Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XV Issue No:216 Price: Afs.20

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AT News KABUL: At least 10 members of the refused to observe a ceasefire in Taliban group to prove its will- Afghan National Army (ANA) have the holy month of Ramadan. The ingness for achieving peace in lost their lives and three more received injuries after Taliban killed three Afghan secu- action and not in word. a number of Taliban militants attacked their check- rity forces on the first day of Meanwhile, in their separate point in northern Balkh province, local sources said Ramadan in Badakhshan prov- messages on the occasion, Unit- on Tuesday. Five more security forces were taken ince. President Ashraf Ghani ed Nations, Canada and Inter- hostage by the Taliban, the sources added. The in- called on the Taliban to halt fight- national Union for Muslim cident took place at an outpost in Sar Asyab village ing and observe a ceasefire dur- Scholars have also called on peace plan is to end the war and to form a participa- of the Chimtal district of the province on Monday ing the holy month of Ramadan. warring sides including Taliban tory government with inclusion of everyone. He night. The Taliban group is yet to assert responsi- In his message on the start to observe truce during the holy also said that the new peace proposal didn’t humil- bility for the attack. This comes as the Taliban of Ramadan, Ghani has asked the month. iate President Ashraf Ghani and his government. He cited the remarks in reaction to the second vice pres- ident, Mohammad Sarwar Danish. Danish earlier criticized the proposal of the reconciliation council for the Afghan peace process, saying that the draft of the proposal reflected humiliation towards Ghani. He said that the technical team of the council pur- posely sought to show the government proposal for peace as an ambiguous draft. But Qanooni ac- cused Danish of insulting the political parties, say- ing that “he (Danish) didn’t study the proposal accurately.” He said at a gathering in Kabul that the AT News iation, Mohammad Yunus Qanoo- content of the government proposal was contribut- ni, who also leads the committee ed in the draft as the first option. He said that the KABUL: A senior member of the for forging a draft-proposal for the government proposal included the remaining of the high council for national reconcil- Istanbul conference, said their current administration in power...

AT News religious scholars and some polit- attacks during the month of fasting. Zabihullah Mu- ical figures for a cease fire during jahid, a spokesman for the militant group, said Tues- KABUL: The Taliban have reject- the holy month of Ramadan, say- day on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan ed a request made by the Afghan ing their fighters would continue that no change would occur in...

AT News

KABUL: Five miners were killed when the roof of a coal mine col- lapsed in northern Baghlan prov- ince on Tuesday morning, said Jawid Basharat, spokesman for the provincial police chief. The incident took place in Nahrin dis- trict. The miners were busy when a part of the mine fell down, he added. We just took one dead body out of the rubbles so far, he said, while assuring efforts that have been doubled down to AT Monitoring Desk US President Joe Biden will extend troop presence recover the other four bodies. He in the country, the US Army Chief of Staff General did not provide more details KABUL: While no decision has James McConville said that the military are ready about the incident. yet been announced on whether to execute any orders to exit ... WEDNESDAY.APRIL 14, 2021 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Women Ready to exit Afghan istan Afghan Industry NeedsLoans, Central patients w hen o rdered: US Military w itho ut m ale Bank Should Facilitate: MOCI companions ...P1 Afghanistan. Commander General Scott Miller can’t go to He said “the administration has mechanisms in place to deal The Ministry of Commerce and is leading with policy. They’re with a possible backlash from the Industries in a conference held in medical going to shape it with diploma- Taliban should the US presence Kabul on Saturday criticized the cy, and then the military will ex- remain in Afghanistan after the "stagnant" money in Afghan centers in... ecute those orders. They’re in May 1 deadline. banks, especially as the industri- the process right now. “I don’t think there’s any fin- al sector is crucially seeking loans ...P12 spokesman for Bamyan “There’s multiple contingen- er combat leader [than Miller] in as their businesses grapple with governor said Tuesday. cies. And once those decisions the United States Army. He’s got challenges. Minister of Com- “There is no problem of are made at the highest level, a very distinguished career. He merce and Industry Nesar Ahmad sharia for women who do not we’ll be ready to execute,” he cares about his troops. And you Ghoryani demanded that the Af- need male companion and want said. know, we’re all going to make sure ghanistan Central Bank ease and to go to clinics or travel. The In an interview with the that our troops are taken care of simplify the loan terms of Afghan sharia does not order women to Washington Post, he said mov- and have the proper defense banks, saying that doing so will go out of house with male com- ing the troops and equipment out mechanisms in place to take care develop industries in the coun- panion,” Hajji Ahmadi, head of of the country was all about of that troop. So that’s certainly try. The conference was held to provincial council said. Kohm- “physics”. on the top of his mind,” McCon- thank 24 Afghan companies who ard lies in a remote part of Bmy- “Well, it’s all about physics. ville said. manufactured essential products an and conservative traditions It comes down to how many He also said that the war in last year amid the COVID-19 there condemn women’s pres- people you need to move, how Afghanistan was going to end – pandemic. ence in social activities. much equipment you need to “and it’s going to end with some “These manufacturers, busi- move. And the commanders in type of political agreement.” the field have those type of con- McConville also said that by ness people, and investors are our rescue our investors from Riba plify the bank’s guarantee pro- Tu rk ish FM, US heroes, they foiled efforts by tingency plans, and they’ll be having gone into Afghanistan in (Riba is prohibited under Shari'ah cedures and cannot apply chang- In d o n esi an o f f icial d iscu ss able to advise the senior leaders 2001, after the 9/11 attack, the some hoarding groups during the law), your (speaking to officials es to the existing rules and regu- pandemic by controlling and A f g h an p eace in administration how long that US was able to hold those respon- from BMA) banks’ loan stipula- lations. cl er i cs takes. And those plans were sible accountable and were “able keeping prices in the normal tions and conditions are very strict “If am granted permission to p r o cess range,” said Abdul Karim Azimi, d en o u n ce available right now.” to prevent al-Qaida from being op- and no one can easily get loans amend rules, believe me, no ap- McConville meanwhile im- erational from that sanctuary over the CEO of Kabul Chamber of ...P12 Sunday that a cohesive from this bank,” said Zarif Gul plicant will be left without loans. A f g h an w ar plied that Resolute Support the last 20 years”. Commerce and Industry. Zadaran, the deputy head of the I would have removed these strict and unified peace strategy has At the conference, the head Afghanistan Chamber of Indus- rules and regulations,” he said. ‘t y r an n i cal ’ been finalized for the forthcom- of the Bank-e-Millie Afghan tries and Mines. Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s ing conference in Turkey. (BMA) advised the industry US officials to meet with NATO BMA’s chief executive, Abdul Central Bank declared that each ...P12 meeting’s agenda. President According to the country’s owners they can get bank loans Aziz Babakarkhail, declared that bank has its own requirements High Council for National Rec- anytime they needed, a remark Ghani’s office reacted to Taliban as Afghanistan deadline looms Islamic banking has been function- for granting loans. The bank has announcement, accusing them of onciliation (HCNR), the strate- that sparked reactions from in- ing and it has reduced the benefit revealed a supportive package gy is aimed at preserving democ- dustry owners. knowing nothing except killing and rate from 9 to 8 percent. He said that will grant loans to Afghan destruction. racy and fundamental rights and ...P1 upcoming deadline for US sions. Amid coronavirus restric- “We should make efforts to that BMA is unable to further sim- investors. institutions in the country. troops to withdraw from Af- tions on international travel, he Earlier in the day, Afghan ghanistan, part of a deal reached has only taken one other interna- A f g h an p eace Vice President Amrullah Saleh by former president Donald tional trip – to Japan and South p r o cess i s told a public gathering in the cap- Trump with the Taliban, is ex- Korea – alongside Austin. ital Kabul that an agreement on pected to top the agenda. “I look The trip by officials coin- co m p l ex , democratic values, a cease-fire forward to productive conversa- cides with increasing tensions over am b i g u o u s: and the establishment of a “peace tions with allies on a wide range Russian activities near Ukraine’s government” would top the agen- of shared priorities. We are stron- eastern border, where Washing- Sp a n t a da of the Istanbul conference. ger when we work together,” ton says Russia has amassed more On Saturday, Washington’s Blinken tweeted as the State troops than at any time since ...P12 national security advisor special envoy for Afghanistan Department announced the trip. 2014, when it annexed Crimea. voiced frustration on the propos- Zalmay Khalilzad held separate President Joe Biden, who Russian President Vladimir Putin al offered in the Istanbul meeting, meetings with Afghan President has made strengthening ties with accused Ukraine on Friday of saying that the proposal includes Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Ab- allies a cornerstone of his admin- “dangerous provocative actions” some good points but there are dullah, the chairman of the istration, has promised to end the in Ukraine’s eastern Donbas re- also some dangerous issues in it. HCNR, as well as other senior US’s longest war within the year, gion. The Taliban announced that officials. but has said that the May 1 dead- The most recent NATO they would not be able to partici- In his meeting with Abdul- line is not realistic. The adminis- meetings also come a week after pate in the Istanbul meeting on due lah, the US official said the world tration is seeking progress on a parties to the Iran nuclear deal met time. The group has recently expects “Afghanistan to attend political agreement between the in Vienna, Austria – the first sign warned of continuation of war the Istanbul Conference with a Afghan government, which was of progress after weeks of dead- against the Afghan government. uniform strategy,” the HCNR largely left out of the first deal, lock between the US and Iran. said in a separate statement. and the Taliban that can improve However, an attack on Iran’s Na- Earlier this week, Ghani pro- the chances of stability in Af- tanz nuclear facility on Sunday, Ceasefire posed the formation of a transi- ghanistan once US troops leave. which Tehran has blamed on Isra- tional government to push for- Blinken travelled to Brussels el, threatens to further complicate dem anded in ward the peace process. last month for similar discus- the negotiations. KABUL: A report published by ghan hears the news.” Some peo- The High Council for National No date has been announced a fake facebook page ‘Peace Tele- ple believed in the incorrect news Reconciliation (HCNR) special Ramadan yet for the proposed Istanbul vision’ about a ceasefire agree- from the fake facebook page. Un- committee has finalized a peace ...P12 “anyone” to make decisions conference, but it is likely to be Wave of violence to ment between the Afghan govern- til now — 1:30pm Monday — plan and handed over the draft to about their fate. Daud Mujahid, a held later this month. ment — Republic side — and the 554 people on social media had the council leadership for ap- religious cleric asked the Taliban Taliban — Emirate —- during the shared the news with others con- proval. This is also not clear when to end the ongoing violence and Taliban refuse to escalate upcoming Turkey Conference is gratulating people on ceasefire. and in what shape the draft peace meet their wishes through negoti- ...P1 their “military operations” “armed opposition” in a message incorrect. A meeting of the Af- The Facebook page was sent plan be approved. According to ations. Referring to the Taliban re- at t end A fghan during the month and that attacks to “abandon war and slavery for ghan government, the Taliban, the questions but they went unno- the latest report from Pajhwok gime in 1996s, the acting minister talks in Turkey if would continue from them. aliens and to agree on peace and UN, regional and major powers ticed. Afghan News, the US, Turkey, of interior, Hayatullah Hayat said The comments seem to be a reconciliation for the sake of the representatives on Afghan peace Fact Check: the UN and Qatar have present- that the people are not willing to held this week reaction to President Ashraf blessed month”. process is expected to take place SabirMomand, spokesperson ed a nine pointe shared princi- go backward living under such a Ghani’s demand for end of vio- The militants attacked army in Turkey this month. for the Ministry of Information ples to the Afghan government regime. ...P12 Naeem said in a message lence. In a video message on the outposts in the provinces of Claim: Afghan government and Cultural Affairs, said a private side and the Taliban ahead of the This comes as the Taliban de- sent to news agencies. occasion of Ramadan, Ghani Balkh and Kandahar on Monday and Taliban ready to reach agree- television named ‘Peace TV’ is reg- Turkey meeting. One point of the nied the Afghan President Ashraf While no date for the Tur- called on the insurgent group to one day before the holy month of ment on ceasefire A fake facebook istered with the ministry but it has draft says: “All Afghans have Ghani’s call for ceasing war in the key conference has been set, stop enmity and violence as a Ramadan. They killed 10 soldiers page named ‘Peace Television’ not completed the registration pro- suffered from conflicts. We re- holy Ramadan. The militants’ time is running out on a May 1 respect to the holy month. in Balkh’s district of Chemtal and two days earlier published Pash- cess. RaminAmini, Peace TV di- spect their sincere demands to spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid deadline for the withdrawal of The country’s clerics in the 16 in the Shah Wali Kot district to content full of spelling mis- rector, said this television is ex- end conflict and ready to accept said that the group would contin- US and NATO troops from Af- Friday prayer’s sermons and of Kandahar. takes. The title of the content was pected to start work in Herat but their demands for durable peace ue the war. ghanistan in keeping with a deal political leaders in their state- In the remote province of Breaking News and it said: transmission has not yet begun. and peaceful Afghanistan.” the administration of former US ments asked the Taliban to agree Badakhshan in the northeast also “Ahead of everything let us con- When asked about a facebook Afghanistan’s embassy in President Donald Trump made on a cease fire during the Ramadan the militants attacked police gratulate our bereaved Afghans post from Peace Television page Qatar said that Afghan negotiat- Peshawar with the Taliban more than a year and stop attacks. checkpoint and killed some offic- that upcoming Ramazan will mark he said this page is fake and they ing team has shared its response, cardiology ago. Abdullah Abdullah, head of ers, according to provincial offi- the end of 40 years old conflict. did not publish anything related but the Taliban have sought two Officials fear that if an agree- peace council called on the cials. The report quoted ‘a well-placed to peace on their facebook page. days to respond. The Taliban in s titu te o pe n s ment is not reached soon, vio- source’ as saying the Afghan gov- This comes at a time when hot have not yet spoken about the lence in the country will surge. ernment and the Taliban had discussions on several peace pro- nine point principles. n ew un it fo r US President Joe Biden has Our peace proposal is t o agreed to enter ceasefire during posals have been submitted from Outcome: Head of the Peace said it would be “hard” to with- end w ar and form part icipat ory govt ... Turkey Conference. This Rama- different sides and the govern- TV categorically rejected the Afghan patie n ts draw troops by May, but that it was unlikely they would still be zan will mark lasting ceasefire, ment. These peace plans that in- publication of fake news regard- ...P1 but “the principles would preparation committee of draft- congratulations to all Afghans and clude ceasefire will be presented ing the government and the Tali- ...P12 which is positive gesture there next year. Last month, US Secretary of State Antony be changed.” Based on this pro- ing the proposal included nation- share the post as much as you in Turkey meeting the date and ban readiness for ceasefire and from the government of Pakistan. posal, the politicians and Tali- al security advisor, Hamdullah could so that every painful Af- time of which is not yet finalized. termed the page as fake. Professor Dr. Shahkar Ahmad Blinken gave both the Taliban and the Afghan government an ban should abide by the current Mohib and foreign minister, Mo- Shah, CEO/Medical Director, ex- government until an early elec- hammad Hanif Atmar. pressed his views that we are eight-page proposed peace plan, which they were to discuss and tion is conducted. The proposal But the second vice president ready to enhance capacity of the also is disallowing all government expressed concerns about the Afghan nurses and doctors. He revise before coming to Turkey to cobble together an agreement. officials from getting candidates draft and called it a “power shar- Governor Khanzada further said that the Afghan pa- in the early election. ing between two tribes”. Danish tients are being treated here on Blinken’s peace plan called for the protection of the rights Mr. Qanooni said that the vowed that the proposal was of- equal footing as being our Muslim meetings of the unification and fered by a political party. brethren. He elaborated that Pe- of women and minorities and al- shawar Institute of Cardiology is lowed for constitutional reform. inaugurates It also called for the establish- a blessing of Allah for all of us which is providing modern treat- ment of an interim administra- 60 civilians ment to the needy and poor pa- tion. tients. The plan also included the Kandahar City bypass setting up of an Islamic Adviso- Around more than 114 Afghan patients have been examined so far. ry Council which would advise killed by Taliban In four months, Angiography of on all laws to ensure they are KANDAHAR CITY: The Kan- ed in six month period and funds ment vital uplift projects for the around 23 Afghan patients have kept within Islamic tenets, an dahar City bypass road which is are provided by the World Bank people. been carried out successfully apparent concession to the Tali- in past ... constructed at the cost of over CIP. Mayor Eng. Rafiullah said that He said public welfare while open Heart Surgery of 11 ban. 49.5 million afs has been inaugu- people and drivers facing several projects are built on public fund Afghan patients have been carried But Afghan President Ashraf rated. Kandahar Governor Rohul- problems due to the dilapidated so people must ensure its pro- Ghani offered an alternative to ...P12 to Mr. Arian, while ences of the Muslim scholars,” tection. He warned indiv out so far which shows our com- the Afghan government has called al-Qaradaghi said. lah Khanzada, Mayor Eng. Rafi- condition of the road. idual mitment to the Afghan patients. Blinken’s proposal, in which he ullah and some businessmen par- Governor Khanzada said gov- identified as responsible for the would head an interim govern- for a ceasefire on the eve of the He said that IUMS holds the ticipated in the inauguration cer- ernment and the provincial author- destruction of the roads would ment until elections could be held holy month of Ramadan, the Tal- Afghan government and Taliban emony. The project was complet- ities have been striving to imple- be dealt according to the law. Taliban kill three within months. iban group continues to “kill” in responsible for maintaining secu- soldiers on first The Taliban have made it defiance of the Ulema fatwa. rity in Afghanistan as “they are clear they would not accept a The religious Uelma already responsible in front of Almighty day o f Ram adan in government headed by Ghani, but turned the ongoing Afghan war Allah, so they have to seek the they have yet to offer an alter- illegal, calling on the Taliban to good for the Muslim [Afghan] ATRA launches EQUELS Badakhshan native to Binken’s proposal. immediately cease war. people.” Meanwhile, Washington’s peace The Taliban have not com- Meanwhile, Reid Sirrs, Can- ...P12 said on Tuesday. Provin- envoy, Zalmay Khalilzad, the mented on the report. ada’s ambassador in Kabul, in a program in Kabul cial Governor Spokesman, Nek man who negotiated the US This is as the International message on Ramadan called on all Mohammad Nazari said Taliban troop withdrawal under Trump, Union for Muslim Scholars parties to the conflict, especially captured the three soldiers in the has been shuttling between (IUMS) asked warring parties in the Taliban, to end violence. KABUL: The Afghanistan Tele- Afghanistan to end violence as “We call for an end to target communication Regularity Au- Warduj district and shot them dead Doha, where the Taliban main- on Tuesday morning in the Tezab tain a political office, and Kabul. the Muslim holy month of Ra- killings of civilians, journalists, thority (ATRA) on Monday madan is approaching. women, human rights defenders launched the National Gender area of Zibak district. The US embassy in Kabul Nazari said the soldiers came on Monday said Khalilzad had Quoted by Anadolu News and others working for peace,” he Equality program (EQUELS) in Agency, the IUMS Secretary- said. Deborah Lyons, UN Secre- Kabul. The equal participation of from Paktiya and Kandahar prov- spent four days in the Afghan inces to visit their families. capital, meeting with govern- General Ali al-Qaradaghi in a tary-General’s Special Represen- women or EQUELS is a global statement called on the Afghan tative for Afghanistan also in a program and its branch in Afghan- Two of the soldiers were from ment officials and civil society Ishkashim district and the other leaders and underscoring “why government and the Taliban to statement said that “at this spe- istan was officially inaugurated let the Afghan people perform cial time of prayer and reflection, by ATRA. At the inaugural cere- one was from Zibak district of the it is important that both sides province. accelerate the peace process”. “In their rituals and prayers during as well as compassion for the vul- mony, ATRA chief Omar Man- Ramadan without fighting and nerable, I hope that Ramadan will soor Ansari said the aim of the The Taliban group has not all his meetings, Ambassador commented on the news so far. Khalilzad was encouraged by the violence. provide an opportunity for all program in Afghanistan was to “IUMS urges [the warring Afghans to find peace.” ensure equal participation of Badakhshan is an insecure shared vision for an Istanbul con- and proper use of resources. He Ansari added the program would province in the north, where Tali- ference that advances prospects parties] to achieve a comprehen- The UN remains committed women and men in the digital are- sive and fair reconciliation based to the Afghan people in their na. He added the program could said the program would provide increase women’s access to tech- ban are strongly active in many for a just and durable peace to in job opportunities to all women in nology to connect them with each parts of the province, many times Afghanistan,” said a statement on the teachings of the Quran, quest for a peaceful, united and play an important role in raising prophetic principles and refer- prosperous country, she said. women’s awareness, political will the country who want to work. other. carrying out terror activities. released by the US embassy. WEDNESDAY.APRIL 14, 2021 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

The International Union for General Ali al-Qaradaghi in a state- reconciliation based on the teach- responsible in front of Almighty lence. “We call for an end to said that “at this special time of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) on ment called on the Afghan govern- ings of the Quran, prophetic prin- Allah, so they have to seek the target killings of civilians, jour- prayer and reflection, as well as retired army general, Monday asked warring parties ment and the Taliban to let the Af- ciples and references of the Mus- good for the Muslim [Afghan] nalists, women, human rights compassion for the vulnerable, I telling heartbreaking in Afghanistan to end violence as ghan people perform their rituals lim scholars," al-Qaradaghi said. people." Meanwhile, Reid Sirrs, defenders and other working for hope that Ramadan will provide tales of four decades of the Muslim holy month of Ra- and prayers during Ramadan with- He said that IUMS holds the Canada's ambassador in Kabul, peace,” he said. Deborah Ly- an opportunity for all Afghans to war, including the as- madan is approaching. out fighting and violence. "IUMS Afghan government and Taliban in a message on Ramadan called ons, UN Secretary-General's find peace.” The UN is remains sassination of Afghanistan’s first Quoted by Anadolu News urges [the warring parties] to responsible for maintaining secu- on all parties to the conflict, es- Special Representative for Af- committed to the Afghan people president Mohammad Daud Agency, the IUMS Secretary- achieve a comprehensive and fair rity in Afghanistan as "they are pecially the Taliban, to end vio- ghanistan also in a statement in their quest for a peaceful. Khan, wants the warring parties to unite and put an end to the killing of the compatriots. The 85-year-old Badshah Mir Tanai, hailing from the Tanai district of southeastern Khost province, is currently living in Kabul. Tanai, who has graduated from the Military University, in Kabul, served in different posi- tions at the Ministry of Defence. In early years of ex-president Hamid Karzai’s rule, he retired as major-general. In a room of his residence, Lawmakers in the Wolesi Jirga, HERAT CITY: The Civilian Pro- Gen. Tanai has hanged the pho- the lower house of the Afghan tection Working Group (CPWG) tographs of his youth, a strong Parliament, said that the delega- in western Herat province on man, wearing a neat military uni- tion that is expected to attend Monday expressed concern over form. But now, he has lost his the Turkey conference should be high civilian casualties and spike youth, sporting a long grey beard. inclusive and that it should de- in violence, asking the conflict The retired general has so fend Afghans’ interests and the parties to declare ceasefire during many bitter memories of Afghan- gains of the last two decades. the holy month of Ramadan. istan. He entered the room with a The choice of delegation CPWG members and a num- stick in his trembling hand for an members has created tension ber of civil society activists held a interview with Pajhwok Afghan among lawmakers who went into meeting and said 73 civilians had News. He said: “I’m disturbed details on the issue during their been killed in clashes between Tal- by the war and the worsening sit- Monday session. “The level of iban and Afghan forces in Herat uation in the country. I wish we the presence of ethnic groups province since September 22, 2020 have peace in our homeland and should be considered in the dele- until now. Mohammad AsifFaiz- swap sweet memories of peace gation formation because it is not yar, a member of the group, said instead of misery and war.” good to have 90% of one side that 317 more civilians were in- Tanai recalled, during King from one respected ethnic group jured during armed fights in the Zahir Shah’s rule, he served as and 50% of the government side capital of Herat and its districts maintenance commander of the also represent one respected eth- during the period. He said that five 4th battalion in Polygon near the nic group,” said Nilofar Ibrahi- civilians were killed and 71 others Pul-i-Charkhi area of Kabul. mi, an MP from Badakhshan. wounded since the beginning of After the rule of Mohammad “The Taliban, who see them- new solar year that starts from Daud Khan, the People’s Demo- selves as representatives of the March 21. cratic Party government killed a respected ethnic group of Pash- number of people in front of his tuns, have not represented this eyes in Polygon area. Gen. Tanai ethnic group and they will not remained silent for a moment, as be able to,” said Khan Agha Reza- if he is still looking at the scene ee, an MP from Kabul. Some leg- of the massacre by the rulers of islators said that people should the time and the tragedy does not not be so excited about the Tur- let him speak. After a pause, he key conference, because accord- broke his silence and began speak- ing to them, final decisions “are ing about atrocities of that time. made by other countries.” “The GHAZNI CITY: The construc- The former soldier commented he proposals from us have no im- tion of Sarda Dam in Andar dis- would not forget the massacre portance for them. They have trict of southern Ghazni province until the Day of Judgment. made their decision and they will help irrigate 15,200 hectares He said after the April 28, know what evil to impose on this of land and generate work oppor- 1978 coup of People’s Democrat- country,” said Ramazan Bashar- tunities for thousands of people. ic Party of Afghanistan, Moham- dost, an MP from Kabul. “Af- The dam, if constructed, will mad Daud Khan was assassinat- ghans are the victims of this land store water from natural steams ed along with about 16 members but those countries benefit from and rains in its reservoir which of family and buried in Polygon it who have kept fueling the war,” will be distributed to agriculture of Pul-i-Charkhi area in front his said Mamur Ahmadzai, an MP lands in a proper way. Water Man- eyes. “It was 1:00am, when tar- from Baghlan. Other MPs mean- agement Director Ali Yawar said paulin-covered cars with circular while were criticized for regard- Sarda Dam was an asset for Ghaz- lights came and were parked in ing the Taliban as one ethnic ni and work on its construction front of us. The people who came group. “Pashtuns are the real should start. in the vehicles asked for taking people of this soil and have sac- out the bodies. Two soldiers got rificed for this country and have into the vehicles and took out the maintained this country. All eth- first corpse. “I didn’t recognise nic groups including Tajik, Uzbek this body, which was thrown it and Hazara have sacrificed, but into the ditch. Then a second such statements are not good body was thrown into it. I recog- because you clearly call one eth- nised this body. It was of Daud nic group terrorists,” said Kha- The women on the Afghan negoti- ative, but it is not sufficient. They cess," Koofi, one of the female later this month. Koofi said the Khan. The corpses of Daud lid Asad, an MP from Paktika. ating team told members of Con- must be treated as active and negotiators, told members of Istanbul conference is an impor- Khan’s 16 family members were “Read the research written by gress at a recent event the bench- equal participants in shaping Af- Congress. "In fact, this peace pro- tant opportunity, and it should also thrown into the ditch,” he foreigners and see who are the marks for a successful political set- ghanistan's future. Anything less cess is about women's rights. It pave the way for an "insurance PUL-IALAM: A newly-con- explained. Some high-ranking of- original people of Afghanistan. tlement with the Taliban require would undermine peace," Rah- is about human rights." process" that results in a polit- structed building for a girl’s school ficials of the “communist regime” We have many things to say but female participation. mani said. "Women are instrumen- On the Women, Peace, and ical settlement that includes was inaugurated in Baraki Barak were also present at the scene, is there anyone to believe in log- Fatima Gailani, Fawzia Koofi, tal in creating lasting peace and Security caucus virtual call earli- women's participation. The district of central Logar province monitoring the process, Tanai ic?” asked Ziauddin Aryaeen- Habiba Sarabi, and Sharifa Zurmati stability. Any agreement must be er this month when they called four women all argued that a po- on Monday. Shapoor Arab, continued. He added: “When all ezhad, an MP from Samangan. were the only female members of a reflective of that reality, diversi- for representation, the female litical settlement before the spokesman for the provincial ed- martyrs were dropped off the 21-member negotiating team to at- ty, and equality." negotiators also spoke of the withdrawal is important, and ucation department, told Pajhwok vehicles, I ordered my soldiers to tend peace negotiation talks in The U.S. Special Represen- gains women have made in the Gailani warned if there is not a Afghan News the Sheikh Hassan remove the green tarpaulin from Doha, Qatar in 2020, but just one, tative for Afghanistan Reconcili- years since the end of the Tali- settlement before the withdraw- girls’ primary school building was the cars and place it on the Habiba Sarabi, was invited to the ation Zalmay Khalilzad met with ban rule that sidelined them. The al, Afghanistan will see a repeat constructed by the Engineering dead…. Then they (the commu- most recent summit in Moscow in female leaders over the weekend discussion took place as the Unit- of the chaos that killed thou- Department of the Education De- nists) buried them and drove over March of this year. before left Kabul to listen to their ed States is grappling with sands and led hundreds of thou- partment at a cost of five million a jeep on the dead.” Tanai said he Their warning comes as the thoughts and express support for whether to withdraw troops by sands to flee during the 1990s afghanis under the Iqra program later marked the mass grave, some international summit on the future their inclusion in the process in the May 1 deadline set under the when the Soviet Union with- of the Ministry of Rural Rehabil- 95 steps from the road. In 2008, of Afghanistan is set to be held on order to have a durable peace, agreement the Trump administra- drew its forces. "The Doha itation and Development. Arab he showed Daud Khan’s family April 16, a senior Afghan official according to his Twitter. Af- tion made with the Taliban. Pres- agreement of 2020 with Taliban added that the new building has members and government offi- confirmed to CBS News last week. ghan's female negotiators push for ident Biden said in a press con- was negotiated, negotiated in 10 classrooms, two administrative cials the area with the help of two It's unclear who the participants more representation U.S. defense ference last month that "it's go- haste, and therefore it has given rooms, a water well and five bath- locals. According to some sourc- of the summit will be. chief visits Afghanistan as troop ing to be hard to meet the May 1 the Taliban a behavior of victo- rooms and the capacity to accom- es Hamidullah and Maullah Gul KABUL: The Ministry of Agri- Afghanistan's ambassador to deadline looms Outrage as Afghan deadline," but his administration ry," Koofi said. The agreement modate 600 female students. He are the two local elders and they culture, Irrigation and Livestock the United States Roya Rahmani capital bans schoolgirls from sing- is still conducting a review on the under the Trump administration said 93 of the total 276 schools in helped the elderly retired general (MAIL) on Monday said told CBS News in an email that ing in public ISIS claims killing of agreement. The Biden adminis- set a deadline for U.S. troop Logar still have no buildings and to exactly locate the area of mass 261,000 metric tons of chicken the Afghan government will ensure 3 female journalists in Afghani- tration is pushing a diplomatic withdrawal if the Taliban re- efforts were being made to con- graves. After 30 years, on June meat was produced last year, that women will be participating. stan "Women participation in this effort to convene talks between duced violence and denounced struct more buildings. Ahmad 28, 2008, the bodies of Daud with the country almost reach- "Giving women a seat at ev- process should be the main bench- the Afghan government, Taliban, association with groups like al Mukhtar, a resident of Baraki Bar- Khan and his family members ing self-sufficiency in the poul- ery decision-making table is imper- mark for the success of this pro- and the United States in Istanbul Qaeda. ak district, said Sheikh Hussain were found in two separate mass try sector. A statement from Primary School had no building. graves outside the walls of Pul-i- MAIL received by Pajhwok Af- Charkhi prison, and laid to rest ghan News said that over 9,200 at a special ceremony near the big and small farms of egg laying Dar-ul-Aman area of Kabul. He chicken, chicken meat and chick- said Musa Shafiq (prime minis- en reproduction were operation- ter in the Zahir Shah government) al in the country. The source said and several of his friends also that 3,500 farms of egg laying killed in Polygon area by the Peo- chicken, over 5,700 meat chick- ple’s Democratic Party. en and others reproducing the Tanai recollected: “One night, bird existed across the country. a car came to Polygon, some peo- Kabul has the most or 2,000 ple disembarked from it. I could chicken farms while Paktia, Log- Amateur singers Wajiha Rastagar not recognise them all. But one ar and Herat are second in the and husband Farid Rastagar said of them was former prime minis- sector, the statement added. the governor of Herat barred them ter Musa Shafiq and another was Most of meat chicken farms or twice from performing at concerts Wafiullah Sami, the justice min- 1,100 of them are operational in in the western province, apparently ister. Paktia governor Moham- Kandahar province and Nangar- for security reasons. The singers mad Gul was also among them.” har, Faryab, Balkh, Farah, Herat said the act was unprecedented. Musa Shafiq told the people and Laghman provinces also have The concert was supposed to who had brought the three to the similar farms, the ministry said. be held last week on Wednesday. area: “I am not a sinner, I have no However, the ministry said the The couple, who started their male children. I have two daugh- number of farms reproducing careers as amateur singers in the ters. What is my sin?” They re- chickens was limited and located early 1990s, said they are plan- plied, “You are guilty of selling in Kandahar and Balkh provinc- ning a series of concerts during their Helmand water.” Musa Shafiq es. It said 261,000 tons of chick- current trip to the country. told them that despite being the en meat was produced across the “Things were coordinated for prime minister, he was living in country last solar year with most a second time to have a historic an ordinary home. As far as the of it produced in Kabul, Herat, performance at Amir Ali Sher Helmand water issue was con- Nangarhar, Takhar, Kandahar, Nava’i symposium (in Herat) but cerned, the council of minister had Balkh, Helmand and Balkh prov- the governor’s office informed us decided on it. Tanai quoted Shafiq inces. The statement said that that we cannot hold the concert. as saying: “I had just signed the chicken farms in Kabul alone And we were told that they can- document.” Subsequently, ex-gen- produced 47,000 tons of chick- not ensure our security,” Wajiha eral said. en meat. Rastagar said. WEDNESDAY .APRIL 14, 2021 AFGHANISTANTIMES Pakistan: At least three killed, India: Uttarakhand m ore than 1 0 0 arrested as TLP CM Rawat shortens protest continues across Pakistan night curfew Protests erupted across Pakistan after authorities detained TLP chief Sahibzada Saad Hussain Rizvi on April 12 timing, cites KARACHI: At least three people paramilitary troops have also festival celebrations have been reported killed and more been deployed for the security than 100 supporters of Tehreek- of the Red Zone, diplomatic en- e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) were ar- clave and all important govern- The state has imposed a night curfew in Dehra- rested overnight as the right-wing ment buildings in the federal cap- dun from 10pm to 5am to combat Covid-19. party's protest entered the second ital. It has been reported that day after the arrest of its chief Sa- Murree Road is closed to all hibzada Saad Hussain Rizvi a day types of traffic and Bara Kahu earlier. The deaths occurred in the is also blocked as the protesters Faizpur Interchange area of have barricaded it with trucks. Lahore. A police constable was Meanwhile, in Karachi, traffic also killed by protesters in Lahore, flow remained suspended due to he was deployed at Gowalmandi sit-ins as well. According to the police station. traffic police spokesperson, the Amid sporadic violent clash- protesters have staged a sit-in at es between protestors and law Orangi No. 5, Baldia Hub River enforcement agencies, a significant Road, Kornagi No. 2. number of the country's major ar- The traffic police have re- teries remained blocked on Tues- quested the citizens to take an day. According to a TLP spokes- alternative route. The National person, Rizvi was arrested from Highway was also closed due to Punjab capital’s Iqbal Town area, protests in Rawat, Gujjar Khan where he had gone to attend a fu- and Taxila. The motorways were neral. Saad Rizvi is the son of the reopened at 5 am and normal traf- Amid rising cases of coronavirus Navratri is being celebrated from firebrand cleric and the former fic flow resumed. At least five disease (Covid-19), Uttarakhand April 13 to April 22. The festival chief of the TLP, Khadim Hus- policemen, including DSP City, chief minister Tirath Singh Raw- is much like Maha Navratri, ded- sain Rizvi, who died in November were injured in clashes between at on Tuesday reduced the tim- icated to the nine different forms last year. As the protests contin- protesters and police last night. ings for night curfew citing up- of Goddess Durga, collectively ue, the federal government de- Furthermore, at least thirty-five coming festival celebrations in known as Navdurga. ployed the paramilitary Rangers protesters from Rawalpindi and the state, officials said. A state- The state has close to 8,000 at Islamabad’s Faizabad Bridge, more than 100 from across the ment from the CM's office said active cases after 1,334 new cas- IJP Road and Dhokri Chowk. The region have been arrested. that Rawat has shortened the es were reported on Monday. The night curfew, which will now be Uttarakhand government has al- imposed from 10:30pm to 5am lowed marriage gatherings with up now. "This is applicable for the to 200 people outside contain- areas where night curfew is al- ment zones in the state. ready imposed," the statement In a statement, Uttarakhand Nepal: PM from CMO said. chief secretary Om Prakash said Bangladeshgrowingconcern The state has imposed a that weddings outside contain- night curfew in Dehradun from ment zones will have a gathering 10pm to 5am to combat Covid- of 200 people, who will have to cautioned against 19. The state cabinet decided to abide by Covid-19 appropriate shut schools for classes 1 to 12 behavior. India on Tuesday re- over risingvirusfigures in Dehradun, Haldwani, and corded a total of 1,61,736 new Haridwar till April 30. The deci- coronavirus infections, pushing dissolving sion to relax the curbs in the state cumulative tally of cases to Main opposition leader diagnosed with COVID-19 as expert comes as the country celebrates 1,36,89,453, even as the national warns of newly detected more infectious South African variant Hindu festival of Chaitra Navratri Covid-19 recovery rate dropped or Vasant Navratri during the further to 89.51 per cent, accord- HoR again spring season in India. It is con- ing to the Union Health Ministry Worries are mounting in Bang- sidered to be an important nine- data. The death toll increased to ladesh over the rapid spread of day celebration for the Hindu 1,71,058 with 879 new fatalities, coronavirus, with the country community. This year Chaitra the data updated at 8 am showed. reporting record numbers of deaths and infections in the last few days. On Monday, the South Asian country recorded its high- Sri Lanka: ‘6 .9 m illion est-ever single-day death toll from the virus with 83 new fatal- ities in the last 24 hours, taking people w ho voted for the total to 9,822. Another 7,201 people also tested positive in the Gotabaya Rajapaksa said period, taking the total case- load to 691,957. The first coro- w anted him to be navirus case in the country was detected on March 8, 2020, and a Hitler,’ claim s the first death 10 days later. To stem the spread of the virus, the country imposed a two- Sri Lankan m inister month-long nationwide lock- down from late March last year A Sri Lankan minister has Adolf Hitler was responsible for Lawmakers from parties op- one of the framers of the Ameri- but later eased restrictions in sparked controversy and a back- human suffering and despair be- of the South African variant of vi- 19 health guidelines almost ev- lash from Germany after claim- yond imagination, with millions posed to the prime minister to- can constitution, as saying that a consideration of the economic rus in Brazil, he said the charac- erywhere in the country, includ- hardships. After nine months, the ing that “6.9 million people who of deaths”. “Definitely no role day cautioned him against trying constitution is a document of teristic of the South African vari- ing markets, shopping malls, voted for Gotabaya Rajapaksa model for any politician!” Holger to dissolve the House of Repre- consensus.CPN-MC lawmaker country reimposed a weeklong ant is to spread very quickly. A public transport, banks and oth- countrywide lockdown on April wanted him to be a Hitler”, when Seubert added. Rajapaksa, an ac- sentatives again.Nepali Congress Shakti Bahadur Basnet said his recent study conducted by the er government and non-govern- speaking about the Sri Lankan cused war criminal and self-pro- lawmaker Pradeep Giri today told party had not withdrawn support 5 that will be extended for one Dhaka-based international health ment offices for more than nine more week from April 14. president’s 2019 election victo- claimed strongman of Sri Lanka is the HoR that if political parties to the government, but that did not research organization the Interna- months since the easing of the ry. Dilum Amunugama, Sri Lan- emblematic of the violent nature were ready for elections, then they mean it was supporting the wrong Causes of alarming rise tional Centre for Diarrhoeal Dis- two-month nationwide lock- Speaking to Anadolu Agen- ka’s transport minister, added of the Sinhala-Buddhist state. could form a consensus govern- and undemocratic moves of the ease Research, Bangladesh down in June last year as one of that “even I accept that”, and that Last week Rajapaksa visited Va- ment and hold fresh elections, government."Our party is only cy, the president of the Bang- (ICDDR,B) has revealed that the the reasons for the alarming “when he [Gotabaya Rajapak- vuniya where he expressed the otherwise they should allow the acting as per the will of the people ladesh Doctors' Foundation said South African variant is predomi- spread of the virus. sa] fails to do so, they criticise importance of protecting the “ide- HoR to have its full five-year who want to see the Parliament a newly detected South African nant in Bangladesh. Main opposition leader in- him”. The minister’s comments ology” and “force” that brought term. Taking special time in to- complete its full term," he variant of the coronavirus in Between March 18 and 24 fected come following the increased ha- him into power. This is not the day's HoR meeting, Giri said the added.Basnet said Prime Minister Bangladesh is more dangerous and this year, scientists of the organi- The chairperson of the coun- rassment and intimidation of first time that Rajapaksa has been PM should rise to the occasion KP Sharma Oli's move dissolving infectious. “This new variant of zation analyzed the genomic se- try's main opposition Bang- Tamil and Muslim civil society compared to the Adof Hitler. In and should not try to dissolve the the Lower House was an attempt the virus is more capable of quences of around 57 samples of ladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) members which have been de- 2019, Sri Lanka’s former Finance HoR again. Accusing the PM of to restore the past practice, some- spreading the disease, and we COVID-19 positive patients, and Begum Khaleda Zia who was a scribed as “fascist” in nature by and Media Minister, Mangala Sa- being responsible for all the po- thing the framers of the current failed to follow a proper lock- of those, 46, or more than 80%, former prime minister has test- Tamil parliamentarians. maraweera said Rajapaksa's poli- litical mess, Giri alleged that the constitution had taken care to do down system to stem its spread,” were found to be the same as the ed positive for COVID-19, offi- His remarks marked a re- cy to banish beggars from cities PM had been conspiring to dis- away with. "As such, the prime said Dr. Md Shahed Rafi Pavel, South African variant. Pavel also cial and party sources said Sun- sponse from Germany’s ambas- to "Hitler's compulsory sterilisa- solve the Lower House yet minister's move dissolving the HoR chairman of the foundation. Re- pointed to the frequent violations day. sador to Sri Lanka, who tweeted tion and concentration camps for again.He said the main question was a regressive step," he added. ferring to the recent rapid spread of social distancing and COVID- (BBC) “let me remind those voices that disabled people." that the country faced at this stage was whether to move ahead by protecting the current constitu- tion or let the constitution suffer Pakistan: PPP decides to quit all PDM offices the fate of the 1990 Covid accelerates constitution.He said there was a small group that opposed the Bilawal says party lawmakers will not resign ‘on dictation’ 1990 constitution that ultimate- India's millionaire exodus ly led to its failure. "A similar sit- opposition’s efforts to oust the uation exists now, as Madhesis, PTI government. The curial CEC Janajatis, and Dalits are dissatis- India's wealthy have topped a list Directorate was a key reason, he few years. The government has meeting, presided over by Chair- fied with the constitution," he of people seeking to relocate says. "I could see it becoming a argued this is being done to eradi- added."Nepali Congress leader abroad through visa programmes problem for someone who had cate "black money - illegal cash, man Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, re- Krishna Prasad Bhattarai de- that offer citizenship or right of businesses spread across the hidden from the tax authorities - jected the “show-cause notice” issued to the party over garnering scribed the 1990 constitution as residence in other countries in re- world," he told the BBC. "With and improve tax compliance. But support of the Balochistan Awa- a unique document and we all be- turn for investments. There was a foreign passport, the red-tape critics say the overreach is also mi Party (BAP) for Yousaf Raza lieved him, but that constitution very little Rahul (name changed) has reduced substantially. I am often on account of pressure on Gilani for opposition leader in the eventually failed. The current con- didn't have going for him, when he less worried about being slapped bureaucrats to meet revenue tar- Senate. “The show-cause is aimed stitution is different from the made the tough call to leave India with a random tax demand." gets. But hounding by the taxman 1990 constitution. However, six years ago. He is the second gen- 'Tax terror' has been a rou- was just one reason for his move, KARACHI: The inevitable has mittee in a two-day meeting at giving us dictation. There is no precedent about issuing such no- while some forces celebrated its eration scion of a well-heeled Del- tine gripe among Indian corpo- says Rahul. His decision was also happened. The Pakistan Peoples where the party’s stalwarts had tices to any party during the promulgation, Madhes observed hi-based family. They have a flour- rate tycoons. When the founder prompted by a growing trend of Party (PPP) decided on Mon- gathered to pore over a “show- movement in the past; therefore, a blackout to oppose it. It de- ishing exports business with a and owner of India's largest cof- "divide and rule politics" in India, day to give up all the offices in cause” notice issued by the PDM we demand of the PDM leader- pends on us whether we want to monopoly in what's typically fee chain, Cafe Coffee Day died he told us. He didn't want his kids the Pakistan Democratic Alli- to the PPP following a recent row ship to tender an apology for serv- nurture it or not,"Giri said. He called a 'sunrise sector'- an indus- in 2019, he accused a former di- to grow up in India's increasingly ance (PDM), virtually putting an over the elections to the Senate end to its seven-month associa- top slots. The PPP’s decision – ing the show-cause notice to the added that those who framed the try that has great future prospects. rector general of the income tax polarised environment. Many PPP and ANP,” Bilawal told a constitution should not fail it.Giri tion with the 11-party alliance. which came days after the ANP But he left it all behind and department of harassing him. But others in his circle of wealthy post-CEC presser. “Politics is said that a constitution that did The decision was taken by parted ways with the alliance – moved to Dubai in 2015, to look the government has continued to friends were also renouncing their done on the basis of dignity.” not allow amendment was bound after the company's overseas ex- tighten its noose around business citizenship or resident status, he PPP’s Central Executive Com- has dealt the death blow to the to fail as had happened in Nepal. pansion. He also got a citizenship owners in recent years. Accord- added. These claims are borne out The current constitution should by investment in one of the Carib- ing to one report, tax searches by by figures from the wall-street in- not meet the same fate, he added. bean nations. Harassment by tax India's income tax department vestment bank Morgan Stanley. A ‘Time for the UK to Sanction Sri Lanka’s Army He quoted Benjamin Franklin, authorities in India's Enforcement have more than trebled in the last 2018 bank report found. Commander’– International Truth and Justice Project The International Truth and Jus- tions; the shelling of hospital and unit. He stated, “They shot peo- tice Project have called upon the food lines; the white phospho- ple at random, stabbed people, Nepal: Five killed and 20 injured in tractor accident in Chitwan British Foreign Office to abide rus against civilians; rape and raped them, cut out their tongues, by its commitments to human sexual violence; and enforced dis- cut women’s breasts off. I have Five people were killed and 20 on the spot. The injured have been Municipality Ward No. 11 after was trying to take the turn when rights and impose Magnitsky appearances. Silva led the noto- witnessed this with my own eyes. injured when a tractor carrying taken to Teaching Hospital of Old wrapping up the day’s work at a it fell off the steep cliff. We rushed Sanctions against Sri Lanka’s rious 58 Division of Sri Lanka’s I saw the naked dead bodies of 25 construction workers fell off a Medical College in Bharatpur for construction site. Mahato was to the site where people were cry- Army Commander, Shavendra Army which engaged in almost women without heads and other cliff in ??Bhandara in East Chit- treatment,” said Thapa. The in- riding on a motorbike with his ing out in pain. My nephew called Silva, who is credibly accused of every battle in the end of the parts of their bodies. I saw a lot wan at 7:30 pm on Sunday. Ac- jured were taken to the hospital in nephew a little ahead of the trac- for the ambulance and the rescue crimes against humanity. In their armed conflict. In 2011, Channel of small innocent children getting cording to DSP Surya Bahadur five ambulances. Labour contrac- tor carrying the workers. “We work soon began.” “I had never statement, they note that have 4 News interviewed an army of- killed in large numbers. I saw peo- Thapa, District Police Office, tor Bishram Mahato with his team had just passed a difficult turn seen such a terrible thing in my 25 compiled an extensive dossier ficer on the front lines of the of- ple soaked in blood. They could Chitwan, the condition of the in- of more than 20 people was re- and stopped to wait for the trac- years of working in the construc- detailing his role in mass atroci- fensive, who told of the crimes do whatever they wanted there. jured is critical. “Five people died turning to Bhandara from Rapti tor,” said Mahato. “The tractor tion sector,” he added. ties including summary execu- committed by troops from the It was their empire.” WEDNESDAY .APRIL 14, 2021 AFGHANISTANTIMES News-in-Brief

UAE announces 2,022 new COVID-19 cases in 24 hours The Ministry of Health and Pre- vention (MoHAP) reported 2, 022 new coronavirus cases on NATO, Ukraine discuss response to Russia’s military buildup at extraordinary meeting Tuesday. In addition to the pos- itive cases, 1,731 people recov- The NATO chief Tuesday called ered and four people passed on Russia to withdraw its mili- away. Using state-of-the-art tary forces from the Ukrainian medical testing equipment, the ministry conducted additional border. “Russia must end this 266, 023 COVID-19 tests in the military build-up in and around last 24 hours. In a statement on Ukraine, stop its provocations Tuesday, the Ministry stressed and deescalate immediately,” its aim to continue expanding the NATO Secretary-General Jens scope of testing nationwide to Stoltenberg told a joint news con- facilitate the early detection of ference with Ukrainian Foreign coronavirus cases and carry out Minister Dmytro Kuleba. the necessary treatment. The The leaders were speaking UAE has recorded 487,697 coro- ahead of the extraordinary meet- navirus cases since the outbreak, ing of the NATO-Ukraine Com- 471,906 have recovered. mission, which was called to pre- pare NATO’s response to a pos- sible surge of violence after the European rights latest Russian military move- court condemns ments. According to Stoltenberg, Turkey for recent weeks have seen “the larg- detention of est massing of Russian troops journalist since the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014” because “Rus- The International Organisation Yemen because of the dire situa- sia has moved thousands of com- The European Court of Human for Migration says the death toll tion in the Arab world’s poorest bat-ready troops to Ukraine's Rights on Tuesday condemned has risen to 42 after a boat carry- country, wrecked by war. borders.” “Russian military forc- Turkey for the detention of jour- ing migrants capsized off the "They were so desperate to es at the Ukrainian border have nalist and novelist Ahmet Altan Horn of Africa nation of Djibou- leave Yemen they put their lives for his alleged involvement in a to withdraw,” he stressed, add- “NATO continues to sup- do not and will not lose time, dinary meeting was meant to avoid failed 2016 coup attempt. ti early on Monday. Sixteen chil- back into the hands of unscrupu- ing: “We are seriously concerned port Ukraine,” Stoltenberg not- and should Moscow take any the mistakes in 2014 “when Rus- Altan, who is 71 and has worked dren were among the dead, lous smugglers,” she said. by the ongoing developments and ed. “Ukraine doesn’t want war,” reckless move will start the spi- sia was ready to act swiftly and for several Turkish newspapers spokeswoman Yvonne Ndege Many people seek to make the NATO is monitoring the situa- Kuleba highlighted, asking prac- ral of violence,” Kuleba ex- pursue its military goals in Crimea and TV news programs, wrote said. She said 14 people survived. voyage from Ethiopia and Somalia tion very closely.” tical support from NATO. “We plained. He also said the extraor- and Donbas. a series of articles critical of the "The smugglers have not yet to Yemen and on to richer Gulf government and Turkish Presi- been found,” she said. countries as they flee poverty and dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Picture used for illustrative insecurity in search of work. But 2016. He was arrested shortly purposes only. the COVID-19 pandemic and oth- Kenya: after the putsch attempt as part Olivia Headon, the IOM’s er challenges force some to turn Iran vowsresponse to Israel’s of a purge of media organiza- spokeswoman in Yemen, has said back. Shortage of tions, and accused of support- the migrants were returning from (BBC) ing the uprising by “disseminat- ‘very bad gamble’ after sabotage ing subliminal messages to the Vital Covid-19 public”. He was subsequently sentenced to life. US: 40 protesters arrested act at Natanz nuclear site Gargling Moscow calls on Iran Iran’s foreign minister has warned tions, had been strengthened by out delay. The underground Ira- Solution Hits after Minnesota shooting Israel that an attack on the Na- Israel’s sabotage. “The Israelis nian nuclear facility at Natanz not to be provoked by tanz atomic site will not stop the thought the attack will weaken experienced a power outage on the Country Natanz incident About 40 protesters have been demonstrators and police, an emer- country’s nuclear program, and our hand in the Vienna talks, but Sunday. Iranian Foreign Minis- will provide them with further in contrary it will strengthen our try spokesman Saeed Khatibza- arrested for violating a curfew gency curfew was imposed from 7 The world breathed a collective Russia's Permanent Represen- that was imposed after a police p.m. (0000GMT) to 6 a.m. leverage in talks to revive the position,” Zarif said. Zarif also deh called the suspected Israeli JCPOA. Speaking alongside his said that Natanz would continue sabotage “an act against human- sigh of relief late last year when tative to International Organi- officer in the US state of Minne- (1100GMT). Potter is on standard British researchers said that over- zations in Vienna called on Iran sota killed a Black man, police administrative leave, the Minne- Russian counterpart on Tuesday, to be an important nuclear en- ity,” because the damage done Iranian Foreign Minister Moham- richment site for Tehran. “I as- to the plant could have caused a the-counter mouthwashes could not to be provoked by the act of said Tuesday. Arrests have been sota Department of Public Safety kill coronavirus. Scientists at sabotage at the Natanz facility. made for "curfew violations all Bureau of Criminal Apprehension mad Javad Zarif said that Israel sure you that in the near future disaster. Israel has not taken re- had made a “very bad gamble” more advanced uranium enrich- sponsibility for the act, but Is- Cardiff University gave hope to Mikhail Ulyanov replied to a the way to riot," Minnesota State said in a statement late Monday. mankind when they said there tweet by Iran’s ambassador to Patrol Col. Matt Langer said in a Meanwhile, Mayor Mike Elliott by sabotaging the Natanz nucle- ment centrifuges will be placed raeli media claimed Mossad, the ar site. The foreign minister con- in the Natanz facility,” he stated. country’s intelligence agency, were promising signs that mouth- IAEA, Kazem Gharibabadi, briefing. Protests erupted in the fired the Brooklyn Center city washes may help destroy the which said, “Enrichment in Na- state, after female police officer manager after a call for due pro- tended that Iran’s hand in the re- Zarif thanked Moscow for its was behind the attack. Iran has negotiation of the Joint Compre- “strong stance against the sabo- also labelled Israel’s alleged in- deadly virus. Their findings were tanz is not stopped; Iran will Kim Potter fatally shot a 20- cess for the police officer. "Effec- embraced by many, especially react including by planning to year-old driver, Daunte Wright, tive immediately our city manager hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), tage in Natanz” and called on volvement in the attack on the implement several technical the now-abandoned 2015 pact Washington to return to its com- nuclear site as an attempt to those who had tested positive for in Minneapolis city on Sunday. has been relieved of his duties, and Covid-19. People invaded super- measures which the Agency will Following the clashes between the deputy city manager. limiting Tehran’s nuclear ambi- mitments under the JCPOA with- provoke Tehran. be informed this week. Replace- markets and bought these prod- ment process of the damaged ucts in bulk. Now, Kenya faces a centrifuges including with the shortage of betadine gargle and same machines with more capac- mouthwash after many Covid-19 ity has immediately begun”. Som alia MPs patients opted for the product. “Take note of your tweet, dear U.N. food agency saysnearly The two are used in the treat- Kazem. ment of acute infections in the lin- extend President ing of the mouth and throat, such 1mgoinghungryinMozambique as inflammation of the gums (gin- Aust ria's givitis) and ulcers. A spot-check ‘overworked' healt h forced to flee a jihadist insurgen- Moham ed in 30 chemists in Kiambu, Nairo- minist er resigns cy, the U.N. food agency said on bi, Ongata Rongai, Kakamega, Ka- Tuesday. jiado, Nakuru and Mombasa con- “As the security situation Farm aajo’s firmed that the drug was out of Austria’s health minister has an- continues to deteriorate, more stock. "We have been making calls nounced his resignation, saying than 950,000 people in the north he could not continue in the gru- term by 2 years to our suppliers but they too are elling job of helping lead the coun- of Mozambique are now facing out of stock," said Peter Mbugua, try’s coronavirus response be- severe hunger,” Tomson Phiri, a a chemist in Kiambu County. In cause of persistent personal spokesman for the World Food Kakamega, Kefa Wekesa said: health problems caused by over- Programme, told a briefing in "Some of our clients who tested work. Rudolf Anschober (60) had Geneva. positive for Covid-19 have been been health minister since Janu- Islamic State-linked militants using mouthwash for a while, so I ary last year, when his Green have escalated attacks in Mozam- am not surprised there's a short- party became the junior partner bique’s northernmost province age." The Pharmacy and Poisons in a governing coalition under con- Cabo Delgado in the past year, Board (PPB) could neither deny servative Chancellor Sebastian Almost one million people are Mozambique where hundreds of murdering villagers, fighting the nor confirm the status and avail- Kurz. The soft-spoken minister facing severe hunger in northern thousands of people have been army and seizing towns. ability of betadine in the market. has been one of the main faces of "In response to your inquiry on Austria’s coronavirus response, betadine shortage, please follow which has gathered mixed re- up with the market authorisation views. Mr Anschober, who suf- Russia reports holder on the stock status of the fered a burnout nine years ago, Angela Merkel Somalia’s Parliament has extend- saying it will correct the inces- product," the regulator told the said he had suffered. 8,173 new ed its mandate and that of Presi- sant disagreements on the elec- Nation. Betadine is manufactured dent Mohamed Farmaajo by two toral model. He said national by MundiPharma Pharmaceuti- Roadside bomb COVID-19 wrests control from years, giving the incumbent some elections lie within the jurisdic- cals Limited in Cyprus. MY hits US-led coali- respite but creating a potential tion of the Republic and are in- DAWA, a popular digital platform cases, 338 opposition from the internation- dependent to the people Gov- for quality, secure and affordable tion convoy in Iraq al community and some aspir- ernment of Somalia. The presi- medicine, said the products are out deaths German states with ants. The decision was reached dent said all government agen- of stock. "Betadine is on high de- on Monday after an emergency cies will carry out their man- mand; we will let you know after A roadside bomb explosion tar- assembly of the Lower House dates using diplomatic terms & Russia reported 8,173 new COV- stock replenishment," said an of- geted a convoy carrying logis- new lockdown law saw some 149 MPs vote to ex- principles without tolerating ficial. It is also out of stock at tics for the US-led coalition ID-19 cases on Tuesday, includ- tend their mandate with three any external interference. "The ing 1,782 in Moscow, taking the Kasha.co.ke, another digital plat- against the Daesh/ISIS terror voting against and one abstaining Government shall play its key form. Brian Ambani, a journalist, group in Iraq’s southern city of official national tally to from the vote. The House usual- role in the implementation of the was instructed by his doctor to Muthanna on Tuesday, accord- 4,657,883. ly has 275 MPs. President Far- electoral law as passed by the use mouthwash when he was di- ing to an Iraqi police officer. The government coronavirus maajo welcomed the decision, House of the people.” agnosed with Covid-19. No casualties were reported in task force said 338 people had the attack. No group has yet died in the past 24 hours, push- claimed responsibility for the ing its death toll to 103,601. attack, the second against US- The federal statistics agen- Algeria's led coalition forces in the past cy, which keeps a separate count 24 hours. There was no com- has reported a much higher toll anti-corruption At least 710 killed ment from Iraqi authorities or of more than 225,000 from April the US-led coalition on the at- 2020 to February. body questions 13 tack. In the past weeks, the fre- in Myanmar since quency of attacks targeting. Bouteflika-era DRC cabinet governors Turkey And Libya Angela Merkel moved a step clos- urban area exceeded 100 for three coup: Rights group overhaul shifts er to seizing full control of Germa- consecutive days. Measures Algeria's anti-corruption body Renew Commitment ny’s pandemic response after her could include a curfew between has summoned 13 governors who To Maritime Deal balance of power Cabinet approved legislation hand- 9pm and 5am, limiting private help positions during Abdelkad- At least 710 people have been against unlawful military rule. to Felix ing Berlin more power to impose gatherings to one household plus er Zoukh's term as governor of killed in Myanmar since the “Junta forces responded to even Turkey and Libya on Monday nationwide restrictions. The Ger- one other person and the closure the capital within the framework military seized power in Febru- these peaceful acts of solidarity renewed their commitment to a Tshisekedi man Chancellor pushed for the law, of non-essential shops, schools, of the case linked to an Algerian ary, a civil rights group said on with brutal violence,” it said. maritime deal signed in 2019, in which updates existing legislation theatres, museums and zoos. investor who was a relative of Tuesday. The Assistance Asso- CCTV video from Aungmy- ousted President Abdelaziz ciation for Political Prisoners ethazan, Mandalay, showed secu- a first joint meeting of the High- The Democratic Republic of and requires approval from both Germany is struggling to control level Strategic Cooperation houses of parliament, after some a renewed outbreak and local of- Bouteflika, the Ennahar newspa- (AAPP) said in its daily report rity forces arresting civilians who Congo's (DRC) prime minister per reported. According to infor- that the latest killing of four pro- simply turned on flashlights in Council between the State of announced a new cabinet on of the country’s 16 states failed to ficials are hesitant to impose new Libya and the Republic of Tur- implement curbs agreed to with her measures just months before na- mation disclosed to the newspa- testers by security forces on their homes. These forces raided key. The meeting was led by Monday, completing a govern- per, the officials were summoned Monday brought the total num- and robbed Grace Hospital in ment overhaul by President Fe- government to tackle rising cases. tional elections. The deadlock Turkish President Tayyip Er- Under Germany’s federal sys- came to a head when Mrs Mer- to be questioned by the National ber of casualties to 710. Tamu, beating the nurses. They dogan and Libya’s Prime Min- lix Tshisekedi that strengthens Organisation for the Prevention As of April 12, the group also stormed the Methodist ister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, and his hold on power. The new gov- tem, states are responsible for kel apologised after withdrawing and Fight Against Corruption said at least 3,080 people have church compound, stealing the was held in Ankara, Turkey. ernment is a further blow to health measures. The new law plans for a hard lockdown over about the deal that was awarded been detained, 64 convicted, and abbot’s and civilians’ belongings, “We reiterated the importance Tshisekedi's predecessor and would create the ability for Berlin the Easter weekend. The number by Zoukh, who is currently jailed 697 arrest warrants issued for the report alleged. “During the of Turkey’s role in achieving former coalition partner, Joseph to impose restrictions unilaterally of daily infections on Tuesday in Kolea prison, to an investor people who are still at large. raid, a seven-year-old boy was the permanent and important, Kabila, who stepped down in on regions with high infection rates. rose to 140.9 per 100,000 peo- named K.B. owner of Numidia According to the report, ci- shot and wounded,” it added. “We express our hope for co- January 2019 but maintained A draft proposal said an ple, the highest in nearly three advertising agency and Boutefli- vilians across the country held When the military forces are un- operation between the two control of some ministries, the “emergency brake” would be in- months, Robert Koch Institute ka's nephew. The newspaper a “flashlight strike” on Monday able to locate an individual, they countries and security reforms legislature, judiciary and securi- troduced if the number of new in- figures showed. Germany report- added that the former governor night, lighting up the sky in a take his relatives and friends hos- and building capacities. ty services. fections per 100,000 residents in ed 10,810 new cases. of the capital gave. powerful symbol of unity tage, which is a routine tactic. WEDNESDAY .APRIL 14, 2021 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] Decentralizing power can be key to long-term peace.

www.afghanistantimes.af BY SHABNAM NASIMI, Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi JASON CRISS HOWK

Advisory editorial board As the Afghan and U.S. govern- ments negotiate peace with the Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Ahmad Takal, Taliban, Afghanistan is wrestling with an old issue; how much pow- Saboor Sarir er should be in the hands of the national government versus pro- Graphic-Designers: vincial and city leaders? This is not a uniquely Afghan question, Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada but it’s a particularly acute one in Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: a country that has disintegrated into violence many times in recent Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0782344728, 0778894038 decades. There are no easy an- swers to adjustments like this, but Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan a civil conversation should take Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 place among Afghan citizens, pol- iticians, and officials about how Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press best to share powers to ensure peace and security for Afghans. Afghanistan is among the most highly centralized states in the world with an extremely strong presidency that has left little room for formal local structures to fill the vacuum. Yet, the center’s power, given the country’s remote provinces and poor infrastructure Afghanistan’s ethnonational sen- tralize responsibly. Right now, mayors would (and should) react and institutions, has also been in- sitivities. At present, the varied the ministry of interior affairs has more quickly and forcefully. sufficient to control the country. ethnic and tribal groups inside an outsized responsibility to A political system that empow- Decentralization of current presi- Afghanistan often see the coun- maintain security in areas it can ers Afghanistan’s diverse commu- dential powers should not be try’s leaders as fundamentally hardly be expected to understand nities is the greatest remedy to about breaking the country apart alien. Even the smallest decisions fully. No single person can con- extremism because it establishes or causing partition. Instead, it by the government in the cur- trol the kidnappings, petty crime, insurmountable barriers to groups should be a quest for practical so- rent system can lead to claims of car thefts, and murders from a like the Taliban who seek control lutions to endless violence. Put- abuse of power at the expense distant seat in Kabul. Handing of the country. To be sure, there ting too much power in one per- of individual groups. more responsibility to city may- are possible costs for turning over son’s hands can lead to injustices The proponents of the unitary ors across the country could im- power to the citizens to elect their and inequalities in even the most state worry the country’s unity prove security and accountabili- provincial and local leaders. Cor- stable nations. Decentralization, and integrity could be at risk if ty. Although there is a provision ruption and kingmaking at lower on the other hand, could produce any power was pushed down to in the Afghan Constitution re- levels of government are also pos- Ramadan is a month of virtue and goodness. This month more support for the national gov- the people. They argue the na- quiring mayors to be elected, it sible. Taking away the power of ernment and greater trust in pro- tion is too fragmented, state in- has never been put into practice. the president to remove corrupt is being celebrated by Muslims worldwide. But unfor- vincial and local systems, allow- stitutions are weak, and insecu- Appointments to these posts are or abusive governors quickly ing the Afghan people to take con- rity problems demand a strong, filled by Afghanistan’s interior could further weaken democracy tunately, in Afghanistan and some other world’s Muslim trol of their own political destiny. centralized government. But the ministry, subject to presidential in Afghanistan. But the chance to Since 1973, the Afghan state has centralized system has already approval. A mayor is currently decrease some or much of the eth- countries, this holy month is often welcomed with blood- been a kingdom, a republic, a peo- failed to deliver the services near- only accountable to the presi- nic strife by some simple adjust- ple’s democratic republic, again a ly 40 million people need. May- dent, and this can generate cor- ments to the democratic process shed and violence. Our country is facing various types republic, an Islamic state, an Is- be giving more power to citizens ruption and allow officials to be could be a prelude to overall peace of obstacles, whether that is high levels of violence, lamic emirate, an interim adminis- and more responsibility to local selected through personal con- and security in Afghanistan. By tration, a transitional Islamic state, leaders can improve that—and nections and bribery rather than holding more provincial and local poverty or displacement of families due to ongoing clash- and an Islamic republic, averaging at a minimum, it can make them merit. Beyond security, the mu- elections and sharing more power a change of regime more frequent- more accountable to their con- nicipalities have very limited au- with citizens, Afghans may be es across the country. Every last year, the Taliban lead- ly than once every six years. Noth- stituents. The 2004 Afghan Con- thority. They have no control able to build a sense of national- ing seems to have brought peace stitution invests the president over electricity, water, and the ism that includes an appreciation ership gave a persuading message to its fighters and and stability—but all of these sys- with more powers than former police. If mayors are elected by of the country’s ethnicities, cul- tems have shared an obsession Afghan kings had. Among them the people, they would be more tures, languages, and heritage. termed fighting against the government and its allies an with centralizing national power. is the power to appoint all gov- accountable to the public and These ideas could be of value to Maybe it’s time to try something ernment officials, political and likely perform better. peace negotiations led by dele- Islamic privilege. This time they came with the same new. The dilemma for both Af- professional, from the cabinet to Yet the danger in this may be that gates and leaders across Afghani- message of continuation of war in this month of Ra- ghanistan and for the internation- district levels. That includes pro- when cities can’t control their stan. The Afghan people have al community is to transform the vincial governors, some of the own security because of incom- developed a stronger sense of na- madan despite there being national and international ef- current situation into a more equi- most powerful people in the petence or corruption, it is diffi- tionalism since overthrowing the table merit-based system of ad- country. This extreme power cult for the national government internationally unrecognized Tal- forts to reach a political settlement to end the war. This ministration that can best ensure opens any president up to charg- to intervene in a way that doesn’t iban regime in 2001. Making a no ethnic group will be able to es of nepotism and ethnic favor- interfere with the mayor’s sov- handful of adjustments now to comes as a shock where every Afghans from top gov- dominate. The Soviet Union in the itism. Democracy suffers when ereignty. In the end, this might empower citizens to have more 1980s and the United States after parties out of power feel only be a shift worth making as this ownership of their security situ- ernment officials to ordinary have asked the Taliban to the 2001 Afghan Bonn Conference the president’s friends are get- gets citizens to take more own- ation and get more voters to sup- agree on a ceasefire. The Taliban killed three Afghan both assumed that building a strong ting rewarded and makes it easi- ership in their local security. port local and national governance state would counter Islamist ex- er for anti-government forces to Right now, citizens can simply could be a wise move. Afghans security forces on the first day of Ramadan. On Monday tremism and a robust central au- charge the government with cor- blame the far-away government deeply believe in freedom. Liber- thority could take control of the ruption. Placing the responsibil- in Kabul for their security prob- ty for the nation and at the indi- night, which is also the first night of Ramadan, the Tali- country. This approach ended up ity of policing cities more firmly lems. If, instead, they could pe- vidual level can be further en- making the situation worse be- in the hands of the mayors is tition the mayor to take stronger grained by some modest power ban fighters staged an attack on the security checkpoints cause it ignored the importance of another way Afghans can decen- and more proactive measures, decentralization. in the northern Balkh province, killing ten soldiers and wounding three others. The increase in violence in such a holy month is beyond humanity and Islamic values. FULFILLINGOURDUTYTOAFGHANANDIRAQIINTERPRETERS The spiritual month of Ramadan is embraced with soli- darity, goodness, kindness and generosity. The Afghans ISAMATTEROFHONOR—ANDOFNATIONALSECURITY have already suffered more than enough during the last BY: Doug Livermore demanding recommendations for ment in adherence with the Na- and Afghanistan is likely far more reform. And despite some recent tional Defense Authorization Act impactful than anything they decades. Besides, insecurity and violence, they are go- Throughout the nearly two de- casting controversy, the televi- (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2006. might have achieved remaining in cades of America’s post-9/11 sion show United States of Al is Subsequent NDAAs modified their home countries under the ing through severe poverty as well. Although some charity wars, most Americans have been currently introducing American the number of SIV applicants to constant fear of death. Delays in communities and individuals may provide donations to largely oblivious to the bureaucrat- audiences to the close bonds be admitted each year while also processing applications have had ic plight of and physical dangers formed between many service- expanding the potential pool of very real and deadly effects, as the people struggling with poverty, lack of tight security faced by Afghan and Iraqi inter- members and their local inter- applicants to include a wider over three hundred interpreters preters who apply to the Special preters in combat and afterward. range of qualified interpreters. and their family members were would push the donation programs back from becoming Immigrant Visa (SIV) program. America owes a debt of gratitude However, the State Department killed since 2014 by terrorists in The State Department’s SIV pro- to the SIV applicants and their has consistently failed to re- Afghanistan in retribution for their under effect. As Afghanistan is currently engaged in the gram, which was originally creat- families, who have and continue source or manage the program service to the United States. An- ed to allow individuals who “pro- to undertake great personal risk effectively, leading to repeated, other estimate places total deaths historic peace process, Ramadan will be the best oppor- vided faithful and valuable service to support America’s interests but ultimately unsuccessful, bi- for interpreters supporting Amer- tunity for the two sides to build trust on each other by to the United States” to apply for abroad. partisan attempts by Congress ica’s overseas missions since the and receive special consideration Moral Obligation to reform the SIV program. start of the post-9/11 wars at over agreeing on a ceasefire that could lead to a sustainable for immigration, has long been Many of these SIV applicants This legislation is important to eleven thousand. Even these esti- plagued by inefficiencies, under rendered invaluable service to the our allies and our code of honor. mates do not capture the full hu- peace in our country. The Afghans have been deprived resourcing, indifferent and com- United States by serving in Iraq We made a promise to the men man toll paid by our Afghan and placent execution, and unconscio- and Afghanistan as interpreters and women who served with us Iraqi partners and their families. of a spiritual and happy Ramadan for a longtime. If any nable delays in the processing of for the Defense Department, the on the battlefield, and we must Unlike their American comrades, applications. The Watson Institute State Department, and other gov- uphold that promise to leave no Afghan and Iraqi interpreters have side of the Afghan conflict really claims credit for soli- for International and Public Affairs ernment agencies. Over my many one behind. not rotated back to the safety of at Brown University recently years of government service I — Representative Adam Kinz- the United States between tours, darity of the people, they should halt any type of effort published a scathing report by have both personally and indi- inger with many staying in a continual that poses pain and trauma to our people in this holy Noah Coburn highlighting the lack rectly relied upon these foreign Critics of the SIV program argue state of combat operations for of progress in addressing the SIV interpreters to accomplish mis- that, by granting asylum to years on end. Our failure to effec- month. There is still hope that the Taliban come forward program’s many shortcomings. sions essential to the national former interpreters, we are tively reform and manage the SIV Reforming the SIV program is an defense. Countless qualified SIV “draining” talent from the Iraqi program is a moral failing that with a new statement, agreeing on a ceasefire during this American moral obligation and is applications have languished for and Afghan populaces. Howev- should not be allowed to contin- vitally important to our national years before being definitively er, the number of applicants able ue. holy month that eventually leads to a full end to the war. security. The lack of a coherent, resolved, oftentimes with no jus- to prove their “faithful and valu- National Security effective strategy to support tification for such delays. We able service” to the United States Reforming the SIV program is Such expectation is very much optimistic, but nothing is these workers, and the failure to have a moral obligation to pro- is infinitesimal in relation to the imperative to American national impossible if there is goodwill. implement the program as origi- vide prompt consideration, pro- overall size of the populations security, as the health and suc- nally envisioned, leaves applicants cessing, and approval of deserv- from which they originate. More- cess of the program directly sup- stranded in Afghanistan or else- ing applicants. These are people over, those interpreters seeking ports our ability to recruit next- where and vulnerable to attacks who not only stood and fought these visas are doing so because generation Americans with criti- by the Taliban and criminal with us—they died with us pro- they face constant danger from cal cultural and language skills. It Subscription Rates groups, as well as other forms of tecting the United States. Unfor- the Taliban and other violent will also affect our ability to hire exploitation. tunately, translators are far too groups, meaning that they are foreign interpreters to support — Noah Coburn often victimized and endangered hardly able to currently contrib- future overseas operations and Categories Fee A recent executive order by the as a result of their service while ute meaningfully to Iraqi and Af- ongoing activities. An ineffective Afghanistan Times new Biden administration and a waiting for their visas. This leg- ghan society. Their primary con- and crippled SIV program, such soon-to-air primetime television islation ensures visas are avail- cern is the survival of their fam- as that which we now possess, Six Months $120 at your door step sitcom from CBS have both raised able to bring our allies and their ilies and themselves. The United undermines our interests and will For fast delivery service this serious issue to the national families to safety. States has only issued 26,500 cost us greatly on the international One Year $240 Afghanistan Times seeks the consciousness. In his executive — Representative Mike Waltz SIVs in the last seven years— stage. America is only as reliable names, addresses of your order, President Biden reaffirmed The State Department original- hardly a massive drain on talent as its word and failing to uphold America’s commitment to SIV ly established the SIV program in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Fi- our expressed commitments to organizations and the number of to manage those applicants en- nally, the visibility that these SIV Afghan and Iraqi interpreters copies you want. applicants and directed a full re- view of the SIV program while dorsed by the Defense Depart- applicants bring to issues in Iraq through the SIV program. WEDNESDAY .APRIL 14, 2021 AFGHANISTANTIMES

The ‘Trum p Card’ I s Still BidenFacesHisFirst Disasters W orth Som ething in Afghanistan inYemenandAfghanistan Biden n eeds bipart isan sh ip on A f gh an ist an by an y mean s n ecessary—even if t h is mean s in vok in g Trump. Unless it changes tack, the administration is about to make bad situations even worse. By Peter Harris BY JOHN HANNAH If President Joe Biden orders an end to U.S. military involvement in Afghanistan, America’s war If the Biden administration isn’t hawks will do their utmost to careful, it could soon find itself make him responsible for what- confronting at least two major ever comes next. This makes exit- disasters in the broader Middle ing the Afghan War a risky prop- East. The first: the permanent osition for the Administration. entrenchment in Yemen of an Ira- Nobody wants to be left holding nian-backed Houthi regime—a the bag if and when intra-Afghan version of Hezbollah on the Ara- talks break down and cities such bian Peninsula, armed to the teeth as Kandahar—perhaps even Kab- with long-range precision weap- ul—fall to the Taliban. ons capable of targeting U.S. part- To make a withdrawal from Af- ners and interests across the re- ghanistan stick, the president gion from Egypt and Israel to would ideally move to secure bi- Saudi Arabia and the United Arab partisan support for U.S. troops Emirates. Monday’s reports of coming home. But bipartisanship another barrage of lethal drones is hard to find in today’s hyper- and ballistic missiles fired at tar- polarized political environment. gets across Saudi Arabia are just The President will have to be cre- ative in how he proceeds. Biden’s the latest reminder of how bad best option might be to pursue things can get. bipartisanship without the help The second disaster: the full- of Republicans on Capitol Hill. blown collapse of the U.S. and Bipartisanship without the will- NATO position in Afghanistan ing participation of one side might The case against a military with- horrors of civil war and authoritar- ty for Biden to exploit the dis- and the Taliban’s return to pow- sound like an oxymoron. But this drawal from Afghanistan has long ianism, it should be possible for connect between the GOP estab- er, who remain in league with al is what Biden’s team is already been more political than it has Americans to stop punishing one lishment and Trump-led grass- Qaeda terrorists who helped attempting when it comes to in- been strategic. The past twenty another for what happens over- roots over Afghanistan. Osama bin Laden perpetrate the U.S. Army soldiers from the 10th Mountain Division retrieve their frastructure—pointing to support years are proof positive that the seas. This is what Biden ought to Not all Republicans will be 9/11 attacks on New York and duffel bags after returning from Afghanistan at Fort Drum, New among Republican voters as evi- Taliban and other extremist focus on: changing the domestic swayed by the argument that Washington nearly 20 years ago. York, on Dec. 10, 2020. JOHN MOORE/GETTY IMAGES dence of bipartisanship even as groups cannot be put out of com- conversation over national securi- they should be faithful to what U.S. President Joe Biden certainly GOP lawmakers cry foul. On the mission. At best, they can be held ty such that military restraint is Trump had set in motion while didn’t create the dire circumstanc- IRGC ended up interpreting forces. Afghan issue, Biden can exploit in abeyance. America’s leaders no longer viewed as a cardinal sin. in office. But at the very least, it es the United States now faces in Biden’s promise to “reassess” Although the administration the fact that the most popular fig- know this. The militarist majority inside the will be harder for Republicans to both countries. They’ve been in relations with Riyadh as an open certainly can’t be blamed for the ure in the contemporary Repub- What successive U.S. presidents GOP is an obstacle to this long- oppose Biden’s exit strategy if it the works for years. But the pol- invitation to press their military dilemma its predecessor foisted on lican Party—former President have wanted to avoid more than term goal. After all, Republican is cast as something that bears icies his administration has pur- advantage rather than lay down it, it’s actually made the situation Donald Trump—just so happens anything—first former President lawmakers voted against exiting the signature of Trump—still the sued in its first two and a half their arms. On more than one worse by adding insult to injury to be an outspoken advocate of Barack Obama, then Trump, Afghanistan even when their own most powerful figure in the GOP. months in office have almost cer- occasion, U.S. officials have ex- in terms of its mistreatment of the military withdrawal and the ar- now Biden—is the political em- man occupied the White House. For too long, America’s politi- chitect of the very withdrawal tainly made two bad situations pressed “alarm” that their good- Afghan government. In early barrassment of having “lost” Af- By rights, their opposition to with- cians have been paralyzed by the even worse. Equally clear is if the faith peace gestures to end the March, U.S. Secretary of State plan that Biden is now wrestling ghanistan. This is why both drawal should be even stronger fear of appearing “soft” on na- with how to implement. scope and consequences of these war have triggered a major up- Antony Blinken wrote Afghan Obama and Trump authorized now that Biden is in charge. tional security. They have found tick in Houthi attacks on the President Ashraf Ghani a dishon- If he is willing to share credit with surges of troops despite nomi- This is where the “Trump card” refuge in the policy of never-end- pending defeats for U.S. policy his predecessor, Biden might be nally wanting to end the war. And comes in. When Trump occupied ing war. This is a perverse out- be fully realized, Biden will in- kingdom. The administration’s est and threatening letter that, for able to disarm GOP hawks who it explains why, according to the White House, more than 80 come. evitably be saddled with the bulk spokespersons have dutifully all intents and purposes, blamed would otherwise delight in assail- news reports, Biden’s team is percent of his supporters were in Pro-war positions should be cost- of the blame. The folly in Yemen condemned each new Houthi Washington’s Afghan partner for ing a Democratic president for the having some success at persuad- favor of withdrawing troops from ly to hold. Peace and non-inter- is the most obvious. The admin- outrage. And they have repeat- the failure of peace talks with the crime of ending America’s longest ing him against a speedy exit. It Afghanistan. Biden should do ev- vention should be the default. If istration entered office in high edly underscored their commit- Taliban to make progress. No- war. Of course, giving Trump cred- is understandable that U.S. lead- erything in his power to remind he acts with foresight, then Biden moral dudgeon, determined to ment to help Saudi Arabia pro- where did Blinken mention the it for anything will be hard for ers have been reluctant to bite GOP lawmakers that this is the might be able to use the occasion punish the Saudis for their mul- tect its territory from the as- Taliban have consistently reject- Biden to swallow. But the only the bullet of a complete military electorate to which they are an- of ending the Afghan War as an titude of sins, including their in- saults, pledging “we’re not go- ed any form of power-sharing ar- way to ensure that his anticipat- withdrawal. More than twenty- swerable. opportunity to begin the slow re- ept and brutal prosecution of the ing to allow Saudi Arabia to be rangements with the Afghan gov- ed exit from Afghanistan does not three hundred Americans have As became clear during and after structuring of how America’s two war against the Houthis. Pend- target practice.” ernment, insisting instead the only fall victim to domestic discord is died in the Afghan War. It is pain- Trump’s second impeachment tri- governing parties compete over ing arms sales to the kingdom But it all rings a bit hollow. acceptable political outcome is the to convince lawmakers from both ful to acknowledge that their al, Republican officials crossed the the issues of defense and nation- were immediately suspended. All It’s hard not to read these state- full-blown restoration of the Tali- parties that their own supporters deaths were not enough to put former president at their own po- al security. This is a goal worth support for Saudi offensive mil- ments as an effort to divert at- ban’s pre-2001 Islamist emirate. are on board. For this message to Afghanistan on the pathway to litical peril. For the most part, this fighting for—a political climate tention from the unfortunate He made no mention of the fact land with Republicans, Biden itary operations ceased. The political stability. dynamic worsened the problems in which neither Republicans nor Trump administration’s last- reality that the administration’s that the Taliban exploited negoti- could do far worse than to hold But even if the United States of hyper-partisanship and polar- Democrats want to be known as his nose and invoke Trump. minute decision to designate the policies, however well inten- ations with the United States to cannot save Afghanistan from the ization. But there is an opportuni- the War Party. Houthis as a foreign terrorist or- tioned, have predictably been dramatically escalate attacks on ganization was reversed. An in- taken by the Houthis and their Afghan security forces and seize telligence report announcing the Iranian backers not as a sign of control of more territory. Nor did A journey kingdom’s de facto ruler, Crown U.S. goodwill but as a sign of Blinken acknowledge that the Tal- Prince Mohammed bin Salman, weakness and retreat that exac- iban have yet to take a single step TheIranNuclear Talks,Explained through Chile’s responsible for the grisly 2018 erbated the immediate threats to fulfill their own commitment murder of journalist Jamal faced by one of Washington’s to sever their long-standing alli- worst deal ever negotiated,’’ and pean and other companies from conflict with Khashoggi was made public. oldest and most important Mid- ance with al Qaeda. A New York By Steven Erlanger restored and then enhanced harsh doing business with Iran, and Mr. Boom, boom, boom, boom. The dle East partners. Times’ correspondent accurately economic sanctions against Iran, Trump intensified the pressure by Mapuche rebel casual observer of Biden’s start That’s hardly a good look characterized Blinken’s letter as BRUSSELS — In Vienna last trying to force it to renegotiate. adding many more sanctions. in office could have been forgiv- for a superpower that depends using “language more likely to be week, the signers of the 2015 Iran Iran responded about a year lat- Iran responded in various ways, groups en for concluding that U.S. for- on its global alliances as a major used with an unruly schoolboy nuclear deal came together with er by enriching uranium signifi- including attacks on shipping and eign policy had no higher pur- asset in its intensifying compe- than a head of state.” Abandoning what would appear to be a sim- cantly beyond the limits in the on American allies in Iraq, but more By Lucia Newman pose than finding new ways to tition against a rising China and Afghanistan, an embattled ally ple task. They wanted to restore agreement, building more ad- importantly by restarting uranium demonstrate its disgust and dis- revanchist Russia and where the fighting for its very existence, to a compliance with an agreement that vanced centrifuges, and acting enrichment at a higher level and The south-central region of Chile dain for the House of Saud. credibility of the United States’ Taliban restoration will be trau- puts strict controls on Iran’s nu- more aggressively in support of with centrifuges banned under the is breathtakingly beautiful. There What happened next should commitment is the coin of the matic enough for U.S. interests clear enrichment, to ensure that it allies in the Middle East, like deal. The estimated time it would are snow-capped volcanoes, realm. Biden officials can talk should that end up being Biden’s cannot build a nuclear weapon, in not have been a surprise—at least Hezbollah, Hamas, Shia militias take Iran to make enough enriched lakes and rivers, and majestic not for anyone who has spent all they like about their resolve chosen course. But the damage return for the lifting of punishing in Iraq and the Syrian government uranium to produce a nuclear weap- Araucaria trees that are hundreds more than five minutes analyz- to help defend Saudi territory done to Washington’s battered economic sanctions. Both Iran and of Bashar al-Assad. on has now shrunk from a year, of years old. There are endless the United States insist that they So returning to a deal made six which was what the deal wanted ing who was on the other side of from Houthi missile and drone credibility in the eyes of allies forests and wheat fields. And, attacks. But those words sound around the world will be signifi- want to return to the deal, known years ago will likely be harder to preserve, to just a few months. until 150 years ago, it was all In- the Yemen conflict: a murderous as the Joint Comprehensive Plan than many people realize. And Iran is also making uranium metal digenous Mapuche territory. band of radical ideologues in bed rather empty when Washington cantly compounded if the admin- of Action. But nothing about the the attack on the Natanz plant is necessary for a warhead, also The Mapuche call it Wall- with the Islamic Revolutionary has simultaneously cut off all istration persists in insulting, hu- meetings is simple. The first ses- likely to further complicate the banned under the deal, and is ag- mapu, which means “men of the Guard Corps (IRGC) and deter- assistance, including precision- miliating, and kicking its Afghan sions went well, with working talks. gressively supporting allies in the earth” in their language, Mapu- mined to conquer most of Yemen guided munitions and target in- partners on the way to the exits. groups established to try to syn- What are the talks about? Middle East, including many the zugun. The majority of the Ma- in service to their slogan “Death telligence, for the sort of aggres- The scapegoating should end im- chronize the return of both coun- The Vienna talks are intended to West regards as terrorist groups. puche live in Chile, but there are to America. Death to Israel. Curse sive Saudi military actions in mediately, further troop withdraw- tries — a group on sanctions to create a road map for a synchro- In a further pressure tactic, Iran also some on the other side of the the Jews. Victory to Islam.” You Yemen that are essential for sup- als delayed, and a comprehensive bring the United States back into nized return of both Iran and the has interpreted the inspection re- Andes Mountains, in Argentina. don’t have to be former U.S. Sec- pressing those attacks. Refus- and sustainable plan developed to compliance and a group on nucle- United States to compliance with quirements of the deal narrowly, They were renowned as fierce retary of State Henry Kissinger ing to provide Saudi Arabia with prevent the Afghan government’s ar issues, to bring Iran and its nu- the 2015 deal. It has been at risk and has separately declined to an- warriors. Unable to conquer to appreciate the most likely re- the arms it needs to stop the precipitous unraveling. clear program back within the lim- of collapse since Mr. Trump swer questions from the Interna- them, the Spanish colonialists sponse to a U.S. decision to pull targeting of its cities and infra- In both Yemen and Afghani- its established in the accord. withdrew American participa- tional Atomic Energy Agency recognised the Mapuche – or the rug out from under the Saudi structure may be what passes stan, the Biden administration is But with Iran pressing ahead with tion. The accord was the out- about radioactive particles that in- Araucanos, as they called them – war effort would be a dangerous for reliable U.S. support in the courting major dangers—not just enrichment in the meantime, and come of years of negotiations spectors found at sites that have as an autonomous, independent progressive caucus of the Dem- that vehemently anti-United a mysterious explosion Sunday escalation of the Houthi military with Iran. Under the chairman- never been declared by Tehran as nation, stretching thousands of campaign. In no time at all, a vi- ocratic Party. But to the Saudis States forces will score victories night at its Natanz nuclear-enrich- ship of the European Union, Brit- part of the nuclear program. kilometres south of the Bio Bio cious cycle could develop that and many other countries that, in regions where important U.S. ment plant that American and Is- ain, France and Germany made In late February, Iran agreed to keep River. When Chile became an in- raeli officials say is the work of the first overtures to Iran, joined recording information on its in- sees the United States’ adversar- for better or worse, have hitched interests are at stake, but that they dependent country in 1818, the their security to Washington’s will be seen to have done so as an Israel, the atmosphere for the talks by the other permanent members spection equipment for three southern border of the new re- ies mounting increased challeng- will be much more strained. of the United Nations Security months, but without granting public ended where the Mapu- es. The acceleration of rocket, wagon, it no doubt looks a whole immediate result of Biden’s pur- Israel has always opposed the Council: Russia, China and the I.A.E.A. access. If economic sanc- che nation began. But Chile de- drone, and ballistic missile attacks lot more like abandonment—if poseful decisions to leave long- accord, regarding it as weak, and United States. tions are not lifted in that time, cided to expand southwards. In a against Saudi towns, airports, and not betrayal. Important correc- standing partners in the lurch. If is no fan of President Biden’s ef- But it was not until the United Iran says, the information will be series of military campaigns from critical oil infrastructure has been tive action by the Biden team that’s a theme that gains traction forts to reinvigorate it. While Iran States started secret talks with deleted. That would leave the 1861 to 1883 – called “the paci- unrelenting and breathtaking in its would include reversing the sus- early in the administration’s ten- on Monday threatened retaliation Iran under President Barack world in the dark about key parts fication of the Araucanía” – the scope and audacity. It’s been cou- pension of U.S. arms deliveries ure, as it now threatens to do, its against Israel, European officials Obama and agreed that Iran could of the nuclear program. Iran insists once-prosperous Mapuche peo- pled with a surge in the long-run- and mobilizing an aggressive in- corrosive effects could be very still believe that both Tehran and enrich uranium, though under it can return to compliance with ple were pushed off their land and ning Houthi effort to take the stra- ternational effort to staunch the hard to shake. Washington want the talks to suc- safeguards, that a breakthrough the deal quickly, but wants the plunged into poverty. tegic city of Marib, the last toe- flow of Iranian weapons to the The implications are particu- ceed regardless of Israeli opposi- occurred. United States to do so first. The Chilean forestry companies hold of the United Nations-rec- Houthis. The Afghan govern- larly risky at a time when doubts tion. Even then, the deal was widely Biden administration says it wants now own and exploit the lion’s ognized, Saudi-backed govern- ment almost surely feels Riy- about the United States’ will to Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Aus- criticized as too weak by many Iran to go first. share of this land, while the Ma- ment in north-central Yemen and adh’s pain. The United States sustain its global leadership role tin III is in Israel now, raising the in Congress and by Israel, which What are the obstacles? puche earn approximately 60 the location of the country’s larg- has been negotiating Afghani- are intensifying, and near-peer question of whether the attack on saw Iran’s possible reach for a The Iranian regime was established percent less than the average Chil- stan’s future directly with the competitors like China are mak- Natanz was done with the knowl- est oil and gas fields. Should the nuclear weapon — an aspiration by a revolution more than four de- ean and live in substandard and Houthis succeed, it would effec- Taliban for more than two years, ing a growing play to take Wash- edge or even the permission of the always denied by Iran — as an cades ago that replaced the Ameri- overcrowded conditions, often tively be game over for the sev- systematically marginalizing ington’s place. In no time at all, a United States. He will join Secre- existential threat. After Mr. can-backed shah of Iran with a com- without access to potable water tary of State Antony J. Blinken Trump restored American sanc- plicated government overseen by en-year effort to block the con- and undermining the country’s vicious cycle could develop that or electricity. More than half have elected, U.S.-backed govern- sees the United States’ adversar- in Brussels later this week. While tions, the Europeans tried to clerics and the strong hand of the not completed secondary school, solidation of a Hezbollah-like rev- Russian military maneuvers near keep the deal alive, but proved supreme leader, who is now Aya- and many of their parents never olutionary regime across north- ment. ies mounting increased challenges Ukraine and Afghanistan are ma- unable to provide Iran the eco- tollah Ali Khamenei. The ayatol- learned to read and write in Span- ern Yemen, abutting the Red Sea Biden inherited a deal the while its traditional friends engage jor topics, Iran will figure as well. nomic benefits it was due under lah agreed only reluctantly to the ish. But this is not where the sto- and Saudi border, beholden to Te- Trump administration made in more and more hedging behav- President Donald J. Trump, with the deal’s terms. The American 2015 deal with the “Great Satan” ry ends. What had been a sim- hran, and—much like their Leba- with the Taliban to withdraw all ior—distancing themselves from Israeli support, pulled the Unit- sanctions, based on the global of America. After Mr. Trump mering conflict between the Ma- nese counterpart—brandishing a U.S. forces from the country by an increasingly unreliable patron, ed States out of the nuclear ac- power of the dollar and the Amer- pulled out, Mr. Khamenei’s mis- puche and the Chilean state over rapidly growing arsenal of weap- May 1—a virtual death sen- accommodating enemies, and try- cord in May 2018, calling it “the ican banking system, kept Euro- trust only deepened. inequality, land ownership. ons capable of raining down de- tence for the government in ing to take matters into their own struction on high-value targets in Kabul if it is implemented. That hands through risky and destabi- every major U.S. regional ally issue confronted Biden’s team lizing military actions. Once such with potentially catastrophic ef- early on with a fateful choice: It a cycle gains momentum, it could Disclaimer: fects. can fulfill Trump’s commitment be very hard to reverse the result- The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) For its part, the Biden ad- and thereby accelerate the Tali- ing downward spiral—with po- ministration seems to be taken ban’s final victory, or it can de- tentially grave consequences both and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. aback that a band of anti-United lay the withdrawal and risk re- for Biden’s presidency and the States fanatics backed by the newed Taliban attacks on U.S. United States. WEDNESDAY .APRIL 14, 2021 AFGHANISTANTIMES

When Iran and Iraq Fought, Tehran Totally Decimated Saddam’s Navy

Eight years later, the Iranian Iran-Iraq War by Pierre Razoux had similar results: though dam- Navy itself saw much of its own and Iran at War: 1500-1988, Dr. aged, the platforms and their valu- combat strength destroyed by Kaveh Farrokh provide some of able radars proved too resilient to the U.S. Navy’s Operation Pray- the few Western accounts of one the ship’s 3” guns. Later in No- ing Mantis—which ironically of the most intense air-naval bat- vember, Iraqi artillery blasted the mirrored Operation Morvarid in tles since World War II. The Ira- Iranian oil terminal Abadan, halv- several striking respects. nian navy assigned three of her ing Tehran’s fuel production. Suf- You May Also Like: 5 Best La Commandante class missile fering from the economic sting, Submarines of All Time, 5 Best boats—Joshan, Gordouneh and the Iranian military realized that Aircraft Carriers of All Time, 5 Paykan—to the job. The small, Iraq was even more vulnerable to Best Battleships of All Time and German-built 265-ton boats had such attacks. Worst Submarine of All Time. On a crew of thirty and could race at Heartened by their earlier September 22, 1980 Saddam a brisk 41 miles per hour. Each success at fending off Iraqi air and Hussein launched Iraq into a full- mounted a single 76-millimeter sea forces, the Iranian Army, scale invasion of Iran—hoping dual-purpose (anti-surface and Navy and Air Force hatched a to capitalize on Iran’s instabili- anti-air) gun turret, a rapid-firing more ambitious plan that would ty due to the Iranian Revolution. 40-millimeter flak cannon, and require closer interservice coordi- Khorramshahr and Abadan, two twin-rail missile launchers nation. In Operation Morvarid two major Iranian port cities just armed with American-built Har- (“Pearl”) not only did they hope across and downstream the poon missiles. Additional air to take the Iraqi radars out of the Shatt-al-Arab river from the ma- defense was provided by crew picture but also Baghdad’s vital Ameeting of national security relevant UN Security Council res- tralia, India, and Japan—also Japan. The national security ad- jor Iraqi oil-exporting port of members on deck hefting SA-7 oil infrastructure. They also advisors from the United States, olutions (UNSCR) to achieve known as the Quad—highlight- visers also stated on April 2 that Basra, were priority targets. The shoulder-launched anti-aircraft hoped to destroy the Iraqi Navy Japan, and the Republic of Korea North Korea’s verifiable nuclear ed the importance of “the com- Washington’s strategy would rest Shatt-al-Arab ran into the Per- missiles. The first two attacks in the process. The operation be- (ROK) on April 2 appears to be dismantlement. The United States plete denuclearization of North on the foundation of deterrence sian Gulf and its lucrative oil on the rigs were only moderate- gan on November 28 with a di- one of the final steps before and its allies articulated these com- Korea in accordance with United and defense against North Korean shipping lanes. Iraqi forces were ly successful, however. In Oper- versionary strike by Iranian F-5 Washington announces its new mitments first in the April 2 joint Nations Security Council reso- conventional and nuclear attack. supported by two oil rigs at ation Operation Kafka on Octo- and F-4 jets on Iraq’s Basra air- policy for the Korean Peninsula. statement of the national security lutions.” The international com- This approach is essential to pre- Mina al-Bakr (today, al-Basrah ber 28, Paykan provided air de- base while the Joshan and Pay- U.S. allies and adversaries, and advisors: “They agreed on the im- munity has agreed that Kim Jong- vent Kim from dominating the Oilt Terminal) and Khor al- fense while Joshan bombarded kan resumed bombarding the two North Korean leader Kim Jong- perative for full implementation of un’s malign behavior outlined in peninsula and unifying it on his Omayah, both on the tip of the al-Omayah and Gordouneh platforms. When two 235-ton Ira- un, are eagerly awaiting Washing- relevant UN Security Council res- UNSCRs—from proliferation to terms. Likewise, during meetings al-Faw peninsula. These mount- pummeled al-Bakr. Though the qi Osa II missile boats launched ton’s announcement. While no olutions by the international com- cyberattacks to human rights vi- last month in Japan and South ed early-warning radars that Iranian boats dodged Iraqi anti- their cigar-shaped P-15 Termti one can predict what the new munity, including North Korea, olations—must stop. Thus, the Korea, Secretary of State Antony kept the Iraqi Air Force alerted ship missiles fired at excessively missiles at long range, the Iranian policy will be, its basic contours preventing proliferation, and co- implementation of the UNSCRs Blinken and Secretary of Defense to Iranian air operations. They long range and shot down three vessels successfully evaded be- are apparent from the official operating to strengthen deterrence should be the baseline not only Lloyd Auston affirmed that the also supported raids by Iraq’s Iraqi fighters, their guns over- fore dispatching the boats with statements and comments of U.S. and maintain peace and stability of the Biden administration’s U.S. alliance structure—particu- Soviet-built missile and torpedo heated bombarding the oil rigs their more reliable Harpoon mis- leaders. The heart of the adminis- on the Korean Peninsula.” new Korea policy but for all larly trilateral cooperation among boats on Iranian shipping. The without putting either out of ac- siles. Then in the early hours of tration’s new Korea policy will Similarly, a March 12 joint state- members of the UN Security Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo— Iranian Navy’s mission was clear tion. A follow up-attack three November 29, Iranian Chinook likely focus on implementing the ment by leaders of America, Aus- Council as well as the ROK and is important for a successful. cut: take out both oil rigs. The days later (Operation Ashkan) helicopters swooped down.

Lebanon: How Gas W indfall Could Save Country From Bankruptcy

Lebanese President Michel Aoun it to do so. People are now ex- gave a speech last week in which changing their deposits for 30 he lashed out at the political elite, cents on the dollar on the black the central bank and the banking market. Through the banks, sav- system, holding them responsi- ers are undergoing a compulsory ble for the bankruptcy of the “haircut,” as the banks give them Turkmenistan Dictator Faces When Singapore’s Prime Minis- The reasons lie within the PAP While the PSP ultimately did not country. He called for a forensic 3,900 Lebanese pounds to the ter Lee Hsien Loong went on itself. There is reluctance to hand win any seats in the 2020 elec- audit, after which the government dollar, whereas the market rate has Problems in Transferring Power Christmas leave last year, he power over to those not connect- tion, it broadened the country’s would become eligible to receive been varying between 10,000 and chose not to appoint then prime ed to the Lee family. Unlike in opposition landscape. In the aid. The president mentioned 15,000. Sanitizing the banking to His Son, Aytakov Says minister-designate Heng Swee 1990 when Lee Kuan Yew passed 2020 election, the Worker’s Par- those who had saved for their sector and returning people’s de- Keat in his stead. This was a clear the baton on to Goh, there is no ty won 10 seats and has created retirement only to see their sav- posits — at least the initial capi- Personalist dictatorships always on Turkmenistan, says that it ap- signal that he was unwilling to current clear successor. While spec- a credible alternative voice. ings evaporate, as well as those tal they deposited, without the face problems in transferring pears Gurbanguly Ber- hand over the reins. This came ulation runs rife over Lee Hsien Among the Singaporean public, who can no longer send money accumulated interest — is neces- power from one individual to an- dymukhamedow is starting early after the People’s Action Party Loong’s second son Li Hongyi, he the PAP’s political base has con- to their children studying abroad, sary. However, these deposits other because such transitions are because he is still in good health (PAP) performed poorly in the lacks standing within the party tracted. Potential challengers to those who can’t afford to go to were made with banks that invest- the occasions which various fac- and has no plans to leave office July 2020 election, losing 8.7 per and credible experience to govern Lee Hsien Loong’s leadership hospital and those who can’t ed in treasury bonds and the mon- tions in the elite see as perhaps anytime soon but adds that de- cent of the popular vote. Despite in the medium term. Since Lee have systematically been forced even pay for their daily food. ey raised from those bonds was their best opportunity to increase spite everything he is doing, key that result, the party had refused Kuan Yew’s passing in 2015, the to leave the party. Some lost elec- An audit, if conducted properly, given to the government, which their position as well as the time figures in the Turkmenistan elite to make any major changes to Lee legacy has been increasingly tions, as occurred with former would hurt Aoun’s son-in-law has never paid it back. Refinanc- of greatest risk that they will lose are likely to oppose Serdar’s ele- Singapore’s political line-up. contested. This played out in an foreign minister George Yeo in Gebran Bassil, who is already ing Lebanon’s debt is necessary what they already have. That this vation at any point. Everyone in Lee has been in power since ongoing family feud involving Lee 2011. Others, such as the popu- sanctioned for corruption by the for the country to regain the con- is the case in Russia has been Turkmenistan is aware that the last 2004, and while he has appoint- Hsien Loong’s brother and sister, lar Senior Minister Tharman US under the Global Magnitsky fidence of its people and of the much discussed, but even in a far transition did not go smoothly but ed new 4G (fourth generation) which then expanded to include Shanmugaratnam, simply bowed Act, along with other members international community. more totalitarian dictatorship than resulted in bloodletting as Ber- leaders in his cabinet, real power his sister-in-law and nephew. The out from leadership. Despite his of his party and his allies. An However, there might be a chance Vladimir Putin’s, it is a problem. dymukhamedow senior moved to still rests with Lee and his own initial issues involved personal impressive performance in gov- audit would mean the end of the to do that if Lebanon plays its In Turkmenistan, there is no ques- take and then consolidate power, 3G (third generation) cohort. differences over Lee Kuan Yew’s ernment, Tharman was not seen current political elite, including cards right when it comes to gas tion that the current dictator, the Moscow analyst says. The Recognising the writing on the house and will, but they took on a to reflect the ‘PAP brand’ — he the Aoun clan. But an audit is deposits in the Mediterranean. Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedow, current dictator clearly hopes to wall, last week a gracious Heng life of their own when they were is an ‘outsider’ brought into the needed to conduct the reforms The first step toward being able wants to hand over power to his prevent something similar, with all stepped aside as leader-in-wait- politicised and taken to court. PAP in 1991 and is a member of required if Lebanon is to rise like to exploit these natural resources son, Serdar; but there are two very the unpredictability that such an ing, couching his decision with Divisions within the Lee family Singapore’s ethnic Indian minor- a phoenix from the ashes. is to demarcate the country’s mar- open questions, Serdar Aytakov outcome might entail. To that end, platitudes on health and his age. are part of evolving dissatisfaction ity. Lee Hsien Loong has held However, an audit will not re- itime borders with Israel, as no says. Aytakov, perhaps Mos- he has changed a series of laws in Heng’s departure exposes serious within the PAP. In 2011, former onto control. Open discussion of turn the money of those who company will invest in contested cow’s leading academic specialist the country so that he. internal challenges for the PAP. PAP parliamentarian Tan Cheng a PAP leadership transition has deposited their savings in the territory. Such talks started dur- In power since 1959, it has been Bock came within 0.35 per cent widened divisions inside the par- Lebanese banks. Though Aoun ing the Obama era, but Lebanese lauded for its achievements and of winning the Singapore presiden- ty. Competition for hierarchy is placing the blame on the banks Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri success in governance. Over 62 cy from Tony Tan, who’s also part within the 4G has intensified that did not abide by the coun- prevented them from being com- years, Singapore has had only of the Lee extended family. Tan party factionalism, fostered dis- try’s credit and money laws, it is pleted in order to keep a point of Armenia committed three prime ministers — Lee Cheng Bock’s challenge reflected trust and undermined the party’s the corrupt government that has contention with Israel and as a Kuan Yew, Goh Chok Tong and growing discontent among the tra- performance. There is no clear been asking the central bank to poke in the eye to the US. This ecological terror during Lee Kuan Yew’s son, Lee Hsien ditional PAP grassroots. In 2020, successor to Lee Hsien Loong fund its exorbitant and inflated changed last September, when his Loong. Pending the now 69-year- Tan Cheng Bock’s Progress Sin- and any successor who is cho- expenses. Hence, the govern- Amal Movement colleague Ali old Lee Hsien Loong’s health, gapore Party (PSP) gained 48.3 per sen does not have a public man- ment is responsible for returning Hasan Khalil was sanctioned by occupation of Singapore is unlikely to see a cent of the vote — 26 per cent date of his own. All of the 4G people’s hard-earned money — the US for corruption and pro- Azerbaijani lands fourth in the near future. more than in the 2016 election. leaders share. and there should be pressure on viding material support. During the occupation of the Az- trict,” the deputy minister said. “It erbaijani lands, the Armenians was created in 1970 for the devel- Biden Lifts committed ecological terror there, opment of sericulture. Before the Akanksha Arora: The 34-year- Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of occupation, 20 tons of silkworm Trump’s Ecology and Natural Resources cocoons were produced in the old bidding to be UN’s next chief Firdovsi Aliyev told reporters, Jabrayil district per year. The Ar- Trend reports on April 13. menians destroyed this garden and Financial Veto “Jabrayil district, as well as oth- burned it. Before the occupation, er Azerbaijani territories, have 70 tons of silkworm cocoons were On Developing Having worked at the UN been subjected to the environmen- produced in the Gubadli district, tal terror for many years,” Aliyev 98 tons of silkworm cocoons - in Nations for just four years, Arora added. "There was a mulberry gar- the Zangilan district, 240 tons of den, laid out on a 12-hectare-area, silkworm cocoons - in the Jabray- Exactly how the Biden adminis- now wants to shake it up. at the entrance to the Jabrayil dis- il district per year.” tration might impact Africa re- mains a bit of a mystery, as the Akanksha Arora was fighting for new United States president, pre- survival in the emergency room dictably, works through a moun- after a traffic accident when she Referendum and local tainous backlog of domestic is- realised, in the face of death, what sues left by Donald Trump. life is. Arora said she was very elections in Kyrgyzstan: However on the economic side, a lucky there was no damage to her picture is emerging. Trump, as internal organs – she was left with we know too well, was the great a broken leg and plenty of bruises EU statement unilateralist, putting ‘America – after she was hit by a taxi but First’, last and only. On taking the potentially fatal accident made The European Union takes note rope’s Office for Democratic In- office, President Joe Biden de- her realise she had to make some of the referendum for a new Con- stitutions and Human Rights, as clared that ‘America is back’ – drastic changes in her life. down, it hasn’t served those who more than twice her age, 71-year- university. In 2016, she moved to stitution and of the local elections well as the Kyrgyz Republic’s in- and has begun to re-engage with “God saved me for a reason. I it is here to serve,” Arora said. old Antonio Guterres. She ac- New York to start work with the held on April 11, 2021 in the ternational commitments. the world. And he and his Trea- asked myself: What have I done “UN’s biggest enemy is its own knowledges that gap but adds UN. “This whole aspect of un- Kyrgyz Republic. The Joint Legal Opinion had con- sury Secretary Janet Yellen have for the world?” Arora told Al inability to deliver. Decision- that diplomacy is not learned and derstanding and respecting peo- According to independent observ- cluded that some provisions of the started putting some meat on that Jazeera, adding it was then that making is not the problem. It’s mastered in conference rooms ple [while living in different coun- ers, referendum on the Constitu- draft legislation threaten the nec- bone for developing countries. she realised she had to make a dif- implementation that we’re fall- and political meetings alone. tries and cultures] is diplomacy. tion was orderly and well-admin- essary balance of power and the ing short on. That has led to the Born in India, she moved to Sau- It is, at the end of the day, caring istered, but there were also re- protection of individual freedoms, Mainly by lifting Trump’s veto ference. Arora joined the United on allowing the International Nations in 2016. Within two loss in trust and credibility of di Arabia aged six after her moth- for people, appreciating and em- ports about the misuse of admin- essential to democracy and the rule the institution where people just er – a gynaecologist – took up a bracing diversity and just having istrative resource and violations of law. «The local elections were Monetary Fund (IMF) to allo- years, she felt the organisation was cate US$650 billion in special failing the people it was created don’t expect the UN to do any- job offer there. Three years lat- respect for everyone. That’s di- of campaigning procedures in fa- conducted in an inclusive manner, thing.” er, she moved back to India for plomacy.” At the top of her pri- vor of adopting the new consti- with a competitive environment for drawing rights (SDRs) to help to help. In January 2019, she de- tution. It is important that the political parties. The introduction countries fight the COVID-19 cided there was no better way to Diplomatic experience boarding school after her parents ority list of global issues she wants legislation implementing the new of a 30% quota for women in local pandemic and recover from its make a change than to lead it. On paper, her lack of diplo- were unable to afford the only to tackle is the refugee crisis, constitution follows the March councils following these elections economic fallout. The IMF and At 34, Arora is bidding to be matic experience seems to hold American school in the south- where she “envisages the UN to 19, 2021 Joint Legal Opinion on is a positive step towards gender United Nations (UN) have both the UN’s next secretary-general. her back as she prepares to western Saudi city. At 18, Arora be a guardian for the refugees”. the draft Constitution by the balanced, inclusive representation. warned of a new emerging mar- If she succeeds, she will not only launch her vision statement and was offered a scholarship at York According to the UN refugee Council of Europe’s Venice Com- Independent observers did, how- ket debt crisis as the global econ- be the youngest person but also rally support from member na- University in Toronto for her agency, UNHCR, at least 79.5 mission and the Organization for ever, highlight irregularities, in par- omy emerges from the pandemic the first woman to lead the organ- tions for the high-profile posi- undergraduate studies and stayed million people around the world Security and Cooperation in Eu- ticular regarding vote buying. and interest rates rise. isation. “The UN has let people tion currently held by someone in Canada to work after finishing have been forced. WEDNESDAY .APRIL 14, 2021 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Pakistan’s exports to Germany show 8.79pc increase in 8 months ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s ex- ports of goods and services to Germany witnessed an increase of 8.79 percent during the eight months of financial year (2020- 21) as compared to the corre- sponding period of last year, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported. The overall exports to Germa- ny were recorded at $989.729 mil- lion during July-February (2020- 21) against exports of $909.755 million during July-February (2019-20), showing growth of 8.79 percent, SBP data revealed. Mean- while, on year-on-year basis, the exports to Germany during Feb- ruary 2021 also increased by 5.48 percent, from $110.430 million against the exports of $116.489 Turkey will continue to back Lib- lion, adding that Turkey will be million. On month-on-month ba- ya's economic development ef- happy to see it reach these lev- sis, the exports to Germany how- forts with its all resources, said els again. ever decreased by 6.39 percent the Turkish trade minister on - Construction sector during February 2021 as com- Monday. "During Libya’s recon- The construction sector is pared to the exports of $124.448 struction process, our coopera- one of the most important ele- million in January 2021, the SBP tion for investment and technical ments of economic and commer- data revealed. cooperation in all fields from in- cial ties between Turkey and Lib- A total of 13 key projects were foundation in the fields of artifi- great in terms of attracting tal- including the completion of 12 Overall, Pakistan’s exports to dustry to infrastructure and su- ya, she also pointed out. Solving recently signed in Beijing's Haidi- cial intelligence (AI), integrated ents, scientific research insti- of its 84 policy initiatives for all countries witnessed decline of perstructure investments, from problems arising from the past an district to shore up the con- circuit design, and high-end intel- tutes, and boosting the industrial promoting the area. In January, 2.26 percent in eight months, from health to energy, from education will help both Libya and Turk- struction of the capital's pilot free ligent manufacturing, it is hoped ecology. "I hope that by landing the Haidian portion of the Chi- $16.438 billion to $16.065 billion, to banking will continue," Ruhsar ish companies look to the future trade zone and national integrated that Xiaomi Corporation will in Haidian, our company can na (Beijing) Pilot Free Trade the SBP data revealed. Pekcan said in a statement follow- with hope, she said. "Our com- demonstration zone, also known play a demonstrative role and grow together with China's AI ec- Zone had a total of 180 newly UK reaches COVID-19 vac- ing a meeting with her Libyan panies will be back to work with- as "the two zones." It is hoped further improve the district's sup- osystem," Lu said. The unicorn registered enterprises, of which cination milestone counterparts, part of a high-level in the framework of certain that the signings will help the city ply chain and electronic informa- company has established its Chi- 177 were domestic enterprises On the other hand, the im- delegation paying an official visit projects, taking into account the further open up its service sector. tion industry by providing a ro- nese headquarters in Haidian and and three were foreign-funded. ports from Germany into the to the capital Ankara. "Turkey is needs and security conditions of The 13 companies involved bust industrial innovation plat- will formally settle this summer The Party Secretary of country during the period under ready to take responsibility in Libya, and starting new projects include the Fortune 500 company form. Meanwhile, ByteDance before accruing an estimated Haidian District, Yu Jun, said review were recorded at $698.732 these areas," she said, adding that to meet Libya's needs, stability Xiaomi Corporation, the unicorn Beijing branch will configure a workforce of 100 by the end of the district will continue to le- million against $658.180 million it is important to draw up a road- in Libya," she added. Libya's enterprise ByteDance, the central- number of its core businesses in this year. In the future, Haidian verage its "two districts" poli- last year, showing increase of 6.16 map to accelerate bilateral eco- sovereignty, territorial integrity, ly administered SOE China Grain the district and will increase in- district will cooperate closely cy advantages and the Zhong- percent in eight months of this nomic and commercial ties. and political unity are the cor- Reserve Group Ltd. Company, as vestment in areas including edu- with these enterprises to provide guancun Science Park to facili- year. Meanwhile, on year-on-year "I think that in the upcoming nerstones of Turkey's stance on well as a number of well-known cation, medical care, e-commerce them with more space for con- tate trade and investment, accu- basis, the imports from Germany period, we will determine the Libya, she concluded. Libya fell financial institutions and domestic live streaming, and technical ser- struction of their headquarters mulate more experience that can during February 2021 dipped by fields of cooperation together into chaos and civil war follow- high-tech enterprises. Those in- vices. Lu Tao, general manager of and R&D centers and provide ad- be applied in opening up the 11.04 percent, from $104.285 mil- through dialogue and move for- ing the 2011 ouster of strongman clude Sangfor Technologies, Xin- Graphcore China, the China ditional policy incentives for service sector, and build a high- lion last year to $92.769 million. ward on this ground," she Muammar Gaddafi. Turkey has naxin Technology, and PIESAT branch of British semiconductor funding, talents, and housing. At er-level open economy. Through On month-on-month basis, the stressed. Pekcan noted that in supported the efforts of the International Information Technol- company and developer of accel- present, major progress has been these efforts, Haidian intends to import from Germany also de- 2013 the trade volume between Government of National Unity ogy Limited. Relying on its exten- erators for AI and machine learn- made in Haidian concerning the spearhead a demonstrative role creased by 10.23 percent during Turkey and Libya was $3.6 bil- to bring the country together. sive resources and solid industrial ing, said that Haidian is doing construction of the "two zones," for the opening up. February 2021 when compared. Egypt's current account deficit widens Sri Lanka Central Bank suspends business to$4.8 billioninOctober-December of Swarnamahal Financial Service Remittances from Egyptian workers abroad rose to $7.49 Colombo: The Monetary Board capital infusion even after expi- of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka ry of almost six (06) months from billion in October-December from $6.96 billion a year earlier has decided to suspend business the date of suspension of the of Swarnamahal Financial Servic- business activities and the finan- Egypt’s current account deficit on the central bank figures companying the balance of pay- es PLC (SFSP), with effect from cial position of SFSP continued widened to $4.8 billion in Octo- showed. Egypt’s economy ments figures. Net foreign direct 5:00 p.m. on 12th April 2021, the to deteriorate further. During the ber-December from $3.2 billion in slowed significantly due to the investment (FDI) shrank to $1.75 Bank said in a statement Mon- said suspension period, a signif- the same period in 2019, accord- impact of the coronavirus pan- billion in the final three months of day. icant amount of dues to SFSP ing to central bank figures released demic, though unlike many oth- 2020 from $2.61 billion a year ear- The measure has been taken were collected mainly through on Monday. Remittances from er countries it remained in lier. in terms of Section 31(1) of the gold loan recoveries and number Egyptian workers abroad rose to growth. “Egypt’s transactions Non-oil FDI stood at $315 Finance Business Act, No. 42 of of depositors requested their re- $7.49 billion in October-Decem- with the external world demon- million in October-December. 2011 (FBA). maining deposits to be repaid ber from $6.96 billion a year ear- strated its resilience and ability Revenues generated by the Full Statement: Having con- with such recoveries. According- lier, while tourism revenues to weather the shock caused by Suez Canal were steady compared sidered the continuously deteri- ly, the Monetary Board, in the plunged to $987 million from $3.1 COVID-19 pandemic,” the cen- with the same period in 2019, at orating financial condition and public interest and in the interest billion, Reuters calculations based tral bank said in a statement ac- $1.52 billion. non-availability of a viable reviv- of depositors, ordered SFSP to al plan, the Monetary Board de- resume business notionally for a cided to suspend the business of limited period of three (03) SFSP and its parent Company months from 13 th January 2021 ETI Finance Limited (ETIF) in under the supervision of the Pan- Nepal has export terms of Section 31(1) of the el of Management appointed by FBA with effect from 13th July the Monetary Board, subject to ing depositors under the repay- tion payment under the the Sri 2020 and the period of suspen- specified strict conditions, only ment plan by the end of March Lanka Deposit Insurance and Li- sion of business activities was in for the purpose of repayment up 2021and the balance payments quidity Support Scheme potential w orth $ 9 .2 effect until 12th January 2021. to fifty percent (50%) of remain- are also being processed by (SLDILSS) from Rs. 600,000 to During the suspended period the ing deposits. A total of Rs. 665.6 SFSP. In the meantime, the Rs. 1,100,000 by Rs. 500,000. Company failed to bring in an million has been paid to ninety Monetary Board decided to in- This decision has been taken to billion, W orld Bank says acceptable revival plan through a four percent (94%) of the remain- crease the maximum compensa- provide further relief. Dubai records Nigeria: Qatar $6.7bn FDI with 455 to Invest $5bn projects in 2020 in Nigeria's

Dubai recorded exceptional in- nancial Times’ fDi Markets, the Economy: Onyeama flows of foreign direct investment leading global source of data on Nepal has untapped export po- lion while imports valued at um term,” said Kene Ezemenari, (FDI) in 2020 with 455 projects greenfield FDI. The 455 FDI tential worth an estimated $9.2 $10.22 billion flooded in, result- World Bank senior economist and worth AED24.7 billion ($6.7 bil- projects implemented in Dubai billion, according to a new World ing in a gargantuan trade deficit lead author of the update, at a vir- lion), a report said. An estimated in 2020 exceed the annual aver- Bank finding unveiled on Mon- of $9.39 billion. The World Bank tual meeting organised by the So- 18,325 new jobs were created by age of 441 over the past five day. The multilateral funding agen- has termed Nepal’s export po- ciety of Economic Journalists-Ne- inbound FDI in 2020, reported years, reaffirming Dubai’s strong cy said Nepal could boost its ex- tential as 'missing exports' in the pal on Monday. According to the state news agency Wam, citing FDI location fundamentals as ports twelvefold, which repre- special focus section under the Department of Customs, Nepal’s data from the Dubai FDI Moni- well as its economic resilience, sents an opportunity to create theme 'Harnessing Export Poten- trade deficit crossed the Rs1 tril- tor released by the Dubai Invest- sectoral diversity, and FDI fu- around 220,000 new jobs. The tial for a Green, Inclusive, and lion ($9.95 billion) mark in 2017- ment Development Agency ture-readiness. Dubai continued World Bank's Nepal Development Resilient Recovery'. “This ex- 18 as imports surged amid slowed (Dubai FDI), an agency of Dubai to lead regional and global FDI Update published annually pro- port potential represents an op- domestic output and consequent Economy. This performance plac- locations in facilitating global vides a report on the country's portunity to create an estimated sluggish export revenues. If Nepal's es Dubai among the top global business growth and expansion, key economic developments. 220,000 new jobs, with signifi- export growth rate had been able FDI locations in 2020, ranking ranking first in the Mena region In the last fiscal year 2019- cant implications for productiv- to keep up with the South Asian first in the Mena region and fourth and third globally in attracting 20 ended mid-July, shipments ity growth. Realising that poten- average since 2000, the unrealised globally in attracting greenfield greenfield FDI projects, accord- from Nepal were worth $835 mil- tial is not unrealistic in the medi- export potential. FDI capital, according to the Fi- ing to fDi Markets.

The oil-rich state of Qatar is to icant investments in the region of invest a total of $5 billion in $5 billion in the Nigerian econo- Turkey’s economic turmoil Nigeria's economy, the Foreign my. According to him, "Qatar is a Jack Ma’s fortune jumps $2 Affairs Minister, Godfrey On- weighty and strategic country and drives Bitcoin frenzy yeama, has disclosed. Onyeama, very strategic in that part of the who spoke Sunday at a send world and we are putting our best The neighbourhood teahouse is a wanted to be in a good position billion after record Alibaba fine forth dinner in honour of Nige- feet forward to advance the inter- ria's Ambassador-designate to est of our country economically focus of daily life across Turkey, now,” said co-owners Hüseyin China just slapped a record anti- severe than some investors feared sound government regulation and an Ottoman tradition that has en- Nalci, 38, and Kerem Kutay the State of Qatar, who is also and in other areas." He recalled trust fine on Alibaba Group Hold- and is based on only 4% of the service, and the critical oversight, the outgoing Director of Proto- that President Muhammadu Bu- dured through the centuries. At Yildirim, 28. “The older custom- ing Ltd. The company thanked the company’s 2019 domestic sales, tolerance and support from all of the Red Lightning teahouse in ers think it’s a bit absurd. They government and investors breathed far less than the maximum 10% our constituencies have been cru- col (DOP) at the State House, hari had visited the State of Qatar Çorum, the enterprising owners made fun of us. But now the a sigh of relief. Alibaba’s American allowed under Chinese law. While cial to our development, the com- Ambassador Yakubu Ahmed, in 2016 and the Emir of Qatar, have one foot in the past and one dürüm [wrap] shop next door is depositary receipts climbed 9.3% the internet giant will have to ad- pany said in an open letter. “For also stated that recent career Tamim Bin Hammad Al-Thani, re- in the future: it’s the first one in asking us to teach them.” The on Monday in New York, their just the way it does business, its this, we are full of gratitude and ambassadorial appointments ciprocated with a State visit in the country where customers can Turkish lira slumped dramatical- biggest jump in almost four years. vice chairman said regulators respect. Ma, who up until last made by the gederal government 2019. Onyeama also explained pay in bitcoin. “Everyone we ly last month after President For Jack Ma, the founder of the e- won’t impose a radical overhaul year was China’s richest person, was based on merit, experience that only trusted hands with a know in Çorum is starting to in- Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s shock commerce giant, it meant his for- of its e-commerce strategy and has lost billions since his nation’s and professionalism. The min- track record of diligence, experi- vest in cryptocurrency. We think decision to fire the central bank tune increased by $2.3 billion to its chief executive officer declared regulators began an anti-monop- ister further said there had been ence and professionalism in the that in five years or so regular governor, Naci Agbal. The re- $52.1 billion, according to the Alibaba ready to move on. olistic campaign, halting the ini- discussions with Qatar on part- Foreign Service were recently ap- currency will be in decline, it will serve is now on its fourth gover- Bloomberg Billionaires Index. “Alibaba would not have tial public offering of his Ant nership with Nigeria's Sovereign pointed career ambassadors by the be replaced by digital ones. So we nor in less than two years. The $2.8 billion fine is less achieved our growth without Group Co. payments. Wealth Fund (SWF), for signif- federal government. WEDNESDAY .APRIL 14, 2021 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Janina Richard Gavankar Rush, Joins Writer and Director of Lionsgate's 'The Stunt 'Borderlands' Man,' Dies The Indian actress will play His remarks follow an online public the role of Commander at 91 opinion poll where 46% of Americans Knoxx, a new character in would consider voting for Johnson the 'Borderlands' universe. Fast & Furious star Dwayne former professional wrestler did driving, fanny-pack wearing guy Johnson said on Monday that not say which party he would joining their club - but if it ever he would run for US President if represent or when he might happens it’d be my honor to serve he felt he had enough support launch any bid for the White you, the people,” he said in an from Americans. Johnson, 48, House. His remarks follow an Instagram posting. Johnson, one of the highest-paid and most online public opinion poll re- whose work includes the reboot- The Indian actress and director is Haley Bennett, Edgar Ramirez and peared opposite Riz Ahmed and popular actors in the United leased last week by consumer ed Jumanji movie franchise and set to play Commander Knoxx, a Jack Black. Filmmaker Eli Roth is Octavia Spencer in the Invasion States, has been flirting with a trends company Piplsay that the TV show Young Rock, joins a new character being introduced to directing Borderlands from a script feature for Amazon. Gavankar's possible White House bid for found some 46% of Americans long list of American celebrities the Lionsgate movie. The cast for by Craig Mazin, the Emmy-win- credits include HBO’s True He also helmed three films featur- several years. “I do have that goal would consider voting for who have run for political office, the video game adaptation in- ning creator of HBO's Chernobyl. Blood and Fox's Sleepy Hollow. ing a young Jack Nicholson as to unite our country and I also Johnson. Johnson, known as including former Apprentice star cludes Cate Blanchett, Kevin Gavankar most recently starred Gavankar is repped by Thruline, well as one of the first buddy-cop feel that if this is what the peo- “The Rock,” said he was hum- Donald Trump. Magic Mike ac- Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana alongside Ben Affleck in Warner APA, and Felker Toczek Suddle- movies, 'Freebie and the Bean.' ple want, then I will do that,” bled by the poll. “I don’t think tor Matthew McConaughey and Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Bros. The Way Back, and ap- son Abramson. Richard Rush, the writer, director Johnson said when asked about our Founding Fathers EVER en- former Olympic champion Cait- and producer who earned two his presidential ambitions in an visioned a six-four, bald, tat- lyn Jenner are reported to be Oscar nominations for his work interview broadcast on the To- tooed, half-Black, half-Samoan, weighing potential runs for gov- on the deliciously dark Peter day show on Monday. The tequila drinking, pick-up truck ernor in Texas. O'Toole comedy The Stunt Man, has died. He was 91. Rush died Vakeel Saab box office: Thursday of natural causes at his home in Los Angeles, his wife, Claude, told The Hollywood Re- Karnan box office collection: Pawan Kalyan’s movie sets porter. He demonstrated an incred- ible "will to live" and survived 18 years with a heart transplant, she Dhanush’s film makes record, earns noted. Early in his career, Rush new collection records directed the youth-targeted flicks Hells Angels on Wheels (1967) Rs 23 cr in opening weekend and Psych-Out (1968) — both featuring a brash, young Jack Nicholson — and went on to helm and produce one of the first Hol- lywood buddy-cop comedies, Freebie and the Bean (1974). Rush also directed and pro- duced Getting Straight (1970), a hip countercultural comedy that starred Elliott Gould and Candice Bergen and was one of the first films to center on the Vietnam War. The Stunt Man (1980), a blis- tering satire of behind-the-scenes moviemaking, starred O'Toole, in one of his finest roles, as the ma- nipulative movie director Eli Cross. When an escaped convict (Steve Railsback) wanders onto the set of his war picture and causes the death of a stuntman, Cross al- lows him to take the dead man's place, then puts him in all sorts of perilous situations — all to get the Tollywood star Pawan Kalyan officially announce the collection Agnyaathavaasi. The film was perfect shot. has brought cheers back to the figures. According to released in 2018 amid a lot of ex- It took Rush almost a decade Actor Dhanush’s recent outing and positive word of mouth have in these difficult times, especial- box office business this festival AndhraBoxOffice.com, Vakeel pectations but eventually tanked to get The Stunt Man off the Karnan is enjoying a phenome- helped the film to go from ly after 50% capacity was intro- season. The film opened to Saab raked in about Rs 90 crore at the box office. Helmed by Venu ground, and he was rewarded with nal run at the box office in do- strength to strength at the ticket duced from day 2. Good packed houses in Telugu states over the weekend. Not just domes- Sriram, Vakeel Saab is bankrolled Oscar noms for adapting (with mestic and international markets. windows. This new leap by ac- Content+solid performances last Friday. And the filmmakers tically, the film also is doing well by producer Dil Raju and Bolly- Lawrence B. Marcus) the novel This Mari Selvaraj directorial has tor will give the much needed f r o m @ d h a n u s h k r a j a have already called it “the biggest in overseas markets. Several re- wood’s hit producer Boney by Paul Brodeur as well as direct- garnered an approximate gross of boost to Kollywood, which has @mari_selvaraj team & incredi- blockbuster” of the year yet. And ports suggest that the film has Kapoor. Not just fans, Vakeel ing. He produced the movie as Rs 23 crore from its opening been struggling to cope with the ble marketing by @theVcre- they may be right, given that Va- made more than Rs 5 crore collec- Saab has received positive reac- well. Despite accolades from crit- weekend in Tamil Nadu. The film consequences of the coronavirus- ations.” Karnan is doing quite well keel Saab seems to be setting new tion in the United States. Vakeel tions from the critics. And the ics and effusive praise from the achieved this feat with only 50 induced lockdown. Revealing the in the international markets too. collection records during a pan- Saab is the official remake of the big names of the industry are moviegoers who saw it, The Stunt per cent occupancy in Tamil box office numbers for Karnan, According to a tweet from film demic. According to the industry Bollywood hit Pink. The film also giving glowing reviews to the Man was grossly mishandled by Nadu theatres. If the reports are entertainment industry tracker trade analyst Taran Adarsh, the buzz, the film may have already marks the return of Pawan Kaly- movie on social media. Pawan is its distributors and never received to believed, Karnan is the big- Sridhar Pillai tweeted on Mon- Kalaippuli S Thanu’s production collected more than Rs 100 crore an to the big screen after a gap of being praised for taking up a film a wide release, a lamentable situa- gest box office opener in Dha- day, “#Karnan phenomenal week- has bagged Rs 45.25 lakhs in Aus- from its worldwide ticket sales, over two years. He was last seen with a strong message that chal- tion that Rush addressed in the nush’s career. Great performanc- end! Grosses a bumper ?23 Cr tralia for the first two days of its even as the filmmakers are yet to in director Trivikram Srinivas’ lenges patriarchal views. 2000 DVD documentary. es supported by strong content (approx)-Apr 9-11 in #TN. Huge release, while its earning.

Iran: “Apostasy” Iran’s “Holy Bread” China: ‘Emptiness’ brings another writer Vahid to compete in Yaminpur language to Chicago Latino Film Festival crowned Islamic Trento film festival of a young woman looking to fill Revolution Artist a void. “Emptiness” conveys the universal experience of being an of the Year immigrant longing for opportu- nity and new experiences. Vene- gas’ film focuses on el Chinatown de Guayaquil, a place where Chi- nese immigrants have built a com- munity of their own since the 19th century, when migrant workers began leaving China for South America and the Caribbe- an in response to the economic and political crisis that affected the Qing Dynasty. Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago, un servicio presentado TEHRAN – Author Vahid Yamin- por AARP Chicago. Filmed over pur was named on Monday the the span of about a month (30 Islamic Revolution Artist of the days in Ecuador and two in Uru- Year. He received the title for guay), “Emptiness” aspires to “Apostasy”, an alternate history TEHRAN –“Holy Bread”, a doc- hunger, and despair, operate in the take the viewer through the emo- novel about the Islamic Revolu- umentary by late Iranian director margins of society. “Emptiness,” a movie making its local conman with connections in on the festival website through tional journey of immigration — tion, as well as for his travelogue Rahim Zabihi, will go on screen The Trento Film Festival will North American debut at the 37th places where they matter. A film Tuesday. It’s one of the few films the yearning, the daydreaming, of Japan “The Jinja Monk”. at the main section of the 69th come to an end on May 9, while Chicago Latino Film Festival, that captures the true diversity of in the festival’s history that is the excitement of arriving upon Director and screenwriter Ja- edition of the Trento Film Festi- the online edition of the festival tells the story of two Chinese Latin America, director Paúl Vene- mostly in Mandarin instead of the shores of a new place. It’s lil Saman, poets Afshin Ala and val, which will open in the Italian will run until May 16. immigrants who arrive in Guayaq- gas’ “Vacío” (in English, “Empti- Spanish, Portuguese or English. also realistic. It’s about the mo- Ali-Mohammad Moaddab, and city on April 30. Produced by (Tehran news) uil, Ecuador, with the help of a ness”) is available for streaming Simply put, the film is the story ment you realize. graphic artist Mohammadreza Iranian cinematographer Turaj Doostmohammadi were other Aslani, the film documents the nominees of the of the title. Speaking at a ceremony organized highly dangerous work of Kurdi- RRR new poster: Ram Charan and Jr NTR feature in new celebratory poster on Ugadi at the Art Bureau of the Islamic sh Kulbars - workers who try to Ideology Dissemination Organi- support their families by trans- RRR new poster: On Ugadi, SS Rajamouli's Ranam Roudram Rudhiram treated its fans to a festive new still featuring Ram Charan and Jr NTR. The zation (IIDO), Yaminpur said, porting goods across the Iranian “This honor is so great that I am border. On foot, they carry their film will release on October 13 in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Kannada. not sure if I deserve it; I don’t let loads along mountain paths that the title deceive me… By this ti- are rocky, steep, and either slip- Marking the festival of Ugadi, the jamouli directorial is set in the tle, they want to encourage us to pery due to snow or blisteringly makers of RRR aka Ranam pre-independence era. While increase our efforts in creation of hot. Along the way, many of them Roudram Rudhiram treated their Ram Charan and Jr NTR are play- more revolutionary works.” suffer injuries, die in blizzards, fans to a new poster of the film’s ing Alluri Sita Ramaraju and Ko- The Islamic Revolution Art- or are shot by border police. The two leads, Ram Charan and Jr maram Bheem respectively, Ajay ist of the Year was announced on powerful scenes of the men’s jour- NTR. RRR team took to their Devgn is seen as a powerful char- the closing day of the Islamic Rev- neys are matched by their har- Twitter handle to share a festive acter, who trains them to battle olution Art Week. The weeklong rowing stories. No one chooses new poster of the actors and wrote, against the Britishers in this fic- festival is organized by the Art to become a Kulbar, it’s simply “Wishing everyone a prosperous tional tale. Alia Bhatt, Olivia Bureau of every year to commem- an unavoidable consequence of year ahead”. Judging by the new Morris, Alison Doody, and Ray orate the martyrdom anniversary not having any other form of poster of RRR, it looks like a still Stevenson are portraying other of documentarian Morteza Avini work. The film crew followed from a song of celebration in which major roles in the movie. RRR who was martyred by a landmine these workers for nine years to the protagonists are seen sharing has MM Keeravani on board for in 1993 during his trip to the document the impact of living like their joyous moments with oth- music, and KK Senthil Kumar is former Iran-Iraq war zone in a human pack mule. “Holy Bread” ers. Produced by DVV Danayya the cinematographer for this ac- southwestern Iran while making gives exposure to a group of most- under the DVV Entertainment tioner. According to industry the documentary “A City in the ly men, who, driven by poverty, banner, the plot for this SS Ra- sources, RRR has already. Sky” about the fall. WEDNESDAY .APRIL 14, 2021 AFGHANISTANTIMES

The Masters: Women's Super League: FA's England Women Bob MacIntyre's Kelly Simmons says 10-year impressive to play India and Augusta debut growth exceeded expectations but New Zealand this another step in his learning sustainability challenges remain summer, starting process

"There's no doubting his with Test match desire to compete with the best players in the world, and be regarded as one of them. against India And he's certainly on the right track to achieve that" England Women to begin home international summer with Test match against India in June; Heather Knight's side will also face India in ODI and T20 series in June and July before 20-over and 50-over games against New Zealand in September after The Hundred

After Bob MacIntyre guaranteed an invite to the 2022 Masters with a top-12 finish at the Mas- ters, Andrew Coltart predicts a bright future for the highly-rated Scottish prospect. Bob MacInty- re has enjoyed an encouraging first experience at the Masters, and fin- ishing in a tie for 12th on his de- but is a magnificent achievement. The Women's Super League is 2018, with Barclays - also spon- league's primary broadcaster over fully professional, thriving wom- Of all his good qualities, what "unrecognisable" from where it sors of a newly-launched Hall of the next three campaigns, while en's league - one of the best leagues stands out is where he is mentally was 10 years ago and its growth Fame - becoming its title spon- clubs in the division - and in the in the world. "If you look ahead right now. He clearly has huge con- has exceeded the expectations of sor ahead of last term. The sub- Women's Championship - will re- to next season - the new partner- fidence in his own ability, but the FA's Kelly Simmons. Tues- sequent journey of growth the ceive a proportion of revenue. Sim- ship we've got with Sky and the there's also a nice touch of humil- day marks 10 years to the day WSL has been on included a mons, the FA's director of the BBC, some 57 live games and the ity about him. He's only 24 years since the first match in the WSL, record crowd of 38,262 attend- women's professional game told opportunity to have some of the England Women will kick off 9 (Northampton), July 11 old, he's a fierce competitor and, which began life as an eight-team, ing Arsenal's 2-0 win at Totten- Sky Sports News: "The game is biggest audiences in this country their bumper summer of home (Hove) and July 15 (Chelms- as we saw at the WGC Match semi-professional structure in ham in 2019. Last month the FA unrecognisable from where it was - it will be one of the most- international cricket with a Test ford). Women's international Play, he is not intimidated by any- 2011. The league now has 12 announced a new deal that will 10 years ago. Pre-WSL, the game watched leagues, probably after match against India in Bristol. cricket will then pause for the body. I keep having to remind peo- clubs, went fully professional in see Sky Sports become the really was amateur and it's now a the Premier League. Heather Knight's side will face ECB's new 100-ball competi- ple that world No 1 Dustin India across all three formats in tion The Hundred, which begins Johnson needed the luck to claim June and July before returning to on July 21 with a women's game a half against MacIntyre in their action in September for T20 and between Oval Invincibles and group match, it certainly was not Julian Edelman ODI series against New Zealand, Manchester Originals at The Kia the other way around. He said with all games live on Sky Sports. Oval. England will return to ac- himself this week he's quite hap- retires after New HelenGlover andPollySwannwingold The Test, from June 16-19, tion from September 1 with the py to "go after it", and it's been England Patriots will mark England's first red-ball first T20 international against hard to tell that this week has been game since the 2019 Ashes and New Zealand at Chelmsford, his first visit to Augusta National, release three-time at EuropeanRowingChampionships2021 India's first since facing South followed by further short-form he's played like he's been here five Africa in November 2014. The games at Hove on September 4 or six times. He's gone about his Super Bowl-winning LV= Insurance Test match be- and Taunton on September 9. A business quietly and efficiently wide receiver tween England and India will be five-match ODI series against and he's not been overawed by the followed by three Royal London the White Ferns will start on place in any way. He had a num- one-day internationals and as September 16 in Bristol, fol- ber of disappointing final days on many Vitality IT20s. The ODIs lowed by games on September the European Tour in his rookie take place on June 27 (Bristol), 19 (Worcester), September 21 season but finally got over the line June 30 (Taunton) and July 3 (Leicester), September 23 (Der- in Cyprus last year, proof that (Worcester), with the T20 fix- by) and September 26 (Canter- challenging for professional titles tures then being played on July bury). is a tough learning process. Vitality Netball Superleague:

Three-time Super Bowl-winning wide receiver Julian Edelman has Wasps and Manchester Thunder announced his retirement after being released by the New England finish time in Wakefield on high Patriots. Edelman was released after 12 years with the team, due Wasps snatched victory out of to a failed physical. Last week, it Saracens Mavericks' grasp, while was reported his knee issues - that Manchester Thunder secured the hampered him in the 2020 season derby spoils against Leeds Rhi- - would prevent him from being nos at Studio 001 on Monday fully healthy heading into 2021. British duo Helen Glover and Swann, who worked as an in- dedicate the win to her three chil- night. After 11 full rounds, the The 34-year-old managed Polly Swan secured gold medals terim foundation year doctor when dren. two matches provided a fitting just 21 catches for 315 yards last in the women's pair at the 2021 the coronavirus pandemic delayed Swann and Glover won finale to the Vitality Netball Su- season before being placed on in- European Rowing Champion- the Tokyo Games by a year, won World Championship gold to- perleague's time in Wakefield. jured reserve in October after un- ships in Italy. The pair held off silver in the women's eight in Rio gether in 2013 and a European When action resumes on April 25, dergoing knee surgery. He did not Romania to win in seven min- five years ago and is also looking title a year later. There was fur- it will be in the competition's new return to the field. Against all utes and 2.73 seconds with Glov- ahead to this summer's Olympics. ther gold for Britain in the men's home, as the second half of the odds, 2009 seventh-round pick er, 34, making her first competi- "It's been a long winter but just to four and the PR3 mixed cox four, season is being played at Lon- Edelman went from a converted tion appearance for five years come out with Helen to race feels with British duo Emily Craig and don's Copper Box Arena. If you college quarterback to one of the since the Rio Olympics in 2016 pretty epic," Swann said. "I don't Imogen Grant winning silver in did miss any of the contests dur- NFL's greatest possession receiv- - where she also won gold - as think we expected to win." Glov- the lightweight women's double ing Rounds 10 and 11, or during ers over the last decade. she continues her comeback. er, meanwhile, took to Twitter to sculls. the season as a whole, then ev- ery contest is available to watch in full at the Sky Sports YouTube channel. Wasps produced a Johanna Konta game-changing final quarter to had been three goals down at from a nosebleed. Saracens Mav- Steph Curry surpasses W ilt maintain their 100 per cent record three-quarter time. After the fi- ericks went into this encounter focusing on over Saracens Mavericks in the nal pause, they finally found the knowing that they had never beat- Cham berlain as Golden State clay-court Vitality Netball Superleague. The level that they had been looking en Wasps but they attacked the 38-34 result came after Mel for, whilst Mavericks were dis- first half superbly and it looked W arriors' all- tim e leading scorer campaign as she Mansfield's team had trailed for rupted by a forced change due as if their time had come. Maver- misses Billie Jean the majority of the match, and to Ine-Mari Venter suffering icks went hard in defence. down with an apparent left-knee King Cup play-off injury with 50.6 remaining in the game. Murray, who had missed the previous four games with a sore Tyson Fury says A nt hony right knee, was escorted straight to the locker room after the fall, which came at the end of a 17-point Joshua fight must be agreed by night. Needing 18 to equal Cham- berlain's record, it took him just 10 Tuesday or he w ill move on minutes and 20 seconds to catch and pass the Warriors legend, with British No 1 Johanna Konta says five three-pointers and two free she is "feeling good" ahead of her from w orld t it le clash throws setting the stage for a driv- clay-court campaign which begins ing layup over former team-mate in Stuttgart next week. The world a lot of big offers on the table, from JaVale McGee for his 18th and No 18 plans on travelling to Ger- a few major players, so very in- 19th points of the night. many in preparation for the Por- terested and excited to finally hear Despite Curry's early bril- sche Tennis Grand Prix where she what they are and to see if they liance, the Warriors trailed for most is hoping for a run of tournaments are one, feasible and two, can make of the first two-and-a-half periods after a stop-start 18 months. it happen in whatever country before taking charge with a 43- wins the bid for it. "We have to go Steph Curry passed Wilt Cham- history with the ninth 50-point Since Konta's knee issue forced a point third-quarter that opened a premature end to her resurgent to Monday, Tuesday by the lat- berlain as the all-time leading scor- game of his career, exploding for double-digit lead. Down 18 with est. If I don't know anything by ing in Golden State Warriors his- 53 in a 116-107 victory over the 2019 season, she has played just 7:58 to go, the Nuggets got as close 13 tournaments, winning more Tuesday, I'm just going to move tory as he erupted for 53 in Mon- Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets as 111-104 with 1:16 left, but on, because it's been a long time in day night's victory over the Den- might have lost more than just a than one match in a week only Murray's injury then occurred on twice. She has maintained her the making. ver Nuggets. Curry became the second straight game, as stand- a drive to the hoop, killing Den- "Now finally the offers are on all-time leading scorer in Warriors out guard Jamal Murray went place in the top 20 because of ver's final hope. changes to the ranking. the table. We'll go through them and take the best one." Fury also fully expects the fight to go ahead, Tyson Fury says the Anthony on Joshua, says he is 'very close saying: "I think it will 100 per cent Alkumait on Classic trial in Greenham at Newbury Joshua fight must be agreed by to reaching a deal', but the WBC happen. One million per cent hap- Mill Reef winner Alkumait will forward to getting him back on a quicker surface. Tuesday but remains '100 per champion has indicated that he pen. "I think we're going to know reappear back at Newbury on "I'm very pleased with Alkumait, he's wintered well cent' confident about finalising wants negotiations to be con- within the next couple of days - Sunday in the Watership Down and seems in good form at home," said Tregoning. the undisputed world title clash. cluded swiftly. Speaking on Sun- what, where, when. Stud Too Darn Hot Greenham "Having won the Mill Reef in September, I'm look- Fury has been presented day to Behind The Gloves, Fury "I'm pretty confident this fight Stakes. In the absence of the re- ing forward to returning to Newbury with him. "The with lucrative offers to stage his said: "I'm waiting. There's a few is going to get made in the next tired Mohaather, the three-year- ground really didn't suit him last time out (in the fight against Joshua, with the ri- good offers on the table, I've been few days, because from what I've old carries Marcus Tregoning's Dewhurst) and I think he's a proper top of the val world champions now ex- told, from a few different coun- heard, there are some big players main hopes for the forthcoming ground horse. "Condition-wise, he's in the same pected to reach an agreement tries, which is exciting news for involved and there's some big of- season. Having failed to handle position as we were with Mohaather when he won about the date and venue this me. "I've always been quite fers come in from very rich peo- soft ground in the Dewhurst when the race in 2019. Mohaather was a six-furlong horse week. Promoter Eddie Hearn, sceptical about it all. "Like be- ple and very rich countries. last seen, Tregoning is looking dressed up as a miler, and his speed helped. who represents unified champi- fore, I've been told there's quite (Sky Sport) WEDNESDAY . APRIL 14 .2021 - Hamal 25, 1400 HS Vol:XV Issue No:216 Price: Afs.20

They are also expected to discuss the Iran nuclear accord and the Russian military build- up along the border of Ukraine.

AT News illegitimate and that the Taliban to make peace with the govern- KABUL: The religious scholars ment of Afghanistan as soon as in Indonesia condemned the on- possible and put an end to the going war in Afghanistan as ty- ongoing violence. Taliban an- rannical, calling for immediate end nounced Monday that they in violence in the war-hit coun- would not participate in the try. According to ministry of for- Turkey meeting on Afghanistan eign affairs, the Indonesian cler- planned to be held this week. ics have condemned the war in The group’s political spokes- Afghanistan as “illegitimate and man Mohammad Naeem said tyrannical”. They have declared that their leadership was still United States Secretary of State that violence in Afghanistan was assessing the... Antony Blinken and NATO Sec- retary-General Jens Stoltenberg Security personnel inspect the site of a bomb discussed the Russian military attack in Kabul, Afghanistan (Picture Credits: AP) buildup near Ukraine and other issues on Monday before the top US diplomat’s trip to Brussels this week. Blinken and Stolten- berg discussed “the immediate AT News ministry of interior on Tuesday. tacks of the Taliban insurgents. year. Mr. Arian also said that the need for Russia to cease its ag- Mr. Tariq Arian said that According to the ministry’s Taliban had not fulfilled any of gressive military buildup along KABUL: More than 60 civilians other 164 civilians, including statistics, the level of civilian ca- their commitments to reduce vio- Ukraine’s borders and in occupied were killed in the past three weeks women and children received in- sualties in the first three weeks of lence rather had continued to kill Crimea” as well as prospects for of violence conducted by the Tal- juries in the same period of time the current solar year has increased civilians and destroy public facil- advancing peace in Afghanistan, iban, said a spokesman for the due to mine explosions and at- compared to the same time last ities. According... the US State Department said in a statement. Blinken is set to head to the Belgian capital for the sec- ond time in weeks to consult with NATO allies as a deadline looms for a US troop withdrawal from AT News aiming to support the Republic Afghanistan. Blinken will start System and the Afghan Securi- talks Tuesday in Brussels and be ABUL: Thousands of ty Forces as well as the achieve- joined by the defence secretary, residents of eastern ments of the last 20 years. The Lloyd Austin, on Wednesday. Nangarhar province in rally was attended by senior Blinken is expected to discuss a rally called on the Af- government officials and some intensifying European Union- ghan warring sides to agree on a members of the parliament. A backed diplomacy on reviving the Iran nuclear accord and rising ten- AT News ceasefire during the holy month member of the parliament, Ab- AT News of Ramadan. The rally was dul Rauf Shpoon urged the peo- sions with Russia as it builds up staged in Shirzai stadium of pro- ple to support the system and its military near Ukraine. How- KABUL: Officials in the Kohm- ever, the... ard district of Bamyan province vincial capital city, Jalalabad, don’t allow ... say that women are not allowed to go to medical facilities with- out male companions. In a letter sent from district governor to the medical facilities and drugstores, they are warned not to treat women patients without men companions. The independent human rights commission office in Bamyan reacted to the deci- sion calling it against the Consti- KABUL: Former National Secu- tution and human rights princi- rity Advisor, Rangin Dadfar ples. The commission has called Spanta expressed concerns on on the provincial governor to as- The Taliban will not attend a the Afghan peace process, term- sess the matter. Officials in Bam- “The administration in Bamyan decision based on the law,” Latif meeting on the Afghan peace pro- ing it complex and ambiguous. yan promised to meet the issue. ordered the relevant to evaluate the Azimi, ... cess in Turkey if it took place He said that the Istanbul confer- this week, the armed group’s ence and next phases of the peace spokesman said. Turkey is host- negotiations is very much com- ing a crucial meeting this month plex and he has no clear views on to be attended by the United it. Spanta vowed that the politi- Nations and Qatar as part of a cal movements within the Re- United States-backed push to see public System should not under- a peace agreement between Af- mine the peace process. ”Like it ghanistan’s warring sides fina- is not the Afghan war, the same lised. Diplomats and officials it is not the Afghan peace pro- briefed on the matter said it was AT News General appreciated the role of cess, ‘’ he said, adding that the a useful and constructive phone call AT News planned to take place over 10 Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government Afghans are not determining the AT Monitoring Desk with US Secretary of State Ant- days from April 16, though the PESHAWAR: Afghan Counsel- on this occasion and hoped that content of the peace process. ony Blinken. Discussed bilateral KABUL: Three members of the date had not been finalised or of- lor General, Mr. Najibullah Ah- the institute would continue to This comes as the Afghan gov- KABUL: Turkish Foreign Min- issues on our agenda, Afghanistan Afghan security force were killed ficially announced. “We can’t madzai had inaugurated a Sepa- provide maximum facilities to the ernment is getting ready to par- ister Mevlut Cavusoglu and US peace process, Istanbul Conference by the Taliban in Zibak district take part in Turkey’s conference rate Counter at Peshawar Insti- Afghan patients. He further stat- ticipate in the upcoming Istan- Secretary of State Antony to be held in this regard, Syria and of northern Badakhshan province on 16 April as discussions on at- tute of Cardiology to facilitate ed that Afghan patients visit Pe- bul conference. The meeting is Blinken discussed the Afghan the Middle East,” Cavusoglu said on the first day of Ramadan, the tending the conference are under Afghan patients so that they shawar in great number to benefit expected to be held on April 16. peace process and a number of on Twitter. The Afghan government holy month of the Muslims, lo- way,” Taliban spokesman Mo- could get better treatment with- from the established state of the But the former .... other issues in a phone call. “Had announced... cal sources... hammed... out any delay. The Counsellor art hospital...