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www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimes www.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes THURSDAY. JANUARY 28. 2016 -Dalwa 08, 1394 HS Yo ur Yo ur ad ad he re he re 0778894038 0778894038

By Akhtar M. Nikzad PESHAWAR: has lodged : A new global study by Indian cabinet OKs revised cost a protest with Afghan Charge Transparency International has d’Affaires Syed Abdul Nasir given third position of Afghan parliament building Yousafi over allegations that the for in 2015. PESHAWAR: The Indian cabinet on Wednesday accorded ex-post facto attack on Bacha Khan University The Kabul-based Integrity approval to the revised cost of Rs969 crore of Afghanistan’s parliament (BKU) was planned and directed Watch Afghanistan (IWA), local building. During his month’s trip to Kabul, Prime Minister Narendra from neighbouring country. partner for the organization, said Modi inaugurated the India-built parliament -- a symbol of New Delhi’s KABUL: The United States says Yousafi was summoned to the Wednesday that Afghanistan contribution to strengthening democracy in Afghanistan. According to it continues to back reconciliation Foreign Office (FO) in Islamabad scored just 11 points out of 100 talks between the government of on Monday and conveyed Paki- an Indian government statement, the parliament building was construct- Afghanistan and Taliban on end- and reached to rank 166 out of 168 ed in line with Kabul-Delhi development cooperation. Minor touch-up ing 15 years of conflict in the Cen- stan’s concern regarding the use of countries (after Somalia and North works, including parts of the sound system and furniture, are being tral Asian country. Afghanistan’s soil by certain ter- Korea). undertaken. The parliament building will be officially handed over to State Department’s spokes- rorist elements in the terrorist at- Ikram Afzali, Chief Executive Afghan authorities by March 31.India has invested two billion dollars in person Mark Toner told an Amer- tack on Jan 20. Officer for the IWA called Afghan- aid and reconstruction of Afghanistan. Addressing Afghan MPs after ican news website that Taliban’s In a statement on Tuesday, the istan one of the most corrupted inauguration of the parliament building, Modi had complimented the position would be known only af- foreign ministry said the relevant people of Afghanistan and their elected representatives on consolidation ter they entered into a formal ne- details had already been shared countries. “After Somalia and of democracy. (Pajhwok) North Korea, Afghanistan stands gotiation process. with the Afghan side. Yousafi was at the top of global corruption list,” America’s reiteration of sup- told investigations had established Afzali said. McCain faults port for the reconciliation effort that the mastermind, planners and came days after the insurgent out- handlers had used Afghan soil and The report claims that the FOUR DE-MINERS fit set preconditions for resuming country has advanced in corrup- Obama’s plan peace parleys with the Ashraf telecommunication network. tion comparing to the previous KILLED IN HELMAND Ghani administration. A demarche delivered to the years. “In 2014, Afghanistan got At Pugwash sponsored meet- diplomat urged the Afghan govern- 12 points out of 100 and ranked AT News Report for troop ing in Doha, the Taliban negotiator ment to take action against the the fourth.” supported freedom of speech and perpetrators of the terrorist act and Afzali said that the National KABUL: At least four employees MAS) in a statement strongly con- pullout women’s rights in light of Islamic extend cooperation to Pakistani Unity Government had no suc- of the Demining Agency For Af- demned the attack on the Afghan An influential American lawmaker teachings and sought a ceasefire, authorities to bring them to justice ghanistan (DAFA) were killed and de-miners, saying that de-miners has voiced serious concern over the as well as the release of prisoners. at the earliest possible. cessful efforts for elimination of Asked by Breitbart News for corruption in the in state organs. one other injured when militants are neutral, humanitarian workers plan for US military withdrawal At least 21 people were killed attacked them on Wednesday in who provide a service to commu- from Afghanistan. In an interview comment on Taliban’s demands, and more than 30 others wounded He termed lack of decision for the State Department spokesper- and effective long-term strategy Nahr-e-Siraj district of the south- nities in Afghanistan. with Voice of America on Wednes- last week when unidentified gun- AT News Report day, Senator John McCain alleged son said: “The US continues to and the existence of some parallel ern , a provin- “The Mine Action Program of support an Afghan-led and Afghan- men stormed the university in cial official said. Afghanistan will not be deterred President Barack Obama's plan Charsadda and opened fire on stu- administrations as the main factors KABUL: At least 42 Taliban mili- was encouraging the Taliban. In owned peace process as the surest for growing corruption in govern- tants have been killed and 32 in- “The de-miners were attacked from this important work by such way to ensure lasting stability in dents and faculty members. while they were conducting their attacks that violate the most basic early October 2015, Obama an- ment organs. He stressed that con- jured in a series of operations nounced keeping more than 5,500 the region.”(Pajhwok) (Pajhwok) tinuation of corruption was help- launched by the Afghan National normal mine clearance activities,” principles of humanity,” it added. troops in Afghanistan beyond the ing dismounting insecurity. Security Forces (ANSF) in differ- Omar Zwak, provincial spokesman Helmand is the country’s most end of his term. Under his deci- ent provinces, security officials told Afghanistan Times. notorious province for poppy cul- sion, 9,800 American troops would LOGAR’S “Corruption puts negative said Wednesday. “Afghan Nation- impacts on the dismounting inse- He said the assault was car- tivation. The province is heavily remain in Afghanistan through al Army (ANA), the National Di- ried out by the Taliban insurgents affected by mines and unexploded BECOMES MAJOR HASHISH HUB curity and increasing joblessness rectorate of Security (NDS) and 2016. The US military will keep which would lead towards more Afghan National Police (ANP) at around 10: 35 am local time in ordnance. Provincial records show 5,500 troops in Kabul and at a few PUL-I-ALAM: The Azra district vest season. Abbazhai village. that in 2015, landmines and unex- bases, including those in Bagram, challenges in the future,” he men- launched joint operations in of central has be- Hamidi said arable land in the Nooristan, Ghazni, Logar, Kanda- Meanwhile, The United Na- ploded ordnance claimed nearly 23 and Kandahar. But the tioned. Republican senator from Arizona come a major hub of hashish crop district was insufficient and resi- har, Helmand, Laghman and Pak- tion Mine Action Service (UN- lives of civilians. cultivation and drug smuggling, lo- dents instead of growing food He said that police and judi- tia provinces in the past 24 hours,” said the pullout strategy worried ciary organs need basic reforms and defense ministry said in a state- him a great deal. He said the next cal officials say. crops used to cultivate poppy and practical measures in the struggle ment. “The militants were thread- US president would have to main- The district’s chief, Hamidul- hashish crops. against corruption. ing the citizens and created chal- tain a much larger force in Afghan- lah Hamid, told Pajhwok Afghan The official said the cultiva- Nasir Timoori, researcher for lenges for government in these prov- istan. As the security environment News that most residents of the tion of the illicit crops could be the IWA called corruption one of inces.” “Security forces have also in the war-torn country has con- town used their land to cultivate prevented only when the govern- seized several weapons and tens siderably deteriorated due to a hashish and poppy crops. ment provided alternative source the basic reasons of the ongoing spike in insurgent-linked violence, insecurity, adding that increasing of landmines. The militants want- He said by cultivating poppy of income to the farmers. ed to plant the landmines on the the former presidential runner be- and smuggling drugs, the residents A member of the provincial of conflicts deeply linked to cor- roadsides to target security forces lieved Afghanistan could even need ruption. “If the government really and innocent civilians.” Civilians a permanent US presence. The resolved their economic problems. council and resident of Azra dis- wants to ensure security, it should across the country are the most Taliban had bases in neighbouring “90 percent of the land in Azra trict, Abdul Wali Wakeel, told Pa- fight against corrupt persons and victims of the landmine blasts. Pakistan, from where they staged district is used to grow hashish jhwok Afghan News that most of ensure transparency and account- The statement also confirmed attacks on Afghan forces and in- crop and the growers by selling the the land in the district was grown ability in its own organs,” Timoori that five army soldiers were “mar- flicted casualties on them, he not- yield earn millions of afghanis each with cannabis. said. “In the past one year, the tyred” during the counter-terror- ed, faulting Obama’s strategy. “The year and the 10th part of their in- He also confirmed the resi- ism operations. main thing is that we send the Tal- come is given to Taliban as ushr,” dents were earning millions of af- government had no achievement in In another statement, the 201st iban the message we are not leav- fight against corruption.” the district chief said. ghanis from the sale of the hashish Selab Corps of the national army ing Afghanistan. But the president He said the Taliban used to crop. He said the district had been Tens of youth leave country said that six Daesh fighters were keeps telling them we are leaving; for Europe endangering their lives killed in a drone strike in Achin which can only encourage the Tal- collect the ushr amounting to mil- turned into a big centre of drug trade due to lack of job at home. district of . iban,” he remarked. lions of afghanis during the har- and smuggling. (Pajhwok) 35 areas in Badakhshan prone to natural disasters

FAIZABAD: At least 35 areas in displaced 700 families. (Pajhwok) northeastern In last winter, 70 families were are prone to natural disasters amid displaced from Ajal village of troubles residents face in the wake after a crack ap- of border closure with neighbour- peared in a nearby mountain. Taliban militants have cut cables operation still continues near the ing Tajikistan, officials said on The epicenters of several supplying power to Kabul amid a provincial capital Pul-i-Khumri. Wednesday. earthquakes, including a stronger heavy crackdown against them by More than 2,000 troops are part Sayed Abdullah Dehqan, Af- one, in the last few months were the security forces in parts of of the operation. ghanistan Natural Disaster Man- in Badakhshan, where residential northern . Meanwhile, officials at the ‘Da agement Authority (ANDMA) buildings were threatened to col- More than two dozen insur- Afghanistan Breshna Shirkat director for Badakhshan, told Pa- lapse. gents have been reportedly killed (DABS)’ say militants have sev- jhwok Afghan News they had iden- In October, 2015, a 7.7 magni- and wounded during the crack- ered power cables in Bagh Shamal tified 35 areas prone to natural ca- tude earthquake shook several down since Tuesday. area. lamities in Argo, Daraim, Yaftal-i- parts in the north and northeast- Two commanders of the group The power cables supply Pain, Shahri Buzurg, Arghanj ern zone of the country. At least Qari Bashir and Qari Juma Gul are ’s electricity to Kabul. Khwa, Tishkan, Yawan, Baharak, 115 people, including 16 in Bada- among the over 15 militants killed This comes as Taliban said Tagab, Shuki, Khwahan and khshan, were killed and another in the operation. during the Pugwash conference in Kasham districts. 500 were injured in the quake. Sev- Local officials say Taliban have Qatar that they won’t harm pub- “These areas become more en residential homes were also col- retreated from many areas and the lic utility projects. risky when rains continue for a lapsed as result of the disaster. long time because rains and snow- fall trigger sliding of mountains and hills,” he said, asking the govern- accused of violating power deal with Afghanistan ment to provide safe places for residents in vulnerable areas. HERAT CITY: Iran is violating an 2015, but Iran sought a month- electricity from Iran and 20 megawatts from Turkmenistan. (Pajhwok) The official said supporting agreement on electricity export and long extension, citing inclement people of the vulnerable areas was installing a power transformer in weather conditions,” he said. De- beyond the provincial govern- Afghanistan, officials in western spite the passage of that one ment’s ability. Dehqan said the alleged on Wednes- month, the project is yet to be com- government should act decisively day. pleted. in handling the issue, otherwise a The Breshna Shirkat for Herat Kamrani accused Iran’s Min- catastrophe was possible if the is- blamed Iran for failing to imple- istry of Energy of making excuses, sue was ignored. ment the deal signed last year on whenever contacted by the Bresh- However, Chief Executive Of- exporting 132 kilowatts of elec- na Shirkat on the issue. Electricity ficer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah, tricity and increasing supply to the shortage in Herat would have end- chairing a meeting of the High Com- province by 36 percent. ed if Iran had executed the project, mission on Managing Natural Di- Based on the agreement, Wa- he claimed. sasters two days, discussed the hid Kamrani told Pajhwok Afghan Meanwhile, Iranian Consul vulnerable areas in Badakhshan. News, energy-deficient Afghani- General Mahmood Afkhami Rash- Abdullah ordered members of stan had paid $6 million in advance idi said since he had no informa- the commission to appoint a dele- to Iran in return for the electricity tion about the project, he could not gation to assess these areas in the import. comment on the issue. province. “The power import project had Local officials say Herat cur- In 2014, a landslide buried hun- to be completed on December 21, rently imports 120 megawatts of dreds of people in Argo district and This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY. JANUARY 28, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Meet Shuja Rabbani, the Afghan producer on a mission to bring EDM to Kabul On August 15, 2013, as American year old Rabbani moonlights as a women were beheaded by Taliban moreover, can feel like an attempt troops were pulling out of Afghan- producer and political blogger. He militants after they were caught to dismantle firm gender barriers istan, the city of Bamiyan played is a son of the late, former Afghan dancing at a party. In July, a musi- that cut through Afghani culture,

By Ahmad Shah KHOST: Women activists in the of the department of women’s af- added, “so they violate those trib- southeastern province of Khost fairs,” she continued. al decisions”. complain that they being excluded However, the dozens of female Zeba Barakzai, head of the from communal occasions, accus- activists working in Khost say that Khost branch of the Afghan Wom- ing local officials of having no in- the token presence of women offi- en’s Network, said that her organ- terest in anything more than a to- cial at official meetings was not isation’s central office was very ken female presence at public enough. keen for her to participate in high- events. “Women are seen as having no profile events and so raise aware- This lack of representation value in this society,” said provin- ness about gender equality issues. extended to important consultative cial council member Waghma Arzo. The problem is that she was not meetings, said Kamila Akbari, the “People still have this belief that invited, Barakzai explained. head of a women’s capacity build- women were created to stay in- “Our administration wants a ing organisation in Khost. side the home and men to work monthly report about meetings She said that when the presi- outside the house.” held by the women’s network, the dent visited the province a few “I am upset with the authori- problems and issues we recorded, months ago, only male represen- ties,” she continued. “They ensure and in how many events have we tatives were invited to meet him. the support of young men in ev- participated. However, no one in- “As far as I know, the gover- nor of Khost and the tribal leaders raised issues people face in the province, but there was no wom- host to a four-hour celebration of president Burhanuddin Rabbani, cologist named Ahmad Sarmast playfully subverting hyper-mas- an there to present gender concerns young Afghan music acts, spon- who was assassinated in 2011 at was maimed by a Taliban suicide culine themes by contrasting them in Khost to the president,” she sored by the United Nations. For his residence by Taliban suicide bomber attack during a perfor- with feminine imagery. Gracing the continued, adding sarcastically, centuries, Bamiyan had been fa- bombers. His brother is Afghani- mance by the Afghanistan Sym- cover of Alpha Male is an armed “No-one provided any informa- mous for the standing Buddha stat- stan's current minister of foreign phony Orchestra. Afghan woman with a rose potted tion to the president about the ues—once the tallest Buddhist ef- affairs. Rabbani's relationship to "DJing is alien to Afghani mu- into the nozzle of a gun. Contra- problems faced by women in figies in the world—carved into the his own family history is compli- sic. Even music composed by as- dicting the apparent peace of that Khost, so I think that the presi- mountains on the outskirts of the cated: when it comes to talking sembling samples together is un- message are macho track titles like dent might have thought that the city. By the time of the Bamiyan about how he ended up leaving known as a form of music. I'm "Warlordick," "Sextremist," and people of Khost are very good and Music Festival, they had been re- Afghanistan and living the expat working to change that."—Shuja "Snitch Bitch." Rabbani claims to behave perfectly towards women duced to a pile of rubble, bombed life, he's tight-lipped, and asks me Rabbani be playing with dichotomies in- and respect all their rights.” over the course of a week by the to keep references to his family to This violent opposition to the vented by the media: "Afghan so- Khost activist Zohra Jalal not- Taliban in 2001, who'd declared a minimum—the better to shine very goal Rabbani is trying to ciety is judged by how internation- ed the example of a video confer- them to be idolatrous. light on the music. "My back- achieve gives his mission a quixot- al media portrays it." he says. "I ence call the president held with Now, 12 years after the de- ground is certainly not a secret but ic quaity. If EDM does catch on in gave my album a feminine cover the Khost governor and other pub- struction of the Buddhas, thou- I also don't want to bank on it," he Afghanistan, will it ever be safe and a macho theme, but neither of lic figures earlier in 2015 to dis- sands of people gathered under writes me via email. "I guess my enough for people to perform it these [stereotypes] reflect what cuss challenges facing the province. their husks for a day of music and personal principle in life is that if I live? Rabbani, for his part, has nev- the younger generations are em- Women were neither invited to celebration. A large outdoor stage didn't earn it, I don't deserve it and er played a gig. "That's my next bracing." Rabbani himself has a attend the meeting nor were any ery gathering, however young vites us to the events and so we lined with LED lights had been set that's why I only mention my fa- big goal," he says: "to put together complicated relationship with the issues related to gender equality women…are neither invited to are unable to report back.” up, and a state-of-the-art sound ther in rare political blogs where I a live performance." For now, how- media. He has instant name recog- raised in the event, she continued. meetings nor supported by any- Bostan Walizai, head of the system blasted rock, pop, hip- have to." Instead of going into pol- ever, the producer is readying his nition, but that in turn becomes a This meant that women who one. Isn’t this evidence of biased Civil Society and Human Rights hop, and traditional Afghan music itics himself, Rabbani has under- live set-up from the remote safety double-edged sword. "I'm con- voted in the presidential elections behaviour?” Organisation in the province, was across the mountain walls into fer- taken an unlikely crusade: to bring of the United Arab Emirates, a stantly being judged based on my last year now felt betrayed. Women also complain that trib- also concerned. tile farmlands at their feet. One EDM to a state not only absent of thousand miles away from his na- last name," he says. "And I'm try- “The president has forgotten al leaders also exclude women from “Women’s insignificant repre- particular concert mainstay, how- electronic music, but at least to tive Afghanistan. ing to make people understand us, and he hasn’t asked the former decision-making processes, even sentation in Khost government ever, remained absent from the Rabbani, suspicious of it as well. Truth be told, Alpha Male's that I am Shuja before I am Rab- governor what kinds of problems when they are directly relevant to offices, men not valuing women Bamiyan Music Festival: no mu- Earlier this month, the produc- oceanic synth washes, metallic bani. But because my last name is the women of Khost face,” Jalal their lives. and low capacity have led to wom- sic was played between acts. er released the Alpha Male LP on melodies, and punchy beats feel attached to a strong political fig- said. Khost resident Rahima noted en being denied even more rights,” When organizer Basir Hamid his own label, Rabbani Records. better suited to driving with the ure, it just becomes difficult to sep- Nadia Bawari, head of the lo- that several huge tribal gatherings he said. tweeted about the festival, Shuja Falling somewhere between EDM top down around the Palm Island arate the two." Despite this frus- cal women’s union, added, “Un- had been held to decide on restrict- Legal expert Najibullah Rabbani, an Afghani electronic and dubstep, with hints of Indian of Dubai than steering through traf- tration, Rabbani appears proud to fortunately, I have to say that there ing or eliminating the payment of Alokhail said that gender equality music producer, took the oppor- music sprinkled in, Alpha Male fic-clogged streets of Kabul. "Af- have amassed a large social media is a great deal of discrimination dowries. was, in theory, enshrined in Af- tunity to weigh in: "Looks fantas- sounds like it could fit right at home ghan music doesn't actually influ- presence. "I've got everyone from towards women in Khost.” These sums are often so large ghan law. tic, but where's the DJ?" Two in a Mumbai club. But while India ence my work," Rabbani says with ambassadors to celebrities follow- Social affairs expert Ershad that young men must delay their He compared female partici- years later, and Rabbani is still ask- and even Pakistan are home to a a laugh, admitting that he has ing me," says Rabbani with a slight Raghand said that any meeting that marriage for years and some never pation in social affairs with a bird ing that same question: "DJing is thriving club culture, Kabul is a city turned down offers to remix Ra- hint of braggadocio. His most re- did not include women was a waste marry at all. in flight. alien to Afghani music," he tells where contemporary dance clubs bab music, an indigenous genre cent music video for the single " of time. Not a single female represen- “Man and woman are like the me over Skype. "Even music com- are ad hoc, rare, and hidden within based upon the guitar-like instru- Prisoner Of My Dance Floor," “Half of human society is tative was invited to these gather- wings of the bird; if one wing of posed by assembling samples to- heavily secured compounds in ment from which it takes its name. a pastiche of 3D-generated angels, missing in such gatherings as well ings, she continued, which meant the bird is missing, it will never be gether is unknown as a form of Kabul's Diplomats Quarter. Driv- Indian music, he says, is a bigger devils, skulls, and animals, was as in their conclusions. [Women’s] that the rulings on the dowry were able to fly. Similarly, the develop- music. I'm working to change that." ing this concern for safety is fear influence on Alpha Male, with released late last month; as of this needs, problems, and opinions re- bound to fail. ment of society without women’s A Kabul native now working of the Taliban, who aggressively peak moments sounding like a dif- writing, it has wracked up over main unsaid.” Mothers insisted on the pay- participation is impossible.”— as business man for an Australian oppose popular or non-religious fident David Guetta scoring a Bol- 30,000 views on YouTube. When Women in the province have ment of a hefty pride price, she (IPWR) company based in Dubai, the 35- music. In 2012, 15 men and 2 lywood film. "I love Indian mu- he's not responding to Afghan cur- long complained that they are shut sic," he says citing the massive rent affairs to his 300K followers out of public life. Only a tiny pro- aesthetic influence of Afghani- on Twitter, or writing about Islam- portion of civil servants are female, stan's most powerful political ally ic reform or Afghan president despite attempts to introduce pos- and biggest humanitarian aid pro- Ashraf Ghani on his blog, he's pro- itive discrimination into local gov- vider. "Afghans are 100% aware moting the hasthag #EDMA (EDM ernment hiring practices. of the music industry of India and Afghanistan). Sometimes just the According to official figures, their celebrities. If EDM and DJing hashtag alone is enough to galva- just 240 women work in govern- culture suddenly exploded in In- nize over 2000 retweets. Clearly, ment offices in , dia, it would be only a short time he is finding his audience. compared with close to 8,000 men. before it made its way to Afghan- On his CV, Rabbani claims that Six more women work with the istan." his label is the "first-ever Afghan- Afghan military there. For now, bringing club culture owned and online-registered record Civil society activist Naat Bibi KABUL: Human rights work in with the previous government over connected or in positions of pow- surveillance for an undefined peri- to his home country has been Rab- company." "Before I founded my said that this exclusion extended Afghanistan faces a greater threat this issue. er themselves felt free to act with od of time and without any docu- bani's solo battle, and even with Rabbani Records, I did my re- to local celebrations as well as po- from elements within the govern- In December 2011, the com- impunity, he said, adding that le- mentation. The intelligence service his large social media following, he search and discovered to my dis- litical meetings. ment than from the armed insur- mission was due to present a ma- gal action was rarely taken against can also keep an individual in pris- knows that it will take more than a may that no Afghan artists were She highlighted the festivities gents, according to experts. jor report on three decades of hu- such offenders. on after their term has ended if hit song to have an impact in his on bigger music platforms such as held each year on August 20 to mark They warn that government man rights abuses in Afghanistan, Baidar complained that this [they deem it] necessary.” native country. "We have an incon- iTunes, Google Play, and Beatport. Independence Day and the defeat forces are often unwilling or un- which was said to include the unequal implementation of the law Despite repeated requests, the sistent contemporary culture," You had huge Afghanistan music of the British army in a landmark able to ensure the rule of law, lead- names of former warlords who are meant that justice was impossible. spokespeople of the attorney gen- Rabbani tells me. As an example, celebrities that weren't doing much 1880 battle. ing to an increase in violations. currently high-ranking government “Unfortunately, due to the fact eral’s office and the ministry of he cites the thriving Afghani hip- to make themselves available to the These were attended by thou- Activists also told IWPR that new officials. that those who violate human rights interior affairs declined to be in- hop scene emerging from Berlin— outside world. It's easier to down- sands of men, but women had lit- legislation may further imperil ba- Experts in the field marked last have powerful friends in govern- terviewed. Slaimon, sadiQ, and Kaliban are load their music illegally on tor- tle involvement and only a hand- sic rights. year’s international human rights ment, we have mostly been unable Zafar Hashimi, deputy among many artists I found going rent sites." Currently, Rabbani is ful of female representatives were “Our staff members have been day on December 12 by issuing to achieve our aims [as an organi- spokesman for President Ashraf down a YouTube hole—only to the sole artist on his label, though invited to the official ceremonies, threatened even by high-ranking dire warnings of an increase in vio- zation].” he said. Ghani, said that the government have been met with deaf ears back he has sent several open calls for Bibi said. This was particularly government authorities,” Lal Gul, lations across the country. AIHRC regional head Sham- cooperated fully with human rights in Kabul. "The general public," he new Afghan talent that would fit galling as it was a female folk hero chairman of the Afghanistan Hu- Douglas Keh, United Nations sul Haq Ahmadzai highlighted advocacy groups. says, "still maintains traditional the label's electronic dance aesthet- who played a central in the deci- man Rights Organisation, told Development Program Afghani- some specific examples of what he He said that the president was tastes that run counter to the grow- ic. Still, he says that finding that sive battle the celebrations com- IWPR. stan country director, told a cere- said was corruption in the legal committed to bringing war crimi- ing Westernized influences that talent has been slow a process. He memorate. He said that influential pow- mony at Kabul University that he system. nals and human rights violators to expat Afghans are bringing in." recalls being approached by Kab- “Malalai of Helmand had the erbrokers posed more of a prob- had grave concerns about the situ- Ahmadzai said there were hun- justice and would not tolerate cor- Popular music television shows ul Dreams—"the biggest post-9/ major role in independence,’ she lem than threats from armed in- ation. dreds of prisoners still in deten- ruption. like Afghan Star (a American Idol- 11 Afghan rock band," Rabbani said, explaining that this young surgents. Assaults on his staff had “There are few countries that tion Bagram prison, a former US “The duty of the government inspired program) and The Voice tells me. "They wanted help with Pashtun woman had carried the gone unpunished he added, noting face such intense conflicts as Af- facility now back under sole Af- is to implement the constitution Afghanistan bring people on stage distribution, and I wanted to help, Afghan flag and rallied the troops a grenade attack on their head of- ghanistan. Under these circum- ghan control, despite having been and in the constitution, there is no who play traditional instruments but I had to acknowledge that our as they fought in the battle of fice eight months ago. stances people cannot receive their cleared by court decisions. room for those who betray people and sing folk songs. "There's noth- genres were just too different." Maiwand, before she was mortal- Despite his staff cooperating fundamental rights and have no “There is one prisoner who and make illegal deals,” Hashimi ing wrong with that," concedes Still, Rabbani recognizes that ly wounded. fully with the security forces and access to justice,” he said. has already served his 20-year pe- said, adding that if human rights Rabbani, "but I feel an artistic pre- his dream of a thriving EDM scene “However, the men have for- petitioning the president’s office, Abdul Basir Anwar, minister riod of his imprisonment, but be- groups encountered problems they rogative to break through that box." in Kabul won't come true overnight. gotten this. They still discriminate there had been no progress into the of justice of Afghanistan, acknowl- cause some of powerful individu- should lodge official complaints. Still, there is increasing evi- Electronic music production tools against us. But why? are we not search for the culprits, Lal contin- edged that there was a problem. als in the government are against Some experts said that the only dence that young people are using still are not very widespread in from this homeland? Don’t we ued. “The cause for the continuing his release, he is still in prison de- way the situation could improve Western musical forms—and es- Afghanistan, a country in which have rights? What does the law say? “If fifth columnists and pow- violation of human rights is the lack spite spending 24 years there,” he was through outside intervention. pecially rap—to breathe new life less than 50% of the population Not inviting women to these gath- erful people were not involved in of rule of law; I call on all institu- said. Baidar warned of recent leg- “The Afghan government into Afghanistan's sonic traditions have access to the internet. "I have erings is a cruel response to the this attack, why is it being cov- tions to bring human rights viola- islative moves that he said com- should observe the human rights and inspire political activism in had an unfair advantage over a lot sacrifice made by Malalai.” ered up?” he asked. tors to justice and punish them in pletely contradicted human rights conventions that Afghanistan is their peers. An artist who made of people," he says, recalling his Mubarez Mohammad Zadran, Political analyst Atiqullah accordance with the law,” he said. principles. He gave an example of party to,” said Gul, of the Afghan- international headlines was the fe- early access to computers and the spokesman of the Khost gov- Amarkhail was also convinced that However, AIHRC spokesman an annex to the Afghan penal code istan Human Rights Organization. male rapper Sonita Alizadeh, who music programs. "But I also see ernor, said such allegations were some threats against human rights Rafiullah Baidar said that a major created in September 2015. “The international community and in 2014 released a video of herself these tools becoming more widely without foundation. workers emanated from high-rank- problem was corruption across the “This extension means that the United Nations should put spitting verse in a wedding dress, available now to Afghanistan's “Every week, the head of the ing figures within the government. entire system, particularly in the the security institutions can put pressure on the Afghan govern- decrying her mother's attempts to youth." And if rock bands like provincial department of women’s “As long as there are criminal judiciary. Criminals who are well- someone accused of a crime under ment to respect human rights and sell her into marriage. The video Kabul Dreams, rappers like Soni- affairs, along with other depart- individuals within the body of the to ensure the security of the em- went viral, and earned Alizadeh a ta Alizadeh, and producers like mental heads, meet with the gov- government, the law will not be ployees of these organizations.” scholarship to study music in the Shuja Rabbani are any indication, ernor and share information on the implemented nor human rights en- Political scientist Amarkhail US. Female rappers have, in fact, the next generation of Afghan mu- development and problems of the sured,” he said. was also convinced that the situa- been the most successful of the sicians have begun expressing women of Khost,” he said. Sima Samar, head of the Af- tion could only be changed through Afghan rap genre, with Soosan themselves through more modern- The two female members of ghanistan Independent Human outside pressure. Firooz and Paradise using hip-hop ized sounds. Rabbani acknowledg- the provincial council also held Rights Commission (AIHRC) told “Right now the only way for- to advocate for women's rights. es Afghanistan's growing musical monthly meetings with the gover- IWPR that weak governance and ward is for these human rights bod- Over the phone, I ask Rabbani diversity with a sense of pride, and nor, Zadran said, adding that the patchy implementation of the law ies to get in touch with interna- if his mission to bring Western is encouraged to keep up his part: governor’s door was always open had led to higher rates of violations. tional advocacy organizations so dance music to Afghanistan is in "I want to help pave the way for if women had problems they want- “Unfortunately, there is no that they pressurize the govern- any way politically motivated. others to do what I'm doing," he ed to raise with him. suitable political commitment ment of Afghanistan to cooperate "Not especially," he replies, tells me near the end of our con- Malalai Wali, head of the de- from the government to bringing with the groups working here to "though politics tends to make its versation. partment of women’s affairs in about justice and ensuring human ensure human rights,’ he said. “Oth- way into my work." He mentions "Either by inspiring them Khost, also said that she was in- rights, which is our biggest prob- erwise, human rights violators will releasing tracks during the 2014 through my art, or by guiding them vited to events. lem. Some individuals currently in remain within the government, and Afghanistan elections—or in his to a worldwide audience. This is “If female members of civil power are accused of the violation will always create problems and word, "selections"—that mocked how I'd like to help bring change society are not invited to the meet- of human rights.” prevent justice being done.”— the candidates by auto-tuning clips to Afghanistan." ings, this is not the responsibility The AIHRC came into conflict (IWPR) of their speeches. His albums, thump.vice This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY. JANUARY 28, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

It outlasted the Russian occupa- While his children adjusted important conferences and wed- tion and survived a Taliban siege. quickly to their new life, the former ding parties. In 2006, on his first day as diplomat found it more difficult — Taliban gunfight at hotel president of Kabul's crumbling In- his English was limited and his But the good times ended tercontinental Hotel, Mohammad degree was not recognised. abruptly on June 28, 2011, when Sarwari was escorted to his filthy But life slowly improved. Taliban fighters stormed the build- basement office. He opened a successful import ing, as guests enjoyed the warm He sat down on a dirty chair business and made friends. summer evening at an alfresco par- semble all these explosives in a from car bombs, the station’s and the hotel staff filed in, ap- "In Australia, you can get in ty. truck and bring them.” sprawling grounds also store thou- plauded his arrival, and left. your car and drive to Brisbane, the Mr Sarwari, who had left just EMERGENCY Sediqqi, whose ministry pre- sands of vehicles towed after traf- Alone, Mr Sarwari, an Afghan- Sunshine Coast, Bondi Beach," he 10 minutes before, watched help- KABUL: To understand the ter- sides over local and national po- fic accidents or for infractions. In CALLS ror the Taliban has wreaked upon lice, said car bombs continue to fact, so many vehicles have sud- Afghanistan, head to the outskirts stump his officers. denly disappeared only to end up Police of the capital, down a lane of shin- “There is a big possibility that impounded here that Kabul resi- deep mud, through mounds of gar- they make these bombs in some dents have wryly given Shahrak bage picked over by sheep and areas surrounding Kabul,” he said, the nickname “Guantanamo.” 100 - 119 street urchins, over a putrid moat “but we do not know exactly where Gulbahari gave a reporter a and past armed guards. they come from or how they get tour of the torched debris. He be- There you will find Shahrak here.” gan with the Toyota Corolla that Hospitals police station — the final resting Wherever they come from, detonated near the airport, then place for the wrecks that carried many of the cars eventually end pointed to an unrecognizable chunk FMIC Hospital Kabul’s car bombs. up here in Shahrak. So, too, do the of metal: the remnants of a car Behind Kabul Medical Here lie the charred husks of vehicles that were on the streets bomb that had targeted Shukria University: more than a dozen vehicles. Like near the explosions. Barakzai, an outspoken member of exhibits in a macabre museum, the “If the car bomb goes off in- parliament who ran a secret school 0202500200-+93793275595 ruined cars recall the violence that side the city, they bring the wreck- for girls during the Taliban’s reign. has consumed the city in recent age here so it doesn’t disturb peo- Three civilians died in the Novem- Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital years. To one side sits the skele- ple,” Gulbahari said. “If it happens ber 2014 blast, and Barakzai sur- ton of a Taliban truck bomb that outside the city, they just throw it vived “only by magic,” she told Pule Bagh-e- Umomi targeted the Afghan parliament. on the side of the road.” The Post at the time. 070263672 Nearby, a suicide bomber’s Bystanders lucky enough to Gulbahari stopped next to two scorched turban slowly fades in the survive suicide bombings some- charred cars stacked on top of one sunlight. times come to Shahrak to claim their another. The one on the bottom Khairkhana Hospital Years of pain are piled up at damaged cars, he said. A blue de- was damaged by a suicide attack Shahrak. livery truck with its windows shat- last year, he said. The one on the 0799-321007 “We are used to it by now,” tered and back blown off awaited top exploded near Shahrak several 2401352 said police officer Miragha Gulba- its owner, a scorched load of char- months ago after someone attached hari, holding the turban up for a coal still visible inside. a magnetic bomb to its underbelly, reporter to see. “We have seen a Cars belonging to the suicide killing the driver. Indira Gandhi Children lot of terrible things.” bombers normally arrive in much The tour ended with a grisly Australian then in his fifties and said. lessly from afar as the iconic hotel Afghans are hoping the terror worse shape. The twisted mounds finale: a minivan burnt to a brown Hospital, Wazir Akbar recently returned to his country "When there is war, where can on the hill was set ablaze and Tal- ends soon. On Jan. 18, officials of metal look more like avant-garde metallic shell. Last summer, the of birth, took in the layers of grime you go?" iban fighters traded gunfire with Khan, Kabul 2301372 from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Chi- sculptures than automobiles, but Taliban loaded the van with explo- and the lurid yellow, red and black In 2004, a friend implored him NATO helicopters. na and the United States met for they are stained with blood. sives and drove it toward the Af- décor. to come back to Afghanistan. Twelve people were murdered the second time to plan a tentative “Sometimes, when the cars ghan parliament building. When "What is this place?" he asked Guests would laugh or cry in the attack, including guests and Ibn-e- Seena peace process. Afterward, the four arrive here, they still have human security forces shot at the attack- himself. Mr Sarwari was shocked at the hotel staff. Nine Taliban members countries said in a statement that bits inside, usually belonging to the ers, the van exploded, rattling par- Pul-e-Artan, Kabul In Kabul's recent history, few state of his country. There were were killed. they had “made progress on a road suicide bombers,” said Gulbahari, liament and sending politicians things have been as constant as the constant blackouts and hot water Today, a large security contin- 2100359 map toward initiating peace talks a veteran traffic cop with a thick scrambling for cover. After the government-owned Intercontinen- was a luxury. gent protect the Intercontinental. with Taliban groups.” mustache and blunt delivery. “In blast, Taliban gunmen broke into the building but were killed by tal. Still, he did not doubt that his "Six years ago we had around Wazir Akbar Khan Afghanistan's first five-star future was in Afghanistan, not 60 police for security," Mr Sar- guards. Hospital Even that powerful explosion hotel has been a dominant feature Australia. wari said. "Now it's 140. Twenty was not the worst Gulbahari has of the capital since 1969; a 200- "Australia is a fantastic coun- years ago we didn't even have one." 2301741, 2301743 seen, he said. The most devastat- room symbol of luxury, high on a try, very beautiful, very safe," he Sarwari has not returned to ing car bomb was used in a 2013 hill, overlooking the cacophony said. Australia since he left in 2004. attack on the Supreme Court that below. "But this is my home ... it's He is acutely aware that many Ali Abad killed 17 people and wounded at In its first heady years, before my obligation to work for Afghan- Afghans are desperate to move to Shahrara, Kabul least 39. the country lurched from coups istan." Australia. "There are no jobs, no Shahrak captures the strange into decades of war, it hosted he- In 2006, the Intercontinental security, no housing; the govern- 2100439 limbo in which Kabul residents donistic disco parties and rooms was in such a state that guests ment is not taking care of them," now live. Like peace talks, the overflowed with foreign tourists would either laugh or cry when he said. front lines in the conflict with the exploring a peaceful country. shown their rooms, Mr Sarwari "What else can they do?' Malalai Maternity Taliban are still far away. Yet the Hotel neglected under Soviet said. He remains grateful to Austra- Hospital Islamists are nonetheless able to occupation of Afghanistan He threw himself into the task lia for giving him and his family a sow uncertainty in the capital, Like much of Kabul, the hotel of cleaning up the establishment, chance. "I will never forget that," 2201377/ 2301743 periodically puncturing everyday was neglected during the Soviet personally showing staff how to he said. But he added: "I want to life with frightening suicide at- occupation, decayed during the civ- properly polish teapots. work for this country ... it's not Banks tacks. il war and rotted to the core under Within a few years, the hotel lovely, it's dirty and unsafe. But A mix of anxiety and resigna- the Taliban. buzzed again with foreign guests, this is my home. I love it." ABC tion washed over Najib Ullah as By the time that rogue regime Da Afghanistan Bank he stood in Shahrak’s muck-filled were chased out in 2001, only a 2100302, 2100303 lot. The 25-year-old taxi driver had small band of journalists, contrac- come here to retrieve his red Co- tors and spies braved the derelict Bakhtar Bank rolla station wagon only to discov- accommodation. er it was boxed in by an abandoned Today, still under Mr Sarwari's 0776777000 exacting management, the Intercon- bus. Azizi Bank As he waited for help, his eyes tinental has been largely restored. fell on the mangled wreckage of the It is a little faded in its gran- 0799 700900 airport bombing. Ullah had often deur, dated but elegant with mar- A boy, whose photo wearing a Li- ew living in a rural area in Jaghori passed the smoldering aftermath ble and gilded walls, red velvet cur- onel Messi shirt made of a plastic district of . Azim Pashtany Bank of car bombs while driving pas- tains and sparkling chandeliers. bag had gone viral on social media even got in touch with the boy's It is also quiet. recently, has been identified as father Arif, who confirmed that 2102908, 2103868 But Shahrak stands as a stark Afghanistan, police officers have sengers on the highway, but he had After decades of war, very few Murtaza Ahmadi from Ghazni Murtaza is the boy that the social reminder of how far Afghanistan to be like doctors. We don’t get never seen one so close up. guests check in. Looking around, province in Afghanistan. (Click media across the globe is talking has to go and how hard it will be to affected by the bloodshed any- “Everywhere we go,” he said, Air Services you cannot help but think it is here for latest Football stories) about. "This little kid really loves strike a deal with the Taliban. more.” “we have to be careful.” The five-year-old Afghan boy Messi and football. It is not pos- Kabul's own version of the Grand In contrast to several cities In addition to the wreckage Washingtonpost was pictured wearing a blue and sible for us to buy [a jersey] for Safi Airways Budapest Hotel, made famous by overrun by the Islamists in 2015, white striped Argentina shirt that him. Because I am a simple farmer. Wes Anderson's eponymous mov- Kabul has remained firmly under was made out of a plastic grocery So the kids decided to use the plas- 020 22 22 222 ie. government control since the Tali- bag with the Barcelona legend's tic," Arif said. Murtaza knows that Brother-in-law of Afghan And equally, it is filled with name and number scribbled on the he is famous now and is "extreme- ban fled in 2001. Yet a glance Ariana characters such as the mousta- back. ly happy" about it. "My younger around this vehicular graveyard refugee is haunted by memory chioed, charming banquet manager Following which he was son is also hoping that foreign shows that even the capital is now 020-2100270 Mohammad Ebrahim Zahedi, who termed as Messi's 'biggest fan' on countries help us meet Messi and well within the Taliban’s deadly the internet. if we could be good football play- has worked here since its begin- reach. of seeing body in morgue According to BBC Trending, ers like him in the future," Arif said. ning, along with Naser Ali, the Kam Air “This one happened about a Murtaza's uncle Azim Ahmadi, Messi is said to be keen to give his The brother-in-law of an Afghan refugee killed trying to make his way to amiable pastry chef who walks 0799974422 week ago,” said a young police of- who has been living in Australia, youngest and now popular fan a the UK has recalled the "awful" moment he had to identify his body. with a limp. ficer, pointing to a shredded white claimed that the boy was his neph- real playing shirt. Masud Naveed was just 15 when he died in the back of a lorry on Man painting ceiling of hotel. Toyota Corolla. The driver deto- Hotels the treacherous journey to Britain from France at the end of December. Photo: Maintenance work under- nated his suicide vest on Jan. 4 near Weeks later, his brother-in-law Sameer Naveed said he is haunted by way on some of the hotel's interi- Safi Landmark the Kabul airport but only man- the memory of the teen's body, which he had to travel to Dunkirk to ors. (Supplied: Kiana Hayeri) aged to kill himself. A few hours identify. He said: "This one (image) is not going from my mind." With no hotel experience, Mr later in almost exactly the same 020-2203131 He added: "I saw Masud's body in the freezer. It was awful. I told Sarwari was astonished to be ap- spot, a powerful Taliban truck him (the officer there) 'I can't, I don't want to see any more'." Sameer, pointed president. bomb proved deadlier, killing one SERENA who lives in London with his wife Lailuma and their three young chil- After returning to Afghanistan bystander, injuring dozens, shat- dren, had hoped Masud could move in with them and find a better life in in 2004, he set up a private bank tering concrete blast walls and leav- 0799654000 Britain. "He would have had a good life here," Sameer told the Press and joined then-president Hamid ing a 15-foot crater in the road. Association. He added: "He always said 'I want to come to you'." Karzai's re-election team. [Kabul’s blast walls protect a Masud was one of hundreds of unaccompanied children gathered in He admits he expected a gov- New Rumi Restaurant powerful few while causing mis- Calais. He jumped in the back of a lorry in Dunkirk but was fatally ernment post with more clout. ery for many] 0776351347 injured when he put his head outside to see where he was and hit a Mr Sarwari first served Af- The double blasts brought the bridge. Earlier reports suggested Masud had been suffocated but Sameer ghanistan as a diplomat in Mos- week’s tally of car bombs to four, Internet Services said this was not the case. The teen fled Afghanistan nine months ago, cow during the Soviet occupation including another Taliban attack fearful of growing violence there, Sameer said in his first interview since in the 1980's. UA Telecom near the airport and a Taliban siege Masud's death. He is now hopeful that speaking out about his family's He would listen to BBC dis- of an upscale restaurant frequent- 0796701701 / 0796702702 tragedy can help bring attention to the plight of young people who feel patches detailing the daily blood- ed by foreigners and Afghan offi- forced to take life-threatening risks to come to Britain. A landmark case shed. cials. Authorities said the string of last week saw lawyers use human rights legislation to argue three teen- "It was always very sad news Exchange Rate attacks was both seasonal and a agers and a 26-year-old man with severe mental health issues should be from Kabul," he said. "Our coun- “negotiating tactic” ahead of peace immediately taken out of the "intolerable'' conditions of what has be- try was burning." Purchase: talks. come known as The Jungle in Calais. The case - of which the full ruling When the Taliban took power “Whenever the summer is is expected to be delivered on Friday - could pave the way for many in 1996, he decided he could no gone, we have a decrease in attacks One US$ = other refugees in the Calais camp to be brought to Britain. longer represent nor return to his in the provinces, and then the cit- The refugees' legal team successfully argued that bureaucratic de- country. 68.35Afs ies become the target,” said Interi- lays in France meant their cases should be handed over to the UK, where After a week's holiday in Syd- or Ministry spokesman Sediq One Pound Sterling= they all have relatives legally living. Citizens UK are preparing to bring ney, at the suggestion of an Aus- Sediqqi. “And whenever you hear 98.26Afs dozens of cases as a result of the ruling, in a bid to stop others dying like tralian diplomat friend, Mr Sarwari about peace talks, you also see an Masud. George Gabriel of the campaign group said: "We need urgent and his wife decided to start a new One Euro = increase in attacks.” Government action in the wake of our ruling last week to make sure this life. But the recent uptick in sui- 73.62Afs doesn't happen again. "No children should die in the back of lorries or Attempt at the quiet life in cide attacks in Kabul has left offi- 1000 Pak Rs = crossing trains tracks. We have a safe, legal alternative that they should Brisbane cials and analysts concerned. be entitled to." Yvette Cooper, chairwoman of Labour's Refugee Task- Together with their three 634Afs “We have witnessed far more force called on British and French governments to "act fast" to prevent young children, they settled in a suicide attacks than in the past,” Sale: further tragedy. small flat in Indooroopilly, Queen- said Atiqullah Amarkhail, a retired One US$ = She said: "Masud should not have ended up in Calais alone in the sland. general who is now a security ana- first place because the British Government's own rules mean his close In 1997, Mr Sarwari found 68.55 Afs lyst in Kabul. “The security situ- family here should have been able to look after him. And it is heartbreak- obtaining a refugee visa in Austra- ation is deteriorating.” One Pound Sterling= ing that he should have died before his case was heard. lia straightforward. “It’s worrying,” Sediqqi said 99.06Afs "As we have warned for some time the rules just aren't working Within seven months, the fam- of the four car-bomb attacks in one One Euro= properly at the moment. That's why the Government must agree to the ily received permanent residency week. “Imagine how they get Save the Children proposal to take 3000 child refugees from Europe - and were granted citizenship two 74.22 Afs ready for this, how they prepare starting immediately with those who have family here to care for them." months later. 1000 Pak Rs= 642Afs themselves for this, how they as- This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . JANUARY 28, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES US-Bangladesh relationship continues to grow, ambassador Marcia Bernicat says US Ambassador Marcia Bernicat, said. richness of Bangladeshi culture, on the completion of her first year The US embassy that sent the reciting a Bangla poem on Victory in Bangladesh, has said in a video video to the press said Jan 25 Day, and the visit of the sandy sea message that she is witness to the marked the Ambassador’s first an- beach Cox’s Bazaar. bilateral relationship as it “contin- niversary in Bangladesh, as she She also talked about gender ues to grow”. arrived on that day in 2015. equality and women’s empower- “The time has passed so In this time, she has interacted ment, and appreciated the hard quickly and has been both profes- with the youths in different pro- work and hospitality of the peo- sionally and personally rewarding grammes, who she said inspired her ple. as I’ve seen first-hand how our “the most”. The ambassador said she strong bilateral relationship con- In the less than 2-minute vid- would explore new places and reach tinues to grow and have seen first- eo, she also highlighted her experi- out to more people as she starts hand so many collaborations”, she ences that include witnessing the her second year in Bangladesh.

Now out of the harsh Western Gholamreza Ansari said that In- deadline for signing the detailed Delhi could not follow the policy sanctions, Iran has hinted to India dia’s Iran policy was marked by contract within six months. of patient waiting any more in the that it could lose out on Chabahar unnecessary caution and that New ‘India’s Iran policy marked by changed circumstances.. port and the associated railway line Delhi could not follow the policy unnecessary caution’ > Since last August, Iran has to Zahedan if there was further of patient waiting any more in the > India’s urgency to arrive at a been asking for $345 mn as credit delay by New Delhi in providing changed circumstances. favourable response follows the for the steel/railway project and monetary support for them. “I feel private companies in planned visit of Iran’s Deputy $150 m n for equipment purchas- “A number of economic India are keen to move ahead in Foreign Minister for & Pacif- es for Chabahar port. However, projects with Iran are required to the Chabahar port project but the ic Ebrahim Rahimpour on Febru- these loans got delayed following be implemented at the earliest. The government has not shown the ary 4 to hold Foreign Office Con- India’s Exim Bank’s refusal to get Iranian government has stressed to same level of enthusiasm in the sultations with directly involved during the ten- us at high levels the urgency to past,” he said. the MEA ure of western sanctions extend the necessary financial sup- Since last August, Iran has been > Just days after the US lifted - See more at: http:// port for these projects without asking for $345 million as credit the sanctions, Iranian envoy indianexpress.com/article/india/in- further delay,” India’s foreign min- for the steel/railway project and Gholamreza Ansari said that In- dia-news-india/speed-up-assis- istry informed the linked ministries $150 million for equipment pur- dia’s Iran policy was marked by tance-or-lose-chabahar-hints-iran/ last week. chases for Chabahar port. How- unnecessary caution and that New #sthash.g5LsdbAk.dpuf While scheduling an inter-min- ever, these loans got delayed fol- isterial meeting — to be chaired lowing India’s Exim Bank’s refus- by Foreign Secretary — later this al to get directly involved during week, the Ministry of External the tenure of western sanctions. Affairs told the ministries to con- India, in principle, agreed to Sri Lanka’s government, elected in constitutional council and restor- detainees were convicted after be- misguided efforts to protect their Soon after the council resolu- sider expediting the lines of credit provide buyer’s credit under the January 2015, ended the pervasive ing the independence of the judi- ing tortured to confess. The gov- security. At the same time, author- tion passed, the government be- under consideration as well as al- National Export Insurance Ac- culture of surveillance and censor- ciary, police, and human rights ernment has still not put forth a itarian governments throughout the gan the process of public consul- tering the existing payment mech- count (NEIA) for the steel/rail ship and embarked on reforms commissions. Civil society groups plan to provide redress for those world, fearful of peaceful dissent tations on accountability and truth anism for crude oil imports. projects but that got stalled as Fi- aimed to undo years of increasing- are once again able to speak out unjustly detained under the PTA. that is often magnified by social mechanisms. The government also “Separately, the lifting of sanc- nance Ministry wanted more clar- ly authoritarian rule, Human safely on issues of concern. In In August, the UN Office of media, embarked on the most in- began to investigate some emblem- tions will require modifications in ity on its “strategic importance” Rights Watch said today in its December, the government signed the High Commissioner for Human tense crackdown on independent atic rights violations during the the existing arrangements for pay- as well as the “Indian content” to World Report 2016. While it the United Nations Convention Rights issued a scathing report on groups in recent times. conflict, including the killing and ment for India’s oil imports from make available concessional finance opened dialogues both domestical- against Enforced Disappearance, a unlawful attacks, killings, torture, “Sri Lanka’s new government enforced disappearance of journal- Iran,” it wrote. The agreement to Indian firms. ly and abroad, the government still step toward tackling a massive sexual violence, and attacks on re- has begun to address some of the ists, but progress remained slow. would need to be amended to al- On Chabahar port, the Ship- faces key concerns, including war- decades-long problem. lief aid by both sides during the country’s chronic human rights Chronic abuses distinct from the low Iranians to collect their entire ping Ministry moved a Cabinet time accountability and prolonged The government has yet to ful- civil war with the Liberation Ti- problems, but much remains to be civil war, such as police abuse and payment in dollars as the existing note for providing $150 million as detention without trial. fill its pledge to abolish the draco- gers of Tamil Eelam that ended in done,” said Brad Adams, Asia di- security sector reform, also need one allows 45 per cent of the dues line of credit but that got held up In the 659-page World Report nian Prevention of Terrorism Act 2009. At the Human Rights Coun- rector. “The pervasive culture of to be addressed. to be paid in rupees. as India wanted that the draft con- 2016, its 26th edition, Human fear is largely gone and positive (PTA). Authorities agreed to re- cil in October 2015, member states India’s urgency to arrive at a tract retain a reference to India con- Rights Watch reviews human rights measures have been adopted, but lease some PTA detainees on bail, including Sri Lanka endorsed a con- favourable response follows the tent. practices in more than 90 countries. the previous government’s disas- “rehabilitate” others, and prose- sensus resolution calling on the Sri planned visit of Iran’s Deputy New Delhi has already de- In his introductory essay, Execu- trous restructuring of independent cute the remainder, but arrests un- Lankan government to implement Foreign Minister for Asia & Pacif- layed concluding the commercial tive Director Kenneth Roth writes state institutions needs to be fully der the PTA continued throughout the report’s many recommenda- ic Ebrahim Rahimpour on Febru- contract for the port — consid- that the spread of terrorist attacks dismantled.” the year. Inadequate information tions, including to establish a spe- ary 4 to hold Foreign Office Con- ered both a strategic and an eco- beyond the Middle East and the The government of President from the security forces means cial counsel to investigate and pros- sultations with the MEA. nomic asset — set for November huge flows of refugees spawned by Maithripala Sirisena promptly ini- there are no reliable numbers on ecute alleged wartime abuses, and Just days after the US lifted 5 last year as both governments repression and conflict led many tiated a series of constitutional re- those detained under the law. to include foreign judges and pros- the sanctions, Iranian envoy signed an MoU last May setting a governments to curtail rights in forms, including establishing a Moreover, many imprisoned PTA ecutors in a Sri Lankan tribunal.

The Indian Air Force’s requirement Ironies unlimited Mirage F-1 and America’s General The Indian Air Force will soon craft is more vulnerable to ground Tejas light combat aircraft. lion. By 2014 the cost of 126 Ra- for a medium multi-role combat The irony is that if the IAF Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. retire several squadrons of MiG- fire. The IAF learned this in 1971 At about Rs200 crore each and fale fighters had gone up to an es- aircraft continues to remain unful- was willing to settle for the older The F-16 got the order. Dassault 21 and MiG-27 jets at the end of with the Su-7. Besides risking a with a huge local value addition timated $22 billion. In 2015, when filled. Mirage 2000 instead of the Mi- then developed the more versatile their life cycle. Replacing these aged Su-30MKI costing about Rs400 component, the Tejas offers a huge Prime Minister Modi visited In the early 2000s, the IAF rage 2000-5, it could have got the Mirage 2000 to beat the F-16 at fighters will be the latest Su- crore each against relatively low- cost-benefit advantage over Das- France, the reworked deal of buy- decided that the logical answer to fighters under existing rules. But its own game. The first Mirage 30MKI, a 4+ generation long en- cost ground targets doesn’t sound sault Rafale multi-role fighter air- ing 36 fighters outright with the its problems of obsolescence, at- that is like wanting to buy a dis- 2000 flew in 1982, and the first lot durance air dominance fighter, now sensible. craft, as well as a huge economic option for more was worked out trition, and declining fleet strength continued motorcar model when of IAF Mirage 2000s landed in being assembled by HAL. A permanent solution multiplier. A few hundred Tejas jets to be $7.5 billion. Now, even the was to induct additional numbers the latest was already in the mar- Gwalior in 1984. Incidentally, Ra- The MiG-21 is a short endur- What the IAF needs for its in- of varying configurations can not French President is mentioning a of the single-engined Mirage 2000. ket. jiv Gandhi, then a newly elected ance lightweight and high-speed terceptor and ground attack roles only handle what the enemy can figure of $9 billion. Clearly, the This aircraft had an excellent safe- A Taiwan Air Force Mirage member of Parliament and Con- interceptor with limited ground are smaller fighters and attack he- throw at us, but also contribute costs are spinning out of control. ty and serviceability record, and 2000 fighter jet land takes off from gress general secretary, saw it put attack capability. The Russians licopters. Clearly, the IAF needs a hugely to the national economy. It reminds me of a quip made by a played a decisive role in the Kargil a closed section of highway.(AP through its paces at the Paris Air- describe it as a frontal aviation air- permanent solution, not a high- After all, isn’t this is the underly- Russian diplomat about the Su- conflict. With a few changes and Photo/Wally Santana) show. He was very impressed. He craft. The Sukhoi, being an air dom- cost fix like the Su-30MKI. The ing notion behind “Make in India”? 30MKI, who said it was a very upgrades, Vayu Bhavan felt that it The Mirage 2000 acquisition, sat in on the official meeting in the inance fighter, can perform both Rafale too, then, becomes anoth- So why do we want to buy good fighter, but its wings were a could become the future multi-role too, has a bit of a history. When ministry of defence that decided these roles, as well as undertake er, yet more expensive, interim fix. the Dassault Rafale? It is some- bit heavy now. When I asked him aircraft—not only bridging the gap the original deal was signed, the to acquire Mirage 2000. Gandhi had deep penetration strikes. The Su- Hence, the IAF needs to shed its what closer to the Su-30MKI in what he meant, he cryptically re- between the heavyweight Sukhoi “intention to proceed” contract just become a qualified Boeing 737 30 is a Mercedes Benz SUV com- reluctance and urgently induct the class but almost four times more marked, the deal happened through Su-30 and the light-weight Tejas, was for an initial order of 40 air- pilot and this was presumably pared to the MIG-21’s Maruti Tejas light combat aircraft and expensive. It is eight times more four regime changes since 1994, but also compensating for the craft for outright purchase in fly- considered expertise enough. 800. Now let’s say the IAF wants push for newer and more power- expensive than Tejas. In 2007, the meaning each regime change sad- eventual de-induction of MiG-21s. away condition and an option to Incidentally, Rajiv Gandhi, to intercept a Pakistan Air Force ful versions. government assessed the medium dled it with more costs. It seems Dassault was on the verge of produce another 110 aircraft in then a newly elected member of or People’s Liberation Army Air The IAF needs to shed its re- multi-role combat aircraft deal for the Rafale’s wings too are getting closing down the entire Mirage Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Parliament and Congress general Force JF-17. The IAF’s fighter of luctance and urgently induct the 126 fighters to be about $12 bil- heavier. 2000 production line unless it had Bengaluru with total technology secretary, saw it put through its choice for this is likely to be a MiG- some orders. transfer. If this plan were carried paces at the Paris Airshow. He was 21bis rather than the Su-30MKI. However, there was a fly in forward, the IAF would not have very impressed. He sat in on the While the Sukhoi can do the job the ointment. Dassault Aviation, needed the MiG-29. But, in 1984, official meeting in the ministry of effectively, sending a 4+generation the French manufacturer, was now the then defence minister R Ven- defence that decided to acquire aircraft weighing in at over 18 producing a more advanced vari- katraman visited Moscow and, Mirage 2000. Gandhi had just be- tonnes against a much older and ant—the Mirage 2000-5. Dassault shortly after his return, stated in come a qualified Boeing 737 pilot cheaper JF-17 weighing less than was also on the verge of closing Parliament that India was going to and this was presumably consid- 6.5 tonnes would not only be over- down the entire Mirage 2000 pro- select a “futuristic aircraft to meet ered expertise enough. kill but also very cost ineffective. duction line unless it had some or- the challenge posed by the pres- Nevertheless, the deal to make The MiG-27 is a mid-sized, ders. ence of the F-16 in a neighbouring 110 more Mirage 2000s in Benga- variable geometry, ground attack The joint secretaries in the de- country.” The inference was clear- luru made eminent sense—both for aircraft developed to support fence ministry refused to treat the ly with regard to the MiG-29. the IAF and the economy. But it mechanised infantry and armoured IAF proposal as merely a “repeat The other irony of this was was dropped no sooner than when columns. Its swing-wing configu- order on a past supplier” as envis- that the justification for the Mi- the first lot of 40 fighters in a fly- ration allows it to swiftly reach aged in the “fast track procedure” rage 2000 acquisition was also be- away condition were delivered. the target area and then swoop in of Defence Procurement Procedure cause of the US’ decision to give Why this deal was terminated re- at a much-reduced speed to effec- 2006. They insisted that as the Pakistan the latest F-16 fighters. mains a mystery, but one reason tively attack enemy ground forc- Mirage 2000-5 was an entirely How the Mirage 2000 came to was certainly the price. The MiG es. But what would be just anoth- “new” aircraft, the IAF should fol- be is also an interesting story. In -29 was available to India at Rs5 er day in the office for the MiG- low the standard process of draw- the mid-1970s, the North Atlantic crore a unit, while the Mirage 2000 27 could prove expensive with the ing up an air staff requirement, and Treaty Organisation was finalis- cost double that. much bigger and heavier Su-30. then floating a request for propos- ing a future fighter. The competi- Replacing MiG-21 and MiG- Since ground attacks are often by al. tion was between the Dassault 27 flying low and slow, a bigger air- This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . JANUARY 28, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief I ran's Rouhani says up to US to US slams UN panel calls Taiwan for global inquiry president's on Yemen improve relations with Tehran ROME : Iran could have better re- planned visit The United Nations Security lations with the United States, but Council should consider creat- it was up to Washington to change ing an international commission its "hostile" stance towards Te- to contested of inquiry to investigate alleged hran, Iranian President Hassan human rights abuses by all sides Rouhani said on Wednesday. South China in Yemen’s conflict, a panel of "It's possible that Iran and the U.N. experts says. United states might have friendly Sea island The Associated Press on relations. But the key to that is in Tuesday obtained a copy of the Washington's hands, not Tehran's," panel’s annual report, which has TAIPEI : Taiwan President Ma Rouhani said in a news conference Ying-jeou's planned trip to the Tai- not been released publicly. The in Rome before flying to Paris to panel monitors U.N. sanctions. wanese-held island of Itu Aba in continue his first trip to Europe the disputed South China Sea is The report also says civil- since the lifting of sanctions. ians in the Arab world’s poor- "extremely unhelpful" and won't He also accused the "Israeli do anything to resolve disputes est country are suffering under lobby" for being responsible for tactics in the conflict that “con- over the waterway, a U.S. official U.S. hostility towards Iran. said on Wednesday. stitute the prohibited use of Rouhani is looking to rebuild starvation as a method of war- Ma's office earlier announced Iranian relations with the West that the president, who steps fare.” some two weeks after financial A Saudi Arabia-led coalition down in May, would fly to Itu Aba sanctions on Tehran were rolled on Thursday to offer Chinese New last year launched air strikes and back following the implementation then a ground operation against Year wishes to residents on the is- of its nuclear deal with world pow- land, mainly Taiwanese coastguard Shiite Houthi militias allied with ers. a former president who had cap- personnel and environmental "Iran does not just want trade, scholars. tured large swaths of the coun- but also investment and technolo- try, including the capital, San- But Ma's one-day visit to Itu gy," he said. Aba, known as Taiping in Taiwan, aa. Observers have warned that He rejected accusations by the chaos is making room for comes amid growing international many Western nations that Iran is concern over rising tensions in the militant groups like ISIS to ex- funding various militant groups pand. waterway and quickly drew the ire which they deem to be terrorist of the American Institute in Tai- organisations. wan (AIT), the de facto U.S. em- French justice "It is clear that Iran is a coun- bassy in Taipei in the absence of try opposed to terrorism and a formal diplomatic ties. minister Christiane country that fights terrorism," he "We are disappointed that said. President Ma Ying-jeou plans to Taubira resigns travel to Taiping Island," AIT spokeswoman Sonia Urbom said France's Justice Minister Chris- Syrian opposition to make peace talks decision in an email to Reuters. tiane Taubira, often at odds with "Such an action is extremely her government on policy, re- The Syrian opposition said it We want some explanations of unhelpful and does not contribute signed on Wednesday, President would decide on Wednesday some points that came in the invi- to the peaceful resolution of dis- Francois Hollande's office said whether to take part in Geneva tation,” Muslat said. putes in the South China Sea." in a statement. peace talks this week, saying it The HNC has repeatedly said The United States wanted Tai- The news came as parlia- welcomed an invitation to the ne- the Syrian government and its al- wan and all claimants to lower ten- ment prepared to debate a con- gotiations but was seeking clarifi- lies must halt bombardments and sions, rather than taking actions troversial constitutional reform cations from the United Nations. lift blockades of besieged areas - that could raise them, Urbom add- that allows people convicted of The High Negotiations Com- steps laid down in a U.N. Security ed. terrorism to be stripped of their mittee (HNC), which groups Council resolution on Dec. 18 - On a visit to Beijing on Wednes- French citizenship in certain cir- armed and political opponents of before it will join any talks. day, U.S. Secretary of State John cumstances. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, One of the clarifications sought Kerry said Washington and Beijing Taubira has expressed res- had taken “a positive view” of the was over language in the invitation needed to find a way to ease ten- ervations about the plan. invitation received from U.N. Syria referring to the establishment of a sions in the South China Sea, The statement said her res- envoy Staffan de Mistura on Tues- “government with credibility”. through which $5 trillion in ship- ignation had been accepted and day, spokesman Salim al-Muslat “We want an explanation of borne trade passes every year. that Jean-Jacques Urvoas, wide- said. that - is it an interim governing Both Taiwan and China claim ly known as a strong advocate “There are some questions. A authority?” he said, referring to the most of the South China Sea. Viet- of the government line on such letter was sent to the Secretary type of government demanded by nam, the Philippines, Malaysia and reforms, would replace her. General of the United Nations and the opposition. Brunei also have competing claims. tomorrow there will be a reply to The U.N.-backed talks bring- Itu Aba lies in the Spratly ar- the letter of Mr. de Mistura,” ing together representatives of the chipelago, where China's rapid con- Muslat said in an interview with Syrian government and the oppo- struction of seven man-made is- Czech president Al-Arabiya al-Hadath News Chan- sition were originally scheduled to lands has drawn alarm across parts slammed after nel. begin on Monday but are now set of Asia and been heavily criticized “We are not putting obstacles for Friday after wrangling over is- by Washington. joking about in front of the political solution. sues including who should attend. Taiwan has just finished a $100 million port upgrade and built a killing PM new lighthouse on Itu Aba, which Egypt youth has its own airstrip, a hospital and fresh water. leader from Ma's visit follows elections won by the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party 2011 upris- (DPP). Ma's office said it had asked DPP leader Tsai Ing-wen to ing to stand send a representative, but the par- ty said it had no plans to do so. trial An FBI operation to arrest leaders LaVoy Finicum, the group's sec- clear further escalation," Elizondo been in Oregon as part of the oc- Ian Storey, a South China Sea of a militia has ended with one man ond-in-command. reported. cupation, but recently returned expert at Singapore's ISEAS Yusof Egyptian youth leader Amr Ali Ishak Institute, said he expected whose now banned April 6 move- dead and another wounded on a He said the shooting happened JJ MacNab, a Washington- home. Ritzheimer gained national The Czech Republic's Presi- highway in the US state of Ore- on a highway not far from the ref- based writer on anti-government attention when he held anti-Mus- the Philippines and Vietnam to dent Milos Zeman has caused ment spearheaded the 2011 revolt lodge a strong protest, likely see- that toppled Hosni Mubarak is to gon. Seven people from the armed uge near the city of Burns. "It ap- movements, said several well- lim protests outside a mosque in outrage in the country after jok- group are now in custody. pears the FBI and local police ini- known anti-government figures Phoenix last year. ing the visit as a violation of their ing about using a Kalashnikov stand trial Wednesday for incite- claimed sovereignty over Itu Aba. ment, a judicial official said. Ammon Bundy, 40, the leader tiated an operation to stop the had reportedly been heading to the Speaking to Al Jazeera's AJ+ assault rifle to get rid of his of the militia that has occupied a militiamen," he said. refuge before the arrests on Tues- in January, the dead man Finicum "But I do think it is unlikely Prime Minister and adversary. The public prosecutor decid- they would stage a similar visit ed on Tuesday to refer Ali, the gen- national wildlife refuge on federal Several members of the militia day. said that he joined the occupation Opposition parties and land for the past three weeks, was were arrested at the scene of the "I think that a lot of people to defend freedom, rejecting claims involving a senior political figure government politicians alike eral coordinator of the movement going to one of their own occupied who was arrested last September, among the people arrested after shooting and others elsewhere. were on the way to join the group. the standoff was racially motivat- have united in condemnation at Tuesday's shooting. An unknown number of mem- Some of names recently shown up ed. "My heart goes out to anyone islands ... that would risk inflam- the president's comments tar- to a criminal court, the judicial of- ing relations with China and nei- ficial said. The FBI said in a statement bers - along with women and chil- ... are a little bit scary. They idol- who has violence perpretated on geting Bohuslav Sobotka. that one individual "who was a dren - were believed to still be ise people like Timothy them ... we welcome any support ther want to go that far," Storey Zeman made the comment He is accused of inciting a gen- said. eral strike and possessing leaflets, subject of a federal probable cause holed up at the refuge, and militia- McVeigh," MacNab told Al from any community, freedom has while at a public debate in the arrest is deceased". men put out calls on social media Jazeera. no colour," Finicum, a farmer, said. Asked to comment on Ma's town of Tisnov after a member the official added. planned visit, the mainland's Tai- Ali is in custody, and three Bundy's militia, which has in- asking for back-up. She said that her concern now Ammon Bundy is the son of of the audience asked what do cluded people from as far away as Armoured FBI convoys were was for the children still possibly Nevada rancher Cliven Bundy, wan Affairs Office reiterated that to the Prime Minister, known other defendants, currently free on China and Taiwan had a common bail, will be tried alongside him. Arizona and Michigan, seized the reportedly heading from the air- inside and a further escalation of who was involved in a high-pro- for his more moderate stance on headquarters of the Malheur Na- port in the direction of the build- violence. file 2014 standoff with the gov- duty to protect Chinese sovereign- the refugee crisis. Ali's lawyer, Anas Sayyed, ty in the waterway. confirmed that the trial will pro- tional Wildlife Refuge on January ing. After the shooting, authorities ernment over grazing rights. "If you want to get rid of 2 as part of a long-running dispute "This could indicate that by arrested several other people con- "LaVoy Finicum was shot and "Safeguarding national sover- any politician, including the ceed on Wednesday, and told AFP eignty and territorial integrity as that the maximum penalty he fac- over public lands in the western daybreak, law enforcement will nected to the militia. murdered in cold blood today in president, there is only one United States. have a presence at the refuge, pos- John Ritzheimer, a prominent Burns Oregon … He had his hands well as safeguarding the overall in- democratic way and that is a es is three years in jail. terests of the Chinese nation is the In April 2014, an Egyptian Al Jazeera's Gabriel Elizondo sibly surrounding it or cutting off member, was arrested for conspir- up and was shot three times," Cliv- free election, which will take reported that the man killed was access roads, which would be a acy at his home in Arizona. He had en Bundy said in a Facebook post. common responsibility and obli- place in a year," Zeman said. court banned the April 6 youth gation of compatriots across the "And then there is an un- movement, based on a complaint straits," spokesman Ma democratic path that is called that accused it of defaming the Xiaoguang told reporters in Kalashnikov," he said with a country and colluding with foreign Beijing. smile, the Reuters news agency parties. Chinese Foreign Minister reported. Hardliner Its leader Ahmed Maher was Wang Yi, speaking to reporters af- Zeman has been previous- sentenced to three years in prison ter meeting Kerry, said China had ly criticised for his hardline in December 2013 for violating a the right to protect its territorial stance on refugees and has law banning all but police-sanc- sovereignty and that Beijing and called the flow of people flee- tioned protests. Washington should manage the is- ing wars in the Middle East and And last December, authori- sue in a constructive way. Asia, an "organised invasion". ties arrested four other April 6 The claims of both China and Sobotka, who leads the rul- movement leaders. Taiwan are based on maps from ing Social Democrat (CSSD) Sherif Arubi, Mohamed Nabil, the late 1940s belonging to the government, has condemned the Ayman Abdel Megid and Mahmud Nationalists, when they ruled all president's comments. Hesham were arrested at their of China. The Nationalists fled to "We are with the highest homes on December 28, less than Qatar’s emir on Wednesday ordered a Taiwan in 1949 after losing the probability the only country in a month before the fifth anniver- cabinet reshuffle in which he named Chinese civil war to Mao Zedong's a civilised world where the pres- sary of the revolution. a new foreign minister, according to Communists. ident publicly calls for killing April 6 led the January 25, state news agency QNA. Foreign Beijing deems Taiwan a way- the prime minister," news agen- 2011 uprising that ended the auto- ward province to be retaken by cy CTK quoted him as saying. cratic rule of president Mubarak. minister Khalid al-Attiyah was force if necessary. But it has ap- A joint statement by the It also opposed his successor, replaced with Mohammed bin peared unfazed by Taiwan's up- speakers of both the upper and Islamist president Mohammad Abdulrahman al-Thani. Attiyah was grading work on Itu Aba. Military lower houses of the Czech par- Mursi who was toppled by then strategists say that is because Itu army chief and now President Ab- named state minister for defense liament said Zeman's comments affairs. The emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Aba could fall into China's hands were "unacceptable", local news del Fattah al-Sisi. The group then should it ever take over Taiwan. outlet Ceske Noviny reported. turned on the military-installed Hamad al-Thani, also holds the post of Dustin Wang, a long-time Taiwan- "We are convinced that sim- regime when authorities cracked defense minister. The finance and ese scholar on the South China Sea ilar statements by constitutional down on dissidents. Since the army energy portfolios were kept un- who has visited Itu Aba, said one officials, no matter if they may toppled Mursi in July 2013, the changed in the cabinet reshuffle. The of Ma's goals was to highlight the have been meant as an exagger- authorities have cracked down on island's civilian uses. "Ma will ation, are completely unaccept- all opposition. They adopted a decree also merged several minis- demonstrate that facilities on the able and inappropriate," said new law in November 2013 out- tries, including communication and island, like the hospital, provide Milan Stech and Jan Hamacek, lawing demonstrations that have transport and culture, youth and humanitarian assistance and disas- both from Sobotka's CSSD, in not been given advance authoriza- ter relief," he said. Itu Aba was tion by the police. Hundreds of sports. The public health minister a statement. was also replaced. now the fourth largest island in the Opposition Communist Islamist protesters -- as well as Spratlys after China's land recla- party chairman Vojtech Filip dozens of secular and leftwing mation work on Mischief Reef, also called Zeman's words "dis- demonstrators -- have been jailed Fiery Cross Reef and Subi Reef, gusting". under the legislation. On Monday, Taiwan's coastguard said in Octo- Zeman, who has little exec- Egyptians marked the fifth anni- ber. The island supports around utive power, has spoken out versary of the revolution amid tight 180 people, about 150 of them frequently against Islam and security and a warning from the coastguard personnel who have had Muslim migration into Europe. regime that demonstrations will oversight of the 46-hectare (114- not be tolerated. acre) island since 2000. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . JANUARY 28, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES

According to academic Lamine Amsterdam, the Netherlands - Bouazizi, Tunisia's transition pro- Child refugees face unacceptable cess has faced two crucial mo- risks on their way through Europe. ments: the first when two opposi- Among these risks are illness, traf- tion figures were assassinated in ficking, exploitation, sexual abuse 2013, and the second on January and even death. European coun- 22, when violent protests broke tries are seriously failing to pro- out in Kasserine over a lack of eco- tect these children on the move. nomic opportunities. This is the conclusion of a re- Provinces such as Sidi Bouz- port on the safety of child refu- id, Kasserine and Gafsa are a "so- gees by the Taskforce on Children cial time bomb", said Bouazizi, 47, on the Move, an initiative of 41 who has done extensive research ombudspersons for children from on the labour movement in Tuni- 33 European countries. sia and documented the root caus- "The rights of refugee children es of the country's are merely a footnote in the Euro- revolution.These cities were the pean Union-agenda on migration, first to rise up against Tunisian whereas they should be at the core President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali of it," said Marc Dullaert, the chair- in 2011, and the January 22 pro- man of the Network of European tests were the latest culmination Ombudspersons for Children, dur- of a citizenry asserting its rights. ing the presentation of the report, Tunisia has imposed a nation- yesterday in Amsterdam. wide curfew amid growing unrest The situation is now all the over unemployment [Riadh Dridi/ more urgent, Dullaert said, because AP] the number of child refugees com- Unemployment in the olive ing to Europe has increased dra- and fruit-farming region bordering matically. In June 2015, 16 per- Algeria is almost double the na- cent of all migrants crossing the tional average. The latest wave of Mediterranean were children. By protests suggests that unless the December this number had more political progress in Tunisia is than doubled to 35 percent. matched by economic advances, In 2015, at least 337,000 chil- social tensions will continue to boil dren were registered as asylum over. seekers in Europe, but their real Al Jazeera spoke with number is believed to be much high- Bouazizi about the events in Kas- er. Dangerous journey serine and what this means for The journey across the Medi- Tunisia's transition process. terranean is very dangerous for Al Jazeera: Why did protests children, according to the report. break out in Kasserine? One third of all migrants who Lamine Bouazizi: We need to die during the crossing are children. along the Western Balkan route is ual exploitation or extortion by Many of the refugee centres and families with children in the "We are very happy with this understand the recent history of For the ones who survive a diffi- often deplorable. Only 22 to 45 smugglers. They also run the risk across Europe are not equipped for relocation schemes for the 160,000 report," said Margot Ende, direc- Kasserine. It is the first city that cult and traumatising journey lies percent of the centres have been to be placed in detention, in some the winter [Mona van den Berg/Al refugees who are now in Greece tor of SOS Children's Villages Neth- has embraced the protest move- ahead. 'winterised', which means children cases even for several months. Jazeera] and Italy but need to be redistrib- erlands, one of the NGOs setting ment that broke out in Sidi Bouzid "When child refugees arrive in have to sleep in unheated tents or "All these European countries The centres should be uted among other European coun- up child friendly spaces in transit on December 17, 2010, and trans- Greece, they are wet and cold," sheds at temperatures below zero. that refugees pass through have equipped with heating, warm wa- tries. centres in the Balkans. formed it into a nationwide revo- said Dullaert. "Some suffer from Sanitary facilities are often in- signed the European Convention ter, blankets and warm clothes. What the effect of the ombud- "This survey draws attention lution. hypothermia, which can lead to adequate. "This is really shame- of the Rights of the Child. They Child-friendly spaces and separate sperson's call for action will be, to the problems of child refugees At the time, the Ben Ali re- serious illnesses like pneumonia. ful. We all know that each year cannot turn a blind eye to this sit- sleeping areas for men and women remains uncertain. and that is a very good thing. But gime struggled to contain the up- We know of cases where babies there's a winter. That is a fact of uation," said Dullaert. and children should be created. "As children's ombudspersons it remains to be seen if concrete rising within the borders of Sidi died of hypothermia. There is a life we can prepare for," said Dul- A call for action On a political level the report we cannot force governments to measures will be taken immediate- Bouzid province, as he did with serious lack of immediate help at laert. Some children face sexual The report calls upon the Eu- urges European countries to an in- take action," Dullaert said. "We can ly to improve the lot of these chil- the uprising in Gafsa's mining ba- the shores in Greece. In Lesbos, abuse and violence in the transit ropean Commission to immediate- crease the possibilities for family only put this issue on the agenda. dren. Many of the problems de- sin, in southwestern Tunisia. In for example, refugees have to walk centres. At the chaotic border con- ly develop an action plan to pro- reunification, instead of decreas- But we have already been invited scribed in the report have been 2008, residents of the mining ba- 70km to the reception centre," trols children run the risk to be tect refugee children. An important ing them as some states are now to present our report at several known for quite some time, and sin rose in rebellion, demanding Dullaert said. separated from their parents. Un- practical change would be the im- trying to do. important summits. So it will cer- yet so far nothing has been done their rights to employment, devel- According to the report, the accompanied children are prone to provement of the transit centres Furthermore, the report calls tainly be discussed in the biggest about it. There really is need for opment and equitable distribution situation in the transit centres become victims of trafficking, sex- on the route through Europe. for priority to be given to orphans international forums." action." of wealth. But the regime managed to contain this movement and abort it. Ben Ali wanted to repeat that same scenario in Sidi Bouzid in 2010. However, it was thanks to Kasserine that the protest move- ment expanded from Sidi Bouzid to other places and injected life into Beirut - A small crowd of people the veins of the revolution. gathered in Beirut recently to While political progress is be- browse an unusual array of prod- ing made slowly, however, what ucts, from a chandelier composed the political elite failed to under- of empty wine bottles, to seats stand, deliberately or not, is that made of old clothes and fabric, this political progress was made sewn together and stretched across at the expense of the social ques- empty barrels. tion of the revolution. When peo- Beirut's ongoing garbage crisis ple rebelled against the status quo, has become an opportunity for a their slogans, which remain in- group of Syrian women, who have scribed on the walls of Sidi Bouz- converted discarded corkscrews, id and Kasserine to this day, testi- aluminium containers and egg car- fy to the original demands of the tons into a variety of items, from revolution. In Kasserine, they raise tables to photo frames. Their re- the famous slogan: "Jobs are our cycled products were offered for right, you gang of thieves." This sale last month at the Glass Hall, a clearly indicates that none of the cultural centre connected to the popular demands that people pro- Ministry of Tourism in Beirut's tested for have been achieved. bustling Hamra district. This was a cry in the face of "I think this type of crafts- the unjust development patterns manship can be a sort of business adopted by the state. In some prov- for us," Lama, a 23-year-old Syri- inces, it feels like living in a past an woman with dark black hair and century - no services, no infrastruc- golden skin, told Al Jazeera. "This ture or work opportunities - as if work can help us support our fam- time has frozen at a certain mo- ilies." ment in the past. Secondly, the More than 1.2 million Syrian percentage of unemployed youth refugees have fled to Lebanon amid doubled due to the privatisation the ongoing civil war in their home programme of the public sector in country. Many either rely on aid the 90s. or face exploitation in the black Towns like Gafsa, Kasserine, market. Sidi Bouzid, or what we call "the The ABAAD Resource Cen- basin of revolution", have a record ter for Gender Equality, a Leba- history of rebelling against rulers nese NGO, realised that Beirut's in different historic periods. There- garbage crisis presented a chance fore, what is going on in Kasserine to address two problems at once. serves as a grim reminder that any Last August, the organisation new political structure that comes launched a programme to train at the expense of people's needs Syrian women in craftsmanship Roula Chamseddine, a Lebanese non," Sohair told Al Jazeera. "This fortable. While the recent sale at the small business. and sacrifices and does not re- and carpentry by using materials spond to their demands is destined they could salvage from waste. A artist who spearheaded the work- workshop didn't only help us find "Doing this work isn't only a Glass Hall helped raise some mon- "We are responsible for this shops. a way to make a bit of an income, value to myself, but it also has ey for their families, Lama said the work," said Lama, while looking to fail. This explains what is going total of 70 women participated in today in Kasserine. Al Jazeera: But 10 separate training sessions, with "They were so enthusiastic," but it has also given us some men- value to my children," Sohair add- true value of the workshops should proudly at the women who have Chamseddine told Al Jazeera. tal relief. I met women here that I ed. "I continue to learn, though I be measured by the skills the wom- become her colleagues and friends. could such a violent wave of pro- workshops held in the northern test undermine the transition pro- Lebanese city of Tripoli, the "They wanted to see results. They would have never met before. It's don't have any formal education. I en have acquired. She said she was "And I think that if we keep learn- wanted to help their families. But because of Roula. The way she want my children to understand even contemplating teaming up ing, we can make this into a more cess and slow political progress? southern town of Tyre and a vil- Bouazizi: There are of course lage in the Bekaa Valley. more importantly, they wanted to treated us made us feel very com- that it is never too late to learn." with some of her peers to launch a sustainable business, together." help each other succeed." fears that the counter-revolution- Syrian refugees burn plastics ary forces might capitalise on this to stay warm Some of the programme's par- ticipants lost their husbands to legitimate social struggle, as they Ramy el-Kaissy, the project did before, to abort the revolution. officer for ABAAD, said that in- Syria's war and are now struggling to provide for their families. Ac- Saudi Arabia launches initiatives to This was clear when state build- troducing the concept of reusable ings and institutions were vanda- waste was in itself a major task. cording to the United Nations ref- ugee agency, nearly one in four lised and damaged. The logic of the "Our trainer worked with these revolution is taking over the insti- women for three months. At first, Syrian refugee families is headed promote late King Abdullah’s legacy by a single mother. tutions, not setting them ablaze. they didn't understand the bene- There is a big question about the fits to recycling," Kaissy told Al We are responsible for this work. And I think that if we keep Marking the first anniversary of the death of Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah, his family has launched a series of new initiatives to sustain the late identity of the culprits and whether Jazeera. "But once they realised leader’s values and vision – his vision for a better world, based on the values he espoused of tolerance, virtue and peace. The King Abdullah it's meant to distract the protest- that they could make arts, crafts learning, we can make this into a more sustainable business, togeth- Foundation for Humanitarian Activities, based in Riyadh, will promote King Abdullah’s enduring legacy through a range of international ers from addressing the real issues and furniture without paying any humanitarian programs and investments. These will focus on seven key areas: education, economic development, healthcare, science and at the heart of their struggle. money to gather the supplies, they er. Lama, Syrian refugee technology, social relief and inclusion, interfaith dialogue and peace and security. To preserve and to document King Abdullah’s legacy, the Therefore, we fear that out of relished the task." foundation, in coordination with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, will focus initially on four principal initiatives. those legitimate social struggles, Social conventions also posed Acquiring the skills of crafts- manship and carpentry has given Firstly, King Abdullah Prize for Humanitarian Efforts: It will celebrate both individual and collective humanitarian efforts and achievements. we might be faced with an Egypt a challenge for the women who This will include fostering dialogue and understanding between peoples, encouraging peaceful co-existence and consolidating international scenario, when some Bonaparte participated, many of whom said some of these women a measure of control over their own fates. security. The King Abdullah Prize for Humanitarian Efforts will focus on four key areas, with a distinct award for: dialogue and peace; [an allusion to Egyptian President they were criticised and verbally innovation; childhood development and outstanding individuals and institutions Secondly, King Abdullah: Values & Vision: A museum-quality Abdel Fattah el-Sisi] would rear harassed for sorting through trash. Sohair, a 34-year-old Syrian refu- gee, said she has been able to ben- exhibition will feature engaging examples of King Abdullah’s values and vision. It will include, for example, rarely seen personal art and artefacts his head and try to capitalise on They also recalled being mocked that highlight the King’s long and prosperous life, his love and promotion of Saudi cultural heritage, and his interest and encouragement of science, people's legitimate demands by for performing what some consid- efit from the workshop because of her husband's willingness to take technology and entrepreneurship. Thirdly, King Abdullah Symposium: An international symposium will provide the first scholarly retrospec- infiltrating the ranks of the pro- ered traditionally "masculine" tive on the life and times of King Abdullah, and build on his work to address global priorities such as education, economic development, interfaith testers and diverting them from the work. care of their children at home. READ MORE: Public anger dialogue and innovation. The symposium will foster discussions between those individuals close to King Abdullah, as well as the world’s most real social question. Despite the social stigma, the eminent thinkers and practitioners, and include a gala dinner to honor recipients of the King Abdullah Prize. Fouthly, Documentary film: A I wrote an article warning pro- women remained motivated to grows as Beirut's trash crisis per- sists character-driven documentary film will explore the life and times of King Abdullah, portraying the humanity of his reign and the enduring testers against falling into the trap learn a skill that would ultimately characteristics of his legacy. It will highlight both the man and the monarch, as well as the institutions and programs he founded. The family of what I call the Sisi/Bonaparte make them more autonomous, said "He doesn't work regularly because of the laws here in Leba- officially launched the legacy program at a private event celebrating the King’s life at the foundation’s new headquarters in Riyadh. scenario. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . JANUARY 28, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES China shares end lower, taking 2016 extra boost by an accord between the country and the European Commission to help Italian lend- ers sell some of their 200 billion losses to $1.8t euros of bad loans eased concerns about the banking sector. [GVD/ SHANGHAI : China's highly vol- day and acknowledge that finan- EUR] OIL SPILL atile shares ended lower again on cial market turmoil threatens its Overnight, a late rally in Chi- Wednesday after plunging on Tues- upbeat view of the U.S. economy, na reversed an early 3 percent drop day, taking losses in 2016 to about lowering the chances of a March and helped MSCI's broadest index 22 percent or 12 trillion yuan ($1.8 hike. of Asia-Pacific shares outside Ja- trillion). It raised interest rates in De- pan finish 0.5 percent higher. The benchmark Shanghai cember for the first time in a de- Tokyo's Nikkei (.N225) closed Composite Index (.SSEC) ended cade, and the prospect of more up 2.7 percent and the Australian down 0.5 percent, having been up hikes has given the People's Bank dollar (AUD=) rose after one mea- in the morning and as much as 4 of China (PBOC) an unenviable sure of inflation came in slightly percent lower during the day. It task of finding a level for the yuan above forecasts. [FRX/] tumbled 6.4 percent on Tuesday that slows capital outflows with- Valuations have taken a beat- to its lowest close since Dec. 1, out punishing the country's strug- ing in Asia this year. 2014. gling exporters. The benchmark Hong Kong The CSI300 index of the larg- CURRENCY BETS stock market index is now trading est listed companies in Shanghai Investors remain wary of fur- at a price-to-earnings multiple of and Shenzhen ended down 0.3 ther yuan weakness, though the 7.4 times, its lowest since the 2008 percent after a similar rollercoast- PBOC has kept the currency's dai- crisis, while the China enterprises er ride. ly midpoint fixing (CNY=SAEC) index is at a multiple of less than 6 China markets began the year little changed since spooking the times, its cheapest since Decem- with precipitous falls and a sharp markets with a sharply weaker fix ber 2001. depreciation in the yuan currency, in early January. "The Hang Seng China Enter- and selling pressure has persisted That was the second time in prises index is currently priced for as economic data confirmed slow- six months that the bank allowed a a credit event, which we think is ing growth and deteriorating busi- sharp slide in the currency, only slightly extreme," said Michelle ness conditions, hammering confi- to step in aggressively to stabilise Leung, CEO of Xingtai Capital dence in stocks. it and deter speculation. Management, a hedge fund focused Gu Yongtai, analyst at Cinda Spot yuan (CNY=CFXS) was on Chinese consumer stocks. Securities, said the prospect of in- at 6.5798 on Wednesday, a little The retreat in oil prices in Eu- vestors having to sell stocks they firmer than Tuesday's close, while rope also began to weigh on other bought with borrowed money in offshore it was 6.6114, a 0.5 per- LONDON : European stocks suc- ple (AAPL.O) forecast its first cused on the Fed's post-meeting start of the year." commodity markets. Copper, order to cover margin calls has also cent discount to the onshore rate. cumbed to another slide in oil pric- revenue drop in 13 years on Tues- statement, due at 1900 GMT. Af- U.S. Treasury yields nudged which is seen as highly attuned to hurt sentiment. The central bank has been es on Wednesday as markets wait- day, but the main pressure was once ter the rocky start to 2016 mar- down, with the benchmark 10-year global growth, sagged to $4,525 "There's fear that stock price making plenty of liquidity avail- ed cautiously to see what the Fed- again from oil which sank back to- kets are now expecting only one Treasury note yield dipping about tonne (CMCU3) by 0704 GMT, falls would trigger margin calls, able to the banking system to avoid eral Reserve's reaction will be to wards $30 a barrel following its more rate hike this year rather than 2 basis points overnight to 1.9941. after a 2.7 percent gain in the pre- which then adds further pressure any cash squeeze ahead of long what has been a brutal start to the latest attempt at a bounce. the four Janet Yellen and her col- The more interest-rate-sensitive vious session. on prices, although the actual Lunar New Year celebrations be- year for world markets. Brent was down 2 percent at leagues were suggesting in Decem- two-year yield hovered at 0.8567. Traditional safe-haven gold amount of forced liquidation is not ginning in early February. Asian and particularly Chi- $31.12 per barrel with U.S. crude ber. Yields were also a touch lower meanwhile hovered near a 12-week as big as people would imagine," But those funds are largely nese bourses ended stronger than (CLc1) 3 percent lower at $30.50. "(Markets are) pretty much in Europe as small rises in French high at 1,117 an ounce (XAU=). Gu said. short term, and the massive injec- they started but that could not Currencies followed a familiar treading water ahead of the FOMC consumer and industry confidence "The world's economic condi- Four listed companies sus- tions may have dashed some in- prevent the pan-European FT- dance, with the dollar down against (Federal Reserve)," said Societe and Italian retail sales did little to tion doesn't seem to give the Fed pended trading in their shares on vestors' hopes that the PBOC SEurofirst 300 (.FTEU3) falling the yen (JPY=), although it gained Generale strategist Alvin Tan. "We alter expectations that the Euro- reason to hike rates soon given the Wednesday, saying major share- would cut banks' reserve require- just over 0.5 percent in early trad- less than usual against oil-linked are expecting a somewhat more pean Central Bank is readying to growth risks," said Barnabas Gan, holders who had pledged shares as ments (RRR) soon to free up more ing. [EU.] There was still some peers like the rouble (RUB=). dovish tone considering the turbu- cut its interest rates again. analyst at OCBC Bank in Sin- collateral faced margin calls and money for longer term lending grogginess after gadget giant Ap- Bond markets were firmly fo- lence in global markets since the Italian bonds were given an gapore. would seek ways to avoid forced which could boost economic ac- liquidation. tivity. "If the market continues to fall, The decline in the yuan and equity pledging-related selling concerns about growth have fuelled pressure could increase significant- a flight of capital out of the world's ly, putting further pressure on the second-largest economy which stock market," said Gao Ting, the policymakers are struggling to con- Sudan’s finance minister lifted state Head of China Strategy with UBS tain. subsidies on three oil products -- Securities.Trading volumes have Some hedge funds are still bet- fuel oil, jet fuel and gas -- state thinned, making prices more vola- ting that Beijing won't be able to news reported him as saying on tile, as many investors have given stem the outflows and the yuan Tuesday. up on Chinese stocks since last will have to fall, pressuring other The finance ministry an- summer, when shares crashed 40 emerging market currencies. nounced the lifting of subsidies on percent. China posted its slowest “petroleum products -- fuel oil, jet Beijing intervened to stem that growth in 25 years in 2015, and fuel and gas,” state news agency rout and orchestrate a recovery of the new year has seen a slew of SUNA said on its website. sorts, but anyone who mistook weak economic indicators, includ- The move cancelled “all the that for a bottom and bought back ing data on Wednesday showing administrative restrictions and fees in is nursing losses again. profits at Chinese industrial firms and taxes” and opened the field to There was a glimmer of light fell 4.7 percent in December from the private sector. in that buyers in Hong Kong year earlier, the seventh straight “The government’s withdrawal ploughed 4.5 billion yuan into the monthly decline. of subsidies came at an appropri- Shanghai bourse through the Stock Companies also say they are ate time when global prices have Connect mechanism during the day, having a tougher time, among them fallen in an unprecedented way,” the largest inflow since Septem- Apple Inc (AAPL.O), which said SUNA quoted Finance Minister ber. China's woes have damaged risk overnight that while its revenue in Badreldien Mahmoud as saying in appetite in global markets, along Greater China was still rising, it a meeting with the oil ministry. with tumbling oil prices. was seeing "some signs of econom- The minister had previously Investors across the world will ic softness". said he would not lift subsidies on hang on whether the market chaos The broader dilemma for Chi- products in 2016 when he an- of the last few weeks and concerns nese policymakers is that measures nounced his budget for the year. over China's slowing economy to boost growth are delaying re- In September 2013, the gov- might blow the U.S. Federal Re- forms to rebalance the economy ernment slashed fuel subsidies, serve off its proposed course of to more efficient industries, cut sparking street protests as retail Dozens of protesters were killed in the ensuing crackdown. gradual interest rate hikes. debt and reduce overcapacity, prices soared by more than 60 per- Sudan’s economy was badly hit in 2011 when South Sudan gained its independence and took nearly three quarters of the formerly united The Fed is expected to leave Moody's Investor Service said in cent. country’s oil resources with it. rates unchanged later on Wednes- a note. Saudi industrial city says to speed up, broaden investment The developer of one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest industrial city projects says it will speed con- Apple raised the specter of the end of Apple revenue -- had peaked company. struction of infrastructure and of a technological era after report- and that the company would need A big question for Apple is broaden the range of industries it ing the slowest growth sales ever to find new sources of growth. whether it can continue to drive accommodates as part of efforts of its market-leading, life-changing Apple shares have slid 20 per- sales growth in a sluggish global to diversify the economy beyond iPhone and warning it expects cent since last year on these con- economy, amid increasing compe- oil. worse to come. cerns. In after-market trade Tues- tition from rival smartphone mak- With state finances under The California technology co- day, the stock was down more than ers. heavy pressure from low oil pric- lossus said it expects to see its first two percent at $97.35. "This is not Steve Jobs's Ap- es, Saudi Arabia is trying to devel- decline in iPhone sales in the cur- "Our team delivered Apple's ple, which had hit after hit," said op alternative sectors to boost ex- rent quarter, when it will be com- biggest quarter ever, thanks to the independent technology industry ports, create jobs and provide new pared to three months of block- world's most innovative products analyst Rob Enderle. revenues. buster sales in the same period last and all-time record sales of iPhone, "They are going to have to fig- King Abdullah Economic City year. Apple Watch and Apple TV," ure out something else, and you (KAEC), a state-backed business "We do think that iPhone units Cook said in an earnings release. hope it something other than a car zone on the Red Sea coast near will decline in the quarter," Apple "The growth of our services because that is going to take a Jeddah, is part of the effort. The chief executive Tim Cook said dur- business accelerated during the while." zone is being developed by Emaar ing an earnings call with analysts. quarter to produce record results." Apple has declined to com- the Economic City (EEC) , a pub- But Apple, which Tuesday Apple reported that, over all, ment on reports that it has a secret licly listed firm. posted record quarterly profit de- a billion iPhones, iPads, automotive team working on an Fahd Al Rasheed, group chief spite the iPhone faltering for the Macintosh computers, iPod touch electric car. executive of both EEC and KAEC, first time since it was launched, devices, Apple TV units, and Ap- Apple's ecosystem said construction of infrastructure remains optimistic about the over- ple Watch wearable computers had Apple said that it expected in the zone, including housing, all smartphone market. "engaged" with its services in the revenue in the current quarter to commercial space, hotels and roads, Infographic: Bad Apple? past three months. be between $50 billion and $53 would accelerate. Apple plans to continue in- In the fiscal quarter Apple sold billion. That would probably mean While 40 such projects have vesting in smartphones despite 74.8 million iPhones -- a record, a decline from the $58 billion in been developed since the govern- economic woes dragging on many but only fractionally higher than the same period of 2015. ment-backed zone was launched in countries, and a strong U.S. dollar the 74.5 million in the same period Apple has been diversifying 2005, 170 are planned for the next eating into its revenue, according last year and the slowest growth with new offerings in music and is 10 years, he said in an interview. to Cook. since the lifestyle-altering hand- counting on growth from its Ap- Progress in some projects will "There are still a lot of people sets were introduced in 2007. ple Watch and accessories. depend on the rate at which the in the world who will buy smart- China revenue climbs The company reported sales zone can attract new corporate ten- phones and we ought to be able to Revenue in "Greater China" of "other products" -- including the ants, as well as the strength of the win over our fair share of those," was up 14 percent for Apple but smartwatch and Beats music prod- Saudi economy. Cook said. weaker in the US and Japan. ucts -- was $4.35 billion in the past But the emphasis on rapid ex- A billion Apple gadgets "We remain very bullish on quarter, but did not break down pansion is typical of the mood port, had 120 industrial tenants at ed to hit 50,000 by 2020, with an said. Both sectors were identified Net income for the quarter China, and, you know, don't sub- those figures. Services accounted among Saudi economic policy the end of last year after adding 23 ultimate target of 2 million around as priorities by Saudi economic ending December 26 was two per- scribe to the doom and gloom kind for $6 billion. makers as a powerful new com- in 2015. 2035. policy makers this week. cent higher than the same period a of predictions frankly," Cook said. Sales of iPads saw a 56 per- mittee led by the king’s son, Prince Tenants include French phar- Rasheed said KAEC is now Rasheed did not say where year earlier at $18.4 billion, while "India is also incredibly excit- cent drop in revenues and 25 per- Mohammed bin Salman, tries to maceutical maker Sanofi, a venture planned to move beyond light in- KAEC would find investors for the revenue of $75.9 billion set anoth- ing." cent dip in unit sales as the market restructure the economy. involving U.S. battery maker dustry into tourism. new sectors, but the government er record for the company, also Apple reported that revenue for tablet computers cooled. Avi “What used to take two years Johnson Controls, and producers KAEC also aims to develop a has said it is willing to spend bil- edging up two percent. in China grew to a record $18.4 Greengart at the research firm Cur- now takes two months. What took of building materials. medical centre that would attract lions of dollars to jump-start The results were largely in line billion. rent Analysis said things did not two weeks can take a day,” KAEC has a population of patients from abroad, and an edu- growth in new areas by awarding with expectations that sales of iP- Total iPhone sales grew 76 appear that bad for the world's big- Rasheed said. about 5,000 people. It is roughly cational industry providing univer- contracts and procuring services hones -- the driver of two-thirds percent in India, according to the gest company by market value. The zone, which includes a doubling every year and is project- sity and vocational training, he from companies. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . JANUARY 28, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES Red carpet round-up: Fashionistas maintain style quotient Okay, so there were no gold-embossed jacquard gowns or ultra-femme frills — the Pond’s Miracle gala on Saturday night was short on the conventional, refined ladylike flare that would’ve added to the woman-centric occasion. Amid a sea of stars gracing this annual event, super model Nadia Hussain and designer Shehla Chatoor caught our eye in particular — embodying their own take on feminine fashion, these girls made it work — somehow.

Shehla Chatoor Casting a bohemian spell, the fashion designer turned the heads of onlookers. The shaggy, off-shoulder evening number exuded fancy-shindig vibes without being overly posh. Oozing class and style in the ultimate dramatic silhouette of the night, Shehla reminded us of a gypsy that found her way home! Elaborate specifics such as oversized sleeves and furry details made her stand out from the rest of the pack. Sporting modest makeup that comprised nude lips and solid-noir eyeliner, she kept her extensive mane free and resting on her shoulders. Nadia Hussain She might not receive plaudits from us for her choice of outfit, but gotta say, her ability to do justice to any outfit stirred quite the buzz in the local Pop star Jennifer Lopez sought credible costumes that will remind where you make the audience feel circuit. Garbed in crimson and black, the inspiration from singer Cher and people of what Cher or Barbra like jumping out of their seats," supermodel excelled at channeling her actress-singer Barbra Streisand for Streisand wore when they per- she added. inner diva — with a dark side. Donning a her costumes for her show here. formed. It's like a fantasy world Despite spending several years The "On the floor" hitmaker for me," Lopez told HELLO! mag- in the music industry, Lopez still waist-cinching ensemble that boasted kicked off her new show, "Jenni- azine. gets a thrill from performing. intricate embroidery and cape detail, Nadia fer Lopez: All I Have", at Planet She explained before the first "When I'm on stage, I have this looked appealing. Accentuating her Hollywood Resort and Casino show took place: "I'm very excit- incredible sensation of feeling the chiselled bone structure, the mother of four here on Wednesday and she looked ed about it. We're going to have energy and love that comes from rocked a dewy complexion, red pout and to the veteran entertainers for ideas some fantastic dance numbers and the audience. Having the chance to smoky eyes. We wished she steered clear when coming up with her outfits, it's going to be a really high-energy express yourself and be creative is of coloured contacts — outdated much? reports femalefirst.co.uk. sho . "My idea is for it to make it the most wonderful feeling," she "I've come up with some in- a kind of Bronx-style block party added.

The "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" stars Kendall and Kylie Jenner are set to release their latest Kendall + Kylie collection before New York Fashion Week begins on February 8. Why has The items will include black and white dresses as well as some pale pink items. Stores such as Urvashi Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, been left Shopbop, Lord & Taylor and Revolve will have the siblings' clothing line, reports out of femalefirst.co.uk The two sisters gave their fans a sneak peek of 'Sanam Re' their collection through their joint Kendall + promotions? Kylie Instagram account, which has over a million followers. The sisters also posted an inspirational quote on their Instagram account which read: Urvashi Rautela seems to have been left out of the promotions of her upcoming film, 'Sanam Re'. While the film's cast of Pulkit Samrat and Yami Gautam along with director Divya Khosla "Forget the rules if you like it wear it. Feel Kumar have begun the promotions, Urvashi has been left out in the cold. Even at the film's good. look good. the mantra (sic)." wrap up party, Urvashi was missing from the scene. RAVEENA TURNS WEDDING PLANNER Actress Raveena Tandon is all set to play wedding planner for the nuptials of her youngest adopted daughter Chhaya. According to a source close to the family, the idea of turning wedding planner was Superstar Aamir Khan has in- spurred by all the onscreen wed- dings she has been part of. dicated that a sequel to his As the groom is from Goa, the blockbuster film "3 Idiots" is wedding will be performed accord- likely to be made. ing to both Hindu and Catholic rit- The Rajkumar Hirani-di- uals. rected movie of 2009 also Source said,"The sangeet will starred Sharman Joshi and R be hosted by Raveena and family Madhavan. to which only very close relatives "Raju (Rajkumar Hirani) and friends have been invited. sometime ago mentioned that There will also be a mehendi, be- he has found a story for '3 Idi- sides the chuda ceremony and the ots' (sequel), so maybe we will ghara ghardoli. Those will be fol- reunite soon. Don't make it as lowed by the Catholic rituals. a breaking news," Aamir told Raveena has personally designed reporters here at a press con- each function that has been organ- ference to celebrate the 10th ised by the bride's side of the fam- anniversary of "Rang De Bas- ily." anti" tonight. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . JANUARY 28, 2016 AFGHANISTANTIMES England places on line after South Africa series, says

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronal- do have made a habit of breaking Trevor Bayliss records, and they are on the brink of another remarkable goal-scoring landmark. If Messi scores in Bar- celona's Copa del Rey quarter-fi- nal against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, he will take a com- bined goal tally with Ronaldo to 1000 goals for club and country. Since scoring his first Barcelona goal as a late substitute in a 2-0 win over Albacete in May 2005, Messi has hit 481 overall - includ- ing 49 for Argentina. And the Ar- gentine will fancy his chances of adding to his tally at the Camp Nou on Wednesday having scored in each of his last two appearanc- es - including a 6-0 win over the Basque side in La Liga just two weeks ago. Ronaldo's scoring feats, meanwhile, date back to his Sport- ing Lisbon breakthrough in Octo- ber 2002. In total, the Real Madrid forward has smashed 518 career goals - including 118 in six seasons at Manchester United before his move to the Bernabeu in 2009. As the devastating duo close in on No 1000, we break down the England are far from the "finished will be very important for some of numbers behind their astonishing article" with plenty of room for those players. goal records… improvement, says head coach "From a keeping point of view, Trevor Bayliss. Jonny [Bairstow] is working hard Bayliss has just overseen a and trying to get the right advice, second major series win in six but he is work in progress. Again, months, beating South Africa 2-1 it is a message for any keepers out away from home to go with last there that there may be opportu- summer's Ashes success, but ques- nities down the line." tion marks remain over key posi- The most vexed of all posi- tions following a familiar blowout tions is the second opening slot in the final Test. alongside captain Alastair Cook. Three of the top five - Alex Hales is the eighth person to Simon Mignolet saved two Stoke League final, where he could meet es for the visitors but Liverpool Hales, Nick Compton and James be tried in the role since Andrew penalties as Liverpool won a dra- Merseyside rivals Everton, who seemed reluctant to shoot with Taylor - endured modest returns Strauss' retirement in 2012 and an matic penalty shootout 6-5 to play Manchester City on Wednes- Adam Lallana and James Milner against the Proteas and face a ner- average of 17 in four Tests hardly reach the final of the Capital One day evening holding a 2-1 advan- both guilty of passing inside the vous wait to see if they will be precludes the possibility of a ninth. Cup. tage from the first-leg. Stoke, down penalty area, although Can and retained with the upcoming domes- With the 27-year-old staying Marko Arnautovic - despite 1-0 from the first-leg at the Brit- Jordan Henderson had attempts tic season set to be played for un- on as a key part of the one-day appearing to be in an offside posi- annia Stadium, included Peter from distance. Early in the second usually high stakes. squad in South Africa, Bayliss add- tion - netted on the stroke of half- Crouch in their starting line-up as half Roberto Firmino forced Jack "We're by no means the fin- ed: "He's one of the guys who time, which was the only goal of they tried to target the home side's Butland to tip his shot onto the ished article. There is some very would obviously be disappointed the game and an aggregate score of weakness at defending high balls. near post with his foot, but Stoke good talent in the team, but there how he's gone in this series. 1-1 took the tie all the way to pen- In an even opening 45 minutes the quickly gained control and exerted are a few rough edges to knock off "I thought the first couple of alties. Missed spot-kicks by Pe- hosts were undone seconds before considerable pressure, with Ma- as well and that will take some games, even though he didn't score ter Crouch and Emre Can took the the interval with a move through madou Sakho throwing himself at time," said Bayliss. a lot of runs in Durban, he looked shootout to sudden death where the middle of the pitch which a Walters shot an example of the "I think that is a sign to every- quite comfortable at the crease and Marc Muniesa was denied by a picked out Bojan Krkic and, with desperation. Striker Christian one else in county cricket that, 'If I he looked like he belonged. wonderful Mignolet save and Joe left-back Alberto Moreno nowhere Benteke replaced Henderson but come out and score runs early in "He's one of those guys who Allen netted the winning penalty. to be seen, he slid a pass across to it was Sakho who wasted a good the season, there are possibilities has shown what he can do at this Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp the unmarked Arnautovic who Milner free-kick by heading wide, there'. level... whether it is as an opener will return to Wembley for the first side-footed home despite replays with Benteke failing to meet "There are four or five [rounds or somewhere else in the order, he time since leading Borussia Dort- indicating he was offside. Jon Moreno's cross under pressure of] matches before that first Test is certainly a guy with a lot of tal- mund to the 2013 Champions Walters and Bojan both had chanc- from Erik Pieters. against Sri Lanka. Those matches ent." Johanna Konta reaches Australian Open semis

for first time Anthony Joshua is set to be of- fered an IBF world title eliminator Johanna Konta became the first with a venomous backhand to go her again in the fifth game before a against Carlos Takam. British woman in more than 32 3-1 up and looked poised to take double fault from the Chinese play- The unbeaten 26-year-old has years to make the semi-finals of a the first set only for Zhang to er in game seven gave Konta her swiftly risen through the heavy- Grand Slam after another stunning break back after saving three set win. The final point was somewhat weight rankings with 15 straight show at the Australian Open on points. fortunate but the result was not victories and could soon secure a Wednesday. Still 3-5 down, she held her and after beating seven top 20 op- shot at the IBF belt, which is cur- The 24-year-old showed no own serve only for Konta to do ponents since last summer she will rently held by Charles Martin. nerves as she eased past Chinese the same and give herself an ad- go up against Kerber for a place in Erkan Teper is higher in the qualifier Zhang Shuai 6-4 6-1 in vantage as she drew first blood at the final with confidence. organisation's standings, but the Melbourne to set up a last-four 6-4. Konta added: "Unfortunately German has tested positive for a meeting with German seventh seed The second set began much like I won it on that net cord, I'm not banned substance and the IBF are Angelique Kerber. the first, Konta once again edging that proud of that, but I'm happy waiting on a B sample test before Konta emulates Jo Durie's run ahead - this time coming out on I fought on every point. sanctioning Joshua-Takam, which to the same stage of the 1983 US top after three breaks of serve in a "I haven't spoken to mum and would see the winner become man- Open, where she lost to Chris row - then holding her serve to take dad yet but I'm pretty sure they datory challenger for Martin. Evert in straight sets. a 3-1 lead. have jet lag because of the time dif- IBF championships chairman The Briton will now bid to go This time she was more ruth- ference. They've been staying up Lindsey E Tucker told Sky Sports: one further and get to Saturday's less against a tiring Zhang and broke at all times." "Teper and Takam are the next two, final. The last British female to do but if there is a problem with ei- that at one of tennis' big four events ther one, we would go to Joshua was Virginia Wade when she won "If Teper is out, yes it will be Wimbledon in 1977. Takam and Joshua. They will be Konta said: "I'm happy. I was fighting for the No 1 position, able to fight every single point. I which is the mandatory challenge. really enjoyed it, I really enjoyed "We would give them the stan- playing in front of the big crowd. dard 30-day negotiation period and "She didn't make it easy. I then if they did not reach the deci- didn't put anything on this match, sion we would call for a purse bid." I just wanted to come out and play Takam has built up 33 victo- the best level that I could, and give ries, but has also suffered two de- the best entertainment I could." feats, including a 10th-round stop- Konta is the first British wom- page loss to Alexander Povetkin. an to reach the last four of a Grand We have opportunities every- Slam for 32 years where and a list of fighters calling Konta is the first British wom- AJ out longer than my arm. an to reach the last four of a Grand It is a really exciting time for Joshua in the IBF rankings into the breach. Promoter Eddie Hearn is still heavyweight boxing right now so I Should Joshua and his team "We would more than likely Slam for 32 years finalising plans for Joshua's first Having been ranked 147th in can't wait to get fighting." choose not to pursue the IBF route, like to take that fight," said Loner- scheduled fight of the year at Lon- Joseph Parker lies just behind unbeaten Kiwi Parker is next in line gan. "If we were to take that fight the world and lost in the qualifiers don's O2 Arena on April 9. a year ago, Konta has risen to a Joshua in the IBF rankings and his promoter Dean Lonergan and win, we'll go to No 1 manda- Hearn told Sky Sports: "We Joseph Parker lies just behind says his fighter is willing to step tory ahead of Anthony Joshua." provisional placing of 28th. have opportunities everywhere That is one short of fellow Brit and a list of fighters calling AJ out Laura Robson's career high of 27th longer than my arm. Stay tuned achieved in July 2013, albeit Kon- for next week's announcement." ta's rise has arguably been more Joshua has attracted a grow- meteoric. ing number of possible opponents, She is the second person in with fellow Brit Dereck Chisora, three versions of the tournament New Zealand's Joseph Parker and to get to the semis 12 months on American Bryant Jennings all ex- from missing out in the prelimi- pressing an interest in facing the naries after Eugenie Bouchard did British and Commonwealth cham- the same thing in 2014. pion. And, whoever is confirmed Having never been in the main as his next rival, Joshua says he is draw before, Konta now has mo- raring to go and ready to display mentum and belief to keep defy- his skills once again. "I can't wait ing the odds after a run which has to get back in the ring on April 9," already taken her past former he said. "I feel fit and ready to take world No 1 Venus Williams. on whoever I need to continue my She displayed more strength journey to the top. and sustainability on Wednesday "The atmosphere at The O2 against Zhang, once ranked 30th was unbelievable in December so in the world. I'm looking forward to putting on Konta secured an early break an even bigger show for the fans. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY. JANUARY 28. 2016-Dalwa 08, 1394 H.S Vol:X Issue No:180 Price: Afs.15

30 children die of pneumonia in Faryab Maruf Samar, the health director of , said on Tues- day that in the past month nearly 30 children have died from pneu- monia and over 2,500 were admit- ted to hospital. The Afghan Ministry of Pub- By Farhad Naibkhel lic Health (MoPH) said that the pneumonia outbreak is short term KABUL: The government and the million needy people were assist- and that the ministry has programs United Nations Humanitarian ed with the extra donated amount. in place to deal with it. Community in Afghanistan seek an The UN humanitarian coordi- "Unfortunately pneumonia appeal of $393 million to assist nator Mark Bowden said that Af- has increased by 25 percent this winter [against last winter] but at needy and vulnerable people ghanistan needed $393 million this least we have health care centers across the country in 2016. year to acute life-saving needs of to treat the children," said MoPH “The government and the UN the most vulnerable and marginal- Minister Ferozuddin Feroz. humanitarian community made ized Afghans. "First, children should be vac- humanitarian response plan for He said that support related cinated against pneumonia, sec- 2016 to assist 3.5 million vulnera- to food as well as access to health ondly what is important is moth- ble people across the country,” said care, nutrition, potable water and er's milk should be given to new Chief Executive Officer Abdullah sanitation to some 3.5 million peo- born babies because mother's milk will increase a baby's immune sys- Abdullah. ple. tem, thirdly a child should be cared Speaking at the launch of 2016 “I have no doubt that we will for properly, and fourthly children humanitarian response plan Abdul- be called to redouble those efforts with this diseases must be kept lah said that $53.7 million will be and deliver increasing levels of as- away from other children," said allocated for emergency shelters sistance to those in need of life- Norulhaq Yousafzai, Chief of In- and non-food assistance, $110 mil- saving humanitarian response over dira Ghandi Children's Hospital. lion for agriculture and food pro- the next 12 months,” Bowden as- According to doctors, parts of tection, over $30 million for health serted. the country are still short on health care centers and a lack of aware- programs, $63.2 million for nutri- He said that from January to ness among the people about pneu- tion, $20.5 million for water sup- November 2015, more than monia is also a problem. ply and $36.8 million for the re- 300,000 people fled their homes maining aspects. due to conflict marking a 160 per He asked the donors to sup- cent increase comparing to the Seven Daesh, port the humanitarian response same period in 2014. Denmark's parliament passed At the Trampoline House in cause this is dehumanizing us," said West because they believe in hu- three Taliban plan of Afghanistan for 2016. German Ambassador to Af- measures aimed at deterring refu- central Copenhagen, which offers 27-year-old Hiwa from Iraq. man rights and democracy and they The chief executive called on ghanistan Markus Potzel prom- gees from seeking asylum, includ- support to asylum seekers and ref- "I'm so sorry about these new believe that they will find it here. insurgents arrested the relevant government organs to ised that his country would remain ing confiscating valuables to pay ugees, people were critical of the rules and it's really bad that the It's kind of what the West is al- in Nangarhar distribute the aids to the real needy committed to continue humanitar- for their stay, despite protests new laws. Danish parliament they come out ways telling, that the West is a people. ian aids to Afghanistan. from international human rights "I think it's a wrong law and with difficult and harder and hard- beacon of democracy and human AT News Report “Coordination must be better Afghan Humanitarian Com- organisations. we don't accept this. er rules. That's not a good deci- rights and respect for the singular KABUL: At least seven members among the related organs to pre- munity Representative Amanullah The measures, which also in- We condemn it and we pro- sion," added Shagira, 29, from Af- individual and now with these laws of the Daesh (ISIS) terrorist group vent wasting of the relief,” he in- Jawad asked for the donation of clude extending family reunifica- tested today and we are going to ghanistan. Trampoline House's it's obvious that our politicians do and three Taliban militants were sisted. the aids through the non-govern- tion among refugees from one year keep going to protest against this manager Marten Goll, said there not respect this for people who detained by the security forces in He said that Afghanistan had mental organizations “because to three years, are the latest sign new law because this doesn't work. was a sense of "hopelessness" do not have Danish passports," he eastern Nangarhar province, local appealed for $417 million in 2015, they are aware of situation in the that the Nordic welcome for refu- We want the Danish parliament to among the refugees. "Many refu- officials said on Wednesday. said. The Liberals Party govern- Provincial police chief Fazl but received $424 million, that 2.2 localities”. gees is waning as large numbers flee think again about this new law be- gees they flee to Denmark and the ment has just 34 out of 179 seats war in Africa and Middle East for Ahmad said: “We arrest- in parliament and depends on sup- ed the militants in Kot and Haska Ammunition cache seized in Wardak a better life in Europe. port of rightist parties, including Mina districts along with their The "jewellery bill" is the lat- the anti-immigration Danish Peo- weapons.”He added that the arrest- AT News Report est attempt by Denmark's minori- ple's Party (DF), to pass laws. ed people were residents of Nan- KABUL: The National Directorate of Security (NDS) on Wednesday ty center-right government to curb The dissenting voices came garhar, Helmand and Samangan reported of the seizure of a Taliban ammunition cache in the central immigration to a country that took from small left-wing parties, in- provinces. Separately he said that Wardak province, saying it was confiscated. in a record 20,000 refugees last cluding from Red Green Alliance. the security forces had recently The NDS said in a statement that its operatives managed to discover year. But the bill passed with an seized 340 types of weapons, am- Under the bill, refugees could munition and explosives in differ- and seize the ammunition cache “belonging to the Taliban insurgents” in overwhelming majority, backed by ent areas of Nangarhar province. the Jalriz district of Wardak province. keep possessions amounting to 10,000 Danish crowns ($1,450 the main center-left opposition The weapons and explosives were The confiscated ammunition included 61 cannon shells, 45 BM1 party Social Democrats, highlight- handed to over to the Disbandment shells, 15 mortar mines, four kilograms of explosives, added the state- USD), raised from 3,000 crowns after criticism from human rights ing a shift to the right in Denmark's of Illegal Armed Groups (DIAG) ment. political landscape thanks to DF's process on Wednesday, Sherzad Taliban planned to use the ammunition in killing of innocent people, organisations. Valuables of special said. The armed opposition groups emotional value such as wedding popularity and rising concern over which found and confiscated by the national directorate of security refugee numbers. are yet to comment on the inci- forces, mentioned the statement. rings will be exempt. dents. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.