Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:137 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes THURSDAY . DECEMBER 14. 2017 -Qaws 23, 1396 HS

AT Monitoring Desk KABUL: The United States has to reverse the decision of recognizing the city of Jerusalem as capital city of Israel, said the members of extraordinary summit of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which was held in Turkey on Wednesday. Turkish President Receb Tayyip Erdogan called on world powers By Mujib Mashal many. In return, Mr. Ghani would referendum on his authority. The the middle of a raging war against to recognize Jerusalem as the finally deliver parliamentary Afghan president, in return, has the Taliban and Islamic State capital of Palestine. Addressing KABUL: Over the past year, as elections (already delayed by two reacted in ways that many Western loyalists — against a government participants of the OIC, he said Afghanistan’s strained power- years) before the next presidential officials see as panicked. He has that Western officials have gone all the United States should reverse sharing government struggled in the vote. But the year is closing with ordered sudden corruption out to hold together. Mohammed the decision of recognizing the city face of intense criticism, Western little progress toward the elections, investigations against critics, Umer Daudzai, a former interior as Israel’s capital, describing officials repeatedly stepped in to still scheduled for next July, barred government employees minister who is now part of one of President Trump’s decision as a young and old are speaking in a told the summit that Trump’s urge patience. American and although now almost certain not from joining demonstrations and the larger opposition groups, said reward for Israeli “terror acts”. He unified voice.” “The alignment and Jerusalem move is against European diplomats shuttled to the to occur then. Mr. Ghani’s critics been accused of grounding the the lack of progress on elections said that the city is a red line for accord between the Muslim world international law. “No country can blast-wall-protected villas of the — and there are more than ever — flight of a powerful northern was a symptom of a broader Muslims and Trump’s Jerusalem and the world at large has never transfer their embassies to country’s political elite, asking are losing patience, turning to governor to keep him from joining problem: the government’s decision will put the world into a been this great and is a tribute to Jerusalem,” Abbas said. He said them to give President Ashraf public demonstrations, issuing an opposition meeting. One fear is shrinking political base. “When he crisis. The Turkish president said the special place of Al-Qudus in they cannot accept US’s role in the Ghani some space to keep pursuing ultimatums or threats, and joining that the rising factional animosity started as president, his political Israel is a “state of occupation and the history of all monotheistic peace process, adding that the the reforms that had rankled so in calls for a nationwide, traditional could lead to open mutiny — in base was formed by...P2 terror”. Muslim leaders gathered religion,” the Presidential Palace United States will lose its in Turkey to react against recent said in a twitter, adding, “Our credibility as a result of the Trump US decision, in which President glorious past guides us to envision move. Abbas said the recognition Ashraf Ghani also attended the future as a resumption of of Jerusalem, is Trump’s “gift to summit. “The consensus within constructive dialogue between the Zionist movement”. “No peace the Ummah is heart-warming, as civilization, culture, religions, and or stability” will be possible in the the streets and states, mosques, peoples.” Mahmoud Abbas, the Middle East without Jerusalem as and media, people and leaders, president of the state of Palestine, the Palestinian capital, he added.

AT News Report KABUL: Chief Executive, Abdullah Abdullah acknowledged that the government failed to bring reforms in the electoral system, AT News Report saying that “big opportunities were missed”. In a meeting held to KABUL: The court of Criminal discuss women’s participation in Justice Task Force (CJTF) on political parties, Abdullah said the Wednesday said that 11 drug government should not interfere in trafficker arrested in the past one election commissions’ works. week. The CJTF said in a press Meanwhile, women’s rights statement that 11 smugglers were AT News Report activists criticized government and apprehended by Counter political parties in defending Narcotics Police through different KABUL: Members of parliament women’s rights. Abdullah said that crackdown in various provinces believe that the Daesh terrorist the reforms were facing many and were handed over to CJTF for group is supported by foreign obstacles in the past that Chief Executive, Abdullah Abdullah criminal proceedings. Three countries, amid expansion of the challenged the reform process. He smugglers were arrested in Hamid group activities from the east to promised that parliament’s He emphasized on women’s Women’s rights activists also Karzai international airport in Kabul, who planned to transfer the northern areas of the country. election would be held next year participation in the government, criticized government for what They also accused the while 2019 would be the year for criticizing the parliament for they called “nothing has been heroin and hashish to India and United Arab Emirates, added government of not being presidential election. sketchy behavior to women. done” for women. statement. Statement said that that determined to hold election. the investigation is going on over While Daesh was eliminated in the dossier of the all indicts by the the Middle Eastern countries of Afghan air force CJTF, which after examining the AT News Report confiscated by NDS members in Iraq and Syria, the group is said to evidences and arguments from Nawi Gomrak area of Behsud try to find footsteps in size to be tripled both sides the CJTF will convict KABUL: At least 152 weapons district on the Jalalabad-Torkham Afghanistan. There are reports the accused traffickers, added and thousands of bullets have been Highway on Tuesday night. He about Daesh active presence in two by 2023, statement. Eight other drug recovered from trailer carrying said the lorry was loaded with districts of Jawzjan province, with traffickers were arrested from cement in eastern Nangarhar cement bags, in which weapons mostly foreign fighters including says US General Kabul, Takhar, Badakhshan, province imported from had been skillfully concealed. He France and Germany. Nangarhar, Kandahar and Helmand neighboring Pakistan, intelligence said the guns included 152 various The legislators said that the provinces. Some 16 kg heroin, over officials said on Wednesday. kinds of weapons and 35,325 north of the country is a ground The size of the Afghan Air Force 13kg opium, 632 kg hashish and will be tripled by 2023 as efforts The National Directorate of bullets. Khogyani said the for Daesh activities, adding that 383 liters of alcoholic beverages Security (NDS) personnel showed weapons were to be transferred to the terrorists are armed and are underway to boost the AT News Report colleagues are worried about them. discovered and seized from the capabilities of the Afghan Air Although the government still did arrested smugglers, noted the the seized weapons to media insurgents in Jalalabad for financed by foreign countries. Forces which have proven as KABUL: Afghan forces detained not provide reason behind the statement. All the convicted drug representatives in this capital city, subversive activities. No one has They called on the government effective and lethal in the fight three Turkish and one Afghan detention of the teachers, but the traffickers would have defense Jalalabad, on Wednesday. been so far arrested in connection to be serious on the Daesh against terrorism, a senior US teacher of the Afghan-Turk CAG Afghan Turk NGO officials believe attorneys for their legal defense Nangarhar governor’s spokesman, with the weapons; but security presence in Afghanistan, General has said. U.S. Air Force Educational NGO (ATCE), who they are detained in the connection and will be convicted after separate Attaullah Khogyani, told Pajhwok forces have launched a search otherwise, it would turn the Brigadier General Lance Bunch, are allegedly blamed of having links of the recent campaign of the judicial trials based on the evidence Afghan News the guns were operation. country to second Syria or Iraq. the direcotr of the future with Turkish Government’s Turkish government to detain brought before the court and the operations, told reporters on political opponent Fethullah followers and supporters of the US Counter Narcotics law of Tuesday that the Afghan forces Gulen. Afghan forces have detained based cleric, Fethullah Gulen. Afghanistan. conducted their combat the three Turks and one Afghan Gulen was also accused for being operations through 2017 with the citizen including deputy head of behind the recent failed coup in lowest level of support from the the ATCE Tuesday morning while Turkey. Also the Afghan forces coalition forces in the 16-year they were on their way to school. tried to enter to the dormitory of Afghan-U.S. forces have ventures, and their logistical war here, and yet has had some The ATCE runs at least 12 schools the girls but were faced with eliminated 25 narcotics processing networks.” of the most success they’ve ever in several Afghan provinces resistance of our teachers and labs in Helmand province which “This new air interdiction had, showing they are, in fact, including capital Kabul. “Afghan parents of the students, because equals to almost $80 million of campaign directly strengthens the leading the fight and we are there forces detained the mentioned they did not had legal warrant and drug money, since launch of an air Afghan defense forces and their to advise and enable them. He said teachers from two cars, while they later they left the area, he noted.We campaign aimed at countering the continued battlefield successes, he “Key pieces that you’re seeing is were on way toward school,” believe they are detained on Taliban revenue, NATO mission said. According to the U.S. military, that the Afghan Air Force itself, Fawad Haidari, Deputy Head of suspicion of having links to Gulen, has said. the Taliban receives about $300 one of the more lethal the Afghan Turk Schools told said an official of the NGO in Speaking via teleconference million to $400 million a year with organizations they have, and one Afghanistan Times. He said that anonymity condition. After the SAR-I-PUL CITY: Taliban from Kabul, U.S. Air Force about $200 million of it coming that we’re looking to triple in size the arrested on the way without failed coup in Turkey the Turkish insurgents captured an area of Brigadier General Lance Bunch, from the production of heroin. by 2023, is conducting informing to us. He said that the government which believes the Sancharak district of northern Sar- who is Chief of the Resolute Bunch said the Afghan significantly more air operations arrested men were only teachers Afghan Turk schools are being run i-Pul province after a public Support Mission’s future National Interdiction Unit sources again and again and again.” in direct support of the ANDSF had nothing with politics and I by supporters of Gulen asked uprising commander joined them, operations division told reporters conducted two simultaneous raids He stressed that Taliban have been on the battlefield, to the tune of don’t think they may have links Kabul to transfer the control of a security official said on $16 million of the $80 million in of Taliban narcotics bazaars, as completely unable to achieve any 500 more sorties this year than to this issue (of Gulen). Shortly these schools from ATCE to a Wednesday. The official, who did destroyed funds was set for part of the campaign which objectives from their declared they did the year before.” “And after detain of teachers we wrote Turkish government foundation not want to be named, told “direct revenue” to the drug lords’ resulted in more than 2 tons of Operation Mansouri during this so we are currently able to work letters to the Afghan security forces but the process was not completed Pajhwok Afghan News that Tabar Taliban partners. heroin and more than 5.5 tons of fighting season. “In addition to with and enable the Afghan to gain information about them but yet. Mr. Haidary said that the area came under Taliban’s control Bunch said “Using air power, opium being seized. their unrealistic goals, they have National Defense Forces as they we received no official response, Afghan government created a after Raees Karim, the local we have been able to target the The campaign continues and been unable to take a provincial conduct successful combat he added. He stated that still we commission to work to transfer the uprising leader, joined the Taliban in their so-called safe Bunch stressed that the Taliban capital or even a single city. This operations on the battlefield don’t know where they are and control of the schools to a newly militants on Tuesday night. zones, command-and-control will face a long winter “as we will year the Taliban and have fared (KP) their family members and established Turkish...P2 (Pajhwok) nodes, illicit revenue-generating continue to disrupt their revenue poorly.” (ATN) THURSDAY .DECEMBER 14, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES West fears U.S.- backed Afghan leader Afghanistan has demonstrated support an orphanage, with 30 strong growth in the agricultural children; we have trained 1,000 faces hints of mutiny sector in particular, exporting its teachers per year since 2008, to world-famous pomegranates, use active learning methods, saffron, almonds, grapes and more/ benefitting thousands of Afghan ...P1 54 political groups that were — including the senior commander * More than 90 per cent of students; we have provided meeting on a weekly basis to in Afghanistan, Gen. John W. Afghans have mobile phones literacy and life skills training to support the president. I doubt if Nicholson Jr. — spoke to General (2016) hundreds of disadvantaged women three of the 54 are left with him,” Raziq as the rally got underway, * Twenty-eight per cent of in various parts of the country; we Mr. Daudzai said. “They have lost though their message for him was Afghanistan’s parliamentary seats have equipped more than 250 their political base, they have lost unclear. are held by women. schools with libraries and science their political credibility, and that’s A spokesman for General * In contrast to the labs to enrich student learning; we very bad because this country is Nicholson, Navy Capt. Tom authoritarian theocracy of the have developed an extensive online built on political consensus.” Gresback, would not comment on Taliban, Afghanistan’s library, accessed by users in every Many Western diplomats in the nature of his “many representative government is Afghan province; we have Kabul are frustrated by Mr. engagements across Afghanistan,” gradually growing, today having allocated small grants to dozens of Ghani’s lack of progress on but said that the commander provincial councils in its 34 girls to support their education elections, with some even beginning encourages Afghan police and provinces, and the first municipal thanks to the Shafia Fund, created to question whether he ever military leaders to remain councils. in Kingston in memory of the slain intended to hold them. But they apolitical. This is truly transformative Shafia women. Our decision to are divided about how ominous the Before the Kandahar rally, Mr. change in a short period of time, focus on education was not by situation is. Ghani barred government and especially considering this accident. We fervently believe that So far, the political opposition employees from attending such development has occurred amidst education must be the priority of is really a host of smaller ones: a opposition gatherings. He ordered an active violent conflict. Our ethos Afghanistan’s development agenda wide range of coalitions made up an investigation into the private can be summed up by the words — including its agenda for of former warlords, former township in Kandahar developed spoken by our programs director, achieving peace in the long run. For government ministers and members years ago by the Karzai family — Lauryn Oates: further information or to book a of Parliament united by little more which happened to be where the “Whether things are going good presentation, contact Madeliene than what they see as Mr. Ghani’s rally was taking place. or bad in the tough places of the at [email protected] or political mismanagement and his One of the key participants Fatema Tul Zahra school for 300 girls from poor families in Kabul. Handout photo. world is beside the point. The call 613 375-8290. Our website is inability to deliver elections. there was supposed to be Atta circumstances on the ground don’t at cw4wafghan.ca. To make a One opposition faction is a Mohammed Noor, a former The news coming from school was found to be 55 per cent Afghanistan Mortality Survey negate the necessity of action. donation, make your cheque group championed by former warlord who remains at the helm Afghanistan today often depicts a by UNICEF in 2012, and the found it had dropped to 329 per Asking if things are getting better payable to “Canadian Women for President Hamid Karzai that is of Balkh Province, a prosperous land full of violence and turmoil. average number of years of 100,000 births. An effective or worse in Afghanistan is the Women in Afghanistan” and mail calling for a loya jirga, a grand area in the north, despite Mr. These challenges remain in spite schooling has increased from 2.5 national midwifery program has wrong question. Because the to Marg Stewart, Treasurer, council of tribal elders, to decide Ghani’s attempts to oust him. As of the significant military and to 8.1 in the past 10 years. saved thousands of women’s and answer to that question can’t be C4WAfghan, 2970 Unity Rd., Mr. Ghani’s fate. A jirga, at its heart Mr. Noor and dozens of other developmental intervention lasting * There was one operational babies’ lives. the measure by which we decide Elginburg, ON, K0H 1M0. Income an unpredictable event, could not northern leadership figures more than 15 years. Some espouse teachers college in 2001 while * Life expectancy has increased whether to keep investing in girls tax receipts will be distributed in only upend the cycle of elections prepared to fly to Kandahar, their that “nothing was achieved in today there are more than 40. by 10 years, being 60.5 as of 2015, like this or not. The measure must the new year. Alternatively, if you as the democratic transfer of plane was refused permission to Afghanistan” over this period. But * In 2001, it was estimated by according to the World Health be, simply, because it is the right wish to donate online, go power, but risk putting other take off. this could not be further from the UNICEF that Afghanistan had Organization (59.3 for males and thing to do, and we can do it, so to CanadaHelps.org and key in issues, like the United States “The leadership of the truth. While calamities still occur about 3,600 schools. In 2016, the 61.9 for females). Child mortality we should. It’s been said, ‘A ship Canadian Women 4 Women in military’s presence, up for government did not give us on a regular basis, the overall Ministry of Education reported has decreased by half. is safe in harbor, ... but that’s not Afghanistan, and follow the discussion. permission to go to Kandahar,” Mr. picture of Afghanistan, where operating 16,400 public schools. * As of 2014, at least 60 per what ships are for.’ (John A. prompts; you will receive an Some other groups are very Noor said. “This is an unlawful, there are more than 30 million * There are around 200,000 cent of the population has access Shedd)” In this vein, Canadians for automatic income tax receipt. critical of Mr. Ghani but have unethical and inhumane action. I citizens, shows great progress. teachers, of whom 33.3 per cent to health services. Women in Afghanistan is making Kindly key in Kingston Chapter agreed to show restraint as long as hope they come to their senses.” Canada’s significant contribution, are female (2015), and in 2016 * 40 per cent of Afghans live its annual appeal to support in the message box to help us track he delivers elections and electoral In Kandahar, the rally was at great cost, has helped to create a teachers created their first elected somewhere with access to the education in Afghanistan. Here is local contributions. reforms. In recent weeks, many of delayed for a second time in the lasting legacy. group of representatives, the internet and 11.2 per cent have a sample of the work we do to Thank you for considering the those groups have said that they hopes that Mr. Noor would make Here are just a few of the National Teachers Elected Council. personal access to the internet support girls and women in gift of education — the gift that metrics that demonstrate * Afghanistan’s maternal (2016). Afghanistan: we fully operate a keeps on giving. do not believe Mr. Ghani is serious it. significant improvement: mortality was estimated for the *GDP per capita has more than Kabul school for 300 girls from Madeliene Tarasick is the about holding the vote next year, “We are giving this government * More children are enrolled period 1999 to 2002 to be between doubled, and in 2016 was growing poor families, Fatema Tul Zahra, president of Canadians for Women raising the possibility that they a clear warning: that if Mr. Noor is in schools today than at any 1,600 and 2,200 (mothers who died by 2.2 per cent with projected where we provide teachers, rental in Afghanistan. She lives in could join Mr. Karzai’s move for a not given permission to fly within previous time in Afghanistan’s of pregnancy related causes per growth for 2017 at 2.6 per cent of the school building, uniforms, Parham. loya jirga. 12 hours, the consequence will be history. Net attendance of primary 100,000 live births). In 2010, the and 3.6 per cent by 2020. hot lunches, and all resources; we (THEWHIG.COM) “The situation shows that very bad,” said Humayoon preparations for elections are not Humayoon, the deputy speaker of there, not in the way that is Parliament and one of the rally necessary,” said Abdul Rab leaders who used to strongly Rassoul Sayyaf, a former warlord support Mr. Ghani. “This the We will give fight I n dia-Afgh an istan Test m or e who leads the opposition coalition death of democracy, for which we to which Mr. Daudzai belongs. “If have given a lot of sacrifices. We the elections don’t happen, this cannot live in the presence of a im por tan t th an Vir at-An u sh ka country will go to a dangerous dictator president.” to any Test nation, crisis.” When the rally finally weddin g n ews: S alim D u r an i Some of Mr. Ghani’s aides happened, without Mr. Noor, it lament that their technocratic leader turned out to be smaller than billed. says Afghanistan has struggled to balance the Mr. Ghani’s advisers have Salim Durani, born in Afghanistan, has played 29 Tests for India, demands of keeping political seized on that, insisting that threats constituencies at his side while of mobilization against the apart from representing Gujarat, Rajasthan and Saurashtra. prioritizing his reform agenda. He president are mostly bluffing. Cricket Board CEO is often occupied for hours leading They see much of the political MUMBAI: Former India cricketer world by storm, but also the Afghanistan playing their first Test meetings on issues that a opposition as the old patronage ACB CEO Shafiq Stanikzai says the whole Salim Durani, who celebrated his confirmation of the Afghanistan against the Men in Blue gave him subordinate could have handled. networks halting Mr. Ghani’s 83rd birthday on Monday, had a cricket team playing their first ever more joy. “The news of Other advisers say that the reform efforts to protect their own country welcomed the news of India hosting couple of reasons to celebrate it. Test match against India in India Afghanistan to play its first Test president is determined to make fortunes. Firstly, it was on the same day next year. In fact, Durani has an against India has given me more elections happen, but that he is a Opposition leaders say that is Afghanistan’s debut Test match with great joy. when Team India captain Virat Afghanistan connection as well. joy than Kohli marrying Anushka victim of deep political divisions, precisely the kind of black-and- Kohli got married to Bollywood Born in Afghanistan, he went on on my birthday”, he further stated. undermined at every turn by a white thinking that has left the actress Anushka Sharma. to represent India in Tests, While Virat Kohli and Anushka Parliament that has stalled his government struggling politically. According to Durani, he considers whereas he has also played for Sharma got married in Italy on legislation and cabinet choices. Meanwhile, the election Kohli like his own son. Gujarat, Rajasthan and Saurashtra. Monday, it was confirmed in the “The president knows it has reforms that Mr. Ghani promised “Kohli is like my son. It was “Kohli would have married on any BCCI Special General Meeting that taken a longer time on the as a precursor to the parliamentary his decision (with Anushka) to day but the announcement on my Afghanistan would play its first elections,” said Nader Nadery, a vote have still not coalesced. have destination marriage. But birthday that my birth country Test against the number one side senior adviser to Mr. Ghani. “When The country’s electoral personally I feel both being Indians would start its Test journey against in 2018. he has tried to use his convening commission was a focal point of should have married in our India, which is a Big team, is a bigger Virat Kohli is on a break now, powers to move election issues, he accusations of fraud surrounding country”, he said. news to me. Being an Indian, I love and will return to action ahead of is told the perception is he is too Mr. Ghani’s election in 2014, but It was not only the news of India”, he added. However, he India’s tour to South Africa in close to the process and he is an overhaul and reconstitution of Kohli’s marriage that took the mentioned that the news of January. interfering. When he has backed off that panel remain incomplete: It and let the process do its work, lacks a leader and about 40 percent they say he doesn’t have the of its staff. Nationwide, the political will to hold elections.” number of polling stations in every For American officials, the area, a politically and ethnically pressure mounting on Mr. Ghani delicate issue in a country that lacks has been particularly awkward: reliable census data, has yet to be Some of their closest Afghan allies finalized. over the years, still essential to the Financing for the vote, which military campaign, are rallying could cost as much as $200 million, against a political leadership in still remains unresolved, although When the Board of Control for any Test-playing nation. Kabul that is perceived to be the international community has Cricket in India (BCCI) announced What has been the response protected by the Americans. (Mr. footed the bill for past elections. it will host Afghanistan for its first back home? Telecommunication provision so poor that locals Ghani shares half of the cabinet Particularly important is the ever Test, it took some time to sink The entire nation is very need to use the services of neighbouring Tajikistan. posts with his coalition partner, issue of a new voter list. Millions in. Afghanistan Cricket Board happy. Earning Test status was a Abdullah Abdullah, who has the more voting cards are in circulation chief executive officer Shafiq dream come true for the entire Residents in districts of title chief executive. Yet the than the country’s number of Stanikzai says the whole country country. The response has been Badakhshan that border Tajikistan president is at the receiving end of eligible voters. Cards have been welcomed the news with great joy. great. The news was all over radio, say that they are forced to use most of the pressure.) issued in the names of Tom Cruise, In a chat with The Indian Express, TV, newspapers, everywhere. For expensive Tajik mobile phone The largest recent rally against Bruce Lee, Arnold he talks about what Test status a team like Afghanistan, it’s a great services due to Afghanistan’s poor Mr. Ghani was organized in (Schwarzenegger, known here by means to them, how the BCCI lent thing. I would like to thank BCCI telecommunications infrastructure. Kandahar Province on Dec. 2. The his first name alone) and, by some a helping hand and the challenge for allowing us to play our In the past, this was only a invitation list included more than accounts, Britney Spears. that lie ahead of them. Excerpts: inaugural Test match at their minor inconvenience, since Tajik 70 members of Parliament, former Abdullah Ahmadzai, a former How did you get to know home. Everyone is excited here, but SIM cards and phone credit were governors and cabinet ministers, chief electoral officer of the election about India Test? I feel the real competition starts affordable and easily available at and some local elders. Many in the commission, said votes repeatedly The last week has been a now. the frequent joint markets held front row had been vocal unearthed some of Afghanistan’s shocker both for players and the ACB has a good relationship along the border. supporters of Mr. Ghani, helping deepest social and political fracture Afghan board. We got beaten by with BCCI. It must have been a In recent months, however, elect him to office. lines, every time requiring heavy- Ireland in an ODI series in our home help? When I took over as CEO in fears that insurgents and drug Playing host behind the scenes handed Western intervention to conditions in Sharjah. We lost our 2014, I made a personal request to smugglers were exploiting the was Gen. Abdul Raziq, the find a way out. Yet there has been 10th position, that we had for the our President Ashraf Ghani to help phone networks have led the Tajik province’s police chief, whose little success in working to ensure last two years. The team had just us have a good diplomatic authorities to clamp down on the influence stretches across much of that the next election is less of a landed from Dubai when we got relationship with BCCI. I provision of SIM cards. They southern Afghanistan, largely threat to stability. “You can’t keep the news. It was really pleasing. remember when I was in Scotland blocked their old network and because of the American military’s all the ambiguities there every time The whole country welcomes the in 2015, I got a phone call from introduced a registering and support for him. and still expect fair elections,” Mr. news of us playing Test cricket, Ghani saying he had conveyed my recording process, which means of Maimay, Shekay, Nusay, Kuf government as well as the ministry Afghan and Western officials Ahmadzai said. that too against India. This will be message to Mr Modi (Prime new SIM cards and credit are hard Ab, Sheghnan and Khwahan all of communications and say that American military leaders (The New York Times) important for Afghanistan, both Minister) and we will have a press to get hold of. “Prior to border the Amu Darya river which information technology in Kabul, politically and cricket-wise. We all conference in this regard soon. And Tajikistan’s security concerns, we demarcates Afghanistan from but no action had been taken. have dreamt of playing Test cricket then I met (former BCCI president) used to buy each SIM card for 70 Tajikistan. The area has a total Many residents of these districts one day and we are happy to reach Anurag Thakur many times in Afghani, (one US dollar) but population of 180,000, and who travel to study or work in this stage. But the real challenge Delhi and also in Asian Cricket Tajikistan deactivated our previous according to interviews with the Faizabad, the provincial capital of Afgh an for ces detain starts now. Council meetings twice. Thakur SIMs and now each card costs 500 governors of these districts, nearly Badakhshan, say that they are Don’t you think Afghanistan was inspirational and because of Afghani (seven dollars),” said 55,000 residents are using Tajik unable to keep in touch with their T u r k ish tea ch er s cricket needs to move forward him, we got our players in the IPL. Munnir Ahmed Wafa, a resident SIM cards. “Our people have to families back home. . Nafisa, a from the issues faced by people We were allowed to practise in of the border district of Maimay. deal with this lack of university student originally from back home? India and play games in Delhi “In the past, we could obtain Tajik telecommunication services,” said one of Badakhshan’s border lin ked with G u len I have been asked this many (Greater Noida) too. India has been SIM cards easily,” agreed Maimay district governor Kambiz districts, said that calling an Afghan times now. I agree with what you a big help for us, like an elder Parwinah, a resident of Khwahan Qorbani . “There is only one active number using a Tajik SIM card – ...P1 government foundation but provinces of the country and are say. The challenge for Afghanistan brother, for the past few years. district who had travelled to cell tower, belonging to the MTN and vice versa - cost 25 Afghanis a the Afghan Turk schools did not termed the high quality schools lies ahead when they play big Will the Afghanistan team be Faizabad for medical treatment. telecommunications network, minute, making the service accept this. with good prestige among Afghan teams. Since earning Test status, going to India before the Test? “We either bought the SIM cards located in the centre of our district. unaffordable. He said that we are schools. people here are expecting us to win Our schedule is very tight as from the joint border market, or Residents of the villages walk two “I have been in Fayzabad for independent nonpolitical NGO and Also today the families of everything. The expectations of we are preparing for the World Cup bought them from traders from of three hours on foot to come to two years and have not been able governments cannot transfer our student of the female Afghan-Turk people are sky-high. It won’t be qualifiers to be held next year. We Tajikistan, but now we have to buy an area under network coverage just to talk to my parents at all due to millions of dollars investment to school in a press conference here an easy ride. We have to work might go to South Africa before we SIM cards for 500 Afghani and to make a call.” He said that the the lack of access to [domestic] other foundation, thus we showed showed reaction to the detaining harder than before. We have fought compete for the World Cup pay another 500 Afghanis to be lack of telecom services was a telecommunication services and the reaction. ATEC which started its of Afghan Turk teachers and asked all odds to reach where we are qualifiers, to be held in Zimbabwe. registered with Tajikistan’s telecom problem that had been shared high cost of Tajikistan’s services in 1995 in Afghanistan the government to release them as today. We will give a good fight to (ToloNews) networks.” The affected districts repeatedly with the local networks,” she said. have 12 schools in six major soon as possible. THURSDAY .DECEMBER 14, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

WASHINGTON: Government forces are developing momentum that will mean a very bad fighting KABUL: Thousands of acres of season for the Taliban and other state-land allocated for enemies of Afghanistan, Air Force development projects and Kabul’s Brig. Gen. Lance Bunch told eastern cemetery has been Pentagon reporters today. Bunch, EMERGENCY allegedly usurped by powerful the chief of the Resolute Support individuals and parliament researcher at Human Rights Watch of National Geographic, one of the Mission’s future operations CALLS members. According to (HRW) who has worked in few people to be featured twice. division, said the new South Asia government officials who are Afghanistan for 10 years. “The By then, Sharbat Gula was a strategy President Donald J. Police aware of the issue, the usurped way she was parading in front of married mother of three and had Trump announced in August and land in Bagrami district of Kabul the media by Pakistan felt like no idea that her face was the new permissions that flow province has been allocated for humiliation of the Afghan recognized around the world. She from that fundamentally changed 100 - 119 government: Here is this woman told McCurry at the time that she the battlefield in favor of Afghan townships, educational facilities national security forces. and industry by the then who had to flee your country for hoped her daughters could have the ours. The Afghanistan government education she never had. New Strategy Hospitals government back in 1971. At the responded by ostentatiously Now they will. Her daughters The new strategy is conditions time, the land was divided into welcoming her back. The message are enrolled in school for the based — meaning the coalition will FMIC Hospital three portions and 4,500 acres of was: We can take care of our own coming year, says Gul, and “they remain in place until conditions land was allocated for township, people.” will compete their education, improve to the point that Afghan Behind Kabul Medical universities and industry. Gosfan Sharbat Gula was greeted by Inshallah.” forces can maintain security on University: Dara area: The three portions area President Ashraf Ghani, who The Afghan government is their own. This means the Taliban makes 22,500 acres which have handed her a key to a new encouraging her to expand that and other terror groups like the 0202500200-+93793275595 been officially devoted to specific apartment and promised her dream. Nangyal, the spokesman, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, al- purposes. One portion of the land children would have health care and has suggested she launch a Qaida, the Haqqani group and Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital is situated in Gosfan Dara area schooling. “I welcome her back to foundation to educate and others, cannot wait out the and is allocated for mega uplift the bosom of her motherland,” empower women and children, coalition. “As [Army] Gen. [John Pule Bagh-e- Umomi projects, but the area has been Ghani said in a small ceremony. particularly those being W.] Nicholson has stated, we will 070263672 under greater focus of land Known worldwide as the “Afghan Girl,” Sharbat “I’ve said repeatedly, and I like to repatriated, and she is considering be here until the job is done,” Bunch grabbers. Government sources Gula is now 45 with four children of her own. repeat it again, that our country is it. “My message to all my sisters said. Nicholson is the commander about the land-grabbing issue in incomplete until we absorb all of is not to marry their daughters at a of the Resolute Support mission our refugees.” young age,” she told BBC Persia. and U.S. Forces Afghanistan. Khairkhana Hospital Gosfan Dara told Pajhwok Afghan One of the world’s most famous are undertaking after decades Afghan forces and the coalition News more land had been grabbed But in September, her late “Let them complete their education 0799-321007 refugees finally has a home. A big away. husband’s nephew, Niamat Gul, the same as your sons do.” have already changed tactics and in Gosfandara than known. They home. A LONG ROAD HOME complained to Afghan media that But Sharbat Gula’s own this is having an effect on the 2401352 claimed land in the other two Sharbat Gula, who became an Sharbat Gula was arrested late the government had not paid their daughters are returning to an Taliban, Bunch said. His shop portions had also been encroached instant icon when she peered out last year for using a forged rent. Nangyal, the government Afghanistan that may offer worse developed a sustained air upon on a large scale. Gosfan Dara from the June 1985 cover of Pakistani identity card—a spokesman, says her rent and living prospects than their mother had interdiction campaign aimed at Indira Gandhi Children is a far-flung village of Bagrami, National Geographic magazine as common practice among the 1 expenses have been paid since she more than 30 years ago. Today, eliminating the drugs that are at the 20 kilometers east of Kabul City. a 12-year-old-refugee, is now the million Afghan refugees who live returned to Afghanistan. When she only half of Afghan girls attend heart of the Taliban. “Using air Hospital, Wazir Akbar Scope of the usurped land in owner of a 3,000-square-foot in the country without legal status. requested a more traditional home, school, and the majority of those power, we have been able to target Khan, Kabul 2301372 Gosfan Dara Bagrami district residence decorated to her liking in She faced up to 14 years in prison he says, she was relocated to a 10- who do drop out between the ages the Taliban in their so-called safe chief Ahmad Shafai Solamal said the capital of her native and a $5,000 fine. (Read the news room rental near the presidential of 12 to 15. In rural areas, the zones, command-and-control the government in 2010 decided Afghanistan. of her arrest.) palace until a permanent house number of girls in school is nodes, illicit revenue-generating Ibn-e- Seena to construct a teacher’s, a refugee’s The house is a gift from the At the time, she was raising could be purchased. Now, Gul now declining. ventures, and their logistical Afghan government to Sharbat four children and was suffering says, people inspired by Sharbat Human Rights Watch’s Barr networks,” he said. “This new air Pul-e-Artan, Kabul townships, National Mining Gula, now 45, along with a roughly from hepatitis C, which killed her Institute, Industrial City and Gula’s story have come to take says that gender equality in interdiction campaign directly $700-per-month stipend for living husband years earlier. pictures and bring gifts to her new Afghanistan lags behind Pakistan strengthens the Afghan defense 2100359 general cemetery for the residents expenses and medical treatment, “When Pakistan arrested her of eastern Kabul. But as after 2010, house. “She’s happy because and Iran, which took in a combined forces and their continued according to Najeeb Nangyal, a and accused her [of having a] fake Afghanistan respects her,” he six million Afghan refugees during battlefield successes.” the area gained economic spokesman for Afghanistan’s Pakistan ID it became a national Bunch said the Taliban receives Wazir Akbar Khan importance and the process of says. The new home has security, the Soviet War. Women and girls Ministry of Communication. cause for Afghans and the Afghan but they are cautious with who is returning to Afghanistan must about $300 million to $400 million Hospital usurpation began, he said, adding Sharbat Gula, known to much government,” says Nangyal. invited in. Gul explains that the adapt to having a male companion a year with about $200 million of so far 4,474.5 acres of land had of the world simply as the “Afghan After being detained for two attention she’s gotten since being escort them out of the house or it coming from the production of 2301741, 2301743 been grabbed. “Some part of this girl,” received the keys to the home weeks Sharbat Gula was released identified as the subject of National make decisions for them. heroin. area has been occupied by late last month in a ceremony led and returned to Afghanistan with Geographic’s cover puts her at risk Sometimes, she says, these “Since the beginning of this displaced people who came here by Afghan government officials. It her children. “Afghanistan is only from conservative Afghans who returnees are “perceived as campaign, we have eliminated 25 Ali Abad from other provinces due to war comes after three decades as a my birthplace, but Pakistan was don’t believe women should immoral or indecent” because they narcotics processing labs from the Shahrara, Kabul and insecurity, but a huge part of refugee in Pakistan and a tumultous my homeland and I always appear in the media. Her name on grew up abroad. As Afghans come Taliban inventory,” the general these swaths have been grabbed last year back in Afghanistan. considered it as my own country,” the deed makes her among the 17 home in droves—Afghanistan is said. “This equates to almost $80 2100439 by powerful individuals,” he said. Sharbat Gula’s piercing green she told AFP before leaving. “I am percent of Afghan women who now likely hosting some three million of drug money eliminated Independent Land Authority eyes made her an instant icon. dejected. I have no other option own their own homes. million internal and returning from the kingpins’ pockets, while Ghulam Hussain Rahmani, Orphaned at age six during the but to leave.” LOST AND FOUND refugees—these dynamics put denying over $16 million of direct Malalai Maternity Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, she In 2016 alone, 370,000 The last 15 years have seen a women and children returnees at revenue to their Taliban partners.” spokesman for the Independent had trekked by foot to Pakistan registered refugees returned from Hospital Land Authority (ILA), said the flurry of media attention around increased risk of sexual and gender- The strikes come from with her siblings and grandmother. Pakistan to Afghanistan. Tens of Sharbat Gula. The identity of the based violence, says Manizha coalition air forces, the Afghan air 2201377/ 2301743 state-owned land was surveyed Photographer Steve McCurry’s thousands more have been sent and divided into three portions “Afghan Girl” was unknown until Naderi, executive director of force and other coalition fires. picture of her made her the back to their homeland from Iran 2002, when Steve McCurry, who Women for Afghan Women. “Additionally, the Afghan back in 1971. The portions were unwitting posterchild for the and Europe in recent years, often National Interdiction Unit Banks named 1421, 1422, 1426 and the first captured her image, tracked “While [Sharbat Gula] was granted plight of thousands of Afghan by coercion or deportation. An her down in the mountains of the a warm welcome upon her arrival conducted two simultaneous raids government in 2010 decided to refugees streaming into Pakistan. untold number of unregistered Afghanistan-Pakistan border. An back in Afghanistan, thousands of of Taliban narcotics bazaars, as Da Afghanistan Bank implement development projects In her homeland she became known refugees—like Sharbat Gula—have FBI analyst, forensic sculptor and other Afghan women are being part of this integrated campaign.” in Gosfan Dara area on portion as the “Afghan Mona Lisa.” returned as well. the inventor of iris recognition forcibly returned without any This, he said, resulted in more than 2100302, 2100303 1426. Under the plan, 1,000 acres Now she has become a symbol “This woman is a symbol to all verified her identity. She family, home, job, or possibility 2 tons of heroin and more than 5.5 land was allocated for of a return to Afghanistan that Afghans and also a symbol to appeared again on the cover for a secure, stable life,” she says. tons of opium being seized. Bakhtar Bank construction of a refugee hundreds of thousands of refugees Pakistan,” says Heather Barr, a The strikes caught Taliban township, 250 acres for National leaders off guard, and that enabled 0776777000 Mining Institute and 124.5 acres the killing of Taliban “Red Squad” Azizi Bank for grand cemetery. Orders for 3,000 families commander Mullah Shah Wali. preparation of designs and maps Bunch called this a severe blow to 0799 700900 were also issued, according to the Taliban’s criminal network. Rahmani. “Unfortunately, the receive cash “Again, the Taliban have never had Pashtany Bank Gosfan Dara area was grabbed by to face a sustained targeting 2102908, 2103868 corrupt, powerful, and illegally assistance campaign focused on disrupting armed individuals to whiten their their illicit revenue activities,” he said. Air Services back money.” He said copies of in Jawzjan The campaign continues and the Presidential Orders No. 45 Bunch promised the Taliban will had been sent to the Interior SHEBERGHAN: More than face a long winter “as we will Safi Airways Ministry, the Asmaee Zone Police 3,000 displaced families have continue to disrupt their revenue 020 22 22 222 Headquarters, ALA and other received cash assistance in sources again and again and again.” institutions. The order asks these The 12 joint Afghanistan-Iran products exhibition was held in Jawzjan. According to Change is coming to yet authorities to prevent further land representative of people in another aspect of the fight as Ariana grabbing in Gosfan Dara, but no western Herat province on Resolute Support advisers and Tuesday in which domestic parliament Fahima Sadat, 7 million 020-2100270 efforts have been made in this Afghani has been provided by trainers will begin working with regard so far. Without naming the products from the two countries Afghan kandaks — a unit roughly were put on show. A number of minister of counter narcotics and land grabbers, Rahmani said local national disaster management comparable to battalions. “This Kam Air influential individuals and some industry owners in Herat said change allows our forces to train, dozen types of goods produced in authority to assist 3,000 displaced advise and assist Afghan units and 0799974422 MPS who enjoyed impunity were families. It is said that 3,000 involved in the land grabbing. Herat’s industrial town factories leaders directly controlling the were put on show in a special families have been displaced due fight and accelerate the transition Kabul Governor Mohammad to insecurities from Darzab and Hotels Yaqoub Haidari said over 4,000 exhibition. to increased capability and Meanwhile, Iran’s consulate in Qush Tepa districts to Sheberghan capacity,” Bunch said. Safi Landmark acres of land had been grabbed in city. (BNA) Gosfan Dara and added refugees Herat Mohmmad Afkhami asked (GaramoneDoDNews) who repatriated had constructed Iranian investors to invest in Herat. “We seriously believe that the 020-2203131 homes and schools on the state “We should ensure an environment development and welfare of land. He said some individuals where producers will be able to Afghans is the development and SERENA including lawmakers had grabbed work based on Afghanistan’s welfare of Iranians,” said Ali land in Gosfan Dara and sold that situation and customers’ Rasulyan, deputy governor of 0799654000 to repatriates. Alleged land demands,” said Afkhami. Iran’s Razavi Khorasan province. grabbers A source at the Kabul “Afghanistan has improved and it Head of Herat’s chamber of New Rumi Restaurant Kand Authority, who wished not has its own fundamental plans,” commerce and industries Saad to be named, said “real land Iranian president’s economic Khatibi meanwhile said Afghan 0776351347 grabbers” were Allah Gul advisor Seros Alaf said. A number traders have been facing serious Mujahid, a lawmaker from Kabul of Iranian officials have come to challenges in Iran soil in exporting Internet Services province, Sher Ali Ahmadzai, Herat along Iranian traders and Afghan goods to Iran and that UA Telecom a Kuchi tribe representative in the industry owners and participated emphasized the problems should lower house, Akbar Stanikzai, a at the exhibition. be addressed. 0796701701 / 0796702702 lawmaker from Logar province, Iranian officials said they will meet “Unfortunately, we are still and Haji Munjai, the brother of with Afghan officials at the faced with serious problems in Exchange Rate lawmaker Sher Ali Ahmadzai. sidelines of the exhibition to terms of transit and export of address the challenges existed in According to the source, these Afghan goods,” Khatibi said. 1 USD individuals were openly and trade sector between Afghanistan (ToloNews) covertly involved in the land and Iran. 68.90AFN grabbing. “The government often tries to retake the grabbed land, but the land grabbers respond 1000.00 IRR with armed resistance,” the source 16.70AFN said. The source alleged Eye doctors lawmaker Mullah Tarakhel had grabbed 17.5 acres of land in the 1421 and 1422 portions and had curing 300 patients 1.00 UAE constructed a township named 18.70AFN Senator Janat Gul Khan “with the help of duplicate documents.” The 1.00 EUR source went on to say that former in Samangan president Hamid Karzai had 81.80AFN ordered the Kabul Municipality AIBAK: A health team is in diseases will be cured free of to award plots to repatriated Samangan to cure individuals charge. Provincial director of public 1000.00 INR Kuchi tribesmen in the Budkhak suffering from eye diseases. health Mir Agha Asmati says there 1060.00AFN area of Bagrami district and According to head of the team is no eye doctor in the province Mullah Tarakhel misused this Dr. Hamidullah Sadat, the team will and the team in the province can order of the president and grabbed stay for 10 days in the province address problems of a number of 1000.00 PKR over 17 acres of land in Gosfan and it is planned that nearly 300 individuals suffering from eye 636.00AFN Dara. (Pajhwok) patients suffering from eye problems. (BNA) THURSDAY. DECEMBER 14, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Two Reuters journalists were ar- Wa Lone, who joined Reuters in rested on Tuesday evening in June 2016, has covered a range of Myanmar’s main city, Yangon, a stories, including the Rohingya ref- government spokesman said. “Yes ugee crisis in Rakhine State. Kyaw it is correct that they were arrest- Soe Oo has reported for Reuters ed,” spokesman Zaw Htay said. since September. The U.S. embas- “Not only your reporters, but also sy in Yangon said in a statement the policemen who were involved posted on its website on Wednes- in that case. We will take action day evening that it was “deeply against those policemen and also concerned by the highly irregular the reporters.” He did not say why arrests of two Reuters reporters the journalists, Wa Lone and Kyaw after they were invited to meet Soe Oo, had been arrested, pro- with police officials in Yangon last A senior state government official said the deliberation over a stringent vide details of the action they faced night”. law to check organized crime had started during the tenure of the BJP or explain what case he was refer- “For a democracy to succeed, jour- government under Kalyan Singh (September 1997- November 1999). ring to. nalists need to be able to do their Reuters global communications jobs freely,” the embassy said.“We chief Abbe Serphos said: “We are urge the government to explain urgently seeking more information these arrests and allow immediate about the circumstances of their access to the journalists.” arrest and their current situation.” (Reuters) Nepal's CPN-UML emerges as largest party in historical elections A decade on, the Uttar Pradesh centre for Presidential assent, but ed during the tenure of the BJP Control of Organised Crime Act the Congress-led UPA government government under Kalyan Singh As the vote counting of the first- (UPCOCA) is likely to see the at the Centre opposed the Act fear- (September 1997- November past-the-post for the federal par- light of the day after the state cab- ing that it might be misused against 1999). Singh constituted a Special liament and provincial assembly inet on Wednesday approved the the minority community. Denial of Task Force to eliminate top gang- elections in Nepal came to an end legislation. Incorporating the pro- presidential approval and charges sters active in the state and planned on Wednesday, the Communist visions of the Maharashtra Con- of the BSP being anti- Muslim to bring a law to check the nexus Party of Nepal-United Marxist trol of Organised Crime Act from the Samajwadi Party put between criminals, politicians, Leninist (CPN-UML) has emerged (MCOCA) legislated in 1999, Mayawati on the back foot. Fear- contractors and government offic- as the largest party of the Hima- UPCOCA will be tabled in the ing that it might damage her polit- ers. The officers were directed to layan nation, the Election Commis- winter session of the legislative ical fortunes, she dumped UPCO- study Maharashtra’s MCOCA . sion said. The CPN-UML, the larg- assembly that starts Thursday. CA before the 2009 Lok Sabha Before the orders of CM could be est communist party in Nepal, The state government will send the election. “Riding on the law and implemented, Kalyan Singh re- was able to secure 80 out of the legislation for presidential assent order issue the BSP grabbed pow- signed. The Act was then revived total 165 seats under the first-past- after both houses of the pass the er in 2007 but soon top gangsters by the Yogi Adityanath-led BJP the-post category of the federal bill. After coming to power in including Mukhtar Ansari, Brijesh government . After taking over on parliament, according to the elec- 2007, the BSP government decid- Singh, Dhananjay Singh, Bhagwan March 19, the CM had announced tion body. Meanwhile, the party ed to draft UPCOCA to check or- Sharma alias Guddu Pandit, Uma- a crackdown on criminal gangs and has garnered 166 out of 330 seats ganized crime in the state. A team kant Yadav, Jitendra Singh Babloo revealed plans for a stringent law in provincial assembly polls. The of senior officers was sent to Ma- and Abhay Singh joined the BSP , to check organized crime. Since an CPN (Maoist Centre) led by Push- harashtra to study the implemen- forcing the party to slow down NDA government led by BJP is in pa Kamal Dahal has become the tation of MCOCA. In March action against organized crime”, power at the centre, the state gov- second largest party by winning 2008, the then chief minister May- said RK Prasad, a teacher at VBS ernment is hopeful that the law will 36 seats in federal parliament and Army Chief General Qamar Javed mination and support to Pakistan vised the youth to continue play- Bajwa said that the Pakistan Army Army in fight against terrorism. ing their role towards peace and awati tabled the Uttar Pradesh Purvanchal University. A senior be cleared. “The state government 73 seats in provincial assembly Control of Organised Crime Bill in state government official said the has already directed the state po- under the first-past-the-post cat- fully supports mainstreaming of Valuing visiting delegations’ views progress of Fata and Pakistan as the Federally Administered Tribal regarding future of Fata, the army they are the future leaders. Pesha- the legislative assembly. The BSP deliberation over a stringent law lice to launch a drive against noto- egory. According to the Election government sent UPCOCA to the to check organized crime had start- rious and wanted criminals. (ANI) Commission, the Nepali Congress Areas (Fata) and will pursue it in chief said achievements through war attackers were in contact with party has managed to win 23 seats line with aspirations of tribal peo- sacrifices of brave tribesmen are terrorists in Afghanistan: ISPR in federal parliament and 45 seats ple, the military’s media wing being consolidated while we tran- While focusing on Pak-Afghan in provincial assemblies under the said.The chief of army staff sit from relative stability to endur- border mechanism, the COAS also first-past-the-post category. The (COAS) assured Fata delegations ing peace. The Fata delegations ac- shared his engagement with the Nepali Congress, which was the of tribal elders and youth Jirga knowledged and appreciated Pa- Afghan leadership for enhanced largest party in the last election, who called on him at the headquar- kistan Army’s sacrifices, efforts cooperation and security measures has become the third largest party ters of the Inter-Services Public and contributions for peace and along Pak-Afghan border. Com- this time. Though the Election Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday. stability and socio-economic de- mander Peshawar Corps, DG ISI, Commission announced the final The COAS held detailed dis- velopment of Fata.Tribesmen also CGS and other senior army offic- outcomes of the federal and pro- cussion with both the delegations expressed their respective views ers were also present at the meet- vincial assembly elections on separately. Gen Qamar lauded trib- regarding mainstreaming of Fata ing. Wednesday. (BBC) al elders and youth for their deter- and way forward. Gen Qamar ad- (Tribune)

The United Kingdom Government has issued a travel advisory for it citizens, warning them that terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Bangladesh. "Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Bangladesh. Singer Sri Lanka, the largest con- Bank credit card holders one of the fordable prices or ensuring our cus- The threat extends across the country," said sumer goods retailer in the coun- largest networks in the island for tomers can reach us easily wher- the advisory on the U.K. Government's web- try, has joined hands with Pan Asia any bank credit card payments. ever they happen to reside in the site. "There's also the risk that foreign nation- Bank, the fastest growing commer- Credit card settlements made by country. Now all Pan Asia Bank als could be directly targeted in future attacks; cial bank in the island, to offer their Pan Asia Bank credit card custom- credit card holders will not only you should consider your movements careful- customers added convenience. ers at any Singer outlet before 4:00 be able to easily pay their credit ly and follow any specific advice of the local The users of Pan Asia Bank p.m. on a weekday will be updat- card bills at a location convenient security authorities," the advisory added. Up credit cards are now able to pay ed to the credit card account on to them but also do so on week- to 150,000 British nationals visit Bangladesh their credit card bills at all Singer the same day whilst payments ends and holidays.” Pan Asia Bank every year. Mentioning the last terrorist at- outlets. This adds the convenience made after 4:00 p.m. and during Deputy General Manager Market- tack, targeting security forces, occurred in of over 500 Singer Plus, Singer weekends and holidays will be ing and Personal Banking Nalaka March 2017, the travel advisory warns of a Mega, Singer Homes, Sisil World credited the next working day. Sing- Wijayawardana added, “We are risk that future attacks could target public gath- outlets, Singer Finance branches er Sri Lanka Credit Director Jana- extremely pleased at this oppor- erings. The travel advisory comes after Bang- and service centre’s islandwide, in ka Mendis commenting on the tunity to enter into this partner- ladeshi national Akayed Ullah was arrested in which to make payments to the partnership said, “At Singer we are ship with Singer Sri Lanka and of- connection with the recent terror attack near existing over 80 Pan Asia Bank all about making the lives of our fer our credit card customers un- Times Square in New York. An explosion took branches across the country. The customers better, be it through paralleled convenience.” place on Monday in an underground tunnel partnership provides Pan Asia useful and convenient goods at af- (Colombo) linking the Port Authority Bus Terminal to Times Square in New York. The 27-year-old Ullah was carrying a suspected pipe bomb that malfunctioned and exploded prematurely, leav- ing him and three others injured in the blast. The New York City Police Department said that Ullah has been charged with- criminal pos- Court refusestobelieveinDar medical reports session of a weapon, support act of terrorism, and making terroristic threat. He reportedly If an order of the accountability court conducting trial of categorically observed in his med- offender and decided to conduct told investigators that the recent Israeli actions Ishaq Dar is to be believed, then an Indian doctor has ical report that the accused is not trial in his absence. While rejecting in Gaza, which were consequences of U.S. Pres- allegedly provided medical reports to the former finance suffering from ischaemic heart dis- Defence lawyer Advocate Qausain ident Donald Trump declaring Jerusalem as the minister for the purpose of lingering his trial. Account- ease while Dr Ranjit Deshpande is Faisal Mufti’s request to grant ex- capital of Israel, compelled him to carry out ability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir believes that Dar of different opinion. The order read emption from personal appearance the attack in New York, and that he was aveng- was relying upon the medical reports provided by Dr that Dr Deshpande conducted and his argument that NAB has ing attacks on the Islamic State (IS) group in Ranjit Deshpande, one of the leading heart surgeons at many tests and could not point out yet to verify the medical reports, the Middle East. However, there is no evidence London Bridge Hospital, to deliberately avoid court ap- any such disease. “In the above the judge stated that “it is pre- that Akayed, who is an electrician, had any pearance in connection with a reference filed by the Na- circumstances, [the] accused is not sumed that [the] reports were is- direct contact with the IS. The Bangladesh tional Accountability Bureau (NAB). “When all medical appearing before the court delib- sued by the doctors who purport- Embassy in Washington DC condemned the reports are kept together it seems that the reports of erately and avoiding execution of edly issued those reports”. Ac- New York City terror attack and assured that Ranjit Deshpande are procured with [the] purpose to warrants,” Judge Bashir stated. countability court confirms freez- Bangladesh Government was committed to its linger the case/reference,” stated Judge Bashir in his or- The details surfaced from the de- ing Ishaq Dar’s assets He subse- declared policy of 'Zero Tolerance' against ter- der of December 11. Ishaq Dar again fails to appear be- tailed order through which the quently disposed of the applica- rorism. (ANI) fore court The judge added that Dr Christopher Baker court declared Dar a proclaimed tions filed for placing. (Dawan) THURSDAY. DECEMBER 14, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief Iran urges Muslim nations to defend Palestinians after Trump move Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Wednesday all Muslim nations should work together to defend the rights of Palestinians following Donald Trump’s deci- sion last week to recognise Jerus- A number of Christians have died alem as Israel’s capital. Rouhani, during one of the largest annual attending an emergency meeting pilgrimages in Latin America. The of Muslim leaders, said the U.S. truck they were travelling on was president’s move showed the involved in a crash between Pueb- United States lacked any respect la and Mexico City on Tuesday, for the legitimate rights of the which killed eleven of the travel- Palestinian nation. “Iran is ready lers. The group was among an es- to cooperate with all Muslim timated seven million people who countries without any precondi- went to celebrate the Basilica of tion to defend the legitimate Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexi- rights of Palestinians,” Rouhani co City, one of the top pilgrimage told the gathering in the Turkish sites in Catholicism dedicated to city Istanbul. “Unity among the Virgin Mary. A further 12 peo- Muslim countries is very impor- ple were taken to hospital. The tant and Quds (Jerusalem) should basilica stands at a site where ac- become our top counts published in both the in- priority.”Opposition to Israel digenous language, Nahuatl, and and support for the Palestinian Spanish in the 1600s claimed the cause have been central to Iran’s Virgin Mary appeared five times foreign policy since the Islamic A Russian delegation has arrived dent Vladimir Putin made a trium- side, we're ready to talk any time to an indigenous man, Juan Diego revolution of 1979 that toppled in North Korea, state media said phant trip to the Middle East to North Korea would like to talk and in 1531. It is believed she spoke to the U.S.-backed Shah. Iran, the Wednesday, hours after Secretary hail the success of a military effort we're ready to have the first meet- him in Nahuatl and told him that a leading Shi‘ite Muslim power, of State Rex Tillerson indicated the to shore up Syria’s President ing without precondition," Tiller- church should be built in her ho- and Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia United States is open to talks with Bashar al-Assad and announce son said. "Let's just meet and we nour at the top of the hill where are competing for influence in the Kim Jong Un's government with- deeper ties with Turkey and can talk about the weather if you there had once been an Aztec Tem- Middle East, where they sup- out preconditions. Victor Kalga- Egypt — including a $21 billion want. We can talk about whether ple honouring a goddess. port rival groups in Yemen, Syr- nov, vice-director of Russia’s Na- nuclear energy deal. Russian state it’s going to be a square table or a (AP) ia, Iraq and Lebanon. tional Defense Command Center, news agency Interfax gave no de- round table if that's what you're was pictured at Pyongyang’s air- tails of Wednesday's North Korea excited about. But can we at least port alongside three other officials visit, but reported that Deputy sit down and see each other face to Court rules on from the country’s defense minis- Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov face and then we can begin to lay try in an image released by the had welcomed Tillerson’s com- out a map, a roadmap of what we EU parliament Russian bitcoin state-run KCNA news agency. ments. Tillerson told an audience might be willing to work towards." Victor Kalganov, vice-director of at the Atlantic Council think tank Related: U.S. joint drills simu- suspect's the National Defense Command Tuesday that it was “not realis- late attack targeting North Korea backs Center of the Russian Federation tic” for North Korea to give up its missiles The apparent softening extradition (center-left), visits Pyongyang nuclear weapons program before comes nearly two weeks after with three unidentified Russian discussions can begin, adding that North Korea test-launched an in- starting next to US defense ministry officials. KCNA/ President Donald Trump was also tercontinental ballistic missile HANDOUT / Reuters The visit “very realistic” on the issue. (ICBM) that could put the entire ATHENS -- Greece's Supreme comes days after Russian Presi- "We've said from the diplomatic United States mainland. (Reuters) Court has ruled in favor extradit- phase of ing a Russian cybercrime suspect to the United States to stand tri- al for allegedly laundering billions Brexit talks of dollars using the virtual cur- rency bitcoin. Alexander Vinnik made his final appearance at an The European Parliament urged Athens court Wednesday amid EU leaders on Wednesday to al- an ongoing legal battle between low the next phase of Brexit nego- the U.S. and Russia, who are both tiations to start, backing a motion seeking his extradition. Greece's that recognised the talks had ad- justice minister will ultimately vanced sufficiently as a well a line decide on whether Vinnik will be criticising Britain’s lead negotiator sent to Russia or the U.S. The David Davis. European Union's case was heard amid growing glo- chief Brexit negotiator Michel bal interest in virtual currencies Barnier holds a press conference and their underlying blockchain at the European Commission head- technology, fuelled by the ongo- quarters in Brussels, Belgium De- ing boom in the price of bitcoin. cember 8, 2017. REUTERS/Yves The 38-year-old former bitcoin Herman European Union leaders platform operator denies any are almost certain to judge on Fri- wrongdoing but is not contest- day that “sufficient progress” has ing the Russian request on less been made on the rights of citizens, serious charges. U.S. authorities the Brexit divorce bill and the Irish accuse Vinnik of laundering $4 news: This century has seen a rise border to allow negotiations to billion worth of bitcoins through At least half the world’s popula- the WHO said. In a joint report move to the next phase. The EU tion is unable to access essential with the World Bank, the United in the number of people getting BTC-e, one of the world's larg- services such as vaccinations, HIV/ executive recommended last week est digital currency exchanges, health services and many others Nations health agency said it was that leaders approve the start of are forced into extreme poverty by completely unacceptable that more AIDS drugs, and mosquito-repel- which he allegedly operated. ling bednets and contraception, it trade talks. The European Parlia- (WP) having to pay for healthcare they than half the world’s people still ment will have to approve any cannot afford, the World Health don’t get the most basic said. But there are wide gaps in the availability of services in sub- Brexit deal, although its motion on Organization said on Wednesday. healthcare.“If we are serious - not Wednesday, backed by 556 votes Some 800 million people just about better health outcomes Saharan Africa and southern Asia, Theresa May the report found. In other regions, for to 62 against, was not binding. worldwide spend at least 10 per- but also about ending poverty - The EU’s Brexit negotiator Mich- cent of their household income on we must urgently scale up our ef- basic services such as family plan- under pressure ning and child immunisation are The Saudi-led coalition executed by several actors on the ground as el Barnier told lawmakers the next healthcare for themselves or a sick forts on universal health coverage,” air strikes on a police camp in the part of a new alliance. President phase of talks would focus on a child, and as many as 100 million World Bank President Jim Yong more available, but families are as MPs back suffering financially to pay for Houthi-controlled capital Sana’a Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi’s na- “short and defined” transition pe- of those are left with less than Kim said in a statement with the today, killing 39 and injuring more tional army has been joined by the riod and initial discussions on a $1.90 a day to live on as a result, report. The report had some good them. Yong Kim said this was a petition urging sign that “the system is broken”. than 90, Reuters reported. The Saleh’s forces and surrounding future relationship. Future talks, Houthis had held 180 Yemeni gov- tribes which seek to take over the he said, would be no less difficult. protection for ernmental forces as prisoners in port of Hudaydah. The Yemeni “They are tough, very tough be- the police camp located in eastern forces today retook control of ter- cause the issues are extremely Christians in France Sana’a. Hussain Al-Bukhaiti, a ritorial positions in Taiz. The Philippines' Duterte complicated and because the con- Sana’a based journalist reported United Arab Emirates backed sequences of Brexit are very seri- Middle East rejects that in total six air strikes stuck Southern Transitional Council ous,” he said, adding that British the police station, around mid- (STC) has also joined the Yemeni Prime Minister Theresa May was 'Tehran says dengue night. Casualties of #Saudi #UAE coalition to fight the Houthis, “courageous” and deserved re- Theresa May is under pressure 6 strikes on military police camp which has changed conflict dy- to protect persecuted religious spect. Nigel Farage of the anti-EU Mediterranean' prison #Sanaa #Yemen exceeded namics on the ground. The Saudi- UKIP party called her “Theresa minorities in the Middle East to- campaign carried 60 dead and more than 113 injrd led coalition entered Yemen in day as a report warns around 80 the appeaser” and said she had Axis Some 60 were reported killed and March 2015 and has been called yielded on virtually everything. per cent of Christians are being more than 113 injured by the Sau- out previously for potential war driven out of Iraq alone. MPs are Barnier stressed that Britain could out in 'good faith' di-led coalition strikes according crimes for its indiscriminate tar- not renege on commitments made backing a petition signed by more French Foreign Minister Jean- to Al-Bukhaithi. Saudi Arabia has geting practices in Yemen. In Au- than 800,000 people from 143 Yves Le Drian rejected on Tues- to ensure the talks moved on. The not publically commented on the gust, Saudi Arabia targeted a civil- agreement presented in a joint re- countries including North Korea, day any Iranian “axis” stretching strikes. Since the killing of the ian apartment block killing at least Afghanistan and the UK that will from the Mediterranean Sea to port last Friday was, in the view former president Ali Abdullah 12 people, six of them children, of some in Brussels, undermined be presented to foreign office Tehran, and demanded the depar- Saleh last week, there has been an according to residents. Saudi Ara- minister Alistair Burt this after- ture of Iranian fighters from Syria. by Davis’s comment that it was increase of strikes in Sana’a in a bia conceded thereafter that it was more “a statement of intent” than noon. It urges the UK govern- In an interview with France 2 tele- bid to push back the Houthis to- due to an unspecified “technical ment and the United Nations to vision broadcasted on Tuesday, Le legally binding. Davis has subse- wards northern Yemen. The effort error”. quently said he wants the accord ensure citizenship, decent living Drian said: “The Iranian presence to retake territory has been joined (BBC) conditions and a role in rebuild- and the desire to make an axis from swiftly translated into a legal text. ing countries ripped apart by the Mediterranean to Tehran, (I ISIS and civil war. Church Re- say) no! There is a Syria that needs sponse for RefugeesChurch lead- to exist.” The French foreign min- TunisiacallsonUNESCOtoincludeworkof ers have warned Christians are ister said despite the amendments being overlooked for resettlement introduced to the French positions because they are too scared to that followed the election of Pres- IbnKhaldouninitsWorldRegister join the UN refugee camps. ident Emmanuel Macron, and the The worldwide call, with 200,000 new policy saying that Assad’s Tunisia has called on UNESCO to include its Prolegom- signatories to the petition com- departure from power should not ena of Arab thinker and historian, Abderrahmane Ibn ing from the Middle East itself, be a pre-condition for negotiations, Khaldoun to the Memory of the World Register. Host- is part of a campaign by perse- Paris still considers that “Assad is ing a conference yesterday at the National Heritage on cution charity Open Doors to not the solution” for Syria. At the “Ibn Khaldoun and its contemporary readings”, presented raise support for Christians in battlefield, and in line with Rus- by French historian Gabriel Martinez-Gros. The initia- Iraq and Syria. Second Church sian President Vladimir Putin’s President Rodrigo Duterte believes the previous Philippine government tive of the Tunisian Ministry of Cultural Affairs was Estates Commissioner Dame decision to pull out “a large sec- acted in good faith in launching an immunization drive that used a new adopted by the Permanent Commission for Arab Cul- Caroline Superman and Labour tion” of his forces from Syria, dengue vaccine on hundreds of thousands of children, he said on Wednes- ture of the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural MP Kate Green are backing the Moscow begun on Tuesday to day. Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte Rodrigo Duterte gestures Organisation (ISESCO) which met on 30 November in campaign with Green telling partially withdraw its forces de- during a news conference on the sidelines of the Association of South Casablanca, Morocco. The Prolegomena (Al-Muqaddi- Christian Today a 'crude' under- ployed in the country for the past East Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Pasay, metro Manila, Philip- ma in Arabic) is a work of Ibn Khaldun written in 1377 standing of faith in the UK meant two years. However, the Penta- pines, November 14, 2017. REUTERS/Dondi Tawatao The campaign which deals with Islamic theology, political science, nat- persecution of Christians goes gon said on Tuesday that the US was started by Duterte’s predecessor, Benigno Aquino, who approved ural sciences and biology inspired by the thinker’s own unchallenged. 'The characterisa- had not observed any significant the use of 3.5 billion pesos ($69 million) in savings in 2016 to buy experience. In it, he analyses the causes of the rise and tion of it [the conflict in Middle withdrawal following Putin’s an- millions of doses of Dengvaxia, the world’s first approved vaccine against decline of Arab dynasties. According to some modern East] being a battle about Islamic nouncement. “There have been no the mosquito-borne virus. The campaign was halted on Dec. 1, after the thinkers, it is a pioneering work in the social sciences or extremism absolutely misses the meaningful reductions in combat vaccine maker, French drug firm Sanofi, said Dengvaxia’s use was to be in the modern economy in ancient times. The first Al- nuances about the historic pres- troops following Russia’s previ- strictly limited due to evidence it could worsen the disease in people Muqaddima translation was made in 1749 in the Otto- ence for centuries. (AP) ous announcements planned. who had not previously been exposed to the virus. man Empire, in Turkish, by Sheikh El Islam Pirizade. (BBC) THURSDAY. DECEMBER 14, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Ahmad Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563

E-mail: [email protected] could inhibit this flow of cash to illegal armed groups. Instead the in- Email: [email protected] By Obaidullah dustrialized world could purchase the mines directly from Afghanistan markets and Afghanistan companies www.afghanistantimes.af The Chabahar Project was con- and partnerships. This requires that Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi ceived fifteen years ago. But because the transactions should be moni- of US-imposed International Sanc- tored by Government of Islamic tions on Iran, the project stalled for Republic of Afghanistan and fairly Advisory editorial board several years. During 2016 Iran taxed. Furthermore, the document reached an agreement on its nucle- of transactions should be publicly Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar ar program with group of World available as only then we could avoid Powers known as the P5+1 (the outflow of cash to the insurgents’ Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir permanent members of the United movements. To boost and speed- Nations Security Council –the Unit- up the trade via Chabahar port we Graphic-Designers: ed States, Russia, the United King- recommend that Afghanistan should dom, China, and France; plus Ger- propose to have One-Stop-Border- Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada many). The agreement lifted some Post (OSBP) with Iran. This OSBP Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: of the sanctions. The sanctions ease- Asia Strategy. This strategy requires technology and manufacturing prod- will combine the administrative unit ment prompted India to invest USD India to play a bigger role in Af- ucts needed by CA. Hence the trade of both countries at border of Iran Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0782344728, 0778894038 500 million in an effort to build car- ghanistan’s stabilization and eco- route can greatly increase CA oil and and Afghanistan or any other alter- go berths, terminals and connecting nomic development. In turn, Iran gas revenues while enable India and native agreeable location and at the Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan roads and rail lines is the foundation got its first deep-water port that will the manufacturing and technology lower end of the cargo destination of the strategy to improve linkage enable the country to conduct trade giants such as Japan to have access with Central Asia. The OSBP con- Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 to Afghanistan and Central Asia. with big cargo ships compared to to a new market that now has reve- struction expenditure will be paid by Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press The investment will enable India to small, uneconomic ships Iran’s ports nues to pay for their products and the two nations. The OSBP border have access to Afghanistan and Cen- are handling now. Additionally, Af- services. The author recommends post will reduce the time that ship- tral Asian Markets and facilitate ghanistan and Iran will be entitled that Government of Islamic Repub- ments spend at the border. Signifi- trade between Central Asia and South to annually receive tens of millions lic of Afghanistan (GoIRA) should cantly, the OSBP will reduce fraudu- Asia (CA & SA). Subsequently, in of dollars as transit fees from trade take maximum advantage of the im- lent practices in tax collection as The constitution says 2016 Afghanistan, Iran and India between CA & SA. Several policy proved and new transportation well. Upon successful completion signed trilateral agreement. {https:/ analysts argued that Chabahar port routes to establish trade relations. and implementation of an OSBP /www.ndtv.com/india-news/ga- is the alternative route to Pakistan’s Taking advantage includes, but not with Iran, the government could pro- mechanger-chabahar-port-on-agen- congested Karachi Port, and the limited to, signing trade agreements pose establishing similar facilities Article 104: da-as-as-pm-modi-visits-iran-10- newly established port will give end with industrialized nations such as with other neighboring countries as Both Houses of the National Assembly shall convene their sessions concurrently, but separately. facts-1408983}.The Agreement or will minimize trade with Paki- Japan, United States of America, the well. Because, strategically and from Sessions of the two Houses shall be held jointly under the following circumstances: 1.When the legislative serves as a legal framework for three stan because in the past Pakistan European Union and India. The an economic point of view, it is not term or annual sessions are inaugurated by the President; 2. When deemed necessary by the President. The states to trade via Chabahar port. used the trade as a policy tools to GoIRA is expected to facilitate ex- advisable to be wholly dependent on President of the House of People shall preside over the joint sessions of the National Assembly. The sea route is the second trade pressure Afghanistan, which is a land- port of mining products to the in- single route for conducting trade route between India and Afghani- locked country. However, the cur- dustrialized world. For decades Af- with foreign world. The One-Stop- stan: in June 2016 the two coun- rent author believes that Afghani- ghanistan mines were exported un- Border-Post is not a new concept. tries launched an Air Corridor Project stan simply took advantage of its der trade mark of the neighboring For example, the idea was imple- to facilitate trade between two na- legitimate right to have several countries. For the time being, in- mented in Uganda and Kenya bor- tions. So far, hundreds of tons of routes to trade with other countries. dustrialized countries are not directly der, and truck drivers reported sig- cargo have been traded via air corri- Having choices will give an end Af- purchasing mining products from Af- nificant time reduction that they dor between two nations. On Octo- ghanistan’s being hugely dependent ghanistan’s traders and under the spend at border ports (the time re- ber 29 of this year, the first con- on Karachi trade route and will pave trademark of Afghanistan, because duced from 2 days to less than 8 signment of wheat was shipped via the ground for regional development they believe the money will go to hours). Obaidullah is a development Chabahar Port to Afghanistan. The and economic integration. This de- insurgent’s movements and branded economist. He graduated from Pub- Chabahar project is a win-win situa- velopment will contribute to stabil- the mines as “Blood Mines”. In- lic Policy Program of National Grad- tion for Afghanistan-Iran and India ity and growth in the region which stead, the mines are first traded via uate Institute for Policy Studies at and the wider region. The access to is in the interest of entire region. intermediaries to neighboring coun- Tokyo, Japan, specializing in inter- Central Asia will boost India trade Additionally, CA & SA have differ- tries and then sold to industrialized national development studies. The relation with Central Asia and Af- ent production and demand gaps: CA countries. The author argues that ideas and recommendations in this ghanistan. The connectivity is also is energy rich and SA is energy change of trade destination and article does not represent an entity. in-line with newly released US South starved whereas SA is specialized in bringing intermediaries in between They are solely belong to the writ- er.

peace process by its nature is a complex and tortuous journey, but nothing is impossible when there is will. Regional consensus is very much important to any peace building efforts. But there are some neighbors who proved detrimental to the peace process. Such ele- ments, especially, Pakistan—the hostile neighbor, destroying all attempts to find a solution to the ongoing, meanwhile longest war in Afghanistan, which has led to the failure of all political negotiations between the gov- ernment and militant group. In the past there were several meetings in By John Weight Kabul, Beijing and Islamabad and elsewhere, in different platforms to reach consent and convince Taliban insurgents to come to the table of talks with Hoping to render their troubled past "water under the bridge," the Afghan government. But since Pakistan is not honest to bring its child- South Korean President Moon Jae- birth which is in the name of various militant outfits, including the Taliban in jetted off to China Wednesday and Haqqani terror network, to the peace talks with Afghan government, to "normalize" ties with his neigh- bor. The meeting, which was agreed the result of numerous peace attempts, including Quadrilateral Coordina- on back in October, was arranged tion Group, were led in vain. There was high hope over these meetings, but in the hopes of resolving their "it's complicated" relationship status, all hopes dashed to the ground, instead war has been intensified with more sparked by the July 2016 agree- brutality than ever with the covert and overt support of Pakistan. This has ment to install the US' Terminal High Altitude Area Defense sys- given us very concerning voice over the obvious lack of appropriate in- tem (THAAD) in the South Kore- vestment into the political dialogue and a huge mismatch between resources an village of Seongju. China's con- allocation for peacekeeping and peace building. If there was international- cerns mainly stem from the possi- bility of the Land of the Free using ly support behind direct peace talks and there was strong determination the THAAD system to under- among superpower countries, Pakistan could not deteriorate peace talks. mine Beijing by using THAAD's radar systems to monitor its mili- the fact that the system is under operated by the Koreans then Chi- strike.'" The US has repeatedly Certainly, all militant groups would not have continued its evil and anti- tary bases and operations. And the control of the US military is na would not need to worry." When conducted military drills with re- human operations without the support of the greatest sponsor of terror- though South Korea has promised what really bothers China. "The asked whether or not the US could gional partners Japan and South ism, and Pakistan is number one in this race of supporting these devil forc- that the system wouldn't be used reason [China is upset] is that the be preparing for a strike against Korea to put pressure on North to spy on China, suspicions have THAAD battery in South Korea North Korea, Zhang said the pos- Korea following its November 29 es. But it doesn’t mean everyone is following the same suite. All regional not been squashed, says Zhang is being operated by the US mili- sibility "is low." "Trump is mere- missile launch, the first since its countries are not as antagonistic as Pakistan. We have China, Indian, Rus- Baohui, director of the Center for tary, not by South Korean mili- ly bluffing, he wants to scare the September 15 test. Moon is ex- Asian Pacific Studies at Lingnan tary," says Zhang. "If the THAAD Chinese," Zhang said. "He wants pected to stay in the Chinese main- sia and Central Asian Countries who hold positive mood, and honestly stand- University in Hong Kong. Speak- missile system is bought or pur- to tell the Chinese that ‘if you don't land until Friday. ing beside the Afghan government in every area. Obviously, international ing to Radio Sputnik, Zhang says chased by the [South] Koreans or do more economic sanctions, we'll (Truthout) community is here to help us too. Fortunately, regional countries are up in making efforts in bringing a meaningful peace in Afghanistan that has been suffering from long decades of war. India, China, and Russia want a peace- ful, and stable Afghanistan, assuring of their unremitting efforts toward prompting peace in the war-hit country. The foreign ministers of India, China and Russia (ICR) recently in a trilateral meeting in New Delhi, the three developed countries emphasized on Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan, slamming the Taliban insurgents for undermining peace in the region and around the world. Mutual cooperation for peace process, fight against terrorism, and drug trafficking, importance of regional interaction in Afghanistan to achieve joint goals was highlighted in meeting. Indeed, this is a very posi- tive move, giving us energy and reason to be optimistic regarding better future. We are thankful for ICR trilateral meeting for helping Afghanistan in their efforts to achieve peace, build a peaceful, secure, united, demo- cratic, stable, and prosperous state. The day will not be too far to see Af- ghanistan free of violence and militant outfits through joint support of the regional countries. Subscription Rates

Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. THURSDAY. DECEMBER 14, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Raymond Suttner in some provincial or branch elec- may also be that if Ramaphosa is elected, he will not have a substantial tions. The party's computer system majority to back such actions. Some suggest that a package deal, similar to could be damaged, making it impos- that offered to Zimbabwe's Robert Mugabe, could see Zuma go quietly. But sible to accredit delegates. The ven- there are doubts about the legality of such a deal. Many who respect the law ue can be made unusable in multiple and the constitution do not want to allow Zuma to hold onto his ill-gotten ways - by flooding, inflicting dam- gains or be exempted from prosecution. South Africans want a democratic age or even dumping faeces (now a state, run on the basis of the existing constitution. But South African fairly common form of protest). It democracy cannot be restored through deals behind closed doors. It requires would be logistically difficult to find re-empowering the citizenry, who have been so badly betrayed. That may These days, South Africa's media and speedily transport 5,000 dele- be a difficult task, entailing listening to one another in order to rebuild seem to be reporting continuously gates to a new venue. Much blood democratic organisation. That will not be achieved overnight. (Aljazeera) on a single subject: the governing has been shed in South Africa in re- ANC's 54th national conference that cent years as result of intra-ANC is expected to be held in Johannes- violence relating to elections. Can- burg from December 16 to 20. The didates or councillors have been at- coverage of the upcoming confer- tacked, injured or even murdered. ence is mostly focused on what jour- The conflict is generally described nalists simply call "the race", refer- as "factional". This may be true, but ring to the election of a new ANC these days the "factions" in the ANC president. There are daily media re- do not represent political tenden- ports on how many delegates ap- cies or ideologies. Instead, they rep- pear to have pledged their support resent people loyal to certain indi- to one or the other candidate for viduals or even criminal networks. the position which South African It has not always been like this. In President Jacob Zuma is due to va- the past, divisions in the party were cate. Zuma's term as state president mostly related to ideological differ- is due to end in 2019, unless he is ences, as with the breakaway of the removed, for one of his many mis- Pan Africanist Congress in the late demeanours, before that term ends. 1950s. There were other factional splits and differences, but these were The strategy of using nuclear weapons as a threat is dangerous in itself, When the ANC held its first official Norwegian Foreign Ministry senior advisor Torgeir E. Fjærtoft has argued, conference in 1991, following a 30- also related to broad issues like the relationship between race and class, implying that the West would be a safer place without nuclear bombs. year ban that forced the party to Facebook’sdangerous The International Campaign Against Nuclear Arms (ICAN) received the operate illegally, it was simply called socialism and national liberation, or the resort to armed struggle. Given Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo City Hall the past weekend. This summer, 122 a "national conference". But today, nations supported the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Arms. it is widely described as an "elective the ethical corrosion of the ANC and its descent from an organisa- None of the NATO members, including Norway, voted in favor of the conference". By changing the de- experiment inCambodia treaty, which undermines their security, Torgeir E. Fjærtoft of the Univer- scription of the conference, the tion with a thriving political inner life into violent and criminal prac- sity of Oslo pointed out in an interview with Dagsavisen, a daily newspa- media is echoing the ANC's preoc- per. "NATO's current nuclear strategy is unsustainable. The crises during cupations and reducing party poli- tices, can it recover? All of the can- didates for the ANC presidency were the Cold War era revealed that nuclear weapons strategies become danger- tics to discussions on who gets elect- By Catherine V. Harry reach on their page has been de- Now with Facebook’s change, ous precisely when they are meant to deter, namely during political con- ed to this or that position. Back complicit in Zuma's rule and advance scrappy, uninspiring alternatives. clining dramatically after Facebook Cambodian news outlets and non- frontations," Fjærtoft argued. The mushroom cloud from Ivy Mike (code- when the party was illegal, and in- governmental organizations are name given to the test) rises above the Pacific Ocean over the Enewetak volvement in the ANC was danger- One needs to be cautious before sug- rolled out the new Explore Feed gesting that an organisation that has Facebook’s latest experiment is feature. As someone who makes a having a hard time reaching as many Atoll in the Marshall Islands on November 1, 1952 at 7:15 am (local time) ous, people gained little by being part - the photograh is used for illustration purpose Fjærtoft argued that the of the leadership in the party. But been at the centre of struggles for playing a dangerous game with free living through my videos on Face- people as they once did. For ex- freedom for over a century will sim- ample, the Voice of America Kh- world was now entering a phase of confrontation, and the fact that both today, what position people hold in expression in Cambodia. This fall, book (companies pay me for prod- the West and Russia lean on the nuclear arms strategy makes the situation the party relates to the amount of ply disappear. But it is equally diffi- Facebook decided that it would uct placement and endorsements), mer page has seen a drop in traffic. cult to imagine the ANC ever re- even more dangerous, he added, pointing out a surge in strong rhetoric on power and resources they and their develop an “Explore Feed” for six I feel helpless and powerless now. Some NGOs have seen as much as both parts. "In today's debate on banning nuclear weapons, everyone seems associates acquire or control. The gaining the moral stature and level small countries, including Cambo- Facebook’s sudden change can a 60 percent drop in their reach. of trust that it enjoyed when the to forget that older statesmen in the US, Russia and Germany were in favor ongoing contest for access to re- dia. The change means that posted threaten my way of life. I have People are missing news that can of it as far as a decade ago. Several of them possessed an in-depth knowl- sources, which come with holding ban on its activities was lifted in talked to other video bloggers and be essential and timely. That be- 1990. The future of the ANC is not content from non-personal pages edge of both nuclear weapons and nuclear weapons strategies, such as an elected post within the ANC, has of institutions, including from social media personalities; one comes a problem when that infor- veteran diplomat Henry Kissinger, the Soviet Union's last leader Mikhail resulted in some people resorting to assured, and even if it survives this mation concerns the state of the conference, it will remain a deeply news publishers, no longer show popular personality told me that Gorbachev and Germany's former government chief Helmut Schmidt. They illegality, violence and even mur- up in users’ default feed when they she used to get 2,000 to 3,000 country or government policies. In all said the West's defense must avoid having a backbone made of nuclear der. Extensive litigation has also fractured organisation. There is no leader or group of people with a vi- first open Facebook. Instead, Fa- watchers when she did a live vid- a way, this has a devastating effect weapons," Fjærtoft said. According to Fjærtoft, the idea of having nuclear arisen from disputes over the elec- cebook shows users posts from the eo. After Explore Feed, the num- on freedom of information in the arms is to make the very risk of a nuclear war unimaginable. To achieve tions of executives for provinces sion that unifies its members or at- tracts the enthusiasm of ordinary personal accounts of friends and ber dropped to 30 people. But the country at a time when informa- this, the threat of using nuclear arms must be both credible and impossible and branches. For example, in the impact of Explore Feed is not just tion is crucial. Despite the chang- at the same time. Fjærtoft referred to the 1962 Cuban Crisis as arguably case of KwaZulu-Natal, the prov- citizens. All of the candidates for family; in order to see posts from the ANC presidency were complicit institutional pages and news out- about me or other social media es, I will still continue to make vid- one of the coldest points of the Cold War, when both parties used nuclear ince with the largest ANC member- eos, because this is my job and my threats, albeit to force the counterpart to give up, not start an actual war ship, a leadership that has been de- in Zuma's rule and advance scrappy, lets, users have to click to a sepa- personalities. Cambodia has a uninspiring alternatives. None of rate section. Facebook has said that population of 15 million — 4.8 passion. The satisfaction that of mutual annihilation. "Fortunately, it was solved. However, part of the clared illegal by a court has contin- nuclear arms strategy is to make the counterpart unsure of whether you are ued to oversee the election of branch these evokes a sense of excitement it does not plan to roll out Explore million of them are on Facebook. comes with it outweighs the chal- that once surrounded the ANC. But lenges. Aside from NGOs, I am one willing to press the button or not. And should the counterpart fear you delegates for the national confer- Feed beyond the current six coun- The network provides a vital might be the first to do so, they must beat you to it," Fjærtoft said. Based ence. This and similar developments there are many who are hoping that tries and that the goal of the test is source of information for one-third of the very few people, if not the this gloomy prognosis is proved on such a strategy, a mere coincidence is enough to trigger nuclear war, in other provinces may have legal to understand “if people prefer to of the population, especially only one, who discuss sex and fem- Fjærtoft argued, referring to Soviet Colonel Lieutenant Stanislav Petrov, and political consequences that en- wrong. South African business lead- have separate places for personal among young people. According to inism openly in Cambodia. If I ers long for stability, and many be- who in 1983 averted a possible nuclear war by breaking the chain of danger the conference itself. The and public content.” Why does studies, Facebook has even sur- stopped now, then I would go back command to stop a massive retaliation attack after the Soviet warning conference may be cancelled or cut lieve the conference may deliver a passed television for being a source to square one, and there would be level of political certainty that this seemingly small change mat- system mistakenly showed a US attack was on its way due to an equipment short if accreditation of participat- ter to me? Over the past several of information. Our press freedom few opportunities for Cambodians malfunction. Although Petrov ultimately did the right thing, he broke the ing delegates is repeatedly ques- would make this possible. Many ANC to openly engage with these top- veterans and other well-meaning years, I made a name for myself in and access to information are also procedure he should have followed. "My point is that today we must avoid tioned. If the Zuma-supporting forc- Cambodia and abroad by creating under threat, especially as nation- ics. Still, Facebook will leave me creating the same dangerous misunderstandings as after 1979. Before that, es sense defeat, they may take ille- citizens believe that if Cyril Rama- phosa, current deputy president of and posting videos about taboo al elections draw near. Our press no choice. I need to rethink strate- the West and the Soviet Union had a dialogue on common security. After gal steps to ensure that the confer- topics that Cambodian media is already facing pressure from the gies to adapt and deal with the Afghanistan, the West broke the political dialogue, boycotted the Moscow ence does not take place. the ANC and the country, were to be elected, the fortunes of the coun- would not touch. My videos cen- government — earlier this year, changes. I implore Facebook and Olympics, and starting rearming itself, also with nuclear weapons," Fjærtoft Zuma and his loyal supporters may The Cambodia Daily was forced its chief executive, Mark Zucker- argued. The Foreign Ministry adviser pointed out similarities between the also cause the conference to col- try could be turned around. Rama- tered on issues ranging from femi- phosa has been a successful business nism to masturbation. I rely heavi- to close because the government berg, to consider the damaging im- West's reaction to Crimea's re-unification with Russia, which the main- lapse. The main contest in the con- pact of Explore Feed on the peo- stream media in Scandinavia portray as an annexation on Moscow's part. ference will be between those who person and is credited, possibly with ly on YouTube and Facebook to claimed it owed millions in back some exaggeration, with knowing reach my audience. Within nine taxes. Opinion: Democracy is dy- ple in the experiment countries. "Now we see a combination of sanctions, boycott of political dialogue, support the incumbent president and military exercises and rearmament," Fjærtoft argued, questioning the effi- those who, while deriving from the how to "fix things up". Some, like months of its start, my Facebook ing in Cambodia. The world has Freedom of speech in Southeast dismissed finance minister, Pravin Asia is under pressure. Changes in ciency of the sanctions policy. "I believe the sanctions against Russia same leadership, are less reliable. page A Dose of Cath attracted more one last chance to help. The daugh- contradict their aim. They only make it more difficult for Russia to change Zuma wants a trouble-free retire- Gordhan, even suggest that Rama- than 170,000 page likes, with most ter of a jailed Cambodian opposi- technology can be good, but Face- phosa, if elected ANC president, its policy, as they would make it appear as if they bent down under pres- ment. He wants to hold on to his videos averaging about 100,000 to tion leader says Prime Minister book’s leaders need to consider the sure," Fjærtoft argued. Torgeir E. Fjæroft is a Norwegian diplomat, senior wealth, however acquired, and he would be able to remove Zuma as 200,000 views. My video about Hun Sen is testing the country and fact that their choices could bring state president, but that is not easy advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and guest researcher at the wants to avoid prosecution. And to how Cambodia puts societal value the world to see how authoritarian unfavorable consequences to those Center for Islamic and Middle East Studies at the University of Oslo. achieve this goal, he needs to trans- to do. What all those who vest so on women’s virginity hit 2 million he can be. (Gillian Brockell, Kate affected and could deeply harm our fer control of the party to his loyal much in Ramaphosa ignore is that democracy. Zuma remains president of the coun- views. But after Facebook’s Woodsome/The Washington Post) supporters. change, I posted a video on my (WP) If the Zuma-supporting forces sense try and is impervious to a sense of honour. When Thabo Mbeki, the page, as I always did every week. defeat, they may take illegal steps Instead of getting the usual amount to ensure that the conference does second post-apartheid president of South Africa, lost the support of the of views, which was around not take place. That is not difficult 12,000 views for the first hour, I to achieve, as individuals who have ANC leadership, he resigned as state been vetted for loyalty to Zuma will president. But Zuma fears prosecu- got only 5,000 views after having be in charge of security at the con- tion for fraud and other crimes. He posted the video for five hours. I ference. There are numerous ways will not follow Mbeki's lead and sim- was baffled, until I recalled seeing of "sinking" the conference, short ply walk away from power, as long a few posts from people on my of outbreaks of violence already seen as these charges loom over him. It Facebook news-feed about how the By Bilal Daher

Avigdor Lieberman does not be- LETTER TO THE EDITOR long to this region, or even to this country. Lieberman is neither stu- pid nor dumb. If we attribute these qualities to him, we will have re- lieved him of his crimes. When he voices his violent incitement against the Palestinian citizens and Agriculturesector Palestinians in the territories oc- cupied in 1967, Lieberman directs more crimes. Furthermore, their in order to establish their entity of Israel being imposed on them in his abuse to his extremist right- As a landlocked country, Afghanistan has few choices for economic improvement. One of these options is leaders fuel their blindness and on it, on the ruins of the Palestin- 1948. Palestinians are brothers, wing audience in order to gain sup- make an effort to keep them from ians’ homeland. They used a racist cousins, people from the same vil- agriculture. Economy of most of citizens is depended on this sector, particularly in remote provinces. port in the elections. He is not hes- Afghanistan has enormous water resources and rivers. This water flows into neighboring countries without Arab affairs, which is clearly evi- term to describe this purchase; lage, city, or area, and if we want itant in exploiting any situation to dent in their media outlets and “clearing the land”. Lieberman also to look at it realistically, they are proper using inside Afghanistan. practice violent incitement against This country needs mechanized agriculture. The government should mount the allocated budget for this websites’ negligence of the Arabs, blames the Arabs for not celebrat- the Syrian, Lebanese, Jordanian the Arabs. Lieberman is no differ- except when it comes to inciting ing Israel’s Independence Day. and Egyptian Arabs; they are important sector. ent from his mentor Benjamin Net- Moreover, Afghan farmers need packaging and storage facilities inside the country. Most of Afghan against them in tense atmospheres. However, the Arabs’ memories of neighbours, in laws and people anyahu, who also is not reluctant These racists who practice vi- this day are the scenes of displace- from the same ethnicity. Reality is fruits are sent to Pakistan for storage and packaging. in his incitement against the Ar- Agriculture is one of the few options that would lead Afghanistan towards self-sufficiency and an olent incitement, such as Lieber- ment, expulsion and massacres, continuing to narrate this truth, and abs. Netanyahu also does not be- man and Bennett, do not want to during and after the Nakba. They the attempts of Israeli domestica- improved economy if the government thoroughly implements mega projects in this vital sector. long to the region or the country. Mustafa Fayez, Shahr-e-Now, Afghanistan see Arabs, but when they remem- are reminded of the military rule, tion do not seem to be changing The truth is blind racism and in- ber that they must attack them in Land Day, scenes from October this reality. This is for a very sim- tense hatred has become a quality order to appear as a “nationalistic 2000, and the killing of dozens of ple reason, i.e. the Palestinians in of the leaders of right-wing and individual”, they present demands young Arabs since then. The Ar- Palestine did not leave their home- centre party leaders. Furthermore, to the Arabs, propose transfer abs remember the racist practices land, but remained there, and more the Israeli Minister of Education, ideas, and demand that they do- in all official institutions, the era- importantly, their homeland con- Naftali Bennett, who is supposed mesticate themselves. They do not sure of their history, changing the tinued to live inside them. The trag- Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must to represent an educational insti- need to be stupid to believe what names of the streets in the ancient edy suffered by the Palestinians is have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: tution, incites against the Arabs they say. They blame the Arabs Palestinian cities and replacing the fact that this reality is not rea- [email protected] and [email protected] and did not hesitate to threaten for refusing to sell their land to the them with names of Zionist lead- lised by all Israelis because the them after a demonstration in Wadi Jews. Has Israel left any land to ers. leadership has disregarded it. It is Ara last week. For example, one the Arabs? Israel has trapped them There is no doubt that the Is- also because the people have been result of the violent incitement in their cities and villages after hav- raelis, especially their leaders and brainwashed, allowing Netanyahu, chorus is the crime committed by ing confiscated 97 per cent of their their security institutions, are Lieberman and Bennett to exercise Disclaimer: the murderous soldier Elor Azaria. land and refuses to settle them in aware of the reasons behind the violent incitement against the Pal- There are many soldiers like him the towns established on their Palestinians at home’s sympathy estinians and distort the history The views and opinions expressed in the articles are in the Israeli army who have com- seized land. Moreover, the Arabs’ and identification with their fellow of the country because they are those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or mitted several war crimes. Israel experience with selling land to the Palestinians in the diaspora and not even remotely part of the coun- has admitted that leniency with Jews has been extremely painful their fellow Arabs. This is because try. These inciters are actually opinions of the Afghanistan Times. these criminals fuels their racism and sad, as before the Nakba, the nothing changed for the Palestin- strangers in the country. and encourages them to commit Zionists bought land in Palestine ians in Palestine other than the state (middleeastmonitor) THURSDAY. DECEMBER 14, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Tillerson says if UStakes UNenvoyurgesSecurity preventive measures Council tovisit Myanmar, against North Korea,this Bangladesh will be his personal failure

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has stat- ed that Washington is doing everything to force North Korea to sit at the nuclear disarma- ment negotiating table, reported Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency. In his words, if di- plomacy and sanctions do not succeed and US Armed Forces will be A top U.N. official recounted to ar in Bangladesh, where more than obligated to take pre- the Security Council on Tuesday 626,000 refugees have fled to since ventive measures, this “heartbreaking and horrific ac- violence erupted in Myanmar’s will be his personal fail- counts of sexual atrocities” by northern Rakhine State on Aug. 25. ure. Myanmar soldiers against Ro- She said that a Security Coun- Tillerson added hingya Muslim women, urging the cil resolution demanding an imme- that they can only con- body to visit the region and de- diate end to violations against ci- tribute, and the regime mand an end to attacks on civil- vilians in Rakhine state and out- in Pyongyang must de- ians. A woman calms a baby as Ro- lining measures to hold the perpe- cide its future. hingya refugees line up for a food trators accountable “would send (BBC) supply distribution at the Kutu- an important signal.” Myanmar’s palong refugee camp near Cox's army released a report last month Bazar, Bangladesh December 12, denying all allegations of rapes and 2017. REUTERS/Alkis Konstan- killings by security forces. “This tinidis Pramila Patten, special en- is unacceptable,” said U.S. Ambas- Malaysia voy of U.N. Secretary-General sador to the United Nations Nikki Antonio Guterres on sexual vio- Haley. “Burma must allow an in- lence in conflict, said one woman dependent, transparent and credi- party told her she was held by Myan- ble investigation into what has mar troops for 45 days and raped happened.” “While we are hearing repeatedly, while another woman promises from the government of callsfor could no longer see out of one eye Burma, we need to see action,” she after it was bitten by a soldier dur- said. Myanmar has been stung by ing a sexual assault. “Some wit- international criticism for the way nesses reported women and girls its security forces responded to boycott being tied to either a rock or a tree Aug. 25 attacks by Rohingya mil- before multiple soldiers raped them itants on 30 security posts. Last to death,” Patten told the Security month the Security Council urged Uzbekistan restoring closer of Israel An expert in Russian cyber-oper- many yes voters were entirely sin- Council. “Some women recounted the Myanmar government to “en- ations has accused Russian activ- cere [and] those sentiments were how soldiers drowned babies in the sure no further excessive use of military ties with Russia ists of running a disinformation fanned by pro-Kremlin trolls, in a village well. A few women told me military force in Rakhine state.” products campaign to discredit the Scottish manner characteristic of Russian how their own babies were alleg- China’s Deputy U.N. Ambassador Uzbekistan has agreed to buy Rus- Dmitri Medvedev to Tashkent in independence referendum result, influence operations,” Nimmo re- edly thrown in the fire as they were Wu Haitao said the crisis had to be sian attack helicopters, the latest November. The deal appears to be A political party in Malaysia by wrongly alleging it was rigged. ports. The UK government’s in- dragged away by soldiers and gang solved through an agreement be- sign that the new leadership in the first significant arms purchase launched a boycott campaign Pro-Russian propagandists used telligence and security committee raped,” she said. Patten said the tween Myanmar and Bangladesh Tashkent is committed to revers- made under the leadership of against Israeli products and enter- Twitter, fake videos on YouTube was urged last month to investi- 15-member Security Council and warned that any solution ing the country’s previous policy Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who assumed prises today in protest against the and Facebook accounts to make gate evidence that Russia set up should visit Myanmar - also “reached under strong pressure of shunning Moscow’s military power last year after the death of US’ decision to recognise Jerusa- and then spread false allegations thousands of Twitter accounts to known as Burma - and Cox’s Baz- from outside. (Reuters) advances. The purchase of the 12 longtime president Islam Karimov. lem as the capital of Israel. “I call that votes were interfered with to influence the EU referendum and Mi-35 helicopters wasn’t formal- Mirziyoyev has been opening up on the businessmen and the peo- ensure victory for pro-UK cam- its aftermath, through “troll facto- ly announced, but reported by the country in a variety of direc- ple to boycott Israeli products and paigners, according to Ben Nim- ries” in St Petersburg. Academics Russian news agency TASS, cit- tions, including in the military enterprises,” Mohd Ridzuan Ab- mo, an analyst for the US think- at City University estimate more ing a “diplomatic source.” The sphere. And he seems to be open- dullah, president of the Malaysian tank the Atlantic Council, which than 13,000 accounts that tweet- Abbottabad source said the deal was reached ing up to no one as much as Russia. People’s Economy Party (PE- is part of the Atlantic Treaty Or- ed on Brexit disappeared after the after “prolonged negotiations” dur- In October the two KIRA), said in a statement in Kua- ganisation linked to Nato. Nimmo vote; other researchers at Swansea ing the visit of Prime Minister countries held their. la Lumpur. “We will not use Israe- said the ongoing inquiries into al- University and the University of li products from now onward,” he legations the Kremlin tried to sub- California, Berkeley, said 156,000 dossier: Curious added. Abdullah mentioned a sim- vert last year’s EU referendum and Russian accounts mentioned Brex- Coal Miners’ Strike Spreads ilar boycott campaign in 2014 US election should be widened to it. Researchers at Edinburgh Uni- against US-based fast-food chains cover this operation, and to test versity established that 419 ac- operating in Malaysia. “We had whether the Russians sought to counts operated by the Russian case of links In KazakhstanAs Workers previously organised such a boy- influence Scottish voters before Internet Research Agency, which cott and caused the operator to the referendum on 18 September runs the troll factories, posted on Stay Underground suffer a major financial loss. We 2014. He stressed he did not have the Brexit vote. They were among can do the same thing again.” He between Fisk and A strike by coal miners in north- ers, up to 200, had stayed under- also called on the Malaysian Prime proof the disinformation campaign 2,752 accounts suspended by central Kazakhstan has spread to ground at four coal mines in Sha- was orchestrated by the Kremlin, Twitter in the US for tweeting more mines as hundreds of work- khtinsk. Duisenova said the min- minister Najib Razak to stand firm on the issue. Last week, Trump but said there was a clear need for about the US election. Within ers are refusing to return to the ers, who work for ArcelorMittal announced his decision to formal- official investigations and internal weeks of the independence vote, bin Laden’s letters surface, demanding higher salaries Temirtau, are demanding that their ly recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s reviews by social media compa- Russia set up the first UK office and better benefits. Kazakh Labor wages be doubled and that they be capital and relocate Washington’s nies. “The allegations of fraud de- for its new internet news and vid- Minister Tamara Duisenova told allowed to retire at the age of 50. embassy from Tel Aviv to the Holy monstrably had an impact; pro- eo service, Sputnik, in Edinburgh reporters on December 12 that 684 They are also calling for improved City. The announcement was met Kremlin accounts demonstrably with nearly £1.9m in funding, con- miners at eight different mines health-care coverage, upgraded with global protests and condem- boosted those allegations. The an- trolled from Moscow. have spent two nights underground equipment and safety measures, as nation. (AP) ger and disappointment felt by (AP) in coal mines in the town of Sha- well as improvements to the infra- khtinsk, in the Qaraghandy region. structure of Shakhtinsk. Duiseno- Regional officials had said earlier va said some 32 worker represen- that a much lower number of min- tatives are negotiating. Humiliating moment Assad is stopped from Iran: From human following Putin by Russian soldiers on SYRIAN rights violations to soil during 'victory' announcement This is the humiliating moment captures the humiliating moment Putin walked off in front of him dangerous meddling Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad Assad turns to his right and ges- From day one the regime of Iran tions. was stopped from following was stopped from following tures with his hand - but stays still has been based on the pillars of As witnessed for years run- Vladimir Putin by Russian soldiers Vladimir Putin by Russian soldiers while his ally walks off in front of domestic crackdown, and export- ning, Iran is the world’s leading on his own soil when the pair on his own soil when the pair him. Speaking during a visit to a staged a 'victory' announcement. staged a 'victory' announcement military airbase near Latakia, ing terrorism and a reactionary, re- executioner per capita, with many As the Abbottabad documents continue to reveal more of the inner- ligious mentality. As we speak, hangings continuously and horren- The Russian President yesterday +15 Footage captures the humili- northeast Syria, Putin yesterday declared that his alliance with As- ating moment Syrian dictator announced that he had ordered a workings of al-Qaeda and its leader Osama bin Ladin, the letters found spreading extremism and Islamic dously carried out in public. All in his Pakistan compound in 2011 show how the mastermind behind fundamentalism remains a corner- the while, secret executions are sad had been a success and that Bashar al-Assad was stopped from pullout of 'a significant part' of Moscow will start to withdraw following Vladimir Putin by Rus- Russian forces. Russia first inter- the September 11 attacks took such care of his portrayal throughout stone policy of Iran’s state-run ongoing in dungeons across the the West by focusing on British journalist Robert Fisk. The dossier has strategy, all hacked into this re- country, including Tehran’s infa- troops from the war-torn country. sian soldiers on his own soil when vened in the conflict in 2015, stag- But on the same day, footage the pair staged a 'victory' an- ing air strikes in support of its ally raised several key questions regarding past articles written by leftist gime’s constitution.Earlier this mous Evin Prison. journalist Fisk, who wrote extensively on bin Ladin and al-Qaeda espe- year Amnesty International’s 94- This is the real image of Iran, shows the Syrian strongman being nouncement The clip shows the Damascus targeting both ISIS and humbled on his own turf - when a Syrian strongman being humbled other jihadists as well as rebels cially during the 10-year anniversary of the Twin Tower attacks in page report, “Caught in a web of cloaked by the ruling regime and 2011. Fisk published a piece for British daily, The Independent, titled repression: Iran’s human rights their appeasers in the West for Kremlin serviceman ordered him on his own turf - when a Kremlin fighting government troops. 'I or- to wait while Putin walked off in serviceman ordered him to wait der the defence minister and the “For 10 years, we’ve lied to ourselves to avoid asking the one real defenders under attack,” detailed years, who continue to portray question” in which he tackled some of the many books, opinions, this regime’s drastic human rights Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani front of him. The clip shows a man while Putin walked off in front of chief of general staff to start with- in military clothing placing his hand him The clip shows the Syrian drawing the Russian group of articles and reports published around the world on the secrets of the violations, with a specific focus on as a moderate worth dealing with. September 11 attacks in the United States. Fisk’s piece marking 10- its extensive overdose of execu- (Trend) on Assad's arm and urging him to strongman being humbled on his troops to their permanent bases,' stop walking as Putin advanced own turf - when a Kremlin ser- Putin said in a televised speech as year anniversary of 9/11 attacks Read closely, many would notice that with his own officials. Footage viceman ordered him to wait while he visited. (Daily Mail) both Fisk’s article, who is close to the Lebanese militia group Hezbol- lah, and bin Laden’s directives through the letters uncovered in the Tajikistan: Independent Abbottabad dossier share a great amount of similarities. It is as if both documents had sprung from the same source. In one of his letters, bin Laden assigned to a number of his al-Qaeda commanders the task of Journalist Detained Trump called her 'real dummy,' but reaffirming the organization’s agenda during the tenth anniversary of Khayrullo Mirsaidov, a well-re- ecutor General’s office for ques- the 9/11 attacks in 2011. Bin Laden specifically instructed them to spected independent journalist in tioning. The charges were brought court tosses her $4Mdefamation case reach out Abdel Bari Atwan and Robert Fisk and considered the anni- Tajikistan, was arrested on De- after Mirsaidov appealed to Tajiki- versary a good opportunity to explain the motives behind the organi- cember 5, 2017, after publicly stan’s president to crack down on zation’s intention of continuing their war of terror, one that has been so appealing to Tajikistan’s presi- corruption by local authorities. A New York appeals court Tuesday tossed out a Republi- detrimental to the Islamic world. dent about alleged local authority “Khayrullo Mirsaidov, who is can consultant’s attempt to revive her $4 million defama- Bin Laden declared in one his letters: “I believe that you should corruption. ©Radio Ozodi/Tajik well-known and respected for his tion case against President Donald Trump, accusing him of contact Abdel Bari Atwan and Robert Fisk under the banner of free Service of Radio Free independent journalism, appears hurting her career after he called her a “real dummy” on speech and on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the September Europe(Bishkek) – to be the latest victim of the Tajik Twitter. Cheryl Jacobus filed a million-dollar lawsuit against attacks, which represents the harvest of ten years of war between the Tajik authorities detained a well- government’s crackdown on criti- Trump after her appearance on CNN last year in February Mujahideen and the Americans. You will need to raise the banner of known independent journalist and cal voices,” said Steve Swerdlow, where she criticized the campaign for lack of transparency. ‘one’s opinion and the other’. This is an opportunity to clarify our head of a local comedy troupe on Central Asia researcher at Human The appearance prompted Trump to attack Jacobus on motives to continue a war that is harmful to both humanity and the December 5, 2017, in Tajikistan’s Rights Watch. “The Tajik govern- social media, calling her a “real dummy” who “begged” for a Islamic world. Amid dangerous environmental conditions, it is impor- northern Sughd region, Human ment should ensure Mirsaidov’s job with his campaign. In another tweet, Trump said Jaco- tant to end injustices and for mankind to seek the reduction of gas Rights Watch and the Norwegian rights in detention, including to be bus “went hostile” after not getting a job with his campaign, emissions. Given the current state, we have no choice but to defend our Helsinki Committee said today. free from ill treatment and have adding “Major lose, zero credibility!” The consultant claims nation against incursions. Thus, it is important to present the real The regional Prosecutor Gen- access to a lawyer, and should then-candidate Trump’s comments cost her TV appearanc- picture surrounding this war as a conflict between two of the largest eral’s office arrested Khayrullo move promptly to secure his re- es and inspired a bullying campaign from his supporters. A civilizations on earth amid dangerous climatic conditions”. Bin Laden Mirsaidov, 39, in Khujand, on lease.” Habibullo Mirsaidov, the lower court in Manhattan dismissed the suit in January, then added in his letter: “We want them [referring to Atwan and charges of embezzlement; incite- journalist’s father, told Radio Ozo- saying that although Trump’s “intemperate tweets are clear- Fisk] to make a documentary film on this 10th anniversary, and we will ment of interethnic, national, or di, the Tajik service of Radio Free ly intended to belittle and demean plaintiff,” they would provide them with information that is readable, audible and visual. We religious hatred; forgery; and pro- Europe, that the Sughd region not prevent her from continuing her job as a political con- hope that they will reveal different matters and highlight the role played viding false testimony after he Prosecutor General’s office sum- sultant. The court also found that Trump’s statements were by the Mujahideen as the main cause for the financial crisis afflicting voluntarily appeared at the Pros- moned Mirsaidov. opinion, not fact. America”. THURSDAY. DECEMBER 14, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Asian D evelopm en t B a n k lower s I n dia’s G D P for eca st for 2 0 17-18 to 6 .7pc ADB had earlier forecasted India’s growth by 7%. It said the economy’s growth rate was expected to go down due to “lingering” effects of demone- tisation, transitory challenges of GST and risks to agriculture.

The Asian Development Bank soon in 2017, the economy is now (ADB) on Wednesday expected to grow by 6.7%, slower lowered India’s GDP forecast for than the 7% forecast in the (Sep- the current fiscal by 0.3% to 6.7%, tember) Update,” ADB said in a attributing it to tepid growth in the supplement to its Asian Develop- first half, demonetisation and tran- ment Outlook (ADO) today. sitory challenges of tax sector re- India, the largest economy forms. South Asia, rebounded to 6.3% It has also revised downward growth in the second quarter end- the gross domestic product (GDP) ed in September for this fiscal from outlook for next fiscal beginning 5.7% in first quarter, reversing 5 from March 2018 to 7.3% from consecutive quarters of decelera- 7.4% mainly due to rising global tion. crude oil prices and soft growth in However, ADO supplement private sector investment.“Owing expects growth to pick up in re- to tepid growth in the first half of maining two quarters of 2017-18 2017-18, the lingering effects of as the government is implement- demonetisation in November 2016, ing measures to ease compliance transitory challenges of a new tax with the new Goods and Services system, and some risks to agricul- Tax (GST) as well as bank recapi- ture stemming from a spotty mon- talisation. PTI KPM NSA RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — Saudi King Salman has delivered an annual speech outlining his government’s priorities for the coming year. Prior- The International Monetary Fund dollar since Washington lifted sanc- but it required a currency float. ities include focusing on the economy and emphasizing the govern- has urged Sudan to float its cur- tions encouraging traders to step “Fiscal policy should be tightened ment’s anti-corruption crackdown as the country prepares to distrib- rency to boost growth and invest- up imports, putting pressure on to eliminate the monetization of ute cash assistance to low-income families as part of a new welfare ment, a measure the government scarce hard currency. It hit an all- deficits, thus helping to reduce in- system ahead of more subsidy cuts. In early November, the king’s son has opposed even after the United time low of 27 pounds against the flation and buttress macroeconom- and heir, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, oversaw the unprece- States lifted 20 years of sanctions dollar on the black market in No- ic stability,” it said. dented arrest of top princes, businessmen and officials allegedly in- in October. The government would vember but strengthened to 23 It projected GDP growth of 3.25 volved in corruption. Many have agreed to pay undisclosed sums in need to accompany a market-de- pounds per dollar after a raft of percent for 2017, down from 3.5 exchange for their release. The king, 81, delivered his 7-minute-long termined exchange rate with other emergency measures that included percent in 2016. The weakened speech Wednesday before the consultative Shura Council. Also in at- tough reforms such as expanding capping currency transfers and pound has contributed to surging tendance were the crown prince and Grand Mufti Abdulaziz Al Sheik. the country’s tax base if Khartoum cracking down on currency trad- inflation, which reached 33.08 per- He also said the kingdom remains committed to a Palestinian state. hopes to benefit from sanctions ers. cent year-on-year in October, ac- Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This relief, the IMF said in a report, The IMF said the end of sanctions cording to the Central Statistics material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Reuters reported. The Sudanese was an opportunity for Sudan to Office. (WP) pound has weakened against the strengthen its economic outlook (AFP) HSBC avoids prosecution

as USdeal ISLAMABAD: Pakistan agreement on energy cooperation appea-red to have been pushed between the two sides, a revolving lapses hard by the Chinese side to give in bank account should be created more than it secured in return dur- within 30 days after commercial US authorities are lifting the threat ing the recently held 7th joint co- operation date of the CPEC ener- of prosecution against the British operation committee (JCC) gy projects. The two sides noted banking giant HSBC, five years meeting of the China-Pakistan that some energy projects under after it admitted to widespread Economic Corridor (CPEC). This CPEC had very tight construction money laundering and sanctions is evident from the minutes of the schedules and agreed to urge the violations, the bank said Monday. 7th meeting on a series of issues financial close and construction of In a landmark case, the bank agreed including revision in the comple- relevant projects as soon as possi- to pay a $1.9 billion in fines in tion deadlines of the energy ble. It was also agreed to “make The Saudi Arabian Ministry of Culture and Information has estimated 2012, after admitting it knowingly projects, the Main Line-1 project reasonable arrangement of the ex- the contribution of the cinema sector to its GDP to be over $24 billion moved hundreds of millions for and early activation of revolving tension in financial close and con- (90 billion riyals) after its launch soon. According to the ministry, em- Mexican drug cartels and illegally fund in 30 days for payments to struction through friendly negoti- ployment generated by the cinema industry will create a large impact on served clients in Iran, Myanmar, Chinese sponsors. The JCC agreed ations” within the Power Genera- the economy which will increase the media market and stimulate eco- Libya, Sudan and Cuba in viola- that Pakistan’s agencies in power tion Policy 2015 framework. The nomic growth and diversification. The sector will create more than 30,000 tion of US sanctions. Under the sector and Chinese project spon- joint working group on energy was full-time jobs, in addition to 130,000 part-time jobs by the year 2030. terms of the settlement, federal sors should sign the supplemental asked to carry out joint studies on The Board of Directors of the Saudi General Authority for Audiovisual prosecutors agreed to drop all agreements at the earliest and de- the current power status, future Media, chaired by the Minister of Culture and Information Dr. Awad charges after five years if the bank cided that “Pakistani side will ad- load forecast as well as the poten- bin Saleh al-Awad, had approved to provide licenses for those interest- paid the fine, took remedial action dress timely payment of electrici- tial power market in Pakistan. The ed in opening up Cinema theaters in the Kingdom. In the 1930s, cinema and avoided committing new vio- ty charge in power projects under Pakistani side also recognized the theaters existed only in private compounds for western employees, lations. The settlement aroused CPEC as soon as possible”. In ac- importance for assurance of water built by Aramco, previously known as the California Arabian Standard fierce condemnation among law- cordance with the governmental supply. Oil Company. makers and members of the pub- lic, who said authorities failed to prosecute any senior executives and allowed the bank itself to walk away with no criminal record. Japanesestart-upset tolaunchlunar economy-withbillboards American officials said they took into account possible economic Japanese companies are planning to kick-start the lunar economy by Hakamada, the chief executive of porate logos on its spacecrafts and harm that could result from press- backing a local start-up’s mission to land on the moon by 2020. Tokyo- Ispace, said in Tokyo. “That’s why rovers, and delivering images to be ing charges against the bank itself. based Ispace said it raised ¥10.2 billion (Dh441.1 million) from some of it’s crucial to create an economy in used in advertising. A successful Over the five-year period of the the country’s biggest businesses, including Japan Airlines and television outer space.” Not all of Ispace’s landing will also let the company agreement, HSBC continued to face network Tokyo Broadcasting System Holdings. The funds will be used investors are corporations. Gov- offer what it calls a "projection accusations of wrongdoing. to send a spacecraft into lunar orbit by 2019, and then land one a year ernment-backed Innovation Net- mapping service" - a small bill- An outside compliance moni- later. Private companies are playing a bigger role in space development, work Corp of Japan is the leading board on the moon’s surface. The tor retained as part of the settle- from Elon Musk’s rocket launcher Space Exploration Technologies and investor in the round with ¥3.5bn, start-up says there will be demand ment reportedly accused senior asteroid miner Planetary Resources, seeking to deliver humanity to the while Development Bank of Japan from corporations looking to show managers of bullying and recalci- cosmos while securing a return for their shareholders. Ispace says a also invested an undisclosed off their logos with Earth in the trance in the face of reform efforts. thriving lunar economy is still decades away, but it is putting profits and amount. Ispace says the initial background. From 2021, Mr Haka- But in a statement Monday, the corporate projects at the heart of its missions in the coming years. business opportunity is mostly in mada plans to land exploration bank said it had “lived up to all its “Human beings aren’t heading to the stars to become poor,” Takeshi marketing, including slapping cor- vehicles that will search for water. commitments.” “HSBC is able to combat fi- nancial crime much more effective- ly today as the result of the signif- icant reforms we have implement- NIGERIA:ACCENTUREDEMONSTRATES TECHNOLOGY CAPABILITIESTOREVOLUTIONISEECONOMY ed over the last five years,” CEO Stuart Gulliver said in the state- ment. However, Washington-based Accenture Nigeria has demonstrated its technology capabilities to help take advantage of the innovations we have created activist organization Public Citi- businesses across different sectors in the country boost their produc- to improve their businesses. We believe as one of zen decried the end of the settle- tivity and efficiency through its recent innovations and investments in the biggest economy in Africa, the time to seize the ment period as a “manifest injus- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), robotics and block- future is now." Responding to the myth that robots tice.” chain. The Managing Director, Accenture Nigeria, Niyi Yusuf, at the will lead to fewer jobs, Tayo noted that there is Since reaching the agreement, demo, in Lagos, said: "Early this year, we predicted that in five years, clear evidence that points toward robotic automa- HSBC has been penalized by the more than half of consumers and enterprise clients will select products tion in many cases being a complement for human Federal Reserve for foreign ex- and services based on a company's AI, instead of the company's tradi- labour, rather than a direct substitute.He asserted change fraud and faced fresh alle- tional brand. And in seven years, most interfaces will not have a screen that mundane tasks are the ones being automated. gations of money laundering, it and will be integrated into daily tasks. These two predictions alone As such, he said, "Human effort becomes more valu- said. “This is hardly the profile of strongly suggest that companies must act now on developing their AI able as it is focused on higher-level tasks, creativi- a ‘reformed’ business,” the organi- Journey. "We want businesses in Nigeria - from banking to manufactur- ty, know-how, and thinking." zation said in a statement. ing, health, construction, education, retail, security, and other sectors to (AFP) THURSDAY. DECEMBER 14, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Despite the makers wanting a fresh face, actor Kriti Sanon was replaced by an established actor at the last moment. The Deepika Padukone will not be a part Heropanti actor bares her heart about it, the initial struggles she faced, and more. of the upcoming third instalment of Farhan Akhtar’s hit franchise, Don, starring Shah Rukh Khan.

Producer Ritesh Sidhwani says that Deepika Padukone will not be a part of the Don franchise. There were reports that Deepika Padukone may replace Priyanka Chopra in next part of Don. How- from our side will be 3 Storeys ever Sidhwani has a different sto- which will be a completely differ- ry to share. Sidhwani on Monday ent film releasing in February.” said: “Deepika is not part of Don“. “Then we are coming up with Parvathy speaks out He was speaking to media at the Gold and Gully Boy so all these success party of his film Fukrey films are different in terms of genre Returns . Talking about next part and none of them are comedies, so against misogyny in films of Excel entertainment’s Don fran- I think people should follow what chise, Sidhwani said: “We are they believe in and the kind of sto- working on that and very soon we ries they want to tell. If you try to like Kasaba, gets trolled will announce that also.” Priyanka do the same thing or emulate some- Chopra and Shah Rukh Khan in thing which is not inherent, I don’t Don 2. Informing more about his think success will come your future projects, he said: “Now we way,” he added. by Mammootty fans have produced comedy and next (Tribune)

With only four films in four years, Kriti tells us. She adds, “Also, I actor Kriti Sanon is clearly taking know I was very raw initially. it slow but steady in Bollywood. There were times when I gave an Every year, a bunch of debutants audition and I knew that I didn’t try their luck in films, but Kriti do well. But, the more I kept try- feels that it depends on each per- ing and practising, I improved.” son as to how their journey and The actor, who made her debut career shape up. Going back to the with the 2014 film Heropanti and time when she started working in later did films such as Dilwale Bollywood, did she face rejections? (2015), Raabta and Bareilly Ki “Obviously, when you just start Barfi, adds that Bollywood is [your career] and dream of becom- quite unpredictable when it comes ing an actor, you meet [new] peo- to casting, so one has to hold their ple and keep giving auditions. ground. “While waiting for a role, There are times when you don’t you continue to feel like it’s going get selected or lose out on a role at to happen but it doesn’t. I feel the last minute,” she says, adding everything happens for good. Stuff that it is a part and parcel of work- that has not happened, there’s also ing in films. “I remember there was a reason behind it, and that way, I this film, which I really wanted to am a very positive person. After do, though I can’t name it. The auditions, when the result comes casting team and makers were out and I don’t get selected, I do looking for a fresh face for the long- feel disheartened and low for a est time, and when the film even- while, but then I just get up the tually came out, they took some- next morning and try again and Looks like the fight against patri- rooted misogyny in Malayalam ema reflects life and society, so one who was already established. that’s what matters,” Kriti main- archy is a long and protracted one. cinema, according to a Times of when a superstar mouths such a So, these things happen very of- tains. What’s worse is the consistent India report. Although she did not dialogue, people might think its ten and it’s also disheartening,” (Tribune) bullying by trolls in the age of in- take any names, the report said she sexy and cool,” Parvathy was quot- ternet. National award winning was referring to Malayalam ed as saying by the daily. Soon Malayalam actor Parvathy was the heavyweight Mammootty’s 2016 enough trolls got into action, at- latest to get severely trolled for her film Kasaba to illustrate her point. tacking Parvathy incessantly, with views on misogyny. Speaking at a “I had watched a film recent- one saying: “Who are you to talk meet of the Women in Cinema ly, to my bad luck. With all re- about Mammootty? We are intel- Sunny Leone Collective at the ongoing Interna- spect to the makers, the film dis- ligent enough to differentiate life tional Film Festival of Kerala appointed me, as it featured a great and cinema and The film’s charac- (IFFK), the Qarib Qarib Singlle actor spitting totally misogynistic ter demanded the dialogues,” the to play Meena actor spoke out against the deep- dialogues. A lot of people feel cin- report said. (Santa Banta) First Star Wars: The Last Jedi reviews are in, and Kumari in they’re calling it the best since Empire Strikes Back

The first reviews for Star Wars: biopic? Director The Last Jedi were unleashed onto the internet on Wednesday, two days before the eighth main film in says she’s the legendary saga is released across the world. The space opera currently boasts a 93% score on review aggregator Rotten Toma- the only one toes, with over 150 reviews count- ed. The site’s critical consensus reads, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi honours the saga’s rich legacy courageous while adding some surprising twists -- and delivering all the emo- tion-rich action fans could hope for.” In comparison, 2015’s The enough Force Awakens - the last entry in the saga - also scored a 93%, but successes - The Force Awakens made over $2.5 billion at the box office, with significantly more reviews. while Rogue One crossed the $1 billion mark. Industry analysts are 2016’s spinoff film Rogue One expecting The Last Jedi to open to over $200 million in the US. “(Rian Akshay Kumar is gearing up for his next release 'PadMan' which meanwhile, scored a healthy 85%. Johnson) achieves what no one else has since The Empire Strikes Back: is all set to release on Republic Day, 26th January 2018. Recently Both films were major commercial a fusion of junkyard genre parts and passion.” Akshay is on spree of releasing new posters of the films. A day before yesterday Akshay shared a poster of the film in which he can be seen dressed in formals and holding a pad in his hand, standing against the backdrop of New York city. Today the Ushna Shah reveals her upcoming actor shared another poster of the film. The new poster of the film also features Radhika Apte, who is playing the character of Akshay's wife in the film. avatar and it's quite impactful While sharing the poster on social media Akshay wrote, "My Ushna Shah has steadily climbed her way to the wife also asking when trailer coming? #PadMan, this Republic absolute top by being her unabashed self and of Day, 26.01.18. @PadManTheFilm @sonamakapoor course, it’s her acting prowess that has won her a @radhika_apte @mrsfunnybones @SonyPicsIndia @kriarj loyal fan following on, and off social-media. She #RBalki". The poster also gives us a clue that trailer of the film does complete justice to her character in the ac- Sunny Leone has emerged as the frontrunner to play legendary actor will be released soon. claimed ongoing serial Alif Allah Aur Insaan and its Meena Kumari in a biopic, after Vidya Balan turned down the role, The anticipation about the trailer and the film is really high many facets that evolve as the drama progresses. according to a report by Bombay Times. The report quotes director these days and everyone is eagerly awaiting for the release. She has talent running through her veins but what’s Karan Razdan as saying that while Sunny is an unexpected choice to Produced by Mrs Funnybones Movies, SPE Films India, Kriarj made her an absolute hit amongst the audience is play the screen icon, she expressed the most enthusiasm to jump on Entertainment, Cape of Good Films and Hope Productions, Pad- her ability to mould herself according to every role board the project. “I think the only one, who is courageous enough and Man stars Akshay Kumar, Sonam Kapoor and Radhika Apte and she takes up. Her next, peculiarly titled Lashkara is said to me, ‘When can we start this film?’, has been Sunny Leone. I have helmed by Kashif Nisar and comprising an interest- narrated it to Madhuri and Vidya but it didn’t work out for one reason has been written & Directed by R. Balki. The film will be released worldwide by SPE Films India on Jan 26th, 2018. ing star-cast. Alongside the starlet feature Mohsin or the other. Sunny came along, she said she had heard about this film Abbas Haider, Imran Ashraf, Amna Ilyas, Noor and wanted me to narrate it. I met her at her house, had a long narration. (Santa Banta) Hassan and Anam Tanveer. (Tribune) THURSDAY. DECEMBER 14, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

UCI asks TeamSky and Chris Froome to explain elevated levels of Salbutamol in system

HUDDERSFIELD: Chelsea man- Although a comfortable victo- petitor like Manchester City that that the reality did not stop his erwise you risk dropping points.” showed a great personality and ager Antonio Conte denied he was ry at the John Smith’s Stadium every game they are winning, it is team, who are also in the last 16 of The former Juventus and Italy desire to win the game against a being negative when he said the leaves Chelsea 11 points behind very difficult to think that you can the Champions League where they boss was pleased with the way his very good team,” he said. club were not in the Premier Manchester City, who visit strug- fight for the title. You can say it’s will face Barcelona in February, team had bounced back on Tues- “They beat Manchester Unit- League title race and insisted, after gling Swansea City on Wednesday, negative or this is positive but its from fighting till the end. “It day after the West Ham reverse ed and City struggled to win against Tuesday’s 3-1 win at Huddersfield Conte does not believe it is realis- bullshit.” He added: “We must be doesn’t mean that we don’t want with goals from Tiemoue Bakayo- them. To win this way is very im- Town, that he was simply being tic to talk of catching Pep Guardi- realistic and to tell always the to try to catch them but we have ko, Willian and Pedro. portant as it improves our confi- realistic. Conte had reacted to Sat- ola’s side. truth. I prefer to tell the truth rath- to hope to have a big slip (from “I think we must be very hap- dence after a defeat against West urday’s 1-0 loss at West Ham Unit- “This is the truth. Manches- er than a good lie. I am this way. City) and then for us to win every py for the performance because Ham.” ed, by saying Chelsea were not in ter City in 16 games they have won Sometimes I can be too honest but game — in this league,” he said. from the start of the game we (Sky Sport) a position to overhaul runaway 15 and drawn one. In 17 games, I like to speak very honestly with “This league, don’t forget, is very leaders Manchester City and that we have lost four games,” said the my players, with our fans also.” difficult. In every game you have his team’s bid had “never started”. Italian. “When you have a com- Conte further went on to say to put 120 percent of yourself oth-

Team Sky have confirmed the UCI has asked for an explanation about elevated levels of Salbutamol in Chris Froome's urine during the Vuelta a Espana. The team issued a statement on Wednesday morn- ing confirming that a urine test tak- en on September 7, after stage 18 of the Vuelta, revealed a concen- tration of Salbutamol above World Anti-Doping Agency rules. Froome, according to the statement, experienced "acute asth- ma symptoms" during the final week of the year's final grand tour, Conor Benn feels he has been Brit- which he won to add to his earlier ain's most improved fighter in Tour de France victory, and in- 2017. The son of living legend, Ni- creased his dosage of Salbutamol gel, fights for the last time this year on the advice of Team Sky doc- against Cedrick Peynaud at York tors. The Team Sky statement fur- Hall tonight, live on Sky Sports. ther read: "The notification of the Benn will be in the ring for the fifth test finding does not mean that any time in as many months after start- rule has been broken. Sky reporter ing the year sidelined with a bro- Rob Dorsett has the details as ken jaw, yet he feels he has already Chris Froome is asked by cycling's exceeded his own expectations. "I world governing body the UCI, to believe I am the most improved explain why he had higher than fighter of 2017, I really do," he permissable levels of the legal asth- exclusively told Sky Sports. "My Jonny Bairstow ma drug Salbutamol at the Vuelta a last fight of last year was terrible, Espana. Chris Froome has been it went one round against some- asked by the UCI to explain why one who wasn't very good, and the he had higher than permissible lev- fight before that was six rounds will b at at six as els of Salbutamol in his system at and an absolute nightmare. I am the Vuelta a Espana "The finding not giving it large. Hand on heart I triggers requests from the UCI genuinely believe I am the most which are aimed at establishing improved fighter of 2017. I was England name what caused the elevated concen- terrible before that, shocking, ab- tration of Salbutamol and to en- solutely shocking. I am proud to sure that no more than the permis- say it and I am happy to say it. sible doses of Salbutamol were in- Conor Benn pecting big things from Benn. "We "I don't think there is anyone in clared his son should not be fast- unchanged haled. "There is considerable evi- "Throw them in with me now are only talking about fighting for British boxing going on a journey tracked despite his dramatic im- dence to show that there are sig- and they're gone. I am not giving it five months, yet we've got Kell like I am; the son of a legend, who's provement and although he agrees, nificant and unpredictable varia- large. Hand on heart, I genuinely Brook saying I can fly the flag now, come into the game as a little boy the 'Destroyer' did not rule out ti- tions in the way Salbutamol is believe I am the most improved people comparing me and talking and turned out to be a man very tle success in 2018. "A year ago no team for metabolised and excreted. "As a fighter of 2017. I was terrible be- about a fight with, Josh Kelly, who quickly - and who is knocking peo- one would've said I was going to result, the use of permissible dos- fore that, shocking, absolutely was an Olympian. A year ago no ple out." Benn, 21, who will be be any good. They were saying I ages of Salbutamol can sometimes shocking. I am proud to say it and one would've said that. "Of course spending Christmas in Miami, would be lucky to get Southern result in elevated urinary concen- I am happy to say it. "I am genu- it has surprised me. Over Christ- rather than at home in Essex or Area, maybe the English title," he third Ashes Test trations, which require explana- inely surprised I have improved mas I know I will sit down and with his parents in Australia, is said. "It's the proof in the pud- tion. A wide range of factors can this well. Former welterweight look back at what's gone on. It's looking at fighting again in March ding, because I work hard, really England have selected an un- out. England captain Joe Root be- affect the concentrations, includ- world champion Kell Brook is ex- madness, a never-ending madness! or April. His father has already de- hard. (BBC Sport) changed side for the third Ashes lieves the incident has been "blown ing the interaction of Salbutamol Test against Australia in Perth with out of proportion" but has urged with food or other medications, Jonny Bairstow moving up the his team-mates to put things right dehydration and the timing of Salb- order to bat at six. Craig Overton on the field as they look to fight utamol usage before the test. retains his place in the team after their way back into the series. "It's Froome said: "It is well known that winning his first cap in the 120- been frustrating, very frustrating," I have asthma and I know exactly run defeat to Adelaide in the sec- Root said. "In the obvious circum- what the rules are. I use an inhaler ond Test, while Moeen Ali swaps stances and position we're in, guys to manage my symptoms (always with Bairstow in the order to bat have made silly mistakes that of within the permissible limits) and at seven. England trail Australia 2- course are going to get blown out I know for sure that I will be test- 0 in the five-match series and must of proportion. "[But] we've prob- ed every day I wear the race lead- avoid defeat in Perth if they are to ably got one of the biggest games er's jersey. "My asthma got worse maintain their challenge for the of our lives coming up on Thurs- at the Vuelta so I followed the team Ashes - England have lost their last day, [and] we have to get it right." doctor's advice to increase my Salb- seven Tests in Perth and have not Australia are expected to change utamol dosage. As always, I took won at the WACA since 1978. The their own line-up as they look to the greatest care to ensure that I tourists' preparations for the third secure the urn with two Tests to did not use more than the permis- Test, which gets underway on spare. Mitchell Marsh is set to re- sible dose. "I take my leadership Thursday, have been overshad- place batsman Peter Handscomb position in my sport very serious- owed by off-field disciplinary is- in middle order, although Austra- ly. The UCI is absolutely right to sues, with England Lions player lian selectors will wait to assess examine test results and, together Lexi Thompson was given another chance to test herself in the men’s Ben Duckett recently suspended conditions before announcing the with the team, I will provide what- and fined for pouring a drink over team. ever information it requires." game as she teamed up with Tony Finau on the PGA Tour at the QBE Jimmy Anderson during a night (Sky Sport) Shootout. The American was a sponsor's invite for the second time in (BBC Sport) as many years at the 24-player event in Florida, with the 22-year-old one of just a handful of women to have ever appeared on the PGA Tour. The LPGA Tour's Race to the CME Globe champion appeared alongside Finau in the team tournament hosted by Greg Norman's foundation, where each of the three rounds is played under a different format. After posting a combined nine-under 63 in Friday's scramble VictoriaAzarenkagets Australian Open wildcard format, the team posted back-to-back 66s in alternative formats over the weekend to finish in a share of fourth spot. "It was a lot of fun," Two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka has been given a wildcard for next month’s Thompson said. "It definitely tested my game and I'm not used to tournament. Azarenka, who won the title in 2012 and 2013, returned to the WTA Tour in June hitting those long-irons in, and it's mentally tough as well." Following after having a baby, but has been involved in a custody battle that has prevented her from playing Thompson's strong showing in the end-of-season event, we take a look since Wimbledon. The Belarusian, ranked 210 in the world, withdrew from the US Open and the back at how women have previously fared when competing against Fed Cup final, which Belarus lost to the United States. "Vika's current situation is obviously very men… Six years after winning two track and field gold medals in the difficult for her and we have reached out to offer any support we can," said Australian Open 1932 Los Angeles Olympics and long before becoming a World Golf tournament director Craig Tiley. "As a two-time Australian Open champion we've awarded her a Hall of Famer, the future 10-time women's major champion appeared wildcard and look forward to seeing her back on court in Melbourne in January." Victoria Azarenka as an amateur in an all-male tournament. Zaharias was deemed a pro- claimed the Melbourne Park title in 2012 and 2013 Azarenka said she was thankful for the fessional by the USGA so couldn't play in ladies amateur events, in- opportunity to return to Melbourne Park and hoped it would kick-start the year for her. "I'm so stead featuring in a number of male competitions before making her excited about coming back to Melbourne for the Australian Open, it's my favourite tournament," first PGA Tour start at the 1938 Los Angeles Open. Playing in the she said. same group as future husband George Zaharias, she posted rounds of "I've won there twice and always feel so comfortable on court and the city is great. "It has been 84 and 81 to miss the cut and made a third-round exit from the compe- a tough year and being able to come back to the competition will be a really positive way to start 2018." tition seven years later. (Sky Sport) (BBC Sport) THURSDAY . DECEMBER 14. 2017-Qaws 23, 1396 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 137 Price: Afs.20

AT News Report development. The Meshrano Jirga, or upper KABUL: The Wolesi Jirga, or the house of parliament, had approved lower house of the parliament, has the draft budget on November 22 rejected the next year’s draft budget, before referring it to the Wolesi terming lack of balance among the Jirga with some suggestions. provinces, allocations for Amir Khan Yar, the finance unapproved administrative units, commission head of the lower and creation of unnecessary house, told Wednesday’s session positions in some department, as that there was no balance in key reason behind the rejection. provincial allocations. He said Some days back, a number of projects worth 76 billion afghanis lower house members had in the last year’s budget had been criticized the next year’s budget, dropped. saying some of the projects He claimed allocations had proposed in the could not be been made for some unapproved implemented in insecure areas of administrative units and creation the country. of 22,000 new positions that were The draft budget is 357.6 unnecessary. But he did not personnel,” he said, without going fiscal year. Under Article 98 of the billion afghanis — one billion provide details about the into details. Constitution, the general and dollars less than the current year’s administrative units. Of the 120 lawmakers present, development budgets are prepared accounts. The Ministry of Finance “This draft budget proposes 115 of them voted against the in light with Meshrano Jirga’s says 267 billion afghanis has been the creation of 7,000 posts for a draft. The lower house has rejected recommendations before being sent set aside for general expenses and single office of a department, the proposed budget just seven to the Wolesi Jirga for final more than 90 billion afghanis for which needs even less than 100 days before the start of the next approval.

ties. The two leaders held talks on cross-border militancy, Iran’s Chabahar Port and finding ways to enhance bilateral and economic ties, according to Indian media report. Danish is on a five-day trip to India. He visited the business capital Mumbai city on Sunday and attended an international conference on ‘Harmony and GHAZNI CITY: Three children Memorial of Mother Teresa’. of a war-displaced family have died India and Afghanistan share a due to extreme cold in southern Ghazni province, the deceased 13 Daesh strong relationship. India has children’s grandmother said played a significant role in the Wednesday, fearing for other kids. militants killed reconstruction and rehabilitation of Some 24 families after being Afghanistan. displaced by the conflict in in Nangarhar New Delhi’s extensive Tirinkot, the capital of central AT Monitoring Desk Tuesday met with his Indian developmental assistance program Uruzgan province, arrived in counterpart, Venkaiah Naidu in for Afghanistan now stands at Ghazni City about a month ago. offensive KABUL: The Afghan Second Vice New Delhi, in which both sides around $2 billion, According to the These families live in tents made JALALABAD: More than a President, Sarwar Danish on discussed ways t boost bilateral Indian Foreign Ministry. of plastic mostly donated to them dozen Daesh or so-called Islamic by other people. Bibi Gul, an State (IS) militants have been elderly woman in the families, told killed and 13 others wounded in Pajhwok Afghan News her an air-and-ground operation in husband and a son were killed Police in Afghanistan’s capital dealt in line with the prevailing during clashes between Taliban and Kabul on Wednesday launched a laws of Afghanistan,” said MoI eastern Nangarhar province, an Afghan forces in Uruzgan. “We week-long campaign against illegal spokesman Najib Danish. official said on Wednesday. fled the war and came to Ghazni, arms and cars with tinted windows Meanwhile, a number of Maj. Sherin Agha Faqeeri, but the cold weather here killed in a move to collect the illegal people who have guards have spokesman for 201st Selab my three grandsons within a weapons as part of its efforts to raised questions about the nature Military Corps, told Pajhwok month,” she said. She said they curb violence. of the program by the security Afghan News the operation had no a breadwinner and were in However, on the first day of forces. codenamed Selab (9) was KHOST CITY : An armed clash Afghan News two people from conflict area. He said it was police serious economic problems. “No conducted in Wazir Tangi area of between two tribes --Mangal and their side were slightly injured but responsibility to stop the fight but the campaign, the police were faced “They should work on a one helped us, we live under the with some challenges while program to clarify, for instance, if Khogyani district against Moqbil -- over a land and he was unaware about casualties ANA soldiers had been sent there open sky, we have no food and militants during the past 24 mountain ownership dispute has to the other side. to cooperate with police. He said cloths, I fear my other ordering powerful persons and a lawmaker can carry the gun or if government officials to remove the an investor is also allowed to carry hours. caused casualties on both sides in Javid, another resident of the security forces also came under fire grandchildren would also meet the The operation involved southern Khost province, sources area, said four people were killed in the area. same fate,” she said. As she burst black plastic sheeting from their gun. Today we saw one person that cars’ windows. The response by had over 50 guns,” said local personnel from border police, said Wednesday. and four others injured on Moqbil The two tribes have a long into tears, the grandmother said national police, public order The clash also involving heavy side. But some sources said eight history of their dispute over a land they needed urgent help. Fatima, those defying police order angered investor, Maula Mohammad some of the security forces on the Paiman. police and NDS personnel led by weapons erupted between the two people of Moqbil tribe were killed and a mountain located between another displaced woman, said she the fourth brigade. tribes on Tuesday. in the clash. Musakhel and Nader Shah Kot lost 12 members of her family to roads. The Afghan police are expected But, the Ministry of Interior to expand the campaign into other Faqeeri added Papa Kali, Provincial officials did not The fight is still ongoing districts. the conflict in Uruzgan. “We four Zangani and Balokhel areas had provide information about the between the two sides. Cap. Earlier, a delegation of 83 widows and our small children (MoI) has said that the program provinces once the program is came here to save our lives.” She will apply to everyone, regardless wrapped up in Kabul. been purged of militants’ clash, but local people provided Abdullah, spokesman to the first people from capital Kabul was presence. Ten Daesh rebels, contradictory reports. battalion of Afghan National Army sent to Khost for resolving the also said they faced serious of their position. Interior ministry says that the problems and were in need of “The individuals who refuse distribution of licenses for arms including a notorious commander A tribal elder from Mangal (ANA) forces in Khost, said that problem, but they failed to ease immediate assistance. “We named Omaro, were killed and 13 tribe, Falak Khan, told Pajhwok security forces had reached the the situation. (Pajhwok) to respect the orders and the traffic will be completed in four phases brought nothing with us and the signs at the checkpoints, will be within six months. (ToloNews) others wounded. (Pajhwok) weather is very cold here, our children face death, we need help,” she said. Fatima said her children could not sleep all the night crying due to extreme cold. Sayed Mohammad, a displaced man, said: “We are 24 families from Uruzgan, and reside here.” He said they had requested the Refugees and Repatriation Department for help on a daily basis, but to no avail. “No one recognizes us as displaced families, the refugees department does not allow us to enter there,” he grumbled. (Pajhwok) NEILI : A satisfactory number of women work in government offices both civil and military in central Daikundi province despite Leaders did the lack of kindergartens, separate National MMA fighter Baz Mohammad dressing rooms and toilets. Of the Mubarez’s trainers praised him for his hard not order raid total 1,850 government employees in Daikundi, 206 are work and physical strength. on Afghan-turk women who account for 11 percent of total employees, school: MoE according to the statistics from the local Independent The acting Minister of Education Administrative Reform and Civil Mohammad Ibrahim Shinwari on Services Commission (IARCSC). Wednesday said last night’s raid In addition, women have by the security forces on Afghan- occupied 1,342 teacher posts of Turk girls school was not carried the total 3,243 posts while 55 out on the orders of the women discharge duties in government leadership. Afghan security forces ranks in Daikundi. security forces raided an Afghan- The Education Department, Afghanistan’s mixed martial arts December this year but his rival Turk female high school in the Police Headquarters, Customs (MMA) fighter Baz Mohammad refused to fight his Afghan Taimani area in Kabul on Tuesday Office, Agriculture Department, Mubarez will visit the United Arab opponent. evening and surrounded the school Prison and the Work and Social Emirates to compete in the World “Fortunately, training is going for at least three hours while Affairs Departments are among MMA competition in January 16 well, and I am well-prepared for searching all areas of the school, state institution where more next year. my next fight which is scheduled students claimed. Shinwari said women have been employed. Mubarez is a professional for 2018. I hope, once again, to that the fate of four teachers of Sawdaba Mohadi, a civil MMA fighter and has fought bring a smile on the face of Afghan the school will be determined society activist, termed the different fighters from Europe, people and hoist Afghanistan’s flag soon. Reacting to the raid, the growing number of women in USA, Russia and other countries. at international events,” Mubarez deputy chairman of Afghan-Turk state institutions in Daikundi a His results so far are nine wins and said. schools in Afghanistan, Fawad reality and said women’s role was four losses in his fighting career. Meanwhile, the MMA Haidari, said the raid was in vital for economic and social need He is receiving training for the fighter’s trainers praised him for contravention of the laws of the of society and families. She hailed 2018 MMA competition in his dedication. country. Families of Afghan-Turk women’s presence in state Thailand under the supervision of “I think the strongest attribute schools have said that the nature institutions and demanded more, Thai, US and Brazilian trainers of Mubarez is his strength. He is of raid on the school and the but said working women faced over the past two months. very strong physically, much detention of four teachers of the multiple issues such as the lack Mubarez was expected to stronger than many guys in this schools amounts to kidnapping of kindergartens. (Pajhwok) fight a Russian rival on 23rd of division. (ToloNews) and creating fear. (ToloNews)