Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:X Issue No:148 Price: Afs.15

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimes www.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27 . 2015 -Jadi 06, 1394 HS Yo ur Yo ur ad ad he re he re 0778894038 0708954626

AT News Report Afghan security forces were ad- mand province to neutralize the vancing in Sangin, adding that the existing and potential threats. KABUL: Afghan security forces district would be cleared of insur- “The Taliban had increased their have accelerated the pace of mili- gents soon. He said that Afghan attacks over districts in 2015. tary operation against the Taliban National Army, Special Forces However, Afghan security forces insurgents in Sangin district of and Afghan National Police are repelled these attacks successful- southern Helmand province, said involved in the special operation ly. The security forces also in- Ministry of Interior (MoI). in Sangin district. Over 50 Tali- creased raids over insurgents in Spokesman for the ministry ban fighters were killed in the past different provinces this year,” he Seddiq Seddiqi said on Saturday two days. Equipment and ammu- said. He reiterated that Afghan se- that clashes between militants and nition were sent to the security curity forces are capable of de- government forces were underway forces. Only two Afghan soldiers fending the country and defeating in Sangin district. He said the se- were killed in the past 24 hours, the enemies in the battlefield. The curity forces were engaged in he added. The spokesman claimed spokesman said that the security clearance operation in different that security forces have also con- forces are also concentrating on parts of the district. Speaking at a centrated over Marja, Khanshin, Badakhshan, Baghlan and Takhar press conference here he said that Grishk and Kajaki districts of Hel- provinces to defeat the militants.

The Afghan National Army (ANA) forces thwarted a plot to carry out Indian linked a series of roadside bomb attacks in Kabul, the defense authorities to Daesh sneaks said Saturday. At least three Im- provised Explosive Device (IED) into Afghanistan were discovered and defused by KABUL: A young Indian man, the Afghan armed forces belonging suspected of having links with the to the 111 Division of Quick Re- Islamic State (IS), has sneaked action Forces. The IEDs were into Afghanistan from Mumbai, a planted in Bagh-e-Alam and Jaji news report said on Saturday. village in Qarabagh district of Kab- Ayaz Sultan, the man who ul, MoD said, adding that the IEDs sistance Mission in Afghanistan showed his friends Daesh docu- were defused by Explosive Ord- (UNAMA) said earlier in August ments and videos, slipped away nance Disposal team. The anti- that the civilian casualties remain Totally 74 houses were destroyed in Badakhshan, Takhar, from his home in Malwani town government armed militant groups at record in the Afghan war in the Baghlan, Kunar, Parwan and Nangarhar provinces on October 30 before leaving for have not commented regarding the first half of 2015. According to Afghanistan. AT News Report issue with the Ministry of For- report so far. Taliban militants and UNAMA, 70 per cent of these AT News Report garhar province. Fif- One of his associates, identi- eign Affairs. Zamir Kabulov, a de- insurgents belonging to other mili- casualties were caused by the teen cattle killed in fied as Wajid Shaikh, was detained KABUL: A number of lawmakers partment chief at Russia’s Foreign tant groups frequently use Impro- militant activities, calling on anti- KABUL: A powerful earthquake, Badakhshan province. in Pune and returned home on termed Russia’s support to the Ministry and President Vladimir vised Explosive Device (IED) as government armed militant 6.3 in magnitude, rocked Afghan- The spokesman said that for- December 23. He had gone miss- Taliban as interference in internal Putin’s special envoy on Afghan- the weapon of their choice to tar- groups to immediately cease the istan on late Friday night, de- tunately, the ministry had prepa- ing along with Sultan to join the affairs of Afghanistan. While talk- istan in an interview with Interfax get the security forces, however in use of IEDs, particularly suicide stroying several houses in differ- rations for the winter season and ing to the plenary session of the militant group. news agency on Wednesday said majority of such attacks the ordi- and complex attacks, in all areas ent provinces. At least 12 people stocked enough edible and non- According to The Times of Wolesi Jirga (Lower House of the that Russia has established com- nary civilians are targeted. This frequented by civilians, and stop were injured. Spokesman for State edible items in different zones to parliament), the lawmakers said India, anti-terrorism officials are munication channels to exchange comes as the United Nations As- using illegal pressure-plate IEDs. Ministry of Disaster Management help disaster victims. “After sur- still looking for Mohsin Sayyed. that Afghanistan would share the information with the Taliban. Affairs, Omar Mohammadi, said vey, these relief items will be used fate of Syria, if the government However, the Taliban militants that according to the US Geologi- to help the earthquake-affected Shaikh had reportedly been in con- kept quite over the issue. A Rus- denied having relations with Rus- Struggling to absorb asylum-seekers, cal Survey the earthquake struck people,” he added. Spokesman for tact with elements who were try- sian diplomat recently said that sia. The group in a statement said Afghanistan at 11:15 pm. The ep- Nangarhar’s governor, Attaullah ing to indoctrinate him. Russia has established communi- that they don’t need Russia’s sup- Germany steps up deportations icenter of the earthquake was said Khogyanai, said that 12 people “The security agencies are cation channels to exchange infor- port to fight against IS. Germany's Chancellor Angela ing migrants from countries the to be northern Afghanistan at a were injured in Jalalabad city. He now worried about Sultan, anoth- mation with the Taliban who are Saleh Muhammad Saleh, a Merkel says it is her country's re- German government considers depth of 203 kilometer. The earth- added that the wounded people er youth who slipped away from fighting against Islamic State (IS) member of the internal security sponsibility to help anyone flee- "safe," at least in part — even Af- quake was able to be felt in the were shifted to hospital and health his Malwani home on October 30, in Afghanistan. The lawmakers commission of Wolesi Jirga, said ing from war: More than a million ghanistan. nearby countries of Tajikistan, condition of two injured people 2015 and went to Afghanistan,” said that Russia’s ties with the that Afghanistan should not turn people have sought asylum in Ger- Merkel embraces Syrian refu- India and Pakistan. was critical. Most of people were the newspaper reported. Taliban would lead to a new war into a battleground for proxy many this year, and the German gees with open arms, but had a far He said that totally 74 houses sleeping when the earthquake jolt- Currently being interrogated, in Afghanistan. Speaker of the wars. “The government should be government has been generous in different message for Afghans dur- were destroyed in Badakhshan, ed Afghanistan. Awoken by the Shaikh has told investigators that Wolesi Jirga, Abdul Rauf Ebrahi- alert and should not let Afghani- welcoming many of them. ing a recent news conference with Takhar, Baghlan, Kunar, Parwan quake, people were running to an Sultan used to show them Islamic mi, assigned the commission of stan to become a battleground be- At the same time, officials are their president, Ashraf Ghani, in and Nangarhar provinces. Around open space while reciting verses State literature and videos.Sultan international affairs of to take the tween world powers,” he added. stepping up deportations, target- Berlin. ...P2 12 people were wounded in Nan- from the Holy Quran. flew to Kabul on November 1, 2015. (Pajhwok) Govt accuses insurgents of ex- plosion in mosque KABUL: The Afghan government Irrigation canals con- on Saturday accused the insurgent structed in Samangan armed movement Taliban of a KABUL: The Wolesi Jirga on Sat- posals for amendments to the elec- AIBAK: Three irrigation canals bomb attack that injured ten peo- urday rejected by a majority vote toral law cannot be included in the have been constructed in Hazrat ple in a mosque in Baghlan prov- an election-related legislative de- working agenda of the assembly Sultan district, Samangan prov- ince. ince. The canals have been con- In a statement published in this cree of President Ashraf Ghani. during the last year of the legisla- The presidential decree was tive period.” Under the constitu- structed in Hazrat Sultan district, capital, the spokesman for the Samangan province at the cost of Ministry of the Interior, Sediq placed before the lower house for tion, the lawmakers’ mandate ends approval by Nasir Ahamd Hanafi, on the 1st of Saratan (22nd June) more than 14 million Afghanis. Sediqi, pointed out that the rebel Ghulam Mohammad Daqiq irriga- movement is responsible for the head of the legislative commission of the fifth year after the election. of the Wolesi Jirga. He believed Wolesi Jirga elections have to tion head of Aibak center of Sa- action. "Once again, the Taliban lion this solar year (March 21, the International Monetary Fund mangan province told BNA; the plants a bomb in a mosque," said some parts of the orders needed be held 30-60 days before the ex- By Akhtar M. Nikzad canals of Asiaabad village which amendments but the commission piry of its term. But this year, the 2015-2016), however, the figure (IMF) after achieving the target. Sediq, who added that a dozen vis- KABUL: Ministry of Finance located in Samangan River and itors were injured as a consequence declined approvingthe measure. Presidential Palace delayed the was Afs100.05 billion during the He added that transparency in Hazrat Sultan district was con- of the detonation. So far, the main Hanafi said the assembly could not elections due to technical and fi- (MoF) on Saturday said that rev- last solar year (2014). He said that collection of revenues and reforms structed according to the request Afghan insurgent group has not include the electoral law in its agen- nancial issues. enue collection has increased by the international community has in the taxation system were the of residents of the area. claimed responsibility for the at- da during the 5th year of its ten- An exact date of the election is 21 percent (Afs 20.7 billion) this fixed Afs114 billion as target in main reasons behind the increase. According to him, the canals were tack, although the government as- ure. He added the president could yet to be announced.During Sat- year. revenues collection for the Afghan Hakimi said that they are in- previously damaged due to heavy sures that on previous occasions, not issue a legislative decree when urday’s session, of the 128 mem- The Minister of Finance, Ek- government this year. He said that tended to bring further reforms in floods and have been constructed similar actions were perpetrated a law was already in force. Article bers present, 113 voted against the lil Hakimi, told newsmen that the based on the agreement Afghani- order to further increase national with the assistance of Develop- by the rebels. (Prensa Latina) 109of the constitution says: “Pro- legislative decree. (Pajhwok) revenue stood at Afs120.75 bil- stan has received $75 million from revenue. ...P2 ment Bank. (BNA)

68.65 67.55

74.40 73.80 This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.

SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES For m er Mu jah id sp eak s The hidden treasury o f Afghan istan o n ou t abou t h is d ir e sit u at ion exhibitio n at Kyushu Natio nal Museum Mohammad Hussain Takawar is a KABUL: The Afghan National former Mujahideen fighter who Museum Bakhtar treasuries and lost an eye and two hands in an relics exhibition opened in Kyushu explosion in Pashtoon Zarghoon Museum Japan by Zardasht Shams district of Herat province 27 years the Deputy Minister of Informa- ago. tion and Culture and the head of But he has blasted the govern- that museum. ment for not helping disabled At the exhibition 231 ancient people in the country. pieces achieved from Flul Taipa, Meanwhile, the family of the Tela Taipa Aie Khanum and Bagram victim says that they are now tired have been displaying. The relics of the war in the country. How- will be on the exhibition from Feb- ever, they will not forget the tragic ruary 2016 until May 14 of the incident that disabled their father. year on that museum. It should Thousands of families were af- note that the relics, the hidden trea- fected in Afghanistan as a result of sury of Afghanistan would be dis- war and violence with many of play at Tokyo National Museum them losing their loved ones over for two months in April and May the years. Takawar's tragedy has saw is that his children get an edu- Family members complain of 2016. left psychological scars on his chil- cation. poverty and poor economic con- In ceremony held on the occa- dren. "You imagine how it would Takawar's children expressed ditions. sion, Mr. Shams said that the aim be painful when someone sees his their views on the tragedy of their They said government has ig- of the exhibition was to introduce loved one without hands or legs father in this manner. nored families of those who fought the historical and rich culture of while he was a healthy person be- "I wish that there will not be for the sake of freedom and justice Afghanistan to world community fore," Takawar said. "It is only love more bloodshed and war in Af- in the country. "I want to notify particularly to the friendly people and affection that keep a family ghanistan and we do not further the government and leaders not to of Japan. The Deputy Minister of united and together." witness people become disabled, forget those who fought for the de- Information and Culture praising He says that he has fought for killed or wounded," Takawar's son velopment and freedom of Af- and expressing gratitude the cul- pieces of Afghan national museum ment particularly the Ministry of Afghanistan, using the opportuni- years for the sake of freedom and Muhammad Ali said. ghanistan. Because in most cases tural assistance of Japan to Af- relics for the last 15 years illegally Information and Culture for ac- ty met their long desires. Afghani- development of Afghanistan. But "I hope there wouldn't be more their children can not get educa- ghanistan insisted on extension of brought in to that country. The cepting their demanding for send- stan will receive 250,000 $ from he has been forgotten while his col- wars in any part of Afghanistan so tion. Therefore, I want to reiterate cultural ties between the countries. relics at the end of the exhibition ing those valuable pieces of relics Kyushu and Tokyo exhibitions and leagues gained a lot of wealth and that the people and the children the government not to forget us," He also, thanked the Japanese will be hand to Afghanistan. to the exhibition. He hoped, the 40% of the total income of the ex- became millionaires. can get education," Takawar's another daughter Fawzia said. government especially Prof. The Kyushu Museum direc- people of Japan who have inter- hibitions would be earn by Af- He said that the only dream he daughter Marzia said. (TOLONews) Hyrayama for keeping safe 102 tor thanked the Afghan govern- ested to know about Afghans and ghanistan. (BNA) Revenue up by 21 percent: MoF ..P1 This comes at a time that Wolesi Jirga (Lower the next fiscal year is estimated amples of tax on mobile phone House of the parliament) last week rejected draft around Afs461 billion. The com- recharge cards and duties over oil budget for next fiscal year. Abdul Rauf Ebrahi- mission has forecast Afs19 billion and gas. Officials in the Ministry mi, speaker of the Wolesi Jirga, said that the budget deficit. Seddiq Ahmad Os- of Finance said that after assess- budget was imbalanced. According to the Fi- mani, a lawmaker, said that some ing the budget draft, they would nancial and Budget Committee of the Wolesi Jir- sources of the revenue didn’t have send it soon to the Wolesi Jirga ga total ordinary and development budget for legal base. He came with the ex- for approval. Struggling to absorb asylum-seekers, . . ..P1 She said many Afghans seeking asylum can citizens there, to protect Afghans the main gate of Kabul's interna- expect to be shipped home. In Berlin, the Rev. and to create safe environments in tional airport. It was one of a se- Gottfried Martens lights a candle during a service Afghanistan," he says. "And then ries of recent attacks in the Afghan to baptize Iranians in the Trinity Church. Iranian people from Afghanistan are com- capital that have left at least 50 and Afghan converts make up most of the 900- ing as so-called war refugees here dead. member congregation. Afghans may want to come to Europe." Hauptmann says near- Violence in Afghanistan has in- to Germany for a better life, Merkel said, but her ly 128,000 Afghans came to Ger- creased since U.S. combat troops plan is to help them by sending German troops many in the first 11 months of this pulled out last year. But Afghans and development aid to Afghanistan. She urged year to apply for asylum – a third living in Germany say there is no Ghani to help keep Afghans home. The German of them in November alone. "This safe place in their homeland for embassy in Kabul also has started a media cam- is not acceptable. I know that Af- them to return now, given daily paign to persuade Afghans to stay put. Mark ghanistan is not a place where we Taliban attacks, many of them in Hauptmann, a parliament member from Merkel's have 100 percent safety all over the heart of Kabul. party, explains the policy in two ways. First, "If the country but the idea ... is to Obaid Abdullah, 31, is from we look at the people who are leaving the country, create areas where you can live Kabul. He now lives outside Mu- they are the young ones, the better-educated ones secure and safe," he says. Afghan nich. He and two of his friends met and those ones are needed to build up Afghani- security forces inspect a suicide with reporters last month after a stan," he says. "We send our troops, we send our bombing attack on Aug. 10 near third friend was deported. DACAAR TENDER NOTICE DACAAR ITB 17 PO-0004934-35-36/1508-50/CHF2.4/12.2015 (I) & (II) Date: December 23, 2015 Sealed offers are invited from qualified companies for supply of Wooden Materials & Plastic Tarpaulin for DACAAR Regional Offices in Balkh, Kunduz & Takhar Provinces.

Please get the detailed tender documents from website at www.dacaar.org , www.kabul-tenders.org or DACAAR Office in below mentioned address. The offers should reach to DACAAR before Jan 12, 2016 at 4:00 P.M. The tender opening meeting will be held at 10:00 A.M on Jan 13, 2016.

DACAAR Address:

DACAAR Procurement & Stock Unit DACAAR Main Office , Qalayee Fatullah, Road No. 12, Street No.3, House No. 403, Paykobe Naswar, Taimani Project, Kabul, Afghanistan. Email: [email protected] This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

7 militants killed in Paktika AT Monitoring Desk

KABUL: At least seven Taliban militants were killed and 11 oth- ers injured during a gunfight with the Afghan Local Police (ALP) in southeastern Paktika province, said officials on Saturday. AT News Report sources said on Saturday. Raza Razai, a military He told media that during the But, he confirmed that two out of The provincial deputy police Security forces had launched spokesman in the north of the operation some of the Taliban three villages in Ghormach are still chief, Col. Nisar Ahmad Abdul KABUL: The Afghan National the operation to clear the district country, said the ANSF had re- commanders were also killed. The controlled by the insurgent group. Rahimzai, told Pajhwok Afghan Security Forces (ANSF) had of insurgents. Tens of Taliban taken control of the district after operation is still continued. A few months ago, the Tali- News that the clashes erupted in launched an offensive to retake fighters were killed and several launching successful operation the However, he did not provide ban had attacked the market area Pirgoti area of Urgun district. He Ghormach district of Faryab prov- others wounded during the opera- other day. The operation was any information about casualties of Ghormach district and seized said that the militants attacked ince from the Taliban insurgents, tion. codenamed “Sword Fifteen”. suffered by the security forces. control of important buildings. police checkpoints and as a result the local police force killed seven militants and wounded 11 others in retaliation. He said that the ALP strength ALP recovered two Pakistani na- being increased tional identity cards from two of EMERGENCY the killed militants. A resident of in Helmand the Urgun district, Juma Khan, CALLS said that a local policeman was also killed and another wounded LASHKARGAH: The Ministry of Interior has approved a new Police in the gun battle. The ALP also 1000-member Afghan Local Po- recovered weapons from the mil- lice (ALP) force for southern Hel- itants. However, the Taliban mand province to enhance securi- 100 - 119 spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid ty, an official said on Saturday. claimed that the militants had Clashes between security forc- killed four ALP members and es and Taliban militants have been Hospitals wounded three others. He con- underway in various parts of the firmed the loss of some arms and province, with the rebels captur- FMIC Hospital ammunition. Paktika is one of nal technicians. Initially in 2005 ing some areas. Helmand police the restive provinces in the coun- ten people travelled to India for chief Brig. Gen. Abdul Rahman Behind Kabul Medical try where the Taliban militants training at the Barefoot College in Sarjang told a press conference University: usually carry their attacks against installing solar systems. These here that the Ministry of Interior the security forces and civilians. master ‘barefoot solar engineers’, had approved the deployment of 0202500200-+93793275595 in turn, have now trained 84 engi- another 1000-member ALP force neers scattered across these prov- to strengthen security in the prov- Residents Afghanistan has one of the lowest inces. A significant number of these ince. The police chief said some Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital rates of electricity usage in the engineers are female. needs in sphere of equipment in- Pule Bagh-e- Umomi concerned over world. Currently only 38 per cent The engineers set up work- cluding heavy weaponry and oth- of the population are connected to shops at home, where they pre- ers of security forces had been 070263672 Daesh presence the grid as poor infrastructure has pare donated or purchased solar fulfilled in Helmand. Sarjang said been exacerbated by years of con- systems for installation. Without the new ALP force would assist in Laghman flict. The mountainous terrain and these rooftop systems, most the national police in areas where Khairkhana Hospital remoteness of many communities households would still be using ex- their presence was needed. The AT Monitoring Desk also make it prohibitively expen- pensive kerosene lanterns, which new deployment will increase the 0799-321007 sive to install grid electricity in require liquid fuel brought from ALP strength in Helmand from 2401352 KABUL: The residents of east- much of the country. Afghanistan remote market towns on some- the current 4000 to 5000 person- ern Laghman province had ex- does, however, have one relatively times hazardous journeys. The nel. Sarjang also said additional pressed concerns over presence of inexpensive resource in abundance: project has provided access to elec- security personnel had been sent Indira Gandhi Children Daesh fighters in the province and its arid, sunny climate make it an tricity through solar power and to various parts of Helmand to urged the security officials to take ideal location for solar power. micro hydropower to 92 villages. prevent the conflict from spread- Hospital, Wazir Akbar notice of the issue. According to In this photo gallery, Jim Over 50,000 individuals now re- ing. He said the Taliban had de- the TOLOnews, the residents said Holmes documents the work of ceive electricity from solar panels. vised some plans for Helmand in Khan, Kabul 2301372 that threats in Qarghaee district Norwegian Church Aid to bring The engineers, many of whom are spring, but the Afghan forces were are mostly due to presence of solar power to remote areas of also farmers, receive a fee of up to fully prepared to frustrate their Daesh fighters. Afghanistan. As part of a project, 70 Afghani (about US$1) each designs. Ibn-e- Seena They said the district was one the NGO has introduced solar month from each household for The police chief said security of the secure districts and it was power to communities in four The project is based on the local, often uneducated, people, to maintaining and repairing the sys- forces had been locked in fierce Pul-e-Artan, Kabul called the “district of peace” by provinces previously cut off from barefoot movement in India. This adopt, manage and own sophisti- tems. This gives the barefoot solar clashes with Taliban militants over 2100359 the locals. electricity supplies: Bamyan, aims to empower rural communi- cated technologies such as solar engineers an average monthly in- the past two days in Sangin and However, the district has be- Daykundi, Faryab and Oruzgan. ties and develop skills by training power without the need for exter- come of US$90. (Sci Dev Net) Greshk districts. (Pajhwok) come insecure now. Shayesta Gul, Wazir Akbar Khan a resident of Laghman, said that there was a group of people who Hospital wore black outfits and were ha- 2301741, 2301743 rassing the locals. Another resi- dent of the province, Hakim Khan, said that Daesh has started their ing to draw out the last measure of Ali Abad activities in different parts of By Franz-Stefan Gady ciently run the military from the top down at the corps level. Only a dwindling resource,” according to Qarghaee district and the province, Captain Victor Ugenyi, another ad- Shahrara, Kabul saying it has raised the residents’ It only took the convoy of buff- NATO Special Operations Forc- clad armored trucks a few min- es are still training their Afghan visor. “But we are trying to help 2100439 concerns about the growing pres- utes to reach its destination. Past counterparts at the tactical level. them find it within their own sys- ence of the group. a two-story empty school build- Inside the headquarters building tem.” The NATO mission is cen- Without pointing and com- ing riddled with bullet holes from First Lieutenant David Witter, one tered around eight essential func- menting on the presence of Daesh a complex Taliban attack that of a few dozen NATO advisors tions including planning and bud- Malalai Maternity in the province, the Qarghaee dis- killed over 50 in early December, based in Kandahar province, takes geting, force generation, sustain- Hospital trict chief Sadullah Behbud said and beyond a now empty bazaar off his gear and exchanges his rifle ment, strategic communications and that the insurgents were trying to where the worst carnage occurred for a notebook. A few warm em- gender issues, according to a NATO 2201377/ 2301743 destabilize the eastern province. during the insurgents’ assault, the braces and handshakes with Af- handout. Next to lack of airpower, Behbud said that the residents are U.S. military advisors arrive at the ghan officers follow. Two U.S. sol- one of the major deficiencies in the united against the terrorist group. Afghan military base after driving diers—”guardian angels” or body- Afghan military remains force sus- Banks Meanwhile, the Laghman’s gov- less than half a kilometer. The sol- guards—are discreetly shadowing tainment, an area that includes med- ernor spokesman Sarhadi Zwak diers are dressed as if for a com- the young American officer with ical services, maintenance, and lo- Da Afghanistan Bank denied the presence of the Daesh bat patrol, donning ballistics sun- their weapons ready. (Two guard- the corps’ artillery pieces in order Afghans are going about their busi- gistics. “Force sustainment still group in the province, saying that glasses, Kevlar helmets, tactical ian angels must accompany any to prevent incidents of friendly ness, waiting for the right moment needs a lot of assistance—no sur- 2100302, 2100303 the Daesh fighters do not have any vests, and carrying assault rifles, U.S. advisor during their entire fire. After Major Nuzir arrives, to offer input—sometimes that prises there,” one advisor confides. activity in the province. Howev- side arms and ample ammunition. time at Afghan military installa- they both review their actions moment never arrives. Before U.S. In Kandahar, the U.S. military Kabul Bank er, the residents asked the gov- Even when walking inside the base tions.) “It’s all about relation- from the previous week during the President Barack Obama’s decision helped the 205th Corps plan its ernment for security measures to along a small concrete pathway ships. There are some officers you Taliban attack—but not before a to delay the withdrawal of troops winter campaign and to work 222666, 070285285 prevent the Daesh fighters from that leads to the headquarters of get along with better than others,” few minutes of small talk asking from Afghanistan, the American forc- “through processes” in the words making inroads in the province. the 205th Corps of the Afghan Witter explains. He is in the Af- about their families and health. es in Kandahar were preparing to of one of advisor. According to Cap- Azizi Bank National Army, the U.S. soldiers ghan Corps’ Tactical Operations “How is your family? Were you leave for good. As a consequence, tain Marc Burd, the U.S. military advance in tactical formation, their Center (TOC), a focal point for or your family caught up in the the advisor team in Kandahar was also supported Afghan forces in re- 0799 700900 Tribal elder dead rifles at the ready, suspiciously managing the 205th Corps, whose attack?” The American officer reduced to a bare minimum, and only ducing the red tape surrounding the eyeballing every Afghan passing area of responsibility includes the observes that simple expressions recently began to be restored. The reenlistment of soldiers. “A soldier Pashtany Bank in Nangarhar them. With the ever present dan- provinces of Kandahar, Daykun- of care can help ease deeper lay- team should reach its full strength used to need 46 signatures to reen- 2102908, 2103868 ger of “green on blue” attacks— di, Uruzgan and Zabul. “It is, ers of tension and misunderstand- of about 100 advisors again in the list, we helped them reduce it to explosion Afghan soldiers opening fire on however, with those officers with ing. Witter and a few other Amer- spring of 2016. For now, junior of- 14,” Burd states. An Afghan sol- U.S. military personnel—the whom you have a closer personal ican advisors were dispatched to ficers have to advise multiple Af- dier, though, still has to report to Air Services Americans are not taking any relationship where you can have the TOC to help with medical ghan officers often many years their his company, battalion, brigade, JALALABAD: A tribal elder was and corps commanders and have killed as a result of a blast in east- chances, even when shuttling be- the most professional impact.” On evacuations and to keep track of senior in age and experience. Across tween two bases within a relative- this December morning Lieuten- casualties during the fight. The Afghanistan, the number of actual them sign his paperwork, which Safi Airways ern Nangarhar province, an offi- ly secure defense perimeter. One ant Witter is waiting for the shift white board in the room still has a military advisors is under 1,000. often requires dangerous travel. One cial said on Saturday. successful attack could set back change and for Major Nuzir to casualty chart showing “1630h,” While the NATO mission in Af- way to gauge the combat effective- 020 22 22 222 The incident took place on their advising efforts for weeks, take over command of the TOC the time it was last updated by ghanistan officially consists of ness is battlefield successes. How- Friday evening when a magnetic or even months, and help fuel the from another officer. Witter finds Witter on December 8. The Af- training, assisting and advising, ever, given the nature of conduct- Ariana bomb attached to his vehicle went flames of those within the Amer- Nuzir notably receptive to his ghans apparently did not follow most of the time spent here in Kan- ing a counterinsurgency campaign off in the Qasim village of Behsud ican political establishment who advice, which the American offic- Witter’s advice to regularly record dahar is focused on advising—a and the lack of set piece battles, 020-2100270 district. Attaullah Khogyani, the increasingly question the rationale er partially attributes to better their own summaries on the board mission “easy to define but diffi- even ascertaining the winner and governor’s spokesman, told Pajh- behind the United States’ mission interpersonal chemistry between For a few minutes he once more cult to execute” according to one loser in a fight is often an impossi- wok Afghan Newsthe elder was in Afghanistan after 14 years of the two. Like the majority of ad- tries to lay out the benefits of a U.S. officer who spoke to The Dip- ble task. Consequently, one Colo- Kam Air killed and another person wound- war. NATO officially declared visors, he has to conduct his busi- using the white board versus writ- lomat—although some Afghan of- nel emphasized “it is not about 0799974422 ed in the explosion. Faqir Shah, combat operations in Afghanistan ness through an interpreter since ing updates on a piece of paper. ficers still primarily see the Ameri- winning or losing but about bring- originally from the Kashmund area over at the end of 2014 and re- he is not fluent in Pashto or Dari. Like most of his discussions with cans as providers. A Colonel, for ing the Afghan National Security of Dara-i-Noor district, was liv- duced its troop level to around Witter spends four to five days Afghan officers during that day example, recently asked one of his and Defense Forces to the thresh- Hotels ing in Behsud district, said anoth- 13,000 in country. NATO’s com- every week offering advice and he prefaces his remarks with “Sor- U.S. counterparts for a new pair of old of success.” One U.S. Army bat mission was replaced by a support to the Afghan officers in ry to take so much of your time. I running shoes. Another officer Captain, however, quoted Mac- Safi Landmark er tribal elder from, Walayat Arthur’s old dictum when discuss- Khan. No one has so far claimed “train, advise, and assist” mission: charge of running the TOC. This know you are busy, but may I wants the Americans to intervene helping higher ranking Afghan morning, he begins by discussing suggest… “ American advisors are on his behalf at the Defense Minis- ing the conflict in Afghanistan. In responsibility for the explosion. staff officers establish new sys- a monitoring system with an Af- on-the-job consultants, trying to try in Kabul since he was stepped war, the general wrote, ”there is no 020-2203131 (Pajhwok) tems and processes to more effi- ghan officer that would help track stay in the background while the over for promotion. “They are try- substitute for victory.” SERENA 0799654000 New Rumi Restaurant 0776351347 Internet Services UA Telecom 0796701701 / 0796702702 FAIZABAD: Human rights offi- allow AIHRC teams to reach to mother by the insurgents. Accord- least 190 women were killed dur- cials say they are concerned about most areas to inquire about inci- ing to police, both Muslima and ing the first half of the ongoing Exchange Rate women’s rights violations and dents of violence.She told Pajh- Maryam were pregnant when solar year across the country and term insecurity as a major reason wok Afghan News many incidents they were killed by the Taliban most of the killers remained un- Purchase: behind ongoing violence against of violence against women might because Muslima’s husband punished. The rights body has the gender in northeastern Bada- have gone unreported because fe- served in Afghan Local Police registered as many as 2,600 inci- khshan province. As many as 29 males in Warduj, Kiran wa Man- (ALP). In July, Taliban shot dead dents of violence against the gen- One US$ = incidents of violence against jan, Yamgan, Juram, Raghistan and a policeman and her wife in front der during the first six months of 68.02Afs women took place this solar year other remote areas were unable to of their children in Shuhada dis- the year that ends on March 21. in Badakhshan against 37 cases last share their problems with the trict. The assailants forced their The commission says most of the One Pound Sterling= year. This year’s violations include commission’s provincial office. way inside the policeman’s house murderers had managed to escape 100.52Afs seven cases of discriminate behav- This ongoing solar year, three at night and sprayed them with or could not be punished for their ior, six cases of alimony denial, women were shot dead, two by bullets. Also this year, a 30-year- crimes. The incidents included 900 One Euro = 13 incidents of torture involving militants and one by their rela- old woman was stoned to death verbal or psychological abuses, 73.87Afs husbands, one case of broken en- tives, according to AIHRC. The by Taliban in Tirgaran district for 550 incidents had economic rea- 1000 Pak Rs = gagement, one of forced marriage commission has strongly con- allegedly having sexual relation- sons, 186 sexual attacks, 70 phys- and one divorce. Statistics with demned the murder incidents and ship with a man out of marriage. ical tortures and the remaining 632Afs the provincial Afghanistan Inde- acknowledged its failure to regis- But Taliban had denied their in- were elopement, divorce, denial of pendent Human Rights Commis- ter crimes against women in inse- volvement in the killing of these alimony and others. The AIHRC Sale: sion (AIHRC) office show last cure areas. According to Pajhwok women and had blamed the mur- issued the figures on the occasion One US$ = year’s incidents include 20 fe- Afghan News reports, three wom- ders on personal enmity. Howev- of International Day for the Elim- hired lawyers to defend rights of khshan, said more than 100 cases 68.22 Afs males were tortured by family en have been killed in Shuhada and er, the government has accused the ination of Violence against Wom- the victims in judicial organs. She of violence against women had members. Arifa Navid, AIHRC in- Warduj districts by Taliban. The rebels of the killings. Family mem- en. Maryam Amwaj, head of said last year 260 cases were re- been registered by WFAW and One Pound Sterling= charge in Badakhshan, said inci- insurgents had shot dead Musli- bers’ involvement in women mur- Women for Afghan Women ported compared to 140 cases last judicial organs. According to Zuf- 101.32Afs dents of violence against women ma, 38, during an attack on her der: In summer, Gulalai, 18, was (WFAW) said as many as 55 inci- year as many incidents could not noon, a large campaign has been One Euro= had declined but it was not a huge house at night in Warduj district. shot dead by her uncle after she dents of violence happened this be registered due to insecurity and launched in Baharak, Urgo, Yaftal difference that one should be hap- Her daughter Maryam, 20, who married her lover in a local court. year in Badakhshan. She said the lack of access to some areas. Mean- Kishim and Khash districts to re- 74.47 Afs py about. She said the deteriorat- wanted to rescue her mother, re- The murderer then joined the Tal- incidents included elopement and while, Zufnoon Hasam Natiq, duce violence against women. (Pa- 1000 Pak Rs= 640Afs ed law and order situation did not ceived bullet injures in firing at her iban. Earlier, AIHRC had said at divorce, adding that WFAW had women’s affairs director for Bada- jhwok) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.

SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Pakistan, India agree to hold foreign India, Pakistan, secretary level talks next month Bangladesh will Pakistan and India have agreed to hold foreign secretary level talks early next year to reunite, says BJP's finalise the schedule and terms for the resumption of comprehensive dialogue. “Both leaders have agreed the two countries’ foreign secretaries will meet in Islamabad in the middle of January to finalise the schedule for resumption of talks,” Advisor to the Prime Ram Madhav Minister on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz said, according to Radio Pakistan. Pakistan, India express desire to move dialogue process forward: FO The long-term arch rivals have also expressed desire to move forward the dialogue process which was at a standstill as relations between the two soured. The decision comes following Modi’s brief surprise visit to Lahore on Friday, where he stopped on his way back to New Delhi from Kabul. “Major political parties in Pakistan welcomed the goodwill visit of the Indian prime minister to Pakistan,” Aziz said, adding that, “major political parties, including the Paki- stan Peoples Party and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, had the consensus on peace and en- hanced people-to-people contacts between the two countries.” Modi departs from Paki- stan after brief surprise visit Foreign Office spokesperson Qazi Khalilullah also said that both prime ministers agreed to enhance cooperation and work together to establish good neighbourly relations.

KATHMANDU: Nepal will grant Nepal has already turned to the green light for its National Reconstruction Agency to begin work and appointed a chief. free visas to visitors from neigh- China to beat an acute fuel short- bouring China as the Himalayan age following a blockade at India nation seeks to rebuild its tourist border crossings enforced by eth- NEW DELHI: India, Pakistan and "That does not mean we wage industry after two devastating nic Madhesi groups. They com- Bangladesh will reunite one day to war on any country, [or that] we earthquakes in April that killed plain that a constitution adopted create "Akhand Bharat" or an 'Un- annex any country. Without war, nearly 9,000 people. in September has failed to address divided India', BJP's National Gen- through popular consent, it can The first of Nepal's tremors their grievances. eral Secretary Ram Madhav has happen," he clarified. struck during the peak of the tour- Nepal, home to eight of the said. In an interview to internation- Also responding to a statement ist season, forcing thousands of world's 14 highest peaks including al news network Al Jazeera, the made earlier this year, in which he visitors to flee early while thou- Mount Everest, received 800,000 former spokesperson and national said India was "a Hindu country", sands of others cancelled. tourists in 2014. Of those, 123,000 executive member of the Rashtriya Mr Madhav explained, "It's a land China - the second-largest were Chinese, second only to Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said where a particular way of life, a source of tourists to Nepal - was 135,000 Indian visitors, who do that this can happen "without war, particular culture or civilisation, is one of several countries that sub- not require a visa for Nepal. through popular consent". practised." "We call it Hindu - do sequently warned their citizens to Top Comment "The Rashtriya Swayamsevak you have any objection? India has stay away. Nationals from Bangladesh, Sangh still believes that one day one culture. We are one culture, China lifted its Nepal warning Bhutan, the Maldives, Pakistan these parts, which have for histor- one people, one nation," he said. on Friday, after the two countries' and Sri Lanka, the other members ical reasons separated only 60 The Congress criticised the foreign ministers held talks in along with India and Nepal in the years ago, will again, through pop- remarks calling them "just propa- Beijing. South Asian Association for Re- ular goodwill, come together and ganda". "The RSS or the BJP have "This will help increase the gional Cooperation, also get a free Akhand Bharat will be created," been misleading people of the coun- number of Chinese tourists and visa every year. Mr Madhav said. try just to divert the attention from boost our economy," Sherdhan Tourism accounts for 4 per Mr Madhav further added that their abject failure. They are en- Rai, Nepal's minister for informa- cent of Nepal's economy. he holds on to that view as a mem- gaging in propaganda like an event tion and communications technol- On Friday, eight months after ber of the RSS - the ideological management company," Congress ogy, said on Saturday. the twin earthquakes, Nepal gave mentor of the BJP. spokesperson Ajoy Kumar said.

A United Nations expert on hu- vulnerability, macroeconomic pol- than theirs (India, Pakistan),” he into effect on Jan 1 promotes sus- the lessons learnt during the side believe that our people’s cre- gesting creating new scope for man development has extolled icies, inequality, vulnerability, in- said, emphasising that “there is no tainable development with a view MDGs’ implementation would ativity, innovation and resilience them through provisions for cred- Bangladesh’s successes in improv- clusive growth, MDGs and the automatic link between economic to ending poverty by 2030. Jahan help Bangladesh to pursue SDGs. are too pronounced and that’s why it and technological support. The ing the people’s lives while utilis- post-2015 development agenda. growth and human development.” said addressing ‘inequality’ could “Bangladesh’s future is very we are moving forward,” he said. problems that Bangladesh current- ing limited resources. In his opin- In Bangladesh, he released the He said a targeted policy, in- be an entry point to that sustain- bright. We are very hopeful about “We are also hopeful about the ly faces are all part of the develop- ion, the country needs “opportu- latest UN Human Development creasing expenditure in the social able development process. He said Bangladesh. Those who live out- young generation,” he said, sug- ment process, he believes. nities” in trade and migration, not Report on Dec 20. sector as well as protection, the aid for further development. The report highlighted the fact people’s creativity and innovation “For us official development that Bangladesh was “steadily pro- along with women’s empowerment assistance is ‘very insignificant’. gressing” in human development were behind Bangladesh’s human It is only $2 billion compared to indicators. development success. our over $30 billion income from Bangladesh has witnessed a 68 He said many developed coun- garments and remittances”, be- percent increase in the human de- ties do not have the provision of lieves Bangladesh national Selim velopment index in the last 20 six months’ maternity leave that Jahan, Director at the UN Human years. Life expectancy, child mor- the Bangladesh government is pro- Development Office in New York. tality rate, and female literacy rate viding. Besides, he said, the voices “We want the trade and migra- are far better in Bangladesh than in of civil society organisations like tion opportunities that we de- India and Pakistan, despite less NGOs, media and research insti- serve,” he said, talking to economic growth and smaller per tutes also helped the government bdnews24.com on Saturday about capita income than the two neigh- shape policies to match needs. human development and new sus- bours. “Bangladesh’s success in human tainable development goals. Jahan said 20 years ago, the development indicators is huge,” Jahan was a professor of eco- life expectancy rate was around 55 he said, adding that human devel- nomics at Dhaka University be- in all the three countries. But to- opment enhances people’s choic- fore joining the UNDP in 1992. day it is over 71 years in Bang- es in economic, social and political As Deputy Director of the ladesh and around 66 in India and aspects. It increases capabilities Human Development Report Of- Pakistan. through education, skills develop- fice, he was a member of the core He said this had become pos- ment, health and nutrition, and also team that authored nine global sible because Bangladesh was able creates opportunities. Selim Jah- Human Development Reports to translate growth into the lives an also laid stress on the people’s from 1993 to 2001. of people. participation at all levels for hu- His areas of expertise include “We started at the same level. man development. The new devel- human development, poverty and But our life expectancy is more opmental agenda that will come Teenage girl Nawaz drugged, Sharif to gang-raped visit Sri in Lahore Lanka next Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to humanise the other side by said. es -- he's disruptive, he's setting stan's powerful army, which has LAHORE: A teenage girl was gang- flagrantly broke with diplomatic arranging a visit involving close Yet members of the opposi- aside old taboos," Neelam Deo, a ruled the country for around half raped by a group of men after be- protocol to pay a surprise birth- family members," said the official, tion Congress party denounced the director at Gateway House think its existence, was not entirely hap- month ing drugged in a guest house in the day visit to Pakistan leader Nawaz adding that some of Sharif's cabi- "unpredictable" act saying it tank in Mumbai, told AFP. py about the visit. Mall Road area here on Saturday, Sharif, betting his personal brand net members had opposed the vis- lacked gravitas, with some com- "He's personalised diplomacy A nightly news anchor said he police said. on his ability to revive a troubled it. Television polls suggested the plaining that such an important to an extent we haven't seen in In- had received messages from intel- The 15-year-old victim was relationship, Indian media and an- majority of India's public wel- meeting should not have been an- dia since (India's first prime min- ligence officials expressing pessi- brought to Services Hospital where alysts said on Saturday. comed the development while nounced on Twitter. ister) Jawaharlal Nehru in the mism toward Modi's visit while reports of initial medical tests re- Spurning official talks in the newspapers praised the decision In his 18 months in power 1950s," she said. pro-army Twitter accounts that vealed that the girl had been sub- capital Islamabad, India's leader to avoid the weight of expectation Modi has shown huge confidence In Pakistan, opinion polls have observers believe are run by the jected to rape. chose to make an intimate trip to by staging an informal, unan- in his personal political skills, an- shown the population largely military also voiced negative opin- The teenager, who is a resident Sharif's ancestral residence near nounced meeting. nouncing economic policies him- backing efforts to bring peace be- ions. The last visit to Pakistan by of Multan Road, was first kid- Lahore on Friday, where he was "Traditional build-up to an self and fronting a key state elec- tween the neighbours that have an Indian prime minister was in napped by unidentified men be- celebrating his birthday and the Indian PM's visit to Pakistan tion campaign in Bihar -- unsuc- fought three wars, along with 2004 by then leader Atal Bihari fore she was taken to a guest house wedding of his granddaughter. would have seen different interest cessfully -- instead of fielding a countless close calls, since gaining Vajpayee, who is credited with in the Mall Road area, said Station A source present in the meet- groups bringing all kinds of pres- candidate. independence from Britain in 1947. bringing about a thaw in relations House Officer (SHO) Ahmad Us- ing said the leaders of the nuclear- sure to bear," The Times of India "Modi loves to spring surpris- But there are signs that Paki- with Islamabad. man. "The girl was drugged and lat- armed arch-rival nations "chatted er six to eight men gang-raped her," like old friends" as they ate vege- added SHO Usman. tarian food, with the Indian pre- The victim was also tortured mier telling Sharif, "Your sincerity physically, stated the SHO. is beyond doubt". Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Examine: ‘Gang-raped’ teen Modi's stunning decision to Sharif will visit Sri Lanka next dies under train drop in for talks with Pakistan's month during which the two sides After raping her, the perpetra- leader -- something ex-premier will sign several agreements includ- tors messaged her family to come Manmohan Singh failed to achieve ing a pact on combating money and pick her up from a spot. in ten years of power -- was round- laundering and terrorism financing, Police has arrested six suspects ly welcomed in India where it was officials said today. in connection with the gang-rape seen as a highly calculated person- This will be Sharif's first visit while two to three main suspects al gamble. to Lanka since President Maithri- have managed to flee, stated the "Modi has made clear he is pala Sirisena took office a year ago. SHO. willing to risk political capital to Sharif last visited the island nation The main accused, PML-N make peace," the Indian Express in November 2013 for the Com- Additional Secretary General newspaper said in a largely glow- monwealth Heads of Government Youth Wing Mian Adnan Sanaul- ing editorial. meeting which was held here. lah, is absconding in the case. The visit, announced by Modi Deputy Foreign Minister Har- "Raids are being conducted to on Twitter, gave the appearance sha de Silva said 10 memorandum arrest all the accused in the case," of being spontaneous, with Sharif's of understandings (MoUs) and said DIG Operations Haider foreign affairs adviser not able to pacts are to be signed during Ashraf. reach Lahore in time. However, a Sharif's visit, covering a range of The victim, an 8th grade stu- senior Pakistan official told AFP key areas. dent, is receiving treatment in a that security had been planned sev- Besides pact on combating hospital. eral days in advance. money laundering and terrorism Rape is notoriously difficult While Indian media suggested financing, the two countries will to prosecute in Pakistan. In April Modi was the driving force behind sign agreements in youth develop- 2011, the Supreme Court had up- the visit, a Pakistan official told ment field, exchange of statistical held the acquittal of five men sen- AFP it was Islamabad's idea to ar- and census data, science, technol- tenced to death in Pakistan's most range a meeting ahead of formal ogy, scientific and technological famous rape case, that of Mukhtar diplomatic talks set for January. cooperation, health and culture Mai. "The goal behind this meeting among others, the minister said. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief

Iraqi forces in fierce battles with ISIS in Ramadi Iraqi forces on Saturday clashed with diehard ISIS militants de- fending the former government complex in the heart of the city of Ramadi, later claiming con- trol over Al-Hoz neighborhood in the western city, Al Arabiya News Channel correspondent reported. After a major push on Tuesday that broke ISIS de- Turkish President Recep Tayyip ments” between Turkey and Iran lamic world will be more power- were ready. We asked them to as- fenses around the city center, Erdogan has told Al Arabiya News over regional issues. ful,” Erdogan added. Turkish pres- sign a suitable site to set up our government forces have been Channel that the Middle East is “There are disagreements be- ence in Iraq On the Iraq crisis, the base and so they did. It all began at slowed by snipers, booby suffering from sectarian plots to tween Turkey and Iran, but I do president said that Turkish forces the end of last year, and in March, traps, roadside bombs and sui- divide the region. not want these disparities to af- currently training Iraqis in the we were allocated the Bashiqa cide attackers. In a preview of the interview fect good neighborly relations ... Bashiqa Camp near Mosul, came area.” He added: “The Iraqi de- While initial hopes of a with the leader, to be aired fully sectarianism should not prompt us at the request and knowledge of fense minister visited the training quick victory have faded, Iraq's on Sunday, Erdogan demanded that to become enemies, Islam must be Iraqi authorities. However, he did camp, but it seems that the devel- elite counter-terrorism service countries in the region come to- our reference. not say whether these stationed opments in Syria have affected the (CTS) and the army have ad- gether to address this plot to stir “There are intentions in the forces will withdraw. “Iraqi-Turk- situation in Iraq. Syria, Iran, Iraq vanced steadily through the sectarianism. world to divide us and we need to ish relations are good. We tackled and Russia have formed a quartet devastated capital of Anbar Al Arabiya News Channel pre- join our efforts and come together. developments in Iraq during [Iraqi alliance in Baghdad and asked Tur- province. They reached a key senter Mountaha al-Ramahi inter- Look at what is happening in Iraq, Prime Minister] Haidar al-Abadi’s key to join, but I told President intersection in the Hoz neigh- viewing Turkish President Recep Syria, Palestine and Libya ... we visit to Turkey,” he said. “When [Vladimir] Putin that I cannot sit borhood home to the govern- Tayyip Erdogan have to overcome these problems ISIS entered Iraq, the Iraqis asked alongside a president whose legit- ment complex, whose recapture He said there were “disagree- and if we manage to do so, the Is- for our help and we told them we imacy is distrustful.” would go a long way towards ensuring a full recapture of Ra- madi. "There are fierce battles pitting members of the Daesh (an Arab acronym for ISIS) or- Record 12,000 candidates register ganization against the Iraqi forc- es there now," said Ahmed al- Dulaimi, a police captain. He MOSCOW : Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered counter- said the latest fighting had left for Iran's February election terrorism operational headquarters to be set up in several coastal areas, at least two members of the Ira- the state-run RIA news agency quoted the Kremlin as saying on Satur- qi security forces dead and nine DUBAI : Almost 12,000 candi- day. The units are to be set in Kaspiysk on the Caspian Sea, Murmansk wounded. At least three were dates have registered for Iran's Feb- in Russia's north-west and in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Yuzhno- killed on Friday, according to ruary parliamentary election, state Sakhalinsk on Russia's eastern coast, Interfax news agency said. Putin several senior officers and lo- television said on Saturday, break- also ordered a similar operation to be set up in Crimea's capital of cal officials. The figures they ing participation records at a time Simferopol - the peninsula Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. provide for ISIS casualties are of political uncertainty in the Is- high, with at least 23 killed on lamic Republic. Friday alone. The number of President Hassan Rouhani, a ISIS fighters hunkered down in centrist who won election by a Japan says armed central Ramadi was estimated landslide in 2013 and championed at the start of the operation five Iran's July nuclear deal with world days ago at no more than 400. powers, is hoping his supporters "You have the 8th Iraqi army can take control of the 290-seat Chinese vessel en- and CTS... and they're all push- assembly and end years of domi- ing forward," said Colonel nance by conservative factions. Steve Warren, the spokesman A supportive legislature could ters Japan waters for the US-led coalition which give Rouhani a stronger mandate has been supporting Iraqi forc- to push through domestic reforms es in Ramadi with daily air to increase social and political lib- strikes. erties -- an area where his efforts have so far been checked by the judiciary and security forces. Immigrant death But hardliners have warned of sparks riot in potential "sedition" at the polls, a word used to describe reformist Spanish beach city protests following disputed pres- idential elections in 2009 that African migrants rioted in a touched off a wave of repression southern Spanish beach city and arrests. on Friday, setting fire to gar- Rouhani and his powerful ally, bage bins and cars, after a man Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, are from Guinea-Bissau was hoping to win a majority by cash- stabbed to death, local offi- ing in on the popularity they cials said. Manolo Garcia, a gained from the deal to restrain city councilor in Roquetas del Iran's nuclear program in exchange Mar in the province of Alm- for a lifting of sanctions crippling the economy. eria, said the killing of the 41- BRUSSELS : A police commission is interview- year-old man in the city led Several former ministers from the cabinets of two ex-presidents, ing staff at a Brussels college after education au- to protests which descended thorities failed to act on concerns that a student into violence in the working the reformist Mohammad Khata- mi and the conservative Mahmoud who later became one of the Paris suicide bomb- class neighborhood of Corti- ers had been radicalized, two Belgian newspa- jos de Marin. “Garbage bins Ahmadinejad, are among the can- didates. The Guardian Council, an pers said on Saturday. Bilal Hadfi, 20, named as TOKYO : A Chinese coastguard noon and was sailing 29 km (18 are being burned, cars have one of the attackers who detonated a suicide bomb been burned, windows have unelected judicial body that vets vessel with what appeared to be miles) off one of the contested is- candidates on technical and ideo- outside the Stade de France in Paris on Nov. 13, gun turrets entered territorial wa- lands as of 9:00 a.m. (0000 GMT) been shattered,” he told ra- attended the Anneessens-Funck college in Brus- dio news station Cadena Ser. logical grounds, is likely to disqual- ters claimed by Japan in the East on Wednesday, according to Ja- ify several thousand of them be- sels until he dropped out in February to travel to China Sea, Japan's coastguard said pan's coastguard. At that time, Local online newspaper Ide- Syria. The two Belgian Dutch-language newspa- al published a photo of a gar- fore voters go to the polls on Feb. on Saturday, adding that it was the China said its vessels were carry- 26. To pass the vetting procedure, pers, De Morgen and Het Laatste Nieuws, cited first such incursion by an armed ing standard equipment and doing bage container engulfed in documents they said showed staff were serious- flames in the middle of a candidates must have a Masters Chinese vessel in the disputed area. nothing wrong in Chinese waters. degree and support the principles ly concerned about Hadfi's extremist views, The vessel was one of three Chinese coastguard vessels sail street near a pharmacy as well which were evident in the classroom. The re- as a video of man pushing a of the Islamic Republic. Grounds that appeared in the waters off the regularly near the islets but the for disqualification include reject- ports did not elaborate on the exact nature of the disputed Senkaku Islands, known Japanese coastguard spokeswom- garbage container onto a burn- documents but said they showed the college director informed the Brussels education board in April that ing car. Police found the body ing Islam or having links to banned in China as the Diaoyus, shortly an said none had ever been seen political parties. Around 5,200 Hadfi, a French national, had traveled to Syria. "Committee P" (le Comite Permanent de Controle des after 9:30 a.m. (0030 GMT) and equipped with arms. of the man from Guinea-Bis- Services de Police), as the Belgian police oversight authority is known, is investigating why the information sau on a street in Roquetas candidates signed up for the last left Japanese-claimed waters about The dispute over the Japan- parliamentary elections in 2012, was not passed on to police, the newspapers said. Neither the college, Committee P nor the Brussels 70 minutes later, a Japan coast- controlled islands has been a ma- del Mar in the early hours of education board were immediately available for comment. While there has been little hard evidence of Friday. Police suspect the but more than a third were disqual- guard spokeswoman said. jor sticking point in the two coun- ified, leaving around 3,400 candi- intelligence and tip-offs falling between the cracks before the Paris attacks, Belgium has faced international The vessel had first been sight- tries' often contentious relations in man was stabbed following a accusations that underfunding and political in-fighting had left its security services the weakest . dispute over a traffic acci- dates on polling day. ed in the area on Tuesday after- recent years. dent, local media reported. Evacuation of Syrian ISIS militants from Damascus Zahran Aloush, head of the pow- delayed erful Jaysh al-Islam Syrian rebel group, was killed on Friday east of Damascus, a monitoring group A U.N.-sponsored deal to evac- and Syria’s opposition said. uate more than 2,000 ISIS mil- The Syrian Observatory for itants and other militants from Human Rights monitor said Aloush rebel-held parts of south Dam- and five other commanders were ascus has been delayed, a mon- killed “in an air strike that targeted itor of the war said on Satur- one of their meetings in Eastern day, after a rebel commander Ghouta.” was killed. Coaches has been Aloush’s death was confirmed due to give the fighters safe on Twitter by the head of Syria’s passage to Raqqa, the de facto opposition National Coalition. capital of ISIS in northern Syr- It was not immediately clear ia, Lebanese Hezbollah’s TV who had carried out the air strike. station said. But the deal fell However, Reuters reported through after Zahran Alloush, that Aloush was killed in the aerial through whose territory the raid that targeted his group’s head- convoy was due to pass, was quarters, citing two rebel sources killed in an air strike on Friday, as saying on Friday. They said a the broadcaster - Manar - said. secret headquarters of the rebel The UK Observatory for Hu- group, which is the largest rebel man Rights, an independent faction in the area and has thou- monitor that tracks violence sands of fighters, was targeted by across Syria, said in a state- what they described as Russian ment the evacuation had been planes. Zahran Aloush (screen expected on Saturday but was grab) Activists also said the air comes after some 4,000 people, half of them militant fighters, decided to leave three besieged districts south of Syria’s capital at the weekend as part of a landmark ceasefire. delayed as there was now no strike killed Aloush’s deputy and ISIS militants and its rival, Al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate Al-Nusra Front, will reportedly quit the districts of Qadam, Hajar al-Aswad and the besieged Palestinian camp of Yarmuk. secure territory for the mili- his spokesman in southern Dam- tants to pass through. The TV ascus, Al Arabiya News Channel report said coaches that had reported. arrived on Friday to pick up Ethiopian opposition urges scrutiny of industrial plan Jaysh al Islam, with thousands the fighters and at least 1,500 of trained fighters, is the biggest The international community Oromo Federalist Congress Friday and the party's assistant position leaders and activists said by spreading false information family members had turned and seen as the most organized needs to pressure the Ethiopian (OFC), said security forces have secretary, Dejene Tafa, a day earli- the "Addis Ababa Integrated De- about the plan. The government back. If it went ahead, the evac- rebel group. It has been effective- government to halt land grabs and killed at least 86 people since pro- er. velopment Master Plan" designed has accused the secessionist Oro- uation would be a success for ly running the administration of respect human rights, an opposi- tests began earlier this month over "They suspect that our party to merge certain rural areas into mo Liberation Front (OLF) and the government of President Eastern Ghouta. tion party leader has said after two government plans to create an in- and some of our members are part Addis Ababa will result in land opposition group Ginbot 7 of in- Bashar al-Assad, increasing its Before setting up Jaysh al Is- prominent opposition members vestment and industrial zone near of the protest movement, that we grabs and the displacement of volvement in the protests. Both chances of reasserting control lam, Aloush had founded Liwa al- were arrested for inciting protests the capital, Addis Ababa. have been inciting the demonstra- farmers. Hailemariam Desalegn, organisations are regarded by the over a strategic area just 4 km Islam, or the Brigade of Islam, with in Oromiya earlier this week. "They have killed 86 and tions," he told Reuters news agen- Ethiopia's prime minister, told par- state as terrorist entities. Amnes- (2.5 miles) south of the center his father Abdallah, a Salafist Syr- Oromiya is the largest region wounded thousands [and are] im- cy, denying that the OFC had in- liament on Friday that people had ty International, the human rights of the capital. It also highlights ian cleric based in Saudi Arabia. in Ethiopia. Groups such as the prisoning people and political lead- cited violence. The protests are a legitimate right to oppose Addis monitor, said earlier in December increasing efforts by the U.N. Aloush was ideologically at OLF, accuse the ruling Ethiopian ers including our vice-chairman being described as some of the big- Ababa's plan, but that the govern- that protesters have been labelled and foreign governments to odds with ISIS and al-Qaeda, es- People's Revolutionary Democrat- Bekele Gerba," Nega told Al gest in Ethiopia in recent times ment would take "unflinching mea- "terrorists" by Ethiopian authori- bring about local ceasefires and pousing a more moderate brand of ic Front (EPRDF) coalition of Jazeera. [Reuters] "We do not know when sures" against those who incite vi- ties "in an attempt to violently safe-passage agreements as . Islam. marginalising ethnic Oromos. Merara Gudina, OFC chair- Bekele and Dejene will be released olence. Hailemariam said "anti- suppress protests against poten- The news of the air strike Bekele Nega, secretary of the man, said police detained Gerba on or be charged for anything." Op- peace forces" had incited violence tial land seizures". This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES We a r e a n a t ion a l in st it u t ion a n d n ot t h e voice of a gov t or a p r iva t e or ga n iza t ion NO PEACE WITHOUT TALIBAN AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Abdul Saboor Sarir Phone No: +93-772364666 UNITY IN AFGHANISTAN E-mail: [email protected] There is a proverb in Afghani- ing an Islamic government in plicitly acknowledged this Dec. two countries will likely vacil- stan that goes, “patience is bit- Afghanistan. 15, releasing a 15-page fatwa late as they try to navigate the Email: [email protected] ter, but it has a sweet fruit.” In Internal tensions became so calling for unity among the deep-seated tensions that have the case of the Taliban, the abil- fraught that a gunfight report- fighting factions. The fatwa defined their relationship for so www.afghanistantimes.af ity to patiently endure a 14- edly broke out between pointed out that there is no jus- long. Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi year campaign waged by the Mansoor and a rival com- tification for infighting under The final obstacle is the most powerful countries on the mander in November, followed Sharia, and it warned that any- Taliban and their need to agree Advisory editorial board planet speaks to the group’s by a series of conflicting re- one who launches an attack to enter peace talks. Though tenacity. When the NATO-led ports as to Mansoor’s fate: would be considered a murder- commanders holding a so- Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, International Security Assis- Some sources said he was un- er and those being attacked called moderate position, such Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal tance Force (ISAF) began its injured, others claimed he was would be considered the op- as Mansoor, have broached drawdown in 2014, the Taliban wounded and a few even an- pressed. Though the Islamic the subject of negotiating with Graphic-Designers: capitalized on the resulting se- nounced his death. To quell ru- movement retains core ele- Kabul, their standpoint is Mansoor Faizy and Edriss Akbari curity vacuum. The Islamic fun- mors of his demise, Mansoor ments, divided as they are, it based on the precondition that damentalist movement now released an audiotape in which no longer exercises the type of all foreign troops withdraw Marketing & Advertising: claims a greater fraction of Af- he assured his followers of his centralized control that defined from Afghanistan. Washington Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 ghanistan’s territory than at well-being. But doubts persist. its organizational structure recently confirmed that about Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan any time since the United While the Taliban continue during the 1990s. A variety of 10,000 troops will stay in Af- States launched Operation En- their offensive, momentum is other non-traditional fighters ghanistan through 2016 (drop- Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 during Freedom in 2001. building in Kabul to open peace have entered and diluted its ping to 5,500 in 2017), while Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press In September, the Taliban talks. Last week, Afghan Presi- ranks, including ordinary Af- NATO recently confirmed that briefly captured the northern dent Ashraf Ghani co-hosted ghans disillusioned with the its troops will remain in Afghan- city of Kunduz, considered by the “Heart of Asia” conference poor state of the economy and istan until 2020, thereby com- The constitution says some to be their biggest single with Pakistani Prime Minister a lack of governance. There- plicating prospects for peace. victory since the war began. Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad. fore, peacemakers face the Indeed, commenting on the Over the past week, the group Sharif and Ghani’s announce- problem of bringing warring Taliban’s advancing gains fol- Article 93 used a sizable car bomb as a ment to work together in nego- factions to the negotiating ta- lowing the drawdown of U.S. Any commission of both houses of the parliament can question any prelude to an armed assault on tiating peace with the Taliban ble — factions that do not ex- troops, Taliban spokesman the Spanish Embassy in Kab- struck a surprising and optimis- ercise complete authority over Zabiullah Mujahid posted on Minister about special issues. The individual questioned shall provide an ul, made tactical gains against tic tone given the two coun- an increasingly decentralized Twitter: “The mujahideen are oral or written response. the struggling Afghan Nation- tries’ complicated and occa- movement. Agreeing to nego- making rapid military gains, al Defense and Security Forc- sionally hostile relationship. tiate with Kabul itself has be- capturing territory and de- es in Helmand province, and But Ghani’s outreach to Paki- come a divisive issue for the stroying enemy centers. Ex- launched an assault on a heavi- stan does not come without Taliban. If Kabul negotiates pecting us to surrender and ly guarded airport compound domestic political costs: Rah- with any faction, the move will come for talks is foolishness.” in Kandahar. The Kandahar at- matullah Nabil, Afghanistan’s embolden others, something In addition to negotiating tack, spearheaded by suicide chief of intelligence, resigned the Islamic State will try to ex- with a divided Taliban and bombers, turned into a fierce after posting a message on Fa- ploit in its campaign to pene- mending ties with Pakistan, gun battle that left 50 dead. cebook criticizing Ghani for trate South Asia. Ghani faces the problem of im- While no member of ISAF was joining forces with Sharif, Third, the “Heart of Asia” proving governance. In a 2014 killed, the Taliban’s fundamen- whom Nabil lambasted as a conference notwithstanding, report, he identified collusive tal message remains un- supporter of the very militants Pakistan and Afghanistan’s re- procurement practices, the changed: The fight will contin- that he vehemently opposes. lationship — the strengthening weak rule of law and abuse of Pakistani Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif is expected to arrive in Kabul ue. The challenges to peace of which is a precondition to the legal system, and arbitrary And yet, as the Taliban In light of these develop- peace — is marred by a legacy regulations that incentivize on Sunday (today). According to media wing of the Pakistani military, make gains, the organization’s ments, a number of obstacles of suspicion and mistrust. Kab- bribery as the three drivers of Raheel Sharif would call on Afghan civil and military leadership. It will long-running fragmentation need to be addressed before ul has long accused Islamabad corruption in Afghanistan. be an important visit. The meeting can prove a milestone in strained rela- continues. Two rival Taliban Afghanistan can attain any of creating, harboring and dis- Addressing the gover- tions between the two countries, given that Pakistan sincerely supports factions clashed Dec. 8 in the kind of peaceful resolution. patching the Taliban as a nance challenge is important Afghanistan in its war against insurgency and drives the Taliban to the village of Zirkoh in western First, Mansoor must pro- means to meddle in Afghani- because it is a major factor that table of talks. There are some issues that President Ashraf Ghani and Ra- Afghanistan, resulting in more vide definitive proof of life to stan’s affairs, all in support of has enabled the Taliban’s re- heel Sharif should discuss to mend the ties. than 50 deaths. The opposing further assuage his doubters. Pakistan’s objective of achiev- vival as a political force. First, the Pakistani army chief should make it clear that whether Mul- factions included fighters loy- Skepticism surrounds the au- ing strategic depth in its west- The group has successful- lah Mansoor is dead or alive. There should be definitive proof. So, the al to Mullah Muhammad Rasul, thenticity of the previously re- ern neighbor to sustain a po- ly exploited public frustration the leader of a breakaway fac- leased audiotape. The Taliban tential land war with India. Pa- over government corruption, Afghan government will know that it is not talking to a trunk but a faction tion, and Mullah Akhtar Man- insisted Mullah Omar was alive kistan has countered this nar- dysfunction and ineptitude. still headed by its controversial leader. Skepticism surrounds the authen- soor, leader of the mainline Tal- after early rumors of his demise, rative by claiming that Paki- Given the intractability of these ticity of Mullah Mansoor’s recently released audiotape. Talking to a frac- iban. This comes after the July only to later confirm that he was stanis have suffered enormous issues, the Taliban will contin- tured and directionless group is nothing but wasting precious time and revelation that the Taliban’s dead. If Mansoor has indeed loss of life at the hands of ex- ue to fill the governance and resources. Even if he is alive, the pursuit of negotiated settlement would erstwhile leader and founder, perished, we can expect anoth- tremists, including the Taliban. security void by offering po- be a challenge because Mansoor is more hardliner than his predecessor, Mullah Mohammad Omar, had er intense battle for succession Islamabad also asserts that Pa- licing, protection and courts, Mullah Omer. There should be clarity in stance of Pakistan that the Tali- been dead since 2013. The Is- in which more fighters may de- kistan is host to 1.5 million Af- among other services tradition- ban militants, led by Mansoor, would cease attacks against Afghan gov- lamist organization hastily fect and join existing groups or ghan refugees, and that the ally provided by the state, ernment and sit on the table of negotiations. Peace talks will yield no elected Mansoor, Mullah simply start their own. This country has launched a robust thereby sustaining their pres- Omar’s deputy, to replace him. may also enable a more hard- and legitimate campaign aimed ence. fruit if war was continued. But Mansoor’s selection ran- line leader to assume power, at uprooting militancy. Still, Sharif and Ghani’s meeting Moreover, Pakistani spy agency should share information about num- kled some commanders who further undermining prospects Pakistan admits that it can in- was a good sign, but the lega- bers and presence of the Taliban leaders. It will enable the Afghan govern- accused him of being an oppor- for negotiations. Even under fluence the Taliban, hence the cy of mistrust that defines their ment to devise a well-calculated peace mechanism because the structure tunist who hid news of Omar’s Mullah Omar, the pursuit of a reason Ghani is reaching out to fragile relationship will hamper of the militant group has changed over the past several years. The Taliban death to usher himself into negotiated settlement was Sharif. And while the two lead- the path to progress. Thus, as are no more organized. They are divided. Some are under influence of power. Additionally, Mansoor problematic. For a potential ers’ resolve to work together is disunity afflicts both the Tali- Pakistan and others are out of control. Absence of centralized control is was a controversial choice giv- successor to Mansoor, it could encouraging, the departure of ban and Kabul, the prospects clearly visible. Some of the Taliban leaders and foot-soldiers have joined en his interest in engaging the be challenging in the extreme. a high-level Afghan official for bringing peace to Afghani- the Islamic State, also known as Daesh. The two groups are engaged in secular Kabul administration in Second, the structure of the such as Nabil illustrates the dif- stan, a country ravaged by a peace talks, something the Taliban has changed over the ficulties facing Ghani in con- continuous state of war since turf war. Lack of unity among the Taliban fighters had provided a fertile group’s hard-line elements con- past decade, and the organiza- solidating support within his 1978, remain dim.—( STRAT- ground to Daesh for growth. If the division persists or grows wider then sider a betrayal of the Taliban’s tion is no longer a unified, co- government to work with Paki- FOR GEOPOLITICAL INTEL- Afghan government would have no other option but to focus on elimina- foundational mission of install- herent entity. The Taliban im- stan. Interactions between the LIGENCE) tion of the global terror outfit and leave the peace process on backburner until the Taliban are united under one leadership. Therefore, it is neces- sary to have information about the group. Furthermore, relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are marred by suspicion and mistrust. Kabul has repeatedly expressed concerns over shelters of Afghan militant groups in Pakistan. The Taliban are enjoying Notorious popular support in the neighboring country. From state actors to reli- phenomenon on gious political parties and from seminary students to analysts, most of Pakistanis termed insurgency in Afghanistan as jihad. These people are kidnapping justifying killing of innocent Afghans and attacks against the Afghan se- curity forces. They are supporting terrorism in Afghanistan and interfer- ing into the war-hit country’s affairs. Thus, Islamabad shall discourage these elements. This will happen if practical steps were taken. Mere state- ments are of no use for Afghans. The war-weary nation has suffered enor- mous loss of life at the hands of the Taliban, Haqqani Network and other militant groups. Unfortunately, Pakistan has not proved yet that enemies of Afghanistan are her enemies. To prove this, Islamabad shall launch a robust campaign aimed at eliminating sponsors of insurgents. Finally, Pakistan shall force the Taliban to agree on unconditional cease- fire and respect the Afghan Constitution. These are prerequisites for suc- cessful peace dialogues and good relations between the two countries. As President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani said on Friday that Afghanistan does not want enmity with anyone but knows its friends very well; there- fore, today’s (Sunday) meeting with Raheel Sharif would prove that wheth- er Pakistan wants friendship or follow the old policies. Subscription Rates Categories Fee Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 3600 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 1800 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $200 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.

SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES

By HENRY GIROUX ingly limitless legislative clout of they have become normalized. For ensure violence in its many disappear, democratic public practices and shores up an author- arms industries, and who wallow gun interests,” but also a rather instance, the United States govern- expressions.”[11] It says nothing spheres wither, and democracy itarian state. As an organizing prin- in the handouts provided by the deranged return to the violence-lad- ment is willing to lock down a about the corrupt bankers and becomes a cover for false promis- ciple of society, unravels the fab- military-industrial-academic com- On October 1, 2015, 14 people en culture of the “wild west.” As major city such as Boston in order hedge fund managers who invest es and the swindle of fulfillment. ric of democracy suggesting that plex. These utterly corrupted pol- were killed and more than 20 in the past, individuals will be al- to catch a terrorist or prevent a in the industries of death and trade Another consequence is the merg- America is at war with itself, its iticians are killers in suits whose wounded in a mass shooting in San lowed to walk the streets openly terrorist attack, but refuses to pass in profits at the expense of human ing of pleasure and cruelty in the children, and its future. The polit- test of courage and toughness was Bernardino, California. Mass carrying guns and packing heat as gun control bills that would signif- life, all the while contributing to most barbarous spectacles of ical stooges who have become lap- captured in one of the recent Re- shootings have become routine in a measure of their love of guns and icantly lower the number of Amer- the United States being the largest violence.[16] One telling example dogs of corporate and financial publican Party presidential de- the United States and speak to a their reliance upon violence as the icans who die each year as a result arms exporter in the of this can be found in those films must be held accountable for the bates, when Ben Carson, was society that both lives by violence best way to address any perceived of gun violence. As Michael Co- world.[12] More specifically, the in which the use of waterboarding deaths taking place in a toxic cul- asked by Hugh Hewett, a reaction- and uses it as tool to feed the cof- threat to their security. This re- hen observes, it is truly a symp- call for gun rights also convenient- has become a prime stable of tor- ture of gun violence. The condem- ary right-wing talk show host, if fers of the merchants of death. Vi- turn to the deadly practices of the tom of irrationality when politi- ly side steps and ignores criticiz- ture. While the Obama administra- nation of violence cannot be limit- he would be willing to kill thou- olence runs through American so- “wild west” is neither a matter of cians can lose their heads over the ing a popular culture and corpo- tion banned waterboarding as an ed to police brutality. Violence sands of children in the name of ciety like an electric current offer- individual choice nor some far- threat of terrorism, even sacrific- rate controlled media which uses interrogation method in January does not just come from the po- exercising tough leadership. As if ing instant pleasure from all sourc- fetched yet allegedly legitimate ap- ing civil liberties, but ignore the fact violence to attract viewers, in- 2009, it appears to be thriving as a lice. In the United States there are killing innocent children is a legiti- es of the culture, whether it be the peal to the second amendment. On that “30,000 Americans die in gun crease television ratings, produce legitimate procedure in a number other dangers emanating from state mate test for leadership. This is nightly news and Hollywood fan- the contrary, mass violence in violence every year (compared to Hollywood blockbusters, and sell of recent Hollywood films power that punishes whistle blow- what the war-mongering politics fare or television series that glori- America has to be placed within a the 17 who died [in 2012) in ter- video games that celebrate first including,GI Jane, Safe House, ers, intelligence agencies that en- of hysterical fear with its unbri- fy serial killers. At a policy level, broader historical, economic, and rorist attacks.”[6] It gets worse. person shooters. Zero Dark Thirty, and Taken 3. In courage the arrests of those who dled focus on terrorism has come violence drives an arms industry, a political context in order to address As the threat of terrorism is used While it would be wrong to a world in which nothing matters protest against the abuse of cor- to–a future that will be defined by militaristic foreign policy, and is the totality of forces that produce by the American government to suggest that the violence that sat- but a survival-of-the-fittest ethos, porate and state power, and a cor- moral and political zombies who increasingly the punishing state’s it.[4] Focusing merely on the construct a surveillance state, sus- urates popular culture directly pleasure and gratification slide into porate controlled media that that represent the real face of terror- major tool to enforce its hyped- mass shootings, or the passing of pend civil liberties, and accelerate causes violence in the larger soci- boredom, shielding a pornography trades in ignorance, lies, and false- ism, domestic and otherwise. up brand of domestic terrorism, potentially dangerous gun legisla- the forces of authoritarianism, the ety, it is arguable that such vio- of violence from any sense of mor- hoods, all the while demanding and Clearly the cause of violence especially against Black youth. The tion does not get to the root of the fear of personal and collective vio- lence serves not only to produce al and public accountability. generally “receiving unwavering in America will not stop by mere- United States is utterly wedded to systemic forces that produce lence has no rational bearing on an insensitivity to real life violence Guns are certainly a major support from their citizens.”[19] ly holding the politicians respon- a neoliberal culture in which cruel- America’s love affair with violence addressing the morbid acceleration but also functions to normalize problem in the United States, but Yet, the only reforms we hear sible. America has become a soci- ty is viewed as virtue, mass incar- and the ideologies and criminogen- of gun and other forms of unnec- violence as both a source of plea- they are symptomatic of a much about are for safer gun policies, ety in which the illegitimacy of ceration the default welfare pro- ic institutions that produce it. essary violence in the United sure and as a practice for address- larger crisis, one that suggests not mandatory body cameras worn by violence is matched by the illegiti- gram and chief mechanism to “in- Imperial policies that promote States. In fact, the fear of terror- ing social issues. When young peo- only that democracy is broken in the police, and more background macy and lawlessness of politics. stitutionalize obedience.”[1] At aggression all across the globe are ism appears to feed, recuperate, ple and others begin to believe that the United States but that the coun- checks. These may be well-inten- What is needed is a mass political the same time, a shark-like mode now matched by increasing levels and expand a toxic culture of vio- a world of extreme violence, ven- try has tipped over into forms of tioned reforms but they do not get movement willing to challenge and of competition replaces any via- of lawlessness and state repression, lence produced, in part, by the geance, lawlessness, and revenge domestic and foreign terrorism to the root of the problem, which replace a broken system that gives ble notion of solidarity, and a sab- which mutually feed each other. On wide and unchecked availability of is the only world they inhabit, the characteristic of a new and deadly is a social and economic system corrupt and war mongering politi- otaging notion self-interest push- the home front, civil society is de- guns. America’s fascination with culture and practice of real-life vi- form of authoritarianism. We have that trades in death in order to ac- cians excessive and corrupting po- es society into the false lure of mass generating into a military organi- guns and violence as a form of sport olence is more difficult to scruti- become one of the most violent cumulate profits. What we don’t litical and economic power. De- consumerism. All of these forces zation, a space of lawlessness and and entertainment, while offering nize, resist, and transform. Many cultures on the planet and regulat- hear about are the people who trade mocracy and justice are on life sup- point to modes authoritarianism war-like practices, organized pri- the false promise of security, critics have argued that a popular ing guns does not get to the root of their conscience for supporting the port and the challenge is to bring and registers of state violence and marily for the production of vio- which even trumps a more general culture that endlessly trades in vi- the problem. Zhiwa Woodbury gun lobby, particularly the Nation- them back to life not by reforming an increasing number of mass lence. For instance, as Steve Mar- fear of violence on the part of ter- olence runs the risk of blurring the touches on this issue when he al Rival Association. These are the the system but by replacing it. This shootings that are symptomatic of tinot observes, the police now use rorists. In this logic one not only lines between the world of fanta- writes: politicians in congress who create will only take place with the de- a society engulfed in racism, fear, their discourse of command and kills terrorists with drones, but sies and the world we live in. What In truth, the gun issue is an the conditions for mass shootings velopment of politics in which the militarism, bigotry, and massive power to criminalize behavior; in also makes sure that patriotic they often miss is that when vio- easy chimera that allows us to avoid and gun violence because they obligation to justice is matched by inequities in wealth and power. addition, they use military weap- Americans are individually armed lence is celebrated in its myriad looking in the mirror. It is much have been bought and sold by the an endless responsibility to col- Moderate calls for reining in ons and surveillance tools as if so they can use force to protect registers and platforms in a soci- easier for us to imagine that this is apostles of the death industry. lective struggle, one with a poli- the gun culture and its political they are preparing for war, and themselves against the dangers ety, even though it lacks any sense an unfortunate political or regula- These are the same politicians who tics and social formation that advocates amount to band aid so- create a culture of fear in which whipped up in a culture of fear of rationality, a formative culture tory issue than it is to ask what support the militarization of ev- speaks to the highest ideals of a lutions that do not address the militaristic principles replace legal and hysteria promoted by right- is put in place that is amenable to our own complicity in this ongo- eryday life, who trade in torture, democratic socialism. (Counter- roots of the violence causing so principles. He writes: wing politicians, pundits, and the the pathology of totalitarianism. ing, slow motion slaughter of in- who bow down slavishly to the punch) much carnage in the United States, This suggests that there is an corporate controlled media. That is, a culture that thrives on nocents might be. Think about especially among children and institutional insecurity that seeks Rather than bring violence into violence runs the risk of losing its this. We are a country of approxi- teens. For example, Hilary Clin- to cover itself through social con- a political debate that would limit capacity to separate politics from mately 300 million people with ton’s much publicized call for con- trol, for which individual interac- its production, various states, in- violence: A. O. Scott recognizes approximately 300 million firearms trolling the gun lobby and back- tions with the police are the means. crease its possibilities by taking a such a connection between gun vi- – a third of which are concealable ground checks, however well in- Indeed, with their command posi- plunge into insanity with the pass- olence and popular culture, but he handguns. Each one of these guns tentioned, have nothing to say tion over people, the cops act out ing of laws that allow “guns at fails to register the deeper signifi- is made for one purpose only – to about a culture of lawlessness and this insecurity by criminalizing places from bars to houses of cance of the relationship. He kill as quickly and effectively as violence reproduced by the gov- individuals in advance. No legal worship.”[7] Florida’s “Stand writes: possible. The idea that some mag- ernment, the financial elites, the principle need be involved. There Your Ground” law, based on the …it is absurd to pretend that ical regulatory scheme, short of defense industries, or a casino cap- is only the militarist principle. notion that one should shoot first gun culture is unrelated to popular confiscation, will somehow pre- italism that is built on corruption When the pregnant woman steps and ask questions later is a morbid culture, or that make-believe vio- vent guns from being used to kill and produces massive amounts of away from the cop, she is break- reflection of America’s national lence has nothing to do with its people is laughable, regardless of human misery and suffering. ing no law. To force her to ground psychosis regarding the adulation real-world correlative. Guns have what you think of the NRA. Sim- Moreover, none of the calls to elim- and handcuff her is far from any- of gun culture and the paranoiac symbolic as well as actual power, ilarly, mentally ill individuals are inate gun violence in the United thing intended by the principle of fears that fuel it. This fascination and the practical business of hunt- responsible for less than 5% of the States link such violence to the due process in the Constitution. with guns and violence has pro- ing, law enforcement and self-de- 30,000+ gunned down in the U.S. broader war on youth, especially The Constitution provided for law duced a pathology that reaches the fense has less purchase in our civ- every year.[17] poor minorities in the United enforcement, but not for police highest levels of government and ic life than fantasies of righteous In the current historical con- States. In spite of ample reporting impunity. When police shoot a serves to further anti-democratic vengeance or brave juncture, war, bigotry, and the call of gun violence, what has flown fleeing subject and claim they are and authoritarian forces. The U. S. resistance….[Violent] fantasies to violence is embraced by many under the radar is that in the last acting in self-defense (i.e. threat- government’s warfare state is pro- have proliferated and intensified including Donald Trump, the lead- three years 1 child under 12 years- ened), it is not their person but the pelled by a military-industrial even as our daily existence has be- ing Republican Party presidential fostering economic growth and old has been killed every other day command and control principle complex that cannot spend enough come more regulated and standard- candidate making it clear as John by a firearm, which amounts to 555 that is threatened. To defend that on weapons of death and destruc- ized — and also less dangerous. development. There is also greater Pilger has argued that in America By Arun Jaitley scope for political conflict, which children killed by guns in three control through assault or murder- tion. Super modern planes such as Perhaps they offer an escape from “an insidious modern fascism is years. An even more frightening ous action against a disobedient the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter cost the boredom and regimentation of Today more than ever, to para- can challenge the pursuit of eco- now an accelerating danger.”[18] It phrase the poet John Donne, ‘no nomic development. If people are statistic and example of a shock- person implies that the cop’s own up to $228 million each and are work and consumption.[13] is difficult to watch both Trump ing moral and political perversity identity is wholly immersed in its plagued by mechanical problems Popular culture not only trades country is an island entire of it- different, they also tend to mis- and the corporate coverage of his self’. India, too, has recognised trust one another, making it more was noted in data provided by the paradigm. There is nothing psy- and yet are supported by a mili- in violence as entertainment, it also fascistic assaults and actions. Centers for Disease control and chological about this. Self-worth tary and defense establishment. As delivers violence to a society ad- this, becoming fully integrated into difficult to govern — and poten- What is truly crucial to recognize the world economy by way of tially leading to inferior policy Prevention (CDC), which stated or insecurity is not the issue. There Gabriel Kolko observes such war- dicted to an endless barrage of sen- is that there are ideological, eco- that “2,525 children and teens died is only the military ethic of pow- like investments “reflect a pathol- sations, the lure of instant gratifi- trade in goods and services, as well choices. Achieving inclusive nomic, social, political, and cultural as flows of capital, technology, and growth will provide the basis for by gunfire in [the United States] er, imposed on civil society ogy and culture that is expressed cation, and a pleasure principle forces at work in the United States in 2014; one child or teen death through an assumption of impuni- in spending more money steeped in graphic and extreme ideas. And, of course, India’s India to engage internationally. The that have created the formative uniquely large and widespread di- year 2015 ends with two major every 3 hours and 28 minutes, near- ty. It is the ethos of democracy, of regardless”[8] of how it contrib- images of human suffering, may- culture in which this kind of au- ly 7 a day, 48 a week.”[2] In addi- human self-respect, that is the utes to running up the debt or for hem, and torture. Violence is now aspora is playing a unique role in efforts at international/multilater- thoritarian populism and its em- strengthening its ties with the al cooperation: The COP21 climate tion, 58 people are lost to firearms threat.[5] that matter thrives on “the ener- represented without the need for brace of symbolic and material vi- every day. Such figures indicate Violence feeds on corporate gies of the dead.”[9] Militarism either subtlety or critical examina- world. change conference in Paris and the olence thrives. Surely, two of the It is a world in which India World Trade Organisation (WTO) that too many youth in America controlled disimagination machines provides ideological support for tion. Relieved of the pedagogical major crises of our times are the occupy what might be called war that celebrate it as a sport while policies that protect gun owners necessity to instruct, violence is today occupies a special position. negotiations to conclude the Doha crisis of agency and civic literacy, Whereas many countries — ad- Development Agenda in Nairobi. zones in which guns and violence upping the pleasure quotient for and sellers rather than children. split from its moral significance, on the one hand, and the withering proliferate. In this scenario, guns the public. Americans do not mere- The Children’s Defense Fund is just as it becomes more plentiful vanced and developing economies India intends to be a constructive of public values, trust, and demo- alike — are experiencing a growing player in both efforts, not least and its insane culture of violence ly engage in violence, they are also right in stating “Where is our anti- and lurid in order to provide in- cratic public spheres on the other. and hyper-masculinity are given entertained by it. This kind of tox- war movement here at home? Why fuse the pleasure quotient with sense of economic anxiety and even because it has so much at stake. The drumbeat of fascism and its gloom, India is a beacon of hope, The recent floods in the state of more support than young people ic irrationality and lure of violence does a nation with the largest mil- more shocks. Americans now live embrace of violence does not rely and life itself. is mimicked in America’s aggres- itary budget in the world refuse to in “a culture of the immediate” positive change and economic dy- Tamil Nadu are a reminder that only on the infamous brownshirts namism. India is especially vulnerable to The predominance of a rela- sive foreign policy, in the sanction- protect its children from relentless which functions “as an escape of Nazi Germany but also on the tively unchecked gun culture and a ing of state torture, and in the grue- gun violence and terrorism at from the past” and a view of the India’s economy has stabilised: climate change. We have undertak- collapse of democratic politics, the Inflation has fallen, the rupee’s ex- en a major effort to increase the morally perverse and politically some killings of civilians by home? No external enemy ever future as one of menace, insecuri- concentration of power in the obscene culture of violence is par- drones. As my colleague David L. killed thousands of children in their ty, and potential violence.[14] In change rate is steady, and India’s role of renewables, to price of car- hands of the few, the myth that commitment to fiscal discipline is bon directly and indirectly and to ticularly evident in the power of Clark pointed out to me in a pri- neighborhoods, streets and schools an age of cruel precarity and un- only individuals are responsible for the gun lobby and its gun rights vate email correspondence, “bomb- year in and year out.”[10] certainty, the present becomes the solid. Economic growth, now the boost green public investment. We the systemic assaults they have to fastest among the major economies, call upon the advanced economies political advocates to pass legisla- ing make-believe countries is not a There is a not so hidden struc- only register of hope, politics, and weather, and that self-interest is tion in eight states that allow stu- symptom of muddled confusion ture of politics at work in this type survival. Americans now “look to is poised to accelerate further. In- to take action to price carbon, the only value that matters. Con- vestors, not surprisingly, are flock- which has become especially im- dents and faculty to carry con- but, quite to the contrary, a sign of of sanctioned irrationality. Advo- the future with worry and suspi- sumerism becomes a form of soma, cealed weapons “into classrooms, unerring precision. It describes the cating for gun rights provides a cion and cling to the present with ing to Indian markets. portant in the wake of the large memory no longer serves as a mor- As proud as all Indians are of decline in the price of oil and other dormitories and other buildings” on desire to militarize nothing less convenient discourse for ignoring the anguish of those who are afraid al witness, and politics is in the campuses.[3] Texas lawmakers, than the imagination and to target a “harsh neoliberal corporate-state of losing what they have,” all the their achievements, they also rec- fossil fuels. Only by boosting in- hands of the 1 per cent, utterly ognise their responsibilities. I am novation in green technologies, in- for instance, passed one such the minutiae of our dreams.” War- order that routinely generates per- while considering those deemed corrupted by money and power. “campus carry bill,” which will like values no longer suggest a flir- vasive material suffering, social “other” as a threat to their keenly aware that the Indian peo- cluding green coal, can we recon- Traces of a totalitarianism now ple have given the government in cile the pressing imperative to pro- take effect in August of 2016. Such tation with a kind of mad irratio- dislocation, and psychological de- security.[15] Under such circum- appear, stripped of memory and laws not only reflect “the seem- nality or danger. On the contrary, spair—worsening conditions that stances, trust and mutual respect which I serve a mandate for deci- vide energy to hundreds of millions the horrors they produced. In their sive economic change and political while ensuring good custodianship new forms, the threats they pose reform. This government will ho- of our planet. Likewise, India’s go unrecognizable and are tolerat- nour that mandate, which, in a glo- government and people recognise ed as politics as usual, only with balised world, requires it to achieve that trade is an engine of growth LETTER TO THE EDITOR less civility. Under such conditions, inclusive growth domestically and and a source of efficiency and dy- the social withers, solidarity is re- engage constructively internation- namism. Multilateralism is the best placed by shark like competition, ally. way to ensure that global markets and state violence and the specta- One reason to focus on inclu- remain open to all, not just a few. cle of violence become normalized. sive growth is that today’s Indi- Preserving and revitalising the We live in a time of monsters and ans are different from those of the WTO requires successfully con- Trump is simply symptomatic of ‘Midnight’s Children’ generation. cluding the Doha Round. India’s the financial class he represents Unlike that generation, the first to goal is to ensure that its develop- Russia’s support to Taliban and the history we refuse to learn come of age after Independence, ment interests — especially the from. today’s Indians — even the poor- livelihood of millions of farmers As I have said elsewhere, vio- est — overwhelmingly think of — are protected, and then frame Russia has recently said that the country has established communication channels to exchange intelligence information with lence has arisen from the break- themselves as “middle class”. The an agenda that ensures multilater- the Taliban to fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Afghanistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should down of public space, the erasure 21st century Indian is younger, on alism’s critical role in preserving summon Russian ambassador to explain his country’s decision. Russia’s support to the Taliban will turn Afghanistan into a of public goods, the embrace of a average, than almost anywhere in and opening markets in the future battle ground between the world powers. deadly war psychology, and a the world. He or she is also confi- for all countries. Mahatma Gan- We have suffered a lot due to wars of world powers in our country. Even the war that our security forces are currently growing disdain for the common dent and, above all, aspirational. dhi best described how India fighting is imposed on us. The government should try every diplomatic way possible to prevent Russia from good. Gratuitous violence has be- Having seen positive change, tast- should engage with the world. He come central to a society that trades ed a better life and glimpsed or ex- wished, “the cultures of all the interfering in Afghanistan’s internal affairs. on fear and fetishizes hyper-vio- Ashraf Temor, Kart-e-Seh, Kabul perienced broader opportunities, lands to be blown about my house lent and punitive practices and today’s Indians want more — and as freely as possible. But I refuse social relations. Brutal masculine rightly so. to be blown off my feet”. We don’t Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must have the writer’s name and authority now rules American so- The challenge is to meet those want India’s economy to be walled address. You may send your letters to: [email protected] ciety and wages a war against expectations. That is why inclu- in on all sides or the windows to women’s reproductive rights, civil sive growth is not a mantra, but an be shuttered. liberties, poor black and brown existential necessity. India is a large We want the winds of external youth, and Mexican immigrants. country of many differences: learning and experience, foreign Americans inhabit society run by Class, caste, language, and religion, capital, technology and entrepre- a financial elite that refuses to rec- in addition to age, gender and opin- neurship, to blow around the Indi- Disclaimer: ognize that war is a descent into ions. Differences, if preserved and an house. India will engage with madness and the scope and breadth celebrated, are a source of cultural the world with openness and re- The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) of the violence it produces infects richness and new ideas. But there ceptivity, but also with the confi- our language, values, social rela- is also a challenge. Economists dence in its values, rich history and and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. tions, and democracy itself. War have found that such heterogenous promising future that will keep it has become an all-embracing ideal societies face greater challenges in from being blown off its feet. that feeds the most totalitarian This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Rem ain ing Palestin ian s 'livin g in deeply abject co nditio ns in Yarm o uk', UNRWA spo kesm an tells Al Jazeera.

A deal brokered by the United unable to access Yarmouk since late needed to enable UNRWA to de- Nations hopes to end the suffer- March, shortly before ISIL fight- liver food, clean water, winter sup- ing of thousands of residents stuck ers invaded on April 1 and took plies, healthcare, and other hu- between a government-imposed control of more than 90 percent of manitarian assistance and services". siege and armed opposition groups the camp. Most ISIL fighters Once home to nearly 200,000 Pal- in a Palestinian refugee camp on pulled out of the camp's interior estinian refugees and Syrians, the the outskirts of Damascus. within days, but the group con- local population has plummeted to The deal, which has not been trols many surrounding areas. Al- an estimated 5,000 - 8,000 civil- confirmed yet, will permit the exit Nusra Front still maintains a heavy ians, according to the Yarmouk- of fighters from armed opposition presence inside the camp. In De- based Jafra Foundation humanitar- groups from Yarmouk camp and cember 2012, the Syrian army ian group. "Those who stayed are the nearby neighbourhoods of al- killed dozens of civilians when it the poorest people, the ones who Hajar al-Aswad and al-Qadam, the bombed and besieged Yarmouk, didn't have the means to leave, such UK-based Syrian Observatory for putting up checkpoints and heavily as children or families without par- Human Rights said on Thursday. restricting the entry of food, medi- ents and other vulnerable groups," 'Rebels to leave' Damascus cine and other humanitarian sup- Wesam Sabaaneh, a coordinator at suburbs under deal The Syrian Ob- plies. Although the UN removed the Jafra Foundation who visits servatory also said that the deal Yarmouk from its list of besieged Yarmouk regularly, told Al Jazeera. will allow hundreds of Palestinian communities in July, residents and "Today the [fighters] will leave the families to be moved from the humanitarian groups say the situ- camp, but we are waiting to find camp to calmer areas in Damascus. ation has only worsened. In 2014, out who will control it after," he Unconfirmed reports by activists reports emerged of hundreds dy- said, explaining that rumours have said busses started arriving and ing from starvation and others suf- spread that Aknaf Bait al-Maqdis, transporting armed groups from fering mass malnutrition. Many a Hamas-affiliated armed group, Yarmouk and nearby areas on Fri- residents were reduced to eating may attempt to take control of day afternoon. Home to Palestin- stray animals and grass in order to Yarmouk. Aknaf Bait al-Maqdis ian refugees and Syrians, Yarmouk survive as Syrian soldiers blocked fought ISIL and Nusra in April, but has been the site of intense fight- the delivery food and medicine. most of their ranks were pushed ing between the Syrian government Free Syrian Army fighters prepare out of the camp at the time. Be- and its allies, on the one hand, and tea as they rest inside a building tween April and August, Nusra armed opposition groups, includ- near the frontline against what they and ISIL assassinated more than ing the al-Nusra Front and the Is- said were ISIL fighters in the 30 local Palestinian leaders, mostly lamic State of the Levant and Iraq Yarmouk camp REUTERS/[File: from Hamas. "There are no more (ISIL) group. Chris Gunness, a Ward Al-Keswani/Reuters] Trying Hamas leaders left in the camp at spokesman for the UN agency for to survive' "UNRWA demands that the moment," Sabaaneh said. Palestine refugees (UNRWA), said any arrangements being negotiated "They are dead or had to leave." that there have been "persistent re- in and around Yarmouk must in- Due to border closures for regis- A man points to what activists said were barrel bombs dropped by Syrian army in Yarmouk earlier this year [File: Moayad Zaghmout/Reuters] ports" of negotiations towards a clude guarantees for a durable ces- tered Palestinian refugees, most of truce or ceasefire in Yarmouk over sation of hostilities, for the pro- Yarmouk's displaced population made into refugees in Syria, Leba- Assad started nearly five years uprising, but that number has since According to Sabaaneh, the the last three months. tection of civilians, and for safe, was uprooted to elsewhere within non, Jordan and elsewhere. "Most ago, it has turned into a full-blown dropped. Within Syria, Jafra esti- Palestine Liberation Organisation "These reports are credible and uninterrupted humanitarian access Syria's borders. "They cannot go of the problems that happen in the civil war that has claimed the lives mates that more than 100,000 Pal- (PLO) is "not doing anything to UNRWA is taking them seriously, for UNRWA and other hum to Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, so Palestinians camps are the same of more than 250,000 people, ac- estinians still live in areas with help" Palestinians in Syria, while although they have not been offi- nitarian actors," Gunness said. they are just trying to survive," ones Syrians face, but the biggest cording to UN estimates. Yarmouk little or no access to humanitarian Palestinian political parties "have cially or formally confirmed, and Reports indicate that the health Sabaaneh added. issue is that Palestinians have no is only one of several Palestinian aid. Palestinian officials demand been more concerned with their details have been vague," Gunness situation inside the camp has se- Yarmouk residents inspect a option of leaving," he said. At least refugee camps hit hard by the fight- safe passage from Yarmouk own interests". told Al Jazeera. Like Syrians across verely declined in recent months. site hit by what activists said were 3,084 Palestinians have been killed ing. An estimated 70 percent of the "The Palestinian people in "We have never seen any hope the country, Palestinians in refu- In August and September, a ty- barrel bombs thrown by Assad since the Syrian uprising started Daraa camp has been damaged by Syria are the most vulnerable from the UN," he added. gee camps, including Yarmouk, phoid outbreak spread quickly forces on May 26, 2015. [File: in March 2011, according to the the fighting, while the al-Sbeineh people in the country because He estimates that Yarmouk will have been caught in the crossfire throughout the camp and impacted Moayad Zaghmout/Reuters] UK-based Action Group for Pal- camp has been completely evacu- they already refugees without rep- need "at least one year" before it is as fighting rages on between gov- at least 90 people. "There are sev- 'Most vulnerable' Palestinians in estinians of Syria. Another 1,022 ated by Syrian government forces, resentation," Sabaaneh said. "Who inhabitable. "There is a lot of de- ernment forces and armed opposi- eral thousands of civilians living in Syria are the descendants of those are locked up in Syrian prisons and the Action Group reported. An has spoke up for Palestinians in struction in the camp," he said. tion groups. READ MORE: deeply abject conditions in dispossessed during Israel's 1948 at least 282 cannot be accounted estimated 500,000 Palestinians in Syria? Who has helped us?" Follow Patrick Strickland on Yarmouk camp victim of water Yarmouk," Gunness continued, establishment, when hundreds of for. Since the initially unarmed up- Syria were registered by the UN READ MORE: Lessons from Twitter: @P_Strickland_ wars in Syria UNRWA has been adding that access is "urgently thousands of Palestinians were rising against President Bashar al- as refugees before the start of the Yarmouk Al Jazeera Are Turkey an d Israel po ised to thaw icy relatio n s?

Toronto, Canada - A small, hungry tarian Congregation of Toronto congregation is full of agnostics, people who are set up for success," crowd gathers at First Unitarian Motivated to take action, Wil- atheists, Jews, Buddhists, Chris- says Niazi. "You don't want peo- Congregation of Toronto, laying de approached the First Unitarian tians. We don't have a single reli- ple to feel disenfranchised and not out a festive potluck feast. The Congregation of Toronto with a gious source that we turn to. It's be able to cope or adjust. If you folding tables overflow with samo- sponsorship proposal in February just as common for me read from have somebody who's already here, sas and sushi, cookies and sweets, 2015, which got "enormous ap- Buddhist [text] than the Gospel even if it's a distant relative, that and salad bowls. People in line - proval". Such a positive reception of Luke on a Sunday morning." just adds to that success. All those some wearing slick business suits, wasn't surprising - refugee spon- Eager to participate, MAC things are really important." others in hijabs - load up their sorship is nothing new to the First appointed Muhammad Niazi as To date, three Syrian refugee plates while talking to their com- Unitarian Congregation of Toron- their volunteer lead for the initia- families have been approved for panions. to. tive. A chartered accountant, sponsorship, and are due to arrive It's December in Toronto, and As a Sponsorship Agreement Niazi's children attend a private in Canada imminently. With the Christmas season is in full Holder with the Canadian govern- school run by the association. Like $170,000 raised in under a year, swing. But this isn't your typical ment, the church has a long histo- Wilde, he too felt "shook up" by Save a Family from Syria recently holiday party: it's actually an offi- ry of helping refugees, from Viet- stories about Syria, and was com- received the congregation's ap- cial meeting of the Toronto chap- nam War draft dodgers (who were pelled to act. proval to sponsor two additional B illb o a rd w ith th e p ictu re s o f Tu rke y's P rim e Min is te r Ta yyip Erd o ga n ( R) a n d h is Is rae li ter of Save a Family from Syria, a temporarily housed in the Parish Christians and Muslims with families, bringing the total to five. co u n te rp art Be n jam in N e tan yah u ( L) , in An kara March 2 5 , 2 0 13 . ( Re u te rs ) multi-faith group working to bring Hall) to those fleeing turmoil in 'a shared concern for humanity' "We're now shifting our focus Syrian refugee families to Toronto Central America in the 1980s. "What I really like about this from fundraising onto execution," Changing strategic dynamics in the Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in laying of a natural gas pipeline via and Kingston. "It's part of the congregation's programme is that it's a more sus- says Wilde. Middle East may lead to a surpris- March 2013 with a phone call un- Turkey to export Israeli gas to "People are coming together identity to welcome in a stranger tainable solution," says Niazi. At the potluck meeting, the ing reconciliation between two der a U.S.-brokered arrangement. Europe. tonight to have a little bit of a cel- and not really be hung up on reli- "People are making donations to group breaks bread together to cel- countries, Israel and Turkey, which According to the reconciliation Taking the positive atmo- ebration," says the Rev. Shawn gious difference," Minister New- organisations on the ground, which ebrate their success, but more im- were driven to the brink of hot pact, Israel is expected to estab- sphere between both countries one Newton, the minister of First Uni- ton says. is important. But it's not really portantly, to make plans for the conflict five years ago after Israeli lish a special fund for the compen- step further, a landmark event took tarian Congregation of Toronto. This time, the group has add- solving the problems on a perma- arriving Syrian refugee families troops raided a Gaza-bound aid sation for the families of the vic- place in Istanbul on Dec. 13, where "It's to mark that we're actually ed a special twist: a focus on re- nent basis - it's helping them sur- [Ryan Edwardson/Al Jazeera] flotilla in international waters. tims, and Ankara would then re- for the first time in Turkish histo- getting somewhere, doing some- uniting families. vive. At least the people coming Tonight at this potluck meet- A preliminary agreement to tract all its legal claims against Is- ry the Jewish Festival of Lights, thing together." The idea was to sponsor Syr- to Canada, they have a chance to ing, the group breaks bread together normalize bilateral relations was raeli officials over this attack. Hanukkah, was celebrated by the For the past year, the congre- ian refugee individuals or families make a better life." to celebrate their success, but more allegedly reached on Dec. 17 by Regional environment Nimrod country’s Jewish community with gation has partnered with the who are related to a Syrian Cana- Whether the person is Chris- importantly, to make plans for the top-level officials at a meeting in Goren, founder and chairman of an open public ceremony. Muslim Association of Canada dian family as many Syrian Cana- tian, Muslim, Sunnis, Shia - it arriving families. One apartment Switzerland, while the details of Mitvim (The Israeli Institute for Ilker Ayturk, an expert on Is- (MAC) to sponsor five Syrian dians lack the financial means to doesn't matter, the focus is on help- has been secured in a Toronto sub- the final agreement are still being Regional Foreign Policies) agrees raeli-Turkey relations from Bilk- families to resettle in Toronto. Al- sponsor their relatives who are liv- ing [refugee] families with young urb, within walking distance from worked out, according to Israeli and that an agreement between Israel ent University in Ankara, said a though this is a festive gathering, ing overseas in refugee camps. children. a community centre, school, and Turkish media reports. and Turkey, if reached, will create rapprochement between Israel and The agreement coincides with a more favorable regional environ- Turkey would no doubt be a game- there's a sense of urgency in the "You get to not only sponsor Muhammed Niazi, Muslim employment centre. a politically hard atmosphere in ment for both countries. “It will changer in the Middle East of great air. The group has just received a [refugee] family, but also help a Association of Canada But there's plenty more prep- the region with the fight against enable Israel and Turkey to renew magnitude, with repercussions some official news from the gov- Canadian Syrian family," says Joining the project, Niazi was aration to do: from finding furni- the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria their official strategic dialogue and reaching as far as Russia and the ernment: three refugee families will Wilde. "So we've been working greeted by friendly faces and quick- ture to opening bank accounts to (ISIS) radically transforming the coordination, to seek joint inter- Balkans. However, Ayturk is skep- be arriving any time between now with the families here to complete ly discovered that differences in securing temporary housing for the regional calculations of both coun- ests in the changing region, and to tical about whether the current ne- and New Years' Day. the application and identify what faith were largely irrelevant. Vol- other two families. tries that share borders with Syr- deal with their differences in a more gotiations will actually lead to a Across the country, Canadian the needs are going to be when they unteers were drawn together by a "There's a lot to take on in the ia. On Dec. 14, Israeli Foreign effective diplomatic manner,” final agreement of normalization citizens are sponsoring Syrian ref- arrive. After the 12 month period "shared concern for humanity" first couple of weeks," says Wil- Ministry Director-General Dore Goren told Al Arabiya News. As for the bilateral relations, due to ugees and helping them resettle in is over, we feel that there is a much rather than religious ideology. de, who previously helped the Gold announced reporters that “Is- another precondition for the thaw some structural problems. He said: Canada, under the Private Spon- greater chance of success because "Whether the person is Chris- Kingston chapter resettle several rael has always strived for stable between the two countries, Tur- “This so-called rapprochement is sorship of Refugees Program. they have their families here." tian, Muslim, Sunnis, Shia - it refugee families. "You have to fig- relations with Turkey and is con- key demands from Israel to lift Is- not part of a well-thought, long- Applying as "Groups of Reuniting Syrian families doesn't matter," says Niazi. "The ure out where they're going to live. stantly examining ways to achieve rael’s blockade on the Gaza Strip, term Turkish foreign policy strat- Five," five or more private spon- Looking to find families, Wil- focus is on helping [refugee] fami- And sometimes, you don't have that goal.” but this matter is still considered egy, but, an ad hoc, last minute re- sors agree to provide financial sup- de reached out to the Muslim As- lies with young children." the luxury of figuring that all out "This normalization process by Israel as a national security re- sponse to an emergency situation.” port for all the refugees' basic ex- sociation of Canada to see if MAC "We're bound together in a before they come." "The [family's] would be good for us, Israel, Pal- quirement. According to Goren, According to Ayturk, “No Turk- penses (including housing, food would help identify Syrian Cana- common desire to help people," relative is taking the lead in help- estine and the entire region. The while Israel is not willing to lift its ish government can fully restore and transportation), usually for dians in the Greater Toronto Area concurs Newton. "[MAC] needed ing them resettle," says Niazi. "But region definitely needs this. We embargo over Gaza, it does seem bilateral relations back to its pre- need to consider the interests of to be willing to grant Turkey a 2008 level, after Mavi Marmara, one year or until the refugees be- looking to reunite with relatives in someone who was a sponsorship there's so much that needs to get the people of the region and intro- special role regarding Gaza and its not when the public opinion is come self-sufficient, whichever need abroad. agreement holder. We needed some- done. That's why we have the vol- duce peace,” he also said. reconstruction. “For Turkey to be dead set against it.” “Secondly, al- comes first. "Part of the reason we've one who had ties to the Syrian unteers." Luckily, Save a Family This optimistic tone has been able to be a more effective player though Erdogan is ideologically ill- It's estimated that privately- worked with MAC is to find peo- community in Toronto, so that we from Syria has a strong volunteer echoed by Turkish President Re- on Israeli-Palestinian issues, in- disposed toward Israel, he is a sponsored refugees will form ple who already have connections could find applicants who would base, with 50 people divided into cep Tayyip Erdogan, who stated cluding Gaza, it must have open pragmatist at heart and might have around 40 percent of the 25,000 here with family," says Newton. be most successful in the process. teams to undertake specific tasks. on the same day that an agreement lines of communication to Israel, contemplated initiating a thaw in refugees from Syria that the Cana- "It's an easier transition for them And so it was a very easy rela- Khadijah al-Dhabbi, a volunteer could be good for the region, fol- and to increase the level of trust bilateral relations, when everything dian government plans to settle in to make. More likely for them to tionship to put together." and a member of the Muslim As- lowed by Omer Celik, the spokes- between the countries. Turkey else in Turkey’s Middle East pol- by February 2016. be approved by Immigration Can- Based on Citizenship and Im- sociation of Canada [Ryan Ed- person of the government, who may also be able to contribute to icy is falling apart,” Ayturk told Annette Wilde, one of the lead- ada." migration Canada's guidelines, a wardson/Al Jazeera] "This is a hu- said in a press meeting on Dec. 20: efforts for Palestinian unification, Al Arabiya News. “But even he ers of Save a Family from Syria Partnering with a local Mus- sponsor group must have a mini- manitarian crisis. I wanted to help “Israel is a friend of Turkey”. due to its contact with Hamas,” he will have a hard time selling this to [Ryan Edwardson/Al Jazeera] lim association to find families was mum of $27,000 to sponsor a fam- with this project," says Khadijah The Mavi Marmara flotilla in- said. President Erdogan met on his party,” he added. Ayturk "There was a build-up of me- a natural next step, Newton ex- ily of four. To meet this bench- al-Dhabbi, a volunteer and mem- cident in May 2010, where nine Dec. 19 with the leader of the Pal- doesn't expect Israel to lift the dia around the tragedy of Syria," plains, adding that the Unitarian mark, the group tackled the heavy ber of MAC. "We came as refu- Turks were killed by Israeli com- estinian Hamas movement, Khaled Gaza blockade, especially due to says Annette Wilde, one of the lead- faith embraces all religions and ide- task of fundraising, organising char- gees as well, from Yemen. So that's mandoes, exacerbated the already- Meshaal, allegedly to be briefed the fact that this issue also involves ers of Save a Family from Syria. ologies, valuing inclusion and draw- ity benefits and soliciting dona- something I can relate to "I want tense relations between Turkey about the latest developments in Egypt. "I'd be watching the news, and I'd ing on diverse sources of wisdoms. tions from their respective com- them to feel at home and like they and Israel, with Ankara expelling the region. Energy ties and Gaza “Of course, there could be the Israeli ambassador and recall- The next step for a final nor- endless diplomatic acrobatics to have to turn it off." Muhammad Niazi, a lead vo- munities. can pick up the phone at two in ing its ambassador from Tel Aviv. malization deal will occur on the hide this fact, such as designating A long history of helping refu- lounteer representing the Muslim Meanwhile, MAC drew up a the morning." For those involved It has been reported that once energy front, with Turkey to buy Turkey as chief supplier of food- gees Association of Canada in the ini- shortlist of sponsorship candi- in the initiative, sponsorship isn't the parties sign the final agreement, gas from Israel’s offshore oil fields stuff and other goods to Gaza, but It's part of the congregation's tiative [Ryan Edwardson/Al dates. Together, the group re- the only takeaway. As Newton ex- the ambassadors will return to both especially due to the deterioration then who would explain this ar- identity to welcome in a stranger Jazeera] viewed applications and decided plains, there's certainly potential countries. The long-awaited formal of its relations with its main gas rangement to Egypt?” he asked. and not really be hung up on reli- "It's a progressive religion that who would most likely succeed in for future collaboration between apology from Israel after the flo- provider, Russia. Another coop- By Menekse Tokyay Special gious difference. takes inspiration from the world's the process. the Unitarian church and Toron- tilla raid came from Israeli Prime eration avenue would be over the to Al Arabiya News Reverend Newton, First Uni- religions," says Newton. "This "You have to really bring in to's Muslim community. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES LNG: Pak seeks to negotiate Gwadar pipeline cost NEW YORK : Oil edged further ly high and at current prices, de- above $38 a barrel on Thursday mand is going to remain strong next before retreating as it remained year," said Olivier Jakob, analyst ISLAMABAD: The government within sight of an 11-year low at Petromatrix. has constituted a price negotiation reached this week, as traders put "For now, there is still an am- committee in an attempt to seek a positions in order ahead of an ex- ple supply of crude and a huge further reduction in the cost esti- pected week of low liquidity amount in storage." mated by a Chinese company for ahead. Brent traders in London said laying the Gwadar liquefied natu- U.S. crude has gained support the market was quiet with many ral gas (LNG) pipeline and setting from falling inventories, reduced participants away for the Christ- up a terminal, an official says. drilling and the lifting of a ban on mas holidays. This project will work as an most U.S. crude exports, which has Crude gained support from the alternative to the Iran-Pakistan (IP) pushed U.S. crude to a premium latest snapshot of U.S. supplies gas pipeline project and will be to global benchmark Brent for the on Wednesday. Crude inventories, executed by the government in co- first time in about a year. (CL- which were expected to rise, fell operation with the Chinese firm LCO1=R) 5.88 million barrels, the Energy on a government-to-government Brent (LCOc1) settled up 53 Information Administration said. basis. cents at $37.89 a barrel as of 11:48 [EIA/S] Baker Hughes reported Gwadar-Nawabshah: Work on a.m. EST. It fell to $35.98, an 11- that U.S. oil drillers cut rigs for a portion to end by December 2017 year low, on Tuesday. U.S. crude fifth week in the last six, a sign Under the plan, the LNG pipe- (CLc1) settled up 60 cents at that low prices are curbing activi- line will be laid from Gwadar to $38.10 after gaining more than 8 ty and could slow output. Nawabshah and the terminal will percent this week. Brent has more than halved be set up at Gwadar port. "Some traders playing spot on from more than $100 a barrel 18 The price of steel, which stood the downside are getting out and months ago, pressured by a sup- at $1,300 per ton when the engi- calling it a year," said Tariq Zahir, ply glut that according to OPEC neering consultant ILF gave the managing partner at Tyche Capi- figures exceeds 2 million barrels per cost estimate, has come down to tal Advisors. day. Next year, the glut is expect- $900-$1,000 per ton. The consult- U.S. crude futures have seen ed to be smaller as world demand ant put the total cost of the pipe- support from fundamentals includ- rises and the price collapse leads line and terminal at around $2.5 ing the lifting of a four-decade ban to lower output from some coun- billion because of the fall in steel on crude exports. tries outside OPEC, but there is and compressor prices. "The lifting of the ban on U.S. no sign yet that OPEC itself is “However, the Chinese com- exports will provide some under- prepared to lower its supply - pany has offered to develop the lying support for U.S. crude. Oil which is likely to rise when sanc- project at a cost standing below demand in 2015 was exceptional- tions on Iran are lifted. $2 billion in the financial bid opened by Interstate Gas Systems (ISGS),” a senior government offi- cial said, adding a price negotia- US retailers at risk tion committee had been set up to China says AIIB up and running negotiate a further reduction in the cost. of missing modest “The bid was much lower than expected,” the official said. Earli- EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR er, ISGS had expected the cost of 700 km of LNG pipeline from holiday sales goals BEIJING : The China-backed Gwadar to Nawabshah at $2.5 bil- Asian Infrastructure Investment lion. CHICAGO/NEW YORK (: Re- when total spending was the same Bank (AIIB) has been formally Gwadar’s ‘string of perils’ tailers are struggling to meet even as last year, according to the NRF. established and is expected to be He said the pipeline would be modest forecasts for the holiday The drop in store traffic has operational early next year, the connected to the Iranian border at shopping season this year after the been offset to a large extent by official Xinhua news agency said a cost of $200 million after sanc- "Super Saturday" before Christ- online sales. Forrester expects U.S. on Friday. tions against Tehran were lifted. mas failed to live up to its nick- households to spend $95.5 billion The bank's establishment came State-owned distribution com- name, industry research groups online during the holiday season, after 17 funding members of the panies – Sui Northern Gas Pipe- said. up 11 percent over last year. E- AIIB, which account for just over lines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui The last Saturday before commerce accounts for 10 percent 50 percent of its share capital, rat- Southern Gas Company (SSGC) Christmas often sets the annual of U.S. retail spending annually, ified an agreement on the bank, – will also get a share in pipeline record for retail sales, vying with but 14 percent of spending during state television quoted Finance construction as the Chinese com- Thanksgiving weekend's Black Fri- November and December, the Minister Lou Jiwei as saying. pany, China Petroleum Pipeline day. In recent years, last-minute company said. The bank will hold its opening Bureau, is bound to award 30% of shopping has determined the suc- The surge in online sales did ceremony in mid-January and for- work to them. cess of the season, and a relatively not significantly disrupt services mally elect its president, state tele- “This is a significant develop- weak final weekend bodes poorly this year at delivery companies like vision said. ment that shows Pakistan is seri- for retailers. United Parcel Service Inc and Fe- The bank will initially focus ous about kicking off work on the This year Super Saturday dEx Corp, which put firm cut-off on financing projects in power, IP pipeline, but its implementa- weekend sales in stores and online dates for gifts to ship in time for transportation, and urban infra- tion hinges on lifting of global sanc- rose 4 percent to $55 billion, after Christmas, the companies and con- structure in Asia, the television tions against Iran,” ISGS Manag- a 2.5 percent gain last year, accord- sultants said. quoted the bank's president-elect, ing Director Mobin Saulat told The ing to retail consultancy and pri- Most retailers had little choice Jin Liqun, as saying. Express Tribune. ISGS is working vate-equity fund Customer but to comply with the cut-off First proposed by President to develop gas import projects. Growth Partners. That puts over- dates. Xi Jinping less than two years ago, Initiating the bidding process all store and online sales from the "We have stopped (free ship- the bank has become one of Chi- for the Gwadar pipeline indicated start of November through Dec. ping) for orders that promised de- na's biggest foreign policy success- that Pakistan was truly interested 22 on track to rise 3.1 percent, livery by Christmas" because of es. Despite the opposition of in pushing ahead with the IP below the 3.2 percent pace the firm UPS' cut-off date, said Noelle Sa- Washington, major U.S. allies such project. forecast and down from 4.1 per- dler, chief marketing officer at on- as Australia, Britain, Germany, It- Iran deal fuels tussle for gas cent growth in the same period last line clothing retailer Lulus. aly, the Philippines and South pipelines in Pakistan year. Analytics firm RetailNext, Korea have joined. China Petroleum Pipeline Bu- "Sales have been sluggish so which tracks specialty stores like reau, selected by the Chinese gov- far this year as most consumers Best Buy Co Inc and large retail- ernment to lay the LNG pipeline are still buying close to need," said ers like Wal-Mart Stores Inc and Mitsubishi delays delivery of first made-in-Japan jet by a year and set up the terminal, had sub- Craig Johnson, president of Cus- Target Corp, said sales dropped mitted the technical and financial tomer Growth Partners. "What's 6.7 percent over the pre-Christ- bid for evaluation. worse is the marked deceleration mas weekend compared with a Mitsubishi Heavy said Thursday it was postponing delivery of the The company is already work- from a year ago," he said. year ago, and store traffic dipped ing on pipeline projects stretching Last year, last-minute sales 10.4 percent. However, custom- first made-in-Japan passenger jet, a little more than a month after its over 8,000 km in different coun- gained in the final 10 days of the ers who did hit the stores spent tries including Myanmar, Bang- holiday season, driven by savings more. maiden test flight marked a fresh start for the country’s plane-build- ladesh, Russia and other nations. from lower gasoline prices. If sales, "The jury is still out," said It has also laid pipelines from spurred by gift card redemptions, Bridget Johns, head of customer ing sector. The company cited “several Turkmenistan to China. hold up in the week after Christ- engagement at RetailNext. "We still “This is the first project un- mas this year, retailers could move have over a week before the sea- issues” discovered after the No- vember flight for delaying ship- der the China-Pakistan Economic closer to meeting performance fore- son closes but it will surely be a Corridor for which the technical casts, consultants and retail ex- race to the finish line." Best-sell- ments by one year to the second quarter of 2018. and financial bids have been perts said. ers during the holiday season have opened,” another official said. The National Retail Federa- included toys and home improve- The plane’s system software had to be upgraded and its fuse- The Chinese government tion, the leading industry body, has ment items like appliances, tools, would provide a cheap loan cover- forecast a 3.7 percent rise in store furnishings and home decor. But lage strengthened, Mitsubishi said. Last month’s takeoff came ing 85% of the project cost and and online sales this year. apparel sales plummeted as warm the Pakistani government would Discounts across categories weather hurt sales of winter cloth- about half a century after the last Japanese-made commercial plane contribute 15% of funds. have been deeper than last year, in ing and discounts on electronics The Chinese firm will build the the range of 20 percent to 50 per- hurt retail margins, even as sales took to the skies. The two-engine MRJ marked new terminal – a floating storage cent, said Traci Gregorski, vice volumes in the category remained and re-gasification unit (FSRU) – president of marketing at analyt- robust. The surge in online sales a new chapter for the aviation sec- tor, which last built a commercial which will be owned by ISGS. The ics firm Market Track. But con- did not significantly disrupt ser- terminal will have the capacity to sultants said the discounting still vices this year at delivery compa- airliner in 1962 -- the YS-11 tur- boprop that was discontinued handle imports of 600 million cu- had not been enough to boost store nies like United Parcel Service Inc Brazil’s Embraer (Sao Paolo: R2:EMBR3S.SA - news) and Canada’s Bombardier (Toronto: BBD-A.TO - bic feet of LNG per day (mmcfd). traffic materially. and FedEx Corp, which put firm about a decade later. news). Mitsubishi Heavy unveiled the jet – which is approximately 35-metres (115-feet) long and seats about Japan – and its MRJ jet – are The LNG pipeline, which will Promotions earlier in Novem- cut-off dates for gifts to ship in 80 passengers – in October last year and has received more than 400 orders. It (Other OTC: ITGL - news) had be of 42-inch diameter, will be laid ber took a toll on in-store sales time for Christmas, the companies competing with other regional pas- previously planned to make the first delivery to Japan’s All Nippon Airways in 2017. The short-to-medium- senger jet manufacturers such as on the IP pipeline corridor from during the Thanksgiving weekend, and consultants said. haul regional jet was backed by the Japanese government and a consortium of major firms including Toyota. Gwadar to Nawabshah. US FEDERAL RESERVE WILL PAY BANKS $12B IN 2016 In 2016, the Federal Reserve will The Fed has telegraphed its After six years of near-zero interest rates, the Fed is in uncharted pay at least $12.2 billion to U.S. intent to raise rates in 2016, and territory. Never before has a central bank attempted to raise rates after and foreign banks to keep the mon- analysts expect two to four rate having provided so much stimulus and expanding its balance sheet to ey created via its quantitative eas- hikes. Assuming the Fed raises such a degree. The legacy of the Fed’s quantitative experiment is largess ing programs out of the economy. rates four times--once at each of to banks and funds that will likely total $24 billion in 2016. If the Fed raises rates as expected the meetings that are accompanied next year, the amount nearly dou- by a press conference--payments bles to $23.1 billion. to banks at the end of 2016 would From 2008 to 2015, the Fed amount to $103.6 million per day. purchased over $4 trillion worth In addition to paying interest of bonds to stimulate growth in on reserves, the Fed conducts dai- the economy. Risk markets re- ly auctions to drain cash from the sponded, as is demonstrated by the economy and maintain a floor on close correlation between the S&P short-term interest rates. These 500 and growth of the Fed’s bal- reverse repo operations pay ance sheet through its bond pur- 0.25% and have averaged $154 bil- chases. lion per day since the Fed raised To sterilize the vast sums of rates on December 16. money that would otherwise cir- The interest paid by the Fed culate throughout the economy and to banks and funds that partici- cause price inflation, the Fed pays pate in the operations amounts to an above-market interest rate of $1.06 million per day. If the Fed 0.50% to banks on reserves, or dig- raises rates as expected in 2016, ital cash, held at the Fed. Current- total payments would be $1.03 ly, banks are holding $2.5 trillion billion in 2016, which is in addi- at the Fed and are paid $34.5 mil- tion to the $23.1 billion paid as lion per day in interest. interest on reserves. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES

SANYA: Spain's Mireia Lalaguna ning the new title at the Miss World try in a series of local and regional nal. —AFP Lu Yuan, Miss World Rozo of Spain poses after winning Royo was named the winner of the Grand Final in Sanya. —AFP competitions. The victory marked China, reacts after entering the semi the new title. —AFP Mireia Lala- Miss World 2015 competition on Sofia Nikitchuk of Russia was the first-ever win for a Spanish final at the Miss World Grand Fi- guna Rozo of Spain poses after Saturday night in the southern the runner-up and Indonesia's contestant. Lalaguna is a 23-year- nal. —AFP Not present was Miss winning the new title. —AFP She Chinese island resort of Sanya, an Maria Harfanti took third place in old model from Barcelona with a Canada, Chinese-born Anastasia said that after she won the Cana- event dogged by controversy over the final following a lengthy com- degree in pharmacology who plans Lin, who had been prevented from dian title, Chinese security agents China's refusal to allow Canada's petition featuring 114 women. to pursue a master's degree in nu- boarding her connecting flight to visited her father, who still lives in entrant to attend. New Miss World Former Miss World Jolene trition. She placed first in the com- Sanya from Hong Kong last month China, in an apparent attempt to Mireia Lalaguna Rozo of Spain Strauss and Miss Russia Sofia Ni- petition's top model contest and after China refused her a visa. Lin intimidate her into silence. reacts during the Miss World kitchuk hug during the grand final. appeared to impress the judges is an outspoken critic of Chinese China has hosted the compe- Grand Final. —AFP New Miss —AFP Former Miss World Jolene with her public speaking. Mireia religious policy and a follower of tition seven times, starting in 2003, World Mireia Lalaguna Rozo of Strauss and Miss Russia Sofia Ni- Lalaguna Rozo of Spain is crowned the Falun Gong meditation prac- part of its attempts to project a Spain reacts during the Miss World kitchuk hug during the grand final. by former Miss World Jolene tice, which was outlawed by Chi- more modern, outgoing image. Grand Final. —AFP —AFP Mireia Lalaguna Rozo of Strauss. —AFP Mireia Lalaguna na in 1999. Catharina Choi Nunes, However, the controversy over Mireia Lalaguna Rozo of Spain Spain reacts after winning the new Rozo of Spain is crowned by Miss World Brazil reacts after en- Lin's attendance illustrates the au- waves after winning the new title title. —AFP Mireia Lalaguna Rozo former Miss World Jolene Strauss. tering the semi final. —AFP Ca- thoritarian communist govern- at the Miss World Grand Final in of Spain reacts after winning the —AFP Lu Yuan, Miss World Chi- tharina Choi Nunes, Miss World ment's determination to do so on Sanya. —AFP Mireia Lalaguna new title. —AFP Each had won na, reacts after entering the semi Brazil reacts after entering the semi its own terms, regardless of the Rozo of Spain waves after win- the right to represent their coun- final at the Miss World Grand Fi- final. —AFP Mireia Lalaguna cost to the country's reputation. As celebs poured into the Stardust press on home soil, but she looked Awards last night, we had to pick every bit the winner she is in this Review: In up our jaws from the floor. We Georges Hobeika dress. The ac- loved the old Hollywood glam ev- tress bagged the award for Best Bajirao Mastani, eryone had going on! Actress for her role in Jazbaa The Some took home the trophies actress bagged the award for Best Priyanka Chopra while others earned respect in the Actress for her role in Jazbaa Jac- sartorial department. Here's who queline Fernandez makes a strong outshines Deepi- had our eyes glued on their out- case for the LBD being old news – ka Padukone fits: Parineeti Chopra didn't win it's all about the long white dress Style Icon of the Year for nothing. now. Dilwale starlet Kriti Sanon Her neon citrus Monisha Jaising also chose to wear this white one- number had us going gaga, not to shoulder Michael Costello gown. mention she looks extremely fit! Finally, she's shining fashionably! We loved the waist cut out detail- Finally, she's shining fashionably! Singers Justin Bieber and Selena aceshowbiz.com. After Bieber and many of Instagram users no- Earlier this month after Gomez ing and the Farah Khan jewels. We We called it months ago; Athiya Gomez's relationship may have posted a photograph of himself ticed the similarity. One of them was spotted making out with ru- loved the waist cut out detailing Shetty is the new IT girl of fash- ended, but they reportedly still cuddling his little brother on his wrote on the comment section, moured boyfriend Niall Horan at and the Farah Khan jewels. ion in Bollywood. She opted to seem to monitor each other's Ins- Instagram page, Gomez followed "Same as your post @justinbie- actress Jenna Dewan's birthday A popular choice, Nimrat Kaur wear an understated Shriya Som tagram accounts. The former lov- suit by sharing an image of herself ber." This is not the first time that party, Bieber posted a photo of a was also spotted in this sparkly gown with a red pout and minimal ers appear to share posts on the sleeping with a baby boy beside fans have noticed that Bieber and mystery girl named Cindy Kim- Monisha Jaising ensemble. accessories. Director/producer Sanjay Leela photo-sharing website that seem her. The photograph resembles the Gomez have tried to communicate berly presumably to make the This winter is all about the cold Shetty also grabbed the trophy implicitly connected, reports one the "Baby" hitmaker posted via the social media website. "Come & get it" singer jealous. shoulder. for Best Acting Debut for her stint Bhansali has been searching for This winter is all about the cold in Hero Shetty also grabbed the love all his life, at least on cellu- shoulder. Alia Bhatt is clearly light- trophy for Best Acting Debut for loid. Earlier, in smaller moments years ahead of her age. The young her stint in Hero Only Sonam with Khamoshi and Hum Dil De actress slayed in this strapless Kapoor can get away with wear- Chuke Sanam, then taking an ex- black Sachin and Bibi gown with ing her innerwear on the outside. perimental turn with Saawariya and funky side panels. The slicked back After all those full-skirted appear- later in fully embracing star-crossed hair and smokey eye kept the look ances, this hot little ensemble was lovers in Devdas, and the Romeo- sleek and sexy The slicked back a breath of fresh air. After all those Juliet inspired Goliyon ki Raslee- hair and mokey eye kept the look full-skirted appearances, this hot la Ram Leela. sleek and sexy Rarely does Aish- little ensemble was a breath of fresh His latest offering Bajirao Controversy's child, singer Miley shared on Instagram a photograph ping prop Cyrus wore. Instagram User @m.slihin, meanwhile, asked: warya Rai Bachchan dress to im- air. Mastani too tells the epic tale of a Cyrus has once again caused a stir in which she is donning the bizarre user @mightyaventador comment- "Waa...where can I get that!" doomed love against the backdrop on social media by sharing a selfie prop, reports aceshowbiz.com. ed: "Can I have that for Christ- On the other hand, user of warring Marathas and rigid di- of her wearing a big brown faeces Alongside the image, she put a mas?" Another user @hashtagdin- @weather_changes_moods jok- visions along lines of religion which prop with a stuck-out tongue. number of faeces emojis. Fans mor wrote: "Can we please get ingly said: "Omg yur such a poo- leave little room for love to flour- The "Wrecking ball" hitmaker seemed interested in the eye-pop- these and wear them to meetings?" head." ish. Newly crowned Peshwa Ba- jirao (Ranveer Singh) makes a de- tour from his battles in expanding Johnny Depp named the Maratha Empire to fight and defend Buldelkhand against the Hollywood's most Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif Mughal onslaught. He falls in love with the Raja’s half-Rajput, half- overpaid actor Muslim daughter Mastani (Deep- are still a much-in-love couple ika Padukone), marries her and the rest of the film revolves around the friction this causes in both his stately as well as domestic affairs. So basically, a Peshwa version of shazishi saas, dusri biwi aur majboor shohar. Wherever have we seen that before? Perhaps director Sanjay Leela Bhansali is being self- referential, but there is strong ele- ment within the props, staging and even dialogues that seem to be on repeat. Mastani shown embroider- ing brings to mind Sakina’s loom from Sawaariya. Even Sakina’s Leaving behind the likes of Will “Kabool Hai” dialogue is repeated Smith, Christian Bale, Brad Pitt here by Mastani. Despite Bhan- and Tom Cruise, actor Johnny sali's denial, it's obvious that 'Pin- Depp has been named Holly- LOS ANGELES: Oscar-winning time." ga' is 'Dola Re'-inspired Despite wood's most overpaid actor in filmmaker Quentin Tarantino got Director Quentin Tarantino's Bhansali's denial, it's obvious that 2015 by Forbes. Depp has re- his star on the Hollywood Walk of is the name in the newest star on 'Pinga' is 'Dola Re'-inspired The placed actor Adam Sandler, who Fame on Monday, just days be- the Hollywood Walk of Fame.- towering candle-lit pillars and lin- topped the list for the last two fore the release of his latest movie AFP Director Quentin Tarantino's en curtains that showcase lovely years. Sandler was ineligible this "The Hateful Eight". is the name in the newest star on light and texture and were used to year due to his deal with Netflix, Putting an end to speculations of the couple says, `This is one occa- Hai Mushkil with Anushka Shar- Tarantino recalled to a crowd the Hollywood Walk of Fame.- great rustic effect in Goliyon ki reports variety.com. Depp's last trouble brewing between them, sion when all members of the ma and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. that had gathered for the event AFP Rasleela Ram Leela are seen here two movies - `Mortdecai` and Katrina Kaif turns up for Christ- Kapoor khaandaan get together `They will be flying out of the coun- outside the Chinese Theatre on The filmmaker, who dropped too. The 'Dola Re' female bonding `Transcendence` - returned a mea- Hollywood Boulevard how his out of high school insisting he ger $1.20 for every $1 he was paid mas brunch hosted by beau Ran- and the fact that Ranbir brought try to usher in the New Year. song from Devdas is reincarnated bir Kapoor's family; couple to ring Katrina over makes it clear that However, it won't be New York, parents used to take him to see could learn more on his own, won as 'Pinga'. on them. Depp came in second on films at the famed theatre, includ- Oscars for the black comedy west- Forbes' 2014 list. Forbes examined in New Year together everything is fine between them. their favourite holiday destination, Sanjay Leela Bhansali does do Putting an end to speculations Which couple does not face prob- this time round; they are headed ing "Butch Cassidy and the Sun- ern "Django Unchained" in 2013 the last three movies each actor dance Kid" or his first James Bond and the black comedy crime film what he is best known for: creat- starred in before June 2015, exclud- about trouble in their paradise, lems and challenges in their rela- to an island where they can spend ing lavish set designs, opulence ing animated films and those in lim- Ranbir Kapoor walked into his tionship? It was merely a phase quality time with each other,` adds movie, "Diamonds are Forever." "Pulp Fiction" in 1995. filled frames and magnificently ited release. Actor Denzel Wash- family's customary Christmas and they are very much together the source. "The line went all the way But his latest movie "The choreographed songs. ington was runner-up, returning brunch with girlfriend Katrina Kaif and happy.` This year, the actress We asked Katrina via text mes- down the block. And we stayed in Hateful Eight" has received luke- All that and more is on dis- $6.50 for every $1 he earned from in tow. For a while, there had been skipped her annual visit to Lon- sage about her New Year plans, but that line, and at one point of that warm reviews. play in the song 'Deewani Mas- his recent films. Although he didn't rumours about their relationship don where she celebrates the festi- she remained unavailable for com- line, I stood right there," he said, It was recently snubbed by the tani', shot in the beautiful Aaina have any big flops this year, with hitting a rocky patch, specially val with her family. Ranbir flew ment. Her spokesperson con- pointing to his star. Screen Actors Guild Awards nom- Mahal, which itself is a direct nod `The Equalizer` reeling in $192.3 post the actor's last outing, back to Mumbai earlier this week, firmed that she is indeed flying out "So, I have called Hollywood inations and received only three to Mughal-e-Azam’s Sheesh Ma- million on a $55 million budget, Tamasha opposite ex flame Deep- after wrapping up the London to an undisclosed location with my home even before I lived in this nominations across all Golden hal . his salary was evidently inflated. ika Padukone. A source close to schedule of Karan Johar's Ae Dil Ranbir. ZIP code for a very, very long Globe categories. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Hen r y, McCu llu m lead New Zealan d r ou t of Sr i Lan k a

The Afghanistan national football defensive halfback, 3 players in stan leading 2-0, despite the game in SAFF Championship on Thurs- live telecasted by Lemar and Tolo team defeated Bhutan 3-0 in their the middle line and 1 player in the referee allowed 2 minute addition- day, ending the game 4-0 in Af- Television networks. second match of South Asia Foot- offensive (interior) line. al time. Khaibar Amani once again ghanistan’s favor. Afghanistan goal hitters ball Federation (SAFF) Champi- The first goal was hit by opened the goal of Bhutan during Masih Sighani and Faysal Khaibar Amani hit first goal onship this evening. Khaibar Amani during the 14th the initial minutes of the second Shaista hit the first and second during the 14th minute of the first Played in Trivandrum Interna- minute of the first half of the game half and hit the third goal during goals with Zubair Amiry and half. Masih Saighani hit the sec- tional Stadium, the formation of while the second goal was hit by the 50th minute of the game. Khaibar Amani hitting the third and ond goal during the 42nd minute the Afghan team was based on 4- Masih Saighani during the 42nd This comes as the Afghan na- fourth goals. of the first half while the third goal 2-3-1, which included four play- minute of the first half, putting an tional football team defeated Bang- The second match of Afghan was hit by Khaibar Amani during ers in defense line, 2 players in end to the first half with Afghani- ladesh in their maiden appearance football team against Bhutan was the 50th minute of the second half.

CHRISTCHURCH: Brendon His whirlwind opening part- McCullum launched his farewell nership with Guptill brought up tour in rollicking form Saturday the New Zealand 100 inside 10 with a whirlwind 55 to set up New overs. Zealand's seven-wicket win over When New Zealand reached 53 Sri Lanka in their opening one-day without loss after six overs, Sri international in Christchurch. Lankan captain Mathews put him- In a 25-ball stay at the crease, self on to try to arrest the run on- McCullum smacked 11 fours and slaught. one six to have Sri Lanka on the McCullum had other ideas and ropes before he departed with New took 16 off Mathews' over and 12 Zealand only needing a further 81 off Ajantha Mendis in the next to runs in 40 overs. put Sri Lanka out of the game. Martin Guptill posted his 26th Mathews said when he won half-century on his way to 79 off the toss he wanted to bat to get 56 deliveries while debutant Hen- first use of a pitch that “looks like ry Nicholls was not out on 23 a belter”. when the innings ended at the end But the wickets started falling of the 20th over. early with a 98-run stand by Mil- New Zealand were set a mod- inda Siriwardana and Nuwan Ku- est 189 target after Matt Henry lasekara for the seventh wicket destroyed the cream of the Sri Lan- their one partnership of note. kan top order in a brief spell of 16 They fell from 13 without loss balls when he took four wickets to 27-5 and then 65-6 before Siri- for two runs. wardana (66) and Kulasekara (58) Sri Lanka were eventually all stemmed the rot. out for 188 in 47 overs on a wicket Siriwardana's dismissal start- that promised runs galore, and New ed the final slide in which the last Zealand knocked off the target four wickets fell for 25 runs. Dush- with ease. mantha Chameera, who was not McCullum credited the quick- out 13, was the only other bats- fire victory to what he described man to reach double figures. as “a truly outstanding bowling Milne, having fully recovered performance” by Adam Milne and from the heel injury that sidelined Matt Henry. him in the World Cup, was bowl- “With the new ball in their ing near the 150kph (93mph) mark bands, they were outstanding for and while he tied the batsman us and that's where the winning of down at one end, Henry did the the game was when you're needing damage at the other. to chase 190 and know the wicket Inside three overs he removed is going to be good,” he said. Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lahiru Thir- Sri Lanka skipper Angelo imanne, Mathews and Dinesh Mathews regretted that his Chandimal. bowlers were not as threatening. Dilshan (nine) top edged the “It's not easy to bowl at Brendon ball to midwicket where Nicholls McCullum and Martin Guptill,” celebrated his international debut he said. with a catch above the head, Thir- “They are power hitters and imanne faced 19 deliveries for one they go after the bowling from the run and Mathews went first ball. very beginning. We just need to Chandimal was dropped on bowl in the right areas more of- five off Milne's bowling, but Hen- ten.” ry claimed the wicket four balls The big-hitting McCullum, later without addition to the score who announced before the five- to finish with four for 49. match ODI series began that he Doug Bracewell, who broke up will retire from international cricket the Siriwardana-Kulasekara part- in February, lived up to his pledge nership, had figures of three for to bow out on top of his game. 37. West Br om for w ar d Said o Ber ah in o affect ed b y r u m ou r s, says Ton y Pu lis

The best riders in the world have all three simultaneously. A truly race days. once again delivered some out- unique feat. This year hasn't been the best standing and memorable perfor- Following a big-money and season of Contador's career, but mances in 2015. Established names high-profile move from Cannon- he still walked away with two have continued to excel, while sev- dale to Tinkoff-Saxo last winter, stage-race victories, including one eral rising stars have also made a Sagan made a poor start to the 2015 in a Grand Tour. He had been tar- big impact. Her achievements on season and looked to have lost his geting a Giro d'Italia and Tour de cott Quigg is expecting "the lez Quigg demolished former IBF the road have been relatively mod- old edge. France double and although he suc- best Carl Frampton there has champion Kiko Martinez inside est in 2015, but for three short However, he gradually built his ceeded at the Giro, he was too tired Sever been" when the two two rounds on his last outing but weeks in September, France's Fer- form, winning the Tour of Califor- to ever be a challenger for the yel- fighters collide in a super-bantam- Frampton's last fight did not go to rand-Prevot was the holder of the nia in May before finishing on the low jersey at the Tour. His Giro weight unification fight early next plan, with the Northern Irishman world titles in road cycling, cyclo- podium on no fewer than seven victory - built largely on one of year, live on Sky Sports. floored twice en route to a points cross and cross-country mountain stages of the Tour de France and the finest performances of his ca- The eagerly-anticipated Battle win over Alejandro Gonzalez. biking. She lost her road world ti- then soloing to victory at the World reer on stage 16 - was his seventh of Britain takes place at the "Our last two performances tle to Lizzie Armitstead just 21 Championship road race in Sep- Grand Tour triumph, and he fol- Manchester Arena on February 27 were two completely different days after winning her mountain tember. He ended the season with lowed it up by winning the Route W e s t Bro m w ich Albio n fo rw ard Saido Be rah in o h as with Frampton putting his IBF ti- ways of winning," said Quigg. biking crown but will nevertheless eight wins and a colossal 32 podi- du Sud in France the following s tru ggle d fo r fo rm th is s e as o n tle on the line in a bid to try and "I went and blew Kiko Mar- go down as the first woman to hold ums, which was 40 per cent of his month. snare Quigg's WBA crown. tinez out in two rounds and that West Bromwich Albion manager has been. Obviously, with the "I knew it was going to be a was something he [Frampton] Tony Pulis admits the ongoing press focusing on what he is going big fight and the interest was going couldn't do. speculation surrounding Saido Be- to do and what he is not going to to be massive but to be honest with "He went over to America and Welsh Natio n al po stpo n ed rahino's future has affected the for- do, it is going to point the gun firm- you, it's bigger than I thought," thought he was going to crack Quigg told Sky Sports News HQ. America and say he had arrived but ward in ways he has never seen. ly at him again. "Tickets went in no time... the he came back with his tail between Tottenham had four bids re- "He has got to make sure that press and everyone has got behind his legs. But I do think that will jected for Berahino during the sum- he gets his head in gear and per- this and rightly so. We are two top make him a better fighter because mer transfer window, and the 22- forms well. You can't condemn fighters at the top of our game who he got carried away with the hype year-old also threatened to never people." are both going to put it all on the and now he is going to go back to play for West Brom again after two Tottenham's offers for Bera- line. the drawing board. "Him and his of those offers were turned down hino were heavily clause-based, Quigg and Frampton are put- trainer Shane are going to look at on deadline day. with their final bid rising to £23m ting their undefeated records on the his mistakes and try and put them Berahino, who subsequently in several instalments. line Quigg and Frampton are put- right but there are many more mis- backed down from his initial West Brom manager Tony Pu- ting their undefeated records on the takes that weren't capitalised on threat, has scored just three goals lis says the club are under no pres- line "People always raise their by Gonzalez. this season and has been named on sure to sell Berahino game for a big fight so I'm expect- And if he turns up against me the substitutes' bench for the last West Brom manager Tony Pu- ing the best Carl Frampton there's with those mistakes, there will only six matches. lis says the club are under no pres- ever been, better than any tape I be one winner." Frampton had to Berahino could feature for sure to sell Berahino have ever seen of him. get up off the canvas to beat Ale- West Brom in their Boxing Day And Pulis insists Berahino will "But I don't care how he turns jandro Gonzalez Frampton had to encounter with Swansea remain at The Hawthorns unless up because I know I have improved get up off the canvas to beat Ale- massively since my last fight and I jandro Gonzalez Quigg was speak- Berahino could feature for their valuation for him is met. West Brom in their Boxing Day He said: "I don't think it is in- am going to have too much for him. ing to Sky Sports News HQ live Sunday's card featuring the Coral see the latest renewal of the Grade pen and we have done it before. "There is no added pressure from the gym in Bolton where he Welsh National at Chepstow has Three handicap. Ottesen said: "It's "The details of entries etc will be encounter with Swansea evitable (he will go). It is up to the on me because I have a fear of fail- was being put through his paces been abandoned due to waterlog- due to be a drizzly day today and released in due course." The Brit- Pulis said: "It is the first time I chairman and people. If you are ure and a fear of losing and that's on Christmas Day. "I'm a gym rat ging after an 8am inspection. then another band of rain is fore- ish Horseracing Authority has have had to manage this situation. buying a house, the buyer has to the pressure I always deal with. and I'm in the gym every Christa- Clerk of the course Keith Ot- cast to move through with rain from confirmed the transfer of the en- I have been in management a long put the right offer in and the one I'm more than confident when the mas unless it falls on Sunday," he tesen inspected conditions at the midnight until virtually 12pm to- tire card with the exception of the time, but it is the first time some- who is selling has to accept that pressure is on. I thrive on it." said. "It's just a normal day but venue, but found the track to still morrow which would give us an- Download The Coral Mobile App one has had that opportunity and offer. Frampton had to get up off the Christmas is also a day to enjoy be waterlogged following heavy other 8-10mm, which we just can't Maiden Hurdle Race, which will has not gone and then he has just "There is always a price for canvas to beat Alejandro Gonza- and I wouldn't enjoy it if I wasn't rain. Officials have moved swiftly take. "The race has been resched- be replaced by a novices' hurdle faded away as much as Saido has. people and always a price people lez Frampton had to get up off the in the gym, whether I'm in camp to reschedule the feature event uled for January 9. There was ev- over the same two-mile-three-and- "I am not blaming the kid one will go to. But that doesn't mean canvas to beat Alejandro Gonza- or not." though, with January 9 now set to ery chance this was going to hap- a-half-furlong trip. bit about that, it is just the way it the deal is going to be done." This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SUNDAY . DECEMBER 27 . 2015-Jadi 06, 1394 H.S Vol:X Issue No:148 Price: Afs.15 This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.