Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:289 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes TUESDAY . MAY 23. 2017 -Jawza 02, 1396 HS

13 villages cleared from Taliban AT News Report nknown armed men blew in Wardak up a girl school in the cap Uital of southern Ghazni AT News Report province, an official said on Mon- day. Education Director Moham- ABUL: Afghan National mad Abid Abid told Pajhwok Af- By Farhad Naibkhel Police and Afghan Nation ghan News that the Albiruni Pri- al Army launched a joint mary School in Qarabaghi area was KABUL: Members of the Wolesi K clearance operation to clear the blown up on Sunday night. “The Jirga (Lower House) of Parliament Nerkh district of Wardak province school operating in a rented house on Monday expressed concerns from terrorists and enemies of had been damaged in a similar at- over Da Afghanistan Breshna Sher- peace and stability of Afghanistan. tack in the past as well,” he said, kat (DABS), accusing it of cor- In the joint operation 13 vil- adding that no one was hurt in the ruption. “We often changed our lages were cleared from armed Tal- overnight incident, but window- electricity measurement meter, but iban in Nerkh district, said a state- panes and doors of the school still its speed is high around 47 ment issued by Ministry of Former President were broken. A resident of the area, percent,” said Member of the Interior.Statement said that during Hamid Karzai Alam Khan said the residents Wolesi Jirga Abdul RaufInami. He this operation, 14 armed Taliban heard a heavy explosion at about said that the meters ordered by killed and wounded and the clear- 1am. “When we woke up in the DABS outside the country is not ance operation is under way in morning, we found the school standard and it pave the ground Wardak. Afghan national police damage. Those involved in the in- for corruption. DABS changed to and army confiscated some cident have committed a great in- a company of taking money from amount of weapons as well. The justice,” the source quoted him, people pocket, but it is not clear Afghan National Defense and Se- as saying. However, there is no where the money go, he added. He curity Forces have stepped up immediate claim of responsibility claimed that additional to substan- Lawmaker Razia Mangal said: tions committee of the Wolesi Jir- Counter-Terrorism operations to by any terrorist outfits. The Tal- dard meter DABS clearing electric- “My house electricity bill in- ga to assess the issue and reported suppress the insurgency activities iban previously told Pajhowk that ity bill after each two months, creased to afs 98,000, which I must to the parliament. He said that of the terror groups in different they do not create problems for where such delay causes to in- pay my whole one month salary recently the Wolesi Jirga approved provinces across the country. schools. creasing of kilowatt and high charg- to DABS.” She said that often par- that the electricity meters and bill es for people. Pointing to cutting liamentarians complained of chal- must be read and cleared monthly, of 10 percent tax from mobile lenges regarding electricity bills and but still this decision is not prac- phone credit cards, he said that DABS, but still the issue remained ticed by DABS, which is a clear according to report only 44 per- unsolved, thus it is essential to the sign of violation of law. Beside Afghan cent of the credit cards taxes flow Wolsi Jirga to take serious deci- parliamentarians, high number of to government budget and the rest sion in the aspect. Meanwhile residents of Kabul often com- AT News Report leaders to expel terrorists from embezzling. He asked the parlia- Speaker of the Wolesi Jirga Abdul plained of high charges of electric- refugees their countries. “Terrorists are nei- ment to take a serious decision Raouf Ibrahimi once again called ity bills, but the issue still remained KABUL: Former President, Ha- ther in the Muslim worship plac- over both mentioned issues soon. on transport and telecommunica- unsolved. mid Karzai blamed the United es, nor in our societies,” Karzai to get ID States and its Western allies for reacted. “They (terrorists) are the holding wrong policies, saying that result of the United States and its Appointments such policies created terrorism. allies’ policies and enjoy well- AT News Report cards, In reaction to the US Presi- equipped training centers.” Karzai, in security dent Donald Trump’s speech in as the most critic of the US in the amid Karzai, the former Saudi Arabia, Karzai said that ter- region, also reacted to Trump’s use president, expressed his sector more passports rorists are not staying in the Mus- of Shiites and Sunnis, saying Shi- condolence over the death lims’ worship places, but they are ites and Sunnis are each other’s H of a tribal elder, Hajji Nazir, who of ceremonial: he Afghan government will in the well-equipped centers and brothers and the international uni- passed away following an illness training places. ty is brought by working for peace. distribute ID cards, pass in eastern Nangarhar province. Analysts ports and birth certificates The ex-president called Shi- “Shiites and Sunnis are brothers “Late Hajji Nazir was a peace- T to Afghan refugees living in Iran, ites and Sunnis as two brothers, just like the Catholics and Protes- loving and patriotic person who adding that working for peace tants in Christianity. There are oth- Pakistan and Gulf countries once spent his life in serving people. a verification process has been con- would result unity in the world. er religions in the world as well. His death is a tragedy,” Karzai AT News Report Sar-e-Pul, Baghlan, Badakhshan In a speech at the Muslim Working for peace will result uni- ducted. Based on an agreement said in a statement. He wished and Helmand provinces. signed on Monday between the Summit in Riyadh, Trump used ty in the world.” Karzai talked on paradise for the dead and ex- KABUL: At least 136 militants The statement said that in the words of “Shiites and Sunnis” the peace need at a time while the ministry of foreign affairs, the min- pressed sympathy for his family were killed and 119 others were these operations 136 insurgents istry of refugees and repatriations instead of the word Muslims. The United States signed a 110 billion and friends. wounded in different crackdowns including four Taliban command- speech has been interpreted by dollar arm deal. Based on the deal, and the interior ministry, the first within past 24 hours. ers and nine Daesh fighters were step will see Afghan migrants in Muslims as an effort to create rift the US will sell modern and so- In a press release issued here, Analysts say the appointments in killed and 119 others were injured. these countries issued with ID among two Islamic sects. phisticated arms and weapons to Ministry of Defense (MoD) said Two insurgents were arrested Trump had asked the Muslim the Saudis. security institutions are more of cards and then on the basis of the that Afghan National Army (ANA) during operations and handed over ID cards, passports will be issued ceremonial, referring to the posi- in collaboration with Afghan Na- tion of the state minister for re- to the judicial organ for further in- to them. “The aim of the agree- tional Police (ANP) and National quiry. ment is to identify Afghan citizens forms in security sector, Amrullah Directorate of Security (NDS) Saleh in particular. A source on con- This joint operation of the in Iran, Pakistan and Gulf coun- dition of anonymity told Ariana personnel has conducted joint op- Defense Security Forces was sup- tries and then ID cards will be is- News that the appointments in erations against insurgents in dif- porting by the artillery and air forc- sued to them and once they have security sector are not taking place ferent areas Nangarhar, Laghman, es, added statement. ID cards they will receive pass- KABUL: The Ministry of Public in consultation with Saleh and the Kapisa, Paktia, Paktika, Khost, ANA discovered and confis- ports,” said deputy minister of Works (MoPW) on Monday state minister only receives the list Ghazni, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zab- cated weapons and ammunition in foreign affairs Nasir Ahmad Andis- signed three contracts for con- after the appointments. “This po- ul, Ghor, Farah, Kunduz, Faryab, the operations as well. ha. “The main aim of the agree- struction of a road in capital Kab- sition is more of ceremonial and ment is to solve citizen’s problems ul and two bridges in central just to satisfy him but Amrullah that they are currently facing and Kapisa and northern Baghlan prov- Saleh soon will react on the issue,” provide them with help,” said dep- inces, an official said. Deputy said political analyst, Javid Ko- ACJC sentences banker uty minister of refugees and repa- Public Works Minister Niamatul- histani. “It will be effective if the triations Dr Alima. “We are trying lah Haidari signed the contracts President consults with Amrullah our best to start the program as with representatives of three pri- Saleh, Interior and Defense minis- to 15 years in jail soon as possible and the first stage The Oversight Commission on vate construction companies in ters and National Security Coun- will start in Iran,” said the chair- Access to Information (OCAI) on Kabul. Haidari said the projects, a cil in the appointments of quali- The Anti-Corruption Criminal found guilty of embezzling more man of the electronic national iden- Monday said a number of govern- joint venture of the Afghan gov- fied people, but if only one per- Justice Center’s (ACJC) primary than $3 million USD. Assadullah tity card (e-NIC) department, ment institutions are not imple- ernment and Japan, would cost son takes the decisions then as- Humayun Muhtat. Based on sta- sessments will be not accurate,” court on Monday sentenced the however rejected the ruling and menting the Access to Information 220 million afghanis. A 5.9-kilo- former CEO of Afghan United said the charges had been baseless. tistics from the ministry of refu- act. In a new report, the OCAI said meter road of Kalakan district of University Professor, Miagul Kha- gees and repatriations, currently lid. However, a Parliament Mem- Bank in Nangarhar, Assadullah, to “If the honorable chairman has not that several government institu- Kabul would cost more than 99.5 15 years and three months in pris- given me the money, then how can more than 2.1 million Afghans live tions, such as the administrative million afghanis, he said, adding ber, Raihan Azad said that the Pres- in Iran and another two million in ident has always acted singly in on after finding him guilty of em- I transfer $3 million dollars into office of the president, the Minis- the road would be constructed by bezzlement and of misusing his my account, this is against bank- Pakistan. However there is no fig- try of Information and Culture Farshad Sayedkheli Construction the appointment process which is ure regarding numbers in Gulf a challenge for the Afghan people. authority. One of the judges, Sher ing laws,” said Assadullah. (MoIC), Lower House of Parlia- Company during one year. The Agha Munir, said the banker was |(ToloNews) countries. (ToloNews) ment and the Independent Admin- road connects Aqa Sarai and Mash- (ATN) istrative Reforms and Civil Service only to mislead the public and only wani villages of Kalakan and Kab- Commission (IARCSC) have failed claims that we have access to in- ul-Charikar highway and would to implement this Act. OCAI chief formation and talks about it in benefit more than 15,700 people Sayed Ekram Afzali said that by meetings, then it is not acceptable of 12 villages in the area, accord- establishing the commission, gov- for us,” said Afzali. He blasted the ing to Haidari. The contract for ernment tried to mislead the peo- Ministry of Information and Cul- construction of a bridge over Pan- ple. He said that nothing has ture (MoIC) for not cooperating jsher River in Kapisa province was changed on the ground and the with journalists in disseminating also signed, he said. The 99-meter commission is merely symbolic. He information. “We should remove long and 11-meter wide bridge said that government has tried to the world ‘information’ from this would be constructed on the portray the establishment of the institution (MoIC) and instead Bagram road to Mahmood Raqi, commission as beneficial. Based on name it the ministry of prevention Almost 130,000 undocumented "The majority of them were Afghan government works to would return over the next 18 the capital of Kapisa, at a cost of Afghan refugees have been forced young individuals, but some were strengthen internal coordination months, which would add nearly the report, many government in- of information. This ministry has 98.6 million afghanis in 17 months. stitutions are violating the Act and been one of the biggest problems to return home so far this year by families, including women and chil- and strategic planning, the inter- 10 percent to Afghanistan’s pop- Haidari said another bridge would the Iranian government. dren." national community also needs to ulation. On Sunday, the UN Mi- try to keep information secret, crit- for us. It never cooperated with be constructed on the Rubat-Far- ics claim. According to the report, us, but always tried to make prob- Voice Of America (VOA) re- This comes amid an ever grow- play a vital role in providing fi- gration Agency (IOM) inaugurat- iang road in Khost district of ported that hundreds are being sent ing number of return refugees to nancial and humanitarian support ed a substantial expansion of its the Ministry of Public Works lems. Even this ministry itself has Baghlan province. The bridge (MoPW), Ministry of Mines and not created an information facili- home every day in line with Iran’s the country not only from Iran but to avert a crisis and limit the dam- Torkham Transit Center in east- would be 30 meters long and 7.9 target to send back 600,000 Af- also from Pakistan and Europe. age to Afghanistan’s already chal- ern Afghanistan’s Nangarhar prov- Petroleum (MoMP), Ministry of tated organization,” added Afzali. meters wide and would cost 20 Commerce (MoC), Ministry of The MoIC has however confirmed ghans by the end of the year. The International Monetary lenging social and security condi- ince for undocumented Afghan re- million afghanis. The bridges "Last week, 7,695 Afghan ref- Fund said in a report earlier this tions, and development prospects. turnees from Pakistan. Counter Narcotics (MoCN), Da its shortcomings and said it is re- would resolve people’s econom- Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat viewing the problem. “We will ugees returned from Iran, 60-65 year that this influx is seriously Aid officials estimated that more More than 55,000 undocu- ic, social and security problems, percent of whom were deported aggravating the government's ca- than 700,000 refugees returned to mented Afghans have returned (DABS) and the Ministry of La- share the results of our assessments said the deputy minister, who put bor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and once we completed our investiga- involuntarily," said Hafiz Ahmad pacity to absorb refugees in an al- Afghanistan in 2016, while this from Pakistan between January 1 at nearly 1.5 million the number Miakhel, spokesman for the Af- ready difficult environment of high year return refugees continue to and May 18 this year - double the Disabled (MoLSAMD) are ac- tions and assessments,” said the of people who would directly or cused of not cooperating in terms deputy minister of information and ghanistan Ministry of Refugees unemployment and internally dis- return home – not all voluntarily. number of returns during the same indirectly benefit from the and Returnees was quoted as say- placed people after decades of con- In January, analysts projected that period in 2016 - the highest return of releasing information. “If gov- culture for publications Sayed Fa- projects. (Pajhwok) ernment creates the commission zel Sancharaki. (ToloNews) ing by VOA. flict. The IMF said that while the up to 2.5 million more refugees year on record. (ToloNews) TUESDAY.MAY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

The first issue of the Afghan wom- en’s magazine covers standard ground, like fashion tips during pregnancy and interviews with young pop artists about their love lives. There is also more serious fare, like an article about breast cancer and an essay on a proposed family law that has been delayed for years by conservatives who oppose the safeguards it would bring. Yet the magazine, Gellara, differs in one crucial respect from most women’s periodicals around the world: It could provoke anger, or worse. Gellara, which began on Thursday with a print run of 2,000 copies, does not list its office ad- dress. Its editor, Fatana Hassan- zada, above right, is aware that she will face resistance in certain cir- China has become increasing- perceived ability of the Chinese cles of men who, without even ly more proactive and commit- government to protect the pop- reading the magazine, will view its the women decided to start a mag- to print that they can be paid a ted to its neighbour Afghani- ulace from harm. In addition, content as leading women astray azine. It took months to prepare salary. The first issue sold for the stan’s stability since 2014. That the Islamic State Khorasan and, therefore, dangerous. their first issue because they strug- equivalent of $1.50. The cost of year, Beijing sent no fewer than branch threat in South Asia is She knows that the magazine gled to find a balance between pur- producing it was covered by a busi- three high level officials, in- growing. In Afghanistan, it is — the product of nearly five suing nurturing themes like second- ness that advertised in the maga- cluding Chinese Foreign Min- based in its eastern Nangarhar months of work by a dozen young wave feminism, which might ap- zine. They only two paid mem- ister Wang Yi, to Afghanistan. province, close to the border female volunteers — could very peal to a more educated audience, bers of their team are young male It also hosted the fourth with Pakistan. IS-K has region- well be burned. Despite the risk, and attracting a wider readership. designers, who work on a freelance foreign ministers’ meeting of al aspirations that include Cen- she hopes Gellara becomes a Understand the world with basis. Recently, a newspaper pub- the annual Heart of Asia pro- tral Asia and nearly stretch into household name, a forum for con- sharp insight and commentary on lisher that is providing technical cess - an effort by the interna- China’s western borders. Chi- versation for young women that tional community launched in na also realises that as long as the major news stories of the advice brought a sampling of in- late 2011 to engage Afghani- Afghanistan is unstable, US can be slipped under apartment week. Receive occasional updates ternational magazines from which stan’s extended neighbours and Nato forces will have a rea- doors or into purses, and offered and special offers for The New to draw design inspiration. and relevant organisations in son to sustain a military pres- at beauty parlors and dentist of- York Times's products and servic- Ms. Hassanzada said the hun- the country’s reconstruction. ence there - only kilometres from fices. A sisterhood of big ideas, pre- es. “We are still focused on those dreds of thousands of educated China’s hosting of this event China’s border. Under the cur- Can the Afghan chewed and packaged on glossy themes for the content,” said Ms. young women throughout Afghan- gave the process a big boost. rent security circumstances in paper with lots of pictures, in a Hassanzada, whose day job is at istan, both in high school and at Following this, China coordi- Afghanistan, China welcomes society where what women can an aviation company. “But we universities, were her potential nated various meetings on Af- this, but does not wish to see government ever talk about is often dictated by men. want to introduce them in an Af- audience. From her days as a uni- ghanistan with regional stake- this prolonged more than nec- “Our view is that without ag- ghan way — in a simpler way that versity student in the north, she holders, including Iran, Paki- essary. All aboard for ‘One Belt, itation, we won’t reach an equilib- matches how our people live.” knows well the thirst among young stan and Russia. China has One Road’? Afghanistan rium,” Ms. Hassanzada said with “The main issue is durability educated women for new conver- even conversed with represen- freight train trip one stop in defeat the Taliban? a smile. Ms. Hassanzada, 23, said of work inside Afghanistan, and the sations. tatives of the Taliban, Afghan- China’s bigger drive This ties the idea had been born from a book other issue is impact,” she said. Traditional methods of male istan’s primary insurgency into China’s aspiration to cre- club she attended. The club, com- “When larger subjects have been control prevent many young wom- group, and is one of the four ate a buffer of stable, function- posed mostly of women but also discussed, it has remained limited en from having a phone or being members of the now dormant al and prosperous neighbour- of a few men, meets at a cafe or a to a small class of elite.” On a re- online. “We know our shared and so far ineffective, Quadri- ing states - no fewer than 14 in reading space at Kabul University cent day, half of the staff discussed pain,” Ms. Hassanzada said. “And lateral Coordination Group. China’s case - that will amply to discuss novels — from Alice design issues over lunch — a sim- it becomes a social responsibility This group, comprised of Af- rely on the Chinese economy Walker’s “The Color Purple” to ple beef and vegetable soup with to get the basic information that ghanistan, China, Pakistan and and pose a limited threat to Chi- Khaled Hosseini’s “A Thousand bread and salad — at the make- those women need, for their lives the US, intends to coordinate nese stability, either directly or Splendid Suns” — and broad shift office. The young women are and thoughts, into their homes. Afghan political reconciliation indirectly. This notion has philosophical questions. volunteers, but they hope to at- Women’s issues, inside their through talks with the Taliban. compelled China to step up as Thinking they needed to ex- tract enough ads and subscriptions home.” In addition, Beijing has commit- a regional security actor, as it pand those conversations, some of by the time the second issue goes (NYTIMES) ted more aid to Afghanistan, is doing in Afghanistan. In Chi- post-2014, than in the entire pe- na’s view, there is limited secu- riod from 2001 to 2013. What rity without economic develop- has compelled China to com- ment, which itself cannot take mit such interest to Afghani- off without basic infrastructure. Kabul is consistently losing con- weapons had been transferred to There is n o m ilitary so lutio n stan? It is mostly a combina- This in turn relates to the Belt trol in Afghanistan’s provinces, the group at a time when the Tali- tion of four overarching inter- and Road initiative. China is which are falling to ISIS and the ban was about to win a battle ests. First, mitigating safe ha- pouring tremendous human Taliban, especially in the country’s against it. According to Masadyk- in Afghan istan —so Trum p vens for the Turkistan Islamic and financial resources into northern areas bordering with ov, ISIS in Afghanistan is much Party; secondly, gradually this endeavour. As a long-term Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Add better funded than the Taliban: eroding the need for the US- vision for economic integration to this the failure of the Afghan each militant is paid over US$600 sho uld strike a deal North Atlantic Treaty Organi- of the Eurasian continent, and army to become professional, mil- per month, whereas a Talib fighter sation military presence in Af- even beyond, mitigating itary defections and growing cor- receives no more than $300 month- ghanistan; thirdly, creating a threats to both its implementa- ruption. It is illustrative that in ly. Where is the financing coming “buffer” of stable states around tion and the security of current April, the Taliban staged attacks from and why is the international China, and finally protecting and future transit of goods, on the Afghan military with assis- community failing to stop such a the construction and transit energy and people is absolute- tance from inside, and 35 soldiers considerable flow of money? security of its ambitious Belt ly vital. Afghanistan has ex- have been arrested on suspicion of What are the prospects for the and Road initiative. Chinese pressed a strong interest in the colluding with the Taliban. This Afghan government? President Xi Jinping (right) pic- Belt and Road initiative, both dire situation shows that there is In December, I attended a con- tured with his Afghan counter- the policy and the business little hope that Kabul is able to ference on countering terrorism at part Ashraf Ghani during a po- community, but for now the win the conflict militarily. It is in- the Moscow Institute of Interna- litical gathering in Russia in July country’s security situation is creasingly obvious that the war can tional Relations and took an op- 2015. Since international forc- a major hurdle to closer engage- only be ended through a political portunity to listen to a report made es substantially scaled down in ment and substantial Chinese settlement, and there are growing by Dr Ivan Safranchuk, one of the Afghanistan in 2014, the insur- investment. To make things calls to make a deal with the Tali- leading Russian experts on Cen- gency has made notable ad- worse, Afghan instability actu- ban to challenge the increasing tral Asian security policy. He pre- vances. Government forces ally threatens the initiative’s presence of ISIS in Afghanistan. sented three scenarios for Afghan- and the insurgency now find corridors that run through the The Taliban, although designated istan and available options for themselves in a military dead- southern stretches of Central a terrorist group by the UN, is still Central Asian countries to tackle lock. This is against the back- Asia, and its flagship project, viewed as a nationally oriented related security threats. drop of mutually reinforcing the China-Pakistan economic movement and a lesser evil than The first scenario implies the political, socioeconomic and corridor. It runs quite close to years to stop harbouring the Af- ISIS. Traditional Talibs do not have situation when the Afghan securi- Donald Trump said little about ul. The ruling National Unity security crises out of which the the border with Afghanistan, plans for expansion outside Af- ty forces have control over the ghan Taliban in Quetta and else- national unity government and Pakistan itself is prone to Afghanistan during the 2016 elec- Government was brokered in 2014 where, but to little effect, and it is headed by President Ashraf frequent terrorist attacks. Some ghanistan and confine their ambi- country’s main centers, while the tion, but his criticism of military after a disputed election. The two tions to taking power in Kabul. Taliban is still present but goes hard to see Trump succeeding Ghani and Chief Executive Ab- of these, Pakistan claims, are interventionism raised the possi- candidates, Ashraf Ghani and Ab- where others have failed. As former dullah Abdullah does not seem plotted in Afghanistan. Foreign Meanwhile, ISIS is expanding underground or dominates rural bility he would try to extricate the dullah Abdullah, entered a power- US Ambassador to Pakistan, Ri- able to break. The government policy is always an extension in Afghanistan. The country’s fed- areas. The second scenario reflects US from a war that has lasted 16 sharing agreement, with Ghani tak- chard Olson, said in a speech re- has welcomed closer Chinese of domestic interests and thus eral government has virtually lost the current situation when the Af- years, cost $750bn dollars, and ing the presidency, and Abdullah cently, “convincing Pakistan to support. Afghanistan’s insta- China has, for all these reasons, control over Kunduz, a northern ghan security forces are locked in killed more than 2,300 US soldiers. becoming Chief Executive. How- effect a strategic shift is wishful bility affects China’s own sta- decided to step up in regard to province bordering with Tajikistan a stalemate and neither party is Not so. Trump’s advisers have ever, the government has been thinking.” Pakistan has little incen- bility, particularly that of its ter- Afghanistan’s stability. Un- that shelters some 3,000 ISIS mil- capable of defeating the other. The reportedly suggested he send at deeply ineffective and seems on tive to pick a fight with the Af- rorism-prone Xinjiang region. doubtedly, there is also an al- itants. There is every indication Afghan forces fail to defend a rural least 3,000 troops to Afghanistan, the brink of meltdown. Ghani has ghan Taliban and add to its already Members of the Turkistan Is- truistic interest to see Afghan- that the province’s police force is area, while the militants are already where more than 8,000 American allegedly been marginalising Ab- serious security challenges. Wash- lamic Party, a Xinjiang-focused istan stabilise and the Afghan controlled by the increasingly pow- able to take over towns and dis- soldiers are already deployed. dullah. Furthermore, the adminis- ington cannot easily apply pres- Islamic separatist group, have people to flourish. In time to erful ISIS militants. The nearby tricts. Safranchuk provided an ex- NATO may also dispatch “a few tration is divided along ethnic lines, sure on this issue, either, because been apprehended in Afghani- come, China will have its hands province of Takhar is home to the ample of 23 districts captured by thousand” additional troops, in- with Ghani’s office packed with NATO supply routes into Afghan- stan. China fears that an unsta- full with not only trying to bet- same number of ISIS fighters, while the Taliban in 2015. It is crucial as cluding some from the UK. his fellow Pashtuns, and Abdul- istan transit through Pakistan, and ble Afghanistan will permit ter understand the complex other northern provinces of Fary- a new phenomenon since, in pre- This so-called “mini-surge” has lah’s with Tajiks. To make matters the Pakistanis can shut off access greater use of Afghan territory dynamics of peace and conflict ab and Sar-e Pol are each home to vious years, the number of such been justified by government offi- worse, the governor of Balkh, Atta if they want to (they did this be- by the militants to plot attacks in Afghanistan and the region, between 2,000 and 3,000 ISIS takeovers ranged between one and cials as necessary to reverse Tali- Mohammad Noor, may join the fore, in 2011). on Chinese territory and sus- but also making sure that its members. The group is also four. The third scenario will take ban gains in the country. And, in- administration. He is an old rival The US is fixated on Islamic tain the country’s thriving drug increased commitment bears present in the northern provinces place when the situation deterio- deed, the war has been going very of the current Vice President, Ab- State in Afghanistan, dropping its industry. This can threaten so- fruit. of Jowzjan, Samangan, and Balkh, rates further and the Afghan forc- badly for the US and its allies. The dul Rashid Dostum, and has largest non-nuclear bomb, the cial stability in China and the (SCMP) which are each home to up to 1,000 es are unable to liberate districts Afghan government now controls crossed swords with Ghani (who Massive Ordnance Air Blast (or militants. The attitude among Tal- that are under the sway of the Tal- less territory than at any time since unsuccessfully tried to dismiss Mother of All Bombs, MOAB), ibs toward the ISIS presence in the iban. 2001. Civilian casualties are at him from his post in Balkh). Divi- on the group’s cave network in region is mixed, mainly because Central Asian states bordering record highs. Military fatalities sions in the administration have led April. But IS now has only 600 the movement itself is splintered. Afghanistan are directly affected have escalated alarmingly. One can to cabinet positions being un- fighters in the country, according Poppy become main There are groups fighting on the by the developments in this war- therefore understand why Trump, filled—including the key post of to the US military. The Taliban has side of ISIS, but there are also torn state and face a number of who campaigned on an anti-inter- defence minister—because consen- many more. IS controls territory moderate, traditional Talibs wag- risks, including penetration of mil- ventionist platform, may now want sus could not be reached on ap- in only four out of Afghanistan’s revenue source to ing a war against the group. The itants with forged passports, to counterattack in Afghanistan. pointments. This has had a delete- 400 districts. The Taliban cannot latter are ready to come to the ne- smuggling, the influx of refugees But military escalation has been rious effect on security, compro- be defeated on the battlefield. So gotiating table and their main de- and even incursion into their terri- tried unsuccessfully before. Presi- mising the government’s capacity what can the US and its allies do? Afghan Taliban mand is the withdrawal of foreign tories. Safranchuk offered a num- dent Obama surged tens of thou- to fight the Taliban efficiently. Short of withdrawing completely, sands of American servicemen into Then there is an issue that has the only hope now is for a negoti- troops from Afghanistan. Howev- ber of alternatives to meet these the country in 2010, bringing total dogged Afghanistan ever since the er, the Afghan government consid- risks, such as sealing the border, ated political settlement that gives American troop levels to about US-led intervention in 2001: cor- the Taliban some role in Afghani- ers the Taliban its main enemy, making deals with the Taliban, and 100,000. Those extra troops ruption. Despite some improve- The Taliban militants have been Confirming the report, gover- mainly due to the fact that it does creating military and non-military stan’s government. This will not using the money collected as taxes nor of Saripul province, Zahir helped temporarily clear areas in ments, the country remains one of be easy: talks have failed before, not view ISIS as a political foe be- buffer zones on the Afghan side of southern Afghanistan of the Tali- the most corrupt in the world from poppy growers to buy weap- Wahdat, said that the Taliban mil- cause the group is not engaged in a the border. and Trump’s State Department is ons and keep on fighting against itants have been encouraging farm- ban. But the gains were ephemer- (near the bottom on Transparen- understaffed and faces cuts. But struggle for power in Afghanistan However, he has noted that al. If tens of thousands of addi- cy International’s corruption in- government in Afghanistan, report- ers to cultivate poppy and that is itself. Ideologically, ISIS has a these options are available only in there is no other way forward. And, ed a local newspaper the Daily why poppy fields are in constant tional soldiers failed to provide dex). Corruption robs the govern- on the plus side, a growing num- much loftier agenda focused on the second scenario when Kabul is lasting security then, why would ment of legitimacy and facilitates Weesa on Monday. Quoting some increase in areas controlled by the establishing a so-called Khorasan able to either reach agreements with ber of countries are keen to see a fewer troops make any difference Taliban recruitment. No amount of stable Afghanistan and could help villagers in the northern restive armed militants. The militancy- Province spanning Central Asian the Taliban or confer more powers now? It could be argued that the international military intervention Saripul province, the paper claimed battered Afghanistan produced regions, including China’s Xinjiang to regional warlords, with whom negotiate a deal. Iran and Russia, Afghan army, which has received can solve these problems, because for example, fear a permanent US that the farmers in areas controlled 4,800 tons of opium poppy in Uyghur Autonomous Region. the deals could be made over bor- extensive training from the US, is they are political and require in- by the Taliban militants are encour- 2016 against 3,300 tons produced The way Taalatbek Masadyk- der protection and the establish- military presence there and want now stronger than it was in 2010. ternal reform. There is also the fact to see American soldiers exit the aged to cultivate opium poppy. in 2015, according to a joint sur- ov, a Kyrgyz expert and the former ment of buffer zones. Whereas the That might be true, but it still suf- that the Taliban still enjoys sanc- "Increase in poppy plantation vey of Afghan Ministry for country (this might explain any political director of the UN Mis- third scenario suggests that, with fers from desertions and low mo- tuary in Pakistan and appears to backing they give to the Taliban). means increase in Taliban revenues Counter-Narcotics and United sion in Afghanistan, has described the situation getting worse, the tivation. An appalling Taliban at- be receiving support from Iran and A number of countries are invest- and supporting their financial re- Nations Office on Drug and Crime his experience in negotiating with Afghan government will be unable tack on a base in northern Afghan- Russia, too. According to an essay ed economically in Afghanistan, sources to buy more weapons and (UNODC). Majority of the illegal the Taliban is noteworthy. He said to take measures to meet security istan last month, which killed 170, by Bruce Reider, history shows and the war threatens their inter- further destabilize the province crop was produced in the restive that at one of the meetings held risks. And this is the point when showed how vulnerable the army clearly that “external support is a ests. China, for example, plans to and the country at large," the vil- areas controlled by anti-govern- with the Taliban in Doha, Talibs the Kabul government will fail as a still is. Afghanistan’s security has decisive factor in determining the include the country in its “One lagers was quoted as saying in the ment militants. wondered where ISIS had got its legitimate authority. also been undermined by a weak outcome of an insurgency.” The US Belt, One Road” nexus of trade report. (CHINA) technical assistance and why (ATIMES) and divided administration in Kab- has been urging the Pakistanis for routes. (Prospectmagazine) TUESDAY.MAY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

EMERGENCY CALLS Police fghan parents in desperate poverty often rely on sending children to work, but a school run on 100 - 119 donations offers young people an alternative to a life of toil Hospitals Plans to invest $20 million to improve schools, FMIC Hospital Omid used to spend his days in ed by Abdul Baqi Samandar. Sa- strengthen with universities in Turkey traffic jams around Kabul, wash- mandar says he receives no fund- Behind Kabul Medical ing cars with a ragged cloth. At the ing from the government or for- University: Turkey’s state-supported Maarif million to improve the quality of end of the day, the seven-year-old eign NGOs. Instead, his school 0202500200-+93793275595 took home the money he had runs on donations from friends Foundation has announced its these schools. earned so his father wouldn’t sell abroad – he lived for many years readiness to invest some $20 mil- Inclusive policy another piece of furniture from the in Germany – and from local pa- lion to revamp and revitalize a Uludag stressed that all the Cag Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital house to buy drugs. Haroon began trons, such as print shops, which chain of Turkish schools in Af- Education Foundation’s assets working in traffic at the age of six, donate discarded paper. A 60- ghanistan. The fate of 16 well- abroad were built by either Turk- Pule Bagh-e- Umomi as an espandi, warding off evil spir- something social activist and equipped Afghan-Turk schools ish citizens' taxes or donations, 070263672 its by waving a tin of coals over former journalist, Samandar says across the conflict-riddled country which makes the schools the prop- car bonnets so smoke wafted the number of children hawking in was in limbo following reports of erty of the Turkish nation. In a large house in southern Kabul, Abdul Baqi Samandar has the schools’ ties with the Fetullah He added that following talks Khairkhana Hospital through drivers’ windows. On his Kabul’s streets has grown visibly built simple classrooms and workshops for street children. best day of business, a woman in over the past decade. The Afghan Terrorist Organization (FETO), with parliamentarians, including 0799-321007 an armoured vehicle rolled down president, Ashraf Ghani, has made Photograph: Sune Engel Rasmussen for the Guardian the group blamed for last year’s Wolesi Jirga Speaker Abdul Rauf her window and handed him 1,000 urban planning and housing reform attempted coup in Turkey. Ibrahimi, a consensus has been 2401352 afghanis (£11). On most days, he a main priority, but has failed to pled since 2001 to an estimated 6 Emam. Omid, now 11, also uproot- The Cag Education Founda- reached to hand over the schools earned less than 100 afghanis. Po- resurrect the economy, after the million people. Afghanistan’s ur- ed his life when he came to Saman- tion, which ran these schools in to the Maarif Foundation. lio in Afghanistan: 'Americans withdrawal of most foreign forces ban population is expected to fur- dar’s house. His mother, Fazela, Afghanistan, has been accused by Professor Birol Akgun, the Indira Gandhi Children bomb our children daily, why in 2014, and the collapse of many ther double within 15 years. In had fled her drug-addicted husband Ankara of having links with the head of Turkish Maarif Founda- Hospital, Wazir Akbar would they care?' Kabul, one of development projects. Afghan cit- Kabul, just under three in four peo- with her children, and the family July 15 coup attempt, which mar- tion in Ankara, has vowed to im- the world’s fastest growing cities, ies are “increasingly hostile plac- ple live in informal housing (pdf). now life in an annex on Samandar’s tyred 249 lives and left some 2,200 mediately provide the required as- Khan, Kabul 2301372 is in the throes of a rapacious ur- es” for young people, according to Many newcomers congregate in roof. Fazela’s children started injured. FETO has funded its ter- sistance without causing any de- banisation. The majority of resi- the UN’s Human Settlement Pro- what Hervé calls “pockets of pov- working as soon as they were old rorist campaign in part through lay in the teaching and learning dents live in slum-like squalor. For gramme, UN-Habitat. Neverthe- erty”. In the Khair Khana neigh- enough to sell empty plastic bags networks of private schools across process at the existing schools. He Ibn-e- Seena the parents of Omid and Haroon – less, in Afghanistan cities are seen bourhood, on the slopes of a on the streets because her husband the globe. Following the defeated stressed that with the schools, Pul-e-Artan, Kabul as for thousands of others in the not just as places of opportunity mountain next to rows of Soviet- was incapacitated by drugs and coup, Ankara asked Afghanistan as Maarif is determined to build a Afghan capital – relying on their but of safety. Over the past year, era apartment blocks, about 900 was unemployable. “We had no well other countries to transfer trustworthy, reputable interna- 2100359 children was a means to cope with the capital has come under further Kuchi families have settled in ram- other choice,” she says. About 150 FETO-linked networks of schools tional brand in education. poverty. Unlike many of their pressure from the forced expulsion shackle brick houses. For centu- children take part in activities, in- to the Turkish government. Kabul “We believe that we are the peers in the streets, however, Omid of more than 600,000 Afghans ries, Kuchis pursued a migratory cluding martial arts classes in an in March initiated the process to successors of the 600 years of Wazir Akbar Khan and Haroon have been given a sec- from Pakistan, and a record num- lifestyle, but this has become in- underground gym, at the school in hand over the Cag chain of schools Turkey’s educational traditions, Hospital to Ankara and its Maarif Founda- and we want to employ this accu- ond chance at childhood. At a large ber of Afghans displaced by the creasingly threatened by war. The southern Kabul. Compared with 2301741, 2301743 house in the south of the city, they intensifying conflict. After the civil families in Khair Khana moved to the children who beg or toil in the tion. Mucip Uludag, Maarif’s top mulated knowledge in our educa- now study during the day with war that claimed 250,000 lives end- Kabul from Laghman 15 years ago. streets, Afghan women are less vis- official in Afghanistan, said they tional endeavors. We want to be- dozens of other children, practis- ed with last year’s accord, Lucy As they were pushed out by fight- ible casualties of urban poverty. have been making preparations come an institution that conveys Ali Abad ing martial arts and learning life Lamble investigates how Colom- ing, their animals were killed or In rural areas, some women are able and are excited to take part in Af- this historical accumulation to Af- skills such as cooking and wood bia’s communities plan to build snatched by either government to contribute to their family’s in- ghanistan’s education system. ghanistan’s educational system,” Shahrara, Kabul “We will provide formal and he told Anadolu Agency. carving in several classrooms and lasting peace “Children are very forces or the Taliban, says Emam, come, for example by helping out 2100439 workshops. In one room, a row of quickly sent out to beg in the a community elder. A few years during the harvest, but in the city informal education on the basis of Akgun vowed that the girls sit at wooden looms, weaving street,” says Nicolle Hervé, co-di- ago, the government asked Kuchi many find it harder to make a con- common accumulated knowledge schools’ new management would and the values of humanity in line adopt an inclusive policy to allow rugs. The sound of girls practising rector of Samuel Hall, a thinktank families in the Kabul neighbour- tribution. “When the same wom- Malalai Maternity the alphabet emanates from the that has just completed a study on hoods of Khushal Khan and Par- en end up in urban settlement,” with its founding principles as well all Afghan children a chance to ex- room next door. In the underground Afghan children who work on the wan-e Do, to move to Khair Kha- says Hervé, “they often can’t go as provide scholarships to stu- perience high-quality education. Hospital gym, boys and girls do martial arts streets – some of whom still at- na to make space for new housing. out any more. They cannot con- dents, open facilities such as "We will revise tuition policy 2201377/ 2301743 together. Every day about 150 chil- tend school for part of the day. “They promised us electricity and tribute to the household income.” schools and dorms, and train lec- for the advantage of the Afghan dren come to the school, says “Parents, unless they are educat- water. They gave sweets to the If their husbands can’t find work, turers who may be employed by people, but what matters is the founder Abdul Baqi Samandar, ed themselves, do not see why people,” says Emam. Not only did tension in the home escalates and such facilities,” he added. quality of the education future gen- Banks who employs 25 teachers. It might there would be a contradiction be- the government not deliver on its often results in domestic violence, An estimated 8,000 boys and erations get," he said. The Maarif not sound like a hard sell, but Sa- tween work and school. Children promises; two years ago, police he says. Omid’s oldest sister, girls are enrolled at the schools lo- Foundation has allocated up to $20 Da Afghanistan Bank mandar says he often finds it diffi- can beg for 10 hours and go to tried to evict the Kuchis from Khair Sadaf, 19, is studying for her uni- cated in major urban centers such million to modernize and improve cult to convince parents to let him school for five,” Hervé says. “But Khana, laying siege to the area for versity entrance exam. This is her as the capital Kabul, Kandahar, the quality of education at these 2100302, 2100303 give their children free food and even if they do, it’s uncertain what 20 days. Armed with sticks and final attempt to go to university, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, Jalalabad, schools, besides engaging in schol- schooling to keep them off the they get out of it because of psy- rocks, the Kuchis managed to push after her father forbade her to do and Sheberghan. Along with im- arly research, improving publica- Bakhtar Bank proving the quality of the existing tions and training methods, and street. “I tell them, ‘Your kid has chosocial traumas and the capaci- back the police. Since then, they so last year. That is another rea- 0776777000 the right to study. Why must your ty to get something out of school.” have built their own houses and son Fazela left her husband; to give schools in line with international offering training. kid stay in the street for one piece Harroon, now 13, says: “Before, I wells, but have yet to receive gov- her daughter the chance of a good standards and high technology, the Akgun said the foundation has Azizi Bank of bread?’” Samandar says. Chil- didn’t understand anything in ernment assistance. “We would education. “I don’t want her to Maarif Foundation seeks to in- started education programs in 10 dren learn woodcarving, among school. Now I learn much faster.” prefer to live in the desert, but we have the same life as me,” says crease the number of the schools Asian countries and will soon ex- 0799 700900 other activities, at the school found- Kabul’s population has quadru- can’t make any money there,” said Fazela. (Theguardian) all around Afghanistan, and focus pand to more. "In the schools on improving the quality of edu- we’ve assumed in Asia, we will Pashtany Bank cation here. Syed Mohammad develop strong relationships with 2102908, 2103868 Hashim, a member of the Wolesi universities in Turkey in the health Jirga (lower house), is studying the sciences, social, technical and vo- issue for the government, and told cational fields, and culture and Air Services Anadolu Agency the findings communication. We have taken would be shared with President some steps in Afghanistan and oth- Safi Airways Mohammad Ashraf Ghani. He er Asian countries in this respect," added that the Turkish government he said. 020 22 22 222 has promised to invest up to $20 (AA.COM) Ariana 020-2100270 HAT has been the fall in infant and small health center and now oper- Iran aiding terrorist groups maternal deaths in the province. ates 24 hours a day. Its 35 staff Kam Air PU-AMI has been working close- members include a surgeon, doc- ly with the health centers to re- tors, nurses, midwives, laborato- in region: King Salman 0799974422 duce child and maternal mortality. ry technicians, vaccinators, and a According to PU-AMI, infant pharmacist, covering a population Hotels mortality has fallen from 27 per of some 35,000. Thanks to the KABUL: Saudi King Salman Bin in attendance. The Saudi king said 1,000 live births in 2015 to 19 per provision of basic package of Abdul Aziz Al Saud has accused Islam gives the message of peace Safi Landmark 1,000 last year in Daykundi. Ma- health services provided by the the Islamic Republic of Iran of and security and declares the kill- ternal mortality dropped in the Ministry of Public Health's SE- supporting terrorist groups and ing of an innocent individual equiv- 020-2203131 same period from 387 per 100,000 HAT Program, latest data indicate meddling in other countries’ inter- alent to killing all humanity. Ter- live births to 286. The province infant mortality has fallen from 27 nal matters. Iran’s policy of sup- rorists targeted Muslim nations, SERENA appears to be doing well, given the per 1,000 live births in 2015 to 19 porting terrorism and interference so there was need for a joint fight national estimate for infant mor- per 1,000 last year in central in other states constituted a clear against the outlawed groups, he tality is 70 per 1,000 and maternal Daykundi Province. " Every violation of international law, said argued. He believed the scourge 0799654000 mortality is 327 per 100,000. The month, 55 children are born in the the powerful King during his ad- could be eliminated through the purchase of an infant warmer and Ulqan hospital. For the past two dress to the Arab-US summit in Global Counter-Terrorism Centre New Rumi Restaurant A father sits on a wooden chair brought their infants for vaccina- incubator machines for Ulqan hos- years, no mother or infant has died Riyadh on Sunday. Leaders from (GCTC) established in Riyadh. He 0776351347 and caresses his child, who is ly- tions and a health checkup. Ulqan pital under SEHAT has helped cut in our hospital. " In Daykundi 56 countries, including US presi- hoped Muslim countries would ing on a bed with his hand in a is a 30-bed district hospital locat- infant mortality rates to near zero Province, a non-governmental or- dent Donlad Trump, attended the become members of the centre to bandage. In a corner, a doctor ed in the Shahristan district of in the district. “When there was ganization, PU-AMI, contract is vital multinational conference. boost efforts against terrorism. Internet Services checks the case papers of an elder- Daykundi in central Afghanistan. no infant warmer or incubator ma- one of several performance-based President Ashraf Ghani was also (Pajhwok) UA Telecom It is one of 39 health centers in chine in the hospital, we lost many partnership agreements between ly man whose hand is hooked up 0796701701 / 0796702702 to an IV. The cleaner is scrubbing Daykundi that provides health ser- newborns,” says Dr. Ahmad Ma- Ministry of Public Health and the floor with antiseptic and the vices under the System Enhance- sood Azimi, 32, PU-AMI super- NGOs to deliver the defined pack- air smells medicinal. “Yesterday, ment for Health Action in Transi- visor in Shahristan district. “Now, age of basic health services and Elders vow efforts at Exchange Rate my child fell from a height of three tion (SEHAT) Program, imple- we keep newborn babies with low essential hospital services with meters and lost consciousness,’’ mented by the Ministry of Public body temperature in the machines funding support provided through Purchase: says Mohammad Ibrahim, 35, a Health (MoPH). Under SEHAT, and it has reduced infant mortality SEHAT Program. SEHAT aims uniting tribes in the east resident of Lokhtuk village. “When Première Urgence-Aide Médicale in Shahristan.” Midwife Nazia, 43, to expand the scope, quality, and I came to Ulqan hospital, doctors Internationale (PU-AMI), a French affirms the achievement at the hos- coverage of health services provid- JALALABAD: Tribal elders from idarity among Tribes Council head, One US$ = treated us very well and they did nongovernmental organization pital: “Every month, 55 children ed to the population, particularly eastern provinces on Sunday held Lal Agha Kakar, said the conflict 66.75Afs everything they could to save my (NGO) has been contracted to are born in the Ulqan hospital. For for the poor. It supports the pro- a gathering in the capital of Nan- had intensified in the country, es- child. Now he is getting better.” provide a Basic Package of Health the past two years, no mother or vision and improvement of a basic garhar province, vowing efforts at pecially in the east and a large num- One Pound Sterling= Outside the Ulqan district hospi- Services (BPHS) at these health infant has died in our hospital.’’ package of health services and an uniting tribes and ending the con- ber of youth and even children 80.87Afs tal, there is a long line in the regis- centers. A major achievement fol- The Ulqan district hospital was essential package of hospital ser- flict. The elders from eastern Nan- were ready to fight against the gov- One Euro = tration area of women who have lowing the implementation of SE- founded over 30 years ago as a vices to the entire country. (AP) garhar, Kunar, Laghman and ernment. He hoped the gathering Nuristan provinces attended the participants would campaign for 70.05Afs gathering at the invitation of the peace as well as protection of the 1000 Pak Rs = ‘Department of Peace, Media and country’s borders. The gathering 611Afs Good Governance’. Ahmad Kamil, issued a 20-article resolution let- 2local policemenjoinTalibaninSar-i-Pul the department head, said they ter that called for unity among Sale: wanted to narrow the gap between tribes, extension of the jirga to other One US$ = SAR-I-PUL: Two local police vincial council, told Pajhwok joined them when their col- tions with the Taliban and the government and the people zones and a campaign against ex- personnel have joined the Tal- Afghan News the two ALP leagues were asleep. they joined the rebels after through organizing such big gath- tremism. The governors of the four 68.30 Afs iban along with their weap- members joined the rebels in Sar-i-Pul police chief Maj. being beaten and disarmed by erings. He said the ongoing con- eastern provinces had been invit- One Pound Sterling= ons in northern Sar-i-Pul Boland Ghor-i-Kuhna locali- Gen. Khalilullah Dastyar con- fellows last night. Dastyar flict was more dangerous than a ed to the gathering but only the 81.67Afs province, a public represen- ty with their weapons on Sat- firmed the incident but reject- said the two carried away five civil war, asking the government governor of Nangarhar turned up. One Euro= tative claimed on Saturday. urday night. ed rumors that the Taliban weapons, 2,000 Kalashnikov and the National Security Council Nangarhar governor Gulab Man- Muhammad Ali Hakimi, a Hakimi said the duo had had captured the ALP post. and 5,000 machine bullets. to approve a draft strategy sub- gal said only unity could help 72.50 Afs member of the Sar-i-Pul pro- links with the Taliban and He said the duo had rela- (Pajhwok) mitted by the Peace Institute. Sol- achieve peace. (Pajhwok) 1000 Pak Rs= 631 TUESDAY . MAY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Pakistani crackdown on online anti-army China indicated on Monday it will two-step approach,” she added. not support India’s entry to the India officially applied for campaigners Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership of the NSG, which at the elite bloc’s plenary meeting controls trade in nuclear materials, in June unless a universal formula equipment and technology in May is evolved for accepting applica- last year. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party to tions from countries that have not The matter came up for dis- signed the Non-Proliferation Trea- cussion at the NSG’s Seoul plena- sue government over detention of ty (NPT). ry session last June but Beijing The inclusion of non-NPT scuttled New Delhi’s bid on the at least 23 of its supporters. countries, such as India and Paki- ground that it was not a signatory stan, in the NSG should follow a to the NPT regime. two-step approach - evolving a China has reiterated its posi- universal formula for all such na- tion on new applicants in the past tions and then taking up each coun- but detractors say it is pursuing try‘s application, China said. such an approach at the behest of Beijing’s stand ahead of the its close ally Pakistan. NSG plenary meeting at Bern in A statement issued in Septem- Switzerland indicates its opposi- ber last year had said that “China tion to India’s application will con- supports the notion of two-step tinue to impact bilateral ties, like approach within the group to ad- it did last year. “China’s position dress the above question, i.e., at on the non-NPT members’ partic- the first stage, to explore and reach ipation in the NSG has not agreement on a non-discriminato- changed,” foreign ministry spokes- ry formula applicable to all the non- person Hua Chunying told a regu- NPT states, and to proceed to take by the NSG at its Seoul plenary told Indian media that China was felt needed further clarification and lar news briefing. “We support the up country-specific membership meeting, a comprehensive and thor- “open” to India joining the NSG discussions. So, they were not in a NSG group following the mandate issues at the second stage”. ough study on the question of the but there were “procedures and position to bring it to a finite con- Dozens of social media users in informal channels that I should re- of the 2016 Seoul plenary session It added: “China wishes to see non-NPT states' participation in processes” to be completed. clusion. At the same time, they Pakistan have been detained or in- consider posting comments and and building consensus as well as early commencement of an open the NSG in various aspects.” “China said it had an open maintained in terms of India’s ap- terrogated by the Federal Investi- opinions on social media related (an) intergovernmental process and transparent inter-governmen- In February, foreign secretary approach on India’s membership plication, they had an open mind gation Agency (FIA) for posting to my work on military since they (that) is open and transparent to tal process to undertake, in accor- S Jaishankar, who was in Beijing but that there were issues of pro- about it,” Jaishankar had then said. 'anti-military' content, opposition were crossing a line," Taha Sid- deal with the relevant issue in a dance with the mandate adopted for a bilateral strategic dialogue, cedures and processes, which they (HINDUSTANTIMES) parties and activists say. diqui, the France24 correspondent On Friday, the FIA reported- in Pakistan, told Al Jazeera. ly compiled a list of 33 social me- "Now they are using counter- dia users for carrying out propa- terrorism department to silence SRI LANKA PRESIDENT ganda against the army, a report in me. I'm in no way trying to malign The Nation said. the army as its being portrayed." MAITHRIPALA SIRISENA Interior Minister Chaudhry The interior ministry declined Nisar Ali Khan had earlier asked to comment on the cases. SWITCHES FOREIGN, authorities to take stern action After visiting the FIA head- against social media users posting quarters on Sunday, PTI Vice Pres- FINANCE MINISTERS IN RESHUFFLE negative content to malign the ident Shah Mahmood Qureshi said armed forces, according to Radio the party "stood by our [detained] Pakistan. activists and their families. Free- Analyst discusses disappear- dom of expression and democracy ance of Pakistani bloggers At least go hand-in-hand". 23 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf Spokesperson for the Pakistan (PTI) supporters were detained Peoples Party (PPP) called the and threatened with action under action "unacceptable" before add- US President Donald Trump has the Prevention of Electronic Crime ing that it was "disturbing that in a expressed his hope to visit Bang- Act, Fawad Hussain Chauhdry, a short span of time nearly one thou- ladesh as he exchanged greetings spokesman for the party, told AFP sand cases have been registered with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasi- news agency on Monday. against social media platforms". na during the Arab Islamic-Ameri- It is the first time the new law Disappeared activists can (AIA) Summit in Riyadh, the has been used in a broad crack- Pakistan's parliament passed capital of Saudi Arabia, on Sun- day. "Yes, I would come (to Bang- down against political opposition. the cybercrime law last August, COLOMBO: Sri Lankan Presi- ernment has been struggling to im- Two peope were charged un- despite opposition from rights ac- ladesh)," Foreign Secretary Md dent Maithripala Sirisena switched plement because of political op- Shahidul Haque quoted the US der the law, including one for shar- tivists which said its wording was the finance and foreign ministers position. ing a satirical picture of Prime overly broad and would curb free president as saying while briefing in a cabinet reshuffle on Monday Growth, however, has re- reporters after the summit. Minister Nawaz Sharif, and are on speech. Of particular concern was in a bid to restore confidence in mained anaemic, falling 4.4 percent bail pending further investigation. a clause that empowered the gov- Prime Minister's Press Secre- the administration's handling of in 2016 from 4.8 percent in the tary Ihsanul Karim and Deputy "One of our supporters was ernment to ban speech considered the economy. previous year. abducted from Quetta and brought "against the glory of Islam or the Press Secretary Md Nazrul Islam Managala Samaraweera, who The exchange rate was allowed were present at the press briefing. to Islamabad in an armoured car. integrity, security or defence of has been foreign minister since to depreciate 14 percent in the two People are being harassed and it is Pakistan". In January, five activ- The foreign secretary said the January 2015, was appointed as years through December 2016 and two leaders exchanged pleasantries While delivering his speech at convenient. "We hope that the spreading fear," the spokesperson ists known for their outspoken finance and media minister. He further 1.9 pct so far this year to the summit, Trump said the fight Tajik President may visit Bang- said. He added the party would views against religious extremism at the holding room of King Abdul swaps roles with Ravi Karunan- boost exports. The change at cab- Aziz International Conference against extremism is "a battle be- ladesh or the Bangladesh Prime sue the government for intimida- and the powerful military disap- ayake, who takes over at external inet is aimed at giving fresh impe- tween good and evil," calling on Minister may visit Tajikistan by tion and harassment in the Islama- peared. Four of them were returned Centre in Riyadh before the start affairs, the president's spokesman tus to development work, the of the Arab Islamic-American Muslim nations to take a lead in this year," the foreign secretary bad High Court. to their families weeks later, but Dharmasri Ekanayake told Reu- spokesman quoted the president stamping out terror. said. He said Tajikistan considers In addition to political activ- not before they were tarnished by (AIA) Summit, when the Prime ters. Karunanayake sought to re- as saying. Sirisena also shifted Ar- Minister invited the US President "The path to peace begins right Bangladesh as a potential country ists, a Pakistani journalist said he a virulent campaign to paint them vive the economy with a $1.5 bil- juna Ranathunga out of the ports here," he said. Meanwhile, Sheikh of boosting its trade. Hasina also had received an intimidating phone as enemies of Islam deserving exe- to visit Bangladesh. lion loan from the IMF in June last ministry after he blocked a $1.1 "Accepting the invitation, Hasina and Tajik President Emo- had a meeting with her Malaysian call from an alleged FIA official who cution. One of them later told AFP year. The IMF has long urged Sri billion Chinese port deal follow- malii Rahmon had a meeting at the counterpart Najib Razak on the asked him to appear in person to they had been held and tortured Trump expressed the hope that he Lanka to boost tax revenue through ing criticism that it would draw the would visit to Bangladesh," Haque King Abdulaziz Conference Cen- sidelines of the summit, with the explain his social media activity. by the shadowy Inter Services In- modernisation and simplification tiny nation deeper into debt. ter on the sidelines of the summit. two leaders discussing various is- "Earlier, I was told through telligence agency. (Al Jazeera) said. Donald Trump was in Riy- of its fiscal system, which the gov- (NDTV) adh on his first foreign tour after The Tajik president invited Sheikh sues relating to bilateral interests. taking office. Hasina to visit Tajikistan at her (THEDAILYSTAR) Next d oor Nep al: Bangladesh I ndia to make ‘militants’ Con n ect ion s, old an d n ew naval ships surrender after Facebook That Nepal, like six other South commitment it made and reiterat- years. Nepal’s entry into the Belt erence to the sovereignty of that Asian countries, joined the One ed at the highest level over a peri- and Road initiative, the possibili- country. India and Western democ- that can plea Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative od of time. “We have conveyed to ty of the AIIB diluting the clout of racies that continue to collaborate of China formally, may be read dif- China that our joining the Belt and the World Bank and IMF — and with the government, political par- ferently at home, in India and, to Road initiative is not at the cost of reducing their influence over poli- ties and civil society outfits of var- DHAKA: Five young Bang- some extent, in the region. While Nepal’s relations with India, and cy matters — may have much larg- ious hues — some of which clear- launch attack ladeshis accused of being Daesh the outcome of the initiative in its genuine security concerns. And er implications on Nepal’s foreign ly take anti-state stands — osten- militants surrendered to authori- terms of the spread of rail and road China has appreciated it,” an in- policy, the framework of which sibly to promote “liberal democ- ties Sunday, an official said, after a networks, energy projects and fluential minister in the present was determined in the context of racy and its values” are perceived lengthy siege that prompted ques- connectivity will take years to cabinet said. Nepal, in the past few the Cold War. Matters pertaining as responsible for the chaos in in enemy zone tions about heavy-handed police emerge, Nepal will have to devel- years, has opened up many sec- to the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Nepal. China’s plea that the OBOR tactics. NEW DELHI: Defence ministry given green signal by the Defence Elite counter-terror troops op closer working relations with tors, which were earlier restricted Friendship, a framework agree- is all about connectivity and de- Acquisition Council, the top deci- China under this agreement. Apart to the country’s north. The recent ment with India, and the associat- velopment with larger ownership today cleared a mega naval project surrounded a house in the central worth over Rs 20,000 crore for four sion-making body of the Minis- district of Narsingdi on Saturday from being a dialogue partner with joint military exercise with China ed understanding that Nepal will and dominant local stakes has en- try, at its meeting yesterday, in- the Shanghai Cooperation Organi- was just another example. China’s procure arms exclusively from In- thused Nepal, where the decade- Landing Platform Docks (LPD) afternoon after a tip-off that ex- also known as amphibious assault formed sources told PTI today. tremists were holed up there. sation, Nepal is among the found- growing interest in Nepal’s hydro- dia — or from outside with India’s long political experiment and the Three private sector compa- ing members of the Asian Infra- power sector, its construction of knowledge — could be raised resultant chaos have hampered the ships. LPDs are warfare ship that The information came from helps armed forces to transport nies -- Reliance Defence and Engi- militants arrested in April after a structure Investment Bank (AIIB). the country’s international airport afresh in the new context. The an- development promised by politi- neering Limited (RDEL), Larsen & Despite some initial hiccups about in the tourist city of Pokhara — archy and visible erosion in the cal parties. If things move in right troops defence equipment, heli- raid on an extremist hideout that copters and amphibious vehicle Toubro (L&T) and ABG Shipyard left 10 people, including a senior joining the OBOR initiative for- where China has been permitted authority of the state could be the earnest, China’s role and influence -- were in race initially for the mega mally, given India’s reservation that to open a consulate — and China product of many factors. But Chi- in the new international system into a war zone by sea. police officer dead, said Rapid Each of these four ships will project but ABG was disqualified Action Battalion (RAB) spokes- was quietly conveyed through becoming the largest FDI player na has scored over its competitors may have a much larger visible on account of poor financial health. some ministers in the present gov- in Nepal illustrate the growth of in creating the perception that its impact in the region: Nepal seems weigh in the range of 30,000 and man Mufti Mahmud Khan. 40,000 tonnes. Once built and de- The sources said RDEL and Lars- The five young men in Nars- ernment, there was no possibility business and diplomatic relations endeavours to improve relations prepared to welcome that. en and Toubro will be asked next of Nepal backing out from the between the two countries over the with a country will be in full def- (INDIANEXPRESS) ployed, they will be the biggest ingdi had “surrendered peacefully, battle ships to be built in India af- week to submit fresh commercial which was our main goal,” after a ter the under-construction aircraft bids for the four LPDs. L&T has siege that lasted more than 20 hours, carrier INS Vikrant. tied up with Navantia of Spain he told AFP. These warfare ships will en- whereas Reliance Defence has tied But the incident raised ques- Supreme Court says Panama Papers JIT will hance India's ability to conduct sea- up with French firm DCNS, con- tions about police tactics after one borne offensives in enemy areas. sidered a global leader in construc- of the five alleged militants took The ships have a huge lower tion of LPDs. A top Navy official to Facebook to profess his inno- not get extra time 'under any circumstance' decks that can be opened as a bridge last month had said the contract cence, urging authorities not to to accommodate landing of tanks, for procurement of the four LPDs storm the building. defence cargo, as well as troops will be finalised by the end of this “Attention journalists and law The Joint Investigation Team under any circumstances," Justice from sea to land. These ships do year. (Times of Inida) enforcers, we are innocent. Please (JIT) probing the prime minister's Shiekh Azmat, a member of the not require docking and can easily search us if you can find anything. family's business dealings abroad bench, added. He directed the FIA return as they can stay in sea un- We are locked from outside. Please submitted an initial report before director to report any problems interrupted for months depending rescue us,” Abuzafar Mia wrote the Supreme Court Monday. faced by the members of the JIT upon their capacity. on the social media website. After reviewing the report, the to the court. Justice Azmat also LPDs can easily deliver the Suspected militants in Bang- contents of which were not made told Zia that the court "does not assigned consignment at the desig- ladesh — and sometimes their fam- public, the three-member special disagree with the report." Advo- nated spots, which helps the Army ilies — are often killed during po- bench of the apex court, formed to cate Faisal Chaudhry, represent- to launch their offensive. lice raids on so-called hideouts. monitor the JIT's proceedings, or- ing the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf, Currently, India has one LPD, An estimated 70 extremists dered Wajid Zia, head of the JIT, asked the court to make the JIT's bought in 2007 from the US. Indi- have been killed by police since to take the stand. report public. However, the bench an had bought Ex-USS Trenton July when authorities launched a Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan, the head said that the report will only be from US and has renamed as INS crackdown in the wake of a cafe of the bench, warned Zia that the made public at a "suitable time". Jalashwa. The 16,900-tonne war- attack that left 22 dead. tasks assigned to the JIT should The next hearing will be in two ship, Jalashwa, alone can transport RAB commander Lt. Col. Ka- be completed within the 60-day weeks, in line with the Supreme around 5,000 soldiers besides de- mrul Hasan said the accused would time-frame provided to the team. Court's order on the Panama Pa- fence equipments. be released from custody if prov- "We will not allow extra time pers case. (DAWN) The long-pending project was en innocent. (ARABNEWS) TUESDAY . MAY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief

Egypt refers 48 to military court over church bombings

Egypt has referred 48 people to the country's military judiciary for suspected involvement in three deadly church bombings and accused them of joining the Islamic State of Iraq and the Le- vant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group. Of the 48 suspects, 31 are in custody and 17 still at large, the public prosecutor's office said in a statement on Sunday. ISIL claimed responsibility for the three suicide attacks that targeted the churches in Decem- ber and April. Two deadly church bomb- ings in Alexandria and Tanta US president has called Israeli-Palestinian killed more than 45 people in North Korea has said it's ready to the deployment of this weapon is beautiful' The Pukguksong-2 missiles, on the other hand, are peace 'the ultimate deal', but has been April, months after a bombing deploy and start mass-producing system for action" and said that it flew about 500 km, reaching an al- fueled at the launch site in a pro- near Cairo's Coptic Cathedral a new medium-range ballistic mis- should "be rapidly mass-pro- titude of 560 km, before landing in cess that can last an hour, making vague about how to achieve it. killed at least 25. Egypt under sile after a weekend test that duced". The US, South Korea and the Sea of Japan. The North also it easier to spot and easier to de- emergency after Coptic church sparked a fresh chorus of interna- Japan sharply denounced the released several pictures of the stroy than the solid-fuel variety. S President Donald Trump cluding East Jerusalem, and the blasts Public prosecutor Nabil tional condemnation. launch and jointly requested an Earth said to have been taken from The South's military said the has arrived in Israel where Gaza Strip. More than half-a-mil- Sadek said that some of the sus- The state-run Korean Central emergency meeting of the United the rocket from space. Kim "said launch had provided the North he will visit Jerusalem and lion Israelis live in Jewish-only pects held leadership positions News Agency said the North's Nations Security Council, which he was very happy to see pictures with data to improve its missiles' U Bethlehem to seek ways to restart settlements throughout the West in ISIL and formed cells in Cairo leader Kim Jong-Un oversaw Sun- will be held Tuesday. Pyongyang of the Earth taken by our rocket reliability, but whether it had mas- talks between the Palestinian Au- Bank, including East Jerusalem, in and the southern province of day's launch of the solid-fuel has defied all calls to rein in its and that the world looks beauti- tered the re-entry technology for thority and the Israeli government. violation of international law. Qena to carry out the church at- Pukguksong-2 missile. nuclear and missile programs, even ful", KCNA said. North Korea the warhead needs additional anal- Trump spoke of a "rare op- While Israel claims to have tacks. He added that they were The test verified technical as- from China, its lone major ally, launches second missile test in a ysis. The test-firing came just one portunity" to bring peace to the annexed East Jerusalem, the inter- also suspected of undergoing pects of the weapon system and saying the weapons are needed for week The use of solid fuel pre- week after the North launched a region as he landed in Tel Aviv on national community has not rec- training at ISIL military camps examined its "adaptability under defence against US aggression. It's sents advantages for weapons be- Hwasong-12 intermediate-range Monday. His visit is part of his ognised that move and considers it in Libya and Syria. various battle conditions", the often-stated goal is to perfect a cause the fuel is more stable and missile, which according to Py- first trip abroad as president and occupied territory. The Palestin- The suspects are also ac- KCNA said. nuclear warhead that it can put on can be transported easily in the ongyang was capable of carrying a follows an initial stop in Saudi ian Authority sees East Jerusalem cused of killing eight policemen Kim reportedly said the a missile capable of hitting Wash- missile's tank, allowing for a launch "heavy" nuclear warhead. Arabia, where he urged Islamic as the capital of their future state. and wounding three at a check- launch was a success, "approved ington and other US cities. 'Earth at very short notice. Liquid-fuel (Al Jazeera) leaders to focus on unity in the Mohamed Shtayyeh, a former point in the southwest on Janu- fight against "terrorism". Palestinian negotiator, told Al ary 16. Egypt is fighting ISIL- On Monday afternoon, the US Jazeera that the key sticking point linked fighters waging an insur- prediedent will hold talks with Is- was the issue of Israel's illegal set- gency focused in northern Sinai. raeli Prime Minister Benjamin tlement construction in occupied Attacks were largely against Netanyahu, and tour two sites in Palestinian territory. security forces in the sparsely the Old City of occupied East "Can President Trump put populated Sinai Peninsula in the Jerusalem. Netanyahu in a situation in which past, but the armed group has His first stop will be the he is going to stop settlements, or spread its violence to the main- Kaneesat al-Qeyaamah, or Church not. I think this is the real test. land and increasingly targeted of the Holy Sepulchre, built at the "If Trump can deliver Netan- Christian civilians in recent site where Christians believe Jesus yahu on the issue of settlements, I months. (Al Jazeera) was crucified, buried and resurrect- think we'll have a good way out. If ed. Afterwards, he is expected to not, then i think the whole pro- visit the Western Wall, the holiest cess will be doomed," Shtayyeh site for Jews. The Western Wall said. Fawzi Barhoum, a spokes- Bomb blast visit drew controversy before man for Hamas, said Trump will Trump even left Washington, when not be an honest broker in future at Bangkok US officials declined to say wheth- talks. "He [Trump] has a complete The head of the UN refugee agen- tres in Libya, after being stopped the past year and a half, the state- er it belonged to Israel. bias towards the Israeli occupation cy has urged Libyan authorities to or rescued from rickety boats as ment said. Hamas Movement has rejected US West Jerusalem has been part ... which is a wrong US approach hospital free all asylum seekers and refu- they attempted the perilous Med- Grandi promised to reinforce President Donald Trump's com- of present-day Israel since the towards the Palestinian people," gees from its detention centres. iterranean crossing to Europe. his agency's presence in Libya if ments linking it to "terrorism" in 1948 war, which led to creation of Barhoum told Al Jazeera. injures 24 Filippo Grandi, United Na- "I was shocked at the harsh security conditions allowed it, and his speech in Saudi Arabia, saying the state of Israel and the displace- "Trump's statement concern- tions High Commissioner for Ref- conditions in which refugees and also to provide assistance to thou- it shows his "complete bias" to- ment of hundreds of thousands of ing the Hamas movement and de- ugees, visited one of the detention migrants are held," Grandi said in sands of Libyans displaced by wards Israel. Palestinians. From 1948 until scribing it as a terror group is al- A bomb explosion at a hospital in centres in the Libyan capital of a statement released on Sunday by conflict. "The statement describing 1967, Jordan controlled the West tering facts and we reject it." The downtown Bangkok has "slight- Tripoli on Sunday. the agency's Geneva headquarters. "The time has come for us, as Hamas as a terror group is rejected Bank. But during the June 1967 United States is Israel's most im- ly" injured at least 24 people, Gambian migrants return "Children, women and men the UN refugee agency, to step up and is a distortion of our image and Middle East War, Israel occupied portant ally, providing it with police in the Thai capital said. home from Libya who have suffered so much already our presence and activities in the shows a complete bias to the Zi- the remaining territories of histor- more than $3bn in defence aid an- Monday's incident took place "I fully appreciate that the should not have to endure such country," Grandi later told AFP onist occupation," Hamas spokes- ical Palestine - the West Bank, in- nually. (Al Jazeera) as Thailand marked the three-year government has security con- hardship." news agency. He said that doing man Fawzi Barhoum said in a anniversary of the May 2014 cerns," he said, but added that "oth- UN needs to do more for refu- so could take time for political and statement on Sunday. military coup. er solutions" could be found for gees in Libya security reasons, however. "But Barhoum dubbed the speech a There was no immediate people fleeing countries in conflict The UN refugee agency has meanwhile we are doing whatever "confirmation" that Trump is fol- claim of responsibility. such as Syria and Somalia. secured the release of more than we can to help the Libyans man- lowing the policy of previous US The explosion occurred in a Thousands of refugees are be- 800 refugees and asylum seekers age better these issues," he said. administrations. WHO travel guest room for retired military ing held in dozens of detention cen- from Libyan detention centres over (Al Jazeera) Trump addressed the leaders officials at King Mongkut hospi- of 55 Muslim countries in Riyadh, tal, and all of the injured received Saudi Arabia and said they must treatment, local TV station take the lead in combating "radi- costs 'outstrip' TNN24 reported. calisation". "It was a bomb. We found the "The true toll of ISIS [the Is- pieces that were used to make the lamic State of Iraq and the Levant], bomb," Kamthorn Aucharoen, disease budget al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Hamas, and commander of the police's explo- so many others, must be counted sive ordnance team, told Reuters not only in the number of dead. It news agency. must also be counted in generations World Health Organization's spending "Right now, authorities are of vanished dreams," said Trump on travel exceeded its expenditure on checking out closed circuit cam- in the speech. eras." Hamas says its battle is against public health problems, report says. Investigators found remains Israeli occupation, not the West. of batteries and wires at the scene The movement presented a of the blast, said Srivara Ransi- new political charter earlier this brahmanakul, the deputy nation- month that accepts the formation al police chief. (Al Jazeera) of a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, without recognising the statehood of Israel, and says that Notre Dame the conflict in Palestine is not a religious one. students walk Trump's speech came on the second day of a visit to Saudi Ara- out of Mike bia, part of Trump's first foreign tour that will take him next to Is- Pence speech rael and occupied Palestinian Ter- ritories and then to Europe. Palestinian activists call for Dozens of students at Indiana's protests against Trump Notre Dame University have Meanwhile, Palestinian activ- protested against White House ists have called for a "Day of Rage" policies by walking out of a The World Health Organization budget of $2bn for the WHO. when Trump visits the West Bank spent about $200m in 2015 and In 2016, the agency spent commencement speech by Vice on Tuesday. The call for mobilisa- President Mike Pence, who crit- 2016 on travel, a figure that far $200m on travel while the figure tion was put out by a group call- exceeds what it spends on public was $234m in 2015, the year of icised political correctness at US ing itself the Supreme National colleges. The members of the health problems such as AIDS, the the Ebola outbreak in west Africa, Leadership Committee, which in- Associated Press (AP) news agen- according to AP figures. graduating class - dressed in caps cludes various Palestinian politi- and gowns together with some cy has reported. In comparison, the report said, cal factions, including Abbas's Fa- Citing internal documents, AP WHO spent about $71m on AIDS 2,000 classmates -stood up and tah movement. (Al Jazeera) quietly left the school's football reported on Sunday that the UN and hepatitis last year. On malar- stadium when Pence began de- health agency is struggling to reign ia, it spent $61m, and to slow tu- livering his speech on Sunday, in travel expenses even as it pleads berculosis, it invested $59m. videos posted online showed. for more money to fund its re- An internal analysis, obtained Others cheered and some booed. sponses to global health crises. by the news agency, found that Notre Dame, in the city of South Ir an m u st n ever b e allow ed Despite introducing controls, only two of seven departments at Bend, is one of the country's members of staff have been break- WHO's headoffice in Geneva met most prominent Catholic univer- ing rules by booking business class their targets, and concluded the sities. Pence, who received an ho- plane tickets and rooms in five- compliance rate for booking travel nourary degree from the univer- t o h ave n u clear ar m s: Tr u m p star hotels, AP reported. in advance was between 28 and 59 How severe is the latest Ebola percent. sity, said that "far too many cam- US President Donald Trump said On the first leg of his trip in tinian peace process. puses across America have be- outbreak in D.R. Congo? WHO's transport costs were Monday during a visit to Jerusa- Saudi Arabia, Trump lashed out at Trump is on a nine-day trip WHO Director-General Mar- much higher than that of other com- come characterised by speech lem that Iran must never be allowed Iran, accusing it of fueling “the fires through the Middle East and Eu- codes, safe zones, tone policing, garet Chan came under heavy crit- parable aid agencies, AP continued. to have nuclear weapons while of sectarian conflict and terror” and rope that ends on Saturday after icism, with AP citing three un- With 37,000 aid workers, Doc- administration-sanctioned polit- also denouncing Tehran’s support calling for its international isola- visits to the Vatican, Brussels and ical correctness - all of which named sources who said she often tors Without Borders spends about for “terrorists”. tion. Sicily. travelled first class. She is report- $43m on travel per year, while the amounts to nothing less than “Most importantly the Unit- Trump also said that the Sau- The president had received a suppression of the freedom of ed to have spent $370,000 on trav- UN children’s agency UNICEF, ed States and Israel can declare with di King Salman is seeking to achieve warm welcome from Arab leaders, el in 2015. which employs 13,000 people, speech". "These all-too-common one voice that Iran must never be peace in the region. who focused on his desire to crack practices are destructive of The WHO has denied the alle- said it spent $140m on global travel allowed to possess a nuclear weap- Trump arrived in Tel Aviv ear- down on Iran's influence in the re- gations against Chan, saying she in 2016. learning and the pursuit of on -- never ever -- and must cease lier Monday and is due to hold talks gion, a commitment they found knowledge, and they are wholly "strictly abides by WHO's travel Experts who spoke to AP its deadly funding, training and with Israeli Prime Minister Ben- wanting in the Republican presi- policies". "Travel is an essential warned that WHO's travel spend- outside the American tradition," equipping of terrorists and mili- jamin Netanyahu later in the day. dent's Democratic predecessor, he added. A religious social con- Trump used his visit to Riy- aspect of WHO's global health ing could have significant conse- tias,” Trump said in remarks at He will meet Palestinian pres- Barack Obama. adh to bolster US ties with Arab work - convening experts for col- quences for fundraising. servative, Pence is a former In- Israeli President Reuven Rivlin’s ident Mahmud Abbas in Bethle- On Sunday, Saudi King Salman diana governor who was born in and Islamic nations, announce lective decision-making on health Dr Ashish Jha, the director of residence. hem in the occupied West Bank on and Trump spoke of cooperation $110 billion in US arms sales to interventions or travelling experts the Global Health Institute at Har- the state and also served as one “And it must cease immedi- Tuesday as he seeks ways to re- between the Muslim world and the of its representatives in Con- Saudi Arabia, and send Iran a tough anywhere in the world that re- vard University, said: "If WHO is ately.” In reaction, Iranian Presi- start moribund Israeli-Palestinian US in order to halt terrorism and message. quires technical assistance for glo- not being as lean as possible, it's gress for 12 years. The protest dent Hassan Rouhani said on Mon- peace efforts. extremism in the world at the comes amid mounting controver- In his speech attended by doz- bal health," the WHO told Al going to be hard to remain credible day that Iran is ready for interac- His criticism of Iran was sure Arab-Islamic-American summit in ens of Arab and Islamic leaders, he Jazeera in a statement. when they make their next fund- sy over what constitutes free tion with neighbors to restore sta- to find a welcome audience among Riyadh on Sunday. speech at college campuses since toned down the harsh anti-Mus- The WHO, which employs ing appeal." The organisation has bility and peace. Israeli leaders who consider the “We will cooperate in ending lim rhetoric he had employed dur- 7,000 people worldwide, said that asked for about $100m to save the election of President Donald Trump’s remarks were his lat- Islamic republic their arch-enemy. terrorism and extremism in all its Trump in November, with stu- ing the presidential campaign last less than half of its travel costs people in Somalia from an ongoing est salvo against Iran since start- After a busy two days in Sau- shapes and forms,” the king said, year in favor of trying to gain co- were on its staff. drought and requested $126m to dents objecting to appearances ing his first foreign trip after tak- di Arabia, Trump is now attempt- “Islam was and will continue to be by divisive conservative figures. operation against Islamist mili- Rules ignored stop the humanitarian crisis in Ye- ing office. ing to revive stalled Israeli-Pales- a religion of tolerance and peace.” tants. (Alarabiya) The UN allocates an annual men. (Al Jazeera) TUESDAY. MAY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi By Larry Beinhart Advisory editorial board Larry Beinhart is a novelist, best Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, known for Wag the Dog. Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir ple who demonstrate healthy choic- es. He could fight for access to Graphic-Designers: So long as Republicans stick to their healthy food, building more parks Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada talking points and carefully select- and playgrounds, and spending more ed allocutions, there's enough dou- on physical education in schools. But Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: ble talk, flimflam, and amphibolo- Mo doesn't go there. Is Mo a lone gy that a listener might think there's loon, or is this really representative Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 sense there. Or at least that the of the Republican vision? Here's Re- speakers think so. But then there publican Congressman Roger Mar- Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan are the unfiltered utterances. It is shall. "Just like Jesus said, 'The poor Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 from these that real revelations will always be with us.' There's a come. Republican congressman group of people that just don't want Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press Raul R Labrador, for example, de- healthcare and aren't going to take Facebook could tell us how clared: "Nobody dies because they care of themselves ... morally, spir- don't have healthcare." Of course itually, socially ... just don't want not. And no one gets cold because healthcare." Keep in mind that Russia interfered in our they don't have a coat, and cars don't Marshall is a doctor. Provided that The constitution says crash when their brakes don't work. you're greedy, with a strong sense of elections. Why won’t it? He later tried to walk his talk back what's mine is mine and I deserve it, Article 150: toward reason-world. "I was trying and you're willing to let people die to explain that all hospitals are re- in the streets because you understand Article One Hundred Fifty: To process the amendment proposals, a commission comprised of quired by law to treat patients to that costs of caring for the indigent members of the Government, National Assembly as well as the Supreme Court shall be formed by emergency care regardless of their in emergency rooms is simply shift- presidential decree to prepare the draft proposal. To approve the amendment, the Loya Jirga shall ability to pay." Which was very ed over to the insurance system, be convened by a Presidential decree in accordance with the provisions of the Chapter on Loya important because the Republican refusing to provide medical care for Jirga. If the Loya Jirga approves the amendment with the majority of two thirds of its members, plan that he voted for "does not the less well-to-do has a certain log- change that". That sounds better, ic to it. As the surgeon and his team the President shall enforce it after endorsement. but it's actually worse. The original prepare to cut you open for the by- statement is self-evidently idiotic. pass that will save your life, you say, But the explanation contains grains "Wait! Can I have a list of your of semi-truth, so it's misleading and charges. And I'd like to compare it requires research to realise how them to at least three other provid- fatuous and dangerous it is. An accu- ers. Make sure that you include all rate statement would be that most, the options. I hate it when I get to not all, hospitals are required to treat an airline and have to pay extra for patients, but only if their condition carry-on bags." But Republicans qualifies as an emergency. And only don't stop there. They've come out to the point where they are stabi- against motherhood! Really. They lised. Waiting until they're at the have. Expressing how appalled they precipice and releasing them as soon are at rules that would require ma- By Philip N. Howard our project at the University of Ox- as you've hauled them back from ternity care to be included in health ford, we have been able to demon- the edge is not a prescription for insurance. The always sententious and Robert Gorwa strate how similar campaigns of mis- creating optimum health. But does Charles Krauthammer wrote: "Best information work on Twitter. We it make the original assertion - that to mandate nothing. Let the cus- This month, one of the most im- have also been able to compare the no one dies from lack of healthcare tomer decide. A 60-year-old couple portant intelligence documents trends internationally. During the - true? Or near to the truth? No. In doesn't need maternity coverage. about Russian interference in the recent French election, we found 2009, the American Journal of Pub- Why should they be forced to pay U.S. election emerged. But it didn’t that people interested in French pol- lic Health published a study that for it? And I don't know about you, come from the National Security itics were posting one fake news sto- concluded that "nearly 45,000 an- but I don't need lactation services." Agency or the House Intelligence ry for every two produced by a pro- nual deaths are associated with lack This business of paying for births Committee. It was published by Fa- fessional journalist. During an un- of health insurance ..." and that "un- really sticks in the male Republican cebook. Facebook’s report on “In- controversial presidential election insured, working-age Americans craw. Representative Scott Perry of formation Operations” was the in Germany this year, German users have a 40 percent higher risk of Pennsylvania said: "I have two chil- company’s first public acknowledg- t is a fundamental right of every nation, including Muslim countries that death than their privately insured were sharing one fake news story dren; we're not having any more, I ment that political actors have been for every four credible stories. But its boys and girls should be able to grow up free from fear, safe from counterparts." On a per capita ba- don't want to pay for maternity care sis, Americans spend 50 percent influencing public opinion through when we looked back and investi- ... Some people don't want to own a the social networking platform. The gated the content being shared by violence, and innocent of hatred. But, the problem is that war in the Mus- more on healthcare than the Swiss Cadillac, but should we want to make and Norwegians, double what the company says it will work to com- users in Michigan in the lead-up to lim community has taken this right from its citizens. There is killing ever everybody pay for a Cadillac?" As it bat these information operations, the 2016 election, we found an even Swedes and French spend, and two happens, Perry's children are both day, and wounding is a matter of moment. In the states-quo some Arab coun- and a half times what they spend in and it has taken some positive steps. ratio of one junk news story for girls. They may, someday, become It removed some 30,000 fake ac- tries are in the worst situation, taking the lives of people on daily basis. In Japan and New Zealand. For all pregnant. Is Perry missing some every one reputable one. Facebook, that money, Americans get less. Ex- fundamental concept of how life counts before the French election of course, does not have the same Afghanistan-if situation is not the same, but there is no peace and stability. cept for drugs. They get way more functions? Republican Congressman last month. It has purged thousands issues with data access. It has the Civilian casualty is high. Children are bearing the brunt of casualty at high- of them than anyone else. But they John Shimkus thinks men shouldn't more ahead of the upcoming Brit- metadata to identify precisely which have fewer doctors. They're down have to buy insurance that includes ish election. But more important, accounts were created, where they est level. Indeed, it is a great concern. Afghanistan is a sovereign nation— at number 31 in life expectancy. pre-natal care. He's virulently the report reveals that while we are operated and what kinds of things there is no doubt on it. The priority of the government is to provide safety Infant mortality is almost twice as against abortion. In sum, the life of all talking about “fake news,” we those users were up to during the high as the average of OECD coun- the unborn is sacred, but the health should also be talking about the al- U.S. election. Their data scientists and security to the citizens—to do that the government needs to have part- tries. They are the most obese. The of the unborn is somebody else's gorithms and fake accounts that could probably provide some in- nership with other countries based on shared interest and values to purse a use of emergency rooms for what business. Certainly not their father's push bad information around. Face- sights that the intelligence services should be doctors' office visits is one or grandfather's. Even less, that of book deployed a “cross functional cannot. The company argues that better future for the Afghan people. But it is heart-wrenching when to see of the reasons for such high costs the community. And always there team of engineers, analysts and data fake accounts have been participat- some countries, which are powerful in term of military, remained silent, and poor results. That's why Labra- are the claims that the free market scientists” as part of a detailed in- ing in only a small amount of the and not adopting practical efforts to end war in the Islamic countries through dor's explanation is worse than his will do it better. While the United vestigation into possible foreign in- overall activity around politics and original statement. It sounds like it States has never had a truly "free volvement in the U.S. election. public life in the United States. But several channels. To build more sold, and effective security partnerships to has some sanity in it, but it's an en- market" in healthcare, its systems They found fake groups, fake likes even a small percentage of total counter, and prevent the rising threats of terrorism, and violent extremis in dorsement and an embrace of the lean much further in that direction and comments, and automated post- Facebook activity, if concentrated most expensive and less effective than any place else. ing across the network by unnamed strategically, could be influential. the world through promoting tolerance, and moderation, the Arab Islamic way to provide medical care. One That's produced the worst results. malicious actors. The report’s au- Was the activity mostly in swing American Summit held in the Saudi Arabian capital, Riyadh with 55 leaders commonality of all the places that Even worse before Obamacare. Con- thors claim that their investigation states? Did it occur in the months pay less to get better results is that sumers should be free to choose, to “does not contradict” the findings of the Republican primaries and orig- and representatives from 60 Islamic countries, including Afghanistan in at- they have universal healthcare. So comparison shop, and pick the made in the U.S. Director of Na- inate with accounts seeded from tendance—including visiting US President Donald Trump. The main ques- why do Americans resist it with the healthcare that suits them best. tional Intelligence report published Russia? Or did fake-news and fake- ferocity of an animal in a trap gnaw- Imagine, if you will, being rushed to in January, which blamed Russia for account activity peak in the three tion is that will this summit mark a beginning of the end of terror practice in ing off its own leg? Congressman the hospital during a heart attack. a sweeping online influence cam- days before the election? the Middle East, and in Afghanistan. It is a widely believe that all countries Mo Brooks of Alabama explains As the surgeon and his team pre- paign conducted in the lead-up to If there was collusion between that the people without "pre-exist- pare to cut you open for the by- the election. the Trump campaign and Russian involved in the issue are taking advantage of the war and they can’t reach to ing conditions" are "those people pass that will save your life, you say, Essentially, this confirms what influence operations, Facebook may their goals without fighting the war. The war-hit and poorer countries are at who lead good lives. They're "Wait! Can I have a list of your researchers have suspected for sev- be able to spot that, too. In many healthy. They've done the things charges. And I'd like to compare eral years: Large numbers of fake ways, massive coordinated propa- the backfire. Certainly, peaceful future can only be achieved through defeat- that keep their bodies healthy." Peo- them to at least three other provid- accounts have been used to strategi- ganda campaigns are just another ing terrorism and the ideology that drives it, whether it is in Afghanistan or ple who have pre-existing condi- ers. Make sure that you include all cally disseminate political propagan- form of election interference. If tions, in the mind of Mo Brooks, the options. I hate it when I get to da and mislead voters. These ac- Facebook has data on this, it needs in Syria, Iraq and other countries. In war against terror we must seek part- must be people who've lead bad lives an airline and have to pay extra for counts draw everyday users into “as- to share it. The House Intelligence ners, not perfection, and make an ally that believes in fighting insurgency and deserve to be ill. carry-on bags." Presumably there troturf” political groups disguised as Committee should call Facebook to Putting them both in the same in- are real solutions to America's legitimate grass-roots movements. honestly. In his speech during the summit, President Trump, said, “If we do surance system is what is causing the testify as part of its investigation. healthcare woes. Unfortunately, Facebook’s refusal to While the outcome of the U.S. not act against this organized terror, then we know what will happen. Terror- dreadful result for the people "who Other nations have succeeded. It have done things the right way that collaborate with scientists and share election is settled, major elections would be nice to report that the data has made it difficult to know are coming up around the world. ism’s devastation of life will continue to spread. Peaceful societies will are seeing their costs skyrocketing." kinds of nonsense quoted above are Mo might suggest raising taxes on how many voters are affected or Facebook needs to tell us what it become engulfed by violence. And the futures of many generations will be just debating tricks to create confu- where this election interference knows and demonstrate that it can processed foods, sweetened drinks, sion and obfuscation in defence of sadly squandered.” Moreover, he praised the Afghan security forces, saying tobacco, and alcohol to discourage comes from. It is incredibly hard to prevent interference with democrat- various kinds of profiteering. But, study the impact of fake news and them and to pay for the damage they sadly, they seem sincere. ic deliberation. “courageous Afghan soldiers are making tremendous sacrifices in the fight algorithms on public life. Through (WP) against the Taliban, and others, in the fight for their country.” However, cause. Or cutting premiums for peo- (Aljazeera) Trump’s speech doesn’t match with action. Since US is in direct war against insurgents in Afghanistan, but still there is no peace. US is a powerful coun- try, and can eliminate Taliban and other militant outfits within weeks. But to do that intention is required, which US at somehow doesn’t has. It is a clear fact that insur- gents have growth as a result of a wrong policy of US toward elimination of their (militants) hideouts outside Afghanistan. Militants funding and training grounds have to be removed, and US could play key role in it. Trump believes in peace, he said, but the prolong war in Afghanistan has to be ended if he favoring peace. Trump has to deliver his words into action, and take a bold step in elimination of terrorists, function in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and other countries. Supporting and providing stat-of-the- art weaponries to the Afghan security forces, which already President Trump lauded them for their sacrifices, can be taken as one step forward to purge terrorists. Subscription Rates Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step Six Months Afg: 2700 For fast delivery service Afghanistan Times seeks the ns names, addresses of your ha International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of f g copies you want. A TUESDAY. MAY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES How Trump America’s could deal a blow dangerous to Iran — and Internet help save Syria delusion By Robert J. Samuelson By Josh Rogin change Tehran’s calculus. The Mid- By Mohamed Bakarr dle East Institute’s Charles Lister The United States may have escaped said that the bombs hit a militia Mohamed Bakarr is Lead Environmental Specialist most digital damage from this backed by the Iranian Revolution- at the Global Environment Facility (GEF). month’s unleashing of a global “ran- ary Guard Forces called Kataib somware” virus, though cyber-ex- Imam Ali. After the strikes, the Ira- perts fear more attacks. One possi- nian FARS news agency reported ble explanation is that the malicious that Iran will send 3,000 Hezbollah software (“malware”) harms older fighters to the al-Tanf region to versions of Microsoft’s Windows Despite President Trump’s reluc- thwart a “U.S. plot.” A Syrian op- operating system, which most tance to get deeply involved in the position rebel leader who works with By Kevin Pixley Americans have replaced. Perhaps Syrian civil war, the United States the U.S. military said that while many users in other countries now finds itself in the middle of an there are a mix of regime, Iranian Kevin Pixley is the Director of the Genetic haven’t. Whatever the explanation, escalating battle in the country’s and militia forces fighting in the Resources program at the International Maize this is not the end of Internet south that last week led to a clash area, the Iranians are in command and Wheat Improvement Center. threats. The unmistakable lesson of between the U.S. military and Irani- of the campaign. Their first goal is recent years is that the Internet is a an-backed pro-government forces. to establish control over a security double-edged sword. Despite enor- triangle that would give them free for food security in 12 countries If he can seize the opportunity, across sub-Saharan Africa, which we mous benefits — instant access to Trump could deal a blow to Iranian movement between the eastern Syr- and understanding of crop plant like searching for a needle in a hay- huge quantities of information, the ian towns of Palmyra and Deir al- As people in four countries - Ye- believe could mitigate 20 million regional influence and help save tonnes of carbon. Seeds save lives biodiversity now, could secure a fu- stack. But investing today in char- proliferation of new forms of busi- Syria in the process. To hear the Zour and Baghdad. The Iranians’ sec- men, South Sudan, Somalia and Ni- nesses, communications and enter- geria - teeter on the brink of fam- and restore livelihoods after con- ture without hunger. These exam- acterising the collections stored in Trump administration tell it, the ond goal is to block the U.S.-sup- ples show that we never know where, germplasm banks can greatly accel- tainment — it also encourages ported rebels in al-Tanf from Deir ine, it seems our progress towards flict and natural disasters coalition airstrike May 18 near the Seeds are nature's way of con- when or who the need to rely on erate the speed of this search. Think crime, global conflict and econom- al-Tanf base on Syria’s border with al-Zour. If the rebels take the city ending hunger is sadly inadequate. ic disruption. The drift seems omi- We are once again confronted with serving and passing plant biodiver- biodiversity will hit. It is our great- of it like cataloguing books in a li- Jordan and Iraq was a one-off event. from the Islamic State, it would be a est insurance policy against the un- brary – by genre, subject, language, nous. The Russians, it is widely A statement from U.S. Central huge boon for the Sunni opposition the question: how can we do more sity from one generation to the next. agreed, hacked into the computers for vulnerable communities? We For the same reason, collecting and foreseen challenges to food securi- author, page count, etc. – to help Command said that “pro-regime to the regime of Syrian President ty that you, or your children, may you find the right book quickly. The of the Democratic National Com- forces” had crossed into an “estab- Bashar al-Assad. Two Syrian rebel have, in fact, made major strides: conserving seeds in library-like seed mittee, raising fears that the U.S. global hunger is at its lowest level or germplasm banks is critical for need. So what must be done to bring difference is, this book could stop a lished de-confliction zone,” posing groups opened up a front against the crop plant biodiversity to its right- famine before it begins. The more presidential election was compro- a threat to opposition forces and Iranian-backed forces about two despite population growth. But some food and nutritional security. When mised. In Dallas, hackers turned on regions lag behind, with catastroph- natural disasters strike – like Ty- ful role in eliminating hunger? Time we know about our genetic resourc- the U.S. troops who are training weeks ago, in response to the Irani- to ditch short-term solutions es, the more quickly and effectively the city’s emergency sirens for more them. But the skirmish near al-Tanf an campaign, the rebel leader said. ic consequences. This is because a phoon Haiyan in the Philippines, than an hour. Cyberthieves stole host of new challenges, such as un- or Hurricane Mitch in Honduras – As we react to a persistent se- we will be able to use them when was not an isolated incident. Accord- One of them is working directly with ries of acute crises, such as localised responding to future needs. And the $81?million from Bangladesh’s cen- ing to officials, experts and rebel the U.S. military. The other is sup- precedented temperatures and rain- the seeds that farmers rely on for tral bank, though some of the mon- fall extremes, are coming together food and income can be wiped out. famines and natural disasters, we are more practice runs we perform, leaders on the ground, an ongoing ported by the military operations tempted to delay investing in the working with plant breeders or farm- ey has apparently been recovered. and rapidly accelerating confronta- center led by the CIA and allies in with timeless challenges, such as con- Farmers in the Philippines and Hon- We are dangerously dependent on flict and natural disasters, to block duras recovered the seeds of lost va- long-term solutions like those asso- ers to enrich their crop varieties for tion in that area was triggered by an Jordan. Even absent public acknowl- ciated with genetic resources, as they needed or desired traits using genet- Internet-based systems. All these offensive by Iranian-backed mili- edgment from Washington, the rebel our quest for zero hunger. We need rieties thanks to the germplasm bank incidents threatened the social fab- groups believe they have tacit sup- to use all the tools at our disposal to that CIMMYT maintains. This ger- take years, sometimes decades to ic resources, the better prepared we tias. Iran is trying to establish stra- reach farmers. will be. Ensuring that crop plant ric of the victimized societies. tegic control over territory creat- port from the United States to pre- make a world free from hunger a mplasm bank contains 170,000 If the Russians hacked the Demo- vent Iran and the regime from tak- reality, but one major ally isn't get- maize and wheat varieties from However, just like a sound in- biodiversity is protected, conserved, ing a corridor from Lebanon and vestment portfolio balances short- categorised, made available and used crats, who might be next? Could Syria through Baghdad to Tehran. ing over the area. That belief is unit- ting the global attention it deserves: across the globe. Conflict also threat- whoever triggered Dallas’s sirens turn ing rebel groups on the ground, who crop plant biodiversity. Crop plant ens seed supplies. Maize seed from term opportunities with long-term may be our best strategy to end hun- If successful, the Iranian campaign security, ramping up investment in ger. Today, on the UN Internation- off the traffic lights or the local would drastically reshape the region- have long wanted to fight Iran and biodiversity is the term used to de- CIMMYT, adapted to Rwandan con- power grid? How safe are electronic the regime, in addition to the Is- scribe all the genetic resources for ditions, assisted farmers to return enhanced conservation and under- al Day for Biological Diversity, let's al security situation, harm the fight standing of crop plant biodiversity push forward on making sure that financial transfers? Ransomware against the Islamic State in the near- lamic State. Those who support the any crop plant - either growing to- to their lands following the horrors validates these fears. What was stun- by city of Deir al-Zour and directly Syrian opposition in Washington are day or previously collected. This of the Rwandan genocide. Just like a now could secure a future without biodiversity is recognised as one of ning is how quickly the recent out- undermine U.S. efforts to train and also noticing a shift in the U.S. ap- biodiversity has hardy traits such as sound investment portfolio balanc- hunger. Identifying the genetic re- our most important allies in ending break spread. One estimate had it equip an indigenous Sunni Arab fight- proach toward confronting Iran in disease resistances and heat toler- es short-term opportunities with sources useful for a specific and of- hunger and securing food for this quickly migrating to 150 countries ing force, which is essential to es- Syria. Whether that represents mis- ance built in. Over thousands of long-term security, ramping up in- ten unanticipated need, such as a and future generations. and affecting 200,000 computers. tablishing long-term stability. In sion creep or a deliberate change in years, farmers worldwide have vestment in enhanced conservation newly emerging crop disease, can be (Aljazeera) Despite the rapid response — the short, it’s a fight that the United approach on a policy level is un- evolved a diverse array of food crops discovery of a so-called “kill switch” States cannot and should not avoid. clear — and ultimately irrelevant. based on these traits. Plant breeders in the malware that deactivated the It’s also an opportunity for Trump Perhaps by accident, Trump is mov- have used these genetic resources for virus — the basic message remains: to accomplish what his administra- ing toward a Syria policy that is decades to breed food crops more Climate impacts happening now: Much health care, transportation tion says it wants to do in the Mid- tougher on Iran and the Assad re- resilient to shocks and stresses, en- and ordinary business might close if dle East: Push back against Iranian gime, and it’s having real effects on suring food and nutritional security deprived of Internet access, wheth- aggression and expansionism. So far, the ground. “The United States has for ever-growing numbers of peo- er by hostile governments (North the White House doesn’t see it in two major adversaries in Syria, that ple. But our biodiversity habitats, Westward migration of forests Korea?) or cybercriminals. This that light. An official told me that is Iran and ISIS. Both represent huge where these genetic resources are makes the Internet a weapon that risks to U.S. national security and the decision to strike regime and naturally found, are shrinking. Glo- By Bruce Melton high latitudes of western North America where drought stress is the major can be used against us — or by us. In Iranian-backed forces last week was interests in the region,” said Mouaz bal plant and animal biodiversity player in the death of 60 to 90 percent of the spruce, fir and pine trees in a presentation to the Senate Intelli- made by military commanders on Moustafa, executive director of the declined 30 percent between 1990 nearly 100 million acres of forest because of native bark beetles and diseas- gence Committee, Daniel Coats, the the ground, not by the White House. Syrian Emergency Task Force. and 2007, twice as much in tropical director of national intelligence, put A recent article in The Atlantic im- es that are opportunistic in drought stressed trees. In Texas, 300 million The commanders have the authori- The battle for Syria’s south is regions. We cannot afford to let this mature trees were killed by drought in the 2011 drought pulse alone. These it this way: “Our adversaries are be- ty to strike whenever they believe on, and the Trump team must de- continue. We know sustainable ag- plies climate change to be wrongly coming more adept at using cyber- viewed as something we don't yet trees were generally 100 to multi-hundreds of years old putting a punctua- U.S. troops are under threat, the of- cide if the United States will play a ricultural practices are crucial to en- tion point on the frequency of the extreme drought that killed them. space to threaten our interests and ficial said, stating that there has been decisive role. Trump could fulfill his suring food and nutritional security know much about. This article, advance their own, and despite im- "American Trees Are Moving West, Climate change is not simple, and simple explanations of observed impacts no change in U.S. policy in Syria. promises to thwart Iran and bring for future generations, but they are are detrimental to the increasing understanding of what climate change is proving cyber defenses, nearly all “There was no large, big-picture greater stability to Syria — if he also crucial for ensuring the health and No One Knows Why," is half information, communication net- correct. The authors in the study actually doing to our world. One of the basic assumptions about observed change that resulted in this scenar- acts fast. of our environment, which pre- changes in our world compared times past needs to change. This assump- works and systems will be at risk for io,” the official said. The strikes did (WP) serves biodiversity habitats. This reported upon reveal the reasons years.” The trouble is that we are why trees are shifting west (as well tion is that these changes can be explained by other factors. At times, this biodiversity can then be used to is a valid assumption. But in general, if it looks like, or tastes like, or smells aiding and abetting our adversaries. breed food crops that are resistant as north), and that the shift is in- We are addicted to the Internet and trinsically related to climate change. like climate change, it is. to pests, diseases and drought, en- (Truthout) refuse to recognize how our addic- abling farmers to use less fungicide, That "No One Knows Why" these tion subtracts from our security. The insecticide or water on their farms, trees are shifting westward is funda- more we connect our devices and thus reducing their impact on the mentally not a part of this research. instruments to the Internet, the environment. Recent work at the The authors say that the westward more we create paths for others to International Maize and Wheat Im- shift is because climate change has Three summits use against us, either by shutting provement Center (CIMMYT), for changed moisture patterns, that in- down websites or by controlling what creased moisture in western portions they do. Put differently, we are — example, has identified maize vari- of the eastern U.S. is the cause for eties resistant to the Tar Spot Com- radiate from Riyadh incredibly — inviting trouble. Our this seemingly counterintuitive west- commercial interests and our nation- plex Disease. They are now being ward shift, and it is predominant used by smallholder farmers in south- al security diverge. The latest ex- among young trees that are more ample of this tension is the “Inter- ern Mexico, whose crops have been resistant to drought even in the face By Abdulrahman Gdaia international peace and stability. severely affected by the disease, net of things” or the “smart home.” of sporadic drought pulses in the The first of these phenomena It involves connecting various de- while plant breeders also use them west. From the paper: "The observed which attracted the international to develop new disease-resistant There is no doubt that US Presi- vices and gadgets (thermostats, differential shift rates could also be community’s attention is related lights, cameras, locks, ovens) to the varieties. New crop varieties also due to the fact that saplings are more dent Donald Trump’s decision to to terrorism. It is one of the major often improve yield, making exist- go to Saudi Arabia on his first for- Internet so they can be operated or sensitive to droughts in terms of topics during regional, internation- monitored remotely. This would be ing farmland more productive and survival than adult trees, as substan- eign trip as president adds another al and bilateral meetings and it has reducing the need to clear more land dimension to the path of relations a major Internet expansion and tial drought was observed in the become a major topic on the sched- moneymaker. One consulting firm, for agriculture. This conserves more southeastern region of the study area between the US and the Saudi king- ule of international organizations area for biodiversity habitats and dom and confirms the special his- Ovum, forecasts that from 2016 to during the study period." Of critical as they seek to find formulas and 2021, the number of smart homes reduces the greenhouse gas emissions importance to climate change torical relations between the two measures that are more efficient in associated with deforestation. This worldwide will rise from 90?million awareness and the rate that we are countries and their people. It also terms of international cooperation to 463 million, with the largest con- has been a major priority of initia- changing our climate today, the au- proves that the strong ties reflect in order to confront or crush ter- tives such as the Global Environ- centrations in the United States and thors tell us that these changes are the depth of bilateral relations in rorism or at least limit its activity China. Ovum anticipates that each ment Facility's new programme on happening 60 times faster than the political, military, economic via the available local, regional and fostering sustainability and resilience smart home will have nearly nine those documented in climate chang- and security fields and indicate an international tools. Terrorism is a separate devices attached to the In- es in recent prehistory. "Similar obvious quantum leap. The visit global phenomenon. Therefore, the ternet and that the global total will northward shifts of clades [groups is marked by three summits - the entire international community is hit 4 billion by 2021. All this in- of tree species] were observed in the Saudi-American summit, the Gulf- responsible for combating it as it creases the vulnerability of Ameri- New England area during the early American summit and the Ameri- represents a violent phenomenon cans and others to cyberattacks. To LETTER TO THE EDITOR Holocene (between 10,000 and 8000 can-Islamic summit. These meet- that societies have suffered for a be sure, the “Internet of things” will years ago), where Picea [spruce] was ings will discuss the situation in long time now. Terrorism is not lim- be fitted with security protections. replaced by Pinus [pine], followed the region and the destruction it is ited to a religion or a nationality or But as we’ve seen, mistakes and gaps by Betula [birch] and then Quercus suffering due to some regional an ethnicity or race, and it will con- occur. Or hackers circumvent secu- [oak] species. However, the histor- countries’ flagrant interferences and tinue to further become complicat- rity firewalls. Empowering women ical process took place over several threats to safety and stability. The ed as international communities de- The growth of the “Internet of thousand years, whereas the ob- three summits indicate a new real- velop, particularly following the things” creates more avenues and served shift in this study happened ity in international relations. This technological and digital revolution opportunities for hostile nations or Women in Afghanistan have always faced different challenges such as poverty, joblessness, unsatisfactory in a few decades, suggesting the im- reality helps enhance the level of rogue hackers to penetrate various access to education and healthcare services, early marriages and social taboos. Due to these factors they and the emergence of social media. pacts of recent climate change, understanding and embodies the Terrorism is a global phenomenon. cyberdefenses. The Coats presenta- remained unable to play prominent role and compete with women of the neighboring countries. They have along with other nonclimatic fac- world’s respect for the kingdom Therefore, the entire international tion makes this explicit: “In the to cross a long road to become self-sufficient. Based on report, in the field of business and investment in the tors (for example, land use change and for its leadership and experi- community is responsible for com- future, state and nonstate actors will past 15-year, women only had five percent presence in the small and medium entrepreneurs. and forest management), on vege- ence in the new era which is char- bating it as it represents a violent likely use [‘Internet of things’] de- The National Unity Government should accelerate steps to support Afghan businesswomen. Afghan tation dynamics." This species suc- acterized with a drive that is based vices to support intelligence opera- cession, or climate induced vegeta- phenomenon that societies have businesswomen always criticize that the relevant authorities of not providing the required facilities. The on taking initiatives that maintain suffered for a long time now. Ter- tions .?.?. or attack targeted com- government should increase the role of businesswomen in all sectors. Some of businesswomen don’t have tion change, is being observed all Arab and Islamic interests. This puter networks.” Just how we can or across western North America where rorism is not limited to a religion male bread owners and left with no option but to support their families, the government should include them drive also represents a new phase or a nationality or an ethnicity or should regulate the tension between in every business opportunity. It is a stark fact that Afghanistan owns a large number of widows due to three drought pulses have become more that rejects the policy of truces and our commercial interests and our severe. It's not the overall moisture race, and it will continue to further decades of war. Agricultural, livestock and industry production have been the important business indicators appeasement. It is distinguished become complicated as interna- strategic security isn’t clear. that women invested more than their capacity in the past 14 years and employed hundreds of other women. that matters, it's the extremes. Pre- for the decisive determination of But we can’t even start a conversa- cipitation can increase, but if drought tional communities develop, par- The government should generate small and medium enterprises for the Afghan businesswomen. These King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may ticularly following the technologi- tion if we don’t admit that the ten- pulses are severe enough, they cause Allah bless him, to protect the se- sion is real and is getting worse all enterprises are a key economic driver of Afghanistan’s development. stress that allows insect and disease cal and digital revolution and the Nelofar Alizada, Kabul Afghanistan curity and stability of Arab coun- emergence of social media. The the time. infestation and even kill mature Instead of candor, we compartmen- trees. These dead forests are then tries from threats and to strength- kingdom is a leader in solidifying en Arab and international solidari- talize. We lavish praise on our cy- replaced by young trees that are the culture of dialogue and in bercapitalists — Mark Zuckerberg, more drought tolerant, until they ty against rogue states that violate spreading tolerance and openness international law. This drive also Jeff Bezos and others — for their get a little older. Then the process among people who love peace and accomplishments while convenient- reflects a quantum leap on all lev- reject terrorism, extremism and rac- Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must repeats as climate change weather ly forgetting that the same tech- extremes become even more severe, els and embodies a safe approach ism. The Saudi kingdom has taken have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: and the clarity of vision and aims nologies also make us less safe. (Dis- resulting in ecological chaos where many measures to confront the closure: Bezos owns The Post.) If [email protected] forests never mature. The young as it looks forward towards a extremist rhetoric and ideology promising future within the na- there are deficiencies with cyberse- trees are moving westward because which justify dangerous phenom- curity, we consider them separately. during non-drought periods, mois- tional transformation plan and Vi- ena and it did so out of its faith in We embrace the “Internet of things” ture is more abundant, making the sion 2030 which have put the king- the significance of confronting without admitting that it’s also the Disclaimer: environment more suitable to east- dom on the path of a new phase to them. “Internet of hazards.” ern species with greater moisture confront economic challenges. It is based on this that Saudi The technologies to promote the needs. When drought recurs, the Most important topics Arabia held an international con- Internet and protect it are one and The views and opinions expressed in the articles are younger trees are more drought tol- Perhaps one of the most im- ference in Riyadh in 2005 to con- the same. those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or erant than the mature trees in the portant topics which the leaders front terrorism and it has resumed We need to consider our addiction area, allowing these "invading" spe- in Riyadh will focus on discussing its local, regional and international in all its aspects, even the disagree- opinions of the Afghanistan Times. cies to persist. This process can be will be negative phenomena and efforts since then. able. But we are in denial. observed in the high altitudes and fateful issues that have influenced (Alarabiya) (Truthout) TUESDAY . MAY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Turkey:“Professional Venezuela annihilation” of 100,000 pro tests: public sector workersin post-coupattempt purge 20 0 ,0 0 0 More than 200,000 Venezuelans took to the streets to mark the 50th day of protests against President Nicolas Maduro, as the country m arch again st struggles with dire food shortages. Clashes broke out in the east- ern district of Caracas, the Vene- zuelan capital, as protesters hurled Molotov cocktails and rocks at Presiden t police, who responded with tear gas. Mr Maduro's critics say he is to blame for the country's crippled economy, which has led to wide- The dismissal of more than or scrape by on small handouts Maduro as spread protests, street looting and 100,000 Turkish public sector from their trade unions. rioting over the past seven weeks, workers is arbitrary and has had a Many dismissed workers are leaving at least 47 people dead. catastrophic impact on their lives forbidden to work privately in pro- More than 40 protesters have and livelihoods, a new report pub- fessions regulated by the state, been injured during the protests in lished by Amnesty International such as law and teaching. Similar- rio ts, lo o tin g Caracas alone, with one woman China’s Hainan reveals. No end in sight: Purged ly, sacked police and military offi- reportedly mowed down by a car public sector workers denied a fu- cials are banned by decree from and another engulfed in flames af- ture in Turkey finds that tens of finding similar work in the private ter a police motorbike exploded. Airlines to buy 19 thousands of people including sector. The few professionals who spread acro ss In the western city of San Cristo- doctors, police officers, teachers, are permitted to continue their ca- bal in Tachira state, Mr Maduro academics and soldiers, branded as reers in the private sector such as deployed around 2,700 soldiers to Boeing jets for ‘terrorists’ and banned from pub- health professionals, are struggling quell the violence after 40,000 peo- lic service, are now struggling to to find jobs, especially equivalent ple took to the streets. Opposi- make ends meet. “The shockwaves work commensurate with their country tion activists and riot police clash of Turkey’s post-coup attempt previous salaries. Dismissed pub- during a protest against President US$4.2b crackdown continue to devastate lic sector workers have had their Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, the lives of a vast number of peo- passports cancelled removing the Opposition activists and riot ple who have not only lost their possibility of working overseas police clash during a protest jobs but have had their professional and thereby severely restricting against President Nicolas Maduro and families lives shattered,” An- their job opportunities still fur- in Caracas, With supplies of food, drew Gardner, Amnesty Interna- ther. “They don't allow us to leave medicine, soap and even toilet pa- tional’s researcher on Turkey. the country, they don’t allow us per run out, protesters are de- “Tainted as ‘terrorists’ and to work…what do they want me manding early elections to remove stripped of their livelihoods, a large to do?” one woman who was dis- Mr Maduro, who took over the swathe of people in Turkey are no missed from her top civil service from Hugo Chavez in 2013. Infla- longer able to continue in their ca- job in the President’s office asked tion rates are also soaring, with reers and have had alternative em- Amnesty International. prices set to rise by 720 per cent ployment opportunities blocked.” Even if some of the dismissals this year, according to the Interna- The report, based on 61 interviews - such as those of soldiers who tional Monetary Fund (IMF.) Ma- conducted in Ankara, Diyarbakir took part in the coup attempt – duro to Trump: 'Get your dirty and Istanbul finds that, once in can be justified, the failure of au- hands out of Venezuela' It comes secure public sector jobs, workers thorities to set out clear criteria for amid an escalating war of words are facing a dire situation with no the dismissals or provide any in- between the Venezuelan leader and means of redress. Interviewees all dividualized evidence of wrongdo- Donald Trump, who hit the ailing SHANGHAI: China's Hainan Air- investments by Chinese compa- lines, which has poured billions of nies in recent years. described how in the absence of ing blows a hole in their claim that socialist government with sanc- other means of support including all the dismissals are necessary to Armenians planning tions last week. Mr Maduro furi- dollars into overseas acquisitions, HNA is a sprawling conglom- announced plans Monday (May erate with interests in aviation and social security benefits, they were counter terrorism. Instead, evi- ously responded that Mr Trump forced to live off their savings, rely dence suggests widespread abusive should "get his dirty hands out of 22) to buy 19 Boeing aircraft for tourism. Last year alone, HNA another anti-Azerbaijani US$4.2 billion to help meet sky- purchased Brazil's third largest air- on support from friends or family, and discriminatory motives behind Venezuela," claiming that "Presi- take jobs in the irregular economy, the purge. (AP) provocation in Russia dent Trump's aggressions against rocketing travel demand by Chi- line Azul, Swiss airline catering the Venezuelan people, its govern- nese consumers. The company company gategroup, and stakes said in a statement to Shanghai's airline Virgin Australia and Portu- Armenians are planning to com- baijani Culture in Russia, Shamil ment and its institutions have sur- passed all limits.” And on Sunday, stock exchange that it would buy guese national airline TAP. A unit mit another anti-Azerbaijani prov- Tagiyev, said that Azerbaijani 13 Boeing 787-9 passenger jets and of privately held HNA announced ocation in the Russian city of Kursk youth are aware of the issue and Marcio Rubio, the Republican North Korea tests senator, urged Mr Maduro to hold six 737-8s, citing the continued in October plans to buy the air- on May 28 – the Republic Day of sent letters of protest to Russia’s "rapid growth" in China's travel craft leasing business of US-based Azerbaijan. The Association of Foreign Ministry and other bod- elections as "breaks" began to form in his government. "Maduro is not market as incomes rise. It plans to CIT Group Inc for US$10 billion. Armenian Youth of Kursk is plan- ies. “Everyone in Russia knows issue 15 billion yuan (US$2.18 bil- The Chinese government has en- another missile ning to organize a provocative that Shusha is a historical land of a president, he’s a dictator right now. They’ve cancelled the con- lion) in bonds to help fund the deal. couraged companies to invest over- march “25th anniversary of the lib- Azerbaijan. The distortion of this Chinese airlines have seen seas to open up new markets. eration of Shusha” and a “festive fact in the form of a rally, in par- stitution, tried to dictate the na- tional assembly. "And what I booming business in recent years, Many companies obliged, pouring concert” in the city on that day, ticular at a time when Armenians rushing to expand their fleets and billions into overseas purchases to APA has learned. The Armenian continue the occupation of Shusha would say is: stick to the consti- tution that Chavez wrote. They route networks amid growth that such an extent that Chinese author- youth stated that they have already city, is a serious provocation,” the International Air Transport ities became worried over capital agreed on the issue with official noted Tagiyev. The Azerbaijani are meant to have an election. Hold an election. "Any free and fair elec- Association (IATA) predicts will flight and the impact on the slump- bodies. Speaking to APA, the city of Shusha was occupied by take China past the United States ing yuan currency. The govern- chairman of the Development and Armenia’s armed forces on May tion in Venezuela – there is no way Maduro will win. We are begin- to become the world's largest air- ment has since reversed course, de- Renaissance Foundation of Azer- 8, 1992. travel market by 2024. Hainan Air- nouncing "irrational" investment (APA) ning to see breaks. The attorney general, she is distancing herself. lines and its parent HNA Group abroad and putting restrictions on "Hopefully there will be people in have been among the most acquis- fund outflows. the military who will refuse to co- itive players in a wave of overseas (Channelnewsasia) South Korean President Moon Jae- ed that the missile had a shorter Kyrgyz Ambassador suggests operate with these human rights in has held a National Security range than the three previous mis- violations that are continuing to Council meeting at the presiden- siles that North Korea had tested. Pakistani textile company take place. Hundreds have been Philippine President tial Blue House to discuss North The two missile tests in a week injured during the 50 days of pro- Korea's latest missile launch. complicate plans by South Korea's establishing enterprise in tests, while 2,200 people have North Korea has fired a ballis- new President Moon Jae-in to seek been detained, and 161 have been Rodrigo Duterte heads tic missile into waters off its east ways to reduce tension on the pen- Kyrgyzstan imprisoned by military tribunals. coast, its second missile test in a insula. Moon took office 11 days week, which South Korea say ago after winning an election on a The Ambassador of the Kyrgyz creation of a textile enterprise in Federal prosecutors have said they are investigating police officers and to Russia in blow to US dashes the hopes of the South's platform of a more moderate ap- Republic in Pakistan Erik Kyrgyzstan. Zairy, for his part, new liberal government for peace proach to the North, with which Beishembiyev met with the CEO promised to visit Kyrgyzstan soon soldiers who are accused of shoot- ing unruly protesters. A recent between the neighbours. A South the South is still technically at war of Aziz Sons textile company Mr and to study the offer. Beishem- Korean military official said the since no peace treaty was signed Muhammad Yasin Zairy on May biyev pledged full political-diplo- survey found that as many as 70 per cent of Venezuelans want to missile appeared to be an upgrad- at the end of their 1950-1953 con- 18 in the framework of activities matic support from the Kyrgyz ed, extended-range version of the flict. South Korea's foreign minis- aimed at attracting foreign inves- Embassy with making the sugges- see Mr Maduro removed from power as he increasingly relies on North's solid-fuel submarine- try said the tests were "reckless tors, the Kyrgyz foreign ministry tion real, the statement said. launched missile. The missile fired and irresponsible actions throw- said. The Ambassador was also in- military support to cling onto power. He recently announced a week ago flew was liquid-fuelled, ing cold water over the hopes and In the meeting that took place in troduced to the company's activi- and flew further. North Korea has desires of this new government and the city of Karachi, Ambassador ties and he learned more about the plans for a "popular assembly" that would rewrite parts of the con- defied all calls to rein in its nuclear the international community for Beishembiyev suggested the Aziz manufacturing of textile products. and missile programs, even from denuclearisation and peace on the Sons CEO to consider investing in (Akpress) stitution, but this only enraged pro- testers further. They claim the China, its lone major ally, saying Korean peninsula". Japanese assembly is a ploy to avoid hold- the weapons are needed for legiti- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said ing elections, while Mr Maduro mate self-defence. The reclusive the latest missile test by the reclu- Mirziyoyev partakes inArab, said they would offer " a path to state has been working to develop sive North was "a snub and a chal- peace, dialogue and consensus." He a nuclear-tipped missile capable of lenge to international efforts for a MANILA- Philippine President has become more assertive in chal- striking the US mainland. On Sat- peaceful resolution". Abe told re- Muslim leaders’ summit insisted that elections wold go Rodrigo Duterte flies to Russia on lenging US might in the region by ahead next year, as required by law. urday, it said it had developed the porters after a meeting of Japan's Monday (May 22) to meet his expanding its presence in the capability to strike the US main- National Security Council that he Dr Natalia Sobrevilla-Perea, read- hero, seek arms and steer his na- South China Sea, which it claims President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Arabia welcoming Mirziyoyev er in Hispanic studies at Kent land, although Western missile ex- wanted to raise the issue of North Mirziyoyev took part in the U.S.- said that participation of Uzbeki- tion's foreign policy course further almost in its entirety. Despite Chi- perts say the claim is exaggerated. Korean missile launches at the University, said: “Venezuela is at away from longtime ally the Unit- na's expansionism extending into Arab Islamic summit in the city of stan plays a great role in increas- the brink of breaking into civil war. An official travelling with US Pres- Group of Seven leaders' summit in Riyadh on May 21, the President's ing the prestige of the forum. ed States. The five-day trip will areas of the sea claimed by the ident Donald Trump in Saudi Ara- Italy this month. China had no "There have been protests going cement a dramatic improvement in Philippines, Duterte has been de- press service reported. The event The summit is an important on for months, but they have been bia said the White House was immediate comment. was attended by heads of states of event for strengthening fight ties between the two nations since termined to pivot his nation's for- aware of the latest launch and not- (BBC) simmering and now we are reach- Duterte came to power last year eign policy away from the United the Islamic Cooperation Organiza- against extremism and terrorism, ing breaking point. “Those who tion, the U.S., representatives of promoting tolerance, security, sta- and began unravelling the Philip- States in favour of Beijing and have been protesting for 18 months pines' decades-long alliance with Moscow. This has partly been due the UN, the Gulf Cooperation bility and cooperation. tended to be from the opposition. Council. The King of the Saudi (Trend) the US, which he accuses of hy- to China and Russia supporting or Cyber specialists warn: Watch out Those joining now are realising pocrisy and bullying. Duterte will at least not criticising his contro- they no longer support the regime. on Thursday meet Russian Presi- versial war on drugs, which has left in world of connected objects “In the last two weeks the situa- dent Vladimir Putin, whom he has thousands of people dead and led tion has deteriorated very rapidly. described as his "favourite hero" to warnings by rights groups that The massive global cyber attack ular take-up. "Regarding last week- In the next week, it will continue and proclaimed a personal bond Duterte may be orchestrating a to deteriorate very quickly unless that wreaked havoc in computer end's attack there is no risk for because of mutual passions such crime against humanity. Duterte systems earlier this month caused connected objects. That in partic- some possible solution is found." as guns and hunting. Duterte said has railed against the US, particu- She said there was no clear easy plenty of visible disruption, not ular hit systems running Windows on Friday one of the top priorities larly when Barack Obama was least in Britain's National Health ...and today there are no mass mar- solution to the crisis due to Mr of his trip was to secure Russian president, for criticising the drug Maduro's tight grip on the mili- Service. But in the brave new in- ket gadgets with Windows loaded precision-guided bombs to use on war. On a state visit to China last ter-connected world heralded by in order to function," says Ger- tary. "Maduro is supported by a Islamic militants in the southern year, Duterte announced the Phil- very strong army who control the the internet of things (IoT), so- ome Billois, a consultant with Philippines. ippines' "separation" from the US. called "ransomware" attacks could Wavestone. "In contrast, there have distribution of food stuff and the "If they can spare us with the "I've realigned myself in your economy," she said. “The army have as their source something already been massive attacks on precision guided (bombs)," Du- ideological flow and maybe I will quite mundane and yet present in connected objects," Billois told still has all the resources under terte said when discussing the pur- also go to Russia to talk to Putin control. There is a fear of reper- ever more modern households. In AFP. The Mirai malware strain Kazakhstani leader and US pose of his trip. "We have so many and tell him that there are three of a not so far-off future, the source made from hacked IoT devices in- cussion if he [Maduro] is ousted: smart bombs but not as accurate." us against the world - China, Phil- if they fall, they all fall together. of a software glitch with serious cluding badly secured routers and Duterte's seeking of weapons from ippines and Russia. It's the only consequences for the simple con- internet connected cameras recent- State Secretary discussed hot They are still reaping the benefits. Russia comes as he dials down way," he said in Beijing. Duterte, If you are part of the regime, you sumer could be anything from a ly infected hundreds of thousands cooperation with the US, the Phil- who describes himself as a social- connected coffee machine or refrig- of poorly secured connected ob- international issues in Riyadh do not have food shortages and you ippines' former colonial ruler that ist, and Putin first met on the side- do not have problems. “There has erator to a techie toy or an out- jects. The idea was not to stop has for decades been its most im- lines of an Asia-Pacific summit in smart-you television. Web-con- them from working but to trans- President of Kazakhstan Nursul- of Kazakhstan and R. Tillerson been a lot of support [for Maduro] portant military ally and protec- Peru last November. "Historical- tan Nazarbayev met Rex Tillerson, shared opinions about the hottest from Ecuador, Cuba, and Bolivia. nected gadgets are becoming all the form them into zombies or bot- tor. He has scaled down the num- ly, I have been identified with the rage with tech-aware profession- nets with a view to using them as US State Secretary, at the field of issues of international agenda," But it is less likely that it contin- ber and scope of annual military Western world. It was good until the summit "US-Islamic world" in said the message. ues with dead people on the street. als. But the mere idea that it only relay stations for future cyber at- exercises with the US, barred Fili- it lasted. And of late, I see a lot of needs a hacker to give the software tacks. Last week at a timely cyber Riyadh, Akorda reports. N. Nazarbayev expressed “The most hopeful possibility is pino forces from joint patrols in these Western nations bullying "At the meeting the parties hope that interaction between Ka- negotiated action. Help is needed a malevolent tweak to send them security conference in The Neth- the disputed South China Sea, and small nations," Duterte told Putin on the blink with disastrous con- erlands, American wunderkind discussed current condition and zakhstan and the US will reach a from Cuba and Colombia to try called for the withdrawal of Amer- then. Since then, two Russian prospects of development of bi- new development level. and find some dialogue.” sequences may yet threaten the Reuben Paul, just 11, stunned an ican troops from the Philippines. Navy flotillas have visited Manila. development of such goods' pop- audience of security. (AP) lateral cooperation. The President (Kazaq) (TELEGRAPH) The shift occurred as China (AFP) TUESDAY . MAY 23, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES USTreasurysays Chinadoes not manipulateits currency Braggin g rights fo r Trum p: US has $ 1b trade surplus w ith Saudi Arabia, 1st fo reign sto p U.S. Treasury Department on Fri- day declared that no major trading Something truly remarkable, partner of the U.S., including Chi- unimaginable, happened last na, met the standard of manipulat- year. ing its currency, while six econo- In 2016, the United States mies were listed on its Monitoring ran a trade surplus with Saudi List as their foreign exchange po- Arabia, the country President lices bear close monitoring. Trump will visit Saturday as the In its Semi-Annual Report to opening leg of his first foreign Congress on International Eco- trip since taking office in Janu- nomic and Exchange Rate Policies, ary. The rest of the trip includes the Treasury Department con- stops in Israel, Vatican City, cluded that no major trading part- Belgium and Italy. ner of the United States, including I don't expect the Saudis to China, has manipulated their cur- complain about unfair trade rencies over the past six months practices. A giant billboard to keep them undervalued. How- bearing portraits of President ever, it put China, China's Taiwan, Trump and Saudi Arabia's King ‘India presenting great Japan, South Korea,, Germany, Salman is seen on a main road and Switzerland on its Monitor- in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi ing List, saying their foreign ex- business opportunities change policies bear close moni- Arabia on Friday. Trump was toring. The report said that China expected to tell Muslim leaders remained on the list because of its of his 'hopes for a peaceful vi- for diaspora’ "disproportionate share of the sion of Islam' as he seeks sup- overall U.S. trade deficit," despite port for the war against radical that China's current account sur- Islamists. plus was only 1.8 percent of GDP I will get to the strategic im- in 2016, sharply down from 2.8 plications in a minute but here's percent of GDP in 2015. U.S. Pres- what is remarkable about that ident Donald Trump this week trade surplus: Two years be- said in an interview that China fore, in 2014, the trade deficit hasn't been manipulating its cur- the United States had with Sau- rency for months, a sharp reversal di Arabia was the sixth largest from his campaign rhetoric. Many with any country in the world. economists have argued that the In size, it trailed only U.S. defi- Chinese currency, RMB, has been cits with China, Canada, Mexi- at equilibrium level in recent years. co, Japan and Germany, the Over the last decade, China's ef- nation's five largest overall fective exchange rate has appreci- trade partners. The U.S. deficit ated more than any other major with Saudi Arabia stood at currency, rising a total of more than $28.34 billion. Two years later, 40 percent, said David Dollar, a in 2016, the United States ran a The ever-increasing foreign direct investments included renewable senior fellow at the Brookings In- investment and steadily decreas- energy, information technology, stitution. Brad Setser, an expert $1.10 billion trade surplus with ing unemployment presents great medical equipment, medical tour- with Council on Foreign Relations, Saudi Arabia, according to U.S. opportunities for the Indian di- ism, food processing and startups noted that the RMB exchange rate Census data analyzed by aspora to invest in India, Acting which are revolutionising the Indi- is now close to equilibrium. He ex- WorldCity, the company where Indian High Commissioner S Jan- an economy because it can take just pected that the RMB exchange rate I serve as president. akiraman said here today. one week in some sectors, the dip- would remain stable at current level I have been looking at trade Highlighting the 'Make in In- lomat said. with China's current account sur- data for well over a decade. I dia' programme introduced two "Anyone here can also help plus and its efforts to deal with don't ever recall seeing such a years ago, Janakiraman told the develop the 100 smart cities capital outflows. The Internation- significant turnaround in such nearly 200 delegates gathered from planned for India, with allowance al Monetary Fund declared the a short period of time. around the world at the first Glo- for 100 per cent FDI profit repa- RMB as no longer undervalued in In 2014, Saudi Arabia was bal People of Indian Origin (Go- triation. 2015. Under Obama administra- this nation's No. 12-ranked pio) Business Summit that the "Small or big projects can make tion, the Treasury Department trade partner, No. 8 for imports. steps taken to simplify doing busi- you part of developing the new also dropped its previous assess- By 2016, Saudi Arabia had tum- ness in India were already well- India," Janakiraman concluded. ment that the RMB was "signifi- bled to No. 23 for overall trade known to Indian businessmen Gopio was established in New cant undervalued". and No. 22 for imports. If you fly into London City in two abroad. York in 1989 as a non-profit glo- (CHINA) "The high speed-railway net- bal movement to fight human (FORBES) years’ time, air traffic controllers work development; highways and rights violation of overseas Indi- US trade rep says no won’t see your plane through a roads which are being developed ans. window but will guide it down as fast as any developed nations The priorities of the organisa- from screens 70 miles away as the do, are some of the projects that tion have since changed to efforts Africa’s economy return to TPP deal airport becomes one of the first in offer participation in contracts," to pool resources, both financial a major capital to use a digital con- Janakiraman said. and professional, for the benefit trol tower. Staff will monitor planes "Similar to South Africa, India of the global diaspora and India. worth $3t by 2030 and wants bilateral with the help of high-tech 360-de- is also prioritising ports as a hub (This article has not been edit- gree cameras and sensors fitted to for South-East Asia, with the fo- ed by DNA's editorial team and is a newly constructed tower, with cus on movement of trade using auto-generated from an agency deals in Asia data and a panoramic views all feed- advance handling infrastructure feed.) ing through to the national air traf- systems." Other areas for foreign (DNAINDIA) fic control center in the southern US Trade Representative Robert of the TPP and it’s not going to town of Swanwick. The airport, Lighthizer said on Sunday that the change that decision. That does not which is undergoing a $455 mil- United States would not return to mean we will not engage in this lion (350 million pound) expansion, In surprise move, the Trans-Pacific Partnership region,” Lighthizer told a news is located near the Canary Wharf trade deal after 11 remaining coun- conference in Hanoi, Vietnam. financial center in east London and tries earlier agreed to look at how “The president made a deci- used by over 4.5 million passen- Egypt central bank they could move ahead without it. sion, that I certainly agree with, gers mainly for business travel be- He said the United States fa- that bilateral negotiations are bet- tween Europe’s major centers. But vored bilateral over multilateral ter for the United States than mul- from 2019, controllers will be based hikes key interest rates trade deals and he expected a se- tilateral negotiations.” over 110 km away where the air- ries of agreements in the region, Asked why the United States port says an array of digital tools where he is attending a meeting of was against using language oppos- will improve their awareness of ministers from Asia-Pacific Eco- ing protectionism, he said it fa- situations and efficiency, allowing nomic Cooperation (APEC) coun- vored free trade, but would defend for quick decision-making. "A pi- tries. against unfair trade. oneering new digital air traffic con- AFRICA is well on track to be a $139million, against $92.5m in “The United States pulled out (CNN) trol system will enhance safety and $3trillion (R39.63trln) economy 2015. This surge was driven by improve resilience, setting a new by 2030 through economies of several large, capital intensive standard for the global aviation in- nineteen countries that are expect- projects in the real estate, hospi- dustry to follow," London City ed to grow more than 5percent in tality and construction, and trans- London house prices Airport Chief Executive Declan the process. A latest report by pro- port and logistics sectors,” the re- Collier said. "This cutting edge fessional services firm Ernst & port said. South Africa, Morocco, proven technology future-proofs Young (EY) has said that 17 coun- Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya collec- recover as sellers London City Airport’s air traffic tries would average growth of be- tively attracted 58percent of the control for the next 30 years and tween 3and 4.9 percent during pe- continent’s total FDI projects in beyond," he said. The current con- riod. The report, titled EY’s At- 2016. South Africa saw an increase shrug off election trol tower is reaching the end of its tractiveness Program Africa 2017, of 6.9percent in FDI projects in operational lifespan, he said, with said the long-term outlook for Af- the period compared to 2015 - ac- the new technology already in use rica was far more positive as econ- counting for 20.6percent of all at Sweden’s smaller Ornskoldsvik omies were in a fundamentally bet- projects undertaken in the conti- and Sundsvall airports. ter place now than they were 15 nent in the period under review. A Range of tools to 20 years ago. “Overall growth total number of 139 FDI projects Controllers will be equipped is likely to remain robust, relative were implemented in the country, with a range of tools including a to most other regions over the next including Nestlé's launch of its in- close-up view of airplane move- decade. Structural evolution will stant coffee factory in KwaZulu- ments along the 1.5-km runway Egypt’s central bank raised its key inflation is key to keeping its eco- continue, and as economic condi- Natal after investing $87.4m in the and cameras which can zoom in interest rates by 200 basis points nomic reform program on track tions improve globally, much of plant’s expansion. Morocco was up to 30 times for close inspec- on Sunday, citing stronger econom- and said as recently as last week Africa will be well positioned to Africa’s second largest recipient of tion. Pictures from the airfield and ic growth and falling unemploy- that raising key interest rates could accelerate the growth momentum FDI, with 81 projects. Morocco’s data will be sent through indepen- ment, confounding the expecta- be an appropriate tool for doing once again,” the report said. On automotive sector was the big draw London house prices rebounded in tor Miles Shipside. “New sellers dent and secure fiber networks to tions of economists who forecast so. the Foreign Direct Investment card for foreign investors, with the May, rising to a record as buyers in the capital seem to be showing the operations room in Swanwick, rates were unlikely to change. Inflation has soared to a three- (FDI) front, the report found that sector attracting 14 projects in and sellers defied the usual trend less hesitancy to come to market the airport said. The technology is At a meeting of its Monetary decade high since the currency float, South Africa retained its appeal as 2016, up from just four projects of holding off on property trans- than many other homeowners else- supplied by Saab Digital Air Traf- Policy Committee, the bank hiked with annual urban inflation reach- a launchpad for growth across the in 2014. Egypt was the third larg- actions before an election. The av- where in the country.” London’s fic Solutions, a partnership be- its overnight deposit rate to 16.75 ing 31.5 percent in April. continent, with North African est beneficiary of foreign invest- erage asking price in the city rose property market has under-per- tween LFV, the Swedish air navi- percent from 14.75 percent and its The bank said “its tighter countries making inroads in at- ment on the continent with 79 2.1 percent from April to 649,864 formed the rest of the country since gation service provider, and mili- overnight lending rate to 17.75 stance is not to offset effects of tracting foreign investment. South projects, followed by Nigeria with pounds ($846,000), property the start of 2016. As the referen- tary defense and civil security firm from 15.75 percent, it announced supply-shocks” but instead is in- Africa also outpaced Kenya to re- 51 projects and Kenya with 40 website Rightmove Plc said on dum to leave the European Union, Saab. The airport, bought last year in a statement. tended to curb “inflation expecta- sume the role of being Africa’s larg- projects. The continent began to Monday, even with the upcoming tax increases and unaffordable val- by a consortium including Canadi- This was the bank’s first in- tions and the build-up of demand- est intra-regional investor last year feel the aftermath of the Brexit vote U.K. general election on June 8. uations hit investor demand, more an pension funds, is due to expand crease in rates since an aggressive side pressures,” a possible refer- after Kenya’s outbound FDI in the period, with the UK share The capital’s annual rate of price expensive homes have suffered the as part of a development program hiked of 300 basis points in No- ence to the impact of the currency projects sharply declined from 36 of foreign investment into African growth remained subdued at 0.9 most. Prices of homes in inner which will see an extra two million vember. float. in 2015 to 14 last year. South Afri- easing from 10percent in 2015 to percent following a 1.5 percent London rose just 0.6 percent from people flying to and from it every Egypt floated its currency in Some economists, however, can companies invested in 29 6.1percent last year. The most no- drop last month. That was the big- a year ago, while outer London year by 2025 and an additional November and it has roughly have argued that price rises related projects valued at $1.6billion table decline recorded by EY was gest annual decline in almost eight grew 1.2 percent, Rightmove said. 30,000 annual flights. Construc- halved in value since then. The to one-off shocks such as the cur- across the continent in the period. with regards to the FDI jobs that years. “Time will tell how close At the national level, prices rose tion of the 50-meter digital tower move helped it clinch a three-year rency float can not be corrected The report said the continent at- plummeted by 81.4percent. In- these sellers get to their asking pric- 1.2 percent on the month and 3 will begin later this year and is due $12 billion International Monetary by higher interest rates, which tracted healthy foreign investment vestments from the US accounted es, but the uncertainty associated percent from a year ago, according to be completed in 2018, followed Fund lending program tied to am- they say may simply sap econom- in the period across sectors. “Dur- for 13.5percent of all inward in- with an election has not deterred to the report. The price of family- by a year of testing and training bitious reforms such as tax hikes ic growth by reducing new invest- ing 2016, capital investment into vestment projects in the continent, them from trying in increasing sized homes rose the most out of before it becomes fully operation- and subsidy cuts. ment. Africa rose 31.9percent. Invest- with projects valued at $3.6bn. numbers and at an increased aver- all types over the last twelve al. The IMF has said lowering (BBC) ment per project averaged (IOL) age price,” said Rightmove Direc- months. (Bloomberg) (Alarabiya) TUESDAY. MAY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Bollywood superstar and former comes the make-up. I get ready Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bach- every morning with my lipstick, chan has been representing India mascara and basic make-up. That at the Cannes Film Festival for gets me a fresh energy. I also think over a decade now. She’s done her that since I have been working for part once as a jury member, then so many years now, it has become Uday Chopra for a movie and multiple times as a part of my life.” For the last cou- the ambassador for a prominent ple of years, Aishwarya and Abh- cosmetic brand. Considering her ishek Bachchan’s daughter status as an international celebri- Aaradhya has been accompanying announces ty, it’s no wonder that wearing her mother at the gala. At the red make-up daily is part of Aish- carpet on Saturday night, the little warya’s lifestyle. After all, she girl was seen walking along like a belongs to the glamour industry. style diva with her mother. Is she film starring But instead of growing tired of it, little one also getting familiar with the Devdas actor says feels make- the grandeur? Aishwarya, Madhuri up is as effective as music for set- in talks to host ‘Kaun Banega ting her mood for a day, reported Crorepati’ “Well, I think yes, she Jessica Yahoo! The world has seen the understands the fact that we get Months after promising blue-eyed beauty in many differ- photographed everywhere we go, ent avatars through her films, at the airport, outside our house. whether it was a vulnerable pris- She knows that we go places and Chastain; to end, Resident Evil oner in Provoked, a beautiful Ben- sees our posters everywhere,” said gali girl in Devdas, the young Gu- Aish. “I think Aradhya is quite jarati in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam aware but I do not sit down and franchise teases or an angry sister in Sarbjit. But in talk about these things. There are Bollywood every film, make-up has played a certain things in her that make me crucial role in building up Aish- smile, like when fans come to me resurrection tin Film, did confirm to warya’s on-screen looks. “I think with a selfie request, at times she variety.com at the Cannes Film we all love to play with colours to photo bombs them. At times, she congratulates The Resident Evil franchise Festival that a reboot is in devel- starring Milla J ovovich, based create something that reflects on asks me, ‘Mama, not me na?’ as opment at the giant German pro- every creative aspect of life, be it she knows I keep requesting shut- on video games that feature duction company, which owns zombies, is being resurrected make-up, be it fashion… It works terbugs not to click her pictures.” the rights to the franchise and has like a mood-uplifter. So, I think In fact, a recent airport pho- him after the J anuary release of its produced all of its instalments. ‘Fin al Chapter’. make-up is like music, it’s like a tography of the mother and daugh- The franchise was set to end with creative energy, it uplifts and sets ter that went viral also has a story Actor Uday Chopra’s announce- and celebrated war photographer this year’s Resident Evil: The Fi- your mood,” Aishwarya said in a behind it. “When I saw the pic- ment about working with two-time Robert Capa. Mere months after the Resident nal Chapter. Based on the Cap- recent interview from Cannes ture, I asked her, ‘Who were you Academy Award nominee, Jessica “Jessica Chastain is the per- Evil franchise promised to end with com video game, the series Film. The actor, who always ex- waving your hands at?’. She said, Chastain, in a film titled Seducing fect actress to star in ‘Seducing the knowingly titled The Final launched in 2002 with Paul WS periments with her lip colours and ‘No Mama, I was telling them, no Ingrid Bergman created quite a stir. Ingrid Bergman’. Jessica is no Chapter, but now, there is word Anderson directing, and Ander- eye shadows and at times, gets crit- photo please!’. Isn’t it cute? She Many people from the industry stranger to portraying strong, in- that the series will be rebooted. son, Jeremy Bolt, Bernd Eich- icised for doing so, also spoke is very spontaneous.” such as Hrithik Roshan, Riteish telligent women and this role de- Information regarding the re- inger, and Samuel Hadida produc- about how she celebrates the pow- Aishwarya’s Devdas was also Deshmukh? and Abhishek Bach- serves an actress of her immeasur- boot’s director, stars, and how the ing the first of a six-movie series. er of make-up as part of her daily screened this time at Cannes, after chan took to Twitter to congratu- able talent. We also feel that she film would fit into the franchise All six Resident Evils have life. “We are in a profession where first getting screened in 2002. Talk- late him. will bring a unique perspective as narrative are being kept under starred Milla Jovovich. Anderson we are working day and night and ing about it, she said, “It is so spe- Uday is heading YRF Enter- a producer,” Uday said in a state- wraps. has written all six of the instal- still have to meet people in a cer- cial. I came to Cannes for the first tainment, Hollywood arm of Yash ment. The film is based on a Chris But Martin Moszkowicz, ments and directed four. tain way. I might have a sleepless time as an Indian actress with Dev- Raj Films. YRF Entertainment has Greenhalgh’s book by the same chairman of the board at Constan- (Tribune) night with my child but the next das and I still enjoy watching it. I joined hands with Chastain’s ban- name, which was published in day, when I am going for a profes- still get messages from people. It ner Freckle Films to produce the 2012. According to the statement, sional meeting, people shouldn’t is wonderful to recount that mem- movie. The story of the film re- the director of the film is yet to be get the vibe that ‘Oh God! She is ory this year.” volves around the relationship of finalised. Big B and Rishi tired’,” Aishwarya said. “There (Tribune) Casablanca actor Ingrid Bergman (Hindustan Times) Kapoor to come together for ‘102 Not Out’!

Reports of whether Katrina Kaif would be a part of Thugs of Hin- dostan or not, were put to rest when actor Aamir Khan tweeted [on May 11] that she is finally on- board. And now, sources have con- firmed that the 33-year-old will play the role of a dancer in the film, starring Aamir Khan and Amitabh Priyanka Chopra is Bachchan. After grooving to crazy beats in Chikni Chameli (Agnee- path; 2011) and Kamli (Dhoom 3; done apologising 2013), Katrina fans would definite- ly be in for a treat with her new avatar in the film. According to a for her accent report in DNA, Katrina will have a special dance number in the film Bollywood actor Priyanka Chop- auditions would be like, ‘Can you Having directed films like Oh My son. The cast and crew have al- that is scheduled to go on floors ra revealed she is done apologising use your Indian accent?’ And I was God and All is Well, director ready started shooting and will from June 1. This would be Katri- for not sounding how others think like, ‘I am speaking in my Indian Umesh Shukla is all set to embark shoot till the end of this month. na’s second film with actor Aamir she should reported People maga- accent. This is how we speak in upon a new journey with Bolly- They will then recommence and Khan, after the two shared screen zine. Stating she is often asked modern India!’” Fellow Indian ac- wood's two legends, Amitabh shoot all through July. "I had pro- space in the 2013 film ?Dhoom 3. film in?Abu Dhabi. Her film Jagga Jasoos, alongside ex-boyfriend Ran- about her accent, the Quantico star tor Aziz Ansari was recently a vic- Bachchan and Rishi Kapoor. duced the original play and knew Slated to release on Diwali this bir Kapoor, will release in July this year. said, “People want to put you in a tim to the same situation on his Umesh Shukla's next directorial it could be turned into a film for its year, the film also stars Fatima (Hindustan Times) box. When I started out, people at show Master Of None, where he features Amitabh Bachchan who unique plot and humour. Saumya Sana Shaikh, who played the role showed up to a casting call and plays a 102 year old with Rishi has written the film brilliantly," of Aamir’s daughter in his film was asked to do a stereotypical Kapoor who plays Big B's 75 year Umesh added. Dangal (2016). Earlier, there were Indian accent despite having grown old son. 102 Not Out is based on About the language, Shukla reports that Katrina will be play- up in America. It’s probably no writer-director Saumya Joshi's stated, "They are already good with ing a British girl in the film, how- Rambo in Hindi: Tiger surprise to hear that Chopra and Gujarati play. the language and have a tutor on ever the makers had refuted these Aziz bonded at the Met Gala. Umesh, who has already start- the set to guide them. All of us are as rumours. “Katrina is playing an Luckily, it was something a little ed shooting Big B's introductory having a blast." out and out Indian role and is an Shroff is touched by more positive than their casting call scene said, "Amitji and Rishiji are Having grown up watching integral part of the film. Since this horror stories. “A couple of years collaborating after 26 years. their films, an excited Umesh con- is a period film, it will be her first ago at this gala, I saw, like, one They are playing Gujarati char- cluded, "Both are extremely dedi- Indian classical role,” other brown person who was acters for the first time. Being a cated actors and have their own Pinkvilla.com had quoted a source Sylvester Stallone’s words Chopra. And today, there were like Gujarati myself, I had certain ref- methods of working. We did a as saying. Meanwhile, Katrina will six of us in that room,” added An- erences in my mind which we used three-four day workshop last also be seen alongside actor Sal- Actor Tiger Shroff is living his fan sari. Chopra, who plays the vil- to create their look." 102 Not Out month and it was so much fun!" man Khan in Kabir Khan’s Tiger moment, it seems. He has his rea- lain in the upcoming Baywatch is a love story between father and (Santa Banta) Zinda Hai and is shooting for the sons, too. After all, none other than movie, has always been vocal about action legend Sylvester Stallone Hollywood’s diversity problems has wished him luck for the Indian and although it’s slowly getting remake of the Hollywood action better, she admitted that “the strug- Weekend BO report: Half drama First Blood, which first in- gle is really real.” She has to con- troduced the character of John stantly push back against what Rambo. The message was on Stal- Hollywood or even Bollywood Girlfriend earns Rs 32.04cr, lone’s Instagram page. The gesture thinks she should look or act like. has floored the 27-year-old Tiger. Recently Chopra told Glamour He replied to Stallone with a heart- magazine that in India there is pres- Hindi Medium slogs at Rs 12.56cr warming message. While Stallone sure to use skin-lightening creams wrote: “I actually get excited in my and when she was younger she After a great opening at the ticket windows on Friday, heart whenever young artists get a used them. “Then when I was an Arjun Kapoor-Shraddha Kapoor-starrer Half Girlfriend rare opportunity to reach for the actor, around my early twenties, I had a good weekend collection of Rs 32.04 crore, while stars! Eye of the Tiger! I am sure did a commercial for a skin-light- Saket Choudhary’s Hindi Medium earned Rs 12.56 crore he will put his heart and soul into in three days of the release on Friday. Saba Qamar and ening cream,” she stated. “I was it…” Replying to the Hollywood playing that girl with insecurities. Irrfan Khan play husband-wife in Hindi Medium. star, an overwhelmed Tiger wrote Mohit Suri’s Half Girlfriend had an impressive open- And when I saw it, I was like, ‘Oh how Stallone is undoubtedly the shit. What did I do?’ And I started ing with Rs 10.27 crore collection and maintained the original hero and that he looks up success ride collecting Rs 10.63 crore on Saturday and talking about being proud of the to him. His message read: “Because way I looked. I actually really like Rs 11.14 crore on Sunday. The Irrfan Khan-starrer had you were there, we sort of exist, a slow start with an opening collection of Rs 2.81 crore. my skin tone.” We are all just derivatives of you Chopra isn’t interested in be- The collections jumped to Rs 4.25 crore on Saturday sir! There will always and only be and further rose on Sunday to Rs 5.50 crore. Trade by Siddharth Anand. The movie was announced at the ongoing 70th ing the person others think she analyst Taran Adarsh tweeted, ”#HalfGirlfriend has a ONE “eye of the tiger” for us cubs Cannes Film Festival. A poster of the film that Tiger shared recently should be. She likes who she is, GOOD weekend... Fri 10.27 cr, Sat 10.63 cr, Sun 11.14 :raised_hands: you rule the jungle! went viral. It shows Tiger in an angry rugged look in the backdrop of a and doesn’t plan on changing for cr. Total: ? 32.04 cr. India biz. #HindiMedium goes Thank you so much sir! #RAM- hi-tech warzone. anyone. As she told Refinery29 last from strength to strength with each passing day... Fri BO #RamboRemake.” Interestingly, Stallone earlier had doubts about whether the Indian year, “I don’t want a label. I don’t 2.81 cr, Sat 4.25 cr, Sun 5.50 cr. Total: ? 12.56 cr. India The Hindi remake of Rambo, with remake would be good enough. But later he changed his view. want a box. I want a legacy.” biz.” (Santa Banta) Tiger in the lead, will be helmed (Hindustan Times) (Tribune) TUESDAY . MAY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Manchester United,Ajaxtactics Scotland topple Sri analysedaheadof theEuropa Lanka in ICC Champions Leaguefinal in Stockholmon May24 Trophy warm-up

Manchester United will face Ajax in the Europa League final in Stock- holm next week - but how will the clubs approach the game tactical- ly? Ajax boss Peter Bosz will be looking for his first silverware at the club since taking charge last May and finishing the season a point behind champions Feye- noord on the last day of the Eredi- Kyle Coetzer and Matthew Cross visie season. Jose Mourinho will both struck centuries as Scotland be banking on a win after making beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the Europa League his priority and the tour match at Beckenham. Sri effectively conceding fifth place Lanka, currently the sixth-ranked and any chance of a top-four fin- one-day international side, are ish in the Premier League. But how warming up for the Champions do the tactics of both clubs com- Trophy and had inflicted a 148- pare? run loss on Scotland when they ATTACK last met at the 2015 World Cup. Ajax have scored 24 goals from However, openers Coetzer 14 games during this season's Eu- and Cross helped Scotland past Sri ropa League campaign - one more Lanka's 287 total to record a first than Manchester United. The victory over an ICC Full Member Dutch side typically play a 4-3-3 team. Sri Lanka chose to bat and formation with a front three of looked to be on course for a strong Kasper Dolberg, Chelsea loanee target as opener Kusal Perera Kell Brook vs Errol Spence Bertrand Traore and Amin Younes. made a near run-a-ball 57 while The trio have outscored Unit- Kevin Durant shines for Golden State Dinesh Chandimal top-scored Jr, George Groves vs Fedor ed's attacking players in the com- with 79 and Chamara Kapugedera petition, with Dolberg hitting six added 71 including six boundaries goals and the flank forwards scor- Warriors against SanAntonio Spurs in as well as four over the rope. Chudinov, DavidAllen vs ing four each. Justin Kluivert, son Alasdair Evans and Stuart of Ajax and Netherlands legend Whittingham took three wickets Lenroy Thomas, more Patrick, has also made a first-team NBAWestern Conference finals apiece for the Scots. Grant Brad- breakthrough at 17 years old on burn's side then set about the Sri the right wing and could feature. Kevin Durant starred for the Lanka attack as Coetzer and Cross For United, Henrikh Mkhi- Golden State Warriors in a com- swiftly brought up the half-centu- taryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic have fortable 120-108 win over the ry stand in the 10th over. both netted five, but the latter will San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 The partnership was finally miss the final in Stockholm after of the Western Conference fi- broken with 201 on the board when suffering a knee injury in April. nals on Saturday. Durant scored Coetzer was caught by Sri Lanka The absence of Ibrahimovic may 33 points, 19 of them in the de- captain Angelo Matthews off initiate a departure from Jose cisive third quarter, and pulled Thisara Perera for 118, which Mourinho's favoured 4-2-3-1 for- down 10 rebounds as the War- came off 84 balls and included 15 mation, but Marcus Rashford is riors secured a 3-0 lead in the boundaries as well as four sixes. likely to enter the fray in an un- best-of-seven series with Game Despite Sri Lanka picking up changed set-up - with Anthony 4 set for Monday in San Anto- a couple of cheap wickets, Cross Martial and Wayne Rooney offer- nio. San Antonio trailed by nine continued to drive Scotland on to- ing additional options up front. points at halftime and got as wards their victory target, as he STYLE finished unbeaten on 106 from 123 Both clubs have typically close as 69-65 two minutes into the third quarter before Golden balls. dominated games but United are Scotland captain Con de Lange more likely to win the possession State took charge with its su- perior firepower and unselfish was 19 not out as his side made battle, averaging nearly 60 per cent 291 for three off 42.5 overs in their in the competition compared to 55 Bernhard Langer claims play. By the middle of the fourth per cent for Ajax. Despite accusa- quarter, the Spurs were settling memorable victory. tions of playing defensively and for shots early in possessions The two teams will meet again negatively, an above-average ma- eighth senior major at and missing most of them while on Tuesday. jority of United's passes have been the Warriors rebuilt an 18-point (Sky Sport) in the opposition's half, in both lead. The Spurs' hopes to get the Europa League and Premier Regions Tradition back in the series were severe- Everything you need to know League, while Ajax have dominat- ly damaged with the announce- about Kell Brook vs Errol Spence ed with more defensive posses- ment just before the game that Jr, plus a packed undercard, on sion. Ajax centre-backs, Davinson forward Kawhi Leonard would Giro d’Italia: Bob Saturday night live on Sky Sports Sanchez and Nick Viergever, will not be available because of a Box Office. attempt to slow the game, passing sprained left ankle. Stephen BF welterweight champion across and from the back line - but Curry added 21 points and six Jungels wins stage Kell Brook has embraced the dan- United are likely to out-pass their steals for the Warriors, who are ger of his mandatory challenger, opponents in the centre of the now a perfect 11-0 in the post- Errol Spence Jr, and will welcome pitch. Ander Herrera will look to season and have won 26 of their close down and disturb Ajax mid- 15 into Bergamo the feted American prospect to past 27 games. Klay Thompson Sheffield's Bramall Lane on Satur- field duo of Davy Klassen and had 17 points, JaVale McGee hit Lasse Schone, while Paul Pogba for 16 (all in the first half) and day night. A torturous weight cut will look to pass and probe through Draymond Green tallied 10 is bringing Brook back down to his the middle third. Despite facing points, seven rebounds and welterweight home after last Sep- some criticism, Pogba has made 360 seven assists as all five of Gold- tember's brave defeat to world mid- passes in his own half - bettered en State's starters scored in dleweight champion Gennady only by Eric Bailly at United - but double figures. It was Durant's Golovkin but his next opponent has also made a club-high 1,035 show in the third quarter that brings threats of his own. Spence passes in the opposition territory. caught the eye, scoring 19 Jr, unbeaten in 21, is among the The 23-year-old also has de- most talented boxers to come out fensive stats that rival the Premier points on 5-of-6 shooting, as the Warriors built an 18-point of the United States in years and League's best defensive midfield- possesses a brutal body shot. But ers, in addition to offering a long- lead before settling for a 100- range and aerial attacking threat. 88 advantage through three the champion, in his home city, has Ajax will need to press and negoti- quarters. eventual eyes on unifying the wel- ate the likes of Herrera and Pogba (BBC Sport) terweight division before perma- if they wish to win the possession nently moving up in weight. But battle, with United naturally play- the next step, for Brook, is a suc- ing further forward than their op- Bob Jungels came out on top in a a bollard 10km from the finish. cessful homecoming… ponents. The activity map below Michael sprint finish to win his first stage Jungels told the race website: Fourth time lucky? George shows how the Netherlands club Bernhard Langer equalled Jack picking up shots at the seventh and in a Grand Tour as Tom Dumoulin "It's not easy to realise but I'm Groves' latest (and possibly final) play a deeper style of football but Nicklaus' all-time record of Senior ninth to reach the turn tied at the retained the leader's pink jersey in super happy with this victory. I attempt to become a world cham- typically attack in the opposi- major championship titles with a top, before pulling three ahead the Giro d'Italia. Jungels (Quick- knew I had good legs today, as I pion arrives as the chief support tion's half in wide areas. Ajax make five-shot victory at the Regions when he rolled in a 15-foot birdie Grassick’s Step Floors) became just the sec- felt good in the climbs. "I tried my to Brook vs Spence Jr. But stand- more dribbles than United from Tradition. Langer fired an eight- at the 12th as Funk racked up a ond rider from Luxembourg to win luck in the final climb but it was a ing in his way is a rugged Russian, those wide attacks - but still aver- under 64 at Graystone Golf and triple-bogey. a stage in the Giro after claiming bit longer than I expected. In the WBA 'super' super-middleweight age slightly fewer crosses per Country Club to defend his title Further birdies over the next victory in the 199km stage 15 from downhill I was in a perfect posi- champion Fedor Chudinov, who is game. However, Ajax midfielder and claim an eighth major success, two holes moved Langer four Valdengo to Bergamo. tion, on the wheel of (Domenico) with nine birdies and sole blemish shots clear, before extending his Texas adept at boxing a long way from Hakim Ziyech will prove a hand- Nairo Quintana (Movistar) Pozzovivo for sprinting. home. ful for Antonio Valencia, having hit seeing him pull clear of nearest cushion with a penultimate hole took second place on the day, claim- "This is my first sprint victo- a competition-high 78 crosses this challengers Scott McCarron and gain to get to 20 under. A bogey- Groves was twice unable to ing a six-second time bonus and ry. To do it at the Giro in front of take Carl Froch's world champi- term, while Schone has also Scott Parel. free back nine from McCarron saw reducing his overall deficit to Du- these guys is wonderful." Dumou- launched 24 crosses from wide. Beginning the day in a share of the American close a three-under Rock moulin (Team Sunweb), which lin said: "It was a hard day at a onships before falling short against Ziyech is the primary creator for third spot and two strokes adrift 69 and share second spot on 15 now stands at two minutes, 41 very high average speed. Badou Jack in Las Vegas so Satur- Ajax, setting up 37 chances en- of Fred Funk, Langer opened with under with Parel, with Marco seconds. "There were a lot of break- day's fight is likely to be his last route to the final, ahead of Traore back-to-back birdies to move into Dawson alongside Funk a further Britain's Adam Yates (Orica) aways and then it was a very hard chance saloon. Chudinov, who beat on 25 - with both also registering a share of the lead. stroke back. finished fourth on the stage to finale with a lot of favourites at- Frank Buglioni in London and also four assists. The Morocco inter- Langer found the rough off the Miguel Angel Jimenez signed springs move up from 13th to 11th in the tacking but we stayed calm and it owns victories in America, the Do- national has also hit 12 shots on fourth tee to post a bogey but for a two-under 70 to finish inside general classification. But Esto- was a good day for us." minican Republican and Germany, target and scored twice, as well as bounced back with a birdie at the the top-20, while Colin Montgom- nia's Tanel Kangert, who started Monday is a rest day ahead of represents a tough nut to crack. being an outlet for counter-attacks, next, as Funk rolled in successive erie shot a level-par 72 to finish 13 the day in seventh, was forced out Tuesday's stage from Rovetta to David Allen's plan to capture the and will be battling against the likes gains from the fifth to pull two strokes off the pace. surprise of the race after suffering a frac- Bormio. championships once held by An- of Herrera on the right-side of clear. The German responded by (BBC Sport) tured elbow following a crash into (Sky Sport) thony Joshua continues with a United's midfield. Ajax apply a Commonwealth title fight against more direct, patient attack on the quarters of a length away in third. Dali, the ground, making 769 passes into the Texas Rock gave an ultra-game front- the veteran Lenroy Thomas. running display to take the Listed ho- Aidan O'Brien-trained 7-4 favourite, lost all Yorkshireman Allen is aiming final third compared to United's chance after being snatched up about a fur- 977. United may play a more di- nours in the Owenstown Stud Stakes at to claim Commonwealth and Brit- Naas. Aidan O'Brien's Whitecliffsofdover long out and finished last after being allowed ish heavyweight title gold before rect game with Ibrahimovic side- to coast home by Ryan Moore. The win- lined, but full-backs Daley Blind was sent off the 8-13 favourite to follow the end of the year after making up his Free Handicap victory, but he could ning trainer said after the 8-1 Listed strike: and Valencia, along with playmak- "He won nicely in Dundalk, but he had a his name in late-2016 with two never quite get to grips with Michael Gras- gutsy defeats to the vastly more er Juan Mata, can provide angled sick's six-year-old gelding. The 16-1 shot little setback after that and we were a bit precision from the flanks. How- was not for passing and crossed the line worried coming here. He's quick and tries experienced Dillian Whyte and ever, with Marouane Fellaini an the head winner from Drumfad Bay un- hard, and Donnacha gave him a great ride. Luis Ortiz. Allen insists he is gain- unlikely starter, Traore will give der Billy Lee. Whitecliffsofdover was half He should improve from that as he missed a ing fitness behind the scenes and Ajax the edge for aerial attacking a length away in third place. It was a first week. "He'd have to go to Ascot after that, plans to showcase his improve- threat - two of his four goals in the Listed success for Grassick as he opened but which race I'm not sure. I'd be inclined to ments against Jamaica's Thomas. competition have been headers. his account for the season. "I felt the stay at five (furlongs) as he's quick and trav- Jamie Cox has been preparing in But Jose Mourinho's men do pose ground was a bit quicker off the rail and it els well. "It's the only horse that Brian (No- Fuerteventura alongside Kell a threat from distance, scoring a didn't look like there was going to be any- lan, from Maynooth) has with me. He bred Brook, and he will contest the competition-high six goals from thing to make the running, so we said we him and has been lucky." True Blue Moon outside the box - one long-range WBA intercontinental super-mid- would play to our strengths," said the was trimmed to 14-1 from 20-1 for the dleweight title against Lewis Tay- goal every two games on average. Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot with Race- Curragh handler. "There were a few six- lor. Andy Townend will fight for DEFENCE furlong horses and we knew our horse Bets and 12-1 from 25s with Betfair. Alpha Ajax centre-backs Viergver and Centauri stamped herself as a leading juve- the Commonwealth super-feath- stayed well. Turning in he got two or erweight belt against Jon Kays and Sanchez surpass United's counter- three lengths on them and that's what nile filly by turning the Coolmore Stud Irish parts for defensive stats - blocks, won it for him. He's tough and was prick- black type today but didn't expect to win. We will probably look for a similar type of race again or maybe EBF Fillies' Sprint Stakes into a procession. Anthony Fowler, the cousin of duels won, headed clearances, tack- ing his ears just doing enough in front. take him to England for something like a Hunt Cup. "He's entered in the Ballycorus Stakes at Leop- Sent on her way as the 8-11 favourite, the Liverpool legend Robbie, will be les, clearances and interceptions - "I'm delighted as I bred him, and it means ardstown next month so that's a possibility, and he has more options now than he had before." True Blue daughter of Mastercraftsman travelled sweet- the latest Olympian to make his while 17-year-old backup Matthijs that bit more. We still have the mare at Moon supplemented his Dundalk debut success in the Coolmore War Command Rochestown Stakes. The ly throughout for Colm O'Donoghue as professional debut on the under- de Ligt also provides robust cover. home. "I was just hoping to get a bit of Joseph O'Brien-trained youngster came through strongly under Donnacha O'Brien in the closing stages Shapes set the pace. card. (Sky Sport) to beat Verhoyen by half a length. British raider Simmy's Copshop, trained by Richard Fahey, was three- (Sky Sport) (Fox News) TUESDAY . MAY 23. 2017-Jawza 02, 1396 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 289 Price: Afs.20

AT News Report terrorist group, and security offi- cials saying that Pakistan support- KABUL: The Afghan security forc- ing them to carry its evil activities es have seized a Pakistani bus car- in the province. Security officials rying 6,250 kilograms of Ammo- showed concern that some ele- nium Nitrate, which is used in ments in the region, including Pa- making Improvised Explosive De- kistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence vice (IED) in eastern Nangarhar (ISI) are supporting militant province, official said on Monday. group. In the past, provincial offi- The explosives packed bus cials said that majority of fighter was seized in Marko Bazzaar area loyal to Daesh militant operating of Ghani Kheil district, sharing in Nangarhar province are Paki- borders with Pakistan. The pro- stani nationals and receiving com- vincial governor office in a media mand from ISI. statement, said that the seized ex- Documents recovered from plosives materials were hidden in Daesh insurgents revealed that 125 bags. This comes as month ago, they had came from Pakistan to the Afghan intelligence operatives fight under the name of Islamic have seized two trucks at Torkham State terrorist group. crossing which were carrying In the past, the Provincial gov- 35700 kilograms of Ammonium ernor spokesman, Attaullah Kho- Nitrate from Pakistan. gyani said that documents and wit- The explosive that was en- ness found from killed or detained tered into Afghan soil for destruc- Daesh fighters during Afghan se- tive activities, have been placed curity forces raids in Achin and skillfully among clothes, the state- Kot districts, proves that most of ment added. A man identified as Daesh loyalist fighters are from he explosives packed bus was seized in Marko Bazzaar area of Ghani Addressing the summit in Riyadh, Trump said many Esmatullah have been detained in Orakzai Agency of Pakistan. “Our the connection of smuggling, and intelligence reports also revealed Kheil district, sharing borders with Pakistan. The provincial gov Middle Eastern countries were making a significant ernor office in a media statement, said that the seized explosives contribution towards ensuring stability in the region. investigation is underway. Nangar- that most of Pakistani citizen are har is burning at the hand of Islam- fighting under Daesh flag in Kot materials were hidden in 125 bags. ic State (IS), also known as Daesh and Achin districts. .S President Donald Trump Trump said that the courageous on Sunday addressed lead Afghan security forces are continu- Uers from across the Mus- ing their battle against the Taliban lim world at the Arab Islamic insurgency. American Summit in the Saudi cap- “Our courageous Afghan sol- ital Riyadh where he explained diers are making tremendous sac- America’s policies on issues cur- rifices in the fight against the Tali- rently facing the world but with ban and others in the fight for their the main focus on joint coopera- country,” he said. tion in the international sphere to Trump called on the Islamic combat terrorism and extremism. countries, particularly the religious Trump pledged to improve leaders, to raise their voices against partnerships between the United terrorists and extremists. States and its allies in the Middle “A better future is only possi- East and other regions in order to ble if your nations drive out the wipe out terrorism. However he terrorists and extremists. Drive. called on Muslim countries to Them. Out. Drive them out of your “drive out” extremists and terror- places of worship. Drive them out ix policemen were killed and three wounded in a ists from their communities and of your communities. Drive them Taliban attack in southern Helmand province, places of worship. out of your holy land, and Drive an official said on Monday. In his speech Trump highlight- them out of this earth,” Trump S Police chief, Maj. Gen. Aqa Noor Kintoz, told ed the U.S’s partnership with Arab said. But, political commentators Pajhwok Afghan News Taliban stormed a road check- countries and said that these coun- in Afghanistan say that Pakistan point in Sangin district on Sunday night. tries are making significant contri- was not slated for its cooperation He said six security personnel were killed and three butions to regional security and in with the militant group at the sum- others wounded in the incident. The commander of the fight against terrorism and ex- mit. “While Pakistan remains a the checkpoint was taken away by the militants in tremism. safe haven for terrorists, but Paki- injured condition. “Many are already making sig- stan’s effective lobbying and its in- The checkpoint was under militants’ control for a nificant contributions to regional fluence in Saudi Arabia apparent- while but it was recaptured after reinforcements security: Jordanian pilots are cru- ly did not provide the chance for reached to the area, Kintoz said. cial partners against ISIS (Daesh) anyone to criticize it,” said politi- However, a security official, who did not want to in Syria and Iraq. The Lebanese cal activist Ajmal Balochzada. be named, said the policemen were killed by their com- Army is hunting ISIS operatives This new development takes mander who had links with the Taliban. But Kintoz who try to infiltrate their territo- place at a time that the U.S is set rejected the claim and said a delegation had been sent ry. Emirati troops are supporting announce its new strategy for Af- to the area to investigate the incident. our Afghan partners. In Mosul, ghanistan. The new strategy ap- Qari Yousaf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, in his American troops are supporting parently includes the deployment twitter account, said that their fighters stormed a se- Kurds, Sunnis and Shias fighting of an additional 5,000 foreign forc- curity post in Karez area of Sangin district. together for their homeland,” said es to Afghanistan to help conven- He claimed eight policemen were killed and their Trump. tional forces in their campaign weapons and ammunitions captured by the Taliban On the Taliban insurgency, against terrorism. (ToloNews) fighters. (Pajhwok) Religious scholar shot dead in Logar AT Monitoring Desk The Ministry of Hajj and Islamic eputy Head of Ulema Affairs (MoHIA) said on Mon- Council for central Logar day Ariana Airlines has again won province have been shot the contract to fly Hajj pilgrims to D Mecca and Medina – a contract dead by unidentified gunmen on Monday, an official said. worth $29 million USD. The min- Salim Saleh, the governor’s istry said that it will also offer tick- spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan ets at a $30 USD discount this year News that Maulvi Abdul Ghafoor against last year’s price of $980 was killed by unknown armed men USD per person. Sixty five guides in the Kolengar area of Pul-i-Alam, and religious instructors will mean- the provincial capital. “Ghafoor while attend at no charge. Ac- was walking to mosque when he cording to the ministry 30,000 pil- cess. We have signed the contract with the airline on the shot dead,” he said, adding that the grims are expected to attend – an basis of their achievements last year and because the cleric did not have enmity with increase of 6,000 against last year. airline is giving us an almost $1 million USD discount anyone and always preached peace. The ministry said in addition to against last year. We hope that this year the Hajj pro- Investigation have already kicked the sponsorship of the guides and cess will also be successful,” said the deputy MoHIA off into the matte, Saleh informed. religious instructors, the survivors minister Daee-ul-Haq Abed. Ariana Airlines meanwhile A resident of the area, Syed Daud, of 1,000 martyrs will attend Hajj said that the airline will use two Airbus A310 planes for said, “Maulvi Abdul Ghafoor was free of charge. “Last year Ariana the duration of the pilgrimage and will charter another also prayer leader at out mosque. Airlines played a vital role in the plane for pilgrims. The airline said a plan to buy new Someone opened fired on him and Hajj process and had direct fights aircraft for the company has been already been sent to killed him this morning.” A gov- to Mecca and Medina. Our pil- government. “We will use our two Airbus A310 planes ernment-controlled area, Kolengar grims flew to Mecca and back for Hajj but two planes are not enough so we will char- is located five kilometers north of home without any problems and ter another plane for the process,” said Mohammad Pul-i-Alam. had been satisfied with the pro- Nader Omar Chief of Ariana Airlines. (ToloNews)