Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:160 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes MONDAY. JANUARY 09. 2017 -Jadi 20, 1395 HS

Afghanistan signs $205m Haqqani Network road construction project commanders killed in Nangarhar with a Chinese firm AT News Report A major road construction was offered two years after the project was signed with a Chinese contract was cancelled due higher firm in the presence of Moham- prices offered by the previous bid- mad Ashraf Ghani this evening. ders. The project road project, According to Minister Baligh, Dara-e-Suf to Yakawlang, was the award of the project to the awarded to a Chinese firm after its Chinese firm helps reduce the con- bid of $204.9 million was ap- struction cost by almost $50 mil- proved by the government and was lion as compared to the previous signed by Public Works Minister bids. Mahmood Baligh. In his part, the Director of the The signing ceremony was also Asian Development Bank in Af- attended by the head of the Asian ghanistan, Thomas Panella, said the Development Bank and some oth- contract will play a vital role in er high level government officials developing the economy of the in ARG Palace. country by helping the internal Minister Baligh said the con- transport in Afghanistan. KABUL: Two senior leaders of tract was awarded to the Chinese The head of the Chinese con- the deadly Haqqani network were firm after it completed all the stand struction firm promised continued killed and two other members ar- norms and conditions for the support to Afghanistan and the rested in a security forces’ opera- project by offering the lowest price award of the contract to their com- tion in eastern Nangarhar province, of $204.9 million. pany is the first step to partici- ministry of interior said Sunday. By Farhad Naibkhel He said the Chinese firm along pate in the reconstruction of the In a statement, the ministry with a Turkish company had par- country. said the operations were lunched ticipated in the latest tender which (KP) in Nasafi village of the Lalpur dis- KABUL: Ministry of Refugee and trict late Saturday. Repatriation (MoRR) on Sunday “The killed terrorists were said that 210,000 internally dis- identified as Omran Khan and Sha- placed people (IDPs) and return- heen who were originally hailing ees are the most vulnerable and from Pakistan,” the statement said. need urgent assistance during win- It added that the two com- ter across the country. manders were playing key roles in “As many as 210,000 internal organizing terrorist attacks, spe- displaced and returnee families are cifically coordinated suicide at- the most vulnerable people, who tacks in the province. need to urgent and serious helps The statement noted two ar- during winter across the country,” rested militants were identified as said deputy minister Fazel Ahmad Sarbuland and Zia-ur-Rehman. Azimi. “Eleven hand grenades along He said that till date 63 mil- with some weapons were seized lion Afs were allocated to help the from the terrorist.” mentioned families. However, the Afghan Taliban, He said that national and in- to which the Haqqani network is ternational teams started survey to TALIBAN FACTIONS CLASH IN WEST linked, has not confirmed the com- help the mentioned families. mander’s killing. “Over one million Afghans OFAFGHANISTAN LEAVING 10 DEAD American officials link the have returned from Pakistan and high-profile attacks in Afghanistan Iran as well as 24,661 returned At least ten Taliban insurgents were killed in the latest infighting among the Taliban factions in western on the powerful Haqqani network, from European countries this Farah province of Afghanistan. According to the local officials, the latest infighting was ignited following which is mainly sheltered in Paki- year,” Azimi added. a roadside bomb explosion that left several militants dead. stani tribal areas. Meanwhile, the state minister The officials further added that the incident took place in Bakwa district after a landmine planted by for disaster managements Wais Taliban group targeted the other rival group as they were on their way from Helmand to Farah. Ahmad Barmak said that “totally District administrative chief Ghawsuddin confirmed the incident and said the latest infighting took 163,371 families have been dis- place between the supporters of Mullah Rasool and Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada. 6 insurgents US remains committed to placed due to conflicts and natural He said it is yet not clear the supporters of which group was targeted in the blast but confirmed that disasters in 11 provinces.” both the explosion and infighting left at least 10 Taliban insurgents dead. The Taliban militants group has killed, 4 Afghanistan, says diplomat He said that 108,563 families not commented regarding the report so far. This is not the first time infighting takes place among the main returned back after situation im- Taliban and dissident group supporters in Afghanistan. Several deadly clashes have taken place across the wounded in proved in their residential areas, country, specifically in western provinces following the death of Taliban found and supreme leader Mullah Mohammad Omar. The clashes normally take place due to differences among the Taliban group but still 54,808 families living as leaders over the appointment of supreme leader. (KP) IDPs in 11 provinces. Farah roadside Barmak claimed that his min- istry with the cooperation of some bombing KABUL: The United States has going to leave the White House, other relevant organs helped Gunmen open FARAH CITY: Six Taliban mili- 137,820 families throughout the Finance Minister reaffirmed its continued commit- the visit of a senior US diplomat tants have been killed and four oth- ment to Afghanistan, saying the to Kabul was of great importance. country. ers wounded in a roadside bomb- Also a survey is going on over fire on cricketer change of leadership would not He expressed his appreciation ing in the Bakwa district of west- affect the bilateral partnership. and our gratitude to the govern- 25,551 IDPs families to be assist- discusses fiscal year ern Farah province, police said on ed by the State Ministry for Di- Shapoor Zadran President-elect Donald Trump ment and people of Afghanistan Sunday. is due to take office end on Janu- for the “tremendous cooperation saster Managements (SMDM), he The provincial police spokes- noted. ary 20, replacing Barack Obama, and partnership that we have been in Kabul budgetswithlawmakers man, Iqbal Bahir, told Pajhwok who set repeated timelines for end- able to build over eight years of He highlighted that 1,504 peo- Afghan News the predawn explo- ple were martyred and 2,601 oth- AT News Report ing the conflict in Afghanistan but this administration”. sion took place in the Porza area the insurgency persisted. He added: “The tremendous ers were wounded as well this KABUL: Finance Minister, Eklil tion according to the law,” Hakimi of the district at around 4am. There are concerns among cer- possibility and opportunity that year. Hakimi accompanied by Ghulam was quoted by the statement, as According to him, the bomb tain quarters that the level of US exists as we look into the future “Over 270 million Afs were Nabi Farahi, State Minister for saying. ripped through a Land Cruiser car- engagement in Afghanistan may will become apparent in how we distributed to martyred and Parliamentary Affairs, attended the The fiscal year budget to be rying the rebels from Gulistan dis- drop under Trump’s presidency. engage in Afghanistan. And so, I wounded families by the govern- Unknown gunmen have opened budget and financial commission finalized soon and would be pre- trict to Bakwa, killing six of them “Quite the contrary, it (US can assure you that our purpose ment at the current years,” he as- fire on Afghan cricketer Shapoor of Lower House (Welosi Jirga) to sented to the Welosi Jirga, the and wounding four others. commitment) will only deepen -- and intention here is enduring; it is serted. Zadran in capital Kabul. give information regarding budget statement added. He claimed the militants them- and that the strategic importance sustainable.” Government had allocated over According to reports, the inci- for fiscal year 1396 (solar year) The Finance Minister asked selves had placed the bomb. of this relationship is evident to The Afghan-US partnership one billion Afs in order to help dent took place late on Saturday and also to hear the lawmakers the lawmakers to approve the fis- The Taliban have so far said all,” Undersecretary of State Tho- was important, he reiterated. “We people urgently during disaster in night in the vicinity of Bagrami area suggestions. cal year budget based on the law nothing about the explosion and mas Shannon said late on Satur- share important bonds of friend- the country, he mentioned. of Kabul. Reports indicate Zadran “In this commission that a that all budget related projects im- casualties. The group claimed there day. ship and together we are going to He stated that also government has managed to escape the attack number of different commission plemented on time, the statement was no dispute among Taliban in Speaking at the Ministry of find ways to improve the lives of has allocated 122 million Afs for unhurt after receiving several bul- representatives were present, furthered. Bakwa district. Foreign Affairs here, Ambassador all of our citizens. winter program, where 2-5 million lets in his vehicle. Zadran was re- Minister of Finance gave detailed This is worth mentioning that (Pajhwok) Shannon said that as Obama was (Pajhwok) afs categorically has been allocat- portedly going towards his house information regarding 1396 (solar the Wolesi Jirga of the parliament ed to different provinces to help together with his brother when year) budget preparation, notion- recently rejected the draft of the people during disaster. they came under attack by un- al and provincial projects imple- next Afghan year’s budget in the Pointing to destroyed institu- known gunmen who have managed mentation, budget balance, people general session. 4 INSURGENTS KILLED, WOULD-BE tions during conflict, he said that to flee the area. Sources close to needs in the provinces within con- The lawmakers rejected the at cost of around 1.6 billion afs Zadran area saying that this is not sidering priorities and government budget citing lack of balance, jus- SUICIDE BOMBERARRESTED possibilities,” the Finance Minis- tice and fairness in the allocation welfare institution has been de- the first time unknown gunmen KABUL: Four Taliban militants, including two notorious commanders of the Haqqani network, have been stroyed during conflict in 11 prov- have carried out failed attack on try said in a statement issued on of the budget. Head of parliamen- killed in and a would-be suicide bomber detained, the government said on Sunday. A statement from the inces. him. No group or individual has so Sunday. tary commission for financial and Ministry of Interior (MoI) said special police forces conducted an operation in the Lalpura district of Ministry of Finance pledged far claimed responsibility behind “The fiscal year of 1396 bud- budgetary affairs, Amir Khan Yar Nangarhar province, killing four insurgents including two Haqqani-network commanders Imran Khan and to provide 30-40 percent of bud- the incident. The Afghanistan get is formulated based on the peo- said at the time that the lawmak- Shahin. It added the two others Haqqani network members named Ziaurahman and Sarbilan were arrested cricket board has not reacted to- ple’s priorities, current limitations ers were not convinced with the and four weapons and a rocket seized during the overnight operation. Separately, a would-be suicide get for reconstruction of welfare bomber was arrested by the National directorate of security (NDS) personnel in the Orgun district of projects in coming year, he under- wards the report and attack on and financial facilities. We will in- increment of precautionary codes Zadran so far. KP sert your comments and sugges- in the draft budget. Paktika province on Saturday. The spy service said the suicide attacker fled the area but left behind his lined. explosive vest. The intelligence agents chased and nabbed him. (Pajhwok) MONDAY. JANUARY 09, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Afghanistan's militias: The enemy within? KABUL — It has been over 15 is nothing to worry about,” Sediq years since U.S.-led international Sediqqi, a spokesperson for the troops arrived in Afghanistan. To- Ministry of Interior, assures. day, beauty salons fill the streets Yet the longstanding threat to of Kabul and Indian music plays Afghanistan from powerful and loudly during traffic jams. Yet the independent armed forces seems news from the provinces is dis- to draw closer every day. Militia tressing. Afghan security forces members traditionally had little are currently engaged in active bat- adherence to long-established tle across at least 26 of the coun- norms of conduct in war, and had try’s 34 provinces. Occasional at- often been the cause of the state tacks interrupt the normal daily collapse, as during Dr. Najibullah’s routine of the chaotic capital, once time in the 1990s. When a com- the center of the secular Afghan mon enemy was present, as dur- aristocracy, now an architectural ing the Soviet invasion, the muja- landmark of the war business. hedeen were united against it. As Just a few kilometers outside soon as the Soviets withdrew, the the concrete maze of Kabul, the different armed groups and parties state has little control. “This is a rose against each other, subjecting no-law land: we do what we the country to a bloodbath. please, and we ensure that our “History is gone; we look friends are safe,” says a local re- ahead now,” Sediqqi says with con- gional commander, a former muja- fidence. But with fragile gover- hedeen, now head of a militia who nance, as in the case in Afghani- ensure his American contractor stan under the National Unity partners can move safely through Government, sharing the state the area. monopoly on the legitimate use of Afghanistan, despite the dis- physical force is cause for skepti- armament program run by the cism. Indeed, last year the Minis- United Nations, is still run and reg- try of Interior implemented a se- ulated by local commanders, which ries of new guidelines, aiming to have given part of their arms to control and regulate the armed the government, but kept a con- groups engaged in battles against spicuous amount for themselves. the insurgents. However, with “A militia commander registered many state leaders operating, ei- with the government will tell you ther officially or unofficially, as that they have four weapons with leaders of these groups, it is be- him, but he is actually carrying 200 coming increasingly difficult for weapons and he has 200 men,” observers to define the line be- explains Juma Hamdard, former tween regular and irregular pro- governor and a senior commander governmental forces. of Hizb-e Islami, and the current “Many commanders encour- security adviser of President age local uprisings against Taliban. Ashraf Ghani. What they are really looking for, Enjoying this article? Click however, is to increase personal here to subscribe for full access. power,” comments Ramatullah, Just $5 a month. former leader in the famous Andar He himself is largely consid- district uprising against the Tali- ered a strongman of Balkh, the ban, in Ghazni province. In 2011 northern province which has long he became famous as a Taliban been under the control of the pow- commander who switched sides erful provincial governor Atta and stood up against the group. Mohammad Noor, one of the key “Every group that rises up leaders of the Jamiat-e-Islami par- against the government began in ty. According to Hamdard, today one way and ended up in anoth- the militias are the main factor be- er,” he says, recalling the motiva- hind the discontentment of the lo- tions behind his choice. “The Tal- cal population, and one of the rea- iban, as any other groups lost their son why the Taliban are instead morality along the way.” He ac- gaining terrain. “The brutality car- cuses the Taliban of subjecting the ried by these groups is worse than civilian population to looting, ran- that of the Soviet Union-support- dom arrests, and brutality. ed militia in the past,” he explains. According to him, the Andar “They do not belong to anybody, uprising was never backed up by just to single individuals pursuing the government or by the interna- his own self-interest, not the se- tional forces — a deliberate choice. As one of Afghanistan’s contem- counting for more than 12 per- said. "There is a limited under- countries where pornography is need to connect with her classmates curity of the country.” “I cannot accept the conditions of porary female pop stars Aryana cent—of total government reve- standing of the problems, so much allowed,” he elaborates. who participate from all over the The militia phenomenon is not the government. They want you Sayeed, is used to getting misogy- nues. Consequently, internet us- that in the past they have crimina- Also, there isn’t any special world. Now for four days a week, new to Afghanistan. For centuries, to wear a uniform and all these oth- nist comments for her work, her ers have grown from a mere lised ‘white hat’ ethical hackers clause addressing issues related to Freshta logs on to the internet for rulers and occupying powers in the er kinds of measures,” Ramatullah music, and even her appearance. 300,000 in 2006 to over 4 million who tried to help them secure their vulnerable communities, including three hours a day to attend her country followed a hybrid military explains. “But that is not the solu- After all, her songs, her perfor- in 2016. networks, forcing them to either women, who remain dispropor- online classes in Persian literature. model, using a centralized army as tion. We should be like the Tali- mances, and her very existence are The Afghan Cyber Security go underground or flee the coun- tionately vulnerable online to ha- The rest of the week she works on well as the support of the local ban, without uniforms. If we have intentionally designed to make the Bill, prepared by the Afghan Min- try." rassment, privacy threats and even her assignments and reading course tribes to defeat external and inter- an open relationship with the gov- many thousands of Afghan men istry of Communication, Informa- This is evident in conversa- identity thefts that could result in materials and exchanging notes nal threats and to maintain territo- ernment, the Taliban can use the who hold on dearly to patriarchal tion and Technology (MCIT), lays tions with local police officials, dire consequences for them. with her classmates. There is little rial control. “Afghans know how fatwa [against us, saying] that the values uncomfortable. down definitions of cybercrime and who use the internet in their per- “Those are matters of policy and left for anyone to object, and after to fight to protect their villages,” government is not Muslim, just a She often ignores the many procedures to tackle them within sonal lives, but have little under- will be addressed separately,” the initial few days, their family local commanders repeat as a man- puppet of the foreign govern- unbecoming remarks threats issued the purview of the existing crimi- standing of a user’s rights and pro- Marjan said. “The law is general has come to see that an online de- tra. Whoever attempted to force a ments. However, they cannot use by extremists and insurgent nal law. The law also proposes that tection on the internet. For in- and will equally protect everyone, gree wouldn’t be too bad after all. more centralized military system, that against me or the other peo- groups, most of which are deliv- there needs to be a separate court stance, one of the men who com- regardless of who they are.” “The thing to understand here such as King Amanullah Khan in ple of the uprising. We are respect- ered from behind the anonymity to deliberate on cybercrimes, asks mented on the post calling for Ary- Afghan users are concerned is that for my sister, the use of the the 1920s, failed and was violent- ed Muslims in our area, and the provided by social media. But then for an office under the Attorney ana’s execution was a law official. about the bureaucratic behemoth internet wasn’t given to her as a ly removed by those very same Taliban cannot use their fatwa there are those that are more diffi- General for matters of cyber of- “This NDS commander ad- that could potentially be unleashed right, but a privilege granted to her,” groups. To Afghan ruling forces against us.” cult to ignore, such as a bounty fences, and someone trained spe- vised the man who issued the threat could cause more damage, rather Elham said. “It could just as well throughout history, sooner or lat- Whereas in almost every vil- announced by an Afghan social cifically to handle these cases. to be careful about posts online than empower, especially for vul- be taken away from her if she fac- er these sub-state armies were re- lage there are men ready to take up media user on Facebook offering At face value, the law is rather for the sake of his own security. nerable groups in Afghanistan. es any threats while she is online. vealed to be a double-edged sword. arms against what they consider a 50,000 AFN (about $750) for the impressive, borrowing from and He did not seem to think that there “The law is supposed to create an And this could also discourage her The fall of Kunduz in October threat to their survival, many of death of Aryana. adopting best practices from was anything wrong in the threat environment of safety by creating from complaining about it,” he said, 2015 is an example. The looting, them also carry a profound mis- “What’s appalling is that not around the world. But a detailed itself,” Hasib said. systems that demand accountabil- adding that law needs to be such raping, and other sorts of violence trust against the government and only is his post and profile both peek into the document reveals an Poor implementation could ity for every action. I don’t see that it becomes a deterrent to of- conducted during the first days of their armed forces, such as the Af- public, he makes no effort to hide overtly ambitious plan, the imple- actually create newer hurdles and that happening with the way fenders. the Taliban siege of the city were ghan Local Police. Often, the local his identity and there is no fear of mentation of which would require possible misuse of the law. Ham- things are currently run,” said El- Hamdard agreed. “For any law also carried by the local pro-gov- police officer themselves are con- the law,” said Hasib Sayed, Arya- logistical and procedural systems dard expressed concern over a par- ham, a young Afghan entrepreneur, to work, there first needs to be a ernmental militias during their run sidered enemies, accused of fo- na’s manager. that do not yet exist in Afghani- ticular Article 11 that allows who did not want to use his real general acceptance of the rule of from the Taliban advances. “Re- menting ethnic division and pur- While Aryana has approached stan. MCIT’s technical officials the po- name. law, which is scarce in Afghani- peatedly I had warned the central suing personal vendettas under the the National Directorate of Secu- “They [the government] are licing authority to seize equip- "The thing to understand here stan,” he said. “If there are still government and General Campbell guise of defeating terrorism. rity (NDS), Afghanistan’s prima- counting on too many non-existent ment, peripherals, and material in is that for my sister, the use of the elements that can exert influence [the former commander of the In- The Ministry of Interior ry intelligence agency, to help her state actors to bring it to reality,” cases of cybercrime. internet wasn’t given to her as a and threaten the public security in ternational Security Assistance claims to have regular meetings and track the threat, there are no mech- said, Javid Hamdard, an Afghan IT “This isn’t constitutional to right" the real world, a law to protect Force] about the risk of having an open dialogue with all the com- anisms in place in Afghanistan for expert and Consultant. Hamdard, bestow ministry officials the au- The internet came to the res- someone online can only offer a 4,000 armed militias fighting on the munity forces who share the same the millions of other users to re- who has in the past worked exten- thority to make legal and criminal cue for Elham’s 18-year-old sis- semblance of safety." frontline against the Taliban, with interests as the government and port cybercrimes. However, that sively with the MCIT and the IT judgments and take relevant ac- ter, Freshta (name changed to pro- For now, the bill is still under only 3,000 police officers,” ex- have taken up the responsibility is about to change soon with a new private sector in Afghanistan, is tions, a role that is assigned for tect her identity) when their con- consideration of the Supreme plains former Kunduz governor of providing protection to civil- cybersecurity bill currently under skeptical of the practicality of the law enforcement agencies,” he servative parents were reluctant to Court and is expected to go to the Omar Safi. “Militias can be sold, ians. But the accountability and consideration by the Afghan gov- bill. “It is assumed that once ap- said. “Additionally, the MCIT also allow her to continue her educa- parliament in February. they can deal their surrender and legitimacy of the irregular armed ernment. proved, the required entities will does not have jurisdiction over tion. It is fairly uncommon for With that timeline, the bill as- sell arms directly to the Taliban,” groups remains difficult to moni- “What’s appalling is that not act accordingly and have the ca- content; that’s the job of the Min- most women in the region to pur- pires to train technical officials, the he adds. tor. International organizations only is his post and profile both pacity to do what is needed,” he istry of Culture and Information sue higher education, where gen- attorney general’s office, and law However, with the insurgent such as Human Rights Watch have public, he makes no effort to hide said, pointing to the failure of the (MoIC). And yet a lot of the cy- der roles dictate a life of early mar- enforcement agencies to recognize forces advancing from the south, largely denounced and reported on his identity and there is no fear of electronic ID-Card program that ber law drafted by them regulates riage and motherhood. In fact, none cases that fall under this law. north and east of Afghanistan, the abuses and ethnic violence against the law.” was entrusted to the Ministry of content online." of Elham’s four sisters had stud- While there is a general agree- central government has little choice civilians conducted by different As a country reeling from de- Interior (MoI) but never saw the The law, in fact, attempts to ied beyond high school, and that ment—even among critics like but to rely on the support of these types of armed groups, including cades of war, Afghanistan wit- light of day owing to a number of be very culturally relevant and re- Freshta aspired to was previously Hamdard—that the new law could questionable entities. Training a those supported by the govern- nessed an exponential growth in issues, ranging from lack of tech- ligiously compliant to Islamic val- unheard of. Despite much cajol- be relatively sufficient in its cur- functional national army requires ment. In many districts and prov- the technology sector, primarily nical expertise and social and po- ues. “Activities that harm social ing, Elham couldn’t convince his rent form, concerns over its im- huge resource and time. Since 2007, inces, including Kunduz and Par- driven by user demand. Since the litical hurdles. fabric and are not allowed by reli- family to let Freshta go to univer- plementation remain firmly root- when the Taliban began to regain wan, part of the population has fall of the Taliban government in In fact, just in the last three gion are prohibited in the law in- sity, so he did the next best thing— ed among stakeholders in Afghan- terrain, the Afghan government has even welcomed the Taliban because 2001, following the US invasion, months, several Afghan govern- cluding gambling, pornography, and enrolled her for an online degree. istan, who, by experience, have needed quick mobilization to re- they are tired of these kind of abus- the number of Afghan users con- ment websites and social media dating,” Marjan informs. “For in- He bought her a laptop and learned to be cautious of the con- spond to these rising hostile forc- es. nected to the internet has risen sig- pages have come under cyber-at- stance, there is a clause against all smartphone with an internet con- temporary legal systems in the es. It was few years later, with the Many of the remote areas and nificantly, and continues to rise tack, some even believed to be con- forms of pornography not just nection and helped set up social country. suggestions and support of the districts in the country have seen despite renewed conflict in the re- ducted by increasingly tech-sav- child pornography—unlike other media accounts that she would (Motherboard) Americans and just a few reluc- little of the massive investment gion. According to USAID, the lat- vy insurgent groups. It also means tant voices, that the program to made by the international commu- est data available indicates that that Afghan web is relatively free, establish local armed forces as a nity, and Afghanistan still remains there are around 20 million mobile owing to the lack of technical ca- counterinsurgency measure was a rural and extremely fragile coun- users and about 3 million internet pacity needed to regulate it, which institutionalized. try. The fight for dignity is still users in Afghanistan. also means that insurgent groups The creation of the Afghan left to arms and, often, self defense. As empowering as the inter- and elements frequently exploit it Local Police force, active today in “We cannot repent corruption net has been, especially for the as a tool of propaganda. 117 districts, according to the Min- by approving corruption, or re- average Afghan woman, it has come In its defense, the MCIT is istry of Interior, is still now a de- move brutality by implementing with its share of drawbacks—on- working on setting up a Cyber batable issue in Afghanistan, with brutality,” comments Hamdard, line harassment and privacy viola- Emergency Response Team many observers arguing that it has President Ghani’s security advis- tions among many others, some (CERT) with a substantial budget brought more instability than se- er. “If local police are corrupt that more unique to the region than oth- and in consultation with several curity. The Afghan intelligence does not justify [us] to create mi- ers. international counterparts, includ- forces are also in direct contact with litias who simply can not be gov- “We have more knowledge and ing US government security agen- other forms of local defense forc- erned or controlled.” understanding of IT now along cies. It will aim to build a forensics es, such as the Public Uprising or Although the struggle against with institutions that support on- laboratory within the MCIT and independent militias. In Achin Dis- forces threatening state legitimacy line activity for Afghans,” said train officials to conduct investi- trict, Nangarhar province, the lo- is real, the question remains wheth- Aimal Marjan, deputy minister for gation into alleged crimes. “We will cal men loyal to Haji Zahir Qadir, er there is also an internal enemy, communication and IT, explaining also provide support to the MoI, the deputy speaker of parliament currently fighting alongside the why the bill took this long to be NDS and other defense agencies and a prominent figure in the re- governmental forces, that threat- drafted. “Had we pursued this sev- when needed,” Marjan said. gion, have fought on the frontlines ens Afghanistan’s stability in a en years ago, it would have had Hamdard is not convinced that against the Islamic State. Their stronger sense. little real world application." either of the agencies tasked with military operations have become In many parts of the country, Indeed, the telecom sector has this responsibility are capable of famous as much for being brutal as such armed groups have been ef- substantially grown over the last dealing with investigations into effective, but little is know about fective in containing the insurgen- decade to become one of the larg- cybercrime. what their role in the area will be cy. But true security, which means est revenue generating sectors in “The technical gap and imbal- once the Islamic State is no longer the well-being of the population, Afghanistan with annual average ance among various Afghan gov- a threat. is still a long way off. revenue of $139.6 million— ac- ernment entities is massive," he “Zahir is a man of state, there (The Diplomat) MONDAY. JANUARY 09, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Fuel, sugar prices edge down in Kabul KABUL: The prices of petrol, die- sel and sugar edged down while the rate of Arabian gold soared in the capital Kabul this week, market sources said on Saturday. Abdul Hadi, a Wazirabad fill- ing station worker, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the price of a liter of diesel fell from 42 afghanis to 41afs and the same quantity of petrol from 45afss to 44afs. The prices of liquefied gas and firewood stayed stable. Ahmad Sayar, a gas seller in Taimani neigh- bourhood, said the price of a kilo- EMERGENCY gram of the commodity stood at 50afs, the same price as last week’s. CALLS Syed Islam, a firewood seller in Charahi Shahid Square, told Pa- KHOST CITY: A widow from sewing machines on streets. He Police jhwok Afghan News the price of southern Khost province, living in also has an eight-member family per 560 kilograms of peeled oak a patched tent with her eight chil- to support and cannot help us,” remained unchanged at 6,400afs dren, has sought assistance from the woman adds. 100 - 119 and the price of the same quantity the government and humanitarian Gula is faced with lack of food of cedar at 6,200afs. organisations. items and other basic necessities. In food items, the price of only Sherin Gula is living along with “My children polish shoes in the Hospitals sugar dipped during the outgoing her children in Azadi Mena area, city, earning 50 to 100 afghanis week. Food Traders Union head, on the outskirts of Khost City, in daily, which cannot meet our FMIC Hospital Fazal Rahman, said the price of a miserable conditions. She has a tat- needs,” Behind Kabul Medical 49-kg kilograms of sugar decreased tered blanket to wrap her children She is left with no option but University: from 2,400afs to 2,300afs. A 49kg in. to beg and collect flour, oil and fire- sack of Kazakh flour cost 1,150afs, With no firewood to heat up wood from other houses in the 0202500200-+93793275595 16 litres of Khurshid ghee 1,100afs her tent, Gula said her children neighbourhood. She asked the gov- and 24.5kg bag of Pakistani rice stepped out of the makeshift abode ernment and charities for help, but Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital 1,550afs, the same prices as last early in the morning to bask in the in vain. Mohammad Zaman Naz- week’s. Haji Rahmatullah a tea mer- sun. “I cover them all with the sin- ari, a civil society activist, asked Pule Bagh-e- Umomi chant said a kilogram of Madina gle blanket we have.” well-off people, the government 070263672 green tea cost 240afs and the same She collects paper pieces that and charities, particularly the Af- amount of African black tea are burnt inside the tent. Her son- ghan Red Crescent Society 260afs. But a retailer in the Taim- in-law is also living with his chil- (ARCS), to help the poor. Khairkhana Hospital ani area of Kabul, Ahmad Sharif, dren in another dark corner in sim- “Wealthy people should help them sold a 49kg bag of Kazakh flour ilar plight. in this chilly winter; the rich can 0799-321007 for 1,300afs, a 59-kg sack of sugar The compound owner dies not offer them jobs,” he suggested, say- 2401352 for 2,470afs and a 24.5-kg bag of take rent from them. Gula’s hus- ing the under-resourced individu- rice for 1.700afs. He sold a 16-li- band and elder son died years ago. als deserved compassion. Khost tre tin of Khurshid ghee for Now she is living with her four governor’s spokesman, Mubarez Indira Gandhi Children 1,170afs, a kilo of Madina green daughters and as many sons, all of Mohammad Zadran, said a survey tea for 280afs and the same quan- them too small to work. of the needy people by ARCS and Hospital, Wazir Akbar tity of African black tea for 300afs -- higher than wholesale prices. “My son-in-law is living in the refugees affairs department Khan, Kabul 2301372 that small old room. He repairs was underway. (Pajhwok) Ibn-e- Seena Proliferation of th Pul-e-Artan, Kabul Afghan authors lauded in 9 Jalal 2100359 gunmen leaves Wazir Akbar Khan Al-e-Ahmad LiteraryAward Hospital AT News Report 2301741, 2301743 Takharis on the edge e-Noqra’ (silver city filmmaker) TALOQAN: The number of irre- are worried about the deteriorat- written by Asef Sultanzada, sponsible gunmen has been on the ing security situation and the in- ‘Gorg Haye Dawandar’ of Ah- Ali Abad rise in northern Takhar province, creased number of gunmen.” mad Zia Siamak Herawi, ‘Res- causing a variety of social and se- A civil society leader, Munir man-e-Sheni’ (sandy rope) writ- Shahrara, Kabul curity problems, officials and res- Ahmad Hadaf, urged the govern- ten by Khosraw Mani, ‘Nashad 2100439 idents say. ment to take serious steps to pre- Siasar’ (Unhappy woman) writ- Governor Mohammad Yasin vent the illegal men’s activities at ten by Mohammad Hussain Zia confirmed to Pajhwok Afghan the earliest possible. Mohammadi were the especial Malalai Maternity News, that the number of willful “There are hundreds of illegal roman nominees from Afghani- Hospital gunmen had been on the increase armed groups in the Taloqan, ha- stan. in the province. The armed men rassing people and committing The book ‘Ba waqt-e- 2201377/ 2301743 are divided into three categories. murder. But the government Bukhara’ (At the time of Bukha- “The first category is within couldn’t do anything, showing its ra) written by Wasima Badghisi, the government structure that does weakness.” ‘Bodyguard’ written by Habib Banks unlawful things; the second group An inhabitant of the Nahr-i- Sadiqi, “Khorosan Bagh-e-Ba- is Afghan Local Police (ALP) Chaman neighbourhood of Talo- bor” (Bagh-e-Babor Cocks) writ- Da Afghanistan Bank backed by government officials. qan, Samiullah, said that even ten by Hussain Fakhri, “Kabul 2100302, 2100303 The third category includes out- though there was no insurgent Jai-e-Adam nest” (Kabul is not laws.” group in their area, they feared the KABUL: The novels of four Af- of Afghan authors’ union and a tam’ (I walked around the castle) place for human) written by Zia admitted the increasing armed men and could not venture ghan writers were picked up by number of Farsi writers and po- written by Rahnaward Zaryab and Sayed Ali Musawi was intro- Bakhtar Bank number of gunmen had left people out in broad daylight. the judges of the Jalal Al-e-Ah- ets. ‘Gorg Haye Dawandar’ written by duced as best short tales and 0776777000 worrying. Delegations from the He called the presence of ille- mad Ninth Literary Award Two short tales titled ‘Kabul Ahmad Zia Siamak Herawi were nominees for receiving prizes Presidential Palace and the CEO gal gunmen more dangerous than launched in Tehran, the capital Jai-e-Adam nest’ (Kabul is not selected in the Jalal Al-e-Ahmad from Afghanistan. Azizi Bank Secretariat were also sent to the the Taliban and Daesh. “The num- city of Iran. place for human) written by Sayed Literary Award. Also late Mohammad Akram province to resolve the issue, but ber of gunmen has risen meteori- According to Journalists’ Ali Musawi, ‘Khorosan-e-Bagh-e- Among published romans in Osman, Afghan author and re- 0799 700900 they failed, he said. cally, rendering the government Club, the Jalal Al-e-Ahmad Lit- Babor’ (Cocks of Babor Garden) the past eight years, ‘Chahar searcher was lauded in the Jalal Pashtany Bank “Except for security forces, helpless.” erary Award was attended by Af- written by Hussain Fakhri, and the Gerd-e-Qala Gashtam’ of Rah- Al-e Ahmad Literary Award cer- anybody who carries a gun causes They torture people in front ghan ambassador to Tehran, head roman ‘Chahar Gerd-e-Qala Gash- naward Zaryab, ‘Sinamagar Shahr- emony. 2102908, 2103868 terror and highlights the govern- of police personnel and carry guns ment’s weakness and lack of pub- freely, leaving residents in a state Air Services lic trust in it. This has resulted in of fear and disturbing their day- Afghan Ski 24 NURSES, AS MANY MIDWIVES scaring away investors.” to-day activities, he added Safi Airways Only small-time drug dealers Takhar police chief Brig. Gen. had been arrested over the past two Noor Mohammad Hakimi ac- Team Departs GRADUATE IN NANGARHAR 020 22 22 222 years, he noted. “I am worried knowledged the illegal armed men why no big smuggler has been de- existed in the entire province. Ariana tained so far. Police nab small traf- “Weapons have remained in for South fickers to hoodwink the people.” people’s possession from the ji- 020-2100270 The governor continued he had had era. Some of them help the Korea launched a determined crackdown government but many others cause on the irresponsible armed men. serious issues.” The Afghan ski squad left Kabul Kam Air But he did not go into details. He said checkpoints had been for the South Korean capital Seoul 0799974422 Meanwhile, provincial coun- established to prevent illegal gun- on Sunday where they will pursue cil member Mohammad Hussain men, asking the authorities to help a two week exercises under the Hotels Hanif alleged certain elements in them in disarming the illegal indi- supervision of some technical and the province aided the gunmen. viduals. professional coaches in Korea. Safi Landmark However, he did not name any- About two months back, Meanwhile, skiers represent- one. Deputy Governor Mohammad ing Afghanistan in the national 020-2203131 The irresponsible groups had Farid Zaki had dubbed the illegal team have the coming training in big hand in insecurity, killings and gunmen as a parallel government Korea will help them to partici- SERENA smuggling of narcotics, he charged. by insurgents. “The government’s pate in international ski events with “If the local government is really stance on the is clear, but it has no a better experience and potential. 0799654000 strong, it would have eliminated intention of disarming illegal gun- “The trainings would be quite all armed men. men,” he said. In addition to Ta- supportive to us, because we are “A number of mafia circles are khar, illegal armed men have sur- going to learn new things, I expect New Rumi Restaurant abetting the armed individuals, faced in many provinces, inconve- that our team learn more and more 0776351347 whose number is rising. Residents niencing civilians. (Pajhwok) and achieve titles for our country in the future,” said one of the ski- ers Fariba Ahmadi. Internet Services “Previously we pursued our UA Telecom ski training in Paghman, Panjshir 0796701701 / 0796702702 and Salang areas. But we confronted a lot of hardships, we are happy now to go for training in Korea and Exchange Rate hope that this would help us to learn new things and return to our Purchase: country with some achievement. This will also help us to partici- pate in international competi- One US$ = tions,” said another skier Moham- 66.89Afs mad Sajjad Kargar. The Afghan One Pound Sterling= ski federation established a year ago within the structure of National 86.77Afs Olympic Committee. This is the JALALABAD: Twenty-four Speaking on the occasion, treatment and they would serve One Euro = second time that Afghan skiers nurses and as many midwives Sun- Governor Gulab Mangal said as their own people 74.18Afs travel abroad for professional ski day given away certificates on part of their training, each nurse Provincial women’s affairs training. Tolonews 1000 Pak Rs = completing a two-year training and midwife cost $20000. He head Anisa Imrani also called on 621Afs course in eastern Nangarhar prov- urged families to allow their daugh- the females to encourage people ince. ters to get education and serve their to send their daughters to the health Sale: Public health director Dr. Na- communities. sector. One US$ = jibullah Kamawal said the gradu- More than 636 girls have so ating students had passed entry far graduated from the same insti- One of the graduated females, 67.09 Afs test to qualify for the two-year tute in Nangarhar and nearly 144 Robina from Khewa district, said One Pound Sterling= programme. others are under training. “We learned many things from our 87.57Afs He said the nurses and mid- A member of the provincial teachers during the two years.” She One Euro= wives would discharge duty in re- council, Humira Rafi, said the grad- promised to serve people in her mote districts to help decrease uating nurses and midwives would own district. 74.78 Afs child-mother mortality rate. help people in faraway areas in (Pajhwok) 1000 Pak Rs= 629 MONDAY . JANUARY 09, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES VIOLENT PROTESTS Minorities’ AGAINST vote bank CHINESE 'COLONY' IN reaches SRI LANKA close RAGE ON to 3m ISLAMABAD: The vote bank During a recent visit to China, Sri of religious minorities has wid- Lanka's former president Mahin- ened to reach close to three mil- da Rajapaksa warned that there India's economy may suffer "col- Instead, the country must take lion, with 13 districts in Sindh could be mass public unrest in Sri lateral damage" on account of es- pro-active steps to ensure that it and two in Punjab having signif- Lanka if China was to carry out its calating trade war triggered by the remains on the right side of the up- icant presence of minorities plac- plan to take over the Hambantota US President-elect Donald Trump coming US administration or else ing them in a position to alter deep sea port and create a nearby with Mexico and China and the the impact could be on the Indian the electoral scene in many con- 15,000-acre special economic country must take "pro-active" services exports to the American stituencies. zone. While the former president steps to protect its business inter- firms. According to a document of has not been hesitant to publicly ests, Assocham said in a report. According to the paper, the the Election Commission of Pa- heckle his country’s current admin- Sectors such as information collateral damage for India would kistan available with Dawn, the istration, who unexpectedly oust- technology and select goods ex- not only come from the US but number of minority vote stands ed him in early 2015, he seems to ports by India to the American also from China as well. "With its at 2.99 million — up from 2.77m have been on point here: market may suffer the maximum economy being aggressively export which was the case before the Earlier today, as the ceremoni- impact of the scenario, according driven, particularly in manufactur- 2013 general elections. al first brick of what has now been to the study by the chamber. ing, China would look for alterna- Hindu voters have a domi- dubbed the Southern Industrial "Though China and Mexico are in tive export destinations outside the nating majority among all the Zone was laid in Hambantota, the direct firing line of Donald Trump, US in Europe and Asia. Assocham minority communities with their place erupted in violet protests India needs to watch out and must claimed that in the coming months, number (1.49m) constituting half which left more than ten people build bridges with the upcoming China would double up dumping of the total non-Muslim voters hospitalized and many others in- US administration and assuage the of its goods to countries like India in the country. They are mostly carcerated. concerns about the American jobs," as it gets entangled with the US concentrated in Sindh where their On the eve of the second anni- Assocham said in a status paper over trade barriers. The dumping number comes to over 1.39m. A versary of Sri Lanka’s President on the regime change in the US. from China has been quite severe total of 73,152 Hindu voters live Maithripala Sirisena coming to "Those who thought the in the recent few years in areas like in Punjab, 22,766 in Balochistan, power, a groundbreaking agree- Trump threat to the American steel aggravating the problems of 4,022 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ment was to be finalized with Chi- companies against job outsourcing the Indian industries, it said. Un- 586 in the Federally Adminis- na that would dictate the future of to China and Mexico, particularly der the given circumstances, the In- tered Tribal Areas (Fata) and 188 the the country's southern Ham- in the manufacturing, was only an dian government along with trade in the Islamabad Capital Terri- bantota region for generations. election rhetoric are in for a rude bodies like apex business cham- tory. With over 1.49m voters According to the plan, an 80% shock," it added. The chamber ob- bers, influential think tanks, opin- Hindus top the list share of the Hambantota deep sea served that "Trump's threat to pro- ion leaders and a large diaspora Christians form the second port as well as land for the mas- tect the US interest in an inward must work for an effective lobby- largest non-Muslim voters, to- sive new industrial zone would be looking manner is for real now". ing to explain to the US policy talling 1.32m with over 1m set- ceded to China for the next 99 years It said India should not sit and makers as to how free trade, more watch the trade war among the big so, in services would help both the tled in Punjab followed by in exchange for $1.1 billion in debt 209,083 in Sindh, 29,173 in Is- relief. economies, mainly the US and US and the Indian companies, As- China from the sidelines. socham said. (DNAINDIA) lamabad, 26,814 in KP, 16,279 While Sri Lanka’s Prime Min- in Balochistan and 1,345 in Fata. ister Ranil Wickremesinghe previ- The total number of Ahmadi ously declared this deal to be “a once in a lifetime opportunity” to voters in Pakistan is 119,749 of boost his country’s economy and which 101,156 are dwelling in help with its colossal debt crisis, Punjab, 14,855 in Sindh, 2,134 many people in Hambantota don’t in Islamabad, 1,140 in KP, 451 quite agree. A group of demonstra- in Balochistan and 13 in Fata. tors led by Buddhist monks from Of the total 6,193 Sikh vot- nearby Amabalantota took to the ers, 2,597 live in KP, 1,477 in In a bid to boost joint production in India’s defence sector and the priorities in terms of development streets as the opening ceremony Sindh, 1,157 in Punjab, 730 in and development of niche weap- niche technological competencies and the needs of their people,” the of the industrial zone took place. Fata, 225 in Balochistan and sev- ons systems, India and Portugal of the Portuguese defence indus- declaration for bilateral coopera- However, these protesters en in Islamabad. on Saturday entered into a defence try, Prime Minister Modi invited tion in third countries stated. ‘My were met by mobs of government Of the total 3,743 Parsi vot- agreement — one of the seven Portuguese companies to ‘Make father’s country’Earlier, on arriv- supporters, who reputedly at- ers, 2,487 are from Sindh, 723 sealed during the Delhi visit of in India’ and set up joint ventures ing in India, Mr. Costa announced tacked them with clubs and fists. belong to KP, 254 to Punjab, 250 Prime Minister of Portugal Anto- and commercial partnerships that his family shared personal ties The monk-led demonstrators to Balochistan, 16 to Fata and nio Costa. The agreement came fol- based on joint production and tech- with India. “It is a great honour fought back by throwing rocks. 13 to Islamabad. lowing Portugal’s support to In- nology transfer,” the joint state- for me to be back in India, my fa- The police, meanwhile, found There are 1,643 Buddhist dia’s multilateral plans in various ment stated. Apart from the agree- ther’s country, as the Prime Min- themselves in the middle of the fray, voters and most live in Sindh and technology regimes including Mis- ments on defence, visa-free travel ister of Portugal,” he said on Twit- using water cannons and tear gas Punjab. Among other religious sile Technology Control Regime for diplomats and marine research, ter. Reciprocating his comments, to disperse the crowd. Ambulanc- communities, around 900 are (MTCR) where India secured both sides also issued a separate Mr. Modi said, “You are neither a es were seen carting away injured Jews. According to official sta- membership in 2016. Following declaration for cooperation in third stranger to India, nor is India unfa- demonstrators and law enforce- tistics obtained before the 2013 the meeting at the Hyderabad country. “Such projects should miliar to you.” Mr. Modi present- ment officers. elections, there were 2.77m non- House, both the delegations issued contribute to the local economy, ed the guest with a copy of a novel The main reasons for the pro- Muslim voters in the country. a joint statement highlighting con- regional connectivity and integra- by the late Goan novelist Orlando tests against the impending Chi- The data showed that Umerkot vergence of interests. “Underscor- tion, in order to benefit third coun- Costa, father of the visiting Prime nese handover was the perceived and Tharparkar districts in Sindh ing the substantial opportunities tries, by taking into account their Minister. (thehindu) loss of autonomy to a foreign pow- Tens of thousands of Nepal's op- A two-thirds majority is re- had as high as 49 per cent and er as well as the potential land grab position supporters have marched quired to pass the proposed 46pc non-Muslim voters, re- that could be necessary to build in the capital Kathmandu against a amendment, but the opposition spectively. In Umerkot, there the 15,000-acre industrial zone. move to amend the country's con- has obstructed the parliamentary were a total of 386,924 voters of Bangladesh has huge troversial constitution. sessions in a bid to prevent the "We are against leasing the which 189,501 belonged to the lands where people live and do Waving party flags and ban- move. religious minorities. In Thar- their farming, while there are iden- ners, supporters of the Commu- Oli, a former prime minister parkar, out of a total of 473,189 nist Party of Nepal (Unified Marx- and chairman of the opposition potential in hospitality tified lands for an industrial zone. voters, 219,342 were non-Mus- When you give away such a vast ist-Leninist) participated in Fri- party, vowed not to allow the day's rally, which began at dozens passing of the amendment bill in lim. In Mirpurkhas, the total area of land, you can't stop the area number of voters was 590,035 Bangladesh has huge potential in worked in China, Western Asia and of other aspects.” becoming a Chinese colony," local of locations in the capital and con- parliament. the hospitality industry as the sec- the Middle Eastern regions. There are challenges as well, verged at an exhibition complex in "We will spread this wave of and among them 192,357 (33pc) politician DV Chanaka was quot- were non-Muslim. In Tando Al- tor has started to follow interna- A graduate from the Universi- he said. “One of the major chal- ed as saying by Al Jazeera. When the centre of the city. protest across the country. We will tional standards, said Robin Ed- ty of Leeds in the UK, Edwards lenges for us is not being able to Opposition leader Khadga not allow the government to ap- lahyar, 74,954 non-Muslims discussing where the land would constitute 26pc of the total wards, the newly appointed gen- has worked in every major depart- have access to everything we need actually come from to build this Prasad Oli warned of a “wave of prove the amendment, which is eral manager of Radisson Blu Chit- ment of hotel operations, includ- in the local market. There are prod- protests” in a show of strength by against our country's interest," he 288,460 voters. In Tando Mo- industrial zone, the Sri Lankan gov- hammad Khan, 39,847 non- tagong Bay View. ing food and beverage, engineering, ucts that we cannot source in Bang- ernment was quick to claim that it the main opposition party and its said. Born in eastern Nepal on Feb- The number of five-star hotels laundry, finance, hotel administra- ladesh and the supplies that we eight partners, a month after the ruary 22, 1952, Oli became a Muslims accounted for 17pc of would not be taken from the local total 231,522 voters. In Matiari, in Bangladesh is still low, as the tion and rooms management. need have to be brought from elephant and bird sanctuaries, or country’s government proposed member of the Nepal Communist industry here is on the early stag- Being an emerging destination, abroad.” to amend the 2015 constitution to Party in 1970 after being influenced 81,589 non-Muslims constitut- from any operating stone quarries, ed 13pc of total 302,265 voters. es of growth, he said. Chittagong sees rising growth in Edwards, however, said he or from the area that was previ- address the demands of ethnic by local communist leaders as a The new hotels that are open- the hospitality industry, he said. faced these problems in other ously reserved for a housing de- Madhesis, an indigenous group teenager. In Karachi (south), total number ing in Dhaka and Chittagong are “I think everything is growing Asian countries as well. “It's not velopment for government offi- who say that it is discriminatory. Nepali parties negotiated for of voters was 1,070,321 and helping Bangladesh emerge in the in Chittagong, including infrastruc- just the country of Bangladesh or cials, or even from the land ear- Madhesi protesters rose up years over a new constitution. among them 81,589 (8pc) were international market, he added. ture, new business destinations the location. It is central Asia or marked for the port to expand. It against the constitution in 2015, Hopes that the charter would ush- non-Muslim. In Ghotki and Edwards previously served and export processing zones. I the Asian market. Unfortunately soon became clear to the locals that leading to months of unrest and er in an era of political stability Hyderabad, 41,031 and 62,243 InterContinental Hotels and Re- hear, every day, of new investment Asia, as a whole, is not as devel- the only land left for a develop- clashes between police and dem- after it entered into force on Sep- non-Muslims accounted for 7pc sorts, Starwood Hotels and OCT in Chittagong not only in the hos- oped as the Western world.” ment of this scale would be their onstrators in December, that killed tember 2015 have, however, been of the total 571,636 and 928,236 Hotels for several years and pitality industry but also in a lot (THEDAILYSTAR) villages and farms. (CNN) more than 50 people. dashed. (Al Jazeera) voters, respectively. (DAWN) UN chief offers to broker I ndia-Pakistan peace

UNITED NATIONS: UN Secre- mongering and exercised caution in tary-General Antonio Guterres on responding to unprovoked Indian Saturday offered to play the role cross-border shelling over the past of ‘an honest broker’ between Pa- few months, despite the danger- kistan and India to ease tensions ous situation building up on many between the two South Asian fronts. Most Pakistanis in favour neighbours. of dialogue with India, reveals sur- Guterres, who assumed charge vey At the same time she warned last week, made the offer after Pa- that Pakistan had the capability to kistan’s Ambassador to the UN ‘respond appropriately’ and Maleeha Lodhi briefed him on the would not tolerate any threat to Kashmir issue, highlighting the its territorial integrity. The Paki- positioning of Indian special forc- stani envoy hoped that the United es in Occupied Kashmir’s Kup- Nations and the international com- wara and Rajauri districts along the munity would, in the interest of Line of Control and the Working maintaining peace and security, Boundary, indicating another es- urge India to understand the dan- calatory move. gers and futility of any military Ambassador Lodhi told the misadventure. UN chief that the new Indian de- Guterres, who served as the ployments in recent weeks ap- high commissioner for refugees for peared to be ‘ominous’. 10 years before his appointment India ‘spoiled environment at as the world body’s chief, appre- Heart of Asia conference’ ciated Pakistan’s role in hosting She handed over to Guterres a millions of Afghan refugees for dossier on India’s interference and such a long period of time. terrorism in Pakistan. It was a fol- He paid tributes to the pro- low-up to the three dossiers sub- fessionalism of Pakistani peace- mitted last October and contains keepers serving in the UN missions additional information and proof around the globe. Pakistan is among of Research and Analysis Wing the top troop contributors to UN (RAW)’s interference in Pakistan peacekeeping operations, with and involvement in terrorism, par- over 9,000 troops and police per- ticularly in Balochistan, Fata, and sonnel deployed at the world’s hot Karachi. spots. The secretary-general also According to sources, Ambas- appreciated Pakistan’s effective sador Lodhi told Guterres that counter-terrorism measures that Pakistan had shown immense re- have broken the back of terrorists. straint in the face of India’s war- (Tribune) MONDAY . JANUARY 09, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief Israel Gunman wounds US apology consular after plot official in western against At least 12 people have been Mexico killed and 50 wounded in a car bomb UK blast in eastern Baghdad, police Mexican police launched a man- and medics say, in an attack hunt for a gunman who shot and claimed by the armed group the wounded a US consulate offi- Islamic State of Iraq and the Le- politicians cial who was driving out of a vant (ISIL). parking garage in the western The explosion hit the mainly The Israeli embassy has apolo- city of Guadalajara. Shia district of Jamila on Sunday, gised to UK Deputy Foreign The consulate posted a vid- sources told the Reuters news Secretary Sir Alan Duncan for eo on Facebook showing the agency. In an online statement, ISIL comments made by one of its shooter, dressed in blue, wait- said that a suicide car bomber car- staff members on plans "to take ing outside a shopping centre's ried out the attack. [him] down" due to his criticism garage on Friday, raising his gun Jamila is the main wholesale of Israel's settlement activity in and firing at the car before flee- vegetable market in Baghdad and the occupied West Bank. ing. "An official from the US lies in Sadr City, which has been The comments, made by se- consulate was wounded by a repeatedly targeted. nior political officer at the Israe- shot from a firearm... Accord- A series of attacks in the Iraqi li embassy Shai Masot, were se- ing to the medical report, he is capital and other cities in just over cretly captured on film during a in stable condition," Mexico's a week has killed dozens of peo- six-month undercover operation attorney-general's office said in ple. Several have been claimed by by Al Jazeera's Investigative a statement. ISIL, also known as ISIS, which is Unit, which reveals plots by the The motive was not imme- coming under increasing pressure Israeli diplomat and a British civ- diately known. Moments be- from an offensive in Mosul, its last il servant to destroy the careers fore the shooting, the official, major stronghold in Iraq. of senior politicians. who was wearing shorts and a The most recent major attack In a conversation with Mar- sleeveless shirt, paid his park- claimed by ISIL, was on January 2 ia Strizzolo, who was then chief ing ticket at an automated ma- -- also in Sadr City -- when a sui- of staff to MP Robert Halfon, chine, according to another vid- cide bomber blew up a vehicle the deputy chairman of the rul- eo. After the official walks packed with explosives among a ing Conservative Party, Masot away, the gunman is seen fol- crowd of day labourers waiting for asked her if he could give her lowing him. work, killing 35 people. some names of MPs he would The FBI offered a $20,000 In July, a car bomb attack also suggest she "take down". Ma- reward for information about claimed by ISIL at a shopping dis- sot named Duncan, who in 2014 the shooter. trict in the busy days before the said that while he fully supports The US embassy declined end of the Ramadan fast killed al- Israel's right to exist, he believes to give more details about the most 300 people, the worst such settlements on occupied Pales- shooting or the official's title incident in years. (Al Jazeera) tinian land represent an "ever- and identity. deepening stain on the face of In 2010 a consular official, the globe". He also likened the her husband, and the spouse of situation in Hebron in the occu- another consular official were pied West Bank to apartheid. killed in two simultaneous at- Enemy after Strizzolo later hinted that "a tacks in the northern city of Ciudad Juarez, which at the little scandal" might see Duncan time was considered the world's dismissed. murder capital amid an ultra- destroying Iran’s At the same dinner table con- violent drug war. A year later versation, Masot described Brit- gunmen from the Zetas drug ish Foreign Secretary Boris cartel opened fire on a vehicle Johnson, Duncan's boss, as an of two US Immigration and national "idiot … without any kind of Customs Enforcement (ICE) responsibilities", while Strizzo- agents in the northern state of Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mo- lo said he was "solid on Israel". San Luis Potosi, killing one of hamed Bin Salman has said this Since the announcement by the officers. (CNN) authority: Leader week that Iran “represents the Al Jazeera's Investigative Unit three main ills of the region.” of its findings - and the interna- tional media coverage that fol- Leader of the Islamic Revolution Khamenei announced in February In an interview with Foreign Affairs published on Thursday, lowed - the Israeli embassy More UN Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei 2014 the general policies of the tweeted a response saying that says the enemy is seeking to de- economic approach. 'Resistant Prince Mohamed was quoted as saying that three “ills” represent- Masot would be "ending his term observers ' stroy Iran’s “national power,” add- Economy' is a long-term policy shortly", adding that Mark Re- ing that authorities must work to aimed at localizing development ed and instigated by Iran are: “bor- derless ideologies, state instabili- gev, ambassador of Israel to the dismissed' strengthen the government’s exec- theories, shaping ones that are UK, had apologised to Duncan utive and judicial branches in the predicated on the Islamic econom- ty, and terrorism.” He was cited as saying that the "and made clear that the embas- over FARC face of such plots. ic model, and thus differ from those sy considered the remarks to be Ayatollah Khamenei made the of the world’s predominant eco- problem lied at the “radical regime born of the 1979 Iranian Revolu- completely unacceptable". rebels party remarks on Saturday in a meeting nomic theories, namely liberalism But this latest disclosure is with thousands of people from the and socialism. tion.” Prince Mohamed said there was “no point in negotiating with just one among the Investigative The United Nations is investi- holy city of Qom, on the eve of Among elements of national Unit's many findings, which will the Uprising of January 9, 1978, power, the Leader said, were “faith a power that is committed to ex- gating more observers for taking porting its exclusivist ideology, be revealed in a four-part series part in a New Year's Eve party against the despotism of the ruling and religious knowledge,” “scien- "The Lobby" that will be broad- monarchical authorities of the time. tific command” and “the preser- engaging in terrorism, and violat- at which leftist FARC rebels cast daily on Al Jazeera from Jan- The enemy “attacks the ap- vation of national esteem.” ing the sovereignty of other na- were present, a UN source said, tions.” uary 15 at 22:30 GMT. The UN said on Sunday that paratuses that typify the coun- Ayatollah Khamenei described try’s national authority,” the Lead- the 1979 Islamic Revolution as He added that until Tehran The undercover investiga- the behaviour of the monitors changes its deeply problematic tion reveals how the Israeli gov- was "inappropriate" and did er said. “What would frustrate the “the long leap” taken by the Irani- enemy in its goals is for us to have an people towards liberation from outlook and behavior, Saudi Ara- ernment is in the midst of a bra- "not reflect the mission's values bia has much to lose from prema- zen, covert influence campaign of professionalism and impar- a powerful judicial branch and a dependence and backwardness. courageous and strategist govern- “The overbearing bullies, who turely proposing rapprochement in Britain. tiality". and cooperation. Riyadh broke off For half a year, Robin (alias), The news came just two ment. These [qualities] should be had once usurped the country and reinforced.” were driven out of it, and whose relations with Tehran after its em- an undercover reporter working days after four members of the bassy there was attacked by Irani- with Al Jazeera's Investigative UN monitoring mission for the Elsewhere in his comments, interests lie in the country’s de- Ayatollah Khamenei warned pendence and remaining underde- ans last year. (Alarabiya) Unit, met with members of Brit- Colombian peace process were ain's lobby network that enjoys sacked for dancing with FARC against schemes at work in British veloped are now the Iranian na- circles against the Islamic Repub- tion’s implacable, blood enemies.” strong support from the Israeli rebels at a New Year's Eve par- government by way of the Is- ty. It was not immediately clear lic and the entire region and said Iran’s “archenemies,” the Lead- partitioning regional countries are er named as “the US, Britain, in- raeli embassy in London. how many people were in- Robin posed as a graduate volved in previously unseen among such plots. ternational capitalists, Zionists and Florida airport gunman “They say the era of a unified their followers.” activist with strong sympathies footage now being investigated towards Israel who was keen to and images on social media ap- Iraq, a unified Syria, a unified Lib- The Leader also warned against ya and a unified Yemen is over, attempts by the United Kingdom help combat the Boycott, Di- parently of a similar nature, the vestment and Sanctions move- UN source said. but do not proceed to name Iran to secure its goals in the region faces 'possible death penalty' ment prominent in Britain. "It is under investigation. because they are afraid of Iran’s through its allies among the Per- public opinion.” sian Gulf kingdoms, adding that US authorities have charged a US his service in August. icised the way authorities handled Shaping foreign policy agen- And the UN mission in Colom- da bia will take whatever steps may By introducing bans, the ene- Britain is also seeking restrictions army veteran accused in a deadly An aunt, Maria Luisa Ruiz, his case. "They had him hospital- be necessary. We are totally my seeks to afflict people with and sanctions for the post-JCPOA shooting rampage at the Fort Lau- told the NorthJersey.com news site ised for four days and they let him Strizzolo, while advising committed to being impartial," economic woes, and thus separate era. derdale International Airport, with that Santiago became a father to a go. How are you going to let some- Robin, revealed that she had a the unnamed source told AFP the nation from the Islamic estab- The JCPOA is an acronym for offences that could carry the death baby boy in September - and that one leave a psychological center strategy of manipulation to en- news agency. (CNN) lishment, the Leader said, adding the 2015 nuclear agreement, penalty, while continuing to probe he was having mental problems. after four days when he said he sure Israel remains at the top of that even when the enemies lift the known as the Joint Comprehen- whether "terrorism" was a poten- "Like a month ago, it was like hears voices that the CIA is telling the UK's foreign policy agenda. sanctions on paper, they make sive Plan of Action, between Iran tial motive. he lost his mind," Ruiz said. "He him to join certain groups?" Bry- "If at least you can get a sure their afflictions will stay. and the P5+1 state – the US, the Federal prosecutors charged said he saw things." an Santiago told CNN, in a Span- small group of MPs that you Pollution in Ayatollah Khamenei further UK, Russia, China, France and Esteban Santiago on Saturday with On November 7, Santiago ish-language interview the network know you can always rely on, described “a powerful and resis- Germany. firearms offenses and carrying out walked into the FBI's Anchorage translated into English. when there is something coming Tehran hits tant” economy as “the antidote” “Is this not the enemy? Can an act of violence at an airport, US office and complained that his mind "Not everyone has the same to parliament and you know you to the economic pressure against one find an enemy more nefarious Attorney Wifredo Ferrer said in a was being controlled by national reaction when they return from brief them, you say: 'you don't dangerous the country. than this? Therefore, one should statement. intelligence agencies, which were war. Some are better, and some, have to do anything, we are go- After consulting with the Ex- get to know the enemy and its If convicted, he could face the forcing him to watch videos of the not so much." ing to give you the speech, we levels pediency Council, Ayatollah ways.” (Presstv) death penalty or life in prison. Islamic State of Iraq and the Le- The shooting renewed anxi- are going to give you all the in- Santiago, 26, was accused of vant (ISIL, also known as ISIS). eties about airport security - a con- formation, we are going to do killing five, wounding six and send- The "erratic behaviour" led cern that has loomed large in the everything for you'," she said. Pollution in Tehran has hit a ing thousands scrambling for safe- agents to contact local police, who post-9/11 era - and shed new light She also advised trying to dangerous level on the Air Qual- ty on Friday before authorities took him to a medical facility for a on ongoing US gun-control debates. infiltrate Prime Minster's Ques- ity Index, with airborne parti- shut down the airport in Florida, a mental health evaluation, Piro said. The Transportation Security tions, a weekly session in which cles considered “unhealthy” for major gateway to the Caribbean Inside Story - What are the Administration -- the agency re- the leader of the country answers the general public. and Latin America. roots of gun culture in the US? He sponsible for security at United questions from MPs. The de- Kindergartens and primary Opinion: Gun control in the was not placed on a no-fly list. States airports - allows passengers bate is televised live. schools in the Iranian capital US is not a fantasy The suspect Anchorage police chief Chris- to travel with unloaded firearms "If they already have the were ordered to stay closed Sun- was scheduled to make an initial topher Tolley said Santiago came and ammunition as checked bag- question to table for PMQs day, according the state run tele- court appearance on Monday. to the FBI office with a loaded gage. Senator Chris Murphy, a [Prime Minister's Questions], vision. Every year, Tehran suf- Murder charges could be forth- magazine, but left his gun and new- Democrat from Connecticut, re- it's harder to say: 'No, no, no, I fers some of the worst pollu- coming from state prosecutors, but born child in his car. buked the government for not tak- won't do it'," she said. Strizzolo tion in the world when cool tem- no decision has been made yet, Santiago's weapon was taken ing legislative action to tighten gun then boasted how her own ef- peratures cause an effect known according to the Sun Sentinel by police for safekeeping at the laws. "Political cowardice is the forts once made an immediate as “temperature inversion.” newspaper. time, and he was able to reclaim it accomplice of every mass shoot- impact on the national debate. The phenomenon creates a Santiago had travelled from on December 8. er," he wrote on Twitter. While in Israel with the Con- layer of warm air above the city Alaska to Fort Lauderdale on Fri- Santiago's brother, Bryan, crit- (BBC) servative Friends of Israel par- that traps pollution from some day. After retrieving a 9mm semi- liamentary group in 2014, she 10 million cars and motorbikes. automatic handgun and ammuni- persuaded MP Halfon to ques- Pollution has become a po- tion that he had declared and tion the prime minster in public litical football in recent years, stowed inside his checked luggage, over three missing teenagers be- with conservatives and reform- he allegedly loaded the weapon in lieved to have been kidnapped ists blaming each other for the a bathroom and opened fire in the problem. and murdered "to get a response crowded baggage claim area. from the government", Strizzo- Pollution in Tehran has hit FBI special agent George Piro a dangerous level on the Air lo said. Halfon took the request said law enforcement was continu- and called on former prime min- Quality Index, with airborne ing to investigate motives for the particles considered “un- ister David Cameron to support attack, including "continuing to the Israeli government, which he healthy” for the general public. look at the terrorism angle". Kindergartens and primary said should do "everything pos- 'Mental problems' sible to take out Hamas terrorist schools in the Iranian capital A former member of the Puer- were ordered to stay closed Sun- networks". In response, Cam- to Rico and Alaska National Guard, eron promised that Britain would day, according the state run tele- Santiago served in Iraq from April vision. (CNN) "stand by Israel". 2010 to February 2011. He ended (Al Jazeera) MONDAY . JANUARY 09, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir Graphic-Designer: enough; instead a strategy to ad- come pervasive in the country. To strict implementation of the law Edriss Akbari, Bilal Yusufi By AnayatullahAlami dress the third largest problem of address this part of the problem, a and regulations. New regulations Marketing & Advertising: According to a recent survey the country should use different single strategy addressing only for delivery of services should be launched by Integrity Watch Af- approaches, so that each section part of the problem would not approved and enacted which Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 ghanistan (IWA) the corruption of the strategy deals with prob- work. Therefore, there should be a should reduce the discretions and arrived at the third position and lems within a specific sector. specific police department tasked monopolies of government em- Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan appeared to be biggest problem of The strategy to address such and specialized only in dealing ployees. The government employ- Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 the country after insecurity and huge corruption should include ef- with the corruption. This police ees should be watched for their unemployment. In such a situation forts to take out the environment force must have authorities within exercise of discretionary authori- Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press first bold action of the government conducive to the growth of the legal framework of Afghanistan to ties. to suspend Mr. Abdul RazaqWa- menace of corruption. The envi- arrest and investigate government The morality has already been hidi, the Minister of Telecommu- ronment could be cleaned by ef- officials as well as other entities badly damaged by waves of sever- nication and IT was badly needed fective reforms and taking out the and suspects of corruption in- al years of corruption and com- The constitution says and should be followed by more unnecessary processes within gov- volvement. plete impunity in our country. It investigations and reforms in the ernment departments that places Additionally, a whistle-blow- should be boosted by condemna- government employees, as well as the government officials in a posi- er policy has to be in place in the tion of the corruption acts. The Article 57: in various other sectors if the gov- tion to demand bribe for doing fa- country. Every department should IWA recommends open trails, ernment is resolute in its resolve vors to this or that party or indi- have a complaints box. The com- which can partly recover peoples Article Fifty-Seven: The state shall guarantee the rights and liberties of foreign to clean its departments of the en- vidual in need of services. plaints box should only be opened fear for being caught. And this fear citizens in Afghanistan in accordance with the law. These people shall be obliged to vironment favorable to the growth Based on the above, theservice once a week by the counter-cor- in turn will increase back the lost of corruption. delivery processes should be ruption police department. morality as the corruption grew respect the laws of the state of Afghanistan within the limits of the provisions of The corruption watchdog shortened. The interactions be- In order to encourage people larger in breadth and depth. international law. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. NGO adds that the total amount tween several officials and a cus- to complain about corruption in- Another better approach of the corruption in the 2016 pre- tomer of the government depart- volvement for a specific time such could be transparency in all gov- cedes the annual income of the ment should be reduced to one, or, as two years, people that inform ernment services and contracts. government in the same year. The two. The facilities should be ar- the police about corruption or Corruption is a crime and the crime survey estimates the amount of ranged in a way that would not complain about corruption issues can only take place in the dark corruption in the last year at around create frustrations for the custom- if failed to prove the corruption from the eyes of the public. The three billion USD. This is mind ers. Since, the higher the frustra- should not be punished. This is transparency will shed light on all blowing and thus serves as the tion of the customers the more because of the already existing level the corners where government of- main cause of emboldening the al- there would be chances of corrup- of impunity against the corrupt fers services to the public and thus ready existing distance and wall tion in a department. Additional- officials, which has paved the way the chances of corruption would between the government and the ly, it is the frustration (either arti- to the growth of the corruption. be considerably reduced with in- people. To eliminate a problem of ficially created, or due to lack of Secondly, because of the already creased transparency in the gov- this magnitude requires a strategy necessary facilities) that creates existing frustration among masses ernment performances. that can attack the menace of cor- favorable environment for the per- due to the wide spread corruption Encouraging access to informa- ruption from several different sonal interests and greed which in the country. tion would help the transparency sides. convinces a customer to pay for Advertisements should be grow and the light spread on dark The government needs to take services and the greed among the made on TVs, Radios and other spots, which will in turn tighten more similar actions and investi- officials to receive or demand the media to inform the people through the control over the corrupt peo- affled by growing security pressure, military strategists gate other departments as well. It bribes. announcing to them that com- ple and their practices. is obvious that the amount stated Next important strategy ele- plaints of corruption in government Without such a strategy to in the United States have decided to deploy 300 Marines by the IWA in its survey must have ment to counter corruption and its departments will not be paid by bring everything to light the same involvement of far more than a fattening is establishment of a the callers and the government impunity will rule the government to the volatile southern Helmand province. Increase in minister or two to commit such a strong executive branch within the would bear the call costs instead. officials and the corrupt officials anti-state activities and expansion of Daesh, also known as the big amount of corruption. Suspen- government. As C. Stephan states the de- will rule the people who will soon sion and ending the impunity, in Since, a long time involvement gree of corruption is determined feel as victims and eventually rebel Islamic State, is knocking over Afghan and American policy- other words, increasing the fear of of the officials have accustomed by the monopoly plus discretion against the government they them- being caught for the corrupt offic- them to making illegal money very minus morality and transparency. selves voted for. makers. There is no end in sight to Afghan war. For the world’s ers is one element of the strategy quickly and within a short time, The government has to address the The writer has worked at Af- to address this issue. and the menace had achieved mul- issues of discretion and monopo- ghanistan Times and could be largest military alliance, NATO, it is a mission but for Afghan But that approach alone is not tiplication as the disease has be- ly and that is only possible by reached at: [email protected] people it is a war that is burning whatever is in the way—from properties to lives and from resources to rights. As the war is gaining length, it would continue to build pressure on Kabul and Washington. The pressure would force the strategists to review the securi- against sending their troops to un- the West, the pretext of fear was all figures who were supporting ty policies and plug the loopholes that are allowing the militants By Abdulrahman al-Rashed necessary wars, which would only no longer valid; instead of becom- the Shah and later on, rival powers to carry out subversive activities. Without adjustment no for- Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s Su- satisfy the ego of religious and ing more open and turning towards inside Iran. Why does today’s re- preme Leader believes that if it was military leaders in Tehran seeking more peaceful approached, Iran gime need to get involved in fur- eign and internal policy can succeed. To err is human. But wast- not for the Iranian soldiers who expansion and domination. The increased its foreign military ad- ther wars to set up its pillars in were killed in the war in Syria, they longer the war, the bigger the loss- ventures. Iran, especially when it has already age of precious time as well as repeated mistakes that cost lives would have had to fight American es, stimulating more condemnation During the post-revolutionary eradicated most of its enemies? Iran of innocent people and consume huge resources are something and Zionist agents in Tehran, Per- and questioning. The logic of fight- decades, Iran’s leadership was jus- is a big country that includes mul- sia, Khorasan and Isfahan. We can ing America and the Zionist would tifying its support for terrorism, tiple forces that are not necessari- that provide edge to the anti-peace and extremists forces. Time consider that what Khamenei said become senseless after 30 years - feeding regional and global vio- ly against each other, but are against in front of his people and the fam- this was a slogan that aimed to re- lence, threatening its neighbors, the regime on the intellectual on is of the essence. All wars are about clock. To defeat the insur- ilies of those who were killed, was tain power. During the post-revo- building its nuclear program and the social levels and are against each just to justify the losses of Iran in lutionary decades, Iran’s leader- preparing itself for wars other on the religious and security gents and terrorists, backed by foreign countries, the US and the war in Syria that is on the bor- ship was justifying its support for War served Iran’s needs levels, which leads to besieging and ders of his country. His statement terrorism, feeding regional and glo- The regime adopted the con- conflicts. Foreign wars are an old Afghan officials together should beat the clock first. might have deep and straightfor- bal violence, threatening its neigh- cept of the militarization of soci- way that helps restoring internal Decision of the US authorities to deploy the Marines is seemed ward importance, such as the threat bors, building its nuclear program ety since Tehran’s war with Iraq control, undertaken by regimes that inside Iran against the regime and and preparing itself for wars. The during the reign of Saddam Hus- do not find a way to control their to be a step to beat the clock by not allowing the Taliban to that moving the war to outside the sole state project and its ideology sein in the eighties. The late leader own internal situation. Although borders is for the sake of the re- were all based on self-defense jus- Ayatollah Khomeini, did not start Iran is a poor country on the na- establish bases in Helmand and from there launch attacks. It gime. tifications and being threatened by working on stopping the war that tional level, most of the military Iran’s leadership has been re- the global Western Zionist regime lasted for 8 years, until five years and security institutions, such as will prove a good security maneuver. It will be a major blow to iterating lately the statements jus- invasion. After negotiating and later after calls from international the Revolutionary Guard, the tifying the wars outside its bor- signing the nuclear deal, and after mediators. The war served the need Basij, intelligence services and the the Afghan insurgency especially when the Taliban are working establishing the reconciliation with of the Iranian regime in eradicating army, are rich and massive. on the next spring offensive. But it is very clear at this point that ders to silence the critics that are those who beat the time will be one step ahead, and those who would employ new tactics will add achievements to portfolio. Since the Taliban with affiliates are planning to establish bases in southern provinces, especially Helmand, the deploy- ment of Marines would help Afghan security forces to nip the evil in the bud. The US Marines would be able to help Afghan forces on ground to encircle the militants from different direc- tions. Chances of the hit and run would be very slim. Thus, providing leverage to Afghan security forces over the Taliban. Moreover, the special operations will gain a momentum before beginning of the warm season—helping the government forces to have lead over armed opponents. Therefore, the recent move is welcoming and would reduce security pressure on the unity government this year when it is preparing to hold the parliamen- tary elections to restore trust of disappointed voters over the nascent democracy. Subscription Rates Note:The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. MONDAY . JANUARY 09, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

By Alastair Sloan going to take a long time, and When Theresa May appeared it's complex, they are immedi- on the steps of Number Ten in ately shot down and accused her first address as Prime Min- of betraying the will of the peo- ister, she seemed like a sudden ple." moment of serenity in a chaot- Others have simply said the ic post-Brexit Britain. She had officials are "unable to cope", reassuringly grey hair for a because of spending cuts that start. have brought the civil service Her predecessor, David to its smallest size since World Cameron, had been just 43 War II. May is, incredibly, in- when he took office. Tony Blair sisting these cuts continue. had also been in his 40s. May Perhaps the worst decision was pushing 60. Now the seri- May has made is not to make ousness of actually getting on any. She has maintained a with Brexit was upon us, it was stance of almost complete si- like the kids had finally been lence since taking office, as to booted out from the halls of what the government's overall power; and the adults were objectives for Brexit might be. back in charge. Are we aiming to stay in the May had a reputation for single market? Nobody knows. competence. She had been the Are we to pay a reduced sub- longest-serving home secre- scription fee to retain some ac- tary in modern times, responsi- cess? Nobody knows. Will EU ble for immigration, policing, citizens already settled in the and national security over six UK be able to stay? Nobody long years. She had endured, knows. Has anyone begun dis- keeping herself out of political entangling the enormous web squabbles, and focused dili- of agricultural, scientific and gently on the work in hand. regulatory connections the Brit- Many hoped the quiet vicar's ish economy has with the EU? daughter would apply the same I hope so - but nobody knows. professionalism in Number Ten, Will British businesses face and guide Britain through Brex- a "cliff edge" in which no new it with steadfast efficiency. She trade deal is in place before we even bother to turn up to her America in revulsion. drop. Unfortunately she has ly doubt it. Alastair Sloan is a ship, political unrest and dicta- has not. leave? We thought we maybe meetings. May returned to Brit- There was a moment when not turned out to be. Perhaps London-based journalist. He torships. The views expressed Britain’s new PM: Who is knew - when May hintedat a ain forlorn. In desperation, she Theresa May swept into Num- worst of all - 2016 was the easy focuses on injustice and human in this article are the author's Theresa May? "transitional deal" - but then we has been fawning at the heels ber Ten, and seemed to be a part. This year looks set to rights in the UK and interna- own and do not necessarily re- Six months on, Britain's am- didn't, when she said it was just of Donald Trump, while most mature beacon of calm, amid a throw up more challenges - but tional affairs, including human flect Al Jazeera's editorial poli- bassador to Brussels has just "one option under consider- of the world turns away from chaotic post-referendum back- is May really up to it? I sincere- rights, the arms trade, censor- cy. (Al Jazeera) resigned, causing a storm that ation". has highlighted increasing dis- This vacuum of leadership illusionment among those who and exodus of expertise are not will actually carry out Brexit - May's only failings; she is a the bureaucrats and diplomats luke-warm saleswoman too. - and she who will steal the Instead of leading with vi- undeserved credit later down sion, May has instead become the line - Theresa May. prone to taking cheap shots at More resignations are al- her own team to distract from ready rumoured, because her own floundering strategy, "Mandarins are tired of being and has failed to rise above blamed for bad decisions by petty rows about her choice of By Fawaz Turki an act of CIA. Period.” such a laughable manner? One disenfranchised individuals could vary in kind and in de- What is it with conspirato- need not delve into the social sublimating their malaise gree in each human communi- politicians." Ivan Rogers, the trousers. Meanwhile experts It’s always been hard in the ambassador in question, was continue to warn that her se- rial thinking and Middle East- sciences and the scientific ef- through resort to fantasies ty. In the United States, for ex- Middle East to have a rational erners, who seem to love not fusions of the therapeutic com- would be of no more than mar- ample, conspiracy theorists one of Britain's most respected cretive approach to Brexit is a discussion about seminal brewing disaster. only its smug rhetorical flour- munity to learn that conspira- ginal significance were it not for abound, simple folks who are diplomats, and was praised by events, especially events that ishes, but to love according it torial theorists tend to be either the very real harm that the dif- convinced that, say, President key players for his in-depth This vacuum of leadership come with a bitter pill to swal- with welcome in their public spiritually alienated souls or fusion of conspiracy theories John F. Kennedy was assassi- knowledge of how the Europe- and exodus of expertise are not low. The reason? Logic gets in discourse? Arab commenta- disadvantaged individuals causes in the real world. In the nated by the CIA (the CIA, an Union actually works. A May's only failings; she is a the way. That is, the convolut- tors, for example, have over the who feel they live in societies end, that diffusion wreaks hav- again, see), the moon landing former very senior civil servant luke-warm saleswoman too. ed logic of conspiracy theories, years advanced the most out- that give them no promise. oc on society. To start with, it in 1969 was a hoax, the federal took to his personal Twitter Her only major trip to try to which proliferates in that part rageous, not to mention im- Reinforcing victimhood impoverishes as it is diffused, government is covering up ev- account to call out the govern- boost trade ties with other of the world. probable, claims in that regard. So where else to go in or- for misinformed citizens cannot idence of alien landings, pow- Consider this case in point. Here’s a sample: the 9/11 at- der to seek refuge, to find so- make informed decisions, and erful elites are plotting a new ment for "a wilful & total de- parts of the world has been to Earlier this week, news reports struction of expertise", and ac- India. The delegation was a tacks were the work of Israeli lace, as it were, but in conspir- without informed decisions, world order, and the rest of it. datelined Istanbul - and it’s Mossad, the death of Princess acy theories? And let’s face it, there’s chaos in the internal Indeed, there are Americans cused the May government of damp squib. Prime Minister about time Turks abandoned Narendra Modi made it clear Diana was the result of some a conspiracy theory is seduc- psychic economy of individu- around who believe - hold on "amateurism". It was frustra- the delusion that their country diabolical plot by British intel- tive, for at the end of the day als and societies alike. to your hat - that President tions with May's haphazard that Britain was now a low pri- is part of Europe, not the Mid- ligence to end her life rather its narrative leaves no question Then consider, additional- Roosevelt let the Japanese at- and ignorant office that appear ority for commerce. dle East - highlighted the fact than see her married to an Arab unanswered, no answer in ly, how messing with reality like tack on Pearl Harbor happen in to have driven Rogers out. Ironically, this was May's that the Turkish press was say- Muslim, Monica Lewinsky was doubt. Why then accept the that will create a kind of cogni- order to draw the US into World It is this deep disparity be- previous job coming back to ing, with a straight face, that an agent in place put there in prosaic idea that, say, Yasser tive dissonance in political cul- War Two. The only difference tween the expertise of the bu- haunt her. Although she ap- the United States was behind the White House by the Jew- Arafat died of natural causes ture and social life. You cannot here is that in the US, when the- reaucratic and diplomatic pro- pears to have lost her knack for the recent assassination of the ish lobby - and so with other when an alternative narrative, live sanely, productively, in a ories like that are found in the Russian ambassador, as it was fantastical whimsies. provided by the peddler of polity that explains, via produc- mainstream media, they are not fessions, and the dogmatic, ig- competence when it comes to behind the massacre that result- norant "amateurism" of the her new job in Number Ten, as Let’s face it, a conspiracy conspiracy theories, tells you ers and consumers of tall tales, there to be debated seriously ed in the slaughter of dozens theory is seductive, for at the that the man was poisoned? events as being the result of a but to be mocked mercilessly. May team, that is essential to a minister for immigration she of revelers at an Istanbul night- was so ruthlessly efficient at end of the day its narrative The latter surely reinforces secret plot by exceptionally It’s about time we adopted understanding how badly club, known as Reina, early on leaves no question unan- your own sense of victimhood powerful and cunning plotters a similar posture in our part of Number Ten is handling Brexit. limiting entry to Indians that NewYear’s Day. swered, no answer in doubt and sensibility as an outsider. out there to achieve malevolent the world and stopped con- Last week, a union leader for she has almost irreparably A headline in a leading Fawaz Turki It speaks to you, about you, ends. spiratorialists from disseminat- civil servants said that May damaged relations with Delhi. newspaper screamed: “Ameri- So what makes that kind of from you. As to how and where To be sure, conspiratorial ing their drivel. That way we "lacks the political courage to Indian businesses had been ca Chief Suspect.” And, ac- twisted thinking so compelling Yasser Arafat was poisoned, by thinking is not, of course, con- save Middle Eastern societies admit how complex and time- interested in Britain because it cording to the New York Times to so many people in our part whom and to whose benefit is fined to any one part of the from themselves. And, no, this consuming this will be. When had access to the single mar- last Thursday, a legislator of the world? Indeed who are irrelevant. Why insist that re- world. Clearly it’s a universal columnist is not an agent-in- tweeted that “Whoever the trig- these people who feel the need ality should remain real? phenomenon, though the man- place planted by the CIA in this anyone pops their head above ket. It was no surprise then that ger man is, the Reina attack is the parapet [...] and says this is some business leaders didn't to subvert objective reality in This issue of alienated or ifestations of that phenomenon publication. (Al arabiya) LETTER TO THE EDITOR The complicated process of Women up in arms to fight militants breaking down the Syria talks It has been reported that over a hundred women from the Qush Tepa district of northeastern Jawzjan By Maria Dubovikova north and east of Damascus threat- newly elected president who is set for negotiations, position-state- province have taken up arms against Daesh militants, (aka, Islamic State, IS), and asked the central The best New Year present put en the talks, if the rebels withdraw to make America great again. How- ment and regulation of the arising government to help them eliminate the terrorist network. under the fir-tree was the unani- from the agreement because the ever, his personality and his agen- contradictions during the negotia- These women belongs to the families whose homes have been destroyed by Daesh insurgents in the Jar mously voted resolution of the UN violations of the official Damascus da remain under question. Further- tion process. But Iran has its own village of Darz Ab district. Security Council in support of the and Shiite-backed militias side con- more Trump has an absolute anti- agenda in the Syrian civil war con- One of the armed woman told local media that Taliban and Daesh fighters set alight her home and killed efforts made by Turkey and Rus- tinue. Russia and Turkey are work- Iranian agenda and a significant role flict. And it breaks the Saudi game. her family members. “No I have no hope in life. I have taken up arms in self-defense and I am ready to sia to end violence and finally ing on sanctions to impose on of Tehran in the ongoing process One of the key problems of fight against the group,” Pajhwok Afghan News, quoted Malaika, one of the armed woman, as saying. launch long awaited and vitally those who violate the ceasefire, most likely will not please him. the protracted Syrian conflict is Now, when women are up in arms to fight militants, the government should come up to the fore and needed political process. Before undermining the efforts of the two But what is worse is that these that there were too many players help them in this regard. However, if the government feels that this trend would not work, it should the remarkable December 31 vote countries to bring the bloodshed negotiations leave behind the Gulf involved with absolutely different adopt new policy to eliminate ever form of militants in the province. the long awaited ceasefire agree- to its long-awaited end. The two states. Iran has already rejected agenda. The international players These women forced to take up arms. After losing their dearest and nearest one they decided to revenge ment was reached as a result of countries' governments do not ap- including of Saudi Arabia in the were playing geopolitical goals the losses. Russia-Turkey talks with the bel- pear to be under the illusion of a Astana talks - this rejection is risky using the Syrians as pawns. And For me, being an Afghan woman is a biggest tragedy to see my family members being killed in front of ligerent sides of the Syrian con- predetermined success of the As- and destructive. all the players are ready to play my eyes, and also see my house being burn without any reason. flict including major fighter groups. tana meeting. First, until now there Iran's agenda this game until the last Syrian. The government should sincerely help these women and leave no stone unturned to carry out a joint The sides agreed to meet in are no guarantees that the talks will The meeting's potential suc- But assuming the talks in As- anti-militant operation in the province. Kazakh capital, Astana and discuss be held, considering the violations. cess will strengthen Iran's position tana take place and result in suc- Shakabi Alizada, Kabul, Afghanistan further steps of the crisis settle- Second, there is no guarantees that that reference is harmful for the cess, the true challenges will re- ment. The talks are scheduled on it will be a success. regional geopolitical balance and main in front of the mediators and January 23. That initiative and ef- It is clear that the Gulf states can lead to the strengthening of the Syrians themselves. Firstly, forts were supported by the reso- will use their influence on the rebel sectarian conflicts inflaming the there will be attempts to bring cha- lution 2336 UN mentioned earlier. groups with which they have con- regional societies. It is dangerous os back to the country and there is tacts to project their will through and geopolitically undesirable for no guarantees that these won't suc- Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must The talks to be held on a neutral territory, in Kazakhstan, in case them Saudi Arabia and the Gulf. Reject- ceed. Furthermore, not only the have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: From a geopolitical perspec- [email protected] ceasefire stay in force, have enough ing the participation of Saudi Ara- country needs to be rebuilt, but chances to be a success. At least tive, there are very few parties in- bia, the negotiations undermine the the whole nation. During the inev- more fruitful than Geneva format. terested in the success of the meet- result of the talks and their chanc- itable and long process of political In case of success Syrians will fi- ing in Kazakhstan. Firstly, because es for success. It is clear that the transition and construction of the nally get a chance for a peaceful the success of the talks will ce- Gulf states will use their influence new Syrian contours, there should Disclaimer: life and possibility to unite forces ment success of Russian and Turk- on the rebel groups with which be a long and painful process of in the fight with the common threat ish diplomacy, and thus their geo- they have contacts to project their national reconciliation. And to The views and opinions expressed in the articles are - terrorism. politics positions, as well as Irani- will through them. In case anything make people who were killing each But such a positive perspec- an ones. Secondly, successful out- goes in an undesirable direction it other for five years love each oth- those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or tive remains unlikely. Even the way come of the talks will leave behind is clear that the negotiations will er is much more difficult than just opinions of the Afghanistan Times. to the conference remains thorny. the West, and primarily Washing- be sabotaged. While in the pres- to build a political system. More- Ongoing serious violations in the ton. Such an outcome of the situa- ence of Saudi Arabia and Gulf coun- over, none can speak about the end tion would be convenient to the tries there would be far more space of transitional process. MONDAY. JANUARY 09, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Japan watching Migran t crisis: 'blam e HK activist Joshua China's moves to gam e is bein g played Wong under police name underwater bo th by Turkey, EU' protection after features in disputed failed assault in waters 'very closely' Taiwan: Reports TAIPEI: Hong Kong activist Wong, who was rushed into a Joshua Wong was under police police vehicle, reported SCMP. protection in Taiwan after a failed “I wasn’t expecting [pro- assault attempt by a pro-China China protesters to show up], protester on Saturday (Jan 7), lo- be it in Hong Kong or Taiwan,” cal media reported. said Wong during the forum on Wong arrived in Taipei's Saturday afternoon. He said Taoyuan International Airport ear- that it was the first time he had ly on Saturday morning to attend encountered such protests in a forum hosted by Taiwan's New Taiwan, having visited the is- Power Party, Taiwan News report- land last year, reported SCMP. ed. Around 200 pro-China pro- Protesters also demonstrat- testers had gathered at the airport's ed outside the venue of the fo- arrivals hall, according to the South rum, voicing their opposition to TOKYO - Japan is "watching very Ridge region, which runs south China Morning Post (SCMP). the collusion of "indepen- closely" China's moves seeking to from Japan's most southern island, They reportedly chanted slogans dence scum from Taiwan and give Chinese names to undersea Okinotorishima. toward Palau fur- about Wong as well as Hong Kong Hong Kong", according to features that have previously been ther south. lawmakers Nathan Law and Ed- SCMP. surveyed and named by Tokyo and At least two of the sites that ward Yiu (who were also attend- Wong and the other law- are near its exclusive economic China sought to name lay in an area ing the forum) and said they were makers would be under police zone. that Japan had applied to exercise not welcome in Taiwan. One of protection throughout their A Ministry of Foreign Affairs sovereignty to a UN commission them reportedly broke through stay, a police inspector said ac- official told the South China Morn- examining nations' claims to conti- police lines and tried to punch cording to SCMP. ing post that the applications do nental shelf territory. not at present "directly affect the Earlier this year, China's For- interests of nearby maritime na- eign Ministry said that Japan's tions". However, other officials claim to the region was "illegal" and Less than half of all rejected asy- as 'Hypocritical' He also added that Donald Trump takes office. “We have described the moves as "ag- that China did not recognise the lum seekers have been deported with the rise of far-right sentiment will see what this new [US] Ad- gressive" and "seeking to assume EEZ or continental shelf claims of from Europe, European border in Europe caused by the current ministration can do about this,” control over territory. the Okinotori. agency Frontex reports. Radio migrant crisis, the EU is unlikely Gareth Jenkins said in conclusion. A Chinese delegation had sub- The Japanese Foreign Affairs Sputnik discussed the issue with to lift these restrictions any time On Thursday, Frontex director mitted 50 naming proposals to the Ministry has emphasised that Gareth Jenkins, an Istanbul-based soon, particularly Germany, which Fabrice Leggeri blamed Greece for Sub-Committee on Undersea Fea- China has sought to name features security analyst with the Central has taken in a lot more refugees being too slow in returning mi- ture Names (SCUFN), a body un- in international waters and is free Asia-Caucasus Institute and the than anyone else. Even though the grants back to Turkey. Turkey der the International Hydrograph- to conduct such research. Howev- Silk Road Studies Program. United States uses the airbase in Wants to Update Customs Union ic Organisation based in Monaco. er, the country is concerned at ‘Turkey hasn’t fulfilled all of Incirlik, Turkey, Washington pro- With EU as Accession Talks Stall These included names for sea what it sees as a pattern of assump- its conditions, neither has the EU vides little, if any, support for Op- He added that his expectations of mounts and ridges. tion of territories.According to and the refugees have really been eration Euphrates Shield being car- as many as five hundred people to In its annual report on Dec SCUFN regulations, naming a fea- stuck in the middle, so there is a ried out by Turkey in Syria. Re- be taken out of the EU and into 21, the organisation said that 16 of ture does not necessarily give the blame game now being played both cently, the Turkish Prime Minis- Turkey on a daily basis under the the proposals were accepted, namer any rights to it, reported the by Turkey and EU,” Jenkins said. ter even hinted that Ankara could EU-Turkey deal were not even while 34 were not. The reason for South China Morning Post. Any When asked if the EU, above all actually close the Incirlik base. close to being met. The migrant the rejections, according to the country can apply names to an un- Germany, was ready to succumb When asked whether this could be to Turkey’s terms of accession, seen as a sign to Washington now deal between the EU and Turkey, Yomiuri newspaper, was that named feature in international wa- reached last March, was aimed at "naming them in Chinese may de- ters. Gareth Jenkins said that the EU that Turkey is rebuilding its ties velop into disputes with coastal But the regulations also ask has always been insincere about with Russia, Gareth Jenkins said helping to curb the migrant influx countries". other countries to recognise a name accepting Turkey as a member, or that there was a great deal of Turk- to Europe. Turkey agreed to let The applications that were applied by a sovereignty state with- even relaxing visa requirements for ish resentment about the lack of the EU send back asylum rejects if turned down including eight close in its territorial sea. (Straitstimes) Turkish citizens visiting the US support for Ankara’s military it speeds up financial aid, the coun- to the Southern Kyushu-Palau Schengen zone. operation in Syria. He added, how- try's ascension into the Union and Pressure on Greece Over Mi- ever, that he didn’t expect any lifts visa restrictions. grants, EU-Turkey Deal Blasted movement on this issue before (Sputniknews) Thousands Rohingya abuses in evacuated as Myanmar appear storm hits Uzbekistan Railways southern ‘normal, allowed’ Abuses appear “normal and al- the video and detained the police extends electrification Philippines lowed” in Myanmar’s response to officers involved. But it insists the Obama: China has UZBEKISTAN Railways (UTY) advancing rapidly on the final sec- an armed uprising by Rohingya incident is an “isolated case.” reached another milestone in its tion between Dehkanabad and Ter- Muslims, a senior US official said Human rights groups and electrification programme at the mez, which is close to the Afghan MANILA - About 6,000 people in an interview, casting a pall over neighbouring, Muslim-majority benefited by US end of December when 25kV 50Hz border. were evacuated from their homes one of President Barack Obama’s Malaysia accuse Myanmar’s civil- ac catenary was energised on the UTY says it has now electri- as a tropical storm hit the south- legacy foreign policy achieve- ian leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, of 90km Dehkanabad - Qarshi sec- fied more than 1700km of its net- ern Philippines on Sunday (Jan 8), ments. failing to protect the Rohingya. tion of the Tashkent - Samarkand - work, with 500km energised in raising the risk of floods and land- People don’t film themselves The Nobel peace laureate is hob- presence in Asia Termez line. 2016 alone. This includes the slides, authorities said. committing a human rights abuse bled by her lack of control over Electrification of the 140.8km 256km Samarkand - Bukhara line, The storm, locally named "Au- unless they think that doing so is the powerful military but harsh President Obama said Tuesday said. "This is a feeling that I share Samarkand - Qarshi section of the which switched to electric opera- ring", hit Siargao island - just off normal and allowed Obama and his national politics also play a role. that China has "benefited" from the equally with my predecessors." route was completed in August tion in September. the main southern island of Mind- advisers have long held up the Myanmar’s majority Bud- U.S. presence in Asia and rejected Abe emphasized that he has 2015 and UTY says works are (Railjournal) anao - with maximum gusts of former pariah nation’s US-backed dhists loathe the Rohingya. Many the notion that new defense guide- endorsed previous statements from 70kmh. shift from military rule as a break- of the more than 1 million-strong lines between the United States and Japanese leaders that acknowl- The storm is forecast to move through for American interests and community have lived there for Japan should be viewed as a prov- edged the country's role in the westward across the southern and democratic values in Southeast generations, but they lack citizen- ocation in Beijing. abuse. But he added that "through- Kazakhstan cuts oil output central islands before exiting the Asia. But the situation in strife- ship. The Rohingya bore the brunt "China became an economic out the history of the 20th centu- archipelago by Tuesday, the gov- hit Rakhine State makes the tran- of intercommunal violence with juggernaut incorporated into glo- ry, women's dignity and basic hu- ernment weather station said. sition no straightforward success Buddhists in Rakhine in 2012 that bal trade" under the current sys- man rights have often been in- in line with OPEC deal Floods have already occurred story. left hundreds dead and forced more tem, Obama said during a news fringed upon during wars." Kazakhstan has started cutting its Karachaganak, said the ministry’s in some communities as rain had Rakhine has been largely than 100,000 into squalid camps. conference in the Rose Garden, During the first full day of oil production to fulfill its com- message. been falling even before the storm closed off to foreigners, including Myanmar's Foreign Minister after a meeting with Japanese Abe's visit, the two nations agreed mitments within the deal with In December 2016 OPEC and hit, said Mr Amado Posas, the civil aid workers, since a deadly insur- Aung San Suu Kyi. Photo: AP Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "So, to strengthen a wide variety of OPEC and non- OPEC oil produc- non-OPEC producers reached their defence director of operations in gent attack against police in Octo- The plight of the Rohingya has no, we don’t think a strong U.S.- links on trade, military coopera- ers, Kuandik Kulmurzin, director first deal since 2001 to curtail oil the affected area. ber. Subsequent “clearance opera- attracted the attention of Muslim Japan alliance should be seen as a tion, cybersecurity, nuclear non- of Kazakh Energy Ministry’s de- output jointly and ease a global glut The storm is expected to bring tions,” led by the military and rem- extremists. U.S. officials say there provocation." proliferation, anti-terrorism ef- partment of oil industry develop- after more than two years of low heavy rain that will cause rivers iniscent of its decades of junta rule, are credible reports that wealthy Obama added that millions of forts, climate change and humani- ment told Astana TV channel. prices. Non-oil producers such as and streams to overflow, Posas told have left at least dozens dead. Tens backers in Gulf nations and the Chinese have risen out of poverty, tarian assistance. Oil production has been re- AFP. of thousands of Rohingya have Rohingya diaspora are providing and that could "not have been done At the news conference, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equa- He said disaster monitoring escaped to neighbouring Bang- funds and training for a newly duced by 20,000 barrels of oil per torial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malay- were there not a stable trading sys- Obama and Abe also touted day since Jan. 1, he said, but did agencies had ordered pre-emptive ladesh. emerged insurgency in Rakhine. tem and world order underwritten progress on the Trans-Pacific Part- sia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, evacuations even before the storm A Myanmar government-ap- The Myanmar government in large part by our alliances." nership, a 12-nation free trade and not say at what fields the produc- and South Sudan agreed to reduce tion was reduced. hit so there would be no casual- pointed commission, led by a says the insurgent group – known Obama's remarks came a day regulatory pact in the Asia Pacific output by 558,000 bpd starting ties. former general, this week said there as Harakah al-Yaqin, or Faith after the United States and Japan region that the president has called Previously, the Kazakh ener- from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, gy ministry said that oil produc- The government has also sus- was insufficient evidence so far to Movement – has hundreds of fight- announced a revised defense agree- one of his top priorities. extendable for another six months, pended sea travel in affected ar- support allegations of rape and ers. It says the group is led by ment that would allow Japan's Negotiations between the Unit- tion would be reduced at some oil to take into account prevailing fields in Aktobe, Kyzylorda and eas. killings by security forces that have Havid Tuhar, a 45-year-old Ro- Self-Defense Forces to take a more ed States and Japan are nearing market conditions and prospects. The Philippine islands are of- been made by Rohingya villagers hingya who was raised in Saudi active role in regional security. The completion, with just a few out- Mangystau regions. Natural de- OPEC agreed to slash the out- crease in production is observed ten the first major land mass to be fleeing northern Rakhine, which Arabia. The government claims he changes, which are relatively mod- standing issues, and both sides are put by 1.2 million barrels per day hit by storms that generate over remains off-limits to journalists. trained with Taliban in Pakistan. est, allow Japan to act when U.S. hoping to come to agreement in a at these fields. Reduction will not from Jan. 1, with top exporter Saudi affect such major projects as the the Pacific Ocean. It endures about Tom Malinowski, the State Havid Tuhar has appeared in forces are threatened by a third few weeks — which could give Arabia cutting as much as 486,000 20 major storms each year, many Department’s human rights chief, several videos posted on social country. crucial momentum to the deal. North-Caspian project bpd. (Trend) (Kashagan), Tengiz and of them deadly. questioned the credibility of that media surrounded by rag-tag, bare- The president acknowledged However, Obama still must con- At least six people were killed investigation. He said a video of foot guerrillas, urging young Ro- the tensions that have arisen be- vince Congress to support the deal, and 18 others were missing after Myanmar police kicking and beat- hingya men to fight. tween China and other Asian na- and lawmakers are currently Typhoon Nock-Ten lashed the ing Rohingya – filmed by the po- Myanmar pursuing ‘ethnic tions from maritime disputes in the weighing "fast-track" legislation Philippines over the Christmas lice and recently surfaced on so- cleansing’ of Rohingya, UN says South China and East China seas. that would smooth the way for Kazakhstan delivers holidays. (Tribune) cial media – suggests a disturbing As early as two years ago, "But that is not an issue aris- completion. pattern. Malinowski said, the US ex- ing as a consequence of the U.S.- However, Obama faces stiff humanitarian aid to “People don’t film themselves pressed fears to Myanmar’s gov- Japan alliance," he said. "Rather opposition from most Democrats, committing a human rights abuse ernment that the grievances of than resolve it through normal in- labor unions and environmental unless they think that doing so is Muslims needed to be addressed. ternational dispute settlements, groups. Syria normal and allowed,” Malinowski Otherwise, he said, “outside forc- they are flexing their muscles. "It's never fun passing a trade told The Associated Press. es would eventually exploit those We've said to China what we would bill in this town," Obama said, "be- Kazakhstan sent about 500 tons sion of the Higher Relief Commis- “What that video suggests to grievances to promote a violent say to any country: 'That’s the cause people are understandably of humanitarian aid to the people sion of the Syrian Arab Republic. me is that this kind of behaviour, reaction.” wrong way to go about it.' " concerned about the potential im- of Syria in the form of food, in- “The humanitarian aid has been at least with respect to whatever A screengrab taken from a vid- Abe, meanwhile, was asked to pact on specific industries and gen- cluding flour, canned meat, rice, provided to Syria in line with the unit or elements of the security eo originally taken by Myanmar address the issue of Japan's war- eral concerns people have about pasta and tea, the Ministry of For- decision of the President of the forces was involved, has become Constable Zaw Myo Htike (not time use of "comfort stations," globalization and technology dis- eign Affairs of Kazakhstan said. Republic of Kazakhstan Nursul- normalized, much as the photo- pictured) shows policemen stand- which forced as many as 200,000 placing workers. But this will end The humanitarian cargo was deliv- tan Nazarbayev, given the large- graphs at Abu Ghraib taught us the ing guard around Rohingya minor- women into sexual slavery during up being the most progressive ered to the port of Tartus with the scale humanitarian crisis in the same lesson about things that were ity villagers. Photo: AFP/YouTube World War II. Abe's refusal to is- trade bill history." assistance of the Russian Federa- country,” Berdybai said.This is not going on in our military in Iraq at “It does seem that something sue a full-throated apology has The United States and Japan tion. Ambassador of Kazakhstan the first aid rendered by Kazakh- the time,” he said. like that, at least on a small scale, angered South Korea and China. share many of the same strategic to Jordan Azamat Berdybai hand- stan to the Syrian people. In 2012, Rohingya Muslims from My- has happened,” Malinowski said. But Abe again declined to di- concerns about a nuclear North ed the humanitarian aid to the Syr- Kazakhstan allocated $400,000 anmar, who tried to cross the Naf The US would be prepared to share rectly apologize or take full re- Korea, a growing Chinese military ian side represented by the Chair- through the Organization of Islamic river into Bangladesh to escape with Myanmar credible threat in- sponsibility for Japan. and nuclear proliferation. With the man of the Provincial Council of Cooperation to the Governments sectarian violence, are kept under formation to help the civilian lead- "I am deeply pained to think approach of the anniversary this Tartus Yasser Dibb. The Kazakh of Jordan and Lebanon to provide watch by Bangladeshi security of- ership respond effectively to at- about the comfort women who summer of the U.S. nuclear bomb- humanitarian aid to the needy will humanitarian assistance to the Syr- ficials in Teknaf. Photo: AFP tacks, he said. He would not say if experience immeasurable pain and ing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the be distributed under the supervi- ians residing in refugee camps. The government of Myanmar, any actionable intelligence has suffering as a result of victimiza- two countries said. also known as Burma, has verified been shared to date. (CNN) tion due to human trafficking," he (Washington post) MONDAY. JANUARY 09, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

NEW YORK – The same prob- until late at night. That makes child change their mindset regarding lems come up again and again in care almost impossible for house- work itself — bosses will have to discussions of what Japan needs holds with two full-time earners. find ways to get their employees to do to revive its economy. The Women are thus forced to choose to work smarter, not harder. The first is low white-collar produc- between career and childbearing, changes will also benefit Japanese tivity. The second is population which contributes to the low fer- families, allowing parents to be aging. The third is gender equality. tility rate and aging population. home with the kids while they Now the government is poised to And since women are far more work. That will make child care attack all three problems at once, likely than men to choose to stay easier (increasing the fertility rate), undertaking an assault on one of home with the kids, the culture of and will help women win econom- the central features of the coun- long work hours also keeps wom- ic equality. In the long run, shorter try’s corporate culture — long en from advancing in the workplace. hours for full-time employees working hours. Japan is legendary So Japan’s long hours hurt the could also help close the gap be- for its work ethic. You wouldn’t economy, personal health and fam- tween full-time and part-time know this from the official statis- ilies, all for little economic benefit. workers. As things stand, the em- tics, which show Japanese work- Something needs to be done. For- ployment system is hugely unfair, ing hours converging with U.S. lev- tunately, the administration of since it’s very hard to switch from els: I suspect the Japanese num- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is the dead-end part-time track to the bers are understated. Many more aware of the problem, and is tak- upwardly mobile full-time track. salaried workers in the United ing some steps to address it. First, But if full-time employees work States are exempt from overtime Abe is drawing up new rules to more reasonable workweeks, com- rules than in Japan. Therefore, Jap- cap overtime hours. These will panies will have less reason to anese bosses have a bigger incen- only be effective if they are en- maintain two different kinds of tive than their U.S. counterparts forced, of course. But according to employment. That could give the A private internet network known The expansion of SABRENet optic network, helped by a federal Mr Ellice-Flint, who was chief to force their white-collar employ- economist and government policy government an opening to push as SABRENet set up more than a is being fuelled by $5 million of economic stimulus grant. It deliv- executive of Santos for eight years ees to work off the clock. In any adviser Akiko Kamesaka, the gov- companies toward providing equal decade ago by three universities to extra spending by the South Aus- ered speeds of one gigabit per sec- until 2008, is on the board of the case, surveys find that unpaid over- ernment is preparing to send in- pay for equal work, something connect researchers and enable tralian government, led by Premier ond. A raft of hi-tech companies national body, Infrastructure Aus- time is significant. Additionally, spectors to make sure that office Abe himself has advocated. So Ja- them to send big files to each other Jay Weatherill, to connect it to moved in and a thriving new econ- tralia. He believes that attracting much of Japan’s working hour de- lights are off after certain hours. pan may finally be addressing its was ahead of its time. Has one of other business precincts which also omy at the forefront of the digital creative thinkers and creative in- cline comes from a compositional That kind of top-down policy most infamous corporate-culture the answers to the painful econom- include the Tonsley Technology age emerged in Chattanooga which dustries is crucial and that becom- shift from full-time to part-time might seem unthinkable to many problem. The days of the exhaust- ic transition of South Australia Park. That once housed another once had the reputation as one of ing a GigCity is an important mile- work — in other words, underem- in the U.S., but it might be the only ed salaryman nodding off on the been sitting there all along? manufacturing relic – the Mitsub- the dirtiest cities in the United stone. ployment. Full-time workers in way to force hidebound, aging midnight train might soon be gone It is nirvana for digital start- ishi car factory which shut down States. The digital infrastructure ex- Japan still work longer than their Japanese managers to change. An- for good, replaced by a new em- ups because the internet speeds are in 2008. The fatter pipes of the The existing SABRENet net- pansion is scheduled to be fully U.S. counterparts. The harm from other idea is to nudge Japanese phasis on efficiency, productivity at least 10 times faster than the super-fast fibre optic network will work has been jointly owned for up and running by mid-2017, just long working hours goes beyond companies to let employees take and family time. It would be a National Broadband Network will be offered to businesses who want more than a decade by the state a few months before car maker stress, psychiatric issues and their work home with them. Japan welcome change. (AP) be able to muster. to take advantage of the faster government, and the University of Holden shuts down its car-making health problems. Overwork might has traditionally lagged other rich It is about to be revved up in a speeds. But they will have to Adelaide, the University of South factory at Elizabeth in Adelaide's also be a factor behind the coun- countries in allowing workers to big way and by mid-2017 the SA- stump up extra to connect to it. It Australia and Flinders University. northern suburbs. Ford shut down try’s low productivity. Stanford substitute working at home for BRENet network will be fully con- comes as the NBN continues to be One of the most enthusiastic its car plant in outer Melbourne in economist John Pencavel has office time, and Abe’s advisers nected to an extra 14 business pre- an expensive political football as a proponents of the advantages of late 2016. shown that if people work more have long been suggesting ways to cincts across Adelaide. They in- complicated roll-out of its service the fatter pipes and what SA- South Australian Manufactur- than 60 hours a week, their output fix the disparity through deregula- clude the Techport site operated drags on. It will mean that Ade- BRENet can offer is the former ing and Innovation Minister Kyam flatlines or even declines. Putting tion and bureaucratic pressure on by submarine and warship builder laide becomes the first Australian chief executive of oil and gas com- Maher says the SABRENet net- in long hours might convince your businesses. Already, government ASC, where $50 billion-worth of city to join the growing Gig City pany Santos, John Ellice-Flint. work will attract creative hi-tech boss that you’re a diligent employ- efforts and natural cultural change submarines will be built under the international movement, which He labels it a "game-changer". industries, and that tenders closed ee, but after a point it becomes self- seem to be having an effect — more much-vaunted project announced has an unlikely flag-bearer in the Providing the infrastructure for the in mid-December for the provider defeating. But the biggest conse- than a third of large Japanese com- by Prime Minister Malcolm Turn- United States regional city of Chat- digital age means that smart start- who will "light up" the GigCity quence of overwork could be its panies recently claimed to be im- bull in early 2016 when French firm tanooga in Tennessee. ups, app developers and a range network. "Fibre is now in place at destructive impact on family. In plementing work-from-home sys- DCNS was awarded the contract. Chattanooga re-invented itself of other industries can set up shop more than half of the 14 innova- Japan, the tradition of eating din- tems. These reforms, if success- Techport is one of eight precincts as a hotspot for hi-tech business- and in turn take advantage of the tion precincts in preparation for ner with the family is long gone. ful, will have at least two big pos- out of the 14 which already have es in 2010 when the city's electric- lifestyle attractions of a smaller GigCity to go live," he says. (afr) Many full-time workers — men itive effects. They will force con- been stitched into the network. ity utility EPB installed a fibre city. in particular — don’t get home servative Japanese managers to Korea to take Donald Trump rhetoric Succession swift action to deal raises spectre of 1930s- planning helps with fluctuating style trade war with Asia family fertiliser global situations Hong Kong: US President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to shrink business bloom a trade deficit with China through punishing tariffs wouldn’t just The Bailey family behind the pop- with some of the family emotion, hurt the world’s second-biggest ular WA soil products know plen- which can stifle new ideas and de- economy — it would also damage ty when it comes to making gar- tract from doing the best thing for the rest of Asia too. dens flourish. the business,” she said. That’s the increasing view of They have also mastered the Baileys has built a name for economists who say the risk of art of running a thriving family itself as a supplier of premium gar- significant Trump-triggered trade business, which is in the process den and lawn products including tensions could slow growth in the of being handed to the fourth gen- potting and growing mixes, soil world’s best performing region, eration. conditioners, fertilisers and wet- which accounts for 67% of Amer- Managing director Kim Bailey, ting agents. ica’s goods trade deficit, according whose grandfather established the It supplies both the residen- to a Morgan Stanley. business in 1927, will cut down to tial market via retailers such as “Donald Trump’s campaign working two days a week this year Bunnings and garden centres, and proposal to impose hefty tariffs before fully retiring in the near fu- the commercial market with turf, on China has raised the spectre of ture. His children Gen, James and horticultural and agricultural prod- 1930s-style trade wars,” said Priy- Richard will take over the business. ucts. Turnover has almost trebled anka Kishore, lead Asia economist The entire family, including in the past decade and the compa- at Oxford Economics in Singapore. mother Faye, already work at Bai- ny now employs 38 staff. “While we attach a low probabili- leys’ Kwinana offices. Gen and Kim Bailey said the company ty to a full-blown escalation, econ- James share the role of general would expand its footprint across omies across Asia will have to brace manager and Richard oversees pro- Australia within the next five themselves for rising protection- duction. years, building on its commercial ism amid subdued global growth Kim Bailey said the key to the presence in South Australia. and rising Western populism.” current and future smooth running In doing so it will replicate the Kishore added that another of their family operation centred successful WA approach, where- risk is that Trump goes beyond on developing and carefully exe- by it value adds to fertilisers and targeting expected areas such as cuting a succession plan, and for- other products to maximise their iron and steel, and imposes new malising their governance struc- suitability and benefits for the lo- trade restrictions on textiles, elec- fiery campaign rhetoric toward tronics and textiles. As the world’s tures, with the help of an external cal climate and soils. tronics, cars, computers and more. China with a series of pronounce- second biggest financier of US gov- adviser. It has not always been a smooth Under such a scenario, she said the ments on Twitter and the appoint- ernment debt, it could also respond Almost three years in the mak- road for the Bailey family busi- pain would spread well beyond ment of China hawks, including by selling down its holdings of ing and finalised just four months ness which was started by Kim’s South Korea will take swift action nance ministry said. China because of the potential Peter Navarro, to key roles. Na- Treasuries. Then there’s the nu- ago, the aim of the plan was to grandfather Walter in Spearwood against any challenges from the glo- As part of efforts to ease for- downstream impact. varro has blamed China’s 2001 clear option: devalue the yuan. table all family members’ inten- 90 years ago to service a neigh- bal economy amid rising uncer- eign investors' concerns over the China is prepared to step up entry into the World Trade Orga- “This could the first step towards, tions and develop a formal strate- bourhood then dominated by mar- tainties sparked by the scheduled future of the South Korean econo- its scrutiny of US companies in nization for eroding America’s the first step on a long ladder, the gy with clear governance measures. ket gardeners and poultry and US government change and vola- my, Finance Minister Yoo will fly the event Trump takes punitive manufacturing base. end of which is a 1930s-style en- The family has also formed a dairy farmers. tile Chinese financial market, the to New York next week to meet measures against Chinese goods, “The recent shift in political vironment where we’ve got col- family council, separate to its ad- A family rift developed in the finance ministry here said Friday. with US corporate investors and according to people familiar with rhetoric in the US has increased lapsing global trade, we’ve got de- visory board, to support the mis- 1940s when Kim’s father Charlie In a meeting presided over by media. the matter. The options include the risk of potential policy chang- fault on debt, we’ve got interna- sion, vision and values of the fam- walked out of the business follow- Finance Minister Yoo Il-ho in He will explain the country's subjecting well-known US compa- es related to trade,” Morgan Stan- tional relations gradually falling ily and business. ing a disagreement with his broth- Seoul, the economic policymakers major policy plans and its efforts nies or ones that have large Chi- ley economists led by Hong Kong- apart, eroding, and we’re back into Gen Bailey said transparency er Jack, soon after returning from reviewed the current global eco- to manage the economy amid ris- nese operations to tax or antitrust based Chetan Ahya wrote in a re- that environment,” Erik Britton, a offered through these measures World War II. nomic situations and discussed ing concerns that the current po- probes, the people said, asking not port. “As these potential policy director at Fathom Consulting in was vital, particularly as working The setback did not last long. ways to deal with the current head- litical turmoil involving the im- to be identified because the matter changes are aimed at improving the London, said on Bloomberg Tele- with family could be challenging. Charlie established his own gener- winds, according to the Ministry peachment of President Park isn’t public. US position in global trade, Asia vision. While a sudden move to sell “We put everyone’s intentions al store in Hamilton Hill and the of Strategy and Finance. Geun-hye will weigh heavily on Complex picture will be a main focus.” China, Ko- Treasuries or weaken the yuan look on the table. When planning for business focus gradually shifted to South Korea's Finance Minis- corporate investment and private A smartphone exported to the rea and Japan would be the worst unlikely, for now, China would still the future it’s important to sepa- producing its own lawn and gar- ter Yoo Il-ho speaks at a meeting consumption. US may only be assembled in Chi- affected given they sell more to the likely hit back, said Chi Lo, great- rate management of the business den fertilisers. (The West) in Seoul on Jan. 6, 2017. (Courte- At a separate economic meet- na with parts sourced from other US than they buy back and be- er China senior economist at BNP sy of the Ministry of Strategy and ing of vice ministers, the govern- countries in Asia. However, head- cause of their roles in a deeply in- Paribas Investment Partners in Finance) ment will increase new hirings by line trade statistics don’t necessar- tertwined regional supply chain, Hong Kong. “Trade retaliation is Since the Fed's rate-hike meet- 10,000 in the first quarter to ease ily capture that supply chain. In- according to Morgan Stanley. Vul- very likely,” he said, noting that ing in December, the local stock the tightened job market. stead, they label the phone as a nerable industries include telecom- US investment in China is higher market has been stable and the pace Chinese export, distorting its trade munications, computers and cars. than Chinese investment in Amer- of the strengthening US currency The number of new public ser- balance with the US. Chinese state media has warned the ica. “This means that the US would has been eased to some extent. vants will be raised to 6,023 this Analysis of foreign value-add- country can fight back, saying that be hurt more by China’s retalia- But big events, such as the in- year, up 651 from the previous ed content of China’s exports Trump will be met with “big tion than it could hurt China. This auguration of the Donald Trump year's tally, while 11,967 teachers shows how complex the picture sticks” if he tries to ignite a trade also implies that the US does not administration and the negotiations will be employed before March, is. “China accounts for only 16 war or further strain ties. have much leverage over China in of Britain's exit from the Europe- according to the finance ministry. percent of electronic and comput- “There are flowers around the a trade war.” It remains to be seen an Union, will create a drag on the er imports into the US, while the gate of China’s ministry of com- by just how much the President- global financial market, coupled It is a follow-up measure of rest of Asia-ex Japan accounts for merce, but there are also big sticks elect will deliver on fiery campaign with possible turbulence in the the government's earlier plan to a similar share and Japan 8%,” hidden inside the door — they both rhetoric but, for now at least, the Chinese and European equity mar- recruit 60,000 people in the pub- Kishore said. “But standard trade await Americans,” the Communist risk of a full blow trade war re- kets. lic sector throughout 2017 in a way statistics show that China’s share Party’s Global Times newspaper mains remote. The US Chamber The government will keep to prop up the economy, which in total US imports of electronic wrote in an editorial Thursday. of Commerce in China on Friday close tabs on the international is- has been suffering from faltering products is more than 40%.” Trade retaliation China can also re- called for an easing of trade ten- sues and get ready to take appro- exports and lukewarm domestic Since winning the US Presiden- taliate against US investment in sions. Yet the risk remains. priate action if necessary, the fi- demand. (Yonhap) tial election, Trump has backed up China by targeting sectors like elec- (livemint) MONDAY. JANUARY 09, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES My roles are Dangal continues commensurate with my age: box office dominance Amitabh in third weekend, Bachchan earns Rs 320.16 cr

Actor James McAvoy will play the role of Professor X again in X- Men spin-off New Mutants. It’s Anya Taylor-Joy, McA- voy’s co-star in Split, who acci- dentally confirmed the actor’s in- volvement in X-Men: The New Mutants. During an interview for M. Night Shyamalan’s movie Split, Taylor-Joy, who is rumored to play Magik, also hinted at Demon Clearly unfazed by the pinch of P.K. and become the highest Bear as the New Mutants villain, demonetisation, Aamir Khan star- grosser flick of all time. reported Ace Showbiz. rer Dangal smashed records as it Dangal was directed by Ni- Taylor-Joy said she had seen has entered its third weekend by tesh Tiwari and produced by the recently-released New Mu- punching the box office collection Disney. tants animatic featuring Magik, of Salman Khan starrer Sultan. Aamir Khan’s previous Wolfsbane, and Cannonball facing Until now, the movie has blockbuster hit ‘PK had off against Demon Bear. earned Rs. 6.66 crore on its sec- crossed the 300cr mark in 17 “I have (seen the Demon Bear ond Friday and a total of Rs. days. animatic), it’s pretty cool. I’m a 320.16 crore in 15 days. Dangal was also made tax big fan so I’d love to be a part of it. Now the next target for Dan- free in New Delhi, Haryana and I can’t say very much, but I would gal is to surpass the collections of Uttar Pradesh. (Santabanta) love to be a part of it. I think this year’s gonna be very exciting.” When asked if she would like to reunite with McAvoy in X- Men: New Mutants, the actor an- Shraddha swered, “I mean, I think James is already a part of it, isn’t he?” Amitabh Bachchan came to be But it’s not the only time an known as Bollywood's "Angry insider spilled the beans about the finally opens up young man" and gradually worked possibility of having McAvoy his way to be tagged its "Shahen- back as Professor X. shah". Back in May, producer Simon After years of stepping into Kinberg had basically confirmed on relationship different characters, India's cine- McAvoy’s involvement in the up- matic legend says his evolving on- coming movie by telling Collider, screen persona is a reflection of “Right now, as the movie exists, the change in roles offered to him Professor X would be a part of a with Farhan in sync with his age. The 74-year- New Mutants movie.” old has for a while dwelt upon the (hollywoodreporter) "interesting offers" coming his way, but he has been unable to take them on because of paucity of time. In one of his first interviews of 2017 -- a year which will see him feature in "Aankhen 2" and "Sarkar 3" -- the cine icon has spo- ken about his new projects, his Golden Globes Robert Pattinson desire to be a part of socially-rele- vant cinema and how age is play- ing a decisive role in choosing his 2017 Box Office: fears his secrets can films. "The process (of choosing a film) is the same, but the nature of the work offered and accepted Ranking the Best has changed. The change is not in destroy relationship the process, the change is in the age. The work that comes to me is commensurate with my age," Am- Picture Nominees with FKA Twigs itabh told IANS in an email inter- view from Mumbai. Despite the Actor Robert Pattinson and singer doesn’t want anyone to be at his rare stardom that he enjoys, Big B FKA twigs have reportedly called nuptials because he doesn’t want -- as he is fondly called -- follows off their wedding. the details leaked to the press. Rock On 2 co-stars Farhan Akhtar "For just the sake of gossips, a very simple rule when it comes Apparently, the Twilight ac- “At this point, no one knows and Shraddha Kapoor's off screen tabloids cant take such liberties. to his professional life. "I am an tor fears their families will release if Robert Pattinson and FKA twigs chemistry was the talk of the You can't say something has hap- actor employed to work in a par- all the couple’s secrets to the me- will ever tie the knot,” the site town. In fact, stories were even pened when nothing of this sort ticular project, and I attempt to do dia if they were invited to their states. doing the rounds that Shraddha had has happened," she added. my best for it," said the Padma wedding. According to sources, the ac- packed her bags and moved in with Shraddha said that she is usu- Vibhushan awardee, who aims to Sources tell website tor “wants to desperately keep her rumoured beau, only to be ally unfazed by rumours surround- ensure that his work is always CelebDirtyLaundry.com that close their wedding plans private (as) he dragged back home by her livid fa- ing her but this time, it "painted an done to the "satisfaction of my friends and family members “were hates that his relationship with his ther Shakti Kapoor. Shakti rub- incorrect picture" about her father. (his) employer". For some, he is left upset after the couple refused former girlfriend Kristen Stewart bished the reports, but that had "The link-up rumours have not best remembered as the towering to invite them to their wedding.” is still making headlines to this very little effect. affected me at all, but this time it lead in films like "Deewar", "Zan- According to the site, Pattinson day. That’s why he’s desperately Now, Shraddha Kapoor herself did as it involved my family. If jeer", "Don" and "Sholay"; for “is worried that someone in his trying to keep his relationship slammed gossip mongers for going you paint a wrong picture and in- some, his portrayal as a strict inner circle is going to dish all of with FKA under the radar. But "overboard." Denying her relation- volve family, it's not fair," she said. teacher from "Black" is etched in the couple’s secrets to the media,” even his close friends know that ship with Farhan, the OK Jaanu The actor added that she their memory. Whether it was his reports aceshowbiz.com. will never happen.” (Hindustan actor said, "I think this time it went would like her work to be spoken role as 12-year-boy Auro from Insiders claim that Pattinson Times) little overboard. When you are about and not her rumoured affairs. "Paa" or the grumpy Bengali fa- writing something that is false and Shraddha will be seen next in OK ther from "Piku" -- Amitabh has presenting it as a fact without con- Jaanu with Aditya Roy Kapur. The left lasting impressions with his firming... I feel it's extremely film will hit screens on January 13. varied avatars for the camera. The wrong." (Santabanta) "Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap" star, who has also confessed that he is surviving only on 25 per cent of his liver, having lost the rest to the Rudeshock: Salman, Hepatitis B virus, keeps a check on his health with his no drinking, no smoking, no aerated drinks pol- Ranbir all set for a war? icy. He makes it a point to hit the gym regularly. Focus on fitness is a common New Year resolution -- what has Big B resolved for 2017? "Why wait for a New Year to make a resolution -- personally or pro- fessionally. If there is a need to resolve something, do it now, immediate- ly or tomorrow. Why wait for a year to make up your mind for it? And, no, I do not keep any resolu- tions. After Priyanka "If there is a desire for something that I feel needs to be done, I shall do it, why wait till 2018 or 19 or Chopra, it’s Deepika 20," he questioned. Last year, Amitabh got critical Padukone’s turn to acclaim with "Pink", a movie about Every superstar covets a strong Christmas weekend. issues that women face. opening for their film, and we have Though I prefer watching Ran- Would he like to pick more already witnessed some big box- bir than Salman Khan today, I re- socially relevant films? "Yes, why 'Deadpool' blows every other con- motion picture for a musical or chat with Ellen tender out of the water in terms of comedy, as well as the five vying office clashes. Shah Rukh Khan's ally feel Ranbir has done a wrong not? If the issue narrated in a sto- After Priyanka Chopra, Deepika appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres 'Raees' and Hrithik Roshan's choice by taking on biopic of Sun- ry concerns values and issues that sheer grosses — $783 million glo- for best motion picture for a dra- Padukone is all set to set the stage Show, where she was seen having bally — but it isn't the only best- ma. In keeping with tradition, 'Kaabil' are set to release on the jay Dutt. Is Sanjay''s life worth are socially and morally relevant, I on fire at The Ellen DeGeneres loads of fun, including downing same day, and now we have an- making a film into in the first would, if the prospective produc- picture nominee impressing at the many of the 10 titles are prestige Show. tequila shot as part of a game. box office. One loser is 'Sing Street,' films, versus big commercial play- other potential conflict arising be- place.... er-director offer and agree, want According to a US based lead- tween Salman Khan's 'Tiger Zinda The two actors have had their to get associated with it," said the which bombed in the U.S. with ers. Still, Deadpool isn't the only ing entertainment portal, Headline $3.2 million. best-picture nominee that can Hai' and Ranbir Kapoor's biopic own share of friction, courtesy National Award-winning actor. Planet, the 31-year-old will appear on Sanjay Dutt. their history with Katrina Kaif. Talking about his upcoming Joe Lederer/Twentieth Centu- claim success when breaking down on the very famous talk show on ry Fox Film Corporation how the 10 films have fared — or According to reports, both the Interestingly, the duo has shared projects, Amitabh said: "'Aankhen January 18, to promote her Hol- films are looking for a Christmas screen space as well. Salman 2' is a sequel and begins from where At Sunday night's 74th Gold- are faring — at the domestic and lywood debut xXx: The Return of en Globe ceremony, Deadpool will global box office in advance of the release, December 22 and neither starred in Ranbir's debut film, the first one was left. And 'Sarkar Xander Cage. Priyanka Chopra has seems likely to budge already. 'Ti- 'Saawariya' and 'Ajab Prem Ki 3' is already shot and will be ready be the first live-action superhero Globes. The big exception is Sing also appeared on Ellen’ show. movie in the history of the awards Street, which fell flat in the U.S. in ger Zinda Hai' is the sequel to the Ghazab Kahaani' which also fea- for release by March 17. (YouTube) Directed by DJ Caru- 2012 blockbuster 'Ek Tha Tiger' tured Katrina. Here, the settings and the am- show to compete for top honors. April with $3.2 million. so, xXx: The Return of Xander The R-rated Deadpool, from All grosses are through Friday and is directed by 'Sultan' filmmak- It remains to be seen if both biance of the film retains the orig- Cage is set to release on January er Ali Abbas Zafar. Ranbir movies will hit the screens on De- inal temperament, but the story is 20th Century Fox and starring and will be updated Sunday with 14, in India. Ryan Reynolds, is far and away additional weekend earnings for Kapoor's film, yet to be titled, is cember 22 or if any of the two different. There are references to The film also features Vin Die- being directed by Rajkumar Hira- parties decide to move their release the past, but the screenplay is the top-grossing title among the those titles still in theaters. sel, Nina Dobrev and Ruby Rose. five movies nominated for best (Thesun) ni, who has released his last two date. new." (Hindustan Times) On a related note, PeeCee earlier films, '3 Idiots' and 'PK', on the (Tribune) MONDAY. JANUARY 09, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Co upe de Fran ce: Julian Draxler sco res as Paris Saint-Germ ain advan ce

Australia have called up explosive T20 star Chris Lynn to the one-day inter- national squad for the first time. Vet- eran batsmen George Bailey and Aaron Finch have been dropped with Lynn rewarded for his stunning performanc- es in the Big Bash with inclusion in the squad for the five-match series with Pakistan. Lynn clobbered 11 six- es in his unbeaten 98 from 49 balls for Brisbane Heat against the Scorers in Perth this week, taking his total to 26 sixes in the Big Bash this season. One of those, in an earlier match at the Gabba, was hit out of the stadium. Aaron Finch has been dropped by Australia Aaron Finch has been dropped by Australia Australia coach Darren Lehman says the 26-year-old Lynn will now have an opportunity to perform on a bigger stage. "He's exciting to watch, isn't he? Everyone loves what he's brought to the T20 format," Lehmann said. "Now the challenge for him is to do it in the one- day format, which we know he can." Veteran George Bailey (R) will not feature against Pakistan Veteran George Bailey (R) will not feature against Pakistan Overall, Australia made three changes to the squad that beat New Zealand 3-0 last month, call- ing in Lynn, Billy Stanlake and Us- man Khawaja in place of former ODI captain Bailey, opener Finch and all- rounder Hilton Cartwright. (Sky sport)

Paris Saint-Germain got their on 30 minutes with Adrien Rabiot picked up a thigh injury in a chal- Coupe de France defence off to a firing in the second from 25 yards lenge with goalkeeper Kevin Traff dream start on Saturday with new out just before the break. minutes before the interval. recruit Julian Draxler scoring in a It was one-way traffic in the The 32-year-old was treated 7-0 rout of Ligue 1 rivals Bastia. second half with goals for Chris- pitch-side for several minutes be- Unai Emery's side advance to topher Nkunku, Thiago Motta, fore limping off. the last 32 of a tournament in Angel Di Maria and a Lucas Mou- Five other Ligue 1 sides also which they are the two-time de- ra penalty before Draxler added a competing on Saturday advanced. fending champions ensuring their late seventh. Lille ended the adventure of Corsican rivals remain winless at Emery's side, who went into minnows AS Excelsior - a sixth- the Parc des Princes. the winter break in third place in tier side from the Indian Ocean is- Making his competitive debut Ligue 1, five points behind leaders land of Reunion - with a 4-1 win, following his move from Wolfs- Nice, are looking to complete a and Guingamp beat Le Havre 2-1. burg earlier this month, Draxler clean sweep of the domestic tro- Monaco advanced on Friday past scored the final goal three minutes phies in France for a third season second division AC Ajaccio 2-1, from time. in succession. largely thanks to a goal from star PSG captain Thiago Silva But the Parisians suffered a forward Radamel Falcao. opened the scoring with a header blow when Brazilian captain Silva (Sky sports) Lifeboat Justin Thomas Mona sails holds two-shot lead to Sandown at the Tournament success of Champions Lifeboat Mona was produced with a late run to claim the 32Red.com Mares' Hurdle at Sandown. Paul Nicholls' seven-year-old was ridden confidently by Sam Twiston-Davies and his faith was well founded. Desert Queen tried to make all but looked a sitting duck as Briery Queen, Midnight Jazz and the eventual winner cruised up behind. Midnight Jazz led approach- ing the last, but Twiston-Davies had yet to ask for everything and when he did there was a positive response from Lifeboat Mona. The 11-4 joint-favourite pulled three lengths clear up the hill to win the Listed prize in fine style. Harry Derham, Nicholls' assis- tant trainer, said: "It was a good performance and she got a lovely ride. We were a little bit worried about the ground going that soft. "She was the last to be played and she has got a good turn of foot, as we saw at Ascot. It was an ideal race for her as she had no penalties today. We are all thrilled. David Price will take on Christian bill at London's Olympia, where Britons Michael Sprott and Danny fore failing to come out for the "We will take it one race at a Hammer next month on the under- Eubank Jr will meet Renold Quin- Williams among his 20 victims. ninth. Hammer's most recent win time. She is a high-class mare and card of Chris Eubank Jr's latest lan in the main super-middleweight His last trip to the United came in October against Erkan Te- so it was no surprise to see what fight. event. Kingdom ended in defeat in Feb- per, the German who beat Price in she done today. On her ratings she The Liverpool heavyweight Price's opponent is a Germa- ruary 2015, though, as he lost all the summer of 2015 before subse- quently failing a drug test. Justin Thomas fired a six-under 67 mas exchanged birdies at the next was entitled to go close. has been added to the February 4 ny-based Romanian who counts eight rounds to Tyson Fury be- for the third day running to take a to move two clear of the chasing "She is not fragile, she has just narrow lead in to the final round of pack. had niggling problems, but we have the SBS Tournament of Champi- Moore is part of the 32-man had a good run with her this year ons in Hawaii. field for winning the John Deere and it has been reflected in the re- Thomas sits two shots ahead Classic sults." of Hideki Matsuyama, looking for Matsuyama surged up the Dan Downie, of winning own- his fifth worldwide win in six leaderboard by following a chip-in ers Axom, added: "I think we will starts, with overnight joint-leader birdie at the 14th with another gain have to look at Cheltenham. Ryan Moore a further two strokes at the next, as Thomas eagled the "She quite likes a break be- adrift. driveable 14th to go in to a two- tween races and it would be risky Three bogeys on the back nine shot lead. to run her before if that was the Andy Murray will meet Novak where Murray triumphed to claim was forced to work a leaves Patrick Reed six back on 12 A final-hole birdie from Mat- ultimate target, so she would prob- Djokovic in the Qatar Open final the title and the year-end world touch harder to claim the under, while defending champion suyama closed a joint-low round- ably head straight there." after the world's top two came number one ranking. second - Berdych saving Jordan Spieth birdied three of his of-the-day 66 to halve Thomas' (Live sport) through their Friday semi-finals. In fact, the pair met in five fi- two match points before final four holes to lift him inside cushion, only for the American to The world number one needed nals last year, two of them Grand Murray prevailed. Mur- the top 20. tap-in for a gain of his own and 1hr and 41mins to do the damage Slams and 2017 will begin with the ray's match followed Walker drained a long-range restore his cushion. and mark his opening event of the rivalry resuming in Doha on Sat- Djokovic's 2hr 22min epic birdie at the first and Reed picked Matsuyama has six consecu- year with a final as well as a re- urday afternoon. against Verdasco, although up a shot at the third to briefly tive worldwide top-five finishes markable 28th consecutive victo- We look back at Andy Mur- it could have been over make it a four-way tie at the top, Moore shares third spot with PGA ry to remain on course for a sixth ray's year to remember sooner had the Spaniard only for Thomas to move ahead Champion Jimmy Walker and Wil- tournament victory in succession Murray, seeking a third title in delivered on two sets of with a hat-trick of gains from the liam McGirt, who matched Mat- Next up for Murray will be Djok- Qatar, has won his last six meet- scintillating tennis. How- third. suyama's 66, with Brendan Steele ovic who saved five match points ings with the Czech and he made it ever Djokovic rallied to Thomas slipped back when he another stroke behind on 11 un- to see off Spain's Fernando Ver- seven with a dominant victory that break back in the fourth failed to get up-and-down from the der. World No 1 Jason Day failed dasco and reach his second con- saw him broken just once on his game and with the set on rough to save par at the seventh, to capitalise on a fast start, birdie- secutive Qatar Open final. way to victory. serve the Serb withstood but stayed ahead thanks to Reed ing three of his first six holes on The Serb beat Rafael Nadal in The Scot broke Berdych in his a blistering assault on his three-putting the 11th. his way to a three-under 70, leav- last year's final and will face Mur- second service game of each set and serve at 4-4 before pre- After Moore holed a 20-foot- ing him tied-13th. ray in a repeat of November's while it proved to be enough to vailing against his 33- er at the same hole, he and Tho- (BBC) World Tour Finals showdown claim the opener, the 29-year-old year-old opponent. MONDAY. JANUARY 09. 2017-Jadi 20, 1395 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 160 Price: Afs.20

The Envoy:From Kabul to the White House, My Journey

A number of Afghan senators on Through a Turbulent World Sunday accused the United States When I met with the Pakistan pres- noted that he was impressed with of America for playing a dual pol- ident, he was not receptive. “I our progress to date. He immedi- icy against Afghanistan in regard don’t like pomegranates,” Mush- ately agreed to stop complaining to bringing peace and stability to arraf said coldly. He was bothered about Pashtun representation and the war-torn country. by the small seeds in the fruit, he promised to tell the ISI to cease The House of Elders suggest- explained. doing so as well. ed that Afghanistan should review Building on Karzai’s message, I then turned to the issue of or cancel the Bilateral Security I suggested that the United States the Taliban and insurgent sanctu- Agreement (BSA) signed between would like to help Afghan and Pa- aries. Just as we could work to- Kabul and Washington after a Na- kistani leaders resolve their differ- gether on issues of concern to Pa- tional Unity Government deal bro- ences and establish a more con- kistan, I offered, we needed to find kered by the U.S. in 2014. structive relationship. a away to eliminate the sanctuar- “If you want to rescue our Musharraf replied that India ies. people from this misery let’s un- had set up consulates in Kandahar Musharraf shifted in his chair, conditionally terminate this agree- and Jalalabad to destabilize Paki- visibly uncomfortable with the ment in coordination with the stan. I told him that historically, turn in our conversation. “There House of the People,” said Rah- India had consulates in those cites are no Taliban in Pakistan,” he said. matullah Achekzai a senate mem- to facilitate exports of Afghan ag- Indian intelligence services were between builders and spoilers, the ber from Kandahar province. ricultural products. I suggested that feeding misinformation to Afghan Afghan government was ahead in “There is lack of a specific the United States, Afghanistan, and government and from there to the strategy in our foreign policy. If 2004 and into 2005. Reconstruc- Pakistan could monitor the consu- United States. He noted that there tion and development were con- the process continues, Afghanistan lates and determine whether India was a lot of movement back and tinuing and the economy had one will become the battlefield of su- was in fact using them for hostile forth across the border and that of the highest growth rates in Asia. perpowers where its people will purposes. This was a great pro- individual fighters might be mixed To build on this progress, I put be sacrificed only,” said Amena CEO urged to posal, Musharraf said, and the in with the others. “There are no Afzali another senate member from Taliban sanctuaries here,” he as- in another funding request. This United States and Pakistan should time, my request was approved Herat province. follow up on it. serted. “if you have information with little debate. The Bush ad- At the same time, the Speaker prevent Kunar Musharraf next complained about Taliban-phone numbers, lo- ministration was now in agreement of the Upper House of Parliament about Afghanistan’s construction cations, or address-we will move emphasized that U.S. is not loyal that state and nation building in The Independent Commission Overseeing the Implementation of the forest cutting of a dam on the Kunar River which against them.” Afghanistan were worth the in- to Afghanistan and has failed to he believed would harm Pakistani I did not relent. The Taliban’s Constitution (ICOIC) on Sunday said there are problems with the KABUL: Chief Executive Officer vestment. implement its promises to stabi- agriculture downstream. Water is- political leadership was in Paki- lize the country. constitution and some articles need to be clarified. Abdullah Abdullah Sunday said no FRUITS OF DEMOCRAXY ICOIC earlier said there were challenges in terms of implementing one would be allowed to exploit sues had often arisen among the stan, I said. Even journalists were KABUL. 2004-2005 “The security agreement was countries of the region, but Af- able to find Taliban leaders and not implemented as the people of 20 articles of the constitution and as a result these had not been fully forests for timber in eastern Ku- ELECTION DAY-OCTO- implemented. nar province. ghanistan and Pakistan and even spokesman in Pakistan. BER 9, 2004- SAW A HUGE Afghanistan expected. The agree- “Article seven of the constitution says that Afghanistan will im- India and Pakistan had worked out Musharraf responded vague- ment was endorsed by both Houses His remarks follow reports SANDSTORM SWEEP plement those conventions that it has joined. This article has problems. agreements in the past. I replied ly that with all the refugees cross- ACROSS Afghanistan. As I [Afghan Parliament] and was rati- that claimed forests were being cut that I had not heard about any dam- ing the border, it was difficult to One point is that we implement those articles as long as it is not against stepped outside into the eerie, yel- fied by the President. According for timber allegedly by families building project in Kunar but that tell who’s who. “As far as out Afghanistan’s laws. And the second point is that the meaning of “joined” lowish hue, it felt like being sus- to the procedure, if someone has should be clear. There are two things, one is that we (sign) a convention who recently returned from Paki- the two countries, perhaps assist- knowingly allowing leaders, com- any consideration this [agreement] stan, pended in a mist of grit and dust. and the other is that we (join) a convention; (join) means that govern- ed by the United States or World manders, and fighters to be in Pa- But this didn’t deter the Afghans should be advised by a two-third ment has an obligation to implement the convention’s values,” said The return of families, who Bank experts, could study the dam kistan, this is not the case.” from voting. Long lines formed at of vote in the House,” said Fazel Mohammad Qasim Hashimzai, head of ICOIC, fled the civil war decades ago, has project and propose a satisfacto- What the U.S. needed to do, every polling place, one for men Hadi Muslimyar, the Spear of the Lawyers however said the constitution has many problems and somehow created problems for lo- ry solution. he told me, was to adjust its mili- Upper House of Parliament. that there are articles which are not clear and these need to be clarified. cal residents, a group of young civil Musharraf again approved of and one for women. Election tary strategy. Pashtuns had to be checked voting cards and dipped Afghanistan and the United “For instance, article 83 of the constitution, sparked controversy society activists eastern provinc- the idea. fought n a particular way. “If you States signed the BSA through U.S. about the function of parliament and elections, whether parliament can es said during a meeting with Ab- each voter’s finger into blue ink to I then said that I needed coop- want to stop them,” he advised, prevent repeat voting. Ambassador James B. Cunning- still continue its job without holding elections,” said Abdul Wahid Fer- dullah, a statement from the CEO’s eration on a few things from Paki- “you have to use massive force, This turnout took real cour- ham and Afghan national security ozaie, a lawyer. office said. stan. It was unhelpful for him, as including tanks and artillery. You age. No one knew whether the Tal- advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar Lawyers also said the constitution needs to be amended and some The activists shared problems president of Pakistan, to state that are too discriminating in your op- iban would disrupt the voting with on September 30, 2014 to allow articles should be revised. in eastern provinces with Abdul- Pashtuns were under respresent- erations. That is why you are hav- violence. There were many stories U.S. military presence in Afghani- “Articles related to courts, to interpretation of the constitution, to lah and demanded their solution. ed in the Afghan government. ing problems. You have to act stan beyond 2014. The BSA went renewing elections and holding elections, need to be amended,” said They urged the CEO to stop “When Karzai takes steps to en- of Afghans writing their wills or much more massively.” taking the equivalent of last rites into force on January 1, 2015 and Ainuddin Bahaduri, executive director of Afghanistan’s Lawyers Union forest cutting in Kunar and pre- sure ethnic and political balance, Nothing that military strategy in case they were killed at the poll- remains in force “until the end of (ALU). vent timber smuggling as well as your statements make it seem as if was “not in my lane,” I refused to 2024 and beyond” unless it is ter- Despite all these problems, Afghanistan’s constitution is one of the take action against land mafia and ing stations. Fortunately, though the Afghan president is merely engage on his call to kill Afghans there were several shooting inci- minated by either side with two best in the region and gives Afghans more freedom than citizens get in reclaim land they had usurped. doing Pakistan’s bidding.” with greater abandon. years’ notice. (Ariananews) some other regional countries. (Tolonews) (Pajhwok) dents, violence was minimal. Musharraf interrupted me and IN THE COMPETITINO To be continued