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SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 28 . 2015 -Hoot 09, 1393 HS www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes

Spanta, politicians express concerns ABOUT STRATEGY BEHIND PEACE TALKS Former National Security Advi- sor Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta supports Kabul s new initiative to get peace talks with the Tali- ban on track, but harbors doubts about the honest commitment of Afghanistan s key partner in the process, Pakistan. In an exclusive interview with TOLOnews, Dr. Spanta cautioned the Afghan gov- ernment about putting too much Ghani terms Panjshir avalanche casualties a national tragedy, call on people for support trust in Pakistan at the expense of relations with India. The news Four diplomats among 28 arrested in Town Peshawar. that peace talks with the Taliban are on the horizon, with U.S. offi- Afghan Consul General Ibrahimkhel protested cials reportedly already having Former National Security Advisor the arrests and termed it a blatant violation of Geneva met with Taliban representatives Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta Convention on diplomatic immunity and privileges in Qatar, has been welcomed by Afghan leaders across the politi- lations with other countries. By our correspondent such acts and termed it contrary cal spectrum. Nevertheless, as in- Peace has its price, but the price to Geneva Convention pertained formation has emerged exposing for this peace must not be the PESHAWAR: At least four dip- to diplomatic immunity and priv- the extent to which Pakistan has achievements of the people of lomats were included amongst ileges. I also informed our Am- been involved in brokering the Afghanistan, its independence scores of Afghan nationals, picked bassador Janan Musazai in Islam- AT Monitoring Desk day. He added that they have on behalf of the victims families talks, a growing concern among and national unity, Spanta said. up by policemen from scattered abad and he is going to bring the kicked off sending assistance to and called for serious attention of some is that Pakistan s motives According to Afghanistan s localities of University Town Pe- matter in notice of foreign office, KABUL: The death toll from the avalanches-hit areas including Pan- the leaders of the national unity might be disingenuous. Moreover, former top national security offi- shawar and its surrounding areas Syed Muhammad Ibrahimkhel re- deadly incident of avalanches in jshir and other provinces. Ac- government to help the avalanch- others, like Dr. Spanta, have cial, the only effective way to in early hours of Thursday. marked, reminding it is not the different parts of the country has cording to him, nearly Afs100 es-hit areas. warned that increased cooperation bring insurgents to the negotiation Continuing crackdown against first instance. Two days back, I increased to more than 200 peo- million has been sent by the AND- The Chief Executive of Af- with Pakistan on the threat of the table is through resistance, not what they called Afghan nation- was stopped and blocked to pro- ple, mostly in central Panjshir MA to different provinces to help ghanistan, Abdullah Abdullah, Taliban could cause a cooling of entreaty. He argued those weigh- als illegally residing and staying ceed to my office by the person- province, which has witnessed the victim families. President thanked the president for helping ties with India, which is a rival of ing in on the talks are largely un- in the country, University Town nel of Military Police. He said heavy snowfalls in past few days. Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Fri- and assisting all avalanches-hit Pakistan but also a close ally of informed and ill-equipped to han- Police raided residential plazas that hundreds of Afghans nation- The deputy chief of Afghani- day visited the avalanches-hit areas and victims in all over the Kabul. In his interview with dle the task. Due to not having a and compartments in early hours. als are being arrested and locked stan Natural Disasters Manage- province, Panjshir to extend his country. TOLOnews, Dr. Spanta ex- good understanding of foreign At least 28 Afghan nationals re- in jails. The University Town Po- ment Authority (ANDMA), Mo- heartfelt condolences with victim President Ghani during the pressed concerns that the peace policy, Afghan politicians have siding in the area have been picked lice personnel when contacted hammad Aslam Sipas, said the families. The Presidential Palace meeting extended his heartfelt con- process could pressure leaders not paid much attention to this up and locked in the University have confirmed the raids, saying avalanches have claimed 165 lives said in a statement that the presi- dolences to the victim families and making dangerous concessions, issue, Spanta told TOLOnews. Town Police Station. Beside oth- 28 persons were detained and in Panjshir. But the deputy gov- dent attended a session in Bazar- prayed for the departed souls of particularly in the realm of nation- The experiences of other coun- ers, among the arrested persons only one of them is in custody ernor of the province recently told ak, the capital city of Panjshir, the victims of the avalanches. al solidarity, independent and re- tries have shown that, through ..P2 were included four diplomats, whereas the remaining have been media that the death toll in the where the provincial governor He provided Afs20 million to performing their assignments in set free. The policeman said 27 province has reached 187 people. briefed President Ghani about the victims of the avalanches in Pan- Peshawar based Afghanistan Con- of them proved innocent and they Sipas said that the latest fig- number of victims and those who jshir, and said all the people of sulate General. produced documents, validating ure about casualties of avalanches have been provided assistance by Afghanistan were feeling the pain The arrested diplomats were their stay in Pakistan. Only one countrywide is 233 people. He the government. of Panjshir residents, and the in- identified Third Secretary Abdul of them proved suspect and now told this to Radio Azadi on Fri- A resident of Panjshir talked cident was a national tragedy. Hameed Wahidi, Transport Offic- he is under interrogation. Though er Ghulam Sakhi Azeemi, Refu- the detention, arrests and depor- AT Monitoring Desk suicide vehicle-borne improvised gees Affairs Officer Dr. Alkozai tation become a routine matter for Sharif offers Governor sees LeJ, Chechen explosive device (SVBIED) attack and Noor Ahmad Haqjo. Coming Afghan nationals for long but the KABUL: The US Department of in Kabul, Afghanistan, which de- to know about arrests of Afghan latest round has come after dead- relief assistance State s Rewards for Justice Pro- stroyed a US armored vehicle. nationals and diplomats, Pesha- ly terrorist attack on Army Pub- militants hand behind gram offered rewards for informa- The attack killed two US soldiers, war based Afghanistan Consul lic School on December 16th, 2014. for avalanche tion on two associates of the ex- four US civilian contractors, and General Syed Muhammad Ibra- Till the end of the last month, over PASSENGERS ABDUCTION tremist group Hezb-e Islami Gul- eight Afghans including two himkhel rushed to the consulate 10,000 suspects apprehended victims buddin (HIG), a statement post- children, and wounded at least 37 general at around 7.00am. During throughout the country whereas AT Monitoring Desk Nasiri said that efforts were on to ed on the US Department of State others. The statement added that his over three hours stay in Police 1950 Afghans were deported to secure safe release of the abducted website said the other day. Saboor and HIG explosives expert Station, Syed Mohammad Ibra- Afghanistan. Hundreds of Afghans KABUL: Local official blamed passengers through mediation of According to the source, the Abdullah Nowbahar were key himkhel has established contacts are still locked in different jails for Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Jhangvi 20 tribal chieftains. We are try- Secretary of State has authorized participants in the September 18, with high ranking police officers. lack of proper transportation fa- (LeJ) and Chechen militants for ing our best to secure the release rewards of up to $3 million for 2012 SVBIED attack against a bus He during his telephonic conver- cilities for their deportation to abduction of 30 passengers on of the passengers through media- information leading to the arrest carrying foreign employees of a sation with police officers also Afghanistan via Torkham Khyber Kabul-Kandahar Highway. The tion of the tribal elders. If the ne- or conviction of Abdul Saboor and firm that provided aviation ser- shown severe resentment over Agency. acting governor of Zabul province, gotiations failed, then we will be up to $2 million for information vices to the US Embassy in Kab- Muhammad Ashraf Nasiri, said compelled to conduct a military leading to the arrest or conviction ul. More than a dozen people pets and other necessities of life that the LeJ and Chechen militants operation to rescue to them, he of Abdullah Nowbahar. were killed and nearly a dozen Taliban set for the mosque, he remarked. in cooperation with local insur- added. Siddiq Siddiqi, spokesman The statement said that HIG more were injured in the attack, The militants, he said had warned gents have kidnapped 30 passen- for the Ministry of Interior (MoI) is a derivative of Hezb-e Islami the statement said. mosque on that they would not allow people gers of the Hazara ethnic minori- told TOLOnews that they will (Party of Islam), a political and The Rewards for Justice Pro- to utilize facilities provided by the ty. Around three days ago, a num- spare no efforts to secure safe re- paramilitary organization in Af- gram is administered by the US fire in Ghazni: government. ber of unidentified gunmen lease of the abducted persons ghanistan founded in 1976 by Af- Department of State s Bureau of Pajhwok Afghan News has re- stopped buses in Shahjoi district through negotiations. Civil society ghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmat- Diplomatic Security. The state- ceived the video of the torched of Zabul province, forcing 30 pas- activists the other day staged pro- yar. HIG has espoused virulently ment said that since its inception Official mosque in which a white-bearded KABUL: Expressing condolenc- sengers to leave the busses after tests in capital Kabul demanding anti-US ideologies, and supports in 1984, the program has paid in man said that it could not be con- es over the loss of lives and dam- checking their identity cards. Ac- immediate release of the passen- making Afghanistan an Islamic excess of $125 million to more GHAZNI CITY: Taliban have set firmed who were behind that sac- a mosque on fire which left copy aged caused by avalanches in Af- cording to reports the militants gers. Some of the activists blamed state rooted in sharia (Islamic law). than 80 people who provided ac- rilegious act. But Taliban spokes- ghanistan, Prime Minister Mu- took away the passengers to Khak the government for turning blind According to the statement, tionable information that put ter- of a holy Quran burned down man Zabihullah Mujahid claimed completely in Andar district of hammad Nawaz Sharif offered Afghan district of the province. eye to the issue. Abdul Saboor is an explosives ex- rorists behind bars or prevented people of the locality were in- that Pakistan was ready to extend pert associated with HIG who is acts of international terrorism southern Ghazni province, the volved in setting the mosque on district police chief said. all possible relief assistance to Govt should keep eye on imams responsible for the May 16, 2013 worldwide. fire. He said two tribes had a claim the victims of natural disaster. Eng. Maj. Lutfullah Kamran over the mosque s property, which claimed militants torched the A statement from the prime deported form Pakistan: Experts 2 militants killed in ended in the torching of the holy minister s house said that the mes- Botched suicide mosque in Salehano locality of the place. district late Thursday night. Tal- sage was conveyed to the Afghan AT Monitoring Desk and seminaries students expelled failed rocket attack He said that Taliban would award Ambassador Janan Mosazai by from Pakistan. The government attack on iban prompted to set fire to the severe punishment to those who on Afghan forces mosque as the government has the Foreign Secretary during the KABUL: Political and military should also ask for a guarantee from burned down the mosque. meeting. We have learnt with local tribal elders that the deported Nangarhar MP recently bought loudspeaker, car- (Pajhwok) experts expressed their concerns AT Monitoring Desk deep anguish and sorrow about that the Afghan imams (prayer imams will not pose threat to Af- the avalanches in Panjsher prov- leaders) expelled from Pakistan ghanistan s security, he added. Local residents in Sharmad- leaves 3 dead Govt, Taliban ince resulting in the loss of pre- Atiqullah Amarkhel, a military ex- 8 dead in may engage in terrorist activities khel where the incident took JALALABAD: Three persons cious lives, damage to property in Afghanistan. Islamabad in its pert, cast suspicion on this move place said they heard a loud trade detainees for of the Pakistani government and were killed and 13 others wound- and destruction of hundred of crackdown on religious seminar- explosion but they are ed when the convoy of Wolesi Jir- Daikundi houses, he said. The prime min- said that the imams expulsion unaware about casualties. kidnapped workers ies and mosques in Khyber Pakh- means that preparations are under- ga member Faridoon Momand ister in his condolence message tunkhwa province held 450 Af- MAIMANA: The government way for militants spring offensive. KABUL: As many as two Tali- came under suicide attack in Jala- road mishap stated: On behalf of the govern- ghan imams and deported them to labad City, the capital of eastern has released three detained female ment and people of Pakistan, and The Taliban are expected to sit at ban militants were killed in a failed Afghanistan recently. Pakistan s the negations table, but Pakistan is rocket attack on Afghan national Nangarhar province on Friday, Chief for Miramoor district, relatives of Taliban militants in an on my own behalf, I offer our authorities have decided to expel said that a passengers exchange for as many kidnapped still supporting them against the security forces in eastern Paktika officials said. NGO workers in northern Fary- heartfelt sympathy and condo- all Afghan imams and students of Afghan government. This is a po- Ahmad Zia Abdulzai, the gov- coach overturned when it was lences to the bereaved families and province, said officials on Friday. ab province, an intelligence offi- religious seminaries from the litical move designed to give lever- The provincial governor ernor s spokesman, told Pajhwok heading to Nili, the provincial cial said on Friday. The Taliban the fraternal people of Afghani- country. The Director of Human capital, from the district. age to the Taliban in the reconcilia- spokesman, Nabiullah Pirkhel, Afghan News the attack on Mo- had released the kidnapped work- stan. We are also ready to extend Rights Organization of Afghani- tion process, he maintained. Pa- mand took place late Friday close all possible relief assistance for the said the incident took place in NILI: Eight persons were killed ers of the Coordination of Human- stan, Lal Gul Lal, told TOlOnews kistan has long been criticized for Bermal district late on Thursday to Kama district but the MP es- itarian Organization, a national victims of this natural disaster-hit and four others wounded in a traf- that the government should keep using religious seminaries as train- night. He said that two militants caped unhurt. Momand was on his non-profit non-governmental or- area. (Pajhwok) an eye on those religious scholars ing centers for militants. fic accident in central Daikundi ganization, for a swap of three were injured after the rocket ex- way to Jalalabad City from Kama province on Friday, a district ad- Uzbek women, the National Di- ploded before they manage to tar- district when a suicide bomber ministrative chief said. rectorate of Security (NDS) offi- get the check posts of the Afghan riding an explosive-laden car at- Sayyed Muhammad Hashmi, cial said. The insurgents had kid- HIT BY POOR HEALTH SERVICES troops. Local residents in Shar- tacked MP s convoy near Kama chief for Miramoor district, told napped four workers, three teach- madkhel where the incident took Bridge. Humayun Zahir, director Pajhwok Afghan News that a pas- ers and a driver, about four weeks AT HOME AFGHANS SPEND $3M ABROAD place said they heard a loud ex- of Nangarhar Civil Hospital, said ago in Khwaja Musa area of the sengers coach overturned when it AT Monitoring Desk plosion but they are unaware receiving three dead bodies and 14 was heading to Nili, the provin- Pashtunkot district, but they cent Afghans, mostly in remote tors are considered achievements about casualties. The Taliban mil- others wounded, with most of cial capital, from the district. killed one of them. areas, are deprived of healthcare of the Ministry of Public Health itants group has not commented them in critical condition. The provincial government then KABUL: Three million US dol- He blamed the dilapidated detained three female relatives of lars flow from economically de- services.He said that new schemes (MoPH) over the past 13 years, regarding the incident so far. Pak- Asadullah, an eyewitness, said condition of the road for the acci- the kidnappers and handed them pendent Afghanistan annually, are underway to provide basic yet the ministry has failed to pro- tika is among relatively volatile that the suicide bomber exploded dent. The wounded, he said had over to the insurgents in Qaiser due to poor healthcare services in healthcare services to all remote vide basic health services to all provinces in east where anti-gov- his car when Momand s car cross- been evacuated to Nili Civil Hos- district on Saturday in return for the country, said the Minister of areas. Reduction in maternal and Afghans. The ministry has also ernment groups are actively op- es the bridge. No group so far pital, with two of them were in the kidnapped workers, the Public Health. Ferozuddin Feroz child mortality rate and increase failed to prevent from import of erating and frequently carry out claimed responsibility for the at- critical condition. (Pajhwok) source said. (Pajhwok) told Azadi Radio that still 50 per- in number of hospitals and doc- substandard medicines. subversive activities. tack. (Pajhwok) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 28, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Spanta, Jihad museum and the politicians express life of a Muslim convert concerns about strategy behind heikh Abdullah, who was a Soviet intelligence officer by the name of Khakimov Bakhrodin, was captured after being injured in battle with the Mujahideen. He stayed with his captors, converting to peace talks SIslam and taking on the name Abdullah. Sheikh Abdullah got married to his wife Jamila with the support of the Jihad Museum vice president and has never returned to his former homeland. The Soviet troops withdrew from Afghanistan on February 15, 1989 after ten years of fighting against the ...P1 an approach of toleration to- Mujahideen millitamen. The Jihad Museum was built in 2010 as a memorial to the Mujahideen heroes and ward the invaders, talks won t get as a place for Afghans to understand past conflicts and their history. anywhere, but they can be brought to the peace negotiation table through resistance, he said. Spanta believes the most fool- ish part of the new peace process Afghan boys play cricket in Kabul, Afghanistan, 19 February 2015. Cricket is widely popular among has been the burning of bridges Afghans, since their national team is also participating in the current ICC World cup season, most of the with India. There was no need Afghan youth play the game in the streets during early morning and afternoon. EPA/ JAWAD JALALI to harm our relationships with India to this extent, he said. Al- though it remains unclear just how much ties with India have been The rem arkable rise strained by the new levels of co- operation between Kabul and Is- lamabad. Meanwhile, Afghan politicians of Afghanistan cricket Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayyaf, Mu- hammad Ismael Khan and Senate Chairman Fazil Hady Muslimyar fghanistan made history on sent Afghanistan in the World often sceptical about the useful- Thursday when they won Cup and hopefully I ll enjoy the ness of petitions, also says he have met with President Ashraf their first ever World Cup whole tournament, he said. does think that there is some hope. Ghani to voice their opinions on A match. Their remarkable rise has These stories are not few and Well the end goal is obviously the peace talk initiative. We captured the hearts, minds and far in between. Rwanda is anoth- for the 2019 and 2023 World strictly support peace, but we imagination of cricket fans the er country where cricket has flour- Cups to include more than 10 will announce our stance after the world over. ished despite adversity. Imagine teams. I really don t think it s a results of the peace talks, wheth- You d have to have a heart of if they were given the opportuni- pointless battle: the 2015 World er with Pakistan or the Taliban or stone not to have been moved by ty to earn some money from Cup was originally going to be a another opposition group, Mr. Shapoor Zadran falling to his knees broadcasting to help expand the 10-team tournament that the as- Muslimyar said. and then on to his face in celebra- footprint of the sport where it has sociates couldn t qualify for. Then Although news of the likeli- tion of Afghanistan s maiden World already taken root. After all, like there was outrage among the as- Museum assistant and former Soviet soldier, Sheikh Abdullah looks on at a display which depicts the hood of peace talks was welcomed Cup win on Thursday. They gave former Afghanistan coach Taj sociates and the public, and Ire- Soviet invasion of 1979 and the Afghan resistance at the Jihad Museum. Photo AFP warmly - if somewhat incredu- all involved a lesson in how to hold Malik so poignantly said on the land beat England, and here we lously - at first, over the past week your nerve when the odds are 2010 documentary Out of the Ash- are, Sharland told the Daily Mav- many Afghan leaders have begun stacked against you and complet- es, which followed the country s erick. The aim of the petition is to express concerns or add cave- ed a very nervy chase in a low- attempt to qualify for the 2011 to quantify the sense of injustice ats to that initial hope. scoring thriller. World Cup in the Subcontinent, at the decision to reduce the 2019 We want the peace that will Afghanistan s rise remains one There is a lot of problems in the World Cup, and show that the of the most heart-warming and world today. Everywhere there is presence of countries like Afghan- prevent Taliban members from happiest in cricket. It s in stark conflict, fighting and injustices istan, Ireland, Scotland and the turning into Daesh, meaning, we contrast with the tragic story of happening. The solution of all the UAE is deeply important to don t want another group to be the country the rest of the world problems is cricket. But it cricket fans, and hopefully the formed, Mr. Muslimyar said. knows. Their victory wasn t per- seems that the very governing ICC will realise that the competi- We also don t want it to cost our fect and there was some downright body who can use cricket for good tion will be bigger and better with values and the Constitution of shoddy cricket played at times, but sees fit to rather reserve it for an more teams in 2019. Afghanistan. it didn t matter. Because when elite few. The International Crick- The stories behind cricket in The Dawat Islami Party, led something means so much to a et Council (ICC) still think it s a these countries are fascinating and by Abdul Rab Rasoul Sayyaf, has group of players, it doesn t matter echoed Dr. Spanta and expressed how you get there, it s just that doubts about the loyalty of Paki- you get there. For Afghanistan, it It s a huge stan. Our party is in favor of has taken some getting there. Just peace, but we have some com- over 20 years ago, cricket was vir- win for ments: Pakistan did not win tually unknown in the country. through war, so we are afraid that Nine years ago, there was no infra- Afghanistan: they are trying to take advantage structure to support the sport of peace now, Dawat Islami many of its now players had Sunil Gavaskar learned in refugee camps in Paki- member Daud Kalakani told stan. In 2008, they were in divi- MELBOURNE: Sunil Gavaskar has TOLOnews. sion five of the World Cricket predicted a bright future for Afghan- One of the primary concerns League, playing against teams such istan after their first ever World Cup of experts is that certain compro- as Jersey and Japan. Now, they win today, saying the players from Museum assistant and former Soviet soldier, Sheikh Abdullah (Left) looks on at a display which mises might be made by negotia- have captured the hearts and imag- the strife-torn come across as nat- depicts the Soviet invasion of 1979 and the Afghan resistance at the Jihad Museum. Photo AFP tors that reverse progress made inations of cricket fans around the ural cricketers , reminding him of since the fall of the Taliban regime world. Their meteoric rise includ- West Indies greats of the past. They in 2001. The Afghan Independent ed a stint at the World T20 and come across as natural cricketers, like you need to leave them on their Human Rights Commission many memorable wins, but this the players of the past West Indies own. It is important that they don t (AIHRC), for example, has said hasn t come without challenges. team or a few players from Pakistan. get involved in too many techni- that peace without justice and While the sport is flourishing and They seem to have the ball sense, calities of the game, said the without the participation of wom- has become the most popular game their timing of the bat swing and de- former India captain. Asked about en will not be peace at all, but rath- in the country, infrastructure re- livery stride of the bowler. the significance of today s win, mains a problem. Funding (or the It all seems to come naturally to Gavaskar said: It is a huge win for er just a short-term political deal. them, Gavaskar told NDTV after them. I am sure many kids in Af- Peace without justice and lack thereof) has slowed its growth, but the team has thrived despite the World Cup debutants beat Scot- ghanistan will take up the game without respect to human rights land in a thriller in Dunedin for a now. The way they fought back in and participation of women in the adversity. But infrastructure and funding is just one challenge. Not historic win. Gavaskar had a word of the game today was fantastic. Even peace is a deal, and a political deal many captains will have had to deal advice for the talented bunch from though they lost the last two will not result in peace, These with their fathers being kidnapped Afghanistan. They are naturally games, they showed great charac- short term deals between the two while trying to help their team qual- talented and that is why sometimes ter and fight . (PTI) political groups will not resolve ify for the World Cup. During their the main problems of Afghanistan quest to clinch a spot at the 2015 good idea to take the opportunity inspiring, and there are countries and will not result in peace, World Cup, captain Mohammed to play at a World Cup away from like Nepal and PNG that are just AIHRC Director Seema Samar Nabi s father was abducted and held Afghanistan and other minnow starting out on that journey, just said. to ransom. The kidnappers want- nations. But, maybe, they won t as the ICC are trying to close the The news that peace talks ed a seven-figure payment, but end- be able to persist with their fool- door on them, he adds. But the were likely in the near future came ed up being caught and Nabi s fa- ish decision for much longer. The buck does not stop with the fans. after Pakistani Army Chief Raheel ther was freed without being associates keep knocking and An invitation for a tour from a Sharif s trip to Kabul. Upon leav- harmed. Now, Nabi is the man who knocking on the doors and the full member nation would do ing Afghanistan, Sharif promised embodies this team s phenomenal noisy swell of support for them wonders for the expansion and to reach out to senior Taliban lead- rise. You play cricket a lot in ref- is getting ever louder. An ardent betterment of the games of coun- ers, which he did, and urge them ugee camps, he told reporters cricket fan has set up a petition to tries like Afghanistan and Ireland. to meet with negotiators. The when he first arrived in Australia help the generate some more noise Do the right thing, South Africa, talks are now expected to begin in this month for the World Cup. around the issue. In just six days, Australia, England and India and Museum assistant and former Soviet soldier, Sheikh Abdullah looks on at a display which depicts Now I am the captain of Afghan- it has garnered over 11,500 signa- invite these guys to come for a the Soviet invasion of 1979 and the Afghan resistance at the Jihad Museum. Photo AFP the first week of March in Qatar. istan in the first World Cup, he tures. Cricket writer/blogger Nick tour; the fans of the sport dare (TOLONews) said. I am very happy to repre- Sharland, who admits that he is you. (Daily Maverick) The unlikely life of Afghanistan s first female taxi driver MAZAR-E SHARIF: At first beliefs were wrong. With every opportunity. The day after she call me a prostitute. If you are glance, the Toyota Corolla looked fare, Bahayi says, she is deter- received her taxi license, her first brave, introduce yourself. Who are like any other taxi bumping along mined to send a message to Af- client, a woman, was so stunned you? But she is not taking her the craggy street. In the back seat, ghan women: Get out of the house. to see Bahayi behind the wheel security lightly. This month, in- three women wore blue burqas Earn money. Don t rely on men. that she asked for a tour around truders tried to enter her house, that covered their faces and bod- For how long should women de- Mazar-e Sharif. Along the way, she said. Perhaps they were after ies. In the front passenger seat, a pend on men s income, taking the children, and even some men, her beehives, which produce hon- bearded man sat stone-faced. The men s orders? she asked. I want clapped and cheered. It was re- ey she sells to supplement her in- radio piped out a soulful Afghan them to be independent, to do ally an interesting day for me, come. Perhaps they despised her song. But the person behind the something for themselves. Role Bahayi said. But most men re- career. The next day, she bought steering wheel with coal-black model for women Improving the fused to step into her cab. At the the rifle. Now she and her broth- hair, round face and purple scarf lives of women was a key Ameri- taxi stand, her male competitors ers take turns sitting on their roof has made taxi No. 12925 a rev- can goal after the Taliban regime tried to block her car or stop her at night, guarding their house. olution of sorts. Sara Bahayi is collapsed in 2001. Far more girls potential passengers. Eventually, My mom doesn t want me to be Afghanistan s first female taxi today are in school. Afghanistan s they got accustomed to seeing her a taxi driver, Bahayi said. One driver in recent memory, and she constitution guarantees equal around. But their disapproval per- day, she asked me: Why are you is believed to be the only one ac- rights for men and women. In prac- sists. I will never allow my wife still driving? One day they will tively working in the country. tice, however, tribal traditions and to drive, said taxi driver Jan Mir, kill you. Two months ago, some She s 38. She s unmarried. She s religious strictures still subjugate 40. Women are forbidden to women came to the taxi stand, outspoken. In this highly patriar- most Afghan women and girls. drive. It is not socially acceptable. seeking to be driven to a funeral in chal society, where women are Discrimination and limited access If we did so, everyone will say a Taliban-infested area. All the considered second-class citizens to opportunities are the norm. bad things about our family with- male taxi drivers refused. So Ba- and often abused, •Bahayi is bra- Violence against women remains in our tribe. But some men in hayi donned a man s coat and sun- zenly upending gender roles. exceptionally high. United Na- Bahayi s neighborhood see a lay- glasses and drove the women. She Every day, she plies her trade tions officials and women s rights er of security for their family s knew she faced a beating, or in a business ruled by conserva- activists fear that the fragile gains women. Being a female taxi driv- worse, if the Islamist insurgents tive men. She endures condescend- women have made will be further er is like being a female doctor, learned a female was behind the ing looks, outright jeers, even eroded in light of the recent de- said Mohammad Akram, 50, a wheel. She has inspired at least threats to her life. Most men will parture of most U.S. and interna- bearded man with three of his fe- seven other women to learn how not enter her taxi, believing that tional forces, a resurgence of the male relatives inside Bahayi s taxi to drive, said Saffar of the Afghan powering local women with each If you don t feel shame, I feel burqas. So a nephew always Women s Network. All run pri- women should never drive for a Taliban, and expected reductions fare. She sends the message that shame for you, he said. Two walked with her. Not even her on a recent day. Our women feel man. Yet Bahayi earns $10 to $20 in international aid as the U.S.-led comfortable with a woman driver. vate car services for female clients. men and women have equal weeks later, she passed the road next-door neighbors knew she was Bahayi hopes they will become a day, she says, enough to pro- mission concludes. Today, few rights, said Arifa Saffar, head of test and received her license. Only employed, she said. When the Tal- They feel safe. Breaking barriers taxi drivers someday. Now, Ba- vide for her 15 relatives, includ- role models for Afghan women the Afghan Women s Network, a nine of the men passed. The man iban government was ousted, Ba- Safe. It s a feeling that is vanish- hayi wants to break another bar- ing her ailing mother. She relies on exist. There are female ministers nonprofit group helping women who chastised her failed. It was hayi became a high school teach- ing for Bahayi. As she has become rier. She s negotiating with some ferrying women shackled by tra- and lawmakers, as well as Rula in Bahayi s Balkh province. If a not the first hurdle Bahayi had er. But she couldn t support her well known in this province be- men to become partners in a car ditions and fear, who vicariously Ghani, Afghanistan s modern and man can drive a taxi, why not a overcome. In the late 1990s, the family on the income. So she de- cause of local media coverage, dealership. She will acquire the live their dreams of freedom sophisticated first lady. But most woman? She has shown the reali- Taliban killed her brother-in-law, cided to get her driver s license. A threats against her have grown. dealership license, and they will through her. In her taxi, Bahayi hail from privileged or liberal fam- ty that a woman can drive just as and she was forced to care for her sympathetic male neighbor taught But so has her resistance. You lease the place. Eventually, she tests boundaries, real and imag- ilies. Many Afghan women do not well as a man. They feel safe sister and her seven children. Ba- her how to drive in 15 days. want to start prostituting in your said, she plans to kick her part- ined, as she traverses streets and identify with them. Bahayi, Two years ago, Bahayi took a hayi worked for various aid agen- And by selling a piece of land she taxi, taking clients from one place ners out and replace them with highways. One day, she took pas- though, lives in one of Mazar-e class to acquire her license to drive cies, eking out a living. A husband inherited from her father, she to another, one person, using a women. It will become, she hopes, sengers to a Taliban area when Sharif s poorest enclaves. She has a taxi. There were 30 other stu- would never have allowed her to bought a black Toyota sedan. She female name, wrote on Bahayi s Afghanistan s first female-owned every male taxi driver refused to neither an influential position nor dents, all men. To escape the jokes work, she said. That s why I am began transporting neighborhood Facebook page. You are defam- car dealership. Sudarsan Ragha- go. Another day, she convinced a a powerful family. All she has is a and stares, she sat in the back. One single, Bahayi said, with a faint women who felt more at ease with ing the Afghan name. Bahayi re- van has been The Post s Kabul man who believed, like many hunting rifle she keeps loaded in day, she recalled, another student smile. The Taliban didn t allow her than a male driver. They en- sponded: Coward. It is very bureau chief since 2014. He was Afghans, that Islam prohibits case of intruders. Every day, she told her it was disgraceful for a women to work or leave their couraged her to become a taxi driv- shameful that you are hiding be- previously based in Nairobi and women from driving that his is among the rank and file, em- woman to take a class with men. houses without male escorts or er. Bahayi sensed an economic hind your sister s name and you Baghdad for the Post. (WP) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 28, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Govt urged to take notice of anomalies IN TAEKWONDO KABUL: As Afghanistan secured their first victory in the ongoing ICC World Cup against Scotland FEDERATION on Thursday, President Ghani, The federation ex-chief is accused of massive corruption CEO Abdullah and other high of- ficials congratulated the team and the nation. Afghanistan beat Scot- land by one wicket on Thursday at Dunedin s University Oval as they slumped to 97 for seven in pursuit of a modest victory target of 211. Samiullah Shenwari s breathtaking 96 with seven fours and five sixes took Afghanistan to EMERGENCY the brink of a sensational victory. The last-wicket duo of Hamid CALLS Hassan (15 not out) and Shapoor Zadran (12 not out) held their Police nerve, with Shapoor striking the winning boundary off Iain Ward- law three balls into the last over. 100 - 119 In a statement from the Pres- idential Palace, President Ghani Hospitals congratulated the national team Taekwondo athletes who racked up medals in various international and the Afghan nation over the FMIC Hospital championships have set up a protest camp in the capital city, Kabul historic victory and said he was proud of the boys. He also con- Behind Kabul Medical By Akhtar M. Nikzad said that they came to know about gratulated the cricket board and University: embezzlement when they were hoped the Afghan players would KABUL: Taekwondo athletes criticizing Bakhshi for the alleged continue their remarkable rise in 0202500200-+93793275595 who racked up medals in various anomalies. Once we were dis- the field. The president urged the international championships have cussing snail-pace progress of Afghans to warmly welcome their Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital set up a protest camp in the cap- taekwondo and mismanagement players on return home and re- ital city instead of preparing for by Ziaulhaq Bakhshi in the Gen- spect their achievements. Pule Bagh-e- Umomi the coming events that would take eral Directorate of Physical Edu- Afghanistan Cricket Board 070263672 place in 2016. To protest what cation and Sport. We told director spokesman Farid Hotak told Pa- they call it mismanagement and of the physical education and jhwok Afghan News the president massive embezzlement by the sport, Kramuddin Karim, that phoned Afghan cricketers and con- Khairkhana Hospital former chief of the Afghan Na- Afs1,000 per month is given to gratulated them on their maiden 0799-321007 tional Taekwondo Federation the taekwondo players. We said victory in the mega event. (ANTF), they have resigned. that it is difficult for them to com- Meanwhile, Chief Executive 2401352 Sportsmen and women have pete in international champion- Officer Abdullah Abdullah also always been complaining of inat- ships, he said, adding that when greeted the players and the nation tention by the government to- they asked for support, Karim on the victory. In today s game, Indira Gandhi Children wards their issues, but this time told that ANTF received more all the team proved their ability, Hospital, Wazir Akbar it seems more serious, because the support than other federations. Samiullah Shinwari s heroic per- taekwondo players are disap- Haidari went on saying the formance took the side to the his- Khan, Kabul 2301372 pointed, shocked and warned of director showed the documents toric victory, Abdullah said in a indefinite protest until the amount detailing all expenditures. The statement. The CEO called the embezzled by the former chief of documents had forged signatures World Cup victory a big achieve- Ibn-e- Seena the federation was not recovered. of the players. After this Karim ment for Afghanistan, a country Currently, there is no end in sight introduced Ziaulhaq Bakhshi to where hundreds of people were Pul-e-Artan, Kabul to the miseries of the athletes be- the Attorney General Office, but daily killed as a result of the war, 2100359 cause it has been more than 15 he is supported by senior officials bomb blasts and natural disasters. days of protest but the relevant of the national Olympic commit- More than 200 people were re- authorities are seemingly not tee, he said. portedly killed in various parts of Afghanistan batsman Shapoor Zadran celebrates after hitting the winning Wazir Akbar Khan much concerned. The protest He urged public to support the country in a series of ava- runs against Scotland in Dunedin. Photo: AFP Hospital camp in Zarnigar Park, not too them in the fight against corrup- lanches and flash floods triggered far from the Presidential Palace, tion in the federation and ANOC. by heavy snowfall and rains for Former president Hamid Karzai team and the Afghans over the Khogyani, Khost governor Abdul 2301741, 2301743 is visited by reporters and fans of It is time to stand against injus- three days in a row. also congratulated the national win, said Karzai. Similarly, Inte- Jabbar Naeemi and other officials the taekwondo players. tice and rampant corruption. I will Abdullah said the Afghans team on their victory. It brought rior Minister Noorul Haq Ulumi, congratulated the team and the Last month, eight taekwondo not budge from the stand I have with their victory in the World me joy when I learned Afghani- former finance minister Dr. Hazrat nation over the victory. Ali Abad players who are heroes for the taken, he vowed. Cup sent out a message of peace stan have defeated Scotland in the Omar Zakhilwal, Balkh governor The US Embassy in Kabul Shahrara, Kabul public have tendered their resig- Coach of the national taek- to the world that they wanted to World Cup. I congratulate from Atta Mohammad Noor, Maidan also greeted the Afghans over the nations as a protest due to alleged wondo team, Bashir Taraki, who live in peace like other nations. the core of my heart the national Wardak governor Abdul Majeed victory. (Pajhwok) 2100439 wide-scale embezzlement, corrup- also resigned in protest, said that tion, mismanagement and double corruption and negligence in the Malalai Maternity standard of the Afghan National federation affected the taekwon- Helmand elders tag Olympic Committee (ANOC) and do team and as a result Afghani- 3 welfare projects Hospital ANTF. stan s ranking rapidly fell down For the first time it was Ro- in the World Taekwondo ranking anti-poppy projects useless 2201377/ 2301743 hullah Nikpai, the two-time implemented in Nimroz system in 2015. Afghan taek- LASHKARGAH: Tribal elders said not even three percent of peo- Olympic medalist, who resigned wondo team had 8th position in three weeks ago. Nowadays he is and farmers on Thursday claimed ple in Helmand had jobs, they Banks the World Taekwondo ranking Public welfare projects have been projects implemented by the lacked food and were being ha- living in Europe. system but now the team slipped completed at a cost of 7 million afghanis. The 27-year old renowned th Ministry of Counternarcotics to rassed by the government under Da Afghanistan Bank to 140 position. discourage poppy cultivation in various pretexts. He said the gov- taekwondo player resigned when He said that mismanagement 2100302, 2100303 the ANOC officials continued to ZARANJ: Three development Eng. Farid Ahmad Azami, act- southern Helmand province were ernment was razing to the ground in the federation and nepotism in projects completed in Kang dis- ing director of Rural Rehabilita- not fundamental and had no im- people s homes and arresting the exploit the young athletes despite the ANOC are major reasons be- Kabul Bank complaints. He accused the trict of southwestern Nimroz tion and Development (RRD) de- pact. Some 300 tribal elders and youth in the name of poppy grow- hind worsening ranking of the na- province on Thursday but resi- partment, said the public welfare farmers attended a gathering in ers and the injustices had led to ANOC officials of spoiling the tional team. 222666, 070285285 future of athletes by embezzling dents demanded asphalting of projects have been completed at a Lashkargah, the provincial capi- increased opposition to the gov- Responding to a question, he roads and construction of bridg- cost of 7 million afghanis. tal, to voice their concerns about ernment. Azizi Bank the money provided for develop- pointed out that eight months ago ment of sports in Afghanistan. es. Officials said that the complet- Acting Governor Amir Mo- the increase in poppy cultivation Helmandis want nothing Najibullah Sikandar was elected ed schemes included five kilome- hammad Akhunzada said the gov- in the province, the world s lead- from the government except se- 0799 700900 Following Nikpai resignation, by players and provincial clubs many other athletes tendered their tres road, construction of 370 ernment and NGOs did not allo- ing opium producing region. The curity, food, clothing and medi- Pashtany Bank as chief of the ANTF but he was metres of school wall, and gradu- cate funds for the construction of deputy counternarcotics minister cine. If these are provided, there resignations. Neela Ahmadi, who not introduced to the internation- 2102908, 2103868 has won many medals in interna- ation of 30 women from training roads and bridges in the district. was also present at the gathering. will be no war and no problem. al taekwondo federation by chief course in carpet sewing. (Pajhwok) Wolesi Jirga member from Hel- Deputy Counternarcotics Minis- tional championships for Afghan- of the ANOC. istan, also announced her resigna- mand, Nasim Niazi, said the Min- ter Mohammad Ibrahim Azhar ac- Air Services He termed resignation of Ro- istry of Narcotics had implement- knowledged problems existed in tion. hullah Nikpai and other athletes a Other athletes including Ma- ed a number of short-tem projects Helmand and promised to work great loss for the sport and said Ban on heavy vehicles aimed at encouraging farmers not for their solution. He said the Safi Airways sood Karimi, Farahnaz Yaqoubi, that even in the coming decades Mahmood Haidari , Bashir Taraki to cultivate the illicit plant, but poppy eradication campaign 020 22 22 222 no one could fill the void left by the schemes had no long-lasting would be launched from Friday and Humaira Mahmoodi also re- the young but prominent and entry sparks corruption signed in protest against the al- impact. (tomorrow) in Helmand, which he Ariana hardworking players. Still a buzkhashi game is un- said produced 50 percent of Af- leged mismanagement and corrup- Taraki urged President Ashraf KABUL: A recent decision by midnight. Zahidullah Basharmal, tion in ANOC and ANTF. National Security Council (NSC) representative of a cement import- derway between some high offi- ghanistan s narcotics. He said the 020-2100270 Ghani and Chief Executive Offic- cials who have confined the poppy production in Helmand Instead of practicing to fight er Abdullah Abdullah to intervene to ban cargo trucks entry into ing company, said they were com- their rivals in the ring, the ath- Kabul city for security reasons pelled to pay $350 to $400 extra awareness-creating, law imple- was the main reason behind inse- and take notice of the injustices, mentation and other projects to curity, corruption and other prob- Kam Air letes have gathered for combat nepotism, corruption and mis- has caused a spike in prices of on each truck. He said despite against corruption an unfortu- goods and pave way for corrup- paying for city s municipality they paper only. Provincial council lems that prevented basic infrus- 0799974422 management in the federation and head Haji Mohammad Karim Atal trucutre development projects nate phenomenon. This scribe the Olympic committee. tion, traders complained on Thurs- also have to pay police now to be found the taekwondo players in day. The unloading of heavy able to enter Kabul. Haji Issa, an told the gathering if foreigners and from being implemented. He said Hotels The protesting players said the ministry concerned wanted to his ministry had so far completed the camp sick due to blood-freez- the protest would continue until trucks outside the city and lack of importer of sugar, complained ing weather, but with high spirit. storage facilities has irked traders that those who did not pay bribes prevent poppy cultivation in Hel- construction projects worth $10.5 Safi Landmark Rohullah Nikpai returns to the mand, they should first deal with million in Helmand and the new The disappointed athletes country and Najibullah Sikandar and other stakeholders. had to unload their trucks outside warned that they would continue After a rise in insecurity, the the city and then transfer their international smugglers and imple- projects would be related to the 020-2203131 was introduced to the internation- ment basic infrastructure develop- agriculture sector. A tribal elder their pretest last breath if the gov- al federation as chief of the ANTF. NSC decided to ban heavy trans- goods to Kabul with small vehi- ernment remained in the deep port vehicles from entering Kab- cles was very expensive. Business- ment projects, something yet to from Marja district, Haji Sardar SERENA However, the former chief of the be done. He said hundreds of farm- Mohammad Haqyar, told Pajh- slumber and their demands to federation Ziaulhaq Bakhshi ul. The decision is being imple- man Haji Subhan said the decision bring the ex-chief to the court of mented for the last three weeks. was taken for security reasons but ers were languishing in jails on wok Afghan News government s 0799654000 termed the allegations baseless and charges of cultivating poppy projects and campaigns only re- justice and eliminate corruption a plot against him. If I am in- Khan Jan Alkozai, deputy there were no government control from the federation were not head of Afghanistan Chamber of at the storage facilities. These trad- crops in their fields despite their mained confined to paper and volved in corruption then why the urgency to grow the plant due to funds for them always ended up New Rumi Restaurant met. The protesting athletes in the Attorney General Office does not Commerce and Industries ers warned if the government did camp showed the documents to (ACCI), told Pajhwok Afghan not lift the ban they would stop extreme poverty. Helmand peace in pockets of the officials con- 0776351347 investigate the matter and prose- committee chief Fazl Bari Fayaz cerned. (Pajhwok) Afghanistan Times that were cute the cases. The players are News the decision by NSC had importing goods to Kabul. Lt. clearly telling a whole new and paved way for more corruption. Gen. Abdul Rahman Rahimi, Kabul Internet Services upsetting story about corruption. creating controversies to divert public attention from their poor He claimed for allowing entry to police chief, rejected allegations The players alleged that the cor- each truck some police officers that police took bribes. Crews working hard to UA Telecom ruption was committed by the performance in the international 0796701701 / 0796702702 matches, he said. When Afghan- took 5,000 to 15,000 afs in bribe. Because the decision is about former chief of ANTF, Ziaulaq Fruit and vegetable traders, he to be implemented and naturally CLEAR SALANG ROAD Bakhshi. Mahmood Haidari, a istan Times contacted chief of the ANOC, Fahim Hashimi, he said said, had no choice but to pay people will raise objections, he Exchange Rate taekwondo player, in an interview bribe and enter the city around added. (Pajhwok) CHARIKAR: Crews were work- cleared and traffic allowed move- with Afghanistan Times said: We that he is not supporting Bakhshi ing rigorously to clear the Salang ment over the next two days. He tendered our resignation in pro- or any other person. He said the Highway from snow after ava- asked drivers not to ply the route Purchase: test. We are against the widespread ANTF is an independent federa- lanches fears prompted authorities until the operations were over. corruption and embezzlement. tion and it should deal itself with to close the strategic road that con- We ll keep informed people about One US$ = The government shall bring Ziaul- the internal problems. He said that nects Kabul with northern Afghan- the progress in snow clearing haq Bakhshi and his colleagues, some members of the taekwondo istan, an official said. through the media, Rajab added. 57.20Afs involved in corruption, to the team elected Najibullah Sikandar Heavy snowfall that lashed Heavy snowstorm and avalanche One Pound Sterling= court of law. Haidari is a full con- but majority of the players were northern provinces for a third day in northern Salang had damaged 87.90Afs tact fighter who bagged medals in against Sikandar. The national in a row triggered massive ava- three power cable lines traversing international taekwondo contests. Olympic committee chief said that lanches that killed nearly 200 peo- the tunnel, cutting power to much One Euro = He earned three gold medals in he would introduce anyone to the ple, with scores of others missing. of Kabul since earlier this week. 64.92Afs 2009 and 2010. He said that Ba- international federation but if The Salang district of central Rajab Ali said snow had stopped 1000 Pak Rs = khshi took millions of Afghanis elected with majority. Afghani- Parwan province has been cut off falling on the road since last night from the General Directorate of stan Times several times contact- by heavy snowing and snow-clear- and they had made an emergency 556Afs Physical Education and Sport of ed the Attorney General Office for ing operations to clear the Salang lane to help electricity officials Sale: Afghanistan under the pretext of comments on the case against road entered a second day on reach the damaged power lines. One US$ = expenditure over players in inter- Ziaulhaq Bakhshi, but failed as the Thursday, said Lt. Gen. Moham- He said they started using ar- national matches. However, the officials were not willing to com- mad Rajab Ali, the Salang mainte- tillery guns on Thursday to trigger 57.40Afs funds were embezzled by the ex- ment. In the whole case, the most nance head. He told Pajhwok Af- artificial avalanches. He said 330 One Pound Sterling= chief of the federation while forg- important question is that which ghan News the snow-removing centimeters of snow was measured 88.70Afs ing signatures, added the athlete side is supported by public. operations that started on Wednes- in places in the area where tem- One Euro= Through interviews with locals in who clinched medals for the coun- day involved 11 teams of crews. perature was recorded minus 17 65.52 Afs try in international taekwondo the capital city, this scribe found After a rise in insecurity, the NSC decided to ban heavy He said if the operations contin- degree Celsius, humidity 71 per- competitions. that public had put their weight transport vehicles from entering Kabul. The decision is being ued interrupted, the road near the cent and visibility up to about five 1000 Pak Rs= 564Afs Responding to a question he behind the taekwondo players. implemented for the last three weeks. Russian built tunnel would be metres. (Pajhwok) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATUREDAY . FEBRUARY 28 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES All must unite to prevent horse trading in Senate NEW DELHI: Describing the bi- lateral Defence Trade and Technol- polls: Sharif ogy Initiative (DTTI) as a "vehi- cle" for closer strategic ties, the US has once again stressed the need for India to ink the three military "foundational" pacts it has been pushing for over a decade now. Under the UPA regime, India had made it clear it did not want to ink the three pacts, which are Logis- tics Support Agreement (LSA), Communication Interoperability and Security Memorandum Agree- ment (CISMOA) and Basic Ex- change and Cooperation Agree- ment for Geo-Spatial Cooperation (BECA). But with the Modi gov- ernment coming to power last year, the US has renewed its efforts on this front, as earlier reported by TOI. On Thursday, after another round of the DTTI co-chaired by defence production secretary G Mohan Kumar and US undersec- retary of defence Frank Kendall, US officials said if India did not sign the pacts, it would become "an issue" at some point in the fu- ture as the two countries worked head of the Senate elections, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has on high-end defence technology. urged all parliamentary leaders to work together to prevent horse Though Kendall stressed the pacts Atrading. “Electoral reforms and transparency in Senate elections were not directly linked to DTTI, have a strong correlation,” the premier said, while addressing parliamen- his colleague deputy assistant sec- tary leaders in Islamabad. Condemning the act of buying votes, the retary (defence trade controls) premier said, “In our reform package, we have stated we need to stop Kenneth Handelman said they such practices.” “All of us need to work together to prevent people would become necessary in the from buying votes as it taints our name and the sanctity of the Senate,” long run. "DTTI has progressed in he added. The meeting was attended by parliamentary leaders, including the absence of the foundational Khawaja Asif, Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Saad Rafique, Khursheed Shah, agreements...but at some point the Sherry Rehman, Arif Alvi, Shireen Mazari and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. foundational agreements are going The Lahore High Court on Tuesday sought a reply from the Election to be an issue whether it's the LSA Commission of Pakistan for failing to implement Articles 62 and 63 of or CISMOA," he said. The US the Constitution while scrutinising candidates for elections to the Sen- says CISMOA and BECA are ba- ate. Read: Senate elections: ‘ECP failed to honour obligations’ Justice sically "technology enablers" Syed Mansoor Ali Shah was hearing a petition filed against the failure of which will allow it to transfer high- ships and aircraft on a barter or an equal-value exchange basis. The US has earlier given "non-papers" - informal discussion papers -- on the pacts the commission to fulfil its constitutional obligations in this regard. tech avionics and electronics to to the UPA government but nothing came out of them, even though India agreed in 2009 to the End-Use Monitoring Agreement (EUMA) for the Azhar Siddique, the counsel for the petitioner, said the lax scrutiny of India. The LSA, modelled on the defence equipment it was buying from America. As for the DTTI, India and the US had agreed to begin co-development and co-production of four candidates had allowed many an ineligible person to contest the elec- Acquisition and Cross-Servicing modest "pathfinder projects" as well as explore development of aircraft carrier technologies and jet engines under it during Barack Obama's visit here tions. Earlier, in a statement issued by PPP’s media office, former pres- Agreements the US has inked with last month. The pathfinder products are the Raven mini unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), "roll-on, roll-off" mission modules for C-130J Super ident Asif Ali Zardari said that issues of electoral reforms and prevent- scores of countries, in turn, envis- Hercules aircraft, mobile electric hybrid power sources, and chemical-biological warfare protection gear for soldiers. With India trying to finalize ing horse trading should be addressed by all parties together and not by ages the two militaries providing the plan to construct a 65,000-tonne aircraft carrier, INS Vishal, it has also asked the US to share technology for EMALS (electromagnetic aircraft the government alone, rather the government should convene an all par- logistic support, refuelling and ber- launch systems). This will be important since India wants the proposed carrier to have CATOBAR (catapult assisted take-off but arrested ties meeting. thing facilities for each other's war- recovery) configuration for launching fighters as well as heavier aircraft from its deck. India, Israel to LeT key irritant in Pakistan-India relations: US intelligence official build missile Pakistan’s provision of safe havens senting the report in a hearing of attack on a school in December – tween the countries will prevent short of high public expectations. undertaking energy and economic to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) will con- the United States Senate Armed leaving over a 100 children dead. substantial progress.” Clapper also “The premier’s standing weakened reforms in the future will not be defense system tinue to be a key irritant in rela- Services Committee on Thursday, On relations with Afghanistan, the commented on the progress made when he reportedly sought the devoid of challenges and is likely tions with India, Director of US Clapper said in 2015, the Paki- testimony said, “We judge that Pa- by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s Army’s assistance to handle the to face opposition from the popu- National Intelligence James Clap- stani government will probably kistan will aim to establish posi- government in addressing local is- protracted opposition protests in lar and political fronts. “Pakistan per claimed in his testimony on focus on diminishing the capabili- tive rapport with the new Afghan sues. He said the premier’s pledg- the second half of 2014, ” he add- will probably continue to imple- “World Threat Assessment of the ties of the outlawed Tehreek-e- government, but longstanding dis- es to tackle energy, economic and ed. Speaking about the economic ment some economic reforms,” he US Intelligence Community”. Pre- Taliban (TTP), which claimed the trust and unresolved disputes be- security issues in the country fell reforms in Pakistan, Clapper said further said. Sri Lanka says China US calls for due process, room for NEW DELHI: India and Israel agreed to jointly develop a medi- to be consulted on um-range surface-to-air missile Bangladesh political opposition (MRSAM) system for the Indian Army to replace Russian-made air The anti-graft court's warrants any project re-think defense systems, said a source in were over cases in which Khaleda the Indian Defence Ministry. The is accused of embezzling $650,000 land version of MRSAM would during her last term as prime min- be an extension of the ongoing Air ister from 2001 to 2006. Khaleda Force MRSAM project, which is is also facing charges of instigating expected to begin induction by violence. Khaleda has denied the 2017, three years behind scheduled. charges, calling them politically The Army has an immediate need motivated. Her Bangladesh Nation- for one regiment (18 systems) of alist Party (BNP) stepped up pro- MRSAMs at a cost of $1.5 bil- tests last month, aiming to force lion, but the total requirement for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to these systems is estimated to be step down and hold an election more than $6 billion, said an Army under a neutral caretaker adminis- official. The agreement to jointly tration. Hasina has refused, instead develop the land version of MR- tightening her grip by arresting SAM, which will have a range of opposition leaders and clamping up to 70 kilometers, emerged dur- down on critical media. The Bang- ing a Feb. 22 meeting here between ladesh government denied exerting visiting Israeli Defense Minister any influence over the process, Moshe Ya'alon and his Indian coun- saying the warrants were issued terpart, Manohar Parrikar, the only after Khaleda failed to appear source added. Negotiations for de- in court on multiple occasions. veloping the land version had been "There is no political intention of put on hold two years ago follow- this present government to harass ing delays in the Air Force project. Begum Khaleda Zia," Iqbal Sob- However, several rounds of nego- han Chowdhury, a media adviser tiations between Indian and Israeli to the prime minister told Reuters. officials during the last six months "Now it is the responsibility of have finalized the joint develop- the law and order agency to exe- ment agreement for the land ver- cute the order of the court." "For a sion, the source added. The Army peaceful political solution, the mobile MRSAM systems will be BNP must stop violence and kill- jointly developed by India's state- owned defense research agency, the WASHINGTON:The United day, an action likely to increase ed States stood ready to help. "We ing," Chowdhury said. "Amid non- stop violence, a dialogue cannot be Defence Research and Develop- States hopes due process will be tension fuelling anti-government do hope and expect there will be ment Organization, and Rafael and followed after an anti-corruption protests in which more than 100 due process in terms of pursuing held." Bangladeshi politics has ri Lanka will not make any conference, citing what he told his been mired for years in rivalry be- decision on Chinese projects Chinese counterpart. Sri Lanka Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) court in Bangladesh issued arrest people have been killed in the past of any charges," Biswal said. "It's of Israel. Both sides will develop warrants for former prime minis- month. Nisha Biswal, assistant also equally important that the tween Hasina and Khaleda. Both Sit is reviewing until it consults will always welcome Chinese in- women are related to former na- China, Sri Lanka's foreign minister vestment and it would now be an subsystems although the details of ter and opposition leader Khaleda secretary of state for South and government provides space for that arrangement have yet to be Zia, the top U.S. diplomat for Central Asia, told a news briefing peaceful political opposition to be tional leaders and have alternated said on Friday, pledging that his new even safer place in which to in- as prime minister for most of the government would welcome Chi- vest, he said. "We are trying to finalized. The system will be pro- South Asia said. The warrants for the political tension needed to be able to exist and to create an inclu- duced by India's state-owned Khaleda were issued on Wednes- addressed internally, but the Unit- sive political processes," she said. past two decades. nese investors. Sri Lankan President ensure that there is a level playing Maithripala Sirisena has unnerved field for all investors and a condu- Bharat Dynamics Ltd., in partici- China with his re-examination of cive environment for investment pation with domestic private sec- certain projects that China has in- based on the restoration of the rule tor companies Tata Power SED vested in, including a $1.5 billion of law, democracy, good gover- and Larsen & Toubro, the source Nepal Supreme Court rejects "port city" project in Colombo. nance and transparency," Sama- added. IAI has declined to com- India, which lost out to China in raweera said. "All proposals in fu- ment on the program. An Indian infrastructure development on the ture will be considered totally on Army official said the service has Indian Ocean island, was in partic- merit." Samaraweera is in China to needed a new surface-to-air mis- ular worried about the security prepared for an expected visit by sile system for more than a decade amnesty for war crimes to replace Russian-made Kvadrat threat posed by Chinese ownership Sirisena next month. Chinese For- of land, aggravated by the docking eign Minister Wang Yi said China and OSA-AKM systems bought Nepal’s Supreme Court has reject- onciliation,” Supreme Court offi- the order late on Thursday to a peace deal between the rebels and of Chinese submarines in Colombo remained a good partner of Sri Lan- between 1970 and 1980. The ed the possibility of amnesty for cial Baburam Dahal told Reuters courtroom filled with victims of the the government included a com- last year. Last week, Sri Lanka said ka. "China is willing to continue Army wants to use the MRSAM perpetrators of serious human on Friday. The government said it war and their families, in response mitment to investigate abuses with- it would reconsider the outright being a trustworthy and reliable to defend mechanized formations rights abuses during a decade-long would honour the court’s decision. to a petition filed by more than 200 in six months of the war’s end. But transfer of a parcel of land to China development partner ... and will operating in the plains and desert civil war, in a victory for human Government forces and Maoist victims challenging the discretion- attempts by successive govern- under the port city deal signed by also keep doing its best to provide regions of the country. In 2008, an rights activists and victims’ rebels were both accused of war- ary powers given to the commis- ments to set up truth and reconcil- the previous government, amid con- assistance for Sri Lanka's social and attempt to acquire MRSAMs from groups. For years, Nepal has been time abuses, including unlawful kill- sions. Dinesh Tripathi, a lawyer iation panels failed due to political cern it could be used for by the economic development," Wang the global market failed because grappling with how to bring jus- ings, arbitrary arrests, disappear- representing victims, said the ruling infighting. Last year, the ruling al- Chinese navy. Speaking in Beijing said. India had grown increasingly none of the bidders qualified un- tice to victims of human rights abus- ances, rape and torture. A law a “landmark” decision. “It is a seri- liance and the Maoist opposition after meeting his Chinese counter- wary of former president Mahin- der India's transfer of technology es committed during the conflict passed last year to set up recon- ous blow to political parties who party passed compromise legisla- part, Sri Lanka Foreign Minister da Rajapaksa's pursuit of closer requirements. In 2009, India and between Maoist rebels and the se- ciliation commissions that could wanted the commissions to work tion that set up two investigative Mangala Samaraweera said he did ties with China, which became a Israel agreed to jointly make the curity forces. More than 17,000 grant amnesty to those responsi- according to their convenience,” Mr. panels, the Truth and Reconcilia- not discuss the port issue directly, key supporter of the island's econ- air version of MRSAM, but it is people were killed, 1,300 people ble for grave human rights viola- Tripathi said. Victims of the con- tion Commission and the Commis- and the government was not only omy after its 26-year-civil war still under development despite a disappeared, and thousands were tions was widely condemned as a flict also welcomed the decision. sion on Enforced Disappearances, looking into Chinese projects. ended in 2009. China has built a planned delivery time of 2013-14 displaced during the war that end- move to protect alleged perpetra- “We have demanded time and again and allowed them to grant amnes- "Anything relating to Chinese in- seaport and airport in the south of because of unspecified technical ed in 2006. “The court has struck tors, many of whom still occupy that there must be the victim’s con- ty in cases involving grave viola- vestment will be shared and dis- the country, raising fears it is seek- snags in the initial tests of the pro- down the amnesty provision from positions of influence in the mili- sent for reconciliation,” said Suman tions of rights. The legislation was cussed with the government of Chi- ing influence in a country with totype, the MoD source said. First the law and said the consent of the tary and political parties. A three- Adhikari of the Conflict Victims' widely condemned by internation- na before we take any final deci- which India has traditionally had delivery is now expected by 2017, victims is necessary for any rec- judge Supreme Court bench issued Common Platform group. A 2006 al human rights groups. sion," Samaraweera told a news deep ties. the source added. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 28 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES North Korea steps up verbal threats ahead of US-South Korea KIEV : Ukraine on Friday report- ed the first deaths in three days in military drills east Ukraine, denting hopes a ceasefire will hold, and President Petro Poroshenko said Russia would pose a "military threat" even if the truce is solid. Government troops fighting pro-Russian sepa- ratists in the east began towing ar- tillery away from the front line on Thursday, a sign that Ukraine's military recognised a ceasefire meant to take effect on Feb. 15 was at last holding. But Kiev's mil- itary later announced the deaths of three servicemen in the past 24 hours, following two full days without fatalities that had raised hopes of the truce holding. "Even under the most optimistic scenar- io ... the military threat from the east would unfortunately remain," Poroshenko said, referring indirect- EOUL : North Korea ramped up its threatening language against ly to Russia in a televised speech the United States on Friday, days before the start of annual joint at the National Defence Universi- SU.S.-South Korean military exercises that often trigger an angry ty. Kiev and Western governments response from Pyongyang. North Korea regularly protests the annual have accused Russia of sending exercises, which it calls a rehearsal for war, and has recently stepped up troops and weapons to support its own air, sea and ground military exercises, amid a period of increased the separatists in east Ukraine, tension between the rival Koreas. "The DPRK will wage a merciless despite a peace deal agreed in the sacred war against the U.S. now that the latter has chosen confronta- Belarussian capital Minsk on Feb. tion," the country's official KCNA news agency said, quoting from an 12, but Moscow has denied this. article in the ruling Workers' Party newspaper, the Rodong Sinmum. The situation in the conflict zone DPRK is short for Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the coun- was "relatively calm" overnight, try's official name. "Nuclear weapons are not a monopoly of the U.S.," Ukrainian military spokesman the article said. "The U.S. is seriously mistaken if it thinks its mainland Anatoly Stelmakh said, although is safe." North Korea frequently makes such threats against the United he reported isolated attacks by in a televised briefing. "Sufficient have been pulling back heavy from Ukraine last year following cow has in turn raised doubts States and South Korea, which said on Tuesday the two would begin rebels on Ukrainian troop posi- troops and resources remain along weapons since Tuesday. Kiev says the overthrow of a Moscow-lean- about Kiev's commitment to the eight weeks of joint military drills from March 2. On Friday it said the tions. Ukraine continued to with- the front line in case the terrorists it fears the rebels could be regroup- ing president in Kiev. Military ceasefire and asked whether the United States was "much upset by the fact that there may be a sign of draw its weapons on Friday, but and the forces supporting them ing and preparing to attack Mari- spokesman Andriy Lysenko said United States and the European detente on the Korean peninsula, thanks to the DPRK's initiative and the army will remain on high alert violate the ceasefire," he said. The upol on the Sea of Azov, as cap- a convoy of GRAD missile sys- Union, which have imposed eco- efforts to achieve peace this year". However, overtures for dialogue by in case of a new offensive from the rebels, who committed to the truce turing the port city would help tems and other equipment had been nomic sanctions on Russia, really both Koreas in recent months have stalled, with Pyongyang recently separatists, Defence Ministry only after seizing a strategic town open up a corridor to the Crimea tracked leaving rebel-held Donetsk want the Feb. 12 peace deal to suc- describing inter-Korean relations as "inching close to a catastrophe." spokesman Serhiy Galushko said in a humiliating defeat for Kiev, peninsula which Russia annexed in the direction of Mariupol. Mos- ceed. Libya needs international Assad decries ‘isolation’ in face of extremism: French lawmaker and met with high-ranking officials er.” “(They) have taken it upon naval force: including Assad on Wednesday. themselves to meet with a dictator The visit drew an angry response who is the cause of one of the UN experts from the French government, worst civil wars of recent years,” which cut diplomatic ties with Hollande told reporters during a Libyan authorities are unable to Damascus in 2012. “Bashar al- visit to the Philippines. Zocchet- halt the illicit trade in oil or the Assad is reserved, he does not eas- to said both the head of the Senate flow of weapons in and out of the ily confide in people,” Zocchetto and its foreign affairs commission country, and they need an interna- told Radio Classique. “He said he were made aware of the private tional maritime force to help, Unit- expected to no longer remain iso- trip. He added that one of the oth- ed Nations sanctions monitors said in a new report. The confidential lated in the face of the terrorist er lawmakers on the visit -- Ger- report by the U.N. Security Coun- threat.” The trip was feted by Syr- ard Bapt from the ruling Socialist cil’s Panel of Experts on Libya, ian media as reflecting rising senti- party, who did not attend the talks first seen by Reuters on Thurs- ment within Western countries that with Assad -- had also informed day, will likely increase pressure their governments should re-engage the presidency and the foreign min- on major world powers to consid- with Assad to try and resolve the istry. “We do not carry an official er intervention to stop the North four-year conflict and rein in the message from the French govern- African state from spinning fur- radical Islamic State of Iraq and ment,” Zocchetto said. “It’s hard ther out of control. “The capacity Syria (ISIS) group, which controls to say that we want to fight against of Libya to physically prevent swathes of the country. But both terrorism in France and ignore (arms) transfers is almost nonex- French President Francois Hol- what is going on in Syria. “This istent and there is no authoriza- lande and Prime Minister Manuel secular state could disappear to- tion to enforce the arms embargo Valls condemned the lawmakers’ morrow... because right now there on the high seas or in the air as Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad no longer wants to “remain isolated in the face of the terrorist threat”, one of the French lawmakers who met him in talks with Assad, whom they de- is no longer any moderate Syrian there were during the 2011 revolu- Damascus on a much-decried private trip said Friday. Senator Francois Zocchetto was one of several lawmakers who travelled to the Syrian capital scribed as a “dictator” and “butch- opposition.” tion,” the panel wrote in the re- port. The 15-nation Security Council imposed an arms embargo on Libya in 2011 to stop delivery Foreigner shop Turkish police seal off street outside of weapons to the government of former leader Muammar Gaddafi during his crackdown on pro-de- mocracy demonstrations. Under owner set alight US consulate, detain suspect the embargo, the government can ISTANBUL: Turkish police on import munitions with approval Friday sealed off a street outside of a council committee. “The ab- the U.S. consulate in Istanbul, a sence of universal enforcement of in South Africa Reuters witness said, and local the embargo, the very high demand media reported a suspect had been for (arms) materiel and the resourc- detained. Dogan News Agency said es and support available to fight- police had detained a man, believed ing parties to procure materiel in- to be mentally unstable, for ques- dicate that continuing large scale tioning. A police official said he was illicit trafficking is inevitable,” the report said. The panel urged the not able to immediately comment. Security Council to form an inter- A U.S. diplomat told Reuters the national maritime force “to assist consulate had taken precautionary the Libyan government in secur- measures following a security ing its territorial waters to prevent alert. Istanbul has been on high se- the entry into and exit from Libya curity alert since January, when a of arms ... the illicit export of crude suicide bomber blew herself up at oil and its derivatives and other a police station in the historic Sul- natural resources.” The Libyan tanahmet district, killing one of- Mission to the United Nations was ficer and wounding another. not immediately available to com- ment on the report. Reuters could not independently verify the alle- Somali pirates gations in the report. Earlier this olice in South Africa say nine working in the country are target- month, Libya and Egypt asked the people have been arrested ed. Foreign-owned shops in sev- release United Nations Security Council Pafter a foreigner was set alight eral parts of Gauteng were looted to lift the arms embargo on Libya, outside Johannesburg, the latest in in January following the shooting fishermen held impose a naval blockade on areas a string of xenophobic attacks in of Siphiwe Mahori, by a Somali not under government control and the country. Lieutenant Kay Ma- shop-owner. The fourteen-year- for five years help build Libya's army to tackle khubela, a spokesperson for the old teenager was allegedly part of Islamic State and other militants. South African Police Services in a group trying to rob the store our Thai fishermen held Libya has descended into faction- Gauteng told Al Jazeera on Friday when the Somali opened fire, kill- hostage by Somali pirates al fighting, leaving it almost law- that calm had since returned to ing the boy. The killing prompted for nearly five years have Doornkop district inside Soweto, outrage in Soweto and turned into less nearly four years after the fall been released, local officials said. and death of Gaddafi. Two com- after a mob reportedly doused the an excuse to loot foreign owned peting governments backed by foreigner's store with petrol and stores. Foreign nationals, specifi- "We collected the four Thailand militia brigades are vying for con- set it alight the previous night. cally African migrants, have en- men from a remote area," Omar trol of the oil-producing OPEC "Petrol was poured over the store dured a series of attacks across Sheikh Ali, an official in Soma- member, and U.N.-brokered talks that the victim was in, and he South Africa over the past decade lia's central Galmudug adminis- between them have been unsuc- caught fire," Makhubela said. The Critics say that recent attacks con- tration told the AFP news agen- cessful. The panel said that U.N. man, whose name and nationality tinue to demonstrate the negative cy on Friday. The four fishermen exemptions aimed at enabling Lib- is yet to be confirmed, survived attitudes held by a number of were among 24 crew members yan authorities to buy munitions Thursday's attack but suffered se- South Africans toward foreign na- seized in April 2010 when Soma- to establish law and order have vere injuries and was admitted to a tionals. It is also alleged that the li pirates hijacked the Taiwan- helped militias develop consider- local hospital. The specific circum- government's refusal to treat the flagged fishing vessel FV Pranta- able arsenals. One example cited stances around the attack remains violence as 'a hate crime', has only lay 12. Their nearly five-year in the report involved the coun- unclear, though police said the at- perpetuated the problem. "There captivity is one of the longest cil’s 2013 approval for Belarus to tackers wanted the foreigner shut has to be public acknowledgement suffered by any victims of So- export 3,000 tons of ammunition his store and leave. In another in- of the problem," Hamadziripi to Libya. The panel wrote that in mali piracy. Ali said the freed men cident in the same area on Thurs- Tamukamoyo, a researcher at Gov- were able to contact family mem- February 2014 much of the first day, police said they had arrested ernance, Crime and Justice Divi- shipment from Belarus was not bers soon after their release on only “diverted upon arrival at Tri- four foreigners after a confronta- sion, at the Institute of Security Wednesday. "They called their poli airport by brigades control- tion with locals who tried to loot Studies, in Pretoria said. Tamuka- families by phone and cried and their store. Police said the foreign moyo told Al Jazeera the South ling it, but some of the deliveries More than 25,000 Egyptians have Sallum border crossing, while an- dreds of thousands fled that year’s cried and cried," he said. Resi- appear to have been made directly business owners had fired warn- African government refused to ac- dents of Galkayo, where the Gal- ing shots when they were report- knowledge the problem "because returned from neighboring Libya other 4,122 had crossed into Tu- bloodshed and numbers have fall- to autonomous armed groups.” since ISIS group posted a video nisia, from where they were flown en further amid the turmoil that mudug administration is based, There were 15 other flights from edly approached by locals to close admitting it is not in their interests said a $150,000 ransom was paid their stores. No locals were arrest- and would mean recognising that earlier this month of the behead- home on government-chartered has gripped Libya ever since. The Belarus. “This raises the possibil- but the information could not be ity that further shipments may ed. Disturbing trend The real is- state-building projects have not ings of Christian compatriots, the flights. There are no firm figures country is awash with weapons, sue, is that xenophobia goes against succeeded." "The real issue, is that foreign ministry said Friday. for the number of Egyptians work- and opposing militias are battling independently verified. After its have been diverted by the Zintani capture the FV Prantalay was brigades and the panel is still in- the idea of the 'Rainbow Nation' xenophobia goes against the idea Egypt carried out air strikes against ing in Libya but estimates run into for control of its cities and oil vestigating,” it said. Between the and that South Africa is progres- of the 'Rainbow Nation' and that militants targets in Libya on Feb. the hundreds of thousands. Before wealth. Libya has two rival gov- used as a pirate mother ship to revolution and August 2014, Tri- sive and they wouldn't want to hurt South Africa is progressive ...they 16 in retaliation for the executions the NATO-backed uprising that ernments and parliaments, those launch attacks far out to sea be- poli airport was controlled by that narrative Hamadziripi wouldn't want to hurt that narra- of the 21 Copts and urged its large toppled and killed dictator Mua- recognized by the international fore it capsized in July 2011 and fighters from the town of Zintan, Tamukamoyo, Researcher at ISS tive," Tamukamoyo said. Clashes expatriate workforce to head home mmar Qaddafi in 2011, around 1.5 community sitting in the far east the crew was taken ashore. Of who are loosely allied with the of- This week's attacks on foreigners elsewhere Areas around Johanes- for their own safety. The foreign million Egyptians worked in the of the country and the others with the original 24 crew members, six ficial prime minister and the elect- is the latest in a disturbing trend burg were not the only districts to ministry said 21,407 Egyptians oil-rich country, mostly in con- ties to Islamists in the capital Tri- died from sickness at various stag- ed parliament of Libya. wherein foreign nationals living and be hit by xenophobia this week. had returned overland through the struction and services. But hun- poli. es during their captivity. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 28 , 2015 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 When did Obama give up? (Part—I ) AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Abdul Saboor Sarir Six years ago, a visionary president blessed with the rare gift of Phone No: +93-772364666 speech came to Washington to change the world. What happened? E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal Graphic-Designers: Mansoor Faizy and Edriss Akbari Marketing & Advertising: Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press The constitution says

Article 89: The House of People shall have the authority to establish a special commission, on the proposal of one third of its members, to review as well as investigate the actions of the Government. The composition and method of operation of the aforementioned commission shall be determined by the Regulations on Internal Duties. (Top Image): U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama delivers a speech about terrorism on Aug. 1, 2007 at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Editorial Washington, D.C. Credit: Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Image By James Traub rorism strategy can succeed.” He “idealist” in foreign-policy terms speeches the theme of which did not say, and did not need to has come to savor the bitter truths would be the resistance of that The first time President Barack say, that this was precisely the of realism. This is much too re- impulse? Obama’s foreign-policy First world cup win and Obama addressed the United Na- choice all too many of them now ductive. Obama has today — as speeches, both during the cam- tions General Assembly, in 2009, had to make. This time, the presi- he did at the outset of his tenure paign and in the White House, he openly acknowledged what vir- dent was not interrupted even once — the ingrained skepticism about have been written by Benjamin celebratory gunfire tually everyone in the audience felt: for applause. The world that the capacity of military force to Rhodes, now the deputy national that America under his predeces- Barack Obama confronts today produce political change that we security advisor for strategic com- sor, George W. Bush, had often is barely recognizable version associate with realism. At the same munications. In a recent interview, acted “unilaterally, without regard of the one he faced, or perhaps time, he retains the faith in the in- I asked Rhodes how he had dealt Afghanistan made history with first cricket world cup win. This historic for the interests of others.” This, thought he was facing, in 2009 struments of diplomacy, of per- with that problem. The “discon- win was celebrated across the country. The win, amazingly, united Afghans he said, had proved self-defeating, The world that Barack Obama sonal sincerity and sweet reason, nect” between George Bush’s soar- for “in the year 2009 — more than confronts today is a barely recog- that is a hallmark of idealism. It is, ing oratory and policies widely in national pride, a thing we desperately need. Congratulations to the entire at any point in human history — nizable version of the one he faced, however, a much-battered faith. seen as reckless and aggressive, the interests of nations and peo- or perhaps thought he was facing, Obama’s trajectory is that of a gift- Rhodes said, had “devalued” for- nation on this first and biggest win. This first win that how Scotland was ples are shared.” The dominant in 2009. To go back and read the ed orator who learned over time eign-policy rhetoric itself. Obama drubbed by blue tigers by one wicket with just three balls remaining will be metaphor of his address was the foreign-policy addresses Obama that he had put far too much store had to look elsewhere for the kind “bargain” that America was pre- has delivered since the 2008 cam- in speech itself. Michael Waldman, of language Wilson, and all those remembered for longer as it is something extra-ordinary for a nation that pared to strike with other nations paign is to witness a struggle be- a speechwriter in the Clinton who followed him, had used to rarely has seen such grand occasions of national happiness in its past thir- on the great global issues of nucle- tween strong a priori convictions White House, observes that great speak both to Americans and to ar nonproliferation, climate change, and a tidal wave of adversity. The foreign-policy speeches almost al- the world. “One of his unique at- ty-plus years history. The impetus of the win has been so powerful that economic development, and the president who once made an open- ways turn on “a universalization tributes,” Rhodes went on, “is the like. Obama was interrupted by handed offer to the world now de- of American values.” In the speech ability to both speak to the uni- many cricket fans broke into tears. However, at the same time the celebra- applause 12 times. In September livers a harsh challenge. The pres- in which Woodrow Wilson fa- versalization of American values tion was so wild that it left several people injured. Several photos of crick- 2014, Obama delivered his sixth ident who once fixed his gaze, and mously declared that “the world and also to meet international au- speech to the United Nations. His that of his audience, on the global must be made safe for democracy” diences where they are, to show a et freaks went viral on social networking websites where one could easily hair had gone gray; his long, nar- problems looming on the horizon — a speech designed to persuade degree of empathy for their world- row face had become a few notch- now speaks of urgent crises requir- Americans to go to war in Europe views, to demonstrate that he is a see their love for the country and their national cricket team. Their eyes es more taut. He had a very differ- ing instant action. The tribune of — the 28th president went on to person capable of standing in their were wet while their faces were glowing because of happiness. Neverthe- ent message to deliver than he had hope and change now speaks mod- say lines that are far less often shoes and looking at America at the outset of his tenure. The estly of hitting singles and dou- quoted. “Its peace must be plant- through their eyes. That’s an asset less, there are no photos of those whose eyes were wet because their loved presiding metaphor of this speech bles. The president has been well ed upon the tested foundations of that we sought to protect.” That was the “crossroads” at which the and truly mugged by reality. political liberty,” he continued. is a very unusual asset for an Amer- ones were wounded in the wild celebration in Jalalabad, over cricket win. world stood — between “war and One could still hear, in the “We have no selfish ends to serve. ican president; yet many voters Celebratory gunfire turned the happy mood into sour one. Celebratory gun- peace” and between “fear and September speech, echoes from We desire no conquest, no domin- plainly found Obama’s commit- hope.” He had come to lay down a that earlier time when Obama’s hair ion.... We are but one of the cham- ment to building bridges between fire has been blamed for deaths around the world, but why it is becoming an challenge to the world. The Unit- was dark and his hopes were pions of the rights of mankind.” the United States and other nations Afghan phenomenon. Are we wild in celebrations too? Why some people ed States, he declared, was pre- bright. “We reject fatalism or cyn- FDR and Truman, Kennedy and a desperately needed antidote to pared to play its traditional role as icism when it comes to human af- Reagan, struck the same chords of Bush’s hectoring moralism, just as take up arms for celebrations even cognizant with the dangers of a bullet the guardian of global order. “We fairs,” he said, clenching his left transcendent righteousness. A su- they had once found Jimmy Cart- will impose a cost on Russia for hand as he often unconsciously preme arrogance always lurked an er’s transparency the cure for Ri- that may cause? Do such people have the right to celebrate? Though, it is, aggression” in Ukraine, he said. does at moments of conviction; inch beneath that swelling tide. It chard Nixon’s poisonous darkness. undeniably, an emphatic way to express one’s jubilation and extreme hap- The United States would organize “we choose to work for the world was left to George W. Bush, with The change that Obama promised a coalition to mount a military cam- as it should be.” And he turned, his distinctive mixture of moral was not simply a change of policy piness, but expressing it with shooting guns into the sky is no more a prac- paign against the jihadi “network figuratively, to speak to “young certainty, brusque dismissiveness, but of tone and posture — even of of death” known as the Islamic people across the Muslim world,” and bellicosity, to bring those consciousness. He made this ex- tice of civilized world. It’s fatal. It has always caused deaths. Instances of State. Yet it would be up to oth- as he had in his 2009 speech in harsh notes to the surface. Barack plicit in one of the very first for- fatalities because of celebratory gunfire are rife, but too few give attention ers, and above all to the Muslim Cairo, seeking to conjure a differ- Obama thus followed the president eign-policy speeches of his first world, to change the conditions ent kind of future by addressing who gave American universalism a campaign, delivered at the Wood- to it when the country celebrates some national events and achievements. that had allowed terrorism to flour- those who would build that future. bad name. He had been elected in row Wilson Center in Washington, ish. “If young people live in plac- Obama said the words; but it feels part in the hope that he would tame D.C., on Aug. 1, 2007. (To be con- Now the government will have to do something—something that could put es where the only option is be- as if Obama only wishes to be- that reckless tendency. This might cluded: Courtesy—FP) James an end to celebratory gunfire. Penalties, arrests and guns confiscations tween the dictates of a state, or lieve what he once firmly believed. be a solid basis for policy, but not Traub is a contributing editor at the lure of an extremist under- Conventional wisdom has it that a for rhetoric. How was this ex- Foreign Policy. Follow him on should be introduced. And if there are any, they should be implemented ground,” he said, “no counterter- figure who had seemed a classic tremely gifted orator to craft great Twitter: @JamesTraub1. seriously. In T.S Elliot words we are the hollow men. We are the stuffed men. Violent souls, but only as the hollow men, the stuffed men. T.S Elliot (Sept. 26, 1888) may have said these lines for the decaying society of his time, however looking at our current day society, the words still look quite relevant. When celebration could be done by dancing, biking, hoisting flags then why to turn toward gunfire? Or our irony as a nation is that in this

valley of dying stars we don’t have the eyes—the eyes that could lead us in n io t a right direction. Why our twinkling stars die before the age they become u ll o fully dazzling. Sometimes they die in IED blasts. Sometimes in road traf- p ir fic accidents and sometimes in aerial firing. Reveling in the sports wins is A fair until it doesn’t ends up on taking away invaluable human lives. There- fore, we need maturity, be it politics, war, or celebrations. Subscription Rates Kabul Categories Fee Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 3600 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 1800 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $200 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.

SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 28 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES ISIL torches Iraqi history in Mosul

By Marcia Lynx Qualey known as one of the richest librar- video, posted to Twitter on Thurs- ies in Iraq, second only to the cen- day, shows fighters taking sledge- Last Saturday, news began to spread tral library in Baghdad. If it has hammers to ancient statues at the that the Mosul Central Library had been destroyed, Saeed said: “It will Mosul Museum. The amateur, likely been bombed. It was followed be a great loss to the people of documentary-like film even has a on Thursday by video that showed Mosul, but also to the Iraqi peo- commentator who explains that the By Aziz Amin Ahmadzai ernment has conducted joint oper- dia, Pakistan, Iran – and is pursu- needs to show goodwill in Afghan- the methodical destruction of the ple as a whole.” The Mosul li- prophet orders us to destroy idols. ations with Pakistan against ex- ing a cleverly balanced strategy in istan. The Ghani government has Mosul Museum and news that brary, Saeed said, is what “made The video also showed a brief shot Afghanistan once again finds itself tremists in the vicinity of the Du- its approach to relations with taken clear steps to build a sound bookshops on Al-Nujaifi Street in me a writer. It was located in the of burning books. The University at a historical crossroads. Once rand Line. Second, although he was them. Now, it is Pakistan’s turn to relationship with Pakistan. The downtown Mosul may have been most beautiful place at that time, of Mosul, meanwhile, has been burned. Although the apparent li- in the 40s and 50s, on the right undergoing a slower destruction. again, the Afghans themselves, their a bargaining chip, the Afghan gov- act. According to sources close to ball is now in Pakistan’s court. The brary bombing took place a week bank of the Tigris, near the King Over the last several months, large neighbors – most notably in Paki- ernment has handed over Latiful- Afghanistan’s presidential palace, Afghan government has fulfilled ago, it’s still unclear exactly what Ghazi iron bridge. The building parts of the university have been stan and Iran – and the interna- lah Maseed, a Pakistani Taliban on his last trip to Pakistan, Ghani nearly all of the demands Pakistan happened in Iraq’s second-largest overlooked the river”. The public shut down, taken over, and turned tional community face a question: leader, to Pakistani government gave the country four months to has made over the past 12 years. city. That’s because Mosul has been library didn’t just hold govern- into barracks and storage for fight- Can they save the country from without requiring any prior com- demonstrate that it is willing to Islamabad can thus choose to co- largely cut off from the rest of the ment-owned books. Wealthy fam- ers. At least one of the libraries further bloodshed? Can they safe- mitment to a quid pro quo. Third, cooperate with the new Kabul operate with the new government world since the Islamic State of Iraq ilies also kept personal books in remained intact, although a source guard Afghanistan from an extrem- the Afghan government has sus- government. The arrival in Afghan- in Kabul or continue its own dual and the Levant (ISIL) took control special rooms, and these privately said squatters have moved onto the ist takeover? With expansion of pended all agreements with the istan of the heads of the Pakistani policy of distinguishing between a of the area in June. Instead of reli- owned books were accessible to campus with their farm animals. ISIS into Afghanistan and parts of Indian government signed by Army and ISI on February 17 is good and bad Taliban. The Paki- able news reports, we have brief all city residents who wanted to She feared that books and furni- Pakistan, the must come together. former President Hamid Karzai to seen as part of the commitment stani government has the oppor- phone calls, amateur ISIL documen- read. This meant, Saeed said, that ture might be used as firewood. For this time the threat is not only import arms for Afghan security Pakistan made to support the Af- tunity to be bold and use its lever- taries, camera photos of burning the Mosul library was a particu- ‘Books were only paper’ Poet to Afghanistan, but also to Iran, forces. Fourth, it has long been a ghan government, particularly in age over the Afghan Taliban lead- books, and intermittent tweets that larly special place. Some of the and publisher Faiza Sultan, who Pakistan, and Central Asian states, Pakistani desire to train Afghan se- facilitating peace talks with Tali- ership – said to be in Quetta and both illuminate and confuse what’s family-sponsored rooms con- graduated from the University of which in turn jeopardizing the se- curity personnel. While the previ- ban. The same sources indicate that Waziristan – by convincing them going on. It is difficult to say how tained books that were otherwise Mosul in 1994, said that the uni- curity of China and the interests ous government refused to coun- tangible signs of Pakistani govern- to come to the table in talks with a many people have been tortured, banned in Iraq. “For example, any versity’s central library had one of of the broader region and the tenance this, the new Afghan gov- ment cooperation with Afghani- committed new government in killed, or forced to flee their Mosul books about communism, social- the best collections in the region. world. With visits by senior Paki- ernment recently sent a delegation stan will appear within a few Kabul. So far the signs are posi- homes in the last six months. At the ism, or sex were forbidden from “I spent five years visiting this li- stani officials, most notably Chief of Afghan Army personnel for weeks. Pakistan needs Afghanistan tive, and sources say they are see- same time, UNESCO estimates that trade in Iraq. But the [family-spon- brary on a daily basis,” she said. of Army Staff Gen. Raheel Sharif training in Pakistan. Fifth, during more than ever. With growing in- ing the beginning of trust between ISIL-controlled areas are undergo- sored] reservoirs contained a lot “It was my sanctuary.” Nonethe- and ISI Chief Lt. Gen. Rizwan Ghani’s inaugural visit to Pakistan security and energy demands, Pa- Afghanistan and Pakistan. Recent ing a massive cultural destruction, of these books.” Among the li- less, Baghdadi poet Sabreen Kadm Akhtar, underscore a clear shift in in November of last year, he made kistan is seeking a route to Central reports that the Taliban will open which may be “one of the most dev- brary’s irreplaceable holdings were said that some Mosulis have wel- Pakistani policy towards Afghan- a commitment to Pakistani inves- Asian states, both for a market and talks again with U.S. officials in astating acts of destruction of li- 18th-century manuscripts, books comed ISIL. After the US invasion istan. It is, incidentally, worth not- tors that they would have access as an energy route. This is only Qatar are said to be a sign that Pa- brary collections in human histo- from the Ottoman era, early 20th in 2003, sectarian divisions were ing that a recent visit by Iranian to a special industrial zone in Af- possible if there is a peace in Af- kistan wants to cooperate. If so, ry”. Improvised incendiary devic- century Iraqi newspapers, as well heightened and fostered. During Vice-President Mohammad Shari- ghanistan. According to local news- ghanistan. China also pledged to Pakistan can begin to repair the es According to mostly anonymous as antique items such as astrolabes. former prime minister, Nouri al- atmadari was not a coincidence. paper reports, the new government invest in Afghan and play a more damage caused by supporting reports coming out of Mosul, last Book collection in danger The Maliki’s rule, Sunnis were re- Saturday, improvised incendiary Central Library doesn’t have the pressed, and some were happy to Iran faces its own security threats also announced a reduction in cus- engaged role than it has. For Paki- groups that have taken the lives of devices were placed around the only book collection in danger. see ISIL fighters enter the Nineveh from ISIS in Iraq, and would cer- toms duties of 60 percent for Pa- stan, this means that supporting thousands of innocent civilians, in city’s central library. Elaph news Over the past weeks, several oth- governorate. Kadm watched the tainly not want to be sandwiched kistani investors who export their militants will pose a direct threat both Afghanistan and Pakistan. reported that city residents asked er libraries have reportedly been images of the burning books in by another threat from Afghani- commodities to Central Asian to Chinese interests in Afghanistan Afghanistan and Pakistan depend ISIL fighters to reconsider, but destroyed in the nearby Anbar Mosul on her computer, but like stan. The new government of Af- states via Afghanistan. Finally, the with potential repercussions for on each other, and cannot exist in bombs were set off, igniting fires province. Elaph news site quoted many Iraqis, was less moved by ghanistan has so far shown clear Afghan government also worked Sino-Pakistan relations. To gain the isolation. that destroyed an estimated 8,000 a member of the Board of Anbar them than by images of human signs of cooperation with regional with the Pakistan government to trust of the Chinese leadership in The two countries must build trust to 10,000 books and manuscripts. province, Adel al-Fahdawi, who loss. In the end, Kadm said, books stakeholders, and particularly Pa- capture several men who were said the hope that they will support by backing words with actions, Novelist Mahmoud Saeed, a native estimated that, during a single week were only paper, and “they have kistan, in a bid to strengthen re- to have helped the Pakistani Tali- Afghan peace talks, and to encour- most particularly in the fight against of Mosul who now lives in Chica- in February, ISIL had wrecked killed the people in very horrible gional cooperation and peace. Af- ban attack a school in Peshawar, age Pakistan to change its policy, terror and extremism.—(The Dip- go, said he reached a friend who said more than 100,000 books. Other ways”. Iraqi poet Dunya Mikhail, ghan President Ashraf Ghani and which resulted in more than 130 the Afghan government recently lomat) Aziz Amin Ahmadzai is a the central library had not yet been sources had ISIL removing manu- now living in Detroit, said many his government seems committed deaths, mostly children, in Decem- captured several Chinese Uighur writer based in Kabul. He tweets destroyed, although many smaller scripts from monasteries, piling Iraqis had been evoking a popular to improving relations. Consider ber of last year. Clearly, Ghani has militants and handed them over to on@azeezamin786 and can be libraries and bookshops certainly them up, and burning them. Nor saying about the loss of non-hu- the following bold initiatives. For realized the importance of Afghan- China. To maintain healthy rela- reached by email at had been. The Mosul Central Li- are books the only target in this man objects: “May the books be a the very first time the Afghan gov- istan to its neighbors – China, In- tions, Pakistan now similarly [email protected]. brary, founded in 1921, came to be cultural warfare. An ISIL-produced sacrifice for the people.” South China Sea and Indonesia’s military aggressiveness. Logically, one can expect sometime in the new maritime strategy near future a semblance of an inte- grated South China Sea maritime By Majid Rafizadeh ations. The first phase aims at President Rowhani requires to By Dr. Subhash Kapila gaze on the Natuna Islands as it formally to an international audi- strategy between Vietnam, the reaching a general outline, while the strike a nuclear deal in the first Iran and the six world powers second phase charts a way to agree phase in order to maintain the bless- had done in the Paracel Islands and ence of global leaders. Indonesia Philippines and Indonesia. Glo- (known as the P5+1: the United on the nuances and technical is- ing of the Supreme Leader as well Strategically responding to China’s the Spratly Islands. The above had therefore given clear notice that bally, Indonesia’s emergence as a States, United Kingdom, Germany, sues. For several political and tech- keep his leverage against the hard- conflict escalation in South China strategic reality emerged forceful- it was intent on emerging as a maritime power of consequence in France, Russia and China) are plan- nical reasons, reaching an agree- liners, the principalists in the Par- Sea, newly elected President Wido- ning to meet next Monday to final- ment in the first phase of the final liament (Majlis), and senior cadre ly last year when Chinese PLA strong maritime power in the Indo relation to both the Indian Ocean ize the outline for the final accord. nuclear talks is beneficiary for both of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard do announced Indonesia’s New Navy ships exercised in the wa- Pacific region commensurate with and Pacific Ocean would be wide- The prolonged nuclear negotiations the Obama and Rowhani adminis- Corps (IRGC). The likelihood of Maritime Strategy in November ters around Natuna Islands and her stature in South East Asia and ly welcomed by the United States, between the two sides resumed last trations. For the White House, the first phase deal In addition to 2014 Contextually, Indonesia week in Geneva in order to limit striking a deal by the March dead- the aforementioned political rea- Chinese Navy ships passed her archipelago configuration. Es- Japan, Australia and India. With Iran’s nuclear program. The Islamic line would buttress President sons and vested interest of the should have responded much ear- through the Indonesian straits into sentially, Indonesia’s New Mar- maritime security synergy already Republic has added Ali Akbar Sale- Obama’s argument that progress Obama and Rowhani administra- lier for a redefinition of Indone- the southern waters of Indonesia itime Strategy in terms of opera- in evidence in the region between hi, the head of the Atomic Energy is being made with respects to his tions to strike a deal in the first sia’s maritime postures in keeping and the northern waters of Aus- tionalization has surfaced in three Organization of Iran (AEOI) and administration’s efforts to curb phase, other factors contribute to these Indo Pacific Powers, the ad- former foreign minister under the Iran’s nuclear program. Domesti- the increasing likelihood of reach- with China’s enlarging escalation tralia. Further China continued to areas. First, nearly $6 billion has dition of like-minded maritime hardline government of Mahmoud cally speaking, the administration ing a general accord by end of of conflict in the South China Sea be silent on persistent Indonesian initially been earmarked for upgra- posture by Indonesia would sig- Ahmadinejad. Respectively, the has been heavily criticized by Con- March. The first phase agreement against Indonesia’s ASEAN neigh- demands to provide the exact co- dation of Indonesian naval bases nificantly add to their combined United States has brought Ernest J. gress (by both the Republicans and will not include the technical de- Moniz, the U.S. energy secretary, Democrats) for allowing the Islam- tails regarding Iran’s nuclear pro- bours. Regrettably this did not take ordinates of the southern limits of and ports besides establishing new maritime weight and capabilities. to the nuclear negotiations. The ad- ic Republic to buy time, make un- gram. The accord will likely in- place for multiple reasons which its so-called and self-claimed Nine naval bases. Second, the strategic China is likely to be significantly dition of Moniz and Salehi, and the necessary concessions, and not clude the major talking points, prompted earlier Indonesian po- Dash Line to enable Indonesian Natuna Island on which China’s impacted as this development con- high-level official meetings, reflect show signs of progress towards a which both sides will discuss in litical dispensation to adopt a the critical stage of the nuclear talks credible final and comprehensive the second phase of the deal. Some assessment of China’s illegal claims strategic gaze is now fixed is being tributes to a significant maritime as well as the efforts of both the nuclear deal. Congress has also of the crucial points are: • U.S. pos- “Hands-Off” policy posture on on Indonesian waters around the developed into a major Navy and counterweight emerging in the Indo American and Iranian government to threatened to pass a sanction bill sible flexibility on the breakout South China Sea conflicts. Indo- oil-rich Natuna Islands. Political Air Force military base. Third, In- Pacific in response to Chinese reach a general outline that would against the Iranian government in timeline (the amount of time that nesia’s previous Foreign Minister preserve their geopolitical, nation- case the nuclear talks make no ad- Tehran will need to build a nuclear sensitivity within Indonesia on the donesia has commenced expansion maritime designs in the South Chi- al, and strategic interests. Striking vances, and in case Iran does not bomb from highly enriched urani- thought it more prudent to adopt evolving China Threat in the south- of the Indonesian Navy by order- na Sea and ultimately in the Indian an accord in the first phase is very comply with the requirements to um or Plutonium) • Iran’s flexibil- such an attitude as China’s mili- ern segment of the South China Sea ing two naval frigates from the Ocean. Closer home where India likely and not a strenuous task Al- limit its nuclear program. In other ity for the immediate sanction re- tary brinkmanship had directly not though Salehi has been known for words, President Obama will need liefs • Iran’s acceptance to provide and Indonesia’s lack of adequate Netherlands, three naval corvettes and Indonesia are only about a hun- his zero-détente or uncompromis- this general and preliminary nucle- more data regarding the military touched Indonesia. Also, the pre- maritime security thereof commen- from the United Kingdom and dred kilometres apart, far more stra- ing approach towards Iran’s nuclear ar deal by the end of March in or- Dimensions of Tehran’s nuclear vailing view was that with such a surate with Indonesia’s strategic three submarines from South Ko- tegic synergy can be expected be- program, his presence is unlikely to der to avoid further domestic pres- program • The heavy water Arak posture, Indonesia would be en- archipelago configuration bridging rea. More acquisitions are on the thwart an accord in the first phase. sure and risk scuttling the entire Reactor, and the production Plu- tween the two nations to reinforce Since the distrust between Iran’s nuclear negotiations. On the other tonium at this site • Flexibility on abled to play the role of a ‘honest the Indian Ocean and the Pacific cards. The implications of Indo- their strategic ties not proactively hardliners and Hassan Rowhani’s hand, Iran’s hardliners and Su- both sides to reduce and further broker’ and not antagonise China. Ocean forced this issue into elec- nesia’s New Maritime Strategy can followed in the past few years. nuclear team have been widened, preme Leader Ayatollah Ali discuss the scope and capacity of Such a policy steered and domi- toral politics of last year’s presi- be strategically analysed and en- Concluding, it can be observed that Salehi’s participation is an effort to Khamenei have been critical of the Tehran’s Uranium Enrichment • ensure that the Iranian technocrat proposed two-phased nuclear Possibility to allow Iran to main- nated by the previous Foreign dential elections. It was during his capsulated under two heads of the upgradation of Indonesia’s mari- team will emphasize crucial issues talks from the outset. President tain additional number of centri- Minister was strongly contested election campaign in May 2014 regional and global impact with time posture and capabilities were such as sanction relief, and that Te- Rowhani has been successful at fuges The nuances and the techni- by Indonesia’s powerful military that now Indonesian President reference to the conflict escalation a long overdue process. Indonesia hran will not make major conces- convincing Ayatollah Khamenei cal details are not part of the first who viewed with alarm China’s sions which damage Tehran’s nation- that continuing with the two- phase of the accord. Majid Rafiza- Joko Widodo spelt out his vision in the South China Sea. Regional- wasted years neglecting this im- al security. A win-win deal: The first phased nuclear talks will ultimate- deh, an Iranian-American political conflict escalation with Vietnam of what is now Indonesia’s New ly, Indonesia now ceases to sit on perative on a misreading of Chi- phase Secretary of the State John ly serve the geopolitical, national, scientist and scholar at Harvard and the Philippines and China’s Maritime Strategy or Maritime the fence with a ‘Hands Off” atti- nese intentions in the South China Kerry previously proposed a two- economic, and strategic interest of University, is president of the In- creation of artificial islands in the phase format for the nuclear negoti- the Islamic Republic. Similarly, ternational American Council. Doctrine. tude in relation to China’s extend- Sea. President Jokowi has taken South China Sea for supplement- The Strategic Doctrine envisioned ing her unimpeded aggressive mar- the bold step of initiating the pro- ing China’s strategy to achieve that on assumption of office of itime footprints in the southern cess of modernisation and expan- LETTER TO THE EDITOR what I have always termed at in- Indonesia’s President he would waters of the South China Sea. sion of Indonesia’s naval capabili- ternational seminars as China’s essentially focus on reinforcing This should reinforce ASEAN uni- ties which can be hoped would re- strategy of achieving “Full Spec- Indonesian maritime security, ty in relation to limiting China’s store a strategic balance not only Want quality health services trum Dominance of the South Chi- modernisation and upgradation of brinkmanship in the South China in the South China Sea but also in na Sea”. The Indonesian military Indonesian Navy maritime capa- Sea. Relating this development the Indian Ocean eastern segment. It is crystal clear that standard and quality health services can enable us to have a healthy society and a was also disturbed that Indonesian bilities across the board and that specifically to the South China Sea Dr Subhash Kapila is a graduate of healthy society can enable Afghans to grow well in every field. Around 50 percent of Afghans are deprived Foreign Ministry’s posture was ig- Indonesian foreign policy would conflict escalation by China, coun- the Royal British Army Staff Col- of health services, say officials. Living in remote areas and facing with economic problems create this noring the fact that Chinese claim- be significantly enlarged towards tries like Vietnam and the Philip- lege, Camberley and combines a misery and deprives people of health services. Most of Afghans travel to neighboring countries for lines in the South China Sea also full coverage of the Indo Pacific pines already victims of Chinese rich experience of Indian Army, treatment as they believe that the country’s health services are not based on standard norms, and could not impinged on Indonesian waters region. The East Asia Summit last military aggression would stand Cabinet Secretariat, and diplomat- meet their demands. The Ministry of Public Health has established several health centers in different parts around the Natuna Islands and it November was the apt venue for strategically heartened as Indone- ic assignments in Bhutan, Japan, of the country particularly in remote areas but their number is insufficient. Quality health services are was only a matter of time that the new Indonesian President to sian hither-to-fore “Hands Off South Korea and USA. This col- needed for all Afghans in every hook and nook of the country. It is the responsibility of related organs China would focus her strategic unveil this new strategic doctrine Strategy” was encouraging China’s umn was seen at Eurasia Review. including the Ministry of Public Health to improve health sector, provide quality health services to all countrymen and provide the ground to prevent Afghans from traveling abroad for treatment. This needs serious and honest attention by the ministry. Kamil Sarwari, Taimani, Kabul Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. [email protected] This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 28, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Tunisia will be most affected if the Chaambi near the Algerian border, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and was responsible for killing 14 (ISIS) continues to expand in Lib- soldiers with rocket-propelled gre- ya, Tunisian terrorism experts say. nades in July 2014. Tunisia is also “Libya is a ticking bomb,” former dealing with a hard-line Salafist Brigadier-General Mohammed Sell- movement called Ansar al-Shariah, ami told Al Arabiya News. “Not which was formed in 2011 and lat- dealing with terrorism in Libya is er officially declared a terrorist likely to shake security in Tuni- group. Ansar al-Shariah was re- sia, and even the Maghreb region portedly behind an attack on the in the long run.” Libya descended U.S. embassy and school in the into war after the toppling of capital in 2012. The government Muammar Qaddafi in a NATO- also blamed the group for the as- backed uprising in 2011. The sassination of two secular oppo- North African country now has sition members in 2013. The high- two rival governments and parlia- profile murders resulted in a polit- ments, each backed by armed mili- ical deadlock and a wave of pro- tias. The absence of law and au- tests that led the government to thority in the oil-rich country has resign. ISIS’s presence in Libya turned it into a beacon for extrem- could further exacerbate the terror- ists. Last week, an ISIS-style vid- ist issue that Tunisia is dealing eo was released that purported to with, said Sellami. Reports suggest show the beheading of 21 Egyp- that some 3.000 Tunisians have tian Copts, prompting hundreds gone to Syria and joined ISIS or of Egyptians residing in Libya to other extremist groups, making flee to Tunisia. The video was one Tunisia the largest exporter of of the first to come from outside fighters. Calls for intervention ISIS’s main enclaves in Syria and Calls for military intervention in Iraq, suggesting that the group has Libya to thwart terrorism and exported its fight to North Africa. reach a reconciliation in the con- “One of ISIS’s strategies is expan- flict-riven country are growing sion. It has already threatened to louder in diplomatic circles. How- go to Tunisia on multiple occa- ever, such a scenario could harm sions,” said political analyst the economy in Tunisia, a country Noureddine Mbarki. “The terror- already poor in resources, said Tunisian soldiers celebrate at the end of a successful raid against gunmen in the Oued Ellil suburb of Tunis, Oct. 24, 2014. ist threat is the most serious dan- Mbarki. “Any intervention in Lib- ger facing Tunisia right now.” Do- ya would result in a humanitarian especially on the border.” Concerns what they brought in with them. It li, Sirte and Benghazi,” Sellami said. telligence, and if Tunisia employs tervention in Libya. “The solution mestic insurgency Tunisia has been crisis,” he said, adding that Liby- over weapons-smuggling through could be weapons,” Sellami said. “Tunisia has been making big efforts its allies and friends like France and of the conflict [in Libya] shouldn’t dealing with its own insurgency ans would flee to Tunisia. “The the Libyan-Tunisian border cross- The Ras Jdeir crossing is controlled for three years now, but [terrorist the United States.” Intelligence is be military [but] political,” Tuni- since the 2011 revolution that top- situation in Libya affects Tunisia ing of Ras Jdeir is another issue. by Fajr Libya, a coalition of Islam- groups] know that Tunisia has lim- key because what makes terrorist sian Foreign Minister Taieb Bac- pled President Zine al-Abidine Ben from all angles. Historically, there This week alone, around 100 trucks ist militias that seized control of the ited means.” Sellami said there operations successful is the “ele- couche said on Wednesday, Agence Ali. Last week, around 20 mili- has always been an economic ex- forced their way into Tunisia, ac- Libyan capital Tripoli and the coun- should be some sort of intervention ment of surprise,” he said, adding France Presse reported. “Military tants from the Okba Ibn Nafaa change between Libya and Tuni- cording to local reports. Security try’s biggest cities in the summer of in Libya to prevent terrorism from that intelligence-gathering was dis- solutions won’t solve problems. Brigade opened fire at a police sia. This exchange lessened in re- forces “say they chased them and 2014. “Names differ, but the face is spilling over into Tunisia. “We have rupted following the fall of Ben Ali. They complicate them further and checkpoint, killing four officers. cent years, and the more it less- questioned them. I doubt that. They one. Ansar Shariah, Kata’eb or Fajr enough time to intervene and thwart However, Tunisia has already an- lead to mass migration.” The brigade operates in Mount ens, the more it effects Tunisia, entered by force. We don’t know Libya - they control Derna, Tripo- the threat if we’re provided with in- nounced its rejection of direct in- (Al Arabiya News ) Devastation and disease after The most powerful mafia nouncing that they were bringing non-food items, but a month later you’ve never heard of deadly Malawi floods there is little sign of them," says Gregoire. This WFP helicopter has MILAN: T he 'Ndrangheta crime more than two weeks before the been used to ferry food to 20,000 syndicate - based in Italy's south- first food aid reached the stranded people stranded by the worst ern Calabria region - is not nearly population in Nsanje. Many are flooding in living memory [Rich- as well-known as Cosa Nostra, the still without basic items essential ard Nield/Al Jazeera] According to Sicilian mafia. But the 'Ndranghe- for survival. More rain has been the latest situation report pub- ta organisation is wealthier and forecast, meaning the region is like- lished by UNICEF on February more powerful - with interests ly to be inaccessible by road for 11, it still has a critical funding gap spanning the globe from Calabria weeks to come, perhaps months. of $3.9m out of the $9.3m needed to Colombia, and as far away as The rains in Malawi began in early to respond to "immediate needs" Australia. According to Demosk- January and have washed away an for a three-month period. Of a to- opika, an Italian think-tank, the estimated 64,000 hectares of crop- tal of $81m required to meet peo- 'Ndrangheta's activities made a land [Richard Nield/Al Jazeera] ple's needs in Malawi, $27.5m has whopping $60bn in revenue in More than a million people have been contributed so far, according 2013 - more than the combined been affected across the country, to a joint report by the UN and revenues of McDonald's and Deut- including 336,000 who have been Malawi government published in sche Bank. That's roughly three displaced, according to UNICEF. February. The gap between those percent of Italy's GDP. They have There have been more than 100 in need and those that have been successfully exploited the Cala- deaths in the flooding, and 172 assisted so far is stark. More than brian immigrants that headed to people are still missing. Patchy a million people may be have been Germany, the US, Australia, Bel- The Malawi government has declared half the population data and a lack of co- affected or displaced by the flood- gium, Colombia, and France after country a disaster zone after January's torren- ordination were a critical barrier to ing and require humanitarian assis- World War II. They used family the aid effort in the initial weeks. tance, according to a February re- ties to create new links and expand thal blow to Cosa Nostra's interest to be linked to a similar unit back tial rain [EPA] "There was a lack of information," port published by the Famine Early their influence worldwide. Anto- outside of Sicily," said Meli, "and home. For example, investigations says Gregoire. "Reaching everyone Warning System Network. But so nio Nicaso, analyst The 'Ndrang- they have started to reorganise have shown that the Locale of Ster- was a key concern for us, but we far, only 58,065 people have been heta is estimated to control about themselves only over the past few ling, in western Australia, operat- didn't really know where the pop- reached with sanitation services 80 percent of Europe's cocaine traf- years, as shown by a recent report ed under orders coming from a ulation was." Once those in need and 30,982 provided with safe fic, and is believed to have invest- from the DIA [Italy's anti-organ- Locale in Calabria. Despite this were identified, they were almost drinking water in the affected ar- ed in construction projects in Ita- ised-crime unit]". Italian anti-ma- vertical structure, the Locali enjoy impossible to reach. "The area has eas, according to UNICEF. "It re- ly, Belgium, the United States, and fia judge Giovanni Falcone, his a high degree of autonomy when it been divided in two," Gregoire ally is a challenge," says Gregoire. Germany. "The 'Ndrangheta is the wife, Francesca Morvillo, and three comes to conducting business. But says. "The northern part is acces- "I don't think the response has perfect example of a globalised bodyguards were killed in a bomb the structure of the 'Ndrangheta's sible from the north, but there's been very good, despite the UN criminal network," said Antonio explosion on Palermo's motorway hierarchy is not negotiable. When still a long stretch along the east- congratulating itself. The Red Nicaso, an expert on the group. near Capaci, Sicily in 1992 [EPA] Carmelo Novella, the head of the ern bank of the Shire River that is Cross has done well - they've been "They have successfully exploit- While the Italian authorities and Lombardy 'Ndrangheta, tried to only accessible by air." Some peo- with us from the first day." The ed the Calabrian immigrants that media attention were focused on the operate independently, he was ple managed to escape from the UN says progress is being made. headed to Germany, the US, Aus- Sicilians, the Calabrians were able killed in 2008 by one of the heads area, but they are in the minority. "Getting actual numbers of dis- tralia, Belgium, Colombia, and to slowly but steadily expand into of the 'Ndrangheta in Calabria. Not "A very big proportion of the pop- placed and the sites where they France after World War II. They Italy's wealthy north. Catozzela just an Italian problem In the past, ulation is trapped," Gregoire says. are displaced to has been challeng- used family ties to create new links explained that in 1994, leaders of the 'Ndrangheta has benefited from "There are about 20,000 people ing, but we're making good and expand their influence world- four major Italian mafias met at Lake being able to operate under the ra- The rains in Malawi began in early January and there. They are extremely vulner- progress," says Mia Seppo, the wide." From kidnapping to cocaine Como to carve up the northern dar of Italian and European author- have washed away an estimated 64,000 hectares of able. They lost houses, they lost UN resident coordinator in The 'Ndrangheta's operations be- market. "'Ndrangheta obtained 70 ities. As recently as 2010, the then- relatives. It's a critical situation." Malawi. "The blind spots where gan in the 1960s and '70s, focusing percent of it, a result that shows mayor of Milan, Letizia Moratti, cropland [Richard Nield/Al Jazeera] Aid organisations are seeking to there is no support at all are get- on kidnappings for ransom. "This the power and influence it had denied that organised crime groups tackle the lack of access by deploy- ting fewer and fewer." Even where allowed the criminal organisation achieved in just over two decades." operated in the city, even though ing helicopters to deliver essential floodwaters have subsided, they to accumulate an initial capital that Exploiting opportunities From it had been present in the region supplies. Five helicopters have have left behind silty deposits at the end of the '80s was invested Milan, in Italy's north, the rest of for about 30 years "In the north been flying aid missions in Malawi: making crop replanting impossi- in cocaine," explained Ilaria Meli, Europe is just a few hundred kilo- of Italy, organised crime is repre- two provided by South Africa's ble [Richard Nield/Al Jazeera] In a researcher at the Observatory of metres away. In the 2000s, the sented as a southern [phenome- Breede Valley Fire Department, the meantime, the gap in essential Organised Crime at the Universi- 'Ndrangheta was again able to take non]; in the north of Europe, as an one by the World Food Pro- supplies and basic service provi- ta' Statale of Milan. "This decision advantage of circumstances. After Italian problem," Meli summaris- gramme, one by the Malawian mil- sion is creating a severe risk of dis- represents a first turning point for the September 11 attacks, the Ital- es. Italian police break-up mafia itary, and one privately operated. ease. A shortage of food and a lack the 'Ndrangheta, as it proved to be ian government diverted resources fraud It was only in 2007, when a This Bell 205 helicopter is one of of clean drinking water and basic quicker than Cosa Nostra in un- to the fight against "terrorism", al- shoot-out in Duisburg, Germany two provided by South Africa's sanitation mean that defences derstanding and exploiting a cru- lowing the Calabrian criminal or- was linked to the 'Ndrangheta, that Breede Valley Fire Department to against disease are low, while a lack cial shift of the drug market." This ganisation to operate with greater German and then European author- deliver life-saving supplies [Rich- of housing means people are often strategy brought billions of dollars impunity. Later in the decade, the ities began to investigate the pres- ard Nield/Al Jazeera] But the living in cramped conditions con- to the 'Ndrangheta's coffers. "To- economic crisis that hit much of ence of the Calabrian syndicate stranded population in Nsanje had ducive to the rapid spread of in- day, their problem is that they have southern Europe gave the Calabrian outside of Italy. The differences to wait 17 days for the first air fection. There have been outbreaks more cash than they can possible mob the opportunity to invest its between European legal systems drop. "Some food was distribut- of scabies, malaria and bilharzia use," said Giuseppe Catozzella, an illegal profits. With thousands of in dealing with mafia groups ed, but clearly not enough," says among flood victims, along with investigative reporter and the au- cash-strapped businesses across present one of the main difficul- Gregoire. While important steps increased cases of diarrhoea, which thor of several books on the crim- southern Europe looking for liquid- ties in fighting groups like the have been taken towards meeting increase vulnerability to other dis- inal syndicate. In Alveare, Catoz- ity, the 'Ndrangheta's only prob- 'Ndrangheta. In 1994, Italy crimi- the most basic food requirements ease. There is also a "significant zella's book about the 'Ndrangheta lem was deciding where to invest. nalised having relations with ma- of those 20,000 stranded in Nsan- risk" of measles, dysentery and published last year, one wiretap The Calabrian mafia appears to be fia organisations, but similar laws je, critical needs are still unmet. cholera outbreaks, according to a recorded a conversation between based on Ndrine, with local groups do not exist in some other Europe- "There is still not enough food, but UN report published on February two mobsters. One of them was that form the building blocks of the an countries. If, for example, the the critical food question has now 6. "I'm worried about epidemics," digging out a stash of money bur- organisation. All the Ndrine oper- Italian police asked their counter- This Bell 205 helicopter is one of two provided been addressed," says Gregoire. says Gregoire. "Our concern is that ied in a forest, and notified the oth- ating in any given geographical area parts in a neighbouring country to by South Africa's Breede Valley Fire Depart- "This is not the case for non-food if the situation doesn't improve in er that "millions are rotten because - from Calabria to Australia - are arrest a suspected mafioso, the items. In every other location af- terms of access to clean water and of the humidity". The other mob- believed to be organised in what are police there may not be legally able ment to deliver life-saving supplies [Richard fected by the floods, the popula- latrines there could be an epidem- ster replied nonchalantly: "Just called Locali, which coordinate and to comply. "There seems to be lit- Nield/ Al Jazeera] tion has access to latrines and ba- ic. The situation is critical and peo- throw them away." The 'Ndrang- mediate between the various Ndrine tle will to accept that the 'Ndrang- sic services. But not here. "They ple are very vulnerable to cholera heta's ascension was aided by a under their aegis. The 391147, in heta is a European problem," Meli NSANJE: The most devastating into an archipelago. As the waters have access to water, but not clean and measles. Malaria is a big con- strategic mistake made by the Si- turn, operate under the control of a said. The 'Ndrangheta may no long- floods in living memory have rose to depths of three to four water. They haven't really been cern." Added Seppo: "Camp con- cilian mafia. At the end of the higher representative body known er be able to avoid the attention of stranded at least 20,000 people in metres, people climbed hills and organised into tents. They are try- ditions are very challenging. If we 1980s, Cosa Nostra embarked on as Il Crimine or La Provincia, which the authorities. But if its expan- southern Malawi with disease now shinned up trees to save them- ing to find anything they can to don't get water and sanitation fa- an "anti-state" policy, culminating is based in Calabria and makes the sion beyond Italy is to be halted, threatening to inflict further suf- selves. Many of them were killed. recreate their own houses, but they cilities up and running there is a in the spectacular killings of top organisation's top decisions. The experts agree that authorities fering. When the rains began in "It erased everything in its path," are unlikely to be able to withstand big risk of disease spreading, be- anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone members of the La Provincia meet throughout Europe need to coop- Nsanje province on January 11, a says Amaury Gregoire, head of the rains." There are numerous cause it's very crowded." With and Paolo Borsellino in 1992. once a year, at the end of August, erate more closely with one anoth- 20-kilometre-long vein of cropland mission in Malawi for Doctors barriers to the supply of non-food more rain forecast in the coming The government reacted by in Polsi, a small mountain town, er. "The 'Ndrangheta has become on the east bank of the Shire River Without Borders (MSF), which items, from the inaccessibility of weeks, the crisis in Malawi will deploying the army to Sicily and where they celebrate the Madonna global, [but] the instruments to was overwhelmed, destroying re- has sent a team to the region. "It the area and the limited number of not be resolved quickly. "Access passing a new law that allowed of Polsi and make important deci- fight it have remained national," sources needed to sustain the pop- erased entire villages. All the crops helicopters, to a lack of funding will probably be problematic for imprisoned criminals linked to the sions for the coming year. Every Nicaso concluded. "This is a prob- ulation for a year. In just three days were completely destroyed." Un- for the aid effort and delays to de- several months to come," says mafia to be placed in solitary con- Ndrina, Locale and family operat- lem that needs to be fixed - and of rain, the land was transformed identified and unreachable, it was livery. "Many actors were an- Gregoire. (AL JAZEERA) finement. "Those years were a le- ing outside of Calabria is thought quickly." (AL JAZEERA) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 28, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Brent rises above $61, set for biggest monthly gain since 2009 Crude oil futures rebounded on Fri- day, with Brent heading for its big- gest monthly gain since May 2009, MOSCOW: Cash-strapped as supply outages in the North Sea Ukraine sought to buy time in its and healthy growth in China’s im- effort to ensure continued gas sup- plied oil demand this year sup- plies from Russia, making a $15 ported prices. A reduction in rig million payment to Moscow on counts and expectation of better Friday as it waits for international oil demand have helped Brent pric- rescue loans to arrive. That increas- es rise by around 15 percent so far es pressure on Ukraine to strike a this month from January’s close deal at an upcoming meeting with of $52.99. U.S. crude is also on Russian officials in Brussels on course for its first monthly rise in Monday, amid rising fears in Eu- eight, but with a more modest gain rope that energy supplies could be of about 1.9 percent. China’s im- threatened by a shutdown to plied oil demand is set to grow 3 Ukraine. But with Ukraine's econ- percent this year, the country’s investments supported expecta- omy on the brink of collapse and top energy group China National tions that production could be money from a 15.5 billion euro Petroleum Corp said on Friday, trimmed going forward. The active ($17.5) bailout deal from the In- surpassing the International Ener- drilling rig count in North Dakota, ternational Monetary Fund that gy Agency’s forecast of 2.5 per- the country’s No. 2 oil producing has not yet made it to Ukrainian cent. Analysts at Phillip Futures state, dropped to 119 on Feb. 26, coffers, it is unclear how capable also saw indications of improved versus 193 last year, state data — or how willing — Kiev is to demand from the Eurozone and showed. “I do think over time strike a long-term deal with Mos- Japan. “If growth continues to re- there will be lower oil production cow. Andrei Kobolev, an executive main strong, this would likely mean but that would take time. And in- with Ukrainian state gas company that crude oil would be rising on vestors are pulling that into cur- Naftogaz, said the $15 million sum increased demand,” the Singapore- rent prices,” said Tony Nunan, a was sent Friday as an advance based brokerage said in a note on risk manager at Mitsubishi Corp payment. Russian supplier Gaz- Friday. Brent crude rose $1.04 to in Tokyo. Asia is not spared, as prom said it would only buy an- $61.09 a barrel by 0739 GMT. the downturn in oil prices is mak- other day at the current rate of U.S. crude was also up 99 cents at ing it harder to attract future in- supply. Following a bruising dis- $49.16. Norwegian energy firm vestments in Malaysia. While pute over prices and debt that Statoil has shut its Statfjord C plat- supplies from Libya increased to raised fears of supply disruptions form in the North Sea after dis- 100,000 barrels a day on Thurs- in Europe, Russia and Ukraine covering cracks in the platform’s day, up from 40,000 bpd, Spain’s signed a deal in October requiring flare tower. The entire Statfjord Repsol said the company has lit- Kiev to pay in advance for gas ship- field, which includes two other tle hope of restarting production ments. President Vladimir Putin platforms, produced about 81,000 there in the short-term citing secu- and other government officials barrels of oil equivalents last year. rity problems. Still, oversupply warned earlier this week that Rus- Elsewhere in Europe, oil prices worries persist and could limit oil sia would cut off supplies to also got a lift from renewed threats gains especially if inventories in Ukraine by the end of the month of a gas supply halt from Russia the U.S. continue to build until barring further pre-payments. An- into Ukraine, which could cause tanks are full, Nunan said. An other roadblock to a deal could be disruptions in deliveries to Europe. anaemic refinery throughput deliveries to Ukraine's war-torn week after Ukraine cut gas sup- as a part of the overall volume of day angrily denounced Ukraine's ities consider it part of their terri- But analysts doubted the threat pushed up U.S. crude inventories east, where fighting between Kiev's plies to areas controlled by the its gas exports to Ukraine, but decision to halt gas supplies to tory, they should be fully respon- had substance. In the United by 8.4 million barrels last week, a forces and Russia-backed rebels has rebels, prompting Russia to pump Kiev protested, saying it could not eastern regions, home to 4.5 mil- sible for the situation there," he States, a reduction in rig counts key reason behind Thursday’s left nearly 5,800 people dead since gas directly to the area. Russia said manage distribution in areas out- lion people, saying it "smacks of said. "And if it's not so, they should coupled with a slump in upstream hefty slide in oil prices. April. A fresh dispute erupted last the deliveries should be counted side its control. Putin on Wednes- genocide." "If the Ukrainian author- openly say that." Rupee swings drop to lowest since US aviation giants split on december on Fed’s rate Outlook Gulf carrier subsidy row Swings in India’s rupee declined the most in three weeks. The ru- will this week present its first full- since Feb. 3, to 7.74 percent, pric- to the lowest since mid-December pee’s one-month implied volatili- year budget since taking the reins es from the Reserve Bank of In- after the Federal Reserve signaled ty, used to price options, slumped of Asia’s third-largest economy in dia’s trading system show. “Mar- U.S. interest rates may not rise 47 basis points to close at 6.64 May. kets are concerned that Saturday’s before mid-2015. Fed Chair Janet percent in Mumbai, data compiled The rupee has climbed 2 percent federal budget may announce high- Yellen reiterated in her second day by Bloomberg show. The gauge in 2015, the best performance in er debt issuance after today’s rail of testimony to U.S. lawmakers dropped for a fourth day. In the Asia, as speculation Modi will take budget showed a sharp increase in Wednesday that inflation and wage spot market, the rupee rose 0.3 to steps to spur investment and re- borrowing,” said Debendra Kumar growth remain too low to warrant 61.7575 a dollar. It touched 61.71 vive economic growth attracted Dash, fixed-income trader at DCB raising rates at the central bank’s earlier, the strongest level since overseas investors. Bonds Fall Ten- Bank in Mumbai. Indian railways next meeting and that the Fed’s Feb. 6. “The Fed isn’t expected to year sovereign bonds fell today on today said it plans to borrow 176.6 timetable for increasing them is increase rates soon” and that is aid- concern the government may an- billion rupees ($2.9 billion) in the flexible. Higher U.S. rates will ing sentiment, said Anindya Ban- nounce higher borrowing for the fiscal year starting April 1. Bond damp demand for assets in devel- erjee, a currency analyst at Kotak next year in the budget, according sales by the government may rise oping nations like India, which has Securities Ltd. in Mumbai. “Mar- to DCB Bank Ltd. The yield on 5 percent to a record 6.3 trillion seen global funds pour $8.5 billion kets are now gearing up for India’s sovereign bonds due July 2024 rupees, according to the median of into local debt and equities this budget on Saturday.” Prime Min- rose three basis points, or 0.03 10 estimates in a Bloomberg News year. Indian sovereign bonds fell ister Narendra Modi’s government percentage points, the biggest gain survey. A push by three U.S. airlines to say the groundswell of support for been involved in frequent disputes curb competition from Gulf state Open Skies from Boeing, FedEx about liberalization. “The major carriers has exposed divisions over and others could make it easier for U.S. carriers have opposed Open free trade with other powerful U.S. the White House to resist renego- Skies and deregulation all along the aviation players including Boeing tiating individual agreements. “I way, even from the word go, and Co and FedEx Corp, potentially think the entry into the fray of yet have been major beneficiaries complicating the airlines’ campaign Boeing and the others as counter- due to domestic consolidation and for Obama administration sup- vailing pressures to the airlines will also globally in terms of market port. Delta Air Lines Inc, United make it easier politically for the access,” said Peter Harbison, a and American Airlines have asked administration to do what I believe chairman of Sydney-based consul- LONDON: Lloyds Banking pounds from the sale of shares in the White House to look into the the Department of Transportation tancy CAPA-Centre for Aviation. Group (LLOY.L) is paying its first the bank, reducing its stake to be- financial statements of competi- wants to do, namely, to continue Emirates, Qatar Airways and Eti- dividend in more than six years low 24 percent. Industry sources tors from Qatar and the United to pursue its successful Open had Airways deny receiving sub- after reporting a rise in profit and say paying a dividend will help the Arab Emirates, which they accuse Skies strategy,” said New York sidies. So far, the Obama adminis- improvements in its capital government sell its remaining of receiving more than $40 billion University law professor Michael tration says it is reviewing the U.S. strength, a milestone in the bank's shares, making them more attrac- in government subsidies since E. Levine. Other companies were airlines’ claims but has made no recovery after it was bailed out tive and raising the prospect of a 2004. But calls for the United more blunt. “The U.S. should not decisions In an interview with Re- during the financial crisis. The sale to private retail investors. States to tamper with Open Skies capitulate to the interests of a few uters Wednesday, Emirates Presi- bank, which was rescued at a cost Lloyds' last payment to sharehold- agreements with the Gulf nations carriers who stand ready to put dent Tim Clark hinted at possible of 20 billion pounds to British tax- ers was an 11.4 pence per share are at odds with the stance of oth- their narrow, protectionist inter- legal action over potential commer- payers, said it would pay a divi- dividend for the first half of 2008, er major U.S. companies that ben- ests ahead of the economic bene- cial harm done by the U.S. airlines’ dend of 0.75 pence for the 2014 paid out in October of that year. efit from the pacts. The agreements fits that Open Skies provides,” campaign. The clash between Del- financial year. Chief Executive An- Lloyds is further along the road to eliminate barriers that would block David Bronczeck, chief executive ta and the Gulf airlines has taken a tonio Horta-Osorio said Lloyds, recovery than its bailed-out rival some FedEx operations and slow of FedEx’s Express air cargo unit caustic turn, including remarks by which offered some of the highest Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS.L), the expansion of carriers like Emir- said in a Feb. 18 letter to the heads Delta’s chief executive that were dividends in Britain before the cri- which on Thursday reported a ates that have showered Boeing of the U.S. Departments of State, perceived as linking the Gulf carri- sis of 2007-2009, intended to pay hefty 2014 loss. RBS's turnaround with orders. Boeing, which like Transportation and Commerce. ers with the Sept. 11 attacks on out at least half of its sustainable has been hampered by investiga- European rival Airbus has filled its JetBlue Airways Corp, which has the United States in 2001.. Delta earnings in the medium term. tions into past misconduct and a order book with commitments a codeshare agreement with Emir- later clarified its remarks and apol- Lloyds reported an underlying sale of the government's 79 per- from Gulf carriers, said it would ates, wrote a similar letter. Mean- ogized. Clark also called his U.S. profit of 7.8 billion pounds, up cent stake remains some way off. continue to support pacts such as while, a group representing 200 rivals’ service “shoddy” and said from 6.2 billion the year before and Lloyds reported a net profit of 1.8 the more than 100 Open Skies North American airports said it they would do better to focus on ahead of the market expectations billion pounds but set aside a fur- agreements negotiated by the U.S. had written to the Obama admin- improving their own product. The for a profit of 7.5 billion pounds. ther 700 million pounds to com- since the 1990s. “Boeing supports istration warning that the U.S. Business Travel Coalition, a for- The bank said its core Tier 1 ratio, pensate customers mis-sold loan a commercial-aviation industry “leadership role” in international profit company whose clients in- a key measure of its financial insurance, taking its total bill for based on open and fair competi- aviation could be threatened by any clude travel agents and corporate strength, rose by 250 basis points Britain's most expensive consum- tal. But Labour lawmaker John Mann, who sits on parliament's Trea- tion, and Open Skies has long been weakening of the Open Skies pol- travel managers, agrees that the to 12.8 percent. "Today's results er scandal to over 12 billion sury Select Committee criticised the bank for handing Horta-Osorio a a key factor in this, benefiting both icy. Liberalization disputes Delta, top U.S. airlines have only them- are another major milestone in the pounds, the most of any bank. pay package for 2014 worth 11.5 million pounds. "It's obscenely high. U.S. and international airlines,” United Continental Holdings Inc selves to blame for the market recovery of the British economy Shares in the bank rose 0.6 per- The taxpayer hasn't got his money back yet. He's getting the benefits. spokesman Jim Proulx said in an and American Airlines Group Inc share loss, a contention disputed from the great recession and the cent to 79p by 10:55 a.m.. CEO Where's the money back for the taxpayer? Why's he getting so much and emailed statement. Boeing later say in the report - which has been by Delta. Still, the U.S. airlines bank bailouts," said Britain's fi- Horta-Osorio has turned Lloyds the taxpayer so little?," Mann told Reuters. Horta-Osorio also said he added that it was not jumping di- reviewed by Reuters but not yet may have one trump card to play nance minister George Osborne. around since becoming its chief would accept shares worth about 7 million pounds awarded under a rectly into the feud between some been made public - that they sup- in the form of Americans for Fair The government will receive a div- executive in 2011, simplifying the plan set out in 2012, but would not sell them until the government has of its biggest airline customers. port Open Skies agreements but Skies, an organization opposed to idend of 130 million pounds which business and slimming down to sold more shares. "I am intending to keep these shares until the govern- “We are in no position to make not their abuse through what they alleged Gulf subsidies that is the Osborne said would be used to re- focus on lending to British house- ment stake is significantly further reduced, " he said. Lloyds said it paid judgments about the allegations, regard as trade-distorting Gulf sub- project of former Air Line Pilots duce the national debt. It has al- holds and businesses and meet staff 370 million pounds in bonuses for 2014, down 4 percent from nor is it our role to do so,” spokes- sidies. Historically, however, ana- Association President and former ready raised nearly 8 billion tougher regulatory rules on capi- 2013. Top managers were handed bonuses worth 30 million pounds. man Tim Neale said. But experts lysts say the top U.S. carriers have Delta captain, Lee Moak. Palestinian Coke bottler boasts success despite daily struggles It seems an unlikely location for a occupations, rocket attacks, and at Khouri, one of the three NBC co- through Jordan’s capital, Amman raeli product,” he added. And, he successful business story but the times even having to resort to de- founders. (Photo courtesy: The and Israel's Tel Aviv - aided by his said, the Israeli stranglehold over Palestine-based Coca Cola bottling livering its goods on the back of Coca-Cola Company) Khouri was U.S. passport. With facilities Palestine’s private sector results plant, Palestinian National Bever- donkeys to avoid Israeli army 19 years old when he arrived in across the West Bank, including in an added layer of bureaucracy age Company (NBC), appears to checkpoints. Although the troubles Germany as a Palestinian refugee - bottling plants in Ramallah, Jeri- and control. “Everything is sub- be winning its constant uphill appear to have lapsed - for the his family having previously fled cho and Tulkarm, Khouri said he ject to their approval,” Khouri said. struggle to produce the iconic moment - dangers still persist. Last to Lebanon - with just $200 in his faces numerous distribution issues “Water drilling is subject to their curved bottles which have now year, during the latest spate of pocket. Over the years, he built - due to the restrictions imposed approval. To use cyberspace, or been in circulation for 100 years. deadly violence between Gaza and up a fortune in business ventures on the movement of people, prod- to get the right frequencies is sub- As Coca-Cola marks the 100th Israel, a rocket hit a distribution and executive roles in Saudi Arabia ucts and services. “There is a prob- ject to their approval. To use any anniversary of its famous bottles, center in Gaza, destroying more and the U.S., before setting up a lem in receiving [staff from the] gateway is subject to their approv- heads turn to the 17-year-old Pal- than 20,000 pallets of stock. Busi- bottling factory in his homeland in diaspora, who have foreign pass- al, whether it’s a bridge, an airport, estinian company that boasts $100 ness in Palestine is “not for the the mid-1990s. Now in his 70s, ports,” said Khouri. “We have a or a port. “Importation of talent is million in revenues, an 86 percent fainthearted,” said Zahi Khouri, Khouri, whose Gucci loafers and problem in the importation of raw subject to approval. And that gives share in the local fizzy drinks mar- one of the three NBC co-founders. tortoiseshell glasses give him a gen- materials. We bring in the same us a disadvantage compared to our ket, and 400 employees in an area “Every conflict area presents teel, distinguished air, divides his product as Coca-Cola Israel, but neighboring countries.” But famed for sky-high unemploy- many opportunities, and we have time between Florida and Pales- our product stays much longer at Khouri proudly boasts about the headquarters, a would-be church of Coca Cola, complete with a 40-foot ment. That’s despite the military taken advantage of this.” Zahi tine, flying between the two the port or customs than the Is- firm's glitzy-looking Ramallah Cola bottle as the spire. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 28 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Sofia Vergara’s wedding postponed Singer Taylor Swift was crowned Woman of the Year at the Elle Style Awards held here. Actress Sofia Vergara is forced to married at a time when we can get The "Blank space" hitmaker postpone her summer wedding away and make time for a honey- was presented with the accolade with fiance Joe Manganiello as he moon. So the wedding will proba- by fellow singer Sam Smith during will be busy promoting his latest bly be later this year," Vergara told Tuesday night's ceremony, reports film "Magic Mike XXL". pagesix.com. Mangaiello will be femalefirst.co.uk. The couple began dating last year starring alongside Channing Tatum, Also honoured at the 18th an- nual awards ceremony was Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who picked up Model of the Year, while fel- low beauty Cara Delevingne took home the Breakthrough Actress award after swapping the catwalk for the silver screen and starring in "Tulip Fever" and "Pan", which are due out this year. "Troy" star Diane Kruger was named Best Actress, with Smith taking home Musician of the Year. Designers Christopher Bailey, Mary Katrantzou, Erdem and Manolo Blahnik were honoured with the Editor's Choice, Red Car- pet Designer, Designer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards respectively. "The X Factor" boss Simon Cowell also took home the Out- and got engaged Dec 25, 2014. Adam Rodriguez and Matt Bomer standing Contribution to Entertain- They had planned to tie the knot in the sequel to the 2012 comedy ment Award. this summer, but the plan have drama in which they star as male been changed now. "We wanted to strippers. The actor added: "I would Woman wins get married this summer, but Joe love to get married this summer, but Mila Kunis is Ed Sheeran’s will be busy working and promot- I'm going to be too busy promoting Jolie’s father wants ing 'Magic Mike 2'. We want to get my male stripper movie." celebrity crush award for best to work with her drama at Saudi Reality Check: Do Bollywooders Ed Sheeran's close friend Taylor na Andrelos, who he's said to be Swift has revealed that the singer seeing since early 2014, reports film festival take comparison with has a crush on actress Mila Kunis. femalefirst.co.uk. Asked to name who in the en- `I'm involved now,` said Shee- RIYADH: A female Saudi film- tertainment industry Sheeran is ran. maker won an award for best dra- contemporaries in their stride? attracted to, Swift told a Britain Swift replied: `And then you ma at the Saudi Film Festival, the chief juror said on Wednesday, hail- With Nawazuddin Siddiqui ex- said that Jayaprada's comment on radio station: `This was at a cer- got a girlfriend, but this was your pressing displeasure over unend- natural and acquired beauty had tain time, Mila Kunis.` last one.` ing a higher quality of entries de- spite the kingdom’s cinema ban. ing comparisons with Irrfan, we hurt Sridevi, so they stopped in- However, Sheeran, 24, instant- Sheeran also insisted he focus on other actor jodis in Bol- teracting with each other. ly replied that his attraction to wouldn't have felt awkward meet- The five-day festival was only the second in seven years, and aired lywood which have constantly Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Kunis, 31, was before she got en- ing Kunis at the height of his at- been measured by the same yard- Sen gaged to her former `That '70s traction to her because he doubts films at an arts and cultural centre Show` co-star Ashton Kutcher - she'd have recognised him. in the Gulf coast city of Dammam. with whom she has a five-month- He explained: `The last time I At the awards ceremony on old daughter, Wyatt Isabelle said it was like 2012 so that was at Tuesday night, Hana al-Omair Kutcher - and also before he start- a point where she wouldn't have took the Golden Palm Tree prize ed dating his current girlfriend Athi- known who I was so that's fine.` for her drama “Complain”, said Abdullah al-Eyaf, the head of the festival jury. It tells the story of a hospital worker who lodges a com- plaint against a colleague, an act symbolising everything wrong in her life. Another woman, Shahad Actress-director Angelina Jolie's Home`, `Ali` and `National Trea- Ameen, won second prize in the film `Unbroken` didn't win any sure`, slammed the Oscars for drama category for “Eye & Mer- trophy at the 87th Academy snubbing Jolie's name from the maid”, a fantasy about a girl who Awards despite being nominated Best Director nominations list. discovers her father has tortured a in three categories, but her father `I think the nominations were mermaid to extract beautiful black stick The Miss World and the Miss Jon Voight still believes his daugh- mostly right. They don't get ev- pearls. Hrithik Roshan is Bollywood's Universe stepped into the film in- ter is an `extraordinary` director erybody. I'd like to have seen my Mohanna Abdullah took third Greek God, and Harman Baweja dustry a year apart. Sush made her with whom he'd love to work daughter's film get a few more nom- place for his film “Adam’s Ant”, resembles Hrithik. Sneha Ullal is debut with 'Dastak' (1996) and Ash someday. inations. But we were very well the story of a prisoner who tries known as Aishwarya Rai Bach- was first seen on the silver screen Speaking at Vanity Fair's Os- represented. I think Hollywood did to befriend an ant in his cell. chan's doppelganger, and Zareen in 'Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya' (1997). cars party, Voight said: `I think her very well with the films this year The kingdom practises an aus- Khan is Katrina Kaif's chubbier Even though they have not worked direction is extraordinary. I had my especially towards the last couple tere version of Islam that does not version. Is Abhishek Bachchan as together in any project, they were mouth open. I said, 'Holy smokes. of months,` he added. permit conventional entertainment good as Amitabh Bachchan? Who's pitted against each other for a long This is really something.' She's a "Unbroken" was nominated for venues such as film theatres. It is better - Deepika Padukone or time as they won their respective director that I'd say I want to work Best Cinematography, Best Sound the only country where women are Anushka Sharma? Ranbir Kapoor beauty pageants in the same year. with her,` reports eonline.com. Editing and Best Sound Mixing at Swift replied: `And then you got a girlfriend, not allowed to drive. or Ranveer Singh? For the last five years, the two The 76-year-old, who has the Oscars, which took place Sun- The sexes are strictly segregat- Comparisons may be flatter- gorgeous women have kept away starred in films like `Coming day. but this was your last one.` ed, prompting critics on Twitter ing and at times, odious, but they from the big screen, which may to complain after photographs are inevitable - the two people may have led the comparisons to fade showed men and women freely or may not belong to the same gen- out. Richa Chadda and Huma Lindsay Lohan mixing at the film festival. eration and line of work. And if an Qureshi Kylie Jenner buys $2.7m mansion unwelcome comparison lingers on The two actresses made their plans ‘emotional for too long, it can get bothersome. debut together in 'Gangs of Was- Were Aamir Like Nawazuddin Siddiqui has ex- seypur' and received equal amount detox’ Reality TV star Kylie Jenner has pressed his "irritation" at the me- of praise for their respective roles. reportedly purchased a $2.7 mil- and Kiran dia constantly likening him to his The "good friends" have been con- Actress Lindsay Lohan has report- lion mansion in The Oaks neigh- Lunchbox co-star Irrfan, who pre- stant victims of comparison, right edly told her friends she is giving bourhood of Calabasas. offered Rs 2 fers to stay mum about it. from their choice of films to ap- up dating and sex as part of an According to a source, the 17- Hitlist takes a look at some pearances. It looks like who-is- `emotional detox`. According to a year-old will move into her new crore for an ad? source, the 28-year-old, who got actors who have been pitted against better debate is not going to die horrified when a list of her 36 residence in August. Her mother their contemporaries or seniors for down soon. former lovers was leaked last year, Kris Jenner is helping her with the years on end... Parveen Babi and Zeenat is planning to get her life and ca- technical side of the purchase, re- Priyanka Chopra and Lara Aman reer back on track, reports ports eonline.com. Dutta In the early '70s, Parveen Babi femalefirst.co.uk. `Lindsay is fed The 4,900 sq ft mansion fea- It was in the same year that and Zeenat Aman made their mark up with the emotional roller coast- tures five bedrooms, a home the- the two actresses won their beau- with back-to-back hits. Many felt er that comes with dating, so she's atre, massive kitchen (with the ty titles. In keeping with the trend they looked similar, paving the told friends that she's giving up sex celeb mansion-requisite marbled and dating in a bid to clear her of beauty queens entering Bolly- way for endless debates on who head,` Closer magazine quoted the centre island), pool and outdoor wood, the duo signed their first has outdone whom. The common source as saying. `She wants to grilling station. Kylie's house is film together, 'Andaaz', which feature between them was they have an emotional detox -- her rou- located a block away from her proved to be a box office hit. After successfully ripped the damsel-in- tine is crazy right now and she's step-sisters Khloe and Kourtney that, analogies were drawn be- distress stereotype of Indian her- keen to have a more settled life. Kardashian's houses. Meanwhile, tween them for several years. oines and came to be known as sex She knows that using men to boost its also reported that her rumoured They, however, have remained symbols. Parveen went through a her confidence is not the best way boyfriend Tyga is also moving into friends though deciding to follow lot of ups and down in her career to feel good,` the source added. the mansion. `Tyga has his own Among Lohan's confirmed former different paths - Lara is happily due to her ill-health while Zeenat lovers are Max George, Danny pad -- there's no need for him to married and has turned producer also faced difficulties in her per- move into Kylie's place full-time - If the latest buzz in the industry is Cipriani and Calum Best. She was to be believed, Aamir Khan and his after cutting down on her acting sonal life. also rumoured to have had roman- - but he will be there a lot. He has `Kylie's never really lived on big. He doesn't want her to be in assignments while Priyanka con- Vinod Khanna and Amitabh his own key. It's more of a protec- her own before and this house, that house alone all by herself and wife Kiran Rao have been offered tic links with James Franco, Jus- a whopping Rs 2 crore for an hour- tinues acting in Bollywood, taking Bachchan tin Timberlake, Ryan Reynolds tion and safety thing, actually,` the which he helped her pick out when neither does she," the source add- up US television shows and mak- Amar and Anthony have de- and Colin Farrell. source said. she was house hunting, is crazy ed. long shoot of a commercial for a household product ing her mark as a singer too. livered many blockbusters. There It appears that Aamir Khan has Sridevi and Jayaprada was a time when people would say had a change of heart. After host- Hailing from the South and that Vinod was the only actor who ing television talk show Satyamev having established themselves in could take away Amitabh's super- Jayate, the star decided to steer that film industry, it was but obvi- star status from him. Like Big B, Anushka knew clear of endorsements. In his new ous for the two veterans to be un- Khanna too enjoyed the 'angry role as social crusader, Mr Perfec- der media scrutiny for their work, young man' image. But the latter tionist wanted to take up only appearance and dancing skills. quit acting while he was it his peak. those ad offers that were socially They, however, are known not to Bachchan, like we know, is going ‘NH10’ would be on talking terms despite being strong even after four and half de- relevant. But going by the latest buzz, part of many films together. It is cades in the industry. Aamir might just agree to endorse get A-certificate a household product. What's more, the brand wants his director-wife Kiran Rao to feature alongside him. The couple will apparently be paid a whopping Rs 2 crore for an hour of shoot! Says a source, "Aamir is con- sidered to be the highest paid star for his endorsements. Normally, ad shoots take two to three days. But Aamir is being paid Rs 2 crore for an hourlong shoot. The makers feel having Kiran with him on screen will add novelty." If the deal comes through, Aamir joins other Bollywood cou- ples like Shah Rukh and Gauri Khan, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, and Saif Ali and Kareena Kapoor Khan, who have Actress Anushka Sharma says she stayed true to the story, we stayed lead roles. Anushka is not taking stupidity. Audiences may come to been seen together in ads. Vinod Khanna and Amitabh Bachchan. Amar and Anthony have delivered knew her debut movie production real to the subject... I think every too much pressure for the movie watch a film because of your pop- Aamir's spokesperson main- many blockbusters. There was a time when people would say that Vinod was "NH10" will be certified for an film is not for everyone," Anush- as she is confident that she's ularity, but after that, it's the script tains that after his stint with Sa- the only actor who could take away Amitabh's superstar status from him. adult audience. "When we made the ka Sharma said here. Directed by "backed by a good film". "If actors and content that matters. You are tyamev Jayate, he was roped in as Like Big B, Khanna too enjoyed the 'angry young man' image. But the latter film, we knew there is a possibili- Navdeep Singh, "NH10" features start thinking that because of us, as good as your work you do," said the brand ambassador of a leading quit acting while he was it his peak. Bachchan, like we know, is going strong ty of getting A-certificate. We Anushka and Neil Bhoopalam in everything will work, then that's the "Band Baaja Baaraat" actress. business house. even after four and half decades in the industry. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . FEBRUARY 28, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Chelsea striker Diego Costa insists Alex Goode and Jack Nowell World Cup: AB de Villiers he will not alter his playing style start for country but is adamant he will not England scores quickest-ever 150 holding back in Sunday’s match at Wembley. "I'm not going to change against Ireland my way of playing," Costa said. "I do know now that I have to be a Alex Goode and Jack Nowell will as South Africa little bit more careful because it's start for England against Ireland in not the same when I do something Sunday’s Six Nations showdown or when someone else does it. in Dublin. Goode replaces Mike "Something I do, it's talked about Brown – who is still recovering embarrass West Indies much more than another player. "I from concussion - at full-back, and have to be extra careful but I'm Exeter star Nowell comes in for never going to change the way I the dropped Jonny May on the play. That's what got me here. left wing. In the only other change That's the way I play." Costa to the match-day 23 that faced It- scored in Chelsea's 5-3 defeat to aly, Bath prop Henry Thomas re- Tottenham in January but the 26- places Kieran Brookes on the re- year-old has not found the net in placements’ bench as the Newcas- his last four matches and is yet to tle Falcons prop continues to re- notch in any cup competition this cover from a hip flexor strain. The season. "When I was at my best, I changes are the first head coach had that suspension that I still Stuart Lancaster has had to make don't even know why it hap- in the Six Nations this year. Brown pened," said Costa. "Now, I'm run- suffered a blow to the head during ning a little bit behind, trying to do the 47-17 win over the Azzurri at Chelsea striker Diego Costa insists Can. The former Atletico Madrid my best, working hard and hope- Twickenham. Gloucester wing he will not alter his combative style frontman maintains the altercation fully I'll be 100 per cent." "I don't May has been dropped after un- as he prepares for the Capital One with Can was an innocent mistake pick tournaments to score, or ri- derwhelming performances against Cup final against Tottenham. Cos- but his first season at Stamford vals or other teams to score against. Wales and Italy. Nowell - who has ta returned to domestic action Bridge, which has included an im- I'm a striker, every game I play I been in superb form for the Chiefs against Burnley last weekend af- pressive 18 goals, has been blight- want to score. If it hasn't happened - is recalled after a near year-long ter serving a three-match ban for ed by controversy. Costa believes in the cup, I'm hoping to God it absence because of shoulder and stamping on Liverpool's Emre he is a marked man now in this happens on Sunday." knee injuries. Lancaster said: “We’ve made minimal changes as we felt the squad performed well International in the first two games. Alex is in AB de Villiers hit the record-fast- action after hitting the fastest ODI of a World Cup double-hundred, Maria Sharapova good form for Saracens and has est 150 in ODIs as South Africa 150 against West Indies in the but he lasted only four balls – clean been training well over the last few embarrassed the West Indies in a World Cup That left the Proteas bowled by Kyle Abbott in the sec- Cycling Union weeks, as has Jack Nowell who is World Cup record 257-run win in 146-3 when De Villiers came to the ond over. Marlon Samuels – who also playing well for Exeter Chiefs. Sydney. AB de Villiers made his- crease before his astonishing in- also scored a century in their win want Astana survives scare to “Both have been pushing hard for tory once again after hitting 162 nings saw 261 runs come from the over Zimbabwe – fell for a nine- selection and I am sure will seize off just 66 balls against West In- final 20 overs, including 72 from ball duck to Abbott two overs lat- licence their chance against a high quality dies in the World Cup De Villiers the batting powerplay and 150 er and with him went any super reach semi-finals Ireland side. “Chris Pennell and scored 162 off just 66 balls in an from the final 10. Rilee Rossouw’s slim hope of a West Indies win. Manu Tuilagi will also travel. Manu incredible display of hitting to fire 61 from 39 balls added to the car- Jonathan Carter was the next to revoked after has been recovering with us and South Africa to a total of 408-5 nage before he departed with eight go, for 10, mis-timing a pull shot it’s good to continue keeping him from their 50 overs. His hundred overs to go – getting a thick edge off Morne Morkel to that man De audit of Mexican Open connected while Chris will be a came off 52 deliveries, making that off Andre Russell through to De- Villiers at mid-on. It was the first the second-fastest in World Cup nesh Ramdin – and David Miller of five wickets to fall for 11 runs Following an independent audit, travelling reserve.” The squad de- the International Cycling Union parts for Dublin on Friday night history, behind Kevin O’Brien’s (20 off 16) fell to an incredible one- as Tahir ripped through the West have asked for Astana's WordTour as the countdown to the biggest 50-ball effort for Ireland against handed catch on the boundary by Indies middle-order, leaving them licence to be revoked. Astana have game of the tournament - between England in 2011. Chris Gayle could Jason Taylor. But in truth, the 63-7 and in danger of a record ODI been involved in a series of doping the last two teams with 100 per not repeat his double-hundred he- show was at the other end as De defeat. scandals, and senior figures in the cent records - continues. Champi- roics following his 215 in the West Villiers – despite seemingly suf- Their captain, Holder, helped them sport - among them Team Sky boss ons Ireland start as marginal favou- Indies’ last game against Zimba- fering from heat exhaustion and avoid that embarrassment top-scor- Sir David Brailsford - have called rites to halt English momentum and bwe – he fell for three – as the cramp – first went through to his ing with 56 off 48 balls but it was on cycling's governing body to take both sides enter the encounter West Indies crumbled to 151 all hundred with a six off Holder in the only bright spark in an other- a stronger line with the Kazakh knowing that victory will offer out with Imran Tahir taking a ca- the 48th over and then reached his wise disastrous outing for the men team, whose racers include Tour sight of the title with two rounds reer-best 5-45. South Africa won 150 in the same fashion, off the from the Caribbean. de France winner Vincenzo Nibali. remaining. Ireland coach Joe the toss and chose to bat first at same bowler, a mere 12 balls later. Dale Steyn eventually picked up The UCI announced that an audit Schmidt will name his team at 2pm the SCG but opener Quinton de Holder’s final two overs cost him his wicket – only his third so far by the Institute of Sport Sciences on Friday. England: 15 Alex Kock fell cheaply again for 12 as 64 as he finished with figures of 1- of the World Cup – before Morkel at the University of Lausanne (IS- Goode, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 he picked out the man at cover off 104, despite having only conced- picked up the final wicket of Suli- SUL) into Astana's management of Jonathan Joseph, 12 Luther Bur- Jason Holder. Hashim Amla (65) ed nine runs in his first five overs. eman Benn three balls later with anti-doping measures found "a big rell, 11 Jack Nowell, 10 George and Francois du Plessis (62) It helped propel South Africa to 16.5 overs to spare. difference" between the team's Ford, 9 Ben Youngs; 1 Joe Marler, passed fifty as they rebuilt the in- the second-highest score ever in a Watch AB de Villiers’ incredible practices and the structures it had 2 Dylan Hartley, 3 Dan Cole, 4 nings with a 127-run partnership World Cup, leaving the West In- innings with highlights of South committed to in order to combat Dave Attwood, 5 George Kruis, 6 but both fell within two balls of dies a mammoth 409 runs to win. Africa versus West Indies on Sky doping. Astana were granted a rac- James Haskell, 7 Chris Robshaw, each other in the 30th over to Chris If there was ever a man capable of Sports World Cup at 1pm, 3pm, ing licence in December last year Maria Sharapova survived a sec- for the past couple of days and 8 Billy Vunipola. Gayle. AB de Villiers gives his re- such a task it would be Gayle, fresh 5pm and 8pm. and that licence was under review ond-set wobble against Magdale- during tonight's match it got a lot after five riders belonging to their na Rybarikova to reach the semi- worse. "I could not make it to press senior and development teams - finals of the Mexican Open in tonight as I am trying to do every- Nibali was not one of them - failed Acapulco Sharapova – who will thing to recover for tomorrow and drugs tests in 2014. The UCI opt- Eddie Hearn hopes Amir Khan and ed not to demote the Kazakh go to the top of the Road to Sin- hoping that I will be out on the squad at the time, but ordered an gapore standings if she wins the court." Sharapova next plays the audit of their practises and placed title – won 6-1 4-6 6-2. But she No 3 seed Caroline Garcia, who looked in trouble after losing the was winning 6-2 2-1 when her op- Kell Brook will fight this summer them on probation. ISSUL were second set, confirming after the ponent Mirjana Lucic-Baroni had tasked with investigating the cir- Eddie Hearn has confirmed talks cumstances of the doping cases to match that she had been feeling ill. to pull out with illness. Sharapova She looked to be on the way to a has won all three of their previous are already underway for a world determine whether, and to what title showdown between domes- extent, the team and its manage- routine victory at 6-1 2-2, but meetings but she will be wary – ment were responsible for last Rybarikova won five of the next Garcia led 6-3 4-1 at the French tic rivals Amir Khan and Kell year's events. ISSUL submitted its seven games to take the second set Open in 2011 before the Russian Brook. Khan had been holding out findings to the UCI, who released and take a 1-0 lead in the third. fought back to win. The other for a big-money fight against a statement on Friday morning. But Sharapova, the top seed, won semi-final sees fifth seed Timea Floyd Mayweather but the unde- The statement read: “The Union six of the next seven games to win Bacsinszky - who beat Johanna feated Michigan boxer has opted Cycliste Internationale (UCI) to- the match in two hours and 13 Larsson 6-3 6-3 - face Bulgarian to take on Manny Pacquiao in a day confirms that it has now re- minutes. She skipped the post- lucky loser Sesil Karatantcheva, Las Vegas mega-fight in May. The viewed the audit produced by the match press conference but in a who saved three match points be- bad blood between Khan and Institute of Sport Sciences of the statement she confirmed: "Unfor- fore beating Monica Puig 2-6 7-6 Brook has been simmering since University of Lausanne. tunately I've had a stomach virus (9-7) 6-4. they sparred as team-mates in the England squad with Khan repeat- edly claiming that Brook is sim- ply not on his level. Brook’s pro- Rutherford to lead GB at European Indoor moter Hearn is eyeing a bout be- tween the welterweight pair this Athletics Championships in Prague summer but warned Khan he could miss out on a shot at Brook’s IBF Olympic long jump champion Greg side 17-year-old Morgan Lake. But indoor season notably at the Sains- strap if he does not act fast. Eddie Rutherford will lead a 39-strong Dwain Chambers has missed out on bury's Indoor British Champion- Hearn says talks are underway for Great Britain team into the Euro- selection with Richard Kilty pre- ships and the Sainsbury's Indoor a world title fight between Kell pean Indoor Athletics Champion- ferred for the third men's 60m slot. Grand Prix last weekend "I'm real- Brook and Amir Khan this sum- ships in Prague next month. Ruth- Chijindu Ujah was automatically ly encouraged by what I've seen mer The Matchroom Boxing su- erford has made a U-turn on a de- selected after winning the Indoor so far and we head to the Czech premo told Sky Sports News HQ: cision to miss the event after set- British Championships in Sheffield Republic in great shape. "The team “I’ve met with some representa- ting an indoor personal best of and Sean Safo-Antwi - also guaran- has a good blend of established tives from Team Khan recently and massive fight for British boxing it carries a world title. Amir is confident that fight will happen but we want 8.17m in Birmingham last week- teed a place after finishing second championship performers such as obviously he was waiting, quite it sooner rather than later. “Brook-Khan for me is just a natural fight and we can’t wait for Amir. We are going end. The 28-year-old is joined in behind Ujah - receives his first se- Greg Rutherford and Jenny Mead- rightfully so, for the opportunity to be looking at Marquez, we’re looking at Maidana, even the winner of Mayweather against Pacquiao, the team by new British women's nior call-up. British Athletics Per- ows, and in other areas it is very to fight Floyd Mayweather. “But because the bottom line is with those two fighting there will only be two world champions in that division. long jump record holder Katarina formance Director Neil Black said: much developmental giving up and that is now not happening and I That’s either Pacquiao or Mayweather and Kell Brook, so it’s a chance to fully unify the division. “It’s Johnson-Thompson, who will "There has been some fantastic and coming athletes the opportunity think obviously the fight with Kell frustrating because Khan is the fight that we all want. We feel like the nation wants it as well and really, there compete in the pentathlon along- promising performances during this to perform on this stage." Brook makes sense. It would be a is no reason why that can’t happen next.” LeBron James stars as Cleveland beat Golden State Florida Panthers said James. "We've been doing some good things the last couple of months, but we've still got a lot acquire veteran of room to improve. Hopefully we'll continue that." The Cavaliers have taken a slim lead over Chica- Jaromir Jagr in trade go at the top of the Central Divi- sion, and their 37-22 record puts them third overall in the Eastern Conference behind Atlanta and Toronto. Stephen Curry and Dav- id Lee combined for 23 points in the first quarter as the Warriors made half of their shots to seize a 33-32 lead. Cleveland responded with an 8-0 scoring run, as James scored the final six points of the burst that carried the Cavs to a 43- 37 lead with more than eight min- utes left in the second quarter. Golden State quickly tied the score, but a three-pointer from Love late in the frame helped the Cavs take a 61-56 halftime lead. The Florida Panthers have acquired 43-year-old veteran Jaromir Jagr Golden State sharp-shooter Klay from the New Jersey Devils to bolster their play-off hopes. The Czech Thompson made his first three- star has scored 716 goals, one shy of Phil Esposito for the fifth-highest pointer of the night early in the in NHL history, with New Jersey receiving two draft picks, a second- third to trim the deficit. James an- rounder this year and either Florida or Minnesota’s third-round selec- swered with a jump shot and tion in 2016. Jagr won back-to-back Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh closed a 12-0 Cavaliers scoring run Penguins in 1991 and 1992, a year before the Panthers’ inception. Flor- with five straight points that ex- ida sit two points outside the wild card positions following Thursday’s LeBron James posted a season-high 42 points with 11 rebounds and five assists to lead Cleveland to a 110-99 victory over league-leading Golden tended the hosts' lead to 16. Cleve- 3-0 loss against the Chicago Blackhaws, but general manager Dale Tallon State. In a game touted as a possible NBA finals match-up, Cleveland avenged a 112-94 loss to the Warriors in January as they notched their fourth land led 90-78 going into the fourth believes Jagr's experience can lead them into the play-offs for the first straight victory and an 18th win in their last 20 games. Kyrie Irving contributed 24 points and Kevin Love chipped in 16 points and eight rebounds quarter and didn't give up the ad- time since 2012. "I'm excited about him coming here and just spending for the hosts. "We're not trying to send a message, we're just trying to improve every time we get an opportunity to come out on the floor and play," vantage in the final period. some time with him and watching him play,” said Tallon. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATUDAY . FEBRUARY 28 . 2015 -Hoot 09, 1393 H.S Vol:IX Issue No:206 Price: Afs.15

Children are used in drugs smuggling, selling: Officials AT Monitoring Desk TEHRAN: Iran wanted a new tri- KABUL: Millions of dollars were lateral transit deal between Iran, spent to overcome poppy culti- Afghanistan and India on Chaba- Turkish soldiers vation and drugs trafficking in the har Port project that is close to country, but the struggles brought completion. Iranian Ambassador are loved in Afghanistan to the point that it to Afghanistan, Mohammad Reza was placed among highest poppy Afghanistan, cultivators and drugs producers in Bahrami, said that deal has been the world. Media reports said the signed off by Iranian officials and says Afghan other day that thousands of chil- awaits approval of Afghanistan dren are used in drugs smuggling and India. He called the port ben- envoy to Turkey and selling packets of the heroin, eficial for the three concerned na- hashish and other drugs in parts tions and said the port would en- of the capital city, Kabul. Radio able Afghan goods to find access Azadi reports that Hassan, a nine- to larger markets in the region. year-old boy who lives in west- Security has been a major ern parts of the city, works in sell- challenge for Afghan goods. The ing and distributing drugs to ad- Chabahar port would address this dicts for the past three months. issue and provide access to mar- According to the source, Hassan s kets for the region, said Ambas- brother has also joined him in this sador Bahrami. India had previ- illicit business. Hassan says that ously agreed to increase invest- his father has died and there is no ment in Chabahar port as soon as one at home to afford their daily the deal is complete. According to life thus he is obliged to do this Afghan Deputy Ambassador to illegal business. The source added India Ashraf Haidari, the deal is that Hassan might have no idea under review and will soon be fi- about the legality or illegality of nalized. Last year, India an- the business; the most important nounced to have allocated USD Security has been a major challenge for Afghan goods. The Chabahar port would address this issue and provide access to markets for the region, thing for him is to gain some mon- 100mn for upgrading the Chaba- ey for financing his vulnerable har port, which is located 72km Nimruz, which is 700km from Chabahar Port with a view to fa- er to Afghanistan than the Kara- alternative to the Pakistan s Kara- family. This is my brother. We Afghanistan s envoy in Ankara (44 miles) west of Pakistan s southeastern Iran. India s state- cilitating New Delhi s access to chi Port, through which most of chi Port where export activities Amanullah Jayhoon says the work together in selling heroin to Gwadar Port. The port is connect- run Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust Afghanistan and Central Asia. Sit- Afghanistan s exports and im- are constantly interrupted by po- buy a slice of bread. Shopkeeper terrorist attack will lead two ed to the city of Zaranj in Afghan- sent an expert team to Iran last uated in southeastern Iran, Cha- ports take place. litical restrictions and high stor- brotherly countries Turkey tells us to distribute drugs to drug istan s southwestern province of December to accelerate work on bahar port is about 1000km clos- The port serves as the best age cost. (Customs Today) addicts. I know this is a bad work. and Afghanistan to cooperate But what should I do? said Has- deeply about terrorism. san. He also said that one of his neighbors introduced him to Us- Protesters Police held ANKARA: Afghanistan s envoy tad, the man that reportedly sells First ever win in ICCWorld Cup to Turkey said Afghan people drugs. He added that Ustad gives want abducted Herat Mosque love Turkish soldiers in Afghani- him around Afs200 on daily ba- Many cricket fans broke into tears on the historic win stan like their sons. Amanullah sis. According to the source, Bagh- passengers Imam on Jayhoon, Afghan envoy in Anka- e-Ali Mardan area of Kabul which Celebratory gunfire fatalities turn the environment grief-stricken ra, evaluated Thursday morning s is located behind Eidgah Mosque released KIDNAPPING attack that struck a special team is the main hub of selling of hero- KABUL: A number of civil soci- By M. Nadeem Alizai protecting Turkish Ambassador in and hashish in the city. Hassan ety activists on Thursday held CHARGES Ismail Aramaz, NATO s Senior is not the only boy that is involved protest in capital Kabul demand- KABUL: Historic win of the Af- Civilian Representative in the in this illegal business. One can ing immediate release of 30 pas- ghan cricket team against Scotland The kidnappers were country. One Turkish soldier was find tens of such children and teen- sengers abducted by gunmen some in the ICC World Cup has broke said to have originally killed along with an Afghan pass- agers who are busy in selling drugs days back in southern Zabul prov- down thousands of fans into tears. asked for 3.5 million erby, while another Turkish sol- in Bagh-e-Ali Mardan area. It is ince. The protest was headed by When the Afghan players AFG in ransom, but settled dier was wounded and is said the children are used in this Young Activists Network for Re- were battling the Scottish team to now being treated at Bagram illegal business aimed at staying form and Change (YANRC). The prove their metal, the over- for 600,000 AFG. We were kept there for almost 70 days, NATO base hospital. Jayhoon safe from police. The Afghanistan participants chanted slogans whelmed Afghans continued ex- offered his condolences to the Human Rights Commission against the perpetrators and ex- pressing their feelings on social they tortured us day and (AHRC) confirmed that a num- Turkish nation, Turkish govern- pressed solidarity with kid- media. Far from Dunedin in New night and my back is broken, ment and the soldier s family. ber of children are used for selling napped individuals. Local securi- Zealand where the Afghan team as well as my leg and arm. heroin and hashish in parts of The suicide attack happened ty officials alleged Mullah Man- beat Scotland, Afghans used so- just next to the Iranian embassy, Kabul and a number of other prov- soor Dadullah, head of local mili- cial media to support their heroes According to local authorities in inces. The AHRC officials urged Anjeel district of western Herat we harshly condemned this terri- tants group, behind abduction of and reveal emotions. Photos post- ble incident, Jayhoon said. Af- security agencies to prevent drugs passengers. One of the kidnapped province, on Friday, the Imam of dealing inside the city and not let ed on Facebook after Javed Ah- ghan officials are investigating the passenger was freed on Wednes- madi was caught by Machan had an area mosque, along with his drugs dealers to use and involve day and tribal elders had stepped collaborators, released two indi- situation and we want them to be children in their illicit business. indicated that cricket is not just a well. Shenwari was the architect ings. Thousands of people in the brought to justice as soon as pos- up efforts to ensure release of rests sport for Afghans but craze. From of historical win in March 2014 country wept with joy, but some viduals who they had kidnapped Radio Azadi quoted the AHRC of captives. Earlier, the men were and demanded a ransom for in the sible. zonal chief, Shasullah Ahmadzai, anxiety to tears, the photos give against Bangladesh in Asia Cup. resorted to aerial firing. The latter The Taliban claimed respon- seized in Pash Kandi area on the glimpse of a short wonderful and This win surprised several crick- is worth-condemning and discour- sum of 600,000 AFG. as saying that drugs smugglers not road between western Herat prov- Meanwhile, the two residents sibility for the attack but said the only use children in drugs smug- ince and Kabul at around 5pm on emotional day in the life of Af- et boards as they were not expect- aging practice because six people Turkish convoy was not the in- ghan cricket fans. Emotions of the ing emergence of a rival that was were injured in Nangarhar by stray released by the kidnappers have gling but also in a number of cases February 24, Mohammad Ullah claimed that they were brutally tended target. No announcement they sexually abuse these children. Ahmadi, the district police chief, nation have also made a history. recently born but could upset bullets. The intense aerial firing has been made yet regarding the Historians will talk of these tears them. After the win against Scot- to celebrate the win has brought tortured while jn captivity. The No doubt that drug dealers be- told Pajhwok Afghan News. He victims said that the mosque Imam identities of the victims. come drug addicts after working said unidentified armed men forced and cheers when they would dis- land Shenwari told media that he catastrophe upon families of the When asked about what Af- for a while in this illegal business. cuss cricket journey of Afghani- did only his job to stay at the injured. According to the chief of and his collaborator kidnapped 30 passengers off a 303 public them while they were in Badghis ghan people think of the Turkish Children that are used in drugs transport bus, but identity of the stan. Though, not very convinced wicket and bring cheers to the fac- Nangarhar civil hospital Dr. Hu- military in Afghanistan, Jayhoon dealing become drug addict soon by the nation knew after the es of Afghans. mayun Zaheer the injured persons to attend a marriage ceremony and hostages could not be ascertained. transferred them to the border re- said that since 2001 Turkish after being involved in this busi- Initial investigation showed the nerves-wracking match between Shenwari who could not hold included two women and four chil- troops in Afghanistan have been ness, he said. He added that ac- Afghanistan and Sri Lanka that back his emotions said: When dren. Aerial firing to celebrate vic- gion of Bareek Ab. passengers were Afghan refugees The kidnappers were said to nothing but helpful to Afghan cording to their information near- returning from neighboring Iran, their heroes would not disappoint we won, we shouted. There was a tories is an inhumane way. We troops by training them and ly 300,000 have headed towards he added. Security forces had them, at least this time. Probably, big shout. Then the coach came should change ourselves now. In- have originally asked for 3.5 mil- lion AFG in ransom, but settled protecting the peaceful environ- the illegal business of drugs deal- launched their investigation into it was the reason that Samiullah and said calm down we have more stead of firing we should distrib- ment. Afghan people ing in Afghanistan, which is a mat- the abduction and had detained Shenwari engineered the landmark matches to win. Feelings of Af- ute sweets and foods among poor. for 600,000 AFG. We were kept there for almost 70 days, they love Turkish soldiers in Afghani- ter serious concern for the organi- some suspects, the police official win. His 96 runs helped to bring ghans at home were not different The money spent on bullets is of stan like their sons, the ambas- zation. In the meantime, the Min- said, adding the hostages had been the Scottish team under pressure. from that of Shenwari or his team- no use but it gives mental and spir- tortured us day and night and my back is broken, as well as my leg sador said. They are helping Af- istry of Labor and Social Affairs moved to the Arghandab district. He is not only the man of strong mates. How what was different itual satisfaction when spent on ghan people as much as they can. said that there is no document that (Pajhwok) muscles but of strong nerves as is the way of expressing these feel- needy people. and arm, one of the victims told prove this claim, but there are a TOLOnews. But those accused of Jayhoon also mentioned that Tur- few number of vulnerable children involvement in the incident have key has pledged its help to Af- which are used by drug smugglers rejected the allegations. I don t ghanistan whenever Afghanistan to carry on their illegal business. have any connection to the case needs so. That s why Turkish Radio Azadi also quoted the and there is no evidence that can missions are in our country. That spokesman for Labor and Social prove it, one of the accused kid- is why they are building the new Affairs Ministry, Ali Iftikhari, as nappers named Mullah Nasir said. Kabul International Airport, he saying that they have different I was in Nimroz and didn t said. The Turkish parliament au- plans on hand to help and sup- commit a crime, another who thorized the government in Janu- port children but this is the re- stands accused named Mullah ary 2015 to continue posting sponsibility of security agencies Naqibullah. If the kidnapper is Turkish troops in Afghanistan for to prevent using children in drugs my brother, or someone else, it two more years under a new dealing in Kabul or any other has nothing to do with me. NATO mission. province. Ahmad Zia Hafizi, the Police According to the new legisla- Chief of Angeel district in Herat, tion, the government is authorized said that one of the kidnappers to send troops to Afghanistan to 50 rebels dead was arrested during an operation support a new NATO-led mis- in the district and another was sion called Resolute Support, in Sar-i-Pul detained at a Madrasa. The im- which was launched on Jan. 1, portant thing to us is that, accord- 2015. As the NATO-led Interna- operations ing to the statement of the vic- tional Security Assistance Force tims, they were involved in tor- ended its 13-year combat mission SAR-I-PUL CITY: At least 50 ture and we are issuing the death in Afghanistan at the end of insurgents have been killed and sentence against them, Chief 2014, the mission has evolved another 40 wounded in northern Hafizi said. into training and advising of the Sar-i-Pul province in security forc- The victims families are ea- nascent Afghan security forces. es operations, officials said on ger to see justice served. If the Replying to a question as to Thursday. Officials said that the government believes it works with whether the terrorist incident will operation codenamed winter honesty and justice, then it should negatively affect Turkey and Af- conquest has been underway in punish such elements so that it ghanistan s relations, Jayhoon said Sherma and Borqoot localities of can be a lesson to other criminals, Not at all. This unfortunate inci- Sozma Qala district. Acting Gov- a brother of one of the victims dent will strengthen the coopera- ernor Abdul Jabbar Haqbin told named Juma Nazar said. tion between Turkey and Afghan- Pajhwok Afghan News the offen- Herat Police Chief General istan on combating terrorism. The sives had started two weeks ago Abdul Majid Rozai has said that Taliban have claimed responsibil- but had stopped during heavy combating kidnapping in his prov- ity for the attack but said the snowfall. He said 15 insurgents ince is one of his top priorities. Turkish convoy was not the in- were killed and 12 others wound- With your help, we will arrest tended target. The target was a ed on Wednesday only after the the criminals that commit crimes U.S. military convoy, the Tali- operations resumed. Ghulam in the city or in the districts in ban s purported spokesman, Zabi- Hazrat, a notorious Taliban com- order to maintain law and order, hullah Mujahid, said on his Twit- mander, who had allegedly killed Chief Rozai told the public on ter account. Jayhoon also men- Sancharak district police chief was Friday. tioned that sometimes U.S. offi- also killed in the operations, Kidnappings and coordinated cials are teamed up with Turkish Haqbin added. The joint opera- murders have been two major is- officials on certain projects be- tion is ongoing in the area. Only sues facing the security forces in cause there are risky areas for U.S. one army soldier has been wound- Heart in recent years. The rise in officials to be in. We don t want ed slightly, he continued. Taliban organized crime has hurt both the this horrible incident to ever be A Buddhist monk plays with a tiger at the Wat Pa Luang Ta Bua in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. The officials raided the Buddhist temple repeated again, Jayhoon said. claimed killing 13 security person- that is home to more than 100 tigers and are currently conducting an investigation into suspected links to wildlife trafficking. economy and rule of law in the nel in the clashes. (Pajhwok) province. (TOLONews) (Anadolu Agency) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.