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www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes SATURDAY. JANUARY 21. 2017 -Dalw 02, 1395 HS

AT Monitoring Desk KABUL: Exploring all ave- nues to restore peace in Afghani- stan, President Ashraf Ghani talked to the godfather of Taliban, Maulana Samiul Haq, by phone and discussed ways that could help the Afghan-lead reconciliation process. Afghan Ambassador to Islam- abad, Hazrat Umar Zakhilwal, called on Samiul Haq, who is the “Donald Trump must make a dra- chief of his own political party matic, strategic and immediate shift Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-S), in in US policy towards Pakistan. Nowshera. The Pakistani cleric is Anything less than that will be a also in charge of Darul Uloom continuation of Afghan misery and Haqqania, a religious school, in Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Umar Zakhilwal and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam rise of extremism”, said Afghani- Akora Khattak area of Nowshera (JUI-S) chief Maulana Samiul Haq in a meeting.—INP stan’s former President Hamid district. The seminary has gradu- Karzai as he blamed Barack Obama ated scores of top Taliban and just a mentor to the Afghan insur- government and Taliban. for failing to address terror sanc- Haqqani leaders. gents but a “respectable figure for In the meeting with Samiul tuaries in Pakistan which he called The telephonic conversation the entire Afghan nation, which Haq, the Afghan envoy to Paki- the root cause of violence in Af- between President Ashraf Ghani looked up to the latter for restora- stan said the Taliban leaders should ghanistan. and Samiul Haq took place in pres- tion of peace” in Afghanistan. come forward to engage in direct Karzai’s comments come at a ence of the Afghan ambassador to Chief of the Jamiat Ulema-i- talks with the government. Re- time when there is a change of guard Pakistan. In the telephonic conver- Islam emphasized on the need of sponding to Zakhilwal, the cleric in the United States and civilian sation which lasted about half hour, stability and peace in both Afghan- stressed on the need of dialogue casualties in Afghanistan are high- they conferred on different ways istan and Pakistan. He said the between Kabul and Islamabad to est since 2001, when the Ameri- that could help the Afghan-led rec- Afghan government “needed to resolve their differences. Sources can government unleashed its war onciliation process, reported play an active role in achieving the told Dawn that Samiul Haq also against terror. According to Unit- Dawn, a Pakistani newspaper. objective.” expressed “concern over the grow- ed Nations Assistance Mission in According to Dawn, President Samiul Haq further said that ing influence of India” in Afghani- Afghanistan the number of civil- Ghani described Samiul Haq not Afghan government and people stan. This was Zakhilwal’s second ian casualties in 2015 was over should ask the US-backed foreign visit to Darul Uloom Haqqania to 11,000, the highest since 2009. forces in Afghanistan to leave the meet Samiul Haq and seek his sup- Approximately 8,400 casualties country. The Pakistani cleric for port in convincing the insurgent were reported till September, 2016 Hizb-e-Islami slams Taliban as an ignorant, fanatic group long has supported the Taliban and group to renounce violence and and the annual figure is expected Attacks on the civilian popu- un-Islamic act. Hizb-e-Islami was course, when Mr. Hekmatyar and ment and Hizb-e-Islami signed a stressed on withdrawal of coali- become part of the Afghan recon- to cross the 2015 number. lation have no justification and are the first party which denounced his companions enter Kabul, they peace deal a few months ago in a tion forces from Afghanistan. In ciliation process. The Former President has al- against Islamic principles, said the Taliban as a fanatic and associ- will abide by the laws of Afghani- bid to end the group’s long insur- the conversation with President ways been extremely critical of Amin Karim, a top aide to Gul- ated and ignorant party,” said Ka- stan just like other citizens of Af- gency in the country. Ghani, he said the withdrawal of Obama’s approach to the war in buddin Hekmatyar, the leader of rim. ghanistan.” The two parties agreed to take foreign troops would help to pro- Centralized Afghanistan. He said, “What was Hizb-e-Islami party on Thursday. Hekmatyar’s aide went on to Referring to the recent peace a number of steps that could help tect sacrifices of Afghan people conducted in the name of war on In response to a question re- say that the continuation of UN accord signed between Hizb-e-Isl- Hizb-e-Islami conduct its politi- from going to waste. However, the political system terror was hurting Afghan people. garding the lifting of UN sanctions sanctions against Hizb-e-Islami’s ami and the government, Karim cal activities within the framework report did not elaborate that wheth- There was total failure in address- against Hekmatyar, Amin said that leader was not the reason for Hek- criticized government’s efforts for of the Afghan laws and constitu- er he was referring to civilian cau- not viable: ing the roots of it beyond Afghan- the group’s leader would soon ar- matyar’s delay in returning to Kab- beefing up the implementation tion and lay down its arms. salities inflicted by the militants istan where sanctuaries, training rive in Kabul whether the UN re- ul. process of the peace accord. Government and Hizb-e-Isla- or causalities suffered by the Tali- Qanooni grounds and motivational factors moves sanctions against him or “The Hizb-e-Islami leader and “Good incentives and good mi also pledged to take a number ban or both. were located” and that “the sup- not. Hizb-e-Islami party are resolute works have been done with them, of solid steps in line with the peace The godfather of the Taliban port for US war in Afghanistan was He called the Taliban a fanatic about the coming of its leader in but it is hoped that the accord is accord so that Gulbuddin and his said that the coalition forces in the at its lowest today”. and ignorant group and condemned Kabul and no issue will change the implemented appropriately,” said party can re-initiate their political country do not want to see Af- Karzai said for Trump to be attacks on civilian targets. decision,” he said. HPC member Mohammad Ismail activities in the country, but in ac- ghanistan and Pakistan stable. Sa- successful he must take a hard “Hizb-e-Islami views bomb- I response to this, CEO Ab- Qasimyar. cordance to the laws and the Af- miul Haq also suggested the mea- stand against Pakistan and break ings in public places such as dullah Abdullah's spokesman After months of backdoor ghan constitution. sures that could help in reducing See P2 mosques, hospitals, offices as an Mujiburrahman Rahimi said: "Of peace talks, the Afghan govern- (Tolonews) trust deficit between the Afghan WOLESI JIRGA, Regional, ISI interference is Afghan among 3 Former vice president Mohammad Gitmo inmates Kabul police officer DISTRICT Younus Qanooni on Thursday said obstructing peace talks: HPC that the current centralized politi- transferred to UAE COUNCIL cal system was not meeting the The Afghan High Peace Council stan’s Aziz called upon the Afghan needs of the country as power has (HPC) Thursday said interference political leadership to avoid mak- KABUL: On the eve of President detained for taking ELECTIONS NEXT been monopolized within the pres- by regional countries and Pakistani ing illogical excuses and to stop Barack Obama’s departure from idential palace. military intelligence service (ISI) blaming Pakistan for peace talks the White House, the Pentagon on YEAR With the current system, pow- are hindering the Afghan peace pro- failure and instead come up with a Thursday delivered four er has been centralized to the pres- cess. more clear and comprehensive pol- Guantánamo prisoners, including $30,000 bribe KABUL: The Chief Executive idential palace and it has increased Pakistan’s intervention is the icy about the peace process. an Afghan citizen, to the Persian Officer (CEO) office on Thursday Afghanistan’s political, military Gulf. KABUL: A police officer in the capital Kabul has been caught red- root cause of the ongoing war in There is an ambiguity within handed while receiving $30,000 in bribe, a knowledgeable security source stressed the need for fundamental and social issues, said Qanooni Afghanistan, the HPC said. the Kabul policy on whether to Afghan national Wali Mu- reforms in the electoral system and while addressing a gathering in hammed was sent to the United revealed on Friday. “We are extremely concerned treat the Taliban as terrorists or as Mohammad Hussain, the 13th district police chief, was arrested said the government was commit- Kabul. Arab Emirates along with Ravil He suggested the current po- about Pakistan’s involvement, Pa- a political power, said Aziz. Mingazov of Russia and Yassin Thursday evening by an Interior Ministry team, a security official con- ted to holding elections to Wolesi kistan must convince them (Tali- The HPC also criticized what fided to Pajhwok Afghan News. Jirga and district councils next year. litical system be changed into a Ismail Qasim of Yemen. Saudi Ara- mixed-system where a prime min- ban) to talk to us, I can say to you it called the “zero outcome” of the bian Jabran al Qahtani was repa- He said the accused initially tried to flee, but the raiding party Mujib Rahman Rahimi, CEO that there is something going on ongoing war against terrorism. spokesman, told a press confer- ister can tackle executive affairs. triated to the kingdom. arrested him along with his bodyguards after a brief clash. One of the The current political system behind the scene,” said HPC mem- “The United States, NATO Shifted to the much-denounced raiding party members was slightly wounded. (Pajhwok) ence here that the CEO was com- ber Mohammad Ismail Qasimyar. and other friendly countries must prison in 2002, the four terror sus- mitted to reforming in the election must change before the next pres- Amid the HPC’s allegations, sit with us and assess the issue in idential elections, he suggested. pects were approved for release system because it was one of the According to Qanooni, cur- meanwhile, Sartaj Aziz, advisor to order to define a new strategy if by the inter-agency Periodic Re- important parts of the national the Pakistani prime minister on they think that there previous pol- view Board that Obama set up in rently Afghanistan’s legal, judicial unity government. “Fraud in 2014 and electoral institutions, includ- foreign relations has accused the icy has not worked,” said Qasim- an effort to reduce the Guantana- elections plunged the country into Afghan government of failing to yar. mo Bay population to the mini- ing the constitution oversight com- a crisis, so it is not necessary to mission, do not have the required forge a political consensus in or- “We can say that HPC so far mum. hold elections in a situation that Also on Thursday, the outgo- freedom. der to get the much-awaited pro- unfortunately has failed to achieve creates crisis, we should not hurry “Confrontation between the cess back on track. an outcome,” said Masoud Tarash- ing president hit out at Congress for hampering trials and detention but be careful, the government is legislative body and the presiden- But, the HPC hit out over the twal, head of Sustainable Peace committed to holding the Wolesi tial palace over the past fifteen accusations and instead held Paki- Research Institute. of the suspects inside the United States and scuttled his plan to close Jirga and district council elections years has taken roots from the stan’s ISI accountable for the peace In addition, the Peace, Media same unhealthy system (central- talks deadlock between govern- and Good Governance Institute on the facility. next year,” he said. Calling previ- In a two-page letter to Con- ous voter cards distributed on ized political system), you are ment and the Taliban. Thursday discussed some key aware that the judicial system does The Afghan political elite and topics related to relations between gress, Obama wrote: “History will population level a major challenge cast a harsh judgment on this as- to the upcoming elections, he said not have independence because of members of the public have often the people and government, media pect of our fight against terrorism this system,” said Qanooni. Qa- criticized HPC over its failure to and the peace process. cancellation of the lists or finding nooni said that certain forces med- and those of us who fail to bring it an alternative was part of the elec- make headway in the peace pro- “The main purpose of our pro- to a responsible end.” dled during the drafting process of cess. But HPC insists that it gram is to boost relations between toral reform. The previous voter the constitution. “The current pres- “As president, I have tried to cards if used in fresh elections learned lessons from past mistakes people, government and the me- close Guantánamo. When I inher- idential system is not viable with- when it comes to the issue of peace dia,” said Hamid Akbar, organizer ited this challenge, it was widely would plunge the country again in Afghanistan’s political, social with the Taliban. of the institute for peace, media recognised that the facility needed into crisis and pave the way for and religious contexts,” he said. In a recent statement, Paki- and good governance. (Tolonews) to close. (Pajhwok) fraud, he added. (Pajhwok) (Tolonews) SATURDAY. JANUARY 21, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Afghan girl attacks gender inequality in society one kick at a time

Congress recently renewed a visa This is likely to exacerbate a up a new budget in April. The pro- additional visas, according to Coo- program for Afghans working with growing backlog to the program, gram usually has bipartisan sup- per. “For this program, that’s an U.S. forces, but with far fewer which is still accepting new appli- port, especially from lawmakers obstacle that is removed,” he said. openings than previous years. cations. As of early December, who are veterans. Even its detrac- Cooper also hopes Trump’s nom- This has left thousands of Afghans there were more than 13,000 Af- tors usually do not publicly admit ination for defense secretary, re- living in fear as they wait out the ghan applicants (not including their that they are against the program, tired Gen. James Mattis, could be backlog. family members) stuck at some says Scott Cooper, director of na- a key ally for the program. Fared speaks six languages stage of the process, but only 913 tional security outreach at Human Whomever his allies, Cooper and, at 28 years old, has worked visas left, a State Department of- Rights First. “They would have says he will to continue to push as an interpreter on and off for al- ficial told Refugees Deeply by every veteran’s organization in the Congress to authorize more visas most a decade, including for Cana- email. world calling them out on this,” he before the current number run out: dian and U.S. troops in his coun- The backlog has built up over said. If Sessions is confirmed as “When we are out of visas, that’s try, Afghanistan. the years partly due to the thor- attorney general, his departure a three-alarms fire, and you will One of his jobs for the U.S. ough screening process. Several from the Senate armed services, see us all over, doing everything military, at a regional Afghan secu- U.S. agencies, including the Depart- defense and judiciary committees we can, calling out every card we rity base in Wardak province, west ment of Homeland Security, have could also facilitate compromise on can.” Huffington post of Kabul, was taking phone calls to vet each application. Since each "My prime objective is gender gee and returned to her home coun- from locals who responded to a security check has an expiration equality between men and women try Afghanistan two years ago, public radio advert soliciting infor- date, if one agency takes too long in Afghanistan and that's why I'm besides teaching the martial art to mation on potential threats. to get to an application, others will ‘I don’t want to go back to calling on all girls to break down a group of girls, herself is regularly But Fared also got calls from have to look at the files again. the cultural barriers and join me in practicing at the Shaolin Wushu dozens of what he calls “bad guys” The program also lacks re- promoting Wushu to achieve this club, a local club named after the every month. “If we see you guys sources. “There simply aren’t goal," Wushu martial artist, Seema famous Chinese Wushu school in outside the base, we will hang you enough people, period,” said Mac Afghanistan to get butchered’ Azimi, 20, told Xinhua recently. Shaolin, to improve her proficien- up and kill you,” Taliban com- McEachin, national security poli- During a practice session on a cy. manders would tell him, he recalls. cy associate at the International In the third part of our “Return to Afghanistan” series, Umer Ali meets snoz-blanketed hilltop on the "In the beginning when I Fared knew enough dead in- Refugee Assistance Project transgender refugees who fear that being forced to leave Pakistan western edge of Kabul along with opened my private club two years terpreters to understand that these (IRAP). amounts to a death sentence. her trzinees, Azimi stated that Af- ago to teach Wushu, no girl dared were not mere prank calls. Before Advocates are also concerned ghan females have no shortage in to attend at first, but gradually the he started working for the U.S. in that new phrasing in the NDAA, ple are either thrown out or run trophobic for Gulalai. She cannot talent compared with men but that number increased and presently 20 2012, Fared worked for the Cana- which limits eligibility to transla- You cannot talk to Gulalai in the language of her adopted coun- away from their homes at an early travel to other cities without an the "harmful traditions" have sup- girls attend the club to practice this dian army and lived on their base tors, interpreters and those who try. Despite living in Pakistan for age,” says Farzana Jan, a transgen- I.D. card to show at the security pressed women's wisdom. art of self-defense," she explained. in Kandahar. There, he shared a “perform sensitive and trusted ac- the past 17 years, she has been der activist whose home in Pesha- checkpoints; this also prevents her "In my opinion women like Contrary to others, Azimi's bunk bed with his friend and col- tivities,” could make it more diffi- unable to properly learn Urdu and war is a meeting point for the com- from something as straightforward men are free to go outside of home, family, especially her father Rah- league, 18-year-old Hegran. cult for contractors or other Af- remains confined to her native Pa- munity. One of the leaders of rights as having a cellphone registered in to practice sport including Wushu matullah Azimi, 45, is also an ath- On patrols, the interpreters ghans working on a base, such as a shto. As a member of the trans- group Trans Action Alliance, based her name. and to demonstrate their ability lete and supports his daughter to were tasked with warning “suspi- mechanic or janitor, to obtain a gender community, language is just in the capital of KP (Khyber Pa- “I can’t have a SIM [card] in and intelligence," the female ath- improve her career as as a Wushu cious” individuals near the base to visa. one of the barriers she faces. khtunkhwa) province, she explains my name because I’m not regis- lete asserted. expert. leave the area. One day, Hegran “Taliban doesn’t care whether “I never learned Urdu because the bind that Gulalai and others tered in the Pakistani government’s Alongside 10 other practitio- "I am proud of my daughter came across a man who refused to you worked on the U.S. base or I rarely go out of the small world are in: “They neither get formal database.” ners of Wushu on a hilltop where and would continue to support leave. After the Canadian soldiers off it; if you worked with the U.S. we have created for ourselves [to education nor any professional Gulalai shudders at the notion the temperature was minus 2 de- her," her father told Xinhua. asked him to try again, the man at all, you’re at risk,” McEachin stay safe],” she says in Pashto. training. So they can’t get into a of going back to Afghanistan. Like grees Celsius, Azimi added that, In conservative, post-Taliban approached and blew himself up, said. Gulalai left Afghanistan when profession deemed respectable by all members of the trans commu- "Wushu doesn't recognize cold or Afghanistan, women have become killing Hegran and wounding the A Dangerous Wait she was only eight years old. Now the rest of society.” nity, she has heard the horrific tales of violence in the country of her hot weather" and the players considerably more empowered and soldiers. The backlog has left applicants a shy 25-year-old, she speaks only Among those who do not be- should be ready in all climates. their social status has improved Fared is currently in hiding in and their families with a long wait when spoken to. come dancers, Farzana says, many childhood. “We have received several vid- In Afghanistan's conservative demonstrably in comparison with the Afghan capital, Kabul. He lost for visas – often between two to Whatever the constraints of her find work on Dalazak Road, Pe- society where people, especially the Taliban era of rule when the his job when U.S. forces left the six years. During this time, they life in Pakistan, she is certain that shawar’s red-light district. Danc- eos of violence against the trans- gender community in Afghani- in the countryside, deeply believe hardliner group confined women Afghan base a little over a year into are extremely vulnerable to being it offers a better future than her ers are in demand for public events in old traditions and don't allow to their homes and banned schools his employment. In 2013, he ap- targeted by insurgents. Many SIV birth country, to which Pakistan such as weddings, and Gulalai re- stan,” says Farzana. “In many ar- eas of Afghanistan, the body parts their female family members to go for girls. plied for a U.S. visa under the Af- applicants go into hiding to try to is coercing waves of former refu- members how she shook with fear out of their home except when ac- Rehana, 20, is a Wushu train- on her first outings. of transgender people are chopped ghan Special Immigrant Visa pro- protect their families. gees to return. companied by a very close rela- ee and while thanking her coach Only fragments of memory “I realized that I would have off before they are killed.” gram (SIV), but his application is In 2014, IRAP estimated that She relates the story of one tive, playing sports in the open air for promoting Wushu in Kabul still processing. one Afghan is killed every 36 hours remain from Gulalai’s childhood to dance in order to survive be- somewhere in the suburbs of the cause my guru expected me to earn transgender Afghan refugee who is extremely risky for women. city, said happily that her "health He says it’s too dangerous to due to their affiliation with the U.S. left Pakistan three years ago. “She Azimi said that her trainees had is getting better and better since return to his native Kunar prov- However, most killings go unre- capital, Kabul. She was born a boy money. We are often teased, but realized as a small child that groped and abused by men.” started dancing at weddings in Jala- all experienced problems with their attending the club four months ince, where Taliban insurgents con- ported. Fared said the U.S. mili- labad [in eastern Afghanistan], but families pertaining to the country's ago." trol many highways and use infor- tary and Afghan government would she was meant to be a girl. Her However, even this precarious parents were determined she life is now under threat. was soon arrested by the police deeply-rooted patriarchal tradi- Like Seema Azimi a few other mation from bus and taxi drivers, look bad if these accidents were Pakistan is determined to send because it’s forbidden to do so.” tions which are still prevalent in a girls including Fakhria, Rubaba teachers and sometimes even mul- more publicized. “If they die, it’s would grow up to be a “man,” and when she failed to live up to this, Afghan refugees back, after a string “She’s still stuck in an Afghan county where militancy claims the have launched social programs lahs to track down interpreters. not news,” he said. they beat her. of terror attacks blamed on Afghan jail where she’s forced to live in lives of countless people almost aimed at raising women's status to “[Taliban] will stop the car and Some SIV applicants decide The punishments were harsh insurgents. Many Afghans face the men’s section, often getting every day. that of men in the conservative block the road, and say, ‘Come they cannot risk the wait any long- and relentless. Aged eight, she police harassment in Pakistan and harassed and abused.” "Of course, as women, we face society. Women in today's Afghan- here, I need you, bro’ … Then hang er and head to Europe. Fayaz, an found the courage to run away. have elected reluctantly to return. The U.N. refugee agency a variety of challenges in our daily istan are serving as cabinet mem- me or shoot me,” Fared said. “I Afghan interpreter working for From Kabul she made her way to But even this option is complicat- (UNHCR), which is facilitating the lives including being teased on the bers, politicians, business people, don’t know what they will do to U.S. forces, was stabbed by a Tal- Jalalabad, where she found some ed for Gulalai. return of hundreds of thousands streets, but we have no choice but movie directors and musicians. me.” iban insurgent in 2012. Later, a protection from others in what we “I’m neither an Afghan nation- of Afghan refugees from Pakistan, to persist," the determined coach, However, many believe that Dwindling Visa Program bomb was planted at his father’s would now know as the transgen- al nor a Pakistani national,” she has faced criticism for legitimizing Azimi said. there is still a long way ahead for The U.S. set up the SIV pro- pharmacy, which was empty at the der community. says, her face wrinkling into tears. what critics say amounts to forced Azimi, who learned Wushu in women in Afghanistan to achieve gram in 2008 to provide visas for time. Fayaz moved to Kabul in All that is left from her family Gulalai’s estrangement from returns. Iran during her life there as a refu- parity with men. (Xinhua) Afghans who provided “faithful 2015 to start his studies at medi- memories are some pain and wist- her family means she has no record Duniya Aslam Khan, the UN- and valuable service to the U.S.” cal school, but the Taliban found ful thoughts of her lost younger of her birth or paperwork to sup- HCR spokesperson in Pakistan, by working for the government in him and ambushed him at night, brother. She remembers him hav- port her Afghan citizenship. Un- says the agency is aware of fears Afghanistan and who face “ongo- though he managed to escape un- ing a limp, but cannot recall his able to prove her Afghan national- among the Afghan trans communi- ing, serious threats” as a conse- hurt. Last March, he sold his car name. “I always wonder what hap- ity, she has not been registered by ty and would make them a priori- quence. and paid smugglers to help him get pened to him,” she says. authorities in Pakistan as a refu- ty: “Transgender people are more The application process usu- to Europe. Once in Pakistan, she was in- gee. than welcome to contact us to dis- ally takes a few years. Applicants “I was forced to escape and troduced to someone she was told When a deadline was an- cuss their issues. We understand must provide a letter of recommen- leave Afghanistan, my dreams … was a guru – an elder in the trans- nounced for Afghans to leave Pa- their issues and are very sensitive dation from their U.S. supervisor, my wife, kids and family members, gender community – who took her kistan, many transgender refugees toward them.” Trans Action Alli- document the threats they have to start my risky and deadly jour- in. Like so many trans youngsters, turned to Farzana Jan for help and ance says they have repeatedly received and take part in interviews ney,” Fayaz said, speaking from a she grew into one of the only pro- advice. “I told them I would try approached the UNHCR for help at the Kabul embassy, as well as refugee camp near Liege, Belgium, fessions open to her, that of a danc- my best, but even then, I knew I in registering stateless transgender biographical and biometrical secu- which he reached after a two- er. couldn’t do much,” she says. refugees, but received no response. rity screenings. month journey through Europe. “Most of the transgender peo- Life without papers is claus- (Newsdeeply) Over 11,000 visas have been Hope for More Visas issued through the program since Supporters of the SIV program Karzai asks Trump for shift in US policy towards Islamabad 2008. Each year, U.S. Congress say President-elect Donald authorizes new visas in the Na- Trump’s anti-Muslim and immi- From P1 The former President also said We must set our house in order as tional Defense Authorization Act grant rhetoric emboldened anti- that Trump must take the lead in well”. Talking about the recent pro- (NDAA) to prevent the program immigration lawmakers to block the the status quo. When asked this effort and if unable to do so tests outside the Pakistan consu- from expiring. Lawmakers have provision for 4,000 visas last year. whether Trump should reverse then he must take the help of Rus- late in Herat he said, “These pro- added 3,000-4,000 visas each year Jeff Sessions, nominated by Obama’s policy of troop with- sia, China and India to make Paki- tests have been happening for a since 2014. Trump to be the next U.S. attor- drawal in Afghanistan, he said, stan accountable. long time. People in Afghanistan Yet Republican lawmakers in ney general, opposed increasing “No, military presence will not When asked about the role of have a poor perception of Paki- Congress blocked a provision for the number of visas, mentioning help and has not helped. It has to ISI in the recent attacks in Kabul, stan because of the role played by 4,000 additional visas for the 2017 concerns over costs, brain drain be addressed where the problem is Heart and Helmand province the ISI and its military”. financial year. Instead, the final and whether all applicants de- and that is in the use of extremism Karzai said, “There’s no doubt that Karzai backed India on its version of the NDAA that passed served them, according to the As- as an instrument of state policy the ISI and Pakistan military es- present Pakistan policy. He said on December 23 renewed the Af- sociated Press. by our neighbour and this unfor- tablishment have a strong and long India was right in rejecting the of- ghan SIV program for four years Yet SIV advocates still hope tunately has costs not just for Af- term hand in the instability and fer of talks from Pakistan till it ends and authorized just 1,500 addition- that more visas could be added to ghanistan but also people of Paki- violence in Afghanistan but we the use of terror as a tool of state al visas. the program when Congress takes stan.” can’t blame them for everything. policy. (News18) SATURDAY. JANUARY 21, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Under Trump, US policy inAfghanistan is anyone’s guess Donald Trump has minced few tional $800 million to replace the words about his plans to build a Afghan fleet. wall on the U.S.-Mexico border Taliban militants continue to and end the threat from Islamic threaten major cities, although State extremists. they are unable to hold urban But the president-elect has centers for very long. been virtually silent on his plans Yet even with no military when it comes to Afghanistan, victory in sight, efforts to open home to America’s longest war. peace talks between the Taliban With 8,400 U.S. troops lead- and the Kabul government have ing a 13,000-strong NATO mis- failed to gain momentum. A four- sion in Afghanistan, the incom- nation initiative involving Chi- ing administration inherits one na, Pakistan and the United MERGENCY of the United States’ most stub- States has faltered, while plans E born and complex foreign poli- by Saudi Arabia to host talks CALLS cy challenges. Although Presi- have generated little excitement. dent Barack Obama promised to Some Afghans blame the end U.S. military involvement, Obama administration for fail- Police American servicemembers con- ing to put more pressure on Pa- tinue to be drawn into combat kistan. The U.S. continues to 100 - 119 as Afghan security forces strug- send Pakistan billions of dollars gle to contain a resilient Taliban in military aid, although Con- insurgency. gress registered its displeasure Hospitals The U.S. military an- over Islamabad’s failure to rein nounced this month that 300 in militant groups by withhold- FMIC Hospital Marines would return in the ing $300 million in funding last Behind Kabul Medical spring to Helmand province, year. two years after leaving it in the Afghan officials who ex- University: hands of Afghan troops. The pected Trump to take a tougher 0202500200-+93793275595 Taliban controls or is threaten- line against Pakistan were not ing to seize most of the 14 dis- encouraged, however, when the tricts of Helmand, whose pop- president-elect offered effusive Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital py fields are a key source of rev- praise for Pakistani Prime Min- Just one month ago, Afghanistan’s ficials from Kabul. that have economic or ethnic mo- in the past, is believed to have been Pule Bagh-e- Umomi enue for the insurgency. ister Nawaz Sharif, saying he moribund peace process seemed to Privately, the Kremlin has ex- tives for keeping the conflict alive. the intended target for the Jan. 10 Afghan officials grew accus- was “a fantastic guy … doing be sputtering to life. Taliban lead- tended feelers to the Taliban, a But they also said they had been bombing, along with other local 070263672 tomed to being near the top of amazing work.” ers had welcomed delegations from former enemy that it sees as an encouraged by recent statements security officials. He survived af- Obama’s priority list in his first Trump’s sole phone call Kabul to their offices in Qatar, and antidote to the Islamic State and a of support for peace talks by nu- ter suddenly leaving the room just Khairkhana Hospital term, when he deployed more with Afghan President Ashraf the governor and police chief of potential future force in Afghan merous onetime domestic adver- before the explosion, spurring spec- than 100,000 troops into the Ghani was more circumspect. Kandahar province had hosted a power; the Russian ambassador to saries, including senior militia lead- ulation that he might have been 0799-321007 country. Then they became dis- Asked about the conversation, large regional gathering, declaring Kabul was summoned by parlia- ers. alerted or part of the plot, though 2401352 illusioned when Obama with- a spokesman for Ghani, Zafar that the 16-year conflict had to be ment last month to explain this Several people who attended people familiar with the investiga- drew forces and became more Hashimi, said, “Both sides resolved through talks and offer- outreach. the December outreach meeting in tion said he had stepped out to focused on battling Islamic State. agreed to continue dialogue and ing a haven for Taliban negotiators Afghan officials were also an- Kandahar said they felt especially smoke a cigarette. Indira Gandhi Children A U.S. Army trainer in- working in order to pursue mu- and family members. gered when Russia opposed a re- optimistic afterward. They noted With the government guest- structs an Afghan student in how tual interests and eliminate mu- Today, that hopeful moment cent U.N. Security Council vote that provincial police chief Abdul house a charred ruin, and the dep- Hospital, Wazir Akbar has been eclipsed by a one-day to drop anti-terrorism sanctions Razik, a tough, legendary anti-Tal- uty governor and five foreign dip- blitz of terrorist attacks in Kabul against Afghan former warlord iban fighter, had personally called lomats among the dead, whatever Khan, Kabul 2301372 and two other cities on Jan. 10 that Gulbuddin Hekmatyar. The sanc- for dialogue and offered protection positive momentum for peace had left 50 people dead. Two attacks tions lift would allow him to re- to potential insurgent negotiators. been generated in Kandahar last Ibn-e- Seena were claimed by the Taliban. The turn home under a peace deal that But Razik, who has faced nu- month suddenly seemed long gone. third, an explosion at another gath- Afghan and U.S. officials hope will merous Taliban threats and attacks (Washingtonpost) Pul-e-Artan, Kabul ering hosted by top officials in spur the Taliban to follow suit. Kandahar, took the lives of five Pakistan, which has long shel- 2100359 visiting Emirati diplomats. Amid tered Taliban leaders and sought outraged recriminations from Unit- to dominate the peace process, is Internet helpsAfghan Wazir Akbar Khan ed Arab Emirates officials, Afghan scrambling to reassert that control security agencies launched an in- and seek new foreign partners af- women find their voices Hospital vestigation aided by NATO, and ter finding itself increasingly iso- 2301741, 2301743 dozens of people were arrested lated abroad. American officials this week. blame Pakistan for sponsoring ag- in battle for equality The circumstances of that gressive Taliban factions, and some Regular electricity outages and insecurity have not dented Afghani- Ali Abad bombing remain murky, and the Afghan officials publicly blamed stan’s addiction to the internet and social media. In a country consid- Taliban have repeatedly denied re- Pakistan for orchestrating the Kan- ered one of the worst places on earth to be female, where women face Shahrara, Kabul sponsibility for the blast, in which dahar bombing. Officials said it daily harassment and obstacles due to their gender, being online has 2100439 sophisticated explosives were det- was linked to several Islamic sem- given them more freedom in their protracted battle for equal rights. onated remotely after being hid- inaries across the Pakistan border. For 23-year-old Raziya Masumi, who lives in Kabul, the Afghan den in a sofa inside a highly se- Iran, which has long sought to capital, tweeting is her window to the world. On Twitter, she uses the Malalai Maternity cured official compound. The mys- establish a foothold for Shiite Is- hashtags #EndChildMarriage, #GenderInequality, #TalibanBeGone. tery set off a flurry of conspiracy lam in next-door Afghanistan, has Though she has fewer than 1,000 followers, she has attracted fans Hospital theories pointing to Iran, Pakistan also reached out to the extremist from around the world. 2201377/ 2301743 and factional disputes among Kan- Sunni Taliban, inviting its repre- “The internet and social media gave women the opportunity to dahari leaders. sentatives to a recent conference. express themselves, beyond their immediate surroundings,” said Ma- Analysts and government In another role reversal, UAE offi- sumi, who is program officer at Impassion, the first company in Banks aides said Taliban militants were cials, after years of providing a fi- Afghanistan to create digital media strategies for a range of clients. Set almost certainly behind the attack nancial operating base and diplo- up in 2013, the company has provided mobile polling of the most Da Afghanistan Bank but had denied it because they did matic outpost for the Taliban, have recent presidential elections, showcased Afghan women in sports and 2100302, 2100303 not intend to kill the visiting en- recently made high-profile offers helped run a social media summit in the country. voys, whose government has been of humanitarian aid to the Afghan Raised in an educated and open-minded family, Masumi’s parents a longtime mainstay of their finan- state. The slain diplomats were in have not discouraged her from being active online. She regularly ac- Bakhtar Bank cial and diplomatic support. Sev- Kandahar on a mission to promote cesses the internet using her smartphone or her computer at work. 0776777000 eral officials described the deaths that aid. Masumi is optimistic that her countrywomen are on their way to as a monumental blunder that had “What we are seeing is like a achieving greater freedom of expression, thanks to the internet. But Azizi Bank Taliban leaders “panicked.” The political game of buzkashi,” the greater visibility can also be a double-edged sword. Expressing one’s 0799 700900 insurgents sent a delegation to the chaotic Afghan version of polo (female) opinion in male-dominated Afghanistan is not without its UAE this week to reassure offi- played with a goat carcass instead dangers. Pashtany Bank cials they were not behind the at- of a ball, said Timor Sharan, who “Women get bothered by men. Many men make fake accounts tack. represents the nonprofit Interna- and pages, and they use them against women,” Masumi said. “Cyber 2102908, 2103868 Whoever was responsible, the tional Crisis Group in Kabul. “Af- harassment is a problem.” shocking act abruptly cut off the ghanistan is the goat, the Ameri- Several other women in Kabul, who spoke on condition of ano- Air Services nascent peace feelers, reinforced can referee is missing, and the re- nymity, told me of widespread harassment and abuse online. Some predictions that Afghanistan faces gional players are jockeying and cited examples whereby men have taken profile photos from social Safi Airways another long, punishing season of maneuvering over where to put the media, photoshopped them into compromising positions, and used combat and terrorism once winter goat to gain advantage for their in- them to blackmail the women in the photos for money. It has become 020 22 22 222 ends, and created a growing sense terests.” common for Afghan women to conceal their pictures and names on- of gloom among officials and po- Sharan said he sees no hope line, instead showing a photo of a single eye, or something more Ariana litical leaders. Some said they fear for a revival of peace talks with abstract like a flower. the insurgents will be able to wear the Taliban in the near future, in While Kabul’s myriad internet cafés are often packed with young 020-2100270 down the divided Kabul govern- part because the insurgents are in men watching videos and chatting on Facebook, women are rarely to use an ISR system during a tual threats.” ment and outlast the foreign good- a strong military position after seen in them. The country’s first and only all-women internet café Kam Air live-fire exercise for Afghan Tac- Comments by some of will that provides 70 percent of months of aggressive attacks opened in 2012 in central Kabul with much fanfare, but shut down a tical Air Coordinators at a range Trump’s Cabinet picks have its budget. against key Afghan cities and in year later due to funding issues. Many educated Afghans now have 0799974422 south of Kabul on Dec. 27, 2016. been welcomed in Kabul. At his “This was not a message of part because the government of smartphones, and social media is intrinsic to their lives. The English The U.S. spent $3.6 billion on confirmation hearing this month, war — it was a vicious and unfor- President Ashraf Ghani, who fac- word “selfie” has effortlessly slipped into Dari and Pashto, Afghani- Hotels building Afghan security forces retired Gen. James Mattis, a givable crime,” said Abdul Hakim es ethnic rivalries inside and out- stan’s main languages, and Facebook is intensely popular: Roshan, in 2015 alone. former commander of forces in Mujahid, a former Taliban diplo- side the government, and whose the country’s largest telecom company, even offers a Facebook-only Safi Landmark Under Trump — who has Afghanistan who is Trump’s mat and member of the govern- ethnic Pashtun base is in the same data plan for less than $1 a month. vowed to project American choice for defense secretary, said ment’s High Peace Council. “There southern region as the Taliban’s, According to government estimates, some 20 million Afghans – or 020-2203131 might while refraining from mil- he would “urge Pakistan to take is still a tendency towards peace cannot afford to give up the fight. two-thirds of the population – have mobile phones. The number is itary adventures he views as further actions against the Tali- and reconciliation in the minds of “There is no incentive for astonishing considering the country lay in ruins only 15 years ago. SERENA “dumb” — U.S. policy in Af- ban and the Haqqani network,” the Taliban and the government, peace now, and any talk of it is While Afghan women have gained back basic rights in education, vot- ing and work since the Taliban were toppled in 2001, their future ghanistan is anyone’s guess. an allied militant group. but there is a deep lack of trust, meaningless,” Sharan said. “Both 0799654000 “Afghanistan has been used Analysts said Trump’s remains highly uncertain, as Afghan and U.S. officials seek to negoti- and how to build that is extremely sides are gearing up for serious of- ate with the Taliban to ensure stability. Entrenched poverty and de- to being one of the top foreign tough line against Islamic State, difficult.” fensives, and the situation is at a New Rumi Restaurant policy issues for an American the Iraq- and Syria-based mili- cades of war and conflict have distorted the population’s view of the Mujahid said the situation had stalemate. Everyone agrees there role girls and women play in society. president,” said Omar Samad, a tant group whose supporters become more “ambiguous and is no military solution, but no one Since U.S.-led combat troops withdrew last year, producing a 0776351347 former Afghan ambassador to have established a foothold in complicated” because of increased agrees on how to even structure a security vacuum, activists say street harassment and sexual assault Canada and France. “There have eastern Afghanistan, indicated he meddling in the Afghan conflict by peaceful one, and Pakistan contin- have reached epidemic levels. In a major report released in April by Internet Services been very few hints as to the would continue with Obama’s foreign neighbors and regional pow- ues to benefit from the war. The the Kabul-based Afghan Journalist Safety Committee, women in the UA Telecom mind-set of the incoming admin- decision to expand the scope of ers. “New actors are emerging Taliban can keep going for years.” public domain face enormous amounts of harassment. Of the 100 istration.” the U.S. military’s mission whose only purpose is to advance According to U.S. military es- female journalists surveyed, 41 percent reported being harassed by 0796701701 / 0796702702 Still, Samad said, Afghans there. their own interests,” he said. “The timates published in October, the the general public. Even more – some 59 percent – complained their are looking to the Trump admin- In recent months, after way forward is very unclear.” government still controls or influ- male colleagues harassed them at work. Exchange Rate istration for fresh thinking on Obama gave U.S. commanders The spate of attacks came ences 258 of the country’s 407 dis- Ahmad Shuja is the managing director of Paiwandgah, Afghani- ways to resolve a conflict now greater authority to support amid growing efforts by Russia and tricts, an additional 116 districts stan’s first citizen journalism platform, which reaches across the coun- Purchase: in its 16th year. In particular, Afghan forces when they faced other governments to stake out new are contested, and 33 are controlled try and launched in 2014. Journalists from all over Afghanistan use officials hope the U.S. will step trouble, U.S. forces have esca- roles and relationships in the pro- or influenced by the Taliban. But the platform to report on events in their neighborhoods, covering up its support for Afghan secu- lated their use of airstrikes, tracted Afghan war, with some analysts said that areas under Tal- everything from conflict news to election-related activities. Acting as One US$ = rity forces and raise pressure on launching 205 strikes in Octo- even courting the Taliban. This iban control or domination have part citizen journalist, part observer, they do things such as tracking 66.77Afs Pakistan, which they accuse of ber, the most in a single month trend, analysts said, has come large- continued to spread and that the the government’s progress on its campaign promises in its first 100 supporting the Taliban leader- since 2014. ly in response to the interregnum insurgents’ range and capacity for days, monitoring the polls from places where the media or traditional One Pound Sterling= ship. The lack of concrete policy vacuum in American leadership attacks is virtually nationwide. observers couldn’t go. 80.95Afs Though the U.S. spent $3.6 statements puts Afghanistan in and policy toward Afghanistan, Some former Taliban leaders The platform enables Afghans to be part of the national dialogue. One Euro = billion on building Afghan secu- much the same position it faced where Washington’s military and and pro-Taliban analysts said the They contribute stories and opinions through phone calls, text mes- rity forces in 2015 alone, the Af- when Obama was inaugurated economic backing have been para- only major stumbling block to sages and social media. 70.05Afs ghan army’s performance is at in 2009: in a “forgotten war,” mount for the past 15 years. peace talks is the issue of Ameri- “Our female citizen journalists cover issues as diverse as female 1000 Pak Rs = best inconsistent while the po- overshadowed by a military Russia, which had remained can troops remaining in the coun- police, refugees and land disputes,” Shuja said with pride. 612Afs lice have proved unable to keep campaign in Iraq — this time to largely aloof from Afghan affairs try. The insurgents have demand- The world saw how social media in Afghanistan can be both friend control of areas cleared by the dislodge Islamic State. since the disastrous Soviet military ed a firm timetable for their with- and foe to the country’s women in March of last year. The nation is Sale: army. Javid Faisal, a spokesman and political intervention that end- drawal and have insisted that this still reeling from the brutal murder of Farkhunda, a 27-year-old wom- One US$ = The Afghan military is in- for Afghan Chief Executive Ab- ed 28 years ago, has launched a be negotiated with U.S. officials; an who was falsely accused of burning the Quran. An angry mob of 66.97 Afs creasingly reliant on elite units dullah Abdullah, downplayed high-profile initiative to reengage the Obama administration reject- men attacked Farkhunda in central Kabul, where they bludgeoned her, and its nascent air force to bail concerns and said the govern- on its own terms, in part to counter ed that idea, and it is unclear what threw her body off a roof, pelted her with stones, set her on fire and One Pound Sterling= conventional troops out of trou- ment was looking forward to Islamic State predations in Cen- position the Trump administration ran over her body with a car. The grisly scene was recorded on cell- 81.75Afs ble, creating so much wear and working with Trump. “We are tral Asia. Last month, Moscow would take. phones by those jubilantly taking part. But the video soon went viral, One Euro= tear on aircraft that the U.S. is more optimistic than pessimis- convened a meeting with Pakistan These figures allege that peace and women and men angrily took to the streets in protest. The videos 70.65 Afs considering spending an addi- tic,” Faisal said. (Stripes) and China to discuss the Afghan prospects are being sabotaged by were later used by police to prosecute the perpetrators. (Truthdig) situation, without inviting any of- some groups within Afghanistan 1000 Pak Rs= 620 SATURDAY . JANUARY 21, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Bacha Khan University Students slam govt, politicians

By Shamim Shahid visor to Chief Minister on Higher Education Mr. Mushtaq Ahmad PESHAWAR: Amidst sever re- Ghani to attend but his response sentment against government and was, “in which capacity.” some of political parties as well, At the very outset of the day students and teachers have ob- long ceremony, Quran Khwani was ISLAMABAD: The Supreme served first anniversary of deadly arranged for the departed soul of terrorist attack against Bacha Khan Court observed on Friday that it those 18 persons who were killed was yet to be established whether University Charsada on Friday. by militants in January 20, 2016 In connection with anniversa- the Sharifs owned their London deadly terrorist attack. Killed per- properties before 2006. ry, the university administration sons beside 14 students were also arranged a function and was ex- Referring to Prime Minister included a Professor and Care Tak- Nawaz Sharif’s interviews, Justice pecting participation of high ups er. FatehaKhwani for the departed from both federal and provincial Asif Saeed Khosa observed that souls was continued throughout the PM continued to do business government. Similarly, the univer- the day. sity administration was also ex- and politics together till 1997. During and before starting of Justice Khosa, who is heading pecting participation of local pol- the function, students and teach- iticians, especially Awami Nation- a five-judge larger bench of the apex ers have continued protests not court in Panamagate case, told al Party. However, almost expec- only over absence of high ups from tations on the part of university Jamaat-e-Islami counsel Taufiq government functionaries both Asif that unless the conflict of in- administration and students ruined from Islamabad and Peshawar but when no one turned to arrange- terest was established mere allega- also against failure of government tions of the premier’s involvement ments for paying tributes to vic- in connection with compensation tims of deadly terrorist attack. in business would not take the to heirs of victims. The govern- petitioner anywhere. Only former provincial minis- ment has promised compensation ter and Pakistan TehrikInsaaf Justice Ijazul Ahsan asked the to legal heirs of victims and accred- JI counsel whether there was any MPA from Peshawar Mr. Shaukat itation to victims soon after the Ali Yousafzai along with fellow code of conduct prohibiting the incident some one year back. But prime minister from partaking in MPA ArifAhmadzai from Chard- the authorities concerned yet to sada turned to the gathering. But business activities while remain- honour such commitments. ing in office. due to resentment, protest and The protest students and even skirmishes amongst students, PM’s qualification a matter of teachers have continued chanting public importance, says Justice ShaukatYousafzai was unable to of slogans against government, es- wind off his speech and left the Khosa pecially against Prime Minister When the JI lawyer read the venue as a mark of protest. Mian Nawaz Sharif, Chief Minis- At the moment Bacha Khan prime minister’s speech in the Par- ter Pervez Khattak, Pakistan Te- liament, Justice Ijaz remarked the University Charsada is one out of hrikInsaaf Chairman Imran Khan six universities of Khyber Pakh- PM would address it on the floor and Awami National Party leader of house, adding that explanations tunkhwa functioning without Vice AsfandyarWali Khan. Due to sev- Chancellors. Almost remaining five on personal allegations against the er resentment of protesters, premier could be demanded there. are run by Pro-Vice Chancellors Shaukat Ali Yousafzai was unable whereas pro-vice chancellor of When the counsel referred to to conclude his speech before the the Zafar Ali Shah case judgment, Bacha Khan University also went audience, most students and some on retirement in previous Decem- Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan observed close relatives of victims. that this was a submission by the ber. Beside Shauklat Ali Yousafzai, Outgoing Vice Chancellor Dr. AGP that could not be used against Discussing Article 184 (3) of the Constitution, Justice Khosa had earlier observed that adjudicating the qualification of PM Nawaz as a father of student Alyas Shaheed the Sharifs. Another judge, Justice Fazal Rahim Marwat when con- and brother of late Shaheed Prof. lawmaker was a matter of public importance. tacted by this scribe has said that Azmat Saeed Sheikh told the JI Justice Khosa on Thursday said the post-election controversy about disqualification of a parliamentarian could be challenged before the Hamid also addressed the ceremo- counsel that they could not deliv- in fact he was invited as a guest ny. The organisers have also an- National Assembly speaker and if he rejected the reference then a writ petition could be filed. but due to illness unable to attend er a verdict based on assumptions. Another judge Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan observed that if the court convicted an MP on the basis of criminal law then he would be disqualified nounced concluding of the ceremo- Opposition moves privilege the anniversary. He, however, said ny without placing floral wreath and remain stigmatised forever. “[But] how the court can give decision on the basis of an assumption as it will have far-reaching implications,” he that late on Thursday night he had motion against PM’s ‘untruthful’ asked. on the monument of martyrs and speech in NA also received a message from Ad- guard of honours. Later, the apex court adjourned hearing of the case till Monday (January 23). (tribune) Hasina invites global business Trump hopes to see to focus on Bangladesh better US-Pakistan ties Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has gy in Bangladesh, the guiding vi- Trying to entice global tech- nate and oversee all inter-sector pitched for global knowledge and sion of her government is to en- nology giants to consider invest- skill development initiatives. in future: Envoy business to focus on Bangladesh sure “every individual gets a foot- ment and operations in Bangladesh, Bangladesh, she said, has a vast to help her country make its 'Dig- print in the changed space – in she said, "Our people are recep- pool of ICT freelancers and shared ital Bangladesh' dream come true. terms of choices, access and op- tive and highly adaptive to any her government's intention to en- US President-elect Donald Trump the call for Trump to be more care- version of the telephone call, say- She pointed out it would be a portunities". technology, including ICTs". courage more women in the arena. has expressed the hope that bilat- ful while talking to foreign leaders. ing that Sharif and Trump did have win-win' for both sides. Hasina recalled that returning The prime minister pointed With her government's vision eral ties between the United States The US media also criticised Paki- a ‘productive conversation’, but it She made the call while joining to power in 2009, her government out that Bangladesh has the 10th set on a future where ‘Digital Bang- and Pakistan will improve in the stan for releasing details of per- lacked the “flowery language” in- a discussion, a part of the ongoing committed itself to the vision of a largest mobile-phone subscribers’ ladesh’ would touch more lives, she future, Radio Pakistan quoted Pa- sonal greetings. Later, the Trump cluded in the Pakistani version of World Economic Forum meet, held "Digital Bangladesh" despite stiff population. made an emotive call to business kistan's Ambassador to US Jalil transition team had issued its own this talk. (DAWN) at the Sheraton Hotel at Jakobshorn challenges and bottlenecks. "Over 60 million people are and knowledge leaders to direct Abbas Jilani as saying on Friday. in Davos on Thursday evening. "Facing an emerging new glo- online, mostly with smartphones." their attention to Bangladesh. The envoy said Trump told The first elected prime minis- bal landscape, as early as in 2009, Hasina spoke at length about She said with the government him he wanted to see better US- ter of the country to be invited to Bangladesh brought in our politi- the government initiatives aimed determined to carry the ICT wave Pakistan relations in the future at the forum, Hasina did more than cal vision – Vision 2021 (of gradu- at using ICTs in every walk of life. further through several innova- a dinner he [Trump] hosted for enough to seize the opportunity ating Bangladesh as an Middle In- Her government intends to come tions, there was a world of possi- foreign ambassadors. to explain in details before world come Country) and Vision 2041 up with a unique ‘Skills and Em- bility for both sides in a 'mutual Trump, who takes oath on leaders the ways in which Bang- (of shaping as a developed nation). ployment Dashboard’ to coordi- win-win' situation. (BDNEWS24) Friday as the 45th US president, ladesh is positioning itself to be a In spite of so many developmen- "pleasantly" referred to the phone part of the emerging global knowl- tal challenges, we rolled our mis- call Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif edge economy. sion of ‘Digital Bangladesh'", she made to him in November last year, Earlier, WEF founder and chief said. said Jilani. Karl Schwab explained the ways Her government wanted to ex- He also extended good wishes in which economic institutions the pose the millions of youths of the for Pakistan during his conversa- world over are transforming them- country to the most advanced tech- tion with the ambassador. selves to attune to a world chang- nologies of the world. "Our aim The Sharif-Trump telephone ing fast through the use of tech- was to bridge the knowledge and call became controversial when the nology and information-driven technological gaps within our so- prime minister’s office released a production methods. cieties as also with outside world," readout of that call. Taking part in the discussion she added. In a language considered "un- titled "Digital Leadership Policy Pointing out that the use of usual" for a US president, Trump Meeting on Davos" as a special ICT in education has always been had in his conversation with the guest panellist, Hasina began by a thrust area of her government, PM expressed willingness to solve taking a gaze down the future. she said through initiatives like "fantastic" Pakistan's problems. "As we move we must see that MuktoPath -- Bangladesh's ver- Calling Sharif a "terrific guy", technology does not become a lim- sion of Coursera, and revamping Trump had also said he would iting factor for people's peace-sta- the existing Technical and Voca- "love" to visit Pakistan. bility-prosperity," she observed. tional Education Training (TVET), The surprisingly candid read- She underscored that while the government intends to keep the out of the telephone call created a harnessing the prowess of infor- youth of Bangladesh relevant to major controversy in Washington mation communication technolo- the changing world order. where even the White House joined Free-trade agreement with I ndia a ‘high priority’ for Canada

OTTAWA: Federal Liberal Infra- In his speech to a massive in- dia are needed in today’s world.” ment has instructed its structure Minister Amarjeet Sohi, ternational trade conference called But although Harper met officials to turn away fresh off a trade promotion trip to Vibrant Gujurat, with Indian Prime Modi several times as prime min- from free trade talks India, says a free-trade agreement Minister Narendra Modi in the ister and hosted Modi in Ottawa with India to focus on with India “is high priority for our audience, Sohi said two-way trade in April 2015 on the first visit of the broader Trans-Pacif- government.” between the two countries grew an Indian leader to Canada in 40 ic Partnership deal (of But for all the talk, it’s clear by nearly 30 per cent between years — Trudeau has also met him which India is not a part) that any free trade with India re- 2015 and 2016, a “remarkable — trade talks remain stalled at the — a report that mains a long way off. achievement in the context of on- officials’ level. Trudeau’s government Talks began with fanfare un- going economic uncertainty all over A Canadian government offi- flatly denies. der the Conservative government the world.” cial says last fall Freeland met with Sohi downplayed led by Stephen Harper but quick- He said the Canadian govern- her counterpart, Nirmala Sithara- another report in the In- ly slowed as officials haggled over ment would like to see it increase man, India’s minister of state for dian press that Trudeau investor protections and thorny even more: “Our trade with India commerce and industry, and the will visit India in March. issues such as access for Indian is not as high as we would like to two agreed to direct their officials “He will be visiting temporary workers, skilled work- see.” to “reinvigorate” discussions to- India soon, I understand. ers and visitors to Canada. The promise of a bigger mar- wards some kind of trade agree- I don’t know what the That turtle pace continued de- ket in India for Canadian exports ment — an instruction that was dates will be.” spite Justin Trudeau’s mandate beckons. reconfirmed when Freeland and An official in letter to his former international Sohi reminded the audience Canadian Finance Minister Bill Trudeau’s PMO said it trade minister Chrystia Freeland more than 1,000 Canadian compa- Morneau met Indian counterparts definitely will not be in setting out “the development of a nies and educational institutions do again in December. March but would not targeted strategy to promote trade business in or with India. “Officials are in regular con- confirm a date. and investment with emerging Canada has eight trade consu- tact and our governments are work- But Sohi empha- markets, with particular attention lates there and Ottawa continues ing very closely to enhance our sized the positive, say- to China and India,” as a goal for to talk up trade opportunities just economic and commercial relation- ing there are “significant his government. as Harper, who is now in India, ship — as evidenced by Minister opportunities for great- In an interview with the Star, did. Sohi’s recent working visit to In- er co-operation” in in- Sohi said he believes a Canada-In- On Tuesday, Harper posted a dia,” said Alex Lawrence, a spokes- dustries like food, agri- dia free trade deal is possible in photo on Twitter of his meeting man for the newly named Interna- culture, energy and clean this mandate. with Modi in New Delhi. “Great tional Trade Minister Francois- technology, education, Read more:From prisoner to seeing my friend PM @Narendra- Philippe Champagne. skills development, in- honoured guest: Amarjeet Sohi’s Modi today in #Delhi. His vision The Indian press reported this frastructure and aero- return to India and leadership in transforming #In- week that the Canadian govern- space. (THESTAR) SATURDAY . JANUARY 21, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief Air strikes US air raids kill dozens 'kill scores of of rebels in ISIL fighters' northern in Libya Turkey edged closer to adopting a constitutional bill extending Presi- More than 80 ISIL fighters have dent Tayyip Erdogan’s powers, Syria been killed in United States air with parliament approving four raids on camps operated by the more articles of a reform which At least 40 fighters from Jabhat armed group inside Libya, ac- opponents see as a step towards Fateh al-Sham - one of the largest cording to US officials. an authoritarian state. rebel groups fighting against Syr- The Pentagon said on Thurs- Erdogan, who could rule the ian President Bashar al-Assad - day that B-2 bombers and US country until 2029 if the legisla- have been killed in air strikes in drones had targeted overnight tion is passed, says it will provide Aleppo province. two camps southwest of the city stability at a time of turmoil and The Syrian Observatory for of Sirte, a former bastion of ISIL prevent a return to the fragile coa- in the North African country. Human Rights said it was unclear litions of the past. who carried out Thursday's raids Libyan forces recapture ISIL During the evening debate an headquarters in Sirte Ash Cart- independent lawmaker, Aylin Na- in western Aleppo province since er, the US defense secretary, said zliaka, handcuffed herself to the a US-led coalition, the Syrian re- on Thursday that some of the podium in protest against the gime, and Russia have all carried ISIL fighters were believed to be stronger presidency, triggering a out strikes against Fateh al-Sham actively planning attacks against scuffle between MPs of the ruling positions in recent weeks. Syria: targets in Europe, without offer- AK Party and opposition parties. Elderly forced into solitude amid ing any details. The reform would enable the mass displacement Capture "We need to strike ISIL ev- president to issue decrees, declare erywhere they show up," Cart- "Warplanes, which may have emergency rule, appoint ministers been Russian or coalition aircraft, er said on his last day office. and top state officials and dissolve "And that's particularly true parliament – powers that the two struck a Fateh al-Sham camp in in view of the fact that we know main opposition parties say strip Sheikh Suleiman," the Britain- some of the ISIL operatives in away balances to Erdogan’s pow- based Observatory said. Libya were involved with plot- er. A source in Fateh al-Sham ting attacks." With the adoption of the lat- confirmed to Al Jazeera that doz- Earlier on Thursday, Peter est four articles overnight, the as- ens had died in air strikes on a Cook, the Pentagon's press sec- sembly has now approved 11 arti- training camp in western Aleppo's retary, said the attacks were au- cles in the second round of voting. thorised by outgoing US presi- countryside. It is on track to pass the remaining Jabhat Fateh al-Sham split dent Barack Obama and were in seven articles and vote on the pack- conjunction with Libya's Unit- age as a whole on Friday night. from al-Qaeda in July, a move an- ed Nations-backed government Providing it garners the support alysts said was aimed at easing of national accord. Post-Gadd- of at least 330 deputies in the 550- pressure from both Russia and the afi chaos Last month, forces member assembly in the remain- Erdogan assumed the presi- ing his powers to the limit, he has ing authoritarianism with the ar- since a failed military coup in July. United States. However the group aligned with Libya's internation- ing votes, the legislation will go to dency, a largely ceremonial posi- continued to dominate politics by rests and dismissal of tens of thou- Erdogan points to a danger from is not party to a Russian and Turk- ally recognised government took a referendum, expected in the tion, in 2014 after over a decade as dint of his personal popularity. sands of judges, police, military ISIS and Kurdish militants. ish-brokered ceasefire that went full control of Sirte from ISIL, spring. prime minister. Since then, push- Critics accuse him of increas- officers, journalists and academics (Alarabiya) into effect on December 30. which stands for Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. Sirte fell According to the monitor, the after a sustained offensive start- group has sustained major losses ing in May 2016, including US in recent weeks with about 100 of air strikes targeting tanks and Guterres: its fighters killed since the start other vehicles used by ISIL, also of 2017. Al Jazeera's Stefanie De- known as ISIS. (Al Jazeera) kker, reporting from Gaziantep near the Turkey-Syria border, said Thousands of the latest air strikes signaled a Three dead as change in the campaign against the group. car ploughs child soldiers "At least 10 senior command- ers of the group have been killed into among countless other fighters in Idlib province," she said. pedestrians fight in Somalia "This raises the question whether there is a change in poli- in Australia Emergency teams struggled on Fri- blamed "thick smoke" for hamper- ing debris from a major earthquake cy, or if there's more intelligence day to rescue a group of trapped ing rescue efforts. "The relief work because we are dealing with fire, coming in from the ground pin- Three people have been killed, firefighters who were inside a high- is very hard. Removal of debris is smoke and lack of oxygen," said pointing where these leaders are." including a young child, and 15 rise building when it collapsed in going on in all parts of the build- Red Crescent official Morteza others injured when a car the Iranian capital, Tehran. ing, but the thick smoke rising ... is Moradipour. Immediate investiga- In a seperate development, the slammed into pedestrians in the Firefighters, soldiers, and creating serious problems. It is still tion President Hassan Rouhani Islamic State of Iraq and the Le- centre of Australia's second- sniffer dogs worked throughout the not clear how many people are called for an immediate investiga- vant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) largest city Melbourne. night on Thursday but were un- trapped under the rubble, and not tion, while city officials said the demolished two monuments in the A man deliberately drove successful in locating the more than even one person has been pulled building's managers ignored repeat- ancient city of Palmyra a month his vehicle into people on Fri- 20 firefighters pinnned under the out." The official IRNA news ed warnings about fire hazards. after recapturing it from govern- day at the Bourke Street Mall, rubble of the 15-storey Plasco agency said one firefighter, who The building, which was Iran's ment forces. but the incident was not terror- building for more than 24 hours. made it out of the building before oldest high-rise and contained a Maamoun Abdulkarim, Syr- ism-related, Victoria state po- Hossein Hashemi, Tehran's it fell, died in a hospital from se- shopping centre and hundreds of ia's antiquities chief, said on Fri- lice's acting commander Stuart governor-general, said between 25- vere burns. Some 84 people were clothing suppliers, came down on Bateson told reporters. 30 firefighters were still missing injured in the fire, five of whom Thursday after a four-hour blaze. day that ISIL destroyed the tet- "I can confirm that we be- and no official figure on casualties were still in hospital. Each layer Iranians were in shock over the rapylon - a 16-columned structure lieve this is connected to an ear- could be released as rescue opera- of wreckage removed from the apparent loss of so many firefight- that marked one end of the an- lier stabbing in the southern tions continued. Tehran fire: 20 scene was unleashing fresh smoke, ers, with state television placing a cient city's colonnade. metro region. We have the of- dead in Plasco building collapse causing problems for workers and black banner across the corner of "Yesterday [Thursday] we fender in custody. There is no Pir Hossein Koolivand, head sniffer dogs. "The removal of de- the screen as a sign of mourning. received satellite photographs further threat to the public at of Tehran's emergency services, bris is more difficult than remov- (BBC) from our colleagues at Boston this stage," said Bateson. University showing damage to the Police earlier chased the driver who was wanted over a facade of the Roman amphithe- domestic assault and driving atre," he told AFP news agency. offences. Officers eventually Iraq: Most ISIS Irina Bokova, director-gener- rammed the car and shot the 26- al of UNESCO, condemned the year-old driver in the arm, be- attack calling it a "new war crime". fore dragging him from the ve- "This destruction is a new war hicle and arresting him. Police UN Secretary-General Antonio en by clan rivalries and threatened commanders in Mosul killed crime and an immense loss for the said the man had a history of Guterres expressed alarm at re- by al-Shabab fighters opposed to Most ISIS commanders in Mosul into the western side of Mosul to by the river as mortar and gun fire Syrian people and for humanity. family violence and was want- ports that children may constitute Western-style democracy. have been killed in battles with Ira- begin. rang out further north. On one of "This new blow against cul- ed for a stabbing earlier in the a large part of the force recruited Thousands of kids recruited qi government forces that raged “It will not be harder than the streets newly recaptured from tural heritage - just a few hours day. A shop video showed sev- and used by the armed al-Shabab While al-Shabab was the main over the past three months in the what we have seen. The majority ISIS, men were reassembling eral people diving into a conve- after UNESCO received reports group in Somalia. perpetrator, the report said the eastern side of the city, an Iraqi of ISIS commanders have been breeze blocks into a wall that was about mass executions in the the- nience store as the car raced In a report to the Security Somali army and other groups also general said on Thursday. killed in the eastern side.” He did blown up by a suicide car bomb along the footpath. "We wit- atre - shows that cultural cleans- Council circulated this week, the recruited and used children. The fight to take the western not give further details. several days ago. Prime Minister ing led by violent extremists is nessed about half-a-dozen peo- UN chief said al-Shabab used chil- According to the report, a task side of Mosul, which remains un- Since late 2015, government Haider al-Abadi said late on Tues- ple that ricocheted off the car dren in combat, with nine-year- force in Somalia verified the re- der the extremists’ control, should forces backed by US-led coalition day that ISIS had been severely seeking to destroy both human one way or another. I saw one olds reportedly taught to use weap- cruitment and use of 6,163 chil- not be more difficult than the one air power have wrested back large weakened in the Mosul campaign, lives and historical monuments in person fly up almost roof level ons and sent to frontlines. Chil- dren - 5,993 boys and 230 girls - on the eastern side, Lieutenant- amounts of northern and western and the military had begun “mov- order to deprive the Syrian peo- of the car as they got thrown dren were also used to transport during the period from April 1, General Abdul Ghani al-Assadi territory overrun by ISIS in a shock ing” against it in the western half ple of its past and its future," up against one of the retail explosives, work as spies, carry 2010 to July 31, 2016, with more told Reuters before embarking on 2014 offensive. of Iraq’s second largest city. He Bokova said. stores," Sharn Baylis, 46, told ammunition or perform domestic than 30 percent of the cases in a tour of areas newly retaken. On Thursday, regular Iraqi did not elaborate. If the US-backed Reuters news agency. (BBC) Before being forced out of chores, Guterres said. 2012. Assadi climbed during his vis- army troops captured the Nineveh campaign is successful it will like- Palmyra in a Russian-backed of- It was estimated more than Al-Shabab accounted for 70 it to the upper floor of a huge un- Oberoy hotel, the so-called “pal- ly spell the end of the Iraqi side of fensive in March last year, ISIL half of al-Shabab's force were percent, or 4,213, of verified cas- finished mosque and gazed out at aces” area on the eastern bank of the self-styled caliphate declared carried out a campaign of destruc- children,and at least 60 percent of es, followed by the Somali Nation- the western side of the northern the Tigris, and Tel Kef, a small by the ultra-hardline ISIS in 2014, Drug lord the group's "elements" captured in al Army with 920 children recruit- Iraqi city, which is divided into two town just to the north according which also extends well into neigh- tion at the city's UNESCO-listed Somalia's semi-autonomous Punt- ed, it said. halves by the Tigris river. to military statements in Baghdad. boring Syria. Military advances in world heritage site, razing trea- Joaquin 'El land region in March 2016 were Guterres said he was "deeply His elite Counter-Terrorism The army is still battling mili- the last two weeks have been driv- sured temples and towers tombs. youngsters. Some of those children troubled by the scale and nature of Service announced on Wednesday tants in al-Arabi, the last district en in part by improved tactics and The Syrian conflict started as a Chapo' said they were approached with grave violations against children in that almost all of the city’s eastern which remains under their control coordination between different se- largely unarmed uprising against Guzman the promise of education and jobs, Somalia and their increase since half has been brought under gov- east of the river, said one of the curity forces like the Counter Ter- Assad's rule in March 2011. It has he said. Inside Story - Judging the 2015". ernment control. statements. rorism Service, the regular army since morphed into a full-scale war extradited to threat of al-Shabab in Africa He urged all parties in the con- “God willing, there will be a “God willing, there will be an and the police, US and Iraqi mili- that has left hundreds of thou- Somalia has been trying to re- flict in Somalia to stop recruiting meeting in the next few days at- announcement in the next few days tary officials say. Progress had sands dead and more than half of build after recently establishing its children and committing violations tended by all the commanders con- that all the eastern bank is under slowed towards the end of last year US first functioning central govern- against them and to abide by inter- cerned with liberation operations,” control,” Assadi said. as the military restrained some the country's pre-war population ment since 1991. national humanitarian and human he said, replying to a question on A Reuters correspondent saw operations to avoid hitting civil- displaced inside and outside of Mexico's government extradit- However, the country is driv- rights law. (Al Jazeera) when he expects a planned thrust army troops deploying in an area ians. (BBC) Syria. (Al Jazeera) ed drug lord Joaquin "El Cha- po" Guzman to the United States where he is wanted on drug trafficking and other charg- es. Guzman landed in New York Thailand sets up reconciliation panel ahead of polls late on Thursday to face federal Thailand's military government is Thais approve new constitu- Both Thailand's main political pense of political parties. narcotics trafficking and other setting up a reconciliation panel of tion in referendum parties said they were open to rec- Since helping to overthrow an charges. A US law enforcement generals and civilian experts to find "We will spend three months onciliation - if it was done fairly. absolute monarchy in what was official told The Associated common ground between political listening to the views of every side "The reconciliation process then Siam in 1932, the military has Press news agency that Guz- factions ahead of general elections, and on every subject whether it is must be neutral, must be fair, and staged 19 coups, 12 of them suc- man arrived following a flight the general named to lead the body politics, reforms or education," must be according to the law," said cessful, and has provided 12 of its from the Mexican border town said. said Chaichan, who is permanent former prime minister Yingluck 29 prime ministers in that time. Ciudad Juarez. General Chaichan Changmon- secretary at the Ministry of De- Shinawatra, who was overthrown The military government has Guzman is expected to ap- gkol, appointed by the government fence. in the last coup. dismissed suggestions it should pear in a federal court in Brook- to lead the panel, told reporters on The panel would then come Polls repeatedly postponed also sign any reconciliation agree- lyn on Friday. Friday it would include the head up with an agreement that all sides The army has repeatedly ment and agree not to stage more El Chapo - one of the of the armed forces, army special- would sign to ensure a peaceful promised new polls since the coup coups. world's most notorious drug ists, and civilian analysts. transition, he said. with the latest scheduled for this "The majority of soldiers do kingpins - twice escaped maxi- The army overthrew Thai- Thailand's political divide is year, but a delay until 2018 is now not want to seize power. Having mum-security prisons in Mexi- land's last elected prime minister broadly between a traditionalist widely expected. power isn't everything," Deputy co, most recently in 2015 via a in 2014, saying it had intervened elite, centred in Bangkok, and the Critics say the generals are Prime Minister General Prawit kilometre-long underground to end street protests and years of less-prosperous parts of the coun- working to ensure their political Wongsuwan told reporters. "The political turmoil. It has promised try, which largely backed populist influence after elections, including citizens supported this coup be- tunnel dug under the shower in to restore democracy to the South- governments before the most re- drafting a constitution that en- cause we restored stability." his cell. (CNN) east Asian country. cent coup. shrines military power at the ex- (Al Jazeera) SATURDAY . JANUARY 21, 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] By Jehangir Khattak strategy in Syria and in Crimea many of whom are based in ghanistan. We would also need before that. It is embracing dis- Afghanistan. to consider accelerating secu- www.afghanistantimes.af As Donald Trump takes oath enchanted global and regional For Pakistan, the forum rity ties with India as part of a as the 45th President of the US, players — Iran and Turkey in gives it an opportunity to coun- containment regime against Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi history seems to be going full Syria, and China and Pakistan terbalance the US embrace of Pakistan. Most important, the circle in one part of the world. over Afghanistan. India over Afghanistan. Former United States would have to Advisory editorial board The enemies of yesteryear are Moscow is also reaching US ambassador to Afghanistan channel bilateral assistance to Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, cosying up to one another and out to Iran to join its initiative Zalmay Khalilzad, a longtime Pakistan in a way that empow- allies of yesterday are embrac- on Afghanistan, while Af- proponent of a US policy that ers moderate civil society but Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir ing estrangement, if not out- ghans, following their public offers both carrot and stick to reduces support for the mili- right hostility over Afghani- displeasure, are also likely to either win over Islamabad or tary.” Graphic-Designer: stan. be invited to the next meeting. force it to fall in US policy line Some of Khalilzad’s recom- Edriss Akbari, Bilal Yusufi The display of shifting Russia is expecting to become over Afghanistan, was one of mendations seem to have sands was witnessed in Mos- a dominant player in the Afghan few foreign policy experts who found favours in Washington Marketing & Advertising: cow on December 27, 2016, conflict just like in Syria. advised Washington to bring and have been adopted as US Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 where Chinese and Pakistani In Syria, Moscow’s in- in new players to Afghan equa- policy instruments. officials huddled with their volvement transformed Presi- tion to pressure Islamabad. It is in this context that the Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan Russian hosts. The mooting dent Bashar al-Assad govern- In an opinion article in The Moscow huddle gains added Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 point was Afghanistan, whose ment’s shrinking writ over the Washington Post on June 30, significance. The move, if suc- government was not invited. A areas under opposition control 2011, Khalilzad advised the cessfully shapes up as a seri- Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press joint statement, issued after into new military gains in cities Obama administration to give ous initiative, can bring Russia the dialogue, expressed sup- like Aleppo. It tamed the West- Pakistan compelling and con- and India face to face in a coun- port for talks with the Afghan ern and Arab-backed opposi- sequential choices over Af- try where they were on the Taliban and concern over the tion to a compromise ceasefire ghanistan. The incentives in- same side in the 1980s. It will The constitution says spread of the Islamic State (IS). on the one hand and the West’s cluded facilitating resolution of also put to test President Article 64: Article Sixty-Four: The President shall have the following authorities and duties: 1. Supervise the The Moscow huddle add- military support to rebels al- outstanding disputes between Donald Trump’s vision of im- implementation of the Constitution; 2. Determine the fundamental lines of the policy of the ed one new element to the com- most a lost cause. The Turks Pakistan and Afghanistan and proved relations with Russia, country with the approval of the National Assembly; 3. Being the Commander in Chief of the plicated Afghan chessboard — joining hands with Russians Pakistan and India, support its stabilising Afghanistan and armed forces of Afghanistan; 4. Declare war and peace with the endorsement of the National a reassertive Russia in Afghan- also exemplifies the bungled weak economy, help address its defeating the IS. Assembly; 5. Take necessary decisions to defend territorial integrity and preserve independence; istan. Russia admitted its out- Western strategy of support- security needs and concerns, While chances of success 6. Dispatch armed forces units outside of Afghanistan with the endorsement of the National reach to Taliban last December, ing a three-way war — to de- start major structural projects, of Russian initiative may not Assembly; 7. Convene the Loya Jirga except in the situation prescribed in Article 69 of this and who welcomed the Mos- feat Assad regime, the IS and etc. appear too bright for now, its Constitution; 8. Proclaim as well as terminate the state of emergency with the endorsement of the cow talks. Three reasons are al Qaeda affiliates. “Should Pakistani intransi- significance can still not be dis- National Assembly; 9. Inaugurate the sessions of National Assembly and Loya Jirga. 10. being ascribed to its new Af- China and Pakistan joining gence persist, the United States counted. It may outset region- ghan strategy — to maintain hands with Moscow is some- will need a long-term strategy al realignments but may not stability in Afghanistan, check what understandable. For Chi- that manages the threat from bring peace to Afghanistan. proliferation of drug trafficking na, cooperation with Russia on Pakistan and embraces a broad Rather it will open new proxy and to defeat the IS. Taliban Afghanistan has its strategic multilateral effort to assist wars unless the move is made consider the IS as a rival and dividends. The principal being those Pakistanis who seek to more multilateral in meaningful have been fighting it. safeguarding its mining inter- transform their country. This ways.—(Express Tribune) Russians seem to be fol- ests in the restive countryside, would, in part, require the Unit- The writer is a New York- lowing a familiar game plan — significantly controlled by Tal- ed States to maintain a military based journalist, and Co-Direc- change the dynamics of a con- iban; and fighting an extended presence in Afghanistan to tor of Centre for Community flict in its favour through mus- war of its own backyard — counter the terror threat and and Ethnic Media at the Grad- cular diplomacy and hard mili- against the separatists from assist in preventing the victo- uate School of Journalism of tary power. It deployed this Xinjiang autonomous region, ry of Pakistani proxies in Af- City University of New York

Kabul citizens were cheering this week as the first snowflakes were coming down, covering the city after a long period. People were happy to see everywhere white by the ‘blessing of God’ By ShamimShahid Nature and objectives of US ident Barak Obama in 2009. In lead to destabilisation of militant’s because they were worried of a probable drought as they used to run War on terror and Pakistan 2008 WOT budget was 235.6 bil- network, which was too much ef- face in the past few years. Not only US and its allies con- operated Zarb-i-Azab are seem lion US dollars but reduced to 197.1 fective from Mirali in all over the sumed or consuming maximum of same and similar. US embarked on billion in 2009. However, a sharp country. The network, was not The seasonal rainfalls and especially snowfalls are consid- its resources on eradication of ter- War on terror in reaction to Al decline was started in such alloca- only comprises local militants but ror and improvement of law and Qaeda’s attacks against World tion with assassination of Al Qae- they belong to almost of the coun- ered as the only water resources in a landlocked country like order but it also posing bad im- Trade Centre in New York and da chief Osama Bin Laden in May try and some of foreign countries, Afghanistan from drinkable water to use for every other need. pacts on overall economic activi- Pentagon in Washington. An- 2011. In 2011, US allocation for assembled and controlled by a ties throughout the world. Paki- nouncing the decision, ex-US pres- WOT was $ 162.4 billion but re- group— commonly known as Pun- Besides, most of the Afghan citizens are busy with agriculture stan is one of those countries, badly ident had said, “Our war on terror duced to $119.6 in following 2012. jabi Taliban. and animal husbandry and are severely dependant on the season- affected by trend of violence and begins with al-Qaida,” he said,” but And now for 2017, American allo- Despite tall claims on the part terror, growing hostilities amongst it does not end there. It will not cations for WOT is projected only of authorities violent and terror al rainfall and snowfall that are the only sources to irrigate the some of global and regional pow- end until every terrorist group of $ 64.5 billion. acts are talking place in parts and ers as well. global reach has been found, At the moment, when Pakistan parcels throughout the country. rain-fed hilltop lands and pastures. War on terror, commenced stopped, and defeated.” is ahead with serious issue of ter- Target killing and extortionism is Unfortunately, the lack of snowfall in the recent few years has with the announcement of former Likewise Pakistan declared rorism and extremism, its position also getting momentums in the re- US President George W Bush in a military action Zarb-i-Azab in mid is not different from US. But com- gion. All such acts confirm pres- caused decrease in the groundwater, while the population is con- speech to Congress on Septem- of June 2014 when militants head- paring its (Pakistan combating ence and existence of terrorists, ber 20, 2001, in reaction to 9/11 ed by Hafiz Gul Bahadar have re- (war) capacity of Pakistan is less which need to be eliminated. trariwise increasing in the big cities including the capital. Oil, tragedy, is proving one of most fused to talk and made claims of than US, therefore, its terror con- Like of US authorities, Paki- firewood, coal and other materials producing smoke are also expensive war in global history. several terrorist acts including at- sumptions are satisfactory. How- stani authorities have also claimed Recently released documents re- tacks against security forces. And ever, there seems too much gape of continuing military action Zarb- used by vehicles, small factories and public bathhouses more veal that so far US consumed a the action was further intensified in the achievements of both the i-Azab till complete eradication of huge amount of 1.983 trillion Amer- after deadly terrorist attack against countries. The US administration terrorist groups in the region. than past years that warm up the air, causing decrease in snow- ican dollars on War on Terror Peshawar Army Public School on while approaching Congress, Sen- Army high ups already claiming fall. (WOT) in both Afghanistan and December 16, 2014. During this ate and other forums for the ap- killing of over 3,000 terrorists and Iraq. Similar is the position of “cru- period, military actions also ex- proval of WOT allocations always arresting hundreds of others. But The water management officials have frequently warned against sade on terror” fought from Paki- tended to far flung Tirrah Valley listed out the achievements. And unlike of Al Qaeda chief Osama the shortage of water and even lack of potable water if drought stan. Ms Maria SaifUd Din of of Khyber Agency whereas anoth- the achievements were ; toppling Bin Laden, Iraq President Saddam National Defence University Is- er militant MangalBagh had of Taliban and Saddam regimes in Hussain, Taliban supreme leader continues and people do not care of water consumption. lamabad while addressing the sec- crossed away all limits in challeng- Afghanistan and Iraq respective- Mullah Omar Akhund and his suc- ond National Conference on the ing writ of the state and making ly, destabilising of Al Qaeda net- cessor Akhtar Mansoor, North People in Kabul still use an old proverb, saying: “May Kabul “Economic Currents and Oppor- miserable lives of common people. work and killing/ arresting of thou- Waziristan’s Hafiz Gul Bahadar, be without gold, but may not be without snow”. This describes tunities for Economic Develop- The US expenditures on war sands terrorists, mostly associat- Khyber Agency’s MangalBagh and ment in FATA,” at Peshawar Uni- on terror started with $ 31 billion ed with Al Qaeda and its affiliated scores of other hard core terrorists how snow and water are important for the Kabulis. versity said, “ Security forces shut in 2001 got tremendous increase groups. included Mullah FazalUllah along down bomb factories and eliminat- to 111.9 billion dollars in 2003 No could challenge authentici- with aides are still alive and at large. Though the recent snowfall is very less comparing to two, ed over 500 terrorists with an ex- when Bush administration had for- ty of Zarb-i-Azab, which proved Unless eradication of these terror- three decades back, but is a good news for the people who are penditures of 1.9 billion US dol- mally invaded Iraq for getting rid most successful in around three ists, no one could be satisfied with lars.” She also added that the Paki- of Saddam Hussain. And the rise dozen military actions launched in outcomes and achievements of praying for an end of drought. stan Army was able to recover tons in war of terror was continued till different tribal agencies and re- military action Zarb-i-Azab, Khy- This is very important to be careful in the use of water as the of explosives. transfer of power to democrat Pres- gions since 2004. Zareb-i-Azab ber one, two and three. blessing of God. People should use it as much as to solve their problems. Being inattentive to use water makes shortage of wa- ter and eventually the lack of this source of life in the future. This is also carelessness in the Islamic order that has forbidden the use of anything more than our need. Officials in the water management department believe that the country will not face drought if it snows at least five times a year followed by enough rainfall in the spring. This does not mean that we are allowed to use water more than we need. We are responsible for the next generations. We have to hand over a sound nature to them. They should not suffer from natural damages that we are the cause. They need enough water and this is possible when we are careful how to use it. The government, media and schools should hold awareness Control free programs, so that people learn how to use natural resources and market how to protect them. 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. Govt SATURDAY . JANUARY 21, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Human misery monetized Capitalizing and profiteering from the occupation: corporate human rights violations in the occupied territories By Aleksandra Krstic tle the former Serb inhabited Dismantling of infrastruc- and exported to international and ethnically cleansed territo- ture (metals, pipes, bricks and markets, mainly to Europe. Ar- ries of Croatia.This is of course, other construction materials) menia is also extracting coal a direct criminal meddling into from the ruins of demolished from the mine near Chardagly the domestic matters of two Azerbaijani households and village in the occupied part of By Al Jazeera Round Table JCPOA, business deals with the war. Finally, a cancelled deal would sovereign states. public buildings was previous- the Tartar district to supply the EU would abruptly be cut off. The mean no more inspections of Iran's Armenia, directly or via its ly conducted more sporadic. power plant in Yerevan, Arme- Roxane Farmanfarmaian is an Af- oil and gas industries - the biggest nuclear programme. This com- filiated Lecturer in International beneficiaries of post-sanctions in- bined with an Iranian missile pro- corporate proxies, continues However, the currently exam- nia. Relations of the Middle East and vestment - would shrink, plunging gramme that is expanding rapidly, permanent energy, agriculture, ined cases show that it be- There is a clear correlation North Africa at University of Iran into a new recession, dashing makes a toxic combination, one that social, residential and transport comes more organized system between the business and the Cambridge. the hopes of its vast youth popu- could attract an Israeli "corrective" infrastructure changes in the of pillage with a clear foreign political status quo. Hence, it US President Donald Trump lation, prompting possible domes- attack with Trump support, im- brands himself as a dealmaker but tic unrest and likely clampdowns. mediately broadening the turmoil occupied territories. This is in- involvement. is safe to conclude that the pro- arguably, the most significant With the prospect of closer in the Syria-Iraq theatre into a wider creased and prioritized as to Mining of the precious long occupation directly trans- American deal struck in the past US-Iran relations no longer con- and highly militarised regional war. While the new cold war is tak- change the demographic char- minerals and metals is one of lates into more mineral, agricul- 40 years since Camp David, was taining Saudi ire against Iran, the The JCPOA is a compromise ing its momentum, the world acter once for good: That of the main enterprises in the oc- tural, water resources and oth- the Iran Nuclear Agreement by chances of growing conflict be- that has worked. Getting more course includes the construc- cupied territories. er wealth for the neighboring former President Barack Obama. tween these two Gulf powers guarantees for the US would mean community is gradually forget- Achieving with a sweep of the pen could be expected to rise, an un- forcing Iran to accept more con- ting other pressing issues; such tion of irrigation networks, wa- E.g.Gyzylbulag underground government and gloomy inter- what years of "debilitating" sanc- precedented situation in modern re- cessions, which its hardliners as human rights, right to labor, ter-canalization, roads, power- copper-gold mine (wholly national business. Demograph- tions never accomplished, the gional history, as until now, they won't do. Though Trump may be human dignity and respect. Of grids and other vital economic owned subsidiary of Armenia’s ic engineering is a key here, and Joint Comprehensive Plan of Ac- have never allowed their simmer- a great deal maker, Obama's Iran and social facilities. (Several Vallex Group CJSC, registered is – of course – done by con- tion (JCPOA) stilled Iran's urani- ing mistrust and Sunni-Shia com- deal is about as good as it gets. course, the national and inter- um enrichment programme and re- petition to boil over into outright (AL Jazeera) national corporations hereby international reports, conduct- in Liechtenstein), led to its al- flicting the fundamental human duced its nuclear stockpile. play a major role when comes ed independently by different most complete depletion.Similar rights and norms of humanitar- Yet Trump has called it the to respect and observance of FORAs, repeatedly confirmed faith is of Demirli open-pit cop- ian law, including those of "worst deal ever negotiated" and that property of IDPs has been per and molybdenum mine. In IDPs. vowed to "tear it up". Trump's elec- social and labour rights. Even toral bluster against the Iran deal Of Opera, taste for at the Geneva-based world appropriated. E.g. that empty 2014, Gold Star CJSC reported- In its epilogue, a clandes- could be diffused by workaday standard-setting organization, houses of Azerbaijani internal- ly started exploitation of gold tine population-reshuffle cou- reality. He remains positive toward music and social that of ILO (International La- ly displaced persons were of- near Vejnali village (occupied pled with illegal economic ac- Moscow - and President Vladimir bor Organization), corporation ten dismantled for use as con- Zangilan district of Azerbaijan). tivities on the contested terri- Putin's most significant ally in the struction materials or that new Since 2007, GPM Gold, a sub- tories produces the notorious Syrian war theatre is Iran. What is hierarchy have a strong say. more, Iran is actively fighting the What is the degree of due houses are being built on their sidiary of Russia-based “blood diamonds”: socio-polit- Islamic State of Iraq and the Le- diligence deployed by corpo- lands and properties.) GeoProMining Ltd., has been ical status-quo, demographic vant (ISIL), which Trump really By Fahad Suleiman Shoqiran rations today? Does the corpo- Armenia exercises perva- extracting ore in Soyudlu gold inversion, and extension of the hates. and cultural enrichment of societ- rate world comply with the law sive control over the entire eco- mine in the occupied Kalbajar armed conflict. Significantly, the hardest- Christmas and end of the year cel- ies. He argues that “the essence nomic and commercial system district. Is there anything larger than nosed, anti-deal hawks - including ebrations typically spark conten- and standards of business and appreciation of music varies in the contested territories, in- There is an illegal traffic in a problem of such a huge grav- Newt Gingrich and Rudy Giuliani tious debates between various conduct, transparency of busi- - failed to secure seats in Trump's greatly from one individual to an- cluding inbound and outbound natural resources across the ity for the resident population? groups in the Gulf countries. The ness operations? And – impor- cabinet. Instead, newly appointed other based on their cultural so- tantly – does the private sec- trade flows and economic re- occupied section of the inter- Of course, there is.Our si- Defense Secretary General James controversy took a new turn late phistication and evolution”. For tor respect standards of inter- sources. Tacit presence of the national border between Azer- lence about it ! Mattis has stated that to scupper last year after calls for ban on the example, he cites Mozart’s music it would sully Washington's trust- Opera houses in the region from national humanitarian law, es- international companies is rath- baijan and Armenia that is con- Aleksandra Krstiæ, stud- worthy image, and isolate the US, as an embodiment of the prevail- pecially in situations of armed er interesting: there are hun- trolled by the armed forces of ied in Belgrade (Political Sci- hosting celebratory events and ing European culture during the as allies in the European Union and musical concerts, as one Kuwaiti conflicts and the so-called for- dreds of various types of US- Armenia via Armenia con- ence) and in Moscow (Plekha- United Nations would be unlikely 18th century in Austria. manufactured Caterpillar ma- structed Vardenis-Aghdara nov’s IBS). Currently, a post- to follow suit. demanded. Nye believes that musical taste gotten conflicts? Places where Yet, Trump may still see com- The debate became more heat- open hostilities have ceased, chines, farm tractors and equip- highway. The Government of doctoral researcher at the Kent noticeably differs depending on ment of US-based John Deere Armenia, via its Energy Minis- University in Brussels (Intl. pelling reasons to rip it up. First, ed following the events in Istan- social and cultural diversity. For but yet peace has never really he, like Hillary Clinton, is much and Germany’s Deutz-Fahr try, is directly operating: The Relations). Specialist for the bul, and lame justifications instance, fans of Britney Spears come. Notably, does the corpo- more favourable towards Israel companies, South Korean ore concentrate from Gyzylbu- MENA-Balkans frozen and emerged. There were further argu- will certainly differ from Mozart rate world comply with the set than Obama was, and Israel is ments over Majida al Roumi’s con- Hyundai trucks, Belarus MT3- lagis transported to Armenia, controlled conflicts. The writer starkly anti-Iran and hates the fans. The latter are the “cultured” of important international stan- JCPOA. cert in the Kuwait Opera house, elites, the privileged and moneyed dards such as the UN Guiding 82,3 model farm tractors, as well where it is further processed can be reached at alex- Second, the prospects for US as well as the one held by Mo- white-collared middle and upper Principles on Business and as other heavy machinery for into gold containing copper [email protected] business in Iran remain slim, while hammad Abdou in Jeddah. classes with their privately edu- Human Rights or the OECD illegal mining, agriculture, ex- opportunities with Saudi Arabia It is apparent that some seg- cated children. They are different Guidelines for multinational pansion of settlements and and other conservative Arab re- ments in the Gulf, with social, gimes are vibrant. As Riyadh is from the working classes who are corporations, to name just a construction of the supporting embroiled in its own soft war with political, and religious clout, have more likely to follow to popular few? Could we go as far as to infrastructure.The true owner- Zarif: We Iran, while anxious to maintain serious reservations about music music and culture. claim that in some cases the ship for most of those compa- cosy relations with Washington, and general entertainment pro- Nye assortments fit well with private corporate entities play nies remains unclear, as often- encouraging Trump to rip up the grams. They feel particularly ag- times registered offshore in deal is a Kingdom goal. other types of music; Rap and the a decisive role in funding, en- cooperated with grieved by public celebrations and skin complexion; Jazz and social- abling and facilitating perma- Cyprus, Liechtenstein and the Third, the deal's future is vul- blissful moments. This incessant nerable not only in Washington but ism, resistance and revolutions, as nent changes in economic, de- like. also in Iran, where hardliners nev- anger and anxiety caused by music described on “Jazz History” book Often their funding is chan- is bewildering even though, I be- mographic and cultural charac- Saudi Arabia in er strongly supported it, and authored by Eric Hobsbawm. In ter of the occupied territories? neled through the branches of where a political standoff between lieve, it is pertinent to a society. the book, Hobsbawm describes a Armenian banks operating in reformers and hawks is taking Opera houses in Dubai, Kuwait, And if so, does it serve, to say, shape in the run-up to the presi- concert he attended for Duke El- dual purpose: a corporate gain the occupied territories and and Muscat are mirrors of politi- lington, where the band underrat- Lebanon dential elections of April 2017. cal stability, social equilibrium, and and a prolongation of the oc- conducting international finan- This uncertainty has been exacer- ed the massively growing number cupation on the given territo- cial transactions via intermedi- bated by the death of pragmatist intellectual engagement. of fans from South London. He ry? ary banks in Russia, EU and Bu Abdulrahman al-Rashed tention to confront Iran Election reformer Hashemi Rafsanjani, It is imperative to classify all described Jazz as music that car- which has left President Hassan To understand the gravity elsewhere. Further on, a numer- “Iran and Saudi Arabia managed to of Michel Aoun sorts of arts as an option available The process of agreeing to Rouhani fighting for his future, and ries an “undisputed silent dimen- ous foreign retailers, fro- end the obstruction of the presi- to society. The traditional celebra- of that problem, let’ take as an elect Michel Aoun as president the deal. sion and a range of physical emo- dential election process in Leba- tion of Christmas was banned by example conditions in Cauca- mUkraine, the US and the EU in Lebanon went through sever- The consequences of scrap- tions”. non, and we succeeded.” This is states (particularlyfrom France, al phases among Lebanese par- ping the JCPOA would be dire - various Christian parties, such as That gives us a glimpse of the sus – a typical case of the for- what Iranian Foreign Minister the Puritan Oliver Cromwell in gotten conflict – region where Bulgaria, Hungary, Belgium, Mohammad Javad Zarif said at the ties themselves. After years of Iran's nuclear re-activation, a pos- interconnection between a society presidential vacuum that ob- sible regional nuclear race and an England during the 17th century, war stopped, still peace has Germany, the Czech Republic, World Economic Forum at Davos. and its musical tastes in accordance the Netherlands), as well as He also told the participants that structed the functioning of the escalation of conflict in the neigh- as well as the Calvins in Scotland, never arrived. government and state institu- bourhood. with its social hierarchy. his country desires to cooperate according to author Malory Nye Armenian companies, as from Australia and UAE, have tions, Iran’s agents had nothing Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Fahad Shoqiran is a Saudi writ- with Saudi Arabia to resolve issues on his book “Religion the Basic”. concluded their supply con- to achieve especially after Saudi Iran's Atomic Energy Organiza- er and researcher who also found- well as foreign (mostly diaspo- in Syria, Yemen, Bahrain and oth- Arabia announced it will not deal tion, has hinted that Iran could re- This incessant anger and anxi- ed the Riyadh philosophers group. ra controlled, such as the Leb- tracts with Armenian compa- er countries. The Iranian minister made his with Lebanese affairs. gain most of its enrichment capa- ety caused by music is bewilder- His writings have appeared in pan- anon-based Artsakh Roots In- nies. That, of course, makes ing even though it is relevant to a proposal to Saudi Arabia from an The Lebanese could not bility within a year and a half. Arab newspaper Asharq al-Awsat, vestment; the US-based them complicit with Armenia’s even remove trash from their Tehran, however, would have society Fahad Suleiman Shoqiran open forum. His proposal to work Alarabiya.net, among others. He Tufenkian Foundation; Arme- occupation of the territories, together to end conflicts in the re- streets. As long as the new pres- to decide whether it, too, would Religion and cultural enrich- rip up the deal and lose its eco- also blogs on philosophies, cultures nian General Benevolent Union drain of resources, expansion gion is a new call made by Iranian ident does not adopt hostile stances against Saudi Arabia and nomic windfall. If Iran's hardliners ment In his book, Nye analyzes and arts. He tweets @shoqiran. of illegal settlements as well as officials recently. Why so? Are we /AGBU/; Cherchian Family does not allow anyone to have prevail and it backs out of the the association between religion with a violation of fundamen- witnessing a change in Iran’s hos- Foundation, etc.) businesses tile policy designed to besiege Sau- such stances in the country and play a decisive role in funding, tal rights of IDPs. di Arabia and its allies? Or is Iran as long as the Lebanese parties enabling and facilitating perma- Little wonder, since Arme- making preemptive moves to ad- are satisfied, Riyadh’s reserva- nent changes in economic (in- nia’s high-ranking officials, in- dress developments at the global tions will end and this is what happened. cluding fiscal and monetary), cluding President Sargsyan, stage, especially considering change expected in American poli- As for Zarif’s statements LETTER TO THE EDITOR demographic and cultural char- PMAbrahamyan and other about cooperation regarding oil cy? acter of the occupied territories ministers, routinely visit the Their friend Barack Obama is matters, this cooperation actu- both for private gain and for occupied territories and inspect set to exit power and there will be ally happened between Saudi supporting the prolongation of production facilities there. To a new administration that has Arabia and Russia and Iran was camouflage the illegal nature of frankly expressed its intention to not a direct party in it. The Rus- the occupation of these terri- confront Iran. This is in addition sian government obligated the tories. production there, Armenian to Russian signs that it does not Iranians to respect production Over the past years, the agricultural and liquors export want to remain an ally and partner of their share of oil as previous- well-orchestrated transfer of companies (e.g. “Stepanakert in the war with Iran and Syria. The ly agreed on. This does not mean that Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) in the past had said that in a bid to reduce violence against Armenian settlers from Arme- Brandy Factory” and “Artsa- other possibility is that Zarif’s kh Fruit CJSC”) routinely mis- statements about his country’s what Zarif said in principle is women, the ministry is taking step to register all marriages and provide certificates to the couples. nia and elsewhere into the con- desire to work with Saudi Arabia wrong. He said: “I don’t see a Previously, the Ministry for Women’s Affairs said that marriage certificate would help women tested territories (via e.g. Ha- label the products wholly or may just aim to serve public rela- reason for hostile policies be- to have access to inheritance rights, a right that they had been deprived of it for many years. yastan All-Armenian Fund), partially produced or packed in tions purposes to improve the tween Iran and Saudi Arabia. Those women who don’t have marriage certificate will be deprived of their right, particularly the occupied territories as orig- image of Iran at the Davos meet- Truth be told, we can work to- including the areas adjacent to gether to end the tragic situations from inheritance or property rights. Nagorno-Karabakh, in particu- inating from Armenia, thus mis- ing. Zarif’s proposal about coop- It is also the responsibility of Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs to educate people regard- eration between Iran and Saudi of people in Syria, Yemen, Bahr- lar the districts of Lachyn, Kal- leading governments, interna- Arabia, and particularly coopera- ain and other countries in the ing registration of marriage as the society is conservative. Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs tional retailers and consumers. support is the most important thing to lead the process of marriage registration toward success. bajar, Gubadly, Zangilan and tion to end conflicts in the region, region.” There is one country in Jabrayil, has continued with The agricultural lands in is not condemned. However, it is the region that has hostile poli- Afghan women has suffered a lot during three decades of war and isolation in the country. strange that Iran makes such a pro- cies and that would be Iran. Gulf The relevant officials should make their last-ditch efforts to at least give women’s fundamental accelerated pace. the contested territories along the Araz River (Zangilan and posal. It’s a positive development countries, and other countries in rights of inheritance. To worsen the things, fish- but the Iranian regime’s interpre- the region, resort to a defensive Nadia Alizada, Kabul Afghanistan ing of the human souls exploits Jabrayil districts, too) have tation of the term “cooperation” policy against Iran. Zarif does an epic human tragedy of Syria been illegally appropriated and here is to politically accept what not need to have his country and its people: The shadowy extensively exploited by Arme- Iran imposes through wrongdoing launch wars that kill thousands nia. This poses a stress on nat- and aggression, such as the case is of people and displace millions Armenian Revolutionary Fed- to realize there is no reasonable Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must ural water flows (for consum- in Syria and Yemen. Tehran is now have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: eration (ARF) is deceiving Syr- seeking to impose its concept of reason for hostility with Iran’s [email protected] ian Armenians with an instant- mation, irrigation or opportuni- “cooperation” in Syria at the As- neighbors. Tehran has succeed- better life promise if they relo- ty for an illegal electricity gen- tana conference and it has previ- ed at creating militias gathered from across the region to launch cate from e.g. Qamishli and eration) and soil (overuse of ously tried to do so in Bahrain be- arable lands and monoculture fore Gulf countries thwarted its wars and carry out terrorist op- Aleppo cities in Syria to Cau- attempts. Has there really been erations. But this policy has Disclaimer: casus and its occupied territo- cropping) – which, in return, cooperation between the two now backfired on Iran because ries (e.g. Zangilan, Gubadly and alters micro climate and jeopar- countries in Lebanon and is this it has led to the creation of op- The views and opinions expressed in the articles are Lachyn districts). Nearly a dizes the biota and human ex- cooperation a model that can be posing sectarian and ethnic con- istence (e.g. Armenia’s Arm followed? Their friend Barack flicts and forced the region’s those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or mass-manipulation replica of countries to go ahead and par- Water Project Company Ltd. in Obama is set to exit power and opinions of the Afghanistan Times. the famous call to Bosnian there will be a new administration ticipate in wars to defend them- Croatians from Zagreb to set- the Araz Valley). that has frankly expressed its in- selves. (Al Arabiya) SATURDAY. JANUARY 21, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Beijing ‘bullying’ South Korea over THAAD: Senator John McCain Last week’s hearings of Donald extent Barack Obama. tious goal to create the Eurasian common security space. Even if Moscow wisely avoids a bid for the mediator Trump’s nominees for posts of It looks like Donald Trump role in South Asia, behind the scenes it could facilitate the dialogue between India and Pakistan on bilateral secretaries of state and defence, and and his nominees don't understand issues. Moscow could offer India and Pakistan the opportunity to explore the fairly successful experience of director of the CIA showed that the need and value of this role, the other members of SCO in the fields of confidence-building measures and resolution of border issues, and if Russia's stakes in South Asia could history of the U.S. policy in South applicable to use this experience bilaterally in South Asia. Russia’s good relations with both India and grow due to the new White House Asia, and the U.S. instruments in Pakistan, the probable disengagement of the United States from mediation between these two nations, and administration. this region. absence of other well-balanced and similarly accepted external powers give Moscow a good chance to The hearings showed that Russia’s new opportunity contribute to peace and stability in South Asia. This would help Russia develop a common security space in South Asia is beyond their focus. Until now Russia has not me- the Eurasian region, find a bigger role for SCO in world affairs, and raise its own global stature. (RBTH) Only General Mattis, incoming diated well between India and Pa- secretary of defence, made an em- kistan. The Soviet record included phasis on America’s relations with the famous Tashkent agreement of India and Pakistan. 1966, but not a lot after that. However, when talking about Vladimir Putin made one attempt Pakistan, he didn’t mention India, to mediate between India and Pa- and vice versa. He ignored the is- kistan, when he invited Atal Bi- sues of Kashmir and nuclear juxta- hari Vajpayee and Pervez Mush- position in South Asia. Others, arraf to attend the Conference on China is “bullying” South Korea words. If China believes in free including President Trump, didn’t Interaction and Confidence Build- over the latter’s decision to deploy trade and has genuine concerns reveal their position on the Kash- ing Measures in Asia in Almaty, a U.S. anti-ballistic missile system about the deployment of THAAD mir issue and the risk of the nucle- Kazakhstan in June 2002. The in the Korean Peninsula, Sen. John in South Korea, it should cease its ar weapons use in South Asia. outcome was discouraging for McCain (R-Arizona) said Thurs- attempts to undermine South Ko- With a pragmatic Asia strate- Moscow. The leaders of India and day. Seoul's and Washington’s rea’s sovereign ability to defend gy, Russia shifts focus away from Pakistan didn’t talk to each other. move to install the Terminal High itself and use its considerable in- China Is the Western arms lobby Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) fluence to pressure North Korea The new administration leaves ‘manufacturing’ Russia-India fric- system has been met with sharp to stop its destabilizing behavior,” the world to wonder, how it will tion? opposition from China and Rus- the senator added. China has main- act in response to a highly proba- Moscow seemed to learn this sia, both of which have cited secu- tained that the THAAD system ble crisis between India and Paki- lesson and decided not to volun- rity reasons as causes for their con- could be used to monitor its mis- stan over Kashmir and/or cross- teer for the mediator role anymore. cern. On Thursday, McCain sile launches as far inland as Xian border terrorism. The Kashmir problem disappeared tweeted: “Chinese bullying in the northwest. Beijing has car- Will it have the officials with from Russian statements and doc- #SouthKorea unacceptable - hope ried out several economic measures deep understanding of South Asia uments. The nuclear juxtaposition new admin ensures US abides by in a bid to assert further pressure like Strobe Talbot in the Clinton between India and Pakistan lost its security commitments in Asia-Pa- on Seoul, according Yonhap News administration? Will it be ready to previous attention in Russian cific.” In a statement accompanied Agency. In addition to China, Rus- “work behind the scenes to inspire statements and documents. in the tweet, he elaborated his crit- sia has also expressed concern over a settlement to the dispute” in The Russian approach calls for icism against Beijing. “Meanwhile, the installment of the missile sys- Kashmir, in the words of Richard two separate tracks with India and China is escalating its campaign of tem. Last July, Russia urged South Armitage? Will the new adminis- Pakistan and almost ignorance of economic retaliation against South Korea and the U.S. to “weigh all tration be rightly understood, ac- everything troublesome between Korea for the joint alliance deci- circumstances and prevent any cepted and respected by both In- them. This approach can work to sion to deploy the THAAD mis- unreasoned actions which may lead dia and Pakistan? certain constraints in a crisis-free sile defense system … China has to tragic and irreversible conse- It’s too early to answer to these time, or when an external power cut off charter flights from South quences for the situation both in questions. However, the recent has a loose engagement with both Korea, banned imports of South North East Asia and beyond.” Last hearings proved that the Trump’s India and Pakistan, or with one of Korean cosmetics and other prod- Thursday, Russia and China selections don’t have a focus on them. ucts, outlawed South Korean mu- agreed to take countermeasures South Asia. Russia may just be- It’s not the case anymore. sic, and threatened South Korean over THAAD deployment. The come the sole contender for a me- Moscow intends to have good companies. China has done all of countermeasures will reportedly diator role between India and Pa- political dialogue, trade, and deep this to stop the deployment of a be taken to safeguard interests of kistan. military cooperation with both missile defense system, which is both the countries and to maintain This role was usually occupied India and Pakistan. It supports the only necessary because China has strategic balance in the region. by the United States under the membership of both nations in the aided and abetted North Korea for Moscow and Beijing also urged the administrations of Bill Clinton, Shanghai Cooperation Organiza- decades,” McCain said in the state- U.S. and South Korea to avoid de- George W. Bush, and at to some tion (SCO), which has an ambi- ment. “Actions speak louder than ploying THAAD. (Ib Times) Farmers Trump’s Presidency: A new Muslim battered by Thailand opportunity for Russia in nations to floods find South Asia heap Last week’s hearings of Donald Trump’s nominees for posts of secretaries of state and defence, and director pressure golden of the CIA showed that Russia's stakes in South Asia could grow due to the new White House administra- Talks on new Azerbaijan-EU tion. Russia may just become the sole contender for a mediator role between India and Pakistan. Topych- upside kanov is a fellow in the Carnegie Moscow Center’s Nonproliferation Program. Where Does Pakistan Fit in on agreement to start soon Russia’s South Asia Strategy? Trump Era of US-South Asia Ties Has Good and Bad News for Russia This role was usually occupied by the United States under the administrations of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Negotiations on a new agreement erbaijan is currently being formed. and at to some extent Barack Obama. It looks like Donald Trump and his nominees don't understand the need Myanmar between Azerbaijan and the EU Mammad-Guliyev added that and value of this role, the history of the U.S. policy in South Asia, and the U.S. instruments in this region. will begin in the near future, Azer- a meeting within the talks between The possibility of mediation between India and Pakistan doesn't look attractive to many in Delhi and baijani Deputy Foreign Minister Azerbaijan and the World Trade Islamabad. The two nations rightly see themselves as independent and responsible players, which can over Mahmud Mammad-Guliyev told Organization (WTO) will take follow their goals without instructions from others. No doubt, regional peace and stability are equally reporters in Baku Jan. 20. place in Geneva in the first half of important for India and Pakistan. However, there are signs that during an armed crisis between India and Pakistan foreign assistance may be useful and even necessary for peace in South Asia. First, India and Rohingya He noted that the composition this year. Nature regularly taunts the farm- of the negotiating group from Az- (Trend) Pakistan have very limited confidence-building measures (CBM) between them. The CBMs don't cover ers of Thailand by flooding their verification mechanisms such as inspections and data exchanges. The hotlines between the civilian and fields, but this time she's tossed military leadership of India and Pakistan don't fully guarantee that military conflicts won't happen between some of them a potential safety them. Second, there is no arms control between them. They have no limitations on development, production net: the chance to pan for gold. and deployment of both conventional and nuclear weapons. Both countries keep adding conventional and Uzbekistan, WB mull Crops in Bang Saphan district, a nuclear capabilities to their arsenals, which can be used within minutes to target places in various depths of rural community 240 kilometers an adversary's territory. Pakistan has already commissioned tactical nuclear weapons. The India's strategic (150 miles) south of Bangkok, were community is analysing the pros and cons of following this path. The two nations are developing cruise The world's main pan-Islamic co-op prospects decimated by heavy flooding that missiles with both conventional and nuclear warheads. The nuclear threshold is clearly lowering in South affected much of southern Thai- body is expected to pile pressure Asia. Third, political, security, and military dialogue is almost non-existent after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist on Myanmar over a bloody crack- land in the week after New Year's. attack. Contacts between Delhi and Islamabad are unstable, occasional and hardly intrusive for all stakehold- Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziy- cally developing cooperation be- Villagers' opportunity to eke out a down on Rohingya Muslims when oyev and World Bank (WB) Vice tween Uzbekistan and WB. At ers in both countries. Fourth, the 1999 Kargil crisis proved that the political leadership of Pakistan doesn't it meets for a special session in meager living diminished further have enough control over the armed forces and security agencies, which could perform actions against India President for Europe and Central present, the portfolio of bilateral when the waters destroyed a local Kuala Lumpur on Thursday (Jan Asia Cyril Muller discussed the cooperation includes 33 joint that are not always in the line of Islamabad’s official policy. At least, Nawaz Sharif refuses to take respon- 19). Nearly 70,000 Rohingya have market. Over generations, howev- sibility for everything performed and associated with Pakistan when he was prime minister in the late 1990s. priorities of bilateral cooperation, projects. Muller stressed the im- er, the villagers have learned to turn fled the northern part of Rakhine as well as key areas for the expan- portance of the measures recently For instance, according to him, the Kargil “operation was kept so secret that besides the prime minister, state since October when the adversity into opportunity. More some corps commanders and the chiefs of navy and air force were also kept in the dark.” It's not the case for sion of partnership and implemen- taken in Uzbekistan to ensure the than two dozen people were Myanmar army launched "clear- tation of perspective projects, the accelerated development of small India. However, when Narendra Modi came to power, he was reported to have given the armed forces and ance operations" to root out in- searching for gold Thursday morn- security agencies a “free hand” in dealing with cross-border threats from Pakistan. The surgical strike last Uzbekistan national news agency business, a more favorable busi- ing along the local canal, called surgents accused of deadly raids (UzA) reported. According to the ness sphere and investment climate October and a number of cross-border retaliatory strikes showed that the Indian Armed Forces and security on police border posts. Arriving in Klong Thong, or “Golden Canal.” agencies enjoyed more room for manoeuvre. (Straits Times) message, President Mirziyoyev in the country. Muller will deliver Many brought food and family neighbouring Bangladesh, the dis- has recently received Muller, who a lecture at the University of World along, as well as pans for sifting placed Rohingya have recounted paid a working visit to Tashkent. Economy and Diplomacy and meet and small glass bottles to hold allegations of widespread military During the meeting, President with teachers and students in Tash- whatever they might be lucky abuse including rape, extrajudicial Mirziyoyev stressed the dynami- kent. (Reuters) enough to find. “It is local knowl- killings and the burning of villages. edge that has been passed down The treatment of the Ro- through generations that whenev- hingya, a stateless group denied er there is a flood and the waters citizenship in Myanmar and re- Nakamichi to invest up to have receded, locals will go search- viled as illegal immigrants by the ing for gold,” said Boonyarit Daen- majority Buddhist population, has US$146m Kazakh O&G project graksa, deputy chief of Ron Thong become a lightning rod for anger sub-district, through which the across the Muslim world. Diplo- Nakamichi Corp Bhd will team up Transit’s two oilfields as part of canal runs. He said that this month, mats from the 56-member Organi- with Aktau Transit LLP and Ak- its plan to regularise its financial floodwaters destroyed the sides of sation of Islamic Cooperation tau’s parent company Caspian Oil position. Nakamichi and its unit the canal, exposing potential de- (OIC) will join Thursday's special Project LLP (COP) to undertake Nakamichi Oil and Gas Sdn Bhd posits. This is not a typical gold session to debate the issue. Ma- an oil and gas (O&G) project in (NOGSB) also inked a joint invest- rush. Few if any of these part-time laysian Prime Minister Najib Kazakhstan that will require the ment agency agreement with Ak- prospectors are counting on get- Razak has taken a lead role in con- company to invest up to tau Transit and COP for the ap- ting rich. “We have nothing else to demning the Myanmar crackdown. US$146mil (RM649.2mil). In a fil- pointment of NOGSB as Aktau lose,” said Nusra Tubtang, a 72- Analysts say that is at least in part ing with Bursa Malaysia, the Prac- Transit’s agent to monitor and year-old pineapple farmer whose down to a desire to burnish his in- tice Note 17 company said it had oversee the exploration, develop- crop was mostly wiped out by the ternational image after a damaging signed an investment agreement ment and production activities. flood. “I come here to relieve graft scandal at home. On Wednes- with Aktau Transit and COP on Under the deal, Nakamichi will stress.” Nusra said that over the day Malaysia's Foreign Minister Friday to jointly monitor and over- have to fork out US$60mil past three days she was able to Anifa Aman upped the ante ahead see the exploration, development (RM266.8mil) to Aktau Transit gather small particles of gold that Eight survivors located in of the meeting, calling for "unim- and production activities of Aktau for upcoming. (Trend) she could sell for the equivalent of peded access" for humanitarian aid $35. Villagers commonly find small to reach the Rohingya. He is ex- flakes of gold, and a few fortunate avalanche-hit Italian hotel pected to spearhead an effort with- ones have come across nuggets. In in the OIC to raise cash and open Kazakhstani schoolchildren an exceptional case, a villager found Rescuers have located eight survi- the remaining six people. 4 dead, operation." The group was found aid routes into areas in western Ra- a big nugget a few days ago and vors, including two children, in a 30 missing in Italy’s avalanche di- in the hotel kitchen area which was khine state which remain locked- to learn healthy living skills made a $1,000 sale to the chief of ski hotel two days after it was saster "Finding these people gives not crushed by the tonnes of snow down."The OIC meeting is expect- buried by an avalanche near an us further hope there are other sur- that obliterated much of the four- ed to call on the Myanmar govern- The program of schoolchildren re- children at four schools of Almaty the subdistrict's administration. “With a pan or a sieve, a shovel earthquake-hit town of Penne in vivors," Postiglione said. "Rescue storey building, media said Heli- ment to help end the violence habilitation will be launchhed in and Astana where trainings will be central Italy. Speaking on Friday, workers say they managed to copters have been dispatched with against the Rohingya Muslims," a schools of Astana and Almaty, re- held," said Almaz Sharman, head and a can, and four to five hours, you probably could find some gold Titti Postiglione, head of the Civil speak to them. Now they are equipment and doctors to help ex- Southeast Asian diplomat familiar ports the coalition VitAlem. With- of VitAlem coalition, president of told AFP. "The OIC foreign min- in the frameworks of Balaman academy of prophylactic medicine. here that you can sell and earn at Protection's emergency depart- working to get them out of there," tract and evacuate the survivors. project for schoolchildren rehabili- He said within the frameworks of least 300 to 500 baht (about $10 ment, said two of the survivors had she said. "The survivors are The disaster struck the hotel in the isters are also expected to provide tation, teachers, parents schoolchil- Balaman program a special inter- to $15). Villagers can use this mon- already been pulled clear of the trapped under a collapsed struc- Gran Sasso park late on Wednes- assistance in cash or kind for the dren will learn the skills of healthy net-site will be launched which will ey to support themselves during snow and debris which destroyed ture of the hotel, possibly the roof. day afternoon amid a driving snow- Rohingya." Buddhist-majority living. Free of charge sports open provide interactive materials about this time of crisis,” said Kritsada the isolated Hotel Rigopiano on Helicopters are flying overhead storm, just hours after four earth- Myanmar refuses to recognise the classrooms will work since Febru- healthy living, physical exercises Muadnoi, a gold buyer and advis- the Gran Sasso mountain in the and a stream of emergency vehi- quakes with a magnitude above 5 Rohingya as one of the country's ary till May 2017 for the school- and health improvement. (Kaztag) er to the local government. province of Pescara on Wednes- cles are making their way to the rattled the area. ethnic minorities. (Voanews) day. Rescuers were digging to free rescue site to help this enormous (AP) (Channel NewsAsia) SATURDAY. JANUARY 21, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Japan threaten s In dia w ith WTO o n steel as Trum p era heralds risin g trade ten sio n s

Japan is threatening to take India dropped to 11th-largest on Japan's to the WTO over restrictions that buyer list in 2016 through Novem- nearly halved its steel exports to ber, down from sixth-largest in the South Asian nation over the 2015. past year, a step that could trigger "We are following the WTO more trade spats as global tensions guidelines," said a top official at over steel and other commodities India's steel ministry, though add- run high. ing that New Delhi is ready to sit Such action is rare for Japan. across the table for trade talks. The world's second-biggest steel There has been a series of producer typically tries to smooth trade disputes over the past few disputes quietly through bilateral years amid massive exports of talks, but with global trade fric- cheap steel products from China, tion increasing, Japan's defense of the world's top producer, with an industry that sells nearly half Vietnam, Malaysia and South Af- of its products overseas is getting rica taking or planning measures more vigorous. to block incoming shipments. Besides concern over India's China's steel exports dropped protection of its domestic steel by 3.5 percent in 2016 to 108 mil- industry, Japan is also worried lion tonnes, still about as much as about the more rough and tumble Japan produces in a year. climate for global trade being en- Oil price rises for second day gendered by incoming U.S. Presi- ahead of producers' compliance dent Donald Trump, and feels it meeting must make a strong stand for open Exclusive: China quietly and fair international markets. shelves plans to launch Shanghai "We need to stop unfair trade crude oil futures actions from spreading," said a Japan is also monitoring its Japanese industry ministry offi- small volume of imports for signs cial, explaining a Dec. 20 request of dumping, fearing that steel prod- for WTO dispute consultations ucts with nowhere to turn because with India over steel safeguard of import restrictions may head to duties and a minimum import price it own market. for iron and steel products. "All trade need to be fair. If India imposed duties of up to there are trades that violate the 20 percent on some hot-rolled flat rules, we will take necessary ac- steel products in September 2015, tions while consulting with our and set a floor price in February government," Kosei Shindo, chair- 2016 for steel product imports to man of the Japan Iron and Steel deter countries such as China, Ja- Federation, told a news conference pan and South Korea from under- on Friday. cutting local mills. But in an environment where "If consultations fail to resolve a new U.S. president is threaten- the dispute, we may ask adjudica- ing to tear up trade treaties and tion by a WTO panel," the indus- impose import duties in the try ministry official said. Such ac- world's biggest economy, Tokyo tion could come as soon as 60 days may be at risk of helping to set off - in February - after its consulta- a trade war it is trying to avoid. tion request was filed in Decem- "We may see a battle of trade ber. litigations especially after Trump Tokyo says India's actions are takes the helm in the U.S.," said inconsistent with WTO rules and Kazuhito Yamashita, research di- contributed to the plunge in its rector at Canon Institute for Glo- steel exports to India, which bal Studies. (Reuters)

China’s economy UK unemployment Erdogan blames west for 4.75pc beats Q4 expectations falls to 1.6 million economic fluctuations Jakarta UK unemployment fell by 52,000 "The rate at which pay is in- holds rate to 1.6 million in the three months creasing continues to pick up in to November - the lowest level for cash terms, though it remains mod- more than a decade - official fig- erate," he added. to guard ures showed. The claimant count fell by The jobless rate was steady at 10,100 in December to 797,800. an 11-year low of 4.8%, the Of- Appropriate scepticism is due, against fice for National Statistics said. but it looks very much like growth The employment rate was in the labour force, which we have capital steady at a record 74.5%, while taken for granted for years, has wage growth picked up pace. ground slowly to a halt from a peak Average weekly earnings ex- last July. outflows cluding bonuses increased by 2.7% Within the labour market is compared with a year earlier. another number, more perhaps of Growth in pay including bo- political than economic signifi- nuses rose 0.2 percentage points cance. But it is an official statistic to 2.8% for the year to November. and one that those who success- China's economy finished a tumul- by 2020 from 2010 levels. However, the number of peo- fully campaigned for the UK to tuous 2016 on a positive note as Helen Zhu, head of China eq- ple in work slipped by 9,000 to leave the European Union would consumers stepped up spending uities at Blackrock, told CNBC's just over 31.8 million, the ONS point to: and the property market rebound- 'Street Signs' on Friday that it was said. Where the newly employed ed. a 'solid set' of numbers, especially It was the second consecutive people were born. China's gross domestic prod- compared with 'strong doubts' report to show a decline in the These data were first pub- uct grew 6.8 percent on-year in the about the economy a year ago. number of people in work - the lished in November and are for the fourth quarter, slightly beating ex- "The property sector, the auto first back-to-back fall since mid- July to September period, but are pectations and signaling growth sector are quite buoyant for the 2015. nevertheless worth noting. was stabilizing. year on the back of some loosen- The number of full-time work- The number of UK-born peo- Indonesia's central bank, Bank In- The world's second-largest ing. I think those are all positive ers was 209,000 higher at 23.25 ple working in the UK rose by donesia (BI), kept its benchmark economy had been forecast to surprises in 2016. All in all, a much million people, while the total of 37,000. The number of non-UK interest rate unchanged at its first grow 6.7 percent in the quarter, better year than people had previ- part-time employees jumped born people working in Britain rose President Recep Tayyip Erdogan The president later shed light meeting this year with policymak- according to a Reuters poll of 42 ously anticipated," she said. 86,000 to 8.55 million. by 430,000. blamed western allies and interna- on recent numbers of remanded ers remaining on guard against the economists, CNBC wrote. The figures likely signaled that Employment minister Dami- Next month we will get the tional credit rating agencies for the and arrested people linked to the risk of capital outflows. For the full year, China's econ- China's economic growth is start- an Hinds described the figures as updated numbers for nationality fall of the Turkish currency, which Fetullah Terror Organization Governor Agus Martowardojo omy grew 6.7 percent. That was ing to stabilize amid the country's encouraging and highlighted the and birth in the workforce and recently plunged to record lows (FETO). and his board held the seven-day in line with estimates from the head transition toward domestic con- "strength and resilience" of the UK therefore have a better idea of against the U.S. dollar. Erdogan said in FETO opera- reverse repurchase rate at 4.75 per of China's state planning agency, sumption and away from manu- labour market. whether it has anything to do with Addressing village heads tions following the deadly July 15 cent yesterday, as forecast by econ- who said on January 10 that the facturing and investment-led David Freeman, ONS senior the Brexit vote. (mukhtars) at the presidential com- coup attempt, 43,000 people have omists. The prospect of further economy likely grew around 6.7 growth. statistician, said: "While employ- Paul Hollingsworth at Capital plex in Ankara on Thursday, Er- been remanded in custody while policy tightening in the United percent last year, Reuters report- Concerns have persisted over ment is little changed on the quar- Economics said the UK labour dogan, referring to international 95,000 public employees were States is putting pressure on ed. the mainland economy's health, as ter, the rate remains at an historic market remained resilient despite markets, said: "Our economy is dismissed so far. emerging-market currencies, in- China's statistics bureau said private-sector debt has surged even high." Brexit uncertainty. (BBC) being targeted by floating exchange “More to come,” he added and cluding Indonesia's rupiah. Six rate that consumption accounted for as the amount of growth from ad- rates. They try everything to slow vowed further purge of FETO cuts last year and subdued infla- 64.6 percent of GDP in 2016, while ditional debt has declined. economy by troubling suppliers members from public institutions. tion are giving policymakers in In- per capital consumption rose 8.9 But the economy in recent and consumers. They take every He also provided details on donesia room to pause as the World percent on year to 17,111 yuan months has received a fillip from a chance to scare investors and block anti-PKK operations. Bank forecasts faster growth this ($2,490). pickup in the property sector. investments.” “Turkey switched from de- year and next. Property development also Additionally, reforms aimed at “A lot of international institu- fending to attacking. Just in the But many analysts argue that contributed to growth, with total pruning sectors with too much ca- tions, notably the European fight against the PKK terrorist room for more rate cuts has shrunk investment rising 6.9 percent for pacity have been bearing fruit, Union, make unfair accusations,” group, we have 871 martyrs from with rising global uncertainty and the year, up 5.9 percentage points helping to contribute to a pickup. he added, referring to recent un- security forces including officers, more worries that US rate hikes from 2015. China was set to announce a flattering reports on Turkey’s sit- soldiers and village guards. And by the Federal Reserve will pull This may be China's slowest lower economic growth target for uation. 337 civilians were martyred in one more money out of emerging mar- pace of growth in 26 years, but it 2017 to around 6.5 percent, from Erdogan went on to say that year and a half whereas up to kets. remains within the range for Beijing last year's range of 6.5 to 6.7 per- Turkey would not let anyone 10,000 terrorists were neutralized "Should BI lower interest rates to meet its longer-term goal of dou- cent, Reuters reported, citing peo- threaten it through terror, gangs of and 12,000 suspects remanded in further as the Fed begins to lift up bling GDP and per capita income ple familiar with the matter. (AP) traitors or the economy. connection with the PKK.” (AA) short-term rates beginning in Q2 2017, the risk premium may not be enough to retain flows in Indo- nesia," said Trinh Nguyen, econo- mist at Natixis. "With growth and Vietnam stocks could hit a 10-year high in 2017: Analysts inflation accelerating, there isn't much impetus for BI to ease this Vietnam stock analysts say the benchmark index will jump to a 10-year high this year as a strengthening economy, sales of stakes in state-owned enterprises and growing company listings continue to lure investors to year." one of Asia’s hottest markets. The VN Index will rise to 745 by the end of 2017, or 12 percent above its 2016 closing level, according to the average estimate of 11 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News. That compares ANZ said it expects BI to keep with a projected 10 percent rise for the MSCI AC Asean Index, based on the consensus price target of its constituents. The Vietnamese stock measure hit an all-time high of 1,170.67 in March 2007 before a sharp sell- the policy rate unchanged "for an off in the wake of the financial crisis. The index has rebounded about halfway back, and rose 89 percent gain over the past five years, trailing only Shenzhen and New Zealand among Asian gauges. It has gained 2.6 percent extended period of time. Even if so far this year. “We keep a positive outlook for the market as we expect the economy to continue growing, driven by the rise in foreign direct investment and strong manufacturing,” said Thang Uong, who oversees a growth undershoots, whether any $730 million portfolio at Manulife Asset Management (Vietnam) Co. in Ho Chi Minh City. “The faster pace in state-owned enterprise reforms also attracts foreign investors,” he said. Thang predicts the VN Index will monetary easing will take place in rise about 10 percent this year and recommends consumer discretionary, healthcare and commodities shares. The government aims for GDP growth of 6.7 percent this year, which would be the fastest pace since 2007. 2017 will depend crucially on the Disbursed foreign investment surged to a record $15.8 billion last year, while pledged foreign investment climbed 7.1 percent, government data show.z In addition to economic expansion, gains in Vietnamese stocks are actual inflation trajectory". expected to continue on the government’s efforts to sell stakes in companies and push more firms to list shares. Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last week said in a Bloomberg TV interview that the BI yesterday said it will watch government will increase the limits of foreign ownership in banks. State Capital Investment Corp., the government’s investment arm, sold 5.4 percent of its stake in Vietnam Dairy Products JSC, in a long-awaited sale the direction of US fiscal and trade in December. Saigon Beer Alcohol Beverage Corp. and Hanoi Beer Alcohol Beverage Corp. are among companies that the state aims to divest this year. The government has also pushed companies to list shares on the policy under Mr Donald Trump, exchange, which will be a “big theme” for the market in 2017, according to Marc Djandji, head of institutional sales at Rong Viet Securities Corp. The market has seen listings of several large companies already in January, who will be sworn in as president including Vietnam Airlines Corp. and Vietnam National Textile & Garment Group. Djandji forecasts the VN Index will rise about 11 percent this year and recommends sectors including consumer, building materials, today. tourism and transportation. Valuatio.Strong gains in Vietnamese shares have driven up the market’s valuation. The benchmark VN Index is trading at 14 times 12-month projected earnings, compared with the MSCI BI aims to keep inflation at 3 Frontier Markets Index which is at 11.4 times and the MSCI Emerging Markets Index which is at 12 times, according to data compiled by Bloomberg The VN Index rose for the first time in three days and closed up 0.6% per cent to 5 per cent this year. to 686.26 With Vietnamese equities still vulnerable to external risks including rising U.S. interest rates and uncertainty around the direction of China’s yuan, share valuations look “unattractive,” said Hoang Viet Phuong, Consumer-price growth has been head of of institutional research and investment advisory at Saigon Securities Inc. in Hanoi. Even so, Phuong predicts the VN Index will increase another 10 percent to 11 percent this year. (BM) under 5 per cent for more than a year. (Straits Times) SATURDAY . JANUARY 21, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Coffee With D Iman Ali turns up the movie review: Sunil Grover heat in striking outfits plays journalist Arnab and it’s not funny

She debuted in Bollywood oppo- site Ajay Devgn in Prabhudeva’s 2014 directorial venture Action Jackson. The film tanked at the box office, but she remained in our A prime time TV journalist, who memory for her glamorous avatar used to be his channel’s most in the film. Yes, we are talking about watched face, has become so infa- Manasvi Mamgai, who played mous for his temper and shouting Marina in Action Jackson. at the guests that the channel head She is back in news because threatens to shift him to another she too performed at the Inaugu- time slot. Before you take a wild ration Concert of US President- guess, his name is Arnab Ghosh elect Donald Trump. Reports sug- (Sunil Grover), and he is under se- LAHORE: Iman Ali is counted as one of the leading divas of the fash- gest that she performed on songs vere pressure to perform or per- like Jai Ho and Kala chashma. ish. ion and entertainment industry. She has managed to attract countless “I have never been so nervous During one of his spirited chats fans with her beauty and charm over the years. Lately, the former performing live, we had been re- with his pregnant wife, Parul (An- hearsing for the last 15 days. This jana Sukhani), she gives him the supermodel has started picking silhouettes and edgy styles that comple- event was a culmination of all the idea of interviewing D (Zakir Hus- ment her good looks and poise. Even at the age of 42, she maintains a efforts we had taken for the pres- sain), one of Interpol’s most want- idential campaign. We had earlier ed criminals. great body and makes the right choices in picking ensembles that put together ‘Humanity United Dangal movie review: Aamir accentuate her figure. Against Terror’, a Bollywood char- Khan and Phogat sisters’ story win ity event that Trump addressed. the bout Haraamkhor movie re- This is our way of saying Thank view: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Shwe- Ali recently smart- You to the Indian community. Sev- ta Tripathi take us to the land of eral industrialists, dignitaries in- shocking truths ened up for an event cluding Mika Singh attended the But the dreaded don has other in a petite grey knee- event as guests. In fact, this was plans for this live interview—kill- the first time a Bollywood perfor- ing Arnab on live TV could be one length dress with a mance was a part of the US Presi- of them. lined bodice and dential inauguration,” she told The film, which sounds prom- Bombay Times about her perfor- ising, starts to falter right after the princess seams. The mance. opening credits. Manasvi’s father, Shalabh It begins as a satire and then dress was about as Kumar, played an important role tries to acquire the tone of a seri- classic a wardrobe in Trump’s election campaign to ous debate and then keeps oscil- woo the Indian voters. lating between two extremes. staple as it gets and Here are some photos she post- Inside the newsroom, which she carried it effort- ed on her Instagram account. looks more like a start-up office, (HINDUSTANTIMES.) we meet a top news-writer, Neha lessly. The Mah-e-Mir (Dipannita Sharma), who runs a cookery show and has ambiguous actor accessorised it morality. There are paperboys with super chic specs who double up as cameramen and pantry staff, and news producers, and proved that who steal each other’s ideas. glasses can make Zakir Hussain plays the un- derworld don in Coffee With D. women look super By now, you must have re- hot. Deep bold red lips membered Tere Bin Laden (2010). Only you have to imagine it sans were done right on its humour and amazingly sponta- neous actors. And then enters the healthy, glowing skin duo of Zakir Hussain and his close with subtle eye make- associate, Girdhari Secular (Pankaj Tripathi), who take the lethargy up. Ali’s hair was several notches higher. blow dried to a per- From their names to dialogues, the writers have not left anything fect bounce. to chance. They grab us by the neck Deepika Padukone and feed us their ‘humour’. How- ever, inside the dark cinema hall, or Priyanka Chopra: you may afford to not laugh. Cof- Who sported gold fee With D fails to create any hu- mour. better? Tacky production isn’t exact- ly a crime if the content is engag- Known for sticking ing. Sadly that’s not the case here, to safe colours, Ali and you end up pointing out dis- interested, sleepwalking actors. looked ethereal in a Sunil Grover provides a sensi- floor-length black ble touch to his Arnab, but fails miserably at humour, something he jumpsuit at another is really good at. Anjana Sukhani event, which has is at more ease than him. As a crime show loving high-on-hormones become a timeless and woman, she is the most natural of the lot. classic wardrobe A caricatured D and his antics, essential for all fash- coupled with bad sound designing, make Coffee With D end nowhere ion icons. The model close to a fun film it could have sported a wide leg been. (HINDUSTANTIMES.) jumpsuit that was close-fitting through the bodice and ex- Daddy Mahesh Bhatt experiencing posed a separating zipper closure. She slayed the look by 'Alia withdrawals' Bollywood actor Alia Bhatt re- shared the picture on her Instagram finally night number 1 at the new home @shaheenb ( we did it ) Doppel- pairing it with indigo cently moved out of father Ma- with the caption, “When my dad- gangers: Rishi Kapoor admits he was Alia Bhatt of the 70s It was hesh Bhatt’s house and it seems dy paused to take a selfie with me reported that daddy Mahesh wasn’t too happy about Alia’s decision to high heels, adding just like daddy has been having a tough taking a selfie! What else could I move out but she managed to prevail on him, according to Mumbai the right pop of co- time coping with her departure. possibly want?” My relationship Mirror. The actor had bought a three-bedroom pad not too far from her Mahesh recently had a fanboy with family has evolved: Alia And parents’ Juhu home last year. (tribune) lour. There’s no deny- moment as he clicked a selfie with ing Ali’s hair is al- Alia’s hoarding, Hindustan Times reported. “I noticed the hoarding ways gorgeously with Alia on it when I landed at made. She set her the Delhi airport on a freezing win- ter morning and thought to myself makeup against her ah, that’s my little girl. And when signature platinum I started to take the selfie, my friend Imran said he’ll take a bet- hair, which was done ter shot. That’s how it happened,” said. Is Hollywood ready for Alia in a retro-inspired Bhatt? Mahesh believes this was wavy hairdo and the result of the “Alia withdraw- als” he has been experiencing in the looked gorgeous. The wake of her moving out. The 68- starlet opted for soft year-old star said he had immedi- ately shared the photo with his smokey eyes and star daughter saying, “Maybe I’m proved the instant suffering from Alia withdrawals and this is my way to cope with transformative power it.” When my daddy paused to take a selfie with me taking a selfie! of bold lips. She surely What else could I possibly want? managed to look like Alia expressed her happiness over her father’s fan boy moment say- a million bucks. ing, “That’s so sweet Dad.This is the biggest gift.” Subsequently, she SATURDAY . JANUARY 21, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Jay Ajayi can't pick NFL Championship Sunday winners Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi believes that this year's play- Britain's Dan Evans continued his offs are so tight that he couldn't remarkable run of form at the Aus- pick a winner from the final four tralian Open by upsetting home teams remaining. favourite Bernard Tomic to reach The London-born running the last 16 of a Grand Slam for the back was back in the UK as part first time in his career. of the NFL UK fan forum tour, Evans, who claimed the high- hosted by Sky Sports analysts est-ranked scalp of his career when Neil Reynolds and Jeff Reinebold. he stunned former US Open cham- "I'm not sure who comes out pion Marin Cilic in the previous on top, I'm excited to watch the round, followed up that up with games, like everyone else. All the another seismic scalp in the shape match-ups are pretty good," he of Tomic. said. The 26-year-old from Solihull Championship Sunday begins sealed a handsome 7-5 7-6 (7-2) 7- at 7:40pm on Sky Sports 1, with 6 (7-3) win on a packed-out the Green Bay Packers taking on Hisense Arena. the Atlanta Falcons, before the Dan Evans is Britain's giant- New England Patriots host the killer after Australian Open suc- Pittsburgh Steelers. cess Though Ajayi struggled to split The Briton reached his first the teams, he did highlight the qual- ATP Tour final at the Sydney In- ity of leadership from each team's ternational before the start of the quarterback. first Grand Slam of the year and We look at two of the best his red-hot form has stretched quarterbacks in the NFL, Aaron heading to Melbourne this week Rodgers and Matt Ryan, who face where he has been playing the best each other this weekend to see tennis of his career. who's crowned the NFC Confer- Evans has surge from 319th in ence champion the world this time two years ago, "The quarterback position is and is now set to break into the so huge for the team - they're the top 50 for the first time after the players that usually lead the team, tournament. and in play-off time, that's when He will now meet 2008 Aus- your leaders need to step up and tralian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried play big-time football," Ajayi said. Tsonga for a place in the quarter- "For the rest of the teams left, finals. they all have great quarterbacks It is Evans's best Grand Slam who lead their teams to victories, result, having reached the third so it's going to be interesting to see round of both the 2013 and 2016 who gets their team to the Super US Opens and last year's Wimble- Bowl, and who gets it done." don. Having helped Miami to their "It was just tough. Bernie is first play-off appearance since difficult, he is unorthodox when 2008, Ajayi and the Dolphins were he plays, he plays aggressive," he knocked out by the Steelers in Wild said. "I found it hard at the start Card Weekend. He reflected on but happy to have come through. what it was like trying to break "I was just focusing on the end down the Pittsburgh defence, as goal the whole time." well as division rival New England. Evans has had to buy his own Cameron Heyward talks of his clothes, including $13 white t- journey, from Steelers fan to killer shirts, for the first major tourna- bee. ment of the year after losing a kit Ajayi said: "The Patriots have deal with Nike in December. a great defence. They do a lot of "I'm happy with these shirts good things, some good interior line- at the minute," he said. "One men that do a good job of stop- shrunk in the wash a bit so I had to ping the run. They make it really change it, but I think they look al- tough to run. right." "Pittsburgh are very similar - a very good defensive line and ag- gressive linebackers. They did a Antonio Conte says NTHONY OSHUA WILL BUILD HIS good job against us in the play- Diego Costa is available for Chelsea against Hull MAD POPULARITY ON A TRIP TO THE SAYS PROMOTER DDIE EARN

Anthony Joshua will fly out to America to increase interest in a planned US debut before he be- gins training for the Wladimir Kl- itschko fight next month. The IBF heavyweight cham- pion will end a holiday in Dubai this week and heads to America the following weekend with pro- moter Eddie Hearn, who is keen to boost the growing interest in a fu- ture fight with WBC champion Deontay Wilder. Joshua signed a multi-fight deal with American television network Showtime last May and could set up a potential unification clash with Wilder on US soil, if he suc- cessfully defeats Klitschko at Antonio Conte has confirmed Di- against Swansea Wembley Stadium on April 29, live ego Costa is in contention to play "But now, the most important on Sky Sports Box Office. offs. I felt like priority No 1, that for Chelsea against Hull City on thing is he trained with us this week "He's in Dubai at the moment, they weren't going to let me run Sunday, live on Sky Sports. and he hasn't pain in his back and he comes back at the end of this that day. The Spain striker returned to he is able to come back into our week, and then we're going to go "I think it will come down to who makes the least mistakes, training with the Premier League squad against Hull City. to an event in America on the 29th leaders this week after missing their "Diego is an important player who can run the ball on the ground of January," Hearn told Sky and control the clock. Whichever 3-0 win at Leicester last Saturday. for us. When he stays in good Sports. Although the official reason form, he has always played for me. team can do that will win this given for his absence then was a We'll see on Sunday [if he starts]. I "Then we do a press confer- game." back injury, Sky sources under- don't want to give an advantage to ence for Joshua-Klitschko on the stand Costa was involved in a train- our opponents. 31st and then he flies back straight ing ground row with Conte last "Diego is a good player. He's a into camp for February 1st, so all week. good person. Now he's only fo- under way." Marseille give up on move for That came against the back- cused on Chelsea and to play with Hearn has revealed how he is drop of a £30m-a-year offer from us and to continue to help us. keen to stage Joshua-Wilder before Chinese Super League side Tianjin "He missed only one game, the the end of the year, but is fully Quanjian. last game. Now he's ready to come West Ham's Dimitri Payet aware of the threat posed by Kl- According to Chelsea, Costa back with us. I'm sure about his itschko. Marseille have abandoned plans to er Kaveh Solhekol said: "I'm being Payet missed West Ham's 1-0 per week at the London Stadium worked with a fitness coach on commitment, his behaviour, his Anything can happen, but I sign West Ham midfielder Dimitri told Marseille are resigned to not win over Crystal Palace last week- after signing a new contract until Sunday and Monday in order to will to fight with this team, to try Payet this month, according to Sky signing Dimitri Payet from West end and once again will not be con- the summer of 2021 last February. recover from the back problem together to fight to the end to try love the Deontay Wilder fight. The Americans are starting to go mad sources. Ham during this window. sidered for their squad when they West Ham's biggest asset, he they reported. to win the title." The Ligue 1 club believe it will "Marseille do not think it will travel to Middlesbrough on Satur- has scored 15 goals in 60 appear- He then had an hour-long meet- Costa is one of three players for Anthony Joshua. be too difficult to bring the France be possible to sign him during this day. ances and accepted a £1m loyalty ing with Conte at the club's Cob- at the top of the scoring charts in "I would like him to fight Wild- international back to the Stade window and they will be moving He currently earns £125,000 bonus from the club in September. ham training base on Tuesday and the Premier League on 14 goals er," said Hearn. "You never know Velodrome before the current on to other targets this month. he could now return against Mar- Costa is one of three players what is going to happen in boxing. transfer window closes and are They have almost given up on sign- co Silva's side on Sunday. at the top of the scoring charts in AJ and Klitschko could have a 10, now looking at other targets. ing him this month. The Italian head coach said: "I the Premier League on 14 goals 11, 12 round war, do you do that Payet has refused to play for "There are two ways you can think the player wants to stay at If Costa does feature against again, or fight Wilder? Do you fight the London side for more than a look at this and the first is that Chelsea. He is very happy to play Hull, he will make his 100th ap- the Haye-Bellew winner? week after saying he wishes to re- you can take what they are saying with us. pearance for Chelsea. In his previ- turn to his homeland for family at face value. "This idea (the move to Chi- ous 99 outings, he has 50 goals - a "Anything can happen, but I love the Deontay Wilder fight. The reasons. "Another way of looking at it na) is far in his mind. He's happy return of just over one in every He has rejected three offers of is this could be a game of brink- to stay here and this is the most two matches. Americans are starting to go mad wages amounting to £500,000 per manship with West Ham. West important thing for us." for Anthony Joshua. They were week from Chinese teams since his Ham have a player who is refusing Asked if the forward would be At present, he is the Premier all talking about him last week. stance became clear. to play and who is training with at Chelsea for the rest of the sea- League's joint-leading scorer along- "Wilder against Joshua can be Payet is even believed to be the U23s. son, Conte added: "Yeah. I don't side Manchester United's Zlatan built into a huge fight. Two unde- ready to accept a pay cut of up to "They are demanding £30m see any problem about him. Ibrahimovic and Arsenal attacker feated, fast, big-punching heavy- 30 per cent in order to push and Marseille are not willing to "After the game against Leices- Alexis Sanchez on 14 goals. weights. But I think at the mo- through a move back to Marseille. pay more than £25m so is this just ter, I told you the truth and I re- ment, the pure focus, because of The French side held talks with a game of poker between the peat, I heard a lot of speculation Conte said: "It is a great West Ham this week but the two clubs? about Diego. achievement for him, 100 appear- the toughness of the fight, has to be Wladimir Klitschko. clubs failed to reach agreement and "Marseille are saying they're Costa has scored a number of ances playing for the same team is it is understood they are still some not going to pay that. What I'm crucial goals for Chelsea again this fantastic. I hope to celebrate his "You come through and it's no way apart on that front. being told is they're resigned to not season, including the overhead kick 100th appearance with a win." turning back, it's big fights only." Sky Sports News HQ report- signing him in this window." SATURDAY. JANUARY 21. 2017-Dalw 02, 1395 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 172 Price: Afs.20

The Envoy:From Kabul to the White House, My Journey Through a Turbulent World Cables from the embassy in sought to contain influence. It was Baghdad described ongoing Sunni not so simple, of course, but this Afghanistan’s National Unity tary and district council elections outreach efforts. However the strengthened my belief that nation- Government (NUG) on Thursday and moving toward the constitu- complete lack of trust between the al reconciliation had to be part of asked the incoming U.S govern- tional amendment Loya Jirga,” Sunni Arabs and the Iraqi govern- the U.S. strategy. ment to increase pressure on Paki- Rahimi added. ment thwarted any real progress. My team and I ten focused on stan in order to get them to stop Following the establishment of U.S. diplomats seemed reluctant how to categorize the reconcilable backing insurgent groups that con- the NUG, both President Ashraf to step into the real progress. U.S. and irreconcilable political groups. tinue to wage war against Afghans. Ghani and his Chief Executive Of- diplomats seemed reluctant to I concluded that we should start The spokesmen for President ficer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah step into the role of mediator. I with the Sunni Arab political fig- Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive pledged to take firm steps to im- thought a more engaged approach ures who were not part of the Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah plement systematic reforms in might yield a better outcome. armed opposition, move to tribal on Thursday warned Pakistan that Afghanistan’s election law I asked for intelligence assess- leaders who may or may not have their current policy would have But, election monitoring ments of Sunni Arab political been involved with the insurgents, serious repercussions for Pakistan groups argue that two years have groups and insurgent networks, as and then attempt to pull the rejec- and Afghanistan, suggesting Islam- passed since the NUG made the abad should review its stance on commitment, however no practi- well as profiles of their leaders. I tionist insurgents out of the fight. terrorism. cal work has so far had been done was dismayed by what I received. Through further discussion, I “The new administration must to bring about fundamental reforms We had been at war in Iraq for two realized that Sunni Arab reconcili- years, yet we still didn’t seem to ation needed to be part of wider manage its cooperation with Af- in the election law. (Tolonews) ternoon. I had worked on the text ghanistan by completely under- have a clear idea of whom we were political construct. Otherwise we fighting. Whenever I asked ana- would be attacked for pandering of my statement along the way, standing the military situation in calling in changes to my staff at Afghanistan,” said Mujiburrahman lysts to describe the enemy they to the community that had caused told me that the insurgents oper- the most trouble. every transit stop. I was driven Rahimi, spokesman to CEO Ab- straight to the State Department dullah Abdullah. 11 construction firm workers ated as “a network of networks.” The way to deal with this di- Individual leaders headed discrete lemma, I decided was to promote from Dulles. My staff had to buy “Over the past two years, re- me a shirt because I did not have lations between Afghanistan and networks of clandestine cells and a “national compact” among Iraq’s America have been strategic rela- fighters, but these networks might communities-a common vision and time to get my luggage. I went tions and like two good partners, released in Kandahar share bomb-making factories, fin- agreement on the rules of the game down to the locker rooms of the State Department and got cleaned these partnerships would further KANDAHAR CITY: Near- anciers, or logistics. Some insur- for the new democratic Iraq. Iraqis develop under the incoming U.S gent groups would exist for a while would have to come together up from the long flight. Back in ly a dozen kidnapped work- my office, my team barely had time administration and would move on ers of a construction com- and then disappear or regroup un- around an inclusive narrative about the right direction,” said presiden- der other names. With one or two their country’s national identity. hand me the final version of my pany have been rescued in statement before I was rushed to tial spokesman Haroon Chakhan- southern Kandahar prov- exceptions, when I pressed the U.S. leadership would be neces- suri. ince, an official said on Fri- analysts to name the most impor- sary to galvanize a coalition that Rice’s office. Meanwhile, legal expert Nas- day. tant networks and describe who united the Kurds and the moder- I invoked Iraqi’s history as a rullah Stanekzai said: “Trump’s Suspected insurgents led them and how they worked, I ate forces in the Sunni Arab and great civilization. Acknowledging statement means that Pakistan as kidnapped the workers last received vague and unsatisfactory Shia Arab communities. This mod- Sunni achievements, I noted that terror sponsor must be brought month when they were responses. I needed names of spe- erate bloc could make common for centuries Baghdad had been a under control. We hope that Trump building a school’s bound- cific groups and individuals, as cause against the violent extrem- city that attracted scholars and in- come up with sufficient pressure ary wall in the Takhta Pul well as assessments of their moti- ists who were tearing Iraq apart. novators in every field. In a sym- on Pakistan and target extremist district of the province. vations, in order to develop a plan A common vision for Iraq had metrical signal to Shia Iraqis, I said circles and terrorists." Samim Khpalwak, the to engage and influence them. It to be uplifting but realistic. I dis- that Najaf had been a seat of learn- In addition, the CEO’s governor’s spokesman, told became clear that I would not be cussed this whit Rend Rahim, who ing for centuries, giving rise to one spokesman reiterated calls for the Pajhwok Afghan News the able to get this in Washington. had become that Iraqi ambassador of the world’s first universities implementation of election reforms 11 construction workers Even with the limited informa- to the United States under Prime more than 1,000 years ago. To in Afghanistan. had been freed as a result of weave these appeals together, I “The issue of electoral reforms tion I received however, I sensed Minister Allawi. She agreed that I, mediation by tribal elders. that it was possible to reconcile as U.S. ambassador, could perform observed that in the early twenti- in the political agreement has been However, the spokes- eth century, as the Iraqi state re- an important priority of the chief with elements of the Sunni Arab a valuable service by raising the man did not give further de- community. I was given a sheaf of sights of Iraqi leaders. The Iraqi emerged, Iraq began recapturing its executive officer which also in- tails. The Taliban are yet to heritage. In the 1930s and 1940s, cludes the establishment of a con- intelligence profiles of Sunni Arab people, she said, were beaten down comment on the release of leaders. Their goals, it seemed, were emotionally. They were demoral- it had enjoyed multiparty elections stitution amendment commission, the labourers. to expedite the withdrawal of coa- ized by the failure of their leaders for parliament. It had a free press rollout of electronic national iden- (Pajhwok) and an independent judiciary. I tity cards, holding the parliamen- lition forces, prevent Shia Arab to set aside parochial interests and domination, and eliminate Iranian capitalize on the historic oppor- pointed out that women had been influence in Iraq. I quipped to my tunity presented by Saddam’s fall. active in the professions and in the Parwan public staff that we had no fundamental My first opportunity to com- workforce. The in that late 1960s 53 insurgents disagreements with these people. municate to the Iraqis came at the this progress had been cut short 2 children dead by the brutal regimes of the We did not want to remain in Iraq formal announcement of my nom- health advisor eliminated in indefinitely, opposed domination ination at the State Department. I Baathists and Saddam Hussein. of Iraq by any one group and arrived from Kabul that very af- To be continued kidnapped by in bomb attack past 24 hours, gunmen by Farah police claims MoD UN COMMENDS PAKISTAN FOR KABUL: Fifty-three insurgents FARAH CITY: Two children have been killed and a third wounded in were killed and 30 others injured bomb attack in the capital of northwestern Farah province, an official in different provinces during the alleged on Friday. past 24 hours, the Ministry of HOSTINGAFGHAN REFUGEES Mohammad Naser Mehri, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Defence (MoD) said on Friday. The militants suffered the ca- PESHAWAR: United Nations Minister Nawaz Sharif his appre- controlled Associated Press of Pa- Afghan News the attack in Soor Kalay was conducted by policemen, (UN) Secretary General Antonio ciation of Pakistan's contribution kistan. Sharif said it was encour- who had been arrested. sualties during operations in Nan- garhar, Kapisa, Paktia, Paktika, Guterres has commended Paki- to the world body and its peace- aging to learn that Guterres had set Abdul Rauf, father of the wounded minor, confirmed to this scribe stan’s hospitality in hosting mil- making operations. They dis- his priorities soon after assuming at the Farah Civil Hospital: “The 11-year-old injured boy is my son. Uruzgan, Zabul, Kandahar, Farah, Kunduz, Baghlan, Balkh and Hel- lions of Afghan refugees for de- cussed the overall situation in the office. He him invited the UN chief The two dead were my nephews.” mand provinces. cades. region at a meeting in Davos on to visit Pakistan at his earliest con- He said the three children were grazing sheep near their house on A statement from the minis- Guterres conveyed Prime Thursday, according to the state- venience. (Pajhwok) CHARIKAR: An advisor to the Thursday evening when they came under attack from a nearby police try said 21 Haqqani network and Public Health Department in cen- post. Rauf asked the government to bring the culprits to justice forth- Daesh fighters including foreign- Embassy of India tral Parwan province has been kid- with. (Pajhwok) ers were killed in the Khak-i-Af- napped by unidentified gunmen, ghan district of Zabul. Another Kabul an official said on Friday. three rebels were wounded. *** “The doctor, who also ran a Afghanistan beat Namibia; In the Choora district of cen- private clinic, was seized by un- tral Uruzgan province, the securi- known armed individuals on Thursday evening,” the adminis- maintain unbeaten tag Press Notice trative chief for Jabalus Saraj dis- Afghanistan maintained their un- was a good contribution in the mid- trict said. Embassy of India Kabul invited sealed item rate bids from the eligible Afghan / Indian Nationals beaten tag as they defeated Namib- dle-order while Samiullah Shen- only for the work of Supply Installation Testing & Commissioning of CCTV Security Surveillance Samandar Sikanderi told Pajh- ia by 64 runs in Match 11 of the wari’s quickfire 35 helped the team wok Afghan News Dr. Safiullah, Desert T20 Challenge 2017. accelerate the run rate and get to System at Kabul Afghanistan. who was on his way home along This was the last match of the total. 1. Particulars are as under:- with some relatives, was seized in league stage as the two Group A Though they kept losing wick- a) Time of Completion : 2 Months Qala Sehra area. competitors fought it out at the ets at regular interval, they batted Local authorities said there was b) Cost of bid Documents : Free of cost. Dubai International Cricket Stadi- fearlessly and put up the compet- c) Bid Security : USD 1887.00 no clue yet to the kidnappers, or um. itive target. Among the bowlers for the motive behind the advisor’s Afghanistan, with the victory, Namibia, Bernard Scholtz was the 2. Eligibility : abduction. Public Health Direc- went to semi-final as the table-top- most successful with his 3 for 17 a) For Afghan Nationals :- tor Dr. Mohammad Qaseem Saee- pers with three victories along with while Christopher Coombe picked di said Dr. Safiullah was technical (i) Agency must be owned by Afghan National. Ireland from Group A. They will up 2 wickets. (ii) The Agency must be registered with M/o Commerce as contractor having valid TIN(Tax advisor to the department. He compete in the first semi-final on Chasing 168, Namibia looked asked the security organs to launch Identity Number) or with “AISA” i.e. Afghan Investment Support Agency. Friday. nowhere in contention as they lost ty forces killed six Taliban and efforts for the advisor’s safe re- Afghanistan won the toss and 4 wickets for 7 runs in 3 overs. (iii) covery. (Pajhwok) wounded seven other, the minis- elected to bat. Nawroz Mangal and Gerrie Snyman and Jan Frylinck try said. Five fighters were killed For Indian Nationals :- Mohammad Shahzad opened bat- put up some competition, Snyman and 13 wounded in the Maiwand b) Any Agency must be owned by Indian Nationals and presently working in Afghanistan Dyncorp wins contract ting. scored 26 while Frylinck added 28 district of Kandahar. for Govt. of India or any Department of Govt. of Afghanistan (iv) They provided Afghanistan but could not save the side from a The ministry said that a simi- to provide aviation with a good start, bringing up fifty 63-run getting. Bowling for Af- OR lar operation in the Achin district The Agency owned by Indian National and registered with any Department of Govt. of India or field maintenance in runs on the board. Mangal depart- ghanistan, Amir Hamza came in to of eastern Nangarhar province lead ed scoring 32 while Shahzad later action early while Rashid Khan’s to the elimination of five members with any Govt. of India Undertaking. (v) Iraq, Afghanistan departed for a run-a-ball 31. Skip- 3 for ended things soon for Namib- of the Islamic State. c) For Afghan/ Indian National Contractor:- per Asghar Stanikzai’s 23-ball 31 ia. (Tolonews) In a clash with security per- The intending tenderer should have successfully completed work with following work in WASHINGTON: The contract sonnel in the Tagab district of their own name, during last seven years ending 31.12.2016. stipulates aviation field mainte- Kapisa province, three armed in- nance services in support of the surgents were killed and five in- Three similar works each of value not less than USD37,747 .00 Army Aviation and Missile Com- jured. Six suspects were detained. or mand, according to the release. During raids operations in Pa- Two similar works each of value not less than USD 56,620.00 The foreign military sales con- ktia and Balkh province, two mil- or tract will cover the effort neces- itants were killed and two others one similar work of value not less than USD 75,494.00 sary to reset an aircraft to a fully wounded. mission capable condition; the in- According to the statement, 11 “Similar work means the work of providing, installation, testing and commissioning of Security stallation of aircraft modifications militants were killed and 12 sus- Surveillance system with CCTV Camera. “ under modification work orders; pects rounded up as a result of air 3. The Joint Venture are not acceptable. and support to various units and raids and ground offensives in The applications shall be received by 15.00 hrs upto 29/01/2017 in the office of Head of combat aviation brigades, the De- Kunduz province. fense Department explained. Six suicide vests, 20 landmin- Chancery, Embassy of India, New Chancery Complex, Wazir Akbar Khan , Kabul. A Bidding Work will be performed in Af- es and three bags of explosives Documents shall be issued to the eligible Contractors on any working day by 16.00 hrs. upto ghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait, with were discovered destroyed. The 31/01/2017. The bids shall be received by 15.30 hrs. on 03/02/2017 which shall be opened on an estimated completion date of ministry said all available resourc- the same day at 16.00 Hrs. For enquiries, please contact the head of Chancery, at e-mail:- December 31, 2017, the announce- es were being used to defeat the [email protected], mobile No.0705509663/ 0707521970. ment added. (Sputnik) rebels. (Pajhwok)