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AT Monitoring Desk militants dead. Afghan and US forces regular car- Two group commanders ry out strikes against Daesh mili- KABUL: At least 22 militants named Zabihullah alias Shino and tants in the province. Security of- loyal to the Islamic State (IS) aka Daz Gul were among those killed ficials said that during the last year, Daesh terrorist group have been in the raids, he added. Daesh group suffered significant killed in an airstrike attacks in east- It is worth mentioning that casualties, forcing the terrorist ern Nangarhar province, provin- Nangarhar is among the relatively group into a very bad situation. cial official said on Saturday. calm provinces in eastern Afghan- According to statistics provid- Provincial governor spokes- istan but the anti-government ed by security department, last man, Attaullah Khogiani said that armed militant groups have recent- year more than 1,900 Daesh fight- airstrikes targeted Daesh hideouts ly increased their insurgency ac- ers were killed and the group’s ac- in Milo area of Nazian district on tivities in some parts of the prov- tivities were also limited to parts Friday evening, leaving 22 Daesh ince during the recent years. Both, of Nangarhar province. Scanners at Kabul’s gates within 2 months: MoI KABUL : Scanners to detect told Pajhowk Afghan News instal- and northern gates of Kabul, he bombs such as vehicle-born explo- lation of the scanners would be said. He said the scanners could sive devices will be installed at the completed within two months. not be installed in winter because four major entrances to Kabul with- The devices would be installed some persons had to be trained to in next two months, an official said on the eastern, western, southern manage the devices. (Pajhwok) on Saturday. The scanners were provided to Afghanistan by China So far in December 2016, when Beijing delivered its first military aid to Kabul in January that year. The cargo contained among other things no good logistical equipment, parts of mil- itary vehicles, ammunition and weapons for the Afghan National Editorial page 06 Defense and Security Forces ruption in security organs “a big (ANDSF). Ministry of Interior’s tragedy” for the country, asking deputy spokesman Najib Danish the government and other related organs to seriously investigate the issue and take measure for solu- tion. “Corruption exists in police and army crew,” said member of the Lower House Aref Rahmani. “We are aware of corruption in contracts of food, uniform and weapons in security organs.” Even some checkpoints dealing by the enemy due to corruption, he in- sisted. He said that the president’s office, security high council and parliament should combat to root out corruption in security organs. Female MP Nahid Farid said that “broad corruption and insecurity SIGAR claimed that commanders selling fuel, food and even changed to a wheel of interest for weapons of the Afghan forces to Taliban. some figures.” “Corruption will lead the system to collapse, if not contorted,” she added. She added By Farhad Naibkhel Head of the SIGAR, John Sop- that Afghan government must se- ko said Thursday evening at Duke riously hold step to address the KBAUL: Members of the Wolesi University that corruption and Jirga (Lower House) of Parliament issue. Another legislator Sayed Ali mismanagement is the main factor Kazemi said that based on some on Saturday expressed deepest behind failure of security forces in concerns over the Special Inspec- report not only Afghans, but West- Afghanistan. Sopko claimed that ern clusters were also involved in tor General for Afghanistan Recon- commanders selling fuel, food and struction (SIGAR) regarding cor- corruption. Kazemi added that even weapons of the Afghan forc- high percentage of donation trans- ruption in security organs. They es to Taliban. He said that also urged the government to seriously ferred back to abroad, so it is the ghost soldier salary also goes to time to the parliament follow the probe the report and take mea- the commanders’ pocket. Parlia- sures to address the issue. issue and clear all dimension of the mentarians called existence of cor- issue. Ghani calls for sustained focus on girls’ education

The United States Defense Secre- relationship and to make certain it tary James Mattis in a meeting with gets stronger every year, between India's National Security Adviser, two democracies that have many Ajit Doval, at the Pentagon on Fri- common interests, many common day said the two countries are security challenges," Mattis said. faced with common threats, the Meanwhile, India’s National Secu- Associated Press reported. The rity Advisor said the two coun- two sides discussed strengthening tries are interested to work togeth- the relationship between India and er. "We share the values, we share KABUL : President Ashraf Ghani U.S, the report said. "We're delight- the democracy, we all have a very on Saturday commended the even- ed to have you here. Democracies common objective and interest. handed development of northern like ours need this sort of dialogue Both of the regions, that I come Balkh province, attributing the and we've had a strengthening of from and also globally, that we are achievement to Governor Atta the relationship over the last sev- able to work together, share our Mohammad Noor’s leadership. eral years. And no relationship ideas and thoughts and bring about Ghani gave the governor full credit stays the same. They either de- some new innovative changes and for his dedicated work to develop cline or they get better, they get improvements,” he added. This was the province. ‘Noor had always stronger and our intent here today Doval's first meeting with Mattis. pleaded with Kabul for the is to continue to strengthen the (Tolo News) progress of the province, not for personal favours, he said. At an event marking the start of the new academic year in the provincial capital, the president promised investment in education. He said 6.2 million textbooks would be dis- tributed to schools across the coun- try over the next fortnight. While stressing the need for sustained focus should on girls’ education, he likened investment in females to investment in Afghanistan’s fu- ture generations. (Pajhwok) SUNDAY . MARCH 26, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

several neighboring districts. Since 2015, IS has attacked several government installations and villages in several other dis- tricts of the province as well. In some areas, they closed public schools and replaced them with their own religious seminaries. Afghanistan welcomed a re- cent call by General Nicholson for a few thousand more troops from the U.S. or other coalition part- ners to help in the battle against IS. "We stand confident that the new U.S. administration under President [Donald] Trump will remain strategically engaged and continue its support," Afghani- stan's Foreign Minister Salahud- din Rabbani said in an appearance at the Atlantic Council in Wash- ington this week. He described Nicholson's call as "an appropri- ate decision considering the pre- vailing security challenges still fac- ing us." Rabbani was one of dozens of foreign attendees at Wednesday's meeting of the Global Coalition to counter Islamic State. The 68-na- PESHAWAR/KABUL: Pakistan’s however, ongoing crackdown was tion group met to accelerate inter- crackdown against Afghan nation- badly affecting the business. “Pa- national efforts to defeat IS world- als illegally staying in the country kistani government crackdown was wide. Afghans stronger now than is badly hitting the famed Afghan against Afghan refugees was creat- in 2016 carpet business, as a large number ing labor problems for establish- Rabbani met with Secretary of of artisans have left Peshawar and ment like their factories,” he said, State Rex Tillerson and discussed other parts of the country. adding that currently they were how Afghanistan and Pakistan can Over the past many years, finding it difficult with hiring arti- U.S. forces in Afghanistan are up- ers, and their territorial control "Ultimately, we should ap- routinely conduct counterterror- cooperate in curbing IS cross-bor- Peshawar had turned into major sans. He said a carpet measuring ping the fight against an expanding from more than 10 districts to fewer plaud U.S. efforts to cut down the ism operations together. U.S. war- der activities, U.S. officials said. market for the famed Afghan car- six feet weaved by four people Islamic State offshoot based near than five. Numbers falling presence of IS fighters in Afghani- planes carried out hundreds of air- Pakistan was not part of the con- pet business as artisans escaping takes at least three months to com- the Afghan-Pakistan border and are "In 2016, we believed that stan," said Michael Kugelman, a strikes against IS targets in Afghan- ference. bouts of violence across Afghani- plete, while the pricing is deter- determined to defeat the extremist year began with about 3,000 or so South Asia specialist at the Wood- istan during the first seven months According to media reports, stan sought shelter in Peshawar and mined by quality of material as group in the country this year, U.S. ISIS-K members in about 12 dis- row Wilson Center in Washington. of last year. many IS members in Afghanistan its adjoining areas and where they well labor. “This has in turn also military officials tell VOA. tricts in southern Nangarhar," "But the broader problem is the U.S. military spokesman belong to the Orakzai tribe in Pa- also setup their looms. brought down the demand and the "Our goal in 2017 is to defeat Salvin said. "Right now, we believe ideologies of hate that keep IS Salvin said American forces pur- kistan, whose militants maintain a Apparently, the situation has situation is likely to further dete- ISIS-K in Afghanistan," U.S. Navy there are about 600 ISIS-K mem- strong. Taking aim at the ideologi- sue a two-way approach to com- presence on both sides of the Du- come full circle for these artisans riorate as the Afghan continue to Capt. Bill Salvin, the spokesper- bers in two or three districts in cal drivers of IS will be very diffi- bating IS. rand Line between the two coun- as they are finding it difficult to leave Pakistan in large number. son and director of public affairs southern Nangarhar." cult." "The first is the unilateral U.S. tries. "There needs to be greater live in the country, amid a crack- He said that if the number of for Resolute Support headquarters But despite those battlefield 2-way approach to fighting IS counterterrorism mission called cooperation with respect to Af- down against Afghans living in the the artisans goes down, then these in Kabul, told VOA's Afghan ser- losses, ISIS-K has "shown an abil- "The Afghanistan-Pakistan re- Operation Freedom, and that is ghanistan and Pakistan on these country which was launched in the establishments would also not be vice. Islamic State's self-styled ity to conduct attacks in Kabul and gion is a magnet for militancy, and where we will conduct the opera- kinds of issues," State Department aftermath of the Army Public able to meet the demand and con- Khorasan Province branch (ISIS- elsewhere in the country," Gener- there's no reason why the hundreds tions against terrorist groups like spokesman Mark Toner told School massacre back in Decem- tracts. He said that there were var- K) has taken root in mountainous al John Nicholson, the top U.S. of IS fighters that have been lost ISIS-K on our own," he said. "The VOA's Deewa service. ber 2014. Subsequent saber-rat- ious verities of Afghan carpets like areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan, military commander in Afghani- won't be replaced," he said. "There other way that we are attacking U.S. military spokesman tling and deteriorating relations be- Turkoman, Kazak and Tajik. increasing its recruiting efforts and stan, told the Senate Armed Ser- are deeper issues that need to be ISIS-K is in partnered operations Salvin predicts bolstered Afghan tween Afghanistan and Pakistan Nasir Ismail a carpet artisan at terror attacks nationwide. Its name vices Committee. addressed — such as why IS man- with the Afghan special forces. forces ultimately will win the fight have only added to the woes of another factory in Afghan Colony refers to a centuries-old descrip- IS claimed responsibility for a aged to develop a presence in Af- "They have had a great suc- against Islamic State. "We believe Afghan nationals living in Paki- area of the city said that previous- tion of Afghanistan and surround- March 8 attack on a military hos- ghanistan in the first place — and cess in fighting ISIS-K, especially that they are stronger going into stan. The carpet business has come ly there were at least 30 people ing areas of Central Asia and Per- pital in Kabul that killed at least these are issues that can't be ad- over the last month or so," Salvin 2017 than they were when they down by about 80 percent in Khy- worked at the factory where he sia. NATO and the Afghan gov- 31 people. dressed by the U.S. military." said. Extremists try to control finished 2016," Salvin said. "So ber Pakhtunkhwa, says Fazal works. Majority of artisans have ernment say their security opera- Analysts caution that U.S. and Roughly 8,400 U.S. troops are schools while we do believe it will be a Hayat a carpet trader who mostly now gone back to Afghanistan in tions in recent months have re- Afghan officials may be overly deployed in Afghanistan, carrying IS fighters have made inroads challenging year, we believe that deals in Afghan carpet in provin- due to the crackdown and now duced the extremists' strength in optimistic when speaking of con- out operations against IS and train- in recent years into Afghanistan's the Afghan forces will be success- cial capital. He said that there were there were only three to four arti- Afghanistan from several thousand taining IS's spreading influence in ing the Afghan army. eastern Nangarhar province, bor- ful, and we will be here to be their about 5,000 carpet looms were in sans were left at this factory. to now under one thousand fight- Afghanistan. American and Afghan forces dering Pakistan, and are active in partners." (VOANEWS) operation across Khyber Pakh- “Work used to be very good in the tunkhwa as per a survey they con- some years back and now it has ducted with the help of the Af- rock bottom,” he said, adding that ghan carpet makers sometime back. it has also decreased the demand “There are hardly about a 1000 are as well. He said that in case the left now,” he said, adding that many factory closes down then they among those left behind were also would not have any other recourse waiting to close their shops and other than shifting to some other only trying to sell their existing business. Humra Qul, a resident stocks and meeting previous con- of the Turkuman Camp located in tracts. “To a great extent, Afghan the Nowshera district, where hun- By Shamim Shahid triation or de-notify all Mehsud structure in the area and how it is men to return,” he remarked. He tures like health, education and carpet business in Peshawar is dreds of Turkoman Afghan refu- TDP’s by April 30, 2017. With possible to stay.” was sure of almost repatriation of drinking water ensured. He admit- over,” he said. He said that decade gees live said that he came to Paki- TANK, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: compliance of this decision, all Malik Ayaz confirmed that Mehsud TDP’s to their homes in ted shortage of staff in health in- long wave of terror which plagued stan some 30 years back and had Though from 80 to 85 percent Mehsud tribesmen who have aban- almost houses rose to the grounds. coming a few months. stitutions, which make unhappy Pakistan for more than a year lit- no idea how he could relocated to Mehsud Tribesmen from South doned homes in according to gov- There is no drinking water, health, Answering to a question, he the tribesmen. He said that arrange- erally stopped the international Afghanistan and start a life there. Waziristan Agency who have aban- ernment policies for making suc- education and even road facilities. said that from 80 to 85 percent ments are underway for address- tourists from visiting the country, He said that they were associ- doned homes in 2009 military ac- cessful Raah-i-Nijat, first ever for- He said that he didn’t witnessed a TDP’s have been de-notified. He ing miseries of common tribesmen who purchased the bulk of carpets, ated with carpet business and were tion Rah-i-Nijat have been de-no- mal military action against banned single house safe or in its original said that one or two members of on security grounds, territorial re- which badly affected the business. contributing to the Pakistan’s econ- tified as Temporary Displaced Tehrik Taliban Pakistan headed by shape on both sides of road while each family left for construction sponsibilities and others. Crackdown against Afghan is tak- omy. “Our women were prepar- People (TDP’s) but almost of them Hakim Ullah Mehsud in his own travelling around 20 kilometers. of houses while the remaining, es- Meanwhile, Ahmadzai Wazir, ing care of the rest as well and soon ing carpet in homes and males were returned to settled areas of adja- South Waziristan, will reside with Mr. Fakharal Ul Islam, Politi- pecially women and children re- another biggest tribe of South there will only the vestiges of a daily wagers and on this way we cent Tank and Dera Ismael Khan. own expenses and arrangements. cal Agent of South Waziristan has turn to Tank and Dera Ismael Waziristan in its traditional Jirga on thriving business be left here, he were earn of our bread,” he said. Both officials and tribal elders Malik Mohammad Ayaz Khan confirmed that due to lacking of Khan. “Traditionally, purdah is Saturday demanded of the govern- said. Abdur Rehman, an artisan He said that going back to Af- believe that lacking of proper ac- Mehsud, a tribal elder of the area proper privacy and accommoda- compulsory in Mehsud dominat- ment to re-open Pak Afghan cross- who works in a carpet-factory ghanistan was very risky for them commodation is the main reason who attended a number of meet- tion, repatriation process f tribes- ed tribes,” he remarked, adding “on ing at Angor Ada with immediate near Bakhshu Pul area on Char- as last year an Afghan family mi- as almost of houses have been ings/jirga’s with administration re- men to Mehsud dominated areas such grounds, they couldn’t stay.” effect and also allow the tribesmen sadda Road area of the provincial grated to Qanduz from Haripur raised to the grounds and it is im- garding repatriation, was part of facing hardships. He said that from Similarly he said that chilly cold to keep light arms for their self- capital said that about 30 Afghan area of Pakistan and 15 members possible for the families to reside the delegation, which visited the 35,000 to 40,000 houses have and rough weather was the second defense. In this respect, the Jirga artisans who were working along of the family were killed by mili- in the demolished or damaged hous- area up to Beerghal in Tehsil Ma- been demolished/destroyed com- main hurdle before completion of give March 30 as deadline for ac- with him have left for Afghanistan tants. “We want to stay here and es. keen couple of days back. Talking pletely whereas thousands of oth- repatriation process. ceptance of demands otherwise due to the crackdown against refu- want safe future for our children Now the government has di- to this scribe inside political ad- er’s partially damaged. “Unless However, Political Agent they threatened of going on strike gees. He said that this factory was and do not walk back into the rected political administration of ministration complex at Tank, complete reconstruction of these South Waziristan has claimed that and closing bazars and shopping in operation for past 15 days and crosshair of the death,” he said. South Waziristan to ensure repa- said, “there is no any living infra- houses, it is impossible for tribes- maximum other living infrastruc- centers. doing a thriving business so far; (Pajhwok)

Plans to force Afghan schoolgirls place current school dresses that will stifle many [like] Kubra Dagli to wear a “severely restrictive” reach a few inches below the knee [the Taekwondo champion] and uniform have been scrapped after and are worn over leggings. Ibtihaj Muhammad [the Olympic they were met with staunch op- This code satisfied the coun- fencer] from emerging." position. try's conservative mandate for She also urged Americans and The proposals, from the coun- modesty, but were flexible enough Europeans to object to the change, try's Ministry of Education, would for the girls to be able to do sports. given that the West provides fi- have made it compulsory for girls Under the new code, girls nancial backing to the school sys- as young as five to wear long tu- above the age of 12 would have tem in Afghanistan. nics and headscarves. been required to wear loose-fitting The countries with anti-wom- But the plans were thrown out dresses that extended to the floor. en laws after demonstrations against the Headscarves were already a Under pressure, the Afghan uniforms were planned. requirement, but the new rules government retracted the propos- "They are telling us the length would have been more strict. Hav- als earlier this month. is to protect Islamic values," Ba- ing a fridge or strands of hair visi- "President Ghani says the new har Sohali, who organised the pro- ble would have been prohibited school uniform which was an- tests, told American broadcaster after the change. nounced by the Ministry of Edu- National Public Radio (NPR). Zuhra Bahman, a Afghan writ- cation is not representative of the She added: "Students have to er in London who organised a pe- culture and tradition of the [Af- be comfortable, they need to be tition against the new uniform, ghan] people able to exercise." implored Muslims to sign it say- It added: "He has directed the These 2 gray &blue Afghan ing: "The new uniform misinter- Ministry of Education to work on school uniform,seemingly a 2.0 prets Islam and what it says about a new design that is affordable to- Version of Burka, #AFG Prez re- Muslim women's dress. gether with a nationally represen- jected the proposed uniform. "If we allow restriction of Af- tative group of teachers, parents The new uniforms were to re- ghan women in these uniforms we and students." (independent) SUNDAY . MARCH 26, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES The high IS recruiting in Pakistan, cost of Afghanistan: US war in WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson has warned that the militant Islamic State (IS) Afghanistan group wants to recruit young peo- ple from Pakistan, Afgha-nistan “War represents a vice that man- and Iraq and has stepped up its kind would like to get rid of but efforts in those places. which it cannot do without. Man Speaking at the 10th Global is like an alcoholic who knows Coalition ministerial meeting on IS that drink will destroy him but in Washington , Tillerson also hint- who always has a reason for ed at establishing a safe zone in drinking. So with war. And the the Middle East for sheltering Syr- best, most obvious, and most in- ian refugees. controvertible reason for war is “The United States will in- of course ‘peace.’ The motive crease pressure on ISIS and Al for which men are led to fight Qaeda and will work to establish MERGENCY today is that war is necessary to interim zones of stability, through E destroy those who threaten our ceasefires, to allow refugees to re- CALLS peace!” – Thomas Merton turn home,” he said. Tillerson said I was intrigued by a column that since the United States and written by Sens. Lindsey Gra- its allies had broken their back in Police ham, R-S.C., and John McCain, the Middle East, IS militants were R-Ariz., published March 13 in moving to other regions to recruit 100 - 119 The Washington Post. In the fighters. column, the two senators urge “Today, … Daesh (IS) is re- the Trump administration to sorting to many terrorist attacks Hospitals strengthen U.S. forces fighting in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and in support of the government in many other places in Europe in FMIC Hospital Afghanistan’s war against Tali- order to send a message that they Behind Kabul Medical ban terrorists. are still standing and they want for “On Sept. 11, 2001, al-Qae- those young people to go fight in University: da terrorists murdered 3,000 in- its ranks,” he said. 0202500200-+93793275595 nocent civilians on American soil The 68-member global coali- while under the sanctuary of the tion against the IS is the largest in Taliban regime in Afghanistan,” history and 23 of its partners have Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital the senators wrote. “In response over 9,000 troops in Iraq and Syr- Pule Bagh-e- Umomi to that attack, U.S. and NATO ia to back the effort to defeat IS forces deployed to Afghanistan militants. Since Pakistan is not a 070263672 to hunt down those responsible member, it did not attend the min- and ensure that Afghanistan isterial conference. Khairkhana Hospital would never again be a haven for Afghan Foreign Minister terrorists. Since then, more than Salahuddin Rabbani, who repre- 0799-321007 2,000 Americans and 1,000 sented his country at the meeting, 2401352 troops from our NATO allies urged the US to send more forces have given their lives to that mis- to help battle the Taliban and the sion. “But after more than a de- Islamic State extremists. Indira Gandhi Children cade and a half of war, Gen. John Addressing a Washington W. Nicholson, commander of think-tank, he blamed Pakistan for Hospital, Wazir Akbar U.S. and coalition forces in Af- most of the troubles his country ghanistan, told the Senate Armed was facing and urged the coalition Khan, Kabul 2301372 Services Committee last month partners to use their influence to that the war in Afghanistan is in persuade Islamabad to stop alleged Ibn-e- Seena a stalemate. President Donald cross-border terrorist attacks. Trump and his administration Pakistan says it has already Pul-e-Artan, Kabul must treat Afghanistan with the eliminated terrorist hideouts on its same urgency as the fight against side of the border but blames Af- 2100359 the Islamic State or this stale- ghanistan for continuing to shelter mate risks sliding into strategic TTP terrorists. Wazir Akbar Khan failure…” Rabbani welcomed a recent call By some estimates, the Af- by US General John Nicholson, Hospital ghanistan war has cost the Unit- the top US commander in Afghan- 2301741, 2301743 ed States more than $2 trillion istan, for a few thousand more (that’s two thousand billion dol- troops to help Kabul defeat the lars), in addition to the more than militants. Ali Abad 2,000 dead and many more The Trump administration has wounded U.S. servicemen and not yet said if it will respond pos- Shahrara, Kabul women. One must ask, how itively to Gen Nicholson’s appeal. 2100439 much more treasure and how Some 8,400 US troops are already much more blood are needed to deployed in Afghanistan, in the prevent the “strategic failure” JALALABAD : A woman from Latifi set up the center with the embroidered suits and many Pun- or mental problems,” Latifi ex- 16th year of the war and there are Malalai Maternity the senators are ready to spend? the Khewa district of eastern Nan- help of an organisation about three jabi suits every month. We sell plained. “A few days ago, I invit- plans to increase that number to Hospital Lindsey Graham and John garhar province has provided a years ago. Only three women around 35 to 40 suits a month,” ed a woman whose husband has 15,000 to 20,000. “We stand con- McCain from their perch in the source of income for 25 families worked with her initially, but the she said. She earns 100 to 1,000 mental problems. Their economic fident that the new US adminis- 2201377/ 2301743 “world’s most deliberative with training on handicrafts. Na- number has now increased to 25. afghanis from each suit sold and situation is very bad. I brought her tration … will remain strategically body” almost certainly have zia Latifi, 20, told Pajhwok Afghan “In case of workload, we share raw there are many shops in the mar- to my centre and she is working engaged” and will make “an appro- more insight into and more (in- News she would extend the busi- materials with other families with ket that sell such products. Stitch- with us now.” She said a number priate decision considering the pre- Banks direct) responsibility for the near ness to other families as well, if experiences in this area and we give ing some suits may take a few of women from other villages had vailing security challenges still fac- 17 years our country has been supported. She has built a handi- them pay in return for their work,” hours but other need a month. This also requested her for jobs but she ing us”. He said Afghanistan had Da Afghanistan Bank engaged in what has grown to be craft centre in her village, where she added. Latifi personally pur- depends on designs and embroi- has not enough resources and mar- now stopped asking Pakistan to 2100302, 2100303 America’s longest war. 25 other women also work. “Be- chases raw materials from the mar- dery styles. The products are also ket for the handicrafts. “I can hire deliver Taliban to the peace table. Do you want to know how sides meeting the needs of my own ket and offers her supplies as em- exhibited and sold at such events, more women if the organisations Instead, “we want Pakistan to take such a military and political mo- family through handicrafts, I have broidered bodice, dresses, shawls and also on orders from different concerned help me and find mar- action against the Taliban leader- Bakhtar Bank rass that Afghanistan has become graduated from school. Now I have and other items to local shopkeep- customers. “The women working kets for our handicrafts in other ship. They should not support 0776777000 was allowed to happen and started studying political science ers. “We prepare around 350 sim- with me are widows or those provinces of the country,” she con- violence in Afghanistan.” grow? Look no further than our at a private university,” she said. ple suits, 15 embroidered bras, 11 whose husbands have disabilities cluded. (Pajhwok) (KASHMIRMONITOR) Azizi Bank prior lengthy and much bloodier war in Vietnam, where 58,000 0799 700900 American soldiers, Marines, and Pashtany Bank sailors died in a war we failed to win. 2102908, 2103868 I’ve recently gone back to Peace in Afghanistan is possible re-read then-Major and now re- Air Services tired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster’s Today the European Union will most successful peace project in tive to war. This is also the case years The world is going through a Whatever events may bring in “Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon mark 60 years since the signature our history. here in Afghanistan. Looking into time of great uncertainty: the glo- the future, one thing is certain: the Safi Airways Johnson, Robert McNamara, the of the Rome Treaties. Since then The European Union has been the history of Europe there are bal balance of power is shifting and EU will continue to put promot- Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies the citizens of our Member States engaged in Afghanistan for decades many examples of old enemies the foundations of a rules-based ing international peace and securi- 020 22 22 222 that Led To Vietnam.” (McMas- have enjoyed six decades of un- and the European Union and its coming together and agreeing on international order are too often ty, development cooperation, hu- ter now serves as President precedented peace, prosperity and Member States are the largest do- peace and reconciliation. The same being questioned. The European man rights and responding to hu- Ariana Trump’s National Security Ad- security. The contrast to the first nors in Afghanistan. Coming out can happen in Afghanistan and we Union will be an increasingly vital manitarian crises at the heart of its visor.) half of the 20th Century could not of the very successful Brussels must all work towards achieving power to preserve and strengthen foreign and security policies. The 020-2100270 If you haven’t read it, you be greater. Two catastrophic wars Conference on Afghanistan in Oc- peace here. It is our hopes that the the global order. The European EU will remain a strong and com- should before endorsing the du- in Europe between 1914 and 1945 tober 2016 we will continue to be European project can serve as in- Union is and will continue to be a mitted supporter of the Afghan Kam Air bious Graham/McCain propos- left millions dead, and a continent so until 2020. spiration for all Afghans. The EU strong, cooperative and reliable people. Let's all make peace in al to double down on the Afghan- devastated, divided and prostrate. Over the last 60 years Europe will make peace the number one power. Our partners know what Afghanistan our joint priority. 0799974422 istan quagmire. European integration has been the has proved that there is an alterna- goal for our work in the coming we stand for. Peace is possible. (Pajhwok) My military service did not coincide with the Johnson ad- Hotels ministration’s decision to de- Safi Landmark ploy more than half a million servicemen to Vietnam. Rather, I was there when President Nix- 020-2203131 on determined to pull them out. SERENA (I wrote about the Navy’s role in this in my book, “From the Rivers to the Sea,” published by 0799654000 the Naval Institute Press in 1992.) New Rumi Restaurant I can tell you that getting out AT Monitoring Desk this time is politically motivated ly issue diplomatic visas to Amer- Forces who launched the Abbot- Obama administration enabled the and aimed at diverting attention icans without clearance of the rel- tabad raid against bin Laden. United States to identify and kill 0776351347 of a war you have not won is a KABUL: An opposition party lot harder than getting in. It re- from the real issue,” he alleged, ar- evant channels. Aziz added that the Moreover, he said that the is- Osama bin Laden. “My contacts senator in Pakistan has stressed on guing that national security inter- document reveals the authoriza- sue of visa issuance to Americans with Obama administration led to Internet Services quires a lot of betrayal, a lot of the federal government to publi- lies. ests would be advanced only by a tion granted from the office of then during his tenure was a non-issue closer cooperation between Paki- UA Telecom cize the report to clarify confusions credible investigation into visa Prime Minister, Yousaf Raza and had been brought to public by stan and the United States in fight- My long-held view concern- regarding the presence of the slain 0796701701 / 0796702702 ing Afghanistan is that after policies and procedures. Gillani. the Sharif family government to ing terrorism and eventually en- al-Qaeda head Osama bin Laden in “Investigations must also be Ambassador Haqqani said Fri- divert attention from others burn- abled the United States to discov- punishing those responsible for the garrison town of Abbottabad. planning and carrying out the made into how many Americans day that he had consulted with the ing issues which matter. er and eliminate bin Laden with- Exchange Rate Bin Laden was killed in a May, entered Pakistan through the Sham- civil and military security wings “It is known to all that the US out depending on Pakistan’s intel- 2001 attacks on America, we 2011 assault launched by the US should not have followed the si airbase in Balochistan with or in the embassy before approving forces came into Pakistan for the ligence service or military which Purchase: Special Forces in Pakistan’s Ab- without visas during the days of the visa applications. He furthered operation to kill Osama bin Laden were suspected of sympathy to- earlier defeat suffered by the bottabad. Soviet Union in Afghanistan by General Pervez Musharraf,” the that any unauthorized visas had had not any visa at all,” Gillani wards Islamist militants,” read “The puzzling event regarding PPP spokesman stressed. not issued by the Pakistani em- added. Haqqani’s article. Haqqani wrote One US$ = showing the world how “nation the presence of Osama bin Laden building” could and should be “Such investigations cannot be bassy in Washington during his He demanded an investigation further that the friends whom he 66.75Afs in the high security zone of the made through selective leaks or time. to visa issuance to Americans developed relations during Obama made to work. That was fool- country is yet to be resolved,” said One Pound Sterling= hardy. Foolhardy, too, is to now public statements in the media. A Similarly to clarify his posi- should be conducted from 2002 to election campaign were able to ask Farhatullah Babar, a senior mem- starting point can be the Abbotta- tion, former Prime Minister Gillani 2017. three years later as National Secu- 80.87Afs pour good money after bad. It’s ber of the Pakistan People’s Party time to cut our losses and come bad Commission probing the bin said in a press conference in his He said publication of Abbot- rity Council officials for help in One Euro = (PPP). Laden fiasco,” he added. native hometown Multan on Fri- tabad Commission’s report could stationing US Special Operations home. We have better work to “A thorough inquiry into visa 70.05Afs do in far better places in the Babar furthered that publica- day that his government followed answer all the questions that are and intelligence personnel on the issuance policies and procedures tion of the Abbottabad Commis- rules and procedure in issuance of being raised today. ground in Pakistan. “I brought the 1000 Pak Rs = world. from 2001 onwards, when the glo- R.L. Schreadley is a former sion report would be a comfort- visas, adding that the letter directs Pakistan’s Former President request directly to Pakistan’s ci- 611Afs bal hunt for bin Laden started, is able solution to the issuance of vi- the ambassador to ensure timely Asif Ali Zardari told the Geo News vilian leadership, who approved Post and Courier executive edi- what is needed,” Babar said in a tor. He is the author of a new sas. “Any other course would not issuance of visas not bypassing on Wednesday that Hussain did it,” he explained how he respond- Sale: statement. be valid and would be seen as a visa terms and conditions. He clar- not have the only authority to is- ed to the US officials’ request. One US$ = book, “Intervention! The Amer- He added that there is nothing icans in Haiti, 1915-1934,” based part of blame game and political ified that visas were supposed to sue visas to Americans, nor did he Following the US military opera- 68.30 Afs new or wrong in a letter sent by witch-hunting.” be issued to those recommended ever say anything of the sort. He tion against bin Laden, Haqqani on his Ph.D. dissertation at the the Prime Minister to the Foreign One Pound Sterling= Fletcher School of Law and Di- The Adviser to the Prime Min- by the US State Department. said that there are many people in was recalled in November 2011 Office in 2010, allowing the issu- ister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz Gillani added that letter to the embassy other than the envoy and was forced to resign as ambas- 81.67Afs plomacy at Tufts University. It ance of visas to American diplo- is being published by Evening has claimed that the interior min- Hussain Haqqani was given who scramble visas. However, sador after Pakistan’s military-in- One Euro= mats, including the intelligence per- ister had authorized former Paki- through a proper procedure, not Hussain Haqqani in an article pub- telligence apparatus gained the Post Books. sonnel. 72.50 Afs (POSTANDCOURIER) stani ambassador to Washington, by hand which does not authorize lished Friday in Washington Post upper hand in the country’s pe- 1000 Pak Rs= 631 “However its regurgitation at Hussain Haqqani in 2010 to direct- visa issuance to the US Special claimed that his connection with rennial power struggle. SUNDAY . MARCH 26, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES UN presses Sri Lanka to meet commitments on war crimes PTI to investigations, block next reforms polls COLOMBO: Sri Lanka must ecute alleged war crimes such as make more progress toward meet- torture, unlawful killings and en- ing commitments to establishing a forced disappearances. credible investigation into alleged Families whose loved ones dis- deal, both to America’s defence without war crimes during the country's appeared during the conflict have industrial base and to our growing civil war and enacting reforms, the urged the United Nations to pres- security partnership with India,” U.N. Human Rights Council (UN- sure the Sri Lankan government to said the letter dated March 23. reforms: HRC) said on Thursday. speed up the war crimes probe. Making a strong case for the The Geneva-based body hand- More than 100,000 are be- sale of F-16s to India, the two Sen- ed Sri Lanka a two-year extension lieved estimated to have died and ators said this would represent a Imran to implement fully the commit- some 65,000 went missing during historic win for America that will ments that were made under a 2015 the 26-year conflict. deepen the U.S.-India strategic LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-In- resolution after the United Nations Sri Lanka's deputy foreign af- defence relationship and cement saf chairman Imran Khan says he top human rights official, Zeid fairs minister, Harsha De Silva, told cooperation between our two will use “street power” to block Ra'ad al-Hussein, expressed con- the U.N. rights body on Thursday countries for decades to come. the next general elections if these cern at the "slow progress" of re- that the government was striving “It would increase interopera- are announced without electoral forms in Sri Lanka. to establish the rule of law and end bility with a key partner and dom- reforms. The United Nations and rights impunity under "Sri-Lankan gov- inant power in South Asia, build The PTI is preparing a charter groups have accused the Sri Lan- ernment-led processes". Howev- India’s capability to counter threat of demands based on the 40 find- kan military of killing thousands er, John Fisher, Geneva director from the north, and balance Chi- ings given by the Judicial Commis- of civilians, mostly Tamils, during of Human Rights Watch, said the na’s growing military capability in sion constituted to assess rigging the final weeks of the war and have president's opposition to the in- the Pacific,” they said. in the 2013 elections, he says, add- pressed for justice for the families volvement of foreign judges, which India, they said, increasingly ing “the PTI will assert that at least of those who disappeared. had been agreed in the 2015 reso- serves as an integral partner in the 10 steps must be taken before the The United Nations launched lution, raised questions over the United States’ security architec- announcement of the next general a probe in 2014 into war crimes government's commitment to jus- ture in the volatile South Asia re- elections.” allegedly committed by both state tice and undermined confidence in gion, helping to protect our joint The party’s every plan has forces and the Liberation Tigers of the government's efforts. "Sri Lan- interests and deter common been held back till the judgement Tamil Eelam (LTTE) rebels. The ka needs to stop equivocating and threats, and has emerged as a crit- in the Panamagate scandal, he says. government of then-leader Mahin- move forward with a clear plan and ical trading partner, they noted. ‘Panamagate an open-and-shut da Rajapaksa resisted the probe timetable so that the promise of As such “it is in our national case’ Speaking to senior journal- Noting that the last F-16 for the must make the fighter jet acquisi- production capacity,” Mr. Warner and denied U.N. officials entry to justice and accountability can fi- interest to work with India to ists here on Friday, Mr Khan used US Air Force rolled off the pro- tion a priority during initial bilat- and Mr. Cornyn wrote. the island nation. nally become a reality,” Fisher said progress democratic principles a cricket analogy to make a point Many council members wel- in a statement. Tania Baldwin- duction line in Fort Worth in 1999, eral discussions with India. “Given the strategic signifi- through regional security partner- the two Senators said India re- India has launched an effort to cance of India selecting a US air- that nobody listens when you lose comed Sri Lanka's engagement, but Pask, head of international advo- ship and burden sharing,” they said. a match. called on President Maithripala cacy at Freedom from Torture said mains the only major F-16 pros- expand its combat aircraft fleet and craft as the mainstay for its future “To this end, we support the pect customer. the competition has reportedly Air Force and the potential for a “A team has to take measures Sirisena's government to present a security reforms were needed to co-production of our legacy F-16 to get a neutral empire before the clear plan aimed at meeting recon- ensure torture and other abuses Two top Senators have urged narrowed down to Lockheed’s F- decision this year, we ask that the aircraft in India to help sustain the the Trump administration to push 16 and Saab’s Gripen. administration make the fighter match.” ciliation, reform and justice com- were not repeated. (Additional re- United States’ current fleet of air- In case of ignoring the party mitments. In the eight years that porting by Stephanie Nebehay in for the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Noting that the last F-16 for acquisition a priority during initial craft and aid a critical Indian secu- India to build its capability to the US Air Force rolled off the pro- bilateral discussions,” they said. demands, he said, “we will use have passed since the war ended, Geneva; editing by Richard Lough) rity need with a proven American street power before the next gen- the government has failed to pros- (BUSINESSINSIDER) counter security threats and bal- duction line in Fort Worth in 1999, Mr. Warner, who is a Demo- product,” Mr. Cornyn and Mr. ance China’s growing military the two Senators said India re- crat and Mr. Cornyn from the Re- eral elections.” Warner wrote. The competition for He said the PTI would ensure power in the Pacific. mains the only major F-16 pros- publican Party are the co-chairs of the fighter jets, they wrote, pre- Senators Mark Warner from pect customer. the influential Senate India caucus, sents an opportunity to solidify that the Election Commission of Virginia and John Cornyn from “A primary factor in India’s the only country specific caucus and strengthen the significant gains Pakistan is reconstituted as the Doval's US visit Texa in a joint letter to US De- decision will be compliance with in the US Senate. made in the bilateral U.S.-India present commission was consti- fence Secretary James Mattis and Prime Minister Modi’s ‘Make in “We urge you to weigh in defence relationship over the two tuted by the PML-N and PPP Secretary of State Rex Tillerson India’ initiative, which will require forcefully with the White House previous administrations, they which were hand in glove. He said reinforces counter- said, the Trump administration establishing some level of local on the strategic significance of this said. (THEHINDU) the PTI was also pressuring the ECP to introduce electronic vot- ing machine that should also carry terrorism cooperation paper trail but all efforts had gone in vain. Bangladesh He said the PTI would put up Nepal to enhance a charter of demands before the launches people who had been educated during the 126-day sit-in in Islam- abad. World over, he said, the judi- military cooperation with China cial commissions bring about re- forms but the government here operation at neither took a single step to re- Nepal and China have pledged to economic development and de- structure network connecting Asia form the system nor did it hold suspected further develop their ties as Kath- fence, especially the Chinese aid with Europe and Africa along an- any official accountable. mandu expressed its willingness to for post-quake reconstruction. cient trade routes. As for preparations for elec- join China's Belt and Road initia- "Nepal is committed to the For his part, Chang appreciat- tions, the PTI chief said the par- militant den tive. In a meeting with visiting Chi- one-China policy and it will al- ed Nepal's strong support to Chi- liamentary board would be consti- nese Defence Minister and State ways stand against anti-Chinese na in regard to its "core interest" tuted at federal and provincial lev- Bangladeshi commandos on Satur- Councillor Chang Wanquan on activities. Nepal is keen to be a issues of Taiwan and Tibet. els after the announcement of Pan- day launched a military operation Thursday, Nepali Prime Minister partner of the Belt and Road ini- Chang said leaders from both ama Papers case judgement. There to flush out militants belonging to Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda" tiative," the Prime Minister said. sides have reached consensus on would be no strict formula but a an Islamist group behind the coun- appreciated China's neighbour- The Silk Road Economic Belt deepening bilateral ties. “mix and match” approach aiming try’s worst terror attack from a hood diplomacy featuring amity, and the 21st Century Maritime China is ready to join hands at winning elections. building amid fears that several res- sincerity, mutual benefit and inclu- Silk Road initiative, known as the with Nepal to further promote “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is pre- idents were trapped inside. siveness. Belt and Road initiative, was pro- their comprehensive partnership pared, while decisions had already The operation was launched Prachanda also thanked China posed by China in 2013 with the of cooperation to benefit the two been taken on many seats in Pun- WASHINGTON: The Trump ad- affirming that both great democra- after a 48-hour siege by security for its assistance to Nepal's socio- aim of building a trade and infra- peoples, he added. (BUSINESS) jab. In other cases, many choices ministration is seeking to deepen cies stand together in the fight forces failed to drive them out of a are available,” he said and added its counter-terrorism cooperation against terrorism, a senior Trump five-storey building in Sylhet, a that many politicians from other with India and expand it further, Administration official said. northwestern city. parties wanted to join the PTI but sources here said after National "All the meetings were very Officials and witnesses said are awaiting the Panama case Security Advisor Ajit K Doval's warm, very positive, very con- army para-commandos led by a judgement with their fingers high profile meetings with top US structive. I think there is an open Major General launched the crack- crossed. officials. approach to India," Indian sourc- down assisted by police’s Special “The PTI will not mind seat Doval during his US visit this es said as Doval concluded his Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) adjustments, where needed,” he week met US Defense Secretary, meetings in Washington DC yes- unit, counter terrorism unit and said. Expecting that the Panama- Gen (rtd) James Mattis, Secretary terday. elite anti-crime Rapid Action Bat- gate judgement could come next of Homeland Security Gen (rtd) This was Doval's second trip talion (RAB). ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad “Permission could not be grant- mained under control, tensions week, he said it was an “open and John Kelly, and National Security to the US after Trump won the “GOC (general officer com- Capital Territory (ICT) adminis- ed to hold a conference at Lal simmered at another state-run shut’ case but unnecessarily Advisor Lt Gen H R McMaster. presidential elections in Novem- manding) of our Sylhet-based 17 tration on Friday enforced its writ Masjid because Maulana Abdul mosque down the road – the dragged. He said none of the thou- In all these meetings, the com- ber. Infantry Division Major General by not allowing Maulana Abdul Aziz is a ‘proscribed person’ and Masjid-i-Rehmania in Aabpara – sands of those named in this scan- mon threat was expansion and In December, Doval had met Anwarul Momen is leading the Aziz to hold a gathering at the Lal [the mosque] is government prop- where a large number of seminary dal ever denied or challenged the deepening of India-US co-opera- NSA-designate Gen (rtd) Michael ‘Operation Twilight’ there,” a mil- Masjid. erty – only the government has the students and clerics gathered ahead authenticity of the revelations. tion in collectively addressing the Flynn, who resigned a few weeks itary spokesman told PTI. A heavy law enforcement pres- right to decide [what] activities [are of Friday prayers. Earlier, speaking to media per- challenge posed by terrorism in after he took over the job due to TV channels were barred from ence was visible around Munici- held] there,” an official told Dawn. Delivering the Friday sermon, sons at Lahore airport, the PTI South Asia. the controversy surrounding Rus- live coverage of the operation. pal Road in Sector G-6 – where Meanwhile, Lal Masjid an- mosque khateeb Qari Abdul Reh- chief said the dream of “Naya Pa- the mosque is located – since nounced that the conference would He also met Senator John sian diplomats during the transi- A ‘whole lot of them’ there man Muawia made a fiery speech kistan” would come true after Pan- 10am. All roads leading towards be held with the help of the faith- McCain, Chairman of the power- tion and election campaign. Earlier reports had said at least against the government and an- amagate judgement. ful Senate Armed Services Com- Flynn was quickly replaced by two suspected militants, including Lal Masjid from Melody Market, ful, who were extolled to gather at Aabpara and Shaheed-i-Millat Lal Masjid “at any cost”. nounced on the loudspeaker that He said the state institutions mittee, and Senator Richard Burr, McMaster, who according to the a woman, were inside the building, no power could stop them from were exposed during the court pro- Chairman of the powerful Senate officials, has a very positive view but a police officer later feared a Road were cordoned off and no An ICT official told reporters one, not even pedestrians, were that law enforcement personnel holding a gathering to condemn ceedings and this case would have Select Committee on Intelligence. about India. “whole lot of them” could be there. not reached the Supreme Court, if "Mattis specifically applaud- "The discussions (in all these Police said militants are be- allowed to proceed towards the would be deployed around the Lal blasphemers. mosque. Masjid to prevent the arrival of However, when Islamabad institutions would have been ed India's efforts to promote sta- meetings) covered India's economic lieved to be the operatives of neo- working according to their man- bility in the South Asia region. plans, reforms, growth. They cov- Jamaatun Mujahideen Bangladesh As a result, the Friday congre- outsiders, especially students from Deputy Commissioner retired gation at Lal Masjid was very thin- other seminaries of the twin cities. Capt Mushtaq Ahmed arrived at date. Both leaders reaffirmed building ered our core security concerns, (neo-JMB). He said the Qatri letters were upon the significant defence coop- regional concerns, defence and se- The neo-JMB, said to be in- ly attended – mostly by media Around 600 personnel, includ- the mosque compound in his offi- persons and employees of the ing members of the anti-terrorist cial vehicle, the cleric changed his meant to cover up money launder- eration progress made in recent curity aspect of the India-US en- clined towards the Islamic State, ing which was explained by Ishaq years," Pentagon Spokesperson gagement," the senior official said was behind the July 1 terror at- National Accountability Bureau, squad and anti-riot police, com- tone, announcing” “Maulana [Ab- located across the road. mandoes and women police were Dar in a detailed affidavit given Capt Jeff Davis said in a read out on condition of anonymity. tack on a Dhaka cafe in which 22 dul Aziz] has said that we will at- before a magistrate. of the meeting, adding that the two For instance, the meeting at the people, including 17 foreigners, Maulana Aziz had given the deployed at various points, while tend Friday prayers and go back”. call for a conference against blas- traffic police helped divert traffic He said the State Bank of Pa- leaders discussed their role in co- Pentagon covered India-US de- were killed. Following this announcement, kistan report said some $10 bil- operating to uphold international fence relationship, issues like mar- 28 families trapped in build- phemy on social media to be held from blocked roads in G-6 and G- several people were seen heading at Lal Masjid on Friday, but nego- 7 sectors. lion were being flying out of the laws and principles. itime security. "Naturally the chal- ing Officials said at least 28 fami- back towards the Aabpara bus country through money launder- "Secretary Mattis and NSA lenge, nature and manifestation of lies were trapped inside the build- tiations between his followers and A senior officer of the ICT stand without attending the Fri- the ICT administration broke administration told Dawn they had ing. This money should have been Doval further discussed collabo- terrorism and co-operation with ing. Some 70 people could be evac- day congregation. used for the welfare of the masses ration on a wide range of regional regard," the official said, adding uated ahead of the full scale mili- down late on Thursday night. anticipated that Maulana Abdul Though no written reply was Aziz would try to use the Friday Around the same time – just in terms of developing infrastruc- security matters including mari- that the sense from these meetings tary assault. The police used mega- before Friday prayers – Maulana ture and offering jobs to the edu- time security and counter terror- came out that the Trump Admin- phones to ask militants to surren- given, the ICT administration prayers to attract a crowd, who turned down the application for would be touted as participants of Abdul Aziz was holding forth at cated and skilled youth. ism. The two pledged to continue istration seeks to take forward the der before launching the operation. the Jamia Hafsa in Sector G-7, the strong defence partnership be- upward trajectory of this bilateral Military put barricades on ad- the event and verbally conveyed the conference. Since the Sharif family told the tween both nations," Davis said. relationship. With Homeland se- jacent thoroughfares, including on this to the Lal Masjid administra- “Therefore, a decision was which is also his residence. The court that the Qatris were its busi- Doval and McMaster during curity, issues of radicalisation, co- a regional highway, as joint forces tion. taken at a high level that no one cleric held a chaotic presser amid ness partner for the past 25 years, their meeting at the White House operation in border controls, is- took position to storm the mili- Heavy police presence outside should be allowed to proceed to- high pitched sloganeering by his he said the latest award of Rs200 on Thursday "committed" to work sues of information sharing which tant hideout. Authorities overnight Lal Masjid, Jamia Hafsa; cleric crit- wards Lal Masjid for Friday followers, deploring the unIslamic billion Port Qasim contract (with- together as partners to "combat the can help fight terrorist sides cut off the gas and power lines to icises govt, parliament in chaotic prayers,” he said. state of affairs in the country. out bidding) to Qataris explained full spectrum" of terrorist threats, popped up. (TIMESOFINDIA) the building. (THEHINDU) presser While the situation there re- (DAWN) conflict of interest. (DAWN) SUNDAY . MARCH 26, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief US judge grants asylum to Singapore teen blogger

A Singaporean teenage blogger who was jailed twice for his online posts insulting his gov- ernment was granted asylum to remain in the United States, an immigration judge in Chicago ruled. Amos Yee was jailed in 2015 for four weeks for hurting the religious feelings of Chris- tians and posting an obscene image as part of his attacks on the island's late leader Lee Kuan Yew - whose son Lee Hsien Loong is now the prime minis- ter. He was jailed again in 2016 for six weeks for insulting Mus- lims and Christians in a series of videos posted online, but crit- ics claim the real reason was to silence him. Judge Samuel Cole issued a 13-page decision on Friday, more than two weeks after Yee's closed-door hearing on the asy- lum application. "Yee has met his burden of showing that he suffered past persecution on account of his political opinion and has a well- founded fear of future persecu- Republicans in the US House of contractors...He said if you don't tion in Singapore," Cole wrote. Representatives, short of support give me what I want, I'll walk out. Cole said testimony during from their own party, have with- Maybe that works with building Yee's hearing showed that while drawn a healthcare bill drafted to contractors but it doesn't work the Singapore government's repeal and replace "Obamacare". with politicians, each of whom has stated reason for punishing him House Speaker Paul Ryan said his or her own constituency." involved religion, "its real pur- he recommended that it be with- Conservatives had condemned pose was to stifle Yee's politi- drawn because he did not have the the Republican-drafted bill be- cal speech". (Al Jazeera) votes to pass it, and President cause it would scrap Obamacare, Donald Trump agreed. but put another government plan Just a day earlier, Trump had in its place. They believe health- demanded a House vote and said if care should be left to the free mar- Nicolas the measure lost, he would move ket. Democrats and moderate Re- on to other issues. publicans, meanwhile, feared the Maduro seeks Trump told reporters in the withdrawn bill would take insur- Oval Office that "we were very ance away from millions of peo- UN help to close" and tried to blame Demo- ple. "What happened on the floor crats for the failure to pass the leg- is a victory for the American peo- ease medicine islation - even though his Republi- ple," Nancy Pelosi, leader of the can Party controls both the House minority Democrats in the House, shortages The US and British ban on lap- of those listed. intelligence showing an increased UK? How is it impacting your and the Senate. "We were just prob- said. She said the message became tops and tablets in carry-on lug- "This airport is so secured. risk for "terrorist activity" involv- journey? Share your thoughts be- ably anywhere from 10 to 15 votes "very clear" to Republicans that Venezuela's President Nicolas gage on some flights from the Mid- The security level is so high com- ing commercial aviation. low?? pic.twitter.com/ short," Trump said. "With no people across the country still sup- Maduro has asked the United dle East and North Africa has come pared to other airports in the rest However, many observers in Gtm4QoNnGL Democrat support we couldn't port Obamacare. Nations for "help" boosting into force, immediately drawing of this part of the world. So why the Middle East and North Africa "Some suggest that the ban on quite get there." A Quinnipiac University poll medicine supplies as he strug- complaints from passengers at sev- doing that from here?" Haggai said the ban amounted to discrim- UAE and Qatar has more to do He also said he was surprised indicated only 17 percent of Amer- gles to combat crippling short- eral airports. Mazursky, a traveller, told Reu- ination, while others questioned with the Trump administration's and disappointed by the opposi- icans support the Republican plan ages. "I've asked for support The ban requires that person- ters news agency. Al Jazeera's the basis for the electronics ban, desire to curb the power of Mid- tion from the House Freedom Cau- known as the American Health from the UN to help treat eco- al devices larger than a mobile phone Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from saying they were a ploy to under- dle East carriers, because one of cus, a group of conservative Re- Care Act (AHCA). nomic and social injuries that - such as tablets, laptops and cam- Istanbul, said the airlines were try- mine the aviation industry of the the crazy parts about this ban is publicans who led the resistance Now that the effort to over- have hit our people caused by eras - be placed in checked baggage ing to limit passengers' frustrations countries affected. that Emirates from Dubai to Ath- against the legislation. haul the nation's health care sys- the economic war and the sharp for US and Britain-bound flights. while holding talks with the US to "If you say it like this, you are ens, and on to the US, is not in- Ryan told reporters that tem has collapsed, Trump and fall in petroleum prices," Ma- The US restrictions apply to lift the ban. saying everybody can be a terror- cluded in the measures. Obamacare will now stay in place Treasury Secretary Steven duro said in a televised appear- flights originating from 10 airports "They [Turkish airlines] be- ist. It's not respectful. I think it's "And then you have cities that for the foreseeable future. Mnuchin said the administration ance on Friday. in countries including Turkey, Qa- lieve that if the comfort of passen- not good," said one passenger at actually have security challenges, Pulling the bill he had promot- will focus on gaining congression- He did not provide any de- tar and the United Arab Emirates. ger is affected, it will impact the Ataturk International Airport. such as Lagos and Islamabad, ed was "a setback, no two ways al approval for a sweeping tax over- tails about the request except to The British restrictions do not industry as a whole and the com- Geoffrey Thomas, the editor- which are also not included in the about it," he said, calling it a "dis- haul plan. say that the UN has the exper- include the UAE or Qatar but do pany as well," she said. in-chief of A irlineratings.com, said ban. So, there are questions about appointing day". "I would say that we will prob- tise to normalise the supply and affect Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, "In efforts to make it easier for the UK joining the ban gave it some this that leave a lot of experts per- Democrats, on the other hand, ably start going very, very strong- distribution of pharmaceutical Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. the passengers, they [Turkish Air- credibility that there might be an plexed," Thomas said. called it a "victory" for the Amer- ly for the big tax cuts and tax re- drugs in the country. The affected airports had until Sat- lines] are offering free wifi during evolving threat, "but at the same Turkey's foreign ministry said ican people. form. That will be next," Trump But just acknowledging that urday to implement the new rules. flights and will also launch a spe- time UK has not banned UAE and on Thursday that talks were un- Scrapping former president said. Mnuchin said a bill would Venezuela needs outside help is The ban s have already led to dis- cial mobile application in April." Qatar, which raises a lot of con- derway to try to persuade the US Barack Obama's healthcare law soon be introduced to cut both in- a telling sign of how deep in cri- content and complaints from pas- US and British officials said cern as to what this is all about". and Britain to exclude Turkish Air- was one of Trump's major cam- dividual and corporate taxes. sis the country, sitting atop the sengers at Ataturk International the decision to implement the se- Are you affected by the #Elec- lines and Istanbul airport from the paign promises. The failure to get Obama signed the Affordable world's largest petroleum re- Airport in Istanbul, which is one curity measures was a result of tronicsBan on flights to the US, ban s. (Al Jazeera) the bill approved called into ques- Care Act, widely known as Obam- serve, has fallen. tion his ability to get other key acare, in 2010, providing health The country is suffering parts of his agenda, including tax coverage for 20 million low-income from triple-digit inflation as well UN to cuts and a boost in infrastructure Americans previously uninsured. as severe shortages of fuel, food spending, through Congress. Many middle earners complained and medicines, from painkillers probe alleged Public policy professor Bill their premiums spiked as a result. to chemotherapy drugs. As Schneider said that during the pres- Millions of Americans would many as 85 of every 100 medi- ident's first 100 days, his impact have lost coverage next year under cines are missing in the country, crimes is supposed to be at its peak. What the Republican plan, according to Venezuela's main pharmaceuti- has Trump done so far? "Here, the a review by the Congressional cal association has said. Short- against president was handed a huge set- Budget Office. It would have re- ages are so extreme that patients back, by his own party, which was scinded a range of taxes created by sometimes take medicines ill- Rohingya in also committed to repealing Obam- Obamacare, ended Obamacare's suited for their conditions, doc- acare," he told Al Jazeera. income-based subsidies to help tors warn. (Al Jazeera) "Trump is defeated and he people buy insurance, and ended Myanmar learned something: you cannot deal the expansion of the Medicaid with members of Congress as if programme for the poor, among Hosni The leading United Nations rights they were building other changes. (Al Jazeera) body has agreed to send a fact-find- Mubarak ing mission to Myanmar to inves- tigate alleged abuses by security walks free forces against Rohingya Muslims. Tens of thousands of people after six-year have fled Myanmar's Rakhine state since the military began a security Some followers of Muslim leader judiciary. detention operation last October in response lenists and the coup, which the and businessman Fethullah Gulen The FCO said that while Tur- to what it says was an attack by FCO seems willing to accept Rohingya armed men on border were involved in last summer's broadly at face value, is not sub- key faced a threat following the Six years after his ouster, posts, in which nine police offic- failed coup in Turkey, a UK Par- stantiated by hard, publicly avail- coup attempt against the backdrop liament report says, adding that able evidence, although as yet un- of increased "terrorism", it dis- Egypt's ex-President Hosni ers were killed. there is no evidence to suggest the contradicted by the same stan- agreed with some tough measures Mubarak has been released from A February UN report said the Gulen Movement as a whole was dard." by the Turkish government under detention after being cleared of operation targeting the Rohingya behind the plot. The report cited a "lack of a state of emergency. inciting the killings of hundreds involved mass rapes and killings, The Foreign Affairs Commit- transparency", adding that it was "Turkey is an important stra- European Union leaders are renew- underscore the challenges the EU of protesters in 2011. possibly amounting to crimes tee's (FCO) report released on Sat- unlikely Gulenists were the only tegic partner facing a volatile peri- ing their vows on the 60th anni- faces. High security Mubarak, 88, on Friday left against humanity. urday said the evidence of individ- elements involved in the coup. od," said Crispin Blunt, chair of versary of the troubled bloc's Security is tight with snipers a military hospital in Cairo's The independent, internation- ual Gulenists' involvement in the Turkey is seeking Gulen's ex- the Foreign Affairs Committee. founding treaties at a special sum- on rooftops, drones in the skies southern suburb of Maadi where al mission should be dispatched attempt to overthrow the govern- tradition from the US, a request "It needs and deserves our mit in Rome designed to show uni- and 3,000 police officers on the he had been held in custody and "urgently" to establish the facts of ment was "mostly anecdotal or cir- which has not been granted. support, but that support needs ty despite Britain's looming di- streets, as Italy takes no risks fol- went to his home in the upscale the alleged atrocities, the UN Hu- cumstantial, sometimes premised As well as accusing Gulen's to include our critique where Turk- vorce. lowing an attack this week in Lon- Heliopolis district under heavy man Rights Council decided in on information from confessions network of staging the coup at- ish policy is not in its own, or our Meeting on Saturday in the don claimed by the Islamic State security. Geneva on Friday, in a resolution His lawyer, Farid el-Deeb, or informants". tempt, Turkey says it is behind a joint long-term interests: these are same Renaissance-era palace where of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also adopted by consensus. long-running campaign to over- six founding countries signed the known as ISIS) group. told the Egyptian newspaper al- The investigation would be The report also said that such regional security and stability as evidence "is so far inconclusive in throw the state through the infil- well as strong and accountable in- Treaty of Rome on March 25, Around 30,000 protesters are Masry al-Youm that he celebrat- launched "with a view to ensuring relation to the organisation as a tration of Turkish institutions, stitutions in Turkey." 1957, the 27 leaders, minus Brit- expected to take part in four sepa- ed his release with breakfast his full accountability for perpetrators whole and its leadership". particularly the military, police and (Al Jazeera) ain, will endorse a declaration of rate marches - both pro- and anti- wife Suzanne and their two sons, and justice for victims," the reso- As well as the coup, the 82- intent for the next decade. Europe - throughout the day in the Alaa and Gamal. Egypt: Six years lution said. Rohingya plight: UN- since Arab Spring revolution page report also focuses on the The ceremonial gathering in Italian capital. Police plan to stop HRC to discuss human rights abus- UK's ties with Turkey; the threat Rome began with an audience with all traffic and declare a no-fly zone. Mubarak was cleared for re- es in Myanmar lease earlier this month after the from the outlawed Kurdistan Work- Pope Francis who gave messages The Rome Declaration that the The investigators must pro- of solidarity in the Vatican on Fri- leaders will sign proclaims that country's highest appeals court vide an oral update in September ers' Party (PKK); and the status of democracy in the country. day evening. "Europe is our common future", acquitted him of any involve- and a full report by this time next Since the July 15 coup at- "You are called on to blaze the according to a copy obtained by ment in the deaths of nearly 900 year, said the resolution backed by tempt, Turkey has accused Penn- path of a new European human- the AFP news agency, after a se- Egyptians during the 25 Janu- the European Union. Some coun- sylvania-based Gulen of being be- ism," Francis told the leaders. ries of crises that have shaken its ary - 11 February 2011 upris- tries, including China, India and hind the push to overthrow Presi- "When a body loses its sense foundations. ing. He had been sentenced to Cuba, dissociated themselves from dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan. of direction and is no longer able Mass migration, the eurozone life in 2012 but an appeals court the resolution. During the failed coup, about to look ahead, it experiences a re- debt crisis, attacks by armed dismissed the charges two years But the council stopped short 300 people, the vast majority of gression and, in the long run, risks groups and the rise of populist later. of calling for a Commission of In- Timothy Kaldas, a non-res- them civilians, were killed across dying," he said. parties have left the bloc, formed quiry - the world body's highest The White House congratulat- from the ashes of World War II, ident fellow at the Tahrir Insti- level investigation - into the vio- Turkey as rebel soldiers targeted tute for Middle East Policy, told the government by bombing state ed the EU overnight on its 60th searching for new answers. lence, despite a call by Yanghee birthday, in a notable shift in tone Yet, the leaders are deeply di- Al Jazeera that it was unlikely Lee, the UN's special rapporteur buildings. "The FCO knows too little for for President Donald Trump's ad- vided over the way forward almost "both now or any time in the on rights in Myanmar. foreseeable future that anyone itself about who was responsible ministration, whose deep scepti- before they have started. Earlier this month, Lee told cism about the bloc has alarmed Polish Prime Minister Beata will be prosecuted for the mur- reporters that European leaders for the coup attempt in Turkey, or about the 'Gulenists' ... whom the Brussels. However, British Prime Szydlo only agreed to sign the dec- ders. "Mubarak being in or out wanted to give Myanmar's new of prison doesn't change the fact Turkish government exclusively Minister Theresa May's absence laration at the last minute, after civilian government led by Nobel blames for the coup," the report from the summit, four days before bitterly opposing a reference to a that the military the took con- Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi said. she launches the two-year Brexit "multi-speed" Europe favoured by trol in Egypt in 1952 continues more time before launching a top- to rule Egypt today. (CNN) "We found that the Turkish process, and an argument over the powerhouse states France and Ger- level inquiry. (Al Jazeera) government's account of the Gu- wording of the Rome declaration many, AFP said. (Al Jazeera) SUNDAY. MARCH 26, 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 By Afrasiab Khattak with the country’s strategy and stumbling block on the path of Pakistan, there can’t be hope for Phone No: +93-797070563 tactics in the war against terror? achieving this objective is project winning the war. NACTA was to Unfortunately we Pakistanis Taliban of the Pakistani security be strengthened and made effec- E-mail: [email protected] The main feature of Pakistan’s aren’t used to stocktaking even on establishment. Pakistani govern- tive for achieving the aforemen- 70th National Day was the impres- a national day best suited for such ment leaders have been repeatedly tioned goal. But again this project Email: [email protected] sive and colourful military parade an exercise. The weakest link in saying that they don’t want a Tal- hasn’t taken off. Unfortunately that remained the focus of media Pakistani strategy against terror- ibanised Afghanistan as that will failure is not an option in this area coverage on 23rd of March this ism is the civil military divide, the turn our western neighboring coun- and the country’s leadership, both www.afghanistantimes.af year. The march past was sup- tall claims of being on one page try into a launching pad for Paki- civilian and military will have to posed to represent the country’s Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi from both sides not withstanding. stani terrorists. That has already accept this challenge. determination for defeating terror- This serious duality of thought and partially happened as TTP is Pakistan is at a crucial stage of ism, which is a noble and desirable action is spread over from gover- launching terrorist attacks against socio-economic development Advisory editorial board goal. So far so good. But for the nance to national security and for- Pakistan from the Taliban con- where adhocracy won’t work any- last many years the country has eign policy and is an open secret trolled areas. But despite that Pa- more. The country has to make a Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, been moving in circles on this front by now. Internally the said split kistan based Taliban leadership is strategic choice of focusing on geo- Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir and despite the rhetorical claims reveals itself in the struggle for in the third year of their latest war economic benefits. This would re- regarding breaking the back of ex- controlling the commanding in Afghanistan like so many previ- quire a clear break from the poli- tremist terror we find it as en- heights of the state system in terms ous ones. The present civilian gov- cies rooted in the Cold War geo- Graphic-Designers: trenched and potent as it was years of making and executing policies. ernment has its own limitations in strategy. It has to be a complete Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada ago. Even after getting out of the The military’s policy of fight- fighting terror. It has been soft on paradigm shift. It obviously can’t mode of denial of the terror prob- ing a war of attrition in neighbor- a number of terror outfits on the happen overnight but clarity in Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: lem and making a public commit- ing countries through “non state basis of a misguided notion that thinking through the policy shift ment to defeat it, Pakistan’s per- actors” for achieving regional dom- such a policy can keep Punjab, its is indispensable. Prime Minister Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 formance has been less than im- ination directly collides with the main political base, safe. Histori- Nawaz Sharif can provide leader- Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan pressive. National Action Plan political government’s policy of cal experience has proved it time ship by convening extraordinary (NAP) has for all practical pur- regional economic cooperation for and again that policy of appease- meetings of security related state Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 poses fizzled out. The biggest turning the country into an eco- ment towards extremism and ter- institutions to bridge the gap be- achievement of operation Zarb-e- nomic tiger. The timing of recent rorism is an unmitigated disaster. tween de facto and de jure. He also Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press Azb has been pushing most of the border closure with Afghanistan Even now the Punjab government needs to take all political forces in terrorists into Afghanistan and cre- was rather embarrassing for the is reluctant to go after some of the confidence. Partisan biases should ating conducive conditions for Tal- government of PM Nawaz Sharif proscribed organisations. The be set-aside in working on this iban to step up their war against when the country was hosting a time, energy and resources that the project. Parliament is the forum for The constitution says the Afghan state and society. The regional summit for promoting re- civilian and military factions of the discussion on national policy in a new military leadership has gional connectivity. We heard ruling elites use to ward of each parliamentary system of govern- deemed it fit to declare a new op- about the decision of the Prime other’s domination weakens the ment. In camera sessions can be Article 111: eration against terrorism called Minister to open borders with state and provides space to the held to discuss sensitive issues. Radd al Fasad. How will it be dif- Afghanistan as a good will gesture activities of anti-state extremists. Here the present government also Article One Hundred Eleven: The Loya Jirga shall convene in the following situa- ferent from the previous operations but apparently he or the foreign Intelligence agencies, both civilian needs a break with its past prac- tions: 1. To decide on issues related to independence, national sovereignty, territorial we don’t know. Apart from some ministry didn’t play any role in and military are the eyes and ears tice of sidelining the Parliament. integrity as well as supreme national interests; 2. Amend provisions of this Constitution; noble individual exceptions the closing it. It is also quite obvious of the state. Unless they pool to- Remaining passive and pushing parliamentarians as a whole seems that CPEC could become a game gether their professional capabili- this issue under the carpet can be 3. Impeach the President in accordance with the provisions of Article Sixty Nine of the to be resigned to their powerless- Constitution. changer only when Central Asian ties to defeat the forces who are disastrous for everyone. ness and marginalisation. Hence states will be able to link up with not only fighting against the state The writer is a there is no serious debate on this it through the shortest route that’s but also want to impose their so retired Senator and an analyst of issue. So what is basically wrong Afghanistan. The most serious called ideology on the people of regional affairs.

fghanistan is going through an uncertain time where the security dilemma is getting serious with the passage of each day. The By: ZIA MIAN The Soviet Union submitted such the devastation that would be vis- international law applicable in a plan that June. Now largely for- ited upon all mankind by a nuclear armed conflict, and in particular the state is seems in trouble politically and militarily. There are huge gotten, the Gromyko Plan includ- war,” the NPT begins, there is a principles and rules of humanitar- differences among Afghan political elites in several issues, where one On March 27, the United Nations ed a “Draft International Conven- “consequent need to make every ian law.” And, second, “There ex- will start negotiations on an inter- tion to Prohibit the Production and effort to avert the danger of such a ists an obligation to pursue in good doesn’t trust another. Poor leadership is also catastrophe. Most of the national treaty to ban nuclear weap- Employment of Weapons Based war and to take measures to safe- faith and bring to a conclusion ne- problems facing the Afghan security forces stem from poor leadership. ons. It will be a milestone marking on the Use of Atomic Energy for guard the security of peoples.” gotiations leading to nuclear disar- the beginning of the end of an age the Purpose of Mass Destruc- To this end, the treaty com- mament in all its aspects under The government still lagging behind in making leadership changes, but of existential peril for humanity. tion.” At the time, only the United mitted all signatories to “undertake strict and effective international so far no good as security forces already abandoned Sangin district of This day was bound to come. From States had nuclear weapons, and it negotiations in good faith on ef- control.” the beginning, even those who set chose to maintain its monopoly. fective measures relating to cessa- But, in the 20 years since the Helmand province. Sources said that the security forces recoil the stra- the world on the path to nuclear But it couldn’t hold onto it for tion of the nuclear arms race at an highest court in the international tegic district after they suffered high casualties in battle against the weapons understood the mortal long. Where it led, others soon fol- early date and to nuclear disarma- system issued its judgment, the danger and moral challenge con- lowed, forcing humanity to endure ment.” The US, the Soviet Union, states affected by it have still failed Taliban insurgents. Lack of military supply was the main element be- fronting humanity. In April 1945, the decades of weapons develop- and Britain signed the NPT. France to launch “negotiations leading to US Secretary of War Henry Stim- ment, arms races, proliferation, and and China, the only other nuclear nuclear disarmament.” Instead, hind district fall. If it’s not leadership failure than what it is? Afghani- son explained to President Harry nuclear crises that followed. Anti- weapon states at the time, held out they have set out on long-term stan is at a crucial stage of its movement against war on terror where Truman that the atomic bomb nuclear movements took root, and, for more than 20 years, until 1992. programs to maintain, modernize, would be “the most terrible weap- in a phrase made famous by the Israel, India, and Pakistan have and in some cases augment their adhocracy won’t work anymore. Since the Afghans, both civilian and on ever known in human history.” historian E.P. Thompson, began to never signed, while North Korea nuclear arsenals. military is the worst victim of the ongoing war, but some shocking Stimson warned that “the world protest to survive. They found al- signed and then withdrew. Al- Non-weapon states began to in its present state of moral ad- lies in a growing number of coun- though all professed support for take action through a series of in- news adds to the frustration of trouble Afghan masses. vancement compared with its tech- tries. In November 1961, the UN achieving a nuclear-weapon-free ternational conferences and UN The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SI- nical development would be even- General Assembly declared that world, disarmament negotiations resolutions. Finally, in October tually at the mercy of such a weap- “any state using nuclear and ther- never began. 2016, the UN General Assembly’s GAR) has recently made shocking remarks on corruption among Af- on. In other words, modern civili- monuclear weapons is to be con- Countries without nuclear First Committee, which is respon- ghan forces, terming combination of corruption and poor leadership in zation might be completely de- sidered as violating the Charter of weapons – the overwhelming ma- sible for international peace and stroyed.” the United Nations, as acting con- jority – took matter into their own security, voted “to convene in the security forces in Afghanistan as the root cause of their ineffective- Soon afterwards, the newly trary to the laws of humanity, and hands. Through the UN General 2017 a United Nations conference created UN, established with the as committing a crime against man- Assembly, they asked the Inter- to negotiate a legally binding in- ness. SIGAR revealed that commanders in the Afghan military steal the express purpose “to save succeed- kind and civilization.” As the num- national Court of Justice to rule strument to prohibit nuclear weap- food and force their soldiers to buy it back. Some commanders steal ing generations from the scourge ber and destructive power of nu- on the legality of the threat or use ons, leading towards their total of war,” took the threat posed by clear weapons grew, and as even of nuclear weapons. elimination.” On December 23, the fuel, and sell it to the Taliban. Ghost soldiers exist because names are nuclear arms as its first priority. developing countries began to ac- In July 1996, the ICJ issued General Assembly ratified the de- either added—or never removed—from the Afghan payroll, and their In January 1946, in its very first quire them, recognition of the dan- an advisory opinion, with two key cision, with 113 countries in fa- resolution, the UN called for a plan ger gave rise to the Nuclear Non- conclusions. First, “the threat or vor, 35 opposed, and 13 absten- salaries are pocketed by higher ranking commanders, SIGAR reported. “for the elimination from national Proliferation Treaty, which entered use of nuclear weapons would gen- tions. This report is very much annoying. It’s a bitter medicine for the Afghan armaments of atomic weapons.” into force in 1970. “Considering erally be contrary to the rules of (Newtimes) government if it’s true. The President Ashraf Ghani and the Chief Ex- ecutive Officer, Abdullah Abdullah have to convene extraordinary meet- ings of security related state institutions to find out the grey areas and put full stop to this evil practice within security forces. We should not blame others for our failure. The Afghan security forces indeed are the true son of this soil. It has been for years that they are rendering huge sacrifices to maintain peace in our motherland. Undoubtedly, the war- hit Afghan masses have full confident on their security forces. Without their strong resistance, militant outfits with the support of regional players could have taken Kabul in a week. But security forces fighting insur- gency with high moral, and defeated them in several fronts. It is a fact that Taliban and other militants have lost influence to fight security forces face-to-face. But the point is that all these sacrifices would be washed away if the government failed to recognize those commanders who are supporting militants in different ways. These elements could slowdown, and at some point could fail the country’s strategy and tactics in the war against terror. It has been proved time and again that policy of appeasement toward extremism and terrorism is an unmitigat- ed disaster. If SIGAR report termed correct, the government should take an immediate action against culprits. If unfound, SIGAR have to answer why such baseless allegation it has made. 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. SUNDAY. MARCH 26, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

By: PASCAL CUTTA to keep essential services going over the long term. This invalu- able work is carried out in conjunc- tion with the Red Cross and Red Crescent societies in these coun- Anti-Immigrant tries. For instance, in response to the current situation in Somalia, the ICRC, working alongside the So- mali Red Crescent Society, expect Rhetoric leads to to provide a combination of food, cash grants, and access to water and health care to 1.4 million peo- diminished college ple. The recent statement by the Unit- We will continue to work ed Nations on the humanitarian alongside our movement partners, enrollment crises affecting Yemen, Somalia, in a coordinated and joined-up way to maximize the impact of our hu- the country's 4140 public and pri- South Sudan and Nigeria is signif- By Eleanor J. Bader vate colleges have signed onto a icant and timely. Substantial re- manitarian work. The ICRC has already begun scaling up its work letter to John F. Kelley, Secretary sources need to be allocated im- Two-and-a-half years ago, when of Homeland Security, that was mediately in order to avert a fur- in these countries. In total, we will Margarita left her home in Vene- sent on February 3. "International ther spiraling downwards. But, be spending at least 400m CHF zuela to study in the US, she had exchange is a core value and more than this, we need to address (about 400m Euros), with the aim high hopes. No one in her family strength of American higher edu- the root causes of this desperate of responding to the needs of 4.7 had ever attended university, let cation," they wrote. "Moreover, situation - and time is short. million people. But it is a drop in alone studied abroad, and she rel- our nation's welcoming stance to Red Cross and Red Crescent the ocean. The needs are just so ished the opportunity to perfect scholars and scientists has bene- Societies, along with the Interna- great. her English and complete a Bache- fited the US through goodwill and tional Committee of the Red Cross What needs to be done? lor's degree. Trump's election a long history of scientific and tech- (ICRC), have been on the ground Yes, financial support is cer- changed that and Margarita says nological advances that have been in these four countries for many tainly needed. This will provide that she now worries about wheth- essential to the economic growth years. We witness the massive suf- immediate assistance in terms of er it is in her best interest to re- our country has experienced for food, water, shelter and health care. are forced to flee their homes, how a difference, to influence behavior. with this crisis now, it will only main in the country. Despite hav- decades." To date, Homeland Se- fering. Millions of people denied ing a student visa, she says that the very basics to survive. Mil- To support essential services such essential goods and services are And they can try harder to do this. get worse. The cost in human lives curity has not responded to the as health and water. But the inter- blocked. We see how humanitari- States should not support those - and the financial cost - will only she's always on edge. Nonetheless, appeal. International students are lions of people forced to flee their she has decided to stay and finish not the only constituency whose homes. Millions of people threat- national community must do more. an access is curtailed. We see 160 who fail to abide by the laws of get higher the longer we leave it. It States need to directly address the her degree. "I want to make my numbers are declining. Overall, ened by starvation. attacks against health structures in war. There should be no support is beholden on those with power dreams come true," she told root causes of the crisis. Initiatives Yemen since 2015. We see how, without compliance. Civilian areas to act. They must help deal with college enrollment went from a In Yemen, only 45% of health Truthout. "I do not want to leave peak of 20.6 million in 2011 to less structures are functioning. Less aimed at conflict prevention and perhaps, three million people in should not be targeted. The basic the symptoms of conflict but they resolution are essential. But we something half-way, that is incom- than 19 million today -- a fact that than 30% of medicines and medi- South Sudan have been forced to services that preserve life – and must also help deal with the root plete." She expects to receive her predates Trump. Some have opt- cal supplies that are needed are also need to address the here and flee their homes since 2013. No prevent starvation – need to be causes. And they must ensure that undergraduate diploma in the now. We need to address how war ed to enter the workforce or have entering the country. In the city of amount of aid money can negate protected. Blockades need to be when war is waged, it is done so spring of 2019. enlisted in the military instead of Hodeida, the water system is on is waged. As living witnesses to political obstructionism and a fail- lifted – in the name of humanity. within the bounds of humanitari- Like most international stu- continuing in school. In addition, the verge of collapse, threatening what is going on in these countries, ure to abide by the norms of war- There is one last important dimen- an law. If not, this desperate hu- dents, Margarita is not eligible for undocumented students -- with nearly half a millions people. In we see how health facilities are fare. States have the power to make sion to consider. If we do not deal manitarian situation will only con- financial aid and her family pays and without Deferred Action on South Sudan, it is estimated that deliberately attacked, how families tinue. (Newtimes) her tuition and living expenses out Childhood Arrival or DACA sta- one in three households is in ur- of pocket, in this case at $320 a tus -- are also noticeably staying gent need of food. credit. It's a huge investment, and away, not applying at all, or not In Nigeria, in the state of as bias incidents and hateful rhet- returning to complete their cours- Borno, 300,000 children are ex- From the Golan, Iran is paving the oric about immigrants ramp up, es of study. Although this popula- pected to suffer from severe acute many would-be international stu- tion was never huge -- reaching a malnutrition over the next twelve dents are asking themselves if it total of approximately 225,000 in months. The problems facing all makes sense to continue seeking a 2015 -- many universities across these countries are wide-ranging way for a new war in Lebanon home in a place where they may the country are responding to the not be wanted. According to Rudy heightened anxieties expressed by and severe. Agricultural land con- By Huda al Husseini Fichtenbaum, president of the taminated with explosives. Live- both undocumented undergradu- American Association of Univer- ates and the much larger pool of stock unable to survive. Water, elec- by Syria prior any “full liberation” the sidelines of a conference held der the IRGC – toured al Quneitra sity Professors, "The atmosphere of the Golan. The formation of the in Tehran last December. Albeit sometime last year. However, Ira- 5.1 million US citizens who live in tricity and other vital services dam- -- the increasing attacks on Jewish mixed-status households with aged and destroyed. Health and hu- Golan Liberation Brigade conspic- the fact that ‘Harakat al Nujba’ nian media outlets published pho- centers, cemeteries, Muslim uously demonstrates Tehran’s pri- derive its moral potency from the tos of the visit in July. The most someone at risk of deportation. manitarian workers deliberately at- mosques and the recent murder of "The fear is in the airwaves," tacked targeted. orities in south Syria, for agitprop Iranian patronage, a wide chasm renowned incident happened in two Sikhs in Kansas City -- means purposes, locally and internation- remains between its capabilities January 2015, when an Israeli he- says Rev. Juan Carlos Ruiz, a pas- The list goes on. The cumula- that many international students tor at St. Peter's Lutheran Church tive impact is enormous. Famine, ally limited to the so-called ‘Re- and ambitions to recapture the licopter strike several targets in the are deciding to stay away from the sistance countries’ that extend to Golan. Since 1967, the Syrian re- area, including IRGC Brigadier in New York City and a founder of or the threat of famine, is just one US and are instead attending col- the New Sanctuary Movement. of the by-products. But this situ- Venezuela and Cuba. gime fecklessly “vowed” to re- General Mohamed Ali Allah Da- leges in Canada, Australia or Eu- Iran believes it is obliged to spond to Israel in due time, in ad- did accompanied by Hezbollah "Financial aid to low-income im- ation has not just simply arisen rope." Indeed, some Canadian col- migrants was never adequate, but confront and to emphasize its dition to Iran’s IRGC who is affil- field commander, Mohamed Eis- leges are experiencing a 70 percent overnight. The cause of severe star- commitment to fight Israel, main- iated with militants groups found- sa, and Jihad Mughniyah, the son the systemic oppression that has vation is not primarily climatic - bump in their number of interna- always existed has been com- ly with the arrival of a new admin- ed by the Islamic Republic in coun- of Imad Mughniyah. The three tional applicants. At the same time, though that has played a part. It is istration in Washington where ob- tries under its clout. These com- were killed in the attack. Albeit pounded by Trump. Right now, man-made. The key factor that the decline in international student we're working with five students servers feel certain that curbing Iran bined forces are no match for the the fact that ‘Harakat al Nujba’ applications to US programs has links all these crises is the exist- is a paramount issue for politicians Israeli army. derive its moral potency from the whose parents have been detained. ence of long term and apparently, been precipitous: 40 percent of US One has an eight-year-old brother and military officials alike. Huda al Husseini Iranian patronage, a wide chasm colleges told Inside Higher Educa- intractable, conflict. All four coun- Pivotal role in Aleppo Iran’s goal of establishing a remains between its capabilities with special needs. This student tries, and its peoples, have experi- ‘Harkat al Nujaba’ or the ‘Move- tion in early March that there has may now need to become the fam- ‘Harkat al Nujaba’ played a foothold in the Golan Heights is and ambitions to recapture the been a sharp drop in both under- enced years of violence and suf- ment of the Nobles’ is not temer- pivotal role in assisting the Quds not a secret any more. The Islamic Golan. Since 1967, the Syrian re- ily breadwinner. I've also seen arious enough to contend the Ara- graduate and graduate applications some people decide to pack up and fering. Protracted conflict lies at bic language printed by the Irani- forces – the elite arm of Iran’s Republic justified intervening in gime fecklessly “vowed” to re- from foreign students for fall 2017. the root of this humanitarian cri- IRCG – and pro-Syrian regime forc- Syria to defend the Shiite shrines. spond to Israel in due time, in ad- leave rather than live in danger and ans on placards carried by masked The biggest dip has come from fear. They feel humiliated that they sis. es to conquer Aleppo last year. The However, the chief of staff of the dition to Iran’s IRGC who is affil- China, India and the Middle East. members to declare the formation Iraqi militia functions as an exten- Iranian armed forces said in re- iated with militants groups found- worked and paid taxes and are now What we do of the Golan Liberation Brigade. The reasons? Fear about the being treated so badly." The ICRC is not standing idle. sion of the Islamic Republic, hav- marks published last November ed by the Islamic Republic in coun- ability to reenter the country after The Golan name is misspelled ing sworn full allegiance to Iran’s that Iran may seek to set up naval tries under its clout. These com- Pamela Johnson, interim vice We are helping to address these is- missing the introducatory ‘al’ that trips home and apprehension about president for enrollment manage- sues in all manner of ways. For Supreme Leader, Ayotollah Ali bases in Yemen and Syria. More- bined forces are no match for the community acceptance. precedes Golan as it should be Khamenei. The militia promotes over, on several occasions, Israeli Israeli army. Iran is embracing a ment at Dominican University in instance, in South Sudan we cur- written in the Arabic language. Dr. Reza Fakhari, vice presi- River Forest, Illinois, a Catholic rently have six surgical teams work- ‘velayat-e-faqih’ and takes direct officials openly referred to Iran’s punctilious stance towards Israel, dent for workforce development Nonetheless - exactly like ‘nobles; orders from Major General Qas- increased leverage on Syria during concealing behind its ideology of college established more than a cen- ing 24 hours a day, every day, try- – they “toed the line” and raised and strategic community partner- tury ago to educate the Irish immi- ing to help people caught up in the sem Soleimani, the chief of the the six years’ old civil war, either “Do not assault but infiltrate”. ships and continuing education at the banner. They also released pro- IRGC’s extraterritorial branch – through the IRCG or Shiite mili- Despite, Iran and Hezbollah’s ac- grants then working in the area's violence: life-saving work. Follow- paganda videos showing members Kingsborough Community College lead mines, says that about 10 per- the Quds Force. Last year, the Ira- tants, chiefly Hezbollah. Previous- cusations of Israel bolstering the of the City University of New ing the recent upsurge in fighting of the movement carrying banners qi militia, which is also known as ly, Avi Dichter, chairman of the Syrian opposition embattling the cent of the school's 2,300 under- in Yemen, the ICRC increased its that read: “Israel will be de- York (CUNY) -- my workplace -- graduates are directly impacted by ‘Harakt Hezbollah al Nujaba’ pro- Knesset Foreign Affairs and De- regime, Israel not only successful- explains the impact. "Some US medical assistance by 250% to re- stroyed”. The militia’s official claimed that it and Lebanese fense Committee stated that Iran ly distanced itself from the Syrian administration policies on immi- spond to urgent needs in the treat- spokesperson, Hashim al Mus- graduate programs can collapse gration. "The DACA students, in Hezbollah were the “twins of re- had tried several times last year to war cataclysm effect, but was oc- without international students," he ment of war wounded. sawi, said in a press conference on sistance.” The militia leader, Akram move troops into the Syrian Go- cupied in striking military and tech- particular, feel vulnerable," she The ICRC provides monthly March 8 in Tehran that the new begins. "Some, particularly in the says. "They've given all this per- al Kabi, is close to the top Iranian lan Heights: "All movements are nology deals with China and In- science, technology, engineering support to five main hospitals and, unit could assist the Syrian regime leadership, including the Supreme tracked.” Nonetheless, media re- dia, and in ensuring that its fron- sonal information to the govern- on an ad hoc basis, to another 80 in taking the Golan Heights, a re- and mathematics (STEM) fields, ment. Some have told us that they Leader and the co-founder of the ports revealed that Israel had re- tiers are rather quiet from occa- have a large percentage of students health facilities. In parts of Nige- gion occupied by Israel since 1967, ‘Asaib al Haq’ itself an offshoot pelled several Iran-directed at- sional skirmishes. Yet there is an plan to move so that the address a verdict he left entirely to Dam- who come from other countries. on file is no longer where they live. ria, we delivered food aid to more of the Mahdi Army. In 2015, he tempts to move forces to the Go- understanding within Israeli secu- The fear factor among these stu- than 1.2 million people in 2016. ascus to take, saying: “Should the bluntly stated that he would oust lan. Senior Iranian military com- rity institutions that the status quo The anxiety is really high." John Syrian government make the re- dents is huge. The Trump admin- DeCostanza, director of universi- We do what we can. The overall the Iraqi government if Khamenei manders are known to operate in is unsustainable and that Israel istration's [leaders] ... do not want quest, we are ready to participate seeks to do so. Last year, top Ira- the Syrian Golan, and usually lo- must re-evaluate its strategy. These ty ministry at Dominican, adds aim is to stop people from plung- in the liberation of occupied Go- the country to be diverse. In fact, that as soon as the first executive ing further into poverty and vul- nian officials close to Khamenei cal press cast lights on such visits Iranian threats, by ‘Harak al Nuj- they actually want to reverse di- lan with our allies. Unquestion- gave Kabi a highly publicized re- after its conclusion. ba’ and Hezbollah rather serve Is- order banning immigrants from nerability. And because of our im- ably, the unit in concert with the versity.... It's at odds with reality Muslim-dominant countries was partial and neutral stance, the ception unprecedented in scope Killed in Israeli strike rael in boosting its international re- not to see diversity as enrichment." regime, is likely to participate in a and scale for one of their Arab zeal- General Mohammad Reza lations, especially with the Unit- issued in January, pastoral coun- ICRC is able to access areas that future offensive to capture terri- But Trump, Bannon and the Re- seling staff noticed a spike in the others cannot. We deliver emergen- ots. ‘Harakat al Nujaba’ publicized Naqdi, the commander of the Basij ed States. publicans disagree and have made tory from Syrian opposition on the Kabi’s meeting with Khamenei on - a paramilitary force operate un- (Alarbya) number of students calling for ap- cy aid and, at the same time, strive part of the Golan still controlled clear that they see multicultural- pointments. "Rumors of raids in ism as a threat to American hege- Chicago were rampant, and in or- mony and cultural continuity. A der to be good stewards and pro- year ago, during the 2015-2016 vide accurate and adequate care to academic year, 33 percent of the our students, we've had to lean ETTER TO THE EDITOR Child sexual abuse students at the Florida Institute of heavily on immigrant advocacy L Technology came from outside the organizations working on the US; 32 percent of those enrolled ground. They've provided us with By M Zaudian not difficult to find if one knows at the New School for Social Re- where — and how — to look. Nor the verification we need about ICE The sexual abuse of children is search were international. Other activity in and around Chicago," is it difficult to find shops that sell colleges and universities with large he says. universal. There is no country or CD’s of child sexual abuse and culture anywhere that is free of this international student populations Good pastoral care, he contin- pornography is available every- include the Illinois Institute of ues, revolves around helping stu- curse. All of the developed states where in the country — in homes Technology and the University of dents grapple with the reality of have a suite of laws in place to and workplaces as well, anywhere Tulsa (26 percent); Carnegie Mel- the threat. It also involves learning Unemployment is the core reason behind drug addiction in the country. A number of youth across outlaw it, and the penalties are se- that has an internet connection. lon (22 percent); Brandeis and their rights so that they can create the country blamed government for ignoring them by not creating jobs for them. According to vere in all cases. The challenge for Pakistan is Northeastern (20 percent); UCLA the best possible plan to protect several youths, joblessness has forced young men into using drugs and migrating to foreign It will never be eradicated, and the to bring its child protection ser- (13 percent); Brown, Harvard, themselves and their loved ones. states. The government should pay serious heed to this issue and spare no efforts in a bid to best that can be hoped for is a vices on a par with developed na- Rice and the University of Penn- "The best source of protection is generate jobs for them. The young generations are playing key role in building or damaging of a heightened sense of awareness and tions. sylvania (12 percent); Princeton their own planning," DeCostanza the development everywhere of a and Yale (11 percent); and Cornell, continues. "They need to talk to country. There is a slowly-growing cad- Duke, George Washington, Johns climate of disclosure — a climate re of trained social workers that their families and the people The government should leave no stone unturned to create jobs for the youths as they are the wherein children are able to report Hopkins and the Massachusetts they're in community with about future maker of this war-turn country. Putting a glance to every development countries, you have an expanding body of exper- Institute of Technology (10 per- their options." This is a conversa- what has happened to them. Paki- tise relating to helping those that would find that all credits for that progress directly goes to its youth’s indefatigable efforts. We stan is no different and like many cent). tion that families often avoid, he have been abused. As CUNY's Dean Fakhari added, especially when it involves want the government to pay serious attention in providing jobs for youths. other countries the incidence of Unfortunately only Punjab Omar Khan, Kabul, Afghanistan makes clear, STEM fields stand to discussing who will get custody child sexual abuse is on the rise. has a fledgling child protection ser- be the biggest losers: 70 percent of of a US-born child if one or both A new report entitled ‘Cruel vice that is linked to law enforce- electrical engineering, 63 percent parents are deported. Like most numbers 2016’ says that 4,139 ment and the courts, everywhere of computer science, and half of DACA recipients or students in children were sexually abused last else lags far behind. all math, physics and statistics mixed-status households, he says, Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must year, 2,410 girls and 1,729 boys. Beyond the institutional chal- students entering master's level those enrolled at Dominican feel a have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: The figures are derived from open lenges there is the wider challenge programs in the US come from deep sense of responsibility to- [email protected] sources and are without a shadow of learning to accept what children abroad. And, he stresses, their pres- ward their parents and siblings and of doubt an under-reporting of the ence benefits everyone since they are committed to helping younger say, and not doubling their pain contribute an estimated $30.5 bil- true numbers. by refusing to believe them or act family members in whatever ways Most incidents were in rural lion to the economy and support are needed. "The psychological on what they tell adults. 373,000 domestic jobs. Colleges burden that comes with that re- areas; with Punjab having the great- Numerous reports worldwide Disclaimer: est number which considering it is recognize this and are trying to sponsibility cannot be overesti- are consistent in saying that chil- fight back, noting that the poten- mated," he adds. Not surprisingly, The views and opinions expressed in the articles are the most populous province is dren invariably tell the truth when tial loss of these students -- and these responsibilities weigh heavi- hardly surprising. The prolifera- they report being sexually abused. the money they bring with them - ly, and impact the number of ap- those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or tion of CSA is in part driven by It is for all of us to listen when - will threaten their budgets and plications coming from undocu- the internet where images of chil- they do — and then act. lessen intellectual collegiality. Al- mented students and those living opinions of the Afghanistan Times. dren being sexually abused num- (Tribune) though it's largely unprecedented, in mixed-status homes. ber in the many millions and are the presidents of more than 650 of (Truthout) SUNDAY. MARCH 26, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Danon slams report by UN Mideast envoy Mladenov, says only impediment to peace is Palestinian violence, incitement The United States has imposed sanctions on 30 foreign companies threat to regional securi- or individuals for transferring sen- ty.” sitive technology to Iran for its Eleven entities and missile programme or for violating individuals were sanc- export controls on Iran, North tioned for transfers of Korea and Syria, the State Depart- sensitive items to Iran’s ment said on Friday. ballistic missile pro- Eleven companies or individ- gramme. uals from China, North Korea or The government the United Arab Emirates were also implemented sanc- sanctioned for technology trans- tions on 19 companies fers that could boost Tehran’s bal- or people found to have listic missile programme, the State “transferred to, or ac- Department said in a statement. quired from, Iran, North Nineteen entities or individu- Korea, or Syria goods, als were sanctioned for other vio- services, or technology lations under the Iran, North Ko- listed on multilateral ex- rea and Syria Non-proliferation port control lists, or on Act, it said. US national control lists, They are believed to have or other items that could Israel took no steps to comply sanctions on Israel, so the council state that will also encompass the transferred or acquired sensitive make a material contri- with a Security Council call to stop isn’t called on to take any action. West Bank and Gaza Strip, terri- technology that could contribute bution to the develop- all settlement activity in the West But it does enshrine the world’s tories Israel captured in 1967. to development of weapons of ment of weapons of Bank and east Jerusalem, and in- disapproval of the settlements. Israeli Ambassador to the UN mass destruction. mass destruction or mis- stead authorized “a high rate” of Mladenov, the UN special co- Danny Danon said Friday that sile proliferation.” settlement expansions in violation ordinator for the Middle East “the only impediment to peace is “These determinations under- tion activity with Iran, North Korea, and Syria,” the State Department statement score that the United States con- Most of the compa- of international law, the United peace process, reiterated that the Palestinian violence and incitement. said in a statement. nies listed engage in ex- Nations said Friday. United Nations “considers all set- This obsessive focus on Israel must tinues to regularly impose sanc- The companies included under the newly imposed sanctions are based in tions under existing authorities, as port activity. UN envoy Nickolay Mladen- tlement activities to be illegal un- end.” In his report, Mladenov also China, North Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. (Dawn) ov told the council that the large der international law and one of said “many advancements in set- warranted, against entities and in- The State Department said that 11 of the entities and people contribute to dividuals that engage in prolifera- number of settlement announce- the main obstacles to peace.” tlements in the past three months activity that “serves to escalate regional conflicts further and poses a significant ments and legislation action by Is- He called “the January spike” will further sever the territorial rael indicate “a clear intent to con- in settlement announcements by contiguity of a future Palestinian tinue expanding the settlement en- Israel “deeply concerning.” Dur- state and accelerate the fragmenta- terprise in the occupied Palestin- ing that month, he said, two major tion of the West Bank.” He said Japan issues order to ian territory.” announcements were made for a these actions in Kfar Adumim, He was delivering the first re- total of 5,500 housing units in Area Shiloh, Kokhav Yakov and Shavei troops over UN S-Sudan port to the council on implemen- C, the 60 percent of the West Bank Shomron “are in breach of interna- tation of the resolution it adopted exclusively controlled by Israel. tional law and they must stop.” in December condemning Israeli “Overall, the last three months “Settlement expansion under- mission completion settlements as a “flagrant viola- have seen a high rate of settlement- mines the very essence of the two- tion” of international law. The res- related activity, especially when state solution,” Mladenov said, be sent from Japan to South Sudan olution was a striking rupture with compared to 2016, which saw ten- and the resolution states that the to assist the withdrawal. past practice by President Barack ders for only 42 (housing) units international community will not While seeking to terminate the Obama who had the US abstain issued and some 3,000 units ad- recognize any changes to the 1967 activities of the SDF unit, the min- rather than veto the measure as vanced over 12 months in Area C,” lines other than those agreed by Kyrgyzstan: Ruling istry said it will continue to make then president-elect Donald Mladenov said. Palestinian lead- the parties through negotiations.” contributions to U.N. efforts in Trump demanded. ers hope east Jerusalem will be- (Timesofisrael) South Sudan by extending the stay The resolution didn’t impose come the capital of a Palestinian party expels of SDF officers working in the mission's headquarters to Feb. 28, free-thinking MP 2018. UNMISS is currently the only U.N. peacekeeping operation One of the youngest and most ac- Akayev has said that he is not tak- for which Japan is sending an SDF Myanmar rejects UN probe of tive members of Kyrgyzstan’s ing the expulsion to heart and that unit. The ministry's press secre- parliament has been expelled from his colleagues were most likely tary Hirofumi Takeda told report- the pro-presidential Social-Dem- “fulfilling an order” — implying ers that Japan is eager to contrib- crimes against Rohingya, as it ocratic Party (SDPK). The SD- the instruction was handed down ute further to international peace- PK’s political council explained on by the president’s office. “A per- building efforts, but added, "There March 24 that the views of Zha- son that tells the truth but who is no concrete plan to send an SDF would ‘inflame’ the conflict nar Akayev, 31, had drifted too far finds himself among liars and sy- unit to other U.N. missions at the from its official platform. The spec- cophants will always be consid- moment." SDF troops have taken ulation is that the decision was tak- ered an extremist,” he said. In a part in a number of U.N. peace- en following Akayev’s decision to previous life, Akayev worked for Defense Minister Tomomi Inada keeping operations in the past, but participate in a march last week- RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz service, Radio on Friday issued an order to the their activities have focused on end in the Kyrgyz capital, Bish- Azattyk, which is one of the out- Self-Defense Forces to withdraw noncombat roles, such as infra- kek, in defense of media outlets lets facing the libel lawsuits. He from a U.N. peacekeeping mission structure-building. being sued by the General Prose- has regularly spoken in defense of in South Sudan by late May, which The Japanese government also cutor’s Office on behalf of Presi- his old employer despite Atam- will end a more than five-year de- upholds five principles for partic- dent Almazbek Atamabayev. bayev’s recurring criticism. (AP) ployment of Japanese troops in ipation in U.N. peacekeeping op- the fledgling African country. erations to ensure that the troops' Noting that the activities of the activities will not violate the Con- Ground Self-Defense Force's civil stitution, which include the exist- Prime Ministers of engineering units have been "high- ence of a cease-fire agreement ly evaluated" by the United Na- among the parties in armed con- Russia, Uzbekistan to tions and the South Sudan govern- flicts. ment, Inada told a meeting of min- Abe's government has eased discuss economic cooperation istry officials to make utmost ef- some of the constitutional con- forts to ensure that all SDF mem- straints through the security legis- Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry sian government Dmitry bers return home safely. lation that came into force in Medvedev on March 28 will dis- Medvedev and Prime Minister of Japan began sending a civil March last year. But critics have cuss economic cooperation with Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov will engineering unit to South Sudan in said the new tasks the Japanese Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla consider issues of economic coop- January 2012 for the U.N. mis- troops have been authorized to Aripov in Moscow, reports the eration, implementation of the sion called UNMISS to help de- perform in South Sudan could lead Myanmar on Saturday rejected the The Geneva-based body The army crackdown, press service of the Russian gov- projects in energy, transport, agri- velop roads and infrastructure. them to become embroiled in over- UN rights council’s decision to in- agreed on Friday to “urgently” dis- launched in October after militants ernment today. cultural and humanitarian South Sudan is the newest coun- seas military actions for the first vestigate allegations that security patch a fact-finding mission to the killed nine policemen, has sent tens "Representative of the Rus- spheres," said the statement. try in the world, having gained in- time since World War II, in what officers have murdered, raped and Southeast Asian country, focusing of thousands of Rohingya fleeing dependence from Sudan in 2011. could be criticized as an act that tortured Rohingya Muslims, say- on claims that police and soldiers across the border to Bangladesh. But the participation in UN- goes against the Constitution. ing the probe would only “inflame” have carried out violations against Escapees have given UN in- MISS has recently been controver- (Mainichi) the conflict. the Rohingya in Rakhine state. vestigators gruesome accounts of sial in Japan as Prime Minister security officers stabbing babies to Azerbaijani oil prices Shinzo Abe's government has man- death, burning people alive and dated the troops to serve new, and committing widespread gang rape. possibly riskier, roles under the The allegations have heaped enor- for March 20 – 24 country's security legislation that mous pressure on Myanmar’s one- Average price of AZERI LT CIF, via the Novorossiysk port, was has eased restrictions imposed on year-old civilian government, extracted at Azerbaijan’s Azeri- $47.08 per barrel on March 20-24 SDF activities by Japan's pacifist which has vigorously swatted back Chirag-Gunashli block of fields, or $0.61 per barrel less than the Constitution. calls for an international investiga- was $51.99 per barrel on March previous week. The highest price The new roles include going to tion. 20-24 or $0.55 per barrel less than for URALS was $47.95 per barrel the aid of U.N. staff and other per- Myanmar’s foreign affairs the previous week. The highest and the lowest price was $46.47 sonnel under attack when there is ministry on Saturday stopped price of AZERI LT was $53.06 per per barrel on March 20-24. Azer- an urgent request. The GSDF unit short of saying it would block the barrel, while the lowest price was baijan sells the oil supplied via the currently stationed in South Sudan UN-backed probe but said it “has $51.38 per barrel during the report- Baku-Novorossiysk pipeline became able to perform rescue mis- dissociated itself from the resolu- ing period. Azerbaijan sells AZERI through Russia’s Novorossiysk sions in December, but it has not Erdogan slams tion as a whole”. LT via the Turkish port of Cey- port. Average price of Brent Dat- yet engaged in such tasks. “The establishment of an in- han and Georgian ports of Batumi ed was $50.1 per barrel on March Concerns also linger over the ternational fact-finding mission and Supsa. The oil is supplied to 20-24 or $0.1 per barrel less than security situation in South Sudan, German Intelligence would do more to inflame, rather Ceyhan via the Baku-Tbilisi-Cey- the previous week. The highest which has been mired in conflict than resolve the issues at this han pipeline and to Georgia via the price for Brent was $50.86 per between government forces and time,” it added. Baku-Supsa pipeline, as well as by barrel and the lowest price was rebels. But Abe, who announced Chief’s comment on Myanmar is carrying out its rail. Average price of URALS (EX- $49.59 during the reporting peri- the plan to withdraw GSDF own domestic inquiry into possi- NOVO), exported from Azerbaijan od. (Trend) troops on March 10, has said the Gulen’s role in coup ble crimes in Rakhine. condition in the country had noth- But rights groups and the UN ing to do with the decision. As part of the procedure, the have dismissed the body, which is government decided at a Cabinet Turkish President Recep Tayy- an interview with German Der during the coup attempt and an led by retired general turned Vice Tashkent -Dushanbe meeting Friday to extend the par- ip Erdogan urged German Fed- Spiegel magazine that Ankara estimated 2,000 were wounded. President Myint Swe, as tooth- ticipation of the GSDF unit in the eral Intelligence Agency (BND) failed to convince Berlin in Thousands of people, includ- less. flights scheduled for U.N. mission for two more months chief Bruno Kahl not to "cross Gulen's role in the July 2016 ing military officers, high-rank- The recent crackdown is only through May 31, when they are the latest conflict to beleaguer the the line" after his stamenets coup attempt. ing civil servants and teachers stateless Rohingya, who are de- expected to complete the infra- about Turkey's weak evidence "He says they don't see have been detained or sacked April 4 structure work that is now under nied citizenship and face brutal base proving Islamic cleric [Fethullah Terrorist Organiza- in the country since the at- discrimination in the Buddhist- way. The Defense Ministry said Fethullah Gulen's involvement tion] FETÖ behind this inci- tempted overthrow of the Turk- The air communication between The first flight on the route in a statement that the South Sudan majority country. Tashkent and Dushanbe will start Dushanbe – Tashkent was planned government's efforts to bring sta- in the July 2016 coup attempt. dent. Look at them. What do ish government. More than 120,000 Rohingya on April 4, reports RIA Novosti to be performed on February 10, bility to the country are "making Turkish President Recep you know about FETÖ being a Ankara accused Gulen, have languished in grim displace- with reference to the national air- however, it failed to be performed. progress" and that the deployment Tayyip Erdogan criticized the terrorist group?… Who do you who has been living in the Unit- ment camps ever since bouts of line of Uzbekistan. Then Tajikistan's Somon Air ex- of the SDF civil engineering unit statements of German Federal think you are? Don't cross the ed States since 1999, and his religious violence between Mus- The flight from Tashkent to Dus- plained that the relevant docu- has become unprecedentedly long Intelligence Agency (BND) line," Erdogan said as quoted followers of orchestrating the lims and Buddhists ripped through hanbe will be performed at 7:20 ments for flight have been sent to for a U.N. peacekeeping operation. chief Bruno Kahl about Tur- by Daily Sabah newspaper. coup attempt. Rakhine state in 2012. am on April 4. the Uzbek side too late. According to a ministry offi- key's weak evidence base prov- On July 15, 2016, a military He has denied the allega- Most are not allowed to leave The flight will be operated twice a The second flight failed on cial, the 350-member unit will head the squalid encampments, where week. Resumption of the direct February 23. ing Islamic cleric Fethullah coup attempt took place in Tur- tions of involvement and con- home possibly from April, start- Gulen's involvement in the July key. It was suppressed the fol- demned the attempted coup. they live in piecemeal shelters with flight between Tajikistan and Late documents were also ing with those who have finished little access to food, education and Uzbekistan, which was frozen in blamed for the delay then. 2016 coup attempt. lowing day. (Sputniknews) their work. Some members of a On March 18, Kahl said in Over 240 people were killed health care. 1992, has been canceled several (Akpress) newly formed 60-member unit will (SCMP) times. SUNDAY. MARCH 26, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Speaking at a March 20 rally in na is a leading cause of a decline in Louisville, Ky., President Donald manufacturing, but there’s also Trump said he wants to be like growing trade deficits with other Henry Clay, a 19th century Ken- parts of Asia and Europe. A small- tucky politician who Trump said er factor in more recent years is Turkish Central was "a fierce advocate for manu- the Great Recession and the slow facturing." recovery that followed. From there, Trump launched Bradford DeLong, an econom- Bank takes step to into his usual critique of United ic historian at the University of States free trade policy over the California, Berkeley, is less con- last 20 years, laying out what he’s vinced that opening up trade with boost lira’s value going to do to address trade imbal- China had such a negative effect ances with Mexico and China, in on U.S. manufacturing. Rather, he Bank raises interests paid to local lenders’ particular. told PolitiFact that he estimates US dollar reserves by 25 basis points "Since China joined — that’s about one-tenth of factory closures another beauty — the WTO in over the past decade or so have Turkey’s Central Bank has taken The required reserve ratio is a 2001, the U.S. has lost many more had to do with China, but that a step to boost the value of Turk- share of a local bank’s balances that than 60,000 factories," he said. would have happened whether or ish lira by increasing the bank’s it is obliged to deposit in the Cen- We’ve heard Trump make this not China joined the WTO. In the U.S. dollar denominated reserves. tral Bank. claim about the effects of China years leading up to 2001, U.S. im- The bank raised interests paid The ratio is determined by the joining the World Trade Organiza- ports from China were already to local lenders’ U.S. dollar reserves Central Bank to affect money sup- tion in a few different speeches surging. He added that improved by 25 basis points on Tuesday, ply in local markets. since becoming president, so we trade with China also might have the Central Bank said in a state- The move is aimed at encour- wanted to put it on the Truth-O- allowed some new manufacturing ment. aging lenders to keep their U.S. Meter. We reached out to the White establishments to open because of Interest rates paid to lenders dollar deposits in the Central Bank House for Trump’s source but new opportunities to export goods as part of a local bank’s required and boost the value of the domes- didn’t hear back. and services to China. reserve ratio that are deposited in tic currency Turkish lira, the state- However, through our own He said significantly increased the Central Bank has been hiked ment added. research we found that the United manufacturing productivity in the to 1 percent from 0.75 percent, it (AA) States has, in fact, lost more than United States, coupled with limit- said. 60,000 factories since 2001, when ed demand — there’s only so many China joined the WTO and became refrigerators a person wants to buy a bigger player in the world econo- — play a bigger role in factory clo- the shop floor," he said. Our rul- lost many more than 60,000 fac- least some of these losses can be my. And quite a few economists sures in the United States. "Man- ing tories." According to Census data, attributed to increased trade with believe opening up trade with Chi- ufacturing has become too produc- Trump said, "Since China the United States has lost more China, though there is not univer- na has had a significant and nega- tive to remain or ever again become joined — that’s another beauty — than 60,000 factories since 2001. sal agreement on the extent of that tive effect on American manufac- a major source of employment on the WTO in 2001, the U.S. has Economic experts told us that at impact. turing, though it’s not a universal (Politifact) view. To count the number of fac- tories, we used the U.S. Census’ annual Statistics of U.S. Businesses series, which tallies the number of manufacturing establishments. An Oil rises in late trade, still down example of how the count works: Ford Motor Company has three U.S.-based transmission plants, two in Michigan and one in Ohio. on the week as glut weighs That counts as three separate es- tablishments. In 2001, the year China joined Oil rose modestly on Friday in a the WTO, the Census counted spate of late-day activity, but fell UAE assistance to 352,619 manufacturing establish- ments. In 2014, the most recent on the week as concerns persisted year for which data is available, it over an excess of crude. Yemen reaches $2b counted 292,543. That’s a drop of U.S. West Texas Intermediate 60,076 over those three years. (WTI) crude futures CLc1 settled Another Census series, its up 27 cents to $47.97 a barrel, but Business Dynamics Statistics, tal- lost 0.5 percent on the week. lied 348,513 manufacturing estab- About 390,000 WTI contracts had lishments in 2001 and 274,756 in changed hands, lower than the av- 2014 — a drop of 73,757 manu- erage of about 520,000 over the facturing establishments. last 200 days. It’s not fair to assume that Brent crude LCOc1 ended up China’s economic rise is entirely 24 cents to $50.80, and ended responsible for all of these lost fac- down 1.8 percent this week. tories, as someone might think Oil has been on the back foot when they hear Trump’s state- for more than two weeks now, af- ment, but it is certainly responsi- ter a string of U.S. inventory re- ble for some. Around the same ports suggested that output cuts time China joined the WTO, the by the Organization of the Petro- United States gave China perma- leum Exporting Countries were not nent normal trade relations status. having the desired effect in reduc- Both of these actions removed sig- ing global oversupply. nificant barriers to trade and in- On Thursday, a Saudi energy vestment with China, basically ministry official told Reuters that The total UAE foreign assistance 26.9 percent of the total assistance putting them on an even playing crude exports to the United States provided to Yemen, between April to Yemen during the stated period. field with the United States’ other in March would fall by around 2015 and March 2017, within the The UAE’s aid targeted about 10 trading partners. In the 16 years 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) framework of the UAE’s efficient million Yemeni people, including since, United States imports from from February and hold at those humanitarian and development four million children. It provided China have quadrupled, in large levels for the next few months. role and its rebuilding projects to polio and measles vaccines to part because production is so The official said the expected support the Yemeni people, 488,000 children, including cheap there, making U.S.-based ‘Korea could suffer $20b loss amounted to AED7.3 billion (US$2 130,000 infants under the age of drop, in line with OPEC's agree- manufacturers less competitive. billion). one, and 358,000 children between We found three significant eco- ment, could help draw down U.S. inventories that stood at a record The assistance aims to reduce the ages of 1 and 5, in 11 Yemeni nomic studies from the past few from sour ties with China’ the suffering of the Yemenis and is governorates. years that all conclude increased 533 million barrels last week - in compliance with the UAE’s hu- Its humanitarian assistance in- free trade with China has had a stocks that have in part remained manitarian and development ap- cluded food aid totalling 172,000 South Korea could suffer $20 bil- from Chinese travelers using duty- About 68 percent of duty-free buoyant because of reduced sea- negative impact on American man- lion in economic losses if its al- free shops and tourism spots in sales comes from Chinese travel- proach and its desire to establish tonnes and more than 111 tonnes ufacturing and jobs. sonal refining runs. development, security and stabili- of medication and medical sup- ready-soured relations with China Korea will go down by $7.4 bil- ers and China is Korea’s biggest "We still are at record high in- A a 2014 report out of the exacerbates, an industry report said lion this year from 2016, and Ko- export destination, taking up one- ty in the country. The UAE’s aid plies, as well as the provision of left-leaning Economic Policy Insti- ventories here in the U.S.," said targeted about 10 million Yemeni ambulances and medical devices, Tuesday. rea’s exports to China will suffer a fourth of Korea’s total exports. Andrew Lipow, president of Lip- tute found that the U.S. trade def- Korea is already suffering from $2.6 billion loss, according to the By sector, Korea’s cosmetics, people, including four million chil- while 235.8 tonnes of food were icit with China has cost 2.4 mil- China’s apparent economic retali- report by the Korea Development duty-free shops and tourism busi- ow Oil Associates in Houston. dren. It provided polio and mea- sent on a daily basis. lion manufacturing jobs between ation measures, such as banning Bank’s economic research institute. nesses will be hit the hardest by "We're seeing some short-covering sles vaccines to 488,000 children, The UAE’s development as- 2001 and 2013. The report cites Chinese travelers from visiting If the relations further worsen Chinese retaliation against Korea, given the recent declines in the including 130,000 infants under the sistance to Yemen, during this pe- illegal Chinese policies that encour- Korea and applying stricter cus- with additional retaliation and the followed by autos, mobile phones, price." age of one, and 358,000 children riod, reached AED5.3 billion age exports and keep labor cheap, toms procedures on Korean goods, spread of anti-Korean sentiment, textiles, petrochemicals and ship- Saudi exports to other regions, between the ages of 1 and 5, in 11 ($1.45 billion), while its foreign as well as a failure of the WTO as China has been asserting that the revenues from duty-free shops ping industries, the report said. notably Asia, remained elevated Yemeni governorates. development assistance, which agreement that endorsed China’s the deployment of a US anti-mis- and the tourism sector will plunge Korea’s semiconductors, dis- despite the OPEC-led deal that UAE assistance included hu- was distributed to several sectors, membership to prevent these sorts sile system on the Korean Penin- by $11.7 billion, and Korea’s ex- plays, shipbuilding and construc- includes other producers like Rus- manitarian, development and char- reached AED985.58 million of actions. Proponents of expand- sula poses a threat to its territory. ports to China will see an $8.3 bil- tion will be rarely affected by the sia to cut output by 1.8 million ity assistance, and urgent humani- ($268.33 million) in support of the ing U.S.-China trade also overesti- If the bilateral relations be- lion loss -- resulting in a $20 bil- worsened bilateral relationship bpd during the first half of the year. tarian assistance reaching AED1.97 power generation sector. mated the potential market for U.S. tween Seoul and Beijing maintains lion economic loss in total, the re- with China, it said. Unless OPEC extends the curbs billion ($536million), representing (Ipsnews) exports in China. the status quo, Korea’s revenues port said. (Koreaherald) beyond June or makes bigger cuts, Research conducted by a traders say oil prices are at risk of group of economists at the Mas- falling further. sachusetts Institute of Technolo- "OPEC's goal of drawing European political risks gy, the University of Zurich and down inventories to normal levels the University of California, San is not going to be reached before front-and-center as ’green Diego, found comparable job loss- their agreement expires on June es due to import competition from 30," said U.S. investment bank shoots’ continue to show China. They found that areas in Jefferies in a note to clients. the United States that had a large Many are now watching for number of jobs in industries for Data out of the Euro-Zone contin- persist until we get more signs of a which imports from China surged whether OPEC, whose committee ues to impress, giving the impres- confirmed recovery that could in- have suffered the most. A third anal- monitoring the cuts will meet over sion that we may finally be seeing still the confidence needed within ysis co-authored by Justin Pierce, the weekend in Kuwait, will ex- the ‘green shoots’ of a European the ECB to let market forces take- a member of the board of gover- tend the deal. economic recovery taking place. A over. CPI numbers from Germany nors of the Federal Reserve Board, In Russia, private oil produc- series of PMI prints on Friday and the Euro-Zone as a whole are and Peter Schott, a Yale economist, ers are ditching their scepticism morning with a consistent theme released on Thursday and Friday found a causal relationship be- and lining up behind an extension of surprise beats further highlight- of next week, respectively, and tween factory closures and Chi- Global banks handled laundered Russian of output cuts after previous oil ed this potential as manufacturing, each of these will speak to the pros- na’s permanent normal trade rela- price increases compensated for services and composite PMI’s pect of continued economic recov- tions status. One reason for this lost income. from both Germany and France ery in the EU. But the immediate connection is that in granting Chi- In the United States, shale came-in above expectations. Giv- road ahead is not expected to be cash worth hundreds of millions en that PMI’s (Purchasing Man- smooth as political risk will likely na this status, the United States Some of the world's biggest banks The internal bank documents The bank documents detail drilling has pushed up oil produc- agreed not to raise tariffs on Chi- tion C-OUT-T-EIA by more than gers’ Index) are looked at as a lead- dominate European headlines in the processed hundreds of millions of were obtained from anonymous roughly 70,000 transactions made ing indicator – the fact that all of coming weeks. Dutch elections nese imports, and that newfound dollars reportedly from a vast Rus- sources by the Organized Crime between 2011 and 2014. 8 percent since mid-2016 to just stability incentivized American above 9.1 million bpd, though pro- these prints came-in above the ex- went through with a minimum of sian money-laundering scheme, and Corruption Reporting Project According to OCCRP, the pectation highlights that optimism drama; but as we walk into April businesses to move operations to data from leaked documents show. (OCCRP) and Russian newspaper scheme allowed tens of billions of ducers have left a record number China. is continuing to grow within a key there’s another election lurking The data show that major U.S. Novaya Gazeta. OCCRP has dollars to be moved out of Russia of wells unfinished in Permian, the segment of the European econo- around-the-corner that could keep While these analyses support banks including Bank of America shared data gleaned from the doc- and into the accounts of thousands largest oilfield in the country, a sign Trump’s general idea that trade my. worries populating around the (BAC), JP Morgan (JPM), Wells uments with CNNMoney and oth- of companies scattered around the that output may not rise as swift- But are we at a point where Euro-Zone, and that’s the French with China has caused some fac- Fargo (WFC) and Citi (C) all pro- er media companies. The Guard- globe. The Guardian reported that ly as drilling activity would indi- tory closures in the United States, the ECB is ready to let QE end (in Presidential election set to take cessed money from the scheme. ian reported on Monday that $740 500 people are suspected of being cate. December, 2017), allowing the ‘in- place later in the month. A Marine none of them say how many. Global banks HSBC (HSBC), million was processed by British involved in the scheme, including The latest U.S. drilling rig Robert Scott, director of trade visible hand’ and ‘animal spirits’ Le Pen win would likely be bad Deutsche Bank (DB), Standard banks as part of the scheme. CN- many wealthy and influential Rus- count showed an increase of 14 rigs, take over price action in the Euro? for the Euro, as the candidate has and manufacturing policy research Chartered (SCBFF) and Barclays NMoney has not independently sians. None of the banks contact- the tenth straight weekly rise, ac- at the Economic Policy Institute That’s the big question surround- previously discussed the possibil- (BCS) also appear to have execut- confirmed the authenticity of the ed by CNNMoney denied that cording to Baker Hughes data. ing the European Central Bank at ity of doing-away with the single and co-author of the first study, ed transactions. documents. they had processed. (Reuters) told PolitiFact that trade with Chi- the moment, and this will likely currency. (Dailyfx) SUNDAY. MARCH 26, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Keira Knightley once told her ‘Love Actually’ director that her next movie was “probably a disaster” The Pirates of the Caribbean fran- chise has raked in billions of box- office proceeds, but according to Love Actually director, actor Kei- ra Knightley wasn’t always sold on the idea. Richard Curtis, the romantic comedy’s writer-director, reflected on where his stars were in their careers when the film de- buted in 2003, reported People magazine. “When we shot the film, I re- member Keira Knightley saying that her next project was ‘some pirate thing — probably a disas- ter,’ ” he revealed. Of course, that project turned out to be the wildly popular Pirates of the Caribbean franchise that made her an interna- tional superstar. And Knightley wasn’t the only Love Actually star to score a role in the blockbuster. As Curtis pointed out, “Bill Nighy was also later a be-tentacled Davy The sixth edition of the Hindustan Times Most Stylish Awards, held at the Taj Land’s End hotel in Jones” in 2006’s Pirates of the Bandra (W), it was a stylish affair. They saw the best of fashion under one roof. From sheer gowns Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest and to glitter ensembles and slit dresses, Bollywood divas scored high on the style radar. While some 2007’s Pirates of the Caribbean: choose glamorous gowns, a few went for loungy jackets - all are a testimony to the flourishing At World’s End. popularity of this style. Here is a sneak peek into who wore what. Curtis also mentioned that My past with Kareena is Andrew Lincoln, who famously professed his love to Knightley with cue cards in Love Actually, “had never come across, let alone world secret: Shahid Kapoor killed, the Walking Dead.” And Chiwetel Ejiofor, who went on to earn an Oscar nomination for 12 Years a Slave in 2014 “hadn’t been a slave for five minutes, let alone 12 years,” wrote Curtis. The trip down memory lane comes in the wake of Friday’s UK debut of a short follow-up to Love Actually, which promises to catch up with its main characters over a decade later. The reunion features most of the original cast. “I know the film is very much not every- one’s cup of tea, but I’ve been sur- prised ever since it came out, and so grateful, that some people are really fond of it,” Curtis wrote. “So I hope that a lot of you will turn on to BBC1 on Red Nose Day to see the mini-sequel and maybe find it in your hearts to give a bit of cash to save and change a lot of lives, at home and abroad. What a strange and delightful out- come that would be for our little, old, slightly chaotic ‘All I Want for Christmas’ Christmas film.” (Dailymail)

Happily married to Mira, and lov- Esha Gupta went for a Nikhil Thampi slit gown teamed with smoky-eye look. ing his new real life role as a father, People who wanted me to slash rates, now actor Shahid Kapoor chose to “get back” when asked about his “se- offer double price: Taapsee Pannu cret past” with Kareena Kapoor Khan. When doing the ways of the film industry Shahid was at the India Today quintessential hero- towards women. She narrat- ine roles didn’t ed, “I have been asked to Woman Summit and Awards when work in her favour, slash my rates because the an audience member was keen to Taapsee Pannu de- hero’s last film didn’t do well know about his “secret past.” “I cided to turn the ta- and the budget was limited, have a secret past?” Shahid asked, bles with heroic or the producer’s last film almost puzzled. “How do you characters in con- didn’t do well. So, I was told, know about it? Were you spying tent-driven films. ‘Either you walk out or slash on me? I can’t confess to my se- She says those who your price’. How I worked cret past,” he added. On being prod- were once her de- around it was when I started ded with Kareena’s name, he said, tractors have now with Hindi films, I made sure “How is that a secret, madam? It’s stood in line to get I am going to do whatever it a world secret.” her dates and her takes to be not-replaceable. Later, when Shahid was asked time for double the How? Have a name for your- to teach one of his dance steps to price. At the India self, do the kind of films you the audience, he invited the same Today Woman want to and do it in a way lady who wanted him to talk about Summit and Awards that they have no other way Kareena. here on Friday, but to notice. And when you “The lady who said, Kareena Taapsee spoke fear- go back, the same people will lessly about the wait in a queue to get you at Kapoor, I want her on the stage. double the price probably.” See, this is karma, life gets back. It’s a reality that happened What goes around comes around with Taapsee. “Without tak- and it’s not just Justin Timberlake The Kapil Sharma Show calls off ing names, tables have turned who said that… it’s true for life,” and I have gone to the same he quipped. shoot due to non-availability people at double the price, Shahid and Kareena had one and they stood in a line wait- of the most talked about relation- ing for my dates, only be- ships in tinsel town in recent years, of celebrities cause I decided to fight like a and their split courted equal media Seems like nothing is working out girl,” added the actress, un- attention. Kareena went on to mar- in Kapil Sharma’s favour these willing to “compromise” for ry actor-producer Saif Ali Khan, days. After a very public spat with anything to get what she and is now a mother to their first his co-star and front-man Sunil wants. Her sentiment, she child – a son named Taimur. Sha- Grover, who played one of the said, were in tune with the hid went for an arranged marriage most loved character Guthi in The event presenter Vivel’s cam- Kapil Sharma Show – it is now with Delhi girl Mira, and they have Anushka Sharma went for an H&M ensemble. Deepika Padukone picked a black cold- paign Ab Samjhauta Nahin, daughter Misha. In the midst of She added a strong case for statement rings with being reported that the comedian which inspires women to shoulder flared top and flared pants from had to cancel shooting due to non- question the social fabric that the discussion here, when the host her style pick. Milly. She finished the look with Outhouse availability of celebrities. Accord- tends to stereotype and at said she won’t go into his past re- earrings. ing to SpotboyE, the mid-air feud times impede their lifestyle lationships, he said, “So kind of with Sunil has cost the famous choices. Taapsee says now you. Shaadi ke baad yeh sab mat comedian a whole lot. After Sunil she just smiles at the people kiya karo (Don’t do all this after boycotted the show, Chandan who first turned her down. marriage).” He spoke about love Parineeti Chopra Prabhakar also left abruptly. “I am warm and welcoming, and arranged relationships. Asked went for an off- Did Kapil Sharma assault co- and I have even invited them if love is a prerequisite for a mar- shoulder Avaro star Sunil Grover? to my next film’s premiere,” riage, Shahid said, “Of course, it Now, rumour has it that Ali and Sunil are brothers. Being a senior she said, ahead of the release is, but in an arranged marriage, it’s Figlio dress Asgar and Sugandha Mishra have member of the show, it is my duty to of her new film Naam Sha- about companionship and friend- teamed with also decided to stop shooting with bring them together again,” insisted bana. ship first, and love follows.” Isharya jewellery Kapil. The episode with the Naam Sidhu. (Santa Banta) (Tribune) Shabana cast was a total fail since and burgundy the main characters were nowhere suede pumps. to be seen. Recently, it was also Phillauri: Anushka Sharma’s film gets average reported that Kapil broke down during the show while he was opening, earns Rs 4.02 crore on first day Alia Bhatt shooting for the episode and con- fessed to Manoj Bajpai about his Anushka Sharma’s second production picked a Reem grave mistake. The next day, Sunil Phillauri has collected Rs 4.02 crore nett Acra ensemble Pal and Raju Shrivastav, who were on its opening day. The film stars Punjabi teamed with still a part of the famous comedy star Diljit Dosanjh and Life of Pi actor show, had to head home since Suraj Sharma besides Anushka. It has been sleek center- Kapil had to call off the shooting directed by Anshai Lal. Trade analyst parted bun and due to non-availability of celebs. Taran?Adarsh also tweeted the film’s busi- subtle makeup. Don’t act like God: Sunil Grover ness figures. North India has contributed tells Kapil Sharma. However, Nav- 52 per cent of the total Phillauri collec- (Hindustan- jot Singh Sidhu, who has been a tions. “Phillauri is a high concept film with Times) part of The Kapil Sharma Show a big heart and we are happy with the franchise since its very inception, start that it has had on day one. The film vowed to resolve the ongoing tiff has good word of mouth and it will grow between the two actors. “Kapil today. (Santa Banta) SUNDAY . MARCH 26, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

West Indies v Pakistan: Star Sixes: Steven Gerrard and World Champions aim to England to face Spain in six-a- hit back after 3-0 rout side tournament at The O2 England have been drawn against Spain in the inaugural Star Sixes tournament - live on Sky Sports - in London this July. Steven Gerrard will lead En- gland in the six-a-side competition for former international players, and they will face Spain, Mexico and Scotland in the group stages. The ex-Liverpool captain will come up against former team-mate Luis Garcia, who will compete for Spain alongside Carles Puyol, Gaizka Mendieta and Michel Sal- gado. Germany's Michael Ballack and France's Robert Pires were in the Sky Sports studio to make the draw on Friday afternoon, and the est Indies will aim to make swift backyard by England earlier this duo will face one another in Group amends for their 3-0 drubbing at month, the two-time former World C, with the two nations also drawn the hands of Pakistan when the Cup winners continue to languish against Portugal and Denmark. teams meet in the first of four T20 in ninth spot in the rankings on 84 Meanwhile, Group B sees Brazil, internationals, live on Sky Sports points, five behind the Pakistanis, Italy, Nigeria and China face off this Sunday. who will want to ensure they for a place in the knock-out stag- The World Champions were maintain that eighth spot and even es. The tournament will take place crushed last September in Dubai improve to advance automatically at The O2 from July 13-16 - but here's all you need to know... the summer tournament Star Sixes player will be a fully- played during three 'sessions' on before Star Sixes reaches a pulsat- and Abu Dhabi - and went on to to the World Cup. Confirmed Scotland players capped former international, and Thursday, July 13, Friday, July 14 ing conclusion the following day. lose the one-day international se- Pakistan have already pipped What is Star Sixes? Presented by Pitch Interna- include Dominic Matteo, Barry with each country selecting a 10- and Saturday, July 15 (afternoon With the silverware at stake, ries 3-0 too. the West Indies for the last avail- Ferguson, Don Hutchison, Paul man squad, many, many more star session). All 12 countries will play the Sunday 16 July session will But Carlos Brathwaite's team able spot at June's Champions tional (London), in partnership with Football Champions Tour, a Dickov, Christian Dailly, Simon names will be announced in the one 20-minute match in each of include two semi-finals, a third- has the opportunity to make an Trophy in England. Donnelly and Rab Douglas, while coming weeks. these sessions. place decider and the Star Sixes fi- immediate statement on home soil In what is believed will be his leading sports management agen- cy, Star Sixes will reunite the Martin Jorgensen and Stig Tofting When is Star Sixes? The evening session on July nal. against a Pakistan side riven by final series before bowing out of will line-up for Denmark. Every Group stage matches will be 15 will feature four quarter-finals, (Sky Sport) recent trouble. the international game, Misbah ul world's greatest players in their Five players, including regular Haq will then lead Pakistan in three national team colours to renew old internationals Sharjeel Khan and Tests at the conclusion of the ODI rivalries over four days of intense Mohammad Irfan, have been pre- duel as the visitors seek to make competition. Top seeds England, vented from touring as investiga- history by winning a Test series in captained by Gerrard; Brazil, fea- Linares vs Crolla II: Hosea Burton hopes to tions continue into spot-fixing al- the Caribbean for the first time. turing Roberto Carlos; and Germa- legations during last month's Paki- West Indies: Carlos Brathwaite ny, also starring Jens Lehmann, stan Super League. (captain), Evin Lewis, Chadwick avoided each other in the initial stay on course for Frank Buglioni rematch Their absence presents an op- Walton (wicketkeeper), Marlon group phase of the 12-team tour- portunity, either for players emerg- Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Jason nament. Hosea Burton returns to the ing from a period in the wilder- Mohammed, Kieron Pollard, Rov- The top two countries in each of the three four-team groups, plus scene of his first professional ness, like opening batsman Ahmed man Powell, Kesrick Williams, defeat on Saturday and already Shehzad and veteran all-rounder Sunil Narine, Samuel Badree. Pa- the two best third-placed teams, will progress to the quarter-finals. has set his sights on a rematch Mohammad Hafeez, or newcom- kistan: Sarfraz Ahmed (captain/ with Frank Buglioni. ers like Shadab Khan and Fakhar wicketkeeper), Mohammad Ha- Star names on show Zaman to stake their claims to reg- feez, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Players confirmed so far in- 'The Hammer' is back at the ular international duty. Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad clude England's Michael Owen, Manchester Arena on Saturday Sunday's match at the Kens- Nawaz, Imad Wasim, Sohail Tan- Rio Ferdinand, Emile Heskey and night, as he faces Tamas Koz- ington Oval is the first of four, with vir, Rumman Raees, Hasan Ali, David James, France's Marcel De- ma on the Jorge Linares-An- the remaining three at the Queen's Wahab Riaz. sailly, Eric Abidal, William Gallas, thony Crolla bill, live on Sky Park Oval in Trinidad at the end of Watch live coverage of West Ludovic Giuly, Olivier Dacourt and Sports 1. the week. Indies v Pakistan live on Sky Sebastien Frey. Ex-Chelsea and Burton (18-1-KO9), the Those games precede a three- Sports, starting with the first T20 Barcelona defender Juliano Bellet- cousin of Tyson Fury, lost the match ODI series Guyana, the next from 5.25pm this Sunday on Sky ti will be on duty for Brazil, while British light-heavyweight title stage in West Indies' bid to claim Sports Mix. Grab a Sky Sports former Premier League duo Deco and Jay-Jay Okocha will skipper to Buglioni last December after an automatic qualifying spot for Month Pass for half price, and let a stunning final-round stop- the 2019 Cricket World Cup in us knock your sporting socks off Portugal and Nigeria respectively. Deco will skipper Portugal in page and has revenge firmly England. with a blockbuster month of sport etched on his mind. Trounced 3-0 in their own on NOW TV. All for just £16.99. the summer tournament (Cricket News) Deco will skipper Portugal in "I would love that fight as soon as possible," he said. "I still feel as if I am the best in Britain even though he has The Rock bids for golf world record got my belt but he is only keep- The Rock has fallen agonisingly ing it for a little while until we short of breaking the world record meet again." for the longest ever golf drive, he Elena Vesnina stunned by Ajla I still feel as if I am the best has claimed. The WWE legend in Britain even though he has found some spare time during the got my belt but he is only keep- filming of Ballers, his NFL-themed Tomljanovic at Miami Open ing it for a little while until we drama, so attempted some record meet again." breaking on the golf course. "The Indian Wells champion Elena Vesn- ina crashed out of the Miami Open Hosea Burton world record longest drive is 515 Buglioni was due to make yards set in 1974," The Rock post- on Friday, losing 3-6 6-4 7-5 to world No 594 Ajla Tomljanovic. the first defence of his newly ed on Instagram about Mike Aus- acquired British title on the tin's accomplishment at US Senior Vesnina, the world no 13, beat National Open Qualifier. Upgrade Svetlana Kunetsova to claim the David Haye-Tony Bellew un- to Sky Sports now and get 12 title in the Californian desert last dercard, but suffered a cut in months for just £18 per month! week and looked to be on course sparring on the same day that "My drive here measured an for a place in the third round until he officially joined Matchroom estimated 490 yards by the scien- qualifier Tomljanovic rallied in Sports. tists holding the rulers. I failed math their match which was held over Burton though believes the when I was a kid, but I think that's from Thursday after a thunder- rematch will happen this year, kinda close." (BBC Sport) storm. The Croatian wild card had and hopes to put his career levelled the match before edging 5- 3 ahead in a tight third set before back on track this weekend. the weather intervened. Vesnina "I am dying to get back into Belfast Giants fan Blake McCaughey twice double-faulted to hand Tom- the ring," he said. ljanovic her first match points but "I never left on the best of the 23-year-old saw her chances notes in getting beat but it was named Elite League player of the week go begging. More service problems such a good fight that people A nine-year-old boy, who is set for Vesnina in the 12th game led to anese teenager Naomi Osaka in three sets 6-4 2-6 6-3, while current want to see me more now and I for open heart surgery in London a third match point, although the French Open champion and sixth seed Garbine Muguruza recovered can't wait to get back in again." in May, has been named Elite weather struck yet again, but when from a set down to beat Christina McHale 0-6 7-6 6-4. (Sky Sport) (BBC Sport) League player of the week. they returned after a brief shower Blake McCaughey was cred- Tomljanovic clinched one of the ited with Belfast Giants' third goal biggest wins of her career and a in their 5-3 home defeat by Shef- third round showdown with un- field Steelers last Friday after an seeded Czech Lucie Safarova. Two Bob Baffert hails Arrogate extra goal was awarded, timed at other seeds fell earlier in the day, 59.59. 25th seed Roberta Vinci went After being given the Giants' down in straight sets to 20-year- man of the match award, Blake old world No 111 American Tay- ahead of the Dubai World Cup then led the team around the ice lor Townsend and 24th seed Timea for their end-of-game skate where Babos was beaten by France's The Khalid Abdullah-owned four- joined in. he just has this ridiculous set of he received a standing ovation. Pauline Parmentier. Babos took the year-old has not even been racing "He's got an incredible stride - lungs, he doesn't get tired. His name was added to the first set on a tie-break in her match for a full year, yet has already won it's probably as long as I've ever "When you have a horse of official game sheet for the Elite against Parmentier but went on to the Travers Stakes, the Breeders' seen, but he's quick. He can quick- that calibre, you love seeing him League encounter and a player consumes food and drink through League, we'd like to wish Blake all win just two more games as the Cup Classic and the inaugural Pe- en and he's just a long-striding but at the same time you are in profile was also uploaded to the a feed, is a huge Giants fan and a the best and look forward to see- Frenchwoman wrapped up a 6-7 gasus World Cup. horse and can get to another horse charge of this valuable specimen. website. popular figure at the SSE Arena. ing him back on the ice again 6-2 6-0 victory. Baffert, who has trained such really quick. "In the US$12million We know what he can do so I just Blake, who suffers from a rare The Elite League said: "On soon!" Much to the delight of the American greats as Triple Crown race (Pegasus), it was down the don't get caught up in all the stuff, genetic disorder which means he behalf of everyone at the Elite (Sky Sport) home crowd, Chicago-born hero American Pharoah and previ- back side, Mike Smith actually we just stayed focused with him Townsend coasted to one of the ous winners of this race Captain moved a little early because Cali- and train him. "Once you have a biggest victories of her career with Steve and Silver Charm, believes fornia Chrome had him pinned in great one like that, you just want a 6-3 6-2 success that sets up a he has never had a horse with such and then he saw Victor (Espinoza to maintain him and keep him hap- Surrey Storm, Loughborough Lightning meeting with Kutnetsova after the a raking stride as Arrogate. The de- on California Chrome) was really py." He added: "I'm fine with the seventh seed proved too strong for cision to go to Dubai was a rela- wanting to go, but Chrome was draw (nine), I always leave it up Mandy Minella, coming through tively late one, but Baffert admits taking two strides to his one. to Mike. I didn't want to be 14 or look to maintain unbeaten records 6-2 6-2. It's the first time it had been in the back of his mind "When he (Smith) asked him on the inside. He'll play the break, on the Mavericks. This Friday, Townsend will have played the all along. he said he just caught those speed see how he jumps out of there and Team Bath entertain Team former US and French Open cham- He said: "I had to really wait horses easily and went by them. how much horse he has under him. Northumbria with Wasps in action pion and she is relishing the op- for the horse to sort of tip us off, Then he came down the straight - (Sky Sport) against Manchester Thunder. portunity. "I really like watching and it was sort of a gutsy decision Wasps have won four of their open- her play, she has won two Slams to bring him here. "I thought if I ing five games this season, with and is a great player who is play- run him here and he's doing well Thunder experiencing a mixed start ing some of her best tennis now. I then I can freshen him up for the to the season, winning three of their am playing well. I've got four fall racing, so he will definitely get first five. The attacking talent of matches under my belt and I don't a deserved vacation after this. "It Natalie Haythornthwaite is look- have anything to lose," Townsend was probably about three weeks ing forward to taking on her old said. Another American advanced ago (that we decided to run). I was Thunder team, telling the official with Madison Keys booking her sort of aiming for it if he was show- Vitality Superleague website: third round spot as she continues ing me something, then he worked "They're a great group of girls, I'm her return from injury as she beat a really strong seven-eighths - he Surrey Storm and Loughborough Both teams are in action on still in touch with them off the Switzerland's Viktorija Golubic 6- looked fantastic - so I thought we'll Lightning will be aiming to main- Saturday with Storm at home court but as soon as the whistle 1 6-2. take him over there and maybe I'll tain their perfect starts in the Vi- against winless Celtic Dragons, goes it's game on and the only thing Third seed Simona Halep also scare someone off and there'll only tality Netball Superleague season while their challengers Loughbor- that matters is getting the win. had a tough test but eventually be eight or 10 horses. "I think the this weekend. ough travel to Hertfordshire to take (BBC Sport) prevailed to see off fast-rising Jap- minute I said, 'Yes', everybody SUNDAY . MARCH 26. 2017-Hamal 06, 1396 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 232 Price: Afs.20

tactical retreat from sangin district countries showing their power of Helmand province. Ministry of off.” “Afghan government provid- Defense Spokesman Dawlat Waziri ed necessary supplies for the fol- said, “We totally reject the news, lowing district two days ago, this district control is not in the hands is the new style of handing over of the enemies, neither has fallen the supplies for the enemies.” Po- into Taliban hands nor it will and litical expert Ahmad Saiedi said. we will not let this happens, the Meanwhile Kabul resident Afghan security forces have full Ahmad said, “Falling sangin dis- control of the district.” Meanwhile trict control to Taliban with all the KABUL: Former President Hamid Karzai on Saturday met Mari Skare, Royal experts declared that International equipment and supplies is the big- players are playing complicated gest damage for the government, Norwegian Ambassador to Kabul at his office. Both sides discussed Afghanistan’s games in handing over the districts. the main story is behind the cur- current situation and strengthening of relationships between Kabul and Oslo. Political expert Zalmay Ward- tain.” Losing district control in Hel- ak said, “The main game changers mand comes after Taliban brought are the International countries Af- Khujabahawodin district of Takhar ghan government can’t do nothing, province for some hours in the long 8 militants,policeman killed in Logar Officials in Ministry of Defense officials had confirmed that sangin losing controls of districts are the run they were defeated back. AT Monitoring Desk rejected sangin district control fall district came under Taliban con- main games of the International (KP) Halim,” Saleh told Pajhwok Afghan longing to the Taliban insurgents into Taliban hands, earlier local trol and Afghan security forces did KABUL: Eight militants and a News, adding that the assailants man- were also destroyed in the inci- policeman have been killed during aged to escape. Police are looking for dent.” Syed Gulab Shah, a resident separate incidents of violence in the attackers. In the meantime, Af- of the locality, confirmed to local I will quit my job, not the province: Balkh governor Logar province, an official said on ghan security forces carried out air media that security forces bombed Saturday. While confirmed the and ground operation against Taliban a house last night. He said the news, the provincial governor insurgents in Charkh district of the house has destroyed and all insur- MAZAR-I-SHARIF : Atta Mo- mony here for the new academic let him do anything wrong. With- laxed environment,” the president spokesman, Salim Saleh said that same province. During the operation gents living there have been killed hammad Noor, the governor of year, also attended by President out giving an exact date, Noor said commented. Ghani gave the gov- the incident took place after two a compound came under attack in in the incident. Charkh is an inse- northern Balkh province, on Sat- Ashraf Ghani, Noor said he would he would resign in the near future. ernor full credit for his dedicated armed militants stormed a police Maulana Sahib area. The compound cure district of Logar, located 26 urday reiterated his intention to stand down as governor but would However, President Ghani asked work to develop the province. checkpoint in Kandahari Pul area was targeted when a gathering of Tal- kilometers south of Pul-I-Alam, resign in the near future, saying the not leave the province. The gover- the governor not talk about his res- ‘Noor had always pleaded with of the Mohammad Agha district iban fighters was in progress. Saleh the provincial capital. Same days president had asked him to delay nor promised staying in the prov- ignation as Balkh people would not Kabul for the progress of the prov- late Friday night. “The attackers, added, “eight militants were killed and back, 14 people including civilians his decision. ince to monitor the performance be happy with such a decision. ince, not for personal favours, he riding a motorbike, killed the check- three others wounded in the overnight were killed during a clash in the Addressing the opening cere- of his successor, pledging not to “We would discuss it later in a re- said. (Pajhwok) post commander, Mohammad raid. A car and two motorcycles be- Baraki-Barak district of Logar.

GARDEZ : The new academic were optimistic the target would girls, are taught by 4000 teachers in 362 schools year was officially started in south- be achieved and even surpassed. across Paktia. About 200 schools are without eastern Paktia province on Satur- Governor Zalmai Weesa also buildings in the province. day, at a time when 14 girls’ addressed the gathering. He men- schools have been closed in the tioned low quality of education, province. lack of school buildings and other The new academic year was materials and hoped the ministry launched at an official ceremony would resolve the problems. in the provincial capital, Gardez. The governor expressed con- Education director Kuchi Zazi on cern over the closure of schools in the occasion said there would be Zurmat district and said efforts no shortage of text books in the were underway to reopen them. new academic year. “Like other sectors, we have He said all textbooks would problems in the education sector arrive from Kabul to Paktia next as well. Most of our schools have week. The education director said no buildings. We also lack resourc- 14 girls schools had been closed in es for schools and it was due to Zurmat district, the largest town numerous problems that most of of Paktia. the schools in Zurmat district are “We have problem only in closed.” Zurmat district. The closed A member of the provincial schools include primary and mid- council, Mohammad Rahman Qa- dle. We have launched serious ef- deri, said the current situation of forts to reopen the schools in co- education in Paktia was of great operation with local elders.” concern. “Education is basic need, Zazi said schools in the remain- but we have been denied equal ing 12 districts of the province treatment in this crucial sector as were open. The Ministry of Edu- well. The current situation is not cation has set Paktia the target of acceptable to us. Paktia needs a enrolling 20,000 new students, half lot of work and we demand it seri- of them girls, during the new aca- ously that education be given im- demic year. portance and attention.” Nearly Provincial officials said they 190,000 students, including 50,000 Taliban commander among 82 insurgents 6 rebels held in Herat HERAT CITY : Six Taliban, in- and Sayed Eesa were among the killed in raids cluding the group commander, has detainees. The arrested individu- AT News Report been arrested in western Herat als were involved in roadside ex- province, the National Directorate plosions, murders and other crim- KABUL: At least 82 militants were killed and 42 of Security (NDS) said on Satur- inal activities. During initial inves- others were wounded in different operations with- day. The suspected militants had tigations detainees have confessed in past 24 hours, military sources said Saturday. been arrested in Qafsalan locality to their involvement in several ter- In a press release issued here, Ministry of of Enjil district, a statement from ror and criminal activities includ- Defense, (MoD) said that Afghan National Army the Spy-Network said. Taliban ing the murder of two policemen (ANA) with the cooperation of the Afghan Na- commander Safiullah and his col- and one afghan soldier. Taliban tional Police (ANP) and National Directorate of leagues Mushfeq, Wahidullah, have not commented about the ar- Security (NDS) conducted joint operations against Ghulam Mohammad, Baharuddin rest of their fighters. insurgents in different areas of Kapisa, Logar, Paktia, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Faryab, Farah, Her- at, Kunduz and Helmand provinces. Statement said that in these operations 82 insurgents were killed and 42 others were injured. This joined operation of the Defense Security Forces was supporting by the artillery and air forces, added statement. ANA discovered and confiscated weapons and ammunition in the op- erations as well.