” ”Volume No. 4400 Thursday February 27, 2020 Hoot 08, 1398 www.outlookafghanistan.net Price: 20/-Afs

Quote of the Day

Do the one thing you think you cannot do. Fail at it. Try again. Do better the second time. The only people who never tumble are those who never

mount the high wire. This is your moment.wn it.

Oprah Winfrey

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Add: In front of Habibia High School, District 3, Kabul, Afghanistan

U.S. Confirms Position on Afghan Elections amid Deepening Political Tensions

Khalilzad Welcomes Ghani’s Decision to Postpone His Inauguration Ceremony

Abu Dhabi Congrats Ghani’s Victory in Election

EU Team, Gen. Bajwa Talk Reconciliation in

Afghanistan

NATO: Afghan Politicians Should Stop Escalating Tensions, Undermining Political Stability

KABUL - The State Department released a statement late on Tuesday emphasizing on han-dling of concerns regarding Af-ghan presidential elections in ac-cordance with the ‘constitutional and legal procedures’.The Department of State in a statement said it ‘notes the an-nouncement on February 18, 2020 by the Independent Elec-tion Commission of Afghanistan on the results of the presidential election held September 28, 2019 in favor of President Ashraf Gha-

KABUL - H.E. Mr. Rasul Ba-wary, Deputy Minister of Culture and Art, Ministry of Information and Culture has officially endorsed a new pro-ject in the Culture Sector, in an agreement signed between H.E. Mr. Mitsuji SUZUKA, Ambas-sador of the Embassy of Japan and Mr. Jordan Naidoo, Direc-tor of the UNESCO Kabul Office and Representative to the Islam-ic Republic of Afghanistan. The new project signed “Sus-tainable Management of the World Heritage Property in Bamiyan - Preparing the Re-moval of Bamiyan from the List of World Heritage in Danger”, totals approximately USD 3.8 Million (423 Million Japanese Yen) and marks nearly two dec-ades of cultural cooperation be-tween Japan and Afghanistan. For the past 20 years, since its inscription as a World Heritage property, the people of Japan have generously provided sup-port to Bamiyan, contributing more than USD 7M over five consecutive Funds in Trust pro-grams.The Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley was recognised by UNESCO as a World Her-itage site in 2003, and simul-taneously placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. Since then, UNESCO and the Afghan authorities have been

working closely together to pro-tect this unique site, promoting cultural heritage as a driver to poverty alleviation and sustain-able development.In spite of conflict and destruc-tion, Bamiyan has seen a signifi-cant increase in both domestic and foreign tourists who visit the sites within the World Her-itage property and support the local economy. This has been made possible due to the con-tribution of all those involved, including both the central and local governments, experts, UNESCO, the local Bamiyan communities, and the people of Japan’s generous financial sup-port. The new project just approved provides continuity to nearly two decades of successful col-laboration. In addition to com-pleting the stabilization of the Western Buddha niche and con-ducting research and training in the fields of archaeology and mural painting, this project will support the establishment of a National World Heritage Centre from where the Government of Afghanistan and UNESCO can continue working closely on the preservation of this country’s unique and significant cultural heritage.H.E. Mr. Mitsuji SUZUKA add-ed “I believe that the Afghans will reaffirm their dignity and pride ...( More on P4)...(2)

ni.’However, the State Department added in its statement that “Con-cerns have been raised about the election process.”“We expect these concerns to be handled in accordance with constitutional and legal proce-dures,” the statement said, add-ing that “Moving forward, we call on the new government to be inclusive and reflect the aspira-tions of all Afghans.”This comes as tensions are esca-lating on political level following

Sustainable Management of the World Heritage Property in Bamiyan

the announcement of final elec-tion results on February 18th.The Chief Executive of the Unity Government and one of the fore-runners of the elections, Abdul-lah Abdullah rejected the results as ‘fraudulent’ and vowed to es-tablish a parallel government.Meanwhile, the State Depart-ment said “The country’s lead-ers and their supporters should ensure that political debate is carried out in a calm manner, free from the use or threat of vio-lence.”

The statement also added “They should also desist from destabi-lizing actions, including purport-ed efforts to establish parallel government structures incon-sistent with the constitution and rule of law.”According to State Department “Such moves call into ques-tion the country’s sovereignty and unity that the United States strongly supports.”On the other hand, the State De-partment said “The Afghan peo-ple ...( More on P4)...(1)

KABUL - The US Special Repre-sentative for Afghanistan’s recon-ciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad said in a tweet on Wednesday that he welcomes President Ghani’s deci-sion to postpone the event until March 9.He said, “The Ministry of For-eign Affairs of Afghanistan has announced the postponement of tomorrow’s planned presidential inauguration ceremony. I wel-come President Ghani’s decision to postpone the event until March 9.”He further added, “This will al-low time for necessary consulta-tions so that the best interests of Afghanistan and its people are

ABU DHABI - Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, congratulated President Ashraf Ghani’s victory in the election and stressed on the economic and strategic relations between the two countries.Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, congratulated Moham-mad Ashraf Ghani in telephonic conversation on winning a sec-ond term as President of Afghan-istan, Arg said in a statement.In this telephone conversation,

both sides emphasized the de-velopment of strategic and eco-nomic relations between the two countries, calling the relations of Afghanistan and the United Arab Emirates brotherly and friendly.Abu Dhabi Crown Prince hopes that Afghan-UAE relations will be further strengthened during President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani’s second term. (DID PRESS)

PESHAWAR - A European Union delegation has met Pa-kistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Qamar Javed Ba-jwa.Matters of mutual interest and regional security, including the reconciliation process in Af-ghanistan, came up for discus-sion at Tuesday’s meeting.European Union Ambassador Androulla Kaminara led the delegation, which held talks with Gen. Bajwa at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.The delegation appreciated Pa-kistan’s role for peace and sta-

bility in the region, according to a statement from the army’s media wing.Diplomats from Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Spain, Sweden, France, Greece, Austria and Denmark were part of the delegation. (Pajhwok)

WASHINGTON - Jens Stolten-berg, the NATO SG called on all Afghan political actors to refrain taking steps that would escalate tensions and undermine political stability, NATO stated in a state-ment on February 25.The statement quoting Jens said,” I note the final results of last Sep-tember’s presidential election announced by the Independent Election Commission. I commend the determination of the Afghan people, who exercised their demo-cratic right to vote in the elections, and I pay tribute to the Afghan security forces, who served with professionalism and bravery to se-

reflected and preserved by the new government.”Khalilzad also said, “As the electoral process has concluded, President Ghani, as the declared win-

cure the vote.”Jens Stoltenberg underlined that any concerns about the electoral process should be addressed ac-cording to “constitutional and le-gal procedures”.Jens called on all Afghan political actors to prevent taking steps that would escalate tensions and un-dermine political stability.He said, “I urge all Afghans to demonstrate national unity in sup-port of the peace process. This is a time when all responsible political forces must engage in dialogue and unite behind the peace pro-cess, which is the priority for all Afghans.” The statement also add-

ner, and other leaders should ensure that the new government is inclusive and reflects the aspirations of all Afghans.” (ATN)

ed, “NATO remains firmly com-mitted to Afghanistan’s long-term security and stability. We continue to provide the Afghan security

forces with training and financial support so that they can fight ter-rorism and create the conditions for peace.” (ATN)

KABUL - Gen. Scott Miller, com-mander of Resolute Support MIs-sion and US forces in Afghanistan on Tuesday and said that so far violence is decreasing, suggesting that the reduction in violence plan is being upheld. “We’re seeing what we would call a downward trend in vio-lence, which is great for the Af-ghan people. It’s great for the country of Afghanistan,” accord-ing to Miller.“There’s still some incidents and we’re working through those in-cidents. We remain committed in our support to the Afghan securi-ty forces,” Miller said, adding that “The minister and I are talking about it every single day to make sure we’re seeing what’s happen-ing on the ground together.”Khalid, who visited a special unit in Kabul, said: “Today, we are here with our Ktah-Khas (special forces unit), and they have always been ready. Now, they have been conducting training and observ-

ing the (reduction in violence) situation.”“We assure our people that our brave forces will arrive at any lo-cation, at any time, to resolve any issues or problems,” he said.“This is a success for us. The sacri-fices of our hard-working Afghan forces and patience of our great nation caused this reduction in violence,” he added.He also said that in several loca-tions the Afghans have celebrated the reduction in violence.“In some provinces, the Taliban groups came into the cities and took photos with our soldiers. This is a big success for us,” ac-cording to Khalid.On February 21, a reduction in violence plan kicked off that is intended to last for seven days. Upon its successful completion, according to statements by the US and Taliban, a peace deal negoti-ated between the two sides over the past 18 months in Doha, will be signed.

If the agreement signed, it will lead to intra-Afghan talks be-tween the Taliban on one side, and a delegation representing

the Afghan republic’s govern-ment and political and civil es-tablishment, on the other. (TOLO NEWS)

KABUL - European Union (EU)’s special representative for Afghan-istan development on Wednes-day expressed his support for President Ashraf Ghani’s pro-grams and encouraged Afghan politicians to work together for the success of the peace process.A statement from the Presiden-tial Palace received by Pajhwok Afghan News said that President Ghani met with Roland Kobia at

KABUL - Nine civilians were in-jured when explosive placed in a motorbike went off in Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, the country’s Interior Ministry said.The blasttook placeat 3:30p.m. on Faiz Mohammad Katib road in Police District 6 of the city, a spokesman for city’s police said.Nasrat Rahimi, a spokesman for Interior Ministry, said that

KANDAHAR CITY - Hikmatul-lah Ihsan, who daily visits the Peace Library in Kandahar City, the capital of southern Kandahar province, says every individual should raise voice for peace so this dream comes true.The library is established by some civil society activists. Besides studying different books in the library, Ihsan discusses peace re-lated issues with friends and ex-

his office this morning.At the meeting, Kobia said, “I came with the message to support the Islamic Republic of Afghani-stan, because it means supporting democracy, law enforcement and the government. The EU would be on side of the Afghanistan state and our assistance would continue.”Kobia expressed his support for ...( More on P4)...(8)

a woman was among nine civil-ians who were wounded in the blast.The blast comes on fifth day of a seven-day reduction in violence ahead of US-Taliban deal. Tali-ban spokesman Zabihullah Mu-jahd said that the group was not behind the blast.Rahimi said that police were working to find out who carred out thebombing. (1TV NEWS)

change their views.Ihsan, 25, says he desired peace like all youth of the country and insisted every individual should work for peace and raise their voice.He said the Peace Library offered a peaceful environment for youth in Kandahar City.Referring to a group of youth sit-ting in the corner, he said new ...( More on P4)...(9)

‘We Are Seeing Downward Trend in Violence’: Miller

Brothers Kill by Roommates in Kabul

EU Urges Afghan Politicians to Work Together for Peace

Motorbike Bomb Injures Nine Civilians in Kabul: MoI

Kandahar Peace Library Spreading Peaceful Mindset

Feb 27, 2020 - If a family member is in a bad mood but not confessing why, it’s up to you to step in and help. He or she is car-rying that big black cloud around, casting shadows everywhere they go. Do what you can to snap your relative out of it, al-

though take care not to force the issue too harshly. Counseling might be in order, and this may not be your area of expertise!

Feb 27, 2020 - Beware lawyers, bankers, and stockbrokers today, Taurus. One of them is likely to try and mislead you with some inaccurate information. While it might be in his or her best interests for you to take this information at face value,

it certainly isn’t in yours! Do your own research and get all the facts before making the financial investments recom-mended to you.

Feb 27, 2020 - A family member or other loved one may not be telling you the truth. In this person’s defense, he or she likely thinks they’re protecting you by shielding you from the truth. This is a time for you to trust your instincts, Gemini. If you’re

told something that simply doesn’t ring true, check the information yourself rather than accept it at face value.

Down

Across Yesterday’s Solution

1. Continuing forever, 2. Backache, 3. Former boxing champ, 4. Prong, 5. Sweeping story, 6. A rational motive, 7. Shoemaker’s awl, 8. Obtains, 9. Eon, 10. Bloodline, 13. Hush-hush, 14. Not false, 5. Inflammations of the big toe, 16. Having low blood pres-sure, 19. Ridges of sand, 22. Futile, 24. Managed, 26. A Freudian stage, 27. Hair goop, 30. Anagram of “Note”, 32. “Dig in!”, 33. A German medieval guild, 34. Condition 35. Renters, 38. Teach, 39. Existing in name only, 40. Infections of the eye, 42. Exit, 44. Formally surrender, 45. Dog-___, 48. Head, 49. Apprehends, 50. Pearly-shelled mussel, 53. Woman, 55. At this time

1. Gladden, 6. Kingly, 11. Garden bulb, 12. Author of a mournful poem, 15. Third sign of the zodiac, 16. Expediter, 17. Sphere, 18. Shedding, 20. Euro forerunner, 21. Two-toed sloth, 23. Atop, 24. Rabbit, 25. Labels, 26. Shortly, 27. A measuring instrument, 28. Black-thorn, 29. Mesh, 30. Basic belief, 31. Property under a lease, 34. Pilfer, 36. Indian bread, 37. Permits, 41. Check, 42. Feudal worker, 43. Modify, 44. Tins, 45. Auspices, 46. Respon-sibility, 47. Estimated time of arrival, 48. Nouveau-riche, 51. Prompt, 52. Denim, 54. His-tory, 56. Demesnes, 57. Flora and fauna, 58. Sleighs, 59. Seed spreader

Outlook Horoscope

Pisces (Feb.19-Mar.20)

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb.18)

Capricorn (Dec.21-Jan19)

Scorpio (Oct.23-Nov.22)

Libra (Sep 23-Oct. 22)Cancer (June 21-July 20)

Sagittarius (Nov.23-Dec.20)

Leo (July 21-Aug. 21)Taurus (Apr.21-May 20)

Aries (Mar. 22-Apr.20)

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Virgo (Aug. 22-Sep 22 )

Feb 27, 2020 - You’re finally setting in mo-tion some longstanding goals of yours, Ar-ies. Good for you! But even though every-thing is in place and you’re ready to go, it’s possible that you’ll receive notice today of some delay in your plans. The frustration

feels unbearable. But when you step back and look at the bigger picture, you’ll see that ultimately this delay is in your best interests.

Feb 27, 2020 - You have an active mind and an even more active imagination, Cancer. Today you risk short-circuiting your brain as you struggle to keep up with all the ideas and information swirling inside your head.

Take a few minutes to do a mental inventory. Write down everything you’re thinking right now so you can free some space in your brain for other issues. A long walk or jog would help soothe your mind.

Feb 27, 2020 - Your career may be side-tracked by petty gossip, rumor, and office politics. It’s likely that someone is push-ing forward his or her agenda without any thought or concern for its impact on others.

Do what you can to put a stop to such shenanigans, Libra. There are times when it’s appropriate to be the whistle-blower, and this is one of them.

Feb 27, 2020 - You may be feeling tired and a bit wrung out today, Capricorn. Although you’re a workaholic by nature, even you are forced to admit that this is

a day to stay in bed. Give yourself these few hours to regroup and recoup your energy. You’ll need to be operating at peak form for all the work that’s likely to hit your desk next week.

Feb 27, 2020 - Some bad news about your financial situation may not really be as bad as it first appears. Even so, it throws you for a loop. Double-check the infor-mation before spiraling into a panic,

Scorpio. It may be that a computer made an error or a bank clerk messed up. You may have to unravel some paperwork, but it will be a relief to have it resolved.

Feb 27, 2020 - There could be a missing person very much on your mind these days. Is it possible that the relationship is over and you’re the last one to know? Don’t let your insecurities get the better

of you, Aquarius. It’s likely that your friend merely needs some time alone to sort out some big life issues. He or she will seek out your warmth and friendship again soon.

Feb 27, 2020 - Misinformation is likely to spread like wildfire today, causing a lot of unnecessary upset either among your neighbors at home or your colleagues at

work. Don’t accept at face value any gossip or rumor you hear, Pisces. Check the accuracy of the informa-tion yourself. If it does turn out to be false, as is likely, you’ll feel sorry if you’ve had any part in perpetuat-ing it.

Feb 27, 2020 - If a friend or colleague seems to be in trouble, you may not want to in-terfere for fear of being too intimate. But this isn’t a time to hold back, Virgo. It’s

likely that this person really does need your help. Your intervention will be much appreciated and pos-sibly even rewarded. Be sure to get some rest tonight. You’re emotionally and physically drained.

Feb 27, 2020 - In an unpleasant situation, your inclination is to protect your loved ones from the truth. This would be a

mistake, Sagittarius. Even though you’re acting out of love, your family members deserve to know the truth even if it hurts. You can’t shield them from the realities of the outside world. Most people, even the young, prefer to know the facts.

allow alone always answerattached bother checks crime divine enoughenvironment excuses faces false glad grace heard living magnet oceanopinion order person placeprocess stele team there-fore thought ties touch...

Main News PageFebruary 27, 20202

KABUL - Two brothers were killed by their roommates Mon-day night in PD^18 of Dasht-e-Barchi, Kabul city, police said.The incident took place in the Naqash area of Dasht-e-Barchi, where the victims had rented a sharing room with two others at a dormitory.The victims – Dallawar, Hadi –

were students and holding the business of PVC in Kabul.Kabul Police said that the two individuals were killed in their dormitory after their family had sent them 2000 Euros for them.Yazdan Bakhsh one of the vic-tim’s relatives said that the two brothers were killed by crimi-nals. ...( More on P4)...(7)

In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Kind

February 27, 2020

Poverty – A Chronic Problem

One will be taken aback by seeing the vagrant and home-less, sleeping at nights in open space of Pole Sokhta in Kabul City. They live in social isolation, without

homes or shelter. Extreme poverty is their share of life. Pole Sokhta is the place for Afghan drug addicts. It is a bitter fact to be admitted that these vagrants are all on drugs. Most of them are of the younger generation who took refuge in neighbor-ing countries due to Afghanistan’s economic problems and during decades of war .Upon returning to the country soon after the fall of Taliban’s regime and the establishment of a democratic government in Afghanistan, they did not have the national support-base to re-settle and prosper. Presently, they live in poor conditions bereft of very basic facilities of life. Poverty is at its peak and has affected a large number of peo-ple across the country. There are large groups of beggars, of both genders, in Kabul City. Many other folk too, can hardly make ends meet in spite of laboring all day. There are some breadwinners who are hawking minor objects such as plastic bags, socks, sweaters, bracelets, cigarettes, phone cards, etc. from dawn to dusk just to earn a morsel of bread for their families. Meanwhile, there are gangs of workmen who col-lect early morning with their working tools, waiting to be en-gaged on a daily-wage. This work force is much larger than is the demand for their labor. Hence, there is a direct connection between poverty and unemployment.Regarding poverty, some are of the opinion that it is a result of man’s laziness. Other sociologists believe that poverty is a structural defect in society. Perhaps there is a bit of truth in both points of view. In some cases, one’s poverty originates in the fact that one chooses to live in a deprived and secluded ar-eas where job opportunities do not exist. Thus, such a lifestyle will certainly have a negative impact on person’s economic prospects. Generally, the chances of obtaining a job, is more promising if one is better educated. Skills are in demand. So the have-nots are deprived of education, skills and work-op-portunities. Lewis (1961), a famous sociologist, argues that the culture of poverty exists amongst many poor people. According to him, poverty is not the result of one’s disqualification or inabili-ty rather it is the result of social and cultural atmosphere in which the poor children get socialized. This passes to the next generation and they will come to know that their expectation of a better life is a dream. Ultimately, they will succumb to poverty and a low morale. Charles Murray (1984), an American sociologist, extends the hypothesis of culture of poverty. According to him, the case of those who are involved in poverty due to adverse circum-stances, such as widows, orphan children or the disabled falls in one category. He talks of a ‘dependency culture’ among the poor who rely on government’s charity rather than going out to work. Murray argues that the affluence of welfare-oriented governments has created a subculture which subdues ambi-tions and the push towards self-help. Such welfare policies has uprooted the interest in work-ethics from some people. Whether this theory is acceptable or not is for the readers to judge. Let us examine the condition of some of our youths who suf-fer badly in Kabul City. The odorous smell of Pole Sokhta dis-turbs passersby .It is nauseating. These vagrants have spoiled the environment and this is the filthiest part of the city. It is a safe haven for addicts and peddlers of drugs; a breeding place for crime. As a result, at night the vagrants, who are also ad-dicted, wander the city searching for something to eat and it doesn’t matter for them how and where it is obtained. Mostly, they try to steal from the stores or hotels, implore people for money or pick their pockets. To our chagrin, the government does not take any steps in this civic matter. I do not deny that every right is linked to a responsibility. It is the responsibility of the government to help the citizens and do its best to decrease the poverty. In addition, the task of sanitation and cleanliness of cities also belong to government officials and they will have to prevent the citizens in any possible way from polluting the city. Oth-erwise if this trend further continues, it will certainly threaten people’s lives.One of the serious challenges in the country which has also turned into an international challenge is the issue of drug. It is said that one million people die per year around the world due to Afghanistan’s drug production and smuggling. Mean-while, it also draws our people towards addiction. Drug ad-diction leads to further poverty. There are reports that Tali-ban militants are also fed through the income which is earned by drug smuggling and that is why they never take action in this matter. Narcotic drugs are forbidden in Islam. Hence, presently taking action against poppy cultivation is the urgent need of the country. It is a menace not only to our country but also to all neighboring countries. In other words, drugs threaten the life of our youths, cause poverty, energize terror-ist networks and lead to the death of millions of people in one way or another.

Chairman / Editor-in-Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Vice Chairman / Exec. Editor: Moh. Sakhi Rezaie

Email: outlookafghanistan@gmail.comPhone: 0093 (799) 005019/777-005019

www.outlookafghanistan.net

Since the days of its first nuclear explosion in May 1974, India gave a strong foothold to the US against China in the region. It was the result of India’s recognition as a responsible nuclear power but US took keen in-

terest in removing the other impediments in the way of nuclear deal. As a fol-low up action, India and the US made changes in its internal laws to accom-modate the new deal. Apart from passing the Agreement from Legislatures of the respective country, the US enacted the Hyde Act and India established an understanding with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on the issue of nuclear plant supervision and nuclear safeguards. The under-standing between India and the US was furthered when the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) waived restrictions on India’s nuclear import. It opened India’s option to buy enriched uranium, nuclear technology and other materials from different countries of the world in order to generate electricity and in-dustrial development. Beginning of Indo-US Nuclear UnderstandingEven before the advent of India as an independent, sovereign country in the comity of nations, the world’s balance of power went in favour of nuclear capability. For long in the post-war period the power politics appeared de-veloping a bipolar pattern–the concentration of most of the world’s power, military, industrial and otherwise in the two super powers and these two powers–USA and USSR in contrast with the multi-power world of the past, seemed to have emerged as the major determinants of international politics. Of the two, the USA was first to become a decidedly nuclear power in mid-1940s and the release of nuclear energy has revolutionalised the concepts of national defence and strategy along with the art of planning the realisation of military goals. It has always been a consistent policy of the United States to protect its national interests with all possible means, however, immoral they may be and never allow a prospective and upcoming contender to proceed ahead so that it may challenge the might of the US. This is called “real poli-ticking” and was very much eulogised and theorised by American scholars and policy-makers like Morgenthau, Kelsen and Henry Kissinger during past decades after the Second World War. In the context, the question of the im-portance that South Asia acquires in the US interests and scheme of priorities remained a persisting debate and there is a difference of opinions. One school of thought accords a very low priority to South Asia since it is geographically distant and economically uninspiring from the US point of view. The other school regards the US involvement in South Asia is being strategically vital and therefore, deep and pervasive. However, over the years, the second opin-ion gained weightage and it was felt that as long as the United States had an adversary relationship with both China and the Soviet Union, the US would remain concerned with minimising their role in South Asia. Accordingly, the US involvement in South Asia fluctuated, depending upon its intensity and style of competition with other great powers at the global level.Policy dilemma with a super powerIndia, with its independence in August 1947, shared a lot of common ideals and institutions such as democracy, freedom of press, freedom of religion, respect for individual liberty, human rights, independance of judiciary, feder-alism etc. But the foreign policy of a country, far from being an independent variable, depends on number of factors, which especially include domestic concerns and institutions of that country. It is the domestic context in which a country’s foreign policy arises. The domestic context pertains to those im-portant aspects such as the geo-strategic location, historical, socio-cultural and

The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the authers and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Daily Outlook Afghanistan.

Everybody seems to agree that data will play a fundamental role in the economy of the future, whether through health discoveries, smart en-ergy grids, autonomous vehicles, or other areas of innovation. The prob-

lem is that nobody knows precisely how the new forms of economic value will be created, who will benefit, or what the regulatory response should be. In addition to enthusiasm about the power of big data, there are growing con-cerns about its potential to be abused, including in the case of facial recogni-tion and other applications that involve a significant erosion of privacy.In any case, the volume of data being generated annually has grown at a stag-gering pace, increasing fourfold in just five years, by some estimates. Given this pace of growth, ensuring that the data explosion serves society’s interests has gained new urgency. Yet too little is known about who holds what data, or about the potential value of some forms of data as opposed to others.As an economic matter, data are fundamentally different from most other goods and services such as cars, haircuts, and indeed oil. Two features of data, in particular, make assessing their value difficult, while at the same time un-derscoring the distinction between their potential value to society and their private-market value.The first characteristic, in the economic jargon, is non-rivalry: data can be used by many people simultaneously. Once data are created and cataloged in a useful format, they can be furnished to additional users at low or even no cost. But, as with other public goods such as parks or roads, collecting, compiling, and formatting socially useful data may require significant upfront financing. That is why there are already so many restrictions on access to existing data; those who have built the databases need to recoup their costs.The second key feature of data concerns externalities: the value of data to any one user is closely linked to actions taken by others. The erosion of privacy is one oft-mentioned negative externality associated with the collection and sell-ing of personal data. But an issue that has received less attention is the poten-tial for data to yield positive externalities. Private companies already derive valuable commercial insights from combining data about individual custom-ers into larger sets. But these benefits pale in comparison to what could be gained if the relevant data sets were not siloed in different public and private organizations. Of course, the specific informational content of any given data set also affects its value. Is the data set for a population of users general or spe-cific? Does it include geographic and temporal characteristics, and is it acces-sible and interoperable across different platforms? All of these considerations matter for determining use value. And while there is already a data market, data are far from becoming a standardized commodity whose value can read-ily be established through trades.Complicating matters further, the same data can have very different value to different users. The economic value – both commercial and in terms of wider economic welfare – of any specific data set is context specific. Yet, just as too

Basics of US Nuclear Politics in South Asia

It’s Now or Never for National Data Strategies

politico- economic environment of the country which prescribes the param-eters within which the foreign policy-makers of a country have to shape its foreign policy. This significance of the international milieu in the shaping of Indo-US relations notwithstanding, policy convergences or divergences between two democracies have often been explained mainly in the context o f e x t e r n a l e n v i r o n m e n t . I n t h e p e r i o d o f C o l d W a r rap-prochement, and difference between two countries took fair amount of time due to both internal and external compulsions. From the start, the United States is a super power whereas India is a middle power. And further, a su-perpower’s domestic compulsions may not be directly related to its relation to any one regional power while a regional power’s approach to international politics is invariably linked to the role of the global power in its internal and neighbourhood politics. In the circumstances, it is quite natural that the US perceives its national interest in global context while India’s immediate con-cern often hinges around preserving its internal autonomy. A super power could accommodate another super power, because the alternative would be equally devastating to both. But the relationship between a super power and a middle power is of different kinds. The former may not accommodate the latter while the latter cannot allow itself to be a satellite of the former.US understanding of South AsiaOn the issue of Indo-US relations there are some who believe that bilateral relations ‘should be separated from the strategic and multilateral issues and such analysts argue that on some issues which do not directly affect their bilateral relations, the countries may afford to have disagreements, However, in practice, this is not feasible. First, because there is interaction and mutual influence between bilateral and multilateral issues. Second, there are some middle range issues which belong to both worlds. One such issue is the nuclear relationship between the United States and India. It directly affects the vital interests of India, if not those of United States. It is a part of the in-ternational debate on nuclear non-proliferation in which both the US and India are active participants, championing opposite points of view. On In-dia’s part, its commitments to the peaceful use of nuclear energy is firm, al-though, at times, it has been subjected to some strain. During the stewardship of Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s commitment in this respect was unequivocal. No doubts were cast on his bona fides, during his lifetime. Only a Nehru could assure the world on behalf of any future government of India that this country would not go in for nuclear weapons. In just opposite is the US nuclear understanding which revolves round the policy of nuclear deterrence and non- proliferation. It is of the opinion that the US should possess a large number of powerful weapons which would be an effective deterrent against a first nuclear strike by any other nuclear power, especially the Soviet Union. As a result, Washington’s commitment to nuclear non-proliferation has been half-heated and partial. If favours only horizontal non-proliferation, without offering any commitment even to a gradual vertical non- proliferation. The nuclear policy of the US thus sharply clashes w it h t ha t o f I nd ia , w ho s e co mmitm e nt t o n u cl e a r n o n - proliferation is total and which advocates vertical as well as horizontal non-proliferation. India feels that a non-proliferation agreement ignores the pres-ent proliferation and pre-occupies itself with the future proliferation which is naturally unrealistic, ineffective and therefore unacceptable and pervasive.

Editorial and Opinions3

By: Diane Coylemuch of the current policy debate treats all data as a homogenous good, so does the preoccupation with “personal” data and privacy – while an impor-tant issue – divert attention from the ways that data could be put to good pub-lic and social use.How can we broaden the scope of the current debate? First, we must accept that markets alone will not make the most of this new resource, owing to non-rivalry and various externalities. Because market forces will produce too much of some types of data and too little of other types, governments will have to step in to ensure that the benefits of public and private data are being maximized.Specifically, that means maintaining fair competition in private, data-intensive markets (as envisioned in the European Commission’s newly proposed data strategy), and ensuring that private and public service providers can access and combine different sources of data. Governments should not be granting exclusive rights to public-sector data that could be used by other third parties to deliver social benefits. In fact, policymakers should even consider mandat-ing that certain forms of private-sector data be made accessible to third parties, in order to ensure interoperability between platforms.To be sure, these proposals presuppose significant institutional innovation. Governments will need to support the institutions that will be trusted with protecting, monitoring, and controlling access to data. While some of these institutions will need to be created from scratch, there are already ongoing ex-periments with new forms of digital governance such as data trusts and data stewards.In addition to fostering institutional reform, policymakers also will need to make some tough choices. There is a tradeoff between incentivizing invest-ment in high-quality data and granting wide access to it. Policymakers will need to strike a balance between these concerns, perhaps by exploring the use of time-limited and non-exclusive rights or a data equivalent to patent pools. When it comes to funding public data, the financial and licensing terms of public-sector deals with private companies will need to be transparent, so that other parties can make a case for more valuable uses of the same data. On the pretext of commercial confidentiality, the official bodies that are currently selling access to public data are making it harder for themselves to get a good deal. They are effectively preventing competition, and thus undermining their own legitimacy by sowing distrust among the citizens whose data is being sold. Figuring out how to get the best out of data is still an inchoate effort. But as our new report for the Nuffield Foundation shows, the issues and tradeoffs involved are becoming clearer all the time. Above all, policymakers need to recognize the urgency of the challenge at hand. Now is the time to start de-veloping data strategies, policies, and regulations. Otherwise, the gains of the data age will be seized by a small number of big companies, and much of the potential benefit to society will be squandered.

By: Dr. Rajkumar Singh

Diane Coyle is Professor of Public Policy at the University of Cambridge.

Dr. Rajkumar Singh is Professor and Head of P.G.Department of Political Science, BNMU, West Campus, P.G. Centre, Saharsa-852201.Bihar, India. Email- rajkumarsinghpg@yahoo.com

December 19, 2019February 27, 20204

Tunisian Parliament Debates New Coalition with Economy in Focus

Egypt Holds Funeral for Former President Mubarak

TUNIS - Tunisia’s parliament began debating on Wednesday and looked set to approve a new coalition government, after months of politi-cal wrangling that has slowed the north African country’s efforts to tackle looming economic problems.Elyes Fakhfakh, who was designated prime min-ister last month by President Kais Saied, has brought parties from across the political spec-trum into his cabinet - and they continue to dis-agree on several big policy areas.His government is expected to pass a confidence vote later on Wednesday, however, though it may prove fragile after struggling to reconcile the differences over policy and cabinet positions.If it were to lose the vote, another parliamentary election would be held.The last election, held in October, produced a deeply fragmented house in which no party won more than a quarter of the seats. An earlier at-tempt to form a government was defeated in a confidence vote in January.Introducing his proposed government’s program in parliament on Wednesday, Fakhfakh said its

CAIRO - Egypt held a military funeral in Cairo on Wednesday to bury its former president Hosni Mubarak, who ruled for 30 years until he was ousted in a 2011 popular uprising against corruption.Horses drew Mubarak’s coffin draped in the Egyptian flag at a mosque complex, followed by a procession led by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Egypt’s top military brass, Mubarak’s sons Alaa and Gamal and other Egyp-tian and Arab dignitaries.Mubarak died on Tuesday in intensive care weeks after undergoing surgery, leaving Egyptians divided over his legacy presiding over an era of stagnation and repres-sion, which some nevertheless recall as more stable than the chaos that followed.He was swept out of power as an early victim of the “Arab Spring” revolutions that swept the region in 2011. He spent many of the subsequent years in jail and military hospitals before being freed in 2017.Egypt’s presidency and armed forces mourned the former air force officer as a hero for his role in the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. The presidency declared three days of national mourning.Mubarak’s coffin was to be airlifted from the Field Mar-shall Tantawi mosque to the family burial grounds, state television reported.Dozens of Mubarak supporters, some from his home

priorities would include fighting widespread corruption and reforming public services and the state phosphate producer.It would work to maintain the value of the cur-rency, which has recovered in recent months af-ter years of decline, he added. Central Bank gov-ernor Marwan Abbasi said this month that the International Monetary Fund had been in favor of the dinar losing some value to bolster exports.The new government would immediately face a major economic challenge after years of low growth, persistent unemployment, big govern-ment deficits, mounting debt, high inflation, a weak currency and deteriorating public services.It will need to find new external financing af-ter an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program ends in April, with no new support yet agreed.Parliament speaker Rached Ghannouchi said he would also start the process for voting judges onto the constitutional court, a body agreed in the 2014 constitution to arbitrate disputes be-tween branches of government but not yet set up. (Reuters)

village Kafr al-Meselha in the Nile Delta, gathered out-side the mosque, where the military funeral will take place.Egyptian state and private newspapers ran front page pictures of Mubarak, while state TV showed excerpts of previous speeches.This was a stark contrast to the treatment of his succes-sor, Mursi, Egypt’s first freely elected leader, who lasted only a year in office before the army toppled him. Mursi died last year after collapsing in court while on trial on espionage charges. Egyptian media, which are tightly controlled, paid little attention to his death. (Reuters)

On Feb. 25, 2020, Chairman of Ka-zakhstan’s Civil Aviation Committee Talgat Lastayev said that Kazakhstan is looking into limiting flights to coun-tries where coronavirus is spreading.The outbreak in the Chinese city of Wuhan - which is an international transport hub - began at a fish market in late Aside from Mainland China, the cases of coronavirus spreading have also been confirmed in other countries, in-cluding Japan, Singapore, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, Germany, the US, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Macau, France, Canada, the UAE, India, Italy, Russia, Philippines. (Trend)

(20) Iran Raises ... turned into a weapon for our enemies to halt work and production in our country,” Rouhani said, according to a transcript posted to the Iranian presi-dency’s website.Iranian state television reported Wednesday that 19 people have been killed by the new coronavirus amid 139 confirmed cases in the country so far.The announcement by a state TV an-chor came as Health Ministry spokes-man Kianoush Jahanpour urged Ira-nians to avoid “nonessential travel,” particularly to the hard-hit provinces of the country such as Gilan and Qom.The coronavirus has infected more than 80,000 people globally, causing over 2,700 deaths, mainly in China. The World Health Organization has named the illness COVID-19.Meanwhile Wednesday, Egyptian airport officials said the country’s national carrier, EgyptAir, has in-definitely extended the suspension of its flights to and from China, for the safety of its passengers. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren’t authorized to brief jour-nalists. (AP News)

(21) Attorney ...priority will be cases concerning na-tional security and state revenue and that he will try to control the damage from the Reko Diq case. He said that the government aims to get a stay or-der issued against the over $6 billion fine imposed on Pakistan. (Pakistan Today)

(22) Turkmenistan ... the region.On the sidelines of the conference, negotiations were held between the managers of the Turkmen fuel and en-ergy complex and the management of interested foreign companies. A semi-nar was also held on the legal and tax aspects of investing in the Turkmen oil and gas sector.The construction of the Turkmen sec-tion of the TAPI pipeline was launched in December 2015. The design capac-ity of the pipeline may reach 33 bil-lion cubic meters of gas per year. The pipeline will pass through the Afghan cities of Herat and Kandahar (816 ki-lometers), through the cities of Quetta and Multan across Pakistani territory (819 kilometers), and reach the city of Fazilka in India.The construction of the Afghan sec-tion of the pipeline was initiated in February 2018, while the construction of the Pakistani section is planned to be launched in 2020.The Turkmengas State Concern is the leader of the TAPI Pipeline Company Ltd. international consortium. It acts as the main financier and manager of the project. The consortium also in-cludes Afghan Gas Corporation, Paki-stan’s Inter State Gas Systems (Pri-vate) Limited Company and India’s GAIL Company. (Trend)

What is exchanged on the social media platforms is decided about by the le-gal department of Afghanistan Green Trend for the sake of defending the privacy of the organization and its members,” Saleh said in a Facebook post.” (TOLO NEWS)

(6) Special Representative ... Department of Foreign Policy Analy-sis and Forecasting of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from February 2014 to July 2019, he worked as an ambas-sador extraordinary and plenipoten-tiary of Kazakhstan to South Africa, from February 2012 to February 2014, he worked as interim attorney for for-eign affairs of Kazakhstan to Romania. (KAZTAG)

(7) Brothers Kill ...It shows that the security forces are weak and failed in carrying out their duty.Moreover, Kabul Police said, one of the perpetrators was detained by Po-lice and the other one is under the in-vestigation of the police.Estamatullah Nekzad, the Deputy of Kabul police said that one of their roommates is fugitive right now and is under the supervision of the police.Earlier, Kabul Police had launched operations against criminals crimes in Kabul, but the crimes have remained one of the main concerns of Kabul citi-zens. (ATN)

(8) EU Urges ...programs of President Ashraf Ghani for the development of Afghanistan and hoped Afghan politicians would work together for the success of peace in their country.The president thanked the EU for re-affirming continued support to Af-ghanistan and said, “Peace is the high demand of our people and it is responsibility and priority of the gov-ernment. We have created a national consensus on peace.”Ghani said the peace process was re-lated to all Afghans and he has con-sulted with different classes of society about opportunities and possible risks in the way.He said the government was fully ready to use opportunities and re-spond to probable risks in the peace process. (Pajhwok)

(9) Kandahar Peace ...youngsters visited the facility every day and engaged in discussions on peace. “Youth comes together here, they discuss peace related matters and finally an academic environment is created.”“If peace is established in the coun-try, the mindset is not changed, then peace will never be durable,” believed Afghan.Referring to the importance of peace, Afghan said his department organised peace poetry sessions in the city and peace theater and disseminated peace messages. (Pajhwok)

(10) At Least 20 ... in the area in an effort to better moni-tor areas of northeast Delhi still expe-riencing violence. A video posted to social media purportedly shows law enforcement officers using remote controls to pilot the small aerial ve-hicles.India’s CAA fast-tracks citizenship for non-Muslims from three neighboring Muslim-majority nations. New Delhi has defended the law as a necessary humanitarian gesture aimed at aiding persecuted religious minorities. Crit-ics claim the legislation is discrimi-natory. Anger over the new law has sparked demonstrations across the country – some of them leading to vio-lence.

(1) U.S. Confirms ...want peace. It is time to focus not on electoral politics, but on taking steps toward a lasting peace, ending the war with the Taliban, and finding a for-mula for a political settlement that can serve the interests of all of this coun-try’s citizens through intra-Afghan negotiations we expect will begin in March.” (KHAAMA PRESS)

(2) Sustainable Management ...through conservation and restoration of their historical heritage. In addi-tion, this project will also enable effec-tive management of Bamiyan World Heritage site and tourism develop-ment, which will contribute to job cre-ation and income generation opportu-nities in Afghanistan.”H.E. Mr. Rasul Bawary added “The Project of Sustainable Management of the Bamiyan Heritage Property is one of the very important projects for Afghanistan. This project will en-sure safeguarding of Bamiyan cultural properties and will focus on to tack-le the benchmarks defined by World Heritage committee to remove the site from the list of World Heritage in Danger.”Mr. Jordan Naidoo UNESCO Rep-resentative in Afghanistan stated “The new project signed today, pro-vides continuity to the successful and long-lasting cooperation between the Japanese Government and its people, the Government of Afghanistan and UNESCO, in our joint-efforts towards the preservation of his World Heritage property and the sustainable develop-ment of Bamiyan.”Japan has been assisting Afghani-stan’s nation building efforts in vari-ous fields including security, health, culture, humanitarian assistance, ag-riculture, and capacity development. The Government of Japan and UNES-CO remain committed to continue providing support to Afghanistan in the Culture Sector, contributing to the removal of Bamiyan from the List of World Heritage in Danger. (PR)

(3) Afghan Govt ...case that is confirmed in Herat is a 35-year-old Afghan man who had traveled from Qom city in Iran.In Iran, the virus has killed 16 while 95 cases of infection have been report-ed in the country, according to news agencies reports. (TOLO NEWS)

(4) ‘Just Leave’: ...when new administrations take the reins in Washington. The phenome-non is the result of powerful interests working behind the scenes, the retired lawmaker argued.Look at Obama, he got the Nobel Prize and went on to be the bloodiest president since George Bush... There is a deep state and it actually controls what the presidents do.He noted that despite the enormous blood and treasure spilled, there is little to show for the US invasion in Afghanistan and other countries that were selected for military ‘interven-tions.’“I don’t think you can identify any particular thing that we’ve done where we can say ‘this is a real achievement, this has really brought about a change for the better in some way,’” Black ar-gued. (RT)

(5) Green Trend ...country should take action against such moves,” said Mujib Khelwatgar, CEO of NAI.Saleh responds: “I would like to make it clear to everyone that I have not in-troduced anyone to the legal and judi-cial institutions for making insulting and abusive remarks on my writings.

Tuesday” on March 3 when 14 states vote and a whopping third of all del-egates -- the representatives who pick the nominee at the Democratic Party’s July convention -- are up for grabs. (AFP)

(15) Harry Back ...monarchy with the bombshell an-nouncement in January that he and his wife wanted to step back from their roles.They revealed plans to split their time between Britain and Canada, after complaining about media intrusion and expressing a desire to be finan-cially independent. In a BBC interview this week about the event, the singer quipped that fol-lowing his exit from frontline royal life, Harry should be known as “the artist formerly known as Prince”.The late musician Prince was known as this after eschewing his name in fa-vour of a symbol. (AFP)

(16) U.S. Student ... source said.The officers had to force the man into a police van and took him to the Le-voberezhny police station. On the way there, the detainee assaulted the driv-er, tore his uniform, hit his colleague, and provoked a dangerous traffic situ-ation, the source said.Once at the police station, the man was identified as Trevor Reed, a 28-year-old student born in Texas in the Unit-ed States, who was living temporarily in an apartment on Otkrytoye High-way in Moscow.The man was charged with using vio-lence against a law enforcement offi-cial dangerous to his life and health. A court sanctioned his pretrial custody pending trial the next day.If found guilty, Reed could face up to 10 years in prison. (Interfax)

(17) Russian ... Turkish troops have been killed in Lib-ya, he announced.In January, Turkey sent military sup-port to Libya to back the Government of National Accord (GNA) in Tripoli, led by Fayez al-Sarraj.Last week, the Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Khalifa Haftar against the internationally recognized government in Tripoli reportedly targeted a Turkish vessel in Libyan port. (Xinhua)

(18) UN’s New ...,” said Wu Haitao, China’s deputy per-manent representative to the UN, at a Council meeting.China could not, therefore, vote in fa-vour of its adoption, Wu said, describ-ing the resolution’s requirement that the panel of experts in Yemen collect information on commercially available components that can be used for drones and improvised explosive devices as ex-cessively broad.According to the resolution, the panel of experts in Yemen are requested to collect information on the commercially available components which have been used by individuals or entities threaten-ing peace to assemble unmanned aerial vehicles, water-borne improvised ex-plosive devices, and other weapon sys-tems.The text also makes unnecessary amendments to designation criteria, he noted, emphasizing that the work of the sanctions committee should be more constructive.Also speaking at the meeting, Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vassily Nebenzia said that the interna-tional community must focus on resolv-ing the crisis and not on pinning blame. (Xinhua)

(19) Kazakhstan ...be completely suspended.

The Indian government has deployed a small army of riot police and securi-ty forces to contain the unrest. Photo-graphs show a variety of security per-sonnel assembling in the city’s streets.A number of Indian police have been killed or wounded in the skirmishes, according to local media. ANI report-ed on Wednesday that the body of an Intelligence Bureau Officer was found in the area. (RT)

(11) Saudi Nationals ...have leaked confidential information to Iranian intelligence”.“The confidential information which was leaked affects Saudi national se-curity and includes intelligence on two foreign embassies, such as their entrances, exits, and security pres-ence,” Al-Arabiya reported.Last year, Saudi Arabia executed 37 nationals in connection with “terror-ism”, on charges of “adopting extrem-ist terrorist ideologies”.The United Nations decried that deci-sion, describing it as “shocking” and “abhorrent”.Sunni Saudi Arabia snapped diplo-matic relations with Shia-dominated Iran following the 2016 attacks by demonstrators on its missions in Iran after the kingdom executed revered Shia Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.Tensions have risen in recent months after a series of attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf and Saudi oil installations. Washington and Riyadh have accused Iran of being behind those attacks, a charge denied by Tehran.Saudi Arabia and Iran have taken op-posing sides on various conflicts in the Middle East, including the wars in Yemen and Syria.Riyadh has also backed Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran, in which the US leader imposed punishing sanctions against Tehran after Washington abandoned a landmark deal that curbed Tehran’s nuclear programme. (Aljazeera)

(12) Quarantine ...nine of those were put in a two-week quarantine for having been in close contact with the woman, as had three more from the couple’s immediate so-cial circle.Tyrol is a vital transport corridor be-tween Italy and Germany and includes the busy Brenner Pass. More than half the freight crossing the Alps passes through Austria.The new coronavirus has killed about 2,700 people, most in China, and spread to 30 countries. The number of confirmed cases globally has risen above 80,000.The Italian couple in Innsbruck no longer have a fever and are showing “few symptoms”, the hospital doctor said. (Aljazeera)

(13) Rights Group: ...Northwest region - one of two Eng-lish-speaking regions gripped by con-flict sparked by demands for inde-pendence from majority-Francophone Cameroon.The army says there were only five ci-vilian deaths, which it said happened when fuel containers exploded in a firefight.The government has denied what it called “outrageous and misleading al-legations”. (Aljazeera)

(14) Sanders ... a 38-year-old military veteran pre-senting himself as a unifier, warned a Sanders fight against Trump would spell “chaos” and divide the nation.“I tell you what it adds up to,” But-tigieg said, “it ends up as four more years of Donald Trump.”Sanders is in pole position in South Carolina, the last step before “Super

International5

Neighbor News

Saudi Nationals Sentenced for ‘Offering Intelligence to Iran’

Turkmenistan Promotes TAPI Gas Pipeline Project in Dubai

Tajikistan Ambassador Calls on CM

Attorney General Says Law Minister and He Are

‘Equal Partners’

Harry Back in UK as Exit from Royal Life Looms

U.S. Student Charged with Assaulting Policeman in Moscow Facing Up to 10 Years in Prison

Russian Delegation to Visit Turkey

for Idlib Talks: Turkish President

Kazakhstan Officially Restricts Flights to South

Korea, Iran Amid Coronavirus Spread

UN’s New Resolution on Yemen Sanctions Fails to

Meet China’s Concerns: Envoy

Sanders Roughed Up, Hits Back in Feisty Democratic Debate

Iran Raises Its Death Toll to 19 Amid 139 Coronavirus Cases

Rights Group: At Least 21 Civilians Killed in Cameroon

ASHGABAT - An in-ternational conference entitled “TAPI (Turk-menistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India) - a gas pipeline of peace and cooperation” took place in Dubai (UAE) as part of the oil and gas road show of Turkmenistan on Feb. 24-25, Trend reports referring to the Turkmen foreign min-istry.The event was attended by Adviser to Turkmen President on Oil and Gas Issues Yagshigeldy Kakayev, Director of TAPI Pipeline Com-pany Ltd Muhammet-myrat Amanov, Afghan Minister of Industry

LAHORE - Ambassa-dor of Tajikistan to Pak-istan Ismatullo Nasre-din called on Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and dis-cussed relations of mu-tual interest.Chief Minister Usman Buzdar said Pakistan and Tajikistan enjoyed brotherly relationsand it was the right time to promote relations on durable lines.“Pakistan is the most attractive tourist-des-tination because of its rich culturaldiversity,” he said. The province enjoyed a unique position as tour-ist attractions werescattered in Thal, Cho-listan, Pothohar and other areas, he added.He emphasized that cultural heritage of the Punjab was centuries-old and very unique inthe world.The Punjab govern-ment had also intro-duced various tourism

ISLAMABAD - Newly appointed Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Khalid Jawed Khan on Wednesday said that he and the law minister “are equals” and that he would have a good working rela-tionship with the gov-ernment.In an informal conver-sation with reporters at the Supreme Court, the attorney general also said that the “autono-my of [his] office” is his foremost concern.The remarks come af-ter the attorney general wrote a letter to Minis-ter of Law and Justice Farogh Nasim, seeking an explanation over reports that the gov-ernment was trying to

TEHRAN — Iran’s president said Tehran has no immediate plans to quarantine cities over the new corona-virus rapidly spread-ing across the country, even as the Islamic Re-public suffers the high-est death toll outside of China with 19 killed amid 139 cases con-firmed on Wednesday.President Hassan Rou-hani went on to ac-knowledge that may take “one, two or three weeks” to get control of

MOSCOW - Moscow’s Golovinsky District Court will begin hear-ing a criminal case against U.S. student Trevor Reed from Tex-as, who was charged with resisting police while intoxicated last summer, in March 2020.The first hearing in the case against Reed is scheduled for March 11, the court told Interfax.An informed source told Interfax, citing the

LONDON - Prince Harry was back in Britain on Wednesday for the first of a final round of public ap-pearances before he and his wife Meghan step back from their royal duties.The Duke of Sussex, who has moved his family to Canada, was pictured arriving in Edinburgh late Tues-day ahead of a meeting of businesses involved in his sustainable tour-ism project.On Friday, he will be in London to meet US

NUR SULTAN - Kazakhstan will officially introduce restrictions for implementation of flights to South Korea and Iran starting from March 1, 2020, Kazakhstan’s Chief Sanitary Doctor Zhandarbek Bekshin said, Trend re-ports.He explained that the restrictions will be in-troduced on March 1, 2020 so that Kazakh citizens have the opportunity to return back to Kazakhstan.“We are now introducing some flights restric-tions, including on flights to South Korea. The situation with Iran is that some 170 Kazakhs are currently there and they are to return home before March 1,” Bekshin said.Bekshin also explained that flights to South Korea will not be completely suspended, as their number will by decreased instead (from nine flights a week to three flights a week). He added that starting from March 1, 2020 the flights’ implementation between Kazakhstan and Iran will ...(More on P4)...(19)

ANKARA - A Russian delega-tion will pay a visit to Turkey on Wednesday to discuss situ-ation in Syria’s northwestern province of Idlib, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo-gan said Tuesday.“There is a process underway between Turkey and Russia regarding Idlib and Libya. We need to quickly resolve the Idlib issue. Russia provides the regime (Syrian govern-ment) with the highest level of support, including air sup-port. We have confirmed this despite their denial,” Erdogan told reporters before leaving for Azerbaijan.Turkish and Russian officials had two rounds of talks in An-kara and Moscow in the past few weeks, but negotiations did not yield results as Turkey insists that the Syrian govern-ment forces should retreat to the area agreed in Sochi deal.The Turkish president also noted that leaders of Germa-ny, France and Russia have yet to decide on a four-way summit on the issue of Syria, but he needs to have a face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 5 at the latest.Besides the escalation of ten-sion in Idlib, developments in Libya is another issue that Turkey and Russia have been discussing, Erdogan said.Two ...(More on P4)...(17)

UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council’s newly passed resolution that ex-tends Yemen financial and travel ban sanc-tions failed to meet China’s concerns, a Chi-nese envoy said Tuesday.The Council on Tuesday authorized a one-year extension of the asset freeze and travel ban imposed in 2014 on individuals or enti-ties threatening peace, security and stability in Yemen. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 13 in favour to none against, with ab-stentions of China and Russia.“The Chinese delegation proposed many amendments, but the final text failed to meet its concerns ...(More on P4)...(18)

and Trade Ajmal Ah-madi, Head of Turkmen V n e s h e c o n o m b a n k (Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs) Rahimberdi Jepbarov, Chairman of the Board of Dragon Oil (UAE) Saeed Moham-med Al Tayer and other officials.About 100 companies from more than 40 countries attended in the forum. During the presentation, informa-tion was provided on progress in the con-struction of the TAPI gas pipeline and its impact on the socio-economic development of ...(More on P4)...(22)

promotion projects ascooperation would also be expanded with Ta-jikistan in agriculture and other sectors.Similarly, people-to-people contacts would be enhanced and cul-tural exchange wouldgive a new dimension to the bilateral rela-tions. The exchange of trade delegations wouldfurther promote eco-nomic relations, added Usman Buzdar.On this occasion, Is-matullo Nasredin said that cultural and his-toric heritage of Lahore wasunique and expressed the desire to promote trade and economic co-operation with theprovince.Tajikistan’s Honorary Consul General Nazir Ahmed Paracha and others were also pres-ent.(Associated Press of Pakistan)

appoint a number of law officers without the new attorney general’s consent and that a num-ber of lawyers from dif-ferent cities had been approached by the law division to immediate-ly submit their CVs so that the suitable candi-dates among them are appointed to fill the va-cancies.He added that he will try to establish the of-fice of the attorney gen-eral according to the Constitution of Paki-stan. “The prime min-ister has given me full freedom and assured me of his full support,” Jawed told reporters.The attorney general also said that his first ...(More on P4)...(21)

the virus in Iran, linked to most of the over 210 confirmed cases of the virus now spread across the Mideast. That comes after the top official in charge of Iran’s response to the coronavirus tested pos-itive for the illness after a day earlier trying to downplay the disease.Still, Rouhani sought to portray the virus crisis in terms of Iran’s tense relations with the U.S.“Coronavirus must not be ...(More on P4)...(20)

YAOUNDE - Human Rights Watch has ac-cused Cameroon’s armed forces of taking part in the killing of at least 21 civilians this month in a region where troops are battling an-glophone separatists.In a statement on Tues-day, the US-based rights group said 13 chil-dren and one pregnant woman were killed by government forces and armed Fulani herders in Ngarbuh village on Feb-ruary 14.They also burned five homes, pillaged a large number of other proper-ties and beat residents, HRW reported.“The killings were so outrageous, the abuses so blatant and evidence so damming. The kill-

WASHINGTON - Democratic White House hopefuls rounded on leftist frontrunner Bernie Sanders at a feisty debate Tuesday, attacking him as too extreme for American voters and a flawed challenger to President Don-ald Trump.Joe Biden, who needs a victory in South Carolina’s crucial primary on Saturday to keep his campaign alive, hit Sanders as soft on gun con-trol, while billionaire tycoon Michael Bloomberg claimed Russia was work-ing to help Sanders win the nomina-

tion -- betting he would be defeated in November.And Sanders’ rivals joined in savag-ing the self-described democratic socialist as too radical to appeal to a broad swathe of Americans.Fellow progressive Elizabeth Warren and centrists Pete Buttigieg and Amy Klobuchar, all desperate to halt Sand-ers’ momentum before it is too late, laid into his ability to deliver on cost-ly programs such as universal health care and tuition-free college.Buttigieg, ...(More on P4)...(14)

RIYADH - A Saudi crimi-nal court has sentenced one citizen to death and seven others to prison on charges of treason and spying for Iran, state television re-ported.The Saudi national sen-tenced to death was ac-cused of “betraying his country and offering intel-ligence to Iran”, Al-Ekh-bariya television said on Twitter on Tuesday.Seven others were sen-tenced to a total jail term of 58 years for having “associ-ated and cooperated with people working in the em-

ings were deliberate and were aimed at pun-ishing the population suspected of harbouring and collaborating with the separatists,” said Il-aria Allegrozzi, HRW’s senior Africa researcher.“The gruesome killings of civilians, including

children, are egregious crimes that should be effectively and inde-pendently investigated, and those responsible should be brought to justice.”The incident occurred in a remote part of the ...(More on P4)...(13)

bassy of Iran”, it added.The broadcaster did not identify the people nor ex-plain with which Iranian

they tested 62 people for the virus.“The health condition of

investigation’s find-ings, that some people living on Leningrads-koye Highway in Mos-cow reported to the po-lice on August 16, 2019, that a man was arguing aggressively with two women near No. 106.A police patrol crew ar-rived at the scene and tried to calm the man down, but he began behaving aggressively and offered resistance, the...(More on P4)...(16)

rock singer Jon Bon Jovi, who is recording a special song for the prince’s Invictus Game Foundation for military veterans.He and Meghan will then join Queen Eliza-beth II on March 9 for a Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, which is ex-pected to be their last official appearance as working royals.The prince -- the queen’s grandson who is sixth in line to the throne -- rocked the ...(More on P4)...(15)

Quarantine Envelops Contacts of Austria’s First Coronavirus Case

Austria quarantined 12 people in close contact with a couple who were the country’s first corona-virus cases, one of whom works as a hotel recep-tionist, the local govern-ment in the province of Tyrol said.Shortly after the Italian couple tested positive for the virus on Tuesday, authorities sealed off the hotel where the woman worked in Innsbruck, the regional capital, locking in guests and staff while

embassy they were ac-cused of cooperating.Saudi-owned publica-tion Al-Arabiya said

all 62 tested people is good,” Tyrol’s provin-cial government said in

the death sentence was handed down to a per-son who was “proven to ...(More on P4)...(11)

a statement on Wednes-day, adding ...(More on P4)...(12)

February 27, 2020NEW DELHI - Indian law en-forcement is using drones to iden-tify rioters involved in ongoing violence that has rocked Delhi, killing at least 20 people, accord-ing to media reports.An estimated 20 people have been killed so far in clashes between supporters and opponents of In-dia’s controversial citizenship law – the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Indian media reported, citing health officials. The vio-lence, now in its third day, began on Monday as US President Don-ald Trump headed to the Indian capital to hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.In a tweet on Wednesday, Modi called for his “brothers and sisters in Delhi” to end the unrest, noting that efforts are being made to re-store “calm and normalcy” in the capital.Police have deployed small drones ...(More on P4)...(10)

At Least 20 Killed in Delhi Violence as Authorities Deploy DRONES to Monitor Ongoing Unrest

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NEW DELHI - The U.S. Presi-dent Donald Trump has said In-dia would like to see the conclu-sion of peace deal between the United States and Taliban.President Trump made the re-marks during a press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in New Delhi.Responding to a question re-garding India and Pakistan’s role in the region amid ongoing peace efforts, Trump said “Well,

I think India would like to see it happen.”Trump further added “I spoke with Prime Minister Modi to-day, and I think they would very much like to see it hap-pen.”“And we’re pretty close. We’ll see what’s going on. We’ve got two days now under our belt without violence or, I guess, a minimum of violence. And we’ll see what happens. But

Ministry of Public Health: Suspected Cases of Coronavirus

in Herat Tested Negative

Special Representative of President of Kazakhstan

Appointed for Afghanistan

Afghan Govt Allocates $15M to Coronavirus

Response

Green Trend Sues 40 Social Media Users

for Insulting Saleh

‘Just Leave’: Afghanistan Withdrawal Is No-Brainer, but ‘Deep State’

Controls US Foreign Policy

KABUL - Afghanistan Green Trend (AGT), a social and youth empow-erment organization, which is led by Amrullah Saleh, the former Di-rectorate General of National Directorate of Security (NDS) and the first running mate to President Ashraf Ghani, on Tuesday said that it has referred at least 40 social media users to the Attorney General for “using insulting and abusive language” against Saleh.Meanwhile, the Attorney General’s office has said that it has ordered an investigation into claims.According to the Green Trend, some of those sued are government servants who work in the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Economy and Ministry of Higher Education. “These people were notified to appear for investigation in line with the law, and so far two people have appeared and preliminary inves-tigations are being conducted,” said Jamshid Rasuli, a spokesman for the Attorney General of Afghanistan.But, NAI (an NGO supporting open media in Afghanistan) has de-scribed the move by the Green Trend as a violation of the law.“There is no space for repression in Afghanistan. The high-level of-ficials should act according to the law whenever there is healthy criti-cism or an allegation against them. They should avoid misusing their political position or exploiting the Attorney General’s Ofice to intimi-date the people,” said Sediqullah Tawhidi, the deputy head of the Journalists’ Safety Committee.“Sending people directly to the Attorney General by Mr. Saleh or by the president is a clear violation of the law, therefore, the legal and judicial institutions of the ...( More on P4)...(5)

A truce between US troops and the Taliban in Afghanistan could re-sult in American forces finally exiting the country, but there are pow-erful interests that want the war to continue, former Virginia senator Richard Black told RT.The week-long ceasefire agreement between the two foes appears to be holding, and could pave the way for further negotiations that could lead to a withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan – some 20 years after the US invasion in October 2001. But pulling out from the coun-try is far easier than Washington makes it seem, Black, a retired state lawmaker and veteran, told RT America’s Rick Sanchez.They talk about how it’s so difficult to get out [of Afghanistan]. The best way to get out is to leave. You just leave.According to Black, Afghanistan serves as a prime example of how US foreign policy rarely changes, even ...( More on P4)...(4)

HERAT - The Ministry of Public Health announced on Wednes-day, February 26 that the nine suspected coronavirus cases in Herat province were tested nega-tive.It was quoted in statement re-leased by the Ministry of Public Health as saying, the nine sus-pected cases of the COVID-19 were brought to Kabul and after examining, all the cases were tested negative.According to Ferozuddin Feroz,

ASTANA - Special representa-tive of President of Kazakhstan has been appointed for Af-ghanistan, reports Akorda.“By the order of the head of state, ambassador on special missions of the Ministry of For-eign Affairs of Kazakhstan Tal-

KABUL - President Ghani on Tuesday night ordered the Fi-nance Ministry to provide $15M to the Ministry of Public Health to fund coronavirus prevention efforts, the Presidential Palace said in a statement.The move comes after President Ghani chaired a special meeting with Ferozuddin Feroz, minis-ter of public health, and Ham-dullah Mohib, national security advisor, as well as other gov-ernment officials, to discuss the issue after the Health Ministry on Sunday confirmed the first coronavirus case in the western province of Herat.At the meeting, governors pre-sent were ordered to launch awareness programs to the public in the provinces to pre-vent the outbreak of the virus, according to the statement.“The working group is charged

the minister of Public Health, only one case of the coronavirus epidemic was tested positive in Afghanistan – other nine sus-pected cases were tested nega-tive.The Afghanistan Ministry of Public Health is fully prepared to prevent the outbreak, the min-ister further said.Earlier, suspected cases of coro-navirus were reported in Ghor, Farah and Helmand provinces as well as Herat; however, it was

gat Kaliyev has been appointed as special representative of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Afghanistan,” reads the statement.From August 2019, Kaliyev worked as director of the ...( More on P4)...(6)

with coordinating with the private sector (with hospitals, other medical organizations) in order to prevent the outbreak of the coronavirus, and to coor-dinate with the government,” Ghani said at the meeting, ac-cording to the statement.On Wednesday morning, the minister of public health said that 9 suspected coronavirus cases have tested negative in Herat province.“So far we only have one con-firmed coronavirus case, which is in Herat and it is the only one in Afghanistan,” he said.The Health Ministry also an-nounced that cases that were originally considered possi-ble instances of coronavirus in Ghor, Kabul and Helmand provinces, ultimately tested negative.The one ...( More on P4)...(3)

not clear whether they were tested positive or negative. (TKG)

people want to see it,” Trump concluded.This comes as the U.S. and Tali-ban representatives reached to an initial agreement during the final phases of the talks in Qatar earlier this month.The two sides also agreed on a seven-day reduction in vio-lence which will likely pave the way for the signing of the deal in coming days. (KHAAMA PRESS)

Trump Talks About India’s Position on Signing of Peace Deal

Between the U.S. And Taliban