ISIS Is Down Not Out Yet. Reports Show That The Terror Group Is Alive & Kicking In NorthEast Afghanistan 3 months ago, the U.S. President proclaimed the end of ISIS in Syria... Now reports show that ISIS is rapidly gained ground in Afghanistan. Palki gets us the latest updates

Gravitas: ISIS expands footprint in Afghanistan

The ISIS Has Lost Its So-Called Caliphate In Syria & Iraq. But It Expanding Presence Across the World & Plotting Attacks Here's a report tracking the rise and fall of ISIS and it's evolution into one of the most dreaded terror outfits in the world

Gravitas: Tracking the rise & fall of ISIS

A Brief Summary Of The Rise Of ISIS In Afghanistan. Here's how and why Afghanistan became a breeding ground for ISIS in the region.

Gravitas: Why is Afghanistan a fertile ground for ISIS?

One in five people in war zones has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/blog-social-media-helps-people-open-up-about-depression-171044">depression, anxiety</a>, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, the World Health Organisation said on Tuesday, with many suffering severe forms of these mental illnesses.

The findings highlight the long-term impact of war-induced crises in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, the UN's health agency said, and the numbers are significantly higher than in peacetime populations, where around one in 14 people have a mental illness.

"Given the large numbers of people in need and the humanitarian imperative to reduce suffering, there is an urgent need to implement scalable mental health interventions to address this burden," the research team said.

Mark van Ommeren, a mental health specialist at the WHO who worked on the team, said the findings "add yet more weight to the argument for immediate and sustained investment so that mental and psychosocial support is made available to all people in need living through conflict and its aftermath".

In 2016, the number of ongoing armed conflicts reached an all-time high of 53 in 37 countries and 12% of the world's people are living in an active war zone, according to United Nations figures. Since World War Two, almost 69 million people globally have been forced to flee war and violence.

The WHO's conflict mental health study, published in The Lancet medical journal, was carried out by a team of researchers from the WHO, Australia's Queensland University, and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington and Harvard University in the United States.

It analysed research from 129 studies and data from 39 countries published between 1980 and August 2017.

Regions that have seen conflict in the last 10 years were included and mental illnesses were categorised as either mild, moderate or severe. Natural disasters and public health emergencies, such as Ebola, were not included.

Overall in war zones, the average prevalence was highest for mild mental health conditions, at 13%. Around 4% of people living amid armed conflict had moderate mental health illness, and for severe conditions, the prevalence was 5%.

The study also found that rates of depression and anxiety in conflict settings appeared to increase with age, and depression was more common among women than men.

The study was funded by the WHO, the Queensland Department of Health and the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.

One in five people in war zones has depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, the World Health Organisation said on Tuesday, with many suffering severe forms of these mental illnesses.

One in five people in war zones has depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, the World Health Organisation said on Tuesday, with many suffering severe forms of these mental illnesses. The findings highlight the long-term impact of war-induced crises in countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen, the UN's health agency said, and the numbers are significantly higher than in peacetime populations, where around one in 14 people have a mental illness. "Given the large numbers of people in need and the humanitarian imperative to reduce suffering, there is an urgent need to implement scalable mental health interventions to address this burden," the research team said. Mark van Ommeren, a mental health specialist at the WHO who worked on the team, said the findings "add yet more weight to the argument for immediate and sustained investment so that mental and psychosocial support is made available to all people in need living through conflict and its aftermath". In 2016, the number of ongoing armed conflicts reached an all-time high of 53 in 37 countries and 12% of the world's people are living in an active war zone, according to United Nations figures. Since World War Two, almost 69 million people globally have been forced to flee war and violence. The WHO's conflict mental health study, published in The Lancet medical journal, was carried out by a team of researchers from the WHO, Australia's Queensland University, and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington and Harvard University in the United States. It analysed research from 129 studies and data from 39 countries published between 1980 and August 2017. Regions that have seen conflict in the last 10 years were included and mental illnesses were categorised as either mild, moderate or severe. Natural disasters and public health emergencies, such as Ebola, were not included. Overall in war zones, the average prevalence was highest for mild mental health conditions, at 13%. Around 4% of people living amid armed conflict had moderate mental health illness, and for severe conditions, the prevalence was 5%. The study also found that rates of depression and anxiety in conflict settings appeared to increase with age, and depression was more common among women than men. The study was funded by the WHO, the Queensland Department of Health and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Mental illness affects a fifth of people living in war zones

&nbsp;A roadside bombing on Tuesday left at least six people dead in southern Afghanistan`s Kandahar province, according to local officials.

The explosion took place at around 9 am (local time) in Dand district when a civilian vehicle was targetted by a roadside bomb, TOLO news reported.

Security officials said that two men, two women and two children -- all of them belonging to a family -- were killed in the blast.No terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

A roadside bombing on Tuesday left at least six people dead in southern Afghanistan`s Kandahar province, according to local officials. The explosion took place at around 9 am (local time) in Dand district when a civilian vehicle was targetted by a roadside bomb, TOLO news reported.

A roadside bombing on Tuesday left at least six people dead in southern Afghanistan`s Kandahar province, according to local officials. The explosion took place at around 9 am (local time) in Dand district when a civilian vehicle was targetted by a roadside bomb, TOLO news reported. Security officials said that two men, two women and two children -- all of them belonging to a family -- were killed in the blast.No terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far.

6 dead in roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan

Last year, ten children from an Afghan family picked up unexploded mortar bomb -a common sight in Afghanistan. The deadly device went off, killing three children and an older relative. The remaining seven lost at least one limb each. One year on, the survivors are struggling to adapt to their new reality.

Surviving loss in Afghanistan: A family of amputees

At least 38 militants affiliated to the Taliban have been released from jail in Afghanistan`s Herat province, officials said on Monday.

 
The inmates were among the 900 Taliban detainees lodged in various government jails, the provincial governor`s spokesman Jailani Farhad was cited as saying by Xinhua news agency.

Afghanistan`s President Ashraf Ghani announced the release of 900 Taliban detainees last week as a "good gesture" to encourage Taliban militants to hold a dialogue with the government to find a negotiated settlement to the country`s lingering crisis.

The Taliban, who have refused to hold direct talks with the government, was yet to react to the government`s decision.

At least 38 militants affiliated to the Taliban have been released from jail in Afghanistan`s Herat province, officials said on Monday. The inmates were among the 900 Taliban detainees lodged in various government jails, the provincial governor`s spokesman Jailani Farhad was cited as saying by Xinhua news agency.

At least 38 militants affiliated to the Taliban have been released from jail in Afghanistan`s Herat province, officials said on Monday. The inmates were among the 900 Taliban detainees lodged in various government jails, the provincial governor`s spokesman Jailani Farhad was cited as saying by Xinhua news agency. Afghanistan`s President Ashraf Ghani announced the release of 900 Taliban detainees last week as a "good gesture" to encourage Taliban militants to hold a dialogue with the government to find a negotiated settlement to the country`s lingering crisis. The Taliban, who have refused to hold direct talks with the government, was yet to react to the government`s decision.

38 Taliban inmates released from Afghan jail

Two children, four women and a man <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nine-migrants-die-as-boat-sinks-off-turkey-coastguard-215755">drowned when a boat carrying</a> them overturned off the Greek island of Lesbos on Tuesday, the coast guard said, the deadliest incident this year involving migrants trying to reach Greece.

Another 57 people were rescued in the operation northeast of the port of Lesbos, the coast guard added.

It did not provide further details on the incident or the nationality of the victims.

Greece became one of the main gateways for refugees flowing into Europe in recent years, many of them fleeing conflict in countries like Syria and Afghanistan, in the continent's worst migration crisis since World War Two.

The influx of migrants was drastically curtailed by a 2016 accord between Turkey and the EU after hundreds died crossing to Greek islands a few miles off the Turkish shore. Many migrants still attempt the short but perilous trip.

"This tragedy is a painful reminder that people continue to take perilous journeys to reach the Greek Aegean islands," said Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR Representative in Greece.

"Redoubled efforts are needed to ensure safe and legal ways to reach Europe, so people stop risking their lives in the hands of ruthless traffickers and smugglers."

Nearly 10,700 refugees and migrants have reached Greece so far this year by sea, and 39 people have lost their lives while attempting the journey, the UNHCR said.

Two children, four women and a man drowned when a boat carrying them overturned off the Greek island of Lesbos on Tuesday, the coast guard said, the deadliest incident this year involving migrants trying to reach Greece.

Two children, four women and a man drowned when a boat carrying them overturned off the Greek island of Lesbos on Tuesday, the coast guard said, the deadliest incident this year involving migrants trying to reach Greece. Another 57 people were rescued in the operation northeast of the port of Lesbos, the coast guard added. It did not provide further details on the incident or the nationality of the victims. Greece became one of the main gateways for refugees flowing into Europe in recent years, many of them fleeing conflict in countries like Syria and Afghanistan, in the continent's worst migration crisis since World War Two. The influx of migrants was drastically curtailed by a 2016 accord between Turkey and the EU after hundreds died crossing to Greek islands a few miles off the Turkish shore. Many migrants still attempt the short but perilous trip. "This tragedy is a painful reminder that people continue to take perilous journeys to reach the Greek Aegean islands," said Philippe Leclerc, UNHCR Representative in Greece. "Redoubled efforts are needed to ensure safe and legal ways to reach Europe, so people stop risking their lives in the hands of ruthless traffickers and smugglers." Nearly 10,700 refugees and migrants have reached Greece so far this year by sea, and 39 people have lost their lives while attempting the journey, the UNHCR said.

Seven drown after migrant boat overturns off Greek island of Lesbos

Senior officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan will hold talks here on Monday under a bilateral arrangement to improve cooperation in different fields.

Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood will lead the Pakistan delegation while the Afghan side will be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman at the first review session of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

"The forthcoming session will provide the two sides an opportunity to review progress made under this framework since the inaugural session and to exchange views on further collaboration in agreed areas of cooperation,? the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The APAPPS was established in May 2018 to provide a comprehensive and structured framework for institutional bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan in diverse areas of cooperation.

The mechanism works through five working groups on politico-diplomatic ties; military-to-military coordination; intelligence cooperation; economic cooperation and refugees' problem.

The inaugural session of APAPPS was held in Kabul on July 22, 2018, where the two sides had agreed to synergize efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation and build trust.

Senior officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan will hold talks here on Monday under a bilateral arrangement to improve cooperation in different fields. Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood will lead the Pakistan delegation while the Afghan side will be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman at the first review session of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

Senior officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan will hold talks here on Monday under a bilateral arrangement to improve cooperation in different fields. Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood will lead the Pakistan delegation while the Afghan side will be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman at the first review session of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS). "The forthcoming session will provide the two sides an opportunity to review progress made under this framework since the inaugural session and to exchange views on further collaboration in agreed areas of cooperation,? the Foreign Office said in a statement. The APAPPS was established in May 2018 to provide a comprehensive and structured framework for institutional bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan in diverse areas of cooperation. The mechanism works through five working groups on politico-diplomatic ties; military-to-military coordination; intelligence cooperation; economic cooperation and refugees' problem. The inaugural session of APAPPS was held in Kabul on July 22, 2018, where the two sides had agreed to synergize efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation and build trust.

Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold talks today to improve cooperation

At least 15 people, including civilians, were killed in an attack by a group of Taliban terrorists in Ghor province in western <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-18-terrorists-killed-by-government-forces-in-logar-province-225281">Afghanistan</a> on Friday night, an official of Ghor Provincial Council said on Saturday.

The incident occurred after the terrorists launched an ambush at security outposts in Poshta Noor village of Dawlatyar district in the province, TOLOnews quoted Hamidullah Motahid, member of the council, as saying.

A tribal elder named Lal Bahadur Frotan and two others were injured in the attack. Ghor governor`s spokesperson Abdulhaqi Khatibi confirmed the attack but said authorities did not receive adequate information on the incident. He also said Afghan government forces have been rushed to the spot.

In the past several years, government forces, Taliban and other terror outfits have been involved in armed confrontations, even as peace efforts are underway to end the nearly-two decades-long civil war in Afghanistan.

The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) regularly conducts joint offensive operations to combat terrorism across the country.&nbsp;

At least 15 people, including civilians, were killed in an attack by a group of Taliban terrorists in Ghor province in western Afghanistan on Friday night, an official of Ghor Provincial Council said on Saturday.

At least 15 people, including civilians, were killed in an attack by a group of Taliban terrorists in Ghor province in western Afghanistan on Friday night, an official of Ghor Provincial Council said on Saturday. The incident occurred after the terrorists launched an ambush at security outposts in Poshta Noor village of Dawlatyar district in the province, TOLOnews quoted Hamidullah Motahid, member of the council, as saying. A tribal elder named Lal Bahadur Frotan and two others were injured in the attack. Ghor governor`s spokesperson Abdulhaqi Khatibi confirmed the attack but said authorities did not receive adequate information on the incident. He also said Afghan government forces have been rushed to the spot. In the past several years, government forces, Taliban and other terror outfits have been involved in armed confrontations, even as peace efforts are underway to end the nearly-two decades-long civil war in Afghanistan. The Afghan National Defence and Security Forces (ANDSF) regularly conducts joint offensive operations to combat terrorism across the country.

15 killed in Taliban attack in Afghanistan

Kane Williamson led by example as the New Zealand captain's 79 not out guided his side to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan that maintained their 100 percent start to the World Cup on Saturday.

Williamson was New Zealand's top scorer with a 99-ball innings containing nine fours after Jimmy Neesham took career-best one-day figures of 5-31 to dismiss Afghanistan for 172 at Taunton.

New Zealand's third successive victory kept them on course to make the semi-finals in the 10-team tournament, while minnows Afghanistan have lost all three of their matches.

Earlier, New Zealand dismissed Afghanistan for 172 in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton.

Neesham turned the game in New Zealand's favour with his impressive spell after Afghanistan briefly threatened to rock the Black Caps.

Put in to bat by New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, Afghanistan openers Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran blasted a quickfire 66 for the first wicket.

But pace bowler Neesham, who had struggled in New Zealand's first two matches, finally found his rhythm despite two rain interruptions.

New Zealand, World Cup runners-up in 2015, have to make 173 from their 50 overs to extend their unbeaten start to three matches.

Hashmatullah Shahidi (59) top-scored for Afghanistan, who are fighting to avoid a third successive defeat.

With Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury, the onus was on Hazratullah to anchor the Afghanistan innings and he made a flying start with three fours off Matthew Henry's opening over of the match.

On the small west country ground, the free-hitting Afghanistan's openers were doing their best to rattle New Zealand as they reached 66 in the 11th over.

But Neesham made the crucial breakthrough when Hazratullah went for one big shot too many, the left-hander hitting to Colin Munro at deep cover to depart for 34.

New Zealand had two wickets in the space of three balls as Noor Ali (31) was strangled down the leg side by fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who would finish with four wickets.

Afghanistan lost their third wicket with the score still on 66 when Rahmat Shah was dismissed for a duck after a leading edge off Neesham was held by Martin Guptill.

When Gulbadin Naib failed with a review attempt to overturn his edge behind off Neesham, Afghanistan had lost four wickets for four runs in 21 deliveries.

Play was halted due to rain with the score on 84-4 and although the teams returned when the weather relented 25 minutes later, another shower forced them off just two overs later.

After the rain at last disappeared, Neesham shattered Afghanistan's resistance when he had both Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran caught behind to leave them 109-6 and earn his first five-wicket haul in ODIs.

By the time Rashid Khan was bowled when a Ferguson bouncer hit his helmet and cannoned onto the stumps, it was clear that aggressive New Zealand had imposed their will.

Kane Williamson led by example as the New Zealand captain's 79 not out guided his side to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan that maintained their 100 percent start to the World Cup on Saturday.

Kane Williamson led by example as the New Zealand captain's 79 not out guided his side to a seven-wicket win over Afghanistan that maintained their 100 percent start to the World Cup on Saturday. Williamson was New Zealand's top scorer with a 99-ball innings containing nine fours after Jimmy Neesham took career-best one-day figures of 5-31 to dismiss Afghanistan for 172 at Taunton. New Zealand's third successive victory kept them on course to make the semi-finals in the 10-team tournament, while minnows Afghanistan have lost all three of their matches. Earlier, New Zealand dismissed Afghanistan for 172 in Saturday's World Cup match at Taunton. Neesham turned the game in New Zealand's favour with his impressive spell after Afghanistan briefly threatened to rock the Black Caps. Put in to bat by New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson, Afghanistan openers Hazratullah Zazai and Noor Ali Zadran blasted a quickfire 66 for the first wicket. But pace bowler Neesham, who had struggled in New Zealand's first two matches, finally found his rhythm despite two rain interruptions. New Zealand, World Cup runners-up in 2015, have to make 173 from their 50 overs to extend their unbeaten start to three matches. Hashmatullah Shahidi (59) top-scored for Afghanistan, who are fighting to avoid a third successive defeat. With Mohammad Shahzad ruled out for the rest of the tournament due to a knee injury, the onus was on Hazratullah to anchor the Afghanistan innings and he made a flying start with three fours off Matthew Henry's opening over of the match. On the small west country ground, the free-hitting Afghanistan's openers were doing their best to rattle New Zealand as they reached 66 in the 11th over. But Neesham made the crucial breakthrough when Hazratullah went for one big shot too many, the left-hander hitting to Colin Munro at deep cover to depart for 34. New Zealand had two wickets in the space of three balls as Noor Ali (31) was strangled down the leg side by fast bowler Lockie Ferguson, who would finish with four wickets. Afghanistan lost their third wicket with the score still on 66 when Rahmat Shah was dismissed for a duck after a leading edge off Neesham was held by Martin Guptill. When Gulbadin Naib failed with a review attempt to overturn his edge behind off Neesham, Afghanistan had lost four wickets for four runs in 21 deliveries. Play was halted due to rain with the score on 84-4 and although the teams returned when the weather relented 25 minutes later, another shower forced them off just two overs later. After the rain at last disappeared, Neesham shattered Afghanistan's resistance when he had both Mohammad Nabi and Najibullah Zadran caught behind to leave them 109-6 and earn his first five-wicket haul in ODIs. By the time Rashid Khan was bowled when a Ferguson bouncer hit his helmet and cannoned onto the stumps, it was clear that aggressive New Zealand had imposed their will.

World Cup: New Zealand beat Afghanistan by 7 wickets

The United States has urged for the involvement of Afghan women in the ongoing peace process and make sure that their voices are heard during the negotiations with the Taliban.

In a letter, members of the US Congress have told US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo that the Afghan women were excluded from the peace talks during the February and May peace negotiations between the US negotiators and the Taliban members in Doha, Tolo News reported.

"Yet during the February and May talks in Doha between American diplomates and the Taliban, Afghan women were not represented. Afghan women voices need to be heard - not just on women`s rights, but on the future of their country. We urge the State Department to protect Afghan women`s negotiation position and hard-won gains in all discussions with the Taliban," the letter read.

A copy of the letter, which has also been sent to the US Special Representative on Afghan peace, Zalmay Khalilzad, has further asked the State Department to make sure that the achievements of the Afghan women in the past 18 years should be protected.

US lawmakers quoting the US Institute of Peace have said more than 68,000 Afghan women are employed in schools and universities, at least 10,000 Afghan women are doctors and healthcare professionals, and Afghan women entrepreneurs have created roughly 77,000 jobs for Afghans which are big gains that must be preserved.

Farkhunda Zahra Naderi, a women`s rights activist and a former advisor to President Ashraf Ghani, said, "If you are not sitting around the table, you cannot remain in the government. Those who gather around the table, they make peace with each other; peace on their thoughts and peace on their different point of views. If you are not on the table, it means having a different point of view or having a shared point is not important."

"Afghan women have also called for their voices to be heard and today that the US Congress members have sent the letter. It is a positive step and it means that they completely support women`s participation," said Shinkai Karokhail, a member of the Afghan Parliament was quoted as saying.

In response to the calls, Khalilzad has said that women`s rights and achievements in war-ravaged Afghanistan will be protected.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States has urged for the involvement of Afghan women in the ongoing peace process and make sure that their voices are heard during the negotiations with the Taliban.

The United States has urged for the involvement of Afghan women in the ongoing peace process and make sure that their voices are heard during the negotiations with the Taliban. In a letter, members of the US Congress have told US Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo that the Afghan women were excluded from the peace talks during the February and May peace negotiations between the US negotiators and the Taliban members in Doha, Tolo News reported. "Yet during the February and May talks in Doha between American diplomates and the Taliban, Afghan women were not represented. Afghan women voices need to be heard - not just on women`s rights, but on the future of their country. We urge the State Department to protect Afghan women`s negotiation position and hard-won gains in all discussions with the Taliban," the letter read. A copy of the letter, which has also been sent to the US Special Representative on Afghan peace, Zalmay Khalilzad, has further asked the State Department to make sure that the achievements of the Afghan women in the past 18 years should be protected. US lawmakers quoting the US Institute of Peace have said more than 68,000 Afghan women are employed in schools and universities, at least 10,000 Afghan women are doctors and healthcare professionals, and Afghan women entrepreneurs have created roughly 77,000 jobs for Afghans which are big gains that must be preserved. Farkhunda Zahra Naderi, a women`s rights activist and a former advisor to President Ashraf Ghani, said, "If you are not sitting around the table, you cannot remain in the government. Those who gather around the table, they make peace with each other; peace on their thoughts and peace on their different point of views. If you are not on the table, it means having a different point of view or having a shared point is not important." "Afghan women have also called for their voices to be heard and today that the US Congress members have sent the letter. It is a positive step and it means that they completely support women`s participation," said Shinkai Karokhail, a member of the Afghan Parliament was quoted as saying. In response to the calls, Khalilzad has said that women`s rights and achievements in war-ravaged Afghanistan will be protected.

US urges inclusion of Afghan women in ongoing peace talks

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 approved Ikram Ali Khil as a replacement player for Shahzad in the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-sri-lanka-fight-back-to-beat-afghanistan-by-34-runs-224394&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjAAegQIBBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2COXTRL5NlyHlPBwtOWO0E">Afghanistan </a>squad for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed ICC.

Khil has played one test match and two one-day internationals, against Ireland in March.

During the very first World Cup warm-up match being played between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shahzad scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries.&nbsp;

However, in the seventh over he was forced to retire hurt because of discomfort in his left knee.

Shahzad later missed the second warm-up match which was against England but made a comeback in the team during <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-refugee-to-afghan-world-cup-star-a-talismanic-tale-of-rashid-khan-223205&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjABegQIDhAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw1pDXaj3Y3jiXno9GbV66BJ">Afghanistan's </a>first two World Cup matches played against Australia and Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

However, Shahzad was unable to leave his mark in either of the matches as he was out on a duck against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-david-warner-stars-in-australias-rout-of-afghanistan-223509&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjLh-HP3NbiAhWY7XMBHQd6AO8QFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw39p5JW84xEsV9JXHjd_o-c">Australia </a>and scored seven runs against Sri Lanka.

Before making any replacement in the squad, it is mandatory that the Event Technical Committee approves that replacement.&nbsp;

Here's the&nbsp;complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bc73697d-0ed1-478f-a9b0-a0e7f50bda56" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_24.jpg" />

Afghanistan will now play against New Zealand on June 8.&nbsp;

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan.

Afghanistan's wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup because of his aggravating knee injury which he picked up during the warm-up match against Pakistan. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2019 approved Ikram Ali Khil as a replacement player for Shahzad in the Afghanistan squad for the remainder of the tournament, confirmed ICC. Khil has played one test match and two one-day internationals, against Ireland in March. During the very first World Cup warm-up match being played between Pakistan and Afghanistan, Shahzad scored 22 runs off 24 deliveries. However, in the seventh over he was forced to retire hurt because of discomfort in his left knee. Shahzad later missed the second warm-up match which was against England but made a comeback in the team during Afghanistan's first two World Cup matches played against Australia and Sri Lanka. However, Shahzad was unable to leave his mark in either of the matches as he was out on a duck against Australia and scored seven runs against Sri Lanka. Before making any replacement in the squad, it is mandatory that the Event Technical Committee approves that replacement. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: Afghanistan will now play against New Zealand on June 8.

Afghanistan keeper Mohammad Shahzad ruled out of World Cup 2019

Mohammad Ahmadi, a young opium farmer in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has the kind of confidence that underlines how meagre the results have been of years of effort and billions of dollars spent fighting narcotics.

"I`m not afraid of anyone. No one can harm me and the others while we`re harvesting poppy," he said as he took a break from working his field.

As pressure grows for a political settlement to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan, the drug trade remains a major threat, leaving the country at the risk of becoming a "narco-state", the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US&nbsp;Congressional watchdog, said in recent report.

Growing opium is theoretically a crime in Afghanistan but it is a way of life for tens of thousands of farmers like Ahmadi, who feeds a family of 14 with the money he makes from selling the sticky, brown sap from the poppies in his fields to be refined into heroin.

Efforts to develop alternative crops like saffron for poor farmers have had some success, but overall, they have hardly put a dent in the drugs trade. 
"I want to continue my studies but economic issues force me to do this," Ahmadi said, blaming the government for not creating the conditions for other jobs.

For years, Afghanistan has been the global leader in opium production, despite some $8.9 billion spent since 2002 by the US government to stop production and trafficking in narcotics.

With compelling economic incentives and politically protected networks - from cultivators to producers and distributors - deeply entrenched, officials say there is little they can do to stop it.

"We don`t have the ability to annihilate poppy cultivation in all of the country," said Gul Mohammad Shukran, head of counter-narcotics in Kandahar.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2018 estimated that 263,000 hectares of land produced 6,400 metric tonnes of opium in 24 of Afghanistan`s 34 provinces.&nbsp;

In a bad year for drought, that represented a 20 per cent decline in the area under cultivation from the record year in 2017, but it was still the second highest in recent years.

By contrast, efforts to wipe out the crop have been meagre and just 406 hectares were cleared last year, according to the UNODC, hampered in part by expanding Taliban control over larger parts of the country.&nbsp;

BOMBING, BAN

About half of Afghanistan`s opium is produced in areas of high insurgent activity, according to SIGAR.

"It is increasingly getting very difficult to destroy standing crops due to the fighting and the increased Taliban control in poppy-yielding provinces," said Mohammad Hashim Aurtaq, the deputy interior minister in Kabul who oversees opium eradication.&nbsp;

Air strikes are the only way to dent drug production, he said.

Since late 2017, US forces have attacked sites believed to be used for processing drugs as part of efforts to cut off funds to the Taliban, who profit greatly from narcotics.&nbsp;

However, results have been modest, according to SIGAR.

Between November 2017 and May 2018, US air and ground strikes against drug processing sites cost the Taliban some $86 million in lost revenues, raw materials and equipment, SIGAR said.

That compares with an estimated $600 million generated for Afghan farmers in 2018 from a trade that is reckoned to be the equivalent to as much as 30% of Afghanistan`s entire legitimate economic output.

For their part, the Taliban, who famously banned opium growing in 2000, when they held power across most of the country, have suggested they will once again eliminate the poppies if peace talks succeed.

For the moment, however, drugs provide them with a stream of revenue from levies on farmers and traffickers, and they say they are reluctant to disrupt the lives of farmers like Ahmadi.

"We have neither banned nor promoted poppy cultivation," said the chief Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid.

"We don`t ban poppy cultivation because banning the crops means going against poor local people and it is not the right time for us go against our people."

Mohammad Ahmadi, a young opium farmer in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has the kind of confidence that underlines how meagre the results have been of years of effort and billions of dollars spent fighting narcotics.

Mohammad Ahmadi, a young opium farmer in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has the kind of confidence that underlines how meagre the results have been of years of effort and billions of dollars spent fighting narcotics. "I`m not afraid of anyone. No one can harm me and the others while we`re harvesting poppy," he said as he took a break from working his field. As pressure grows for a political settlement to end 18 years of war in Afghanistan, the drug trade remains a major threat, leaving the country at the risk of becoming a "narco-state", the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US Congressional watchdog, said in recent report. Growing opium is theoretically a crime in Afghanistan but it is a way of life for tens of thousands of farmers like Ahmadi, who feeds a family of 14 with the money he makes from selling the sticky, brown sap from the poppies in his fields to be refined into heroin. Efforts to develop alternative crops like saffron for poor farmers have had some success, but overall, they have hardly put a dent in the drugs trade. "I want to continue my studies but economic issues force me to do this," Ahmadi said, blaming the government for not creating the conditions for other jobs. For years, Afghanistan has been the global leader in opium production, despite some $8.9 billion spent since 2002 by the US government to stop production and trafficking in narcotics. With compelling economic incentives and politically protected networks - from cultivators to producers and distributors - deeply entrenched, officials say there is little they can do to stop it. "We don`t have the ability to annihilate poppy cultivation in all of the country," said Gul Mohammad Shukran, head of counter-narcotics in Kandahar. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2018 estimated that 263,000 hectares of land produced 6,400 metric tonnes of opium in 24 of Afghanistan`s 34 provinces. In a bad year for drought, that represented a 20 per cent decline in the area under cultivation from the record year in 2017, but it was still the second highest in recent years. By contrast, efforts to wipe out the crop have been meagre and just 406 hectares were cleared last year, according to the UNODC, hampered in part by expanding Taliban control over larger parts of the country. BOMBING, BAN About half of Afghanistan`s opium is produced in areas of high insurgent activity, according to SIGAR. "It is increasingly getting very difficult to destroy standing crops due to the fighting and the increased Taliban control in poppy-yielding provinces," said Mohammad Hashim Aurtaq, the deputy interior minister in Kabul who oversees opium eradication. Air strikes are the only way to dent drug production, he said. Since late 2017, US forces have attacked sites believed to be used for processing drugs as part of efforts to cut off funds to the Taliban, who profit greatly from narcotics. However, results have been modest, according to SIGAR. Between November 2017 and May 2018, US air and ground strikes against drug processing sites cost the Taliban some $86 million in lost revenues, raw materials and equipment, SIGAR said. That compares with an estimated $600 million generated for Afghan farmers in 2018 from a trade that is reckoned to be the equivalent to as much as 30% of Afghanistan`s entire legitimate economic output. For their part, the Taliban, who famously banned opium growing in 2000, when they held power across most of the country, have suggested they will once again eliminate the poppies if peace talks succeed. For the moment, however, drugs provide them with a stream of revenue from levies on farmers and traffickers, and they say they are reluctant to disrupt the lives of farmers like Ahmadi. "We have neither banned nor promoted poppy cultivation," said the chief Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid. "We don`t ban poppy cultivation because banning the crops means going against poor local people and it is not the right time for us go against our people."

As pressure for Afghan peace grows, drug threat remains

At least 83 people were freed from a Taliban prison in Qaisar district in Faryab province on Wednesday night, said Afghan force.

The operation was conducted by Afghan special force, said the Shaheen Corps spokesperson Mohammad Hanif Rezaee.

Taliban militants guarding the facility had fled before the troops arrived.&nbsp;

The civilians were shifted to an army camp for the identification process before being provided accommodation. They would be joining their families soon.

Taliban insurgents frequently detain civilians from across villages and highways on charges of spying for the government security forces.

Taliban has not commented on it yet.

At least 83 people were freed from a Taliban prison in Qaisar district in Faryab province on Wednesday night, said Afghan force. The operation was conducted by Afghan special force, said the Shaheen Corps spokesperson Mohammad Hanif Rezaee.

At least 83 people were freed from a Taliban prison in Qaisar district in Faryab province on Wednesday night, said Afghan force. The operation was conducted by Afghan special force, said the Shaheen Corps spokesperson Mohammad Hanif Rezaee. Taliban militants guarding the facility had fled before the troops arrived. The civilians were shifted to an army camp for the identification process before being provided accommodation. They would be joining their families soon. Taliban insurgents frequently detain civilians from across villages and highways on charges of spying for the government security forces. Taliban has not commented on it yet.

Afghanistan: 83 civilians rescued from Taliban prison

Sri Lanka's batsmen need to apply themselves better if the team are to avoid a repeat of the middle order collapse they suffered in Tuesday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-sri-lanka-fight-back-to-beat-afghanistan-by-34-runs-224394">34-run World Cup victory</a> over Afghanistan, former captain Mahela Jayawardene has said.

Sri Lanka made a promising start in Cardiff and were 144 for two at one point thanks to Kusal Perera's 78 off 81 balls, but lost four wickets for five runs and were all out for 201 in the 37th over.

Afghanistan spinner Mohammad Nabi took three wickets in a single over to leave the Lankans struggling at 149-5 and Jayawardene said the string of soft dismissals was cause for concern.

"The way Sri Lanka lost wickets... in the middle order is a real concern and there were too many soft dismissals," he wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council.

"Looking at the wicket... this was never going to be a high-scoring game. However, there's no question that Sri Lanka could have batted better. They should have been looking at 250 plus," he said.

Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusingha said his batsmen were suffering from a crisis of confidence that had been exacerbated by the bowler-friendly conditions.

"When a batsman is in it looked an easy wicket to bat on but we lost one wicket and then we lost three wickets in one over," Hathurusingha said.

"There were a lot of tentative shots, that was the cause of some of the dismissals. We're lacking in confidence... we allowed them to come into the game,"&nbsp;Hathurusingha added.

Sri Lanka arrived at the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-virat-kohlis-india-begins-campaign-against-stunned-south-africa-224406">World Cup</a> in patchy form, losing two warm-up games against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-south-african-pacer-dale-steyn-ruled-out-of-tournament-due-to-shoulder-injury-224247">South Africa</a> and Australia before being beaten by New Zealand by 10 wickets in their first match of the tournament.

Against Afghanistan, they needed pace bowlers Nuwan Pradeep (4-31) and Lasith Malinga (3-39) to help guide them over the line and Hathurusingha said getting their first win would help build confidence for the rest of the tournament.

"This gives us a lot of confidence because we really needed a win. We haven't had much success lately. I'm sure you will see a better team, a better approach from our team after this win. We needed this win badly," he said.

Here's a complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aea1fac7-c031-4be6-986d-cc0994304bc3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_20.jpg" />

Sri Lanka next play Pakistan on Friday.

Sri Lanka's batsmen need to apply themselves better if the team are to avoid a repeat of the middle order collapse they suffered in Tuesday's 34-run World Cup victory over Afghanistan, former captain Mahela Jayawardene has said.

Sri Lanka's batsmen need to apply themselves better if the team are to avoid a repeat of the middle order collapse they suffered in Tuesday's 34-run World Cup victory over Afghanistan, former captain Mahela Jayawardene has said. Sri Lanka made a promising start in Cardiff and were 144 for two at one point thanks to Kusal Perera's 78 off 81 balls, but lost four wickets for five runs and were all out for 201 in the 37th over. Afghanistan spinner Mohammad Nabi took three wickets in a single over to leave the Lankans struggling at 149-5 and Jayawardene said the string of soft dismissals was cause for concern. "The way Sri Lanka lost wickets... in the middle order is a real concern and there were too many soft dismissals," he wrote in a column for the International Cricket Council. "Looking at the wicket... this was never going to be a high-scoring game. However, there's no question that Sri Lanka could have batted better. They should have been looking at 250 plus," he said. Lankan coach Chandika Hathurusingha said his batsmen were suffering from a crisis of confidence that had been exacerbated by the bowler-friendly conditions. "When a batsman is in it looked an easy wicket to bat on but we lost one wicket and then we lost three wickets in one over," Hathurusingha said. "There were a lot of tentative shots, that was the cause of some of the dismissals. We're lacking in confidence... we allowed them to come into the game," Hathurusingha added. Sri Lanka arrived at the World Cup in patchy form, losing two warm-up games against South Africa and Australia before being beaten by New Zealand by 10 wickets in their first match of the tournament. Against Afghanistan, they needed pace bowlers Nuwan Pradeep (4-31) and Lasith Malinga (3-39) to help guide them over the line and Hathurusingha said getting their first win would help build confidence for the rest of the tournament. "This gives us a lot of confidence because we really needed a win. We haven't had much success lately. I'm sure you will see a better team, a better approach from our team after this win. We needed this win badly," he said. Here's a complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: Sri Lanka next play Pakistan on Friday.

Former captain Mahela Jayawardene concerned by Sri Lanka's middle order at the World Cup

A scandal involving inflated contracts for police meat rations underlines the abuse Afghan authorities are struggling to stop in logistics centres, where corrupt officials and contractors have skimmed fortunes from the government and foreign donors.

Earlier this year, investigators identified discrepancies in order forms that showed contractors were both claiming for inflated quantities of meat and billing at hugely inflated prices in a multi-million dollar scam.

The meat contract scandal, which saw 23 officials arrested along with the contractor, is only one example of abuse at logistics centres which the US&nbsp;Congressional watchdog SIGAR identified in a recent report as a major risk to the US-backed reconstruction effort in Afghanistan.

It said logistics centres were "focal points of corruption" where "ammunition, uniforms, and other commodities are easily pilfered and sold".

According to documents seen by Reuters, total overbilling on meat supplies for the year to March 2019 came to some $7.5 million due to "systematic and organised corruption" and a failure of internal controls.

In one case, in Nangarhar province, the company contracted to supply 57,413 kg of mutton for the month of October but by the time the contract was submitted to the finance ministry in Kabul for payment, the quantity had been inflated to 92,648 kg.

In another case, in Nuristan province, 23,000 kg of meat priced at 260 afghani ($3.28) per kilo was billed, but by the time the invoice reached the finance ministry, it had jumped to 92,000 kg charged at 390 afghani.

The fraudulent overbilling took place at a time when many frontline police units were complaining of not receiving adequate food supplies.

Backed by President Ashraf Ghani, with a mandate to stamp out abuse, new police chief Khoshal Sadat has promised to take on corrupt officials and contractors but no-one is expecting the change to happen overnight.

However pleased officials may be to have uncovered the meat scandal, they know that many more continue.

"Although this is an important step in identifying and cutting corruption in the ministry, this is just a grain of sand," said a senior interior ministry official.

A scandal involving inflated contracts for police meat rations underlines the abuse Afghan authorities are struggling to stop in logistics centres, where corrupt officials and contractors have skimmed fortunes from the government and foreign donors.

A scandal involving inflated contracts for police meat rations underlines the abuse Afghan authorities are struggling to stop in logistics centres, where corrupt officials and contractors have skimmed fortunes from the government and foreign donors. Earlier this year, investigators identified discrepancies in order forms that showed contractors were both claiming for inflated quantities of meat and billing at hugely inflated prices in a multi-million dollar scam. The meat contract scandal, which saw 23 officials arrested along with the contractor, is only one example of abuse at logistics centres which the US Congressional watchdog SIGAR identified in a recent report as a major risk to the US-backed reconstruction effort in Afghanistan. It said logistics centres were "focal points of corruption" where "ammunition, uniforms, and other commodities are easily pilfered and sold". According to documents seen by Reuters, total overbilling on meat supplies for the year to March 2019 came to some $7.5 million due to "systematic and organised corruption" and a failure of internal controls. In one case, in Nangarhar province, the company contracted to supply 57,413 kg of mutton for the month of October but by the time the contract was submitted to the finance ministry in Kabul for payment, the quantity had been inflated to 92,648 kg. In another case, in Nuristan province, 23,000 kg of meat priced at 260 afghani ($3.28) per kilo was billed, but by the time the invoice reached the finance ministry, it had jumped to 92,000 kg charged at 390 afghani. The fraudulent overbilling took place at a time when many frontline police units were complaining of not receiving adequate food supplies. Backed by President Ashraf Ghani, with a mandate to stamp out abuse, new police chief Khoshal Sadat has promised to take on corrupt officials and contractors but no-one is expecting the change to happen overnight. However pleased officials may be to have uncovered the meat scandal, they know that many more continue. "Although this is an important step in identifying and cutting corruption in the ministry, this is just a grain of sand," said a senior interior ministry official.

Meat supplies scam costs Afghan police budget millions

Afghanistan's new police chief Khoshal Sadat has one of the hardest jobs in the country - rooting out abuses and bringing new energy to a force that for years has been used as a cash machine by corrupt politicians.

Khoshal, a 34-year-old police Special Forces officer who has spent his entire adult life fighting the Taliban, was appointed three months ago by President Ashraf Ghani as part of a broader drive against graft.

Poorly paid, undertrained and often illiterate, and subject to unauthorized interference by local strongmen or Kabul-based politicians, Afghanistan's 180,000 police officers have long been regarded as the poor cousins to the army in the country's security structure.

They include the uniformed national police (ANP) and other units, including irregular local police militias (ALP), and are generally used more as paramilitary troops than for law enforcement, suffering heavy casualties and viewed with suspicion by many Afghans, who often see them as predators rather than protectors.

Speaking in a rapid-fire mix of Dari and the American-accented English typical of the elite young Afghan officers who have come of age alongside U.S. advisers, Khoshal admits he faces "a mess" but insists: "I know how to fix it."

"There is corruption in the (interior) ministry - those earning from contracts, food, fuel. But there is also corruption outside - taking money from hotels, shops, highways," he told Reuters in the same week officials uncovered a major scandal inflated invoices for police rations.

"This is the culture I inherited three months ago."

Some, however, are sceptical about whether one man, however energetic, can succeed in a ministry described last year by Ghani as the most corrupt in the country.

With upcoming presidential elections and uncertainty over peace talks with the Taliban already raising the political temperature, the stakes are high if he cannot.

Night operations

A graduate of the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, Britain's officer training college, as well as the US Army Command and Staff College, Khoshal joined the police Special Forces in 2003, gaining an inside view on problems that have dogged the security forces for years.

Restless and impatient, he still joins some night operations and says he hates sitting in an office.

He first came to wider public attention in March, during a stand-off over the appointment of a new police chief in the northern province of Balkh. Accustomed to being able to defy the government of Kabul in his stronghold city of Mazar-i-Sharif, the powerful former local governor Atta Mohammad Noor refused to allow the man sent by Ghani to take office. In response, Khoshal ordered in a Special Forces unit that fought a gunbattle with local militiamen, killing five of them.

Khoshal said he had sacked 30 of 34 provincial police chiefs for incompetence or corruption since taking charge, replacing them with young Special Forces officers in his own mould.

He has also moved to rotate police more often and pull them off isolated posts, where they are regularly picked off by the Taliban. Casualties, he says, have been cut from 50 a day to around 90 a week.

Extortion has also been reduced, he said, by cutting down informal roadside checkpoints where police extorted money from truckers.

Twice a week he talks with provincial commanders through video links, getting updates and listening to complaints ranging from lack of ammunition and supplies to a shortage of manpower.

"My vision is that the force should do community policing, law enforcement, getting rid of corrupt officials and bring in educated, trained and talented police officers," he said.

"No comprehensive strategy"

The problems facing the new police chief remain huge, the product of years of weak oversight, favouritism and incapacity, despite repeated attempts to fix them and billions of dollars of foreign aid.

A recent report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, a US Congressional watchdog, noted that: "there is no comprehensive strategy for a competent civil police force backed by the rule of law." It added that the lack of such a force created "a risk to the long-term stability of the Afghan government".

Apart from corruption, sheer inefficiency and waste has hindered development and allowed rampant abuses that range from selling weapons and equipment on the black market to the notorious payroll lists of non-existent "ghost" police maintained by commanders who pocket the salaries themselves.

"There was zero accountability in the ministry," Khoshal said referring on the interior ministry that overseas the police. "No-one asked about the condition of vehicles, weapons and personnel."

He still regularly fields calls from powerful local politicians and well-connected members of parliament, trying to get favourites appointed to key jobs to protect their interests.

"In one province, the police chief was appointed by one side, his deputy and head of intelligence by other sides. So there was no obedience," he said.

On one recent call, a new police chief in the southern province of Zabul complained that local militiamen were collecting illegal taxes on the highway and 800 police, whose salaries had been paid for years, simply did not exist.

"This is what I am dealing with," said Khoshal, shaking his head.

Afghanistan's new police chief Khoshal Sadat has one of the hardest jobs in the country - rooting out abuses and bringing new energy to a force that for years has been used as a cash machine by corrupt politicians.

Afghanistan's new police chief Khoshal Sadat has one of the hardest jobs in the country - rooting out abuses and bringing new energy to a force that for years has been used as a cash machine by corrupt politicians. Khoshal, a 34-year-old police Special Forces officer who has spent his entire adult life fighting the Taliban, was appointed three months ago by President Ashraf Ghani as part of a broader drive against graft. Poorly paid, undertrained and often illiterate, and subject to unauthorized interference by local strongmen or Kabul-based politicians, Afghanistan's 180,000 police officers have long been regarded as the poor cousins to the army in the country's security structure. They include the uniformed national police (ANP) and other units, including irregular local police militias (ALP), and are generally used more as paramilitary troops than for law enforcement, suffering heavy casualties and viewed with suspicion by many Afghans, who often see them as predators rather than protectors. Speaking in a rapid-fire mix of Dari and the American-accented English typical of the elite young Afghan officers who have come of age alongside U.S. advisers, Khoshal admits he faces "a mess" but insists: "I know how to fix it." "There is corruption in the (interior) ministry - those earning from contracts, food, fuel. But there is also corruption outside - taking money from hotels, shops, highways," he told Reuters in the same week officials uncovered a major scandal inflated invoices for police rations. "This is the culture I inherited three months ago." Some, however, are sceptical about whether one man, however energetic, can succeed in a ministry described last year by Ghani as the most corrupt in the country. With upcoming presidential elections and uncertainty over peace talks with the Taliban already raising the political temperature, the stakes are high if he cannot. Night operations A graduate of the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, Britain's officer training college, as well as the US Army Command and Staff College, Khoshal joined the police Special Forces in 2003, gaining an inside view on problems that have dogged the security forces for years. Restless and impatient, he still joins some night operations and says he hates sitting in an office. He first came to wider public attention in March, during a stand-off over the appointment of a new police chief in the northern province of Balkh. Accustomed to being able to defy the government of Kabul in his stronghold city of Mazar-i-Sharif, the powerful former local governor Atta Mohammad Noor refused to allow the man sent by Ghani to take office. In response, Khoshal ordered in a Special Forces unit that fought a gunbattle with local militiamen, killing five of them. Khoshal said he had sacked 30 of 34 provincial police chiefs for incompetence or corruption since taking charge, replacing them with young Special Forces officers in his own mould. He has also moved to rotate police more often and pull them off isolated posts, where they are regularly picked off by the Taliban. Casualties, he says, have been cut from 50 a day to around 90 a week. Extortion has also been reduced, he said, by cutting down informal roadside checkpoints where police extorted money from truckers. Twice a week he talks with provincial commanders through video links, getting updates and listening to complaints ranging from lack of ammunition and supplies to a shortage of manpower. "My vision is that the force should do community policing, law enforcement, getting rid of corrupt officials and bring in educated, trained and talented police officers," he said. "No comprehensive strategy" The problems facing the new police chief remain huge, the product of years of weak oversight, favouritism and incapacity, despite repeated attempts to fix them and billions of dollars of foreign aid. A recent report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, a US Congressional watchdog, noted that: "there is no comprehensive strategy for a competent civil police force backed by the rule of law." It added that the lack of such a force created "a risk to the long-term stability of the Afghan government". Apart from corruption, sheer inefficiency and waste has hindered development and allowed rampant abuses that range from selling weapons and equipment on the black market to the notorious payroll lists of non-existent "ghost" police maintained by commanders who pocket the salaries themselves. "There was zero accountability in the ministry," Khoshal said referring on the interior ministry that overseas the police. "No-one asked about the condition of vehicles, weapons and personnel." He still regularly fields calls from powerful local politicians and well-connected members of parliament, trying to get favourites appointed to key jobs to protect their interests. "In one province, the police chief was appointed by one side, his deputy and head of intelligence by other sides. So there was no obedience," he said. On one recent call, a new police chief in the southern province of Zabul complained that local militiamen were collecting illegal taxes on the highway and 800 police, whose salaries had been paid for years, simply did not exist. "This is what I am dealing with," said Khoshal, shaking his head.

New commander takes on corruption 'mess' in Afghan police

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-president-ashraf-ghani-to-visit-pakistan-will-discuss-talks-with-imran-khan-224176">Afghan President Ashraf Ghani</a> pledged Tuesday to release nearly 900 inmates from prisons across Afghanistan.

During an address to the nation for Eid -- the festival marking the end of Ramadan -- Ghani said 887 inmates would be set free.

The president did not say what offences the prisoners had committed or whether they were members of the Taliban.&nbsp;

During a peace conference in April, Ghani said he would release 175 Taliban prisoners as a gesture of "goodwill".

It was not clear if those insurgent prisoners were included in the number Ghani gave on Tuesday.

Ghani had proposed a nationwide ceasefire at the start of Ramadan early last month, but the Taliban rejected the offer.

Last year, the Taliban observed a three-day ceasefire but there has been no reduction in violence this year.

Ghani also said he had accepted an invitation from Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Pakistan later this month.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani pledged Tuesday to release nearly 900 inmates from prisons across Afghanistan. During an address to the nation for Eid -- the festival marking the end of Ramadan -- Ghani said 887 inmates would be set free.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani pledged Tuesday to release nearly 900 inmates from prisons across Afghanistan. During an address to the nation for Eid -- the festival marking the end of Ramadan -- Ghani said 887 inmates would be set free. The president did not say what offences the prisoners had committed or whether they were members of the Taliban. During a peace conference in April, Ghani said he would release 175 Taliban prisoners as a gesture of "goodwill". It was not clear if those insurgent prisoners were included in the number Ghani gave on Tuesday. Ghani had proposed a nationwide ceasefire at the start of Ramadan early last month, but the Taliban rejected the offer. Last year, the Taliban observed a three-day ceasefire but there has been no reduction in violence this year. Ghani also said he had accepted an invitation from Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Pakistan later this month.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani pledges to release nearly 900 prisoners

An explosion rocked a town in the Nahrein district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported quoting Afghan media. Two people have been killed, as many as 14 have been wounded.&nbsp;

As per reports, the explosion occurred while the prayers for Eid were undergoing. &nbsp;

This comes a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-at-least-four-killed-as-government-bus-hit-in-kabul-blast-223890">a bomb tore through a bus in Kabul on Monday</a> killing at least four people.&nbsp;

The vehicle was taking workers home from a government watchdog agency ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan when the bomb exploded, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
TOLOnews: Baghlan police said that in an explosion, during Eid prayer in the town of the Nahrein district of the province, two were killed and 14 others were wounded. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1135833149739622400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/student-bus-targeted-amid-deadly-wave-of-kabul-bombings-223693">On Sunday, two people got killed</a>, with over a dozen wounded, as a wave of bombings hit civilian targets - including a university school bus - across the Afghan capital, AFP reported.&nbsp;

On Friday, a Taliban car bomber killed at least four Afghan civilians and lightly wounded four US troops in an attack on a US convoy in Kabul.

Watch: 3 explosions rock&nbsp;Afghanistan's capital, 1 killed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/3-explosions-rocked-afghanistans-capital-1killed-223623/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A day earlier, at least six people were killed and 16 more wounded in an IS-claimed suicide blast outside a military academy in the capital.

And eight Afghan police were killed Saturday and seven others wounded in a suicide attack in the eastern city of Ghazni, provincial police spokesman Ahmad Khan Seerat told AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An explosion rocked a town in the Nahrein district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported quoting Afghan media. Two people have been killed, as many as 14 have been wounded.

An explosion rocked a town in the Nahrein district of Afghanistan's Baghlan province on Tuesday, news agency ANI reported quoting Afghan media. Two people have been killed, as many as 14 have been wounded. As per reports, the explosion occurred while the prayers for Eid were undergoing. This comes a day after a bomb tore through a bus in Kabul on Monday killing at least four people. The vehicle was taking workers home from a government watchdog agency ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan when the bomb exploded, news agency AFP reported. TOLOnews: Baghlan police said that in an explosion, during Eid prayer in the town of the Nahrein district of the province, two were killed and 14 others were wounded. #Afghanistan — ANI (@ANI) June 4, 2019 × On Sunday, two people got killed, with over a dozen wounded, as a wave of bombings hit civilian targets - including a university school bus - across the Afghan capital, AFP reported. On Friday, a Taliban car bomber killed at least four Afghan civilians and lightly wounded four US troops in an attack on a US convoy in Kabul. Watch: 3 explosions rock Afghanistan's capital, 1 killed A day earlier, at least six people were killed and 16 more wounded in an IS-claimed suicide blast outside a military academy in the capital. And eight Afghan police were killed Saturday and seven others wounded in a suicide attack in the eastern city of Ghazni, provincial police spokesman Ahmad Khan Seerat told AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Explosion during Eid prayers kills two, several wounded

Nearly half of all rural Afghans now face some level of food insecurity, a UN agency said Monday, as a historic drought and deteriorating security grip Afghanistan.

Described by some locals as the worst in a lifetime, Afghanistan's drought had a devastating effect on rural populations last year, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in an overview of Afghanistan aid operations in 2018.

"With crops failing and limited water supplies, as well as increased malnutrition and illness, hundreds of thousands of people left their homes to seek help near major cities," OCHA said.

The misery was only compounded this spring when rains finally did come, as downpours led to deadly flooding in provinces across the country.

OCHA found that the number of people in need of some form of food assistance in Afghanistan rose from 3.3 million at the start of last year to a projected current level of 13.5 million -- or 47 per cent of the population -- as of February 2019.

That group has been affected to varying degrees, according to the OCHA, but none were at immediate risk of famine -- though a failed harvest in 2019 could change that.

OCHA said aid humanitarian groups were able to reach about 6.5 million people last year on a budget of $471 million.

Despite the impact of the drought, conflict remained the largest driver of humanitarian need in Afghanistan last year, OCHA said.

According to the UN, 3,804 civilians -- including more than 900 children -- were killed in Afghanistan in 2018, with another 7,189 wounded. It was the deadliest year on record.&nbsp;

"An increase in mass casualty incidents, escalating hostilities and the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance all contributed to record-high numbers of trauma cases in 2018," the OCHA report states.

Another compounding factor was a wave of Afghans returning from Iran as the economy there slowed down amid new US sanctions, cutting demand for Afghan workers.

While returns from Pakistan were at an all-time low, with only 46,300 recorded in 2018, 775,000 Afghans came back from Iran during 2018, according to OCHA.

Nearly half of all rural Afghans now face some level of food insecurity, a UN agency said Monday, as a historic drought and deteriorating security grip Afghanistan.

Nearly half of all rural Afghans now face some level of food insecurity, a UN agency said Monday, as a historic drought and deteriorating security grip Afghanistan. Described by some locals as the worst in a lifetime, Afghanistan's drought had a devastating effect on rural populations last year, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in an overview of Afghanistan aid operations in 2018. "With crops failing and limited water supplies, as well as increased malnutrition and illness, hundreds of thousands of people left their homes to seek help near major cities," OCHA said. The misery was only compounded this spring when rains finally did come, as downpours led to deadly flooding in provinces across the country. OCHA found that the number of people in need of some form of food assistance in Afghanistan rose from 3.3 million at the start of last year to a projected current level of 13.5 million -- or 47 per cent of the population -- as of February 2019. That group has been affected to varying degrees, according to the OCHA, but none were at immediate risk of famine -- though a failed harvest in 2019 could change that. OCHA said aid humanitarian groups were able to reach about 6.5 million people last year on a budget of $471 million. Despite the impact of the drought, conflict remained the largest driver of humanitarian need in Afghanistan last year, OCHA said. According to the UN, 3,804 civilians -- including more than 900 children -- were killed in Afghanistan in 2018, with another 7,189 wounded. It was the deadliest year on record. "An increase in mass casualty incidents, escalating hostilities and the dangers posed by unexploded ordnance all contributed to record-high numbers of trauma cases in 2018," the OCHA report states. Another compounding factor was a wave of Afghans returning from Iran as the economy there slowed down amid new US sanctions, cutting demand for Afghan workers. While returns from Pakistan were at an all-time low, with only 46,300 recorded in 2018, 775,000 Afghans came back from Iran during 2018, according to OCHA.

Nearly half of rural Afghans face food insecurity: UN

At least four people were killed Monday when a bomb tore through a bus in Kabul, an official said, marking the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/student-bus-targeted-amid-deadly-wave-of-kabul-bombings-223693">second day straight that attackers have targeted a bus</a>.

The vehicle was taking workers home from a government watchdog agency ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan when the bomb exploded.

Farid Ahmad, a spokesman for the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission (IARCSC), told AFP the bomb had been concealed on a bicycle along the side of the road.

"Unfortunately, we have lost four colleagues, nine have been wounded", Ahmad said.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi put the toll at five dead and 10 wounded -- all of them civilians.

Video:&nbsp;3 explosions rocked Afghanistan's capital, 1killed

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/3-explosions-rocked-afghanistans-capital-1killed-223623/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He said the explosion had been caused by a sticky bomb, a common threat in Kabul where criminals and insurgents slap explosives under vehicles.

No one immediately claimed responsibility.

The blast comes one day after two people were killed and dozens more wounded in Kabul as a wave of bombings hit civilian targets -- including a university school bus -- across the Afghan capital.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for those bombings on Sunday.&nbsp;

Buses carrying government employees have remained a constant target of militant attacks during the rush hour in Kabul.

The IARCSC was established in 2002 with the aim of providing oversight to the notoriously corrupt Afghan civil service.

At least four people were killed Monday when a bomb tore through a bus in Kabul, an official said, marking the second day straight that attackers have targeted a bus.

At least four people were killed Monday when a bomb tore through a bus in Kabul, an official said, marking the second day straight that attackers have targeted a bus. The vehicle was taking workers home from a government watchdog agency ahead of the Eid holidays marking the end of Ramadan when the bomb exploded. Farid Ahmad, a spokesman for the Independent Administrative Reform and Civil Service Commission (IARCSC), told AFP the bomb had been concealed on a bicycle along the side of the road. "Unfortunately, we have lost four colleagues, nine have been wounded", Ahmad said. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi put the toll at five dead and 10 wounded -- all of them civilians. Video: 3 explosions rocked Afghanistan's capital, 1killed He said the explosion had been caused by a sticky bomb, a common threat in Kabul where criminals and insurgents slap explosives under vehicles. No one immediately claimed responsibility. The blast comes one day after two people were killed and dozens more wounded in Kabul as a wave of bombings hit civilian targets -- including a university school bus -- across the Afghan capital. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for those bombings on Sunday. Buses carrying government employees have remained a constant target of militant attacks during the rush hour in Kabul. The IARCSC was established in 2002 with the aim of providing oversight to the notoriously corrupt Afghan civil service.

Afghanistan: At least four killed as government bus hit in Kabul blast

Defending champions Australia defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in their campaign opener of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">Cricket World Cup 2019</a> on Saturday at Bristol’s County Ground.&nbsp;

Openers Aaron Finch and David Warner completed their half-centuries as Australia chased down the target of the 208-run target in 34.5 overs.&nbsp;

Finch scored a total of 66 runs off 49 balls and his innings included 6 fours and 4 sixes before losing his wicket to Gulbadin Naib.&nbsp;

Usman Khawaja, in at number three, scored 15 runs and lost his wicket to Afghan's spin sensation Rashid Khan.&nbsp;

Warner, who returned after a year-long ban, played brilliant innings and scored an unbeaten&nbsp;89 runs.&nbsp;

He was given the player of the match for his performance.&nbsp;

"Need to keep our nerves and look to see through that period. It's a different contrast from the team back then (in 2015). There was more experience at that point but this squad also has great energy in it," said Warner after the match.&nbsp;

Steve Smith, who is also coming after serving a one-year ban, scored 18 runs.&nbsp;

Glenn Maxwell scored the winning runs.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Australia win! 👏 
 
The defending champions stroll to a comfortable seven-wicket win, riding on David Warner's 89*. 
 
That's their <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> campaign off to a flier. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CmonAussie?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CmonAussie</a> <a href="https://t.co/ajxXoCYP3J">pic.twitter.com/ajxXoCYP3J</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1134887843552223234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Earlier, Australia's Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa took three wickets each as Afghanistan were bowled out for 207 in 39 overs.&nbsp;

Paceman Cummins finished with figures of 3-40 and leg spinner Zampa took 3-60 as the holders kept the brakes on their inexperienced but flamboyant opponents.&nbsp;

Afghanistan lost both of their openers in the first two overs but rallied with a half century from captain Najibullah Zadran and an aggressive cameo from Rashid Khan to creep over the 200-run mark.&nbsp;

Rahmat Shah steadied the innings with a 43-run knock after coming in at No. 3, but it was Najibullah and Gulbadin Naib who gave the Afghanis hope of a competitive total with a swashbuckllng 83-run sixth-wicket partnership off only 75 balls.&nbsp;

Najibullah, who won the toss and elected to bat, scored 51 off 49 balls while Gulbadin hit 31 off 33.&nbsp;

Rashid Khan also flashed his bat but his knock of 27 runs off 11 balls ended when Zampa trapped him leg before wickets.&nbsp;

Defending champions Australia defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in their campaign opener of Cricket World Cup 2019 on Saturday at Bristol’s County Ground. Openers Aaron Finch and David Warner completed their half-centuries as Australia chased down the target of the 208-run target in 34.

Defending champions Australia defeated Afghanistan by seven wickets in their campaign opener of Cricket World Cup 2019 on Saturday at Bristol’s County Ground. Openers Aaron Finch and David Warner completed their half-centuries as Australia chased down the target of the 208-run target in 34.5 overs. Finch scored a total of 66 runs off 49 balls and his innings included 6 fours and 4 sixes before losing his wicket to Gulbadin Naib. Usman Khawaja, in at number three, scored 15 runs and lost his wicket to Afghan's spin sensation Rashid Khan. Warner, who returned after a year-long ban, played brilliant innings and scored an unbeaten 89 runs. He was given the player of the match for his performance. "Need to keep our nerves and look to see through that period. It's a different contrast from the team back then (in 2015). There was more experience at that point but this squad also has great energy in it," said Warner after the match. Steve Smith, who is also coming after serving a one-year ban, scored 18 runs. Glenn Maxwell scored the winning runs. Australia win! 👏 The defending champions stroll to a comfortable seven-wicket win, riding on David Warner's 89*. That's their #CWC19 campaign off to a flier. #CmonAussie pic.twitter.com/ajxXoCYP3J — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 1, 2019 × Earlier, Australia's Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa took three wickets each as Afghanistan were bowled out for 207 in 39 overs. Paceman Cummins finished with figures of 3-40 and leg spinner Zampa took 3-60 as the holders kept the brakes on their inexperienced but flamboyant opponents. Afghanistan lost both of their openers in the first two overs but rallied with a half century from captain Najibullah Zadran and an aggressive cameo from Rashid Khan to creep over the 200-run mark. Rahmat Shah steadied the innings with a 43-run knock after coming in at No. 3, but it was Najibullah and Gulbadin Naib who gave the Afghanis hope of a competitive total with a swashbuckllng 83-run sixth-wicket partnership off only 75 balls. Najibullah, who won the toss and elected to bat, scored 51 off 49 balls while Gulbadin hit 31 off 33. Rashid Khan also flashed his bat but his knock of 27 runs off 11 balls ended when Zampa trapped him leg before wickets.

Cricket World Cup 2019: David Warner stars in Australia's rout of Afghanistan

Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States` Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, arrived in Islamabad&nbsp;on Sunday to facilitate a peace process that ends the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-leader-pledges-to-keep-fighting-until-goals-met-223710">19 years of war in Afghanistan</a>.

Samaa News agency reported that the US envoy will also attend a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-continue-to-play-mediatory-role-for-peace-in-afghanistan-and-region-pakistan-tells-us-223706">Pakistan-US advisory meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs</a> on Sunday in the presence of Pakistan government officials and military leaders.

Prior to his arrival, Khalilzad also held meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) summit in Makkah, last week.

In a tweet, he said the meeting will "improve relations between the two countries and help to implement and capitalise opportunities for regional connectivity, integration, and development."

Khalilzad has long been trying to reach a peace deal with the Taliban to end the war in Afghanistan that has entered its 19th year.&nbsp;

The envoy also held a series of meetings with the Pakistani leadership as a part of Washington`s renewed push to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table.

The latest push for peace comes after President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Prime Minister Khan, seeking Pakistan`s help for the negotiated settlement of the Afghan conflict, Express Tribune reported.

Meanwhile, in response to the Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada`s annual message on Eid, Khalilzad also said that the statement provides "a desire to participate in dialogue with other Afghans and in a final political settlement that will require power sharing. "All good things," he added.

On Saturday, the Taliban leader stressed on his previous stance about an end to the presence of the US military in Afghanistan and said the group is open for talks but they expect "honesty" from the United States.

The leader said that "the Islamic emirate is not seeking to monopolize power but it wants all Afghans to have their real role in `government."

Khalilzad continued to say in a tweet that the Taliban leader`s statement suggests the US seeks violence.&nbsp;

"We do not. The level of violence in Afghanistan is unacceptable and we have no desire to perpetuate it," he said.

"Let us find ways to work together to reduce or to immediately end the violence, as we continue negotiations to end the war. The killing of the Afghans must stop," the envoy added.

According to a press statement from the US Department of State, Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 31 to June 16, 2019.

The statement read, "He will work to build international support for the Afghan peace process and endeavour to ensure that any peace settlement reached will be sustainable."&nbsp;

Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States` Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to facilitate a peace process that ends the 19 years of war in Afghanistan.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the United States` Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, arrived in Islamabad on Sunday to facilitate a peace process that ends the 19 years of war in Afghanistan. Samaa News agency reported that the US envoy will also attend a Pakistan-US advisory meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday in the presence of Pakistan government officials and military leaders. Prior to his arrival, Khalilzad also held meetings with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the sidelines of OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) summit in Makkah, last week. In a tweet, he said the meeting will "improve relations between the two countries and help to implement and capitalise opportunities for regional connectivity, integration, and development." Khalilzad has long been trying to reach a peace deal with the Taliban to end the war in Afghanistan that has entered its 19th year. The envoy also held a series of meetings with the Pakistani leadership as a part of Washington`s renewed push to bring the Afghan Taliban to the negotiating table. The latest push for peace comes after President Donald Trump wrote a letter to Prime Minister Khan, seeking Pakistan`s help for the negotiated settlement of the Afghan conflict, Express Tribune reported. Meanwhile, in response to the Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada`s annual message on Eid, Khalilzad also said that the statement provides "a desire to participate in dialogue with other Afghans and in a final political settlement that will require power sharing. "All good things," he added. On Saturday, the Taliban leader stressed on his previous stance about an end to the presence of the US military in Afghanistan and said the group is open for talks but they expect "honesty" from the United States. The leader said that "the Islamic emirate is not seeking to monopolize power but it wants all Afghans to have their real role in `government." Khalilzad continued to say in a tweet that the Taliban leader`s statement suggests the US seeks violence. "We do not. The level of violence in Afghanistan is unacceptable and we have no desire to perpetuate it," he said. "Let us find ways to work together to reduce or to immediately end the violence, as we continue negotiations to end the war. The killing of the Afghans must stop," the envoy added. According to a press statement from the US Department of State, Khalilzad will travel to Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Pakistan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 31 to June 16, 2019. The statement read, "He will work to build international support for the Afghan peace process and endeavour to ensure that any peace settlement reached will be sustainable."

US Representative arrives in Pakistan to discuss Afghan peace process

The head of the Afghan Taliban pledged on Saturday to continue fighting until the movement's objectives were reached and indicated it was still not ready to open talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul.

In his annual message ahead of next week's Eid al-Fitr holiday, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada sought to reassure Afghans that the Taliban wanted an end to decades of conflict and a government that represented all Afghans.

But he offered little sign of agreeing to a ceasefire or of opening direct negotiations with the Kabul government, which the Taliban regard as an illegitimate foreign-imposed regime.

He also gave no sign the Taliban would repeat last year's truce over the three-day Eid holiday that ends the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which led to unprecedented scenes of Taliban fighters and government soldiers mingling and even embracing in the streets of Kabul.

"No one should expect us to pour cold water on the heated battlefronts of Jihad or forget our 40-year sacrifices before reaching our objectives," he said in the message, adding that the Taliban aimed for "an end to the occupation and establishment of an Islamic system".

Taliban representatives have been talking with US&nbsp;diplomats for months about withdrawing more than 20,000 US&nbsp;and NATO coalition troops in exchange for guarantees that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for militant attacks.

They have also met senior Afghan politicians and civil society representatives, most recently in Moscow this week, as part of a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue to discuss the country's future.

But they have shown no sign of agreeing to demands for a ceasefire and formal negotiations with President Ashraf Ghani's government, which Mullah Haibatullah accused of trying to sabotage dialogue between the Islamic Emirate and Afghan political figures.

"The Islamic Emirate shall pay no heed to such futile efforts and diplomatic obstructions being created for the intra-Afghan dialogue," he said.

Afghan officials have been deeply suspicious of the talks, which they see as a means of reinforcing the Taliban and powerful regional politicians while sidelining the legitimate government.

The Eid message offered assurances that the Taliban did not seek a monopoly over power and would respect all the rights of male and female Afghans and develop education, commerce, employment and welfare.

But it did not tackle one of the key concerns in Kabul - whether the Taliban would accept the current constitutional framework of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan or insist on an Islamic Emirate, the name given to their own system.

"The Islamic Emirate seeks the establishment of a sovereign, Islamic and inclusive government acceptable to all Afghans in our beloved homeland," the message said.

The head of the Afghan Taliban pledged on Saturday to continue fighting until the movement's objectives were reached and indicated it was still not ready to open talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul.

The head of the Afghan Taliban pledged on Saturday to continue fighting until the movement's objectives were reached and indicated it was still not ready to open talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul. In his annual message ahead of next week's Eid al-Fitr holiday, Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada sought to reassure Afghans that the Taliban wanted an end to decades of conflict and a government that represented all Afghans. But he offered little sign of agreeing to a ceasefire or of opening direct negotiations with the Kabul government, which the Taliban regard as an illegitimate foreign-imposed regime. He also gave no sign the Taliban would repeat last year's truce over the three-day Eid holiday that ends the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which led to unprecedented scenes of Taliban fighters and government soldiers mingling and even embracing in the streets of Kabul. "No one should expect us to pour cold water on the heated battlefronts of Jihad or forget our 40-year sacrifices before reaching our objectives," he said in the message, adding that the Taliban aimed for "an end to the occupation and establishment of an Islamic system". Taliban representatives have been talking with US diplomats for months about withdrawing more than 20,000 US and NATO coalition troops in exchange for guarantees that Afghanistan will not be used as a base for militant attacks. They have also met senior Afghan politicians and civil society representatives, most recently in Moscow this week, as part of a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue to discuss the country's future. But they have shown no sign of agreeing to demands for a ceasefire and formal negotiations with President Ashraf Ghani's government, which Mullah Haibatullah accused of trying to sabotage dialogue between the Islamic Emirate and Afghan political figures. "The Islamic Emirate shall pay no heed to such futile efforts and diplomatic obstructions being created for the intra-Afghan dialogue," he said. Afghan officials have been deeply suspicious of the talks, which they see as a means of reinforcing the Taliban and powerful regional politicians while sidelining the legitimate government. The Eid message offered assurances that the Taliban did not seek a monopoly over power and would respect all the rights of male and female Afghans and develop education, commerce, employment and welfare. But it did not tackle one of the key concerns in Kabul - whether the Taliban would accept the current constitutional framework of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan or insist on an Islamic Emirate, the name given to their own system. "The Islamic Emirate seeks the establishment of a sovereign, Islamic and inclusive government acceptable to all Afghans in our beloved homeland," the message said.

Afghan Taliban leader pledges to keep fighting until goals met

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-three-blasts-hit-kabul-killing-one-and-injuring-17-223589">Two people were killed and dozens more wounded in Kabul</a> on Sunday as a wave of bombings hit civilian targets -- including a university school bus -- across the Afghan capital.

The yellow bus had been heading to Kabul Education University in the western part of the city Sunday morning when it was hit by a sticky bomb -- a growing menace in Kabul, where insurgents and criminals use magnets to slap explosives on vehicles.

The device had been placed under the bus, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said. In the immediate aftermath, as people rushed to help victims, two more bombs that had been planted by the side of the road went off, he added.&nbsp;

Among the wounded was an Afghan journalist who appeared to have been live-streaming the aftermath of the first explosion when he was hit in a secondary blast.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility.

Initial reports said the bus was carrying university officials, but Kabul police spokesman Firdaws Faramarz later said students had been on board.

According to health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar, two people were killed and 24 more wounded. Among those wounded were five Afghan security forces.

The journalist was expected to recover from his leg wounds. Last year, nine journalists including AFP Kabul's chief photographer Shah Marai were killed in a secondary explosion after rushing to the scene of an initial blast.

A fourth blast rocked Kabul later Sunday, when yet another sticky bomb hit a vehicle in the western part of the city. Initial reports said three people were wounded.

President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani condemned the attacks, saying the "enemy" cannot "weaken the faith of our people for a bright and progressive future of Afghanistan."

Afghanistan's IS affiliate, known IS-K, has claimed responsibility for a string of horrific bombings targeting numerous civilian, religious and political targets in recent years.

Watch: 3 explosions rocked Afghanistan's capital, 1killed

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/3-explosions-rocked-afghanistans-capital-1killed-223623/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Peace talks

The continued violence in Afghanistan comes even as the Taliban and the US are set to begin a new round of peace talks in Doha this month.

On Friday, a Taliban car bomber killed at least four Afghan civilians and lightly wounded four US troops in an attack on a US convoy in Kabul.

A day earlier, at least six people were killed and 16 more wounded in an IS-claimed suicide blast outside a military academy in the capital.

And eight Afghan police were killed Saturday and seven others wounded in a suicide attack in the eastern city of Ghazni, provincial police spokesman Ahmad Khan Seerat told AFP.

Ghani had proposed a nationwide ceasefire at the start of Ramadan early last month, but the Taliban rejected the offer.

Last year, the Taliban observed a three-day ceasefire over Eid and many Afghans -- exhausted by decades of war and violence -- had pinned their hopes on another truce this year.

Taliban head Haibatullah Akhundzada said Saturday there would be no "cold water" poured on the insurgents' military efforts.

Two people were killed and dozens more wounded in Kabul on Sunday as a wave of bombings hit civilian targets -- including a university school bus -- across the Afghan capital.

Two people were killed and dozens more wounded in Kabul on Sunday as a wave of bombings hit civilian targets -- including a university school bus -- across the Afghan capital. The yellow bus had been heading to Kabul Education University in the western part of the city Sunday morning when it was hit by a sticky bomb -- a growing menace in Kabul, where insurgents and criminals use magnets to slap explosives on vehicles. The device had been placed under the bus, interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said. In the immediate aftermath, as people rushed to help victims, two more bombs that had been planted by the side of the road went off, he added. Among the wounded was an Afghan journalist who appeared to have been live-streaming the aftermath of the first explosion when he was hit in a secondary blast. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility. Initial reports said the bus was carrying university officials, but Kabul police spokesman Firdaws Faramarz later said students had been on board. According to health ministry spokesman Wahidullah Mayar, two people were killed and 24 more wounded. Among those wounded were five Afghan security forces. The journalist was expected to recover from his leg wounds. Last year, nine journalists including AFP Kabul's chief photographer Shah Marai were killed in a secondary explosion after rushing to the scene of an initial blast. A fourth blast rocked Kabul later Sunday, when yet another sticky bomb hit a vehicle in the western part of the city. Initial reports said three people were wounded. President Muhammad Ashraf Ghani condemned the attacks, saying the "enemy" cannot "weaken the faith of our people for a bright and progressive future of Afghanistan." Afghanistan's IS affiliate, known IS-K, has claimed responsibility for a string of horrific bombings targeting numerous civilian, religious and political targets in recent years. Watch: 3 explosions rocked Afghanistan's capital, 1killed × Peace talks The continued violence in Afghanistan comes even as the Taliban and the US are set to begin a new round of peace talks in Doha this month. On Friday, a Taliban car bomber killed at least four Afghan civilians and lightly wounded four US troops in an attack on a US convoy in Kabul. A day earlier, at least six people were killed and 16 more wounded in an IS-claimed suicide blast outside a military academy in the capital. And eight Afghan police were killed Saturday and seven others wounded in a suicide attack in the eastern city of Ghazni, provincial police spokesman Ahmad Khan Seerat told AFP. Ghani had proposed a nationwide ceasefire at the start of Ramadan early last month, but the Taliban rejected the offer. Last year, the Taliban observed a three-day ceasefire over Eid and many Afghans -- exhausted by decades of war and violence -- had pinned their hopes on another truce this year. Taliban head Haibatullah Akhundzada said Saturday there would be no "cold water" poured on the insurgents' military efforts.

Student bus targeted amid deadly wave of Kabul bombings

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tells-uk-to-walk-away-if-eu-does-not-give-what-it-wants-in-brexit-report-223648">Trump tells UK to 'walk away' if EU does not give what it wants in Brexit: Report</a>

US President Donald Trump&nbsp;said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-mps-vote-against-all-alternative-brexit-options-206122">&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;</a>talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-prepared-to-engage-with-iran-without-pre-conditions-pompeo-223645">US prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions: Pompeo</a>

The United States was prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear program but needed to see the country behaving like "a normal nation", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-three-blasts-hit-kabul-killing-one-and-injuring-17-223589">Afghanistan: Three blasts hit Kabul, killing one and injuring 17</a>

One person was killed and 17 others wounded Sunday in three successive blasts in Kabul, Afghan officials said, capping a murderous week of mayhem across the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-defence-minister-says-tiananmen-crackdown-was-justified-223616">Chinese defence minister says Tiananmen crackdown was justified</a>

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said on Sunday that the bloody crackdown on protesters around Beijing`s Tiananmen Square 30 years ago was the "correct" decision, citing the country`s "stability" since then.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-lodges-protest-against-harassment-of-guests-at-high-commissions-iftar-party-by-pakistan-agencies-in-islamabad-223652">India lodges protest against harassment of guests at high commission's Iftar party by Pakistan agencies in Islamabad</a>

India has strongly protested against the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian high commission at a hotel in Islamabad and has asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident.

Trump tells UK to 'walk away' if EU does not give what it wants in Brexit: Report US President Donald Trump said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from Brexit talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants.

Trump tells UK to 'walk away' if EU does not give what it wants in Brexit: Report US President Donald Trump said Britain should refuse to pay its 39 billion pound EU divorce bill and "walk away" from Brexit talks if Brussels does not give the UK what it wants. US prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions: Pompeo The United States was prepared to engage with Iran without pre-conditions about its nuclear program but needed to see the country behaving like "a normal nation", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Sunday. Afghanistan: Three blasts hit Kabul, killing one and injuring 17 One person was killed and 17 others wounded Sunday in three successive blasts in Kabul, Afghan officials said, capping a murderous week of mayhem across the city. Chinese defence minister says Tiananmen crackdown was justified Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said on Sunday that the bloody crackdown on protesters around Beijing`s Tiananmen Square 30 years ago was the "correct" decision, citing the country`s "stability" since then. India lodges protest against harassment of guests at high commission's Iftar party by Pakistan agencies in Islamabad India has strongly protested against the harassment of guests invited for the Iftar organised by Indian high commission at a hotel in Islamabad and has asked the Pakistani government to investigate the "ugly" incident.

News brief: Big stories of the day

At least four bystanders were killed and four U.S. troops wounded Friday when a suicide car bomb targeted a passing U.S. convoy in the Afghan capital, U.S. and Afghan

3 explosions rocked Afghanistan's capital, 1killed

Australian opening batsman David Warner's participation in the team's opening <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-outplayed-but-not-downbeat-says-faf-du-plessis-222986">World Cup</a> match hangs in the balance as the player suffered from a sore glute in Australia's warm-up match against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-world-cup-2019-jofra-archers-impact-makes-england-an-even-tougher-force-223067">England</a> on May 25.

The left-handed batsman needs to be cleared by the medical staff to take part in the team's opening match against Afghanistan on Saturday.

Australs head coach Justin Langer said that the fitness test of Warner would be conducted on Friday as they don't want to make a decision on the match day.

"We'll have a pretty good idea today. But what I have expressed to him is it's really important to be fair to the other players, we don't want to be getting to Saturday morning and making a call, when a couple of other guys are wondering if they are going to play or not going to play," cricket.com.au quoted Langer as saying on Friday.

"The earlier we can make the decision, the better. Hopefully, we can make it tonight where he says 'yep, I'm ready to go', or 'I'm not sure'&nbsp;if he pulls up sore in the morning," he added.

Warner would come out to bat as an opener if he is able to prove his fitness.

If he is not fit enough to take part in the match, one of Usman Khawaja or Shaun Marsh will open the batting alongside skipper Aaron Finch.

Langer said that Warner is, however, 'desperate to play'&nbsp;in the match, but the team does not want to rush him.

"He's obviously desperate to play. Like all 15 players would, he is jumping out of his skin, his energy is up and he's laughing a lot, which is a really good sign," Langer said.

"But we've just got to make sure he can move, particularly in the field.

Batting seems okay, running in a straight line seems okay, but going side to side - we've just got to make sure we don't aggravate it," he added.

Australia won both their warm-up matches against England and Sri Lanka ahead of the World Cup.

Australia's squad:

Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-david-warner-need-to-have-thick-skin-to-shine-at-world-cup-says-brett-lee-222826">David Warner</a>, Adam Zampa.

Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019:

<img alt="Cricket World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="80bb67f7-133a-43c5-866e-bbc5d1d0bd5f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019%20%281%29_13.jpg" />

Australia takes on Afghanistan in their opening World Cup match on June 1.

Australian opening batsman David Warner's participation in the team's opening World Cup match hangs in the balance as the player suffered from a sore glute in Australia's warm-up match against England on May 25.

Australian opening batsman David Warner's participation in the team's opening World Cup match hangs in the balance as the player suffered from a sore glute in Australia's warm-up match against England on May 25. The left-handed batsman needs to be cleared by the medical staff to take part in the team's opening match against Afghanistan on Saturday. Australs head coach Justin Langer said that the fitness test of Warner would be conducted on Friday as they don't want to make a decision on the match day. "We'll have a pretty good idea today. But what I have expressed to him is it's really important to be fair to the other players, we don't want to be getting to Saturday morning and making a call, when a couple of other guys are wondering if they are going to play or not going to play," cricket.com.au quoted Langer as saying on Friday. "The earlier we can make the decision, the better. Hopefully, we can make it tonight where he says 'yep, I'm ready to go', or 'I'm not sure' if he pulls up sore in the morning," he added. Warner would come out to bat as an opener if he is able to prove his fitness. If he is not fit enough to take part in the match, one of Usman Khawaja or Shaun Marsh will open the batting alongside skipper Aaron Finch. Langer said that Warner is, however, 'desperate to play' in the match, but the team does not want to rush him. "He's obviously desperate to play. Like all 15 players would, he is jumping out of his skin, his energy is up and he's laughing a lot, which is a really good sign," Langer said. "But we've just got to make sure he can move, particularly in the field. Batting seems okay, running in a straight line seems okay, but going side to side - we've just got to make sure we don't aggravate it," he added. Australia won both their warm-up matches against England and Sri Lanka ahead of the World Cup. Australia's squad: Aaron Finch (c), Jason Behrendorff, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Coulter-Nile, Pat Cummins, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa. Here's the complete fixture of Cricket World Cup 2019: Australia takes on Afghanistan in their opening World Cup match on June 1.

David Warner's fitness a concern ahead of Australia's opening World Cup 2019 match

Growing numbers of&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;Muslims&nbsp;say they have faced verbal abuse, exclusion and hate crimes since mainstream political parties began adopting anti-immigrant policies previously the preserve of the far right.

The ruling centre-right Liberal Party and the opposition Social Democrats both say a tough stance on&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;is needed to protect Denmark's cherished welfare system and to integrate the migrants and refugees already in the country.

But Manilla Ghafuri, 26, who came to Denmark from Afghanistan in 2001 as a refugee, fears that anti-Muslim attitudes could harden further as the&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;debate heats up ahead of a general&nbsp;election&nbsp;on June 5.

"In 2015 I thought: 'Wow, what's happening?' and I think it has got a lot worse over the last few years," she told Reuters.

Ghafuri, who has more than once been told to go back to her "own country", said she has been kicked out of a supermarket while shopping with her family. While she was working at a bakery a male customer refused to be served by her.

"I asked if I could help him, but he didn't look at me at all. He just stood and waited for another girl who is an ethnic&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;girl," said Ghafuri, who also works as a teacher and has a degree in&nbsp;Danish.

The number of immigrants from non-Western countries and their descendants who have experienced discrimination because of their ethnic background rose to 48% last year from 43% two years earlier, according to the National Integration Barometer.

"If people are ready and willing to be part of&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;society and want to contribute to it, then we invite them to become part of one of the best-functioning societies in the world," said Mads Fuglede, the Liberal Party's&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;spokesman.

"But we need to be able to discuss openly if there are problems with groups of people," he said, citing a large number of immigrant women from the Middle East who have not found work in Denmark.

He did not see any connection between racist incidents and the tone of the&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;debate.

Tarek Ziad Hussein, 26, a&nbsp;Danish-born Muslim of Palestinian origin, has written a book about being Muslim in Denmark. He told Reuters he has received death threats.

"An environment has been created where you can say crazy things without too many people even raising an eyebrow," said Hussein, who works as a lawyer.

"I and a lot of others from my generation&nbsp;feel&nbsp;that no matter what we do, we are not good enough in the eyes of society," he added. "No matter how educated we are or how integrated we become, we are not good enough because of our skin colour or our religion."

The number of racially or religiously motivated hate crimes registered by&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;police jumped to 365 in 2017 from 228 the year before. That could be higher as not all cases are reported.

The&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;Institute For Human Rights has urged politicians to draw up plans to combat racism and hate crimes, especially against&nbsp;Muslims&nbsp;and Jews.

"The politicians are moving very close to the boundaries of human rights," said Louise Holck, the institute's deputy director.

Denmark's 320,000&nbsp;Muslims&nbsp;are about 5.5 per cent of the population, a slightly higher proportion than in the rest of Europe, according to&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;and US estimates.

The shift to the right by Denmark's mainstream parties runs counter to outsiders' traditional views of liberal Scandinavia, but has its parallels elsewhere in Europe, particularly since large numbers of migrants arrived there in 2015.

CAKE

The&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;minister, Inger Stojberg, has meanwhile been criticised for celebrating her 50th piece of legislation tightening&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;laws with a big cake. A tracker http://uim.dk on the ministry's website shows&nbsp;immigration&nbsp;law has been tightened 114 times under the present government.

Earlier this year, the government passed a law that would mean more refugees could be repatriated, the latest move to discourage non-western&nbsp;immigration.

The law was passed with support from the anti-immigration&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;People's Party, a key ally of the minority government, and the Social Democrats, the country's biggest party, which has hitherto had a softer stance on&nbsp;immigration.

It means residence permits for refugees will be temporary, there will be a limit on the number of family reunifications, and a cut in benefits for immigrants.

The law has been criticised by the&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;Institute for Human Rights and the United Nations refugee agency. Trade organisations and unions have warned that tight immigration policies could worsen labour shortages and put a brake on growth.

Fuglede of the Liberal Party said lower benefits would encourage people to work.

Around 43% of refugees who have lived in Denmark for more than 3 years were employed by the end of 2018, up from just 20% by the end of 2015. However, only 19% of women had jobs compared to 57% of men.

But while employment has risen, assimilation of immigrants has not always kept pace. More young men descended from non-western immigrants commit crimes than Danes, official figures show.

HISTORY BOOKS

The Social Democrats declined to comment for this article because of a tight pre-election&nbsp;schedule, but they have repeatedly said they want to limit the number refugees.

"You are not a bad person, just because you are worried about&nbsp;immigration," party leader Mette Frederiksen said earlier this month.

With the mainstream parties toughening up on&nbsp;immigration, Denmark's biggest populist group, The&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;People's Party (DF) has lost some of its appeal and opinion polls show it is likely to shed almost half of its voters in the&nbsp;election.

This is partly because voters are moving to the Social Democrats. DF also faces competition from far-right parties the New Right and Hard Line, the latter a new grouping that wants Islam banned and&nbsp;Muslims&nbsp;deported.

But even though the DF is losing voters fast, its impact on&nbsp;Danish&nbsp;politics is undeniable.

"They have completely changed the discussion and politics in Denmark over the past 20 years," according to Rune Stubager, professor of political science at Aarhus University. "For the history books, this is definitely a big victory for them."

Growing numbers of Danish Muslims say they have faced verbal abuse, exclusion and hate crimes since mainstream political parties began adopting anti-immigrant policies previously the preserve of the far right.

Growing numbers of Danish Muslims say they have faced verbal abuse, exclusion and hate crimes since mainstream political parties began adopting anti-immigrant policies previously the preserve of the far right. The ruling centre-right Liberal Party and the opposition Social Democrats both say a tough stance on immigration is needed to protect Denmark's cherished welfare system and to integrate the migrants and refugees already in the country. But Manilla Ghafuri, 26, who came to Denmark from Afghanistan in 2001 as a refugee, fears that anti-Muslim attitudes could harden further as the immigration debate heats up ahead of a general election on June 5. "In 2015 I thought: 'Wow, what's happening?' and I think it has got a lot worse over the last few years," she told Reuters. Ghafuri, who has more than once been told to go back to her "own country", said she has been kicked out of a supermarket while shopping with her family. While she was working at a bakery a male customer refused to be served by her. "I asked if I could help him, but he didn't look at me at all. He just stood and waited for another girl who is an ethnic Danish girl," said Ghafuri, who also works as a teacher and has a degree in Danish. The number of immigrants from non-Western countries and their descendants who have experienced discrimination because of their ethnic background rose to 48% last year from 43% two years earlier, according to the National Integration Barometer. "If people are ready and willing to be part of Danish society and want to contribute to it, then we invite them to become part of one of the best-functioning societies in the world," said Mads Fuglede, the Liberal Party's immigration spokesman. "But we need to be able to discuss openly if there are problems with groups of people," he said, citing a large number of immigrant women from the Middle East who have not found work in Denmark. He did not see any connection between racist incidents and the tone of the immigration debate. Tarek Ziad Hussein, 26, a Danish-born Muslim of Palestinian origin, has written a book about being Muslim in Denmark. He told Reuters he has received death threats. "An environment has been created where you can say crazy things without too many people even raising an eyebrow," said Hussein, who works as a lawyer. "I and a lot of others from my generation feel that no matter what we do, we are not good enough in the eyes of society," he added. "No matter how educated we are or how integrated we become, we are not good enough because of our skin colour or our religion." The number of racially or religiously motivated hate crimes registered by Danish police jumped to 365 in 2017 from 228 the year before. That could be higher as not all cases are reported. The Danish Institute For Human Rights has urged politicians to draw up plans to combat racism and hate crimes, especially against Muslims and Jews. "The politicians are moving very close to the boundaries of human rights," said Louise Holck, the institute's deputy director. Denmark's 320,000 Muslims are about 5.5 per cent of the population, a slightly higher proportion than in the rest of Europe, according to Danish and US estimates. The shift to the right by Denmark's mainstream parties runs counter to outsiders' traditional views of liberal Scandinavia, but has its parallels elsewhere in Europe, particularly since large numbers of migrants arrived there in 2015. CAKE The immigration minister, Inger Stojberg, has meanwhile been criticised for celebrating her 50th piece of legislation tightening immigration laws with a big cake. A tracker http://uim.dk on the ministry's website shows immigration law has been tightened 114 times under the present government. Earlier this year, the government passed a law that would mean more refugees could be repatriated, the latest move to discourage non-western immigration. The law was passed with support from the anti-immigration Danish People's Party, a key ally of the minority government, and the Social Democrats, the country's biggest party, which has hitherto had a softer stance on immigration. It means residence permits for refugees will be temporary, there will be a limit on the number of family reunifications, and a cut in benefits for immigrants. The law has been criticised by the Danish Institute for Human Rights and the United Nations refugee agency. Trade organisations and unions have warned that tight immigration policies could worsen labour shortages and put a brake on growth. Fuglede of the Liberal Party said lower benefits would encourage people to work. Around 43% of refugees who have lived in Denmark for more than 3 years were employed by the end of 2018, up from just 20% by the end of 2015. However, only 19% of women had jobs compared to 57% of men. But while employment has risen, assimilation of immigrants has not always kept pace. More young men descended from non-western immigrants commit crimes than Danes, official figures show. HISTORY BOOKS The Social Democrats declined to comment for this article because of a tight pre-election schedule, but they have repeatedly said they want to limit the number refugees. "You are not a bad person, just because you are worried about immigration," party leader Mette Frederiksen said earlier this month. With the mainstream parties toughening up on immigration, Denmark's biggest populist group, The Danish People's Party (DF) has lost some of its appeal and opinion polls show it is likely to shed almost half of its voters in the election. This is partly because voters are moving to the Social Democrats. DF also faces competition from far-right parties the New Right and Hard Line, the latter a new grouping that wants Islam banned and Muslims deported. But even though the DF is losing voters fast, its impact on Danish politics is undeniable. "They have completely changed the discussion and politics in Denmark over the past 20 years," according to Rune Stubager, professor of political science at Aarhus University. "For the history books, this is definitely a big victory for them."

Danish Muslims feel backlash as immigration becomes election issue

&nbsp;A Taliban official said on Thursday that decent progress had been made at talks with a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow but that there had been no breakthrough and that further talks would be needed, Russian news agencies reported.

The delegation, led by chief Taliban negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund, met politicians, including senior regional leaders and candidates challenging President Ashraf Ghani in this year`s presidential election amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-afghan-officials-to-meet-in-moscow-for-peace-talks-222143">delegation that met a group of senior Afghan politicians&nbsp;</a>in Moscow on Tuesday, insisted&nbsp;that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed.

The&nbsp;Taliban, ousted by US-backed forces weeks after September&nbsp;11, 2001, attacks on the United States, refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate.

Mohammad Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, the main body charged with pursuing peace efforts, said dozens of people were being killed in fighting every day and it was time for a "dignified and just mechanism" to end the bloodshed.

Taliban&nbsp;officials have been talking to US&nbsp;diplomats for months about the terms of withdrawal of more than 23,000 US and NATO coalition troops from Afghanistan and have reached a draft agreement on some issues but no new date for the next round of talks has been set and many obstacles remain.

A Taliban official said on Thursday that decent progress had been made at talks with a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow but that there had been no breakthrough and that further talks would be needed, Russian news agencies reported.

A Taliban official said on Thursday that decent progress had been made at talks with a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow but that there had been no breakthrough and that further talks would be needed, Russian news agencies reported. The delegation, led by chief Taliban negotiator Mullah Baradar Akhund, met politicians, including senior regional leaders and candidates challenging President Ashraf Ghani in this year`s presidential election amid gathering diplomatic efforts to end the 18-year war. The delegation that met a group of senior Afghan politicians in Moscow on Tuesday, insisted that international forces must leave Afghanistan for peace to be agreed. The Taliban, ousted by US-backed forces weeks after September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States, refer to themselves as the Islamic Emirate. Mohammad Karim Khalili, head of the High Peace Council, the main body charged with pursuing peace efforts, said dozens of people were being killed in fighting every day and it was time for a "dignified and just mechanism" to end the bloodshed. Taliban officials have been talking to US diplomats for months about the terms of withdrawal of more than 23,000 US and NATO coalition troops from Afghanistan and have reached a draft agreement on some issues but no new date for the next round of talks has been set and many obstacles remain.

Taliban says progress made at Afghan talks in Moscow but no breakthrough

afghanistan-0

Afghanistan, News on Afghanistan, stories on Afghanistan, articles on Afghanistan, Afghanistan stories at Wion, Afghanistan news, Afghanistan latest news

afghanistan 0