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MONDAY. MARCH 02 . 2015 -Hoot 11, 1393 HS www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes

Kabul summons Pak INDIA offers ambassador over Afghan diplomats relief to arrest avalanche-hit AT News Report FOR VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS families KABUL: The Ministry of Foreign AT News Report Affairs (MoFA) on Sunday sum- EW DELHI: Prime Minister moned Sayed Abrar Hussain, Pa- KABUL: The ex-President Hamid Karzai, President NNarendra Modi has offered to kistan s Ambassador to Kabul, in Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) extend relief and rescue operations connection to the arrest and ha- Abdullah Abdullah prayed Fatiha for departed souls following a series of avalanches in rassment of four Afghan diplomats of the victims of natural disasters in Afghanistan. parts of Afghanistan and central by police in Peshawar. Hamid Karzai prayed that may Allah Almighty Panjsher province of the country, According to reports, the four rest the deceased souls in eternal peace. He extended diplomats were arrested among the spokesman of the Indian Min- several Afghan nationals by police his condolences to families of the victims of floods istry of External Affairs said on in scattered localities of Universi- and avalanches in Panjshir, Parwan, Bamiyan, Lagh- Sunday. Syed Akbaruddin tweet- ty Town in Peshawar last week. man, Nangarhar, Badghis, Nuristan, Ghor and other ed that Modi wrote to President The diplomats were among 28 Af- parts of country. According to a statement issued Mohammad Ashraf Ghani saying ghan nationals who were arrested by the Presidential Palace, President Ghani and CEO India is "deeply saddened by the by University Town Police Sta- Abdullah also offered Fatiha for the departed souls. loss of lives in avalanches in dif- tion as part of a crackdown against They offered their heartfelt condolences to families ferent parts of Afghanistan". "In- Afghan refugees there. of the victims. The prayer ceremony was also at- dia (is) ready to help in any way The MoFA said in a said that tended by the president s special representative for with rescue and relief and help the Deputy Foreign Minister Hek- reforms and good governance Ahmad Zia Massoud, mat Khalil Karzai raised strong Speaker of Wolesi Jirga Abdul Rauf Ibrahimi and people to rebuild lives, Akbarud- protest of the Afghan government other government officials. Following that avalanch- din tweeted. Hundreds of people and Kabul s concern to Pakistan s es and floods killed 286 people across the country, have been killed and an indetermi- ambassador over the arrest of Af- the bulk of them in Panjshir province last week, nate number have been reported ghan diplomats by the Pakistani President Ghani on Saturday announced three days missing after the series of avalanch- police. He termed it as blatant vio- of national mourning. es in Afghanistan. The death toll lation of principles of diplomatic from a series of avalanches and relations. Karzai prodded the am- flash floods rose to 260 on Friday, bassador to share the strong pro- PC members test and concern of Afghanistan Taliban ready for peace negotiations in Kabul with his country s authorities and monitoring right ask them to thoroughly investigate It s a biggest change that for the first time in their history of resistance, the Taliban have the reasons. He added that the co- resumed after operation and relations between shown readiness for peace talks and that too in Kabul the two countries has entered a tinkering AT Monitoring Desk new phase and it should not be in Kabul. We are ready for peace absolutely transparent and Afghan- Government and Taliban are accel- strained by such acts. Karzai also AT Monitoring Desk ABUL: When situation on the negotiations with the ruling Afghan lead peace process. Back in No- erating. Some month ago, the Pres- expressed Kabul s concern over ground is brutal, the readiness government, Mohammad said. vember 2014, a Taliban delegation ident Ashraf Ghani had also start- harassment of the Afghan refugees KABUL: The provincial council K by the police in Pakistan and want- (PC) members right of monitor- of the Taliban for peace talks with Sharply after his return to Qatar also visited Beijing, the capital of ed counseling regarding peace pro- Kabul is a surprise welcome for from Pakistan where Din Moham- China in an effort to discuss the cess with political parties, tribal with the bulk of deaths coming ed it to be stopped. He also said ing government offices was re- from central Panjsher province, that until the visit of the Afghan sumed through a decree issued by this war-weary nation. Peace ne- mad held talks with Pakistan s se- possible role of China that could elders, and civil society activists. high-ranking delegation to Pakistan gotiations are set to begin soon as curity officials, Anadolu Agency play in peace process in the coun- President Ghani added that peace where above 200 lost their lives, President Mohammad Ashraf including women and children. The and their negotiation with the Pa- Ghani on Sunday. a high profile Taliban representa- conducted an interview with him try. But the report was termed cannot be restored far from the kistani authorities aimed at phased tive in Qatar, Qari Din Moham- he said he had fruitful talks with unfound by Chinese officials as people s sight rather it needs the Afghanistan cabinet announced a The Wolesi Jirga, (the parlia- three-day national mourning to return of the Afghan refugees, there ment), on the day before their va- mad, said that peace talks likely to Pakistani officials in Islamabad. soon as the Taliban delegation trip involvement of the entire nation. is an urgent need to halt the pro- be kicked off next week in Kabul. Consultations are going on and to China took surfaced to the dif- Amid changing prospect, howev- express solidarity with families cation passed a controversial draft who lost their beloved ones to av- cess of forced expulsion. The Pa- that annulled the overseeing right In an interview with Anadulo soon Mullah Omar would reveal ferent media outlets. er, many people still look at Paki- kistani ambassador reassured that Agency on Sunday, Qari Din Mo- the names of peace talks represen- After the visit of General Ra- stan s support with suspicion and alanches in several parts of the he would take up the issue with of provincial council members country, a statement from the Pres- from government offices. The de hammad, said Mullah Omar was tatives, he said. heel Sharif, the Pakistan s Chief of don t look happy on sending of his country s authorities to take Pakistani officials last week the Army Staff to Kabul, peace Afghan army cadets to Pakistan idential Palace said on Saturday. ready for peace talks with Presi- (Pajhwok) necessary measures. (See P2) dent Ashraf Ghani in near future, vowed their strongest support for talks between National Unity for military trainings. 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MONDAY. MARCH 02, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES 50pc Afghans do not have access TO SUFFICIENT HEALTHCARE According to the Ministry of Pub- also quick to point out that there qualified doctors are believed to be lic Health, Afghans spend as much are difficult days ahead of us . the main factors as to why so as 300 million dollars on health- While the biggest accomplish- many people travel to countries AT News Report care abroad on an annual basis. ment of the Public Health Minis- like Pakistan, India, Turkey and In an exclusive interview to try in the last 13 years has been Iran for health related issues every KABUL: The Independent Board development plans of industrial Azadi radio, Ferozuddin Feroz, the the decline in infant and maternal year. of Kabul New City Development, parks and special economic zones Public Health Minister said that mortality rates, many believe that The lack of any concrete an autonomous body overseeing within Kabul New City, to design despite the relative progress that accomplishment alone isn t enough progress in this area is largely cred- implementation of the mega con- and implement appropriate poli- has happened in the public health and that parallel focus must be put ited to a lack of sufficient leader- struction project, on Sunday said cies to support private sector in- sector, as much as 50% of the Af- on other areas of the public health ship and the overwhelming pres- the project would create 200,000 vestments in Kabul New City and ghan public still do not have ac- sector. One of the biggest health ence of corruption in the last 13 construction jobs, once work to introduce national and interna- cess to sufficient healthcare. The related problems is the lack of high years. Improving the situation of kicked off. tional investors towards the de- situation is especially dire in re- quality medicine, a problem that the public health sector is counted Expressing concerns over lack velopment of KNC project. mote areas of the country, adding is believed to be largely neglected to be among the biggest challenges of human resources and construc- Lack of residential plots in that they have specific plans to by the Public Health Ministry. the new administration faces. tion capacity, caretaker of the in- the over populated capital city is help those in these areas. He was This reason and the lack of enough dependent board Yusuf Pashtoon not as big issue as poor job mar- said the these two challenges could ket. Therefore, we are seeking affect implementation speed of the ways to expand industrial parks Deadliest avalanche: Highways reopening Kabul New City (KNC) project. and trade zones in the New Kabul Speaking at the signing cere- quired. aimed to attract investment in the City, he said. Acting Minister efforts heightened, says Abdullah mony of Interface Agreement He stressed on training and area and create employment op- of Commerce and Industries, between Dehsabz Barikab City capacity building of the human re- portunities for the residents. Muzamil Shinwari, said that ac- From P12 teams to Panjshir province. The statement adds that health emer- Development Authority (DCDA) sources. Regarding dispute over As per the agreement, MoCI cording to the agreement efforts teams would provide basic health- gency kits have been dispatched and Ministry of Commerce and land acquisition for the project, will cooperate in line with econom- would be made by the relevant or- willingness to provide relief aid to care services to the residents. to the province. MoPH s ambu- Industries (MoCI), he said that Pashtoon said that DCDA and the ic growth of Afghanistan by creat- ganizations to attract private sec- the natural disaster-hit areas. Lo- The statement said that these lances have been deployed the ar- worth $6.5 billion agreements have local shura (council) addressed 70 ing permanent job opportunities tor for investment and establish cal businessmen have already pro- teams were flown through helicop- eas near the avalanches-hit villag- been signed while others are in the percent of challenges and efforts in numerous fields and provide business zones in the new city. vided aid in cash to the affected ters to the targeted areas due inac- es. Local health facilities and Pan- pipeline to implement the project. are underway to resolve the re- opportunities for private sector He said that five industrial families, Abdullah said, adding cessibility to the troubled areas via jshir neighboring provinces hos- To complete the project, 200,000 maining. investments, creating MoCI led parks would be established in the that the Ministry of Public Works roads. Every team is consisted of pitals are ready for providing construction workers are required, Talking to reporters about the coordination committee with rele- new city where 2,500 acres had and Ministry of Rural Develop- a doctor, a nurse and necessary health care services to those in- he said, adding that overall around interface agreement signed with the vant government authorities to been allocated only for one phase ment and Rehabilitation are trying medicines. jured in the avalanche. Consider- 500,000 workers would be re- MoCI, he said the agreement is supervise the implementation and of the industrial parks. to reopen the ways leading to vil- Dr. Ahmad Jan Naeem, MoPH ing the country s weather situa- lages and districts. Although, the Deputy Minister for Policy and tion, the MoPH s health teams damages have not been estimated Planning also visited Panjshir prov- have also been deployed in other Nawroz festival to be celebrated with enthusiasm: PC members but orchards, crops, small hydro- ince in order to further address provinces including Nuristan and power dams and large number of health problems avalanche-hit Badakhshan for responding the MAZAR-I-SHARIF: The Pro- year the new year could not be Mohammad Hashim Azimi, He said the organizing commit- houses have been destroyed in the vincial Council (PC) members of celebrated with fervor because of families. emergency situations and natural provincial council member and tee members, officials of informa- affected provinces, particularly in northern Balkh province on Sun- certain reasons. member of the organizing commit- Attending the emergency co- incidents. Panjshir, Baghlan, Lagh- tion and cultural department and Panjshir. The Salang tunnel was ordination meeting held in the pro- man, Badghes, Farah, Badakhs- day pledged to extend all out sup- The resident of Mazar-i- tee for Nawroz festival, said the reopened after several days of port to ensure better arrangements Sharif, the provincial capital of New Year celebrations had histor- Olympic committee had been vincial headquarter, the deputy han, Parwan, Faryab, Nangarhar, blockage, said the CEO. minister has also assured the pre- Uruzgan, Takhar, Herat, Bamy- for the looming Nawroz festival Balkh province, celebrated the first ical importance where people from working in tandem to make the According to a press release, scheduled to be held on March 21. day of solar year by hoisting spe- different parts of the country paredness and measures of the an are included in 29 provinces event outstanding one. the Ministry of Public Health MoPH for addressing health prob- were affected by heavy snowfall A number of PC members told cial flag at the shrine of fourth Ca- throng to attend the event. (MoPH) has sent 10 mobile health Pajhwok Afghan News that last liph Hazrat Ali (RA). (Pajhwok) lems of the victim families. The and rains. Only Afghan brain will be PC members monitoring right resumed after tinkering behind security plans THIS . . .From P1 . . .From P12 cision stirred criticism as provincial council member YEAR: MOI all over the country reacted angrily and staged several nearly 400 militants including a number of their commanders have been protests while closing their offices in parts of the killed in military operations in Helmand, Kandahar, Farah and Uruzgan. country. Sources close to the government were Sediqi said that crackdowns had been kicked off in 12 provinces. quoted by Bokhdi News Agency, as saying that the In order to overcome security threats in parts of the country, we decree was issued late Saturday which allows pro- conducted small and big military operations in 12 provinces, he added. vincial council members to monitor government of- The remarks by the MoI spokesman come as officials in the US spy fices according to the new draft which is different agency have said that some parts of Afghanistan would come under from the draft they enjoyed in the past. control of the Taliban in upcoming year. However, these remarks were The sources said that provincial council mem- rejected by Afghan security officials, and they termed it as baseless and bers and officials of the Independent Directorate of as attempts and struggles to gain the advantage of the current situation. Local Governance (IDLG) had prepared a draft about A number of analysts in security affairs said that the Afghan secu- authorities of provincial council members to oversee rity forces should be equipped with state-of-the-art equipment in a bid government offices, and the draft would be sent to to thwart militant attacks and ensure law-and-order in the country. the Wolesi Jirga for approval in near future. DACAAR TENDER NOTICE DACAAR ITB 07 PO-0004558-59-60-61-62-65-82-83-84-85-/ROI-SIDA-SDC-RNE- HUM/02.2015 Date: February 25, 2015 Sealed offers are invited from qualified companies for supply & printing of DACAAR Hygiene Education Program to DACAAR Main Office in Kabul Province, Afghanistan. Please get the detailed tender documents from website at www.dacaar.org , www.kabul-tenders.org or DACAAR Office in below mentioned address. The offers should reach to DACAAR before March 17, 2015 at 4:00 P.M. The tender opening meeting will be held at 10:00 A.M on March 18, 2015.

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This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. MONDAY. MARCH 02, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES JOURNALISM Pakistan s territory will UNDER THREAT: MoFA overrun by officials Afghan never be used against Photojournalist Afghanistan: Sartaj Aziz APPOINTED ON NEPOTISM BASIS among AT Monitoring Desk KABUL: The findings by Pajhwok man of Ministry of Defense. They said MoFA has turned Afghan News (PAN) has revealed Brother of MP Hamida Ah- into a human trafficking centre Pul-i-Charkhi KABUL: Adviser to Pakistan s most diplomats of the Ministry madzai. where top officials send their rela- Prime Minister on National Secu- of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) are ei- Son of former MP Sayed Hus- tives to Europe and other coun- prisoners rity and Foreign Affairs, Sartaj ther family members or relatives sain Anwari. tries with diplomatic passports. Aziz on Sunday said that Pakistan of government officials or mem- Brother of Anwarulhaq Aha- Some have been sent to Italy as A court in Kabul has sentenced a bers of National Assembly, who di, former trade and industry min- family members of Qais Hassan a well-known Afghan photojournal- would never let its territory to be have been appointed on the basis ister. lawmaker. ist Najibullah Musafir to six used against Afghanistan. of nepotism trampling established Brother of Farooq Wardak , Through such works and con- months imprisonment which has Talking about the allies with rules, regulations and merit poli- former education minister. nections, former parliamentarian Afghanistan, Sartaj Aziz assured cy. Son of Qayamuddin Kashaf, directorate head has now been ap- to have restored cooperation and The findings disclosed that head of Afghanistan s Ulama Coun- pointed as the General Consul in peace with Kabul by improving mostly sons and close relatives of cil. Los Angeles through his connec- the defense and intelligence shar- government officials and members Daughter and son of Muhaiud- tions with members of parliament, ing sector. of parliament appointed to key din Sahibzada, MoFA administra- they alleged. posts to Afghanistan embassies tive affairs head. Atiqullah Atifmal, deputy at According to Pakistan s Dun- more than 100 children dead. abroad where most of them sought Son of MP Mohammad Abdu. MoFA, acknowledged that in the ya News, Aziz said that the Paki- Afghan and Pakistani officials political asylum. Son of MP Qudratullah Zaki. last 13 years, employees have been EMERGENCY stan land would never be used held several meetings in the two While article 60 of government Daughter of MP Nazifa Zaki. hired based on their relations but against Afghanistan. countries to discuss the improve- employment clearly outlined that Nephew of Abdul Rab Rasoul said that this trend was prevalent CALLS He further expressed that Pa- ment of ties between the two neigh- at least BA especially in Law, Po- Sayyaf, Jihadi leader and former in all the ministries and MoFA was kistan wants to have mutual rela- bors. A number of analysts in po- litical Science, Business Adminis- MP. not an exception. Some people Police tions with India and termed har- litical affairs said that Pakistan tration, Journalism, Economics and Daughter and son of Noor were hired without entrance exams. mony between leadership of both should be sincere in its commit- Trade is needed for employment Akbar, former MP. We have evaluated the current sit- in the MoFA. Husband of MP Nilofar Ibra- uation based on President s direc- countries as essential for national ments regarding helping the Af- Being at least 21 or 35 years himi. tions and we submitted our report 100 - 119 security. ghan-led peace process. They also old (35 should have MA or PHD Sister of MP Fouzia Raofi. to Ghani for further action, he Relations between Afghanistan said that Pakistan should eliminate degree), not being in the MoFA Brother of MP Aryan Youn. added. and Pakistan stepped into a new terrorist groups that have safe ha- blacklist, speaking both Dari and Daughter of Amena Afzali, Apart from the cronies of the Hospitals era following deadly attack on a vens in that country otherwise Pashto languages, having at least former labor and social affair min- officials, family members and rel- school in Peshawar which left peace will not come in the region. 450 TOEFL score or passing an- ister. atives of CEO Abdullah Abdullah, FMIC Hospital other equal test as well as being Son of Mohammad Eshaq Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Zalmai Ra- able to operate computer and oth- Alko, Attorney General. soul, and Zarar Ahmad Osmani Behind Kabul Medical Well-known Afghan Releasing abducted passengers: er new technology tools, not being Two daughters of Torialai former foreign ministers have also University: photojournalist Najibullah morally corrupt and addicted, suc- Weesa, Kandahar s acting governor. been employed at MoFA. cessfully passing the entry test of Apart from the list above, there Those who have recently been 0202500200-+93793275595 Musafir Zabul officials reject any covert deal the Ministry are other specifica- are a number of other close rela- hired by Zarar Ahmad Osmani in- raised concerns from the organiza- tions that an employee should be tives and cronies of the former as cluded Shoaib Habibi, deputy chief AT Monitoring Desk regarded eligible for MoFA vacan- well as sitting officials and parlia- of staff, Najib Aqa Fahim, direc- Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital tions defending rights of the jour- cy. mentarians that have been hired in tor of policy and strategy, Fahim nalists in Afghanistan. Pule Bagh-e- Umomi KABUL: It is almost one week the other day that the armed men Written test, interview, secu- MoFA without considering merits Kohdamani, Abdul Rab Rassoul Najibullah is now imprisoned rity clearance, completing the pro- or even appearing for the entrance Sayaf s spokesperson, Hamid 070263672 in Pul-i-Charkhi prison of Kabul. that at least 30 passengers (ethnic involved in abducting 30 passen- bationary period and graduation exams. Haidari, former Tolo TV journal- His case falls eight years back Hazaras) have been abducted by gers in the province are linked to from the MoFA institute are all According to sources, Farid ist, Fahim Abrat, Ahmad Reshad when he took pictures of the fe- armed men said to be linked to the Daesh militants. considered during the hiring pro- Kazemi who was previously per- Kohistani and many more. Khairkhana Hospital international militant group ISIS Head of Zabul provincial coun- male basketball players in Kabul s cess. sonal assistant to the secretariat Serajul Haq Seraj, deputy 0799-321007 Ghazi Stadium for his news cov- or Daesh, but their fate is unknown cil, Ata Jan Haqparast, said the trib- But during president Karzai s of the lower house of parliament spokesperson at MoFA, has also yet. Officials in southern Zabul al elders would in collaboration 13 years rule, his uncle, two vice and Mujtaba a former employee been hired without completing any 2401352 erage. But the pictures were later presidents sons and a number of of the office of the administrative procedures or appearing for any used by Etisalat telecommunica- province said Sunday that they with the Taliban would discuss have come up with no covert deal with the abductors about releasing other close relatives of officials, affairs have been employed tram- exam. tion company for advertisement. MPs and Jihadi leaders were hired pling all rules and regulations. It is said that when Zarar Ah- Sediqullah Tawhidi, director of to release the abducted passengers, of the 30 men. without conducting any competi- Abdul Qader Zazai, head of mad Osmani was minister of Indira Gandhi Children NAI, an organization that supports but they are increasing their efforts He said no demand had been tive test or going through legal pro- the international affairs committee counter-terrorism and interior, Fa- open media in Afghanistan, ex- to save the abducted men in near raised by abductors in this regard cess. of the Wolesi Jirga, told Pajhwok him was his advisor in both minis- Hospital, Wazir Akbar pressed concern over the current future. yet. Adeeb Fahim, elder son of Afghan News one of the reasons tries. But when he came to MoFA Khan, Kabul 2301372 condition of journalists in the coun- Recently, reports said that the In the meantime, the Ministry Marshal Mohammad Fahim Qa- that Afghanistan s diplomacy was he created a new directorate of abducted passengers in Zabul have of Interior (MoI) said that efforts seem, former first vice president, ineffective and useless during the policy and strategy and hired Fa- try. was appointed as deputy head of past 13 years was that most of the him for the post. He said The court has sen- been released in exchange of a con- were on to release the abducted Ibn-e- Seena tainer full of weapons and ammu- passengers in Zabul. economics department. In 2013, he officials who got appointed on key Hamid Haidari, former Tolo tenced Najibullah Musafir without was appointed as head of second posts have no relevant qualifica- TV journalist, who was also Os- Pul-e-Artan, Kabul his presence. nition. However, the reports were The MoI spokesman, Sediq political department, which is an tion and experience. mani s advisor at counter-narcot- He added Najibullah is not rejected soon after releasing. Sediqi, told a press conference in important position in MoFA deal- Based on our reports, unpro- ics ministry, was brought to MoFA 2100359 responsible in this case . Radio Azadi quoted Zabul Kabul did not share any details ing with relevant embassies in Kab- fessional personnel have been em- and according to some has poor Sediqullah further said The police chief, Ghulam Sakhi Rogh about the abducted men but said ul and lead the activities of Afghan ployed in the MoFA. Among them attendance at work. pictures were taken for news pur- Liwanai, as saying that they were that they were trying to release the embassies in Middle East and Af- are even medical doctors, engi- Sirajul Haq Siraj, deputy Wazir Akbar Khan trying to release the abducted men abducted passengers and send rica. neers, architects who have been spokesperson at MoFA, howev- poses and Najibullah should not However, he had resigned from hired thanks to their connections er, said that they were employed Hospital be held responsible for anything but no deal has occurred in this them to their homes. We cannot regard yet. share details in this regard. Hope his position after the demise of his with the high ranking officials. based on the needs of the minis- in this regard father in 2014. Some of them have even become try. 2301741, 2301743 Najibullah Musafir was arrest- He said that nothing would be that we resolve this issue in coop- But Taqi Khalili, elder son of ambassadors and top diplomats at Without presenting any fig- ed two weeks before in Kabul and given to the Taliban in a bid to help eration with locals, he added. Karim Khalili, the second former key embassies abroad, he said. ures that how many people have was sent to Pul-i-Charkhi prison in releasing the abducted people. Recently, a number of em- vice president is a diplomat at the Zazai added that his commit- been hired without appearing for Ali Abad after court announced him six He also said that they would nev- ployees of non-governmental or- MoFA for over 13 years. He has tee in the Wolesi Jirga has prepared the exams, he added, based on the Shahrara, Kabul months imprisonment. er come up with such a deal even if ganizations were abducted by un- also served as first deputy of the a list of inefficient employees and new policies people would be rebels abduct hundreds of Afghan known armed men and the Taliban Afghan ambassador in the US and has submitted it to the Foreign hired after presenting their univer- 2100439 Family of Musafar states that the deputy of the permanent rep- Minister Salahuddin Rabbani. If sity degrees and passing entrance they have proof that he was an- citizens.A container full of weap- militants on a number of highways ons and ammunition was recov- but they were released in exchange resentative of Afghanistan at UN. Rabbani did not take action in the exams. nounced clear of charges but after Since the formation of the uni- next three months, he warned they Critics said one of the main Malalai Maternity seven years he is again arrested and ered by Zabul police two weeks of money and in a number of cases ty government, he is serving as would take actions based on legal reasons that MoFA and diplomat- being sent to prison. back. It is said that the container they were killed by abductors. Afghan ambassador to Azerbaijan authorities that they possess. ic mission abroad have been so Hospital Sediqullah Tawhidi, director of was supposed to be swapped for However, it is the first time that a without going through legal pro- Some diplomats are even above useless has its roots in employees NAI, while talking to Khaama the release of the passengers. number of people have been ab- cess of working for three years in 80-years old which is against dip- who have no professionalism or 2201377/ 2301743 Press said that government is si- There is no exact information ducted by those whom govern- MoFA. lomatic protocols. efficiency. lence in regards to the complaints about identity of the abductors but ment officials say are linked to Availing the opportunity in the Based on the information by Physical brawls among top Zabul provincial council office said Daesh. United States, he sent all his fam- the Wolesi Jirga committee of in- diplomats and relatives of these Banks from the journalists. KP ily members via embassy resourc- ternational affairs, more than 100 officials in embassies abroad were es in Washington to Canada where persons had just studied up to 12th also hot issues in media. Three Da Afghanistan Bank TWO ANA they were given citizenship. class and have been hired on key years ago, Aklil Hakimi, former According to credible sources, diplomatic positions and 200 more ambassador to the US and current 2100302, 2100303 Salary payments through SOLDIERS KILLED most employees especially the that have also been employed with- finance minister was beaten by MoFA diplomats are sons and out pursuing merit policy, Zazai Ashaq Alako, son of Attorney Kabul Bank IN HERAT close relatives of government offi- added. General. MOBILE PHONES NOW cials that were appointed without Other members of parliament Head of Ulama Council Qia- 222666, 070285285 ROADSIDE BLAST conducting entry tests or going were also of the opinion that at muddin Kashaf s son who was a available to govt employees Two Afghan National Army through needed legal process. least half of the lawmakers have diplomat at Afghan embassy in Azizi Bank (ANA) soldiers were killed in a The following persons are their family members or relative Saudi Arabia had brawl with the 0799 700900 According to the Ministry of Fi- wand Bank system with Afghan roadside mine blast in western among those working in MoFA hired at the MoFA. They said ambassador and was then sent to Herat province on Saturday without going through test, inter- when the sitting Chief Executive Hungary where he created trouble Pashtany Bank nance, government employees can Wireless Company in a proper and evening, local officials said. view and other official formalities: Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah as well. now receive their salaries through secure way. This is the pilot The blast took place at about Son of Mohammad Younus was foreign minister then diplo- Salahuddin Rabbani taking vote 2102908, 2103868 mobile phones. project that started from the trea- 6pm local time in Chesht district Qanoni, former Wolesi Jirga speak- mats from Panjsher province were of confidence from parliament last New Kabul Bank, Maiwand sury department of the Ministry of the province while the ANA er and first vice president. hired in each and every embassy. month promised to bring reforms Bank and the Ministry of Finance of Finance. soldiers were travelling to Ghor Son of Omar Daudzai, former In European or North Ameri- to this key portfolio. When we Air Services have developed a mobile money This will be expanded to all district and one of their vehicles interior minister. can embassies, majority of the lo- promise for reforms it is not a Son of MP Daud Kalakani. cal or technical employees have promise for a particular group. Our platform and integrated it with the government organization and to all struck a roadside mine, Najibullah Safi Airways Najibi spokesman for the 207 Za- Daughter of MP Rahela. some connections with top gov- promise is for people. Afghan Wireless Communication rural areas of the country. The Son of Zahir Azimi, spokes- ernment officials, they added. (Pajhwok) Company (AWCC) with the sup- Ministry of Finance currently has far Corps told TOLOnews. 020 22 22 222 port of United States Agency for contracts with four commercial International Development (US- banks (New Kabul Bank, Azizi Ariana 200 killed in avalanches 020-2100270 Kam Air Days of severe weather and heavy snow in the Panjshir valley 0799974422 lead to deadly avalanches Hotels Safi Landmark AID). According to the ministry, Bank, Maiwand Bank and Bakhtar the reason for the establishment Bank) for maintaining employee 020-2203131 of this move is to make mobile bank accounts to which salaries are ERENA payment an alternative to cash in transferred. Out of about 800,000 S order to prevent corruption and serving government employees, improve governance by undercut- almost 520,000 are receiving their 0799654000 ting financial threats to security. salaries and benefits through the Mr. Mohammad Aqa Ko- banking channels. Amin Ramin, the New Rumi Restaurant histani, the Director General for Managing Director of AWCC ex- 0776351347 Treasury of the Finance ministry plained the process in detail and had this to say about the process: said that the mobile money has yet Paying salary to government em- to achieve sustainable scale in Af- Internet Services ployees in districts and villages is ghanistan, but it shows much po- UA Telecom a big challenge for the government. tential. Mr. Haris Hashimi the 0796701701 / 0796702702 The directorate was struggling to project manager for the My find a reasonable solution for it. Money project then delivered a Fortunately with support of US- presentation to explain the speed, Exchange Rate AID we could suggest to integrate security and ways of using the the New Kabul Bank and Mai- system. Wadsam Purchase: Uzbek militant women swapped One US$ = 57.14Afs FOR AID WORKERS IN FARYAB One Pound Sterling= AT Monitoring Desk 86.49Afs One Euro = KABUL: The government has re- ers of the Coordination of Human- 64.10Afs leased Uzbek women in exchange itarian Assistance (CHA) around for three engineers of a welfare or- four weeks ago. The militants, lat- 1000 Pak Rs = ganization captured by militants er, killed one of the captives. Ac- 556Afs in Faryab province. cording to an official source in the Spokesman for Faryab gover- province, the Taliban set free the Sale: nor office, Ahmad Javid Baidar, three workers of the organization One US$ = confirmed the release of Uzbek the other day. According to re- 57.34Afs women, detained by Afghan secu- ports, the militants had demanded One Pound Sterling= rity forces in the province for hav- release of the Uzbek women in 87.29Afs ing links with Uzbek militants. exchange of the engineers. The However, he did not provide de- three Uzbek women arrested in One Euro= tails about release of the engineers Maimana, the capital city of Fary- n Afghan national army helicopter delivering food lands in an area hit by an avalanche in the Paryan district 64.70 Afs kidnapped by militants. ab province, were family members of Panjshir province, north of Kabul, on Feb. 27. PHOTO: ASSOCIATED PRESS 1000 Pak Rs= 564Afs Insurgents abducted four work- of Uzbek fighters. A This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. MONDAY . MARCH 02 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES 131 candidates to contest Pak s senate polls ISLAMABAD: A total of 131 can- served seats for ulema and techno- didates are left in the run for 52 crats. Also read: Wealthy candi- Senate seats after four were elect- dates in Senate polls set alarm bells ed unopposed from Sindh on Sat- ringing in PTI After the withdraw- urday. According to the final list al of candidature by 10 candidates, of candidates released by the Elec- eight are left in the arena for a fight tion Commission of Pakistan for seven general seats from Sindh. (ECP) late on Saturday night, 84 Those who will contest include candidates will be contesting for Rehman Malik, Saleem Mandwi- 33 general seats, 21 for nine seats wala, Islamuddin Sheikh, Abdul reserved for women, 18 for eight Latif Ansari and Gianchand (PPP), seats reserved for ulema and tech- Khushbakht Shujaat and Mian nocrats, and eight for two seats Ateeq Sheikh (MQM) and Imam- reserved for non-Muslims. From uddin Shoqeen (PML-F). Sassui the Federal Capital, Iqbal Zafar Palijo (PPP) and Nighat Mirza Jhagra and Muhammad Ashraf (MQM) unofficially won unop- Gujjar of PML-N, former prime posed on two seats reserved for minister Raja Pervez Ashraf s women after rest of the four can- brother Raja Imran Ashraf (PPP) didates opted out of the contest. and Syed Zulfikar Ali of MQM Likewise former Chairman Senate will contest the election for a sin- Farooq H Naek (PPP) and Mu- gle general seat, while Nargis Na- hammad Ali Saif (MQM) were sir (PML-N), Nargis Faiz Malik elected unopposed on two seats (PPP) and Bisma Asif and Shumai- reserved for technocrats after with- la Shahab of MQM are in the run drawal of candidature by Rehman for the one seat reserved for wom- Malik (PPP) and Abdul Kadir en. Eighty-four in the run for 33 Khanzada (MQM). In KP, 12 can- general seats For seven general didates are left in the race for sev- seats from Punjab, nine PML-N en general seats after withdrawal candidates and a solitary PPP man of candidature by two PTI, one are the only contenders after the Jamaat-i-Islami and one Qaumi withdrawal of nomination papers Watan Party candidate. PTI can- by PPP s Shaukat Mehmood. didates include Mohsin Aziz and Those left in the race include re- Syed Shibli Faraz. Others in the tired Lt Gen Abdul Qayyum, Saud race are heavyweights including JI Majeed, Pervaiz Rashid, Musha- chief Sirajul Haq, JUI-F chief s hidullah Khan, Chaudhry Tanvir brother Attaur Rahman, Haji Mu- Khan, Ghous Mohammad Khan hammad Adeel (ANP), retired Lt Niazi, Syed Nihal Hashmi, Kha- Gen Salahuddin Tirmizi. Six can- waja Mehmood Ahmad and Sal- didates will be vying for two seats eem Zia, and Nadeem Afzal Chan reserved for women, six or two of PPP. Also read: MQM, PPP reserved for technocrats and three reach accord on Senate polls, coa- for one reserved for non-Muslims. Narendra Modi last week reached agreement with the PDP on a common agenda to jointly rule the state. lition govt in Sindh After the with- Also read: 87 aspiring Senate can- drawal of candidature by Kiran didates appear before PML-N India s ruling Hindu nationalist par- tions two months ago for the res- ness the historic ceremony. This is work, using a Hindi honorific for while the BJP has hailed the move Imran Dar, only two PML-N can- board In Balochistan, 14 candidates ty was Sunday sworn into govern- tive Himalayan region s state as- a great day. No one in their wildest respect. The inauguration, held as a miracle of democracy . The didates are left for two reserved will be contesting the elections ment for the first time in the coun- sembly. Mufti Mohammad Say- dreams ever thought of this, PDP amid tight security at the Univer- negotiations followed December seats for women. They are Najma against seven general seats while try s only Muslim-majority state eed, the Muslim head of the PDP, leader Naeem Akhtar said after the sity of Jammu, came after weeks elections that saw the BJP capture Hameed and Ayesha Raza Farooq. six will fight the electoral battle for after a power-sharing deal with a was sworn in as chief minister of ceremony in the region s winter cap- of intense negotiations between the 25 seats mainly in the Hindu-domi- PPP s Sarwat Kanwal is also in the two seats reserved for women, regional rival. Prime Minister Naren- the region, where a sporadic revolt ital of Jammu. But I think Mufti two parties which disagree on sev- nated Jammu region, while the PDP race. Raja Muhammad Zafarul Haq seven for two reserved for techno- dra Modi s Bharatiya Janata party against Indian rule has been waged Sayeed and the national (BJP) lead- eral critical issues in the region. took 28, mostly in the Kashmir val- and Prof Sajid Mir (PML-N) and crats and five for one seat for non- (BJP) and the Peoples Democratic since 1989. In a symbolic gesture ership of Modi-ji, they are on a jour- Sayeed has described the alliance ley where Muslim separatist senti- Malik Nosher Khan Langrial of Muslims. In Fata, 36 candidates party (PDP) have forged a coalition he enthusiastically embraced ney to turn around Kashmir, an as the coming together of the ment has traditionally been stron- PPP will be contesting for two re- are in the run for four general seats. government after inconclusive elec- Modi, who was on stage to wit- upbeat Akhtar told the NDTV net- North Pole and the South Pole gest. (The Guardian) Violence flares ahead of India hikes Rajapaksa regime as China had ex- Bangladesh panded its footprint in the coun- try by building ports, highways opposition s and participating in other infra- grant to Nepal structure projects. Modi will be 72-hour strike the first Indian Prime Minister KATHMANDU: India has in- for Bhutan stood at IRs 61.6 bil- External Affairs Minister Sushma during the trip, seen as a precursor da Maligawa in Kandy and also since 1987 to visit the island. Ra- creased grant aid to Nepal by 40 lon. Afghanistan has been allocat- HAKA: Stray incidents of Swaraj will arrive in Colombo on to the visit by Modi on March 13. inspect ongoing Indian housing jiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minis- percent to IRs 4.2 billion (Rs 6.72 ed IRs 6.76 billion, while Sri Lan- violence are flaring up in Friday to set the stage for Prime This is Prime Minister Modi s first projects in the estate sector. Modi s ter, met with a hostile reception as billion) in the annual budget for ka has been approved IRs 5 bil- parts of Bangladesh capi- Minister Narendra Modi s visit to visit to Lanka during which he is visit will be a return for Sirisena s he was attacked by a Sri Lankan 2015-16 presented on Saturday. lion. India s aid to Nepal was re- D For this fiscal year, India had allo- duced for the current fiscal year tal Dhaka and elsewhere in the Sri Lanka, the first bilateral visit to likely to travel to war-ravaged Jaff- visit to Delhi last month that saw sailor using a rifle butt during a country, as ex-Prime Minister the country by an Indian premier in na in the Tamil-dominated North- the two countries sign a civil nu- guard of honour. Modi s visit to cated IRs 3 billion for Nepal. The from the last fiscal s IRs 4.5 bil- Khaleda Zia's opposition alliance over 25 years. During her two-day ern Province and Trincomalee in the clear pact. It was Sirisena s first Sri Lanka will be part of a tour of southern neighbour has also pro- lion. Bangladesh will get IRs 2.5 is all set to enforce another round stay, Swaraj will call on Prime Min- Eastern Province. He is scheduled overseas visit since being inducted four Indian Ocean nations, includ- viding loan assistance to Nepal, billion in grant, and the grant allo- of strike from Sunday morning. A ister Ranil Wickremesinghe and hold to travel to Jaffna, Anuradhapura as the president in January. Modi ing Mauritius, Seychelles and the and the biggest being the recently- cated for Maldives is IRs 1.83 bil- Dhaka Metropolitan (DMP) offi- talks with Foreign Minister Man- and Kandy during his stay in Sri was originally invited to visit Sri Maldives, the report said, adding announced $1 billion line of credit. lion. India announces aid to South cial who preferred to be unnamed gala Samaraweera, the Sunday Times Lanka, the report said, citing presi- Lanka by former President Mahin- that his visit to Male seems uncer- Nepal has been allocated the fourth Asian and other developing coun- largest amount of grant in South tries and even Latin American and said miscreants torched at least reported. She is also expected to call dential secretariat sources. It further da Rajapaksa. However, Indo-Lan- tain because of the political crisis on President Maithripala Sirisena added that Modi will visit the Dala- ka relations nosedived during the there. Asia after Bhutan, Afghanistan and Eurasian countries. Indian grant eight vehicles at different parts of Sri Lanka. Bhutan is traditionally support to Nepal includes that to Dhaka and Narayanganj town on the biggest receiver of Indian grant BP Koirala Institute of Health and the outskirts of capital city. Van- aid and the total amount allocated Science under India s faculty sup- dalism, explosion of hand bombs port. Since 2013-14, India has also and detention of dozens of oppo- Bangladesh pays tribute to US been also providing an annual fund- sition men have also been report- Pakistan ing of IRs 10 million to the hospi- ed in capital Dhaka and elsewhere tal towards partially covering hir- in the country since Sunday morn- security men ing of Indian faculty for the intro- blogger killed in machete attack duction of super specialty cours- ing. Dozens of vehicles were smashed or set on fire also else- es. Indian Prime Minister Naren- among 10 held dra Modi inaugurated the Nation- where in the country on the eve of angladeshis gathered on Asian nation of 160 million peo- at the spot where he was killed for Islamist leaders convicted of the strike on Saturday. No one was al Trauma Centre in Kathmandu . Sunday to pay tribute to a ple. People from all walks gath- and chanted slogans demanding war crimes during Bangladesh's war for jailbreak Establishment of Manmohan Me- reported injured in the incidents. B U.S. blogger and critic of ered with flowers at the Dhaka Uni- immediate arrest and quick trial for independence. Blogger Ahmed morial Polytechnic in Biratna- Demanding fresh election under a religious extremism who was killed versity premises on Sunday to of the perpetrator . Roy's family Rajib Haider was killed that year ILGIT: Initial investiga gar and a polytechnic at Hetauda non-party caretaker government in Dhaka, in the latest of a series pay their respect to Avijit, who said Islamist radicals had been in a similar attack near his home in tions into the jailbreak in are other health-related projects system, Bangladesh's main oppo- of attacks on writers in the Mus- came to his native city in mid-Feb- threatening him because he main- Dhaka after he led one such pro- Gilgit have revealed that being undertaken with Indian aid, lim-majority nation. Avijit Roy, a ruary and was due to go back to tained a blog, "Mukto-mona," or test demanding capital punish- G sition alliance on Friday called an- the inmates had carried out the according to the Finance Ministry other round of nationwide strike U.S. citizen of Bangladeshi origin, the United States. "Free thinking "Freemind," that highlighted hu- ment. In 2004, Humayun Azad, a daring act with help from the pris- of Nepal. Indian grant is used in form Sunday morning. The strike was hacked to death by machete- in Bangladesh is become a great manist and rationalist ideas and secular writer and professor at on s security staff. Danyor Station the construction of a Dharamshala wielding assailants on Thursday danger, all the free thinkers are at condemned religious extremism. Dhaka University, was also at- will start at 6:00 a.m. local time House Officer Ghulaam Muham- at Pashupati Temple Complex, after a book fair. His wife and fel- great risk," writer Shahriar Kabir U.S. State Department spokes- tacked by militants while return- mad and one of the runaway pris- upgradation of 26km road from Sunday and will continue till 6:00 low blogger Rafida Ahmed suffered said. "We want to know why the woman Jen Psaki called it "a ing home from a Dhaka book fair. a.m. local time Wednesday, said oners were injured after police en- Dakshinkali-Kulekhani Dam and head injuries and lost a finger and government failed to ensure the shocking act of violence" that was He later died in Germany while circled them in Minwar town, installation of 2,700 shallow tube two-time ex- Prime Minister remains in hospital in a serious safety of him, despite knowing "horrific in its brutality and cow- undergoing treatment. Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nation- 13km from the jail, but the fugi- wells in various districts. Integrat- condition. The attack came amid a that he had been facing threats ardice". Media group Reporters Without tives still managed to escape. alist Party (BNP) Spokesperson ed Border Check-Posts on Indo- crackdown on hardline Islamist from the Islamist radicals." No ar- In 2013, religious extremists tar- Borders rated Bangladesh 146th Gilgit-Baltistan police chief Zaf- Nepal border areas Raxaul-Bir- Salahuddin Ahmed in a statement groups, which have increased ac- rest has so far been made. geted several secular bloggers who among 180 countries in a ranking far Iqbal Awan told Dawn that ganj, Sunauli-Bhairahawa, Jogbani- on Friday. tivities in recent years in the South People also held a demonstration had demanded capital punishment of press freedom last year. police and other security forces Biratnagar and Nepalganj Road-Ne- had launched a search operation on palgunj are being constructed Friday evening after receiving an with Indian aid, which are expect- intelligence tip and a clash took ed to boost bilateral trade. Postal 22nd constitutional amendment: Chances place in a hilly area near Minwar. roads connecting Nepal-India bor- He said police had sealed off roads der and East-West Highway are near a river, but the besieged pris- also moving forward. Cross- bor- of PTI s return to parliament fading oners jumped into a ditch and es- der railway links are being con- caped. Read| GB jail escape: Man structed at five locations on the involved in Nanga Parbat massa- ISLAMABAD: Chances for Pa- Nepal-India border Jayanagar- cre among two fleeing prisoners Bardibas, Jogbani-Biratnagar, kistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) to He said the SHO and one of the make a comeback in parliament al- Nautanwa-Bhairahawa, Rupaidi- fugitives were injured in the en- ha-Nepalgunj and New Jalpaiguri- most faded on Saturday after re- counter. fusal by the government s ally Kakarbhitta. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI- F) and main opposition Pakistan Swine flu: 36 more Peoples Party (PPP) to back the 22nd constitutional amendment. The ruling Pakistan Muslim succumb to virus, death toll League Nawaz (PML-N) made its utmost effort to evolve a con- in India increases to 1,041 sensus among all the political par- ties to bring the proposed amend- The swine flu epidemic has role in intensifying the flu this sea- ment whereby the upper house s claimed the lives of 36 more peo- son. In a bid to curtail spread of elections would be conducted ple, taking the total death toll in deadly virus, it is very necessary through a show of hands . The the country to 1,041. The number for temperatures to rise and drop PTI was equally interested in en- of people affected by the virus also in humidity levels, which is not acting this law to avoid losing its stands at 19,000 now. Rajasthan expected to happen anytime soon. Senate seats due to horse trading. and Gujarat have been the worst- Gujarat government has also im- After seven months of boycott, hit states so far with 234 and 231 posed a ban on most public gath- there was a chance that the PTI deaths, respectively. According to erings of five or more people in would return to parliament if con- Skymet Meteorology Division in Ahmedabad in a bid to halt the sensus was developed among all India, unusual weather conditions spread of swine flu. Officials have the political parties over bringing prevailing across the country have also asked people to wear mask as the 22th constitutional amend- aggravated the situation and with precautionary measure. Swine flu ment. For the purpose, the PTI the rainy days expected ahead, is caused by H1N1 virus. Symp- had also sent its representative to there is a possibility of steep rise toms for swine flu include high fe- a parliamentary party meeting at in the numbers. This has raised se- ver, headache, muscle pain, diar- the Prime Minister House on Fri- rious concerns over H1N1 influ- rhea, vomiting, stomach pain and day. enza, as weather has played major internal and external bleeding. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. MONDAY . MARCH 02 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES UN Syria envoy moves to finalise deal on Aleppo truce UN envoy Staffan de Mistura for a temporary truce in Aleppo in has held talks in the Syrian cap- order to move aid into the north- ital to try to finalise a deal to ern city. Once Syria's commercial freeze fighting in the war-ravaged hub, Aleppo has been devastated northern city of Aleppo. De by fighting that began in mid-2012, Mistura met Foreign Minister and the city is now split between Walid Muallem and agreed to send loyalist forces and rebels. De Mis- a delegation from his Damascus tura said last week that the gov- office to Aleppo on a fact-find- ernment had shown a willingness ing mission, state news agency to suspend aerial bombardment of SANA said, without giving a date. Aleppo for six weeks to allow for De Mistura's visit started as the a humanitarian ceasefire. Under the army and pro-goverment fight- plan, rebels would be asked to sus- ers regained territory in south- pend rocket and mortar fire there ern Syria from forces opposed during the freeze. De Mistura in- to President Bashar al-Assad. curred the wrath of the opposi- The Swedish-Italian diplomat tion earlier in February by describ- "hopes to set in motion as soon ing Assad as "part of the solution" as possible" his project to halt to Syria's conflict. About 220,000 fighting in Aleppo for six weeks, people have been killed in Syria said a member of his delegation since the conflict began in March who declined to be identified. De 2011 with anti-government pro- Mistura has met government of- tests that spiralled into a multi- ficials and opposition chiefs in sided civil war drawing foreign ji- recent weeks to promote his plan hadists. Baghdad museum reopens 12 years after looting raq's national museum officially reopened Saturday after 12 years of painstaking efforts during which close to a third of 15,000 stolen Ipieces were recovered. The much-delayed reopening was brought forward in what officials said was a response to the destruction of priceless artifacts by ISIS the northern city of Mosul. "We have been preparing to reopen for the past couple of months, the museum should be open to everyone," Deputy Tourism and Antiquities Minister Qais Hussein Rashid told AFP. "The events in Mosul led us to speed up our work and we wanted to open it today as a response to what the gangs of Daesh did," he said, using an Arabic acronym for the ISIS group. On Bill was recently introduced in the Senate allowing Congress to weigh in on any nuclear deal the U.S. reaches with Iran. Thursday, the jihadists who have occupied Iraq's second city of Mosul since June last year released a video in which militants smash ancient resident Barack Obama now is not the time for Congress Iran to curb its nuclear program in Obama from suspending or waiv- many, Britain and Iran have reached statues with sledgehammers. Militants are also seen defacing a colossal would veto a bill recently in to pass additional legislation on exchange for relief from economic ing sanctions on Iran passed by a crucial stage, with a basic frame- Assyrian winged bull in an archaeological park in Mosul with a jack- P troduced in the U.S. Senate Iran. If this bill is sent to the pres- sanctions. Congress for 60 days after a deal. work agreement due by the end of hammer. The destruction sparked global outrage, calls for an emergency allowing Congress to weigh in on ident, he will veto it," said Berna- The Iran Nuclear Agreement Re- Meehan said United States "should March. Republican Senator Bob meeting of the U.N. Security Council and fears over the fate of other any deal the United States and oth- dette Meehan, a spokeswoman for view Act would require to submit give our negotiators the best chance Corker, one of the bipartisan group major heritage sites in areas under ISIS control. The Mosul destruction er negotiating countries reach with the White House's National Secu- to Congress the text of any agree- of success, rather than complicat- of sponsors of the bill, said it was was the worst disaster to strike Iraq's treasure since the national muse- Iran on its nuclear capabilities, the rity Council. The United States and ment within five days of conclud- ing their efforts." "disappointing that the president um in Baghdad was looted in the chaos that followed the U.S.-led top- White House said on Saturday. five other major powers are seek- ing a final deal with Iran. Negotiations between the United feels he is the only one who speaks pling of Saddam Hussein. "The president has been clear that ing to negotiate an agreement with The bill would also prohibit States, Russia, China, France, Ger- for the citizens of our country." Egypt s terrorist Vote counting begins after ed of carrying out "covert" espi- labelling of Hamas Lesotho snap onage activities. He did not pro- vide additional details about the elections Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela's pres- ists the same visa fees the US asks Maduro singled out several US previously unreported arrest. prompts protests ident, plans to limit the US diplo- of Venezuelans, though it was un- political figures as being unable to Maduro also warned that the US Vote counting has begun in the matic presence in Venezuela and clear when the plan would be im- come to Venezuela because his gov- mission must alert and receive au- southern African mountain king- require American tourists to ob- plemented. But the restrictions ernment considers them "terror- thorisation from the local govern- rotests have broken out in the Palestinians dom of Lesotho, after a snap elec- tain visas, amid growing tensions could also have an impact on busi- ists". Inside Story: Unrest in Ven- ment for any meeting held by US Gaza Strip against an Egyp tion aimed at resolving a political between the two countries. Ma- ness travellers seeking to invest in ezuela "A group of US political diplomats in Venezuela. In recent Ptian court's decision to declare across Gaza crisis triggered by an alleged coup duro said the measures, announced one of the biggest oil producers. leaders who have violated human days, Maduro has hardened his Hamas a "terrorist" organisation, bid Tensions were high ahead of on Saturday, aimed to "control" US Diplomatic staff In his speech out- rights in bombing" countries like speech against the US embassy just weeks after the Palestinian denounce ruling Saturday's parliamentary poll, meddling in Venezuelan affairs. side the Miraflores presidential Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan "will in Caracas, accusing it of "inter- group's armed wing was given the which was called two years ahead Maduro has intensified his allega- palace, Maduro noted that the not be able to enter Venezuela be- ference and abuse," and of meet- same designation. A judicial source and reject Egypt's of schedule, but election day tions of coup and assassination Americans have 100 diplomatic cause they are terrorists", Maduro ing with the Venezuelan opposi- told AFP news agency that the accusations that passed off without incident, ac- plans in recent months - often pur- staff in Caracas, compared to 17 said. Maduro cited former Presi- tion. The US and Venezuela have court issued the verdict on Satur- cording to observers. "Everything portedly backed by the US - as he Venezuelan diplomats in Washing- dent George W Bush and Vice Pres- been at diplomatic odds since day, a ruling seen as in keeping with the group is aid- I've come across tells me every- faces a deep economic crisis and a ton DC. He cited the Vienna Con- ident Dick Cheney, as well as His- Maduro's predecessor Hugo a systematic crackdown on Islam- thing has gone extremely well," sharp drop in popularity. "In or- vention's principle of the equality panic American politicians Bob Chavez came to power in 1999, ist groups by Egyptian President ing armed forces said Cyril Ramaphosa, deputy der to protect our country ... I have of states concerning the size of re- Menendez, Ileana Ros-Lehtinen repeatedly criticising US "impe- Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Palestinians president of neighbouring South decided to implement a system of spective diplomatic missions in and Marco Rubio. Maduro said rialist" policy. They withdrew throughout refugee camps and cit- in Sinai. Africa, who is acting as regional compulsory visas for all Americans ordering his foreign ministry to the visa decision was made after their ambassadors from each oth- ies in Gaza held demonstrations in mediator, shortly after polls entering Venezuela," he told sup- "reduce, adjust and limit the num- the capture of an American pilot er's country in 2010, and Vene- protest at the decision. The ver- president in July 2013. Hamas is closed at 15:00 GMT. "From my porters. Under the new measures, ber of US officials" at the US em- of Latin American origin in the zuela has expelled several US dict resulted from two separate pri- an offshoot of Egypt's Muslim side it is congratulations to the Venezuela will start charging tour- bassy in Caracas. Additionally, western state of Tachira suspect- diplomats under Maduro. vate suits filed by two lawyers Brotherhood, which Egypt also people of Lesotho for having come against Hamas, the de-facto rulers banned after the military coup in this far to hold a peaceful election," of Gaza, a 360sq km enclave. Sami 2013. Since then, Egyptian author- Ramaphosa said. Lesotho's Inde- Abu Zuhri, the Hamas spokesman ities have accused Hamas of aiding pendent Electoral Commission Somalia s al-Shabab in Gaza City, denounced the ruling armed groups, who have waged a (IEC) also said the election had as "a desperate attempt to export string of deadly attacks on securi- proceeded largely without inci- Egypt's crisis". "The Egyptian ty forces in Egypt's Sinai Penin- dent, although some ballot papers injures police in court decision ... is shocking, criti- sula. In January, an Egyptian court in two of over 2,000 polling sta- cal and targets the Palestinian peo- also declared Hamas' armed wing tions did not have the names of all ple and Palestinian resistance forc- al-Qassam Brigades a "terrorist" candidates. "The voting has been Mogadishu car bomb es," he said. Mustafa Barghouti, an group. The case was based on alle- proceeding peacefully and accord- woman suicide bomber on Saturday killed two passers-by and independent Palestinian politician, gations that al-Qassam staged at- ing to plan," said IEC chairman Somali militants al-Shabab deto- ing backed by international aid her accomplice in an attack in northeast Nigeria, witnesses and told Al Jazeera the verdict "is a very tacks to support the Muslim Justice Mahapela Lehohla. Ac- nated a car bomb in the capital aimed at preventing it from becom- Asecurity sources told AFP. Moments before the explosion, the unwise decision" that carries po- Brotherhood, and carried out dead- cording to local media, about 1.2 litical complications. "Hamas is Mogadishu on Saturday, injuring ing a haven for al-Qaeda-style mil- female attacker and her accomplice, had tried to board a bus but were ly operations in the Sinai Peninsu- million people - out of a popula- two police officers, police and a itants in East Africa. Somali police stopped by the driver. The suicide mission took place at around 1130 part of the Palestinian national uni- tion of 2.2 million - were registered ty movement, and this decision is la in October 2014, allegations that spokesman for the Islamists said. said the attackers had remotely am when two women wearing hijabs tried to board a commercial vehicle the group denied. Armed groups to vote. Political crisis Lesotho has The al-Qaeda-affiliated group was exploded a car and then escaped. but the wary driver resisted, a highly-placed security source said. not useful," Barghouti said. String in Sinai have killed scores of po- been in crisis since June 2014, pushed out of Mogadishu by Af- Two policemen were injured but One of the women was wearing the bomb around her waist and it of attacks Saturday's ruling comes when Prime Minister Thomas rican peacekeeping forces in 2011 there were no known fatalities. A exploded after the bus departed, killing the other woman and two other just days after Egypt adopted a licemen and soldiers since Morsi's overthrow, pledging revenge for a Thabane suspended parliament to but has waged a series of gun and spokesman for al-Shabab said the people, the source added. According to witnesses, the two women new anti-terrorism law allowing the avoid a motion that would have grenade attacks to try to overthrow group had targeted Somali police. authorities to close the premises crackdown on his supporters that tried to board the bus in the village of Ngamdu, 90 kilometers (55 miles) has left more than 1,400 people seen him ousted from power after the government and impose its The car bomb targeted the po- from Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, and 40 kilometers from of any declared "terrorist" organi- his fragile coalition government fell strict version of sharia law. Soma- lice. We played a prank on them, sation, and to freeze its assets as dead. Most of the attacks, howev- Damaturu, the capital of the neighboring state of Yobe. er, have been claimed by the armed apart. On August 30, soldiers at- lia is trying to rebuild after two Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, al well as those of its members. The tacked police headquarters, loot- decades of civil war and lawless- Shabaab s military operations The two women were wearing the hijab and they told the driver they relationship between Egypt's au- group Ansar Beit al-Maqdis, wanted to go to Damaturu, said a witness Sharu Hassan, a Ngamdu ing weapons and killing one offic- ness, but persistent attacks in the spokesman told Reuters. The car thorities and Hamas has soured which has pledged its allegiance to er. Thabane described the violence capital have complicated that ef- deliberately sped as it came to a resident. After the explosion, residents of the village shut themselves up since the overthrow of the Muslim the Islamic State of Iraq and the as a coup attempt fuelled by the fort. The fragile government is be- police checkpoint. in their homes leaving the four dead bodies on the road, witnesses said. Brotherhood's Mohamed Morsi as Levant (ISIL) group. opposition and fled to neighbour- ing South Africa. UN says 1,100 people killed in Iraq in February Romania The UN mission to Iraq says vio- intercepts lence in the country claimed the lives of at least 1,100 Iraqis in Feb- ruary, including more than 600 ci- boat with vilians. In a statement released on Sunday, the UN Assistance Mis- 70 migrants sion in Iraq (UNAMI) said 611 civilians were among 1,103 peo- ple killed last month. The rest were on board members of the security forces. Romanian coastguard have inter- UNAMI said at least 2,280 peo- ple were wounded, including 1,353 cepted a boat carrying 70 mainly civilians. January's death toll was Syrian and Iraqi migrants in the at least 1,375. Some 790 of those Black Sea, the interior ministry were civilians. It said the most announced on Saturday. Seven chil- violent city was the capital Bagh- dren, including a five-month-old dad, with 329 civilians killed and baby, and twenty women were 875 wounded. The UN numbers among those on board the fishing do not include the third of the coun- boat which came from Turkey. The try held by the Islamic State of small boat was intercepted off the Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group. Romanian coast on Friday night According to UNAMI, last year after it encountered problems due was the deadliest in Iraq since to high winds and rough seas. The 2006-2007, with a total of 12,282 migrants were rescued and escort- people killed and 23,126 wound- ed to the eastern Romanian port ed. The news came a day after a of Constanta for medical checks series of attacks targeting public before being handed over to immi- places and Shia militia checkpoints gration authorities. According to in north of Baghdad killed 37 peo- the coastguard this is the tenth ple, according to authorities. such incident in two years. 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MONDAY.MARCH 02 , 2015 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 When did Obama give up? (Part II) AFGHANISTAN TIMES Six years ago, a visionary president blessed with the rare gift of speech Editor: Abdul Saboor Sarir Phone No: +93-772364666 came to Washington to change the world. What happened? E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal Graphic-Designers: Mansoor Faizy and Edriss Akbari Marketing & Advertising: Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press The constitution says

Article 90: The National Assembly shall have the following duties: 3. Approval of the state budget as well as permission to obtain or grant loans; 4. Creation, modification and or abrogation of administrative units; Continued President Barack Obama delivers a speech at Hradèany Square in Prague on April 5, 2009. Credit: AFP/ Getty Images Editorial By James Traub targets in Pakistan, and President House folks would ask us a ques- fact, since Wilson landed in Paris Pervez Musharraf refused to act, tion or two, clearly designed to in December 1918 made the The leitmotif of the speech was a we will. The press knew the check out something. But we were candidate feel, There s a hunger strikingly literary one, as seemed public mood better than the Obam- not given language to consider. for this kind of leadership, and I Death and destruction in Panjshir appropriate for a politician who ians did, for the issue has dogged This was very tightly controlled can offer it. Obama thus deliv- had come to public notice through his presidency ever since. To this by that most controlling White ered his first major foreign-policy Panjshir, once known to be the valley of peace (because the an evocative memoir. It is time to day, his worldview is assessed on House. If the speeches were to speech in Prague in 2009, on the turn the page, Obama said. It is the single question of when and project not just Obama s policies subject of nuclear nonproliferation. insurgent Taliban couldn t dare to carry out suicide bombings time to write a new chapter in our where he is prepared to use force. but also his voice and his story George W. Bush had barely paid except one or two) and natural beauty has been worst hit by response to 9/11. He was chal- As a campaign speaker, though, if they were to carry to the world lip service to the American obliga- lenging not just the Bush adminis- Obama took America by storm, the message he had delivered to the tion under the terms of the Nucle- deaths and destruction caused by deadliest avalanches. The death tration s war on terror but the nar- miraculously recasting the most American people then they had ar Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) rative of America that Bush had divisive issues, including race rela- to be shaped by the small group to reduce its own nuclear stock- and destruction is so massive that the government called it a implicitly composed. That narra- tions, as occasions for national rec- that understood him best. In his pile; other states, in consequence, national tragedy. Rescuers have been busy in battling to get to tive, Obama said, had increased the onciliation. This young and untest- first year in office, Obama deliv- had offered only grudging cooper- pool of terrorists, alienated Amer- ed figure persuaded first Demo- ered a remarkable number of for- ation on America s effort to rein in the areas buried in avalanches. Over 200 people have been ica from its allies, and given de- crats, and then the American peo- eign-policy speeches, and almost nuclear rogues like Iran or North killed. Many more are stranded. Afghan National Army heli- mocracy a bad name. America ple, that he was the man to turn all of them abroad. The imperative Korea, and to craft new treaties needed to tell a new story to the the page. His inaugural speech was that he and his advisors felt was that would reduce the threat of copters are dropping edibles, blankets, water and other essen- world, and to itself. He illustrated dedicated to the idea of a new be- not only to introduce a post-Bush nuclear weapons. Nonprolifera- tials to the stranded villagers that have been cut off for days. In his point with a vivid image. As a ginning, both at home and abroad. narrative but also a post-post-9/ tion, Obama reasoned, was pre- senator, he said, he had seen the Speaking of earlier generations 11 understanding of what needed cisely the kind of issue where a solidarity with the people of Panjshir and the nation, President desperate faces of refugees and and leaving the listener to make the to be done in the world. They be- new narrative, delivered by a new flood victims from the door of a contrast with George W. Bush lieved that the great issues con- leader, could carve a path through Ashraf Ghani cancelled Iran trip. He said he cannot leave his helicopter. Here he paused and Obama said, They understood fronting the United States were not what had been frozen seas. The countrymen in distress. Heavy snowfall following the avalanche pursed his lip, either because he that our power alone cannot pro- traditional state-to-state questions, stagecraft of Prague was more ral- was thinking while he spoke or tect us, nor does it entitle us to do but new ones that sought to ad- ly than speech: On a brilliant spring has made it difficult for rescuers to carry out their relief works. because he wished to convey the as we please. Instead, they knew vance global goods and required afternoon, Obama stood on a stage Heavy machinery has been busy at clearing roads. This greatest impression of active thought. that our power grows through its global cooperation climate in the midst of a vast crowd that And it makes you stop and won- prudent use. Our security ema- change, energy supply, weak and seemed to fill the ancient city cen- ever natural disaster has once again brought us together and der, he said. When those faces nates from the justness of our failing states, nuclear nonprolifer- ter. No one had embraced Obama s look up at an American helicopter, cause; the force of our example; ation. It was precisely on such is- promise more fervently than the provides us a window to look back that if we could show unity do they feel hope, or do they feel the tempering qualities of humili- sues that one needed to enlist the young Europeans who thronged in battling natural disasters, why we have been failing to fight hate? I happened to be sitting in ty and restraint. America would support of citizens as well as lead- the square; when he took the mi- the audience, and was struck put aside the bellicose self-righ- ers. Obama had shown that he had crophone they cheered so wildly, off man-made catastrophe, successfully. This troubled nation is and impressed by the weight teousness of the last eight years. a unique capacity to reach Ameri- waving little American flags, that grateful to all the nations that dispatched relief items and stood Obama had given to the way Amer- When Obama took office in Janu- cans at the level of deep belief and the president could barely wipe ica was seen. He was arguing that, ary 2009, Rhodes became his to inspire them with hope. Could the huge grin from his face. Obama with us in this hour of national grief. Their helping hand has in the post-9/11 era, America s master wordsmith. Rhodes had no he not do the same with listeners began, as he often would, by in- ability to advance its national in- foreign-policy expertise, but he abroad? Obama, and those closest troducing himself to his audience proved this notion utterly wrong that grief cannot be shared and terests depended not simply on was an important member of an to him, believed that his voice, his as an individual like themselves. everyone carries it alone. Perhaps it might be true for other fashioning strong alliances but on inner circle very much determined (non-white) face, his story, could Few people, he said, to another changing the way ordinary people to preserve Obama s prophetic help usher the people of the world round of cheers, would have living things but not for human beings. We have been living a thought about the United States. vein from the conventionalizing to a higher plane. As he said to me imagined that someone like me life of grief and loss which should be followed by a movement This was the first foreign-policy forces of politics and policy to in 2007, I think that if you can would one day become president speech Ben Rhodes had written; protect that asset, as he put it. tell people, We have a president of the United States. They, too, of hope, courage and change. In this war-wracked country there he had channeled Obama s rare Ben would always consult the in the White House who still has a he told them, had embarked on an sensitivity to what it means to be idealists, says Dennis Ross, who grandmother living in a hut on Lake improbable journey reclaiming are too many other means of deaths and destructions as well. on the receiving end of American served in Obama s State Depart- Victoria and has a sister who s half- freedom after decades of repres- It s not only the war that s killing our people daily. Here even power a product of the candi- ment and White House. One of Indonesian, married to a Chinese- sion. We are here today because date s years living abroad as those idealists, Michael McFaul, Canadian, then they re going to enough people ignored the voices the nature looks brutal. However, we can overcome all these well as a temperament finely at- a National Security Council direc- think that he may have a better who told them that the world could deadly challenges with unity, love, respect, integration and good tuned to the thoughts and beliefs tor who later became ambassador idea of what s going on in our lives not change, said Obama. The Cold of others. Little of this made it into to Russia, confirms that. Ben held and in our country. And they d be War had seemed implacable, just governance. Our history is abound with brutalities sometimes the reporting on the speech, the pen, and we kibitzed, McFaul right. Experience as a candidate as had the limits placed on a black man-made catastrophes and sometimes the brutalities of the na- which, to the immense frustration says. I kibitzed on every major only reinforced this sense of des- man in America. Obama was so of Obama s advisors, focused al- speech. That kibitzing, however, tiny. Dennis Ross accompanied energized that he was, uncharac- ture. Though, there is no way to escape natural disasters but most entirely on a passage in rarely extended beyond the White Obama on a trip to Berlin and oth- teristically, stabbing the air with a which the candidate had sought to House. Secretary of State Hillary er European capitals in the sum- long index finger. (To be con- organizations like National Disaster Management Authority dispose of lingering questions Clinton and Defense Secretary mer of 2008, and says that the rap- cluded: Courtesy FP) James should utilize all the available resources and energies at best to about his willingness to use force Robert Gates had little input. As turous reception Obama received Traub is a contributing editor at by asserting that if he had action- one former senior State Depart- everywhere the most delirious Foreign Policy. Follow him on reduce the disastrous effects of natural calamities. Since we able intelligence about high-value ment official told me, The White response to an American leader, in Twitter: @JamesTraub1. know that every year, brutal winter, and harsher weathers come as a killer, therefore NDMA should batten down the hatches. NDMA is well-aware that sometimes there are droughts, some- times floods and sometimes avalanches that kill our country- men year in, year out. Therefore, this organization needs to be well-equipped and manned with well trained staffs. It doesn t mean NDMA didn t perform well. But yes, the absence of met offices in provinces has been responsible for such higher death tolls. The government should establish met offices in provinces prone to natural disasters. Met offices will keep foretelling about likely natural disasters. When people are informed beforehand they should be taken to relatively safe places. Met offices should also establish relations with media so that media could inform masses in a timely and effective manner. Subscription Rates Categories Fee Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 3600 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 1800 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $200 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. 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MONDAY.MARCH 02 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Afghanistan war: Turkey s foreign policy after Arab Forgotten but not over Spring: An identity-based approach By David William Pear mind than did the US. And what chance to walk away from Afghan- is Pakistan s most important na- istan but it didn t take it. The US What Obama calls a responsible tional security concern? It is In- could have accepted Gorbachev s end to the Afghanistan War is to dia. Pakistan saw how effective and peace plan. It might have meant a not end it. Even though in Decem- relatively inexpensive (especially more stable Afghanistan with a ber 2014 there was a symbolic US when the funding was coming from secular government. The govern- and NATO flag lowering ceremo- the US and Saudi Arabia) a moti- ment of the PDPA in Afghanistan ny in Kabul, the US war in Af- vated force of fanatical Islamic gue- had accomplished many of the ghanistan still goes on even if for- rillas could be in defeating a super goals the US says it favors now. gotten. Obama has kept US boots power such as the Soviet Union. Women were attending school. on the ground in Afghanistan, They decided to turn that force Women were accepted into the boots in the air war, droning of against India too. What the US workforce. Women were not forced wedding parties and funerals, Spe- wanted from Pakistan was a quick to wear the burka. There was peace cial Forces night raids, indefinite total victory and the overthrow of and security for the population. A detentions, tortures, killing of the Najibullah government in Af- secular government was deter- women and children, destruction ghanistan. What Pakistan wanted mined to bring Afghanistan into the of infrastructure and carnage of was a strong Taliban ally in Af- modern age. Islamic fundamental- villages, towns and cities. Instead ghanistan that would be an ally ists were marginalized. Instead of of the war winding down there against India. Pakistan also want- accepting responsibility for setting were instead a record number of ed to promote civil war in Kash- Afghanistan backwards after the civilian deaths in Afghanistan in mir. Pakistan and India have fought Soviets left, the US would rather 2014. One reason that the US is three bloody wars over Kashmir promote the myth that it walked not leaving Afghanistan is because since 1947. Deep hostilities be- away from Afghanistan. The US of a myth that Afghanistan became tween these two nuclear-armed and the political pundits would a breeding ground for al-Qaeda be- states continue to this day. Osa- rather believe that Afghanistan was cause the US abandoned Afghani- ma bin Laden was also angered at a victim of benign neglect from the stan after the Soviets were defeat- the US for backing India in the US. This myth has been widely ed in 1989. The truth is more like- Kashmir dispute. In a Letter to spread by the fictionalized Holly- ly that the mistake the US made American People written by Osa- wood movie Charlie Wison s War was not honoring a United Nations ma bin Laden in 2002, he stated staring Tom Hanks. According to peace agreement worked out by that one of the reasons he was fight- foreign correspondent for the By Hossein Mofidi Ahmadi currently considered as the most Gaza or their passivity in the face been founding it increasingly diffi- the then Soviet Union leader ing America was because of US Guardian Jonathan Steele: The influential political, social and eco- of what Turkey considers as the cult to make a political and mili- Mikhail Gorbachev in Geneva. In- support for India on the Kashmir problem was not that the West An identity-based approach to nomic currents in Turkey. crimes committed by the Syrian tary decision about the involve- stead the US was pumped up with issue: You attacked us in Soma- walked away from Afghanistan Turkey s foreign policy will be a From the viewpoint of the regime against its own people. ment of Ankara in the war against triumphalism and stayed in Af- lia; you supported the Russian after the Russians withdrew in better way to explain actions tak- European layer of Turkey s iden- They consider such inaction and the ISIS. This issue alone is a pow- ghanistan and continued to fund atrocities against us in Chechnya, 1989, as one of the oldest myths en by this country subsequent to tity, a change in the country s passivity as one of the main fac- erful sign of the concern that the chaos, even after the Soviets left. the Indian oppression against us has it. The West stayed in the game developments known as the Arab former policy of détente with re- tors that have helped such terror- ruling elite of Turkey has about The historical lesson that the US in Kashmir, and the Jewish aggres- and maintained the wrong strate- Spring. It means that Turkey s for- gard to Syria following the wave ist groups as the ISIS to gain pow- the effect of the Kurdish fight should have learned from the So- sion against us in Lebanon. With gy, cynically blocking every eign policy actions at that junc- of Arab revolutions, and alliance er. Another effect that this identi- against the ISIS in increasing the viet Union s misadventure in Af- the fall of the Najibullah govern- chance for a negotiated end to the ture, like other actors in the region, of Ankara with a large group of ty layer has had is on the model of popularity and subsequent activi- ghanistan is that the best way to ment in 1992 the mujahedeen, Afghan civil war. The United States were rooted in the country s iden- European states for the overthrow governance that Turkish politicians ties of separatist Kurdish groups. end the war is to negotiate a diplo- which later became known as the bears a heavy burden of guilt for tity. In fact, it was due to the in- of the Syrian regime, were not un- proposed for the Arab world fol- In the meantime, further expansion matic peace agreement between all Northern Alliance, took power. that policy, and has suffered great- fluence of three-tier identity of related to Turkey s efforts to at- lowing the Arab Spring develop- of nationalistic and socialistic ideas sides, promote reconciliation and The Northern Alliance was made ly from the blowback of its short- Turkey, which has European, Is- tune its domestic and foreign pol- ments. Turkish officials maintain of the PKK and the Democratic the return of refugees, and make up of mostly non-Pashtun muja- sighted support for the fundamen- lamic and Turkish components in icies with Europe. First of all, a that their purposed model com- Union Party (PYD) has also stirred generous reparations in the form hedeen lead by Ahmad Shah Mas- talists who became al Qaeda and it, that the country has taken such change in Turkey s approach to bines freedom-seeking with search a great deal of concern among Turk- of financial aid. Then leave. In soud. The Northern Alliance tried the mujahedin who turned into the actions as taking part in a coalition Syria came about gradually and in for Islamic identity and, thus, can ish officials. Such concern will fur- 1986 the Soviet leader Mikhail but failed to form a unified gov- Taliban ..Ghosts of Afghanistan: of Arab and Western countries to early stages of Syria crisis when save citizens in regional countries ther increase if Kurds manage to Gorbachev was desperate to get ernment. Instead the country The Haunted Battleground by overthrow the ruling regime of Ankara was trying to mediate be- from the purgatory in which they stabilize their position in northern out of Afghanistan. In 1987 Gor- broke out in civil war between the Jonathan Steele (page 395). Ever Syria. Other actions taken by An- tween belligerent sides. By the have to choose between the cur- Syria. The Turkish officials are also bachev announced that the Soviet many different factions. The civil since the US invaded Afghanistan, kara that arose from that identity way, the balance between security rently dominant totalitarian mod- of the opinion that withdrawal Union would be withdrawing its war raged on until 1996 when the after blaming the Taliban for the included expression of concern and freedom in Syria is currently els, or the model offered by theo- between July and August 2011 of military from Afghanistan. He Pakistan backed Taliban took over responsibility of harboring 911- about the rising influence of Iran turning into a very important dis- cratic Islamists figures. For these Syria s security forces from north- thought that he had negotiated a government control and the muja- Terrorist Osama bin Laden, the US and other Shia groups in the re- course because this country sees reasons, Turkish officials believe eastern and northwestern parts of peace deal with the US to stabilize hedeen withdrew from Kabul. has vowed that it would not walk gion, having doubts about joining its security hinged on the estab- that establishment and strengthen- the country and from cities and Afghanistan after Soviet troops Over the years Pakistan, with fund- away and abandon Afghanistan a the anti-ISIS coalition despite Tur- lishment of more democratic and ing of ideas and institutions aris- towns close to the common bor- left. Under that deal the Soviets ing and support from the US and second time like it supposedly did key s concerns about increasing broad-based governments in its ing from Salafist and jihadist way der between Turkey and Syria, would withdraw its forces and in Saudi Arabia, had been setting up after the Soviets left. This myth power of this terrorist group, crit- periphery. Even within Turkey, of thinking and focus on reviving was done with the goal of engaging exchange the US would stop fund- Islamic schools, known as madras- that the US simply packed up its icism of the West s double stan- despite some problems, we are the old form of the Islamic caliph- Turkey in a conflict with Kurds ing the mujahedeen. Instead the US sas, among the millions of Afghan secret CIA war and walked away dards in the region, attaching im- currently witnessing gradual ate will lead to the collapse of na- and shifting Ankara s focus from reneged on the deal and continued Pashtun refugees from southeast and forgot all about the aftermath portance to expansion of democrat- strengthening of a special dis- tion-states in the region and is, toppling the Syrian regime. Atten- funding the civil war in Afghani- Afghanistan who had fled the So- is dangerous. It is what keeps the ic and overarching governments in course which is characterized by a therefore, a major rival for Turkey s tion to identity dimensions of for- stan until the overthrow of the viets to Pakistan. Many of these war going now. So, when the US the region, and expressing concern more broad-based definition of proposed model. eign policy interactions of Turkey government of President Moham- refugees during the 1980 s were and NATO lowered their flags at over rising global popularity of governance. It is through such a From the viewpoint of the and other important regional play- mad Najibullah in 1992. The US young boys when they fled with the Afghanistan Combat Com- Kurdish people. discourse that Turkey considered Turkish layer of the country s iden- ers will help analysts have a more had thought that the Najibullah their families. By the early 1990 s mand Center on December 08, Turkey s foreign policy ac- regional revolutions as major ef- tity, the most important issue is realistic understanding of foreign government would quickly fall af- they were young adults. Many of 2014 they vowed not to make the tions following the developments forts made by nations to get rid of the link between recent develop- policy strategies of these players. ter the Soviets pulled out in 1989. them had become radicalized Sun- same mistake of abandoning Af- that have come to be collectively their dictatorial rules. On the oth- ments in Iraq and Syria, on the one This understanding will also help Instead with the continued Soviet nis in the madrassas and they ghanistan again . Instead, in the known as the Arab Spring arose er hand, Ankara saw its own inter- hand, and the issue of Kurds, as better understanding of regional financial support, the government joined what became the Taliban. words of then Secretary of De- from the country s identity com- ests dependent on making efforts the most strategic security and coalitions and rivalry among such of Najibullah held on until the So- The US had turned a blind eye to fense Chuck Hagel: US boots will ponents, as has been the case with to help establish more democratic identity-related problem for Tur- countries as Turkey, Iran and Sau- viets finally withdrew their finan- the rise of the Taliban. They also remain on the ground in Afghani- other regional countries. The most and more broad-based govern- key, on the other hand. During re- di Arabia. It will specially help cial support in 1992. Without fi- turned a blind eye to Osama bin stan to protect the tremendous important of Turkey s identity ments in its surroundings. In fact, cent years, Ankara has been very analysts have a better grasp of the nancial support the Najibullah gov- Laden who had worked for the CIA progress the U.S. has accomplished components include its Turkish, from the viewpoint of Turkish of- intent on introducing a new con- nature of institutions which would ernment in Afghanistan fell to the during the war against the Soviets. over the past 13 years . He and Islamic and European layers. ficials, absence of broad-based na- cept of being Turkish, which would be able to introduce a new regional US backed mujahedeen. During all Osama and his family s construc- Obama have vowed that the war These three identity layers have tion-states in the region is one of also include the Kurdish minority order in the era that follows the those years the US just handed tion company had built tunnels and and chaos will go on for another been manifest in the policies of the the most important factors that in the country. This process, Arab Spring. At the same time, at- over billions of dollars in military caves in Afghanistan from which decade. What President Obama Justice and Development Party as have caused a wide gap between which has come to be known as tention to various layers of Tur- aid to Pakistan to distribute how to fight the Soviets. He also built and the US should have learned the ruling party. At the same time, Shias and Sunnis in the Arab Mid- normalization of the Kurdish key s identity will lead to better and to whom they wished. Never training camps for the Arab legions from the history of Afghanistan is they have been evident in the ac- dle East. problem, faced a serious challenge understanding of various reasons mind that Pakistan had very dif- that were recruited from the Mid- that it is the war that provides the tion taken by social groups that The Islamic layer of Turkey s due to the sudden breakout of re- behind Turkey s concern about es- ferent national security goals in dle East. In 1989 the US had a breeding ground for terrorists. support the party and which are identity has, for its own part, had gional developments, which have tablishment of independent Kurd- remarkable effects on the regional been described as Arab Spring. In ish political units. It also shows policies of Ankara. Since this lay- fact, as the issue of Turkey s Kurds why Turkey is paying so much er is mostly inclined toward Sunni has been desecuritized in a step attention to the need for the estab- Islam, Turkey feels alarmed about by step manner, the issue of sepa- lishment of more democratic and The US and Gulf are confused expanding influence of Iran and ratist Kurds has been, on the con- broad-based governments in the other Shia groups in the region. trary, greatly securitized. Reasons region, why it criticizes West s in- This week, a U.N. Security Coun- Secondly, this identity layer has for this issue include establishment action and double standards; why cil expert team said in a report that made rulers of Turkey suspicious of a semi-independent Kurdish re- it is concerned about establishment Saleh had amassed close to $60 of the policies and goals pursued gion in the northern part of Iraq as and further strengthening of over Yemen and Iraq billion in 30 years as Yemen s pres- by the Western countries in the well as creation of independent Salafist and jihadist groups; and ident, through corruption, embez- region. For example, a large group Kurdish colonies in Syria. There why Ankara is so much worried hind the scenes and plotting in se- Iraqi event, in tandem with the de- zlement, and commissions im- of the elites and politicians in Tur- is also another important issue in about the expansion of the influ- By Raghida Dergham cret to return to his devastating role termination of Ali Abdullah Saleh posed on oil companies. Accord- key have been slamming West for this regard: Due to widespread in- ence of Shia Muslims in the re- in Iraq s history is former Iraqi to enter into an alliance with the ing to the experts, he has stashed what they call Western double volvement of the Kurdistan Work- gion, or why it is still in doubt The return of former Yemeni Pres- Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Houthis and Iran to settle scores away these funds across 20 coun- standards, including the inaction of ers Party (PKK) in the recent war about joining the anti-ISIS coali- ident Ali Abdullah Saleh to blood- The common denominator between with Saudi Arabia and other GCC tries using other figures and com- the Western countries in the face against the ISIS terrorist group tion. This article as first seen at ily shaping the country s history Yemen s strongman and Iraq s countries, which had helped remove panies as fronts. The experts who of Israel s barbaric invasion of both in Iraq and Syria, Turkey has Iran Review. has not come overnight, on the eve strongman is that they both left him from power. The two men have report to the U.N. Yemen sanc- of the house arrest imposed by the power as a result of regional and an ugly agenda for Iraq and Yemen. tions panel told the Security Coun- Houthis on current President Abd international pressures and bargains If the Gulf leaders are serious and cil that Saleh facilitated it for the Rabbo Mansour Hadi before they in which the United States and the vigilant, they must develop a com- Houthis and al-Qaeda to expand The UN envoy to Syria s disastrous failure allowed him to flee to Aden - the GCC countries, as well as Iran, prehensive strategy for both Iraq their control in northern and south- capital of South Yemen before re- played important roles. The differ- and Yemen, two majorly important ern Yemen, and that he continues By Abdulrahman al-Rashed searching for food and shelters day highly respected humanitarian unification. Ali Abdullah Saleh, ence is that the Iraqi event attested countries for the Arabian Peninsula to run a broad network of finan- after day. De Mistura s four months missions. We know that he cannot since he agreed to step down three that Tehran had to sacrifice Nouri and the Gulf. Otherwise, the GCC cial, security, military, and politi- U.N. envoy to Syria Staffan de was wasted - Syrians only saw him do anything so dramatic as to do years ago, has been planning to al-Maliki in what appeared as signs countries will pay a heavy price, cal interests in Yemen that allowed Mistura has succeeded in achiev- smiling with Assad, who has killed what the majority want and get rid return to power either on the of strategic accords between Iran and not just Iraq and Yemen. The him effectively to avoid the effects ing only one thing: arousing anger more than a quarter of a million peo- of Assad and his regime. Never- Houthi bandwagon or through ele- and key Gulf powers, especially common denominator between Ye- of the sanctions imposed on him in most Syrians. He started his ple so far. Just like his predecessors, theless, he is expected to at least ments in the military establish- Saudi Arabia, as well as the United men s strongman and Iraq s strong- under U.N. Security Council reso- mission four months ago with a the U.N. envoy has filled the diplo- start from where the Geneva Con- ment, not to mention deploying his States. By contrast, the event in man is that they both left power as lution 2140. The panel s report disappointing plan based on a matic void. He has done what it takes ference ended, which stipulates the huge influence and financial assets Yemen is a clear indication of the a result of regional and internation- said, It is also alleged that Ali ceasefire in Aleppo. But he is yet to distract the various forces and the establishment of a new fusion gov- to buy loyalty and empower his absence of accords and reconcilia- al pressures and bargains in which Abdullah Saleh, his friends, his to accomplish anything. Although 20 million Syrians, who are mostly ernment formed with remnants of party, family, and son to retake tory strategies. Parallels The Irani- the United States and the GCC family and his associates stole he focused his ambitions on a ces- living without housing or basic Assad s regime but without the power at any cost. Another man an role backing the Houthis in Ye- countries, as well as Iran, played money from the fuel subsidy pro- sation of hostilities in only two needs. What does the international Syrian president himself, in addi- gram, which uses up to 10 per cent in the Arab region preparing be- men emerged in parallel with the important roles Raghida Dergha neighborhoods in Aleppo, the pro- envoy want to achieve if he fulfills tion to the opposition forces and of Yemen s gross domestic prod- posal didn t gain a significant re- his plan to stop fighting in the two representatives of all Syrian soci- uct, as well as other ventures in- sponse. Syrian President Bashar Aleppo neighborhoods for six ety, including Alawites. To a cer- ETTER TO THE EDITOR volving abuse of power, extortion al-Assad agreed on the ceasefire in weeks? Perhaps providing food sup- tain extent, it is close to what some L and embezzlement. Raghida just one neighborhood, because has Dergham is columnist and Senior plies? This was previously done of the regime s allies, such as the Diplomatic Correspondent for the no authority there. Meanwhile, the through a rescue mission, without it Russians, were saying over and Protest street harassment but not this way London-based Al Hayat, the lead- armed opposition didn t concern being considered a political solution. over; that they are not going to Afghans have passed through several problems and challenges and have borne the brunt of war and ing independent Arabic daily, since itself with the international en- Of course, de Mistura can throw the cling to Assad if an acceptable so- insecurity for past 30-plus years. No one was exception in this period. The wars and conflicts affected 1989. She writes a regular weekly voy s plans. De Mistura s mission ball in our court now and ask: What lution is found. Forging ahead with women, children, elders and all the society members. But after the 9/11 incident, the whole world enjoyed strategic column on International was more like a smoke curtain; he else can I do when I have neither the an acceptable solution is going to a change and Afghanistan was the core of this change. Political Affairs. Dergham is also a left the international coalition to power nor the authorization to im- be a difficult equation for de After toppling the Taliban regime, Afghans and their international allies established an interim govern- Political Analyst for NBC, MSN- fight on behalf of the regime in ar- pose international sanctions? What Mistura.Abdulrahman al-Rashed ment, and now Afghanistan is led by the second elected president in post-conflicts era. The government BC and the Arab satellite LBC. She eas occupied by ISIS, and disre- stirred the doubts of the Syrians in is the former General Manager of led by ex-President Hamid Karzai had great achievements during past 13 years, among which women s is a Contributing Editor for LA garded the daily systematic attacks the envoy s mission is that he Al Arabiya News Channel. A vet- rights was the major. But there are number of figures and organizations that misuse the freedom they have Times Syndicate Global View- perpetrated by Assad s forces in launched it saying that the future eran and internationally acclaimed been given in the past 13 years. Recently, a girl came out to the streets of Kabul with iron-made clothes. point and has contributed to: The civilian areas. The goal of Syria s plan is a regime approved by As- journalist, he is a former editor-in- She was member of civil society organization. She did this to protest street harassment. New York Times, The Washing- embattled president was and still sad! Abdulrahman al-Rashed We chief of the London-based leading Since we are Muslims, we should respect the directions of Islam regarding women s rights and imply ton Post, The International Her- is to expand the scope of the trag- know that de Mistura s authority Arab daily Asharq al-Awsat, where them in every aspect of our life. As an Afghan youth, I criticize the way that the girl protested street ald Tribune and Newsweek Mag- edy in order to force millions of does not outdo that of Angelina Jo- he still regularly writes a political harassment. There are several other ways that can protest this social taboo. Afghan youth have other great azine. Syrians to busy themselves with lie s, who is visiting the region in column. responsibilities. Protesting social problems in the way the girl did is not fair and does not suit our traditions. Hope the young generation realize this fact as soon as possible. Samim Ahmadi, Khairkhana, Kabul Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must have the writer s name and address. You may send your letters to: and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. [email protected] This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. MONDAY . MARCH 02, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Opposition mounts over Turkey s new security bill ISTANBUL: On a recent evening in the southwestern Turkish city of Manisa, 29-year-old Salih Kara gathered with fellow activists to protest the detention of Onur Kilic, a left-wing politician arrest- ed for calling Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a "thief" on Facebook. Hours after Kara re- turned from the small, nonviolent gathering in the city centre, police arrived at his doorstep, searched his home and declared that he, too, was under arrest for insulting Er- dogan. "If only I had shared my feelings online, I could have been arrested without the hassle of pro- testing at all," said Kara, whose tongue-in-cheek attitude could not conceal his fearful tone. "Every day, protesting becomes more of a crime." OPINION: Turkey's com- ing police state Concern has flared over the right to free assembly in Turkey after parliament partially approved a new security bill this week, vastly expanding police powers to detain demonstrators, conduct warrantless searches and use deadly force during violent protests. "No one will be allowed to drag Turkey into an environ- ment of chaos," Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu declared in a tele- vised address on Thursday. Davu- toglu described the bill as a securi- ty upgrade before parliamentary elections in June, warning against a repeat of deadly pro-Kurdish demonstrations that rocked the country in October. Almost 50 died during those protests, which erupted over Ankara's refusal to aid the Kurdish defenders of Kobane, a Syrian border town be- sieged by fighters with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Turkish troops pass smouldering Kobane to save shrine The bill fac- es unanimous opposition from parliament's three minority par- Despite the tense mood in the south, the Houthis have said they have no intention of pushing into that territory ties, but the ruling Justice and De- velopment Party (AKP) holds 312 Al Mukalla, Yemen - The ongoing Hilal, the latest gathering - during solidarity with him," Al Hilali said. sures merely to scare the Houthis, regain control of the cities. Earlier drive militants out of Abyan and of 550 seats in parliament and has expansion of northern Yemen's which tribespeople lined up doz- Yemen's feuding parties agree on who do not appear to be seriously this month, AQAP re-emerged again Shabwa in 2012. Many people use pledged to approve the bill unilat- Houthi rebels has prompted many ens of cars loaded with armed men transitional council By the end of contemplating an incursion into the when its fighters seized an army al-Qaeda as a scarecrow to main- erally. Parliament has since been tribes in the restive south to pull and weapons - aimed to send a the day, Bani Hilal approved form- south. "These are defensive mea- base in the province of Shabwa. tain their occupation of the south." rocked by two fistfights, a multi- together, despite the rebels' assur- message to the Houthis and al- ing an army of at least 10,000 armed sures aimed at repelling any attack Many people use al-Qaeda as a Despite the tense mood in the party sit-in by opposition depu- ances that they will not raid the Qaeda that the tribe was ready to men and 400 vehicles to defend the on their territories. Different fac- scarecrow to maintain their occu- south, the Houthis have said they ties, and nightly filibusters. After south. The Houthis, also known resist any possible incursion. "The province from intruders. On Feb- tions in the south would act togeth- pation of the south. Brigadier Tha- have no intention to push into that nine days of debate, only 33 of as Ansar Allah, have continued to aim of this parade is to get ready ruary 19, the powerful Al Awalik er if [they perceived a threat from bet Hussein, military analyst In the territory. Mohammed Al Magalih, 132 articles have been approved. expand their area of influence since to confront any force that could tribe got together in the same prov- the Houthis]," Hussein said. "The south, where conspiracy theory is a member of Houthi Revolution- "I have never seen parliament so taking control of the Yemeni capi- target Shabwa in particular and the ince for the same purpose, bracing Houthis have not declared any ag- rife, Al Hilali does not believe al- ary Committee that governs rebel- angry and tense, so divided be- tal on September 21. The rebels south in general," spokesperson for any possible incursion of gressive behaviour towards the Qaeda is as dangerous as the controlled regions, said they would tween the AKP and everyone else," reached the closest point to the Naji Al Asami Al Hilali told Al Houthis into their territories. Al south." RELATED: Hadi's come- Houthis. "The threat of al-Qaeda is leave Hadi and his men to run the said Aykut Erdogdu, a deputy for south when they seized the prov- Jazeera. "We wanted also to send Awalik said they would form an back a game changer in Yemen But overstated," he said. "There is some south while they worked on build- the opposition Republican Peo- ince of Baydha on February 10; a message of solidarity and cheer army of 3,000 men equipped with as the tribes in Shabwa displayed collaboration among some security ing state institutions in the capi- ple's Party (CHP). Injured when a subsequently, anxious tribes with- to President Abd-Rabbu Mansour 200 armed vehicles. Also in the their firepower, al-Qaeda fighters officials to allow al-Qaeda to con- tal. "The armed forces and the pop- gavel struck him in the chest dur- in the borders of the formerly in- Hadi over his arrival to Aden." south, tribespeople from the Yafae appeared to be in the wings, waiting trol the base to create a rationale ular committees would not inter- ing a brawl last week, Erdogdu dependent south began staging Hadi had been under strict house tribes in Abyan province have been for any chance to recapture some for the Houthis to enter Shabwa." vene in people's affairs in the south warned that the bill allows police public gatherings. This week, hun- arrest by the Houthis for a month on high alert since the Houthis territory in the province. Yemen's Officials have repeatedly denied and would not have any security to initiate strip searches or vehicle dreds of members of the Bani Hi- when he broke free last week, flee- stormed the neighbouring Bayda branch of al-Qaeda in the Arabian such claims, which are common in or military presence there," Al searches without a court warrant. lal tribe flexed their muscles in a ing to Aden. As the Houthis threat- province. Armed men have posi- Peninsula (AQAP) capitalised on the south; Washington has also ac- Magalih said in a recent post to That provision was approved ear- military parade in the southern ened to try him for treason, some tioned themselves on the mountains, the central government's struggle cused the Houthi-aligned former his Facebook page. But the Houthi lier this week, along with an article province of Shabwa, days after southern tribes expressed solidar- with weapons aimed near the bor- with its adversaries during the President Ali Abdullah Saleh of us- leader did not rule out the possi- extending non-court-approved de- another powerful tribe displayed ity and vowed to defend him if the der. Commenting on the sporadic youth-led protests of 2011, ulti- ing al-Qaeda operatives to carry out bility of entering the south if the tention periods from 24 to 48 its arsenal in the same province. Houthis were to chase him to tribal gatherings, Brigadier Thabet mately gaining control of a large attacks in a bid to weaken Hadi. "people of Aden" asked for a res- hours, he said. The death of eight RELATED: Voices from Yemen: Aden. "We assigned some mem- Hussein, a military analyst from the swath of land in Shabwa and Aby- According to Hussein, however, cue from pro-Hadi militiamen, or people during nationwide protests 'We are on the verge of war' Ac- bers of the tribe to travel to Aden south, told Al Jazeera that the tribes an. It took the army and allied mili- "the tribes are able to defeat al-Qae- if al-Qaeda were to take control of in 2013 garnered international con- cording to a spokesperson for Bani to meet President Hadi [and] show were taking these defensive mea- tiamen months to defeat them and da. For example, they managed to the south. (AL JAZEERA) cern for police abuses in Turkey, "but the new law goes a step fur- ther, formalising the most troubling practices of the police," Erdogdu Who was Boris told Al Jazeera. Davutoglu has dis- US-Israel ties fraying over missed criticisms of the law, de- claring on Thursday that "every sentence of the law conforms to Nemtsov and why universal [human rights] stan- Netanyahu speech, Iran talks dards". He argued that the crimi- nalisation of protesters covering was he murdered? their faces had been copied from ances against Israel and Europe- similar laws in EU states, while an ans are losing patience with Israel article that allows police to use fire- over settlement building on occu- he gunning-down of Russian opposition leader Boris Y. Nemtsov arms against Molotov-cocktail- pied land. Obama also has the has some pundits consumed with the whodunit. Nemtsov admit wielding protesters would reduce option of trying to restart mori- Tted fears for life weeks before murder AFP But one expert on violence in the country's predom- bund Middle East peace efforts and Russian politics, who knew the victim professionally, says any theory inately Kurdish southeast. "All putting more pressure on Israel for that doesn t begin and end with Russian President Vladimir Putin doesn t [opposition parties] are now de- concessions to the Palestinians. hold water. Author and Russia political expert Amy Knight says in an fending the Molotov cocktail," by Whether he does so could depend interview that she barely slept Friday night after hearing of the death of filibustering the bill, Davutoglu partly on the outcome of Israel s Nemtsov, whose work she has edited for American publication and has said. "They are a Molotov coali- March 17 election, when Netan- worked with via telephone. Recommended: Vladimir Putin 101: A quiz tion." But even pro-government yahu faces a stiff challenge from about Russia's president The biggest theory which dumbfounded me is pundits have even expressed con- the center-left. Netanyahu is the notion that Nemtsov s own party ordered his murder because that s cerns over the law. "Honestly, I expected to use his speech to urge just absolutely ridiculous and I can t even believe it s being dignified, find the powers of detention being lawmakers to approve new sanc- Knight says. "This was a man with whom I have spoken many times granted to police and civil author- tions against Iran despite Obama s over the phone. He is someone I respect for his courage, his keen obser- ities to be problematic," wrote col- insistence that such legislation vations about Vladimir Putin and his rigorous attention to detail and umnist Abulkadir Selvi in Yeni would sabotage nuclear talks and research. Ms. Knight has a PhD degree in Russian politics at the Lon- Safak, a leading pro-AKP daily. he would veto it. It has driven a don School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). She worked for 18 RELATED: Turkish-Kurdish re- rare wedge between his government years at the U.S. Library of Congress as a Soviet/Russian affairs special- lations threatened by ISIL Tur- and some congressional Demo- ist. In 1993-94, she was a fellow at the Woodrow Wilson International key's history of police violence crats. Some two dozen or more of Center for Scholars. Her books include Who Killed Kirov and Spies has been in the spotlight since them plan to boycott the speech, Without Cloaks. Knight addressed the theories presented in the media 2013, when the country was according to unofficial estimates. and by the Kremlin about who killed Nemtsov and why. Nemtsov, 55, rocked by a summer of anti-gov- WASHINGTON: As relations be- remain so. But the rift - shaping shared interest in keeping the alli- Using strikingly strong language, was a former first deputy prime minister and a leader of the Russian ernment protests. By expanding, tween President Barack Obama and up as the worst in decades between ance strong. People on both Obama s national security adviser political opposition. The Investigative Committee of the Prosecutor rather than curtailing, police pow- Benjamin Netanyahu hit a new low the allies due to its partisan nature sides, including current and former Susan Rice called the political par- General s Office said in a statement, according to The New York Times, ers in the aftermath of those pro- over the Israeli prime minister s could have a real impact in some officials, U.S. lawmakers, indepen- tisanship caused by Netanyahu s that Nemtsov's murder may have been intended to build support for a tests, Ankara "is sending a mes- planned speech to Congress and a areas, making it harder for Israel to dent experts and Washington lob- coming address destructive to the government opposition rally scheduled for March 1. The investigation sage that police are not going to be looming deadline for a nuclear deal press concerns directly with se- byists, expressed concern about a fabric of the relationship with Is- is considering several versions, the statement said. The first on the list held accountable for cracking down with Iran, there are growing signs it nior U.S. officials, for example. broader fallout on ties. At the rael. What the prime minister is in that statement was a murder as a provocation to destabilize the on protests the government does could damage the broader U.S.-Is- As one former U.S. official put it: same time many of them point to doing here is simply so egregious political situation in the country, where the figure of Nemtsov could not like," Nate Schenkkan, a Eur- raeli alliance. Already there has Sure, when Netanyahu calls the the two countries history of be- that it has a more lasting impact have become a sort of sacrificial victim for those who stop at nothing to asia expert at Freedom House, told been some fraying of the usually White House, Obama will answer. ing able to compartmentalize on that fundamental underlying achieve their political goals. The committee also suggested that Islamic Al Jazeera. My friend was arrest- strong relationship amid the frosty But how fast will he be about re- diplomatic disputes to preserve relationship, said Jeremy Ben- extremists had killed Nemtsov in response to his views on the Charlie ed for protesting my arrest, which personal ties between the two lead- sponding (to a crisis)? U.S. cooperation on other shared pri- Ami, head of J Street, a liberal pro- Hebdo shootings in Paris. And the committee floated the theory that his occurred because I protested the ers and a deepening divide over the officials last month even went as orities. There are ways that Israel lobbying group aligned with murder may be connected to the Ukraine conflict, where Russia-backed arrest of someone else. It's a very Iran talks, which Israel fears will al- far as accusing the Israeli govern- Obama, whose aides see an Iran Obama s Iran policy. Netan- separatists have been fighting Ukrainian forces since last April. Nemts- bad time to give the police even low its arch foe to develop an atom ment of leaking information to the nuclear deal as a potential signa- yahu, who will address the influ- ov had said he had evidence that proved Russia's direct involvement in more power. Salih Kara, Turkish bomb. U.S. officials are fuming Israeli media to undermine Iran ne- ture achievement for a foreign pol- ential pro-Israel lobby AIPAC on the separatist rebellion, reported The Associated Press As usual, the Monday, has remained defiant. wild speculation isn t surprising from one end to the other. The Kremlin protester The law has also com- over what they see as an affront by gotiations and took the unusual icy legacy short on major success- has its propaganda machine cranked all the way up for this one toss- plicated the government's bid to Netanyahu over Obama's Iran diplo- step of limiting further sharing of es, could make his displeasure felt Even so, he is expected to try to ing out everything it can think of in hopes the media will latch on, conclude a bloody, three-decade in- macy ahead of an end-of-March sensitive details about the talks. in the final two years of his presi- keep tensions from spiraling. And Knight says. Think about this for a moment. If you are someone who surgency waged by Kurdish sepa- deadline for a framework nuclear The rift is considered potentially dency. Israelis have long fretted no one believes the Obama admin- opposes Putin right now and you see a high-profile leader shot in the ratists in the country's southeast. agreement. Israeli officials and far-reaching because it marks a dra- over the possibility that Washing- istration would abandon it should street, you are going to be afraid. I believe that s a far more credible On Saturday, Turkey's pro-Kurd- hard-line U.S. supporters are just as matic departure from Israel s long ton might not be as diligent about a new military conflict erupt with motive than to say it was his own party or a foreign faction, etc. Knight ish Peoples' Democratic Party adamant in defending Netanyahu s tradition of carefully navigating shielding Israel at the United Na- Hamas in the Gaza Strip or with refers back to the political assassination of Galina Starovoitova in St. (HDP) made a joint peace state- right to take center-stage in Wash- between Republicans and Demo- tions and other international orga- Hezbollah in Lebanon. "Let s Petersburg in 1998 as a frame of reference for Nemtsov s slaying. Staro- ment with Ankara, renewing the ington on Tuesday to sound the crats. A U.S. official, speaking nizations. One Israeli official not forget the U.S. needs every voitova was gunned down in the lobby of her apartment building, shot party's commitment to a two- alarm over the possible deal. U.S. on condition of anonymity, said acknowledged the prospect is now friend it has in the Middle East," three times in the head, says Knight. It was typical of Russian con- year-old ceasefire. Kurdish politi- and Israeli officials insist that key the politicized nature of Netan- more worrisome when the Pales- said Aaron David Miller, a former tract killings. This murder is more in line with that kind of action. cians had earlier refused to read the areas of cooperation from counter- yahu s visit threatens what un- tinians are resorting increasingly to Middle East negotiator for Demo- Starovoitova was an outspoken member of the Russian Parliament and statement, citing concerns over the terrorism to intelligence to cyber se- dergirds the strength of the rela- global forums like the Internation- cratic and Republican administra- had declared candidate for governor of the region around St. Petersburg security bill. (AL JAZEERA) curity have been unaffected and will tionship , though he said there was al Criminal Court to press griev- tions. (Reuters) at the time of her death. (BBC) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. MONDAY . MARCH 02, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES ECB braces for QE as others shift rates RUSSELS: Greek funding and quantitative easing in Europe, an expected rate cut LONDON: The latest episode of B Greece's debt crisis has revived in Australia and the buoyant U.S. labor market are set to be the fo- doubts about the long-term surviv- cus of an economic week dominat- al of the euro, nowhere more so ed by a host of central bank meet- than in London, Europe's main fi- ings. Greece may have secured an nancial center and a hotbed of Eu- extension of its bailout last week, roskepticism. The heightened risk but it remains reliant on emergen- of a Greek default and/or exit comes cy funding. The European Central just as there are signs that the euro Bank's Governing Council con- zone is turning the corner after sev- venes in Cyprus on Thursday and en years of financial and economic may take a decision on whether to crisis and that its perilous internal accept Greek government bonds as imbalances may be starting to di- collateral for its direct ECB fund- minish. To skeptics, the election ing, which it stopped doing at the of a radical leftist-led government start of February. If the ECB does in Athens committed to tearing up not - and it most likely will not - it Greece's bailout looks like the start could be forced to prolong the pro- of an unraveling of the 19-nation vision of Emergency Liquidity currency area, with southern coun- Assistance (ELA) to the Greek tries rebelling against austerity central bank. "The Greek question while EU paymaster Germany will be a hot topic," said ING Chief rebels against further aid. A last- Eurozone Economist Peter Vanden ditch deal to extend Greece's bail- Houte. "(Greek Finance Minister out for four months after much Yanis) Varoufakis has been saying kicking and screaming between the country is counting on the ECB Athens and Berlin did little to ease for finances over the next few fears that the euro zone's weakest months." ECB President Mario link may end up defaulting on its Draghi is also expected to provide official European creditors. U.S. further details on the bank's 1 tril- economist Milton Friedman's lion euro ($1.1 trillion) government aphorism - "What is unsustainable bond buying program, which be- will not be sustained" - is cited fre- gins in March. He may face ques- quently by those who believe mar- tions about the program's ability ket forces will eventually over- to reach its target, such as how the whelm the political will that holds ECB intends to convince domes- the euro together. Countries that share a single currency cannot de- tic banks to sell their government value when their economies lose debt, with the prospect of then competitiveness, as occurred in parking the money with the ECB southern Europe in the first de- at a negative interest rate. The ECB cade of the euro's existence. There will also release new economic fore- is no mechanism for large fiscal casts. Chief Economist Peter Pra- transfers between member states. et said last week that it was likely So the only option has been a to revise upward its expectations wrenching "internal devaluation" for growth in the euro zone, with by countries on the periphery of low oil prices and a weak euro help- the euro area, involving real wage, ing. The ECB will be just one of pension and public spending cuts many central banks to meet. The and mass unemployment that has Reserve Bank of Australia opens caused deep social distress. Aus- A Greek (L) and a European flag flutter outside the Greek embassy in Brussels proceedings on Tuesday, its board terity has fueled radical forces of meeting a month after it surprised political protest and may be run- zone bonds or cross-border fiscal avert deflation. ECB action can now the fastest growing econo- some shackles on business such as hancing reforms with more time to markets with a quarter percentage ning out of democratic road - not transfers. There is scant support only buy time for governments to mies in the currency bloc. Portu- Sunday trading and plans new cut their deficits and debt. Another cut to its cash rate to 2.25 percent. just in Greece - but none of the anywhere for closer political and implement structural economic re- gal too is perking up. German wag- steps to ease labor regulation. Ital- encouraging sign is that lending to A wafer-thin majority of econo- alternative ways out of the euro economic integration of the euro forms that could close the com- es are rising faster than prices, giv- ian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi businesses in Italy and Spain is pick- mists polled by Reuters expect a zone's economic divergence dilem- area. "The strategy of the euro zone petitiveness gap by raising poten- ing a boost to consumer spending has introduced a jobs act to ease ing up following last year's ECB further reduction to 2 percent to ma looks remotely plausible. "The has been to wait for something to tial growth over time. But coun- and raising the prospect that infla- hiring and firing and is making stress tests of European banks and spur an economy hit by lower pric- history of the gold standard tells turn up," says a senior figure in tries like France and Italy largely tion in the bloc's biggest economy progress on reform to streamline their interest rates are falling, nar- es for its raw material exports and us that an asymmetric adjustment the British financial establishment, failed to use that breathing space may outpace the rate in southern parliament and the electoral sys- rowing the gap with the euro zone to keep downward pressure on the process involving internal devalu- who observed the euro zone crisis in 2013-14 to shake up labor mar- Europe for several years. That tem. "Spain shows that reform is core. "What worries me is that some ation in debtor countries, with no from close up but outside. "In the kets, pension and welfare systems. would make economic adjustment possible to create a growth envi- of the factors behind the rebound Australian dollar. A day later, it will corresponding inflation in the core, 1930s, World War Two turned up. Yet things can go right as well as more symmetrical, and less ago- ronment and significant job cre- are temporary," Speranza said. be the Bank of Canada's turn to is unlikely to be economically or Maybe something else will turn wrong. A nascent cyclical recov- nizing for the south. There are also ation," said Luigi Speranza, co- "Structural reforms could make that decide on rates. It too surprised politically sustainable," economic up," he said, speaking on condi- ery in the euro zone, aided by lower signs that France and Italy, the euro head of European economics at more sustainable and build confi- with a 25 basis point cut to 0.75 historians Kevin O'Rourke and tion of anonymity. The European oil prices, a weaker euro and ECB zone's second and third largest BNP Paribas bank in London. dence." A Greek default or exit from percent at its last meeting in Janu- Alan Taylor wrote in the Journal Central Bank has acted at key money-printing, may narrow the economies, are finally tackling "The return of growth could make the euro zone - whether by "Grexi- ary, citing risks to its outlook from of Economic Perspectives in 2013. moments to hold the euro zone imbalances that have led skeptics some of the economic reforms that it easier for Renzi to make reforms dent" or intention - could shatter that week oil prices. By contrast it is "What is desirable for the euro together, vowing in 2012 to do to predict the euro's demise. Ire- politicians long feared to touch, in Italy, and Hollande in France." returning trust, even though Athens seen holding fire on Wednesday, zone may not be feasible." Ger- "whatever it takes" to save the land and Spain, which have been albeit at a slow and gradual pace. The European Commission's bud- accounts for just two percent of the with a cut seen more likely in the many has so far been unwilling to currency and now launching a mas- through the wringer of austerity French President Francois Hol- get leniency for Paris and Rome bloc's economy. So Greece's fate re- second quarter. On the same day see either higher inflation, debt for- sive program of buying government programs and structural reforms in lande's government has just may assist that process by reward- mains entwined with the euro's sur- elsewhere, a rate cut is expected in giveness, issuing common euro bonds to spur the economy and return for European assistance, are rammed through a bill to loosen ing them for planned growth-en- vival. (Reuters) eastern Europe's largest economy, Poland, to counter declining con- sumer prices.. Brazil's central China s bank, by contrast, is seen raising Ukraine s new US-born finance interest rates for a third straight central bank time as inflation races above the government's 4.5 percent target. chief enduring baptism by fire cuts rates The Bank of England is expected KIEV: War-torn Ukraine is a long front for gas supplies at a time when er has any ownership or control at again to boost to keep rates unchanged at its meet- way from Wood Dale, Illinois. But it is quickly running out of money. Horizon Capital. Jaresko's ap- ing on Thursday. In the United Natalie Jaresko, the country's new Ukraine and Russia will hold more pointment gifted Russia's state economy States, labor market data for Feb- finance minister who was born and talks on the gas issue Monday. media a line of attack an Amer- ruary on Friday are likely to be raised in the Chicago suburbs, says Jaresko's first success in the job ican banker representing Washing- EIJING: China's central the highlight of the economic ARACHI: Cheaper arrival price and ITPs of different sizes she feels just as much at home here came this month when she clinched ton's interests rather than the bank cut interest rates for week, a major data point ahead of of foreign tiles, thanks to of ceramic and porcelain tiles is as she takes on a daunting task: over- a promise for a $40 billion four- Ukrainian people but Jaresko Bthe second time in three the Federal Reserve's rate-setting Klow import trade price causing huge revenue losses not hauling a Soviet-era economy at a year lifeline from the International says she does not feel any need to months, adding to signs the coun- committee meeting on March 17- (ITP) regime in place from 2010, only on the local industry but the time when public finances are being Monetary Fund and Western na- prove her Ukrainian credentials. try's leaders are worried the eco- 18. Economists polled by Reuters is hurting the local industry. A government as well, he explained. drained by war. It's been a baptism tions. However, that eye-catching "I've always been a Ukrainian. I'm nomic slowdown is deepening too are forecasting a healthy 240,000 spokesman of Pakistan Ceramic He said the influx of Chinese tiles, of fire for the 49-year-old former headline figure includes up to $15 a Ukrainian citizen now, that's a sharply. The People's Bank of rise in non-farm payrolls last Tiles Manufacturers Association on which already lower ITPs were banker, who only got her Ukrainian billion of expected debt renegotia- difference, but I have worked and China announced a rate cut on one- month. If confirmed, it would be (PCTMA) on Saturday asked the fixed by the government under the citizenship the day she was ap- tion with private investors by the lived in this country - this is my year loans by commercial banks the 12th straight month of job gains government to increase the ITP to Free Trade Agreement (FTA), had pointed minister in December but government in Kiev, a sum which is home - for 23 years," she said. "Like by 0.25 percentage point to 5.35 support the local manufacturers. encouraged their imports. Last has lived in the country for over by no means guaranteed. High- any minister right now, I feel the percent. The interest rate paid on of over 200,000, the longest such a one-year deposit was lowered by streak since a 13-month run in We demand removal of an anom- year 15 million tiles were import- two decades. She hopes the fact she stakes debt renegotiations are like- need to prove my credentials as a aly for imported tiles and logical ed from China. The government is not part of the entrenched polit- ly to start by the second week of reformer, but I don't think it makes 0.25 point to 2.50 percent. Rates 1994-95. It should be enough to were last cut on Nov. 22. The new persuade the Fed that the econo- implementation of correct valua- should exclude the tiles from the ical elite will help as she attempts a March and conclude by June, ac- a difference that I was previously tion, he asserted. Talking to me- FTA list with China which is be- root-and-branch reform of the econ- cording to Jaresko, who says her an American citizen." Ukrainian rates take effect Sunday. Last year, my could cope with a rate hike and China's economic growth fell to may prompt it to alter its forward dia he said raw material for local ing re-negotiated, he requested. omy. "I don't see myself as a politi- U.S. background gives Ukraine an law obliges Jaresko to renounce her production of tiles was available Tiles were placed in No Conces- 7.4 percent the lowest since guidance language, in particular cian," she told The Associated Press edge. "Coming from the private sec- American passport within two which can save precious foreign sion category while signing FTA 1990. It is expected to decline fur- dropping its view that it will be at her office in the Ukrainian capi- tor and coming from the Western years, although she declined to say exchange on its import, besides the with China on the request of the tal, Kiev. "I'm a technocrat minister side, I can understand both the de- whether she had yet done so. Jares- ther this year, and a steep econom- "patient" in normalizing monetary sector would be creating jobs and local industry, but unfortunately ic decline can raise the risk of po- policy. The missing part of the and I don't have a political career mands and the perspectives of the ko is one of three foreign-born cab- business opportunities. All the few PCTs relating to tiles were in- ahead of me. I'm not running for creditors as well as . the Ukrainian inet ministers as President Petro litically dangerous job losses. The Fed action puzzle is inflation. U.S. cost indicators wages, transpor- advertently included in Category- office." The job is as big as it is side and the Ukrainian perspective," Poroshenko looks to bring in out- latest round of cuts follow a string consumer prices fell year-on-year tation and energy etc are increas- IV. Tiles importers took full un- urgent. She estimates that the war she said. "Bringing those two to- side expertise. Mirroring the poli- of tax reductions and other mea- for the first time since 2009 in Jan- ing in China and other countries, due advantage and circumvented has consumed about 20 percent of gether is a skill set that I bring to cy that brought her into govern- sures aimed at propping up uary, supporting the view of those but surprisingly the ITPs in Paki- duties and taxes during last five the economy, taking out a region the table." After studying at DeP- ment, Jaresko has assembled a growth. The government cut busi- that believe the Fed will wait until stan had been decreased. The ITP years. This backdoor is still open rich in industry and commodities. aul University in Chicago, during multinational team partnering ness taxes last week and has an- September to start raising rates, for Iran was fixed in March 2014 and the importers are routing most Corruption is endemic throughout which time she lived in the Ukrai- U.S.-educated Ukrainians with nounced a pay hike for civil ser- even though core inflation inched while further 20 per cent discount of their imports through PCTs Ukraine. Red tape and a lack of fi- nian Village neighborhood, Jaresko's advisers seconded from the U.S., vants. The lower rates are expect- up. "The precise timing is proba- was given on Iranian and Middle which appear on the concessional nancing are hindering business. For- moved in the mid-1990s to Kiev as German and Polish governments, ed to reduce financial costs for state bly based on inflation. Our view is Eastern tiles in December 2014, category of the FTA. He said the eign investors are wary of the geo- head of the economic section at the as well as Ivan Miklos, who re- companies and are a signal to state- that it will be September, with June the spokesman lamented. China cost of production is rapidly ris- political instability. Inflation is fore- U.S. embassy. She then ran the formed the tax system as Slova- owned banks to boost lending to an outside possibility," said Bernd produces 5,200 million square ing in China and their minimum cast to hit a staggering 26 percent Western NIS Enterprise Fund kia's finance minister from 2010- them. Economic growth in the Weidensteiner, economist at Com- metres of tiles yearly of which 584 wages are three times higher than this year as the hryvnia currency (WNISEF), which invests USAID 12. "I think it's important for us world's second-largest economy merzbank. If inflation is indeed the million square metres are export- Pakistan. Under this scenario it has fallen 70 percent since last year, funds into small and medium-sized not to reinvent the wheel," she has slowed down steadily over the ed. As under-invoicing and mis- seems illogical that the prices of when former President Viktor businesses in Ukraine and Moldo- said, adding that her foreign advis- past two years, mostly as a result key, the focus on Friday could be of government efforts to steer the less the jobs figures than average declaration of imported tiles is tiles could go down in China Yanukovych was ousted by popu- va. She and her then-husband later ers should "help us to skip over rampant, the low ITPs are adding whereas the ITPs of Chinese tiles lar protests. Amid all this, the gov- founded Horizon Capital, an invest- many of the steps, or many of the economy to more self-sustaining earnings, which posted the great- growth based on domestic con- est absolute gain since mid-2007 to the woes of the local industry. have reduced from $4.57 per square ernment is living a hand-to-mouth ment firm that now manages mistakes, that may have been A large gap between the original metre in 2011 to $2.51 in 2013. existence it must pay Russia up WNISEF. Jaresko says she no long- made by others in the past." sumption and to reduce reliance on in January. trade and investment. Eswar Pras- The growth is seen easing to a still ad, an economics professor at Cor- healthy 0.2 percent in February, nell University, noted that China with a SmartEstimate pointing to Yemen signs aviation deal with Iran: State news agency has been a primary driver of global a stronger 0.3 percent. Finally, the economic growth and that the slow- prospects for a Chinese recovery emen and Iran signed a civil seized Yemen's capital in Septem- down will have a negative ripple should become clearer after offi- aviation deal on Saturday, ber, which eventually led President effect throughout the world. Still, cial National Bureau of Statistics YYemeni state news agency Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi to flee Jay Bryson, global economist for numbers on Sunday and final SABA reported, a move that may this month to the port city of Aden Wells Fargo Securities in Charlotte, HSBC/Markit purchasing manag- reflect Tehran's support for the where he is seeking to set up a ri- North Carolina, emphasized that ers' index data on Monday and Shiite Muslim militia that now val power center. Sunni countries China's economy is still growing, Wednesday. Last week's flash controls Sanaa. in the Gulf fear that events in Ye- just at a slower rate. "China is not HSBC/Markit PMI showed activ- The deal signed in Tehran by the men show Shiite power Iran as- collapsing. You're looking at a ity in Chinese factories edged up aviation authorities of both coun- serting its influence, something country that was growing at dou- to a four-month high in February tries allows Yemen and Iran each Tehran denies. U.S. officials have ble digits, and now it's only going but export orders shrank at their to fly up to 14 flights a week in also expressed concern that the rule to grow 6 to 7 percent," he said. fastest rate in 20 months. On Sat- both directions, SABA said. The of the resolutely anti-American "We're talking about slower global urday, China's central bank cut in- websites of the Iranian and Yeme- Houthis will harm their counter- growth, not another 2009," he add- terest rates for the second time in ni national airlines indicated there terrorism efforts in a country that ed, referring to the global financial just over three months to support were currently no flights between has one of the most active branch- crisis. The impact of the slowdown the world's second largest econo- the two. es of the Sunni Islamist militant will vary depending on a country's my. The Shiite Muslim Houthi militia group al Qaeda. exposure to China. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. MONDAY . MARCH 02 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES A show of polarised AESTHETICS

ollywood actor has Sonam Kapoor tested positive for swine flu, India Today reported on Saturday. She was admitted to a hospital in Rajkot after she complained of sore throat and high fever. The actor was shooting for Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, which also stars Salman Khan, when she fell ill. Sonam Kapoor tested positive for swine flu today [Friday] and she is being treated at Sterling hospital in the city, Rajkot district collector Manisha Chandra said. She probably contracted swine flu from her physical trainer in Mumbai and by the time she came here she was already suffering from the symptoms, added Chandra. Red carpet round-up: 2015 Vanity Fair/Elton John Oscar after-party The A-listers on the Oscars red carpet were the epitome of glam- our and sophistication, with most stars looking graceful in their floor- kissing gowns. However, the af- ter-parties were a whole different affair altogether, with celebrities trying their best to grab the lime- light in a little more chilled-out fash- ion. While some celebs amazed us with rocking ensembles, others let The second and last day of this year s Trade Development Author- us down. Here s a round-up of ity of Pakistan (TDAP) Fashion Showcase boasted a line-up of their looks. designers, who pushed sartorial boundaries with sleek and modern Alessandra Ambrosio silhouettes. The Victoria s Secret angel Juxtaposing innovative techniques with popular fabrics in a range donned a mischievous look by of hues, the collections were a mix of yays and nays. stepping out in a glitzy red strap- Appeared to have been inspired by Rumi, Zahid Khan s collec- less Atelier Versace gown. The deep tion elevated georgette and silk. The chic use of burnt brown shades scarlet hue complemented the blended with deep cream-coloured tones, and the elaborate waist- model s olive tan. Alessandra ac- coats and full-length tunics paired with over-coats permeated looked cessorised with dazzling Chopard serene on the runway. rings and bracelets. Letting loose Huma Adnan s design label was an elaborate showcase of em- her brunette locks and sporting a broidery, stylised pants and boldly-textured skirts. With patchwork bouncy side-parted hairdo, she patterns in pulsating shades, outsized accessories and bold crop looked strikingly good. tops, the brand exuded a tapestry-like feel. The Wrecking Ball singer Naushaba Brohi s label brought forward a fusion of East and looked like a wreck in a white Schi- West by utilising Sindhi mirror work and ethnic embroidery in a aparelli Couture jumpsuit that had subtle fashion. Pastel shades and ivory dominated the colour palette a mish-mash of gaudy graphic and the use of ralli work added to the collection s edgy appeal. prints. She wore black bolero Nida Tapal demonstrated workmanship through her compilation Brian Atwood shoes, a flimsy of crochet ensembles with diverse hemlines. Modern silhouettes paired black scarf that resembled a rag, with glistening sequinned crochet fabric in ivory, cobalt-blue, hibis- and a ruby-red heart-shaped Ju- cus-pink and deep lavender livened up the senses. dith Leiber clutch. Not quite her Exhibiting the craftsmanship of the rural woman of Sindh on the best look, but she accessorised with ramp, the collection featured reflective mirror work on basic ashen exquisite Lorraine Schwartz dia- background, a move that helped put the accent on the intricate em- monds that glimmered at the event. broidery and structured motifs. The 31-year-old former Victo- The florescent-green capsule collection comprised Western wear ria s Secret model showed off her stylised on simple cuts. Embroidered shimmering designs coupled enviable frame in a form-fitting with ruffled details and flirty slits emphasised the simplicity and custom Emilio Pucci gown. The versatility of the ensembles. ivory floor-grazing number fea- Playing with karandi fabric, the collection elevated grey and beige tured gold sequins detailing on the tones to chic status. Paying attention to detail, the ramp was busy edges and cut-outs on the waist. with accessory-laden models, sporting ultramodern poncho styles, The supermodel polished up her layered details and bohemian-inspired satchels. look with a red pout, Lorraine The exclusively men s collection illustrated conventional sher- Schwartz jewels, Jimmy Choo wanis with a twist. The line featured complex embroidery paired heels, and with her chestnut locks with beaded statement-making waistcoats. Beige fused with gold resting on one shoulder. needlework was a dominant trend. The Heart Wants What It With the laser-cut technique at play, the white embroidery paired Wants singer stunned in a jet-black with gold needlecraft was the highlight of Azwer s collection. Using crochet-knitted gown teamed with a selection of pastel colours blended with mesh fabric, the ensembles a silver-champagne slip under- emitted a formal and festive feel. neath, which helped her stand out Zainab Chottani emphasised the mukesh embroidery in pale at the jamboree. The full-sleeved tones of beige, experimenting with French Chantilly lace and mesh high-neck dress fit the starlet like fabric. From glitzy jackets to sequined vests, the designs were uber a glove and accentuated her curves. feminine. Faraz Manan exhibited fish-tail cuts on jamawar fabric and Wearing her lustrous tresses down accentuated his tailoring with pearls and diamantes in the collection. in a centre-parting and styled in Arsalan Iqbal s capsule collection, on the other hand, drew attention loose curls, Selena beamed in her to the digital printing method and over-sized motif designs. floor-grazing number. I can never say no to SRK: KAPIL SHARMA LUPITA S $150,000 OSCAR GOWN MUMBAI: Stand-up comedian and Comedy Nights with Kapil host Kapil Sharma refuted rumours that he refused RETURNED BY THIEF VIA TMZ to be a part of superstar Shah Rukh Khan s upcoming TV LOS ANGELES: The $150,000 Oscar gown worn by actress Lupita show titled India Poochega Sabse Shaana Kauna. Nyong o that was stolen two days ago was returned on Friday by the He says he can never say no to Shah Rukh. thief, who tipped off celebrity news site TMZ.com after learning the It is well known that Shah Rukh and Kapil share a good pearls on the dress were fake, according to officials and the website. bond. In fact, SRK has readily made appearances on Kapil s TMZ said the thief took the Calvin Klein dress from Nyong o's comedy show. hotel room on Wednesday after finding the door ajar. The Kenyan actor Shah Rukh s new show is based on the popular inter- had worn the dress adorned with 6,000 pearls to Sunday s Academy national show Who s Asking? and it is about judging Awards in one of the most commented looks of the night. Los Angeles one s common sense and seeking answers to random ques- County Sheriff s Department Lieutenant Michael White told reporters tions. So far, Bollywood celebrities like Karan Johar, Farah at a Friday news conference that they received a call around 3 p.m. local Khan, Alia Bhatt and Anushka Sharma have shot for his time from a media outlet who reported hearing from an anonymous show, which will be aired on &TV. caller that the dress had been returned to the London Hotel. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. MONDAY . MARCH 02, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES

reland and Afghanistan show need for rethink before 2019 World Cup When the associate nations show the sufficient talent and confidence to seek victory rather than respectability it is time to reconsider the planned reduction to a 10-team tournament

In the World Cup of 2011, England Kenya were thrashed by all the in what proved to be an utterly kept the tournament alive in the established nations; so, too, Hol- spell-binding contest and both early stages by losing to Ireland land except against England when sides admitted that after the game. and Bangladesh and beating West they lost respectably and Cana- One could argue that this was the Indies and South Africa, thereby da. The experience did not seem to best game of the tournament and scraping into the quarter-finals do any of them much good and we the worst. Certainly it was an infi- before producing an anaemic per- were lumbered with some ghastly nitely preferable spectacle to formance against Sri Lanka. games, which made the tournament watching Bangladesh and Zimba- This time, until the little epic appear bloated and stupid. bwe in the field against Sri Lanka at Eden Park on Saturday, the as- Fearing a repetition in 2015 and West Indies. Between them sociates were the ones keeping us the idea of a 10-team tournament, they conceded 704 for three in 100 overs. And it was so much more captivating than West Indies suc- cumbing to South Africa in Syd- ney on Friday by 257 runs. Clearly, there are some very fine cricketers among the associ- ates. Just to start an argument here s a possible combined team, which may not go down too well north of Hadrian s Wall: Paul Stirling (Ire), Ed Joyce (Ire), Sami- ullah Shenwari (Afg), Niall O Brien (Ire), Mohammad Nabi (Afg), Shaiman Anwar (UAE), Gary Wilson (Ire), Amjad Javed (UAE), George Dockrell (Ire), Hamid Hassan (Afg), Shapoor Zadran (Afg). It is possible to se- lect another team from the associ- interested. Ireland, who thrashed almost mirroring the format of ates to give that one a good game. I West Indies and scraped past the 1992 in Australasia, made sense. am converted to the notion of an United Arab Emirates, have yet to But last October the ICC, after expanded World Cup for 2019. be beaten. Afghanistan frightened much protest, swerved back to 14 But there remains the problem Sri Lankaand then participated in teams. Now the associates are win- of finding the best format. This is a thrilling game when ning me over. Ireland are so tena- the 11th World Cup since 1975 and they defeated Scotland by one cious; they are capable of chasing there have been seven different wicket in Dunedin. anything and they are not fright- formats. The ICC is no nearer a The vanguard for the associ- ened to win. Moreover, Afghani- permanent solution than those ates is growing by the day. Some stan, with three serious pace trying to find the best schedule for of the advocates come purely from bowlers, were brilliant against Sri the English domestic season, a cricketing perspective, others are Lanka when they lost. They which changes almost every year more political seeing the shunning played nowhere near as well and has been debated after the ele- of the Irish, Afghans, Scots and against the Scots when they won. vation of Colin Graves to chair- akistan cricket fans, pretty much like the team, have been down in the dumps. Two losses out of two matches at the World Emiratis as further evidence of a Advocates of the associates man of the ECB. Cup has soured almost every fan, and put immense pressure on the team. But things could look up if Shahid Afridi, arguably nasty plutocracy in charge of the should be wary of using that game The conflict is similar in both Pakistan s most popular cricketer, comes up with a performance treat for fans on his 35th birthday. This is what many fans game. in Dunedin to support their argu- cases; it is inevitably between I have to admit to swaying in ment. There was some awful crick- commercial priorities and cricket- are hoping for as Pakistan take on Zimbabwe in an all important group B match on Sunday. Many who wished Lala a happy their direction. In 2011 in Asia et played by two associate teams ing ones. The commercial ones birthday, hope that the all-rounder will give them all a birthday treat with a scintillating, match-winning performance. nearly always win. Graves has pointed out that the ideas for En- glish cricket were only in a strat- SRI LANKA onda Rousey destroys egy conversation summary . To Tokyo Olympics 2020 to save $1b with allay alarm he stressed that any- thing and everything could be INFLICT HEAVY Cat Zingano in just 14 tossed into the pot. (So where was THREE VENUE CHANGES a return to uncovered pitches and WORLD CUP the rehabilitation of KP?) Organizers of the Tokyo Olym- seconds at UFC 184 There was a strange mix of the pics in 2020 are to move or alter radical and the reactionary in that DEFEAT ON three venues, saving around a bil- It used to be that Ronda Rousey Against McMann, Davis and pot. For example, quite how coun- lion dollars, with more changes and needed a minute to finish her fights. Zingano, fighters who entered their ty chairmen can think that because ENGLAND savings to come, the International Now, she's getting two of them bouts against her with a combined they prefer the idea of 40-over Olympic Committee's Sports Di- done in half of that time. record of 32-5, Rousey is 3-0 with cricket at their grounds, the rest of other 25 balls to bring up his 23rd rector Christophe Dubi said on The most dominant fighter in three first-round finishes in a com- the world will fall into line for the 2019 World Cup after a nod and ODI century as he took control of Friday. the world continued her mind- bined time of one minute, 36 sec- the game for the final 20 overs, Dubi said Tokyo had aban- boggling run of destruction Satur- onds. wink from president Giles Clarke of the ECB beggars belief. Com- dominating the latter stages of the doned plans to build a new bas- day, submitting previously unbeat- There is literally no one for her mercial imperatives certainly dic- partnership with Thirimanne. ketball venue and would instead en top contender Cat Zingano in to fight. Tate appears to be the tate our World Cups. The 2007 Earlier, Joe Root anchored En- hold matches in an existing venue just 14 seconds the quickest fin- only opponent currently in the tournament in the Caribbean hor- gland's 309 for six with his fourth that was used for the world cham- ish in UFC championship history UFC who is even remotely com- rified the moneymen since Paki- ODI century after Moeen Ali and pionships. in the main event of UFC 184 at petitive with her. stan and, far more importantly, Ian Bell had put on a quick-fire Dressage and show jumping Staples Center to retain her wom- Former Strikeforce champion India were out within a fortnight. 62-run opening partnership. are now to be held in the venue en's bantamweight title. Cristiane Justino, who defeated All that lovely TV advertising rev- The 24-year-old, who top- that hosted those events in the 1964 Rousey blew away Alexis Charmaine Tweet on an Invicta enue went down the pan. That scored with 46 in England's humil- Olympics, while the canoe slalom Davis in just 16 seconds at UFC card Friday in Los Angeles, wants potential revenue also dictated the iating eight-wicket loss at the same is to be moved "a few hundred 175 in July in what seemed to be a to come to the UFC to face Rou- schedule for the 2011 tournament when the option of playing two ground to New Zealand on Feb. meters" because of environmental ridiculously easy manner. But it sey, but there is question if she 20, produced his highest one-day concerns over the original location. was done even quicker on Satur- can make the bantamweight limit matches on the same day was shunned and the format ensured score of 121 before he was trapped "At this point in time it is close day. of 135. that no team went home early. In in front by Rangana Herath in the to a billion (in savings) compared Zingano raced out of her cor- And even if she makes it, even an entrepreneurial age it is almost 47th over. to the revised budget so it is a very ner and threw a flying knee at Rou- Justino would appear to be a long unbearable for those in charge to He was shared in a 60-run part- substantial figure and it will con- sey. She then flung Rousey down. shot to beat the 2008 Olympic avoid the most lucrative option. nership with captain Eoin Mor- tinue to grow," Dubi said after the But Rousey, the vastly superior judo bronze medalist. Yet there is still time to rethink gan (27) and a stand of 98 with Tokyo 2020 organizers presented grappler, quickly reversed position "Holly Holm is a world cham- the 2019 World Cup, indeed there James Taylor (25). their plans to the International and got on top. pion boxer and I want to test my- is still more evidence to be gleaned Root and Taylor were both Olympic Committee's executive She extended Zingano's arm self against that striking," Rousey from this one. After two weeks I dismissed in the final five overs board meeting in Rio de Janeiro. toward her and then turned her hips said. "And Bethe Correia is unde- want to see more of Ireland and but wicketkeeper Jos Buttler (39 Other venues might change, to the right, putting incredible pres- feated and I'd like to take that '0' Afghanistan. They have shown sufficient talent and confidence to not out) and Chris Woakes (nine) Dubi said, and Tokyo will present sure on the joint and forcing the away from her." pushed the total past 300 for a a fully revised plan by April with tap. Zingano was believed to be seek victory rather than respect- Tokyo's bid team erupted with joy when it was ability. score which looked competitive at the intention of locking in all chang- "We expected she might come Rousey's biggest test, but she en- In contrast, Scotland, so deso- the change of innings. es for final approval by the IOC's revealed their city will host the 2020 Olympics. out flying," Rousey said. tered as a 9-1 underdog. It's hard late after the defeat by Afghani- executive committee in June. It was over so quickly, Zinga- to believe that either Correia or stan, have underperformed. They The announcement came just That did not perturb Dubi, cially when you are using existing no seemed stunned. She didn't Holm would be any better than a can atone by beating Bangladesh a day after planners for the Tokyo who said there was enough time to venues is something that is largely know what to say and several 20-1 underdog against Rousey. at Nelson on Thursday, a result 2020 Summer Olympics issued make the moves and still ensure feasible." times uttered an expletive as she In the co-main event, Holm, a that would bring a broad smile to their playbook for organizing the the athletes were not unduly af- Planners allotted $1.5 billion was being interviewed in the cage former boxing champion, made her the new chairman of the ECB or sports extravaganza. fected. for venues in Tokyo's Olympics by UFC broadcaster Joe Rogan. UFC debut a successful one, out- will he soon be the chairman Rising labor and construction "We are still in the timeframe bid but that estimate more than "She had my arm and I saw working Raquel Pennington to of Cricket England and Wales since costs have forced Tokyo to rethink where you can confidently make doubled late last year after a recal- her leg," Zingano said. "I thought claim a split decision. Judges the ECB is apparently such a tox- ic brand ? A Scottish victory its plans for 10 venues it intended these changes," Dubi told report- culation. The city won the Games to grab a hold of it and all of a scored it 30-27 and 29-28 for to build for the Games, reneging ers. "The athletes' experience re- over Madrid and Istanbul by em- sudden, I was tapping." Holm and 29-28 for Pennington. would help England s campaign greatly. And it would further bol- on a bid commitment to host a mains what it was in the bid. That phasizing Japan's organizational Cat Zingano took Ronda Rou- Holm's debut was made amid ster the argument for the associ- majority of events within 8 km (5 was what was promised. But to prowess and $4.5 billion in the sey down right off the bat, but the much media fanfare and its effects ates. (The Guardian) miles) of the Olympic village. change at this point in time espe- bank. champ quickly turned the tables. showed. She had a lot of pressure (USAT) on her and didn't seem to be able Rousey has now beaten each to relax. "The nerves were there of the women ranked 1-5 in the and because of the hype, I didn't bantamweight division, including feel I could live up to it," Holm Awesome Federer floors Djokovic in straight sets Miesha Tate twice. Tate actually said. "There was a lot of talk." Roger Federer s enduring class made it to the third round at UFC Holm circled quite a bit and shone through again as the Swiss 168 in 2013, but since then Rou- fended off numerous takedown maestro beat world number one sey needed 1:06 to stop Sara Mc- attempts by Pennington. Holm Novak Djokovic 6-3 7-5 to win Mann, 16 seconds to dispose of also managed to land a number of the Dubai Championships for a Davis and only 14 seconds to end kicks, but Pennington for the most seventh time. it against Zingano. part neutralized her hands. The 33-year-old s serve is the least praised of his repertoire but it was his awesome delivery that blunted Djokovic s baseline game, taking his career ace haul past the 9,000 barrier with 12 more, sever- al at vital moments. Federer went into the match with a 19-17 winning record against Djokovic, although the Serb beat him in last year s gripping Wim- bledon final. The match proved to be a tale of chances taken and chances missed -- Federer converting his two break points with clinical ef- ficiency, while Djokovic failed on all seven of his. We get the best out of each other, Federer said in a courtside interview after winning an 84th tour singles crown. I m pleased I did some good serving when I had to. I definitely won the big points tonight. The 17-time grand slam cham- pion began with the same tactics that helped trounce teenager Bor- ederer went into the match with a 19-17 winning record against Djokovic, na Coric in the semi-finals, charg- ing the net at every opportunity. Falthough the Serb beat him in last year s gripping Wimbledon final. (AFP) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. MONDAY. MARCH 02 . 2015 -Hoot 11, 1393 H.S Vol:IX Issue No:208 Price: Afs.15

Deadliest avalanche: Pakistan ready to 2 Pakistani nationals working in UNDP Highways reopening efforts intensify relief upped, says Abdullah efforts for affected accused of derailing Wolesi Jirga polls Abdul Zuhoor Qayomi families: Sharif KABUL: The Chief of Executive the avalanches-hit areas of Afghan- KABUL: In the backdrop of dev- UNDP, IEC REJECT ALLEGATIONS astated avalanche that left hun- Officer (CEO) of the country Ab- istan. AT News Report In a press conference here, the dreds of persons dead and as many families displaced in Afghanistan, published by the Daily Weesa, provides support to the IEC ranking official at the UNDP, who CEO said the teams are clearing KABUL: A local bilingual daily without mentioning source, the through development of its human, wished anonymity, told Afghani- the roads of snow. After chairing Prime Minister Muhammad accused two Pakistani citizens, Pakistani nationals who are em- organizational and technical capac- stan Times the two Pak origin em- meeting of the emergency commit- Nawaz Sharif said that he directed working at the ELECT-II project ployees of the UN Development ity. The project advisors are em- ployees have no role in the deci- tee established by the government, Pakistan s National Disaster Man- of the United Nations Develop- Project, Azhar Malik and Irfan bedded within the IEC. The advi- sion making process. IEC s Abdullah told reporters that 196 agement Authority (NDMA) to ment Project (UNDP), of sabotag- Mahmood, are in the quest to de- sors help the election commission spokesman, Noor Ahmad Noor, in persons have been killed and 23 provide whatever support it can ing the upcoming Wolesi Jirga elec- lay and derail the upcoming polls. with the development of all neces- a telephonic interview with Af- other were injured alone in Pan- to airlift support to Afghanistan. tions. The Pak origin staffers of the sary electoral plans such as voter ghanistan Times also rejected that jshir province. In a statement from PM s me- The UNDP s Enhancing Legal UNDP s ELECT II project want registration and the candidate nom- report and expressed satisfaction He said that scores of people dia office, Sharif said: "I was deep- and Electoral Capacity for Tomor- to bring steady changes in the coun- ination process. When Afghanistan in the UNDP s plans. He said the were killed and injured in avalanch- ly troubled upon learning of the row (ELECT) project had been try s electoral body, Weesa report- Times contacted the UNDP, the problems regarding conducting es, heavy snowfall and floods in devastating avalanches in Afghan- designed to help the Independent ed. As per report of the newspa- UN body rejected the allegations polls were shared with President different parts of the country. The istan that have taken hundreds of Election Commission (IEC) of Af- per, the two persons also delayed and said that it is a technical coor- Ashraf Ghani and the exact date our Afghan brother and sisters from ghanistan to conduct parliamenta- announcement of the election dinator and collect donations from for holding the parliamentary elec- roads in villages and districts are ry elections. schedule. In accordance with the the international donors to help the tions would be announced in the still closed. Around 40km of the us. I join you in praying for them According to a news report ELECT II project, the UN body IEC in conducting polls. A high- near future. Panjshir highway is still to be and their families. dullah Abdullah on Sunday said the cleared of snow. The death toll from a series of government is utilizing all available Several countries and Afghan avalanches and flash floods rose IECC charges over resources to reopen the roads and businessmen have shown their to 260 on Friday, with the bulk of MoD dispatches team to rescue 10,000 electoral provide humanitarian assistance in (See P2) deaths coming from central Pan- jsher province, where above 200 staffers with fraud lost their lives, including women PANJSHER AFFECTED FAMILIES AT News Report Only Afghan brain will and children. KABUL: The Ministry of Defense with families who lost their beloved 287 Afghans have been killed, 143 The Afghanistan cabinet an- (MoD) dispatched a team to cen- ones to avalanches in several parts wounded and 1,248 homes de- KABUL: The Independent Elec- nounced a three-day national toral Complaints Commission tral Panjsher province, which of the country, a statement from stroyed in the natural disasters (IECC s) said that more than be behind security plans mourning to express solidarity helped rescue a number of families the Presidential Palace said on Sat- across the country. I prefer to 10,000 contracted and 20 perma- with families who lost their beloved trapped by avalanches. urday. Ghani on Saturday said in stay at home with my people at nent staffers of electoral bodies ones to avalanches in several parts Over 260 people were killed his address that latest situation at this tragic moment, the president were involved in fraud in the pres- THIS YEAR: MOI and 100 others wounded in the lat- home and tragic deaths caused by said. He thanked his Iranian coun- idential elections that unleashed est wave of blizzards and ava- avalanches amid incessant snow- terpart for extending him an invi- deepening controversy. Nader AT News Report lanches in parts of the country, fall forced him to postpone his tation. He would visit the neigh- Mohsini, spokesman for the IECC KABUL: The Ministry of Interi- plans and offensives on their own including the worst-hit Panjsher Iran s visit. He said as many as boring country soon. (PAJHWOK) said that those staffers of the In- or (MoI) said Sunday that securi- which of course is a biggest dependent Election Commission province. (IEC) and IECC charged with fraud ty forces have the capacity and achievement, he said. The statement said that the and ragging in the elections would capability to fend off militant at- Security forces are compe- ministry had dispatched 24 more Women s role shouldn t chip be a blacklisted. He said that those tacks and threats posed by anti- tent enough than the past years flights yesterday to rescue ma- allegedly involved in poll ragging state elements, and are well capa- when for the first time they shoul- rooned people. It said that the res- away at peace talks: HRW can refer to the commission till end ble of ensuring citizens safety. dered security responsibilities. We cue team consisted of 71 members. of this week to explain themselves. The MoI spokesman, Sediq are trying to overcome the short- However, the statement did AT News Report Once the IECC finalized its Sediqi, told newsmen that securi- comings if there are any. Since we decision those charged with fraud not share exact figures of those KABUL: The role of Afghan women in peace negotiation with the and ragging would be blacklisted ty forces own now the things have picked up strength therefore rescued. The relief goods sent to which they lacked in previous our policy has been drastically Taliban should not be undermined rather the national unity government and would not be allowed to take Panjsher included blankets, edible should commit to including women in any peace talks, the Human Rights part in election process ever, years, (in terms of capacity and changed from defensive mode to and non-edible stuff to be distrib- Mohsini added. He said that a fact equipment). offensive mode, he said. Watch (HRW) said on Sunday in a statement. uted among the affected families. Heather Barr, Senior Women s Rights Research at HRW said that finding committee of the IECC af- Our men in uniform have been Hinting at Zulfaqar Operation Meanwhile, some civil society ter three months of investigations able this year to chalk out security in Sangin district of southern Hel- of the country, a statement from President Ashraf Ghani should protect human rights, especially the found out that around 13,000 con- organizations on Saturday held rights of women through their involvements in government s negotiating mand province, Sediqi said that at the Presidential Palace said on Sat- protest in Kabul against the gov- tracted and 20 permanent staffers least 14 villages were cleared of urday. team with Taliban. All parties should ensure that women have a mo- of the two electoral bodies were ernment luck warm response to the mentous presence on the negotiating teams, Barr said. involved in fraud in the presiden- militants during the operation, and He said that he was am confi- affected families. they were trying to boost up se- dent that your (President Mo- The statement said that recent Afghan government statements indi- tial elections. Mohsini maintained The death toll from a series of cated efforts to restart peace negotiations, but provided no clarity on that the commission will release a curity in other areas as well. hammad Ashraf Ghani) leadership avalanches and flash floods rose complete report on fraud and rag- According to security officials, at this time is of even more impor- government plans to ensure increased representation of women in all to 260 on Friday, with the bulk of decision-making and mechanisms regarding conflict resolution, as set ging next week. Allegations of Zulfaqar is the first independent tance than during ordinary times. deaths coming from central Pan- widespread fraud in April, 2014 military operation of Afghan se- He said that the Pakistani peo- out in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 and later reso- presidential elections led to an elec- jsher province, where above 200 lutions. Afghan women s rights activists had repeatedly talked about curity forces which will be extend- ple and our resources stand avail- lost their lives, including women toral deadlock that resulted in for- ed to all restive districts of Hel- able to you as always. I also want their fears that the government would trade away women s rights in an mation of the national unity gov- and children. effort to reach an accommodation with Taliban, statement further said. ernment led by President Ashraf mand. to assure you that my staff is keep- The Afghanistan cabinet an- Officials in the MoI said that ing me apprised of the situation Barr further said that peace talks should be adopted in a manner that Ghani and Chief Executive Officer nounced a three-day national reassures all Afghans that their rights not to be humiliated. (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah. (See P2) on an hourly basis. (Pajhwok) mourning to express solidarity This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.