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www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 23. 2017 -Hoot 05, 1395 HS

AT News Report

KABUL: Chief Executive Abdul- Three killed in lah Abdullah in a meeting with the Ghazni terror plot NATO commander for joint com- Paktika blast mand, called on the removal of ter- AT News Report rorist havens beyond the Durand foiled: MoI KABUL: At least three people Line. have been killed and 19 others “General Salvatore Farina as- AT News Report wounded in a bomb blast in the sured that the NATO is ready for Janikhel district of southeastern cooperation with Afghanistan in all KABUL: A terror plot has been source added. foiled after the Afghan security Moreover, in Garmsir district Paktika province on Wednesday, military sectors,” Abdullah’s office local official said. said Wednesday. forces destroyed a truck filled with of Helmand province, 21 roadside In a statement issued here, the Farina added that Afghan se- explosive materials before enter- bombs, planted by the Taliban in- provincial media office said that curity forces particularly the Spe- ing to the capital of southern Ghaz- surgents were defused by the se- the terrorist act was occurred on cial Force and air force had consid- ni province, security source said curity forces, the statement add- 10:30 local time in Janikhel dis- erably empowered, calling it as on Wednesday. ed. trict. “All the wounded civilians “good news”. In a statement issued here, the This comes as recently securi- were shifted to the hospital.” The existing NATO troops are Ministry of Interior (MoI), said ty official in Ghazni province One child is also among those involved in training and advising the insurgents was planned to car- showed readiness to deal with the wounded in the attack, the state- the Afghan troops since their com- ry out a deadly truck-bombing in Islamic State (IS), aka Daesh mili- ment, said, adding that the condi- bat mission ended at the end of Ghazni city. According to state- tant group. Recently, Daesh mili- tion of the injured are out of dan- 2014. ment, two suicide bombers were tants group has been emerged in ger. “Farina added that NATO will also killed in the incident. the Gilan district of the southern Moreover, the provincial gov- continue cooperation in consult- Truck filled with hundreds ki- Ghazni province. However, secu- ernor, Muhammad Ilyas has ing and training the Afghan forces lograms of explosives was de- rity officials assured residents not strongly condemned the terrorist and the transition process of in- stroyed after identification in to let the group from gaining foot- act against innocent civilians, term- formation will be soon put in ac- Mansour village of Nawa district hold in the district, and efforts on ing it an act contrary to the Islamic tion.” of the province on Tuesday, the card to eliminate the group. teachings. Abdullah thanked the world community especially NATO member countries for assisting JAPAN PLEDGES $3.3M TO SUPPORT CITY Afghan forces, saying the “assis- Seven Dostum bodyguards tance caused increase of Afghan RESILIENCE PROJECT INAFGHANISTAN troops’ ability. “But Afghan security forces The government of Japan has MA). The statement further add- appeared for questioning atAGO pledged $3.3 million to support ed, the relevant documents for still need more training as well as Seven bodyguards of the First Vice The spokesman for Ministry ed Dostum’s house on Tuesday for arming,” Abdullah was quoted by city resilience project in Afghani- “The Project for City Resilience” stan, including risk reduction, hu- were signed at the Embassy of Ja- President Abdul Rashid Dostum of Interior (MoI), Sediq Sediqqi, a number of reasons. a statement as saying. who are accused of sexual abuse of wrote on his Twitter page: “MoI The source said, nine of Dos- He said that Afghans were man and economic losses, and im- pan in Kabul on February 22, 2017 pacts, particularly the life of wom- between Mr. Kenji EONOSHITA, Ahmad Eshchi, former deputy confirms investigations underway tum’s security guards were accused threatened by terrorists who are head of National Islamic Move- by Attorney General's Office from of mistreating Ahmad Eshchi. in Pakistan soil and serious mea- en and girls and vulnerable people Charge d’Affaires ad interim of Habibzai. in cities of Kabul and Mazar-i- Embassy of Japan to Afghanistan Around 4.2 million citizens in ment of Afghanistan, appeared for the 7 security guards accused of Only two of the guards sures are needed to remove them. questioning at the Attorney Gen- misconduct in a case”. showed a willingness to cooperate Abdullah called the Warsaw Sharif. The Embassy of Japan in a and Mr. Tim McNair, Country two cities are expected to benefit statement said the funds will be Programme Manager of UNHAB- through developing and imple- eral’s Office, a senior police offi- According to a security in the investigations on Tuesday, and Brussels commitments be- cial told TOLOnews. source, security forces surround- the sources said. Following the re- tween Afghanistan and the inter- spent through the technical assis- ITAT with the witness of H.E. menting City Resilience Action tance of UN-Habitat, and in col- Minister of MUDH Sayed Sadat Plan. City resilience will be en- ports about siege on Dostum’s national community as steady house, the first vice president on steps in renewing commitments for laboration with Independent Di- Mansour Naderi, H.E. State Min- hanced through the analysis of city rectorate of Local Governance/ ister for Disaster Management and risk and resilience, disaster risk Tuesday night denied his residence continuous cooperation with Af- in Kabul was under siege by secu- ghanistan. Deputy Ministry of Municipali- Humanitarian Affairs Wais Ahmad reduction campaigns and improve- ty (IDLG/DMM), Kabul Munic- Barmak, H.E. Acting Director ment of critical infrastructures, rity forces. He told supporters the Abdullah and Farina also talked security forces had besieged the on reforms in Afghan security forc- ipality, Ministry of Urban Devel- General of IDLG/Deputy Minis- such as improving canal/river bank, opment and Housing (MUDH) ter of Municipality Abdul Baqi drainage system, and vulnerable area because of a problem between es, Afghan-Pakistan relationships police force members and Tarakhail and the increase of terrorist attacks and Afghanistan National Disas- Popal, and H.E. Acting Mayor of bridges and shelters, the statement ter Management Authority (AND- Kabul Municipality Abdullah added. tribe, who mostly live in eastern in Pakistan. parts of Kabul. He said the real reason behind the presence of se- curity forces in the Sherpoor area Rebels release Amo River basin head, 2 others in Baghlan in Kabul, where his house is locat- ed, is not known. (Tolonews) PUL-I-KHUMRI: The head of the 5th Amo and a relative. He said the basin chief River basin along with two others has been and the two others were set free from released from insurgents’ captivity in north- rebels on Wednesday noon. There Officials discuss ern Baghlan province, an official said on were no any deals for the release of Sunday. Lt. Col. Shir Aziz Kamawal, gener- the men, but they were freed by me- financial plans, al police commander for northeastern zone, diation of tribal elders and efforts of said the chief of northeastern zone basin provincial officials especially the pro- development Eng. Mohammad Naim Nawabi was kid- vincial police chief, he said. Nawabi napped a few days back in Chasmai Shir was kidnapped about four days back. area of Baghlan province along with his driver (Pajhwok) projects AT News Report Police arrests KABUL: Finance Minister Eklil Hakimi, Rural Rehabilitation and drug trafficker in Development Minister Nasir Ah- mad Durrani and Urban Develop- Nangarhar ment Minister Sayed Sadat Man- AT News Report AT Monitoring Desk soor Naderi met Wednesday to dis- cuss financial plans and develop- KABUL: The national police ar- KABUL: The Islamic State (IS), from the Achin district of neigh- group. Daesh militants in the district, he fighters loyal to the Daesh terror- ing projects. rested a drug smuggler with 200 which is also known as Daesh ter- boring Nangarhar province. The “Daesh has also persuaded my said the group was only involved ist group were killed during an Budget expenditure consider- kilograms of hashish in Behsud rorist group had kicked off recruit- recruits are then sent there for train- 22-year-old son who joined their in recruiting process. operation in eastern Nangarhar ing efficiency and effectiveness, district of eastern Nangarhar prov- ing process to bring more fighters ing,” he added. ranks and is being trained in Achin. However, the governor’s province. submission of construction ince, interior ministry said in their militancy rank as already According to him, the terror- I strived to bring him back but spokesman did on comment on the A statement issued in that time projects of the ministries and gov- Wednesday. hundreds of recruited fighters dis- ist group wanted to use the newly failed,” Pajhwok quoted Ibrahim, issue, while saying he was not by the provincial press office, said ernment administrations to the “The hashish was loaded on patched to Achin district to receive recruiters in their terrorist activi- as saying. aware of Daesh activities in Azra that these fighters were killed dur- Ministry of Urban Development an ambulance vehicle and smuggling terrorist training, local officials in ties in the upcoming spring fight Another resident, Bismillah district. ing air and ground operations in and some other important subjects to Ghani Khil district of Nangar- central Logar province said on in different parts of the country. said that they were facing multi- It is worth mentioning that Haska Mina district. were also discussed, according to har province,” it said in a state- Wednesday. “Azra is among the insecure ple issues due to Daesh activities. Azra district is situated 90 kilo- In addition to that 16 Daesh finance ministry’s statement. ment. Hameedullah Hameed, admin- district of the country, sharing bor- “If this process continues, it will meters east of Pul-i-Alam, the pro- militants were wounded in the “Ministry of Finance provid- “The Ministry of Interior is istrative chief for Azra district, told der with Pakistan, where Daesh create problem for us,” he warned. vincial capital. operation. ed many facilities for using budget committed to the fight against nar- Pajhwok Afghan News that the IS militants were present as well. “We are aware of Daesh activ- The main road to the district Moreover, the Afghan securi- and implementing developing cotics and Afghan National was recruiting youngsters to swell Haji Ibrahim, a resident of ities in Azra district,” Col. Mo- has been closed for the past 14 ty forces detained seven Daesh projects to the budgetary units Counter-Narcotics Police are hav- its ranks in the embattled district. Akbarkheli locality, verified the hammad Jan Abid, the provincial years, and its residents use Kabul fighters in the district. Most of the considering efficiency and effec- ing major success in fighting “But no area of the district is Islamic State recruitment process crime branch chief told Pajhwok and Nangarhar routes for travel, the killed and wounded fighters were tiveness and in case facing prob- against smugglers and narcotics, being controlled by Daesh, whose underway in the district and a large Afghan News. source added. foreigners, the statement men- lems technical assistance would be which will continue.” recruitment drive is being directed number of youth hand joined the While rejecting the presence of This comes as recently 40 tioned. made by it.” THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Afghan man who worked with US forces confronts Sen. Grassley: "Who is going to save me?" A man who said he was an interpreter for the U.S. army in the Afghan War confronted Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley at a town hall meeting in Garner, Iowa on Tuesday. "I am a person from a Muslim country, and I am wondering who is going to save me here? Who is going stand behind me and save me here?" he asked. Some in the crowd chanted: "We will!" He said he had been "roadside bombed" and shot two times with the U.S. armed forces in Afghanistan. Grassley declined to answer his question. New York Times correspondent Thomas Kaplan tweeted from the scene that: "Grassley says he will try to help the man. He also says Trump's executive order on immigration wasn't carefully drafted." (Re- alclearpolitics)

Inside a posh shopping mall in illicit form of entertainment. Even Kabul, a quiet gender revolution is many men are often embarrassed under way. Compared to other to admit they go to cinemas. movie theaters in Kabul, the cine- Gharzai says he has received ma inside, the Galaxy Family Mini- threats online from religious fun- plex, looks tidy and modern. But damentalists because he is running the biggest difference is the audi- one. And while there's no specific ence. policy prohibiting women from "Here you see women coming spending an afternoon at the mov- in often without a mahram [an un- ies today, most women stay away marriageable family member, out of fear of harassment, or be- which for women can also be an cause their families don't let them escort] and you feel free," says 29- go. lessness and pessimistic feeling. tims are said to grow up to have abuse, it's hard to know what hap- year-old Rohina Haroon. The Gal- "I think [women in Afghani- Afghanistan is set to criminalise an absence of the rule of law, cor- Bacha bazi results in fear among boy lovers of their own, repeating pens to these children," said Cha- axy Family Miniplex is Afghani- stan don't go to movies] because the practice of "bacha bazi" -- the ruption, limited access to justice, the children and a feeling of re- the cycle of abuse. ru Lata Hogg, a London-based fel- stan's first cinema for women; their husbands and family wouldn't low at Chatham House, a think Haroon has been there four times. like it," says Sevita Durrani, 28, tank. For the past 15 years, cine- who recently visited the Galaxy "We have heard anecdotal re- mas have been almost exclusively Family Miniplex for the first time. ports that many grow up to keep men's territory in Afghanistan, "Maybe they think there would their own bachas, perpetuating the considered off-limits and inappro- be too many boys there and they revolving door of abuse." priate for women. On a recent vis- don't allow them to go. Maybe How is bacha bazi impacting it to Pamir Cinema, one of Kabul's with their families women could Afghan security? oldest movie theaters, marijuana go [to other cinemas], but not Bacha bazi is having a detri- smoke thickened the air, and seats alone—the men would try to talk mental bearing on the perpetual were full of boys and men who to them, and so on." state of conflict in Afghanistan, whistled and clapped when a fe- Haroon has also never been to helping the Taliban to infiltrate male character appeared on the sil- another movie theater in Kabul. She security ranks in provinces such ver screen. "This is really some- says this is because there are too as Uruzgan, officials say. The abu- thing quite radical in Afghanistan, many single men there, and it sive practice in security ranks also to build a cinema for women," says makes her feel uncomfortable. undermines support for NATO- 34-year-old Abu Bakar Gharzai, A man sits outside Pamir Cin- trained Afghan forces. "To date, the who opened the Galaxy Family ema in Kabul US has provided over $60 billion Miniplex in March of last year. Most of the city's cinemas in assistance to the Afghan Nation- Gharzai grew up as a refugee draw a crowd of day laborers, al Defense and Security Forces in Pakistan and later studied in In- shopkeepers, butchers, and unem- (ANDSF), including nearly $500 dia. When he moved back to Af- ployed people in search of a cou- million to the Afghan Local Police," ghanistan in 2008, he quickly no- ple of hours of entertainment; tick- the US Congress said in 2015. ticed there weren't many places to ets at Pamir cost less than a dollar. "Predatory sexual behaviour by go out as a family: Suddenly, going The men often get quite rowdy, Afghan soldiers and police could to the movies—something Gharzai standing up from their seats and undermine US and Afghan public had done on a regular basis in In- breaking into song and dance in the support for the ANDSF, and put dia—was out of bounds for his middle of the film. our enormous investment at risk." wife. He soon decided to open a "If there were women here, The practice also continues to cinema where women could go. [the male audience] would definite- embolden the Taliban's desire to Cinemas in Afghanistan were ly harass them," says Rohid, a 20- reassert sharia law in Afghanistan not always male dominated. Dur- year-old patron of Pamir Cinema. and is fuelling their insurgency. ing King Mohammad Zahir Shah's "You can see how women are ha- "Such wild abuses of the pred- rule, from 1933 until 1973, and the rassed on the streets. Once [men] atory mujahideen forces in the ear- communist regime, from 1978 un- found out women were coming ly 1990s drove the popularity of til 1989, Kabul looked quite dif- here, they would rush to the cine- the austere Taliban, helping them ferent than it does today; it was ma and start harassing them. Soci- sweep to power across most of not unusual to see women in short ety has not developed enough for the country. Similar behaviour of skirts, without headscarves, women to be able to come here." the government forces after 2001 studying or working, and cinemas At Galaxy Family Miniplex, venge and hostility develop in their "In the absence of any servic- is also helping to inspire the insur- were a common form of entertain- tickets are almost five times more sexual exploitation of boys -- with illiteracy, poverty, insecurity, and mind." es to recover or rehabilitate boys gency," a Western official in Kabul ment for both men and women. expensive, and men can still attend a slew of stringent punishments the existence of armed groups have In turn, many adolescent vic- who are caught in this horrendous told AFP. (AFP) "My uncle's daughters used to showings—though they can only laid out for the first time in a re- also helped the practice spread, the even eat their lunch in cinemas do so as part of a family, or if there vised penal code. Afghanistan Independent Human during that time—there was no are no women present. While some The move comes after an AFP Rights Commission (AIHRC) said problem then," Haroon says. showings still play for more men report last year found the Taliban in a report in 2014. AFGHANISTAN STARTS WORK ON But once the civil war broke than women, for some women, the are exploiting the centuries-old "Bacha bazi" is not widely out and the mujahideen—Islamic family cinema has already turned practice, one of the most egregious seen in Afghanistan as homosexu- resistance fighters—took over in into something much more than a violations of human rights in the al behaviour -- popularly demo- NATIONAL EXPORT STRATEGY the early 90s, cinemas became ne- movie theater: It's a place where country, to mount deadly insider nised as a deviant sexual act, pro- attacks in the volatile south. hibited in Islam -- and is largely glected. Though theaters were per- women can go to relax. Helen, 16, Afghanistan today took its first achieve greater economic diversi- Atiqullah Nusrat, Chief Exec- mitted to continue operating, who requested anonymity, often Here are some key answers accepted as a cultural practice about bacha bazi. AIHRC points out that Af- steps towards the creation of a fication.” utive Officer of the Afghan Cham- songs, popular especially in Indi- comes to the cinema "just to hang National Export Strategy (NES) ITC Executive Director Aran- ber of Commerce and Industry an films, were censored out. Then, out, not for a movie." When I vis- What is it? ghanistan's criminal law prohibits Powerful warlords, command- rape and pederasty, but so far there that will set out its trade priori- cha Gonzalez said “Entry into the (ACCI), said “The development when the Taliban seized power in ited, she was sitting in front of the ties. WTO will make predictable and of a National Export Strategy for 1996, films, television, and most ticket booth with a friend, munch- ers, politicians and other members are no clear provisions on bacha of the elite often keep "bachas" as bazi. According to a statement by open trade possible for Afghani- Afghanistan is a high priority item types of music were banned, and ing on popcorn. Although there is International Trade Center, more stan. The National Export Strate- that is foreseen to stimulate the movie theaters were forced out of hardly any space for the girls to a symbol of authority and afflu- "There is a gap and ambiguity ence. in the laws of Afghanistan regard- than 100 representatives from the gy is a good next step in making growth of the private sector in ad- business. sit around and talk, they still pre- public and private sector are meet- trade happen. The Strategy will dition to providing a high degree After the fall of the Taliban in fer the cinema lobby to the many Bachas, sometimes dressed as ing bacha bazi and the existing laws women, are often sexually exploit- do not address the problem suffi- ing in Kabul for a two-day meet- provide a guiding compass for a of mobility and stability. This is 2001, cinemas opened their doors cafes and restaurants that are ing to explore challenges and op- series of strategic actions includ- especially relevant in the context again after a long break, but the housed in the same shopping mall. ed. They can also be used as danc- ciently," the report said. ers at private parties. It is this gap which the gov- portunities for improving Afghan- ing investments, value-chain de- of a landlocked environment, with impacts of religious fundamental- "This is a much better place to hang istan’s trade performance. velopment, institutional support a volatile economy that has stag- ism have been slow to fade; for out—it is much safer for women," Bacha bazi is not widely seen ernment hopes the revised penal as homosexual behaviour -- popu- code will address. The National Export Strategy mechanisms, and improvement of nated and a trade balance that in- more religious sections of society, Helen says. should detail a series of invest- Afghanistan’s regulatory environ- volves 95-5 imports-exports ratio. movies have remained an almost (Broadly.vice) larly demonised as a deviant sexu- But the government has a poor al act, prohibited in Islam -- and is track record of implementing such ments needed to unleash export ment.” It is a much appreciated and time- largely accepted as a cultural prac- measures, as many of the perpe- growth and job creation in sectors Franz-Michael Skjold Mell- ly endeavour that is fully support- tice. trators have connections with the with high trade potential, detailed bin, Ambassador of the European ed by the ACCI.” How common is it? security organs and by using pow- five-year action plan, and an inte- Union to Afghanistan, said “Mov- A second participatory con- "Women are for child-rearing, er and giving bribes they get ex- grated implementation manage- ing forward the private sector de- sultation to be held in May 2017 boys are for pleasure" is a com- empted from punishment. ment framework. velopment agenda must be a pri- will analyse priority sectors and mon saying across many parts of Where do the boys come from? Organized by the Ministry of ority for Afghanistan if it wants to support functions such as access Afghanistan. And what happens to them after- Commerce and Industries (MOCI) shift from aid dependency towards to finance and skills development, The ancient custom, banned wards? and the International Trade Cen- sustainable growth and job cre- which will form the core of the under the Taliban's 1996-2001 Bachas are typically aged be- tre (ITC), the first consultation on ation. The National Export Strate- National Export Strategy. KP rule, has seen a resurgence in re- tween 10 and 18. Many of them Afghanistan’s National Export gy will guide Afghanistan’s efforts cent years. It is said to be wide- are kidnapped and sometimes des- Strategy provided an opportunity to realize the potential of its ex- spread across southern and east- perate poverty drives their fami- for participants to share their ports sector as an important driv- ern Afghanistan's rural Pashtun lies to sell them to abusers. views> er for economic growth. Urgent heartland, and with ethnic Tajiks "The victims of bacha bazi Afghanistan’s Minister for credible reforms and strong gov- across the northern countryside. suffer from serious psychological Commerce and Industry Humyo- ernment engagement with the pri- How has it been allowed to trauma as they often get raped," on Rasaw said “The first NES con- vate sector are required to support flourish? AIHRC's report said. sultation will capture a compre- the enabling environment for busi- Tight gender segregation in An Afghan boy, who was held hensive picture of the current busi- ness in areas such as licensing – Afghan society and lack of con- as a child sex slave, pictured a res- ness environment in Afghanistan. cutting red tape, access to finance, tact with women have contributed taurant in a unidentified location This will assist in the development energy and markets, transport, to the spread of bacha bazi, rights in Afghanistan of an effective export strategy, ul- connectivity and agricultural pro- groups say. "Such victims suffer from timately allowing Afghanistan to ductivity, as well as a fair taxation Several other factors such as stress and a sort of distrust, hope- expand export earnings, enhance system that allows SMEs to pros- trade competitiveness and to per.” THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

EMERGENCY CALLS Berlin-based Afghan model Zohre Esmaeli initiated a project two years ago aimed Police at bringing immigrants and Germans together, and promoting understanding of 100 - 119 each other's cultures. DW spoke to the model about her project. Hospitals Born and raised in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, Zohre Esmaeli fled FMIC Hospital with her family to Germany in Behind Kabul Medical 1998 when she was 13 to escape the war and the Taliban regime. University: They braved a treacherous six- 0202500200-+93793275595 month journey across five coun- tries, before finally reaching the Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital southern German state of Bavaria and starting over as refugees in an Pule Bagh-e- Umomi alien environment. 070263672 Esmaeli's story is of two cul- tures colliding - whether on educa- tion, work choices or marriage. As Khairkhana Hospital a foreigner she was bullied at a 0799-321007 German school she attended, while 2401352 at home she faced pressure to en- ter an arranged marriage and objec- tions to her decision to become a Indira Gandhi Children model. She decided, however, to blaze Hospital, Wazir Akbar her own trail, and since then the Khan, Kabul 2301372 Berlin-based model, designer and author has walked major fashion runways and graced the covers of Ibn-e- Seena fashion and lifestyle magazines as Pul-e-Artan, Kabul Afghanistan's first top internation- al model. 2100359 Outside of the fashion world, she has devoted her energy to- Wazir Akbar Khan wards helping other newcomers integrate into life in Germany. Hospital Having experienced the confusion 2301741, 2301743 and challenge of straddling two vastly different ways of life with- Ali Abad in and outside of home, she con- ceptualized and founded "Culture Shahrara, Kabul Coaches" in 2015. The project has 2100439 a unique two-pronged objective: to for us. offer newcomers as well as Ger- Is enthusiasm for learning mans insights into each other's cul- about a new culture an important Malalai Maternity tures, countries and value systems. first step towards integration? Hospital Deutschland Zohre Esmaili Yes, absolutely. There must be (A. Krizanovic ) enthusiasm to learn more about the 2201377/ 2301743 Esmaeli: 'Culture Coaches will country and society as well as the concentrate on those social areas desire and eagerness to understand Banks where conflicts typically arise, like how to become part of that soci- A YOUNG man’s perilous jour- family and society, education, as ety. Culture Coaches has not start- ney from Afghanistan will bring Da Afghanistan Bank well as politics and social order' ed direct coaching yet as we are him to Hexham next week. 2100302, 2100303 The plan is to train both non- still creating the training curricu- Author Gulwali Passarlay is Germans and Germans to become lum for the future coaches and the coming to Hexham’s Forum Cine- Bakhtar Bank coaches who would then go on to coaching process. However, we ma to talk about his autobiogra- train people wherever cultures in- think that whoever that contacts phy. 0776777000 tersect - be it at schools, the work- us in future has already taken that place or other social settings. The Lightless Sky chronicles Azizi Bank first step towards learning more Gulwali’s passage from Aghani- In an interview with DW, she about Germany. We hope to sow 0799 700900 stan, through Europe and on to the says it takes time, patience and the seeds of positive thinking and Pashtany Bank mutual understanding to build re- attitudes. UK. spect and a peaceful, happy com- Will you be actively involved His visit, on Thursday, March 2102908, 2103868 munal life among people of differ- in the training sessions? 2, is part of this year’s Read Re- ent backgrounds. I'm involved at every level of gional campaign. Air Services DW: Was there a specific per- the project to implement my Twelve writers now based in sonal experience during your time knowledge and experiences but I the North of England are taking Safi Airways here in Germany that inspired you won't be part of the coaching pro- part in the event, which aims to to set up Culture Coaches? cess. That has to be done by trained connect authors with readers. 020 22 22 222 Zohre Esmaeli: Unfortunate- and skilled experts. Besides, the This year’s Read Regional ly I had already experienced how project can only be successful with Ariana people, especially women, were campaign encourages readers to a team. One person cannot man- ‘take a risk’ with their choices by discriminated against in my native age everything alone. 020-2100270 picking up a book by a new writer country. In Germany, I have expe- What would be the gender rep- rienced discrimination and judg- resentation of those you coach? or in a new genre. Kam Air ment. You are pigeonholed based The aim is to train men and Claire Malcolm is chief execu- 0799974422 on your skin color, origin, language, women in the same number and tive for New Writing North, which religion or disability. Today I can level. But there might be times runs the campaign in partnership Hotels set an example and hope to posi- when there are more men or more with Active Northumberland and tively influence and change the women that need coaching. We will the region’s library. Safi Landmark way we treat each other. train both men and women as She said: “Read Regional is all A rejected Afghan asylum seek- coaches so that we can deal with about celebrating new books by 020-2203131 er who returned to Afghanistan last all demands. authors in the North and encour- year may have another chance to Have you seen a difference in SERENA join his family in Germany, but not aging readers in the region to pick how foreign women and men react up a new title and perhaps come all deportees to the war-torn na- or adapt to integration in Germa- 0799654000 and meet the author in their local tion enjoy the same kind of sup- ny? library.” port that he has. (31.01.2017) From my personal experience, LANDI KOTAL: Pakis-tani au- Rifles Col Umar Farooq gave or- The officials said as many as New Rumi Restaurant Afghan migrant returns as a I think that women are likely to Gulwali’s autobiography cen- thorities on Tuesday allowed a ders to allow it to cross the border. 3,400 Afghans had been caught 0776351347 stranger to a deteriorating country integrate faster than men. For peo- tres around his journey from his seven-member wedding party to Also on Tuesday, border au- while trying to cross the border De Maiziere and German ple from Afghanistan, for example, homeland to England at the age of cross into Afghanistan after they thorities deported 59 Afghan na- through unfrequented routes over Internet Services states bicker over deportations to it's completely new to experience 13 as a political refugee. were stranded in Landi Kotal since tionals who were caught while try- the past eight months. Afghanistan gender equality. After settling in the UK, he the closure of the Torkham border ing to enter Pakistan without legal Meanwhile, the political ad- UA Telecom German human rights official What are some of the main in- went on to study politics at on Feb 17. travel documents through unfre- ministration on Tuesday complet- 0796701701 / 0796702702 urges end to Afghanistan deporta- tercultural barriers that newcom- Officials at the border said quented routes over the past four ed enlistment of at least 180 Loe Manchester University where he days. Shalman families who had vacated tions ers could face in Germany? that the wedding party including became involved in the equality bride Bas Noora, her father-in-law Officials said that checking at their homes from bordering areas Exchange Rate Afghan-EU pact signed at In my experience so far, the Munich conference and diversity committee and be- Tawas Khan, her mother-in-law, a the Torkham border would further after Pakistan Army targeted mili- main barriers are the clash of val- came a student governor, represent- child and three brothers-in-law be tightened and Pakistani nation- tant positions across the border Purchase: That's why Culture Coaches ues, languages, attitudes and expec- ing more than 1,600 students. were given special permission to als would also not be allowed to with heavy artillery. is so dear to my heart and I'm push- tations. He works with a number of go to their hometown in Jalalabad, travel to Afghanistan and return to The displaced families had One US$ = ing it forward with all of my abili- Does Germany generally pro- Afghanis-tan, after media reports Pakistan without valid travel doc- taken shelter in the homes of their ty to help both sides - immigrants vide a conducive environment for youth representation organisations that the Afghan family had been uments. relatives and friends living in other 66.77Afs and locals - to avoid misunder- integration? and has campaigned for many so- staying at a friend's house in Landi They said travelling on the localities of Loe and Kam Shalman. One Pound Sterling= standings and provide them with Yes, it does. It may have not cial justice issues. Kotal since the closure of the bor- temporary Rahdari Card would Officials said that the admin- 80.95Afs the needed cultural knowledge. It always been as conducive as it is In 2012, he was selected to der. either be restricted or stopped al- istration would provide the dis- takes time, patience and mutual right now, but I get the impression carry the Olympic torch. Tawas Khan told reporters that together to discourage its misuse placed people all possible assis- One Euro = understanding to build respect and that there is now more awareness Gulwali’s visit to Hexham is a the wedding ceremony had been by unauthorised people. tance. (Dawn) 70.05Afs held a day earlier to the border clo- a peaceful, happy communal life among people. collaboration between Northum- 1000 Pak Rs = amongst people of different back- Would you agree that while sure in Swabi district of Khyber berland Libraries, Hexham Book Pakhtunkhwa where the family of 612Afs grounds. foreigners try to learn the language What areas of coaching will be Festival and the Forum Cinema’s the bride lived. Sale: and local culture, locals too should Wide Skies initiative. Audiences are Members of the bridegroom’s covered by Culture Coaches? be open to accepting people who One US$ = invited to a showing of the film He family, who were in Afghanistan, Culture Coaches will concen- may occasionally stumble with the 66.97 Afs Named Me Malala at 5.30pm fol- were awaiting the wedding party trate on those social areas where grammar or fail to understand cer- to reach Jalalabad last Friday when lowed by Gulwali’s talk at One Pound Sterling= conflicts typically arise, like fam- tain practices? they received the news about the ily and society, education, as well 7.30pm. Libraries across Northum- 81.75Afs Yes, absolutely. I totally agree. border closure. One Euro= as politics and social order. Gen- Integration is indeed a two-way berland will display all 12 books After receiving information der equality and the role of wom- street! featured in this year’s campaign. about the stranded Afghan wed- 70.65 Afs en will also be important subjects (DW) (Hexham-courant) ding party, Commandant Khyber 1000 Pak Rs= 620 THURSDAY . FEBRUARY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Bangladesh: European Islamic leader Union says it promises is open to protection to accommodate Christians and more Indian Hindus ISLAMABAD: The Supreme skilled At a seminar for Interreligious Di- Court (SC) observed on Wednes- alogue, organized by the Commis- day that allegations of corruption professionals sion for Dialogue and Ecumenism against Prime Minister Nawaz at St. Michael's Church, Chalna Sharif’s family in Panamagate case NEW DELHI: The European parish of Bangladesh and attended were not ‘frivolous’. Union said it is ready to accom- by representatives from three dif- “The qualification [compe- modate more Indian IT profession- ferent religions, an Islamic leader tence] of the prime minister is the als and denounced any form of promised protection to Christians basic fundamental right of all citi- protectionism in global trade, amid and Hindus. zens of the country,” Justice anxiety in India over the Trump "I invite everyone to consult Azmat Saeed Sheikh remarked as administration's possible clamp- me at all times, if they hear news the apex court’s five-judge larger down on H1B visa. of persecution against Christians bench, headed by Justice Asif Pushing for deeper trade ties and Hindus. I will go on the site Saeed Khosa, resumed the hearing with India, a delegation of Euro- and will stop it", said Alhaj Nazrul of the ongoing Panamagate case. pean Parliament's Committee on Islam Molla, Chairman of the Ula- “The allegations are not frivolous Foreign Affairs+ also expressed ma League Dakop, sub-district of as they could be right or wrong.” "regret" over failure by both sides Khulna (south-western Bang- NAB’s probe exposed Sharifs’ to resume the stalled dialogue to ladesh). The Islamic leader spoke corruption in Hudabiya scam, docs firm the long-pending EU-India at the workshop which brought reveal Meanwhile, Attorney-Gen- trade and investment pact. together 65 representatives: Cath- eral for Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf Ali Criticising the new US govern- olics, Hindus and Muslims, all en- submitted before the court that ment's protectionist rhetoric+ gaged in the creation of a society disputed material was provided by which triggered fears in Europe as of peace and harmony. the petitioner [Pakistan Tehreek- well, head of the delegation David Inaugurating the event the e-Insaf], therefore, the “court can- McAllister said Europe is "open" bishop, Msgr. James Romen Boi- not give a verdict in the case.” On for allowing more Indian profes- ragi, explained the reasons for such this, Justice Azmat asked the AGP sionals who are high on demand. an initiative. "We want to promote to recommend a way forward to vant forum but it was not given.” “When the state institutions ferring to the statement made on [PM Nawaz] who appointed him”. "Europe is open for people the understanding between mem- adjudicate on the disputed facts in The AGP contended that the themselves tend to be disgraceful Tuesday by the National Account- In his arguments, the AGP con- with high demand. Indian people bers of different religious groups- the matter. In his remarks, Justice state institutions should not be then what should we do,” asked ability Bureau (NAB) chairman tended that the top court cannot are highly skilled. Our IT sector he said - we all need to know each Ijazul Ahsan remarked that “some disgraced as he felt embarrassed Justice Khosa. He also asked the before the apex court, Justice Ejaz directly disqualify a member of the would not have been successful if other in depth. “This is because”, facts have been admitted by the during his appearances at the in- AGP to think about why such re- Afzal Khan said the chairman did National Assembly. “The writ of we did not have skilled profession- he stressed, “the lack of mutual ruling family and promise was ternational arbitration because marks were being issued against not file an appeal against the quo warranto could not be filed for als from India," he said. understanding brings misunder- made [by PM Nawaz] to the peo- “they refer the statements of the the state institutions. Lahore High Court’s verdict in the disqualification of an MNA as Soon after taking over last standing and conflict between the ple of Pakistan that the complete country’s dignitaries against the Top court grills NAB, FBR Hudabiya Paper Mills case as “he he is not holder of a public office,” month, Trump had decided to over- various faiths.” record will be provided at a rele- national departments.” for not probing Sharif family Re- was looking towards the person he upheld. (TRIBUNE) haul the work visa programmes like According to Msgr. Boiragi, the H-1B and L1, a move that will often "political leaders are work- adversely hit the lifeline of Indian ing only for their own benefit, and tech firms and professionals+ in not to build peace. If the religious the US. leaders work together, they could Pressing for early resumption achieve peace in the easiest way of negotiations+ for the EU -India through discussions and propos- Broad-based Trade and Investment als ". Agreement (BTIA), McAllister For his part, Alhaj Molla said the delegation urged the Indi- Nazrul Islam said that "Islam is a an leaders to resume the talks as religion of peace. Our Prophet the pact will significantly boost Muhammad has suffered much in China on Wednesday called for ban, NSG bid key issues proscribe Pakistan-based JeM two-way trade. his lifetime to establish peace. We "We deeply regret that we are must do the same.” Then the Mus- enhanced communication with In- Both talks took place at the chief, Masood Azhar. Jaishankar, dia to reduce the level of “strategic Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, the who was India’s longest-serving not being able to move ahead. We lim leader, who is very influential will use the visit to call for resump- in his community, invited every- misunderstandings” between the venue for many official meetings, envoy to China between 2009 and two countries and expand cooper- in Beijing. 2013 landed in Beijing from Co- tion of talks for the agreement," he one to report episodes of violence told reporters. or discrimination committed ation. Speaking to foreign secre- Jaishankar is leading a senior lombo on Tuesday, and met Chi- tary S Jaishankar ahead of the delegation of Indian diplomats to na’s top diplomat, state councilor The EU delegation, the second against minorities. "If you see that one here, will hold talks with a someone is trying to create prob- sharply-in-focus strategic dia- meet Chinese counterparts for the Yang Jiechi for an exchange within logue, foreign minister Wang Yi first round of the upgraded strate- hours. In his opening remarks on number of Union Ministers, Na- lems in your groups in the name of tional Security Adviser Ajit Dov- Islam, inform me. I will address said China attached great impor- gic dialogue on Wednesday amid Wednesday, Wang talked about tance to the reconstituted and up- an ongoing diplomatic chill and strategic communication with In- al, the Vice Chairman of NITI Ayog the problem and help you to solve Arvind Panagariya and Lok Sabha it.” graded dialogue. cautious optimism about a thaw dia. Peppering his remarks with a He said it will help increase in ties as the year progresses. lot of “strategic”, Wang said: “I am Speaker Sumitra Mahajan among The Hindu leader Madon others. Mohon Roy said that the Hindu strategic trust and cooperation. The diplomats are expected to certain that by raising the levels of Jaishankar called on Wang for exchange notes on a whole gamut this strategic dialogue, our two An European Parliament Del- tradition maintains peace: "The egation for relations with India is god Krishna came to earth to es- a brief but crucial courtesy call on of bilateral ties with India raising sides will be able to enhance our Wednesday morning before begin- two key problems that hit ties last strategic communication, reduce also in the country and it had tablish peace. Respect for the reli- strongly sought resumption of gion of others is the only way to ning the strategic dialogue with year—China blocking India’s strategic misunderstanding and executive vice-foreign minister membership to the Nuclear Sup- build more strategic trust and deep- talks for the trade pact during its create a peaceful world ". meetings with Finance Minister Fr. Pietanza Dominico Mim- Zhang Yesui. India-China talks to- pliers Group (NSG) and vetoing en our strategic cooperation.” day amid diplomatic chill; Azhar New Delhi’s repeated efforts to (hindustantimes) Arun Jaitley and Commerce Min- mo, director of the Center for In- ister Nirmala Sitharaman. terreligious Dialogue of Khulna and The BTIA talks have been one of the organizers, believes that stalled since May 2013, when both "these kind of seminars bring very Drama outside Supreme Court sides failed to bridge substantial positive results, with friendly re- gaps on crucial issues, including lations between the members of data security status for IT sector. various faiths.” as journalists,PML-Nministers Launched in June 2007, nego- "Given that we Christians are tiations for the proposed agree- a minority - he said - we should engage in shouting match ment have witnessed many hur- organize more similar opportuni- dles as both the sides have major ties to reduce religious fanaticism A shouting match broke out be- out that regulations do not allow differences on crucial issues. in Bangladesh". tween PML-N ministers and jour- individuals to shoot videos within Delegation member Urmas In Bangladesh, Christians are nalists outside the premises of the court premises and that the jour- Paet said the EU would like to have about 0.6% of a total of over 160 Supreme Court during recess in nalist should not have done so. The National Investigation Agen- accidents. “We are yet to complete Paswan, Uma Shanker Patel and the trade pact with India on the million inhabitants. Among Chris- Wednesday's hearing of the Pan- Marriyum Aurangzeb, the cy (NIA) has decided to put on the investigations in India and only Mukesh Yadav who allegedly lines of the recently concluded EU- tians, the largest community is amagate case. minister of state for information hold its visit to Nepal to investi- when we wrap this up will we go planted the bomb, packed in a pres- Canada trade deal, which features Roman Catholic, with almost 600 The protesting journalists — and broadcasting, took over after gate the role of Shamsul Hoda, a to Nepal to grill Hoda. He is an sure cooker, on the railway track a new mechanism on investment thousand faithful. (radiovaticana) who accused Anusha Rehman, Rafique's attempts to contain the businessman, in allegedly mobilis- important lead for us, but there are at Ghorasahan on October 1. Dur- protection and dispute settlement. minister of state for IT, of unlaw- situation failed, asking the protest- ing people in India and Nepal to many unconnected dots to be ing his interrogation, Paswan is al- India has already made it clear fully seizing journalist Azam Gill's ing journalists to resolve the mat- plant an improvised explosive de- joined here,” a senior NIA official leged to have told the police that that it will not allow investment Sri Lanka vows phone and threatening him with 14 ter in a separate meeting in her of- vice (IED) on a railway track at said. The Nepal police were dis- the ISI was involved in the Kan- to become part of any global agree- to introduce years in prison — refused to let fice. Ghorasahan in Bihar earlier this missive of India’s allegation that pur train accident on November ment that allows investors to chal- Minister for Railways Khawaja However, there was no let-up year. The bomb did not explode, Hoda was working on the ISI’s 20, and he and two others had trav- lenge governments in an interna- sweeping police Saad Rafique address the govern- in the sloganeering and jeering, as but the Bihar police, who arrested behalf, but they confirmed that the elled to the accident site to place tional tribunal. In the EU-India Summit in ment's daily press conference on the journalists would not allow the three persons for allegedly plant- accused regularly met a Paksitani, the IED. However, Director-Gen- reforms ing it, said the ISI had planned the Shafi Sheikh, in Dubai. He told the eral of Police, Uttar Pradesh, Jav- Brussels last year+ , the two sides the Panamagate case, shouting him government to speak before had failed to make any announce- down despite his repeated at- Anusha Rehman was summoned operation. The Nepal police ar- police that he went to Karachi sev- eed Ahmed had earlier told The Sri Lankan police have insisted that rested Hoda in a double murder en months ago and met three other Hindu that the statement of the ment on resumption of the negoti- tempts to speak. and the 'injustice' was addressed ations as many bottlenecks still cases of police torture are limited The phone was later returned then and there. case on his return from Dubai on people. Karachi link accused could not be corroborat- despite rights advocates warning February 2. As reported earlier, the “Hoda is not sure about the ed, and the preliminary investiga- remain. that authorities are not fulfilling to the journalist, but the protest- When Rafique attempted to Nepal police were not sure of association of Shafi and three oth- tions conducted by the State po- The two sides are yet to iron pledges to eradicate the "deeply ors took issue with the 'harass- plow through the briefing, the many of the suspicions of Indian ers with Pakistan’s ISI, but he says lice did not find any trace of ex- out issues related to tariff and embedded" practice. ment' of one of their peers. press corps broke up, with a large agencies about Hoda’s links to the he was asked to do something spec- plosives on the tracks. Hoda has movement of professionals but the Deputy Inspector General Rafique attempted to defuse number of journalists and camera recent train accidents at Kanpur tacular in India. He says he stayed emerged as a key catch for the NIA, EU has shown an inclination to Priyantha Jayakody told Anadolu the situation by appealing that the crews rising up and refusing to and Andhra Pradesh. Terror con- in a bungalow in Karachi for two which is investigating a “sabotage” restart talks. Agency on Tuesday that the Sri journalists exercise restraint and let cover the proceedings. spiracy The NIA is investigating days where he was treated well and or “terror” angle in the Kanpur train Besides demanding significant Lanka Human Rights Commis- the government address the issue Rehman, in a later press con- the three incidents to unearth any asked to rope in his local contacts accident , in which more than 100 duty cuts in automobiles, the EU sion’s claim of some 3,000 cases in due time. ference, claimed that she seized the terror conspiracy. Earlier, Railway to create trouble in India,” a Nepal people were killed, and the Andhra wants tax reduction in wines, spir- was an "exaggerated number". He conceded that it was inap- phone because the journalist in Minister Suresh Prabhu wrote to police official told The Hindu on Pradesh incident on January 21, in its and dairy products, and a Over the past three months, propriate that a journalist's phone question was "secretly filming" Home Minister Rajnath Singh al- Tuesday. Three arrested In Janu- which 41 lost their lives. strong intellectual property re- the police force has conducted ori- had been seized, but also pointed her. (DAWN) leging sabotage in at least six train ary, the Bihar police arrested Moti (THEHINDU) gime. (Times of India) entations for personnel in adher- ence to a new government policy of "zero tolerance for torture". However, a New York-based rights watchdog has accused Sri Lanka of failing to take serious measures to reduce torture in cus- tody, despite key allegations against the island’s police force India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Perera, executive director of the ity to pivot away from Beijing is – including its deeply-entrenched Modi, has been relatively quiet Colombo-based National Peace at best – limited, it would be easy practice of using torture as a tool when it comes to Tamil issues in Council. for New Delhi to downplay the for procuring "confessions". Sri Lanka, although now would be Enjoying this article? Click need for the Maithripala Sirisena Human Rights Watch (HRW) a good time for the prime minister here to subscribe for full access. administration to address Tamil said in a statement Monday that to reconsider his low-key ap- Just $5 a month. grievances. Yet that’s precisely the country’s "draconian" Preven- proach. Modi visited Sri Lanka in “I don’t think that India [dur- what the Modi administration tion of Terrorism Act (PTA) has March 2015, the first time an In- ing Jaishankar’s visit] would have should not do. More broadly, Co- not been repealed despite promis- dian prime minister had traveled pressurized Sri Lanka,” says Per- lombo could be reminded – both es, while a pledge to curtail police to the island nation in nearly thir- era. “Like the rest of the interna- publicly and privately – that it can abuses prior to a March 2017 ses- ty years. He even went to Jaffna tional community, they would be do much more to usher in some sion of the United Nations Human in the country’s north, a symboli- oriented to give more time to the semblance of normalcy in that the Rights Council (UNHRC) has not cally significant move. During the government to resolve outstand- Northern and Eastern Provinces. been fulfilled. "Nearly 18 months visit, Modi spoke about devolu- ing issues. India would be more There are now numerous con- after making important promises tion and the need to go beyond the likely to pressurize Sri Lanka on cerns regarding Sri Lanka’s sincer- to the Council, Sri Lanka’s leaders 13th amendment to the constitu- issues that concern its own nation- ity vis-à-vis its transitional justice appear to be backtracking on key tion. He is expected to visit Sri al security, such as the proposed commitments. And, there have human rights issues, including re- Lanka later this year too. economic deal with China in Ham- been assertions that the coalition forming the police," the group’s S. Jaishankar, India’s Foreign bantota involving the port, and Sri government, which is led by Sirise- Asia director, Brad Adams, said in Secretary, recently concluded a vis- Lanka’s backtracking on the Indi- na and Prime Minister Ranil Wick- the statement. it to Colombo. During that time, an economic presence in the Trin- remesinghe, is hoping for the "Reform of the security sec- he met with members of the Tamil comalee port.” Donald Trump administration to tor has lagged behind action on the National Alliance (TNA) and the With a Bharatiya Janata Par- help it avoid further scrutiny re- Council resolution’s four pillars of Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA). ty-majority in parliament, a bilat- garding allegations of wartime abus- transitional justice: accountability, “This visit did not receive wide eral trade deal in the works, a fish- es. Discarding deeper devolution the disappeared, truth-seeking and publicity in the media. It was not eries dispute still unresolved and may not be far behind. reconciliation." (AA.COM) a front page story,” notes Jehan Colombo’s recognition that its abil- (THEDIPLOMAT) THURSDAY . FEBRUARY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief N Korea says Kim Jong-nam murder suspects ' innocent' North Korean diplomats have called for the immediate release of suspects arrested in connec- tion with the apparent poison- ing of a member of the North Korean ruling family. A statement released by North Korea's embassy on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur dismissed the police account of Kim Jong-nam's death, describ- US-backed alliance enters Deir Az Zor province ing two women held as "inno- cent". Kim, the estranged half- The US-backed Syria Democratic Observatory for Human Rights some 15 villages from ISIL fight- which monitors say is still mostly es, parties to the conflict may be governance, a new constitution and brother of North Korean leader Forces (SDF) alliance has crossed (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring ers in their incursion into the prov- in ISIL hands, but which the rebels preparing for urban battles ... elections. Kim Jong-un, died after sudden- into Deir Az Zor province for the group, reported that at least 11 ince, the source added, without have pushed into. which could place civilians in the It stressed that "the entire ly falling ill at Kuala Lumpur first time as part of an offensive people were killed and more than specifying when this had taken That battle has brought the area at heightened risk of death and agenda for the Geneva negotiations International Airport last week against ISIL, a Kurdish military 35 wounded in air strikes in a town place. Turkish-backed rebels into close injury, as well as (making them) will be framed by the broader cor- while he was preparing to board source said on Tuesday. in northern Deir Az Zor province, ISIL controls most of Deir Az proximity with Syrian government vulnerable to being used as human pus of Security Council resolu- a flight to Macau. The advance into the prov- in an area where US-led coalition Zor province apart from a Syrian forces, which had advanced to- shields," the UN's humanitarian tions". A spokesperson for the UN Police earlier said that the ince, most of which is under the warplanes have operated. government-held enclave in Deir wards the city from another direc- coordination body said in a state- said on Friday that de Mistura was women detained had coated their control of the Islamic State of Iraq It was not clear whose air force Az Zor city and a nearby military tion before the rebels entered it. ment. The air strikes in the town still finalising who would come to hands with toxins and then and the Levant (ISIL, also known had carried out the strikes, or if airbase. The Syrian army's advance of al-Sur in Deir Az Zor on Tues- the meeting, but there were already rubbed them on his face as he as ISIS), is part of an operation to the incident was linked to the SDF Different groups in Syria's towards Al Bab has raised fears of day hit a garage, petrol station and positive responses to invitations stood in front of a ticketing kiosk encircle and ultimately capture its advance, the Observatory said. multi-sided conflict are fighting a sparking a confrontation with Tur- commercial area, the Observatory that had gone out. at a Kuala Lumpur airport. de facto Syrian capital of Raqqa in "Military operations of the number of separate battles against key. The United Nations said on reported. Geneva talks Thursday's talks in Geneva If the poison was on their the north of the country. SDF are now taking place within ISIL. Syria's army and its allies, Tuesday that an estimated 5,000 The UN-led talks on Syria's will follow last month's Russian- hands, the statement asked "then One aim of the campaign is to the provincial boundaries of [Deir backed by Russia, have been fight- civilians were trapped by fighting future will resume in Geneva on sponsored parallel peace talks on how is it possible that these fe- cut ISIL's supply lines from Raqqa Az Zor], from the north - so, via ing back against ISIL assaults in in and around Al Bab and that 300 Thursday after UN envoy Staffan Syria in the capital of Kazakhstan, male suspects could still be to Deir Az Zor province. southern Hasaka (province)," the Deir Az Zor city and have engaged non-combatants had been killed de Mistura broke them off almost Astana.Those talks ended with no alive?" North Korea attacks The move also expands the Kurdish military source told Reu- in clashes with the group further since December, many of them by nine months ago following several joint communique, usually the probe over Kim Jong-nam's SDF's area of operations against ters news agency. west Humanitarian concerns air strikes. rounds that led ultimately to an minimum outcome of any diplo- death One of the women is In- ISIL, which is being fought by all The SDF, which includes the Turkish-backed Syrian rebels, Turkey and Russia have both escalation of violence. matic negotiation, and saw oppos- donesian, the other is Vietnam- sides in the complex Syria conflict. Kurdish YPG militia and other meanwhile, are fighting for control been carrying out air strikes around De Mistura's office said that ing Syrian groups trading angry ese. A North Korean man was Later on Tuesday, the Syrian Arab fighting groups, captured of the northern city of Al Bab, the city. "As the operation advanc- the focus of the meeting will be on accusations. (Al Jazeera) also detained. The embassy said he was also "arrested unreason- ably". The embassy's remarks came after Malaysian police said a senior official in the North Hong Kong Korean embassy and a staffer at the North's state airline, Air ex-leader Koryo, were also wanted for questioning. Donald Tsang Police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said that both wanted sus- pects are still in Malaysia and jailed for have been called in for question- ing, adding that the North Kore- corruption an diplomat held the rank of sec- The US administration has issued department said. ond secretary at the embassy. tough new orders to begin a "All of those in violation of Pyongyang and Kuala Lumpur sweeping crackdown on undocu- the immigration laws may be sub- have enjoyed relatively warm mented immigrants, putting near- ject to enforcement proceedings, economic ties, with some bilat- ly all of the country's 11 million up to and including removal from eral trade and citizens from both undocumented foreigners in target the United States." countries entitled to travel to the for deportation. Kelly said the mass detentions other under a unique reciprocal Two memos signed by the of the past, requiring judicial re- visa-free deal. (Al Jazeera) Department of Homeland Securi- view, have overburdened the gov- ty (DHS) secretary, John Kelly, ernment. "The surge of illegal im- on Tuesday make it easier for offi- migration at the southern border Nigerians in S A former leader of Hong Kong was cials to automatically expel undoc- has overwhelmed federal agencies sentenced to 20 months in prison umented immigrants. They order and resources and has created a sig- Africa 'living for misconduct after failing to dis- border patrol and immigration of- nificant national security vulnera- close plans to rent a luxury apart- ficers to deport as quickly as pos- bility to the United States," he said in fear' after ment for his retirement from a busi- sible any undocumented immi- in one of the memos. nessman applying for a broadcast- grants they find, with only a few "Thousands of aliens appre- attacks ing licence. High Court Judge An- exceptions, principally children. hended at the border, placed in re- drew Chan said on Wednesday that Although the priority for depor- moval proceedings, and released it was a stunning downfall for tation will remain undocumented from custody have absconded and Members of Nigeria's communi- Donald Tsang, 72, who served as immigrants convicted of crimes, it failed to appear at their removal ty in South Africa have raised Hong Kong's leader, or chief exec- will also include anyone who has hearings. Immigration courts are concerns over renewed anti-im- utive, from 2005 to 2012. been charged or potentially faces experiencing a historic backlog of migrant violence, appealing to He becomes the highest-rank- criminal charges. removal cases." The wall Kelly or- authorities to intervene before the ing current or former official sent In addition, categories of un- dered immediate action to begin situation gets out of control. to prison for wrongdoing in the documented immigrants deemed as planning and building a wall along Nigeria's presidency on Asian financial hub, which prides low priority by the previous the US southern border with Mex- Monday called the South Afri- itself on a reputation for clean gov- Barack Obama administration, ico. He also ordered the hiring of Donald Trump ordered action to country. The memos come before ico's ministers of the interior, for- can government to step in to stop ernance. generally anyone not tied to a another 5,000 officers for the Cus- begin construction of a wall along meetings this week between Kelly eign affairs, finance, defence and what it said were "xenophobic "Never in my judicial career crime, are no longer protected. toms and Border Protection agen- the nearly 2,000-mile-long and US Secretary of State Rex the navy, the Department of State attacks" following recent reports have I seen a man fallen from such "With extremely limited excep- cy and 10,000 for the Immigration (3,145km) US-Mexico border, a Tillerson, and Mexican President said. Key topics include border se- of violence against Nigerians and a height," Chan said as he handed tions, DHS will not exempt class- and Customs Enforcement agen- tightening of border security, and Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico. curity, law enforcement operation other nationals in the capital, Pre- down the sentence in a Hong Kong es or categories of removal aliens cy. Soon after being inaugurated tougher enforcement against un- Besides Pena Nieto, the two and trade, according to a state de- toria. The Nigerian Union South court. "However, it is not in dis- from potential enforcement," the president on January 20, President documented immigrants inside the American officials will meet Mex- partment statement. (BBC) Africa (NUSA) on Tuesday con- pute that the defendant has dedi- firmed that Nigerian homes and cated himself to public service for businesses in Pretoria West had the past 40 years. The judge said been attacked in several late-night he was going to give Tsang 30 incidents in recent days."Homes months in jail but took off 10 and shops of Nigerians were tar- months because of his good char- geted and looted in the events of acter and contribution to Hong past few days," Emeka Ezinteje Kong. The maximum penalty for Collins, national public relations misconduct is seven years. officer of NUSA, told Al Jazeera, Tsang showed little emotion as France's far-right presidential can- citing at least 10 such attacks. the sentence was read out in a didate Marine Le Pen has sparked He added: "Our people and packed courtroom. controversy on the last day of her other foreigners are apparently Chan noted that among Tsang's Lebanon visit, walking away from living in fear of the unknown as major contributions to public ser- a meeting with the country's top the hoodlums have promised" vice, one that stood out was "his Sunni Muslim religious leader af- more attacks from Friday, when effort in overcoming" the 1997-98 ter refusing to wear a headscarf. a group called the "Mamelodi Asian financial crisis. The leader of National Front concerned residents" is reported- Tsang, who was financial sec- (FN) party on Tuesday arrived at ly planning to hold a march retary at the time, led the city's Sheikh Abdellatif Deryan's office Iraqi forces advanced into the "We're going to make certain against foreign nationals. NUSA successful defence of its currency in the capital, Beirut, and was of- southern outskirts of Mosul on the that we've got good situational also said that some of its mem- peg against speculators. fered a white shawl to cover her second day of a push to drive ISIL awareness of what we face as we bers had received threatening A jury found Tsang guilty last hair. Le Pen promptly refused, from the city's western half, as the work together and fight alongside phone calls asking for payment week of one count of misconduct walked towards her car and left. visiting US defence secretary met each other," Mattis told reporters to protect their houses and busi- in public office but not guilty on a Al Jazeera's Natasha Gho- officials to discuss the fight against travelling with him. nesses. (BBC) second count. neim, reporting from the Beirut, the armed group. Trump has repeatedly vowed It's one of several recent cases said that critics accused Le Pen, With aerial support from the to eliminate the group but has pro- that have shaken public confidence whose party takes an anti-immi- US-led coalition, Iraqi police and vided few details about how his Lenin Moreno, and raised concerns about cozy ties grant stance, of staging the inci- army troops launched the offen- approach might differ from that of between Hong Kong's leaders and dent as a kind of stunt. sive on Sunday, part of a 100-day- the Obama administration, which Guillermo Lasso wealthy tycoons. "Observers, pundits and vot- old campaign that has already driv- had partnered with Syrian and Ira- Jurors ruled 8-1 that he com- ers here say that they believe that en the fighters from the eastern half qi forces to drive ISIL, also known to contest April mitted misconduct when he failed this was planned on her part be- of the city. as ISIS, out of several towns and to disclose that the penthouse in cause it would play very well to Iraqi helicopters fired rockets cities. runoff neighbouring Shenzhen in mainland her far-right base at home, and also at the village of Abu Sayyaf early The battle for western Mosul, China was owned by a business- because they say it might detract 'Le Pen was informed' by Dar al-Fatwa", the highest Sun- on Monday, targeting a hill that the group's last major urban bas- Leftist government candidate man whose company was apply- from a growing scandal she is fac- Speaking to journalists as she ni authority in Lebanon. overlooks the city's airport. tion in Iraq, is expected to be the Lenin Moreno and ex-banker ing for a digital radio licence. ing," Ghoneim said. walked away from the meeting, Le "Dar al-Fatwa officials were By noon, the forces entered the most daunting yet. Guillermo Lasso will contest an They unanimously cleared him The presidential candidate is Pen said she had met in the past surprised by her refusal to con- village and gained control over The streets are older and nar- April runoff to become the new of the second misconduct charge, facing a corruption scandal as with the Grand Mufti of Egypt's form to this well-known rule," the much of the strategic hill as fight- rower in that sector of the city, Ecuadorian president, according which alleged he failed to reveal he French police searched on Mon- Al Azhar, one of the world's lead- statement added. ing was still raging. which stretches west from the Riv- to electoral officials. With just had nominated for an award an in- day the Paris-based headquarters ing Sunni scholars, without having Tuesday is Le Pen's last day Separately, militarised police er Tigris, forcing Iraqi soldiers to over 95 percent of ballots count- terior designer working on the pent- of FN in relation to a probe into to wear a veil. in Lebanon, where she met a for- in armoured vehicles were moving leave the relative safety of their ed from Sunday's presidential house's renovations. alleged misuse of EU funds allo- "So, I have no reason to," she eign head of state for the first time, towards the sprawling Ghazlani armoured vehicles. election, Moreno was the clear The jury couldn't decide on a cated to her as a member of the said, adding that she had told the President Michel Aoun. military base on the southwestern The presence of up to 750,000 leader with 39.21 percent of the third charge of accepting an advan- European Parliament. grand office's office on Monday The FN leader also met Prime outskirts of the city. civilians also poses a challenge. vote, according to the National tage. A retrial is tentatively sched- "Everybody expected her to that she would not wear a head- Minister Saad Hariri, a Sunni A US-led coalition has been Two suicide car bombers Electoral Council. That was just uled for September. spark a new controversy, and right scarf. "They did not cancel the Muslim, and Foreign Minister providing close air support struck army and paramilitary forc- short of the 40 percent needed Outside the court, Tsang's wife now Le Pen is embroiled in a new meeting, so I thought they would Gebran Bassil. throughout the campaign to retake es west of Mosul on Monday, kill- to avoid a runoff on April 2 Selina said that her husband would scandal, so ... people will perceive accept that I will not wear the Shunned by European leaders Iraq's second-largest city. US spe- ing and wounding a number of against his conservative rival appeal against the verdict. that as an attempt to divert atten- scarf," Le Pen said. over her party's stance on immi- cial operations forces are embed- troops, two army officers said, Guillermo Lasso, who was at "Today is a very dark day," tion from the legal consequences "They wanted to impose this gration and its anti-EU message, ded with some Iraqi units and thou- without specifying the number of 28.35 percent With the coun- she told reporters. "My family and of her actions over the past few on me, to present me with a fait Le Pen's meeting with Lebanese sands of US troops are in Iraq pro- casualties. try anxiously awaiting the final I are very disappointed and sad at years," Yasser Louati, a human accompli. Well, no one presents me top officials aimed to boost her viding logistical and other support. A third suicide car bomber was results and the opposition pres- the court's decision today. rights and civil liberties activist in with a fait accompli." international credibility. Meanwhile, US Secretary of blown up before reaching the suring for clarity, the electoral "Donald and I have been great- Paris, told Al Jazeera. In a statement on Tuesday, the "This visit was viewed as an Defense Jim Mattis was holding troops, they said, speaking on con- body on Tuesday said the re- ly troubled and felt immense pres- "This was a trap and a set-up press office for the Grand Mufti opportunity for her to enhance her discussions with US and Iraqi of- dition of anonymity because they sults could not change, although sure in the past five years. So we because she wanted to send a mes- said it "had informed the presiden- stature, build her foreign policy ficials, a week before he is expect- were not authorised to brief the it was waiting for all ballots to are very sad about today's out- sage to her own voters and sup- tial candidate, through one of her credentials, and gain a better un- ed to present a new strategy to media. ISIL claimed responsibili- be counted before officially pro- come. But we will face it with porters that she somehow refused assistants, of the need to cover her derstanding of the Middle East," President Donald Trump for de- ty for two attacks in an online state- claiming a second round. strength and courage. We will ap- to respect the local customs in a head when she meets his eminence, Al Jazeera's Ghoneim said. feating the Islamic State of Iraq and ment, saying the attackers were (Al Jazeera) peal." (Al Jazeera) Muslim-majority country." according to the protocol assumed (Al Jazeera) the Levant group. British and Iraqi. (CNN) THURSDAY . FEBRUARY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir Graphic-Designer: Edriss Akbari, Bilal Yusufi Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: By Rachel Shabi Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0778894038 , 0772122003 Truth to be told the decision to provide plat- alt-right provocateur "has Even with his name splashed Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan In truth, it is rare that re- form and airtime to people ample venues to spew his in the headlines and his sto- ality so neatly punctures a who use these to mainline hateful diatribe. There is no Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 ry cast as "breaking news", point. For commentators hateful bigotry - support for value in 'debating' him." Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press the last thing this is about is have repeatedly cautioned free speech confused with As every shock jock Milo Yiannopoulos. To pre- that far-right hate speech actively giving someone a and far-right agitator cis, in case you sensibly around Muslims and minor- megaphone. knows, there is something The constitution says missed the whole thing: this ities gets absolved in a way But it's now up to those compulsive about the shock hate-spouting, Donald that nobody would dream who insist it was a free in this context, a morbid fas- Article 90: Trump-supporting, far-right of doing if the subject were, speech issue to begin with, cination combined with a Article Ninety: The National Assembly shall have the following duties: 1. Ratification, trollster had a lucrative just by way of stark illus- to explain why those limits sort of earnestly breathless modification or abrogation of laws or legislative decrees; 2. Approval of social, cultural, book deal cancelled and a tration, child abuse. didn't apply when the abuse anthropological drive to un- economic as well as technological development programs; 3. Approval of the state budget as major speaking engagement Well, now here's the and harassment campaigns derstand why the spewer of well as permission to obtain or grant loans; 4. Creation, modification and or abrogation of administrative units; 5. Ratification of international treaties and agreements, or abrogation at the American Conserva- proof. Previously support- were directed only at wom- hate is so awful. of membership of Afghanistan in them; 6. Other authorities enshrined in this Constitution. tive Union's CPAC confer- ive conservatives and pub- en, ethnic minorities or the OPINION: Is this real- ence revoked after com- lishers couldn't back away transgender community. ly how fascism takes hold ments he made, apparently from Milo fast enough once 'Pwned?' in the US? saying sex between "young- those comments about sex The hard currency of all This is what the errone- er boys" and older men was with underage boys came to this, meanwhile, is the out- ous invocation of "free OK, surfaced online. light. rage, the reaction to having speech" is effectively pro- He then resigned from Those who had previ- conversations ambushed viding cover for - it oper- the far-right Brietbart news ously insisted we should and derailed by trolls for ates as a seemingly princi- - following reports that debate the hate, not shut it whom the sole purpose is pled and intellectual fram- some of his colleagues had down, seemed to vanish to ambush and derail. ing of something that is of- threatened to quit if he into thin air. It turns out that This is one of many rea- ten propelled by less wor- A heart-winning speech wasn't sacked over those - who knew? - there are lim- sons why there is little point thy impulses. The Afghan masses should stay confident as the country will not comments seeming to con- its to free speech, after all, in engaging with the hate Again, it works only if done paedophilia (though and even for the far-right. preachers of the far-right: you are not a target of the unravel into any sort of civil war as the country’s leaders are Milo says they were taken Conservative move- even when you think you've abuse and don't compre- now mature enough to deal with any type of distasteful incidents. out of context). ments that have been polit- won the argument, it will be hend the harm in it. But this There are some elements who are trying best to prompt gloomy The internet is replete ically revitalised by accom- cast as losing, slapped on does in part explain why with background and detail modating and thus rehabili- YouTube with a headline toxic far-right talk is so forecasts of an internecine war within government. The rudiments on this story - and has been tating the far-right need to about being "owned" or ubiquitously sought out and are also making indefatigable efforts to create a scene of fear for some time. But, again, do their own reckoning "destroyed" by the hater. hosted - it might advocate among Afghan people through huge propaganda. Unfortunately, this isn't about one individ- with this equation and its In this context, there is a the most appalling hatred ual far-right provocateur. It's consequences. certain arrogance in think- against Muslims, or wom- some media outlets are also playing an eye-catching role in this mostly about the busting of The hard currency of all ing that you will be the one en but, wow, look at those scene of fear as on Tuesday, they reported inaccurate news, caus- a persistent myth, that the this, meanwhile, is the out- who prevails, who will "win" retweets. It's why lucrative ing panic among Kabul citizens. The news took surface in sever- far-right, in strange symbi- rage, the reaction to having using calm logic and clear book deals and TV slots al well-known media that security forces besieged the First Vice osis with some liberals who conversations ambushed reasoned debate - when in are available. And it's why should know better, are the and derailed by trolls for reality, all that's ever there will always be Milos President, General Abdul Rashid Dostum’s houses—later it was new champions of free whom the sole purpose is achieved by such an ex- - because we seem intent unfound. All roads and streets leading to Dostum’s house were speech. to ambush and derail. change is amplification of on making sure that they will blocked. Shar-e-Now, Qalai Fathullah, Sherpur and Wazir Ak- You know, that noble But meanwhile, what of hate, giving it more plat- always have an audience. far-right cause cheered by all the liberal-minded insis- form, more reach and more Rachel Shabi is a jour- bar Khan were the siege circle. The unparalleled move of the US TV host Bill Maher just tence that characters such legitimacy. nalist and author of Not the security forces and their abnormal presence in these areas had the other day, when he so as Milo are really a test of When American journal- Enemy: Israel's Jews from putted the Kabul resident in an uncertain situation. However, the agreeably had Milo on his our commitment to free ist Jeremy Scahill pulled out Arab Lands. HBO Real Time talk show speech and the right to of- of Bill Maher's Real Time, The views expressed in focal point is that these sieges have taken for security purposes, and they both told us to stop fend? because the show was also this article are the author's and all security institutions denied that it was against the first being so sensitive over things Of course, this was al- hosting Milo, it was pre- own and do not necessarily vice president. such as racism and misog- ways a terrible conflation of mised on this understanding. reflect Al Jazeera's editori- To easy the resident’s anxiety, the First Vice President, Gener- yny. free speech principles with As Scahill wrote, the al policy. (Al Jazeera) al Abdul Rashed Dostum, in his long-hour televised speech as- sured the people that he is not in favor of any crisis. He also comes up with a guarantee that he would not lend weights to any catastrophe even if his blood spelt out. The legacy of crisis is a bitter test. He also called on his supporters that he would never order his forces to act against security forces—even if he re- ceives bullets at his chest. It is not an appreciation declaration. But what he did Tuesday night was a bravery and well-calculat- ed move that has been led into relaxation of Afghan masses that were in deep quandary over the issue. Maybe his speech has earned light attention, but as a matter of fact, he showed his matu- rity and giving peace and confidence to the hearts of millions of commoners. At somehow, other politicians should also follow the suite at a critical juncture to prevent anarchy in a fashionable time and manner. Accusing other for your mistakes would lead to nothing. What Dostum is in trouble with the government is not part of the discussion here. This is the duty of the government to see on the matter and inform public of its result. None should be given chance to escape justice. Another realistic step taken by Dostum few years back was when he apologized to the nation on his war crimes during the civil war. Subscription Rates Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. THURSDAY . FEBRUARY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Struggle over Aleppo's story takes to the skies

By AlHakam Shaar 2016 election has removed any doubt that new digital technol- New technologies open new ogies cut both ways. windows for political action. Drones are no exception: They give new tools to the most viewed drone footage of powerful and their challengers. Aleppo is not from Monther, In the Syrian city of Aleppo, the Abdalrahman and their col- struggle to frame the conflict leagues. What folks watch the for the international communi- most is Youtube footage from ty ran parallel to the battle for Russian outlets like Russia To- control over the land itself. day and Ruptly. While drone footage from Some titles are generic Russia Today showed videos "Drone footage captures dev- of rebel-held and heavily- astation of east Aleppo" and bombed eastern Aleppo, Syr- others are clearly political: ia's Ministry of Tourism pub- "Drone footage shows fierce lished footage of the city's in- clashes between Syrian Army tact western half, complete with & US-backed Islamic terror- the soundtrack from HBO's hit ists." show Game of Thrones. The That contrast couldn't have contrast was stark. Life with the been clearer, Abdalrahman re- regime was normal. Life with the membered, "When we are be- rebels was hell. sieged, we, all the time, see the Monther Etaky remembered drones of the Assad regime fly- that "the regime was always ing over the city," their foot- looking down from the drone". age "telling lies". An Aleppo native, working as Taking to the sky a journalist during the siege, A recent analysis of non- Etaky and his colleague Abdal- violent drone use found that rahman Ismail were frustrated around the world Abdalrahman by this distortion. They were and Monther's usage is grow- not alone. They joined a hand- ing, as drones provide new per- ful of independent journalists spectives on factory farming, to tell the other side of the sto- industrial animal facilities, en- as Syrian and Russian troops moved in. Their departure was marked by a final insult, Monther remembered: "I lost three laptops and a drone - the Russian officer stole ry. vironmental degradation, and it from the bus where I was. As part of the forced evacuation agreement, they were not allowed to open bags - guns weren't allowed, and I didn't have guns, but they The next step was as sim- poaching (PDF). saw the laptops, which is the worst gun for them." The cat and mouse game of emancipatory uses and state control of new technologies plays on. Both men continue ple as it was familiar to activ- Drones allow advocacy their efforts from the northwestern Syrian countryside; only this time without a drone. AlHakam Shaar is research fellow for The Aleppo Project at the School of Public ists the world over: they bought groups to see over walls, peer Policy at Central European University. He studies Aleppians' narratives of the war and the rebuilding of the city. Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick is a writer and professor at the their own drone. Suddenly, the deep into inaccessible rainfor- Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego. He is writing a book about drones and other protest technologies. The views expressed in this article are journalists were working simul- ests, and capture footage from the authors' own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial policy. (Al Jazeera) taneously along two frontlines; just across town. Indeed, one one physical and the other of the first things Monther and symbolic. his young colleagues did was "When I first flew the drone to fly a drone over their univer- Triangle of underdevelopment at for myself, I saw the destruc- sity, which they hadn't seen in tion of the city. I'm used to see- five years. the World Government Summit ing the destruction from the Drones allow advocacy ground, but not from the sky groups to see over walls, peer By Turki Aldakhil some sort of falling backwards. He … it looks wider than from the deep into inaccessible rainfor- The outcome and topics of the voiced the importance of educa- ground," Monther says. At the ests, and capture footage from World Government Summit have tion at correcting and not adding perception as right information is time, both men were contribut- just across town. been consistent with developments in the region. There have been gained through efforts and aware- ing to Life in Aleppo, a grass- Around the world, drones strange and scary transformations, ness and not automatically. roots effort to raise awareness are taking to the sky, increas- which shook many countries Underdevelopment By Lena Afridi of the siege. ing public apprehension about only protested against the Mus- the momentum of cross-issue or- across the region while the United Every society thinks it is the "The regime is the greatest the devices. Syria is no excep- At noon on February 2, New York lim ban but also expressed resis- ganising and solidarity that has Arab Emirates and Gulf countries best even if it happens to be the criminal on the planet," City's streets were quieter than tance to Trump's promised wall begun to develop over the past two remained strong and solid and worst case of underdevelopment. tion. Education must not guard existing Monther told us. With Assad's usual. On Manhattan and Brook- along the US-Mexico border. months. It has the potential to be maintained whatever is left of in- When they first started fly- lyn corners and down commercial This solidarity was coined historic not only in size but, like stitutions in the Arab world. perceptions, opinions and habits planes occupying the skies ing, people assumed it be- corridors in Queens, corner store with the phrase "No Ban, No Wall", the signs that forged working class The subject of development but it must take the path toward every day of the past five longed to the regime, "They security grates were rolled down. a slogan plastered across shuttered Yemeni-Muslim and undocument- was brought up and His Highness change and pave other ways that years, Aleppo earned titles said it's a spy drone, we should There was no sound of lunch bodega gates citywide. This mo- ed Latinx solidarity, it can be his- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid fur- go beyond common patterns and such as the world's most dan- shoot that drone down, so it's meat sizzling on grill tops, no lines ment presented the largest explicit toric in its message: it can be a fem- ther explained it. He referred to late blind indoctrination. of customers waiting to purchase show of solidarity between Mus- inist and women's struggle with Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi’s Development, resisting ex- gerous city and Syria's barrel- not targeting our neighbour- lottery tickets or cigarettes or toi- lim and Latinx immigrants yet seen issues of racial and economic jus- attempts to create a model of a city tremism and cultural and educa- bomb capital. hoods." let paper. in the United States. tice to the front. that resembles Dubai. tional growth are what we need Undermining official narra- Frequent flights and some One of New York City's most 'Re-imagining old tactics' Recent years have seen nation- His Highness sent a delegation most in our region. Illiteracy is ris- tives neighbourly outreach prevent- recognisable institutions, the bode- Across the US, powerful ac- wide mass mobilisations that con- to sit with Libyan officials after ing due to wars in Syria, Libya and ga, had shut its collective door. A The group's footage under- ed the drone's downing by tions such as the bodega strike are nect labour unions with non-union an Arab country requested so out Iraq, and there are also security large portion of these businesses re-imagining old tactics to resist the affiliated movements. of its desire to quit living in the challenges. His Highness Sheikh mined official narratives of the friendly fire. are run by the city's Yemeni immi- intersection of racist and anti- Hundreds of thousands march past and enter the present with all Mohammed bin Rashid noted the war's progress while challeng- Nevertheless, Abdalrah- grants. Yemenis account for only a working class positions that char- down Pennsylvania Avenue dur- its ramifications and difficulties. UAE’s ability to confront these ing humanitarian conscious- man and Monther estimate that tiny fraction of the New York City acterise the Trump phenomenon. ing the Women's March in Wash- However, the delegation was challenges through appropriate ness worldwide. they lost 20 drones over the population, but more than 1,000 Though sometimes small in ington, DC, on January 21 [Reu- shocked of the Libyan officials’ means considering it is ready. As corner stores closed during the size, these actions are quietly ters /Bryan Woolston] interest in making profits. This for cultural growth, it entirely de- This is true in struggles well course of the conflict. These Bodega Strike of 2017. building up to a larger possibility: The Great American Boycott beyond Syria, as new technol- made working in a financially cor- pends on societies. Will they walk losses are due to risky flights On that day, the Yemeni com- what could be achieved if all Amer- of 2006 saw millions of people rupt environment extremely diffi- against history and head for extinc- ogies give regimes new means that basically involves "gam- munity banded together in re- icans stopped work at offices, fac- mobilising against HR 4437, the cult. tion or pave the way of redemp- of control, at the same time bling to take good footage from sponse to President Donald tories, restaurants, skipped class, immigration policy that funnelled “If a project costs 100 million, tion? Trump's executive order, which challengers gain new tools for regime areas," but they are also and ceased household tasks? funds to increased security at the some insist it costs 1,000 million. It is important to believe in aimed to effectively ban immigra- General strikes have been pro- US-Mexico border and made liv- visions proposed about tackling documenting abuses and the result of the regime's efforts tion from seven Muslim majority Why do they do so?” Sheikh Mo- posed several times in the past ing in the US without documenta- hammed bin Rashid asked. He said: corruption and to be convinced of spreading the word about im- to shoot down their devices, or countries, including Yemen. decade, with little interest or out- tion a felony - reforms similar to how dangerous corruption is for They shut down their busi- “prevention of corruption” is the portant causes. jam their control signals. right dismissal from those outside Trump's recent proposals. reason behind Dubai’s and the sustainable development. Rising Long gone are the halcyon Such are the basic back and nesses for the day in protest unions or leftist circles, and even In 2012, the Chicago Teachers from economic setbacks has been against the Muslim ban, with thou- from many within. Union's strike led to a 17.5 per- UAE’s developmental experience days in which tech boosters forth struggles between re- sands of bodega owners and allies and vowed to prevent corruption impossible for countries rich in A general strike is not a simple cent raise for Chicago public school natural resources and food indus- could claim that the information gimes and challengers. rallying at Brooklyn Borough Hall protest. It is a complete shutdown teachers and a reduction in the role from infiltrating institutions. “I and in a women-led action at 5pm. my brother Mohammed bin Zayed tries but drowned in corruption. highway would deliver the For now, the struggle has of labour across all sectors, across of standardised testing as a per- The World Government Sum- Crucially to the political im- schools, and - as feminists have formance measure. will not accept corruption in the democratic goods. subsided, as both Abdalrah- country,” he said. mit discussed the triangle of haz- In the United States, the portance of the day, this action not insisted - also within homes. It is, This past January, as protests man and Monther fled Aleppo as Frances Fox Piven puts it, erupted in airports across the na- Qaddafi’s dream of building a ards, corruption, terrorism and ig- throwing sand into the gears of the tion in response to the Muslim city like Dubai evaporated due to norance. Each disease has its vac- machine . ban, New York City taxi drivers corrosive corruption and destruc- cine that are transparency, toler- A general strike brings collec- went out on strike in solidarity tion, which pulled down institu- ance and openness. tive power to the forefront. It has with protesters in organised la- tions due to benefits and favorit- Through strong and system- LETTER TO THE EDITOR been met with trepidation by many bour's first action against the ism. Development is impossible atic education, we can maintain Americans, in particular those peo- Trump administration. amid such corrupt circumstances. what we have managed to build in ple who have the most to gain from Boycotts and civil disobedi- One of the other discussed Gulf countries and propose this such a show of power, and also ence are ingrained into this coun- topics was terrorism. We heard the model for the rest of the Arab the most to lose by participating try's history of collective struggle. story of colleague Abdullah bin world – if they choose to follow in such a broad scale labour action. The marches from Selma to Mont- Bijad al-Otibi with Yusef al-Ay- it. Only those who do not know Substandard food items Repression is swift and con- gomery, lunch-counter sit-ins, and eri, the leader of al-Qaeda organi- the impossible know ambition. sequential. Already, some partici- the Montgomery bus boycott zation in the Arabian Peninsula. This article was first published pants of February 16's Day With- were all effective and strategic or- Ayeri’s eyes were evil as he in Al-Bayan on Feb. 22, 2016. Afghanistan is a consumer society and most of the products in the market are being out Immigrants protest, where ganising tactics that created a pre- looked at Otibi the last time they Turki Aldakhil is the General imported from neighboring countries. The main problem with the imported goods is restaurant workers across the na- cedent for grassroots mobilisation met in a restaurant in eastern Riy- Manager of Al Arabiya News that they are mostly substandard, particularly those being imported from Pakistan. tion skipped work, have lost their in the US and worldwide. adh. During the lecture he deliv- Channel. He began his career as a jobs The rise of the Trump admin- The tradition of boycotting, ered at the summit, Otibi said in- print journalist, covering politics However, the government should assign a commission that copes with the chal- istration is a boiling point for im- striking, and civil disobedience was dignation was the most dangerous and culture for the Saudi newspa- lenge where it consists of officials from ministries of Interior; Public Health; and Irri- migrants, women, black people, utilised during the Vietnam War, evil, which ignites terrorism and pers Okaz, Al-Riyadh and Al-Wa- gation, Agriculture and Livestock as well as Attorney General Office, Afghanistan Muslims, indigenous people, queer during the gay liberation move- he cited a quote that proves Sayy- tan. He then moved to pan-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Independent Directorate of Security and Af- and trans people, poor and work- ment, during the women's rights id Qutb’s role in nurturing violence daily Al-Hayat and pan-Arab news ing people, and all people of co- movements of the 1970s, during and terrorism in the world. magazine Al-Majalla. Turki later ghanistan National Standard Authority. lour in this country. the current Black Lives Matter Through strong and system- became a radio correspondent for The commission frequently should visit shops and collected tons of poor quality However, since the rise of movement, during the movement atic education, we can maintain the French-owned pan-Arab Ra- food stuffs from Kabul markets. The commission should control quality of commod- Trump, the buzz around the pros- against the Dakota Access Pipe- what we have managed to build in dio Monte Carlo and MBC FM. pect of a general strike has grown line, and countless other examples Gulf countries and propose this He proceeded to Elaph, an online ities in the country’s ports and customs instead of domestic markets, and should stop exponentially. Americans, unac- of historically consequential fights model for the rest of the Arab news magazine and Alarabiya.net, import of sub-standard goods to the country and don’t let the enemy of Afghanistan customed to large-scale labour shut for rights and dignity. world – if they choose to follow it the news channel’s online plat- to play with the live of Afghan masses. downs, are now entertaining the A fractured labour movement “I will remain indignant. If it were form. Over a ten-year period, Da- notion of such an action. Despite the precedence of la- up to me, I’d establish double the khil’s weekly Al Arabiya talk show Murtaza Alizada, Kabul, Afghanistan The Bodega Strike, the Day bour actions in the US, effective schools which the government has “Edaat” (Spotlights) provided an Without Immigrants actions of general strikes have not happened built in order to teach people one opportunity for proponents of Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must February 16, and February 17's in this country since the 1930s. thing: discontent. If it were up to Arab and Islamic social reform to have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: nationwide protests against the The US working class has largely me, I’d establish a school to teach make their case to a mass audience. [email protected] Trump administration portent removed itself from the tradition discontent over this generation of Turki also owns Al Mesbar Stud- both a willingness for action and of general strikes. politicians and over those writers ies and Research Centre and Ma- the capacity to organise for action. Though these actions have and journalists whom are said to darek Publishing House in Dubai. Most successful general strike very recently proved to be effec- be opinion leaders in the country He has received several awards and in US history tive worldwide, including in West- honors, including the America Disclaimer: The March 8, A Day Without ern Europe, in India, where only ... I’d establish a school to teach discontent over those ministers,” Abroad Media annual award for a Woman general strike, proposed last year the largest general strike his role in supporting civil soci- The views and opinions expressed in the articles are by the organisers of the January in history took place, and across Qutb said. As for cultural growth, thinker Ibrahim al-Buleihi spoke ety, human rights and advancing those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or 21 Women's March, is poised to Latin America, the US labour women’s roles in Gulf societies. be the most successful general movement has generally shied about advancement barriers. He’s opinions of the Afghanistan Times. strike in recent American history - away from the general strike as a done a great job describing the He tweets @TurkiAldakhil. but only if it continues to carry tactic. (Al Jazeera) problem as underdevelopment is (Alarabiya) THURSDAY . FEBRUARY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Germany to increase army to 198,000 by 2024 amid NATO spending row

trade and security. Sources who were briefed on the meeting said the talks between Mr Bannon and Mr Wittig had confirmed the view that European leaders should pre- pare for a policy of "hostility to- wards the EU". The German government and the ambassador, MrWittig, de- clined to comment, citing the con- fidential nature of the diplomatic talks. A White House official said the account provided to Reuters by three sources was inaccurate. The official said: "They only spoke for about three minutes and it was just a quick hello". One source told the news agen- cy that the US had demonstrated no appreciation for the EU's role in ensuring peace across Europe. "There appears to be no un- derstanding in the White House that an unraveling of the EU would have grave consequences," the source said. Another suggested Mr Ban- non's message was similar to com- ments he made to a Vatican con- ference in 2014, in which he said people across Europe are yearn- Germany is to increase its army abroad, has in the last few years von der Leyen, comes at a time ing for nationalism because they by 5,000 soldiers, the Defense become more active in supporting when U.S. President Donald "don't believe in this kind of pan- Ministry said on Feb. 21, bringing international deployments such as Trump is pushing NATO mem- European Union." the total to 198,000 in 2024, at a in Afghanistan, Mali and against bers, especially from Europe, to The latest diplomatic incident time when U.S. pressure is mount- Islamic State of Iraq and the Le- raise their military spending. comes after an outgoing US am- ing on European NATO members vant (ISIL) militants. The defense alliance in 2014 bassador suggested that Mr to raise military spending. In January, Germany sent a agreed to end years of defense cuts Trump supports the break-up of “The German army faces de- battlegroup of more than 1,000 to and meet a target of spending 2 the European Union in the wake mands like never before,” German Lithuania as part of a NATO mis- percent of economic output on of Brexit. Defense Minister Ursula von der sion to protect its eastern border defense by 2024. German defense Anthony Gardner, who is de- Leyen said in a statement, adding with Russia in response to its an- spending is currently at 1.22 per- parting as ambassador to the EU, that the army had to be able to nexation of Crimea and its support cent. A senior aide to Donald Trump stood to have informed Germany's construct, sources have told Reu- said that senior figures in the pres- respond in an appropriate way to for separatists in eastern Ukraine. A Defense Ministry spokes- has warned the European Union ambassador to Washington that the ters. The meeting happened just ident-elect’s transition team had developments abroad and securi- On top of the 5,000 extra sol- woman said provided the plan goes that it can expect "hostility" after new US administration hopes to a week before U.S. Vice President been asking EU officials which ty concerns. diers, Germany is also adding ahead, the increase would mean Britain leaves the European Union, conduct future relations with Eu- Mike Pence traveled to Brussels countries will follow Britain in Germany, reluctant for de- 1,000 civilians posts and about 500 additional costs of about 955 mil- according to reports. rope on a bilateral basis. The Pres- to reassure leaders that the Trump voting to leave the bloc. cades after World War Two to get reserves. lion euros ($1.01 billion) per year Steve Bannon, the White ident's aide also told Peter Wittig administration will maintain and (Telegraph) involved in military missions The increase, long flagged by from 2024. (Hurriyetdailynews) House chief strategist, is under- that he viewed the EU as a flawed develop decades of partnership in China denounces ‘relevant More than 4.9m people Turkish countries’ after US carrier suffering as famine Cypriots deploys to South China Sea pull out of grips South Sudan reunification The United Nations have issued the warning with More than 10,000 state 100,000 people facing starvation. negotiations officials of Kyrgyzstan have class, Famine is back - with 100,000 fears have been realised. “Many diplomatic, tax ranks, titles people facing starvation due to civil families have exhausted every war and a collapsing economy in means they have to survive.” Fam- 10,655 state officials have class, awarded with class ranks in 2017. the world’s newest country. ine is currently affecting parts of diplomatic, tax ranks and titles to- In 2016, for contribution in The United Nations has Unity State in the northern-cen- day, reported the State Personnel labor and other activities, 1,073 warned 4.9m people - more than tral part of the country. A formal Service. state officials were rewarded. 40 per cent of the population - are famine declaration means people State Personnel Service held on It was noted that 97 Candi- in need of urgent food assistance have already started dying of hun- February 21 a boards meeting, dur- dates of Sciences and 16 Doctors in South Sudan. And without a ger. Eyewitness reports said fami- ing which it became known that of Sciences work in public admin- rapid response from the interna- lies are eating anything from grasses the 385 municipal officials, local istration institutions. tional community that number is to bulbs in a desperate bid to stay government authorities were (Akipress) expected to soar to 5.5m by July. alive. Others are surviving by comb- There are also genuine fears the ing shallow swamps for fish or misery may spread across the con- even water lily roots. The world’s tinent as there have been warnings newest country gained indepen- of famine in Yemen, Somalia and dence from Sudan in July 2011. China has denounced “relevant to international law. countries” for threatening sover- north-eastern Nigeria. But South But more than three years ago Tajikistan extends condolences The U.S. restarted its free- Sudan is the first nation to declare fighting broke out between rival eignty and security in the South dom-of-navigation operations in China Sea, following the deploy- one since Somalia in the summer forces – the Sudan People’s Liber- over death of Russian 2015 in the South China Sea after of 2011. Serge Tissot, the coun- ation Army (SPLA) loyal to Pres- ment of the USS Carl Vinson carri- more than three years of conduct- er battle group on a routine patrol try’s Food and Agriculture Organ- ident Salva Kiir and the SPLA in Turkish Cypriots pulled out of ambassador to UN ing only routine operations. In the isation representative, said: “Fam- Opposition backing First Vice- in the sea’s international waters. meantime, China has constructed negotiations aimed at ending the “China always respects the ine has become a tragic reality in President Riek Machar. four decades-old division of Cy- more than 3,000 acres of artificial parts of South Sudan and our worst (Dailyrecord) Foreign Minister of Tajikistan tive in the UN Vitaly Churkin," freedom of navigation and over- islands, according to the Pentagon, prus, government spokesman Sirodjiddin Aslov offered condo- says the letter. The Foreign Min- flight that countries enjoy in the atop submerged reefs claimed by Nicos Christodoulides said on lences to his Russian colleague ister conveyed his deep to the rel- South China Sea under internation- other nations. Wednesday. Sergey Lavrov over the death of atives and friends of Vitaly Chur- al law,” China Foreign Ministry China has nearly finished He said on his Twitter account Russian ambassador to the UN kin, who dedicated his life to pro- spokesman Geng Shuang said building almost two dozen struc- that the United Nations Secretary Vitaly Churkin. "The Tajik side tection of interests of his home Tuesday in a press conference tran- tures that appear designed to house General's Special Representative condoles this sorrowful news of country, said the Foreign Minis- script posted to the ministry’s long-range surface–to-air missiles, and Head of the UN Peacekeeping the death of Russian representa- try of Tajikistan. (Akipress) website. “But we oppose relevant U.S. officials told Reuters on Tues- Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) Elis- countries threatening and under- day. abeth Spehar conveyed to Cypri- mining the sovereignty and securi- The artificial islands also in- ot President Nicos Anastasiades ty of coastal states under the pre- clude radar, self-propelled artillery the decision of Turkish Cypriot text of such freedom. We hope that and facilities for military aircraft leader Mustafa Akinci not to at- relevant countries can do more for and ships. The U.S. has conduct- tend a meeting scheduled for Thurs- Tension on contact line in regional peace and stability.” The ed freedom-of-navigation opera- day. (Xinhue) Navy regularly patrols the South tions nearby some of the islands Karabakh escalated by China Sea, where more than $1.2 under “innocent passage,” where trillion in U.S. trade transits annu- ships perform no military opera- Azerbaijani side this night ally. China maintains an ambigu- tions or survey activities. The As- US-backed fighters advance on ous claim to about 90 percent of sociation of South East Asian Na- the sea through markings on a map tions, which includes multiple Tension on the line of contact be- Karabakh positions from light known as the nine-dash line. The countries involved in boat-ram- Islamic State’s ‘capital’in Syria tween Karabakh and Azerbaijani arms, cannons and mortars. The line was ruled noncompliant with ming and other low-level conflicts armed forces escalated this night, ministry’s press office says the international maritime law by an with China over South China Sea ritory in northern Syria from the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic’s de- Azerbaijani side fired 15 shells international tribunal in July, but territory, discussed Beijing’s grow- jihadists. It launched its offensive fense ministry reported Wednes- from a D-44 cannon and 21 shells China has ignored that ruling. The ing power at a press conference in for Raqqa - the de facto Syrian cap- day morning. from 60-, 82- and 120-mm mor- Vinson carrier group began opera- the Philippines on Tuesday. “The ital of IS’s so-called caliphate - in According to the press release, tars on the eastern and south-east- tions in the South China Sea on ASEAN members have been unan- early November. Deir Ezzor prov- Azerbaijani troops have breached ern sections of the contact line. Saturday, according to a Navy imous in their expression of con- ince lies just east of Raqqa, and is the ceasefire regime on the contact The Karabakh army respond- statement. In this undated photo cern about what they see as a mil- almost completely held by IS. The line 105 times over this night by ed to the shelling by return fire. released by the U.S. Navy Visual itarization of the region,” Philip- jihadists also hold most of the pro- firing more than 1,500 shots at (ARKA) News Service, the USNS Bowd- pine Foreign Secretary Perfecto vincial capital by the same name, itch, a T-AGS 60 Class Oceano- Yasay said, according to Reuters. and have been battling regime forc- graphic Survey Ship, sails in open However, Yasay expressed confi- es to overrun the city. The SDF water. dence that an ASEAN-China code alliance is dominated by the Kurd- Russia to mark 25th The USNS Bowditch, a civil- of conduct for the South China Sea ish People’s Protection Units ian U.S. Navy oceanographic sur- could be signed by June. A code of (YPG), but it also boasts several vey ship, was recovering two conduct has been discussed for units of Arab fighters. “We have anniversary of relations drones on Thursday when a Chi- several years but never finalized, entered the first villages of Deir nese navy ship approached and with South China Sea claimant na- Ezzor province,” said Abu Khaw- withAzerbaijan sent out a small boat that took one tions often blaming non-claimants An alliance of Arab and Kurdish es,” Khabat said Tuesday in the lah, who heads the 1,700-strong of the drones, said Navy Capt. Jeff for striking side deals with Beijing fighters seized more than a dozen town of Makmaneh, which lies on Deir Ezzor Military Council, an Russia’s Foreign Ministry is plan- lish the relevant materials on bilat- Davis, a Pentagon spokesman. He to undermine an agreement. Geng villages in eastern Syria on Tues- a major highway approximately Arab component of the SDF. “Our ning an event dedicated to the 25th eral relations of the two countries. said the Chinese navy ship ac- did not directly address the po- day in their drive to encircle the 100 kilometres east of Raqqa city. entry into Deir Ezzor was a big anniversary of establishment of Diplomatic relations between knowledged radio messages from tential code of conduct but hinted Islamic State group bastion of He said the IS was dispatching surprise (for IS), and thre will be diplomatic relations with Azer- Azerbaijan and Russia were estab- the Bowditch, but did not respond at cooperation from Beijing on Raqqa. suicide bombers but had not been more surprises coming,” he said. baijan that will be held in early lished on April 4, 1992. to demands the craft be Tuesday. The US-backed Syrian Demo- able to slow the offensive. SDF The SDF, which has been lobby- April, Russian Foreign Ministry The main document of the bi- returned.
CHINFO, Navy Vi- “Thanks to the concerted ef- cratic Forces (SDF) made a major fighters on Tuesday set up their ing for weapons to help them car- spokeswoman Maria Zakharova lateral relations’ contractual and sual News via AP It has deployed forts by China and ASEAN coun- incursion into the oil-rich province base on a hilltop in Makmaneh, ry out the offensive, has recently said at a briefing Feb. 22. legal base is an Agreement on amid media speculation that one tries, the situation in the South of Deir Ezzor as part of their push digging trenches around it to pre- received armoured SUVs from the “We will pay close attention friendship, cooperation and mutu- of its ships may conduct a free- China Sea is easing up toward sta- for Raqqa, field commander De- vent suicide bombers or car bombs United States. to this date,” noted Zakharova. al security between the Russian dom-of-navigation operation, un- bility and moving in a positive di- jwar Khabat said. “Our aim is to from reaching them. Backed by air A US-led coalition has been She added that the Russian Federation and the Republic of der a program the U.S. uses to chal- rection, Geng said. cut the road to Raqqa and besiege strikes from the US-led coalition, carrying out air strikes on IS in Foreign Ministry will soon pub- Azerbaijan. lenge practices that do not conform (Stripes) IS... We have liberated 15 villag- the SDF has seized swathes of ter- Syria. (Scmp) THURSDAY . FEBRUARY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Thailand to Abu Dhabi awards stop sugar subsidy by China’s CEFC 4% of oil year-end

The government will stop subsi- concession for $900m dising sugar production and drop domestic control of consumer prices for sugar by the end of the year, a Ministry of Agriculture told reporters here. Digital revolu- official said on Tuesday. tion and the government's thrust Brazil challenged Thailand at the on using technology to improve World Trade Organization delivery of its public services have (WTO) in March last year, argu- opened up huge opportunities to ing that Thailand's subsidies for develop and manufacture innova- sugar producers have dragged tive products and solutions across down global prices. the country. "As we see our in- "Our new policy will be to let dustry scale up in value addition the price of sugar match that of and value proposition, we are fo- the global markets whereas be- cusing on design and IP (Intellec- fore it was under the control of tual Property) ownership to boost the Ministry of Agriculture," and sustain the manufacturing eco- Buntin Kotesiri, administrative system," asserted Moorthy. High- director at the Sugar and Cane lighting the involvement of state Producing Board, told Reuters. governments in the 12th edition of "We expect these changes to come the IESA's Vision Summit, Asso- into effect at the end of the year ciation President M.N. Vidyashan- during harvesting season." kar said designing was a key com- Mr Butin said the move was in response to Brazil's challenge. ponent for innovation and de- Thailand is the world's second velopment of electronic prod- largest sugar producer after Bra- ucts. zil. Brazil said in November that "We are promoting local it had seen the proposal for chang- manufacturing and focusing Abu Dhabi awarded a 4 percent mated at between 20 billion and France’s Total was the first es in Thai policies and said that it on design-led growth of the stake in its giant onshore oil con- 30 billion barrels of oil equivalent major oil company to renew its was an acceptable solution. ESDM sector. With Rs 745-crore cession to CEFC China Energy Co over the term of the concession. involvement in the concession, se- (Bangkokpost) budgetary support through for a fee of 3.3 billion dirhams On Sunday, CNPC secured an curing a 10 percent stake in Janu- schemes like M-SIPS and EDF, we ($900 million), state-owned Abu 8 percent stake in ADCO for about ary 2015 and putting its rivals un- believe India will be the next man- Dhabi National Oil Co (ADNOC) $1.8 billion. der pressure to improve terms af- ufacturing powerhouse," asserted said on Monday. For little-known, privately run ter ADNOC said Total made the Vidyashankar, a former Addition- The stake is the last to be CEFC the deal, which has a term best offer. al Secretary of the Karnataka gov- awarded in the concession after of 40 years and is backdated to the In December, BP struck a sim- ernment. The Association has pro- international energy companies start of 2015, marks one of its larg- ilar pact with ADNOC for a 10 jected Rs 1,700-crore investments including Total, BP and China’s est oil investments outside China. percent stake. in the sector under the central gov- CNPC secured stakes. ADNOC Chinese oil executives said last Other Asian energy companies ernment's M-SIPS (Modified Spe- owns 60 percent of the concession. week that both CNPC and CEFC were granted smaller stakes.? IN- cial Incentive Package Scheme) and The onshore fields, operated were set to sign the concession PEX Corp of Japan and GS Ener- EDF (Electronic Development by Abu Dhabi Company for On- deals with ADNOC after having gy of South Korea received 5 per- Fund), which are aimed at increas- shore Petroleum Operations obtained state regulatory clearance cent and 3 percent stakes respec- India's booming electronics' mar- port's forecasts are based on the (ADCO, have total resources esti- for the investments. tively. (Alarabya) ket is projected to more than dou- country's GDP (Gross Domestic ing domestic production of elec- ble to $228 billion in three more Product) growth, currency move- tronics under the 'Make in India' years from over $100 billion in fis- ment, inflation, trade pacts, con- initiative. The Association's Tech- cal 2016-17, said the industry's sumer sentiments, policies, invest- novation Sarabhai Award was giv- trade body on Tuesday. ments, manufacturing entities and en to the state-run Indian Space Study explores Mongolia-Japan "India's ESDM (Electronics value addition. "The manufactur- Research Organisation (ISRO) System, Design & Manufacturing) ing of electronic products is ex- Chairman A.S. Kiran Kumar for sector is poised to reach $228 bil- pected to increase in five years leading the country's space mis- sions for various applications and trade expansion opportunities lion by 2020 from $100 billion in from 17 per cent annual growth, 2016-17, growing at 16-23 per while the electronic manufacturing exploration. The Association cent annually," said a joint report services segment is projected to works with the central and state of the India Electronics and Semi- grow 42-68 per cent over the next government in framing policies and conductor Association (IESA) and five years to $6-13.2 billion from taking measures to scale up indig- global services firm Ernst & Young $1 billion in 2015," Association enous production to meet the ris- (EY) at a summit here. The re- Chairman K. Krishna Moorthy ing demand for electronics. (Business-standard) Apple to Turkey to take measures on recall food supply quality, prices 88,000 Some measures to control prices will be taken in light of a new early iPhone 6s warning system, says Central Bank in the A special committee will take mea- sures to control the quality of Tur- key’s food supply chain and its UAE prices, Turkey's Central Bank an- The Economy Ministry in the nounced Tuesday. The bank's UAE in collaboration with Apple, statement followed a Food and is set to recall 88700 iPhone 6s Agricultural Product Markets devices due to battery issues Monitoring and Evaluation Com- Hashem al-Nuaimi, director of mittee meeting chaired by Deputy the Consumer Protection Depart- Prime Minister Mehmet Simsek. ment at the ministry, said that According to the committee, work- On February 21, a seminar was potential. The study aimed to con- in Japan. The study also found Apple informed The ministry of ing groups have been established held at the National Chamber of tinually expand bilateral trade with three forms in which Mongolian Economy of defective batteries in to improve incentives, standard- Commerce and Industry to discuss not only minerals but other prod- sea buckthorn can be exported to specific category of iPhone 6S, ization, and competition with the the expansion of Mongolia-Japan ucts, and explore how conventional Japan which are raw material, oil produced in China between Sep- aim of enhancing the effectiveness trade in connection with bilateral agriculture can be developed in and oil powder. The current state tember and October 2015, includ- of the food supply chain. The bank Economic Partnership Agreement Mongolia and Japan. of Mongolian dairy industry was ing 88700 devices in the UAE. He said signals from a new early warn- taking effect. The study was launched on assessed by the study which con- added that these devices might shut- ing system were assessed to take Mitsuaki Hoshino, Director of October 12, 2016. Engaging 13 cluded that although the nutrient down suddenly. product-based measures expected Northeast Asian Division at the public and corresponding organi- quality of Mongolian milk is high, The affected users are asked to be beneficial in the short term. Japanese Ministry of Economy, zations, 17 private sector compa- all-year stable supply is difficult to use the serial number checker The system, established under the Trade and Industry addressed the nies and 3 specialists, the study because of the shortness of dairy on www.apple.com/support/ae to coordination of the Central Bank meeting and said, “In recent years, unveils the current state of Mon- season which is from July to Sep- see if their iPhone 6s was eligible and the Food, Agriculture and Live- high level meetings have been fre- golian cashmere, sea buckthorn and tember. Generally, the study con- for a battery replacement. stock Ministry, is meant to sup- quently held between Japan and dairy products industries, and chal- cluded with certain recommenda- port stable supply and price for- Mongolia, and I think, it shows lenges in exporting the products tions which include improving mation for food products. Early the depth of bilateral relationship to Japan. The study identified quality control, enhancing work- this month, the Turkish Statistical and cooperation”. some solutions for successful ex- force capacity, consistently par- Institute (TurkStat) announced The Ministry of Economy, port of cashmere such as improv- ticipating in expositions, business that consumer prices in Turkey Trade and Industry of Japan in ing quality control, production meetings and business matching, rose 9.22 percent year-on-year in cooperation with the Embassy of control and monitoring skills, consistently updating on the ac- January from 8.53 percent in De- Japan in Mongolia has conducted launching a brand suitable for cus- tivities of Mongolian companies cember. According to the Turk- a study, assessing three products tomer demand, ensuring stability and introducing a management to Stat, the highest monthly increase – cashmere, sea buckthorn and and information on all procedures realize Japanese marketing strate- was in food and beverages, rising dairy products which were con- until the product is ready for use gies. 6.37 percent. (AA) sidered to have the highest export and learning marketing know-how (Montsame) President Quang expects breakthroughs in Vietnam-Russia economic cooperation Forex price rigging, spreading false President Tran Dai Quang hopes Matvienko said enhancing cooperation with Vietnam in all sectors is a news to be criminal offences in S-Korea Vietnam and Russia will witness top priority of Russia's foreign policy, adding that the Federal Council breakthroughs in economic and and parliamentarians will do their best to contribute to strengthening Feb 22 Collusion, price-fixing and fine of 1.5 billion won. The courts will decide whether to define targeted assets as profits made after a criminal trade cooperation in 2017, Vietnam bilateral relations. disseminating false news in the act or as assets used in the process of a crime, finance ministry officials told Reuters. (Reuters) News Agency (VNA) reported. (BERNAMA) foreign exchange market will be He said this at a reception held punishable by criminal law in for Chairwoman of Russia's Fed- South Korea for the first time start- eral Council Valentina Ivanovna ing later this year as the govern- Matvienko, who is visiting Viet- ment toughens up regulation. nam. In enforcement regulations set He stressed that Vietnam con- out in an amendment on foreign sidered energy cooperation with exchange trading laws issued on Russia as a strategic field. Wednesday, the finance ministry Quang also noted that the two said a person found guilty of dis- sides should coordinate closely to turbing order in foreign exchange effectively implement the free trading for personal profit could trade agreement between Vietnam be fined up to 500 million won and the Eurasian Economic Union ($438,000) or face up to five years in order to expand export and in- in prison. vestment to each other's markets. If, however, the targeted as- "In addition, Vietnam wishes set's value multiplied by three ex- to further foster cooperative ties ceeds 500 million won, the guilty with Russia in the fields of securi- party can be fined up to three times ty-defence, education-training, cul- the targeted value, according to the ture, tourism and science-technol- regulations. ogy, as well as the affiliation be- For example, if a guilty par- tween localities," Quang said. ty's targeted asset was worth 500 Agreeing with the host's view, million won, he or she could face a THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Shraddha Lindsay Lohan not giving up PFDC gears up to showcase Kapoor’s hopes on Mean Girls sequel the most revolutionary new avatar It has been almost 13 years since the moviegoers were introduced to will blow Lindsay Lohan’s Regina George in fashion week yet Mean Girls and the actor is leav- ing no stone unturned to make its you away sequel happen. Bollywood’s girl-next-door Shrad- Recently, in an interview with dha Kapoor is all set to play Ha- The View, the 30-year-old said, seena Parker, sister of India’s most she is totally trying to make Mean wanted man, Dawood Ibrahim. Girls 2, as the Machete star be- lieves that this story is not over After unveiling her first look just yet, reports E! Online. in Haseena: The Queen of Mum- bai, Shraddha recently opened up “I went to Saturday Night Live about how she is preparing for her the other day and I was like ha- rassing Lorne Michaels, I’m like fierce character. According to Busi- ness of Cinema, the Aashiqui 2 we have to do. actor is literally living the life of I’ll write the treatment-If Tina Haseena, and is preparing for four Fey’s too busy,” she shared. different stages of Parker which Lohan did get support for the she will be portraying in the mov- sequel, by SNL’s co-host Sara ie. The actor has flooded her phone Haines. picture gallery with images of Ha- “Yes, they should. They’re smart with timing. It will come seena, and is observing her every look very closely. Shraddha’s when the time is right. It’s a great much changed-look in Haseena has movie. It’s a cult film,” Lindsay been lauded by everyone. added. Discussing how every one of Earlier, she said that she will her characters is different and di- keep on forcing the idea of a se- verse, the Baaghi actor told the quel to Tina Fey and Paramount, Hindustan Times, “As an actor I even if they are busy. get to play different characters and The Canyons star even wish- es to have Jamie Lee Curtis and take different journeys through each film. Each journey has its own Jimmy Fallon in the sequel. preparation and that’s what’s ex- (Hollywoodreports) citing and challenging too,” says Ek Villain star. “As an actor, Shraddha is Speaking of fashion game-chang- and Kamiar Rokni, the official next show will then start in Hall blessed to learn and imbibe several ers, a couple forerunners jump to PFDC spokesperson to feed us B. Clarifying further, Saad ex- Arbaaz Khan on split mind. Americans rightfully boast some fodder on what to expect. plained, “With the new format in different aspects of life through various characters that one por- of Tom Ford and Alexander Wang. “At the PFDC, evolution is at our place we endeavour to enable a trays on screen. There is a certain Karl Lagerfeld was another cata- core. The ultimate aim for our fash- focused audience who is attending amount of prep that goes into play- lyst for change in the European ion platforms has always been the to see specific shows.” As to ing each of them on screen,” says with Malaika Arora, why world and undoubtedly, we have business of fashion. Keeping that whether the fashion fraternity is the actor’s spokesperson. an army of them in the West. But aim in mind and the furtherance of supportive of this upcoming re- what does the Pakistani fashion it, we are trying to tale the plat- vival, Saad asserted, “It is a time industry comprise? Do we have form to the standards and proto- of transition certainly, but the de- he is going to move on what it takes to ignite a revolu- cols of international fashion signers have welcomed it whole- tion? Now this is where the Paki- weeks,” asserted Saad. And there’s heartedly — all in the spirit of evo- One of the most shocking splits stan Fashion Design Council more: “The introduction of the new lution and a positive step forward.” last year was of B-Town A-listers (PFDC) takes the spotlight. Dis- format breaks down the standard Jogging away from the past con- Malaika Arora and Arbaaz Khan. tinguished for setting benchmarks format of Fashion Week ‘Days’ cept of shows being merely spec- The couple announced separation in the fashion realm, PFDC is into a set of solo or duo shows tacles of entertainment, there is after 18 years of marriage. sparking a ‘style uprising’ by re- with two alternative ramps, more now an international team on board The Dabangg producer has, vising the upcoming fashion week’s select seating and international to ensure an all-rounder expression yet again, opened up about his platform format. Being a fashion protocols for the press and audi- of fashion. Saad explicated, “We equation with estranged wife, editor, I’m anticipating a highly ence members,” added Saad. Ap- are working collaboratively with Malaika. “See you have a choice, conceptual show, focusing on a parently, the two ramps have been our team of experts in Pakistan and either you look back at your life theme of sorts — both in terms of designed to facilitate two shows our new UK-based team that ex- and sit back, or you look at it as a disposition and ensembles. With simultaneously, meaning when the cels in lighting, sound, set design lesson and say, ‘Okay, I am going my expectations soaring, The Ex- show in Hall A ends, there will be etc. They bring with them interna- to move on from here’. Any loss press Tribune spoke candidly with a break so that designers and press tional experience and exposure that that you suffer – be it money-wise, Saad Ali, the CEO of the PFDC have a chance to interact and the we urgently needed.” (AP) somebody’s demise in the family or a relationship, life goes on. Hu- man beings are meant to survive,” he said in an interview with Busi- Trisha Krishnan will Did SRK shatter ness Of Cinema. Arbaaz has also been vocal about sharing a very cordial rela- feature in Hari’s Kangana’s dream of tionship with Malaika. “Just be- cause we’re separating, doesn’t working with Bhansali? mean we have to be worried about Saamy 2 with Vikram each other’s equations. I have a Kangana may be known for her he was in talks with Bhansali for child with her, so we have to have bold statements and outspoken two projects. “I have been in talks a cordial and a great relationship. persona but there were times when with Sanjay for two films. We will We’re very amicable with the split Jennifer Lopez talks even her dreams were shattered. select the best one and make it,” we had. I’m close to her side of the The Queen actor reportedly lost he said in an interview. Shah Rukh family, something that you can all her chance to work with Sanjay opened up about rejecting the see,” the Dabangg producer told about dating young Leela Bhansali when Shah Rukh script that allegedly cast Gangster The Deccan Chronicle. Khan turned down the film co-star- star, saying that he found the peri- “My association with her fam- ring Kangana. od setting of the other (one with ily has been that of over 21 years, men: It has nothing Did Kangana Ranaut say ‘no’ Kangana) a little repetitive and which is almost like a lifetime. I to celebrated filmmaker Majid thus, told Bhansali that he will not have a growing up child, so there’s Majidi? According to Business of be comfortable working on that a lot of parenting responsibilities to do with age Cinema. the Bajirao Mastani di- project. Kangana is currently busy and duties we have to do and it can rector offered King Khan two promoting her upcoming movie, only happen if the atmosphere scripts from which he had to Rangoon, which is directed by between the two of us is very con- choose. Shah Rukh chose the one Vishal Bharadwaj, and stars Sha- ducive and normal. We both are which did not star Kangana. Shah hid Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. extremely mature and can handle Rukh had earlier mentioned that (Santa Banta) this,” Arbaaz went on to add. On the work front, Arbaaz’s Dabangg 3 will hit the floors soon. (Tribune) When Sushant Tamil actor Trisha Krishnan has the onscreen chemistry between just bagged another big-ticket Vikram and Trisha was one of the Singh Rajput project: She will star in Saamy 2, talking points of the original. the sequel to director Hari’s 2003 Reports suggest that Trisha had his Tamil action-drama Saamy. The will reprise her character Bhuvana actor tweeted to confirm the news in the sequel too. Armstrong on Wednesday. Hari has just delivered a huge Saamy featured Vikram as a hit with Suriya, Si3, which is the moment foul-mouthed but upright police third part of the Singam franchise. Bollywood actor Sushant Singh officer, DCP Aarusaamy, and Tr- Vikram and Trisha are currently Rajput has started working for the isha played Bhuvana, a college- busy with their respective projects upcoming space adventure film going Brahmin girl. The film was -- Dhruva Natchathiram and Gar- Chanda Mama Door Ke and the remade in Hindi, Telugu, Kannada jani. actor has said after starting the and Bengali. A commercial success, (Santa Banta) preparations he can now feel what the astronauts on the ‘Apollo 11’ must have experienced. Sushant Singh will soon be seen essaying the role of an astro- Divinaa Thackur:?I had to put on naut in is next film. The 31-year-old actor, who plays an astronaut in the film, took to Twitter where he posted a pic- about eight to ten kilos for the role ture with flight journals titled ‘Apollo 11’ and Chanda Mama Actor Divinaa Thackur shares how she had to gain weight for her debut trilingual film opposite Kunal Kapoor. Door Ke Apollo Program. “I’d al- ways wondered how Armstrong, After trying her luck in short films Buzz and Michael were feeling and commercials, Divinaa Thackur during those nine days to the wanted to work on the big screen. So Moon. Well, now I know #flight- when she got her break in a trilingual journal #Apollo11,” Sushant TV host Ellen DeGeneres had also played a game of Who’d You film, Divinaa left no stone unturned wrote, along side the photo on pulled Jennifer Lopez’s leg during Rather in which she chose One to get into the skin of her character. Twitter. (Hindustan Times) her appearance on The Ellen Show Direction star Harry Styles as her The actor not just gained weight but by asking the singer’s current rela- future boyfriend humorously. also got herself trained in martial arts tionship status and rumours sur- However, she then took a mo- and sword fighting. “My director’s rounding her romance with rapper ment to shut down all the people brief was that my character is volup- Drake. who claim she only dates younger tuously hot. So, I had to put on about Lopez, 47, was linked to the men. “OK, first of all, stop! I don’t eight to ten kilos for the role. But 30-year-old rapper but she insist- date younger men. It’s not like you then she (her character) being a war- ed it was strictly a music collabo- have to be younger. It’s not about rior, I had to learn Kalaripayattu and ration, reported People magazine. that. I just meet people, and then Urumi sword fighting. Practicing and “We’re just hanging out,” she said if I go out with them, I go out with shooting these things required so much when Ellen projected a super cud- them. hard work that I used to lose all the dly photo of the pair that prompt- “And if I like them, I like them. extra kilos by the end of it. And then ed her to ask, “Is that how you And if I don’t, I don’t. It’s about I had to gain the weight all over again,” write a song?” “Actually he sent the person. It’s about who they says Divinaa adding that it was chal- me a song he wanted me to be on. are, it has nothing to do with age,” lenging for her to get into the psyche Yeah, we have a song together. I Lopez said. of the character as there were a lot of don’t know what he’s going to do (Hollywoodlife) darker shades to her. with it,” Lopez replied. The diva (Hindustan Times) THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 23, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES Rory Ryan Sidebot- McIlroy to tom to call it a day at the end partner of the 2017

Ryan Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City ingly set to take aim at their own campaign served up a delicious shambles and head before salvaging the situation - for one night only - it tasted great. in dramatic style. A goal down with Giggs in Adam Bate reflects on their 5-3 20 to go, they still won 5-3. This Champions League win over Mo- was the first time that eight goals Pro-Am at naco… have ever been scored in the first This was not the sort of con- leg of a Champions League knock- trolled dominance that Manches- out tie. Even this season's record Wentworth ter City supporters had been told for yellow cards was broken. It to expect from their Catalan coach. was a game to evoke memories of Ryan Giggs is hoping nerves do Instead, it is as though Pep Guardi- Chelsea's chaotic win over Barce- not get the better of him as he pre- ola's brand of attacking football has lona in 2004 or Manchester Unit- pares to make his debut in the gone through the City filter and ed's doomed attempt to turn BMW PGA Championship Pro- emerged as something new - result- around their famous clash with Am, playing alongside Rory McIl- ing in a glorious mess of a perfor- Real Madrid the year before that. roy. The Manchester United and mance that will be talked about for Monaco do not have the storied Wales legend will join a star-stud- years to come. Man City battled history of those opponents but Yorkshire and England bowler ded line-up for the popular back to beat Monaco 5-3 in a re- Leonardo Jardim's team played Wednesday event at Wentworth, Ryan Sidebottom has announced markable Champions League last- with the sort of wild abandon sel- he will retire from playing profes- including his former club team- 16 first-leg match. Willy Caballe- dom seen at this stage of the com- mates Peter Schmeichel, Paul Sc- sional cricket at the end of the 2017 ro's City career has veered between petition. Such is their attacking county season. holes and Dwight Yorke. Giggs, hapless and heroic but here he de- threat, while City are now well who made a record 963 appear- The 39-year-old left-arm seamer, livered the full repertoire in one placed in the tie, it seems a stretch who helped England win the ICC ances for United and won 13 Pre- night. Radamel Falcao and John to even think about calling it con- mier League titles in his glittering World Twenty20 in 2010, has de- Stones each offered their own vari- trol. For 70 minutes at least, Mo- cided to call time on an illustrious ations of the good, the bad and the naco simply could not be shack- 20-year career which has spanned ugly, while Sergio Aguero scored led. They played with pace and three decades. He heads into his one of the softer goals of his career verve, probing the flanks and rush- final campaign with more than before volleying in one of his best. ing the home side everywhere else. 1,000 career wickets to his name Somewhere amongst it all, City The resurrection of Falcao is quite and five County Championship won. One shot to the foot is nor- something but the arrival of Ky- titles, after wins with Yorkshire in mally enough to hobble the hopes lian Mbappe is likely to last rath- 2001, 2014 and 2015, and Notting- of any Champions League side er longer. The 18-year-old for- hamshire in 2005 and 2010. Upon once the relative minnows have ward's emergence in European retirement, he will focus on his taken their leave at the turn of the terms was a feature of the night cricket academies in York and year. Here, City were able to fire and a joy to behold. Leeds, as well as helping under- off three rounds and were seem- (Sky Sport) privileged children in Yorkshire play the sport through his own foundation. Sidebottom said: Deontay Wilder’s challenger Gerald Alejandro Valverde wins "There's a tear in my eye whenev- er I think about not playing pro- fessional cricket again, a game that's Washington casts eye to UK Vuelta aAndalucia for given me so much over the years. "But it's the right time and I want fifth time in six years to go out on a high, rather than Alejandro Valverde claimed victo- the finish of Thursday's queen fade away, as that's just not the career, is certain to attract a large ry in the Vuelta a Andalucia Ruta stage while away on a solo break, sort of guy I am. "I've always tried gallery as he partners McIlroy, a Ciclista Del Sol for the fifth time making his victory that little sweet- to play with a smile on my face long-time United supporter, at the in his career by a single second af- er. He got the better of Simon Clarke and give 110 per cent, because I famous West Course on May 24. ter Sunday's closing stage. (Cannondale-Drapac) and Victor absolutely love this sport. "It's "It's a great honour, although a Valverde regained the lead in Campenaerts (Lotto-NL Jumbo) been an honour to represent my slightly scary one, to be asked to the five-day race on Friday's indi- after his rivals all tried to make late home county, Yorkshire, play for play with Rory," said Giggs, who vidual time-trial and his main rival breaks from the leading group. my country and help make histo- retired from football at the end of Alberto Contador was unable to Nearly two minutes back, with rain ry at Nottinghamshire. "I couldn't the 2013/14 season after a 24-year break clear and secure the two sec- still falling, Valverde crossed the have asked for better team-mates career. "I'm a big fan of his so I'm onds advantage he needed. Conta- line safely to win a prize he had and they've helped me become the looking forward to catching up dor (Trek-Segafredo) and Valver- also taken in 2012, 2013, 2014 and cricketer I am today. with him and seeing for myself how de (Movistar) both rolled home in 2016 - Team Sky's Chris Froome "I'm hoping that attitude will help he plays the game. "I play a lot of the peloton in the 179.3km clos- is the only other winner of the race me in the next stage of my career, golf myself and really enjoy it, but ing stage, which finished in Mala- since 2011. Thibaut Pinot (FDJ) as I focus on the academy and bring- it's quite a different thing to go from ga in conditions not exactly living finished third overall and it was ing through amazing new young just playing with your mates to up to the 'Sun Road' title of the also a positive week for Team Sky talent, as well as helping reach kids partnering one of the best players race. They were some way adrift despite missing out on stage vic- who might not ever have the in the world in front of thousands of stage winner Tim Wellens, who tories - Wout Poels took fourth, chance to play cricket due to of people so I am a bit nervous. I'll got the better of a six-man sprint debutant Diego Rosa finished fifth circumstances beyond their have to practice a bit before May! after the day's breakaway was able and Mikel Landa came home in control. "Not everyone has been "The BMW PGA Championship to hold off the field. Wellens (Lot- sixth. as lucky as me and that's some- is always a great tournament and to-Soudal) had fallen 30km from (Fox Sport) thing I never forget, so if we can it will be one of the highlights of make a difference to a few lives, the summer to be involved in it." then it's all worth it." McIlroy is relishing the chance Sidebottom made his England to share the stage with one of his Test debut against Pakistan in 2001 sporting heroes as he returns to Gerald Washington intends to take ball team's] LA Coliseum in front I know the energy it brings, you've and went on to play 22 matches, Wentworth for the first tourna- Deontay Wilder’s world heavy- of 93,000 people so I know what got to be ready. Boxing is a mental taking 79 wickets at an average of ment of the European Tour's inau- weight championship then defend it is to be in front of those people. game." 28.24. In 25 one-day internation- gural Rolex Series. it in the UK. Gerald Washington Washington is a late replace- als, he took 29 wickets at 35.82, The world No 3 earned a memora- Unbeaten Washington is the "But I know those guys are ment for Andrzej Wawrzyk but the and his 23 wickets in 18 T20 in- ble win in 2014 when he turned a fifth challenger to Wilder's WBC getting ready to make their move former American football prospect ternationals came at 19.00. seven-shot deficit into a one-stroke crown this Saturday, live on Sky over here. Anthony Joshua wants believes fate is on his side. And Sidebottom took two key victory with a superb final-round Sports, but is eager to play his part to fight in the States. "I'm ready to shock the world," early wickets during the 2010 66, although he missed the cut the in the thriving British scene. "I "But I would love to go to the he said. "Muhammad Ali beat Son- World T20 final against Australia following year and opted to miss would love to, to be a real world UK and fight in a stadium. I played ny Liston on February 25 to cap- in Barbados, finishing with 2-26 the event due to a hectic schedule champion," he told Behind The in the [USC Trojans college foot- ture the heavyweight champion- in four overs and helping England last summer. Gloves. I would love to go to the ball team's] LA Coliseum in front ship of the world, and it's my turn to a seven-wicket win. (Sky Sport) UK and fight in a stadium. I played of 93,000 people so I know what to do the same." (Cricket News) in the [USC Trojans college foot- it is to be in front of those people. (Thegurdain) Maria Sharapova part of Thistlecrack misses Cheltenham Total of 44 Russian track Tie Break Tens tournament Gold Cup and out for season and field athletes apply to Coneygree, Annie Power and compete as neutrals in Madrid Faugheen on the sidelines. Jockey Maria Sharapova joins Kei Nishikori and Feliciano Tom Scudamore has ridden This- tlecrack to 10 of his 13 career vic- Lopez as part of the extravaganza tories, and said the news made him "feel sick". He said: "Joe (Tiz- Five-time Grand Slam champion have the chance to play Tie Break zard) rang me on my way to the Maria Sharapova will be one of the Tens for the first time. The format races and he just said he'd done a stars of a world-class field to take of playing only ten-point tie- tendon and wouldn't be going to part at the third edition of the Tie breaks means we need to be at our Cheltenham. From what I gather Break Tens tournament, which will best from the very first point, he'll be back next season, I've just take place in Madrid in May. which will make the whole event been told he won't make the Gold The event, which sees players intense to play and to watch." Cup. compete in a series of first-to-10- The tournament will take place "It's something that happens points tie-breaks, will feature on Thursday May 4 with two win- in racing unfortunately, look at women for the first time with two ners each taking home $250,000. Willie Mullins this season, he's lost separate eight-player draws run- The first event was held in a handful. Even still, it doesn't make ning alongside each other at the Caja London in 2015 when Briton Kyle it easy to swallow, it makes you Magica during the Madrid Open. Edmund claimed the trophy, while feel sick. World No 5 Kei Nishikori and last year there was another home "It's worse for the owners, John and Heather (Snook), and the home favourite Feliciano Lopez country victor with Dominic Thi- Colin Tizzard hopes to have This- yard and it happens every year." will be part of the men's line-up, em triumphant in Vienna. lads that see him every morning. tlecrack back on a racecourse He added on At The Races: "With good horses you want them with the rest of the men's and wom- On both occasions, world No around Christmas time after a sea- "We know it's not very serious, en's line-ups to be announced in 1 Andy Murray finished as run- to peak on the big days and that's son-ending tendon injury saw him we haven't done much with him Cheltenham, fortunately we won the coming weeks ner-up. become the latest high-profile name since the Cotswold Chase because Sharapova said: "I'm excited to (Sky Sport) there last year and the King George to be ruled out of the Cheltenham he had a hard race, he had a little this season. "Look at Olympians, Festival. cough afterwards and got a bit light they get their dreams shattered and The dominant force in the so we were just cantering. "We have to wait four years, hopefully Darya Klishina competed as a neutral at Rio 2016 staying hurdle division last year, hadn't done any fast work with we'll get another chance next sea- the Colin Tizzard-trained nine- him, we thought we'd give him a son." John Snook admitted it came A total of 44 Russian track and compete at the World Athletics year-old won his first four starts busy week this week. Obviously as a bitter blow when he received over fences, including a scintillat- it stems from the race, but that's field athletes have applied to the Championships in August in Lon- the phone call all owners dread. IAAF to compete as neutral ath- don this year as neutrals if they ing victory in the King George VI racing, that's horses for you. "It's Snook said: "It's very disap- Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. not very bad, it's not like breaking letes. can prove to the IAAF that they pointing, but it's one of those Russian news agency TASS have been tested regularly outside Despite suffering a narrow down, it's just a little bit sore there, things that happens with horses. defeat at the hands of the ill-fated a bit of heat. "I asked the vet 'Are reported on Tuesday an increase of Russia. We've got to stop and that's that. in applications to race as neutrals "A total of 44 applications Many Clouds in the Cotswold we talking about next season off "They just found a little bit of Chase at Cheltenham at the end of or are we talking about from with Russia still banned from all were submitted with 33 of them heat in his leg and it might be that athletics competition. already in processing mode, while January, he remained at the head Christmas on and he'll be fine?' and he feels better in a week or two, of the betting for the Timico Gold he said he should be absolutely fine They have been banned since 11 more are in the waiting mode," but you'd be risking everything if November 2015 after a World Anti- Russian athletics federation chief Cup on March 17, but will not line by Christmas, to have him back you carried on. "We all get our fair up at Prestbury Park. on a racecourse by then. "It's not Doping Agency (WADA) Inde- Dmitry Shlyaktin said. share of bad luck. We've seen it pendent Commission carried out "There are issues regarding Tizzard told Press Association that we're going to miss next sea- happen to Willie Mullins with the Sport: "Thistlecrack is out for the son, but things change. I'm as sure an investigation into Russian ath- doping abuse histories, low-level likes of Annie Power and Faugheen, letics. results and appearance in the season, unfortunately. He had a bit as I can be, he should be fine for and of course Oliver Sherwood af- of heat in his leg last night and was next season from Christmas on." No Russian track and field ath- McLaren report. All documents ter what happened to Many letes were present at Rio 2016 with were accepted, there were no ad- a bit sore. The news comes as another Clouds. "Whether it's JP Mc- "We had the leg scanned this huge blow to National Hunt rac- only long jumper Darya Klishina ditional questions and we are wait- Manus, Rich Ricci or ourselves, competing as a neutral - she fin- ing for the final decision (from morning and he has a slight tear on ing's showpiece meeting, with we all want to get our horses to his tendon. We've seen it at every Thistlecrack joining the likes of ished ninth. IAAF)." the Festival. Athletes will be allowed to (Fox Sport) THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 23. 2017-Hoot 05, 1395 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 204 Price: Afs.20

The Envoy:From Kabul to the White House, My Journey

By Farhad Naibkhel Through a Turbulent World lenge ahead of industrial sectors. tries (MoCI), Musafer Quqandi, Maliki made a statement that he More recent events have over- KABUL: The Afghanistan In- “Government has to provide land said that the ministry has adopted believed would satisfy President shadowed the generally positive dustrial Association (AIA) on to the industrial factories in capi- different policies in order to help Bush’s conditions. Yet the presi- nature of Maliki’s leadership dur- Wednesday has signed an agree- tal and in the provinces.” industrial sectors. Furthermore, he dent was not fully satisfied. He ing his period. The leader I worked ment with Afghanistan Interna- Moreover, spokesman for assured of more work on a strate- asked me to go back to Maliki and with, and who collaborated with Ministry of Commerce and Indus- gy to make bigger domestic exports. tional Bank (AIB) to offer loans press the Iraqi leader to make a Petraeus and my successor, Am- to the industrialists aimed at up- clearer and stronger statement. bassador Ryan Crocker, was what grading industrial factories across After Maliki did so, President I call “Maliki I.” he distanced him- the country. Bush authorized the surge. self from the Dawa Party and cre- “This is the first agreement PETRAEUS TOOK overall ated a new political movement- signed with AIB for a purpose of command in January 2007, ably State of law-that he hoped would financially supporting industrial supported by General Ray Odier- be cross-sectarian. During the sectors,” said Head of AIA, Sayed no, who ran the coalition’s mili- surge, he referred to military ac- Ahmad Paiman. tary operations day to day. I had tion as “State of Law operation.” “To improve industrial sectors known Petraeus from his earlier In 2007, Maliki’s military without financial resources is im- work in running the train-and- move to target the Mahdi Army possible. We had raised our voice equip command in Iraq. We got and criminal mafias in Barsa-Op- at governmental level, but still the along well and continued the same eration Knight’s Charge-was a high problem of meager resources re- pattern of morning meeting that point in his evolution as a national mained unchanged,” he added. Casey and I had convened. Petrae- leader. This had major reverbera- ship with the United States. The “In initial stage, the AIB would us reported on his tours of various tions in Iraq. Every group, includ- Obama administration responded allocate $25 million for purchas- neighborhoods. He made it clear ing the Kruds and Sunni Arabs, said with an offer of a token U.S. force. ing machineries and raw materials,” that his focus would be to improve that if Maliki needed additional Once Maliki concluded that he he said, adding that AIB would security for the Iraqi people. The forces, they would provide them. could not count on the United further simplify loan facilities to transfer of security responsibility Maliki also moved against the States, he became what I call Ma- the industrialists with 6-10 per- to Iraqis would be on hold for now. Mahdi Army in Sadr City. liki II. Letting hi sectarian instincts cent interest. As the new team took over, In the 2010 election, Maliki guide him, he purged opponents. “Islamic banking system He also threw his lot in with Iran, would be completely considered they endorsed political strategy we fielded a State of law list that in- had pursued-unifying moderates in cluded both Shia and Sunni Arabs. knowing that Tehran was the only during loan process,” he claimed. power that could help or hurt him. While urging other private each community against the Sunni Both his group and Allawi’s Ira- Arab and Shia Arab extremists. qiyya were cross-sectarian move- He replaced qualified military of- banks to support industrial sec- ficers in the Iraqi army with polit- tors, he said, “Afghanistan would Petraeus expressed support for my ments, unlike the Shia Islamist bloc effort to press Iraqi leaders on the that put Maliki into power after ical cronies-a gutting of the army’s remain as a consumer country, un- leadership for which Iraq paid til industrial products is not ex- hydrocarbon law and de-Baathifi- the 2005 election. While sectarian panded.” According to him, cur- cation reform. identity was still a major factor in when Islamic State fighters went rently the industrial sectors have I was struck by the improve- Iraqi politics in 2010, there was on the offensive in 2014. the capacity of $300-400 million ment in the security situation even decided move toward voting based Today, there is a mistaken im- investments. before the five additional combat on issues and leadership. Maliki pression that Maliki was a nega- The Afghanistan Chamber of brigades arrived. I credit this prin- was also a key part of this evolu- tive political force throughout his Commerce and Industries (ACCI), cipally to the population-security tion. tenure. I disagree with this view. It Deputy Baz Mohammad Afsarzai campaign, but also to the fact that I had hoped that grand coali- was a tragedy that the United termed lack of lands as a main chal- Daesh leader among 30 few mixed neighborhoods had sur- tion together with the Kurds, thus States, by acts of omission and vived the sectarian killings. grounding the Iraqi government in commission, enabled Maliki I to Maliki proved to be a strong a centrist, cross-sectarian, and evolve into Maliki II. Repaired bank and evenhanded leader during the cross-ethnic political alignment. I LEFT IRAQ profoundly dis- killed in Nangarhar appointed over the events of my AT Monitoring Desk surge. While he had sectarian im- This was not to be. The trage- pulses and deep suspicious of the dy of Iraq, and Maliki as a leader, ambassadorship. I was committed notes becomes KABUL: The Afghan security forc- Sunni Arabs, he was willing to keep stemmed from President Obama’s to the mission in Iraq, for the sake es have killed and wounded at least those tendencies in check when he decision to withdraw from Iraq, of both U.S. interests and Iraq’s problematic in 35 loyalists of the Islamic State had confidence in, and was work- rejecting military recommenda- long-suffering people. I was sad- (IS), also known as Daesh terror- ing closely with, the United States. tions to leave a substantial residu- dened that my efforts had not prov- small business ist group during the ongoing “Sha- In my time working with Maliki, al force in the country. As Wash- en decisive. heen-25 operations” in eastern he came to see both Sunni Arab ington and Baghdad undertook ne- As I look back at the full are of transactions Nangarhar province, official said. and Shia Arab extremists as threats gotiations on the future of U.S. American involvement in Iraq, a The provincial governor’s and was committed to waging a forces in Iraq, Maliki sought a number of lessons stand out in my spokesman, Attaullah Khogyani, serious war against both. comprehensive strategic partner- mind: said that air and ground operations, To be continued carried out by the Afghan security forces have killed at least 30 insur- gents including a commander of the group, identified as Hamza. In ad- CORRUPTION AT ITS PEAK AT Row overAfghanistan A number of sellers in Kabul say dition to that five other militants the repaired bank notes have been were wounded in the attack. created many problems and most The provincial police com- RAHMAN MINA HOSPITAL Olympic Committee of the inhabitants avoid using them mandment earlier in a statement, in their transactions. said the militants were killed in the KABUL: Some midwives at the tion haunted the hospital, an issue Corruption complains After the announcement of the past 24 hours in Haska Mina dis- Rahman Mina Hospital (RMH) in that prompted him to submit res- The Rahman Mena Hospital President continues Central Bank about the cancelation trict as vast swaths of the district Kabul are allegedly fleecing pa- ignation. The public health minis- is a state-run facility that is sup- of damaged bank notes by the end including Gagari, Shagal, Jabo Kali, tients, multiple sources claim, with ter, however, rejected the allega- posed to provide free health ser- of the current year, now most of Payin, Langari, Kandu, Chonki, a graft-tainted official being re-ap- tions against Dr. Mohammad Ka- vices to the people. Although three the inhabitants do not take the re- and Nari areas were covered.” pointed head of the facility. mran Bashari and chief midwife heads of the hospitals have been paired bank notes. The statement furthered, 12 Well-placed sources say prob- Farida. replaced in less than three years, “People have been shocked militants were killed in total dur- lems of the hospital could not be Bashari was appointed as head but problems could not be resolved what to do, when the government ing the operations, conducted by addressed under the leadership of of the RMH at time when audio and people continued complaining announced to cancel damaged bank security forces and at least four different officials. records and other documents of corruption and poor services. notes by the end of the current others including a local leader of Patients complain doctors proved his involvement in corrup- Different sources say Dr. Fa- year. No one accepts the repaired the group received injuries. prescribe them unnecessary medi- tion. Kabul’s Public Health direc- qir Mohammad Faqiri served as bank notes since then,” said Sham- According to the statement, a cine and ask for needless laborato- tor said he had to implement min- RMH director for seven years. He suddin, a seller in Kabul. leader of Daesh terrorist group has ry tests. isterial orders regarding Bashri’s claims he had to resign due to grow- “Most of our problems are been wounded during the opera- A former head of the hospital appointment as head of the hospi- ing corruption at the hospital. with the customers who do not tion identified as Mullah Maeem, acknowledged large-scale corrup- tal. (Pajhwok) accept the repaired bank notes,” and one mortar launcher and two said Muhammad Alem another sell- heavy machineguns of the militants er in Kabul. were also destroyed. Helmand residents in fear over Taliban presence A number of other residents The eastern Nangarhar prov- Local officials in Helmand say Tal- on roads and go to school in fear. kept the Helmand war going,” he Afghanistan National Olympic It is claimed in the letter that compliant over the situation of ince is a comparatively volatile iban has taken the control of Lash- “Taliban is near our school. added. that made by damaged bank noted Committee (A-NOC) Acting Pres- the A-NOC communicated the province—where terrorist groups kargah city’s PD4 district and have Sometimes gunfights start, but we TOLOnews reporter says a ident Mahmod Hanif has called General Assembly’s decision that have also made them confused. are plotting terrorist and destruc- infiltrated parts of the PD3 of the come here to school because we number of security forces are sta- “A shopkeeper takes the re- upon the International Olympic "many times" to the IOC and tive activities in some parts of the city as well. have to,” Abdul Samad a student tioned at a house in Lashkargah Committee (IOC) and Olympic OCA. paired bank note but a driver avoid province against security forces, Reports from Helmand indi- said. PD3 and were trying to back the receiving it, one takes it another Council of Asia to recognise his A timeline states that three let- educational institutions and also cate that security forces and the “Many bullets cross near our Taliban back. position. ters were sent last year to the IOC rejects, we are confused what to hampering developmental Taliban are confronting each other house. Life is difficult here,” said “Here we are in this house and do,” said Naeem, a resident of Kab- In a letter sent to Pere Miró, and OCA via mail and e-mail, dat- projects. from a distance of 200 meters in Sultana, a resident of Lashkargah. Taliban are in the other house. A the IOC’s deputy director general ed August 21, August 31 and Sep- ul. Moreover, the local officials PD3 of Lashkargah city. He added that a child sustained few days ago, a suicide bomber Meanwhile, officials in the for relations with the Olympic tember 5. termed the ongoing “Shaheen-25 “No one can walk on the injuries due in fighting near their came close to this house but we Movement, Hanif claimed the A- The latter is said to have been Central Bank say the repaired operations” as a result-oriented streets and roads in mornings. The home. killed him before he tried to trigger bank notes are among the old ones NOC is "really surprised" that its accompanied by a "verbal testimo- against militants in Kot and Haska roads are closed in the evenings Meanwhile, Jabar Qahraman, his explosives,” Raz Mohammad, General Assembly decision to elect nial of the National Federations". and have credit in the market and Mina districts of Nangarhar. and everyone has to hide in their the provincial head of operations, a border police force member said. has no problem. According to sta- him as acting President - taken in Hanif wrote: "The members of Recently, the Chief of Army houses,” said Nematullah, a resi- said corruption and reluctance by “The attacks on our check Turkmenistan's capital Ashgabat the General Assembly of AFG- tistics of the Central Bank, more Staff General Qadim Shah Shaheem dent of Lashkargah. security officials are main reasons posts start after 12 at night but we than 70 million damaged AFN have on the sidelines of the 2015 OCA NOC are frustrated with the silent said that around 2000 Daesh mili- TOLOnews reporter Samim behind the long war in Helmand. defend them,” another police force General Assembly - has so been mode of the IOC and the OCA. been collected in less than a month. tants were killed in the past one Faramarz who has traveled to Hel- “Negligence and inattention of member Ahmad Wali said. Ariananews ignored. "It is worth mentioning that year. mand said a few students are seen officials as well as corruption has (Tolonews) Archery, basketball, buzkashi, the Olympic Movement in Af- canoeing and rowing and chess ghanistan is facing a number of is- back Hanif. sues to preserve its autonomy, due All schools remain closed in Warduj district of Badakhshan But Zahir Aghbar is being to the silent mode of the IOC and backed as A-NOC President by the the OCA." For the past two years, all schools will open in Yamgan district, but Saiful Rahman another resident. “We accept that the closure of han acting police chief. Badakhs- IOC and OCA. In January of last year, inside- in the Warduj district of Badakhs- warned that until terrorists in the Meanwhile Badakhshan police schools is causing great harm to hakn education department statis- "As General Aghbar's election thegames was told there is no evi- han have been closed due to ter- area are eliminated, schools in War- have said that during the coming our students, but we are commit- tics show that in past two years was with violation of the AFG- dence to back-up claims the Af- rorist activities in the area, local duj will not open. “We don’t have summer, Warduj district will be ted to clearing Warduj of insurgents nearly 20,000 students are de- NOC statutes and the National ghanistan Government is support- officials said on Wednesday. problems in Yamgan district and cleared of local and foreign insur- during the coming summer,” said prived of education in both Ward- Federations’ right to participate in ing Mohammad Fahim Hashimy The Badakhshan education all schools will be opened in Yam- gents. Mohammad Nabi Bayan Badakhs- uj and Yamgan districts. (Tolonews) AFG-NOC General Assemblies, over Aghbar as President of the department warned that until the gan for students to continue their the Olympic Movement in Af- war-torn country's NOC. district is not fully cleared of the lessons,” Tariq added. ghanistan got worse when General Hashimy, who replaced Agh- insurgents, the more than 36 Meanwhile the residents have Aghbar started creating parallel bar as President in 2014, had re- schools will remain closed. Ward- said that more than 12,000 stu- federations for the ones which signed days before the vote in Ash- uj and Yamgan districts have been dents are being deprived of educa- didn’t support him in his election," gabat as conflict escalated. He controlled by insurgents for almost tion due to the closure of schools he wrote in letter, seen by inside- slammed the election of Aghbar as seventeen months. in Warduj district alone. thegames. illegal and void. Those present “According to the decision of “In the past seventeen "However, with due to respect were "not legitimate" representa- the security council in Badakhs- months, our children have been to the decision taken in Turkmen- tives of the National Federations, han, the schools in Warduj will not unable to receive an education. istan (Sideline of OCA Session he claimed, adding that statutory open until the district is fully Most of them have joined Taliban 2015) and the consequences of obligations to wait 21 days after a cleared of insurgents. This is be- ranks and some of them have fled General Aghbar’s election till Rio resignation to have an election were cause spring is near and there is to Pakistan or Iran,” said Abdul 2016, the legitimate AFG-NOC not met. A letter was sent by Hash- the possibility of renewed war,” Rahman resident of Warduj dis- General Assembly was called by imy’s allies to both the IOC and said Abdul Razeq Tariq Badakhs- trict. the members and they elected Mr. OCA on December 30 in 2015 han education department depu- “We are facing cultural pover- Mahmod Hanif as the caretaker of claiming that a Commission set- ty. ty in Warduj district. The govern- the AFG-NOC to do the neces- up by the country's President The department said that in the ment must clear Warduj of insur- sary preparation for a transparent Ashraf Ghani had ruled him the coming educational year all schools gents or reopen education,” said election after Rio 2016." rightful head. (Insidethegames)