Five Billion Afs in Worn-Out Bank Notes Burnt Annually

Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:234 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes TUESDAY . MARCH 28. 2017 -Hamal 08, 1396 HS

Tajikistan exports about 2.6 million kWh of electricity to Afghan- istan, reports Avesta news agency. The volume of export of electricity to Afghanistan has grown since early March, says the report. The flowage of the Vakhsh River allows not only to fully meet the domestic demand of the country, but also to export its surplus. Tajikistan annually produces about 55 million kWh of electricity. Tajiki- stan and Afghanistan reportedly will sign the relevant documents establishing the volume of supplies and prices for exported electricity in April. According to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan, the volume of exports of electricity in 2016 increased by 138.3 million year. Chairman of the OJSC Barqi reporters that the country export- 4,059 cents for 1 kWh. kWh compared to the previous Tojik Mirzo Ismoilzoda earlier told ed electricity to Afghanistan at (AKIPRESS) Five billion Afs in worn-out bank notes burnt annually The Central Bank of Afghanistan worn-out Afghani bank notes in the while said the collecting and burn- notes in the market.“The current (CBA) on Monday said they pay past 11 years. “Burning such a big ing process of old bank notes is process of collecting and burning nearly three AFs to print every amount of money is a big cost and not clear and it is possible that a old bank notes is very unclear and Afghani bank note and that annu- people should keep the money large amount of the collected mon- corrupt. So this method should be ally they collect and burn five bil- new because we pay approximate- ey is injected back in to the mar- changed and the Central Bank lion AFs worth of worn-out and ly 2.8 AFs to print every bank kets. According to MPs, although should try more to prevent the old old Afghani notes. According to note,” said Emal Hashor, Central the process of collecting worn-out bank notes from returning back to Central Bank statistics, they have Bank spokesperson. A number of bank notes has been ongoing, still market,” said Ramazan Juma Zada, burned 41 billion AFs worth of Parliament Members (MPs) mean- there is a large amount of old bank MP. (Tolo News)

By Farhad Naibkhel ing neglector and suspect from sol- weapons are only fit for control- dier to General ranking were intro- ling public order not for fighting KBAUL: Wolesi Jirga (Lower duced to judiciary organs in con- against terrorism. Minister said House) of parliament on Monday nection to attack over military hos- that assessment drive is complet- summoned ministers of defense pital,” Minister of Defense, Ab- ed about 80 percent regarding and interior as well as director of dullah Habibi told Wolesi Jirga. He ghost policemen and their weap- the national directorate of securi- said that those who are guilty will ons in different district of the prov- ty to brief regarding attack on mil- be punished strictly. Hinting to- inces across the country. He also itary hospital in Kabul and ramp ward mounting of insecurity, Min- insisted that fighting corruption is up security across the country. ister of Defense said that enemy on top agenda of the ministry of Though, security officials failed to was defeated last year, and all interior. Head of National Direc- satisfy parliamentarians with their preparation is on card to defeat torate of Security Masoom Stani- answers, but were saved from dis- them this year as well. He said kzai said that investigation pro- qualification. Members of parlia- that the ongoing war is a regional gressed well regarding military hos- ment criticized the security author- war, so we need all people sup- pital. ities for mismanagement and insuf- port to win this. Confirming ex- He said that we found clue to rec- ficiency, calling them as main fac- istence of corruption in army crew, ognize perpetrators linked to the tors behind hike of insecurity he insisted that serious combat is attack over military hospital with- caused the attack on Sardar Da- going on against corruption. in two weeks. He said that Af- wod Khan, a military hospital in Usurpers have put in place all ef- ghan forces are in war with 20 dif- Kabul. Parliamentarians also forts to grip lands belonging to the ferent terrorist network, which all pointed to speech of Head of the Ministry of Defense, but prevent- support by number of region coun- Office of Special Inspector Gen- ed, he noted. He emphasized that tries. eral for Afghanistan Reconstruc- the ministry exert utmost efforts Beside external issues, we faced tion (SIGAR), John Sopko regard- to reach weapons, equipment and to internal tribal, region and polit- ing corruption and mismanage- food to the soldiers on time. Min- ical issues, so it is required of all ment, which is the main factor be- ister of Interior Taj Mohammad Afghan to be united to defeat ene- hind failure of security forces in Jahid, while confirming security mies, he mentioned. It is pertained Afghanistan. The lawmakers also threats across the country, said that to mention that five bombers had asked security officials to brief most of the areas are under control attacked Saradar Dawod Khan mil- about existence of ghost soldiers of Afghan forces. He said that al- itary hospital March 8, resulted at and selling fuel, food and even though police forces duty is con- killing of 50 people and wounding weapons of the Afghan forces to trolling of public order, but they of dozens others including military the Taliban insurgents by com- involved fighting against terrorists. and civilian staffs of the hospital manders. “23 employees includ- He said that police formation and in Kabul capital.

KABUL : Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah on Monday urged Pakistan’s honesty in the fight against terrorism, saying support to terrorist groups was threatening the region’s and world’s stability. Presiding over a LASHKARGAH : At least 16 Tal- Cabinet meeting, Abdullah said last iban have been killed and nine oth- year was full of security challeng- ers wounded in Afghan forces air es for Afghanistan but the Afghan raid in the Nad Ali district of south- government had meanwhile some ern Helmand province, an official achievements as well. said on Monday. Lt. Col. Moham- Inauguration of various infra- icate terrorism”, he said, adding that mad Rasoul Zazai, spokesman for structure development projects, the fight against terrorism needed 215th Maiwand military corps, launching of the National Citizen honest cooperation between the told Pajhwok Afghan News the air Charter program, reforms in the two countries. Abdullah said ef- force targeted a group of Taliban election system, introduction of forts were underway at establish- who were planning attacks against technology to the electoral regime ing peace and Afghan forces were security forces. Zazai said, 16 mil- and finalization of electronic ID bravely defending their country itants were killed and nine others cards were major steps of the gov- against disruptors. Political, eco- wounded and many weapons and ernment last year, he said. nomic and military support of ter- ammunition were destroyed dur- The CEO said Pakistan recent- rorist groups was threatening se- ing the airstrike. Akhtar Moham- ly closed the crossing points with curity of the region and the world mad, a resident of Nad Ali said to Afghanistan due to some security and Afghanistan expected all re- Pajhwok, the security forces car- issues, while Afghanistan had been gional countries would honestly ried out the airstrike late on Mon- the frontline state in the fight help the Afghans get rid of extrem- day and Taliban suffered heavy against terrorism without differen- ism, the CEO said. About summon- casualties but, he was unaware of tiating between good and bad tering of security officials by the the exact figure of militants’ loss- rorists. “Negotiations are the only Wolesi Jirga, he said powers of the es. Separately, four Taliban had solution to all problems with neigh- all three pillars were clear and the been killed in Sangin district dur- bors and measures taken across the lower house had the right to sum- ing infighting, Zazai claimed. Durand Line would not help erad- mon ministers. (Pajhwok) (Pajhwok) TUESDAY . MARCH 28, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Damning Afghanistan war report criticises lack of planning Enrollment at a secondary for NZ school in Kabul city has increased by more than a deployment third as a result of improved Special immigrant facilities and resources, which have created a conducive learning visa holders still environment.

This is one of many tangible face questioning benefits of grants provided under the Education Quality A shelved Defence Force report on Improvement Program, upon reaching US New Zealand's deployment in Af- which aims to increase ghanistan slammed the lack of a access to quality basic As an economist, Hussein Mahr- spokeswoman says the agency has cohesive plan for our time in the education across Afghani- ammi helped U.S. development not changed its policy on SIV hold- country, as well as issues with authorities in Kabul, Afghanistan ers since January. But immigrant faulty equipment. stan. rebuild his war-torn country. He rights groups say officers with However, a military command- planned to stay in Afghanistan. CBP have become too aggressive er says the report was never form- Then, one by one, his colleagues at airports and border crossings. alised as it was "insufficiently ac- The program has helped the were assaulted and even killed be- How America's Idea Of Illegal curate". school strengthen ties with cause they worked with Americans. Immigration Doesn't Always The draft report, provided to the community through the "We really feel afraid," Mahr- Match Reality NZME under the Official Infor- establishment of a school ammi says. THE TWO-WAY mation Act, was produced after the management council. So Mahrammi applied for a How America's Idea Of Illegal end of New Zealand's 10-year in- Special Immigrant Visa, or SIV. It Immigration Doesn't Always volvement with the Provincial Re- was created specifically for peo- Match Reality construction Team in the Bamiy- ple who worked with the U.S. "I would assume that there are an province. government or contractors in Iraq dozens, if not hundreds more cas- A New Zealand soldier pic- and Afghanistan, at great risk to es, that nobody ever finds out tured in Afghanistan. A damning themselves. In return, they were about," says Becca Heller, direc- report into New Zealand's deploy- promised green cards, though some tor of the International Refugee ment in the country has finally ... did not get the warm welcome they Assistance Project. Heller is try- A New Zealand soldier pic- expected. Immigrant rights advo- ing to document cases of people tured in Afghanistan. A damning cates say these visa holders have attempting to enter the U.S. legal- report into New Zealand's deploy- been detained and threatened with ly, and being turned away. She ment in the country has finally deportation since President Donald didn't find a single example of SIV been released. Trump took office. holders being detained or deport- The report from the military's "I was expecting or dreaming ed by CBP officers — until this J8 branch, which focuses on "con- that they welcome in a way," month. tinuous improvement/lessons Mahrammi says, "maybe through "It just begs the question of learned", criticised a "lack of a co- some separate line, offering us tea, whether what they're doing is hesive campaign plan" for New and welcome us. But it was not based on actual actionable intelli- Zealand operations in Afghanistan, like that." Needless to say, Mahr- gence, or just on the fact that they with each six-month rotation treat- ammi was not offered tea when he are sort of running amok right ed like an individual operation. landed with his wife and four now," says Heller. Commander Joint Forces NZ young sons at Dulles Internation- But David Aguilar, a former Major General Tim Gall said the al Airport in Virginia earlier this acting commissioner of CBP, dis- report was too inaccurate to be month. Officers from U.S. Cus- putes that. accepted and circulated. toms and Border Protection pulled "What it tells me is that Cus- Commander Joint Forces NZ Mahrammi aside. The officers toms and Border Protection is do- Major General Tim Gall said the started asking a lot of questions. ing what they have been charged report was too inaccurate to be Finally, after five hours, Mahram- with doing," says Aguilar. He says accepted and circulated. mi and his family were allowed in. a visa alone doesn't guarantee en- "It was felt that no consoli- But his case could have gone try to the U.S. The law specifies dated New Zealand campaign plan very differently. That same week, 60 different grounds for a border existed. As such, there was a lack another SIV holder from Afghani- protection officer to reject some- of clarity over the end state and stan landed at the airport in New- one. Aguilar says those officers are the milestones expected to be ark, N.J. even trained to look at body lan- achieved." Commanders on the "Once he arrived, he was put guage. ground felt "the principle of mis- into detention, questioned without "If the officer believes the in- sion command was not exercised", There has been a marked improvement in the quality of education. With support from the program’s a lawyer, and forced to sign pa- dividual is nervous, is evasive, eye with decisions being taken by gov- Quality Enhancement Grant (QEG), the school now boasts a library and laboratory. pers he didn't want to sign," says contact is not there, or the line of ernment minister and military Alexander Shalom, senior staff at- questioning just does not match up torney with the American Civil with the answers," Aguilar says, headquarters that should have been KABUL CITY: The school bell (EQUIP) to thank for the school to send my child here,” she says. ple when the school toilet system devolved. Liberties Union of New Jersey. officers are trained to ask more chimes and students make their building and other facilities. Now “Once the school building was did not function. “Last year, an He's representing the man known questions. "If they are not allow- Poor synchronisation between way to the classrooms. They are in its second phase, EQUIP II constructed, a lot of people were earthquake damaged four of our military headquarters and troops in court papers only as John Doe, ing immediate entry into the U.S., dressed in winter uniforms, bun- seeks to increase equitable access eager to send their children to this toilets that were built with the to protect his privacy. there is a reason for it," he says. on the ground led to "frustration dled up in blazers and woolens. In to quality basic education, espe- school.” school building,” says Jamila Ah- and wasted effort and resources", Hours before the man was set Immigration advocates say it's the classrooms, teachers hurry stu- cially for girls. It is implemented Established in 1960, Mirman madzai. “We requested the Educa- to be deported, his lawyers raced not easy to get an SIV in the first with duplicated sourcing of equip- dents to their seats and begin dis- by the Ministry of Education and Khajo School stands tall in the heart tion Directorate to solve this prob- ment like pallets and tie-down to court. One federal judge ruled place. The process involves exten- tributing exam papers. Today is funded by the Afghanistan Recon- of the twisted and crowded lanes lem but they could not help.” against them. So they asked for an sive background checks by the straps. "A strong 'she'll be right' the last day of examinations in the struction Trust Fund (ARTF). of Shur Bazar in old Kabul city. EQUIP, through its gender depart- culture" was evident, with incon- emergency hearing before the Third Departments of State and Home- school and the students are excit- EQUIP was originally supported The new building, financed by ment, visited the school and came Circuit Court of Appeals. land Security. In the case of Hus- sistent application of processes. ed about the winter holidays that by the International Development Education Quality Improvement to know about the problem through Ad Feedback "The government was planning sein Mahrammi, it took two years. start the next day. Association (IDA), the World Program (EQUIP), paved the way the Ministry of Education. Ah- to put him back on a plane," Sha- With Both Communities Con- "Personnel are simply not fol- It was not always the case that Bank Group’s fund for the poor- to enroll more students in school, madzai adds, “We are really thank- lowing established procedures or lom says, "until we got the Third cerned, Latino Muslims Learn students sat in a proper classroom, est countries. they can now concentrate and learn. ful to the EQUIP officers who en- Circuit to prevent them from do- About Their Rights U.S. completing paperwork in accor- insulated from inclement weather, Construction of the school Mirman Khajo Secondary sured a solution was found.” dance with published standard ing that." That man is still in de- With Both Communities Con- for lessons and exams at the Mir- building started in 2007 and was School has seen an increase in en- EQUIP adopts a very hands- tention. Federal authorities have cerned, Latino Muslims Learn operating procedures." man Khajo Secondary School. “It completed in 2009. The eight new rollment—80 children registered on approach to ensure quality ed- There was a general lack of yet to tell the ACLU why they About Their Rights was only a few years ago that this classrooms were constructed at a for admission in 2016, a jump of ucation for all. The establishment won't let him into the country. A week after landing in the experience of working within a large building was constructed. It is well total cost of $98,461, financed by more than 30 percent over previ- of School Management Shuras coalition, while some troops were Also this month, in Los Ange- U.S., Mahrammi and his family planned and a strong, stable struc- EQUIP’s Infrastructure Develop- ous years’ average of 50-60 new (councils) in EQUIP-supported les, officers detained a family of still don't have any furniture at sent on deployment without meet- ture,” says Jamila Ahmadzai, the ment Grant (IDG). A proper build- enrollments. Quality education for schools helps the program to ing minimum requirements for five travelling on a special immi- their apartment in Maryland. So school principal, of the school ing has led to a significant increase all There has been a marked im- achieve its objective. The Mirman grant visa. They were eventually they're sleeping on the rugs they readiness. building. “Before it was construct- in the enrollment, paved the way provement in the quality of edu- Khajo School Management Shura The report also outlined prob- released, but only after an emer- brought with them from Kabul. ed, all we had were ruins. We had for better quality education, and cation with EQUIP support. With regularly meets the teachers to gency court order. Mahrammi isn't complaining. If his lems with military equipment. no doors, no windows, and in some strengthened the school’s connec- support from the program’s Qual- identify solutions to any new chal- There was a shortage of specialist "What seems to be going on is family had to go back to Afghani- classrooms, no wall.” tion with the community, says ity Enhancement Grant (QEG), lenges they face. “The Shura con- a tremendous amount of discretion stan now, he says, they'd become weapons, while issued combat Established in 1960, Mirman Jamila Ahmadzai. The school has the school now boasts a library and structed three extra classrooms boots broke down quickly in the being given to these CBP agents, targets. Khajo School stands tall in the heart seen an increase in enrollment— laboratory. “My father is a street next to the school building when without much guidance," says at- "This time, much in danger," Afghanistan environment and of the twisted and crowded lanes 80 children registered for admis- vendor and because of my fami- we complained about the shortage caused injuries, leading many sol- torney Robert Blume of the firm Mahrammi says. "Because we of Shur Bazar in old Kabul city. In sion in 2016, a jump of more than ly’s financial situation, I cannot of classrooms in the school,” re- Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher, which would be clear and distinguished diers to buy their own footwear. the past, classes were held under 30 percent over previous years’ afford to buy storybooks,” says marks Shima. The future of 1,050 The report was based on in- is representing the family. target." tents and among the ruins of old average of 50-60 new enrollments. Emran, a Grade 5 student at the young Afghans, the current num- A Customs and Border Pro- Mahrammi says he's grateful terviews with Kiwi troops in Af- buildings. “It was not at all like a Shima, 45, a teacher at the school. “I like stories and the ber of students at the school, has ghanistan, with additional materi- tection spokeswoman declined to to be in the U.S. Where his family classroom,” says Ahmadzai. school, agrees that the school build- school library is a good place for been made brighter thanks to comment on individual cases. doesn't have to live in hiding any- al from documents and direct ob- “Now students attend classes in ing has had significant impact on reading them.” EQUIP. Khan Mohammad, a servations. The Trump administration is more. standardized classrooms and are enrollment. “When we did not have While the program has ad- Grade 6 student, yells out, “I like making it tougher to get visas from The broadcast version of this "The interviewees were urged more focused.” a school building, things were very dressed the basic infrastructure my lessons and my classroom!”, to be as open and frank as possi- certain parts of the world, and has story was produced by Wilma The school has the Education different. Even though I was a deficit at the school, new challeng- just in case the point was missed. vowed to ramp up screening of Consul and edited by Laura Smith- ble in their responses." Quality Improvement Program teacher in the school, I did not want es continue to surface, for exam- (WORLDBANK) In a letter accompanying the people entering the U.S. A CBP erman. (.NPR) report's release, Commander Joint Forces NZ Major General Tim Gall said it was too inaccurate to be accepted and circulated. Notorious Taliban Contracts for projects worth 650m afs signed "The observations reported in the J8 group's conclusions di- KABUL : The Ministry of Rural “The MRRD won’t tolerate tracts. The projects are being im- would be built in the current solar verged quite markedly from those Rehabilitation and Development any lack of transparency in the plemented under the National year. So far, 5,600 kilometers road of other, more experienced, on-the- commander (MRRD) on Sunday signed con- schemes’ execution,” Durain said. Road Construction Program of and 4,900 meters bridges had been ground observers." tracts for three development Representatives of the compa- MRRD. According to the minis- constructed in different provinces Gall said the report contained projects worth 650 million afgha- nies said they would implement try, more than 700 kilometers of under the National Road Con- self-contradictions, along with held in Faryab nis with private companies. the schemes according to their con- roads and 1,700 meters of bridges struction Program. (Pajhwok) "unremarkable or mere 'business as RRD Minister Nasir Ahmad usual' irritations" which were re- Durani, while signing the contracts corded as more serious issues. here, said the projects included Claims about the lack of a co- construction of 38 kilometers of hesive campaign plan ignored in- road, 226 meters of bridges and a formation at the public domain at school building. the time about the Defence Force's The projects would be imple- missions in Afghanistan. mented in Baghlan, Logar, Parwan, "The rest of the synopsis is Sar-i-Pul, Uruzgan, Khost, Saman- devoted to dozens of 'issues', most gan, Ghor and Nuristan provinc- of which could be characterised as es. being minor at best," he said. The minister said the schemes NZME asked for a copy of would be completed in one year. the report in January 2014, but the Six kilometers of roads would be Defence Force initially refused to graveled while 32 kilometers would release the information, saying it MAIMANA : Security forces from common people on Khishti- be reconstructed and asphalted, could compromise the country's have arrested Taliban Commander i-Pul on Maimana Road, Deputy Durani added. safety and stop military officers Farooq Pashakhani after a clash Police Chief Meer Amnullah Za- He said the projects would from offering frank views. with militants in northern Faryab hir told Pajhwok Afghan News. generate job opportunities for It then decided to release the province, an official said on Mon- Another Taliban local commander around 241,000 people in the prov- report, after Chief Ombudsman day. confirmed the arrest of Pashakhani inces. Peter Boshier met Defence Force The Taliban commander was held and the killing of another fighter He asked the private compa- chief Lieutenant General Tim Keat- and his fighter killed while they Mullah Shoiab in Sunday clash. nies to perform their works in line ing. (STUFF) were snatching money and goods (Pajhwok) with the contracts. TUESDAY . MARCH 28, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Afghan children play on a frozen lake in Kabul, EMERGENCY Afghanistan, on Jan 9, 2017. PHOTO: REUTERS CALLS Police rate in a single year,” Akbar said. Militants have increasingly target- 100 - 119 ed educational institutions, young professionals and educated members of the Afghan society. Experts Hospitals believe militants are purposely tar- KABUL: When the first day of no schools there anymore. I stud- geting these institutions to deprive the new school year started in Af- ied only up to fourth grade, but I FMIC Hospital the younger generation from edu- ghanistan this month, 3.7 million can still read and write. Behind Kabul Medical cation and to disconnect them from boys and girls were not expected In the city, I sell sweets from a the rest of the world. to be in attendance because of in- cart to feed my siblings. I have three University: “The attackers wanted to per- creased violence, displacement and brothers and three sisters. My old- 0202500200-+93793275595 manently close this excellent cen- poverty. est brother is 14 years old, and the ter of learning. They failed,” Kha- The total number - roughly youngest in our family is my four- lilzad said. “I wish the AUAF suc- one in three school-age children - year-old sister. My older brother Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital cess in delivering on its mission: is expected to grow this year as is also working with me. Pule Bagh-e- Umomi to educate its students and pro- violence between Afghan troops If my father were alive, I would vide them with 21st century skills, and the Taleban intensifies, and not be spending the day in the ba- 070263672 who can lead successful lives and, Pakistan forces Afghan refugees to zaar selling things. in turn, can help Afghanistan suc- return home, according to Save the My cousins are still in the vil- Khairkhana Hospital ceed.” Initially, for many the at- Children, an advocacy group. lage where there is no school. But tack on the school seemed to have Here are the stories of five of my neighbours here - they attend 0799-321007 been the beginning of an end for those children (translated and ed- private school and government 2401352 the university. But the institu- ited). Lina, 12, is from Kapisa schools. When I see boys going to tion’s administrators told VOA province in north-eastern Afghan- school, I really feel like I should be that many of the university’s for- istan, but her family members were going, too. But I have to earn mon- Indira Gandhi Children FILE - An Afghan security official patrols after an attack on the American eign faculty have returned. displaced by fighting seven years ey in order to feed my family and University of Afghanistan in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 25, 2016. Some parents remain con- ago. She now lives in a refugee afford the rent. Hospital, Wazir Akbar cerned about the safety of their camp in Kabul. She went to school Bakhti, 13, is from the north- The American University of Af- sures taken in the wake of last grams based on the American sys- children, fearing another attack by for three years before being pulled ern city of Mazar-i-Sharif. Her Khan, Kabul 2301372 ghanistan, a prestigious institution year’s terrorist attack. The univer- tem. “Today is a good day for the the militants. out. mother died of hepatitis B three of higher education in the country, sity seemed to have been a target world. I am delighted that AUAF But the university says par- I loved going to school, but we years ago. Her father, who works Ibn-e- Seena has just reopened seven months of the militants for a while. Prior has reopened. I know that the uni- ents are welcome to visit the cam- don't have enough money to buy as a day labourer in Iran, left her after a deadly terrorist attack that to the attack, but during the same versity community has been ea- pus to examine the new security notebooks and other things. Our and her younger brothers in Kabul Pul-e-Artan, Kabul killed 13 people and injured more month, an American and an Aus- gerly waiting for this day,” Kha- measures put in place by the ad- relatives are angry at us for leaving with their uncle. I wake up around than 35 others. tralian professor were kidnapped lilzad, who is also a member of the ministration in the wake of the ter- school, but without notebooks it 6am. After breakfast, I do the 2100359 Among those killed last Au- at gunpoint while on their way to AUAF Board of Trustees, told rorist attack. To students like Fary- was not possible to study and do housework - cleaning, sweeping, gust were seven students, one pro- the campus. Both professors ap- VOA. “The Afghan people and the al Yaqubi, however, the American homework. washing the dishes. If there is a Wazir Akbar Khan fessor, three police officers and peared in a video in January ask- Afghan leadership rallied in sup- University of Afghanistan presents If I don't go to school, I will carpet in progress, then I get to two security guards according to ing the American government to port of the University,” he added. an opportunity and hope of a bet- become nothing in the future; if I help weave the carpet. Hospital the country’s Ministry of Interior negotiate and secure their release, The university has about 1,700 ter tomorrow. “My parents and I go to school, I will become a doc- From each carpet, I get about 2301741, 2301743 Affairs. The school - whose facul- but they have yet to be freed. students and is viewed as one of want to complete my studies at tor. I want to become a doctor. 80 US cents as a tip. The rest of ty consists of Afghans and foreign ‘Campus is safe’ “While the Amer- the country’s finest institutions of this university because it is one of During the day, I collect scraps the money goes to the house ex- nationals, including Americans - ican University of Afghanistan’s higher education. Some of its grad- the best universities in the coun- of metal, wood and paper. For penses. Last time from the 80 Ali Abad officially reopened on Saturday, doors remained closed for students uates are working in senior posi- try,” Yaqubi told VOA. “Now, we lunch, I wait in front of a bakery - cents, I bought a comb for myself but classes are scheduled to start after the August 2016 attack, we tions within the Afghan govern- do not have any [security] issues. the baker himself or someone else and socks for my brothers. Shahrara, Kabul March 28. reviewed our security system to ment. “Our goal is to help provide The university is fully function- gives me a loaf of bread that I share When I lived in Mazar, I stud- 2100439 “We continued our commit- make it stronger so that our stu- a modern and prosperous future al.” Business administration stu- with my friend or my cousin. ied until fourth grade. When we ment to the future of Afghanistan,” dents return to a safer environ- to Afghanistan and we want to dent, freshman Kabir Ali, told VOA ZAHID, eight, who helps his came to Kabul, I went to school David Sedney, Acting President of ment,” Zubaida Akbar, director of help educate the future leaders of that he was anxious to return to siblings and their father collect for about three months but then Malalai Maternity the American University of Af- communications at the university Afghanistan,” Akbar said. Attack the classroom. “I have been impa- scraps for a living. stopped. The classes here were not ghanistan (AUAF) told VOA’s told VOA. Established in 2006 not deterring students The terror- tiently waiting for the reopening We live in tents here; we have like those in Mazar. The students Hospital Afghanistan service. with the help of Zalmay Khalilzad, ist attack has not deterred Afghans of the university. Now I feel safer two tents. I sleep with my five did not behave well; they were 2201377/ 2301743 Sedney added that the univer- former U.S. Ambassador to Af- from seeking education at AUAF. and more optimistic about my brothers and sisters in one tent, very violent. They would call me sity campus is now safer than be- ghanistan, the university offers “We have 80 new students this higher education at AUAF,” Ali and my father, mother, and two the "strange girl". I also stopped fore because of new security mea- graduate and undergraduate pro- semester, the highest enrollment said. (VOANEWS) small sisters sleep in the other. going because my two brothers are Banks For breakfast, if something is alone. I am afraid they will get lost left over from dinner we eat that. - I have to stay and look after them. Da Afghanistan Bank If not, we eat bread with tea. After If my mother was around, I would 2100302, 2100303 breakfast, I bring water from the study. But now I can't. Waziristan refugees hail well, which is a one-hour walk My cousins go to school. Bakhtar Bank away. Providing drinking water for Those who go to school, they look our home is my responsibility, and good. I also want to go to school, 0776777000 I bring water in a wheelbarrow, in but it is not going to happen. these small barrels, two or three 'I AM WORRIED ABOUT Azizi Bank Afghan govt, people hospitality times a day. I also collect small MY FUTURE' 0799 700900 pieces of wood and plastic to burn Imamuddin, 15, is from KHOST CITY : Refugees from the to heat our home. Charchino district in Oruzgan Pashtany Bank Pakistan controlled tribal areas Zahid, eight, is from Surkh province. After intense fighting in 2102908, 2103868 have said they would always re- Rod, a district in eastern Nangar- the district, which is now con- member the memories of their mi- har province. He and his four sib- trolled by the Taleban, his father gration in southeastern Khost lings help their father collect metal moved half of the family to Tirin Air Services province. The repatriation process and other scraps in Jalalabad, a Kot. I studied up to fifth grade in of tribal families had been launched nearby city. All members of my our district, but schools closed a Safi Airways and many were going back to their family sleep in one room that we year ago because of fighting, and homes. rent for US$25 (S$35) a month. now the Taleban control our vil- 020 22 22 222 The family of Ghazi Khan is After waking up, I wash my lage. There was fighting every day, among the migrated families. He face, then I eat my breakfast, which and I wasn't even able to leave our Ariana lived in a small house of Gulab is tea with bread. Then I take my house. Camp on the outskirts of Khost sack and go to the bazaar. My mother and five sisters are 020-2100270 City, the provincial capital, from During the day, I collect scraps still in the district; we are trying to the past two and a half years. of metal, wood and paper. For bring them here soon. We live in a Kam Air He told Pajhwok Afghan News lunch, I wait in front of a bakery - rented house, which has three one should face some problem dur- the baker himself or someone else rooms, and we pay about US$60 a 0799974422 ing migration as the new place is gives me a loaf of bread that I share month. My father, two brothers strange and people are unknown with my friend or my cousin. and I share one room. It's winter, Hotels to you but he said being lived in We sell the things we collect and to keep a room warm needs a Khost City he did not felt way during the day for 20 US cents, lot of wood, and we can hardly Safi Landmark from his home and the people were and then I bring the money home make one room warm. extremely cooperative. and we buy tea, sugar or some- Life is hard... I am very bored. 020-2203131 He said: “The people of Af- thing else with it. In a whole day, But I am happy when night comes, ghanistan respected us like one re- the most I earn is 50 US cents. and at least I can go to sleep. SERENA spect his parents,” he said. I do not go to school because I really want to become a doc- Abdul Khaleq, another refugee we don't have money. tor and serve the people. I am ask- 0799654000 said: “It was the month of Rama- My relatives and friends are ing my father to send me to En- zan when we migrated. We had going to school, and when I see glish classes in Tirin Kot, but he New Rumi Restaurant nothing for eat and wear and run them, I wish I would be able to go cannot afford the fees. I am study- out of cash, but the residents of to school and do my studies, too. ing my old books from school, and 0776351347 Khost provided us place in their If you go to school, you will have I have completed each book many homes and respected us a lot.” a good future. If you don't, you times. I may start working, or move Internet Services He added: “The Pakistani mil- will not. to another province where we can itary did not honour us the people Raqibullah, 12, is from a vil- find a better living. I am worried UA Telecom of Afghanistan respected us.” lage on the outskirts of Tirin Kot, about my future and education. 0796701701 / 0796702702 Khan Wad Khan, the tribal ref- a city in Oruzgan province in Life was good back in the district - ugees head, while thanking the gov- southern Afghanistan. He moved we had a good living, we had land Exchange Rate ernment and people of Afghanistan separated at any cost. As many as tribal families 30,000 came to of tribal refugees. Although, Paki- to Tirin Kot after his father was and orchards and schools and fel- he said Afghans proved they were 500,000 tribal families had to mi- Khost and another 10,000 sought stan reopened Torkham and Spin- killed a year and a half ago by a low students, but here you do not brave people. grate after Pakistani military refuge in Paktika province. The boldak crossing points but the blast from a roadside bomb. know anybody. Fighting deprived Purchase: He said the enemy should launched operation Zarb-i-Azab in blocakdge of crossing points cre- Gulam Khan crossing point was When I was in the village, I us of everything. know that Pashtons could not be North Waziristan. Of the migrated ated problems in the repatriation still closed. (Pajhwok) was going to school, but there are (STRAITSTIMES) One US$ = 66.75Afs One Pound Sterling= 50 Development Projects 80.87Afs One Euro = Completed By NSP In Paktia 70.05Afs KABUL: With a cost of more than AFN 24,478,000 funded by Nation- 1000 Pak Rs = al Solidarity Program of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Devel- 611Afs opment (MRRD/NSP) 50 public utility projects have been implement- HERAT CITY : Seventy-six peo- other parts of the province had percent of the wounded residents wok, no traffic accidents have oc- ed in eastern Pakita province. According to information and publication ple have been wounded in the first been admitted in the hospital for were women. Sherzai recalled, 150 curred in Herat city, except for the Sale: relations department of MRRD to BNA, these development projects three days of the new solar year as treatment. He added, most of the injured had been evacuated to the Friday when two traffic accidents One US$ = include the construction of water canals, dams, water supplies net- a result of traffic accidents in west- wounded people were youth and hospital in the first three days of occurred in Karukh district. Hom- 68.30 Afs works, protection walls, retaining walls, small hydro power plants and ern Herat province, health officials teenagers who have had accidents the last year. But, Herat province ayun was concerned over the in- One Pound Sterling= gravelling of rural roads that have been executed in different parts of Laja said on Sunday. Zonal Hospital due to over speed driving and un- Traffic officials said, no traffic ac- crease of vehicles in the city and 81.67Afs Ahmadkhail and Laja Mangal districts of the province. Approximately, Spokesman Mohammad Rafiq awareness of traffic rules. “A total cident has occurred in the first three said, “The number of vehicles in 9000 families in various communities have gained access to basic human Sherzai told Pajhwok Afghan of 76 people have been injured in days of the new-year, only two the city was on the raise. Current- One Euro= needs upon completion of these projects. During the implementation News, people of different ages in- the first three days of the new accidents took place in the fourth ly there have been over 400,000 72.50 Afs the mentioned projects work opportunities have been provided for 1865 jured due to traffic accident in Her- year, happily no death case has day. Provincial traffic officer, Ghu- vehicles in Herat city making traf- 1000 Pak Rs= 631 skilled and unskilled workers for short time. (BNA) at City, the provincial capital, and been recorded”, he added. 15 to 20 lam Dastagir Homayun told Pajh- ficking management difficult.” TUESDAY . MARCH 28, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES PTI opposes NOCfor Raheel to head

Saudi-led RAMESWARAM/CHENNAI: ated as a result of these meetings," Sri Lankan Navy today arrested he said. He said "a firm, clear, un- 12 Indian fishermen from Tamil equivocal and unambiguous mes- military Nadu, prompting the state govern- sage" should be sent out by the ment to ask the centre to send an Government of India to Sri Lanka "unequivocal message" to Colom- to ensure that these apprehensions alliance bo to stop the apprehensions. are stopped. Chief Minister K Palaniswa- It should also be ensured that mi said the 12 persons were ar- the livelihood of the poor and in- rested today in two different innocent fishermen from Tamil stances after they set sail from Je- Nadu, "who are engaged in their gathapattinam and Kottaipattinam traditional occupation and fish in fishing bases in Puthukottai on their traditional waters, are pro- early hours. tected," he said. The Chief Minister told Prime Mr Palaniswami reiterated that Minister Narendra Modi that the the impounded boats of the fish- arrest came days after External ermen berthed in Sri Lanka should Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj be released immediately. had met Tamil Nadu ministers and "I reiterate that the issue of the fishermen representatives sep- apprehension of our fishermen and arately this month. release of their boats be taken up "It is unfortunate that these at the highest diplomatic level and incidents have taken place at a time the Government of India take nec- when our fishermen are hopeful essary steps to ensure the safety that a pragmatic and permanent and security of our fishermen," he solution to this issue would emerge said. Mr Palaniswami sought PM as was discussed at the meeting" Modi's personal intervention to with Ms Swaraj, he told PM Modi secure the release of a total of 38 in a letter. fishermen and 133 fishing boats "This most recent act of the currently in Sri Lankan custody at Sri Lankan Navy again creates anx- the earliest. He also reminded PM iety and unrest in the minds of our Modi of the state government's fishermen and vitiates the atmo- demand for a R,650 crore deep- sphere of hope which was gener- sea fishing package. (NDTV)

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Te- hreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has opposed the government’s decision to allow former chief of army staff (COAS) retd Gen Raheel Sharif to assume the command of a yet-to-be- formed, Saudi-led 39-nation military alliance of Muslim states. “We strongly oppose this decision and will soon raise the issue in the parliament,” PTI spokesman General Rawat to Kathmandu pre- Fawwad Chaudhry told Dawn. cedes the first Nepal-China He said PTI Chairman Imran counter-terror drill, which is slat- Khan had tasked three parliamen- ed to take place after Prime Min- tarians of the party — Shah Meh- ister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachan- mood Qureshi, Shireen Mazari and da completes his current China Shafqat Mehmood — with prepar- trip. Mr. Chang’s visit last week ing a strategy under which a priv- set the stage for the counter-terror ilege motion and a calling attention drill. Robust presence “Because of notice would be moved in the Na- the decades-old official Nepali tional Assembly so that a thread- policy to maintain a professional bare discussion could take place armed force, we have a robust pres- there on the issue. ence under the blue helmets of the The PTI’s reaction came after United Nations and are engaged in an interview of Defence Minister peace operations in various parts Khawaja Asif was published in of the world. Capacity building and some newspapers on Sunday in assistance in this field can help bi- which he revealed that the govern- lateral military ties between India ment had issued issue a no objec- and Nepal to move into the next tion certificate (NOC) to the phase,” the diplomatic source said. Greater Nepal-India peacekeeping former army chief to lead the mil- ties are likely to focus also on the itary alliance. terror front. India has been empha- The PTI spokesman said his sising the changing nature of peace- party was of the view that all par- keeping in the 21st century, mak- liamentary parties had decided in His visit comes at a time when the lighted against the backdrop of the the 28-nation exercise, Shanti Pra- Himalayan nation is hosting a 28- ongoing multi-nation military ex- yas II, which will end on April 7. ing it imperative to blend anti-ter- the parliament that Pakistan would ror operations with peacekeeping remain neutral in the Middle East country military exercise ercise it is hosting as well as the General Rawat is likely to interact International peacekeeping is visit of the Chinese Defence Min- with retired Gurkha soldiers of the and peace-building processes. crisis. But the decision to issue the likely to emerge as the focus of ister, Chang Wangquan, to Kath- Indian Army at Pokhara, which is Alongside India and Pakistan, Ne- NOC to Gen Sharif is contrary to pal and Bangladesh are among the military collaboration between In- mandu. The capacity upgrade of the main recruitment centre for Bangladesh media reported that Tripura’s 856 km border has been the parliament’s decision. “Even dia and Nepal in the coming years, Nepal’s military is expected to be these personnel. largest contributors of troops to if the government had decided to the UN peacekeeping forces. Kath- two police officials, two terrorists fenced and work is on in the re- a senior diplomatic source in Kath- on the table during the three-day He is expected to receive the are among the eight dead in the two maining portion. issue the NOC to the former army mandu said on Sunday. visit of the Chief of the Army Staff, ceremonial title of General from mandu, at present, contributes a chief, it should have come again to total of 5,212 military personnel blasts at a militant hideout. “With some women person- Nepal’s emerging role in peace- General Bipin Rawat, from Tues- Nepal’s Army. The Shanti Prayas The Border Security Force nel, over 18 BSF battalions have the parliament to give reasons why keeping exercises has been high- day. The visit will coincide with II military exercise and the visit of to the UN peacekeeping forces. it wanted to do so,” he said. (BSF) has sounded a high alert all been deployed along the Tripura The PTI spokesman said the along the India-Bangladesh border borders,” Singh added. 39-nation military alliance of Mus- in view of a terror attack in the Bangladesh media reported lim states was apparently being neighbouring country, an officer that two police officials, two ter- formed against Iran and, therefore, said here on Monday. rorists are among the eight dead in the appointment of Pakistan’s “Strict alert has been sounded the two blasts at a militant hide- former army chief as its commander all along the 4,096 km India-Bang- out in Bangladesh’s Sylhet city. would send a negative message that ladesh border. BSF troopers have Bangladesh Army and com- the country was also against Iran. been asked to maintain a close vig- mandos cordoned off the five-sto- Read: Pakistan will not par- il along the international bound- rey building where the terrorists ticipate in conflict that divides aries,” BSF Deputy Inspector were holed up inside. Muslim Ummah: Khawaja Asif General Hardeep Singh told IANS The elite Rapid Action Battal- Mr Chaudhry said the govern- in Agartala. ion is also involved in the opera- ment’s decision could further ex- “BSF troopers have been tion ‘Twilight’ which continued for pand the already existing divide asked to keep maximum vigil along the fourth day on Monday. Sev- those border territories where fenc- enty-eight people trapped inside between Sunni and Shia communi- Bangladesh’s military on Monday plete,” he said. militants are there inside”. Bang- uated them from the building. ing is yet to be erected. Along with the building complex were evacu- ties in Pakistan. “Our Shia broth- said their operations to flush out The operation was launched ladesh has rejected the Islamic State “They (militants) said bombs the BSF, dog and bomb squads ated amid cover firing. ers have already been targeted in Islamist militants from a five-sto- after a suicide bomber on Friday terror group’s presence in the coun- were implanted downstairs which were also deployed on the fron- A Tripura police official said the country and this decision will rey building in Sylhet could last night blew himself up at the inter- try after it claimed the responsi- would blow us up if we try to tier,” he added that the Mobile Task Force (MTF) intensify sense of insecurity pre- long as there are several more “well- national airport in Dhaka in an at- bility for Saturday’s retaliatory leave,” he said. Para-commandos The India-Bangladesh border personnel and other state security vailing among them,” he added. trained operatives” inside the hide- tack claimed by the ISIS. It came a attack. evacuated civilians from the top lies along five states - West Bengal forces were also asked to keep a The proposed military coali- out. Eight persons have been killed week after an identical attack on a Meanwhile, residents who floor of the building placing roof (2,216 km), Tripura (856 km), close watch in the border villages. tion has reportedly been envisaged so far in the ‘Operation Twilight’. RAB camp in Dhaka. lived in the building where opera- to roof ladders from an adjacent Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram The police official said that Bang- to serve as a platform for security The military operation entered its On Saturday, two powerful tion is taking place said they were building moved out residents from (318 km) and Assam (263 km). ladesh’s Sylhet district shares bor- cooperation, including provision of fourth day on Monday in this bombs ripped through a crowd virtually taken hostage with mili- one floor after another until they Some portions of the borders are ders with Tripura, Assam and training, equipment and troops. northwestern city, about 236 km near the hideout, killing six peo- tants warning them of bombs im- reached the second floor stairwell reverine. Over 90 per cent of Meghalaya. (THEHINDU) The PTI spokesman said the from the capital, Dhaka. ple, two being police officers and planted on their way out. The where they found improvised ex- Middle East crisis was not con- After a relative lull since last injuring about 50, including two commandos brought them out from plosive devices placed on the fined to the Muslim states but su- night, sporadic gunfire and explo- army officers currently serving the the top of the building making their stairs. Bangladesh has been wit- per power Russia and Turkey had sions could be heard today from elite anti-crime Rapid Action Bat- way there from the rooftop of an nessing a spate of attacks on secu- also been involved in the bloody the five-storey building in Sylhet. talion (RAB). adjacent structure. Banker Ranajit lar activists, foreigners and reli- Pakistan Railways to war in Syria. “Raheel Sharif’s ac- The military launched ‘Operation Army said the two militants Das, a tenant of the house who gious minorities since 2013. The tions can also affect Pakistan’s re- Twilight’ to flush out the militants blew themselves up detonating was evacuated along with his five country launched a massive crack- renovate 31 more stations lations with Iran, Russia and Tur- from the hideout. Locals said they suicide vests after being shot by family members, said militants’ down on militants specially after key,” he expressed the fear. could hear burst of automatic army commandos on ground floors warnings prevented them from the Dhaka cafe attack. weapons and explosions once again of building but “we assume more coming out until commandos evac- (INDIANEXPRESS) Pakistan Railways is currently ferred as the same project was in- He said under the country’s planning to rehabilitate and reno- cluded in the China Pakistan Eco- laws it was mandatory for all gov- after 6 am. “We heard sporadic gunshots and explosions,” a resi- vate 31 railway stations across nomic Corridor (CPEC). Two oth- ernment officials not to take up a Pakistan to provide better facili- er projects of railway signaling new job until two years after their dent in the northeastern city told media. ties to its passengers. from Lodhran to Shahdara and from retirement. And therefore Defence The reconstruction of Baha- Mirpur Mathelo to Shahadpur, Minister Asif had told the Senate “There are several more well- trained operatives active inside the walpur, Okara, Sahiwal, Raiwind, inherited by the present govern- on Jan 11 that retd Gen Sharif Narowal, Nankana Sahib and Has- ment, were termed as ‘sick would be required to seek NOC hideout,” Brigadier Gen Fakhrul Ahsan told a media in Sylhet. He sanabdal stations are already in projects’. The total cost of the re- from the government before ac- progress, an official in the Minis- signaling project is estimated to be cepting the Saudi offer to assume said that the assault was far from over and pointed to “considerable try of Railways told APP. over Rs17 billion. It will cover 31 command of the military coalition. Improving security: Cameras stations over a section of 433 km Mr Chaudhry said a statement risks” involved in it. Ahsan added that the militants were equipped installed at railway station from Lodhran to Shahdara Bagh. of Federal Minister for Safron re- According to the official, over Area of focus: Railways spent tired Lt Gen Abdul Qadir Baloch with small arms, explosives and grenades and laid out booby traps Rs451 million has been spent on 97% of funds on Punjab stations against issuance of the NOC to at different corners of the building the repairs, renovation and recon- The cost of the same project from retd Gen Sharif was evident of the creating a situation which slowed struction of the railway stations Mirpur Mathelo to Shahdapur, fact that the government had not down the operations progress at under the current government. The which includes 23 stations is esti- taken even its cabinet members in the building. “The entire area has PML-N government also initiated mated to be over Rs7 billion. 30 confidence on the decision. “Nei- become risky. Considering the the project to rehabilitate the sig- out of 54 stations have been reno- ther the parliament nor the cabinet overall situation, it will take more nalling system from Lodhran to vated with traffic having resumed. has been taken into confidence,” time for the operation to com- Kotri. This project, estimated to The remaining 24 stations are a he said. (DAWN) cost over Rs38 million, was de- work in progress. (TRIBUNE) TUESDAY . MARCH 28, 2017 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief Profile: Alexei Navalny, opposition leader "Don't try to fight for me," Alex- ei Navalny wrote on Twitter af- The Iraqi army on Sunday resumed uary, but residents still report al- ter police in Moscow arrested operations against ISIL in Mosul most daily fighting in some areas. him during a protest , urging peo- after a one-day pause, amid grow- Iraqi security and medical ple to stay with the rally he had ing concerns over an escalating ci- sources on Sunday said a t least 16 called. "Our issue today is the vilian death toll as fierce fighting civilians, including two children, fight against corruption." spreads to the city's most densely were killed by ISIL shelling in a Navalny, 40, a staunch fully and this is why the liberation populated areas. popular marketplace in eastern Kremlin critic and anti-corrup- of the dam needs more time," Talal The offensive was briefly put Mosul. Another 43 civilians were tion campaigner, has long been Silo said, adding that ISIL fighters on hold after local officials and res- wounded in the attack, according the most visible opposition fig- had dug inside the dam knowing idents in west Mosul said suspect- to the sources. ure to the rule of President they would not be hit for fear of ed US-led coalition air raids last In western Mosul, the Iraqi Vladimir Putin . damaging the dam. week had killed scores of civilians army's advances have stuttered in Navalny lives in Moscow The Syrian Observatory said at the ISIL-held al-Jadida district. the past two weeks as fighting en- with his wife and two children. it had also learned from its own Has the rule of engagement ters the narrow alleys of the Old He rose to prominence in Rus- sources that the dam had stopped changed in Iraq? - Inside Story City, home to the al-Nuri Mosque sian politics in 2008 when he functioning, but that ISIL remained Security forces on Saturday where ISIL group's leader Abu started blogging about alleged in control of its main operational did not permit journalists to get to Bakr al-Baghdadi declared a caliph- corruption at some of Russia's buildings and turbines. where the strikes were said to have ate spanning large areas of Iraq and big state-controlled corpora- US-backed Kurdish forces taken place, but the coalition ad- Syria in 2014. tions. He used social media to were in control of a spillway north mitted that it had struck the area Iraqi forces on Sunday de- reach out to predominantly of the dam "which can be used to on March 17, and said it was in- ployed snipers to target ISIL fight- young followers, mocking the es- alleviate pressure on the dam if vestigating the reports of civilian ers who were using civilians as tablishment loyal to Putin. He need be," the coalition said in a let- deaths. Details about what exact- human shields, Joint Operations became a minority shareholder in ter to AP news agency. ly happened on March 17 are dif- Command spokesman Brigadier major oil companies, banks and The coalition said the dam had ficult to confirm as Iraqi forces bat- General Yahya Rasool told the ministries, and posed awkward not been structurally damaged, to tle with Islamic State of Iraq and AFP news agency. questions about holes in state fi- its knowledge, and that it has not the Levant (ISIL) fighters to re- The military was relying on nances. Before the 2011 parlia- targeted the dam. capture the heavily populated "light and medium weapons, among mentary election, Navalny urged The Syrian Observatory said parts of the western half of Mo- them sniper [rifles], to hunt for his blog readers to vote for any that there were no evacuations hap- sul, the armed group's last strong- Daesh [ISIL] members" located party except Putin's United Rus- pening from Raqqa, as did the ac- hold in Iraq. among civilians, he said. sia, which he dubbed the "party A US-backed alliance of Syrian the city before launching an as- The director of the Syrian gov- tivist-run Raqqa 24 media centre. Witnesses and local officials Rasool accused ISIL of gath- of crooks and thieves". United Kurdish and Arab fighters has cap- sault. Tabqa airbase was captured ernment's General Authority of Raqqa 24 said engineers em- said that more than 200 bodies ering civilians together and then Russia won the election amid tured a strategic airbase from ISIL by ISIL fighters from the Syrian Euphrates Dam that formerly op- ployed by ISIL had restored pow- were pulled from a collapsed build- blowing up explosives-rigged ve- widespread allegations of vote- in northern Syria in the first major government in August 2014. Short- erated the huge project blamed US er to the dam's gates and the struc- ing after a coalition air raid. hicles nearby to make it look like rigging, albeit with a much-re- victory for the group since the US ly afterwards, the group announced air raids for disrupting internal ture was functioning normally. But in a statement on Sunday, "Iraqi forces ... are targeting inno- duced majority. (Al Jazeera) airlifted the forces behind enemy it had killed about 200 government control systems and putting the The reports from Raqqa came the Iraqi army said there was no cent civilians". lines last week. soldiers at the base, in a mass kill- dam out of service, and warned of as a leading Syrian opposition sign that the destroyed structure However, Iraqi forces have The Kurdish-led Syrian Dem- ing recorded and distributed on growing risks that could lead to group called on the US-led coali- had been hit by a strike - blaming also frequently fired mortar rounds High school ocratic Forces (SDF) announced on video over social media. The UK- flooding and future collapses. tion to stop targeting residential its collapse on booby traps set by and unguided rockets during the Sunday that they captured the based Syrian Observatory for Hu- "Before the latest strikes by areas in and around the city. ISIL instead. battle for west Mosul - weapons pupils hit by Tabqa airbase, 45km west of man Rights monitoring group also the Americans, the dam was work- The Syrian National Coalition "A team of military experts that pose a much greater risk to Raqqa, the Islamic State of Iraq and reported the SDF advance. Mean- ing. Two days ago, the dam was (SNC) said in a statement that it from field commanders checked the residents of areas where fighting is avalanche in the Levant (ISIL) group's de facto while there were conflicting re- functioning normally," Nejm Saleh was "increasingly concerned" building where the media reported taking place. capital in Syria. ports over whether civilians had told Reuters news agency. about civilian casualties in the cam- that the house was completely Hundreds of thousands of ci- Tochigi's Nasu SDF forces were also battling begun evacuating Raqqa due to "God forbid ... there could be paign against the group. The ex- destroyed. All walls were booby- vilians are still inside the Old City for the nearby Tabqa dam, held by concerns over the stability of the collapses or big failures that could iled opposition coalition is taking trapped and there is no hole that and are exposed to the intense Eight people were feared dead ISIL, which was forced out of ser- nearby Tabqa Dam. lead to flooding," Saleh said. part in UN-mediated talks in Gene- indicates an air strike," it said, add- fighting. and two were in critical condi- vice on Sunday after its power sta- ISIL fighters said US-led coa- US prepares offensive on va. The SNC said it believed coali- ing that 61 bodies were recovered "Patients here say there is notion after an avalanche hit a tion was damaged. lition air strikes had locked up the ISIL's de-facto capital An SDF tion forces were behind an air strike from the rubble. where safe in western Mosul for group of high school pupils and Earlier this week, US forces dam's gates, causing the water lev- spokesman denied that coalition that killed at least 30 civilians shel- Al Jazeera's Hoda Abdel-Ha- civilians," Al Jazeera's Abdel-Ha- teachers climbing in Japan's cen- airlifted SDF fighters behind ISIL el behind it to rise. The activist strikes hit the dam structure and tering in a school in the country- mid, reporting from a hospital in mid, reporting from the hospital tral Tochigi prefecture. lines to allow them to launch the group Raqqa is Being Slaughtered said the airdrop landing last week side outside Raqqa on March 21. Erbil, northern Iraq, spoke to peo- in Erbil, said. The avalanche occurred on Tabqa assault, and on Friday the Silently reported that ISIL had or- was conducted to prevent any The coalition has said it is investi- ple who confirmed that they had "They say the fight in west- Monday morning near a ski alliance reached one of the dam's dered Raqqa residents to evacuate damage to the main structure by gating. The Syrian Observatory lost family members in the air raids ern Mosul is not the same as the slope in the resort of Nasu, entrances. SDF forces were with- the city. raqqa isis isil who con- engaging the rebels away from the said coalition air strikes had killed of March 17. fight that happened in the east part 160km north of Tokyo, where in 10km of Raqqa from the north, trols what syrian civil war map dam. "The capture of the dam is 89 civilians in Raqqa province in "We've been speaking to some of the city. They say it's much 52 pupils and 11 teachers were and aimed to effectively surround infographic Fear of collapse being conducted slowly and care- the past week. (Al Jazeera) of the patients and certainly the more brutal, with many more air climbing, a local government of- words air strikes come up a lot in strikes and much more shelling." ficial said. Pupils from seven high the conversation," she said, refer- According to Iraqi authorities, schools in Tochigi prefecture Prosecutors ring to a man who said 22 of his more than 200,000 people have were believed to have been on relatives had been killed in an air fled west Mosul since the opera- the slope when the avalanche raid, while he had to spend several tion to retake the area was launched Kremlin critic Alexei days under the rubble before being on February 19. occurred, officials said. seek arrest Public broadcaster NHK re- rescued. "When you ask them what But the United Nations has ported that at least six of the happened … people here say the said that about 600,000 are still victims were pupils, who were of main problem is that you have ISIL present inside the city. Navalny detained in fighters who are roaming around, Caroline Gluck, a senior pub- found with no vital signs. NHK also said that three ex-president going in and out of houses, on top lic information officer in Iraq with other pupils were injured, while of rooftops to take positions and the UN's refugee agency, said the three teachers on the excursion then disappearing. situation is deteriorating daily. could not immediately be con- Park Moscow rally "So apparently many of the "The fighting is coming closer tacted. Japanese officials typi- air strikes, according to the people to people's homes. It's a very cally do not declare victims dead we spoke here, hit the wrong tar- densely packed area, particularly Geun-hye Russian opposition leader Alexei get - simply by the time the air in the Old City, so families have until a doctor has made a formal Navalny and dozens of others have announcement. "We have ava- strike arrives and is called in, the been terrified by the mortars, the South Korean prosecutors have been arrested as thousands of peo- ISIL fighters have disappeared." shelling and the air strikes," she lanche incidents once or twice a sought an arrest warrant for imple across Russia defied bans on year around here, but haven't had mosul isis iraq map who con- told Al Jazeera from Baghdad. peached President Park Geun-hye, rallies to protest against govern- trols what infographic Gluck said a major factor in many anything this big," a fire depart- they said, days after questioning ment corruption. ment official said. Tochigi pre- Iraq says 200 bodies pulled residents' "very difficult decision" her over the corruption and abuse The demonstrations on Sun- from rubble in Mosul 'Brutal fight- to flee is growing hunger. "Fami- fecture authorities deployed de- of power scandal that brought her day were organised by Navalny, a fence forces to Nasu where res- ing' The US-backed offensive to lies have told us they rely on one down. Park, 65, had her removal Kremlin critic and anti-corruption drive ISIL out of Mosul, now in meal a day - and that meal is really cue efforts were hampered by from office confirmed by the coun- campaigner, who urged people to heavy snowfall. (Al Jazeera) its sixth month, has recaptured just water and flour. People are try's top court earlier this month, take to the streets to demand the most of the city. getting desperate; there is no fuel, ending her executive immunity, and resignation of Prime Minister The Iraqi government an- no heating, and they are burning her prosecution has been a key de- Dmitry Medvedev. nounced that eastern Mosul had furniture and old rugs to try and UKtargets mand of the millions of people who "Don't try to fight for me," been recaptured from ISIL in Jan- stay warm." (Al Jazeera) took to the streets to protest Navalny wrote on Twitter after WhatsApp against her. police in Moscow put him in a The former president is ac- minibus, urging people to stay with encryption cused of multiple offences includ- the rally. "Our issue today is the viously said that more than 80 Russian authorities had ing bribery, leaking government fight against corruption." Russian towns and cities across Russia warned Navalny's supporters on after London information, and abuse of power dissident Ildar Dadin freed from would hold protests on Sunday Friday not to attend the rally be- in the scandal. jail Navalny called for the protests and that authorities had not sanc- cause the event had not been sanc- attack "The accused abused her enor- after publishing a detailed report tioned the majority of the rallies. tioned by the city administration. mous power and status as presi- this month accusing Medvedev of Al Jazeera's Rory Challands, The Russian constitution al- Al Jazeera's technology corre- dent to receive bribes from com- controlling a property empire reporting from Moscow, said the lows public gatherings but recent spondent, Tarek Bazley, said he panies or to infringe upon the rights through a shadowy network of "big story" of the day was the num- laws have criminalised protests expects tech companies to resist to freedom of corporate manage- non-profit organisations. ber of demonstrations taking place not authorised by city authorities, efforts by governments around ment and leaked important confi- Medvedev, who has so far across Russia. who frequently refuse to grant the world to look into the com- dential information on state affairs. made no comments on the claims, "That is rare," he said. "This permission for rallies by Kremlin munications of private individ- These are grave issues," the pros- is accused of amassing a private suggest that Alexei Navalny's anti- critics. In the far eastern city of uals. "I do not think they will Hamas authorities have shut the nation, but the "blood of our peo- ecutors said in a statement on Sun- collection of mansions, yachts and corruption message is really reso- Vladivostok, a Reuters news agen- Gaza border with Israel after the ple will not go in vain, especially receive it at all well," he said. day. "A large amount of evidence vineyards. As the alleged luxuries nating at the moment in Russia, in cy reporter saw the arrest of at "The push in recent years has killing of a senior commander, in a crime this big". has been collected so far but the include a house for raising ducks, a way that more generalised anti- least 30 protesters at an unsanc- which Hamas blamed on "Israel been towards privacy and secu- accused is denying most of the many of the placards in the pro- government messages don't. tioned rally drawing hundreds of rity. For these tech companies and its collaborators". On whether the group plans charges, and there is a risk of de- tests showed mocking images of "When people feel like the young people to a square near the The rare measure reflected to respond militarily, al-Zahar said, to change their position on the stroying evidence in the future," it yellow toy ducks. politicians above them are cheat- city's railway station. The arrests basis of a single British politi- Hamas' shock after the killing of "This is a security issue that we said. The protests, which attracted ing them, that it seems is when started after protesters unfurled Mazen Faqha , who was found cannot disclose. But for sure, the cian and her view, after a single Choi Soon-sil, Park's confi- crowds of hundreds or thousands Russians get angry and stand up banners reading "Corruption steals event like this we have seen in shot dead at the entrance of his Israeli entity will be punished and dante at the heart of the scandal, is in most sizeable Russian cities, and do something." our future" and "The prime minis- Gaza City home late on Friday. deterred." London, I think that is unlike- already on trial for forcing top lo- were the largest coordinated out- Police officers detain an op- ter should answer". The protest- ly." What Rudd is proposing, a Hamas Interior Ministry Hamas, the group that rules cal firms to "donate" nearly $70 pourings of dissatisfaction in Rus- position supporter during an anti- ers then marched to a police sta- spokesman Iyad al-Bozum on Gaza, said Faqha was shot four "backdoor way" of accessing million to non-profit foundations sia since mass protests in 2011- corruption protest in Vladivostok tion to demand that those arrested messages that could be adminis- Sunday announced (Arabic) that times in the head with a silenced she allegedly used for personal 2012. Navalny's website had pre- [Yuri Maltsev/Reuters] be freed. (Al Jazeera) the Beit Hanoun checkpoint, gun. The group said that Israel and tered through a court order, gain. Prosecutors said it would be would be "open to abuse and which faces the Israeli crossing of its "collaborators" were responsi- "counter to the principle of fair- Erez in the north of the Gaza Strip, ble for the killing. potential hackers", Bazley said. ness" if Park were not arrested. "And that would make a mock- would be closed until further no- "No one would benefit from If Seoul Central District Court One dead as 1,000 refugees tice. "In light of the humanitarian this crime except the Zionist ene- ery of the whole notion of secu- approves the warrant, Park will rity." Brian Paddick, a home af- situation, only the residents of my and not to mention, the Zion- become the third former leader to Gaza with humanitarian cases will ist enemy announced in all of its fairs spokesman for the opposi- be arrested over corruption in tion Liberal Democrats and rescued in the Mediterranean be allowed to return to Gaza via media that the leader, Mazen Asia's fourth-largest economy, the Beit Hanoun checkpoint," Bo- Faqha, is on the top of the wanted former deputy assistant com- where politics and big business missioner in the Metropolitan One woman was found dead while The weekend rescues mean corridor that is ultimately leading zum said. list," senior Hamas official Salah have long been closely tied. more than 1,000 refugees were res- that about 22,000 mainly African to more deaths. Non-governmen- Hamas' foreign ministry clari- al-Bardawil told Al Jazeera. Police, said the security servic- Two former army-backed lead- es could view "the content of cued off the Libyan coast, aid refugees have been picked up head- tal organisations deny any wrong- fied in a press release on Monday "The Palestinian resistance has ers who ruled in the 1980s and groups said on Sunday. ing to Italy so far this year, while doing, saying they are simply look- that it would allow the families of its methods and the capacity to suspected terrorists' encrypted 1990s - Chun Doo-hwan and Roh messages". "The real question is, Around 400 people were around 520 have died trying to ing to save lives. Despite rough prisoners, people seeking medical respond," al-Bardawil said. Tae-woo - both served jail terms crammed onto a single wooden make the crossing. An Italian pros- winter seas, refugee departures care, women, and all males under "The punishment will be of the could lives have been saved in for charges including bribery after London last week if end-to-end boat, while others were picked up ecutor said last week that human- from Libya on boats chartered by the age of 15 and over the age of 45 same nature as the attack. The they retired. Park has been named from huge inflatable dinghies, itarian ships operating off Libya people traffickers have accelerat- to exit Gaza through the Beit Ha- matter is now in the resistance encryption had been banned? All as Choi's accomplice for allegedly the evidence suggests that the an- which had set sail from the coast were undermining the fight against ed in recent months from already noun checkpoint. movement's hands," he added. offering governmental favours to of Libya, according to Doctors people smugglers and opening a record levels. (Al Jazeera) Hamas security services are Faqha, 38, was a senior Ha- swer is no." There may be diffi- top businessmen who enriched her culties in taking on technology Without Borders (MSF) and SOS investigating the circumstances of mas official in the Israeli-occupied friend, including Samsung heir Lee Mediterranee. Faqha's killing. West Bank when he was jailed by companies such as Facebook- Jae-yong, who was arrested last owned WhatsApp. According A young woman was found Bozum called on Gaza's citi- Israel in 2003 for planning attacks month and charged with bribery unconscious on one of the vessels zens and media to be responsible against Israelis. to technology magazine Wired, last month. She is also accused of end-to-end encryption means and later died, MSF said. in dealing with the event and not He was sentenced to nine life letting Choi, a high school gradu- Two rescue ships found the to circulate rumours about the in- terms but was released into the messages can only be decoded ate with no title or security clear- by the sender and recipient and refugees, just days after 250 mi- cident. Mahmoud al-Zahar, a se- Gaza Strip as one of more than ance, handle a wide range of state grants and refugees from African nior Hamas official, told Al Jazeera 1,000 Palestinian prisoners that not by anyone in between, in- affairs, including the nomination of cluding the company. (BBC) countries were reported missing in that Hamas will not announce how Israel let go in exchange for soldier top officials. (Al Jazeera) boat disasters off the Libyan coast. it plans to respond to the assassi- Gilad Shalit. (Al Jazeera) TUESDAY. MARCH 28, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

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

AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir Graphic-Designers: Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: By Ibrahim Al-Marashi Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 Ibrahim al-Marashi is an associate professor at Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan the Department of History, California State Univer- sity, San Marcos. Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 tor reform can only work with a Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press combination of local pressure from This week Iraqi prime-minister Haid- inside of Iraq, and by also bringing er al-Abadi concluded his first meet- in regional players such as Iran, and ing with US President Donald Turkey. As of 2017, Iraq's Arab Sun- The constitution says Trump in Washington, DC, with nis, who have been traumatised by Trump praising the "unprecedented both the ISIL rule and the behav- ington will need to use this leverage to pressure for continued SSR, even cooperation" between the two coun- iour of Iraq's security forces towards after a military victory against ISIL. However, SSR can only work with a tries in combating the Islamic State them in the past, will need to rec- combination of local pressure from inside Iraq, and by also bringing in Article 113: of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). oncile with the forces representing regional players such as Iran, and Turkey, which has trained its own militia Article One Hundred Thirteen: The quorum of the Loya Jirga shall be complete Trump had promised to finish the Iraqi state and nation. For this in its base in Bashiqa. Each of these neighbours have contributed to Iraq's off ISIL thirty days into his presi- to happen, Iraq's security forces need problem and will need to be part of the solution. (Aljazeera) for voting with the presence of the majority of members. The decision of the Loya dency, but the battle for Mosul it- to be reformed. The Iraqi Shia mili- Jirga, except in situations explicitly stated in this Constitution, shall be adopted by a self has dragged on longer than he tias, or PMUs, mobilised in response anticipated. Trump's account of his to the fall of Mosul in 2014, and Banning Howard Zinn’s majority of members present. meeting with Abadi indicates that the question remains, as to whether he was focused on the military as- they will stand downd once ISIL is pect of the conflict, however, little expelled from this city. Some Shia Books Is hardly a way to was revealed about what post-con- PMU leaders have said that their flict strategies, if any, the leaders militias will continue fighting ISIL discussed, such as the humanitarian until they reach its capital in Raqqa. “start a conversation” crises and reconstruction of former- Others will stay in Iraq and in- By Jas Chana are referenced in important pieces ly ISIL-held territories. A pressing crease their power through the po- of popular culture like "The Sopra- issue that looms on the horizon re- litical process. However, militia nos," "The Simpsons" and Good Will commanders are precluded by Iraqi On March 2, 2017, the Arkansas lated to Iraq’s post-ISIL recovery is Times revealed that Republican Hunting. A documentary adaptation the number of various Iraqi armed law from running for a parliamen- of Zinn's landmark work, called The tary or cabinet position. A law passed State Rep. Kim Hendren had intro- forces and the possibility of these duced a bill intended to outlaw the People Speak, features dramatic forces turning on each other. What in November 2016 established the readings from celebrities, including PMU as an official security force, teaching of "books or any other will happen to the myriad Iraqi Shia material authored by or concerning Danny Glover and Sean Penn and Education key to success militias that emerged in response to thus allowing these militia figures musical performances by Bob Dy- Howard Zinn" in Arkansas public the ISIL invasion of 2014? Ironi- to take part in politics. While it lan and Bruce Springsteen. Zinn came as no surprise that Arab Sunni schools. Zinn, a historian who passed cally, a call to demobilise all these away in 2010, is best known for his himself is part of the fabric of US militias has recently come from an politicians opposed this law, so did culture, and for good reason: He Sadr. As of this month, his interpre- work, A People's History of the ver the past three decades Afghanistan has been in war and unlikely source - Shia cleric Muqta- United States, which tells the Amer- amplified a largely unheard perspec- da al-Sadr, who was the first to es- tation of SSR has been to call for tive into the landscape of US his- also lingered in different conflicts with far-reaching conse the dismantlement of Iraq's militias ican narrative from the perspective tablish a Shia militia in Iraq in 2003. of the historically downtrodden, torical understanding and conscious- As of 2017, he is now trying to dis- entirely. Sadr had been one of the ness. Regardless of whether one quences to every sector where education system was also most polarising figures in Iraq, and those swept under the rug in the mantle the numerous Shia militias myth of "American exceptional- agrees or not with the conclusions not remained untouched. During war the Afghan masses despite los- that are active in the country. He is members of his militia, the Mahdi Zinn draws, his work is an impor- Army, have been implicated in some ism." It is understandable, then, why unlikely to succeed, but a need for a politician like Hendren would de- tant part of any thorough and intel- ing every livings in form of materials, they also lost access to educa- reforming Iraq's security forces is of the worst sectarian bloodletting lectually healthy history curriculum during the 2006-2008 civil war. He sire to limit student access to Zinn's pressing. work in Arkansas schools. The his- in the United States. As the Zinn tion, a key element which is imperative for everyone. During the dark- It was the arbitrary behaviour has now evolved into one of the Education Project, an organization few nationalist voices in Iraq, unit- torian's ideas are, after all, intended est regime of the Taliban, education for girls and women was prohib- of the Iraqi security forces that to challenge precisely the orthodox- that promotes the teaching of Zinn's alienated elements of Arab Sunni ing with Iraqi communists and left- work in middle and high schools, ists in street protests, demanding ies that the Republican Party (in ited. The move pushed female to an uncertain situation as they lost all society before ISIL's 2014 expan- particular) wants to maintain. Hen- explains: The empowering poten- sion, and the implementation of reform of a Shia-dominated govern- tial of studying U.S. history is often ment. While Sadr was the first to dren also isn't the first to respond their basic rights. This act of the Taliban insurgents was a big blow to security sector reform (SSR) will be to Zinn's work with the will to cen- lost in a textbook-driven trivial pur- ever more salient after the libera- establish a Shia militia in 2003, he suit of names and dates. People's His- the education system. However, after withdrew of their regime, the eventually lost control of the force sor. In 2010, then-Indiana Gov. tion of Mosul. Since 2003, elements Mitch Daniels attempted to ban tory materials and pedagogy empha- among the security forces have been he created, which splintered in nu- size the role of working people, new Kabul administration with strong support of western countries, merous factions. Without saying it Zinn's works from classrooms, a threat to certain members of Iraq's claiming that young people were women, people of color, and orga- has began reconstruction efforts, placing a strong emphasis on edu- population. SSR refers to strategies explicitly, he is trying to rein-in the nized social movements in shaping hydra he created. Sadr has weighed being "force-fed a totally false ver- that inculcate a professional ethos sion of our history." And in 2011, history. Students learn that history cation. Furthermore, the constitution cited that both formal and reli- in these security institutions, where in on SSR, which in his opinion is made not by a few heroic individ- would ideally demobilise all militias. Zinn's books were removed from they would protect all of Iraq's com- Tucson, Arizona, classrooms as part uals, but instead by people's choices gious education will be provided free of charge. Afghanistan is among munities. SSR would seek to curb be- Demobilisation does not seem to be and actions, thereby also learning a possibility. While the Shia militias of a ban on a Mexican-American handful countries that provides education free of cost. Such system haviour such as arbitrary arrests, the studies curriculum. What is surpris- that their own choices and actions abuse of Iraqi citizens at checkpoints are villains to some, they are he- matter. To limit access to Zinn's roes to many. ing, however, is Hendren's statement is very much atypical across the world and education in the country and reprisal attacks, as wellm as to Reason Magazine that the bill is work is thus an insult to the intel- countering pervasive corruption SSR might simply become an- lectual freedom and development of other elusive goal in Iraq, like na- intended so schools spend equal time has witnessed tremendous gains. The country is doing enough to within security institutions. The teaching opposing political view- Arkansas students. Hendren, confus- problem is that Iraq's military forc- tional reconciliation, but for Iraq's ingly, even seems to acknowledge provide education facilities to the masses. Despite that, it is very long-term stability it will be essen- points so students are not "indoc- es are numerous, ranging from the trinated" into one point of view. The the issues with his proposal, stating regular army, the Ministry of Inte- tial for restoring security and com- in his interview with Reason Maga- annoying that more than 400,000 children, over 1,100 per day are bating ISIL's remnants. There have irony abounds. Regardless, the sto- rior forces, the Kurdish Peshmerga, ry speaks precisely to why we have zine that his goal is not necessarily expected to drop out of school this year. The start projection comes to the myriad of Shia militias and been successes in regards to SSR in for the bill to be passed but rather Iraq. The Counter-Terrorism Ser- the First Amendment, so that those Arab Sunni tribal militias that have in power are prevented from shut- "to start a conversation." Perhaps as new school year in Afghanistan has already kicked off. The save emerged since 2014, subsumed un- vice (CTS), otherwise known as the for unintended reasons, Hendren has Golden Division, was derogatorily ting down dissenting viewpoints. der the al-hashd al-shaabi or Popu- The works of Howard Zinn are succeeded. But then it's worth ask- children analysis has shown that almost a third of all children across lar Mobilization Units (PMU). In referred to as former prime-minis- ing what he intended for the con- ter Maliki’s "private army" in the bestsellers, with over 2 million cop- the country—3.7 million—are unable to go to school, leaving them at terms of Iraq's long-term stability, ies sold, and have surely inspired versation to be about. If he were SSR is crucial for dealing with the past. But since the ISIL invasion, truly interested in sparking conver- the force has reformed itself, bear- countless discussions around the increased risk of child labor, recruitment by armed groups, traffick- immediate problems of internally country and the world. The Library sation about the alleged harms or displaced people, creating security ing the brunt of most of the urban "indoctrinating" power of Zinn's fighting in cities such as Fallujah, Journal describes A People's History ing, early marriage and other forms of exploitation. It becomes worse for the reconstruction of the coun- as "a brilliant and moving history book, he would respect the intelli- try and integrating areas formerly Ramadi and Mosul, and emerging as gence of Arkansas students and make by a tightening of regulations by authorities in Pakistan, which forced one of the few professional, inclu- of the American people from the held by ISIL. Many of the refugees, point of view of those ... whose the book (and their criticisms) avail- mostly Arab Sunnis, are wary of re- sive Iraqi military institutions. The able so they can be discussed and the more than 610,000 Afghan to return from Pakistan in 2016. This year CTS owes its success to the US mil- plight has been largely omitted from turning to a post-conflict Iraq where most histories" and a New York students can come to those conclu- up to one million will return, threatening to overwhelm already the Shia militias are in control of itary training it received in Iraq. This sions for themselves. Given the na- training mission has become more Times book review calls it "required their towns and cities. Security sec- reading." The historian and his work ture of his bill, it would appear the swamped health and education services. According to save children robust after the ISIL invasion. Wash- conversation he really wants. analysis, over half of all returnee children are currently out of school, often working on the streets because their parents haven’t been able to find a job since arriving back in the country. Without doubt, it is very happy moment to see children go back to class for the first time after a long winter. But at the same time it is very irritating to see millions of children don’t have access to education and are struggling to survive. However, since schooling is free of charge, the parents have to send their children to school for sake of their family and the war-hit country as an educated youth can steer the country to- ward development. Undoubtedly, education is key to success and also important to break the cycle of poverty. It is noteworthy that Afghans through the aged of conflicts has kept a pragmatic and optimistic approach and showed a keen interest in the education of their children even at conditions of poverty and despair. Furthermore, it is responsibility of the government to immediately provide education facilities to all children deprived of going to school. Subscription Rates Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. TUESDAY. MARCH 28, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

By sitting out IACHR hearings, the Trump administration sig- nals its contempt for international accountability. BY THOMAS SAMUEL surge in its usage by the public. And since this is an excellent applica- By Lauren Carasik By Abdulrahman al-Rashed I READ with a lot of hope and op- tion, I can only foresee a surge in its then some of us will think for a timism the report “May you always usage! long time before they board a plane Lauren Carasik is the Director of the International Human Rights Clinic at as phones have become part of be with the force” (The Star, March My other concern is whether Western New England University School of Law. Traveling by plane used to be a 24) on the initiative by the police the police has sufficient manpower beautiful personal experience in everyone’s life, probably as essen- to reduce crime rate in Malaysia via to manage the expected usage of this the past as we used to welcome tial as kidney and lungs. However, their latest application, the application. If we assume 4.8 mil- dear ones and bid them farewell at the important question we forget Volun-teer Smartphone Patrol lion smartphone users send just one the airport gates. Those days are to ask is: Are terrorist threats seri- (VSP). information/report a year, the po- long gone as airports today are like ous enough for measures being tak- This, of course, is an excellent lice will have to manage an addi- The Trump administration's failure military barricades packed with en affecting passengers’ lives across initiative and was long overdue. tional 13,000 reports a day. to appear at hearings at the Inter- armed personnel and surveillance the world and ruining the aviation With the advancement of technol- We can also assume that most American Commission on Human cameras. Security forces also board industry? ogy, this surely is the way forward of these reports are going to be re- Rights on March 21 telegraphs its planes as innocent passengers to There is certainly a war going to enable us to live in a safe and ceived in urban areas where there is disregard for international institu- counter any potential threats. on between terrorists and some peaceful environment. We have a bigger number of smartphone us- tions generally and human rights in Truth be told, threats posed governments, primarily the Unit- seen how effective mobile devices ers. Add to that the possibility of a particular. Trump officials notified by unstable people, from mental- ed States. are in addressing crime elsewhere in higher number of crimes in these the Commission, which is the inde- ly ill patients to terrorists, are as All sorts of weapons are being the world. The evidence delivered urban areas and you have a higher pendent human rights organ of the old as flying by plane. used in this war and aviation is the via these devices provide the police concentration of reports to man- Organization of American States, a In 1955, an American airplane number one target. During an event, with credible information and, some- age in these areas. Will the police day before the scheduled hearings on a domestic flight in the US was an expert on terrorism said there times, the people involved in a be prepared for this sudden rise in that it would not attend. State De- blown up. It is believed that some- was an ISIS cell meeting in Raqqah crime. It makes the job of investi- reports? partment official contended that it one put a bomb in his mother’s in Syria talking about carrying out gating a crime more efficient and In addition, the police will also would be inappropriate to partici- a massive terrorist attack in the thus faster to solve. I fully support luggage to kill her and obtain the have to deal with false reports done pate since several of the hearings insurance payout. US, similar to the September 11 this initiative as Malaysia has the by mischievous individuals for cheap addressed issues under judicial re- rights issues," Jose Miguel Vivanco, its ranks. In a letter obtained by For- highest percentage of smartphone head of the Americas division of Hu- eign Policy, the top diplomat said There are those who have dis- attacks. fun. Imagine the waste of resources view: the administration's executive covered how easy it is to hijack Intelligence inputs usage in the world and this applica- involved in running after false re- actions on immigration and its green- man Rights Watch, told the Miami that the human rights body required tion would tremendously enhance Herald. "In addition to it being a "substantial reform" if the US is to planes and how it is the best and According to this expert, when ports! lighting of the Dakota Access Pipe- relevant parties received intelli- the monitoring of criminal and neg- Perhaps this initiative could be symbol of arrogance, [the US] risks remain involved. Tillerson also pro- easiest way to make news across line, which are winding their ways the globe, once the plane crashes. gence information about this plan, ative social activities in our com- implemented in stages. For exam- through the courts. not being taken seriously when they voked consternation when he munities. ple, we could start with our taxi driv- criticise other countries for not skipped the release of the State De- In the 1960s and afterwards, most the participants at the meeting But that explanation failed to airplanes were hijacked by Cubans were targeted. This particular sto- It is also an opportunity for the ers who are almost everywhere. We assuage critics, who argued that showing up at these hearings," Viv- partment's annual human rights republic to play an active role in en- could install dashboard cameras on ianco said. port, which reviews the record of and not Arabs. ry may not be true but it is almost Washington's absence erodes its le- Later in the 1970s, Arab and certain that terrorists target flights suring the safety and wellbeing of all taxis to help the police monitor gitimacy, emboldens authoritarian The administration's absence all other nations but abstains from their respective communities. traffic offenders. Some form of in- didn't thwart the proceedings, dur- assessing its own shortcomings. Palestinian leftist organizations re- because it is an easy way to achieve leaders in the hemisphere to shrug alized the efficiency of hijacking their objectives. While congratulating Deputy Prime centive should be given to encour- off their own accountability and ing which groups offered testimony Critics are wary of other admin- Minister and Home Minister Datuk age them to participate in this ini- amid the spectacle of empty chairs istration efforts to undermine tran- planes to attract global attention There is no doubt that terror- dodge dialogue and presages broader ists have succeeded in besieging the Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and tiative. For example, if they pro- disengagement with international administration officials were expect- snational accountability, such as its to their cause. However, this tac- the police force for this transfor- aviation industry that currently has vide visual evidence of a motorist human rights institutions. ed to fill, while Commission offi- effective withdrawal from Extrac- tic backfired and turned the per- mation in community policing, I breaking a traffic rule, a portion of cials expressed dismay at Washing- tive Industries Transparency Initia- petrators into terrorists in the lot of security concerns. also hope those responsible for man- International criticism the summons paid can be given to The move represented an ton's intransigence. Commission tive. President Donald Trump is re- world’s eyes. Banning passengers traveling aging this initiative have done their the taxi driver as an incentive. Uber Vice President Margarette May portedly planning to cut billions The recent ban on carrying lap- from certain Middle Eastern coun- studies and homework to ensure that abrupt departure from past practice. and Grab Car drivers could also be The United States has a long, bipar- Macaulay called the administration's from UN funding, which could ush- tops and tablets in cabin baggage tries from carrying certain items it will not fail. roped in for this project. After all, refusal to show up "a pity", while er in a "breakdown of the interna- during flights from some countries may make security officials feel a My concerns are based on the tisan history of engaging with the they are all registered and their par- Commission, even when the topic Commissioner Paulo Vannuchi la- tional humanitarian system as we in the Middle East to the US does sense of relief but it will not deter statement by the police that they ticulars are available if needed. This mented the refusal to attend, "which know it". Under ordinary circum- not mean anything to me and per- terrorists who mastered deceitful are initially targeting 4.8 million is being litigated. Further undermin- will reduce the number of false re- ing the administration's stated ex- is what would have made it possible stances, Washington prefers not to haps to most passengers. tactics from achieving their goals. smartphone users. This number may ports as well. for there to be a democratic ex- be named and shamed for violating Banning laptops is an addition Terrorists no longer fit that old grow as the population increases in cuse, among the hearings scheduled Rela is another registered body were the country's failure to respect change of opposing views being international norms. But Trump's to a long list of banned items, which profile of a Muslim Middle East- the next three to five years as more that can be co-opted in this initia- aired". contempt for multilateralism and include creams, perfumes and wa- ern teenage boy. smartphone users come on board. tive. So, too, any other registered the rights of asylum seekers - grievances that predate the Trump ad- Trump and human rights accountability is hardly surprising. ter bottles. We can live without all Everything is possible these With my experience in the telecom- body that have a similar objective The move occurred against the After all, this president previously days. The man who carried out the munications industry, I am aware ministration but endure under his of these during the 13-hours flight as the police in reducing crime and backdrop of other indications that expressed no qualms about promot- to New York. The man who car- recent terrorist attack in London that there are thresholds that en- being the eyes and ears of the force. watch - and a case about Peruvian- Japanese detention during World the Trump administration has little ing torture, filling up Guantanamo ried out the recent terrorist attack was 52 years old. He was a Chris- able a particular application or prod- This will make our roads a safer place interest in embracing a multilateral Bay prison and killing the families uct to function efficiently. Once this War II that is not the subject of pend- in London was 52 years old. tian who converted to Islam and and indirectly reduce the expendi- approach to human rights and insti- of terrorists. To be sure, Washing- was originally Jamaican. His pro- threshold is reached, the system will ture incurred by the police for en- ing litigation. A State Department He was a Christian who con- official sought to offer reassuring tutions. Earlier last week, UN am- ton's human rights record has been verted to Islam and was originally file lacks all the characteristics of a automatically slow down or, worse, forcement activities and manpower bassador Nikki Haley announced far from perfect, both at home and shut down. I hope this new applica- to monitor traffic offen-ders and words, claiming that the refusal to Jamaican. His profile lacks all the typical terrorist. participate "does not have any bear- that the US was boycotting a UN abroad, but at least the Obama ad- characteristics of a typical terror- The world has failed to elimi- tion was built to accommodate the criminal activities. Human Rights Council session be- ministration promoted the architec- projected as well as any unexpected (Thestar) ing on current or future US engage- ist nate terrorism because the latter is ment with the Commission". But if cause of perceived anti-Israel bias. ture of internationalism and the not only about arms but also car- Secretary of State Rex Tillerson human rights principles and protec- Gadgets onboard ongoing litigation were really the Since we’re allowed to carry ries an ideology. Developing tech- driving force behind Washington's previously threatened to withdraw tions it sought to uphold. While the nology was the only hope left to from the Human Rights Council al- Trump administration has given our cellular phones, our tool of absence, officials could have sig- connecting with the world, in the counter it and diminish its role. Westminster attacker, nalled their respect for the process together, given what he says is un- occasional, anemic lip service to fair treatment of Israel, as well as these ideals, its actions speak far cabin, then it’s not difficult to give However even technology has and the participating parties by at- up on the rest of equipment. If failed and has ended up becoming tending the meeting and rebuffing the inclusion of countries with blem- louder than words. the WhatsApp fan ished human rights records among (Aljazeera) cellular phones will be included in the terrorists’ tool to recruit peo- questions they deemed inadvisable the ban – and this is possible – ple and direct operations from afar. BY Mashari Althaydi ous. Such companies have formed to answer. (Alarabiya) global lobbies and have little con- Human rights groups were out- science. All they care about is mak- raged. Jamil Dakwar, director of the It turned out that ISIS terrorist Kha- American Civil Liberties Union hu- lid Masood, who brutally killed peo- ing money and increasing the number of subscribers because the latter man rights programme, noted: "This ple on the famous Westminster is another worrying sign that the Bridge in London last week, had used will mean increasing the company’s profit. It is a vicious circle of mon- Trump Administration is not only WhatsApp two minutes before car- launching an assault on human rying out the attack. The British ey and chaos. Instead of encouraging SPM candi- research on Google to understand were clearly told previously that they These companies always try to rights at home, but is also trying to BY WONG CHUN WAI police said it could not access the undermine international bodies dates to sit for more papers and se- the pattern of decisions on bursary would be eligible for local or over- message Masood sent because it was put their interests first by exploit- cure more distinctions, PSD would programmes. In 2012, the Govern- seas scholarships for their tertiary ing fake liberal excuses in order to charged with holding abusive gov- We should treasure our up-and-com- encrypted. The messaging service ernments accountable." have ended up punishing students for ment announced that all 1,609 stu- studies from 2014 onwards if they has recently bragged about the up- protect themselves and enhance ing bright minds instead of confus- And according to Clara Long, ing them and making them feel un- pushing the limits. The sudden dents who obtained 9A+ and above met the required criteria. Malaysia dates of its famous app as it is try- their presence in the social media change in rules was announced rein the SPM examination in 2011 needs to encourage, recognise, sup- ing to keep up with other compa- industry, which makes hundreds of US Programme researcher at Human appreciated. We want to keep our Rights Watch: "In pulling out of this brains in this country, remember? cently on the PSD’s Human Re- will be automatically offered the Ed- port and keep our best young tal- nies – such as Snapchat and Tele- billions in profit. Such companies source Development web portal ucation Ministry bursaries for local ents in this country. Make the best gram – providing similar services. have formed global lobbies and have hearing, the United States is offer- IT’S ridiculous, to say the least. little conscience. All they care about ing a negative example for the rest Something isn’t right when rules are called eSILA. It was a departure from pre-university courses. The students rule work to keep the best. Whatsapp had informed its clients the original condition that full spon- that messages and calls are secured is making money and increasing the of the countries in the Americas, changed abruptly and top SPM stu- number of subscribers because the who show up and engage in the In- dents are not given prior notice. One sorship be given as long as a student with end-to-end encryption, even scored A+ in a minimum of nine sub- if the caller is wanted by the author- latter will mean increasing the com- ter-American system." The refusal wonders whether proper thought was pany’s profit. to participate puts the US in the given before the decision was made. jects. ities. They did not rudely say this As expected, the surprising but that’s the bottom line. Britain is Technology for security company of other countries whose It took a Cabinet Minister – Datuk Westminster terror move caused an uproar among stu- “the mother of democracy” in the In an interview with BBC and human rights records it disdains. Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong – to step in in an article published in The Sun- Some observers have suggested that and resolve the hotly talked-about dents, parents and teachers, as it world and the attack by Masood, the affected the 2016 SPM scorers who they had on his actions. ISIS’s criminal and the ignorant man day Telegraph, British interior min- the administration's decision may be matter with the support of Chief By M. Nizuddin ister Amber Rudd scolded WhatsApp more reflective of lax attention to thought that their application would We are told that Masood who had converted from Christian- Secretary Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and worked in Saudi Arabia but did not and similar companies for not co- protocols and its staffing of the Public Service Department Datuk be subjected to the condition in the The terror attack in London some ity to Islam, was carried out near old programme. No proper or con- have a criminal record there or at- one of the oldest parliaments in the operating with security authorities. State Department than outright Seri Zainal Rahim Seman. Something days back has once again drawn Rudd said completely encrypting hostility to the Commission and its isn’t right when a simple education vincing explanation was given for tract the attention of the security world. When symbols of the Lon- the sudden change and because of attention to the rise in extremism services. This may or may not be don government criticize internet messages via services like What- mission. But whether the result of sponsorship programme has to be amongst Muslim communities in sApp “is completely unacceptable,” intentional snub, dysfunction or dif- put right by those at the highest lev- that, there was suspicion, specula- the turning point in his life but it companies for not cooperating with tion and even allegations of foul the West, particularly in the Unit- takes away from the rise in extrem- British security agencies, in order adding that organizations like What- ferent priorities, the move damages els. Rightly or wrongly, the deduc- ed Kindom where a large South sApp and others must “not provide US leadership. "This reduces a lot tion is this: Little Napoleons are at play. The new condition, if it had ism within the Muslim communi- to protect people’s lives, then this been carried out, would have affect- Asian community has put down ty in the UK. Muslims nurse a means the situation is really seri- a secret place for terrorists to com- of the Trump administration's cred- play here, wielding their clout and its roots. The attacker, identified municate with each other.” ibility and legitimacy on human letting their prejudices and beliefs ed the number of students taking up number of grievances against the Chinese and Tamil language, and also as Khalid Masood was a late Mus- British government and feel that sneak in, even if it means changing lim convert who mowed down four the rules erratically. Bible Studies subjects in future ex- they have been sidelined as a com- aminations due to fears that their people near Britain’s Houses of munity. In comparison to other Last week, the MCA deputy pres- Parliament earlier this week. Po- ident successfully got the depart- chances of getting the scholarship South Asian communities, Mus- would be affected. Chinese language lice are still trying to piece togeth- lims have done poorly in terms of LETTER TO THE EDITOR ment to withdraw its new sponsor- er information about the attacker ship programme for SPM students and Bible Studies are regarded as the education and economic empow- most difficult subjects to score an A and what his links may have been erment. Mainstream community that required them to get straight to terror organisations operating in A+. in. In the long run, it would discour- leaders say that the community age students, parents and even the region. But the clues are far itself has not focused on its This means that if a student took and few. Neighbours have de- 11 subjects for SPM and scored 9A+ schools from allowing candidates to progress and has lagged behind as Support widows sit for these papers. Can anyone be scribed Masood as a quiet man a consequence. The larger issue is and 2A- or 2B, he is not eligible for who largely kept to himself. But Over three decades of conflict has inflicted large human and economic costs to Afghanistan. However, the programme. He is only eligible blamed if they suspected the plan – that of a feeling of neglect and an- to only allow SPM students who there are certain incidents in his ger amongst many young Muslims the human cost is much higher than the latter. There are large numbers of children who are deprived from love if he scored 11A+. Dr Wee, the Min- life that may have forced this mid- ister in the Prime Minister’s Depart- obtained straight A+ to be eligible – in general and those of South Asian of parents. Either their fathers or mothers were killed in the never ending spiral of violence. The war has smacks of discrimination? dle aged man to commit the crime snatched love and sole breadwinner of many families. The government can deal with the financial disaster by ment, later noted that the PSD had origin in particular. Lessons must Many students are relieved and that he did and this is where the be learnt of how the British gov- drafting comprehensive recovery plans. But the authorities could not give life back to those who are no more reverted to its previous bursary eli- British government needs to focus gibility of 9A+ or more. grateful that the new programme has ernment reacted after the Brixton in this world and left vacuum that could not filled. Women have suffered a lot from death of their guardians been scrapped for now. But the en- its attention. Investigations are riots some decades earlier. The especially life partner. The estimated number of total number of widows in Afghanistan is now at a stagger- “The matter was highlighted to underway over who Masood was me by many ... that the JPA had tire episode has also left many feel- same approach needs to be taken ing 500,000. According to some statistics 37 percent of widows are working in offices, and 50 percent are ing let down by a system where fair meeting with and what influence for the Muslim community. involved in the profession of handicrafts making. suddenly changed its requirement for the bursary programme, which play is seemingly overlooked. The (Tribune) It has been also observed that widows do not have property and inheritance rights. The government would only allow those who scored latest SPM results for students who should guarantee women’s inheritance rights. Gender equality will always remain and important pillar of all A+ to be eligible,” he said, using sat for the examination last year women’s empowering strategy. Therefore, the gender gaps in earning should be decreased the Malay abbreviation for PSD. were released on Thursday. It was or closed. Reduction of occupational segregation will be vital to empower women. “Thank you KSN TS @AliHamsa reported that there were fewer can- Halemai Alizada, Kabul, Afghanistan & KPPA (Zainal) for taking imme- didates who achieved straight A+, with only 102 getting full scores Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must diate action in amending the bursary legibility,” he tweeted. Under the compared to 163 the year before. It have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: is not immediately known how many [email protected] now defunct 9A+ Sponsorship Pro- gramme, bursaries were only allo- of these students took more than cated to students with full A+ for all the minimum nine subjects. Dr Wee subjects they sat for in the SPM revealed that the change in condi- examination. At a glance, it seems tion was never discussed by the Cab- innocuous but it was totally illogi- inet. In short, it was the decision of Disclaimer: cal. some bureaucrats who took it upon It would have meant that a stu- themselves to implement this new The views and opinions expressed in the articles are dent who scored all A+ in nine sub- plan. Such flip flop decisions, which those of the author(s) and do not reflect the views or jects taken would have qualified for Malaysians are now quite familiar a scholarship, another student who with, put the civil service in a bad opinions of the Afghanistan Times. took 11 or 12 subjects but scored light. only 10 A+ would not stand a chance. One needs only to do a little TUESDAY. MARCH 28, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Australia concerned about IS ‘caliphate’ in Southern Philippines

Humanitarian ships rescued almost Myanmar 1,200 migrants who were crossing be direct communication between the Mediterranean Sea at the week- Libya-based smugglers and mem- end on an array of small, tightly bers of charity-operated rescue army chief packed boats, Doctors Without vessels. Non-governmental organi- Borders said on Sunday. zations deny any wrongdoing, defends A young woman was found saying they are simply looking to unconscious on one of the vessels save lives, but they are facing crit- and later died, the group said. icism in Italy, which has taken in military Some 412 people were crammed about half a million migrants since onto a single wooden boat, while the start of 2014. A parliamentari- the others were picked up from an with the right-wing Northern campaign huge inflatable dinghies, which had League party on Sunday accused the NGOs of acting as a "taxi ser- AUSTRALIA and its allies are her concerns. Back in December, set sail from the coast of Libya. readying themselves for the pos- Duterte warned that the Islamic The weekend rescues mean vice", bringing migrants straight to in Rakhine Italy rather than to closer nations, sibility of the Islamic State declar- State plans to establish a caliphate that about 22,000 mainly African ing a “caliphate” in Southern Phil- encompassing the Philippines and migrants have been picked up head- such as Tunisia and Malta. "If the government does not decide to put ippines, according to Australian other Southeast Asian countries. ing to Italy so far this year, while Foreign Minister, Julie Bishop. “Once they lose a landbase (in Syria around 520 have died trying to a brake on these NGO boats, we will find ourselves overrun by tens In an interview with Sky News and Iraq)…they will leave, and make the crossing. An Italian pros- on Sunday, Bishop described the they have this dream of a caliph- ecutor said last week that human- of thousands of African immigrants by the end of the year," lawmaker rise of extremism in the Southeast ate, a kingdom that would com- itarian ships operating off Libya Asian nation as one of the biggest prise Indonesia, Philippines, Ma- were undermining the fight against Paolo Grimoldi said. Migrants who have come this year have told concerns to come out of her recent laysia and Brunei,” he said, as re- people smugglers and opening a meeting with US Secretary of ported by Rappler. Bishop said corridor that is ultimately leading of increasing violence and brutali- ty in Libya, where rival factions State, Rex Tillerson. that Duterte had ensured her of his to more migrant deaths. The chief Bishop said authorities are full cooperation on the issue. prosecutor of the Sicilian port city battle for power and people smugglers operate with impunity since concerned about an estimated 600 “We’ve been ensuring that our se- of Catania, Carmelo Zuccaro, said foreign fighters from Southeast curity, law enforcement, and intel- he also suspected that there may the 2011 overthrow of former leader Muammar Gaddafi. (Reuters) Myanmar's army chief defended a Asia surviving the campaign in Iraq ligence agencies have the resourc- military crackdown in Rakhine and Syria and returning home to es they need in cooperation with State on Monday (Mar 27) after take up their extremist objective other countries to stamp this ter- the UN pledged to probe claims “This brings the threat right to our ror threat out of our region,” she security forces carried out a cam- door stop,” she said. The threat said. Australia’s security and in- paign of killing and torture against was of particular concern due to telligence agencies have been work- Rohingya Muslims there. the leader of the Philippines-based ing closely with Indonesia, Malay- Almost 75,000 people from terrorist group Abu Sayyaf recent- sia and the Philippines in counter- the persecuted minority have es- ly being declared an ‘Amir’ (lead- terrorism measures. caped to Bangladesh after the mil- er), by Islamic State, Bishop said. They are also part of the intel- itary launched operations in the She went on to add that Aus- ligence alliance, The Five Eyes, that north of the restive state to find tralia’s primary concern in the fight ensures intelligence sharing and Rohingya militants who raided against IS is taking measures to cooperation between Australia, police border posts in October. prevent the emergence of a similar Canada, New Zealand, the United Turkmenistan prepares UN investigators believe secu- group after its defeat. “We don’t Kingdom and the United States. rity forces may have committed want to see it emerge elsewhere in While visiting Manila, Bishop also for 5th Asian Games crimes against humanity. Last the world, otherwise, we’ll be back raised Duterte’s war on drugs that Negotiations to upgrade New Zealand's free trade week the UN Human Rights Coun- in a few years’ time talking about has been a cornerstone of his lead- Turkmen embassy in Baku re- ing were added to the competition agreement with China start next month, and Prime cil agreed to dispatch an indepen- leased video about preparation for schedule. The proposal was ac- how to defeat a caliphate in the ership since he came to power in Minister Bill English says they'll present challenges. dent international fact-finding mis- southern Philippines, for exam- July last year. the 5th Asian Indoor & Martial cepted by the Olympic Council of sion, with a view to "ensuring full Arts Games which will be held in Asia and jointly approved. In ple.” The foreign minister has just Rights groups have slammed accountability for perpetrators and returned from a visit to the United the controversial measure due to Ashgabat on September 17-27, 2010, the Olympic Council of justice for victims". 2017. Asia, the National Olympic Com- States in which she conducted the estimated 8,000 people that Myanmar has long faced criti- high-level talks focusing on com- have been killed in extrajudicial kill- There will be 21 sports includ- mittee of Turkmenistan and the ad- cism for its treatment of the more ed in the Games. In addition to the ministration of Ashgabat city bating Islamic State and the human- ings as part of the bloody cam- than one million Rohingya who itarian crisis in Syria. paign. “He is intent on wiping out 19 sports originally involved in the signed an agreement to stage the live in Rakhine State, who are re- Asian Indoor and Martial Arts 5th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts During the trip, Bishop reaf- the drug lords … he is unapologet- jected as illegal immigrants from firmed Australia’s commitment to ic, he is determined to rid the Phil- Games, Turkmen traditional wres- Games in Turkmenistan. Bangladesh or "Bengalis" despite tling Goresh, and Equestrian Jump- (Trend) the fight against international ter- ippines of ice (methamphetamine) many living there for generations. rorism and highlighted the impor- and he will stop at nothing,” Bish- Speaking to crowds assembled in tant relationship with the US. “The op told Sky News (via AAP). the capital for armed forces day, defence relationship with the Unit- She said that, during her offi- army chief Min Aung Hlaing on ed States is absolutely essential, cial visit to the Philippines earlier Detainee dies at police Monday defended the military it’s an indispensable part of our this month, the president went into campaign. "The Bengalis in Ra- defence and security policy,” she considerable detail about how khine State are not the Myanmar said. drugs were one of the biggest is- department in nationalities but the immigrants," As part of her international sues facing his country with 4 mil- he said, according to an official trip, Bishop also stopped in the lion people, particularly young Azerbaijan’s Goranboy translation. Philippines where she addressed people, addicted to methamphet- "The terrorist attacks which the pressing issue of IS with Pres- amine, locally known as ‘shabu’. Rashad Garayev (1977), taken into department, APA reported. New Zealand and China are set to preter. took place in October 2016 result- ident Rodrigo Duterte who shares (Asiancorrespondent) police custody, suddenly lost his According to initial opinion, start negotiating an upgrade to the "Compared with China's ed in the political interferences." consciousness while being interro- the detainee died of a heart attack. free trade agreement between the agreements with other countries, Myanmar's civilian government gated at Goranboy district police The district police depart- two countries, and Prime Minis- this agreement with New Zealand led by Aung San Suu Kyi has department. ment has launched an investigation ter Bill English isn't expecting an is the most advanced." Trade was meanwhile rebuffed the UN probe, Emaar Malls’ $800m Despite the first aid adminis- into the fact. easy ride. the central issue in their formal saying any international fact-find- tered to him, he died in the police (APA) Mr English and Chinese Pre- talks at Premier House, but their ing mission "would do more to in- mier Li Keqiang announced on discussion ranged across bilateral flame, rather than resolve, the is- bid for Souq.com to Monday, after talks in Wellington, and international issues. Premier sues at this time". that negotiations would begin on Li described the talks as "frank and The country's powerful mili- Azerbaijanis continue April 25. "There are going to be candid" while Mr English said they tary until recently ruled Myanmar challengeAmazon challenging negotiations to get what had been "very productive." with an iron fist and built up a New Zealand wants, but that's "We are working together... we notorious reputation for rights shelling Karabakh nothing new," Mr English said. can avoid frictions," the premier abuses, especially when conduct- "We're used to always negotiating said. Premier Li is the second most ing operations against restive eth- positions – defense ministry trade agreements around sensitive important Chinese leader after Pres- nic insurgents. Almost all Ro- issues - particularly around agri- ident Xi Pinjing, and Monday's hingya are denied citizenship and Azerbaijani troops have breached bakh Republic’s defense ministry cultural products." Mr English said meeting was seen as significant to forced to live in apartheid-like con- the ceasefire on the line of contact reported Monday morning. New Zealand was going to want the relationship between the two ditions, while tens of thousands between Karabakh and Azerbaijani According to the news release, improved access for New Zealand countries. In addition to the agree- of them have been confined to dire armed forces about 40 times over things along the contact line are products. ment to start FTA negotiations, the camps since violence drove them the past night by firing more than fully controlled by the Karabakh Premier Li said the upgrade two countries signed initiatives from their homes in 2012. 340 shots at Karabakh positions, army. would be the first such negotia- ranging from access for chilled This month a commission led the press office of Nagorno-Kara- (ARKA) tions China had held with a devel- meat, a climate change action plan by former UN chief Kofi Annan oped country. "It will give a strong and stronger cooperation on judi- to resolve issues in Rakhine rec- boost to trade links, and show the cial and law enforcement issues. ommended the camps be closed world we are committed to free (SBS) and said restrictions on freedom trade," he said through an inter- of movement should be lifted. Kazakh to launch 14 (AFP) Dubai's Emaar Malls, operator of spond to a request for comment. the Middle East's most glitzy Emaar Malls, operator of the Dubai intercity trains Denuclearization a pipe dream? shopping malls, has made an $800 Mall, is the retail unit of Dubai's million offer for Middle Eastern largest publicly traded property Kazakh railways will launch 14 is forecasted that the number of online retailer Souq.com, potential- developer Emaar Properties. additional intercity trains during passengers arriving to Astana from UN holds talks to ban nukes, but ly setting up a bidding war with Chairman Mohammed Alabbar the EXPO-2017 titled "Future the regions to attend the interna- Amazon.com Inc. The bid has so has been increasingly focusing on Energy" in Astana, Kazakh Invest- tional exhibition Expo-2017 will far not been accepted by e-commerce. He has raised $1 bil- ment and Development Ministry increase to almost 1.856 million, major powers don't show up Souq.com's shareholders, Emaar lion, including from Saudi Arabia's said in a message. New trains will including 935,271 people coming Some of the world's biggest econ- ar arms following a series of recent nuclear deterrence," as it outlined Malls said in a bourse statement Public Investment Fund, to set up be launched from Astana to the cit- by rail. The World's Fair EXPO omies won't attend high-level ne- ballistic missile launches, will also in an October letter to NATO on Monday. regional e-commerce company ies of Shymkent, Mangyshlak, exhibition has been held since 1851. gotiations aimed at banning nucle- be absconding from this week's members. Deterrence, or the threat Reuters reported last week Noon. Alabbar has also bought into Atyrau and Uralsk; and to Astana The exhibition will be held for ar weapons — an indicator that discussions. Excluding Pyongyang, of nuclear retaliation to avert ene- that Amazon had agreed in princi- regional logistics firm Aramex and from the cities of Shymkent, the first time in Astana, Kazakh- global denuclearization remains a the decision to shun talks drew in- my attack, has been a staple of in- ple to buy Souq.com. Amazon de- bought 4 percent of Italian online Mangyshlak, Uralsk, Kostanay, stan in 2017. The EXPO-2017 will distant dream. A photograph of a ternational criticism as it clashed ternational security policy since clined to comment, and a spokes- retailer Yoox Net-a-Porter for 100 Dzhambul, Almaty, Karaganda, last from June 10 until September British nuclear weapons test over with each government's obligations the Cold War. (CNN) person for Souq.com did not re- million euros in April. (AP) Kokshetau and Atbasar. The num- 10. Over 100 countries and about Christmas Island in the 1950s at to a non-proliferation treaty that's ber of train routes from and to 20 international organizations have the Imperial War Museum in Lon- been in force since 1970. Known Astana rail station will increase already confirmed their participa- don. A photograph of a British nu- as the NPT, the agreement is fo- from 44 to 58 as a result. tion in the exhibition. clear weapons test over Christmas cused on curbing the spread of According to the ministry, it (Trend) Island in the 1950s at the Imperial nukes with complete disarmament China will fillAsia Pacific War Museum in London. as its end goal. The United Nations (UN) "Given the dangers arising from kicks off a five-day conference in a lack of cooperation on nuclear trade void: Former US official New York on Monday to discuss security issues and the potential W as h in gto n 's TTP w ith draw l m e an s such a ban in what many political emergence of a new arms race be- Uzbekistan launches commentators have called a mile- tween the nuclear powers, princi- regio n 's leaders m ust step up stone event. But visibly absent will pled and engaged leadership from be Security Council members U.S., nuclear-weapon states is sorely TOKYO -- U.S. withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership will renewable energy plan U.K., Canada, France, Russia, and needed," said UNA-UK, a London encourage China to fill the void in the Asia Pacific trade system, former China, who don't believe in the based nonprofit that conducts in- U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman warns. Now a distinguished The president of the Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoev submitted a draft prohibition of weapons. Austra- dependent analysis on the UN, in fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, a U.S. think tank, Froman proposal for new renewable energy regulations, along with plans to lia, Germany, Japan, Norway, and a recent statement. Washington be- recently spoke to The Nikkei about challenges poised by the Trump launch a total of 500MW of solar project, along with hydropower South Korea also don't support the lieves an outright weapons ban administration's trade policies and Japan's role in assuring a high-stan- expansions. measure. North Korea, which re- would be "fundamentally at odds dard trade system. Edited excerpts from the interview follow. (IJglobal) cently defended its right to nucle- with NATO's basic policies on TUESDAY. MARCH 28, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Last week China welcomed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan- yahu on the heels of Saudi King Salman’s visit. Both visits high- Indian renewable energy development lighted closer economic cooperation, but Beijing also weighed in on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Chi- nese Foreign Ministry spokes- agency to sanction Rs 13,000 cr loans for woman Hua Chunying said Beijing hoped that Saudi Arabia and Israel would “each make their contribu- renewables in FY18 tions to the realization of enduring peace and development in the IREDA has sanctioned around Rs 37,000 crore of credit for clean energy projects in the country so far and Middle East”. has released around Rs 28,000 crore to developers, which aids generation capacity of around 7,000 MW. Increasingly, Beijing has been signaling its aspiration to play a State-run Indian Renewable Ener- with a CAGR of 32 per cent and larger role in the Middle East not gy Development Agency (IREDA) expected to cross Rs 10,000 crore only with economic ties but also will sanction Rs 13,000 crore for during this fiscal. politically. Already China is be- clean energy projects next fiscal in Similarly, the loan disburse- coming a large stakeholder in re- the country, vying for around 20 ments have grown from Rs 553 gional security by virtue of its eco- per cent of the loan market share. crore in 2007-08 to Rs 4,257 crore nomic and infrastructure invest- With the government aiming at in 2015-16, with a CAGR of 29 ments, and the increasing number adding around 15 to 16 GW of per cent and is likely to cross Rs of Chinese workers overseas. In clean energy projects, including 6,000 crore in the financial year Israel, which just celebrated 25 solar and wind, there would be to- 2016-17. The net profit of the years of diplomatic ties with Chi- tal credit market size of around Rs company has increased from Rs na and annual bilateral trade now 65,000 crore. 47.96 crore in 2007-08 to Rs at US$8 billion, Chinese compa- “We have planned to sanction 298.04 crore in 2015-16. nies are the major drivers in infra- around Rs 13,000 crore credit to In order to give more wings to structure projects such as the Tel clean energy project developers in IREDA’s ambitious plans to fi- Aviv Metro system and ports in the country in next financial year, nance clean energy projects, its Haifa and Ashdod, with 3,500 which would be around 20 per cent board has approved initial public workers currently in the country of the market share,” IREDA offer proposal of Rs 13.90 crore and another 20,000 on the way. Chairman K S Popli told PTI. Pop- fresh equity share with face value As a corollary, China needs to re- Korea-Japan economic li also said that IREDA would be of Rs 10 each during February inforce its political and security able to release around Rs 8,000 2017. The initiative would help posture in the region to help main- crore for these clean energy IREDA to increase its net worth tain stability and protect its citi- gap widens due to projects in country. facilitating lending to larger zens and assets. Haifa is the site IREDA has sanctioned around credit would be able to aid larger wind power tariff has too dropped projects. The fresh issue of share of one of a growing number of Chi- Rs 37,000 crore of credit for clean green capacities as the cost of clean to a record low of Rs 3.46 per unit shall be at price to be determined nese-owned ports around the different leaderships energy projects in the country so energy equipment was quite high in an auction of 1,000 MW capac- through a book building process. Mediterranean, including Algeria’s far and has released around Rs in earlier days”. The lower cost of ity conducted by the Solar Energy The IPO process is expected to be Port of Cherchell, Egypt’s Port 28,000 crore to developers, which equipment and lower borrowing Corporation of India (SECI). The completed within six months from Said and Alexandria Port, Turkey’s aids generation capacity of around charges have already pulled down loan sanctions by IREDA have the date of approval of Cabinet Port of Kumport, and Italy’s Port 7,000 MW. Elaborating further, solar energy tariff to all time low grown from Rs 826 crore in 2007- Committee on Economic Affairs Genoa and Port Naples. This pro- Popli said, “The same amount of of Rs 2.97 per unit last month. The 08 to Rs 7,806 crore in 2015-16, (CCEA). (Financialexpress) vides an opportunity for China and other countries to promote economic integration jointly via the One Belt, One Road (OBOR) initiative, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle Australia should enhance competitiveness East. For example, growing Chinese investments in both Turkey and to eliminate risk of losing global influence Israel could be utilized for broader The Australian Chamber of Com- cooperation at the regional level. One such project is the Jezreel merce and Industry (ACCI) has Valley Railway, revived after 65 called for making the country’s years in August 2016. Cargo trav- economic competitiveness stron- eling by sea from Turkey to Haifa ger to prevent its global influence Port can be placed on the Jezreel from hurting. In addition, the group line and transported to Jordan and The Korean economy was rapidly economic gap against Japan part- also suggests more measures be the broader Persian Gulf region. catching up with the Japanese ly due to advantages stemming taken to pursue policy interests in The Jezreel Valley train, part of economy since the mid-1990s, but from Japan’s "lost 20 years." the Indian Ocean rim. the Turkish Hejaz Railway built the gap between the Korean and However, as soon as Japanese According to ACCI, which under the Ottoman Empire in 1905, Japanese economies widened again Prime Minister Shinzo Abe inau- made its suggestions in a submis- ran until 1951. After China won a last year, a Korean think tank has gurated in December 2012, he start- sion to the foreign policy white tender to operate Haifa Port for warned. In its report entitled "How ed aggressive quantitative easing, paper, the nation will face chal- 25 years, this railway will facili- much has the Korean economy and implemented deregulation and lenge as other countries rise in glo- tate China’s shipment of goods caught up with Japan" released on pro-business policy, reviving the bal economic rankings. “Australia from Turkey to Jordan and fur- Sunday, the Hyundai Economic Japanese economy that was in a needs to ensure we are on a trajec- ther into Asia via the Red Sea or Institute said Korea’s global sci- deep slump. The Japanese leader tory to regain and cement our po- the Persian Gulf, and vice versa. ence competitiveness slipped from also pushed for a robust drive to sition as a leading global economy. Indeed, it is within the context of third in 2009 to eighth in 2016, keep a Japanese yen weak, and Failure to do so creates the risk we the OBOR and the goal of broader expanding its gap against Japan, thus created a virtuous cycle of will become less influential in glo- regional cooperation that Captain which is solidly ranked No. 2. expansion in export, a rebound in bal forums such as the United Na- Yigal Maor, director general of the Korea’s technology competiveness domestic consumption, improve- tions, World Trade Organisation Israeli Transportation Ministry’s also plunged from second in 2005 ment in corporate earnings, and an and G20,” the group said. “This Administration of Shipping and to 15th last year, trailing behind increase in job creation. Abe is crit- will mean other nations will have Ports, proposed the Israel-Gulf Japan (10th). The problem is that icized by neighboring countries in greater opportunity to shape the Economic Corridor (IGEC) in Sep- the gap could expand further going diplomacy, but he has displayed global environment within which tember last year. we and our economic lifelines — He believes that if China can forward due to deterioration of strong leadership when it comes political and economic situations to economy to improve people’s international flows of goods and invest in this corridor, which would services, capital and people — involve linking infrastructure in Korea. livelihoods. Notably, the finding that Ko- While the Japanese economy operate,” it added. Enhancement projects in the Gulf region with of competitiveness, as the group Israel and Jordan to transship Chi- rea is lagging far behind Japan in has performed robustly, the Kore- growth in other economies, it em- China’s importance as Australia’s ecutive, emphasised on the “vast competitiveness to cope with an economy has seen its potential notes, can be achieved through in- nese goods, this could push Gulf creasing involvement in negotiat- phasised the effect it could have largest trade partner came after and largely untapped opportuni- countries into more formal ties Fourth Industrial Revolution that growth rate plunge and economic on Australia. Prime Minister Malcolm Turn- ty” in the Indian Ocean region. will determine their future compe- fundamentals increasingly weaken ing trade treaties and levelling their with Israel. engagement in Indian Ocean rim ACCI’s findings come in the bull’s controversial phone call with “Our emphasis of the past 75 In turn, this could jump-start tiveness heralds a bumpy road over time. Former President Park wake of Chinese Premier Li Ke- US President Donald Trump. The years of peace and stability in the ahead facing the Korean economy. Geun-hye, who was inaugurated countries as in the Asia-Pacific. the Arab Peace Initiative that aligns ACCI noted Australia is cur- qiang’s visit Down Under. The two bilateral agreement between Aus- Asia-Pacific needs now to be with European Union and US goals Korea’s adaptability for Fourth two months after Abe, announced countries signed a bilateral agree- tralia and China comes at a time of matched with policy and strategic Industrial Revolution including la- a "three-year plan on economic rently the 19th largest economy in in the Middle East peace process, the world. By 2050, however, it is ment that focussed on beef ex- "increasingly loud voices calling for equivalence for the Indian Ocean with the added benefit of promot- bor market flexibility, technologi- reform" plan in February 2014 and ports, energy and security. China a retreat from the project of global region,” ACCI’s submission says. cal level, education level and infra- a "474" election pledge (4 percent expected to fall down to the 28th ing broader regional cooperation spot due to growth of other coun- recently stopped Brazilian im- economic liberalisation into pro- the region is home to as many as with Turkey and the EU in the structure is lagging far behind Ja- in potential growth rate, 7 percent ports after a scandal regarding sal- tectionism,” Turnbull said. 2.3 billion people. pan’s. The level of Korea’s 10 stra- in employment rate, and 40,000 tries. While the group said in its eastern Mediterranean. The recent submission it acknowledges the monella infected meats broke. James Peason, ACCI chief ex- (Ibtimes) Israeli-Turkish reconciliation, re- tegic technologies is 2.8 years be- U.S. dollars in per-capita national pairing a relationship broken by hind Japan, while that of the elec- income) during her term in office, the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, tronics and information and tele- but none of these goals was could also help in this regard. communications sectors that Ko- achieved. The "creative economy" Beijing and Ankara also appear to rea has been touting as its strength drive pursued by the former pres- Airline asked to pay Rs 3 lakh for lost baggage be compartmentalizing the Uyghur is also 1.2 years behind Japan in ident is set to end without gener- No amount of monetary compen- issue and marching forward on terms of technological edge. It is ating achievement in the wake of sation can pay for the harassment economic cooperation via the New worrisome that Korea may never her impeachment. The fates of the and agony a flyer goes through due US economy to grow slower than Silk Road. be able to overtake Japan’s tech- two economies have been deter- to any loss of luggage during trav- In addition to China acquiring nology forever, if this trend con- mined by what kind of leaders they el, the Delhi State Commission for a 65% stake in the Kumport con- tinues. selected. Consumer Disputes has said. It tainer terminal, Turkey’s third- Korea was able to reduce its (Donga) Trump pledges, survey finds largest, China’s Asian Infrastruc- also makes him mentally and psy- ture and Investment Bank is financ- chologically disturbed, said the 70 percent of economists think fi- ing the Trans-Anatolian Natural commission while asking an inter- nancial markets are too optimistic Gas Pipeline Project (TANAP) national airline to pay over Rs 3 about the impact of Trump's pro- that pipes Azerbaijani gas through $2b casino to be built lakh to a Delhi resident. posals, should they be enacted. Georgia and Turkey unto Europe. In 2010, Air France misplaced The S&P 500 stock index has ris- In November 2015, Ankara and the baggage of Dimple Malhotra en about 6.5 percent since the pres- Beijing signed a memorandum of in northern Vietnam during her Europe travel. Later, on idential election on anticipation of understanding on harmonizing receiving it back, Malhotra claimed faster growth stemming from China’s OBOR initiative with that some of her belongings were Trump's policies. Shares slipped Turkey’s “Middle Corridor”, A two-billion-U.S. dollar project expected to serve a large num- missing. She also had to extend her last week as Congress and the based on a high-speed rail link be- with the first casino allowing ber of travelers, assessed VET. stay. Trump administration failed to tween Kars in eastern Turkey and Vietnamese to play in will be "It is human psychology that agree on a health care proposal to the western city of Edirne, and built in Vietnam's northern Van Don Island District has if a person finds his luggage miss- replace the Obama administration's eventually connecting Turkey with Quang Ninh province's Van a total area of 551 square kilo- ing, he feels disturbed mentally and Affordable Care Act. China via Central Asia and the Don Special Economic Zone, meters, embracing Bai Tu Long psychologically. After every few The economists surveyed Caucasus. Complementing this is according to Quang Ninh peo- Bay and connecting with Ha hours he gets a glimpse of the loss. work for companies, trade associ- the China-Turkey intermodal cor- ple's committee. Long, UNESCO natural heri- This is more so when he is away U.S. economic growth is expected Still, those rates are below the ations and in academia. The results ridor, inaugurated in December Local FLC group is permit- tage site. Van Don is planned to a foreign country where there is to accelerate this year and next, yet 3 percent to 4 percent growth that were compiled by Timothy Gill, 2015 by DHL Global Forwarding, ted to study to invest in a 4,000- to be one of the three special none known to him. Plight of such remain modest, even if President Trump has promised to bring an economist at the American Iron a major provider of air, sea and road hectare complex that includes economic zones in Vietnam, a person cannot be lost sight of. Trump's promised tax cuts and about through steep corporate and and Steel Institute; Steve Co- freight services in Europe and Asia. a casino, resort, five-star hotel, besides Phu Quoc (in southern No amount of monetary compen- infrastructure spending are imple- individual tax cuts and more spend- chrane, an economist at Moody's The rail corridor is expected to gen- international conference centre, Kien Giang province) and Van sation can recoup that loss. It is mented, a survey found. ing on roads, airports and tunnels. Analytics; and David Teolis at erate $2.5 trillion in annual trade only an attempt to mitigate that The economy will grow a sol- Most of the economists surveyed General Motors, among others. within the next 10 years, and has golf course, safari, museum, Phong (in south central Khanh by awarding some monetary com- The survey found economists agricultural town community Hoa province). id 2.3 percent this year and 2.5 assume that a tax reform package been expanded to connect Taiwan pensation," said a bench of O P percent in 2018, according to 50 will be approved by Congress this more optimistic about hiring than with Europe via mainland China, and library, reported local Viet- By 2020, the projected num- Gupta and Anil Srivastava while economists surveyed by the Na- year. About two-fifths expect an they were in a previous survey, thereby linking the Pacific and At- nam Economic Times (VET) on ber of tourists coming to Van hearing an appeal filed by Air tional Association for Business infrastructure spending proposal conducted in December. They now lantic oceans, with Turkey as a key Thursday. Don is 1.7 million person-times, France against the Rs 3-lakh com- Economics. Those rates would be to pass this year, while rest fore- forecast employers will add an trading hub. This will be the first casino including 900,000 international pensation order of a district forum. up from 2016's anemic pace of 1.6 cast it will happen in 2018 or be- average of 183,000 jobs a month. (Atimes) for the Vietnamese people and visitors. (Xinhuanet) (Timesofindia) percent. yond. The survey also found that (BBC) TUESDAY. MARCH 28, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Feeling beautiful begins with The ultimate style icon sported the outfit before feeling Alia for the promotions of her Bollywood debut Raees. Styled by celeb- confi- rity stylist Ami Patel, Mahira let her hair loose in beachy waves. dent: Mahira too glided into silver heels – but hers featured a single strap Deepika on the front, complementing her outfit per- fectly. Though both Padukone leading ladies ticked all the right boxes on our fashion checklist, the Bol star took the cake for us. With her effort- less panache and envi- Bollywood diva Deepika has been on a roll ever since, show- have been described as reasons able bravura, she slayed Padukone was officially an- casing her versatility as an actor why she has been roped in as an big time. And, one thing nounced as the newly appointed suitable for content-driven mov- ambassador for the brand, L’Oréal is for certain – Mahira global ambassador of beauty brand ies like Piku, Finding Fanny, Paris officials said. LOréal Paris – joining the likes of Tamasha as well as for mainstream American paparazzi confuses is clearly Alia’s fashion Jane Fonda, Blake Lively, Julianne entertainers like Bajirao Mastani Deepika with Priyanka – and it inspiration. Moore, Susan Sarandon and Aish- and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. didn’t go too well! Alia Bhatt warya Rai Bachchan. She even made her Hollywood de- At an event here on Friday The Badrinath Ki Dul- “I’ve always believed that feel- but with the Vin Diesel starrer night, Deepika was asked if she hania actor opted for an ing beautiful begins with feeling xXx: Return of Xander Cage. will walk the red carpet of the confident about yourself and Alongside her acting career, Cannes Film Festival as a repre- all-white ensemble for L’Oréal Paris with its powerful Deepika is vocal about issues close sentative of the brand. the YouTube fest in Mum- One Direction message ‘Because we’re worth it’, to her heart and has founded ‘The To our dismay, she will be giv- bai. The 24-year-old has always encouraged women to Live, Love, Laugh Foundation’, to ing the film festival a miss this sported an off-shoulder do that,” Deepika said in a state- create awareness about mental year, and added that all her ener- frontman Liam ment that it a privilege for her to health issues in India. gies are currently focused on her top that featured a knot be representing the brand. Deepi- Deepika’s beauty, confidence new project Padmavati. in the centre and cou- ka’s Hindi film journey began with and grace coupled with how she is (Hindustan Times) pled it with straight Om Shanti Om in 2007, and she intelligent, sensitive and self-made, white pants. The starlet Payne, Cheryl opted for minimum makeup and no accesso- Tough to ries for the event. She Cole welcome son completed her look with Singer Cheryl Cole and her part- he is already stealing hearts. We maintain an updo and silver ner and singer Liam Payne have are all madly in love and over- announced the birth of their son whelmingly happy with our little pump heels. Although after keeping it a secret for three arrival. Happy Mother’s Day to balance her look was curated by days. all the mothers around the world. Indian stylist Lakshmi Cole announced the news on A day that now has a different Lehr, it seemed the inspi- her Instagram account on Saturday meaning to me forever,” she add- between night by posting an image of Payne ed. Payne also shared an emotion- ration came from Paki- holding the baby to his chest. The al post and described fatherhood stani bombshell Mahira birth of their son turned out to be as “a moment that I will never for- personal, Khan. more special as it happened just a get for the rest of my life and my (Tribune) few days before Mother’s Day. favourite memory I have so far”. “On Wednesday March 22, He included in the picture cap- profes- Liam and I became parents to an tion: “My close friends and fami- incredibly beautiful, healthy baby ly know there are very few times boy, weighing 7lb 9 (3.43 kg) and when I’m left speechless…” the sional life: Phillauri:Anushka looking like a dream,” the former One Direction vocalist captioned The X Factor judge wrote. “Al- the image. Priyanka though he still doesn’t have a name (Tribune) myself, my family or friends for into the US television space as FBI Sharma’s film example, I will make the time. I agent Alex Parrish in Quantico, Chopra understand my priorities and so which airs in India on Star World does my team so when I need to and Star World HD. She will soon earns Rs 15.25 cr in Bollywood actor Priyanka Chop- do something that’s important to make her Hollywood debut with ra who has been juggling work be- me I will. I also make an effort to Baywatch. tween the US and India, says it is be connected… it’s easy to get lost The Mary Kom star says it is opening weekend easy to get lost in work, but she in work.” For Priyanka, it all start- important to “have people in your makes it a point to take out time ed at the age of 17 when she was life who show you the mirror”. Anushka Sharma, Diljit Dosanjh crore from satellite and music rights. for friends and family. crowned Miss World. “My family, friends and team have and Suraj Sharma starrer romantic “The cost of the film ensures that She says she finds a balance in She soon stepped into the always been that for me and I comedy film Phillauri has minted we already have a profitable film her personal and professional life world of Bollywood in 2003 with wouldn’t want it any other way. Rs 15.25 crore in its opening week- at hand. North India has done in- “by living a double life”. The Hero: Love Story of a Spy. I’ve always been open to feed- end at the Indian box office, the credibly well for Phillauri given the “Let’s be honest, it’s tough to Projects like Don, Fashion, 7 back… I don’t claim to know ev- makers have said. Phillauri released subject of the film is set in Punjab always maintain a balance but Khoon Maaf, Barfi!, Mary Kom erything and it’s important to have on March 24. and that we also have a huge north you’ve got to do what you feel is and Bajirao Mastani are milestones an objective perspective or a view “We are happy that the film Indian star Diljt Dosanjh,” Singh important,” stated Priyanka. This in her career graph. point that different from yours. I has done good business over the added. Set in Phillaur, Punjab, the old Priyanka Chopra ad will scar She was at the peak of her ca- have a select set of people whose weekend. It is a small film with a Anshai Lal directorial tells the sto- you for life reer when she explored the world honesty and opinions I trust,” con- big heart and we are thrilled with ry of Kanan (Suraj), who is per- She added: “I work very hard of music with singles like In my fessed the actor. the love that audiences have show- suaded by his friends and family but when I need to create time for city and Exotic, and then walked (Santa Banta) ered on it in India and internation- to marry a tree to ward off the bad ally,” Vijay Singh, CEO, Fox Star luck afflicting his love-life. To Kan- Studios, said in a statement. Made an’s surprise, this awakens an an- on a budget of Rs 21 crore, Phil- cient tree spirit Shashi, played by Keira Knightley thought lauri has already recovered Rs 12 Anushka. (Santa Banta) Pirates of the Caribbean would be a disaster Keira Knightley didn’t think Pirates of the Caribbean films would do much for her career, says filmmaker Richard Curtis. Filmmaker Richard Curtis has revealed that while film- rate thing — probably a disaster,” ing for 2003 film Love Actually, actor Keira Knight- referring to the Pirates of the Car- ley thought that the popular fantasy series Pirates of ibbean franchise that eventually the Caribbean would be a disaster. Knightley played made the actress a big star. Curtis the role of Elizabeth Swann in the film franchise. also commented on the success of In an op-ed written for The Radio Times, Curtis the film’s other stars. “Andrew said it has been a “particular delight” for him to see Lincoln had never come across, let how “brilliantly” the cast of Love Actually, including alone killed, the Walking Dead. Hugh Grant, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Alan Rick- Chiwetel Ejiofor hadn’t been a man has blossomed over the years, reports slave for five minutes, let alone 12 variety.com. Later on, he recalled a funny incident years,” he said while mentioning when he asked Knightley what else she is working on their films Walking Dead and 12 and she replied that her another project is “some pi- Years a Slave. Sanjay Dutt biopic: Who’s playing who in Rebooted Power Rangers return to big screen Ranbir Kapoor’s film? We have the details Though Ranbir Kapoor’s fantasy- The latest reboot of the 1990s Rangers’ mission is to stop arch adventure Jagga Jasoos is ready to Power Rangers children’s television villain Rita Repulsa, played in the hit cinema halls in May, he is more series held its world premiere in rebooted film version by Ameri- in news for the Sanjay Dutt biop- Los Angeles on Wednesday night. can actor Elizabeth Banks. “It’s ic. Rajkumar Hirani, Dutt’s close Directed by Dean Israelite, the hard work. I will say that but it friend and the director of Munnab- film tells the backstories of the five was really fun to yell at everyone,” hai franchise, is going to wield the teenage characters – a misfit, a lon- Banks said. megaphone for the project. er, a school bully, an intellectual “It’s fun to feel like I was in- From Sonam Kapoor to Anush- and a drop-out – and their trans- vincible.” Earlier in the day, Pow- ka Sharma, an impressive army of formation into action heroes. er Rangers creator and producer actors have been cast to play im- “It’s like an instruction manu- Haim Saban received a star on the portant roles in the Dutt biopic. al of how to become a Power Rang- Hollywood Walk of Fame for his Though Hirani is trying to keep er because you go through the kids’ achievements in television. his project as secretive as he can, journey…these inadequate inse- It also spawned three theatri- there is enough information doing cure little kids, and how they be- cal films, with the latest, Saban’s the rounds about the film. We tell come superheroes,” said actor Ludi Power Rangers, set to open in US you exactly who’s going to play Lin, who plays the Black Ranger. theaters on Friday. who in the film. (Santa Banta) As in the television series, the (Holleywoodlife) TUESDAY. MARCH 28, 2017 AFGHANISTANTIMES

MCC v Middlesex: Joe Clarke top scores as MCC post 332 in Champion County match Joe Clarke top-scored as the MCC close. lbw by Harris, who removed Liam posted 332 in their first innings MCC made an inauspicious Plunkett (15) soon after, and Har- before reducing Middlesex to 9-1 start having won the toss; Adam ry Podmore (2-44) wrapped up the on day one of the day/night Cham- Lyth (14) and Alex Lees (0) dis- innings with the wicket of Jack pion County match in Abu Dhabi. missed in successive overs by Tom Leach (4). The Worcestershire batsman Helm and Harris, respectively. Robson hit the first ball of the made 89 and Ben Duckett, batting A stand of 109 between Alex Middlesex innings for four but was at No 4, hit an enterprising 69 be- Lees (41) and Duckett got MCC gone by the end of the over, caught fore the MCC were bowled out back on track before Clarke arrived by Lees off the bowling of Grego- late in the day. at the crease and held the innings ry (1-6), and the defending county James Harris (3-49) and Ravi together, sharing useful middle-or- champions will begin day two on Patel (3-83) each took three wick- der partnerships with Ben Cox 9-1. ets for Middlesex, who lost open- (40) and Lewis Gregory (36). (BBC Sport) er Sam Robson shortly before the He was eventually trapped With less than six weeks remain- year old is one of only three play- sidered a coup and while Premier If Reading are to cement a playing in the Sky Bet Championship ers to complete over 100 dribbles League interest didn't surface at the off finish this season they'll owe season, the team of the year has in the league and has had a direct time it surely will this summer. The as much to the hold up play of already been announced. hand in 20 goals in the Seagulls' 26-year-old is one shy of double Kermorgant as to his 10 goals thus Dustin Johnson holds off However, how would the team title bid (13 goals, seven assists). figures for both goals and assists far. However, while that may seem shape up based on statistics? Conor Hourihane (Barnsley/ and his composure in possession a modest return it's been enough We've asked WhoScored.com Aston Villa) - 7.48 at this level is unrivalled, with a to directly earn the Royals nine to reveal their best XI of the cam- Aston Villa were determined sensational league-high pass accu- points this season, while his three Jon Rahm to win WGC paign based on their unique rating to seal a deal for Hourihane in Jan- racy of 92.4 per cent. assists have all come in victories system, with over 15 starts in each uary, and it isn't hard to see why. Matt Ritchie (Newcastle) - secured by a single goal. Moreover, player's allocated position set as a While the 26-year-old hasn't yet 7.22 the 35-year-old has won the most requirement. Here's who makes reached the standards he set at The only Newcastle man in aerial duels per game (5.8) of any the XI... Barnsley, his influence and popu- the XI, perhaps proving that their forward this season and created a Match Play crown Ali Al-Habsi (Reading) - 7.04 larity in the Midlands is growing success has been built on the chance per game. Dustin Johnson's dominance of While the Oman international due to his all-action approach. A strength of their squad as opposed Jonathan Kodjia (Aston Villa) world golf continued as he held off can be erratic at times, he's pro- dead-ball specialist, Hourihane to a handful of individuals. Few - 7.18 a valiant comeback from Jon Rahm duced some outstanding displays leads the league in assists this sea- were in doubt that Ritchie would A return of one goal every two to clinch the WGC-Dell Technol- this season and played a pivotal son - with 11 of 13 coming prior be a shrewd acquisition when he games (15 in 30) may not be the ogies Match Play title in Texas. role in Reading's play-off push. to his Villa Park switch - while he signed from Bournemouth last best in the league but in terms of Johnson appeared set to cruise Only Barnsley's Adam Davies has has found the net seven times and summer. Proven at Championship his importance to his side Kodjia to victory when he stormed into a produced more stops than the 35- averages an impressive 2.6 tackles level in terms of both scoring and is right up there given Villa's strug- five-up lead after only eight holes year old this season (138), with a per game. creating goals - he has nine and sev- gles in front of goal. The Ivory in the final, but Rahm staged a dramatic fightback to take the power- save success rate of 73.7 per cent Tom Cairney (Fulham) - 7.41 en respectively this season - the Coast international's return has hitting contest to the final hole of also enough to rank second in the Fulham have become some- Scotland international couples his accounted for 38% of Bruce's sides a long week at the Austin Country league to Newcastle's Karl Darlow thing of a neutral's favourite in the technical ability with the sort of total tally, with 11 of his strikes Club. But the world No 1 held his (73.9 per cent) - who has been Championship due to their attrac- commendable work-rate off the representing Villa's only goals in nerve to match Rahm's par at the forced into action half as often (67 tive, possession-based approach ball that is required in order to help said games. Meanwhile, no Cham- last to seal a one-up win and be- saves). and Cairney is absolutely pivotal earn promotion from the second pionship striker has completed come the first player to win all four Cyrus Christie (Derby) - 7.19 to that. The fact that the Cottag- tier. more dribbles per game (2.0) than current World Golf Championship He may have missed over two ers secured his services from Yann Kermorgant (Reading) - the livewire 27-year-old. titles. months of the season through in- Blackburn could certainly be con- 7.28 (Sky Sport) Johnson will now head to the jury, but in his 24 league appear- Masters on the back of three con- ances Christie has once again Johanna secutive tournament victories fol- proved why he is one of the high- lowing his recent successes at the est rated full-backs in the Cham- Genesis Open and the WGC-Mex- pionship. While the Rams' for- Anthony Crolla endures another Konta ico Championship - the first golf- tunes actually improved during the er to achieve that on the PGA Tour right-back's absence, his impact on eases into since Rory McIlroy's golden run the defence is highlighted by the in 2014. After being taken the dis- points loss to Jorge Linares on tance for the first time in the event fact that Derby have conceded less the fourth by Hideto Tanihara in the morning than a goal per game (0.91) when semi-finals, Johnson looked likely he has started compared to 1.13 emotionally charged night to make short work of the final as when he hasn't. Moreover, he has round of Rahm's all-round game deserted created more chances per game him in the early stages. (1.5) than any full-back in the the Both parred the first two holes league. before Rahm carved his drive into Lewis Dunk (Brighton) - 7.61 thick rough at the third and could Dunk has long been touted Miami not stave off a bogey, and he com- with a Premier League move but pounded the error by three-put- thanks to his own efforts this sea- Open no way back in the opening set ting the next green. New NOW TV son the commanding centre-back and would step up her advan- customers: Grab a Sky Sports looks likely to get his top-flight tage in the second. Month Pass for half price. Rahm Britain's Johanna Konta eased then lipped out from four feet on chance with Brighton. The Seagulls past Pauline Parmentier and Immediately, Konta broke to are a point behind league leaders the fifth after Johnson had holed book her place in the fourth take the first game of the sec- from similar range, and the Span- Newcastle and are also second to round of the Miami Open. ond set then a superbly mea- the Magpies in terms of goals con- iard failed to match the top seed's After struggling to see off sured forehand into the corner birdie at the long sixth before he ceded this season (33). Dunk, 25, gave her the double break for stopped the rot with a welcome has played a significant role in that, qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnov- ich in a three-set marathon on 3-0 and effectively sealed a sur- half in pars at seven. ranking fourth in the league for in- prisingly routine success. But another bogey followed at terceptions per game (3.2) while Saturday, the British No 1 produced a much-improved perfor- Growing increasingly disil- the eighth which gifted Johnson boasting solid numbers for both lusioned, Parmentier's game his fifth win in six holes, although aerial duels won (4.4) and clear- mance as she beat her French the American then bunkered his ances (7.2) per game. opponent 6-4 6-0. collapsed as Konta broke again to love before duly serving out approach to the ninth and could Pontus Jansson (Leeds) - 7.58 Parmentier had arrived in not get up and down to match When it comes to centre-backs Miami full of confidence after to take her place in the last 16. Rahm's par-four. Johnson gave an- that have been decisive for their Anthony Crolla suffered another points loss in his world title rematch with Jorge Linares on an emotionally reaching the third round in In- Konta will play the winner of other hole away when he three- side this season, Jansson immedi- charged night in Manchester. The hometown man bravely overcame a seventh round knockdown, but could dian Wells where she took a set the match between Spain's Lara putted from inside 30 feet at the ately springs to mind having won not prevent Linares from retaining his WBA lightweight title with a unanimous decision victory. off second seed Angelique Arruabarrena or eighth-ranked 10th, but he restored his four-hole the hearts of the Leeds faithful with This courageous effort from Crolla was not the only talking point from an eventful evening... Kerber. But after an even start Madison Keys for a place in the lead at the long 12th when Rahm his committed displays. The Crolla's legion of fans had hoped to see their local hero regain his world title, but they were forced to to the match, Konta seized the quarter-finals. Top seed Angel- missed another birdie chance from Swedish international - on loan admire the masterful ring skills of Linares. This three-weight world champion oozed class from the opening initiative in the seventh game ique Kerber came through a short range. Still needing a big fin- from Torino - has scored three goals bell and his slashing punches drew blood from above Crolla's eye before he dumped the Mancunian on the of the match when she swatted tough contest against Shelby ish to extend the match, Rahm pro- to directly earn the Leeds five Rogers 6-4 7-5 while seventh- duced the putt of the final at the deck with a clever uppercut. It is testament to Crolla's battling spirit that he staged a determined response, away a backhand to take the 16th as he rolled in a birdie chance points this season and is among deservedly hearing the bell, and then offered more respectful words to his conqueror. first break. With a first serve seed Svetlana Kuznetsova from 32 feet after pulling his drive the top 10 for clearances (9.7) and Linares left the ring with his reputation further enhanced as one of the finest fighters on the planet, and percentage in excess of 90 per dumped out Taylor Townsend into the trees and being unable to second for blocks (1.3) per game must surely meet lightweight rival Mikey Garcia in the near future. cent, Konta gave her opponent 6-4 6-2. (CNN) go at the green in two, and both in the Championship. players nailed clutch par putts at Andy Yiadom (Barnsley) - the penultimate hole. Rahm took 7.25 the aggressive approach at the 356- With 16 of his 30 league starts Coronation Cup a possible plan for Seventh Heaven yard closing hole and launched his coming on the left, Barnsley full- drive over the back of the green, back Yiadom takes that spot in the while Johnson split the fairway best XI after a very impressive with a safe iron only to misjudge debut season at this level. The 25- Alejandro Valverde seals Tour of his second and come up short. But year-old has three assists to his Rahm was distracted by a door name and his threat going forward slamming in the background as he has been a real outlet for the Tykes. Catalonia victory with final stage win played his pitch, and his ball Yiadom has averaged the most drib- stopped rolling agonisingly short Alejandro Valverde sealed his sec- day, after race officials ruled that some Movistar riders pushed one of the ridge and left himself a slip- bles per game of any full-back (1.9), another in Tuesday's team time trial. (Sky Sport) while remaining vigilant defensive- ond Tour of Catalonia victory in pery, downhill putt from 30 feet ly with 2.2 tackles per game, hav- brilliant style by winning the sev- for his third. He hit a good putt, enth and final stage. but did not allow quite enough ing been dribbled past just 0.5 break and Johnson lagged to with- times per game. Valverde timed his final sprint to perfection to cross the line first in three feet from the fringe and Anthony Knockaert (Bright- Seventh Heaven could be aimed at very competitive there, but they all calmly holed the winning par putt on) - 7.68 the Coronation Cup at Epsom after seem fine this morning. "I would at a hilltop overlooking Barcelona after 139km (89 miles) in the sad- to secure his place in the WGC The highest-rated player in the her fine run in defeat in Dubai on have worried about Seventh Heav- history books. Meanwhile, Bill Championship this season, Knoc- Saturday. The Irish and Yorkshire en on that ground as I always thought dle. He finished the week-long race Haas earned third place with a 2&1 kaert has been sensational in the Oaks heroine got closest to impres- she wanted it fast, but she ran very more than one minute ahead of win over Tanihara in the consola- face of personal tragedy off the sive winner Jack Hobbs in the Shee- well. You would have to be very hap- Alberto Contador and Marc Soler, tion match, although it was the pitch after his father died in No- ma Classic on World Cup night on py with her, and would be thinking who rounded out the all-Spanish Japanese player who provided the vember. The Frenchman is a firm ground possibly not totally to her about all those mile-and-a-half rac- podium. big highlight as he made a superb liking, leaving trainer Aidan O'Brien es like the Coronation. She was stay- The 36-year-old Valverde won hole-in-one at the seventh with a favourite at Brighton and under- with high hopes for the season ing on well." Stablemate Highland standably so, with his dazzling two other stages in the race and perfect eight-iron from 201 yards ahead. Reel was last of the seven runners, triumphed despite receiving a one- - just the fourth ace ever seen in dribbling allied by a quality end The Ballydoyle hander said: "It but last year's King George VI And product from wide areas. The 25- minute time penalty on Wednes- the event. (Dubai) is a tough place to go. It is Queen Elizabeth Stakes. (BBC Sport) TUESDAY . MARCH 28. 2017-Hamal 08, 1396 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 234 Price: Afs.20

Lt. Gen. Mohammad Moeen Fa- qir, the former commander of 215 Maiwand Army Corps has been arrested on charges of embezzle- SHEBRGHAN : Local officials on ment and misuse of authority, a Sunday said a notorious Daesh or source at The Anti-Corruption Islamic State (IS) member has been Authorities in the Central Statis- Criminal Justice Center (ACJC) detained along with one of his ac- said on Monday. Faqir was sum- tics Organization (CSO) on Sun- complices in Shebrghan, the capi- day said Afghanistan’s annual moned to appear before the ACJC tal of northwestern Jawzjan prov- and an arrest warrant for him was imports cost $7 billion USD; ince. Governor’s spokesman, Mo- therefore, government should issued and he was transferred to hammad Reza Ghafori, told Pajh- Pul-e-Charkhi jail, the source add- support domestic products in wok Afghan News Daesh member, order to fix the trade deficit. In- ed. The ACJC is se my to follow Akhtar Bilal was previously in- the case against Faqir, the source formation released by the CSO volved in anti-government activi- reveals that Afghanistan annual- added This comes after the US In- ties on Shebrghan-Sar-I-Pul high- spector General For Afghanistan ly spends $1 billion USD on iron- way when he was in the Taliban ware imports, $1.5 billion USD Reconstruction (SIGAR) said that rank. He said Bilal had recently left military generals serving in the on commodities and $2 billion the Taliban and joined a Daesh USD on fuel and gas imports. ranks of Afghan National Army commander, Qari Hekmat. Akhtar (ANA) are the most corrupt offi- dents of Jawzjan and Sar-I-Pul “Now it is the time that govern- Bilal was leading a 28 member provinces traveling on the highway ment should pay attention to sup- cials in the nation’s military forc- group of IS militants who were es. (Tolo News) were happy over the detention of port domestic products. This will involved in murdering and armed Daesh member. Samiullah, a resi- help the government to overcome robbery cases. The key Daesh dent of Sar-I-Pul province, said the unemployment problem and member was detained during a spe- people were at great trouble and enhance Afghanistan’s economy,” cial operation of Afghan intelligence could not travel on the highway the deputy head of the CSO, Ha- Govt wants Uzbeks sidelined:Dostum’s office forces in Mangoti area of She- between 4pm and 9am when the sibullah Mowahid, said. Mean- brghan city, he said. “Bilal was also Daesh group was operating there. while, a number of economic af- KABUL : Reacting to First Lady fice said the statement of Rula involved in kidnapping Jawzjan Jawzjan police chief, Brig. Gen. fairs analysts said the trade defi- Rula Ghani’s remarks, the Office Ghani showed the government was court head and his three colleagues Rahmatullah Turkistani, said the cit has surged this year to almost of the First Vice President, Abdul not interested in unearthing facts and workers of the Breshna Sher- security of Shebrghan-Sar-I-Pul 90 percent. They called on gov- Rashid Dostum, on Monday said or implementing law but instead kat, rural rehabilitation and devel- highway was improved after first ernment to overcome the prob- the Presidential Palace was delib- wanted to sideline the presence of opment, and education department vice-president Gen. Abdur Rashid lem by supporting domestic prod- erately omitting an ethnic group a strong ethnic group in the coun- on Sar-I-Pul-Shebrghan highway Dostum last year lunched an op- ucts. “We hope that the govern- from the country’s political arena. try’s politics. Inayatullah Frah- early last solar year,” he said. Bilal eration there. But he said the secu- ment leaders have learned a les- Earlier, Rula Ghani told Times of mand, head of the Dostum’s of- is also accused of killing her sister rity of the route was worsened son from the border closure by London that law was being exer- fice, on his social media account and other similar cases, Ghafori when the militants belonged to Pakistan and roll up their sleeves cised on the first VP and he was in wrote that the government’s recent president. He demanded the gov- bodyguards have been accused of said, adding security situation on Akhtar Bilal reemerged in the area. to support the domestic prod- a form of house arrest and was not action and Rula Ghani’s statement ernment first of all explain consti- beating and sexual harassing his po- the highway would get improve Security on the highway would be ucts,” said Azrakhsh Hafizi, an allowed for his role in government would have no impact on the po- tutional powers of the president litical rival Ahmad Ishchi. with the detention of notorious restored with the detention of key analyst in economic affairs. affairs. In response, Dostum’s of- sition of Gen. Dostum as the vice to the people Dostum and his (Pajhwok) Daesh figure. A number of resi- Daesh number, he said.