington Speaking at a press conference in “maximum pressure” policy to- people showing symptoms to 30 stan that his talks with Russian ready to engage in negotiations lamic Republic. if the US returns to the 2015 Iran Tehran on Sunday, Rouhani said ward Iran. days. President Vladimir Putin on the regarding its nuclear programme, Iranian President Hassan Rou- nuclear deal and scrap sanctions that the Iranian economy still (Spuntak) issue had been positive. (AP) Ivanka Trump visits the UAE for women' s conference Yemen:Houthisclaim Ivanka Trump, an adviser to her father U.S. President Donald downingof Tornado Trump, began a trip on Satur- day to the United Arab Emir- Rebels in South Sudan have re- three “administrative areas” of Pi- cannot be accepted,” Machar the 32 states of their posts and ates where she is due to speak jected a peace proposal by the bor, Ruweng, and Abyei. The of- said. When it gained independence changed the number of the states at a conference to promote fe- fighter jet;30killed president that would have seen fer was however rejected by rebel from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan back to 10, plus the three areas. male entrepreneurship this the country returning to an orig- leader Riek Machar, who objected had 10 states, as set out in its Among the three regions, Ruweng week.Trump is set to deliver a inal system of ten states plus to the idea of the three new areas. constitution. The president in- in the north, which is believed to keynote speech at the Global three new regions. President Sal- Machar, who lives in exile, called creased the number of the states be rich in oil resources, is claimed inspectingwreckage Women's Forum which is taking va Kiir on Saturday proposed on the president “to reconsider this to 28 in 2015, and then to 32. by both Kiir’s Dinka people and place in Dubai on Feb. 16-17. that the county be divided in the idea of creating administrative ar- South Sudan Machar’s Nuer tribe. South The Houthi rebel group claimed al-Hadiri, a spokesman for the On Saturday, she visited Sheikh original 10 states, as had been eas.” It “cannot be referred to as Kiir issued an order late Sat- Sudan was gripped by a bloody on Saturday that it downed a Houthi-run Health Ministry, said Zayed Grand Mosque and met demanded by the rebels, plus the reverting to 10 states (and) as such urday relieving all governors of civil war only two years. Tornado fighter jet belonging to in statements cited by Al-Masir- with women business leaders at the Arab coalition, reported ah television. According to the the Louvre Abu Dhabi before Anadolu Agency. Speaking on Houti-run television, the Saudi-led Houthis-run Al-Masirah televi- coalition conducted air strikes, touring the museum. Zimbabwe sion, spokesman Yahya Saree targeting a group of people check- Pelosi saysshe‘can’t evenenvisiona said the jet was downed in Al- ing the wreckage of the Tornado Indonesia: to repatriate Jawf governorate in northern fighter jet downed. Yemen by a ground-to-air mis- Yemen has been beset by vio- Bodies of victims anti-colonial situation’ that Trumpwouldbereelected sile launched by air defense sys- lence and chaos since 2014, when o n m issin g arm y tems. No statement has yet been Houthi rebels overran much of the heroes’ made from coalition forces, re- country, including the capital, San- plan e fo u n d garding the claim. Shortly after- aa. The crisis escalated in 2015 after 8 m o n ths remains wards, Al-Masirah reported when a Saudi-led military coali- that dozens were killed in an air- tion launched a devastating air The Indonesian Military has strike, at the location of the campaign aimed at rolling back found the bodies of 12 victims from Britain downed jet. “Thirty people Houthi territorial gains. Tens of aboard an MI-17 army helicop- The country’s museums and were killed as an initial death toll thousands of Yemenis, including ter that disappeared in June last monuments department had been as a result of the raids,” Yusuf numerous civilians. year after taking off from an air- talking to museums in Britain port in Papua province’s Oksibil which “have said we can come district, the Antara News report- and collect the heads of the be- ed. A rescue team from the Ban- teng Raider Infantry Battalion of headed heroes,” said Gwasira Libyancrisisneeds the Cendrawasih Military Com- Makoni, who is leading a special mand in Papua managed to reach committee preparing for the re- the location at noon of February patriations. “We expect that in 15 and found the bodies among the next two months some of the politicalsolution:Sarraj the wreckage. The recovery heads would have been brought Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Khalifa Haftar have killed three team’s coordinator Binsar Sian- home to be properly mourned and al-Sarraj reiterated on Feb. 15 civilians east of the capital Tripo- ipar said that nine bodies can be given decent burials”. Among the that the Libyan problem could li, according to the country's UN- identified from their clothes and heads to the brought back home be solved through negotiations. recognized Government of Nation- attributes, while the identifica- are those of spirit mediums and The crisis could be solved al Accord (GNA). Three workers, tion of the remaining needs more cult heroes Mbuya Charwe Ne- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told Democratic candidates "would be Congress, but that as she read politically rather than military including two Libyan nationals time. Given the bad weather and handa and Sekuru Kaguvi who CNN on Saturday that she "can't a better president than the cur- along, "realized that almost ev- but as long as renegade com- and one foreigner, were abducted difficult terrain, he stated. were some of the early anti-co- even envision a situation" where rent occupant of the White ery page had something in it that mander Khalifa Haftar contin- and later killed in the town of lonial activists in the fight to Donald Trump would be reelect- House, but we want to be very was objectionable." ues to target civilian settle- Msallata, east of Tripoli, on Feb. drive back British colonialists. ed, but added, "We don't take any- positive about how we go forth." The tension on display at ments, negotiations could not 14, said the Facebook page of the Zarif says Iran “When the white colonialists thing for granted." "We have to Pelosi also defended her decision this year's State of the Union came continue, Sarraj told reporters GNA-led Burkan Al-Ghadab (Vol- could reverse came, they faced resistance from have our own vision for the future, to rip up Trump's State of the a day before the GOP-led Senate in Tripoli. And he characterized cano of Rage) Operation. Warring the locals,” said Makoni. When but everybody knows that we Union address earlier this month. was expected to and eventually as “war crimes” the warlord's parties announced a cease-fire Jan. nuclear breaches they conquered the locals, “they must be unified in making sure that Pelosi reiterated that she had no voted to acquit Trump of two recent attacks targeting civilians. 12 in response to a joint call by beheaded the chiefs, the warriors he doesn't have a second term," she intention of tearing up her copy articles of impeachment. "You Meanwhile, forces loyal to Turkey and Russia. However, if Europe acts who had shown bravery. said. She argued that any of the of Trump's annual address to can't have an acquittal unless you Libya's renegade commander talks for a permanent. Iran would be willing to move back towards the 2015 nuclear deal (JCPOA) if Europe pro- NATO rejects France’s offer to extend At least 30 killed by Roadside vides "meaningful" economic benefits, announced Iranian For- eign Minister Mohammed Jav- nuclear protection to whole Europe armed gangs attack in bomb kills 3 ad Zarif on the sidelines of Mu- NATO’s chief has rejected a call terrent was already in place. Hail- there for decades,” Stoltenberg nich Security Conference (MSC). by France’s President Emman- ing France as a “highly valued ally” told reporters at the internation- northwest Nigeria: Police soldiers in Zarif met with members of the uel Macron to put the country’s whose nuclear capabilities contrib- al conference. “It’s tried and test- European Council on Foreign nuclear deterrence capabilities at uted to NATO’s overall security, ed, we exercise it, and it’s institu- Armed gangs killed 30 people in er nine in nearby Dankar,” Kat- Relations (ECFR) in Munich raids on two villages in an area of sina police spokesman Gambo Somalia where they discussed the nucle- the center of defense strategies Stoltenberg said, however, that tionalized, and it is the ultimate adopted by the European Union Europe was already protected by security guarantee for Europe.” northwest Nigeria plagued by Isah said. “Most of those killed At least three Somali soldiers were ar deal, Europe's obligations un- cattle rustlers and kidnappers, were old people and children der the deal, and regional and in- (EU) members. Speaking at the what he called nuclear deterrence Britain’s departure from the killed after a blast struck a mili- Munich Security Conference on by the atomic weapons of member EU last month has made France police said on Sunday. Dozens who couldn’t escape.” Police tary vehicle on the outskirts of the ternational issues. He pointed of gunmen on motorcycles at- and soldiers deployed in the area out that Iran is ready to return Saturday, NATO Secretary- states Britain and the United the bloc’s only nuclear power, but capital Mogadishu on Sunday. General Jens Stoltenberg dis- States. “We have to remember that Paris has refused to put its nu- tacked the villages of Tsauwa and after the attack and arrested one Local police officer Feysal from reducing its nuclear obliga- Dankar in Katsina state on Fri- suspect, Isah said. The attack- tions if Europe abides by its ob- missed Macron’s call for a Euro- we have a European nuclear deter- clear deterrence capabilities un- Mohamed told Anadolu Agency ligations and takes practical pean “strategic dialog” about the rent today — 28 allies deliver that der the auspices of the EU or day, shooting residents and burn- ers burnt homes, livestock and that the source of the explosion steps in this field. role of France’s nuclear weapons every day and it’s not only a prom- NATO. ing homes. “The bandits killed food supplies before fleeing, was a roadside bomb. "The blast and said a “tried and tested” de- ise, but it’s something that has been (BBC) 21 people in Tsauwa and anoth- said Tukur Mu’azu. was a roadside explosion which Teenager, 16, shot targeted a national army vehicle dead in Sydney may carrying soldiers. At least three Algerian govt looks Oman sees biggest Gulf clash risk in Strait of Hormuz were killed in the attack and more have been targeted MUNICH: The risk of a military than four others wounded," said police say into defusing social, confrontation is higher in the Mohamed. Police and other secu- New South Wales police on Strait of Hormuz than anywhere rity personnel reached the site of Feb. 16, said they have launched development ticking bombs else in the Gulf region, Oman’s the incident and began investiga- an investigation into a shooting foreign minister said, due in part tions, he added. No group has yet which took place in Sydney’s While the Algerian presidency is order to produce a roadmap to re- to the growing number of mili- claimed responsibility for either west over the weekend. looking for ways to defuse so- solve the economic crisis ravaging tary vessels from different coun- attack, but al-Qaeda-affiliated Officials said emergency servic- cial and development anxieties the country. Interior Ministry of- tries that are guarding it. The wa- group al-Shabaab has claimed re- es were called to Cabramatta that were inherited from the bad ficials said that the state’s presi- terway between Iran and Oman sponsibility for recent attacks in Avenue in the suburb of Miller policies of the former regime dential meeting with governors, — 33 kilometers wide at its nar- Somalia over the years. Mean- following reports of a shooting headed by Abdulaziz Boutefli- who represent the government at rowest point — is the conduit while, a soldier was killed an oth- just after 11 p.m. on Saturday ka, Prime Minister Abdelaziz the local level, will address “im- for some 30 percent of all crude er three wounded in fighting be- Feb. 15 and officers from Liv- Djerad defended the govern- proving the lives of citizens.” and other oil liquids traded by ternational merchant vessels in or Foreign Affairs Yousuf bin tween al-Shabaab near the city of erpool City Police Area Com- ment’s action plan before the A government source told sea. Friction between Iran and the near the area, something Tehran Alawi bin Abdullah said late on Baidoa in the south of the coun- mand attended and found a 16- upper house of Parliament. The Asharq Al-Awsat that Djerad “is West had led several nations to denies. “There are a lot of mili- Saturday at the Munich Securi- try. Daud Ibrahim, a military offi- year-old male with a gunshot Algerian presidency will be hold- charged by the President with the send task forces to guard ship- tary ships in the Hormuz (area) ty Conference. That would make cial in Baidoa confirmed the fight- wound to his chest. ing a two-day meeting with min- responsibility of dismantling mines ping there, and Washington has and our concern is there could be that area the riskiest flashpoint ing and casualties to Anadolu (AP) isters and 48 local governors in which were installed. blamed Tehran for attacks on in- a mistake,” Minister of State for in the Gulf over the coming. Agency. MONDAY . FEBRUARY 17, 2020 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 Ahmad Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir Graphic-Designers: Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0782344728, 0778894038 Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press The constitution says Article 119: Members of the Supreme Court shall take the following oath of office in the presence of the President: “In the of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful, I swear in the name of God Almighty to attain justice and righteousness in accordance with tenets of the Holy religion of Islam, provisions of this Constitution as well as other laws of Afghanistan, and to execute the judicial duty with utmost honesty, righteousness and impartiality.”

By David Ignatius there in November,” cautions years. Khalilzad has brokered an reliable nationwide peacekeeping Sen. Lindsey O. Graham, a close agreement that, on paper, bol- force. Unless the Taliban truly The Afghanistan peace plan float- Trump ally who has warned fre- sters a previous effort that buys into cooperating with the ed here this weekend is an elec- quently of the danger of a too- crashed last year after the Tali- Afghan government, the start of tion-year gamble: If it works, Pres- hasty withdrawal. The South ban killed a U.S. soldier and 11 U.S. troop withdrawal may bring ident Trump can claim credit for Carolina Republican said in an others. chaos in Afghanistan — with the ending America’s longest conflict; interview here that he has ad- The improvements include de- army collapsing, the Tajiks and but if Trump is seen as rushing vised Trump that U.S. troops tailed metrics to verify that vio- other groups embracing local war- for the exit, he could trigger a re- should leave only if the Taliban lence is declining over the 135- lords, and the Taliban declaring a Govt.’s passivity newed Afghan civil war. meets American demands for a day troop-reduction period, and de facto caliphate in areas it con- The political dilemma is similar to reduction in violence. a Taliban agreement to begin for- trols. what presidential candidates have “If it’s messaged that we are go- mal peace talks with the Afghan “The odds are that this ends bad- faced with unpopular and incon- ing to zero without conditions government when initial with- ly,” said Sen. Chris Coons, a Del- towards sexual abuse clusive wars in past decades, in being met, civil war will follow drawal of roughly 5,000 U.S. aware Democrat. “If our objec- Korea, Vietnam and Iraq. The in six months or less,” Graham troops is completed. U.S. offi- tive really is a politically viable fghanistan is undeniably a conservative society American public wants out, but argued. cials want to a 70 percent to 80 withdrawal,” then Trump should adversaries are emboldened by A similar cautionary warning percent reduction in violence in recognize that “there’s a strong firmly committed to traditional, cultural, social and campaign promises to withdraw, came from Sen. Robert Menen- this 135-day phase. bipartisan commitment to stay- and allies are disheartened. dez (N.J.), the ranking Democrat To monitor this de-escalation, ing the course and not leaving religious values. Afghan people regard their Islam The breakthrough agreement be- on the Senate Foreign Relations U.S. and Taliban representatives without a real peace.” ic and national values as most sacred and stand tween the United States and the Committee. “We have to make will maintain a joint office in Now, as in 2001, the key to stabi- Taliban insurgents, likely to be very clear that we’re not leaving Doha, Qatar, to assess data from lizing Afghanistan may lie next ready and willing to do whatever is necessary to announced Sunday, will start with quickly, because that’s the only the war zone and solve problems door in Pakistan. To bolster the preserve them. Thus allegations of sexual harassment and abuse a seven-day “reduction in vio- way we have a chance of peace.” that arise. Khalilzad assumes that chances for his peace pact, Trump lence.” If this de-escalation holds, Afghan peacemaking has been even if targets are met, the Tali- should give Islamabad a stake in of women or children in various sectors of the society affect it will inaugurate a 135-day draw- the major sideshow this week- ban won’t embrace a full cease- its success — by offering a free- those values and have turned into a cause for concern. Howev- down of U.S. troops from the cur- end at the annual gathering of the fire until the end of the process, trade deal to Prime Minister Im- rent 13,000 to 8,600. But what Munich Security Conference. in the belief that violence is the ran Khan in exchange for real, ver- er, the government’s passivity and inaction further exacerbate then? Should Trump keep push- Diplomatic discussions have in- insurgents’ only leverage on ifiable support in making peace. these circumstances. The significant sexual abuse cases of last ing toward zero or opt instead for volved Afghan President Ashraf America and the Kabul govern- That’s the best insurance policy a long-term residual counterterror- Ghani and Mike Pompeo and ment. The United States will as- he could buy. year have been the school children abuse in Logar province and ism force of 3,000 to 5,000, as Mark T. Esper, the U.S. secre- sess whether violent incidents are Afghanistan teaches the searing female footballers in Kabul and let us not forget the big scandal U.S. generals recommend? That taries of state and defense, re- the work of Taliban militants act- lesson that hope for peace and decision will test Trump’s politi- spectively. Framing these con- ing as spoilers. stabilization is not a strategy — at the Presidential Palace when a presidential aide alleged there cal instincts against his responsi- versations is Zalmay Khalilzad, The agreement includes a heavy and that American presidents re- bilities as commander in chief. Trump’s special representative, dose of wishful thinking. Despite gret making promises about Af- had been sexual favors sought from women in exchange for gov- “The president is overly concerned who has been negotiating the a decade of intensive U.S. train- ghan success they can’t deliver. ernment posts. These circumstances entail great worry and sad- about the problem of still being Afghan pact for the past two ing, the Afghan army isn’t yet a (WP) ness and aren’t acceptable. The Human Rights Watch has re- cently accused the Afghan government of not doing enough in fighting sexual harassment, saying it had failed to probe cases in these regards. The human rights watchdog mentioned the two recent sexual abuse cases (school children abuse in Logar prov- ince and female footballers in Kabul) as uninvestigated. This is while the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission per women's social and political dignity are ignored. In short, the (AIHRC) last week revealed that over 14 percent of female role in closed structures, includ- form of women's exploitation has military officers – of all the 2,300 interviewed – had faced ing Afghanistan. For instance, been changed in modern world. although Afghan Constitution is This radically secular view about sexual harassment. It is reasonable to accept that properly in- approved on the basis of demo- women is believed to create fun- vestigating sexual violence in Afghanistan is difficult as those cratic view and entitles men and damental groups who deny wom- women equally, traditional and en's social and political role and who speak up receive life threats but it shouldn’t be so. The patriarchal mindsets hold strong discriminate them on the grounds sway in villages. Additionally, of their sex. For example, religious status quo calls for remedial steps to thoroughly investigate the some traditional figures, who fundamentalists, including the claims of sexual harassment in government institutions and gained high positions in the gov- Taliban group, will oppose secu- ernment's body, hardly tolerate lar views and cherish highly radi- NGOs. It should be ascertained to what extent the allegations women beside them. Similarly, cal mindset vis-à-vis women's tribal councils and local elders rights. They target women for are factual, and if they are found to be accurate, the culprits play key role regarding women's two main reasons: For the one, must be punished in the light of the country’s applicable laws. issues and pay no heed to na- they believe that women's social tional laws. Desert courts, in role in society lead to corruption. Meanwhile, Afghan people should be given assurances so that which women are punished, has Second, women are targeted in they can permit their female family members to serve in the no legal basis but carried out in case of not being covered accord- accord with local decisions and ing to their definition of dressing. government. The continuity and non-investigation of such alle- elders' decree. Hence, women are Radicalism – be it secular or reli- still prone to traditional practic- gious – will create challenges. The gations can create barriers for women to work. It is the respon- es and patriarchal mentalities. rights and liberty of mankind have sibility of government leadership to find out the truth. In an en- Nothing and no one else in this ture. Their rights were politi- On the other hand, the secular their legal and ethical borders and world deserves to see even the nails cized and debated hotly around view tends to free women not there is no absolute freedom. vironment beset by uncertainty and allegations, it will not be of the feet of a girl. Nakedness is a the globe and in international in- only from traditional and reli- Women's dignity must be respect- disease of our time. I am old and struments. Modern world nur- gious restrictions but also from ed, if not on the basis of religion, very easy for families in our society to let their female mem- my words might sound funny. But tures secular view about wom- moral values. Under the pretext based on ethical code and cultural bers work in the government or their children attend schools. Any me, your naked body must belong en. According to international in- of modern discourse, women's norms. Neither of the roles, i.e. to one who loves face your soul, struments, men and women are rights and dignity have been tram- their motherly and social roles, indifference in this respect can deprive Afghanistan of the po- these words have been spoken by entitled equally. Both were born pled upon and their charm and should outweigh each other. In- tential of half of its population – women – and affect people’s a popular British Comedian Char- free with inherent rights and dig- beauty are used for advertising deed, there is no issue of superi- lie Chaplin to her daughter, an ac- nity and should be able to exer- gimmicks. In modern world, ority between men and women. trust in the overall government machinery. tress. Women suffered painfully cise their rights without social, women's role is salient in Holly- Both men and women were born throughout the history. Their hon- cultural and political barriers. wood and Bollywood. Their with fundamental rights and dig- or was blackened and their free- Women's biological, mental and motherly role is in decline and nity. Women in general and Af- doms were curtailed. Women were emotional differences with men their dignity is overlooked. They ghan women in particular should treated as pariahs and believed to will not outweigh their rights. are paid to cross the red line be held in respect and able to ex- Subscription Rates be an inferior creature on the They are equal on the basis of through playing immoral and ercise their rights without fear and grounds of their sexual orienta- being human and are not allowed anti-moral scenes. Nakedness and barriers. Categories Fee tions. Their social, cultural and to be discriminated for their sex- moral corruption are widespread In brief, women's social and po- Afghanistan Times political roles were denied. That ual orientation. Secular views in our era. Secularists are likely litical role is really significant in is, cultural restrictions and paro- about women's rights triggered to bestow women absolute free- human societies. Women form the Six Months $120 at your door step chial view regarding women mar- sensitivity in traditional societ- dom. Charlie aptly says that 'na- half population of the world and For fast delivery service ginalized them from social life. ies, mainly among religious fig- kedness is a disease of our time. their role is instrumental in soci- One Year $240 Afghanistan Times seeks the They were deemed to satiate ures. The rift between secular This disease is infectious and eties' progress. men's carnal desire. The discourse, and religious views are growing grows rapidly across the world. We have to treat them with re- names, addresses of your in modern world, regarding wom- wider. Traditional structures still Women are used and treated as spect and uphold their rights, organizations and the number of en's rights and liberty sought to resist against secular outlook on object in social life. which have been violated through- copies you want. free women from traditional struc- women. Cultural barriers ham- Their sisterhood and motherly out the history. MONDAY . FEBRUARY 17, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES HowwillIranretaliate against USinAfghanistan? By Bashir Safi Maidan Wardak provinces — Qaani traveled to Afghanistan in also known as Taliban’s red 2018, faking his identity as an After a U.S. strike killed Iran’s units. According to a provincial Iranian diplomat. Quds Force commander, Gen. intel chief in Maidan Wardak Shortly after he took charge Qassem Soleimani, a notorious province, foreign advisers were of the Quds Force, social media proxy chief, the country’s su- spotted advising the Taliban in circulated pictures showing him preme leader Ayatollah Khame- the area. He is confident that in meetings with Afghan offi- nei warned of “severe retaliation Iran has been providing them cials. The foreign ministry is in- against Americans.” Swiftly, Iran with modern weapons — they vestigating his trip. Further- refocused on Afghanistan to tar- call them “ghost weapons.” more, according to the Afghan get American interests with little ‘Malign influence’ in do- intelligence officials, a daughter cost, restructuring local proxy mestic politics of Soleimani, with a passport groups, and patting Afghan po- President Ashraf Ghani, name Zuhra Suleimani, traveled litical elites on the shoulder during his first term, sidelined to Kabul in December to visit against U.S. presence in the coun- the pro-Iran Shi’ite and other Shi’ite religious and social cen- try — just like they did in Iraq. ethnic leaders allegedly receiv- ters in Afghanistan that mostly Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary ing funds from Tehran. The housed the Fatemiyoun recruits, Guard Corps (IRGC) has long groups often advocates for Ira- who returned from Syria. been operating its proxies in Af- nian interests in Afghanistan. If Conclusion ghanistan, cleverly advancing its Ghani wins a second term, the The first countermeasure to favorites in the Afghan political U.S. diplomats seem poised to thwart Iran’s malign influence in arena to arming the Taliban fac- push for a broader government, Afghanistan is ensuring an “in- tions. Most recently, Iran has known as an “inclusive politi- clusive political participation.” been recruiting Afghan Shi’ite cal participation,” to ensure no- If excluded from power — as teenagers at Fatemiyoun Brigade body is left behind, including some influential leaders hinted as manpower for President those vulnerable to Iranian in- while mourning General Sole- Bashar al-Assad’s forces to fend fluence. imani’s death — some Afghans off the U.S.-led coalition in Syr- Unexpectedly, dozens of will abandoned them to Iran and ia. Historically, Iran’s support prominent Afghan Sunni and will most likely turn against By : RICHARD A. CLARKE been involved to have the cour- ercise, in terms of American, allied Our purpose in invading 20 years has been knotted solely to Shi’ite Shi’ite politicians, including na- American interests in the coun- age to walk through that door. and Afghan lives, and U.S. dollars. ago was to remove the terrorist groups in Afghanistan. Recently, tional unity government chief try. Subsequently, in a result of On the night of Sept. 11, 2001, in There was every reason in 2001 And it has failed to fully defeat the threat to the U.S. and to punish they have poured money into executive Dr. Abdullah Abdul- political settlement, all factions the bomb shelter of the White to send troops to Afghanistan. Taliban militarily, or to create a the Taliban for having cooperat- Sunni hardliners, including the lah — all long-supported by must be integrated into the main- House, I was part of President Al Qaeda first attacked the U.S. central government that can con- ed with al Qaeda. Taliban’s factions operating out United States — are deeply con- stream Taliban led by Mullah George W. Bush’s crisis team and in the 1990s, and in 1999 and trol all parts of the country. All Those goals will have been of Afghanistan’s Helmand and cerned. Even former Afghan Habatullah Akhonzadah. Pre- among those who urged him to 2000, the Taliban refused to com- sides have suffered sufficiently to achieved. We also will have cre- western provinces. In new president Hamid Karzai was dictably, some Taliban com- use military force in Afghanistan. ply with United Nations resolu- go to the negotiating table and seek ated a space and a chance for a claims, U.S. Secretary of State among those who condemned manders who run drug business- The Taliban, then Afghanistan’s tions calling for them to eject the a modus vivendi and an end to the non-Taliban government to suc- Mike Pompeo criticized Iran for the U.S. airstrike that killed Sole- es fleeing the political settlement de facto government, was harbor- terrorists. We made it clear that fighting. If the reduction in vio- ceed in the cities and some of the hindering the Afghan peace pro- imani in Iraq. Leaving them aban- may end up in Iranian hands or ing al Qaeda, the terrorists that if al Qaeda attacked the U.S. lence pact goes forward, and if the countryside. If American forces cess and backing the Taliban, doned will surely drive them will join the Islamic State — had attacked the World Trade again, we would hold the Taliban Taliban abide by its terms, then leave the country completely, and which has been involved in on- against U.S. interests — even both causing a headache for the Center. Although Bush would leadership responsible. After 9/ the process will move to its next the Taliban later violates the terms off peace talks with American they can push for an immediate U.S. warn that the global war on terror 11, we gave them one last chance phase, a formal peace agreement of the agreement, we can still make negotiators. withdrawal of the U.S. forces Finally, Iran is widely look- that started in response to 9-11 to hand over the terrorists. They that will include the withdrawal of them pay a high price and ensure Iranian officials, however, from Afghanistan. ing to invest in all fronts to would last a generation, I doubt again refused. some U.S. troops and the initia- that no terrorist base of opera- have repeatedly rejected claims Quds Force proxy strengthen its political, tactical that any of us involved in its ear- U.S. forces invaded Afghanistan tion of talks including the Taliban tions ever reappears in Afghani- that they are sabotaging the peace Soon after Soleimani’s assas- and cultural base, which not only ly planning had in mind that U.S. in October 2001. A few weeks and the Afghan national govern- stan. talks. Last month, shortly after sination, Iranian supreme lead- threatens American interest in troops would still be fighting in later, both al Qaeda and the Tal- ment. With eyes wide open and guns at Pompeo’s allegations, Mullah er Ayatollah Khamenei an- Afghanistan, but drives Iran fur- Afghanistan two decades later. iban had been driven from their More skilled diplomacy will be the ready should the process fail, Nangiali, a senior Taliban splin- nounced his successor. Gen. Is- ther into the region. But we are. camps and from the cities. Many required, as will compromise on we must end the war. Our goal ter-group commander, was killed mael Qaani is a 62-year-old ex- Bashir Safi is former advis- Now, peace talks between the U.S. fled across the border into Paki- all sides. If the Taliban prove un- must be to bring about a peace in a U.S. drone strike in western pert on clandestine operations er to the Afghan National Secu- and the Taliban, skillfully led on stan. What was originally intend- able to halt the fighting, we must that protects those who have Herat province. and is an experienced Quds rity Council, and U.S. Depart- the American side by U.S. envoy ed as a limited action turned into be prepared to continue our mili- fought alongside us, and brings The faction led by Mullah Force deputy who oversaw the ment of Defense in Afghanistan. Zalmay Khalizad, have produced a military occupation. The Unit- tary presence and pressure. How- our troops home. We must test Rasoul, reportedly, is involved in regime’s proxies in Afghanistan Editor’s note: This is an Op- initial results. On Saturday, Sec- ed States was left with the task ever, if the Taliban reduces the vi- to see if this is the time that this opium trafficking, and receiving — from gorilla jihadist groups Ed and as such, the opinions ex- retary of Defense Mark Esper of creating a democracy in one of olence and then agrees to end the war ends. Richard A. Clarke was weapons from Iran. in the 1980s to most recently pressed are those of the author. said the Taliban had agreed to a the world’s least developed and fighting permanently, ensures no the national coordinator for se- More specifically, according the Fatemiyoun Brigade. Also If you would like to respond, or seven-day “reduction in violence” most violent nations. Our troops al Qaeda or Islamic State terrorists curity and counter-terrorism in to the Afghan intelligence offi- known as Liwa Fatemiyoun, the have an editorial of your own accord, though the pact has not were put to work supporting and use the country as a sanctuary, and the White House from 1998- cials, they are aware of snipers, militia group formed from vul- you would like to submit, please yet gone into effect. defending a new Afghan govern- reaches an accord in multi-party 2001. He is chairman of the board riflescopes, night sighting, and a nerable Afghan Shi’ite refugee contact Military Times manag- A door is opening that may lead ment against the Taliban’s at- inter-Afghan talks, then we should of governors of the Middle East so-called laser gun capable of teenagers in Iran and were de- ing editor Howard Altman, to the end of our 20-year war tempts to return to power. be prepared to withdraw all U.S. Institute. long-range targeting with the Tal- ployed to Syria for front-line [email protected]. there. We owe it to all who have It has been a very expensive ex- forces. (latimes) iban in Helamnd, Ghazni and support for al-Assad’s forces. (militarytimes) Boris Johnson asserts his power By CORNELIA MEYER There is a new sheriff in town, and he is asserting his power. Af- ter a resounding victory in the December 2019 election, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party enjoys a ma- jority of 80 seats in the House of opment. Beijing’s leadership - the Commons. He and his advisor president, premier and foreign min- Dominic Cummings have wasted ister - are reported to have made a little time asserting their power. total of around 80 visits to over On Feb. 13, Northern Ireland 40 different African countries over Secretary Julian Smith, Business, the past decade. As well as be- Energy and Industrial Strategy spoke leadership trips to individ- Secretary Andrea Leadsome and loyalty above all. For instance, ister thinks big. There is a plethora ual countries, Beijing also hosts Geoffrey Cox, the attorney gen- in the run up to the December of big projects: HS2 — the high- annual China-Africa Summits. The eral for England and Wales, were election, he had asked every par- speed rail link to the north — 40 key reasons for this growing world among the Cabinet-ranking min- liamentary candidate of his par- more hospitals for the National power focus on Africa is its for- isters asked to take their hats in a ty to support his position on Health Service, and a £20 billion ward economic growth potential, long-awaited reshuffle. While Brexit. Now that he has such a ($26 billion) bridge linking Scot- and increasing strategic political most of the outcome of musical strong majority, he wants to put land to Northern Ireland, to name importance. The IMF asserts for chairs was expected, there was one his stamp on what happens in just a few. instance that in the period to 2023, surprise. Sajid Javid, chancellor of his Cabinet. Dissent is not en- Johnson likes to build things, Africa’s overall growth prospects the exchequer and the only erst- couraged. There are two reasons and he will do so. We can argue will be among the best in the world while Remainer in Johnson’s Cab- why should we pay closer at- that it is vital to bring infrastruc- with an increasing number of key, inet, clashed with the prime min- tention to Javid’s story, which ture and business to cities and emerging markets. With Africa ris- ister over his ability to nominate give us an inkling on how Johnson towns in the north, many of which ing, it not just China, the US and his own special advisers. He ap- intends to rule and what to ex- have disintegrated into an economic EU paying more attention. parently stormed out of pect from a new budget. wasteland since Thatcher’s eco- Vladimir Putin for instance host- Johnson’s official residence at 10 Cornelia Meyer nomic reforms. ed last yearthe first ever Russia- Downing Street after a heated ar- One can argue that Johnson Johnson managed to gain Africa summit seeking to restore gument with his boss. Johnson has a point: When Theresa May many northern constituencies in Moscow’s influence in the region swiftly appointed Rishi Sunak, held the highest office, every last year’s election. Many who that faded after the collapse of the chief secretary of the treasury, as Cabinet member seemed to sing supported the Conservatives at the Soviet Union. Other nations too, chancellor of the exchequer. By ANDREW HAMMOND nation is an important US part- Trump and his team have - including India, the Gulf states, as from a different hymn sheet, ballot box up north had fathers and ner in the region, including in the rightly - been criticised for not Cabinet reshuffles are noth- which led to paralysis in the po- grandfathers who would rather well as Turkey and individual Eu- ing out of the ordinary after an Mike Pompeo on Saturday be- campaign against terrorism, its having a coherent Africa policy. ropean nations such as France, litical system. Brexit will be no have been dead than vote Conser- gan his first trip to Africa as US external debt is largely (around Michel’s visit follows Eu- election, so why should we pay mean task to accomplish. In light vative. It is now up to Johnson to Germany and the UK, are increas- closer attention to Javid’s story? secretary of state with stop-offs 70 percent) now owed to Beijing, ropean Commission President ingly showering Africa with great- of the recent past, it is under- deliver for those voters. It is also in Senegal, Angola, and Ethiopia. with many major infrastructure Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to There are two reasons, which give standable that Johnson wants to in the interest of the country as a er interest. Take the example of us an inkling on how Johnson in- Yet, while his focus on the conti- projects being built by Chinese the continent in December. post-Brexit Britain, which in Jan- ensure everyone in his Cabinet whole to rejuvenate the north. nent has been welcomed by al- firms. So Washington now is ur- Building on the so-called ‘pivot tends to rule and what to expect marches to the same tune. Wheth- The only problem is that these uary held a UK-Africa Investment from a new budget. Special advis- lies, it comes after more than three gently seeking to regain the ini- to Africa’ by her predecessor Summit. London increasingly er we like it or not, he has been projects cost money and their fi- years of US diplomatic neglect tiative, launching talks this month Jean Claude Juncker, which saw ers — spads in Westminster jar- given a resounding mandate by nancing is so far unclear. Whether wants to enhance economic ties gon — have become an important of the increasingly important re- on a bilateral trade deal. Pompeo a new Africa-Europe Alliance with the continent as shown, for the people, and he probably the treasury will raise taxes or bor- gion, economically and political- will use his trip to try to course created in 2018, she is promot- feature in Whitehall because they needs to be given the space to row more in this low-interest-rate instance, by last September’s new can be deployed to do a minis- ly. Despite Africa’s prowess as a correct, including exploring ways ing a relationship increasingly economic partnership with the accomplish his objectives. If he environment is yet to be seen. In rising international power, Presi- to boost economic links with the based on investment rather than ter’s political bidding above and runs into too many roadblocks, Sunak, Johnson picked a man who Southern African Customs Union. beyond ministerial policy deci- dent Donald Trump and his team continent through the US Africa aid, rivalling China’s focus on However, it is not solely through we can take heart that the West- is close to him, so much so that have - rightly - been criticised for Growth and Opportunity Act providing infrastructure capital. sions. Civil servants are restrict- minster machine has sufficient Sunak stood in for him during elec- the lens of economics that Lon- ed to the latter by law. This has not having a coherent Africa pol- legislation. There also appears to Brussels increasingly sees don views the relationship with wily operators to assert their toral debates. icy. And this despite former be modest momentum in Wash- itself as a counterweight in the created tensions between the power. The Conservative Party However one looks at the re- the continent. Instead, UK poli- mandarins and spads, but has also White House national security ington in the direction of devel- continent to other prominent cymakers also highlight the need is notorious for unseating its lead- shuffle, it is clear that Johnson adviser John Bolton’s assertion oping a clearer Africa policy, in- world powers, and wants to helped increase a minister’s pow- er when it sees fit. Margaret wants to avoid at all costs the ca- for greater African security ties er and reach. last year that Beijing and Mos- cluding through a proposed new encourage Africa as a champion with the West to tackle instabili- Thatcher and John Major are just cophony of voices that emanated cow are already “interfering with network of bilateral trade deals of the EU’s rules-based, multi- Javid had fallen out with two in a long line of examples. from May’s Cabinet. In light of ty. This includes the threat of Cummings in the early days of US military operations and pose with countries in the continent. lateral approach to world order. Boko Haram, and Al-Shabab mili- The second reason why the Brexit, Downing Street faces a a significant threat to US nation- While the Trump team has In the words of EU High Rep- the pre-election Johnson Cabinet, reshuffle at the top of the trea- monumental task. Whether we like tants which UK troops are play- when Cummings had a top advis- al security interests” in the con- largely ignored Africa for the past resentative for Foreign Affairs ing a part in countering. sury matters has to do with how his methods or not, Johnson tinent. Take the example of key three years, its allies and com- Josep Borrell, what is sought is er to the chancellor marched off the country’s finances are to un- achieved a big victory in last year’s This exemplifies that, while the premises, accusing her of dis- US ally Kenya, whose President petitors have been significantly “a new, integrated strategy for the upsurge of attention to Africa fold. Javid insisted on balancing election, and he probably now Uhuru Kenyatta is one of the few more proactive. Take the exam- and with Africa” that sees loyalty. This gave us a good in- the current budget by 2023. That needs to be given the space to gov- largely reflects economic calcula- sight of how Downing Street Africa leaders to have been invit- ple of the EU, which stepped up “equal partnership” rather than tions, broader political consider- must have clashed with ern his way — for the time being ed to the White House during its charm offensive last week at the “power politics” claimed to works. Johnson seems to value Johnson’s plans. The prime min- at least. ations are also in play. From Brexit Trump’s presidency. While the the 55- member African Union be offered by Beijing and Wash- to the great power game under- summit. President of the Euro- ington. Yet, it is neither the EU way between Washington, Mos- pean Council Charles Michel nor the US that is undertaking cow, and Beijing, interest in the Disclaimer: alone had some two dozen bilat- the most extensive diplomatic continent is only likely to grow eral meetings as part of Brussels’ serenading of Africa. That ac- into the the decade, especially if it The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) attempts to reshape relations colade goes to China, which is fulfils its significant economic with the continent. Despite Af- aiming to better connect its huge potential. Andrew Hammond is an and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. rica’s prowess as a rising inter- Belt and Road economic initia- associate at LSE IDEAS at the national power, President Donald tive with the continent’s devel- London School of Economics. MONDAY . FEBRUARY 17, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Many immigration experts say power. Just look at how they at- ther you support us or no one that another refugee wave is in- tacked Matteo Salvini in Italy for should feel sorry. We would like evitable, however, many aspects his decision to refuse boat mi- to host one million refugees in the of this refugee wave remain un- grants in Italian ports, a policy safe zone," said Erdogan in de- certain, such as how big it will that if implemented throughout manding NATO support his in- be, when exactly it will occur, Europe, would have served as a vasion of northern Syria last year. and what exactly will set it off. major deterrent for migrants at- Whatever he plans to do next, so One thing is certain though: The tempting to make the dangerous far, the Turkish leader has shown European Union's political elite journey Turkey is another clear that he is not afraid to take off the will have no idea how to handle example of what a precarious gloves when dealing with Europe. it. After all, this is mostly the position Europe is in. The coun- In addition to his migrant threats, same elite that were completely try's leader, Recep Tayyip Er- which he knows is a major source unprepared for the 2015 migrant dogan, has been relentless at of leverage, he also for years crisis. Even worse, since then, strengthening his power. It is threatened to meddle in the de- many of them have advocated for unclear what his future plans are, velopment of the struggling Syri- accepting more refugees. The but he has not been shy about an Arab Republic (SAR). The so- more some nationalist politicians threatening to "flood" Europe called advanced democracies have in Europe take a stand against with the over 3 million refugees passively watched his theatrics immigration, the more those in currently being housed in Tur- for a long time. And Syria is good Brussels and pro-migration Eu- key. "You either support us to evidence of that. The protracted ropean leaders do everything in have a safe zone in Syria, or we Syrian civil war is a proxy con- they can to remove them from will have to open the gates. Ei- flict, which reveals. I n cooperation with I raq ... I ran is taking a new step on Soleimani's death

Have the United Nations and the meets and has a dialogue with with- it. Indeed, even among members pervision procedures require. The mission led by Ghassan Salame out passing through the legitimate of al-Sarraj’s Presidential Coun- UN mission has intentionally in Libya become a part of the Lib- Speaker of Parliament. cil, after Barca and Fezzan re- shifted the locations of negotia- yan crisis? After a mishandling In his briefings to the Security signed which entailed that it lost tions, from Ghadames in Libya to based on a misreading of the Lib- Council Salameh did not mention legitimacy. After losing its con- Skhirat in Morocco, then to the yan crisis and Salame becoming many important matters while he dition for existence, the interna- Tunisian capital and later to Gene- involved in serious violations of exaggerated other more minor ones. tional mission continued to deal va, Paris and Rome. In fact, it used red lines in Libya, especially af- He was silent about Turkish mer- with the council, making it com- its envoys to fragment the crisis ter he repeated the same mistakes cenaries and weapons being plicit with the Libyan crisis. It and drown it in detail, while mem- in his reports to the UN and Se- brought to Tripoli. His briefings was silent about the expenditure bers of the mission became suspi- curity Council. The mission un- lacked truth and realism; in fact, it of billions from the peoples’ trea- cious to Libyans due to the mis- der Salameh started to ignore the revealed that it leaned towards the sury without issuing a budget by guidance in the biased reports or Libyan parliament’s legitimacy Government of National Accord parliament to begin with or there the mission selecting representa- and was selective with who it while ignoring popular rejection of being a monitor as economic su- tives of the dialogue committee. WhoRemembers

theQatar Crisis? The head of the Iranian judicia- tion with the International Af- killing of Soleimani. Raisi noted ry, Ibrahim Raisi said on Sunday fairs Aid in the Judicial Authori- that "hatred and aversion to Amer- When the four countries (Saudi send its foreign minister to Riy- that his country will take a new ty and the Ministry of Foreign ica and Americans around the Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and adh. But the latter did not work step regarding the killing of a Affairs in the country. world is more today than ever," Bahrain) severed their relations for the success of the negotiations, Soleimani commander in coop- "This file will be decided in co- according to Iranian IRNA news with Qatar, nearly two and a half based on the six principles de- eration with Iraq. operation with senior officials of agency. years ago, because of its constant clared by the Arab quartet. Those Raisi explained that a file had the judicial system in Iraq, we Soleimani was killed, along with incitement to extremism and the include the commitment to com- been formed in Tehran Prosecu- will follow this matter in earnest, the deputy head of the PMF, Abu MP: Azerbaijani authorities financing of terrorist groups, the bating extremism and terrorism in tor's Office to follow up on the and we will avenge the killers of Mahdi Al-Muhandis in a US air Qatari crisis was then talk of the all their forms, preventing their case of Soleimani’s killing, and the martyr, Soleimani," he added strike near Baghdad airport on have to be reminded of Gulf councils, and it continued financing, and stopping incitement the judges were assigned to fol- during his attendance at Kerman, January 3. to be present in the media and and hate speech, as well as the full low up on this issue in coopera- the 40-day ceremony marking the (AP) their terrorist nature political for months later, then adherence to the 2013 Riyadh began to gradually decline. Agreement, the supplemental Azerbaijani authorities have to be ceasefire 22 times throughout the The four countries have a clear agreement, and its implementation reminded of their terrorist and day in various directions of the stance. Their demands are known mechanisms for 2014, under the China's Hubei anti-Armenian essence at all in- front,” Azerbaijan`s Ministry of and their message is the same: we wings of the Gulf Cooperation bans vehicle Venezuelaholdsmilitary ternational platforms, MP from Defense said in a statement. will never return to the previous Council. Doha attended the meet- Bright Armenia parliamentary “Armenian armed forces, located situation, while the Qatari gov- ing only to buy time and sell traffic to curb group Edmon Marukyan wrote in Shavarshavan village in ernment - the only one affected words without any practical ac- exercisesasMaduro on Facebook. He shared the vid- Noyemberyan region, Berkaber by the boycott - adopted the tions. Consequently, its foreign spread of eo of his speech during the Par- village in Ijevan region, Moses- method of political and media minister returned empty-handed coronavirus liamentary Assembly of the Coun- gekh village in Berd region sub- escalation. It only implemented as expected. What’s worse, Qatar attemptstoshowforce cil of Europe. Marukyan’s remark jected to fire the positions of the a superficial change, failing to lost its pride to find itself forced The government of Hubei prov- came a day after Armenian PM Azerbaijan Army located in radically adjust its behavior. to go to Riyadh against its will to ince, the center of China’s coro- Venezuela’s military on Saturday days after Maduro formally in- Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani Farahli, Gizilhajili villages in More than two years have search for a solution that would navirus outbreak, said on Sun- held exercises that deployed ci- corporated the civilian reserve, a leader Ilham Aliyev met to speak Gazakh region and Aghdam vil- passed, and Doha is still scuf- end its crisis. What is left for Qa- day a ban will be imposed on vilian militia and armored vehi- group of some 4 million volun- about Karabakh at a penal dis- lage in Tovuz region.” “The posi- fling, while its crisis has become tar after it missed the only real vehicle traffic across the prov- cles in the capital Caracas and teers with limited military train- cussion of the Munich Security tions of the Azerbaijan Army forgotten. Nothing has ever opportunity since the beginning ince to curb the spread of the around the country, an effort by ing, into the armed forces along- Conference. “Military units of the were also fired from the positions changed for the four countries, of its crisis?! In fact, many forget virus. In a published document, President Nicolas Maduro to side the army, navy, air force and armed forces of Armenia violated of Armenian military units. which went on their way, while that Doha is nothing more than a it said police cars, ambulances, show strength as Washington National Guard. “We have prov- Doha continued to suffer from big media trumpet, which thinks vehicles carrying essential goods, prepares to escalate sanctions. en the level of command and con- its isolation. Contrary to its me- that by creating media crises, in- or other vehicles related to pub- Maduro accuses the United trol of the Bolivarian militia, com- dia policy that claims that the terfering in the affairs of others, lic service would be exempted. States of preparing an invasion plemented by the National Boli- Turkey to export coronavirus country has become stronger promoting fictitious stories and It added that the province will of the OPEC nation, which in varian Armed Forces,” said De- thanks to the boycott, Doha has lies, it would proudly tell its op- carry out regular health checks 2017 U.S. President Donald fense Minister Vladimir Padrino detection kits to Uzbekistan, finally succumbed to the politi- ponents: we are here. In short, this on all residents in the province. Trump described as a possibili- in statements broadcast on state cal reality, finally admitting that false media excitement is summed It also stated that companies ty. Since last year the United television. In one exercise seen by the ball is in its court and that up by the Economist magazine, cannot resume work without States has ramped up economic Reuters along a highway in east- Kyrgyzstan: Report shouting and lamenting will not when it mocked the Emir of Qa- first receiving permission from sanctions against his government. ern Caracas, a group of several The exercises were launched hundred people including. Turkey will in the coming days with no detected infections, Health benefit it. It took the decision to tar’s inconsistency. the government. export locally produced coro- Minister Fahrettin Koca said Tur- navirus detection kits that can key’s coronavirus detection kit has produce results in about two a 99.6 percent accuracy rate. hours to Uzbekistan and Kyr- The kit was produced in line with Valentine’s Day in Saudi gyzstan, the Turkish health min- data from the World Health Orga- Tunisiatalksoncabinet press ister said on Friday, according nization (WHO) and can obtain to Reuters. China’s coronavirus results in 90-120 minutes, a bit less Arabia:Aonce-illicit outbreak has shown no sign of than equivalents in Germany or abating, with health authorities France, he said. Kyrgyzstan and holiday turns popular reporting more than 5,000 new Uzbekistan requested some 10,000 onamidriskof newelection cases on Friday. Earlier this kits each, and Turkey will begin Designated Tunisian prime min- month Turkey evacuated 42 exporting them in the coming days, ister Elyes Fakhfakh proposed people from China’s city of Koca said. Ankara has said there the line-up of a new government Wuhan, the epicenter of the out- are no known cases of the virus in on Saturday and then said nego- break, and kept them quarantined Turkey, and authorities are using tiations would continue after the for 14 days while authorities ran thermal cameras at airports as well Ennahda party, the biggest in tests. Speaking in Ankara after as other protective measures. parliament, rejected it. The pro- the quarantine period expired Turkish Airlines suspended. posed government must be ap- proved by the deeply fragment- ed parliament in two weeks or there will be a new election. Fa- khfakh submitted a list of cabi- Upper Karabakh net nominees to President Kais Just two years ago in Saudi Ara- increasingly embraced the celebra- Saied, with Nizar Yaich as finance bia, shops were banned from sell- tion ever since. Saudi daily news- conflict can be minister, Nourredine Erray as ing red roses and teddy bears for paper Arab News listed several foreign minister and Imed Hazgui Valentine’s Day. Celebrating lov- restaurants that allow guests to as defense minister. But with the ers’ day was illegal as the Chris- celebrate Valentine’s Day, includ- ‘resolved in phases’ largest parties either opposed to tian holiday was deemed “un-Is- ing one that will offer a themed Azerbaijan’s president on Satur- territories, return of Azerbaijani his coalition or unenthusiastic lamic.” This week, a Saudi news- menu with special arrangements day said the Upper Karabakh IDPs to those territories, resettle- about its composition, Fakhfakh Fakhfakh excluded it from the co- president, and a parliament in paper published a Valentine’s for Valentine’s surprises. Faisal issue cannot be resolved in a day ment […] and in the meantime, the may struggle to gain the strong alition. Tunisia faces a series of which Ennahda held fewer than Day dining guide and flower al-Himedi, from a flower shop in and there is a need to resolve the process of normalization of rela- parliamentary majority needed long-term economic challenges a quarter of the seats. Ennahda’s shops have been busy booking Jeddah, said things had changed conflict in phases. “It's clear that tions between Armenia and Azer- for any significant political pro- which threaten to undermine pub- nominee for prime minister, orders for romantic bouquets. fast. “There’s been a huge differ- we need to resolve this conflict baijan,” Aliyev said, adding the gram. The moderate Islamist En- lic trust in the young democracy, Habib Jemli, proposed a coali- “You never used to see peo- ence in sales from the previous in phases. We cannot resolve it status of Upper Karabakh can be nahda party, with 53 seats, said and which demand political deci- tion government that was reject- ple wearing anything red around years to this year. The environ- in one […] day,” Ilham Aliyev discussed later. For his part, Pa- it would only join a unity gov- sions that could be unpopular. ed by parliament in a confidence Valentine’s Day,” Rania Hassan, ment became more open in recent said at a session -- titled An Up- shinyan said that there cannot be ernment that brings together par- Since the 2011 revolution, unem- vote last month, giving Saied the a Riyadh resident told Al Ara- years when it comes to Valentine’s date on Nagorno-Karabakh -- a military solution to the conflict ties from across Tunisia’s politi- ployment has been high and chance to ask his own candidate, biya English. “Even if people Day, and so sales have definitely cal spectrum. growth low, while the government Fakhfakh, to form a cabinet. were coincidentally dressed in gone up,” he told Al Arabiya En- along with Armenian Prime Min- in the region. “This decision will put the coun- ister Nikol Pashinyan, during the Upper Karabakh is the internation- has sunk further into debt with a If Fakhfakh’s proposal is also red, the religious police used to glish. Before the ban was lifted, try in a difficult situation,” Fa- series of big budget deficits that rejected by parliament next stop them.” Things changed af- people who wanted to send their 56th Munich Security Confer- ally recognized territory of Azer- khfakh said in speech. Heart of ence “The first phase should be, baijan illegally occupied by Arme- foreign lenders demand it bring week, a new parliamentary elec- ter the cabinet issued a decree loved ones flowers or gifts used Tunisia, the second biggest par- under control. Elections in Sep- tion must follow within three restricting the Committee of Pro- to get round the rules by reaching as Russian proposal [suggested], nia through military aggression ty with 38 seats, also said it would liberation of part of the occupied since 1991. tember and October returned months. motion of Virtue and Prevention out to shopkeepers weeks in ad- not back the government after Saied, a political independent, as (BBC) of Vice in 2016, and Saudis have vance, who would sell roses. MONDAY . FEBRUARY 17, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES Mexican migrants sent record $36B in remittances in 2019 nstability in Mexico and with the highest transfers include economy by entering into the Latin America drove a wave California ($8.84 billion), Texas NAFTA agreement in 1994 and of migrant workers to send ($4.3 billion), Illinois ($1.4 bil- exports became a major source of a record amount of remit lion), New York ($1.8 billion), revenue. Still, Mexico is highly de- tances to their home coun- Florida ($1.15 billion), and Geor- pendent on the United States for tries in 2019. Mexico’s Central gia ($1.0 billion). California ac- exports and remittances. Remit- Bank reported that Mexican mi- counted for nearly 29 percent of tances replaced oil exports as Mex- grants working overseas sent the total remittances to Mexico ico’s largest source of foreign ex- home a record-high $36 billion in from 2014 to 2017. During this change, according to a Congression- remittances in 2019, a 7 percent same time period, the percent- al Research Service report. From Morocco-EU hopes to further strengthen bilateral cooperation increase from 2018. According to age of the Mexican-born popu- foreign tourism, Mexico receives a study from the Inter-American lation in the U.S. dropped slight- about $25 billion while only $22.4 by establishing a deep and comprehensive free trade agreement. Dialogue, between 2016 and 2017, ly by 1.3 percent while remit- billion in annual petroleum exports. remittances to Mexico increased tances spiked to nearly 8 per- Mexico’s poverty rate remains by 12 percent, a sharp rise from cent. Beginning in the late 1980s, high despite its openness to the previous years. States with the Mexico transitioned from a international economic system. largest population of Mexican- closed economy to a market-ori- The poverty rate stands at 41.9 born immigrants rank highest in ented economy. Mexico further percent as of 2018 according to the remittance transfers. The states accelerated its market-based International Monetary Fund. Kenya: Govt US announces says its 15 pct increase working on measures to of tariffs on grow the economy Airbus planes in 2020 The United States is increasing products – including wine, Nairobi — The government of tariffs on Airbus planes imported cheese, coffee and olives – have Kenya has said that it will contin- from Europe to 15 percent begin- been taxed at 25 percent since ue monitoring risks that pose a ning March 18, authorities an- October. Industry executives in threat to the growth of the econo- nounced Friday. The duties have Europe and the United States are my in 2020. According to the 2020 been at 10 percent since October, on tenterhooks awaiting each Budget policy statement 2020, the when Washington hit $7.5 billion new announcement from trade Treasury says the government it in European products with tar- authorities. “It has become abun- is mitigating measures to preserve iffs. The announcement from the dantly clear that tariffs on dis- macroeconomic stability and office of the United States Trade tilled spirits products are caus- strengthen resilience in the econo- Representative came just days ing rough seas on both sides of my. "The Government is deepen- The Moroccan Minister of Indus- further develop economic and The European Commission- prehensive free trade agreement. after President Donald Trump the Atlantic,” the Distilled Spir- ing reforms in the financial sector try, Trade and Green and Digital trade partnership between the er, who has an upcoming visit Meanwhile, Elalamy outlined said it was time to talk “very se- its Council of the United States to ensure a stable and strong finan- Economy, Moulay Hafid Ela- European Union (EU) and Mo- to Morocco, said he expects discussions with the European riously” about a trade deal with said in a statement Friday. The cial system in Kenya," reads the lamy, met with the European rocco. “We have discussed the progress in negotiations with a Commissioner, saying they fo- the European Union. Washington council called on authorities to statement. The statement pointed Commissioner for Trade, Phil means to resume negotiations view to deepening EU-Moroc- cused on diversifying and imposed punitive taxes on the withdraw 25 percent taxes on out to the desert locust invasion Hogan, on Friday in Brussels to between the European Union and co relations. strengthening the partnership be- $7.5 billion in European products American whiskeys in the EU, that struck the country since late discuss ways to further strength- the Kingdom of Morocco in trade Hogan, who expressed his tween Europe and Morocco. “We after the World Trade Organiza- and 25 percent taxes on liquors 2019 till 2020 will be one of the en Morocco-EU cooperation in a and other areas. We have agreed satisfaction with the level and have exchanged several ideas with tion (WTO) gave the United States imported from five European distractors affecting the country's range of sectors. to move forward in this process,” quality of cooperation between the aim of strengthening our part- a green light to take retaliatory countries, pointing to fears of a economy. "The locust invasion ex- Moroccan ambassador to the EU, Hogan told Moroccan state- the two parties, underlined the nership in the next few years and trade measures against the EU negative impact on the US econ- perienced in different parts of the Ahmed Rahhou, attended the owned agency Maghreb Arab importance of further strength- we are very optimistic,” he point- over its subsidies to European omy and jobs. But Trump, a real country will affect agricultural pro- high-level meeting. The officials Press (MAP) following talks ening bilateral cooperation, no- ed out. aerospace giant Airbus. Other estate developer turned. duction and food security." underlined their willingness to with Elalamy. tably through a deep and com- (BBC) Iran's Qazvin, Kazakhstan Argentina and IMF discuss Austr alia’s Centr al expand Bank chief warns economic coop. debt in shadow of 2001 crisis the Chairman of Qazvin province play of 2001, when Argentina of economic, Chamber of Commerce Mehdi defaulted on about US$100 bil- Bakhshandeh said, “The estab- lion in debt during the worst eco- lishment of a logistics hub center nomic crisis in its history. It’s a financial effects will boost economic cooperation balancing act for President Alber- between Qazvin and Aktau port to Fernández, who seeks a deal in Kazakhstan.” He made the re- with the IMF that does not alien- of climate change marks on Saturday saying, “The ate his base, as represented by Australia’s central bank chief Melbourne. “The world is getting establishment of a logistics hub Vice-President Cristina Fernán- Philip Lowe warned of wide- hotter and the climate’s more vari- center with the collaboration of dez de Kirchner. ranging economic and financial able, and we’re seeing already in Qazvin province and Aktau port “I think the Fund is willing impacts from climate change, Australia, perhaps more than any- in Kazakhstan will make it possi- to help Argentina, but in order to after his drought-stricken nation where else in the world, the ef- ble to reach more markets.” He do that, it’s necessary for the suffered some of its worst wild- fects of that.” went on to say that Kazakhstan Argentine authorities to steer fires ever. Speaking on a panel Australia is the world’s dri- is one the target markets for ex- away from interventionist and with his Canadian counterpart, est-inhabited continent and expe- port and shares borders with Chi- heterodox policies and show clear Lowe pointed out that drought riences wildfires to some extent na and due to its good relations willingness and ability to im- would cut Australia’s GDP every year, but the scale of the with Iran and its membership in prove the fiscal situation in no growth by a quarter percentage crisis this season has been extraor- international trade organizations, more than two to three years,” point this year, and the blazes dinary. More than 30 people died there is great potential for invest- said Alberto Ramos, chief Latin would shave 0.2 percentage as flames scorched an area the size ment in different fields such as America economist for Goldman point from growth in the final of England. “Climate change is af- road construction, building busi- Sachs. At the time of the 2001 three months of 2019 and the fecting the nature of production default, the relationship between current quarter. “The economic in Australia, the nature of invest- ness complexes and manufactur- We’ve been here before: reces- ment and simmering anger toward an IMF mission team for talks ing factories. “Qazvin is close to Argentina and the IMF grew in- implications are profound,” the ment, ultimately the nature of our sion, growing poverty, high in- the International Monetary Fund. on restructuring US$44 billion in creasingly strained. Fund officials Reserve Bank governor told the exports, at the moment I think it’s Anzali port, which is an active flation, billions of dollars in debt, These are crucial days for Argenti- debt owed to the lender. All in- port in the Caspian Sea. later acknowledged shortcom- Australia-Canada Economic affecting confidence in people and a looming deadline for repay- na, which this week began hosting volved are anxious to avoid a re- ings, including a failure. Leadership Forum Thursday in therefore ultimately spending.” Somalia: Africa: Canada tightens its grip Erdogan,Trump discuss World Bank, IMF grant in Africa, with $10 million boost Canada, the world's second larg- of the African Union's heaviest tion of Canadian companies, situation in Libya,Syria Somalia est country and the fastest econ- performers in a series of one- wouldn't say how long those ne- omy among G7 has set aside $10 on-one on the sidelines of the gotiations could take or what the million for developing African union's 33rd sessional meeting agreement could look like. Many debt relief women, and slated potential in- in Addis Ababa. times these agreements take sev- In 1996 the World Bank, the In- vestment agreement with Ethio- Canada and Ethiopia eral years to put in place. Howev- ternational Monetary Fund pia. The $10-million contribution According to the Canadian er, Canada and Ethiopia currently (IMF) and other multilateral, bi- is to the African Union Commis- media, Global news, Trudeau have a relatively small trading re- lateral and commercial creditors sion for gender equality and wom- said Canada and Ethiopia are lationship -- just $170 million in began the Heavily Indebted Poor en empowerment. The Canadian about to start negotiating a For- two-way trade in 2018. Evident- Country (HIPC) Initiative. The Prime Minister (with his first eign Investment Protection ly, the Ethiopian economy has structured program was designed visit to Ethiopia) spent the first Agreement. Also, the Canadian exploded in the last two decades, to ensure that the poorest coun- full day of a three-day trip to Trade Minister Mary Ng, who with the gross domestic product tries in the world are not over- Addis Ababa meeting with some is in Africa with a trade delega- per person soaring 189 per cent. whelmed by unmanageable or unsustainable debt burdens. It reduces the debt of countries meeting strict criteria. Two days Cen tral ban k allo cates 4 billio n ago, the Executive Boards of the Turkish president and his U.S. stressed the importance of res- troops are in Idlib -- nominally a International Monetary Fund yuan in n ew ban kn o tes to Wuhan counterpart discussed over the toration of peace and stability in cease-fire zone, under a deal be- (IMF) and World Bank met, on phone the latest developments in Libya, the directorate said. The tween Turkey and Russia -- as February 12 and 13, respective- China's central bank has allocat- Libya and Syria and bilateral eco- two presidents also exchanged part of an anti-terror and peace ly, to consider Somalia's eligibili- ed 4 billion yuan (572 million U.S. nomic ties between the two coun- views on ways for an immediate mission. In September 2018, Tur- ty for debt relief under the En- dollars) in new banknotes to cen- tries, said Turkey’s Communica- end to the crisis in Syria’s Idlib. key and Russia agreed to turn Idlib hanced Heavily Indebted Poor tral China's Wuhan, said Fan Yifei, tion Directorate. During their They underlined that Bashar al- into a de-escalation zone in which Countries (HIPC) Initiative. The Deputy Governor of the People's conversation, Recep Tayyip Er- Assad regime’s attacks in Idlib, acts of aggression are expressly Executive Boards commended Bank of China (PBOC) in a press dogan and Donald Trump Syria are unacceptable. Turkish prohibited. the authorities' sustained. conference on Saturday. The move aims to increase cash sup- ply to key epidemic prevention Brazil's government evaluates abandoning administrative reform and control units, such as hospi- tals, said the senior official, add- Brazil Government is evaluating stop sending a PEC (proposal for found changes for new govern- ing that the central bank has allo- whether it should send its own amendment to the Constitution) of ment workers. The team insist cated 600 billion yuan in new administrative reform project to its authorship and to take advan- that the Executive branch send the banknotes to the whole country. Congress. The reform addresses tage of projects already in progress. measures. But resistance would Due to the fast spread of the nov- new hiring and career plans in the After that, only suggestions would be at the political core of the Plan- el coronavirus pneumonia, which government. Congressional lead- be sent to Congress. Paulo alto Palace, due to the elections. has infected more than 66,000 in circulation and has suspend- "Cash received must be disinfect- er Rodrigo Maia (DEM-RJ) did Guedes's (Economics) team has The government leader in the Sen- and killed over 1,500 people as ed inter-provincial transfers and ed before being available to cus- not receive the idea well. The been working on the text for ate said he was studying ways to of Saturday, the central bank re- transfer within the provinces tomers," Fan said, explaining that proposal is for the Executive to months, which foresees more pro- streamline procedures. quires all banks to sterilize cash where the epidemic is severe. ultraviolet disinfection. MONDAY . FEBRUARY 17, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES

he announcement about the critically-acclaimed and award-winning series Killing Eve's third season, star ring Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, comes over a month after the show was renewed for a fourth season.

Killing Eve’s third season continues the story of two women with brutal pasts, addicted to each other but now trying desper- ately to live their lives without their drug of choice.

he fourth season of job, Eve is dead. For Eve, the ex- thriller drama Killing MI6 operative hiding in plain Eve is set to air on sight, Villanelle will never find her. April 26 on both All seems fine until a shocking BBC America and and personal death sets them on a AMC. The announcement about collision course yet again. The the critically-acclaimed and journey back to each other will award-winning series, starring cost both of them friends, family, Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer, and allegiances and perhaps a comes over a month after the share of their souls. In the new show was renewed for a fourth first-look photos released by season. Writer-actor Phoebe AMC, it is revealed that Eve (Oh) Waller-Bridge created the series, has survived being shot by Vil- based on the Codename Villanelle lanelle (Comer) in Rome, but her novellas by Luke Jennings, and current status with MI6 remains oversaw its first season. She unknown after being manipulat- handed over the head writing ed by Carolyn (Shaw) in the duties to Emerald Fennell for sea- events of last season’s finale. And son two. Suzanne Heathcote is it’s clear that Villanelle continues Jeff Fowler directorial adventure Tomatoes. The critical consensus rey plays the villainous Doctor Harley Quinn. Though Harley is writer Christina Hodson. The In- running season three. Killing Eve to never miss an opportunity to comedy Sonic The Hedgehog de- reads, “Fittingly fleet and fre- Robotnik. James Marsden, Tika not a member of the Birds of Prey, dian Express film critic Shalini also features Fiona Shaw and Kim dress up for the job. Sarah Bar- feated the DC superhero film quently fun, Sonic the Hedgehog Sumpter, Natasha Rothwell, traditionally speaking, thanks to Langer gave Birds of Prey 3.5 Bodnia. The third season con- nett, president, AMC Networks Birds of Prey with a 21 million is a video game-inspired adventure Adam Pally, and Neal McDon- Robbie’s winning performance stars. She wrote, “The wonder- tinues the story of two women Entertainment Group & AMC dollar opening according to Col- the whole family can enjoy — and ough play supporting roles. Birds and the popularity of the charac- ful Robbie reprises her role as with brutal pasts, addicted to Studios, said the team hopes the lider. Sonic the Hedgehog received a fine excuse for Jim Carrey to tap of Prey is a sequel to 2016’s crit- ter, she is headlining this movie. Quinn from Suicide Squad, in as each other but now trying des- series continues to thrill the audi- mixed to positive critical reviews. into the manic energy that launched ically panned (though commer- Directed by Chinese-American many candy colours and riots of perately to live their lives with- ence in the upcoming season. It holds a 63 per cent rating at his career.” Ben Schwartz voices cially successful) Suicide Squad filmmaker Cathy Yan, Birds of pinks and greens. Joker, never out their drug of choice. For Vil- “These photos are gorgeous and review aggregation site Rotten the titular character while Jim Car- and brings back Margot Robbie’s Prey is penned by Bumblebee seen but almost too frequently. lanelle, the assassin without a also a bit of a spoiler yes.” Hope my biopic inspires young girls to take up While everyone is waiting with was Paras with a total of 64.4 per bated breath to know the name cent votes. Arti received 35.6 per cricket: Mithali Raj of Bigg Boss 13 winner, the read- cent votes. Asim Riaz emerged as ers of indianexpress.com have the hero of Bigg Boss 13. He gave Mithali Raj said there are a lot of girls who wish to play cricket given their verdict. According to the show enough content to sur- but feel there is no scope for them to grow and the Taapsee a poll conducted by us, Asim vive until the last week. His fights Pannu starrer biopic on her Shabaash Mithu will bust that myth. Riaz will lift the trophy tonight. with Sidharth Shukla became a Indianexpress.com asked fans of topic of discussion, and his chem- the show to select the winner of istry with Himanshi Khurana Bigg Boss 13 from among the top showed his fans a new side to his four contenders, Asim Riaz, personality. In the last few weeks, Sidharth Shukla, Shehnaaz Gill the viewers liked his camaraderie and Rashami Desai. In the poll, with Rashami Desai as well. How- Asim received 40 per cent votes. ever, Shukla was no less in mak- Sidharth was close behind with ing the thirteenth season of Bigg 36.2 per cent votes. Following Boss such a huge success. From Sidharth was Shehnaaz with 20.5 fighting with Riaz and Desai to per cent votes. Rashami was at standing beside his friends, Arti the bottom with only 3.3 per cent Singh, Shehnaaz Gill, Paras votes. In another poll, we asked Chhabra and Mahira Sharma, readers to choose between Paras Shukla did everything to stay rel- Chhabra and Arti Singh. The evant. Asim Riaz will lift Bigg Boss 13 trophy according to the poll. clear winner from among the two (Hindustan times) Mithali Raj, captain of the Indian for them to grow and the Taapsee women’s national cricket team in Pannu-fronted film will bust that Tests and ODIs, hopes her biop- myth. “It will also inspire a lot of Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh ic Shabaash Mithu inspires young young girls who dream about be- girls to join the sport. The bio- coming a cricketer. Many young win Filmfare BestActor graphical drama will be directed girls have the urge to play the sport by Rahul Dholakia, best known but never get to see it on televi- trophies for 'Gully Boy' for making movies such as Raees, sion so they feel there is no scope. Lamhaa and Parzania. “I’m hap- This will open a lot of opportuni- py that there is a biopic on my ties for them to dream,” she add- story because a lot will be shown ed. The film, produced by Via- about the struggles of a woman com18 Studios, stars Taapsee in cricketer. When we started way the lead, and the cricketer said she back in the ’90s, the journey of a is looking forward to see the actor woman cricketer in our country slip into her shoes. “I feel quite was difficult,” Mithali told PTI nice about having Taapsee on board on the sidelines of the Lakme to tell my story. I have seen a Fashion Week Summer/Resort sports drama where she played a 2020. The sportstar said there are hockey player. She kind of has this a lot of girls who wish to play way of playing a sportsperson. cricket but feel there is no scope (HINDUSTAN TIMES) Zoe Kravitz Love Aaj Kal box office collection Day 2: on playing Kartik and Sara starrer mints Rs 20.41 crore Catwoman in Love Aaj Kal box office collection Day 2: Starring Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali Khan, this Imtiaz Saturday night’s Filmfare awards Best Director for Zoya Akhtar. Ali directorial minted Rs 8.01 crore on the second day to take the total to Rs 20.41 crore. The Batman: ceremony cemented Gully Boy Ranveer, wearing a sharp black suit as one of the best in recent years for the occasion, received the Imtiaz Ali directorial Love Aaj “#LoveAajKal dips on Day 2… with indianexpress.com, “Love Have to forget after handing it 13 awards, in- award from Bollywood’s beloved Kal has minted Rs 20.41 crore Shocking part is, the decline has Aaj Kal has a fantastic buzz. The cluding the Best Actor Male and Madhuri Dixit. Posting to Insta- after two days. The film, star- come at metros/multiplexes, trailer and songs have been liked a about the Female to Ranveer Singh and Alia gram, Ranveer expressed his emo- ring Kartik Aaryan and Sara Ali which is its target audience… lot. The genre of the film is ro- Bhatt respectively. tions, saying, “Receiving the Film- Khan, is said to be the spiritual Weak at Tier-2 cities as well as mantic, and love is in the air with world The film, released last year fare Best Actor trophy from one successor to Ali’s own 2009 film mass circuits… Needs a miracle Valentine’s Day around the cor- in February beat out Black for of the Greats. Legend of the silver with the same title. The original to salvage the show on Day 3… ner, so it is a fantastically planned oe Kravitz, who was like you’re putting your energy in most wins in one night, bagging screen, the one and only Madhuri film starred Saif Ali Khan and Fri 12.40 cr, Sat 8.01 cr. Total: ? release coinciding with the cele- cast in Matt Reeves’ the wrong place.” She added, “Of 13 as compared to the latter’s 11 Dixit . Etched in my heart forev- Deepika Padukone. Trade ana- 20.41 cr. #India biz. Earlier trade bration of love. I am looking for- The Batman as the su course, I want to honor the fans wins. It also won Best Film and er.” (Tribune) lyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, analyst Girish Johar had shared ward to a good start.” perhero’s sometimes- and hope they like what I do with lover-sometimes-ene- the role, but in order to do what I my Seline Kyle, better known as think I need to do with Catwoman Former ‘Love Island’ host Caroline Flack found dead at London home Catwoman, says to play the role I have to go internal and forget she has to forget what the rest of about the rest of the world.” Krav- Caroline Flack, a British televi- hosted “Love Island” from its this desperately sad news.” the world thinks and go internal. itz also spoke about working with sion presenter who hosted the launch in 2015, but stepped down “Caroline was a much loved While speaking to Variety, she Robert Pattinson, who plays the controversial reality TV show last year after being charged with member of the ‘Love Island’ said, “It was a little scary, but titular role of billionaire Bruce “Love Island,” has died at age 40, assaulting her boyfriend, Lewis team, and our sincere thoughts also whenever I get nervous about Wayne who is secretly a masked her family said Saturday. “We can Burton. She denied the charge and and condolences are with her something, I feel it pushes me to and cowled superhero fighting confirm that our Caroline passed was scheduled to stand trial start- family and friends,” the network a better place anyway, so I wel- Gotham City’s criminals at night. away today, the 15th of Febru- ing next month. British commer- statement said. The sixth season come the nerves. If you start fo- She said, “I’ve never worked ary,” the family said in a state- cial network ITV, which broadcasts of the show is currently airing. cusing too much on what people with him before, but we’ve been ment. A family lawyer said Flack the show, said in a statement that The next new episode is due to are going to think you’re doing together for the last few weeks, I had killed herself and was found “everybody at ‘Love Island’ and be broadcast Sunday, although an yourself a disservice, it’s almost had to camera test. in her London apartment. Flack ITV is shocked and saddened by episode of unseen footage. MONDAY . FEBRUARY 17, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES KyleEdmund reachesfirst ATPfinal in16 monthswith semi-finalwin inNewYork Report and highlights from the Sky Bet Kyle Edmund rubber- Championship clash at the Riverside Stadium stamped his return to form with victory over Miomir Kecmanovic to book a place in the final of the New York Open.

Kyle Edmund rubber-stamped manovic to book a place in the each match." Sunday's showpiece his return to form with victory final of the New York Open, will be the British number two's over Miomir Kecmanovic to book running out a 6-1 6-4 winner to third ATP final, with a record of a place in the final of the New set up a showdown with either one win and one defeat from his York Open. The 25-year-old has Andreas Seppi or Jason Jung. previous two finals, both in 2018. enjoyed a welcome return on the "This is great to be back in a Edmund was beaten in straight sets hard courts of the United States final, playing the matches you by Pablo Andujar in Marrakesh in and having battled his way want to be playing," Edmund April 2018, but six months later through the field to the final four, said after a win that took him captured his only singles crown he served up perhaps his best just 71 minutes. "I obviously by rallying from a set down to beat performance of the week. Seed- want to go all the way, but I'm Frenchman Gael Monfils. He will ed eighth, Edmund was up against enjoying my tennis. I've kept rise back into the world's top 50 the sixth-seeded Serbian Kec- improving and learning with on the back of his run.

Luton further boosted their hopes Teesside since 1972, and left going. Woodgate made a few chang- Middlesbrough, however, Luton of avoiding relegation from the Middlesbrough wondering when es in the hope of finding the win- kept digging away and they made Championship after ending their their second victory of 2020 will ning formula and that included re- things difficult for their hosts. miserable away run with a 1-0 come. Jonathan Woodgate's Boro calling Djed Spence down the right Pears was called on a couple of victory over Middlesbrough at have now gone nine games with- and asking skipper George Friend times to gather crosses as the the Riverside. Ryan Tunnicliffe's out a win, seven in the league, to make his comeback from injury. home supporters got frustrated. lovely finish to grab his first goal since beating Preston on New After a pretty quiet opening quar- The goalkeeper would have been of the season in the 17th minute Year's Day - and the gap over the ter of an hour, Friend's head was beaten 11 minutes before the was enough for the Hatters to end relegation zone has been reduced involved in the opening goal for break too had it not been for Jon- a run of 12 successive away de- to six points. Luton, fresh from Luton when he could only flick Dan ny Howson. The Middlesbrough feats in all competitions - avoid- beating Sheffield Wednesday in Potts' left-wing delivery on for defender, who has swapped his ing equalling a club record of 13 in midweek to climb off the foot Tunnicliffe to strike first time be- midfield role this season, was in the process. Tunnicliffe's winner off the table, started positively yond goalkeeper Aynsley Pears. the right place to block and de- also secured Luton's first win on and Middlesbrough never got Rather than spark a reaction from flect a Potts header. Joe Buttler VitalityNetballSuperleague2020: to open again Saracens: Elliot Daly set for England Franchisebyfranchisepart one in deciding to stay with Jamie George Get the lowdown Manchester Thunder, Wasps Netball, Elliot Daly has joined England player wages, placing the fu- ances from the Lions and England T20I against team-mate Jamie George in pub- tures of their influential England that competing in the Champion- Team Bath Netball, Loughborough Lightning and Saracens licly committing his future to contingent in doubt. George has ship will not harm the ambitions Saracens in the wake of the sala- revealed he is set to stay and of their internationals, but the de- SouthAfrica ry cap scandal. The double win- now Daly has pledged his loy- tails of what a year spent in the ners will be relegated from the alty despite a turbulent first sea- second tier will mean for the play- Gallagher Premiership in June as son in north London having ers are still being finalised. "Yeah I punishment for repeatedly joined from Wasps last summer. reckon I'll stay, pretty similar to breaching the £7m ceiling for Saracens have received assur- Jamie. I am still in contract." Kell Brook delivers Caster Semenya: Olympic and damning verdict on Amir World champion Khan and Liam Smith back over 300m Jos Buttler will open the batting again for England in Sunday's se- "As much as we've talked about it, if it as doubts over ries-deciding third T20I against was official and we were fighting each future continue South Africa at Centurion, Eoin other, believe you me, it sets alight petrol" Morgan has confirmed. Buttler scored just 15 and two in the first two games of the series after partnering Jason Roy and com- As the 2020 Vitality Netball Su- Arena Birmingham with the Sea- season which included player ing in ahead of Jonny Bairstow. perleague season draws ever clos- son Opener and all five matches transfers and head coach move- However, three of his seven T20I er, we run the rule over the first will be shown live on Sky Sports ments, this preview is the first of fifties have come as an opener and five franchises taking to court on and streamed on the Sky Sports looking at each franchise in detail. he averages 40.14 from that spot February 22. As the 2020 Vitali- YouTube channel. The curtain- First stop, Manchester Thunder, with a strike rate of 156.98. When ty Netball Superleague season raising day, which is an addition- Wasps Netball, Team Bath Net- asked whether he was consider- draws ever closer, we run the rule al round, will feature teams play- ball, Loughborough Lightning and ing dropping Buttler down into over the first five franchises tak- ing an opponent for the third Saracens Mavericks. At the Cop- the middle order, England skip- ing to court on February 22. All time and commences the season's per Box Arena on May 18 last per Morgan said: "Not for Sun- sides will start their campaigns at schedule. Following a busy off- year, Thunder gained their third day, definitely not. Caster Semenya has vowed she is not finished with athletics after a Genesis low-profile return to the track in Riders Onthe Storm capitalises on drama Kell Brook delivers damning ver- I can't really give too much Johannesburg on Friday night. Invitational: dicts on Amir Khan and Liam away, because people listen. Semenya broke the South African Riders Onthe Storm ran out a Smith as he assesses five poten- [He's been] Saying I've got no record over 300m at a University Rory McIlroy slightly fortunate winner of a tial opponents for future fights. heart and whatever. Paul Smith of Johannesburg meeting, her first dramatic Betfair Ascot Chase. The former world champion end- analyses fights, and he should appearance since last June when tied with Adam Since joining Nigel Twiston- ed a 14-month absence from the just stick to fighting. I've got it new World Athletics rules over Davies from Tom Taaffe, Riders ring with an explosive stoppage all and I'm the better fighter. I testosterone levels in female ath- Scott, Matt Onthe Storm had won both his win over Mark DeLuca in Shef- can land those shots from the letes came into force. Those mean starts in Britain, but this Grade field and now intends to target first round until the 12th round. Semenya, who would need to Kuchar One heat represented a huge big domestic clashes or current I might be losing eight or nine medically reduce her inflated nat- jump in class. Cyrname was sent world champions. Liam Smith rounds, but I've got that power ural testosterone levels, is banned off the 4-11 favourite to get back He's been in fights that have that can get you out of jail. I'm a from participating in races from on the winning trail after his King not been meaningful. He needs force to be reckoned with. 400m up to a mile, including the George defeat, but he looked in me, I'm the bigger name. Paul Tactics for Smith? 800m distance where she had be- trouble down the back straight Smith analyses fights, and he I'd expect him to come for- come the sport's dominant athlete. when the eventual winner loomed should just stick to fighting. ward, try and make me commit Semenya has been legally iden- upsides. Riders Onthe Storm Kell Brook on Liam Smith mistakes. tified as female her entire life. soon assumed control as Cyr- name started to toil, but 50-1 outsider Traffic Fluide then ap- PDC Darts: Ryan Searle becomes third 2020 Pro Tour winner peared to be finishing with real purpose. However, Gary Ryan Searle won the first rank- Premier League campaign with Moore's charge crashed out at the ing title of his career, beating two wins from two matches, has last - with a tired Cyrname also Michael van Gerwen, Glen Dur- yet to claim a title in 2020, having Rory McIlroy is set for a Sunday taking a heavy fall further back, rant, Michael Smith and Gerw- lost 8-6 in the Saturday showpiece, showdown with Matt Kuchar and as the winner coasted home by Sam said, he went to take on Cyr- very much a jump in grade, but yn Price on the way to Players and he was quick to praise a visi- Adam Scott after the trio took a 14 lengths at 7-2 under Sam name, and that probably tired the we were hopeful. You never think Championship Three. The 32- bly emotional Searle. "I just can't share of the lead into the final horse out a bit. "He is quite a free- you are going to beat Cyrname, year-old, nicknamed 'Heavy believe it," said Searle. "It's extra round of the Genesis Invitation- Twiston-Davies, from the only other finisher Janika. Traffic Flu- running horse, and you don't want but he has had his problems since Metal', has enjoyed some stand- special to beat Michael in the fi- al. McIlroy posted a three-under out displays at the World Cham- nal, it's a dream. I've been practis- 68 at Riviera Country Club to join ide was quickly on his feet, but to give Cyrname lots of rope. beating Altior. "You couldn't ex- Cyrname was down for some Maybe it was a mistake taking him pect to beat Cyrname. We thought pionship in the last couple of ing a lot in my little man cave back Scott - who made four birdies in a years and a sensational perfor- home and playing out scenarios in five-hole stretch around the turn time before eventually getting up on quite so soon - but hey, we won we would come a good second - and overnight leader Kuchar on - a moment which drew huge it. "The owner found him and and win £35,000 and go home mance saw him motor through a my head - playing Michael in a 10 under. Russell Henley and applause from the anxious As- bought him - and well done to him, very happy - but we have won tough draw to claim his maiden final was one of them. "When you Harold Varner III head into the cot crowd. Nigel Twiston-Davies Carl Hinchy. I love having these £85,000, and gone home extreme- title - beating world No 1 MvG get these chances you just have to final round a shot off the pace in said: "I think he was probably a nice horses and I wish I could say ly happy. in the final. Van Gerwen, who take the opportunity and thank- tied-fourth, with Dustin Johnson. lucky winner in the end - but as I found it - but I didn't. "It was (Sky Sport) has made a perfect start to his fully I did today. MONDAY . FEBRUARY 17. 2020 -Dalwa 28, 1398 H.S Vol:XIV Issue No:201 Price: Afs.20

Int'l attention Rouhani says Iran Former ‘Love Middlesbrough will only negotiate Island’ host could bring Caroline 0-1 Luton: with US if Flack found better life to Washington returns dead at Hatters nick win Afghan refugees to nuclear deal, London to boost survival in Pakistan lifts sanctions home hopes

AT News AT News ment of People of Afghanistan Afghanistan as an invaded coun- KABUL: Afghanistan’s official party, said that he welcomed a try, they would face the same fate electoral commission on Sunday KABUL: A political leader calls peace deal between the US and of the Soviet. He also asked the began a partial recount of votes on the government and Taliban Taliban, offering an immediate two sides of war to remain com- cast in the country’s September to remain committed in fulfill intra-Afghan dialogue after the mitted in the fulfillment of peace 28 presidential polls to sift peace agreements, saying that the deal was finalized. Monib who agreements, emphasizing on the through fraudulent ballots. The two sides need to give sacrifices runs ministry of hajj and reli- remaining of power. Monib and vote recount and audit is initially for the will of people. Hakim gious affairs as caretaker, em- his party members gathered Sun- conducted in four provinces in Monib, head of Islamic Move- phasized that those who look day in a ... presence of observing institu- tions, electoral complaints com- mission and election teams and then extended to other provinces, according to the Commission’s spokesperson, Zabih Sadat. “We will try our best....

FAIZABAD : Health officials say 35 people have died including women and children of respira- tory diseases, mostly in Wakhan district, of northeastern Bada- khshan province, but local peo- ple put the death toll at over 60. Dr. Nawshin Gahr Karimi, AT News deputy public health director of AT News toral team, led by Chief Executive, in Kabul, a tope member of Ab- Badakhshan province, told Pajh- Abdullah Abdullah has warned that dullah’s campaign team, Fazal KABUL: A key Taliban member wok Afghan News that 35 peo- KABUL: The results of the com- it would not accept the “rigged” Ahmad Manawi reacted on the ple including women, children responsible for the group’s logis- plex Afghan 28th September elec- decision of the electoral commis- votes auditing process, terming tic supports was detained in a and elderly men lost their lives tions is still at doldrums, and the sions regarding the final results. it in complete contrast with the to respiratory diseases such as preplan night raid conducted by “Stability and Partnership”, elec- Talking to a news conference law. According... the Police Special Forces on Sat- pneumonia over... urday night in southeastern Log- ar province, military officials con- firmed on Sunday. The Ministry of Interior in a statement has iden- tified the detainee as Gul Hoss- ien, who had been providing lo- gistic supports to the Taliban fighters in Logar. This comes as the Afghan...

AT News week. Some members of Parliament running mate of an election can- dent Ghani’s actions have an eth- called his presence in Munich along didate could travel and attend of- nic attachment to them and he KABUL: Tempers are running with the president ‘a political ma- ficial trips abroad and inside the seeks to alleviate concerns regard- high among public representatives neuvering’ against his electoral ri- country. He hinted at two under- ing bias.” Saleh’s presence in and political analysts after ex- vals, exhibiting a pseudo-ethnic lying reasons to have justified president’s and security council’s spymaster Amrullah Saleh ac- equilibrium in power sharing and this trip of Saleh “but political meetings drew ire previously too. companied the incumbent presi- utilizing Saleh’s intelligence acu- not legal”. “One reason is that He was present in the president’s dent Ashraf Ghani to attend men. Lawmaker Mohammad Aref Saleh is a security and intelligence televised announcement of re- AT News eas. In the Karta-e-Sakhi, a much AT News Munich conference earlier this Rahmani argues no law states that expert and second is that presi- lease of the... populated neighborhood in the KABUL: Shortage of drinkable western Kabul, elderly men and KABUL: Unknown armed men water in Kabul city has caused children carry water tanks from have opened fire on some drug a vast concern among capital the public water spouts to their addicted people in PD 6th of cap- residents, with latest informa- houses on higher parts of the ar- ital city, Kabul, killing nine of them, tion from the water supply ea’s mountain. Sadaf, 18 and security officials confirmed. body indicating that the prob- Zoleikha, eight years old say they Kabul Police Spokesman, Fer- lem of water shortage was felt have to carry water buckets on dous Faramarz said the drug us- in the southern neighborhoods their heads up to two kilometer- ers were killed on Sunday morn- of the city more than other ar- high where they... ing in Koh-e-Qurogh area of Kab- ul. No one has been arrested in regards so far and also according to the security officials, the rea- son behind the shooting had not been clarified yet. Kabul Police said the corpses...

Nicholas Kay, NATO’s senior civilian representative in Af- ghanistan, says that both the Afghan security forces and ci- AT News vilians need to see a significant reduction in violence as part of KABUL: Mohammad Yaqub, a an imminent peace deal between money exchanger, has been shot the Taliban and the United dead by unknown armed men in th States. PD 12 of Kabul, the capital city, RFE/RL: Ambassador Kay, official said. According to Kabul thank you very much for your Police Department, the incident time. What does a reduction in took place on Sunday morning in violence really mean? Ahmadshah Babab Meean, an Nicholas Kay: There is a lot .S. Secretary of De area located in the outskirt of of talk of that as you know. I fense Mark Esper Kabul. The reason and motivation think it means something that said Saturday that behind his murder is yet to be Afghans can feel and see them- consultations were cleared. Although, Kabul has re- selves. So, a significant reduc- still underway on set- cently been slightly away from tion in people being attacked and ting a start date for a seven-day suicide attacks and bombings, the losing their lives and also one trial of reduced violence negotiat- criminal activities have still re- imagines that it should also be ed with the Taliban in Afghanistan. mained as the biggest obstacles for an enduring thing. Nobody “That is a moving date because the residents. wants this to be a short-term we are still doing consultations, if provision. It’s a step eventual- you will, ... so I can't give you a ly toward a complete cease-fire. hard date right now,” Esper told RFE/RL: Does it mean that reporters in Munich, Germany, the Taliban will cease targeting after attending a security confer- U.S. troops, Afghan troops, or ence there. U.S. officials have said Afghan civilians? a successful implementation of the Kay: Afghans need to see temporary reduction in violence the benefit of this. ... would pave the... President Ghani at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday highlighted a number of important topics pertaining to the region, particularly the recent develop- By Farhad Naibkhail a chance for children to immerse in Khalilullah Hamid, AECC years of age are enrolling in the ments in the talks between the US fun and let their skills evolve. Program Manager, told Afghani- circus training centers – with over and the Taliban, asking the Tali- fghan Educational Bent to bring laughter to peo- stan Times in an interview that 120 children including girls and ban to try the voting process Children Circus’ of ple, the entertainment center is the circus, which has four million boys under training in Kabul to KABUL: NATO Secretary es. Speaking at 56th Munich Se- themselves at least once. Ghani fers a major thrill performing shows and experienc- spectators in 28 provinces, of- master various arts. “Facilities in General Jens Stoltenberg says curity Conference in Germany, said that drugs are playing a key and amusement for es in schools, parks, streets and fers various shows such as the- our Kabul center are fair and the alliance will not leave Af- Stoltenberg said: “Let’s not forget role in financing terrorism and that stress-stricken chil- even in refugee camps. Initiated in ater performances, juggling, acro- training children are offered de- ghanistan, but will adjust force that together we have made enor- the international community must dren of Afghanistan, managing to 2002, the Circus has entertained batics, cycling and other interac- cent equipment to train,” he en- level if Taliban demonstrate the mous progress.” He said the Is- take responsibility in combating squeeze even more interactive and thrilled thousands of children tive entertainments and arts. thused, “although the gadgets and will and ability to reduce vio- lamic State (IS) no longer con- drug production in Afghanistan. fun into its tiny precincts, giving – almost half of whom girls. Children ranging from 5 to 18 equipment are... lence and make real compromis- trolled any territory in Iraq.