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AT News

KABUL: After weeks of mara- thon talks, the government and Taliban are still dragging their feet and meeting without substantial results in sight. The delegations of Afghan government and Taliban say that the talks have not been stopped and are proceeding according to plan. Fauzia Kofi, an Afghan government delegate, said the talks haven’t hit pause, “We are just negotiating on a smaller scale. It is a success that we on both fronts of the war are negotiating”. She called for the talks to be speeded A view of talks taking place between Afghan government negotiators and Taliban up and decisions to be made soon- insurgents in Doha, Qatar on September 12. (REUTERS) er. “We know we have been em- broiled in war for forty years, at an abrupt announcement by the mas”, despite a landmark deal between the United least two decades with the Tali- U.S. President Trump who recent- States and the Taliban in February that sets a full ban,” she said. The snail-paced ly said all US troops in Afghani- withdrawal to take place by May 2021. His abrupt Qatar negotiations coincide with stan should be “home by Christ- exit plan to disentangle a 19-year...

AT News from Afghanistan, saying that the prevent a crisis. “Before peace if this (US withdraw- pullout ahead of peace would af- al) is done will put its impact and we will be respon- KABUL: Abdullah Abdullah, fect the situation in the war-hit sible,” he said. Abdullah said that here is nobody to chairman of the high council for country. He emphasized on Sat- sabotage peace process inside the government of Af- national reconciliation expresses urday that Afghans should be ghanistan, but some people are worried of peace with concerns over the US withdrawal ready for the US drawdown and Taliban. “I don’t say they... SUNDAY . OCTOBER, 11, 2020 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

As trade relations is increasing following COVID-19 outbreak. between Afghanistan and Iran, The Afghan Ministry of In- illegal import of goods from Iran dustry and Commerce said the KABUL: A thousand pedestal to Afghanistan has also in- government is taking proper mea- fans were purchased for the con- creased, according to Afghani- sures to prevent illegal import of sultative Loya Jirga on peace at a stan Chambers Federation goods. “We have discussed the is- price that is about 440,000 af- (ACF). The volume of the goods sue with the Afghan Ministry of ghanis higher than the average coming to Afghanistan through Interior Affairs and officials at our market rate. Additionally, no bids smuggling from Iran and Paki- borders and customs offices and were called for buying the fans. stan is equal to the level of the also our business community and With 20 of the fans have been goods coming legally and the Ministry of Finance. We are look- missing from the warehouse, 130 trend severely damaging domes- ing to ensure the formation a com- Fatima Gailani, one of only four women at crucial peace talks with the Taliban, is preparing the way for a new others were purchasedat an inex- tic production, the ACF chief mittee to prevent this as soon as Khan Jan Alokozai said. possible,” said Nisar Ahmad Gho- Afghanistan. For her, it's a dream come true. For her country, it's a painstaking endurance test. pensive rate from a different company, an investigation by Pajh- “Fifty percent of goods is ryani, nominee for the Ministry wok Afghan News reveals. imported legally and 50 percent of Industry and Commerce. The massive tribal assembly illegally, not only from Iran, but Earlier, a number of business- Coming face to face with the ene- also from Pakistan. This trend men and members of the Chamber my is still a rare occasion. In Doha, convened on August 7 this year in the Loy Jirga hall in Kabul to puts severe implications on our of Industries and Mines raised only a few leaders from the war- economy," Alokozai added. concerns about what they de- ring parties are still doggedly dis- discuss the release of 400 controversial Taliban prisoners. He said that illegal import scribed as Iran's dumping policies cussing the rules and procedures of goods from Iran has doubled in Afghanistan. that will later apply to all dele- On the Loya Jirga’s recom- gates to the Afghan peace negoti- mendation, the government freed ations. But for female delegate the Taliban prisoners and the Fatima Gailani, direct contact with way for the start of intra-Afghan the Taliban has already occurred. peace talks in Qatar was thus "During dinner we had a long, paved. Information from the Op- long conversation," says Gailani. eration and Support wing of the "And when we see each other in National Development Author- the corridor, we stop to ask about ityat the Presidential Palace, each other's health. And because I tasked with calling the Loya Jir- came from such a serious illness, ga into session, indicates that most of them stop and show their over 173 million afghanis were sympathy, they show their hap- spent on arrangements for the jir- piness that I am well and that I ga. A document available to Pajh- have joined." wok Afghan News reveals that 42 years of war in Afghani- the Operation wing of the Na- stan When referring to the Tali- tional Development Authority, in ban, Gailani does not use the term addition to other expenditure, "enemy" despite an acrimonious purchased 1,000 pedestal fans history. "Really, I haven't seen any under a contract with MasehMo- reaction that I didn't like. But These four women are representing Afghanistan in Doha — from left to right: Fawzia Koofi (former sawir Company. One pedestal when it comes to serious talks in member of parliament), Sharifa Zurmati (former member of the Independent Election Commission), fans was bought for 3,050afs. A the future, of course, we will have Fatima Gailani and Habiba Sarabi (former governor of Bamyan Province) total of 3.5 million afswere pro- our differences. But my hope is vided for the purchase of the that we will resolve these differ- fans. Of the remotely-controlled ences because we have a very ugly ture of women is important to Gailani follows one guiding stan want to be, how democratic, pedestal fans, 20 no longer exist option in front of this peace, and them and the name for that is fem- principle, and it applies to the how equal, how gender fair, how in the warehouse of the Loya Jir- that's war." inist, then maybe I am. But I have whole of Afghanistan, she says: the Islamic? Will the country remain ga hall. As per information, 850 Gailani is part of the Islamic equal passion for other things killing must stop. "Whoever is re- a republic or can it only find peace of the fans have been manufac- KABUL: Amid reports of a assigned to fight the health crisis Republic of Afghanistan's negoti- which are not right in my coun- sponsible for it — it has to stop. as a theocracy — for example as tured by the Pak Fan Company surge in the number of Covid- have not reported back about the ating team, which was established try. So maybe I am an activist That's why for me, a cease-fire is an Islamic emirate? And who de- and 130 by the Royal Fan Com- 19 cases in Afghanistan, the scale and area of the fund spend- through international efforts fol- for whatever goes wrong in my the number one priority. The peo- fines the social values that also pany. The Royal Fan Compa- Kabul government is facing ing. “The overall money provided lowing the overthrow of the Tali- country." Gailani hails from an ple of Afghanistan have put a tre- depend on the interpretation of ny’s product is less expensive. mounting criticism over alleged by international donors and the ban regime. "For me it was like a influential religious family with mendous hope in this peace talks." the Quran and Sharia law? These The cost of each fan thus works misuse of international funds to budget that was allocated by the dream come true," Gailani told DW connections to the former Afghan But fighting, bombings and killings key questions have remained un- out at 3,050afs. battle the pandemic, the media government for fighting Covid-19 via a WhatsApp call from the lux- monarchy. She studied Persian continue relentlessly in Afghani- resolved for decades, and not Higher rate: reported A Kabul-based anti- are estimated to 19.8 billion Af- ury hotel that is hosting the his- literature, Islamic Studies and Is- stan — even as US and NATO only since the rise of the Taliban. Each remote-controlled ped- corruption organization, Integ- ghanis,” said Shamroz Khan toric peace talks in Qatar's capi- lamic law. She grew up in peace troops prepare to leave. Washing- Is the US an honest broker? estal fan was purchased for the rity Watch Afghanistan (IWA), Masjidi, spokesman for the Min- tal. "The last 42 years of my life under the reform-minded King ton wants to end its longest war as What does a possible pow- Loya Jirga at a cost of on Friday said the government istry. The Attorney General’s Of- was dedicated to seeing peace one Zahir Shah, Afghanistan's last soon as possible and has single- er-sharing deal with the Taliban 3,050afs.But the Usman Nawid was not ready to provide the fice said that some cases of cor- day in my country." monarch, who in the 1960s initi- handedly negotiated the terms of look like? Peace researcher Mar- Shopping Centre in the Nader details of the money it spent for ruption against former and current Twenty-one people are rep- ated reforms that created oppor- the Western withdrawal with the iam Safi is also concerned with Pashtoon Avenue says the aver- combating the pandemic, re- officials of the Ministry of Public resenting each side at the negoti- tunities for women to participate Taliban, without involving the Af- this question. Safi was born in age price of one remote-con- ports TOLO News. Health and a hospital officials in ating table in Doha, for a total of in public life. "But we did lose it, ghan government. Kabul in 1983 during the Soviet trolled pedestal fan of the Pak “The Afghan government some provinces have been inves- 42 delegates — one for each year didn't we?" asks Gailani without It is an approach Gailani criti- occupation. In 1988 she and her Fan Company is 2,700afs. One has not been accountable in tigated. “Investigation of the cas- of the war. expecting an answer. "Most of cizes. "This will be wrong because family fled first to Pakistan, then similar product of the Royal Fan spending Covid-19 budget, in es related to four provinces has Fatima Gailani was only 24 the young generation, they have it is always wrong. In Bonn, only on to Canada. The 37-year-old costs 2,600afs. Meanwhile, the many cases, either they provid- been done. Our colleagues are in years old when Afghanistan sank never seen peace — and that es- a few people were put in the driv- has been living in her home coun- Saadul Hassan Alikhel ed us incomplete information or the process of concluding them. into chaos in the late 1970s. At pecially makes me want to put ing seats. And to again be put in try again since 2010 and founded Company,which holdsa monop- refrained from providing details They will soon issue their verdicts that time, a conflict over commu- my steps forward very careful- driving seats by someone else, this the Kabul-based Organization for oly over the import of Pak Fan about it,” said Sayed Ikram Afza- on it,” TOLO News quoted Jam- nist and Islamist ideals broke out ly." Every wrong word can have would be wrong," she says. Policy Research and Develop- products, said the wholesale li, the head of IWA. shid Rasouli, a spokesman for the in Kabul, culminating with an in- consequences — even on the bat- Nineteen years ago, US offi- ment Studies, or Drops for short. price of a remote-controlled ped- The Ministry of Finance Attorney General’s Office, as say- vasion by the Soviet Union in tlefield. cials prevented Taliban represen- "Afghanistan as a whole in terms estal fan was 2,550afs. Taking said the institutions that were ing. 1979. That was followed by an From the mujahedeen to the tatives from taking part in the Af- of its culture, traditions and as a into the account the average price explosion of violence that has Red Crescent ghan peace conference in Germa- society has changed. But I don't and that provided by the Ali Khel unfolded across five chapters of Gailani left her homeland ny. But the tide has now turned. think any of us have an actual Company, the rate of one Royal the country's modern history and during the Soviet occupation and The US still holds all the cards, as understanding of how we have Company fan is 2,625afs. Thus continues to this day: lived in London, where she ap- diplomatic sources in Kabul and changed," Safi says. Rights activ- 13,000afs could have been saved — The war of the Islamic peared at the time as the young Doha confirm — but with the big ist Mariam Safi isn't sure if the in purchasing 130 fans from the mujahedeen against the Red Army, female face of the Afghan muja- difference that direct contact with US will fulfill the role of an hon- Royal Company because of the largely supported by the United hedeen. Her father was one of the Taliban is now the new norm. est and patient broker between price differential. Calculations States, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia the leaders of the "holy war" The US policy shift has the Af- warring sides Women's rights are show all fans were purchased at — The fratricidal power against the Red Army. ghan government feeling threat- still very controversial, and not a rate that is 438,000afs higher struggles among the mujahedeen In late November 2001, af- ened. The key question: The role just among the ranks of the Tali- than the average market rate. A after Soviet troops, humiliated, ter the Taliban was overthrown, of Islam Gailani warns outsiders ban. "These are laws that still re- source wishing not to be named, withdrew in spring 1989 she was present in Bonn, Ger- against unilaterally taking sides in quire a lot of work and a lot of meanwhile, claimed one fan was — The rapid rise of the radi- many, where negotiations toward the complicated Afghan peace pro- time in terms of their cultural purchased for $31, about cal Islamic Taliban, which estab- a democratic Afghanistan were cess. Back in 2001, she emphasiz- implementation on the ground," 2,400afs. The list, lished an emirate in 1996 held in great haste. es, "everyone thought that [the she says. Two-thirds of the pop- however,suggests one fan ac- — The overthrow of the Tal- She then returned to her Taliban] would vanish. But how ulation live in abject poverty, and counted for 3,050afs. In addition, iban regime by the US and their homeland after more than 20 could a part of the country van- hundreds of thousands of men an audio clip available to Pajh- allies following the 9/11 attacks years of exile and became a con- ish?" It did not happen then with earn their living as fighters. The wok confirms a businessman’s The Civil Aviation Authority lami leader and former president — The Taliban's fight against stitutional commissioner, help- the Taliban, nor will it happen now Taliban and their supporters con- claimthat he sold 1,000 pedestal (CAA) on Saturday said a Kam BurhanuddinRabbani, when it en- Western intervention, through ing to write the new Afghan con- with the people she represents. sider the new constitution to be fans to Presidential Palace depart- Air airline flight from northeast- countered a technical problem at which an Islamic republic with a stitution, before serving as pres- "We will not vanish. We are part of un-Islamic, even if it prescribes ment at a decent price. ern Badakhshan province to Kabul International Airport. Mo- democratic constitution was cre- ident of the Afghan Red Cres- this country. These young people that no law may contradict Is- Mohammad Masih Payen- capital Kabul landed safely af- hammad Naeem Salehi, CAA ated in Afghanistan cent for 13 years until 2016. are part of this country. These lam, says Safi: "They have reit- da, administrative and logistic di- ter developing a technical glitch. spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan Gailani is now 66 and is suf- "I saw the human tragedy women are part of this country. erated consistently that Islamic rector of the MasihMosawir A statement from the CAA News that both the passengers fering from cancer. She has re- happening on both sides. The We are there. And we have our val- Sharia law is what will guide their Company,insisted that the pric- received by Pajhwok Afghan and the crew members suffered no turned from retirement, after misery which happened in Af- ues," she says. The famed Shah decisions on the development of es were not higher, given the News said the Kam Air flight harm in the landing. However, three major operations, to be ghanistan, it doesn't recognize Do Shamsira mosque in the heart a new constitution and a new po- amount of tax they paid. His firm was carrying passengers from some sources told media that one present in Doha. She is one of name or territory." of Kabul's old town has not wit- litical system. So, it means that was bound to pay 14 percent of Badakhshan to Kabul, including of the plane’s engines caught fire only four women involved in the After a moment of silence, nessed peace in decades Indeed, their interpretation of Sharia law the contract value to the govern- those celebrating the death an- while landing, claim rejected by talks. To the question of whether she adds: "No one was an angel, values are a key question in the is what will be returning." ment in tax. (Pajhwok) niversary of former Jamiat-i-Is- the CCA spokesman. she is a feminist, the humanitari- really. So, I don't allow myself Doha talks. The main focus is on an replies: "Well, if someone is to blame one side or the other." the future role of Islam in the coun- working for women and the fu- Cease-fire a top priority try: How modern does Afghani-

Police have detained a four-mem- while stealing a corolla type ve- ber car-lifting group in capital hicle in limits of 15th police dis- Kabul, an official said on Satur- trict. Two vehicles were also day. Police spokesman Firdaus seized from the detainees. This At least 12 Taliban insurgents, in- Faramarz said the four detainees comes as insecurity and criminal cluding four commanders, have were involved in stealing vehicles. cases have surged in Kabul re- been killed in the Adraskan district He said they were detained cently. of western Herat province, an official said on Saturday. Ali Ahmad Faqeeryar, the district’s administrative chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News the insurgents wanted to target security check-posts. But the security forces repulsed their attacks. The Peshawar High Court (PHC) an application with the court, He said 12 insurgents were has ordered the repatriation of 10 said he had brought the children, killed, including four commanders Afghan children who were smug- his relatives, to the Akora Khat- Mullah Anwar, Mullah Mansour, gled into Pakistan. tak refugee camp. Mullah Sibghat and Mullah Idrees. The court instructed police to The applicant claimed the The bodies of the fighters were give the children’s custody to the children had been taken away by still lying at the clash site, he said, Afghan consulate and ensure they the seminary and the administra- adding the security forces suffered were reunited with their parents. tion had refused to allow him to no casualties. PHC Chief Justice Waqar meet the minors. The official said the 12 mili- Ahmed Seth heard the case involv- The applicant failed to ex- tants had been killed by Haji Ab- ing the children. Police said they plain how he brought the chil- dul Salam, commander of public were smuggled into Pakistan and dren to Pakistan. uprising forces. According to a enrolled in in the Akora Khattak As a result, the top judge source, the Taliban had killed five seminary. ordered police to arrest him and men of Haji Abdul Salam last week. An Afghan refugee, who filed probe the matter. SUNDAY . OCTOBER, 11, 2020 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

DHAKA: There were protests systems. Our prime minister is a in Bangladesh on Wednesday woman too. So we expect a bold against recent incidents of rape initiative from her to protect the and sexual violence, with some women of the country," Asha add- demonstrators demanding that ed, demanding the death sentence Continuing on a steady trend of as 11,64,018 samples were tested 9,789 deaths and 5,61,610 dis- the prime minister introduce the for the perpetrators. “Our pro- decline, India registered 73,272 on Friday, the Indian Council of charges. Active cases stand at death penalty for convicted rap- tests will continue until the de- fresh cases of Covid-19 in the last Medical Research (ICMR) in- 1,18,851, said the department of ists. According to data from the mands are met." There is no pro- 24 hours. While the number of formed on Twitter. Meanwhile, health and family welfare, Gov- human rights group Ain O Salish vision for the death penalty for fresh fatalities was at 926, push- Maharashtra remained the worst- ernment of Karnataka. While in Kendro, 975 women were raped sex-related crimes in Bangladesh, ing the death tally to 107,416, as affected state by the Covid-19, Andhra Pradesh the number of between January and September and individuals are sentenced to per figures published by the followed by Karnataka and Andhra total infections is at 7,44,864 in- this year, with 208 of those sub- life imprisonment if convicted. Union health ministry on Satur- Pradesh. cluding 47,665 active cases, jected to gang rape. Forty-five The government has pledged to day. The number of active cases Maharashtra’s tally crossed 6,91,040 recoveries and 6,159 women were killed after being bring all perpetrators to justice stood at 883,185. As many as the 15 lakh-mark as it added deaths so far. The national capi- assaulted, while 12 were report- “irrespective of their political and 5,988,822 patients recovered or 12,134 fresh cases. The state is tal continued to add below 3,000 ed to have killed themselves. social affiliations.” Officials on were discharged from the hospi- the worst-affected by the Covid- cases on a daily basis, the total “It's happening due to the Wednesday expressed their soli- tals, health ministry data showed. 19 followed by Karnataka and tally has reached 3,03,693. Delhi existing system of lawlessness darity with the victims. “I am very As of October 9, the country Andhra Pradesh. has 21,955 active cases and 5,692 in society,” Asmani Asha, a saddened over the recent rape and has tested more than 8,57,98,600 As of Friday evening, Karna- people have died as of Friday spokesperson for the civil soci- violence incidents in the country samples for Covid-19. As many taka has total 6,90,269, including evening figures. An accountability court in Islam- court within 30 days from the ety group Bangladesh Against … I express my solidarity with abad on Saturday ordered to post posting of the advertisement, and Rape (BAR), told Arab News. the protesters and personally be- advertisements for the summon- if he fails to do so he will be de- “The whole system in the coun- lieve that the culprits should be ing of PML-N supremo Nawaz clared a fugitive and an abscond- try needs an overhaul to ensure a awarded capital punishment," Sharif in the illegal land allotment er. safe environment for women.” Fazilatun Nessa Indira, minister Sri Lankan government case. “An advertisement should The court also directed the The protests followed two gang- for women and children affairs, also be posted outside his Foreign Office to submit a re- rapes in the country’s Noakhali told Arab News. She urged Bang- [Nawaz's] Avenfield apartment,” port on the implementation of and Sylhet districts. In the first ladeshis to “boycott” the rapists. the accountability court judge add- the order against PML-N chief case, which took place on Sept. presses ahead with plans for ed. in London on October 15. The 2, the victim was attacked at her As per the court order, non- IHC has also summoned Nawaz home. The perpetrators filmed bailable arrest warrants had been through an advertisement on the assault and shared it on so- Nepal a presidential dictatorship issued against Nawaz, however November 24. Absence despite cial media. There have been six since the accused was not present an ad-hoc summon will be de- arrests in Noakhali so far. On records 5000+ at his address in Pakistan, an ad- clared an offence under section Sept. 25, a woman who was with vertisement should be posted out- 87 of the Criminal Code. In June, her husband at a college campus single-day side his Avenfield residence with the National Accountability Bu- in Sylhet city was abducted and the help of Pakistan High Com- reau (NAB) Lahore filed a refer- gang raped in a dormitory. Police infections mission in London. ence in the accountability court have arrested six people, who are The order further stated that against the former prime minis- reported to be student leaders in for the the Nawaz should appear before the ter in the illegal plot allotment the ruling Awami League (AL) court within 30-days of the ad- case. party headed by Prime Minister first time vertisements being posted and he The reference against Nawaz Sheikh Hasina. “The ruling par- fails to do so, he would be declared and those accused in the case ty’s activists were found accused KATHMANDU: Nepal has set an absconder. It has been written comprises two volumes and in- in connection with rape inci- yet another record high single day in the court order that the accused cludes 21 witnesses. dents, and many cases didn't infections as a whopping 5008 Nawaz Sharif should appear in the (Tribune) come under the purview of legal Covid-19 cases were detected on Saturday. The nationwide Coro- navirus tally as such has leaped to 105,684 on the second day of crossing the 100k mark. As many India:RahulGandhiattacksCentreover as 1229 people who had earlier President Gotabhaya Rajapakse majority to change the constitu- (TNA) and several civil organi- contracted the disease were dis- is pushing ahead with the reaction. Facing an economic catastro- sations and individuals have filed charged upon testing negative for tionary 20th constitutional phe exacerbated by the COVID- dozens of petitions in the Su- non-bullet proof vehiclesfor soldiers the infection in the last 24 hours. amendment to the constitution. 19 pandemic, President Rajapakse preme Court. So far, 74,252 people have recov- The Colombo media has report- wants new anti-democratic mea- The SJB, UNP and TNA "Our jawans are being sent in non-bullet proof trucks to get martyred and a Rs. 8,400 crore ered from Covid in Nepal. ed that Rajapakse wants the sures to suppress the eruption of want the Court to rule that the aircraft is brought for the PM! Is this justice," he said in a tweet in Hindi. The number of active cases amendment ratified in parliament mass social struggles by the work- amendment must be endorsed not in the country has surpassed before the government presents ing class and the poor. just by a two-thirds parliamen- 30,000 today. The Health Minis- its annual budget on November Although the amendment has tary majority but a national ref- try had earlier stated that another 17. Last week Prime Minister been presented to parliament, de- erendum. On Tuesday, a Su- lockdown or some form of pro- Mahinda Rajapakse, the presi- bate cannot begin until the Su- preme Court bench of five judg- hibitory order could be required dent’s brother, met with several preme Court has ruled on petitions es concluded hearing arguments when the active cases exceeded media editors. He brushed aside opposing the proposed change. for and against the amendment. 25,000. Currently, 4686 people reports about fissures within the Parliamentary opposition parties, It is not clear when the Court’s are quarantined in various facili- ruling party and declared that the including the Samagi Jana Balave- ruling on the amendment will be ties across the country. Fourteen government would win the nec- gaya (SJB), United National Par- sent to the parliamentary speak- deaths were reported today after essary two-thirds parliamentary ty (UNP), Tamil National Alliance er. (AP) which Nepal’s Covid-19 death toll has reached 614. Sri Lankan Pakistan: People, not leaders, senior Sri Lanka govt, can end death Chinese Army, Pride diplomat discuss of the Nation penalty - law minister closer bilateral Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on 8,400 crore aircraft is brought for er attacked Modi over the acqui- Saturday attacked the government the PM! Is this justice,” he said sition of VVIP aircraft and won- Turns 71 cooperation over provision of non-bullet proof in a tweet in Hindi. The video dered how many things could vehicles for soldiers, while spend- shows a conversation between have been bought for the soldiers ing Rs. 8,400 crore to procure air- soldiers objecting to their trans- stationed in Siachen-Ladakh bor- Years ofAge Sri Lankan President Gotabaya craft for Prime Minister Narendra portation in a non-bullet proof der in the amount spent on the Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Modi. “Is this justice?” he asked vehicle, while their seniors were planes. During his campaign in Mahinda Rajapaksa on Friday The Sri Lanka Army, the protec- on Twitter along with a video of a using bullet-proof vehicles. They Punjab against the farm reform tive shield behind which our coun- separately met with visiting se- purported conversation between also complained that by doing laws, the Congress leader on nior Chinese diplomat Yang Jie- try pursues unhampered and ar- soldiers being transported in non- so their lives were being com- Tuesday had accused the prime duous struggle toward economic chi and the two sides discussed bullet proof vehicles. “Our jawans promised and the authorities minister of “wasting” thousands closer cooperation between their growth and social development, are being sent in non-bullet proof were playing with their and their of crores of rupees on the air- matures into its 71st birthday to- countries. Yang, a member of the trucks to get martyred and a Rs. families’ lives. Gandhi had earli- craft. Political Bureau of the Central day (10) as the finest and most Committee of the Communist trusted service-provider whose Party of China (CPC), arrived in scope of dedication, courage, de- the island country on Thursday votion to duty and self-sacrifice for an official visit. During the US Deputy Secretary to visit has commanded the admiration of meetings, Yang, who is also di- the Nation more than ever before. The incumbent Commander Federal Minister for Law Dr It was attended by foreign digni- rector of the Office of the For- eign Affairs Commission of the of the Army at this milestone an- Farogh Naseem has said it is up taries, including the EU countries’ niversary while paying tribute to to the people of Pakistan and not ambassadors, civil society organi- CPC Central Committee, said Bangladesh from Oct 14-16 that the traditional China-Sri Lan- all War Heroes, Officers, All the government to decide wheth- sations and government officials. Ranks and civil staff conveys his er the capital punishment should Dr Farogh Naseem, who was ka friendship has made further progress due to their mutual care The U.S. Deputy Secretary of cooperation on COVID-19 re- can work together to advance best wishes on account of the be abolished or not. “In Pakistan, the chief guest at the event, gave peace, prosperity, and security Army Day. He also extends spe- the capital punishment is an ex- full credit to the superior judicia- and support in jointly combat- State Stephen E. Biegun will visit sponse and recovery efforts and ing the COVID-19 pandemic, here from October 14-16 to meet sustainable economic develop- in the Indo-Pacific and around cial thanks to HE the President ception and is awarded in very ry, which, according to him, ap- the globe, said the release. rare cases. No one has been exe- plied different techniques in death while noting that the two coun- with senior government officials ment, said the release. Prior to for granting promotions to 514 cuted in the country in the ongo- penalty cases. Due to these tech- tries have been strategic cooper- and reaffirm the United States- his visit here, the US Deputy Officers in the Army, coincident ing year (2020),” Dr Naseem said niques, confirmation of death pen- ation partners who have sincere- Bangladesh partnership. “The Secretary of State will visit In- with the Army Day. At the same on Friday while speaking at the alty is not easy, he added. He said ly supported each other for gen- Deputy Secretary’s engagements dia from October 12-14 where time, he extends best wishes to live screening of an art perfor- the Supreme Court has evolved a erations. Sri Lankan President in Bangladesh will focus on ad- he is scheduled to deliver key- all 514 Officers and 14140 Other mance on the eve of the “18th jurisprudence which has decreased Gotabaya Rajapaksa (rear R) vancing our common vision of a note remarks at the India-U.S. Ranks who received promotions World Day Against the Death the number of death sentences. meets with Yang Jiechi, a mem- free, open, inclusive, peaceful and Forum. His engagements in In- for continued military career and Penalty”. The screening – hosted However, he said, it is up to the ber of the Political Bureau of the secure Indo-Pacific region with dia will focus on advancing the personal development on this by a delegation of the European people of Pakistan – not the gov- Communist Party of China shared prosperity for all,” an US ‘United States-India Compre- special day. Although COVID-19 Union (EU) and produced by the ernment – to decide about abol- (CPC) Central Committee and embassy press release said here hensive Global Strategic Partner- epidemic prevented the Army Justice Project Pakistan – was ti- ishment of the death penalty. director of the Office of the For- this evening. Biegun’s visit here ship’ and how the Washington from conducting customary reli- tled “Before The Sun Comes Up”. (Tribune) eign Affairs Commission. will also focus on US-Bangladesh D.C and New Delhi. gious events. SUNDAY . OCTOBER 11, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES

News-in-Brief Iran tightens UN: 600 Africa Second Wave migrants arrived COVID-19 in Yemen last curbs as Of COVID-19 September infections The International Organisation Infections Sweeps for Migration (IOM) announced continue on Friday that more than 600 African migrants arrived in Ye- men last September. This came to rise Over Europe in a report released by the IOM, of which Anadolu Agency ob- Iran has imposed additional re- tained a copy, on the number of strictions for capital Tehran and Europe’s second wave of coro- tem was facing “significant criti- migrants entering Yemen during set penalties for people flouting navirus infections has struck cal issues” as hospitals fill up. the past month. The IOM stat- the rules as coronavirus cases well before flu season even start- The Czech Republic’s “Fare- ed that 83 per cent of migrants continue to surge in the country. ed, with intensive care wards well Covid” party in June, when are men, 13 per cent are women, A partial shutdown implement- filling up again and bars shut- thousands of Prague residents 3 per cent are boys, and only 1 ting down. Making matters dined outdoors at a 500-meter long per cent are girls. The report dis- ed in Tehran a week ago was extended on Saturday until Octo- worse, authorities say, is a wide- table across the Charles Bridge to closed: “93 per cent of migrants spread case of “COVID-fa- celebrate their victory over the are Ethiopians. ber 16 as the authorities classified the city as red in a colour- tigue.” Record high daily infec- virus, seems painfully naive now coded scale denoting the severi- tions in several eastern Europe- that the country has the highest Commission: U.S. ty of the pandemic. The shut- an countries and sharp rebounds per-capita infection rate on the Oct 15 presidential down includes cafes, universities, in the hard-hit west have made continent, at 398 per 100,000 res- schools, museums, salons, cine- clear that Europe never really idents. “I have to say clearly that debate officially mas, events and exhibitions, crushed the COVID-19 curve as the situation is not good,” the sport centres and even Friday hoped, after springtime lock- Czech interior minister, Jan cancelled prayers among other things. downs. Spain this week declared Hamacek, acknowledged this a state of emergency for Madrid week. Epidemiologists and resi- The October 15 presidential Wearing face masks while outdoors has also been made amid increasing tensions be- dents alike are pointing the finger debate between U.S. President tween local and national author- at governments for having failed Donald Trump and Democratic mandatory in Tehran effective Saturday, with violators facing a ities over virus containment to seize on the summertime lull in nominee Joe Biden will not pro- measures. Germany offered up cases to prepare adequately for ceed, the Commission on Presi- fine of 500,000 rials ($1.6), offi- dential Debates (CPD) said in a cials said. Businesses in the city soldiers to help with contact the expected autumn onslaught, statement on Friday, adding that have been ordered not to offer tracing in newly flaring with testing and ICU staffing still both campaigns had announced services to people who do not hotspots. Italy mandated masks critically short. In Rome this week, "alternate plans for that date." wear masks, with violating out- outdoors and warned that for the people waited in line for 8-10 "It is now apparent there will lets even facing a shutdown. first time since the country be- hours to get tested, while front- be no debate on October 15, and Health ministry spokes- came the European epicenter of line medics from Kiev to Paris the CPD will turn its attention woman Sima Sadat Lari on Sat- the pandemic, the health sys- found themselves once. to preparations for the final urday said 195 more people lost presidential debate scheduled their lives to the novel coronavi- for October 22," the commis- rus across Iran, bringing the total North Korea held a rare night time lowed at the event, so analysts experienced any coronavirus cas- 4 killed, 2 injured sion said in an emailed state- death toll to 28,293. Across Iran’s ment. "Both candidates have military parade on Saturday, at- are relying on edited state-media es at all. There was no sign of agreed to participate. 32 provinces, most of which are tended by leader Kim Jong-un. footage which is being released anyone wearing masks during the classified as red, 3,875 more ac- The parade marked the 75th anni- to assess the parade. Images parade. However there were far in shooting in southern tive COVID-19 cases were re- versary of the Worker's Party. showed Mr Kim wearing a grey fewer people involved in the Europe reports more corded, bringing the total to North Korea typically uses its western-style suit, receiving event than usual, AFP news agen- Puerto Rico than 100,000 daily 496,253. Iran recorded its high- parades to show off new missiles flowers from children. In a cy reports. North Korea closed est single-day death toll on Oc- and weaponry. Experts say inter- speech, he said the country would its borders to the outside world Four men have been shot to death and two others gravely COVID-19 cases for tober 7, when 239 fatalities were continental ballistic missiles were continue to "strengthen" its mili- in January to prevent an outbreak wounded near a basketball court in southern Puerto Rico first time reported. The highest daily cas- evident during Saturday morning's tary for "self-defence and deter- of Covid-19 spreading from es, 4,151, were recorded a day event. It is the country's first pa- rence". He also said he was grate- neighbouring China. Authorities Four men were shot to death and At least 394 people have been Europe reported more than before that. Following a meeting rade in two years and comes just ful that no North Koreans have have reportedly issued "shoot- two others gravely wounded reported killed this year on the 100,000 daily coronavirus cas- of the national anti-coronavirus weeks ahead of the US presiden- contracted Covid-19. to-kill" orders along the border near a basketball court in south- island of 3.2 million people, comes for the first time on Thurs- task force on Saturday, President tial election. North Korea had not "I wish good health to all the and created a buffer zone to stop ern Puerto Rico, police said Sat- pared with 481 last year in the day as the region continues to Hassan Rouhani announced new featured ballistic missiles in its people around the world who are anyone entering the country. Last urday. The shooting occurred same period. battle a resurgence of the pan- penalties for people who ignored parades since President Donald fighting the ills of this evil virus," month Mr Kim apologised for late Friday in the coastal city of demic. Eastern Europe, at the the pandemic rules. Trump and Mr Kim held their first he said. Despite claiming the the fatal shooting of a South Ko- Ponce, one of the U.S. territo- time the number of cases exceed- The highest penalty has summit in 2018. According to country has no cases of coronavi- rean. South Korea said the 47- ry’s largest municipalities. No ed 100,000, was the worst af- been set at 2 million rials ($6.6) South Korea's military, the parade rus, Mr Kim continues to hold year-old man was found by one had been arrested. China, UAE fected region with more than for people infected with the vi- was held before dawn on Satur- high-level meetings to ensure tight troops while floating in the Police said they hadn't been 33,600 daily reported cases. rus who knowingly endanger to deepen The United Kingdom, Russia, day. It is not yet known why the restrictions remain in place. Ana- North's waters. He was then shot able to identify three of the vic- others by not quarantining for event was held so early. No for- lysts have said it is highly un- dead and his body was set alight, tims and didn’t yet have a mo- Spain and France are currently two weeks. post-pandemic the coronavirus hot spots on the eign media or foreigners were al- likely that North Korea has not according to Seoul. tive. continent. They have reported at least more than 10,000 cases cooperation each in the last three days. Eight countries on the continent Senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jie- posted record increases in cases African Union SouthAfrican chi said on Saturday that China in just the past week. will deepen cooperation in various fields with the United Arab panel orders Emirates (UAE) to advance the Fo ur dead, se ve ral lifts post-coup comprehensive strategic partner- injured in Beirut ship between the two countries. fuel tank explosion ex-leader During his Saturday meeting suspension of Mali with Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Four people were killed and sev- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al eral more were wounded when a Zuma to testify Nahyan, Yang, a member of the fuel tank exploded in a Beirut The African Union on Friday lift- tive political developments, has Political Bureau of the Central building on Friday, the Lebanese ed its suspension of Mali which decided to lift the suspension it Committee of the Communist Red Cross said. The explosion went into effect after a military had imposed against Mali," the in graft probe Party of China (CPC), said that caused a large fire to break out in coup toppled the West African AU's 15-member security body China always sees the UAE as the building in the Tariq al-Jadi- nation's government in August. said in a post on Twitter. priority in terms of diplomatic da neighborhood, a security The decision comes three The 55-nation AU quickly A South African judicial panel on president in 2009, was forced to der Zuma’s tenure. So far at least relations. Yang is currently on a source said. One person was crit- days after the West African re- condemned the "unconstitutional Friday ordered former president resign in February 2018 over 34 witnesses have directly and five-day trip. The UAE is the sec- ically wounded, while several gional bloc ECOWAS announced change of government" after pres- Jacob Zuma to testify next month graft scandals centred around an indirectly implicated Zuma, ac- ond country that Yang visited. He others were treated for smoke in- it was ending its tough post-coup ident Ibrahim Boubacar Keita was over allegations of state corrup- Indian business family, the Gup- cording to the commission's ad- has visited Sri Lanka on Friday halation, the Red Cross and a sanctions on Mali, saying it forced out in August by mutineer- tion during his nine-year rule, forc- tas, who won lucrative contracts vocate Paul Pretorius. "It is im- and will be visiting Algeria and hospital source said. This hap- wished to back the country's re- ing soldiers following mass pro- ing the embattled politician to with state companies and were portant for Mr Zuma to appear Serbia next. Yang said that China pened over 2 months after the 4 turn to civilian rule. The sanc- tests. The coup was bloodless but appear in court despite his plea allegedly even able to choose cab- before the commission as most will consolidate the mutual sup- August explosion in Beirut’s tions included border closures triggered widespread alarm among that the judge was biased against inet ministers. Chaired by depu- of the corruption alleged took port and political trust with the port when 2,750 tonnes of am- and a ban on commercial trade Mali's neighbours. This year's him. The subpoena came just ty chief justice Raymond Zon- place when he was the country's UAE, strengthen their Belt and monium nitrate ignited and ex- and financial flows but not basic coup came after months of pro- weeks after the scandal-tainted do, the commission was set up president," Pretorius said. Road cooperation as well as joint ploded. The blast left nearly 200 necessities, drugs, equipment to tests over the country's bloody ji- former president hit out at the in 2018 to hear testimony from Zuma has repeatedly re- efforts in the field of anti-COV- dead and thousands more injured fight coronavirus, fuel or electric- hadist insurgency, economic strug- commission chairman, requesting ministers, ex-ministers, govern- fused to testify to the commis- ID-19 and public health. In addi- as well as damaging tens of thou- ity. "The Peace and Security gles, and chronic inter-ethnic vio- that he recuse himself as he was ment officials and business exec- sion, most recently last month tion, the Chinese diplomat said sands of buildings in the capital. Council, in view of recent posi- lence. partisan. Zuma, who became utives on alleged corruption un- when he claimed he was too ill. that China will adhere. Jacinda Ardern votes in New Zealand Trump to 29 million RacetighteningbetweenBolivia'smain election a week resume girls, women before polls close candidatesaselectionnears,poll shows New Zealand Prime Minister campaigning victims of Jacinda Ardern has voted in the The race is tightening between nation's general election, a week Bolivia's two main presidential before polls officially close. but refuses to modern candidates, according to an opin- Ardern cast her vote in her ion poll released on Friday, Auckland district Saturday af- debate Biden slavery: though many voters said they ter visiting a market in the heavi- were still undecided with little ly Polynesian south Auckland U.S. President Donald Trump Report more than a week ahead of the suburb of Otara, where she was will resume in-person campaign- crucial vote. Socialist candidate thronged by supporters. Ard- ing on Saturday after being side- Luis Arce leads centrist former ern's Labour Party has governed lined by a case of COVID-19, President Carlos Mesa by just since the 2017 general election, but a debate next week against A new report estimates that 29 Free defines modern slavery “as six percentage points, the poll when it was able to forge a nar- his presidential election oppo- million women and girls are vic- the systematic removal of a per- showed, indicating a dip in sup- row majority in New Zealand's nent Joe Biden has been canceled tims of modern slavery, exploited son’s freedom, where one person port for the MAS political party 120-seat Parliament in a coali- because Trump refused to par- by practices including forced la- is exploited by another for per- of Bolivia's socialist former pres- tion with the left-wing Greens ticipate. Trump will address a bor, forced marriage, debt-bondage sonal or financial gain,” she said. ident Evo Morales. The October and right-wing New Zealand crowd of supporters on Satur- and domestic servitude. Grace For- Forrest said the global estimate 18 election will be key to the di- First parties. day from a White House balco- rest, co-founder of the Walk Free of one in 130 women and girls rection of the landlocked coun- ny on a "law and order" theme, anti-slavery organization, said Fri- living in modern slavery was try after a fraught ballot last year Trump says he’s an administration official said. A day that means one in every 130 made based on work by Walk prompted Morales' resignation ‘medication-free’ and source familiar with the planning women and girls is living in mod- Free, the International Labor Or- and plunged the Andean country for the event said the crowd ern slavery today, more than the ganization and the International into turmoil. The opinion poll of ers said they would support still undecided. Mesa's support feeling ‘really strong’ could be in the hundreds, and all in first on-camera population of Australia. “The re- Organization for Migration, both 15,500 Bolivians was carried out Arce, down from 40.3% in a came in at 26.8%, up slightly from were expected to wear masks. ality is that there are more people U.N. agencies.. “What this report between October 2 and 5 by September poll, and no longer 26.2% in September. Conservative interview since leaving Then the Republican presi- living in slavery today than any has shown is that gender stacks "Your Vote Counts," a group of enough to win the election out- interim President Jeanine Anez, hospital dent will travel on Monday to other time in human history,” she the odds against girls from con- several universities and local me- right. Just under 10% of people who had about 10.6% voter sup- central Florida, a state crucial to told a U.N. news conference. Walk ception throughout their lives." dia. It showed that 33.6% of vot- polled, however, said they were port, withdrew her candidacy. Donald Trump said he was feel- his hopes of winning a second ing "really, really strong" in his term in the Nov. 3 election. He first on-camera interview since will stage his first campaign ral- Russia reports record single-day rise in coronavirus cases testing positive for Covid-19 ly since his coronavirus diagno- Kyrgyz security forces last week. Speaking to Dr Marc sis at an airport in the town of Siegel on Fox's Tucker Carlson Sanford. The campaign did not Russia’s coronavirus cases rose by than 144 million people has the second world war military parade Tonight , the president said he disclose if it would be held in a 12,846 on Saturday, a new daily fourth-highest number of COV- in June and a nationwide vote on detain ex-president was "medication-free" as of Fri- hangar with doors open, as it has record since the start of the out- ID-19 cases, behind only the amendments that paved the way day and feeling "strong". In the in the past, or entirely outside. break early this year. The latest United States, India and Brazil. for President Vladimir Putin to interview — which took place As the president prepared to figures pushed the overall total Russia had imposed one of remain in power until 2036. Atambayev: Ifax shortly after the second presi- return to the trail, the body that number of infections in the coun- the most severe nationwide lock- Moscow’s Mayor Sergei So- dential debate was cancelled — oversees presidential debates try to 1,285,084. The previous downs at the beginning of the byanin has ordered the elderly and Kyrgyz security forces detained cured his release from prison Mr Trump also said he had been said the match-up between record of 12,126 new cases was pandemic. Non-essential busi- vulnerable to stay at home and former president Almazbek where he was serving a lengthy retested for the coronavirus but Trump and Biden, the Demo- registered on Friday. Russia’s coro- nesses were shuttered and Mos- told employers to keep at least a Atambayev on Saturday, Rus- sentence on corruption charges was not clear whether he had cratic candidate, scheduled for navirus crisis centre said 197 more cow residents were only permit- third of staff working remotely, sia’s Interfax news agency re- amid unrest which toppled the learned the result. He did how- Oct. 15 had been formally can- deaths were confirmed in the last ted to move freely with official while mask-wearing remains ported citing a member of Ata- Central Asian nation’s government ever claim to know he was like- celed. 24 hours, bringing the official death digital passes. But most restric- compulsory on public transport mbayev’s political party. Ata- on Tuesday. ly free from the virus. (AP) toll to 22,454. The nation of more tions were lifted ahead of a large and inside shops. mbayev’s supporters had se- (AP) SUNDAY . OCTOBER 11, 2020 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 Trump unchained? Afghan AFGHANISTAN TIMES troop surprise shows pre-election Editor: Mansoor Ahmad Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] impulse to upend policy Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir Graphic-Designers: Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0782344728, 0778894038 Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press

Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers stand guard at a check point near the Bagram Airbase north of Kabul, Afghanistan April 2, 2020. REUTERS/Omar Sobhani

By Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart would reduce its forces in Af- lies, undermine his own admin- But Trump and other offi- ghanistan to 2,500 by early next istration’s efforts and upend as- cials had previously said the Unit- Less than a month before the year. sumptions about America’s na- ed States would go down to be- election, U.S. President Donald Trump’s tweet caught the tional security agenda. tween 4,000 and 5,000 troops in Trump’s abrupt vow to bring National Security Council, State Officials said that no formal Afghanistan around November home troops from Afghanistan by Department and Pentagon by orders had been given based on and a reduction beyond that year-end is a sign of how he may surprise, according to three U.S. Trump’s tweet and they would would depend on conditions in feel increasingly unchained to push officials, and they fear that it be surprised if any moves would the country - wording that reflects through a foreign policy “wish list” could reduce the limited leverage be made before the election. deep U.S. national concerns over he hopes could appeal to voters, the Afghan government has in The military will almost cer- al Qaeda and Islamic State ele- current and former officials say. talks with the Taliban. tainly balk at being pushed too ments there. Trump, a former businessman “A lot of different scenarios quickly to carry out a complete The Taliban cheered Trump’s ith the peace talks stalled, the details of in from New York who boasts about have been discussed, but we withdrawal, given the need to tweet, calling it “a positive step” his deal-making skills, has made weren’t expecting this,” one of remove or destroy sensitive toward fulfilling U.S. pledges. tensifying doubts on the real intentions that finishing up what he has called the officials, speaking on the equipment, shutter bases and Even if Trump does not follow “ridiculous endless wars” a cor- condition of anonymity, said. A safely exit where it once had more through, the tweet is likely to are exactly cooking in Doha, and its impli nerstone of his foreign policy. second official, also speaking on than 100,000 troops. weaken the Afghan government’s cation to trigger Afghanistan into further But the Republican, trailing condition of anonymity, said TALIBAN CHEERS position in talks with the Tali- Democratic candidate Joe Biden Trump’s remarks often under- Still, a complete withdrawal ban. uncertainty, are increasingly hard to pin down. But, of in opinion polls, still has thou- score his desires and broad in- is on the horizon. A landmark Laurel Miller, who served as sands of troops in Iraq, Syria and tentions, instead of any actual deal between the United States acting U.S. special representative course there’s one certainty—the Afghans will bear the the site of America’s longest war, plans. He made a similar surprise and the Taliban in February said for Afghanistan and Pakistan, said brunt of what to come ahead. Afghan masses would be Afghanistan. Trump, confined to announcement on withdrawal foreign forces would leave Af- Trump appears to have put his the White House where he is be- from Syria two years ago, yet ghanistan by May 2021 in ex- re-election bid above U.S. nation- lucky if peace talks bear fruits, and consequences would ing treated for COVID-19, on hundreds of U.S. troops remain. change for counterterrorism guar- al security concerns and relations Wednesday tweeted that all U.S. Yet U.S. officials say they antees from the Taliban, which with allies, who serve alongside be fatal if it fails. Taliban has proved true to their word troops in Afghanistan should be are concerned that Trump, in the agreed to negotiate a permanent U.S. troops in Afghanistan. not to attack US and NATO troops, and no Americans “home by Christmas,” just hours run-up to the Nov. 3 election, ceasefire and a power-sharing “This is once again taking a after his national security adviser, may make moves to score polit- formula with the Afghan govern- sledgehammer to U.S. credibility have lost their lives in Taliban violence since a peace Robert O’Brien, said Washington ical points that could alienate al- ment. around the world,” Miller said. deal hammered out in February between them. It’s good for them, but what about Afghan military and civilians. Within 24 hours of barb violence, at least 15 people were killed, 20 more wounded. War also intensified across the Why the U.S. – Taliban peace country. Most likely, the Taliban leadership may see battlefield wins as upping their leverage to the table of talks, deal has already failed and more possibly screening the US that has control on By Ameen Karim that may very well regain con- its creation. Given the govern- cial forces to provide security and more territory than the government. Indisputably, it is Events subsequent to the Febru- trol of the country. Full Taliban ment’s categorically weak nature, more fully allow for a reduction ary 29, 2020 signing of the Agree- control would lead to an even facing constant opposition from of an already reduced military uneasy talks to have turned a corner from affiliation ment for Bringing Peace to Afghan- further fractured state, suscep- the Taliban to control territory presence. By increasing pay and marked by suspicion and downright hostility toward a istan—otherwise known as the tible to again becoming a hotbed outside of Kabul, its inclusion education to members of the U.S.-Taliban Peace Deal—have for terrorism, just as it was in was necessary for its legitimacy. ANA, many young Afghan men peaceful settlement in the perimeter of decades of war demonstrated the shortcomings of the 1990s. Without their inclusion, the le- and women will not seek the fi- the settlement. The Taliban’s un- Intra-Afghan peace talks that gitimacy of Afghan President nancial pay and teachings of the and discriminatory remarks to blot the Taliban and the willingness to follow the agree- began on September 15th, have Ashraf Ghani is thrown into Taliban and instead, will serve peace process. Unrelenting shoves by the Trump admin- ment’s conditions, evident in the not resulted in any meaningful question. With dissent from their country while earning a liv- consistent attacks on Afghan se- progress following the signing of within Ghani’s own government ing wage. istration to withdraw small remaining troops from Af- curity forces; inadequate intra- the agreement. The peace agree- by its Chief Executive, Abdullah U.S. public debate over Afghani- Afghan peace talks; and the omit- ment’s comprehensive ceasefire Abdullah—who nearly formed a stan has often cited the amount ghanistan could damage the perspective of the peace talks tance of guarantees for women’s condition was clearly an attempt parallel government in early May of monetary waste that has gone and also embolden the Taliban group to refrain from stay- rights, only illuminate the deal’s to create an environment wel- 2020—President Ghani needs all into projects to rebuild the war- failure. The deal, in its current coming enough to open negotia- the support he can get. The dis- torn country. The strategy adopt- ing at the negotiating table, considering withdrawal as form, will leave the Afghan peo- tions between the Taliban and the regard for the central government ed by the Bush and Obama ad- ple to fend for themselves against Afghan Central Government. and their exclusion from peace ministrations was far too ambi- military victory in simplest blend to overrun Kabul by the very forces that engulfed it in Instead, the Taliban continues to talks demonstrates the misguid- tious and hasty, which caused toppling the existing regime. This is weird, but not out of decades-long conflict. launch attacks targeting Afghan ed nature of U.S. efforts to bring this considerable waste. Without The United States should not set- civilians and security forces. The peace to Afghanistan. proper vetting, education and se- indecision. Irresponsible withdrawal will obviously have tle for a faux peace deal. Instead, Taliban’s bad faith actions stalled While it may not be a popular curity, these projects were bound renewed support for the Afghan negotiations from even taking suggestion, a long-term Ameri- to fail. By strengthening the edu- its implication that must do away with by standing unit- National Army (ANA), enhanced place. Moreover, even if the Tal- can commitment to Afghanistan cational and civil institutions with- edly and firmly not to let the country go to the back and equitable education, and a bol- iban leadership wants to abide is needed to achieve a lasting in Afghanistan and empowering stered civil society that is inclu- by the ceasefire, they are not peace. There is still a great educators and various non-gov- epoch of civil war. The US deal with Taliban has some sive of the demands and desires of capable of such a commitment. amount of work to be done to ernmental organizations to con- the Afghan people themselves are The Taliban are not a coherent stabilize Afghanistan beyond tinue their work, it is possible to contents that are kept secret from Afghan officials, and needed to create stability. group with a clear leadership counterinsurgency operations. have effective state building. An Khalilzad is eyeing to impose something in the garb of The U.S.-Taliban Peace Deal is structure. Their fractured state The United States has routinely educated workforce coupled with based on four main conditions. and decentralized nature makes ignored the Afghan people in stronger governance, provides the peace. It seems nothing sizable for the Afghans but an- First, the Taliban must guarantee them incapable of following any their efforts to rebuild the na- ability to successfully implement that Afghan soil is not used by true ceasefire. Even if one faction. The initial invasion result- vital infrastructure projects. With other deception. None of Afghanistan politicians were any group or individual seeking to tion followed through, others are ed in massive loss of life and routine Taliban violence, fruitless involved in the US-Taliban talks, and Khalilzad is shoot- do harm against the United States likely to continue to conduct vi- property, and it is evident that intra-Afghan negotiations, and no or its allies. Second, a timeline was olent attacks. Other elements of many Afghan people see the guarantees for women’s rights, ing in the dark by keeping secrets clandestine. Indeed, set for the withdrawal of all for- the deal are equally problematic United States not as saviors President Trump’s “peace deal” eign forces from Afghanistan. to enforce. Ensuring that no against the Taliban, but rather with the Taliban leaves much to we must not let peace opportunities slip away, but it’s Third, assurances had to be given group or individual, including al- oppressors. To win in Afghani- be desired. A shift in strategy is also necessarily essential to resist the Taliban’s desire to for intra-Afghan peace talks. And Qaeda, uses Afghan soil to po- stan, the United States must win needed. fourth, the talks must conclude tentially threaten the United hearts and minds—a concept that With the U.S. Presidential elec- accept their peace deal with the US that could mean sur- with a comprehensive ceasefire. States’ security is far too ambi- is still possible if lessons from tion coming this November, it Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tious. The Taliban continue to the past are learned. may be up to a new administra- render not negotiation. and Special Envoy to Afghanistan, have deep-rooted connections to That effort should start with the tion to alter this disastrous agree- Zalmay Khalilzad who negotiat- al-Qaeda. To believe that they Afghan National Army. The ment and seek a long-term solu- ed these conditions, added addi- would break ties with al-Qaeda ANA has been plagued by years tion for Afghanistan. Hopefully tional conditions that included the all together after some prisoner of desertions and inefficiency. Its that solution will be one where release of up to 5,000 Taliban pris- exchanges is naïve. They current- failure to provide security to the the Afghan people know they are Subscription Rates oners along with a removal of sanc- ly control vast amounts of land country has left dozens of par- not abandoned and can view the tions against the Taliban. in Afghanistan, far outside the liamentary seats vacant, further- United States as a beacon of hope Categories Fee Per the peace agreement, the Unit- reach of the central government. ing poor governance. Yet, for the future, rather than as for- ed States and Coalition forces Combined with its decentralized progress has been made and it eign invaders. Afghanistan Times would leave Afghanistan in phas- structure, this reality makes it must continue. Operation Free- The Cipher Brief’s Academic Six Months $120 at your door step es, reducing the number of U.S. likely that at least some faction dom Sentinel, which began in Partnership Program was created troops to 8,600 and withdrawing of the Taliban will offer some 2014, was a solid beginning, but to highlight the work and thought For fast delivery service One Year all combat forces from five mili- part of the country to host its the United States must continue leadership of the next generation $240 Afghanistan Times seeks the tary bases. With an anticipated terrorist allies. Perhaps the most efforts to train, pay, and educate of national security leaders. If names, addresses of your military withdrawal in the coming problematic aspect of this agree- its security forces. A properly your school is interested in par- organizations and the number of months, Afghanistan is in danger ment was the exclusion of the trained ANA will alleviate the ticipating, send an email to copies you want. of facing an emboldened Taliban, Afghan central government from burden on U.S. and Afghan spe- [email protected]. SUNDAY . OCTOBER 11, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES

BY: REBECCA KHEEL before dropping below 4,500 not prohibit any future adminis- troops. “We’ll be watching very tration from making their own de- Washington scrambled Thursday carefully to assess the condi- cisions on what's the right level of By Bernard-Henri Lévy to make sense of President tions of Taliban compliance assistance or support.” Keiser ac- Trump’s plans for Afghanistan with the terms of its agreement, knowledged the public’s increas- The explosion occurred a few after he said all U.S. troops and that will be used to inform ing lack of support for America’s hours earlier. A suicide car bomb- “should” be “home by Christ- decisions on further and future longest war, but blamed the er double-parked on a shopping mas.” The suggestion, delivered withdrawals,” Zalmay Kha- Trump, Obama and Bush admin- street. When the convoy passed in a Wednesday evening tweet, lilzad, the administration’s en- istrations for not making “broad- carrying Vice President Amrullah came just hours after his own voy for Afghanistan negotia- ly clear” that it is in the “nation’s Saleh, known for his anti-Taliban national security adviser said the tions, told a House panel last strategic interests” to stay. “Near- militancy, the driver pulled up U.S. would draw down to about month. Trump’s desire for full ly every foreign policy expert alongside Mr. Saleh’s armored car. 2,500 troops in Afghanistan by withdrawal also accelerates the agrees that were the United States Ten people were killed and 15 early next year. The Pentagon and timeline laid out in the adminis- to completely withdraw from Af- wounded. The vice president sur- tration’s agreement with the ghanistan, the void is eventually vived with burns to his hands and U.S. Central Command have yet face. Thank you, Taliban. A fine to weigh in, further stoking the Taliban. The agreement, signed more likely to be filled by the Tal- affirmation of the commitment confusion. Trump’s missive in February, called for a full U.S. iban than the Afghan government,” you made in advance of the peace comes as he has focused on troop withdrawal by May 2021. But, Keiser said. “I do hope the Trump talks that will begin in Doha, Qa- withdrawals in the final stretch the deal stipulates that will only administration learns from per- tar, the day after the Kabul bomb- of the presidential election, seek- happen if the Taliban upholds haps the most significant foreign ing, to cease what you have the ing to show he fulfilled his prom- its commitment to deny safe policy mistake of the Obama ad- temerity to call “the fighting.” ise to end so-called forever wars. haven to al Qaeda and other ter- ministration when they complete- Ahmad Muslem Hayat takes “What we are seeing here is rorist groups intent on attack- ly withdrew from Iraq, which led in the scene of the overwhelmed Ahmad Massoud on the road to Abshar in the Panjshir Valley, Afghanistan. the internal conflict of a presi- ing the West — something the to the rapid growth of ISIS requir- police, encourages the impound- dent of the United States focused U.S. military says it has yet to ing us to return.” Trump has tried ment crews that are using cranes on keeping his foreign policy do. “The Taliban has still not to withdraw troops from war to remove abandoned vehicles, ter is now sprouting up. I don’t eration was supposed to have gone eyes. He didn’t become an elite promises 26 days before an elec- shown conclusively that they're zones before only to be met by lends a hand to a rescue team as it have time to learn more about the down much earlier than it did? And marksman by accident. After his tion and the national security going to break with al Qaeda,” fierce opposition within his ad- pulls from the wreckage a child fate of the wounded mujahedeen that the chief himself, at the last father’s murder, he was exfiltrat- Gen. Frank McKenzie, the com- ministration and among lawmak- fighter, because our surroundings minute, when the phony journal- ed to Iran and then to England, professionals charged with miti- whose breathing is a death rattle. gating against a resurgent Taliban mander of U.S. Central Com- ers in both parties. Most notably, Mr. Hayat, who served as head have become worrisome. We pass ists thought it was never going to where he became a brilliant cadet drugged-out adolescents, wom- happen, remembered about them at the Royal Military Academy in Afghanistan,” Andy Keiser, a mand, said in September. “So he has announced a full withdraw- security officer under the legend- there are still some things out al from Syria several times, but ary commander Ahmad Shah en encased in burqas. An inform- and decided to grant them the fatal Sandhurst, where the British ar- principal at the lobbying firm Massoud, has just returned from er comes to tell Mr. Hayat that interview?” This is Mr. Abdullah’s my’s elites are trained. Back in Navigators Global who worked there that concern me about the about 500 troops remain there. London to provide security for people are beginning to wonder other face—the one I know will Bazarak on Sept. 11, officers on Trump’s 2016 transition team, Taliban's either ability or will- For Afghanistan, U.S. lawmakers my reporting trip. “The same old about the foreigner who is ask- not yield in Qatar. Two days later, await Mr. Massoud at his father’s said in an email. Right now, the ingness to comply with all the are hoping to tie Trump’s hands story,” he growls. “They’re too ing impertinent questions. I lived we make our way to Panjshir prov- tomb—including delegations that official number of U.S. troops in terms of the deal.” The Taliban, through the annual defense policy cowardly to claim the attack. in the French Embassy in early ince, north and east of Kabul. The have come from Kandahar and Afghanistan is about 8,600. unsurprisingly, welcomed bill, though that is not expected to They’ll pin it on al Qaeda or on 2002, after President Jacques Afghan security services being full Jalalabad to celebrate the memo- Trump and other administration Trump’s tweet. “Islamic Emir- be finalized until December. An the Pakistani Lashkar-e-Taiba or Chirac asked me to prepare a of double agents, the news of our ry of the Lion of Panjshir. There officials have previously said the ate welcomes these remarks and amendment in the House-passed the Haqqani group. But all those proposal on a French contribu- movement leaked. So now it’s bat- I glimpse another side of this pro- U.S. is in the process of lowering considers it a positive step for version of the bill would block a are the Taliban’s beards. Put that tion to rebuilding war-torn Af- tle stations on pro-Taliban social digious young man. He is elo- that number to about 4,500 by the implementation of the agree- drawdown below 4,000 troops in your article!” In a Kabul groan- ghanistan and eradicating the Tal- networks. Along the road crossing quent, an inspired, lyrical orator, Election Day. Trump has repeat- ment signed between the IEA unless the Pentagon certifies it is ing under the weight of refugees, iban. Nearly 20 years later, where the Shomali Plain, which Afghan speaking on behalf of not only edly expressed his desire for a and the U.S.,” a spokesman for in the best interest of the United where foreigners haven’t been do we stand? The good news is army has trouble controlling, ene- his Panjshiri brothers but the en- full withdrawal from Afghanistan, the insurgents said in a state- States, among other criteria. seen in the street since President that France has an ambassador, my checkpoints are a possibility. tire Afghan nation. He praises which U.S. troops first entered ment posted to Twitter on “Bringing US troops home Trump’s summer announcement David Martinon, who spares no Mr. Mohseni, the TOLONews France, which never abandoned Thursday, using the Taliban’s from Afghanistan before the job is effort to convince the Afghans owner, has secured a helicopter, this people of potters, nomads, 19 years ago to the day Wednes- of the American withdrawal, car- day. He has ramped up those calls preferred name for itself. done is dangerous,” Rep. Will nage like today’s can occur any- that it would be suicidal to yield which flies us to Bazarak. Long shepherds and poets. Mr. Mas- to Islamist blackmail. The bad ago I arrived here with Ahmad soud gives me the floor, and I pay as the 2020 presidential campaign NATO, which contributes thou- Hurd (R-Texas), who is retiring where at any time. So says Saad sands of troops to the Afghani- from Congress at the end of this Mohseni, founder of the TOLO- news is that his determination Shah Massoud. Today I find, wait- tribute to him and his father. Then enters its final stretch and he news television channel, whose wasn’t enough to prevent the ing to greet me, Ahmad Mas- we return to Mr. Massoud’s seeks foreign policy wins amid stan mission, insisted Thursday term, tweeted Thursday. “Ameri- modern studios are sure to be one secret release the previous night soud—his son, 31. I can picture childhood home and drink tea on heavy criticism of his handling any withdrawal will be “condi- can troops are making a difference. of the Taliban’s first targets on its of the two men who in 2003 him as a 9-year-old carrying into the long garnet sofas facing the of domestic issues like the COV- tions-based.” “Our approach is If we remove them, it could create return. Through the window of mounted motorcycles and the family library the set of de river where his father would med- ID-19 crisis and racial tensions. a conditions-based approach,” a power vacuum for those looking my vehicle I see an agitated man gunned down Bettina Goislard, Gaulle’s war memoirs that I had itate. “I love three things in this On Wednesday, during a NATO Secretary-General Jens to take advantage of the situation. who, noticing us, makes the ges- 29, a French aid worker, in Ghaz- brought as a gift for his father. world,” he says. “Books, gardens speech at the University of Ne- Stoltenberg said when asked Wrong move at the wrong time.” ture of slitting his throat. A ragged ni. More bad news is that since a Twenty-two years later, with his and the astronomy I learned, be- vada in Las Vegas, national secu- about Trump’s tweet. “We will Trump’s talk of a full with- peddler, sitting on the sidewalk 2017 truck-bomb attack near the well-groomed beard and serious, fore entering Sandhurst, at King’s rity adviser Robert O’Brien an- make decisions based on the drawal comes after negotiations beside a pile of cellphones, pad- embassy, the lovely white resi- almond-shaped eyes, he looks like College London, which instilled nounced a drawdown to 2,500 conditions on the ground because between the Afghan government locks and old watches, pretends dence that we used to enter and the elder Massoud’s reincarnation. in me the habit of looking each troops in Afghanistan by early we think it is extremely impor- and the Taliban got underway last to train a gun on our convoy. An- exit without a second thought has Mr. Massoud tells me about the night at the sky and its constella- 2021. Hours later, a little before tant to continue to be commit- month after months of delay. Re- other, hardly more than a boy, become a fortress protected by a last time he saw his father. He tions. This means that, contrary Wednesday night’s vice presiden- ted to the future of Afghanistan gional experts are warning the con- sees that we’re photographing complex of walls, sliding metal sensed his father’s unwonted way to what you said earlier at the tial debate started, Trump sent because it is in our interest to flicting messages from Trump and him and spits in our direction. As gates, concrete blocks, grates and of coming back for one more hug, mausoleum, I was not cut out for preserve the long-term security O’Brien risk rocking the delicate watchtowers. The ambassador leaving again, and returning once political action. But someone had his bewildering tweet. “We we drive, Mr. Hayat doesn’t let should have the small remaining of Afghanistan.” Despite the intra-Afghan talks. “It I'm sure is go of the Kalashnikov lying be- lives there in a state of war, pro- more. He tells about his father’s to pick up the torch. The hope tected by two dozen elite coun- death, of which I’ve never read a my glorious father embodied number of our BRAVE Men and Pentagon maintaining the Tali- causing a lot of questions and re- tween him and the driver. Then, ban has not upheld its end of consideration of different strate- seeing that the traffic is blocked terterrorism personnel. truly reliable account. According could not be allowed to die out. Women serving in Afghanistan and we’re no longer moving for- Abdullah Abdullah is the oth- to the elder Massoud’s senior sec- So, yes, for that reason, and for home by Christmas!” he tweet- the deal, the department has gies because the U.S.’s plan for ward, he suggests we go the rest er president of Afghanistan. Not retary, who survived the attack, the that reason alone, I am ready to ed. Questions immediately worked to make sure it is not assistance to Afghanistan signifi- of the way on foot. It’s Sept. 9, the vice president but the rival commander’s handsome face was take over.” Before leaving, I ask swirled about whether Trump blindsided by any Trump order cantly affects each of the elements the 19th anniversary of Mas- president—the one who contest- riddled with bomb shards, his chest him three questions: Is he pre- had actually ordered a withdraw- for a full withdrawal. At last of the negotiation,” Worden said. soud’s assassination in 2001, ed the victory of Ashraf Ghani crushed, one eye blown out, a leg pared to declare, in the charter of al, particularly because of his use month’s House hearing, a top “So this will cause those that are when he was 48. I have come to in the 2019 election and took to severed. He was killed almost im- the movement he has created, that of the word “should.” The Pen- official said the department has in the negotiation to seek greater this downtown neighborhood to bombarding the winner with mediately—but he had the strength being the son of his father is not tagon and Central Command, the started “prudent planning to clarity before they make commit- find the house where, in 1992, I vengeful communiqués. To mol- to call two guards spared by the enough and that his crown truly combatant command that over- withdraw to zero service mem- ments to each other on a way for- accompanied him on a visit to a lify Mr. Abdullah, Mr. Ghani ap- explosion and order them to hoist belongs not to him but to the peo- sees the war in Afghanistan, re- bers by May 2021 if conditions ward.” If Trump proceeds with a wounded member of the mujahe- pointed him to head the delega- him up by the shoulder blades. ple of the mujahedeen? Is he will- ferred questions about Trump’s warrant.” Trump withdrawing full withdrawal by December, deen. Massoud was minister of tion negotiating with the Taliban. There, standing upright for the last ing to announce that he seeks the tweet and O’Brien’s comments from Afghanistan by the end of Worden added, the United States defense at the time. His old ene- But tonight, hosting us for din- time, he gave up the ghost while votes of the Afghan nation to to the White House. Asked for a the year could limit options for loses leverage to ensure the Tali- my, radical Islamist Gulbuddin ner in his family home, he is not reciting the shahadah, the prayer launch reforms that the country’s clarification on the meaning of a Biden administration if the ban upholds its counterterrorism Hekmatyar, was shelling the city the Western-suited diplomat of the dying. The young Mr. Mas- feudal lords never wanted? And Democratic nominee wins in commitments. The Taliban’s le- who will leave tomorrow for soud, despite his filial devotion, are there principles—starting Trump’s tweet, a senior admin- from the hills, I go from house to istration official said they have November. Former Vice Presi- verage in the intra-Afghan talks house, showing occupants an old Doha, but the resistance fighter didn’t invite me here to dwell on with women’s rights—on which clad in traditional garb whom I the past. Almost immediately we no peacemaker will be permitted “nothing to add to the president’s dent Joe Biden has said he would would also increase because its photo of Massoud on my tele- withdraw most troops, but leave main goal is to end the U.S. pres- phone. As we move away from met 30 years ago in the Panjshir head east toward Abshar, where to compromise as long as he lives? comments.” “The president re- the artery and into the maze of Valley, where he was one of Mas- the Taliban last week launched an He answers each question in ally laid down a marker as the a small contingent of special ence in Afghanistan. “Ultimately, dusty, twisting streets of this Pa- soud’s bravest lieutenants. Mr. unprecedented attack on Panjshir. the affirmative, and in the same commander in chief, and we all forces there to continue conduct- the Taliban uses violence as its shtun neighborhood, the people Abdullah ends the evening tak- I watch him in the midst of his clear, resonant voice his father follow his lead,” the official said. ing counterterrorism operations. main source of leverage in the talks seem less hostile and, curiously, ing us through room after room, officers, some of them old enough used 22 years ago when, amid the “The president has been clear in “It is certainly easier in the cur- against the Afghan government,” rather happy about “Massoud each with walls of photos of him- to have served his father, all now gathering storm, he came to Paris his many previous statements of rent political climate to remove Worden said. “And so if our sup- Day,” even though he was a Tajik. self and his leader, young and in on alert. He radiates authority as at my invitation. Have we come his intentions to bring U.S. U.S. troops than it is to increase port to the Afghan, particularly if “You’ll find the house you’re combat against the Soviets. Lost he tells them he wanted neither to to that point again? Might the troops home safely and soon U.S. troops,” said Scott Worden, our military support, to the Af- looking for over there, just after in reverie, he says little. Finally I go into politics nor to participate young Mr. Massoud be able to from Afghanistan.” Both a full director of the U.S. Institute of ghan government is dramatically the bazaar,” says a grandfatherly break the silence and ask about in these bizarre peace negotiations, check the warlords who, in the withdrawal and O’Brien’s draw- Peace’s Afghanistan and Central reduced, it allows the Taliban to man who recalls a neighbor named his strategy with the Taliban— because his place is here with them, face of the Taliban peril, are only down would contradict other of- Asia programs. “So as you re- maintain their violence as a pres- Mola Shams, whom Massoud, the foe that sent two fake jour- at the gates of the inviolate sanctu- hulks of their former selves? Is it ficials’ assurances they would move them, it does narrow op- sure tactic and to achieve their “wearing a long white coat,” had nalists armed with a rigged cam- ary of free Afghanistan. At the bot- possible that, in this last of the review conditions on the ground tions in the future, but it does objective without making.” come to comfort in midwinter, era to assassinate Massoud. tom of a vertiginous gorge, the time confrontations on which our joint accompanied by a few body- Mr. Abdullah murmurs eva- comes for the shooting contest, fate hinges, we have a protago- guards. “No, it’s down there,” sively that the country can’t take which his father also used to pro- nist who will say no to obscu- says the neighborhood council any more—that 40 years of war pose to his guests. The target is a rantism, to rule by murder, and Trump vs Biden: And the winner is…? head, whom someone had roused have exhausted it and we have to white pebble placed on a ridge of to the spirit of resignation? I fer- from a nap in the back of his shop give peace a chance. Then, col- ochre stone 75 yards away in the vently hope so. atop a shaky iron stairway. A junk lecting himself and seemingly shadow of the mountain’s folds. Mr. Lévy is author, most re- By Marwan Bishara presidency that brought it to its ness. In theory, this may be the dealer ultimately leads us through filled with an ancient rage, he My performance with a rifle has cently, of “The Virus in the Age knees. Biden wants you to know right approach. Statesmanship a labyrinth of laundry lines to says of the 2001 assassins: “Do hardly improved over the interven- of Madness.” This article was The coronavirus pandemic and he is no Donald Trump, that he during a national emergency re- what was the residence of Mola you know that those dogs stalled ing years, but Mr. Massoud aims translated from French by Steven the Trump presidency that pre- is indeed pained and alarmed by quires calming the panic and pro- Shams. where a commercial cen- for a month? That the whole op- three times and scores three bull’s- B. Kennedy. occupied the United States and the rising rate of COVID-19 in- jecting confidence in order to reach much of the world this year have fections that have already taken sober decisions and implement finally met face to face over the the lives of more than 200,000 urgent policies. In reality, howev- weekend. With his life and his Americans. He wants to be the er, more and more people believe The UAE is leading the way on gender equality, but there is more to do presidency on the line, the pres- national healer, who puts “Unit- Trump’s mulling is as egregious ident has put on a brave face, ed” back in the United States of as his motives are egotistical. By Nairouz Bader en women access to good educa- sive a society is for women, the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al fighting to beat the virus with the America. He is also anxious Either he does not think the pan- tion and health care. Several better the overall development of Nahyan, epitomizes this same vigour he fought to down- about the US’s deteriorating demic is a national emergency, as women have made a name for any given nation. History has progress. As rightly stated by play it. If the polls are anything standing in the West and around his persistent disregard of scien- The United Arab Emirates’ recent themselves and taken up leader- proved this fact time and again, and Vice President of the UAE and to go by, Trump is trailing be- the world as its nemesis China tific evidence and the comparisons landmark law mandating equal ship roles across the board. Not the UAE is a classic example of Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammad hind his Democratic rival Joe garners ever more power and he made between COVID-19 and pay for men and women is an only is the need for gender equal- how this holds true at the treat- bin Rashid, it is a crucial step in Biden – at times by double-digit influence. For his part, Trump the ordinary flu indicate, or he important step toward gender ity socially, culturally, and ethi- ment meted out to women. The safeguarding gender balance in the numbers with less than a month has cultivated the image of a does consider the pandemic a na- equality in the Middle East. But cally essential, but it is also eco- UAE has unwaveringly champi- UAE. The law not only calls for to go before the elections. bold warrior who does not re- tional disaster, but chooses to across the region, there is still more nomically advantageous. Ac- oned the rights of women for de- equal wages to be paid to either But since the pollsters were so coil, rest or retreat. His COV- downplay the threat it poses in work to be done. Thanks to the cording to a McKinsey report, cades. Efforts put in by the coun- gender carrying out the same kind wrong in their forecast of the last ID-19 diagnosis may have order to preserve confidence in his commendable efforts of women advancing women equality in the try’s leadership toward women of work, but it also demands more election results, many believe the played into Biden’s hands, but presidency during an election year. worldwide, there has been a trans- workplace could add $12 trillion empowerment have not only borne women be employed in the pri- incumbent will eventually pull he moved quickly to spin the In fact, it is almost impossible to formative shift in favour of equal- to the global GDP by 2025. The fruit, but the world itself is a wit- vate sector. The UAE has also ahead, as he did in 2016. ordeal as a blessing in disguise. tell what he really thinks, as he ity over the past few decades. report further states that gender- ness to their achievement in this implemented these changes effec- Moreover, the pandemic is cast- By showing the public he is tends to speak out from both sides Women now not only have a say diverse companies financially regard. Women actively participate tively. ing long shadows over the elec- fighting hard to get back to work of his mouth. But regardless of in matters of public interest, but outperform others by 15 percent. in all sectors, and the conspicuous The country has established tions, with its twists and turns as soon as possible, he tried to whether it is willful ignorance or they have evolved into world lead- But all that glitters is not contribution of women is thorough- the UAE Gender Balance Coun- affecting almost all citizens in the demonstrate his unmatched te- cynical calculus, the end result has ers whose voices truly matter, gold. In some nations where ly encouraged, hailed, and applaud- cil, a ministry tasked with up- country. This was all too clear in nacity and his determination to been terribly painful and utterly echoing to the world that change women are educated, this privi- ed. Through education, the UAE holding gender equality and both the presidential and vice- turn misfortunes into fortunes. avoidable – not only in terms of and equality is inevitable. lege does not translate into good has worked hard to nurture and women’s rights. Its efforts have presidential debates. In fact, the Trump’s coarse style of leader- the great loss of life but also in This global shift toward gen- job prospects, let alone mobili- empower young minds to actively been recognized globally: The contrasted approaches of the can- ship may have alienated many terms of the damage to so many der equality has also been felt in ty. One of the main challenges participate in the country’s nation- United Nations Development didates to the pandemic and its at home and abroad, but it also livelihoods. That is why Biden is the Middle East. The region has concerning women empower- al development programs. The Program’s Gender Inequality In- effects on the nation may well convinced his supporters that pulling way ahead in the national experienced unprecedented ment is tackling the visible im- September 25 decree stipulating dex ranked the UAE 1st in the echo their overall approaches to he is an indispensable fighter for polls. growth over the past few decades. pediments to inclusive equality equal pay for men and women in Arab region and 26th globally for the presidency and determine the the nation, and made them be- Trump’s mounting scandals, in- The rise of a middle class has giv- for all women. The more inclu- the UAE, as decreed by President gender equality. winner of the elections, one way lieve his loss would be Ameri- cluding his tax avoidance – not to or the other. He has wrapped ca’s loss come election day. say tax evasion – his failure to himself in the image of an hon- As the commander-in-chief, mitigate the harm from the pan- est, considerate and compassion- Trump has chosen to reassure demic, his polarising policies and Disclaimer: ate leader, worried about the not alarm the country about the incitement to violence, and his in- The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) health and wellbeing of the coun- pandemic and its related eco- ability to chart a clear and action- try. He projects the image of a nomic downturn, promising to able vision for the future as the and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. wise elder statesman, who could beat the virus and get the coun- country descends into new lows, save the country from a reckless try back on the road to great- have all stacked up against him. SUNDAY . OCTOBER 11, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES The dark dreams of Trump is right Nagorno-Karabakh to tighten dispute won't come screws on Iran While much of Washington was are a reminder of the stark differ- true on the battlefield buried in a blizzard of domestic ences between America's ap- political news, the Trump ad- proach to Iran under Trump and ministration took another impor- the policies we can expect should tant step in its “maximum pres- Joe Biden win the election next sure” campaign against Iran by month. The challenger has prom- imposing tough new sanctions on ised he’d work to resurrect the rogue state's banking sector. Obama’s awful deal. This would The Iranian economy has be difficult, for Iran has already been reeling in the years since moved on. But the fact that Biden President Trump removed the would make the attempt is a rea- lifeline given to it by President son to vote against him. Barack Obama's disastrous nu- Were he able to revive the deal, clear deal. A combination of reit would be catastrophic. It flood- imposed sanctions, the ravages ed Iran with hundreds of billions of the coronavirus, and de- of dollars worth of sanctions re- pressed oil prices have knocked lief while enabling the militant several economic props out from theocratic regime to become a under the terrorist regime. While more potent conventional threat much of Iran’s financial sector, in the region. It also allowed the from the central bank down, has mullahs to keep up their ballistic been subject to sanctions by pre- missiles program. All the while, The world is anxiously aware that ing tens of thousands. A fragile baijan stand to lose on many vious Trump actions, the admin- the deal contained a sunset provi- the territorial dispute between ceasefire was declared in 1994 for fronts if they refuse to compro- istration is now adding another sion that automatically began to Armenia and Azerbaijan in its the region to operate as a de facto mise and settle their dispute us- 18 Iranian banks to the list of unwind restrictions on nuclear current political-military context independent state, which has not ing political and diplomatic targets. Doing so will further limit activities after a decade. In other cannot go on forever. It has al- been recognized by any country, means. Given the regional histo- foreign currency flows, making words, the agreement was that ready led to the displacement of not even Armenia. The new clash- ry thus far, the world flinches at it more difficult for Iran to trade. Iran could become richer and more nearly half of the 150,000 popu- es began on September 27th, with such madness with no particular The goal is to throttle the already powerful in the short-run while lation of Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan now insisting the Ar- point to it. It has seen enough The civil war in Syria poses a perialists’ siege it faced from the weak economy. In announcing still hanging on to its long-term What's sad, however, is that the menian-held region must return to destruction and bloodshed to af- threat to our country’s security. East Mediterranean. It made the the decision, Treasury Secretary nuclear ambitions. Trump realized dark dreams of this classic geo- Baku's control. After all these ford a new war mad era that will Things are yet to fall into place in involved countries accept that no Steven Mnuchin said, “Our sanc- that this was a bad deal for the graphical, historical, religious and years and many deaths, it doesn't only give terrorists and militants Iraq as well post-Saddam Hussein. step can be taken in the Medi- tions programs will continue un- United States and allies in the re- ethnic conflict have also perished take much effort to understand a free rein in a new flash point. It is, of course, unreasonable to terranean outside Turkey’s til Iran stops its support of ter- gion — for everyone, in fact, oth- many lives on both sides, includ- that if the renewal of the fighting The political process has to get expect it to fall into place. Iraq knowledge. Then, the plot in- rorist activities and ends its nu- er than the thugs who run Iran. ing civilians. What's more, far over the disputed enclave lasts for underway and the carnage must has been destroyed. The same is volving the setting of Greece clear programs.” Some of the The confidence Trump engen- more people face a new and in- a long time, or becomes a full- come to a peaceful end so people about to happen in Syria. No name against us through the islands usual critics claim that tightened dered among Iran's neighbors by creasingly perilous and uncertain blown regional war, the economies live lives of some sort that doesn't has been given yet to this destruc- came, but when Turkey fol- sanctions could stop humanitar- being tough on Tehran was im- land. They don't have to figure and security of many countries can have a monumental suffering and tion and the pieces from it. It may lowed a proactive strategy here, ian aid from getting through, but portant to sealing historic peace out how to survive, for better or be severely affected in every imag- insecurity in its disproportion- never be named! However, all the the plot failed and was repelled Treasury has tried to ensure this agreements between Israel, the worse. They don't have to lose inable way. It's the prelude to a ality. There are many ways in preparations necessary to estab- – for now at least. Most recent- is not so. Iran has exploited hu- United Arab Emirates, and Bahr- friends or family, either. Think full-blown crisis of biblical pro- which other countries can help lish a terrorist state in southern ly, setting Armenia against Az- manitarian aid exceptions in the ain. With Iran on its heels and about that for a moment. The eth- portions. This is because major oil build up the race and speed the Turkey have been completed! A erbaijan, its bombardment of ci- past to advance its malign activ- peace spreading in the Middle nic Armenian enclave is within the and gas pipelines pass through this resolution of this man-made cri- second Israel, a second trouble- vilian settlement areas, all these ities, so this will have to be close- East, now is the time for America internationally recognized bor- strategic area for supply to region- sis. The answer to this regional maker under Jewish control that signify Turkey’s siege, this time ly monitored, with more mea- to press its advantages and ratch- ders of Azerbaijan. After the col- al markets. That also says why an influence ambition is not for will cause chaos in the region and from the Caucasus. sures taken if it is necessary to et up the pressure against its de- lapse of the Soviet Union, the immediate halt to the bitter fight- some maestros of death and de- push Turkey in the corner at all Saying that an attack on Azer- prevent abuse. Tough sanctions clared enemy. border dispute turned deadly, killing is needed. Armenia and Azer- struction to provision. times. This is going to be more baijan is an attack on Turkey, threatening than the first Israel. We Turkey showed that it is with all know what Israel is all about, Azerbaijan in every way. As stat- IMF’s Georgieva but this is not the case for this ed first by Turkey, then Azer- The Limits Of second Israel; what we do know baijan’s Vice President Hikmet On Economic is that it is going to cause chaos in Hajiyev on Habertürk, the Az- the region, protect Israel’s inter- erbaijan military which it helped Challenges From ests all the way and, more critical- establish, showed it gained great Russian Influence ly, this is going to be a trouble- strength in the last three decades, It has been almost 30 years since cow-led project, focuses on deep- The Security maker that will enable Israel to gain and also again in Hajiyev’s the collapse of the Soviet Union ening economic cooperation Crisis In Sahel geopolitical, geostrategic, geoeco- words, “It collapsed Armenia’s — an event Russian President among certain countries that were nomics, and theopolitical domi- military structure.” This point Vladimir Putin once described as part of the Soviet Union. nance over the region! is critical: Turkey is perhaps fac- “the greatest geopolitical catas- When things are not going well Thank you all for your active The future of both Kurds and ing the biggest siege in its histo- trophe of the century.” Putin has for the Kremlin, the use of mili- participation in this important Turks depends, like in the past, ry, from the south to the east, never given up on the idea that tary force is never ruled out. In event. As President Ghazouani on their support for one another – from the East Mediterranean to Russia has a special status among 2008, Russia invaded Georgia and reminded us, the Sahel faces tre- not on striking each other. A state the Caucasus. However, this is the countries that were once part continues to occupy 20 percent mendous challenges, that can only to be established based on Kurdi- also the first time in the last two of the USSR. Since coming to of that country. In 2014, Mos- be addressed through strong co- sh ethnicity will be nothing but a decades it feels so strong, espe- power in 1999, he has tried to cow invaded Ukraine, illegally Russian, Armenian, operation of the countries in the puppet state, and be used by those cially due to its revolutionary maximize its influence in the na- annexed Crimea, and supports a region and their international part- who have such a state established. initiative in the defense indus- tions that were formerly mem- war in the eastern part of that Azerbaijani FMs hold ners. When I think about the fu- But in the meantime, Turkey was try. Pointing the target at reli- bers of that union. To do so, country. Russia keeps troops in ture of the Sahel an old saying not sitting idly by: It succeeded gious movements through singu- Moscow has relied on key bilat- Transnistria, a breakaway region comes to mind: “We do not in- to gain the initiative in the region lar events at a time when Tur- eral relationships and generous of Moldova. It also maintains a talks in Moscow herit the land from our ancestors. through military operations. The key is surrounded on all four patronage. In addition, Russian- large military base in Armenia. We borrow it from our children.” situation is currently under our sides is extremely dangerous. backed multilateral organizations Right now Russia is over- A meeting of the Russian, Azer- no-Karabakh by Russian Presi- Millions of people living in the control. If no chaos breaks out This is an operation aimed at were created to interconnect the stretched and lurches from one baijani, and Armenian Foreign dent Vladimir Putin. land of the Sahel today face desert within Turkey (God forbid), or collapsing Turkey’s internal countries of the former Soviet crisis to the next. A great example Ministers - Sergey Lavrov, Jey- Renewed clashes between Azer- and drought, hunger and violence, there is no shattering “destruc- front. We are encountering one Union and maximize Russian in- of this is the current fighting be- hun Bayramov, and Zohrab Mnat- baijan and Armenia erupted on economic insecurity and now a tion” in other foreign policy ar- operation after another; efforts fluence in the region. For exam- tween Armenia and Azerbaijan in sakanyan - has started in Mos- September 27, with intense bat- devastating pandemic. But how eas, Turkey has control over the are made to destroy the coun- ple the Collective Security Trea- Nagorno Karabakh. After the cow. tles raging in the disputed region we act now will determine wheth- situation, and will continue to do try’s internal front through sin- ty Organization (CSTO), which 1994 ceasefire in the region, which The talks on Nagorno-Karabakh of Nagorno-Karabakh. The area er or not the future is brighter for so in the region. Libya’s call on gular events, and as religious was established in 2002, can be is occupied by Armenia, Azer- are taking place in the Russian experienced flare-ups of violence the next generation. And with Turkey and the Exclusive Econom- movements are in a way the nat- loosely described as Russia’s baijan never dared to retake the Foreign Ministry’s Reception in the summer of 2014, in April over 64 percent of the popula- ic Zones agreement facilitated ural base of the ruling Justice and answer to NATO. The Eurasian territory out of fear that Russia House. A news conference is ex- 2016, and this past July. Azer- tion in the Sahel under 25 years Turkey’s efforts to break the im- Development (AK) Party. Economic Union, another Mos- would get involved. pected after the talks, TASS re- baijan and Armenia have imposed of age, this is an especially ur- ported. The Azerbaijani and Ar- martial law and launched mobili- gent task. So, what would it take menian foreign ministers arrived zation efforts. Both parties to the to resolve the crisis – and build a better future for the Sahel? Will Donald in Moscow a few hours prior to conflict have reported casualties, First, strong international coop- Indonesia rocked by violent protests the meeting. They had been in- among them civilians. eration to help resolve the secu- Trump Get The vited for consultations on Nagor- (AP) rity crisis in the Sahel. President against controversial labour law Issoufou is right to call peace a Middle East Kyrgyzstani ex-president global public good. And the meet- JAKARTA - The iconic Tugu Se- ing today clearly reinforced a lamat Datang, or welcome monu- Involved In US survives ‘assassination attempt’ commitment to a well-coordinat- ment, in Jakarta featuring bronze ed, effective response to the se- statues of a man and a woman Elections? as government sends troops curity challenges the Sahel faces. waving warmly, was last week a Second, stronger domestic foun- scene of violent protests over a dations for success. If we want Donald Trump’s term as the for- to capital amid mass new sweeping "omnibus law" to ty-fifth president of the United to ensure that efforts to address reform tax and labour. Plumes of the security crisis can succeed States has been hectic and polem- protests and disorder black smoke leapt into the sky ical. As a former businessman, without crowding out other ur- after a bus stop near the city's gent spending and harming the Donald Trump hasn’t considered Former Kyrgyzstani President a local journalist also allegedly landmark roundabout, known as geopolitics as a holistic and com- Almazbek Atambayev has re- shows the moment when an un- most vulnerable, it is vital to re- Bundaran HI, was set ablaze last plex environment within which portedly survived an assassina- known assailant draws a pistol and inforce economic fundamentals. Thursday (Oct 8). Riot police multiple actors interact. Rather, tion attempt, which injured one fires at ex-president’s car as it The presidents and many other fired tear gas and water cannon to he has preferred to operate in ei- person. It came as his successor, drives through a busy crossing speakers emphasized the need to disperse the mobs, who also ther a bilateral or even a unilateral Sooronbay Jeenbekov, ordered a crowded with people in the na- diversify the economy and boost clashed near the National Monu- fashion to achieve his foreign pol- state of emergency in Bishkek tion’s capital of Bishkek. Accord- the prospects for growth. There ment, the Ministry of Energy and icy objectives. This strategy has over mass protests. Atambayev’s ing to some reports, Atambayev’s is scope for country authorities Mineral Resources, and the Pres- strongly undermined internation- car came under fire, his aide, Kun- bodyguard was injured in the inci- to improve the transparency of idential Palace. Over three days, al institutions and thus, hindered duz Zholdubaeva, said in a Face- dent. In a separate development, public expenditure, including se- similar scenes repeated in at least advancements on global gover- book post, on Friday, adding that Kyrgyzstani politician and busi- curity spending, strengthen so- a dozen cities across the vast ar- boost foreign investment and re- uting gas and water pipes, said vive an economy battered by the he draws less than the monthly nance issues like climate change, the politician escaped unharmed. nessman, Tilek Toktogaziev, was cial safety nets, and advance do- chipelago, from Medan on Sumatra advancing free trade, and transna- She also posted a video, in which injured in clashes at Bishkek’s cen- mestic revenue mobilization. island in the west to Makassar on coronavirus, protesters had minimum wage of around $300 slammed it as an attack on work- set for the city, and had to suffer tional cooperation on health pol- Atambayev accuses some securi- tral Ala-Too Square. He was pre- Third, stepped-up support from Sulawesi island in the east. icies. Applied to the Middle East ty officials and members of rival viously named as a candidate for Tens of thousands of workers, ers' welfare and the environment. more pay cuts during the pan- external partners. Given the mag- In Makassar, more than a thou- demic. "Our welfare is only go- and the Muslim World at-large, “clans” of trying to assassinate prime minister by a coalition of nitude of needs in the Sahel, do- from industries such as textile, this go-it alone approach has pro- him while saying he got the infor- four opposition parties that did energy, and automotive, had sand workers blocked roads and ing to worsen," he told The mestic efforts will not be enough. tried to force their way into the Straits Times, adding that he is voked multiple cataclysms in an mation about the plot in advance. not recognize the authority of External partners have already poured onto the streets in collec- already highly complex and un- A video published on Twitter by Sadyr Zhaparov – a recently. tive anger to demand the repeal of provincial parliament building. worried about how the law might brought direct security support Among them was 29-year-old affect severance pay, rest days, stable zone. Nearing the end of the Job Creation Law, passed in his term, Trump has had a very and financial assistance to the Parliament on Oct 5, three days Francain Edy, who had rallied for and retirement benefits. Most region, and supported the cre- three days. Mr Francain, who protesters had sketchy details of polarising effect in the region — earlier than scheduled. While the stirring praise for his pragmatic Kyrgyz parliament set ation of the G-5 Sahel and the government said the law would works with a company distrib- the law. Sahel Alliance. But much more is and aggressive approach on the to meet, discuss new needed. All of us, including the one hand, and raising concerns for IMF, have a critical role to play his impulsive decisions that of- in supporting the countries of the The Greek anti-fascist struggle is far from over ten caused mayhem. As the 2020 government amid unrest Sahel. Budget support, including US presidential election ap- in the form of grants, will be par- “Golden Dawn is a criminal or- crowd. The brutal police re- The party’s founding leader, Ni- proaches, it remains to be seen Kyrgyzstan’s parliament was set kek and armoured personnel carri- ticularly important. Fourth, in- ganisation,” declared an announc- sponse that followed the verdict kolaos Michaloliakos, a Holo- whether the Middle East is going to meet on Saturday and poten- ers were spotted in the city after er from the top of the Court of was indicative that the anti-fas- caust denier and Hitler admirer to be used to galvanise support creased resilience. COVID-19 is for a conservative nationalist for- tially vote in a new government President Sooronbai Jeenbekov not the first shock this region has Appeals in Athens on Wednesday, cist fight in Greece is still far from created a cult of personality and to end a power vacuum in the ordered troops to deploy and re- making public the landmark ver- over. Yes, the leaders of Greece’s charmed those who leaned to- eign policy. In 2016 for instance, faced. It will not be the last – Trump’s campaign often invoked strategically important Central establish order amid flare-ups of especially with the looming cli- dict in the biggest trial of self-pro- neo-Nazi party, which terrorised wards the far right and felt like Asian nation which has been violence. The parliament planned fessed fascists since Nuremberg. the country for years, will be their views were not represent- the Middle East as a region, where mate crisis. Even as we attend to the US has needlessly squandered gripped by unrest since a con- to gather in the presidential resi- immediate and urgent needs, we Thousands of anti-fascist protest- behind bars. Yes, the party’s ed by Greece’s political parties tested Oct. 4 election. dence on the outskirts of Bishkek, ers who had gathered outside the name will be erased from the by promising to make their voic- blood and treasure. Furthermore, The former Soviet republic of 6.5 after its own offices were ran- must recognize that building a in September 2015, Trump better future also requires build- court burst into cheers, hugging Greek political scene. But its es heard. His words were the law pledged to deport all Syrian refu- million hosts a Russian military sacked by protesters who seized each other in celebration at a deci- dangerous, divisive and often for the party’s members. After airbase and serves as a hub for key government buildings on Tues- ing resilience in the face of future gees — most of whom are Mus- trade with neighbouring China. day. Russia, which exerts signifi- shocks. This will require invest- sion they had been waiting for for deadly ideology is still well em- silently growing its membership lim — from the United States. He It is also home to a large Canadi- cant influence on Kyrgyzstan, this ing in people – building up hu- more than five years. The mood, bedded in Greek society. Gold- base for years, Golden Dawn was said, “They could be ISIS, I don’t an-owned mining operation. week described the situation as man capital, expanding access to however, quickly turned sour as en Dawn was born from the ash- recognised as a political party in know. This could be one of the Military checkpoints were put “chaos”. More than 1,200 people digital technologies, supporting police released tear gas and used es of the Greek military junta 1993. The Greek political elite great tactical ploys of all time. A up overnight around capital Bish- have been injured. public health systems. water cannon to disperse the (1967-1974) in the early 1980s. and media, viewing the party. 200,000-man army, maybe.” SUNDAY . OCTOBER 11, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Turkey to Tehran accuses post $3.9B Washington of current ‘economic account terrorism’ after US deficit: sanctions major Survey I ranian banks Turkey's current account balance Iran’s ambassador to the Unit- for August is expected to Currency change will discourage hoarding, improve economic situation, says information minister nounced the blacklisting of 18 post a deficit of $3.9 billion, ac- ed Nations, Majid Takht-Ravan- major Iranian banks in a new at- the South Sudanese pound, has chi, has condemned US sanc- tempt to lock the nation out of cording to an Anadolu Agency tumbled rapidly, trading at 510 survey done. tions against Iranian banks as an the global financial system. SSP for $1 on the black market, act of economic terrorism, de- It did not specify the accusa- The Turkish Central Bank is while the central bank is selling signed to create suffering and tions against most of the banks set next Monday to announce the at 167 SSP. social unrest with the aim of re- but said that 16 of them were tar- country's current account balance According to Lueth, one of gime change. “The Islamic Re- geted for what it termed “operat- for August. The forecasts of a the problems facing the econo- public of Iran strongly con- ing in Iran’s financial sector,” one group of 14 economists range be- my is that “most citizens are ac- demns terrorism in all its forms, for its links to an already sanc- tween $1.5 billion and $4.9 billion. The year-end current actually hoarding currency in their including state terrorism and tioned bank, and another for being houses.” “This is a normal situ- economic and medical terror- a “military-affiliated” bank. The count balance is forecast to regis- ation that has been happening and ism,” Takht-Ravanchi said at a Treasury said in a statement that ter a gap of $28.6 billion. there is always a solution. So, the meeting of the Sixth Committee it had “identified the financial sec- Turkey's current account bal- cabinet has decided that the cur- of the UN General Assembly on tor of Iran’s economy as an addi- ance in July saw a deficit of $1.8 rency should be changed,” he Thursday evening. He added tional avenue that funds the Irani- billion. said. Production of crude oil, that “to eradicate terrorism, an government’s malign activities.” South Sudan’s main revenue once and for all, there is no Additionally, the sanctions also source, has slumped to about choice but to use power and a target foreign companies that do Sri Lanka trade 165,000 barrels per day, while multilateral approach and ensure business with the banks, giving global price has dropped due to close cooperation and coordina- them 45 days to cease such activ- deficit improves the coronavirus pandemic. tion between the relevant stake- ities or face “secondary sanctions.” in August 2020 “The currency should be holders at the national, regional The sanctions come weeks after changed so that anyone who does and international levels.” the US declared the reimposition while both not take his money to the bank is According to the ambassa- of UN sanctions on Iran, which left out and will lose that mon- dor, imposing sanctions on Iran had been lifted under a 2015 inter- imports and ey,” Lueth said. “This advice goes and other countries during the national deal relating to Iran’s nu- South Sudan will introduce a new order to improve our infrastruc- tee, which includes the central to those who are hoarding mon- coronavirus pandemic is tanta- clear program. Washington ac- exports decline currency as part of efforts to ture, our economic situation,” In- bank governor, officials from oth- ey; hurry to the banks and put mount to terrorism, which has cused Tehran of having breached overcome a crippling economic formation Minister Michael er commercial banks, and politi- the money in the banks, so that exacerbated general health con- that agreement, but Iran has re- crisis, the government an- Makuei Lueth said at a news con- cians, that will draw up plans to you can avoid queuing up when ditions during the global crisis. jected all such accusations. Mean- Colombo: Sri Lanka’s trade defi- nounced. “This is a decision ference in the capital Juba. He said revive the economy within a the time comes for the exchange On Thursday, the US De- while, other members of the UN cit narrowed in August 2020, as taken by the Cabinet. This is in the Cabinet has formed a commit- week. The country’s currency, of currency.” partment of the Treasury an- Security Council. imports declined at a faster pace than the decline in exports. the Central Bank reported Friday in its External Sector Performance review for the month. The trade World Bank assesses economic repercussions deficit narrowed to US$ 342 mil- Jakarta plans lion in August 2020 compared to the deficit of US$ 541 million re- of the COVID-19 pandemic on Myanmar corded in August 2019. On a cu- $7b sovereign mulative basis, the trade deficit contracted to US$ 3.812 billion The World Bank commissioned a during the first eight months of firm-level survey to provide quan- 2020 from US$ 4.855 billion in fund to support titative evidence of the impact of the corresponding period of 2019. the COVID-19 pandemic in Earnings from merchandise Myanmar. Three rounds of data declined in August by 8.3% to have been collected in May, July economy and August, using a nationally US$ 947 million compared to US$ 1.003 billion recorded in August representative1 World Bank sur- 2019 and US$ 1.085 billion re- JAKARTA • The Indonesian al Development Finance Corpora- vey providing data on the impact corded in July 2020. The year- government is preparing 75 tril- tion already lining up to invest, of the COVID-19 pandemic. The on-year decline emanated from de- lion rupiah (S$6.9 billion) in cap- officials have said previously. It survey includes responses from clines recorded in earnings from ital to set up a sovereign wealth remains unclear where the wealth 500 firms spanning a wide range all three major categories of ex- fund to attract investments and fund will be invested. Dr Sri Mu- of industries and firm sizes, as ports, namely, industrial, agricul- support the economy. Global lyani mentioned a combination of well as the formal and informal tural, and mineral exports, the heavyweights from the United a development fund and a stabili- sector. This note provides a snap- Bank said. Earnings from Indus- States to the United Arab Emir- sation fund. Officials have previ- shot of how firms’ outcomes and trial exports declined by 10.2 per ates have expressed interest to ously mentioned projects in sec- responses to the pandemic have cent, year-on-year, in August join in. The establishment of the tors including infrastructure, health- changed throughout the months 2020 as earnings from textiles and sovereign fund, which will be care, energy and resources, tour- of May to August. The share of garments declined by 11.9 percent called the Indonesia Investment ism and technology. Other sover- temporarily closed firms in- led by lower garments exports to Authority, is included in the Job eign wealth funds elsewhere invest creased slightly in August. Dur- mixed: while service and retail all negative impact of COVID- duction in sales. Following sales the USA and the EU. Earnings Creation Law. Finance Minister in financial markets as well. "We ing this month, an average of 7 firms recovered, there was an in- 19 in Myanmar remains signifi- reduction, the next most common- from agricultural exports declined Sri Mulyani Indrawati said 30 are currently formulating the gov- percent of firms were temporari- crease in the share of agriculture cant, but most areas show im- ly reported impacts were – in or- marginally by 0.7 percent on a trillion rupiah of the capital ernment regulation as the President ly closed representing a slight in- and manufacturing firms remain- provement. Reduction in sales der of prevalence – a reduction in year-on-year basis in August would be in cash, while the re- has asked to prioritise this," Dr Sri crease as compared to July. Ex- ing temporarily closed. In Au- due to the pandemic remains the production, difficulty selling prod- 2020. Expenditure on Merchan- maining would be in the form of Mulyani told reporters on Wednes- cept for firms in the Chin and Dry gust, firms in the agriculture sec- area in which firms were most ucts or services to customers, and dise imports declined on a year- shares of state-owned enterpris- day. "We are hoping to get strate- zone, the share of closed firms tor were the worst affected by adversely affected. In June, 81 cash flow shortages. However, the on-year basis, in August 2020 by es and other state assets. gic and reputable partners so that increased across every geograph- COVID-19, with 10 percent of percent of the firms in our sam- shares of firms reporting these 18.1 percent to US$ 1.289 billion The fund is aimed at attract- we can develop the fund to better ical area. Results by sector are those firms still closed.The over- ple reported experiencing a re- impacts has improved since May. from 1.574 billion a year ago. Ex- ing 225 trillion rupiah in invest- attract investment." The Job Cre- penditure on all major import sec- ment, with foreign funds from the ation Law has met with widespread tors; consumer, intermediate and UAE, Japanese conglomerate protests and criticism from labour investment goods, declined. Softbank and the US Internation- unions and civil groups. Abu Dhabi-Japan Japan Offers $236 mil. discuss ways to boost China’slistedfirmsexpect better in Loans to Mongolia to economic, Aid Virus-Hit Economy investment ties earningsinQ3aseconomyrebounds The seventh session of the Abu Dhabi-Japan Economic Council The third quarter earnings season quarters, China Securities Jour- and telecommunications, and elec- Japan will extend 25 billion yen golia, which shares universal val- the Mongolian capital, a project (ADJEC) kicked off on Thursday is set to kick off in China, with nal reported. Net profits of 210 tronic equipment manufacturing. ($236 million) in emergency loans ues such as the rule of law and financed by Japan's loans. on a virtual platform to discuss more than 40 percent of A-share listed firms are estimated to grow These winners got a massive earn- to Mongolia to assist its efforts democracy with Japan, Motegi The opening of the airport ways of enhancing economic, com- firms that have revealed earnings by more than 10 percent year- ings boost from the nation's anti- to revitalize the economy hard hit said as Japan has often looked to has been delayed due to the mercial, and investment coopera- forecasts expecting a better per- on-year in the first three quar- epidemic efforts and the thriving by the novel coronavirus pandem- Mongolia. pandemic. tion between Abu Dhabi and Ja- formance as the Chinese econo- ters, according to the report, and stay-at-home economy during the ic, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu In a separate meeting with "The airport is a new sym- pan in several economic sectors my continues a steady recovery 88 firms expect their net profits first six months. Shenzhen-listed Motegi said Friday after talks Mongolian Prime Minister Ukh- bol of bilateral cooperation and of mutual interest, considering the from the COVID-19 epidemic. to soar more than 100 percent hog breeder Ningbo Tech-bank is with his Mongolian counterpart naa Khurelsukh, Motegi said the will enhance connectivity in the impact of the COVID-19 pan- As of 8pm Thursday, 609 during the period, while 30 firms currently top-ranked with its net Nyamtseren Enkhtaivan, accord- two sides agreed to promote region," Motegi said, who is on demic to the global economy. firms listed on Chinese mainland projecting an earnings surge of profits expected to surge from ing to Kyodo. work toward the early opening a two-day trip to Mongolia Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chair- bourses had disclosed earnings more than 300 percent. Those 11.94 million ($1.78 million) to 2.9 Speaking in an online press of a new international airport in through Saturday. man of the Abu Dhabi Department forecasts for the first three quar- sitting atop the net profit fore- billion yuan year-on-year, the com- conference after the meeting in of Economic Development (ADD- ters, with 262, or 43 percent of casts rankings largely falls under pany revealed in a filing on Friday. Ulaanbaatar, Motegi said "I hope ED) and Kiyoshi Ejima, Japan’s them, anticipating performance the category of bio pharmaceuti- Sansure Biotech, traded on the to further develop the bilateral State Minister, Minister of Econ- improvements over the first three cals, food and beverage, computer STAR Market in Shanghai. strategic partnership" with Mon- IMF chief sees $345 omy, Trade and Industry, co- chaired the Council’s 7th session in the presence of Rashed Abdul billion financing gap Karim Al Balooshi, Undersecre- India: COVID-19 cases near 7M, economy to shrink 9.5pc tary of ADDED and Nobuyori Kodaira, President, Japan Coop- Country reports over 70,000 new cases, 964 deaths as doctors, nurses continue strike in capital Delhi forAfrican states eration Centre for the Middle East (JCCME). The session is a fol- As the number of novel coronavi- downside. If, however, the cur- contractions of Q1:2020-21 are tered over 70,000 new cases in Countries and institutions must lending also remained subdued, low up to the implementation of rus cases in India nears 7 million, rent momentum of upturn gains behind us; silver linings are visible the last 24 hours, official figures do more to help African states she said. “The pandemic will decisions made during previous the country's Central Bank pro- ground, a faster and stronger rein the flattening of the active case- revealed. With 964 new deaths weather the global pandemic and not be over anywhere until it is sessions that were held alternate- jected that the economy would bound is eminently feasible," load curve across the country." In- reported across the country, the its economic impact, the Inter- over everywhere,” Georgieva ly in Tokyo and Abu Dhabi, in- contract by 9.5% this fiscal year. Das said in a statement after the dia's already-battered economy death toll reached 106,490. national Monetary Fund said on said. “All of us, countries and cluding the implementation of key After a meeting of India's meeting. He said the meeting took a fresh hit with the pandemic Doctors, nurses on strike Friday, noting the region faced a institutions, must do more to recommendations aimed at enhanc- monetary policy committee on unanimously decided to "leave and the related economic fallout. Meanwhile, in the capital projected financing gap of $345 support Africa to cope with the ing business cooperation between Friday morning, the governor of the policy repo rate unchanged The country ground to a halt after New Delhi, hundreds of doctors billion through 2023. IMF Man- next phase of this crisis.” De- the two countries. The 7th ses- the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), at 4%." According to the official it imposed a nationwide lockdown and nursing staff of a public hos- aging Director Kristalina Geor- spite sizeable domestic adjust- sion is also set to advance the in- Shaktikanta Das, said: "The Indi- statistics released in September, in March to prevent the spread of pitals designed for COVID-19 gieva told a conference that Afri- ments, African states still need terest of Japanese companies keen an economy is entering into a de- India's economy contracted by the coronavirus. In June, the coun- patients continued their strike due can states had spent an addition- $1.2 trillion in financing through to expand their investment and cisive phase in the fight against nearly a quarter from April to try started to resume economic to unpaid salaries. The doctors al 2.5% of gross domestic prod- 2023, she said, adding that some commercial activities in Abu Dha- the pandemic." "For the year June, when the country went into activities in a phased manner. Ac- have now threatened to withdraw uct on average to help their pop- heavily indebted countries were bi and the UAE in general. 2020-21 as a whole, therefore, real a complete lockdown to curb the cording to the Health Ministry, from COVID-19 services if sala- ulations, and institutions like the being forced to choose between The ADJEC 7th session held GDP is expected to decline by 9.5 spread of the coronavirus. Das COVID-19 cases crossed the 6.9 ries are not paid. IMF had also stepped up, but debt service and additional joint group discussions focused on per cent, with risks tilted to the said: "By all indications, the deep million mark as the country regis- (AP) more aid was needed. Private health and social spending. key sectors, including agri-tech, health services, biomedicine, information and communication UN Ambassador: Economic Sanctions Among Major Challenges Faced by War-Wracked Syria technology (ICT), financial services, and tourism. Al Shorafa high- Syria’s Permanent Representative cial and Economic Committee of ernment needs to foster develop- ed States recently imposed a lighted during the opening ceremo- to the United Nations, Bashar al- the UN General Assembly on ment in the crisis-ridden Arab round of sanctions against Syr- ny of the session that the Coun- Ja’afari, has denounced economic Thursday, Ja’afri called on the country. “One of the greatest ia known as the Caesar Syria cil’s latest meeting is taking place sanctions imposed by the United UN not to strictly limit its activ- challenges facing Syria is the uni- Civilian Protection Act. The under exceptional circumstances States on his war-ravaged country ities to the humanitarian aspect, lateral and coercive measures sanctions came into effect on imposed by the COVID-19 pan- as one of the daunting challenges but to extend them and include against Syrian people, and the June 17 -- six months after be- demic, noting that further efforts the Damascus government faces development projects, presstv UN Secretary General [António ing signed into law by US Pres- are required from both parties to on the path of reconstructing the reported. He also urged the world Guterres] has called for their re- ident Donald Trump -- target- achieve common goals in enhanc- country and bringing the Syrians’ body to stay away from politici- moval in light of COVID-19 ing individuals and businesses ing the economic and investment life back to normal. Speaking at the zation bids and offer the neces- (coronavirus) pandemic,” the anywhere in the world that op- relations between Abu Dhabi and 75th session of the Second Finan- sary support that the Syrian gov- diplomat pointed out. The Unit- erate directly or indirectly. Tokyo. SUNDAY . OCTOBER 11, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Vicky Kaushal's superhero film 'The Immortal Ashwatthama' to roll inApril 2021! Come Away looks like a typical Disney fairy-tale movie with a dreamy vibe, magic, exotic locations. The difference is, the film features black actors in prominent roles. Also, it is not a Disney movie. Directed by Brenda Chapman the trailer of Come Away is out. The film stars Angelina Jolie, David Oyelowo, Keira Chansa, Jordan A Nas, Reece Yates, Anna Chan- cellor among others in major roles. The film, penned by Marissa Kate Goodhill, looks like a typical Disney fairy-tale movie with a dreamy vibe, magic, exotic locations. The difference is, the film features black actors in prominent roles. Also, it is not a Disney movie. The film looks family-friendly The new crush of Bollywood, in more ways than one. It has pop- Vicky Kaushal became one of the ular fictional characters Jordan A most popular stars with his spec- Nash’s Peter Pan and Keira Chan- tacular performance in Aditya sa’s Alice (yes, the one from Lewis Dhar's 'URI: The Surgical Strike'. Carroll’s stories) as a sibling pair. Now the actor is collaborating Oyelowo and Jolie play the roles once again with Aditya Dhar for of their parents. After the oldest his next big project. Vicky Kaush- sibling (Reece Yates’ David) dies, al has been roped in for his film it is up to Alice and Peter to help 'The Immortal Ashwatthama'. As their parents overcome the trage- per media reports, the film is all set to go on floors in 2021. 'The dy. Come Away looks like a de- Immortal Ashwatthama' is a three- light. The exploration of popular part superhero film that has its fairy-tale characters through the roots in Mahabharata. Reported- prism of family certainly looks ly, Vicky was initially planning interesting. The whimsical tone of to wrap up the shoot of Karan the film is also quite appealing. Johar's 'Takht' but will now start the shoot in April 2021. The film is a superhero action film set in the modern times which can be a New MCU trilogy but the director said they Netflix has acquired Matthew Car- Battle to Destroy ISIS” would confirm it depending upon nahan’s Mosul and will release the Carnahan, who co-wrote Timeline the response to the first two movie in November, Deadline has World War Z and 21 Bridges, Corrects Black parts. Speaking about the film, confirmed. 101 Studios was set to made his feature directorial de- Aditya Dhar told a media portal, release the movie this year, but but with Mosul, which he also Panther And "The film requires a lot of plan- theatrical plans did not pan out. wrote. ning because this is something that The feature, which made its Anthony and Joe Russo and Thor 2 Issues has never been done before, it is world premiere at Venice last year, Mike Larocca produced for huge. The work is on in terms of followed by a TIFF debut, is based AGBO alongside The New York- writing," The film was scheduled on the true events of the Nineveh er Studios. to be shot in places like Green- SWAT team, a renegade police unit EPs are Todd Makurath, land, Iceland, Tokyo, New who waged a guerrilla operation Christopher Markus, and Zealand, and Namibia. However, against ISIS in a desperate strug- Stephen McFeely for AGBO; the shoot got postponed due to gle to save their home city of Mohamed Al-Daradji; Patrick the lockdown following the COV- Mosul. The pic was inspired by Newall, Wang Zhongjun, Wang ID-19 crises. Now the film will Luke Mogelson’s 2017 piece for Zhonglei, and Hu Junyi for be shot first in the UK. The New Yorker, “The Desperate Huayi. Disney has released a new MCU timeline on Disney+, correcting previous issues with the place- ment of Thor: The Dark World and Black Panther. The last decade has seen the superhero genre become Hollywood's biggest success story, in large part due to Marvel Studios. The Marvel Cin- ematic Universe is a world in which everything is connected, and the first three phases of the MCU - which ran from 2008's Iron Man to 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home - are collectively known as the Infinity Saga. TEHRAN – The Islamic Repub- beginning on Saturday night. “Father” depicts a young adult They're a single story, beginning lic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) “Beyond the Clouds” tells the who moves to a town in the with Tony Stark's suiting up as Channel 5 will be honoring the story of a young boy, Amir, and southern region of the country Iron Man for the first time, and world-famous Iranian filmmaker his sister, Tara, in Mumbai. to make a living for his family coming to a climax in a spectacu- Majid Majidi by reviewing some While on the run from the cops, after his father dies. “Color of lar battle with Thanos, the Mad of his films. The collection that Amir finds his estranged sister, Paradise” depicts a visually-im- Titan. But, for all there may be an includes “Beyond the Clouds”, who lands in jail in a bid to pro- paired boy who returns home to ongoing narrative running through PM Narendra Modi traces the journey of Narendra Modi from his humble beginnings to “Baran”, “Father”, “The Color of tect her brother. Their entire lives spend his holiday. “Baran” the films, they hop around the becoming the Prime Minister of India. The film first released on May 24, 2019. Paradise”, “Swimming in Winter”, are clouded by despair when, un- shows how a little Afghan girl timeline with impunity; that was “Shooting” and “Up to the Visit” expectedly, the light shines on disguises herself in boys’ cloth- especially true during Phase 3, and will be broadcasted for one week them from beyond the clouds. ing so she can go to work in place. Vivek Oberoi starrer PM Naren- to political agendas and not many cal moment. Moreover due to Marvel's Phase 4 looks. dra Modi, a biopic on the Prime could watch the film. He hopes some political agendas, when it Minister of India, will be the first this time PM Narendra Modi fares last released, the film couldn’t be film to hit the theaters after the well in the theaters. watched by many. We’re hoping cinema halls reopen. The film will Talking about the decision to the film gets a fresh life in the re-release on October 15. PM re-release the biopic, Singh said, theatres and makes for a great Anup Jalota and Jasleen Narendra Modi traces the jour- “PM Narendra Modi has been the watch for the people of the na- ney of Narendra Modi from his best Prime Minister of the coun- tion.” Directed by Omung Ku- humble beginnings to becoming try, which was proven in the 2019 mar, the film stars Vivek Anand Matharu to star in the Prime Minister of India. The elections. What can be better than Oberoi in the lead role along with film first released on May 24, watching the inspiring story of the Boman Irani, Darshan Kumaar, 2019. Producer Ssandip Singh most inspiring leader of today’s Manoj Joshi, Prashant Narayan- feels the last time the film re- times, as theatres re-open. I’m an, Zarina Wahab, Barkha Bisht Egypt’s movies Vo Meri Student Hai leased in the theaters, it fell prey proud to be a part of this histori- Sengupta, Anjan Shrivastav. that reflects the Egypt's film festival artistic director heroic acts of Egyptian army speaks highly of Chinese filmmaking The 6th of October victory em- bodies the ability of the Egyptians Amir Ramses, the artistic direc- to crush the impossible by wise tor of Egypt's El Gouna Film Fes- planning and courageous imple- tival (GFF), spoke highly of Chi- mentation. “The victory of Oc- na's cinematography, saying it is tober is a reminder that Egyptian devoted to seeking innovation while maintaining traditional val- are always capable of rising up for ues. "As a director, I see the Chi- its rights, gaining respect from nese cinema as a very important others” said President Abdel Fat- pillar in the world filmmaking in- tah el Sisi. In this day the Egyp- dustry now," Ramses told Xin- tian army managed to recapture hua in an exclusive interview on Egyptian occupied territories and Thursday. Using advanced tech- restore national pride. “ Another nology in the Chinese cinema in- lesson from October war is that a Legendary singer Anup Jalota will be a ‘complete entertainer’. ode to their relationship,” Kesar dustry has added a new visual right coming from a place of pow- and his student Jasleen Matharu While the movie went on floors added. Jasleen Matharu and Anup form to it, which has exceeded er prevails in the end, and that are all set to share screen space last year, due to the pandemic, Jalota had entered Bigg Boss 12 many countries in the world, Egyptian are capable of protect- in upcoming film Vo Meri Stu- the shoot had to be stalled. He as a ‘vichitra jodi’. While during Ramses added. "The Chinese di- ing their territories” President Sisi dent Hai. Written and directed shared that a few days of shoot the premiere, the two maintained rectors have now presented their added. Egyptian cinema has tried by Kesar Matharu, the movie remains, post which they will that they were dating, after re- works at the international cine- to document that historic victory, will revolve around the much- announce the release date. “Jas- ceiving flak from all quarters, the matography level like other fa- adding to other documentaries. talked relationship between leen and Anup ji are both busy two went back on their words and mous filmmakers worldwide," he In this article, we will shed Anup and Jasleen. In an exclu- shooting right now. It has come said they were joking about it. said. The GFF's artistic director light on some movies that Egyp- sive chat with out quite well, and we are really Jasleen mentioned that it was a hailed the Chinese directors for tians audience watch on TV every indianexpress.com, Jasleen’s fa- excited to show the film to the prank, and Anup dismissed it by expressing the value. 6th of October anniversary. ther Kesar shared that the film world. Vo Meri Student Hai is an calling their relationship. Comedy Couple trailer: Saqib Saleem, Shweta Basu Prasad star in easy-breezy rom-com Green Lantern live-action TV series greenlit by HBO Max

The trailer of Nachiket Samant the worse when Deep’s habit of A TV series on the DC superhe- directorial Comedy Couple is lying is exposed. Comedy Couple ro Green Lantern has been green- out. The film stars Saqib Saleem, appears to be a light-hearted ro- lit by HBO Max, reports Vari- Shweta Basu Prasad, Pooja Bedi, mantic comedy which comes as a ety. The show was revealed to Rajesh Tailang and Pranay Man- breather from the intense and gory be in development last year. The chanda among others. A young content on streaming platforms. series will have 10 one-hour ep- comic Deep Sharma (Saleem) Rajesh Tailang and Pooja Bedi as isodes. The series will not be marries a stand-up comedian parents of Deep and Zoya, respec- about just one wielder of the Zoya Batra (Prasad). Together, tively, is a smart addition to the Power Ring as we will get to they set the stage on fire with film. Watching Tailang do comedy witness many Green Lanterns, their spot-on comic timing. But comes as a surprise as until now including Guy Gardner, Jessica their relationship takes a turn for we have seen the actor ace intense. Cruz, Simon Baz and Alan Scott. SUNDAY . OCTOBER 11, 2020 AFGHANISTANTIMES

BMW PGA: England 3-0 Wales: Dominic Darren Gough Shane Lowry and Matt Fitzpatrick Calvert-Lewin and Jack Grealish awarded MBE fire 65s to share halfway lead at hailed by Gareth Southgate for services Wentworth Gareth Southgate hails Dominic Calvert-Lewin's goalscoring debut for England: "In terms of accomplished debuts, I thought he looked very much at home. He has done all week, frankly. He will, I'm sure, take a lot of confidence from tonight." to cricket in Queen's Birthday Honours list

Shane Lowry and Matt Fitz- patrick go into the weekend of the BMW PGA Championship tied for the lead with Tyrrell Hatton in close proximity at Wentworth. Lowry and Fitzpatrick both took advantage of the friendlier, early conditions on the West Course and fired seven-under 65s to hit the front on 12 under, although Fitzpatrick was two shots clear of the pack until he tugged his approach to his final hole into Former England fast bowler Dar- came during the New Year's Test water and closed with a double- ren Gough has been awarded an in Australia in 1999. At the fa- bogey. Hatton's 67 in the cooler, MBE for services to cricket in mous Sydney Cricket Ground, wetter afternoon wave was one of the Queen's Birthday Honours Gough became the first - and ul- the best rounds of the afternoon list. The list was due to be pub- timately, only - England player Gareth Southgate hailed the im- said after the game. "He has done won the flick-ons for every long both missed Thursday's game. as he stayed within striking dis- lished in June but was pushed to take an Ashes hat-trick in the tance of the lead he held overnight, pact of Dominic Calvert-Lewin all week, frankly. Dominic Cal- ball, which we should have capit- Danny Ings opened his interna- back to allow nominations for 20th century as he had Ian Healy and Jack Grealish after the En- vert-Lewin became the 188th alised on a bit more, and the goal is tional account with a lovely over- while Race to Dubai leader Patrick people playing important roles caught behind and then bowled Reed produced a strong back-nine gland new boys' role in their 3-0 player to score on his England the thing which sends centre-for- head kick against Wales. "Jadon during the early months of the Stuart MacGill and Colin Mill- to maintain his hopes of a first win over Wales. Calvert-Lewin, debut and the first Everton play- wards home really happy." Conor and Raheem have the ability to coronavirus pandemic. Gough er. win on European soil. Lowry ad- who has already scored six times er to do so since Fred Pickering Coady ended a run of 111 games dribble and beat people, but he played 58 Test matches for En- The latter two were exam- mitted he considered giving the in four Premier League games this in 1964. "He's not looked ner- for club and country with a goal, does it in a different way," he said. gland between 1994 and 2003, ples of his brilliance with the tournament a miss after three season, got his debut England ap- vous in any way. I think the fact scoring his first goal since April "He's very comfortable receiving taking 229 wickets at an average reverse-swinging ball, a key part missed cuts in his last four starts, pearance off to a perfect start by he's playing well for his club, 2018 for Wolves vs Bolton in a under pressure, I think the area of 28.39, while his white-ball ca- of his armoury and one of the but he made the decision to com- meeting Grealish's cross to open they're top of the league, there Championship match. Southgate he got into for the goal that he reer extended to 2006 and saw reasons for his success in En- pete on Sunday and, reunited with the scoring after 26 minutes, while couldn't be a better moment to revealed he had spoken to Greal- created, is where he should aim him claim 235 one-day interna- gland's famous series wins in an old putter, he added a bogey- the Aston Villa captain was a bring him into the set-up. He ish about getting into areas such as to be more regularly. "You want a tional wickets at 26.42 in 159 Pakistan and Sri Lanka. A knee free 65 to his opening 67 and has livewire for most of the game and will, I'm sure, take a lot of confi- the one from which he provided player of his ability in and around games. In total the Yorkshireman injury ruled Gough out of the birdied seven of the eight par-fives especially shone when moved into dence from tonight. "He's in such Calvert-Lewin's opener, and said that final third as much as you took 855 first-class wickets and 2002-03 Ashes tour and even- over the first two days. The reign- a free role before half-time. "In a good moment, his all-round the 25-year-old can offer some- can. He's good at receiving deep, 598 in List A cricket but, impres- tually led to his retirement from ing Open champion topped the terms of accomplished debuts, I game was excellent. He pressed thing different to England's other but I keep stressing to him that sive as his numbers are, there was Test cricket at the end of the Strokes Gained - Putting stats on thought [Calvert-Lewin] looked with intelligence, he held the ball inside forward players like Raheem they're the areas of the game far more to Gough's career than summer of 2003, although he day one, and his touch on the very much at home," Southgate up and connected the game. He Sterling and Jadon Sancho, who where he can make the difference. that. Gough was a talisman continued as part of the England greens was assured and accurate throughout his England career, ODI side until 2006. again on Friday morning as he whenever they were in need of a After being left out of the carded seven birdies, kept the mis- World Grand wicket, the captain turned to him England squad for the 2007 takes at bay and earned the club- and invariably he delivered. World Cup, Gough called time house lead which he expected to Prix: Gerwyn Usyk vs Chisora: Dave However, even when things were on his international career and, relinquish when Fitzpatrick fin- not going his way, his energy and following three years at Essex, ished his round moments later. Price powers into effort never dipped as he contin- returned to Yorkshire as captain. Fitzpatrick raced to 14 under quarter-finals with ued to charge in in search of wick- After two years back at Head- when he covered the back nine in Allen's heavyweight clash ets. Ever the showman, Gough ingley, Gough retired from crick- 33 and then followed birdies at the win over Kim was able to inspire and galvanise et in September 2008, 19 years second and third with an eagle at not only his own team-mates but on from making his debut for the fourth, but his ambitious sec- Huybrechts the crowd, with his bowling, in the White Rose county. Since ond from a tricky lie at the eighth with Christian Hammer the field and even with his ad- retiring, 'Dazzler' has forged a - his last - landed on the left edge venturous approach with the bat successful second career as a of the green and toppled into the down the order. While he was in- radio broadcaster and was also water - leading to a six. His late strumental in series wins over brought in to work with En- lapse dropped him into a share of added to October 31 bill West Indies, Pakistan and Sri gland's seam bowlers on a short- the lead with Lowry, and the top Lanka in 2000 and 2001, argu- term consultancy basis on their two were not matched through- ring with Ukrainian pound-for- ably Gough's standout moment tour of New Zealand in 2019. out the remainder of the day. pound star Usyk and hopes victory over the respected Hammer will propel him into another big- name bout. But Hammer has already shown his threat on Brit- Novak Djokovic ish soil by stopping David Price three years ago, and Allen is prepared for a hard-fought encoun- beat s St efanos ter. "I'm really happy to fight Gerwyn Price stamped his class Christian Hammer," said Allen. Tsit sipas t o set over the World Grand Prix with a "He's highly ranked and is a blistering display to stay on tough, strong man. A win here course for a possible blockbuster puts me back to fringe world lev- up final against final with Michael van Gerwen. el. He's got a win over David Price has been in terrific form Price so that would half put my over the last couple of months, defeat to bed. "Sparring Usyk has Rafael Nadal at and he has brought that to Cov- taken me to another level. He's entry in a tournament that has one of the best pound-for-pound been thrown wide open with six fighters on the planet. I've picked French Open of the eight seeds dumped out in up so much from him and it's giv- Djokovic leads Nadal 29-26 in meetings. He also leads the first round. But world No 3 en me the confidence that I will 15–11 in finals. Of these matches, 15 have been in Grand Price joined world No 1 Van Ger- need to get through 10 rounds Slams with Nadal leading 9–6. The Spaniard is 6–1 at wen in the last eight thanks to a with Hammer." Hammer said: "I the French Open, including both finals comprehensive 3-0 win over Kim am very much looking forward Huybrechts as the line-up for the to this fight, I love to box in the quarter-finals was completed on UK. I fondly remember the vic- World No 1 Novak Djokovic set ding for a second French Open play Nadal at Roland Garros. I look Friday night. Dave Chisnall con- tory over David Price. "That is up a dream French Open final and 18th Grand Slam title, forward to it, I'm happy to be here tinued his impressive record in a exactly where I will continue against defending champion Rafa- claimed a 6-3 6-2 5-7 4-6 6-1 and motivated to win." Tsitsipas tournament he has twice suffered against Allen. Once I beat Allen el Nadal after defeating Stefanos victory after three hours and 54 is renowned shot-making skills but defeat in the final, he rallied to Dave Allen collides with Chris- ksandr Usyk-Derek Chisora bill on the big fights will come my way. Tsitsipas in five sets on Friday minutes on Court Philippe Cha- he was unable to break through beat Ryan Joyce and will next face tian Hammer as more heavy- October 31, live on Sky Sports Box I appreciate this opportunity and night in Paris. Djokovic, who trier. "Here, he (Nadal) is the the Djokovic wall for the first cou- Joe Cullen, while Jeffrey de weight action is added to the Ole- Office. 'White Rhino' has been spar- I will not be defeated." struggled physically with neck favourite, it's his home here. ple of sets. The Serb trailed 0-40 Zwaan beat Gabriel Clemens to and shoulder problems during his With all the titles he's won, but in the opening game but he saved set up a meeting with Price. In a quarter-final victory against Pab- in 2015 I won here against him all three break-points before tak- game between two of the fastest lo Carreno Busta, let a two-set in the quarter-finals," Djokovic ing command of the opening set. and most animated players on the DallasMavericksforward lead slip against the big-hitting said in his on-court interview. It was a similar story in the sec- circuit, Gerwyn Price made light Greek before regathering his form "I hope I can recuperate, I need ond set as Djokovic ripped work of Kim Huybrechts to seal in the fifth to reach his 27th my best tennis. It's maybe the through fifth seed Tsitsipas' de- a 3-1 win amid a barrage of big KristapsPorzingisundergoes Grand Slam final. Djokovic, bid- biggest challenge in our sport to fences losing just two games. finishes. Gerwyn Price remains on course to add another major right knee surgery title to his growing list as the quarter final line up for the World Thunder Moon leads all-star cast for Dewhurst Grand Prix was completed Tampa Bay Price, who added the World Buccaneers 19-20 Thunder Moon bids to double his Series of Darts Finals to his two top-level tally in a mouthwater- Grand Slam crowns last month, Chicago Bears: ing renewal of the Darley Dew- had to dig deep to claim the open- hurst Stakes at Newmarket. A ing set in a decider against a fired Cairo Santos runaway winner on his Curragh up Huybrechts. The Belgian debut in early August, Joseph looked to have stolen a march kicks Bears to O'Brien's juvenile then rocketed when he took out an impressive victory to the head of ante-post lists for 109 finish to claim the first leg of next year's 2000 Guineas after the second set. Price roared back, displaying a blistering turn of Cairo Santos kicked the winning foot to land last month's Nation- upping the ante with a 132 finish field goal as Nick Foles and the Dallas Mavericks forward Kri- four games of the seven-game on the bullseye followed by an Chicago Bears rallied to beat the staps Porzingis had surgery on his defeat. This season marked his al Stakes at the Curragh. O'Brien even better 148 combination that Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the right knee to repair a lateral menis- return to action, which proved managed to win the Dewhurst as gave him a two-set cushion. Ger- opening game of Week Five. With cus injury suffered during the play- successful as he averaged 20.4 a jockey aboard his father Aid- wyn Price was pleased with his just over a minute remaining San- offs, the team announced on Fri- points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.0 an's War Command in 2013, and strong performance as he convinc- tos landed his second field goal day. Per the team's statement, the blocks per game in 57 games (all has high hopes of getting his ingly beat Kim Huybrechts 3-0 of the night, adding a 38-yard 25-year-old Porzingis has not been starts). The 7ft 3in Porzingis name on the roll of honour as a to grab a WGP quarter-final spot. effort to his earlier success from given a specific timetable regard- missed one-and-a-half seasons trainer on Saturday. "We're look- From there, there was no looking 47 yards to secure a 20-19 victo- ing an expected return date, but he while recovering from a torn ACL ing forward to the race. Hopeful- since. "The Dewhurst is always last time out in the National back for the Iceman who reeled ry for the Bears, who improve will be able to begin rehabilitation during the 2017-18 season while ly the ground dries out as much a very good race and I'm sure it Stakes, obviously St Mark's Ba- off the next three legs with the to 4-1 to remain on the heels of immediately. ESPN reported that with the New York Knicks, with as possible and we'll see what will be again." Aidan O'Brien silica was supposed to run in minimum of fuss to book his place NFC North leaders Green Bay. the Mavericks are hopeful that the injury cutting short his only happens," said O'Brien, who saddles National Stakes second France last week and they would in the last eight with a display It meant an end to Tampa Bay's Porzingis will be ready to return All-Star season when he posted took the Fillies' Mile on Friday and third, Wembley and St have been kept apart, but that's befitting his status as the world (3-2) winning run, with the Bucs by training camp, although official a career-best 22.7 points per with Pretty Gorgeous. "We were Mark's Basilica, in a bid for a the way it is. "Both have been in No 3. bouncing back from a Week One start dates for next season have not game. delighted with him at the Cur- seventh Dewhurst success. He good form since their last runs." (Sky Sport) defeat to win each of their last. been set because of the coronavi- (Sky Sport) ragh and he's been in good form said: "Both ran very nice races (Sky Sport) SUNDAY . OCTOBER 11. 2020 -Mizan 20, 1399 H.S Vol:XV Issue No:62 Price: Afs.20

AT News AT News a 404 model bus hit a roadside a 404 passenger bus hit a mine at KABUL: Afghanistan’s National mine planted by the Taliban around 10:00pm Friday night, kill- Directorate of Security said ten KABUL: Seven civilians were rebels in Greshk district of Hel- ing two passengers, wounding 11 terrorists with ISIS and Haqqani killed in twin roadside mine mand on Saturday morning, kill- others, the spokesman for Herat links were detained on suspicion blasts in southern Helmand and ing five civilians and wounding Public Health Directorate, Rafiq of planning a recent attack on First western Herat provinces. 20 oth- nine more, according to a state- Sherzai told Afghanistan Times Vice President Amrullah Saleh. ers were wounded after their ve- ment by the defense ministry. The wounded passengers have According to the NDS, the hicles they were traveling in hit The second incident occurred in been evacuated to the provincial perpetrators are affiliated to these mines. In the first incident, Herat-Kandahar highway when hospital for.... Daesh and Haqqani terrorist groups, who had masterminded and executed attacks on other top Afghan officials. On 29th Septem- ber, a suicide bombing targeted the convoy of Amrullah Saleh in Taim- ani neighborhood of Kabul. The First Vice President escaped the attack unhurt ... AT News pioneer on the road to peace, but Taliban, according to him, KABUL: Vice President, Mo- have been repeatedly making ex- hammad Sarwar Danesh says that cuses to escape from peace ef- Taliban militants do not accept forts. He said that refusal of government’s offer that the holy cease fire by Taliban, intensify- Koran and prophet’s Sunnah ing of war and violence as well should be the base of negotia- as deadlocking of negotiations tions. Speaking at a gathering in by the group, have helped Af- AT News the attorney general office, ghan government to get a better Danesh said that the government position. The vice president of Afghanistan has been always said that... KABUL: At least 20 public uprising forces have joined the Tali- ban rank in Khwahan district of northern Badakhshan province. Provincial Police Spokesman, By Seddiq Hussainy Sanaullah Rohani on Saturday said that the Taliban have staged attacks on the security check- AT News will jump to 15 million by the KABUL: Kabul police has begun points in Howz area of Khwahan end of this year. The organiza- a systematic and vigorous crack- down against criminals, introduc- district. According to him, 20 pub- e have a big polic nals and thieves are exulting in their bed of crime, theft, burglary, and KABUL: The United Nations’ tion said Saturday that a large lic uprising forces, who were sur- World Food Program (WFP) ex- number of people lost their jobs ing new unprecedented measures ing problem in unbridled freedom in absence of exceedingly dangerous as if of- aimed at driving down spiraling rendered by the Taliban fighters, Kabul. It is as if law rule of law. Crime and mayhem has fenders are uncontrollable rene- presses concerns over the lack of this year due to threats posed pledged loyalty and jointed the food security in Afghanistan, by Corona virus that caused the crime in Kabul city. The new ap- enforcement agen- crept in every nook and cranny of gades and there is no stopping proach focuses more vigilance on group. But the ... cies are in hibernation as crimi- Kabul. The city has become a hot- them. People... warning that the number of peo- number of people facing starva- ple deprived from food security tion rise. ... the streets, increases the use of stop and search and incarcerates more offenders and criminals. Over the past weeks alone, we have arrested 800 criminal offenders, Tariq Arian, spokesman to the Ministry of Interior told Afghan- istan Times. He said the police AT News AT News have begun a more vigorous com- A number of the now dismantled bat against criminal networks in KABUL: A key Taliban com- Afghanistan National Fund KABUL: 43 captives, including Kabul city to address the growing mander and his two acquaintan- (ANF) workers on Saturday members of the Afghan National concerns about the steep increase ces were killed by the Afghan se- protested against cancellation of Defense and Security Forces in violent crime. “We stepped up the fund in Kabul and demanded (ANDSF) and civilians, were freed our vigilance and security mea- curity forces before entering to th Kabul, the interior ministry said the government make their fate from a Taliban prison in Shah Joy sures in 5 PD, an effort that re- on Saturday. Tariq Arian, Spokes- known. The ANF was formed in district of Zabul province in a mil- duced crime substantially,” he man for the Ministry of Interior May in compliance to a presi- itary sting conducted by the Af- said, vowing that the same anti- said that the notorious Taliban dential decree to collect donations ghan National Army. 20 of the re- crime paradigm will be imple- commander, Awal Khan, was and distribute them among vul- leased captives including four ci- mented for all districts of Kabul killed while he was heading to nerable people. It was created vilians were transferred to Zabul city. He said the police has arrest- Kabul with his two comrades. under the framework of Radio provincial center – Qalat, the de- ed more than 11,000 people on “All of them were killed in Maid- Television Afghanistan (RTA) fense ministry said on Saturday. criminal charges over the past six an Wardak... with 42 million... The rest were ... months. “Many...