At least 13 militants belonging to the Taliban insurgent group have been killed in an airstrike carried out by the United States in Southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan.

Khaama Press quoted local security officials as saying that two engineers expert in the making of the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were among those killed in the airstrike conducted on Saturday night in the vicinity of Khakriz district.

According to the Police Chief General Abdul Raziq, the militants were making IEDs when they came under the air raid.

Taliban has not commented on the incident so far. Last month, Afghanistan&#39;s Minister of Defence (MoD) claimed that at least 35 insurgents were killed in an airstrike conducted in the province.

According to the Police Chief General Abdul Raziq, the militants were making IEDs when they came under the air raid

At least 13 militants belonging to the Taliban insurgent group have been killed in an airstrike carried out by the United States in Southern Kandahar province of Afghanistan. Khaama Press quoted local security officials as saying that two engineers expert in the making of the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were among those killed in the airstrike conducted on Saturday night in the vicinity of Khakriz district. According to the Police Chief General Abdul Raziq, the militants were making IEDs when they came under the air raid. Taliban has not commented on the incident so far. Last month, Afghanistan's Minister of Defence (MoD) claimed that at least 35 insurgents were killed in an airstrike conducted in the province.

US airstrike kills 13 Taliban militants in Afghanistan

At least 37 IS militants were killed and dozens were wounded on Saturday in US airstrikes conducted at Jowzjan province in Afghanistan.

A regional Afghan military statement said Saturday the pre-dawn strikes took place in the Darzab and Qishtepa districts of Jowzjan province, where IS maintains bases.

Mohammad Reza Ghafoori, the spokesperson of provincial governor confirmed the airstrikes and said the US forces also detained 10 IS militants including a key local commander for the group.&nbsp;

Reports further say that the US forces also conducted raids in Qishtepa and detained &ldquo;a key Daesh commander&rdquo; along with several other aides.

In an earlier incident today, at least six terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group were killed in the latest drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The airstrikes come following a pro-Islamic State group launching a social media campaign promoting jihadi mobilization to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. The group, al-Qastantiyyah (Constantinople) Foundation, posted the announcement on its Telegram channel Friday, reports said.

The airstrikes come following a pro-Islamic State group launching a social media campaign promoting jihadi mobilization to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region

At least 37 IS militants were killed and dozens were wounded on Saturday in US airstrikes conducted at Jowzjan province in Afghanistan. A regional Afghan military statement said Saturday the pre-dawn strikes took place in the Darzab and Qishtepa districts of Jowzjan province, where IS maintains bases. Mohammad Reza Ghafoori, the spokesperson of provincial governor confirmed the airstrikes and said the US forces also detained 10 IS militants including a key local commander for the group. Reports further say that the US forces also conducted raids in Qishtepa and detained “a key Daesh commander” along with several other aides. In an earlier incident today, at least six terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group were killed in the latest drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. The airstrikes come following a pro-Islamic State group launching a social media campaign promoting jihadi mobilization to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. The group, al-Qastantiyyah (Constantinople) Foundation, posted the announcement on its Telegram channel Friday, reports said.

At least 37 IS militants killed in Afghanistan

Donald Trump flops over his pink and white baby walker and rolls it around his family&#39;s modest home in Kabul, blissfully unaware of the turmoil his &quot;infidel&quot; name is causing in the deeply conservative Muslim country.

The rosy-cheeked toddler&#39;s parents named him after the billionaire US President in the hope of replicating his success. But now he is at the centre of a social media firestorm in Afghanistan after a photo of his ID papers was posted on Facebook.&nbsp;

A self-confessed fan of the American tycoon turned leader of the free world, Sayed Assadullah Pooya said he and his wife have been inundated with &quot;vulgar and insulting&quot; comments attacking their choice of name for their third child.

Some Facebook users have gone as far as threatening to kill Sayed for giving his son an &quot;infidel name&quot;, while others have accused him of endangering the boy&#39;s life. 
There are even suggestions Sayed is using the moniker to wangle asylum in the United States -- a charge the 28-year-old teacher vehemently denies.

&quot;I didn&#39;t know at the beginning that Afghan people would be so sensitive about a name,&quot; Sayed told AFP, as Donald played with a music app on his father&#39;s Samsung smartphone in their carpeted room.&nbsp;

Sayed says someone posted the picture online, sparking the controversy that forced him to close his Facebook account.&nbsp;

Even Sayed&#39;s neighbours in the heavily Shiite area of Kabul where they live have threatened the family and told them to leave.&nbsp;

&quot;When I go out of the house I feel intimidated,&quot; he said.Donald was born in the central province of Daikundi, a few months before the 2016 US presidential election, on the farm where Sayed&#39;s parents and grandparents grew almonds, wheat and corn.

Sayed was inspired to call his son Donald Trump after reading the Persian language versions of the businessman&#39;s books, including &quot;How to get rich&quot;, which he borrowed from the local library.

&quot;I did a lot of research about him and that motivated me to choose his name for my son,&quot; he explained.

He hopes his son will &quot;be as successful&quot;, adding that photos of the older Trump already make his younger namesake &quot;happy&quot;.

But bemusement turned to anger when Sayed&#39;s parents realised the couple were serious about the name. As relations broke down the young family moved to Kabul, and they are now estranged from their relatives.

Their life could not be more different from the one enjoyed by their son&#39;s namesake, who divides his time between the White House and his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

The family of five is squeezed into a spartan room overlooking a small courtyard and outdoor bathroom, which they rent for 2,000 Afghanis ($30) a month.

Beyond their metal front gate is a warren of dirt lanes barely wide enough for a car, mud-brick houses and putrid open drains.

A few blocks from their house several drug addicts loll on a grassy strip in the middle of a busy road injecting themselves or sleeping off a hit.&nbsp;

During the interview, Sayed&#39;s wife Jamila washed the family&#39;s dirty clothes in a small machine outside while keeping an eye on the couple&#39;s daughter Fatima, nine, and eldest son Karim, eight.

Despite the controversy Donald&#39;s parents have not broken the law by giving their son an un-Islamic name, according to Rohullah Ahmadzai, a senior advisor at the Population Registration Office in Kabul.

He said they have the legal right &quot;to name their children whatever they want&quot; -- even after American presidents.

While Sayed is worried about his family&#39;s safety, particularly Donald&#39;s, he remains stubbornly unrepentant.

&quot;It&#39;s likely... that he will be harassed or beaten by his classmates,&quot; he said matter of factly.

&quot;I won&#39;t reconsider (his name). To hell with the other people.&quot; 
&nbsp;

The rosy-cheeked toddler's parents named him after the billionaire US President in the hope of replicating his success

Donald Trump flops over his pink and white baby walker and rolls it around his family's modest home in Kabul, blissfully unaware of the turmoil his "infidel" name is causing in the deeply conservative Muslim country. The rosy-cheeked toddler's parents named him after the billionaire US President in the hope of replicating his success. But now he is at the centre of a social media firestorm in Afghanistan after a photo of his ID papers was posted on Facebook. A self-confessed fan of the American tycoon turned leader of the free world, Sayed Assadullah Pooya said he and his wife have been inundated with "vulgar and insulting" comments attacking their choice of name for their third child. Some Facebook users have gone as far as threatening to kill Sayed for giving his son an "infidel name", while others have accused him of endangering the boy's life. There are even suggestions Sayed is using the moniker to wangle asylum in the United States -- a charge the 28-year-old teacher vehemently denies. "I didn't know at the beginning that Afghan people would be so sensitive about a name," Sayed told AFP, as Donald played with a music app on his father's Samsung smartphone in their carpeted room. Sayed says someone posted the picture online, sparking the controversy that forced him to close his Facebook account. Even Sayed's neighbours in the heavily Shiite area of Kabul where they live have threatened the family and told them to leave. "When I go out of the house I feel intimidated," he said.Donald was born in the central province of Daikundi, a few months before the 2016 US presidential election, on the farm where Sayed's parents and grandparents grew almonds, wheat and corn. Sayed was inspired to call his son Donald Trump after reading the Persian language versions of the businessman's books, including "How to get rich", which he borrowed from the local library. "I did a lot of research about him and that motivated me to choose his name for my son," he explained. He hopes his son will "be as successful", adding that photos of the older Trump already make his younger namesake "happy". But bemusement turned to anger when Sayed's parents realised the couple were serious about the name. As relations broke down the young family moved to Kabul, and they are now estranged from their relatives. Their life could not be more different from the one enjoyed by their son's namesake, who divides his time between the White House and his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. The family of five is squeezed into a spartan room overlooking a small courtyard and outdoor bathroom, which they rent for 2,000 Afghanis ($30) a month. Beyond their metal front gate is a warren of dirt lanes barely wide enough for a car, mud-brick houses and putrid open drains. A few blocks from their house several drug addicts loll on a grassy strip in the middle of a busy road injecting themselves or sleeping off a hit. During the interview, Sayed's wife Jamila washed the family's dirty clothes in a small machine outside while keeping an eye on the couple's daughter Fatima, nine, and eldest son Karim, eight. Despite the controversy Donald's parents have not broken the law by giving their son an un-Islamic name, according to Rohullah Ahmadzai, a senior advisor at the Population Registration Office in Kabul. He said they have the legal right "to name their children whatever they want" -- even after American presidents. While Sayed is worried about his family's safety, particularly Donald's, he remains stubbornly unrepentant. "It's likely... that he will be harassed or beaten by his classmates," he said matter of factly. "I won't reconsider (his name). To hell with the other people."

Baby Donald Trump causes a stir in Afghanistan

At least four Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in a United States&#39; airstrike in Kunar province in Afghanistan on Thursday, according to the Afghan military forces.

In a statement, the 201st Silab Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA) said that the US military carried out an airstrike on an IS hideout in the last 24 hours by using an unmanned aerial vehicle, Khaama Press reported.

It added that the airstrike was carried out in Lechalam area in Manogi district of Kunar province and four IS militants were confirmed dead by the ANA. One militant was also injured in the airstrike.

Also, at least seven Islamic State militants have been killed during airstrikes conducted by Afghan air force in Afghanistan&#39;s Achin district on Friday, reports said.&nbsp;

Afghan air forces targeted a Daesh hideout in Pekhi Baghdara area of Achin district on Thursday night.

Reports further said that Afghanistan forces or civilians remained unharmed in the incident.

IS has not commented on the issue so far.

The latest round of airstrike comes after 15 Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants were killed in an airstrike in Kunar province last week.

The airstrike also killed the chief of TTP Mullah Fazullah&#39;s son, according to the Afghan military forces.

At least four Islamic State (IS) militants were killed in a United States' airstrike in Kunar province in Afghanistan on Thursday, according to the Afghan military forces. In a statement, the 201st Silab Corps of the Afghan National Army (ANA) said that the US military carried out an airstrike on an IS hideout in the last 24 hours by using an unmanned aerial vehicle, Khaama Press reported. It added that the airstrike was carried out in Lechalam area in Manogi district of Kunar province and four IS militants were confirmed dead by the ANA. One militant was also injured in the airstrike. Also, at least seven Islamic State militants have been killed during airstrikes conducted by Afghan air force in Afghanistan's Achin district on Friday, reports said. Afghan air forces targeted a Daesh hideout in Pekhi Baghdara area of Achin district on Thursday night. Reports further said that Afghanistan forces or civilians remained unharmed in the incident. IS has not commented on the issue so far. The latest round of airstrike comes after 15 Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants were killed in an airstrike in Kunar province last week. The airstrike also killed the chief of TTP Mullah Fazullah's son, according to the Afghan military forces.

At least 13 IS militants killed in airstrikes in Afghanistan

Elements of the Taliban are open to talks with the Afghan government, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday as he arrived in Kabul on an unannounced visit.

Mattis flew into the war-torn city two weeks after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, Afghanistan`s biggest militant group.

The insurgents have so far given no formal response to Kabul`s offer for negotiations, but Mattis said some Taliban leaders have expressed an interest in the discussions.

&quot;It may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop, that would be a bridge too far, but there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government,&quot; &nbsp;he told reporters aboard a military jet.

Ghani`s peace plan includes eventually recognising the Taliban as a political party.

The group has said it is prepared to negotiate, but only with the United States and not with the Kabul government.

The Taliban last week described the Afghan government as &quot;illegitimate&quot; and its peace process efforts as &quot;deceptive&quot;, in a statement calling for a boycott of an Islamic scholars` conference in Jakarta.&nbsp;

&quot;Right now we want the Afghans to lead and to provide the substance of the reconciliation effort,&quot; Mattis said. Thanks to the political process, Mattis said America is now looking towards a victory in Afghanistan after more than 16 years of conflict.

&quot;What does that victory look like? It`s a country whose own people and their own security forces handle law enforcement and any threats... certainly with international support for some years to come,&quot; he said.

The US has renewed its focus on Afghanistan after years of drawdowns under former president Barack Obama and talk by top US generals of &quot;not winning&quot; and of a &quot;stalemate&quot; in the seemingly intractable conflict.

&quot;It`s all working to achieve a political reconciliation, not a military victory,&quot; Mattis said.&nbsp;

&quot;The victory will be a political reconciliation.&quot;

As part of the so-called South Asia Strategy, President Donald Trump last year ordered the increased bombing of Taliban targets - including drug-making labs and training camps.

More than 3,000 additional US forces have also arrived in Afghanistan to boost the training and advising of local troops.

Approximately 14,000 American forces are currently in Afghanistan, up from a low of about 8,500 when Obama left office.

Trump`s strategy has been a &quot;game changer&quot; for Afghanistan, Ghani told Mattis in a meeting at the presidential palace that also involved Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Defence Minister Tariq Shah Bahrami.

&quot;It has forced every actor to re-examine their assumptions. Some of that re-examination is likely to lead to the intensification of conflict in the short term but the re-examination is what the people of Afghanistan have been waiting for 40 years,&quot; he said.

Ghani`s offer of peace talks comes as civilian casualties have soared in recent months, with the Taliban increasingly targeting towns and cities in response to Trump`s more aggressive military policy.

The Taliban claimed 472 attacks in January alone, the Washington-based terrorism research group TRAC said - an astonishing number given that the traditional fighting season does not usually start until freezing temperatures have subsided in the spring.

Mattis said the jump in attacks on civilians was an indication that a pressured Taliban is unable to conduct broader, ground-taking operations.

The Afghan security forces were able to stop some attacks, Mattis said, though he noted he wanted to see them shift to a more &quot;offensive mindset&quot; in the coming months.

Mattis`s surprise Afghan visit, his third as Pentagon chief, was kept under tight wraps after a security incident during his last trip in September when insurgents shelled Kabul`s airport hours after he arrived.

Mattis also said he had seen some changes in Pakistan`s behaviour since Trump blasted the country last year for harbouring the Taliban.

&quot;There are operations by the Pakistan military that are helping right now, ongoing as we speak,&quot; he said.

"It may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop, that would be a bridge too far, but there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government," said Mattis

Elements of the Taliban are open to talks with the Afghan government, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said Tuesday as he arrived in Kabul on an unannounced visit. Mattis flew into the war-torn city two weeks after Afghan President Ashraf Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, Afghanistan`s biggest militant group. The insurgents have so far given no formal response to Kabul`s offer for negotiations, but Mattis said some Taliban leaders have expressed an interest in the discussions. "It may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop, that would be a bridge too far, but there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government," he told reporters aboard a military jet. Ghani`s peace plan includes eventually recognising the Taliban as a political party. The group has said it is prepared to negotiate, but only with the United States and not with the Kabul government. The Taliban last week described the Afghan government as "illegitimate" and its peace process efforts as "deceptive", in a statement calling for a boycott of an Islamic scholars` conference in Jakarta. "Right now we want the Afghans to lead and to provide the substance of the reconciliation effort," Mattis said. Thanks to the political process, Mattis said America is now looking towards a victory in Afghanistan after more than 16 years of conflict. "What does that victory look like? It`s a country whose own people and their own security forces handle law enforcement and any threats... certainly with international support for some years to come," he said. The US has renewed its focus on Afghanistan after years of drawdowns under former president Barack Obama and talk by top US generals of "not winning" and of a "stalemate" in the seemingly intractable conflict. "It`s all working to achieve a political reconciliation, not a military victory," Mattis said. "The victory will be a political reconciliation." As part of the so-called South Asia Strategy, President Donald Trump last year ordered the increased bombing of Taliban targets - including drug-making labs and training camps. More than 3,000 additional US forces have also arrived in Afghanistan to boost the training and advising of local troops. Approximately 14,000 American forces are currently in Afghanistan, up from a low of about 8,500 when Obama left office. Trump`s strategy has been a "game changer" for Afghanistan, Ghani told Mattis in a meeting at the presidential palace that also involved Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and Defence Minister Tariq Shah Bahrami. "It has forced every actor to re-examine their assumptions. Some of that re-examination is likely to lead to the intensification of conflict in the short term but the re-examination is what the people of Afghanistan have been waiting for 40 years," he said. Ghani`s offer of peace talks comes as civilian casualties have soared in recent months, with the Taliban increasingly targeting towns and cities in response to Trump`s more aggressive military policy. The Taliban claimed 472 attacks in January alone, the Washington-based terrorism research group TRAC said - an astonishing number given that the traditional fighting season does not usually start until freezing temperatures have subsided in the spring. Mattis said the jump in attacks on civilians was an indication that a pressured Taliban is unable to conduct broader, ground-taking operations. The Afghan security forces were able to stop some attacks, Mattis said, though he noted he wanted to see them shift to a more "offensive mindset" in the coming months. Mattis`s surprise Afghan visit, his third as Pentagon chief, was kept under tight wraps after a security incident during his last trip in September when insurgents shelled Kabul`s airport hours after he arrived. Mattis also said he had seen some changes in Pakistan`s behaviour since Trump blasted the country last year for harbouring the Taliban. "There are operations by the Pakistan military that are helping right now, ongoing as we speak," he said.

Mattis in Kabul, says elements in Taliban open to peace talks

The United States is picking up signs of interest from Taliban elements in exploring the possibility of talks with Kabul to end the more than 16-year-old war, US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday as he made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan.

&quot;There is interest that we&#39;ve picked up from the Taliban side,&quot; Mattis told reporters before landing in Kabul, saying the signs dated back several months.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered talks without preconditions with the Taliban insurgents last month, in what was seen by US&nbsp;officials as a major overture from Kabul.

Mattis said some of his indications, which he did not detail, dated back before Ghani&#39;s remarks.

&quot;We&#39;ve had some groups of Taliban - small groups - who have either started to come over or expressed an interest in talking,&quot; Mattis said.

&quot;In other words, it may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop. That may be a bridge too far to expect. But there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government,&quot; he said.

The United States has in the past also expressed hope of &quot;peeling off&quot; elements of the Taliban and it was unclear how this new effort might be different.

Western diplomats and officials in Kabul say contacts involving intermediaries have been underway with the aim of agreeing on ground rules and potential areas of discussion for possible talks with at least some elements in the Taliban.

However, the insurgents, who seized a district centre in western Afghanistan earlier this week, have given no public sign of accepting Ghani&#39;s offer, instead issuing several statements suggesting they intended to keep fighting.

Taliban control

The United States has stepped up assistance to the Afghan military and greatly increased air strikes against the Taliban as part of its new regional strategy announced last year, in a bid to break the stalemate and force the insurgents to the negotiating table.

Mattis said the goal was to convince the Taliban insurgents that they could not win, which would hopefully push them towards reconciliation.

However, Taliban fighters control large parts of the country, the Kabul government itself is deeply divided and thousands of Afghan soldiers and civilians are killed every year.

Uzbekistan is set to host an Afghan peace conference later this month, where participants are expected to call for direct talks between the militant group and Ghani&#39;s government.

However, the Taliban appears likely to miss that conference and have so far ruled out direct talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul, which they say is an illegitimate, foreign-imposed regime.

They have offered to talk directly to the United States about a possible peace agreement.

Asked whether the United States would be willing to talk directly with the Taliban, Mattis reiterated the US&nbsp;position that the talks should be led by Kabul.

&quot;We want the Afghans to lead and provide the substance to the reconciliation effort,&quot; Mattis said.

While the United States has been stepping up battlefield pressure, Afghanistan&#39;s international partners have sought to build diplomatic support from neighbouring countries to push the militants to the negotiating table.

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump&#39;s administration has also piled pressure on Pakistan to crack down on militant safe havens on its side of the Afghan-Pakistan border.

Mattis said he had seen some positive indications from Islamabad, noting some Pakistani military operations along the border.

Outlining his goals for the trip, Mattis said he wanted to get an assessment of both the re-tooled US&nbsp;war effort as well as the reconciliation efforts. Reconciliation, Mattis said, was &quot;almost an equal priority of my interest going in.&quot;

The United States has in the past also expressed hope of 'peeling off' elements of the Taliban

The United States is picking up signs of interest from Taliban elements in exploring the possibility of talks with Kabul to end the more than 16-year-old war, US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said on Tuesday as he made an unannounced visit to Afghanistan. "There is interest that we've picked up from the Taliban side," Mattis told reporters before landing in Kabul, saying the signs dated back several months. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered talks without preconditions with the Taliban insurgents last month, in what was seen by US officials as a major overture from Kabul. Mattis said some of his indications, which he did not detail, dated back before Ghani's remarks. "We've had some groups of Taliban - small groups - who have either started to come over or expressed an interest in talking," Mattis said. "In other words, it may not be that the whole Taliban comes over in one fell swoop. That may be a bridge too far to expect. But there are elements of the Taliban clearly interested in talking to the Afghan government," he said. The United States has in the past also expressed hope of "peeling off" elements of the Taliban and it was unclear how this new effort might be different. Western diplomats and officials in Kabul say contacts involving intermediaries have been underway with the aim of agreeing on ground rules and potential areas of discussion for possible talks with at least some elements in the Taliban. However, the insurgents, who seized a district centre in western Afghanistan earlier this week, have given no public sign of accepting Ghani's offer, instead issuing several statements suggesting they intended to keep fighting. Taliban control The United States has stepped up assistance to the Afghan military and greatly increased air strikes against the Taliban as part of its new regional strategy announced last year, in a bid to break the stalemate and force the insurgents to the negotiating table. Mattis said the goal was to convince the Taliban insurgents that they could not win, which would hopefully push them towards reconciliation. However, Taliban fighters control large parts of the country, the Kabul government itself is deeply divided and thousands of Afghan soldiers and civilians are killed every year. Uzbekistan is set to host an Afghan peace conference later this month, where participants are expected to call for direct talks between the militant group and Ghani's government. However, the Taliban appears likely to miss that conference and have so far ruled out direct talks with the Western-backed government in Kabul, which they say is an illegitimate, foreign-imposed regime. They have offered to talk directly to the United States about a possible peace agreement. Asked whether the United States would be willing to talk directly with the Taliban, Mattis reiterated the US position that the talks should be led by Kabul. "We want the Afghans to lead and provide the substance to the reconciliation effort," Mattis said. While the United States has been stepping up battlefield pressure, Afghanistan's international partners have sought to build diplomatic support from neighbouring countries to push the militants to the negotiating table. US President Donald Trump's administration has also piled pressure on Pakistan to crack down on militant safe havens on its side of the Afghan-Pakistan border. Mattis said he had seen some positive indications from Islamabad, noting some Pakistani military operations along the border. Outlining his goals for the trip, Mattis said he wanted to get an assessment of both the re-tooled US war effort as well as the reconciliation efforts. Reconciliation, Mattis said, was "almost an equal priority of my interest going in."

Mattis arrives in Kabul, says US picking up Taliban interest in Afghan peace talks

Afghanistan&#39;s Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah on Monday expressed his disappointment over Taliban militant group not responding to Kabul peace offer.

In the Council of Ministers meeting, the CEO said the National Unity Government made an offer to the Taliban that could ensure lasting peace and stability in the country, but the group did not respond to it.

&quot;Those who reject the message of peace and betray the country and those who committed a crime in Kabul on Friday will have a dark place in Afghanistan&#39;s history,&quot; said Abdullah.

The CEO said political tension in Afghanistan needed to be resolved in order to achieve lasting peace. He said that the chances of peace could increase with political unity.

&quot;Resolving political tensions for peace is important. Peace will be guaranteed if unity is in place. Issues relating to Balkh province are being resolved,&quot; said Abdullah.

The CEO was referring to the ongoing dispute between ousted Balkh Governor Atta Mohammad Noor and the presidential palace.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani two weeks ago extended a new peace offer to the militant group.

Ghani said that if the Taliban comes to the negotiations table, the government will allow them to open an office in Afghanistan, even in Kabul if so desired. He also said the government would declare them a political group.

Other suggestions by Ghani included issuing passports and possibly freeing Taliban prisoners.

Ghani in his offer also emphasised the government was ready to reconcile and make peace with the insurgent group.

Abdullah Abdullah said political tension in Afghanistan needed to be resolved in order to achieve lasting peace

Afghanistan's Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah on Monday expressed his disappointment over Taliban militant group not responding to Kabul peace offer. In the Council of Ministers meeting, the CEO said the National Unity Government made an offer to the Taliban that could ensure lasting peace and stability in the country, but the group did not respond to it. "Those who reject the message of peace and betray the country and those who committed a crime in Kabul on Friday will have a dark place in Afghanistan's history," said Abdullah. The CEO said political tension in Afghanistan needed to be resolved in order to achieve lasting peace. He said that the chances of peace could increase with political unity. "Resolving political tensions for peace is important. Peace will be guaranteed if unity is in place. Issues relating to Balkh province are being resolved," said Abdullah. The CEO was referring to the ongoing dispute between ousted Balkh Governor Atta Mohammad Noor and the presidential palace. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani two weeks ago extended a new peace offer to the militant group. Ghani said that if the Taliban comes to the negotiations table, the government will allow them to open an office in Afghanistan, even in Kabul if so desired. He also said the government would declare them a political group. Other suggestions by Ghani included issuing passports and possibly freeing Taliban prisoners. Ghani in his offer also emphasised the government was ready to reconcile and make peace with the insurgent group.

Afghan CEO blasts Taliban for not responding to peace offer

At least 28 Taliban militants were killed and more than 15 others were injured in airstrikes carried out by the Afghan air forces in Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan, local military officials said on Monday.

According to an Afghan military source, the airstrikes were carried out in the last 24 hours in Khas Uruzgan and Chora districts of the province, reported The Khaama Press.

Meanwhile, counter-terrorism operations are underway in other restive districts of Uruzgan Province to crack down on anti-government armed forces.

Last week, 15 Taliban militants were killed and 16 others were injured in a series of airstrikes in Khas Uruzgan district, Afghanistan&#39;s Ministry of Defence (MoD) had said in a statement.

the airstrikes were carried out in the last 24 hours in Khas Uruzgan and Chora districts of the province reported The Khaama Press

At least 28 Taliban militants were killed and more than 15 others were injured in airstrikes carried out by the Afghan air forces in Uruzgan Province in Afghanistan, local military officials said on Monday. According to an Afghan military source, the airstrikes were carried out in the last 24 hours in Khas Uruzgan and Chora districts of the province, reported The Khaama Press. Meanwhile, counter-terrorism operations are underway in other restive districts of Uruzgan Province to crack down on anti-government armed forces. Last week, 15 Taliban militants were killed and 16 others were injured in a series of airstrikes in Khas Uruzgan district, Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence (MoD) had said in a statement.

28 Taliban militants killed in Afghanistan

The Taliban attacked&nbsp;district headquarters in Afghanistan&#39;s western Farah province early on Monday, killing and wounding at least 15 members of the security forces, reports said.

The terrorist group attacked the Anardara district police and administrative offices from different directions early in the morning.

The group claimed responsibility for the attack, Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi confirmed in a statement. &nbsp;

Over the weekend, a Taliban attack killed seven army commandos and eight policemen in Bala Buluk district.

Also, seven civilians, including two women and three children, were killed when Taliban struck their vehicle with a rocket in eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar, the provincial government said on Monday.

Reports say that the attack occurred at around 8.30 pm on Sunday in Bati Kot district.&nbsp;

Reports say that two others were wounded and were taken for medical aid immediately. The motive behind the attack remained unknown and the Taliban has yet to make comments on the report. 
&nbsp;

The terrorist group attacked the Anardara district police and administrative offices from different directions early in the morning

The Taliban attacked district headquarters in Afghanistan's western Farah province early on Monday, killing and wounding at least 15 members of the security forces, reports said. The terrorist group attacked the Anardara district police and administrative offices from different directions early in the morning. The group claimed responsibility for the attack, Taliban spokesman Qari Yusouf Ahmadi confirmed in a statement. Over the weekend, a Taliban attack killed seven army commandos and eight policemen in Bala Buluk district. Also, seven civilians, including two women and three children, were killed when Taliban struck their vehicle with a rocket in eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar, the provincial government said on Monday. Reports say that the attack occurred at around 8.30 pm on Sunday in Bati Kot district. Reports say that two others were wounded and were taken for medical aid immediately. The motive behind the attack remained unknown and the Taliban has yet to make comments on the report.

Taliban attack police, administrative offices in Farah, 15 security forces killed, wounded

At least 22 insurgents were killed during Afghan forces ground and air operations in the past 24 hours across the country.&nbsp;

Afghan Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Sunday that at least six insurgents were killed in ANA clearing operations in the vicinity of Basram in Mihtarlam, Laghman&rsquo;s province capital.&nbsp;

The ministry said that in separate ANA airstrikes and ground operations in Kama and Nazyan districts of Nangarhar province at least six ISIS terrorists were killed and one suspect was arrested.

During the operations, several vehicles, weapons, ammunition and bases belonging to the insurgents were also destroyed.

Yesterday, 16 insurgent were killed in two separate army operations carried out in Helmand province.

No insurgent has commented on the incident, so far.

(With inputs from ANI)

During the operations, several vehicles, weapons, ammunition and bases belonging to the insurgents were also destroyed

At least 22 insurgents were killed during Afghan forces ground and air operations in the past 24 hours across the country. Afghan Ministry of Defense (MoD) said on Sunday that at least six insurgents were killed in ANA clearing operations in the vicinity of Basram in Mihtarlam, Laghman’s province capital. The ministry said that in separate ANA airstrikes and ground operations in Kama and Nazyan districts of Nangarhar province at least six ISIS terrorists were killed and one suspect was arrested. During the operations, several vehicles, weapons, ammunition and bases belonging to the insurgents were also destroyed. Yesterday, 16 insurgent were killed in two separate army operations carried out in Helmand province. No insurgent has commented on the incident, so far. (With inputs from ANI)

22 terrorists killed during military operations in Afghanistan

At least&nbsp; nine people were killed and 22 wounded in an&nbsp;explosion believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber near a mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday, a local police official said.

The explosion, which occurred&nbsp;close to Mosalla-e-Mazar area in Kabul&rsquo;s PD6, happened close to a ceremony marking the death anniversary of Abdul Ali Mazari, the slain leader of &nbsp;Afghanistan&#39;s Islamic Unity Party, Tolo News reported.

Senior government officials were present at the ceremony.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

 
&nbsp;

There was no immediate claim of responsibility or details on casualties from the blast

At least nine people were killed and 22 wounded in an explosion believed to have been caused by a suicide bomber near a mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday, a local police official said. The explosion, which occurred close to Mosalla-e-Mazar area in Kabul’s PD6, happened close to a ceremony marking the death anniversary of Abdul Ali Mazari, the slain leader of Afghanistan's Islamic Unity Party, Tolo News reported. Senior government officials were present at the ceremony. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

9 dead in blast near mosque in Afghan capital Kabul

India has supported the recent move of the unity government in Afghanistan for peace talks with the Taliban, saying the &quot;irreconcilable guns&quot; in the war-torn country need to be silenced.

At the 2nd Kabul Process Conference on February 28, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani called on the Taliban to participate in peace talks to &quot;save the country&quot; while offering security and incentives like passports to insurgents who take part in the negotiations.

Ghani had said a ceasefire must be agreed on and the Taliban should be declared a political group.

&quot;The Afghan Government&#39;s willingness for peace is despite the fact that armed groups have identified themselves and demonstrated to all of us that they are the irreconcilables,&quot; India&#39;s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin told the UN Security Council during an open debate on Afghanistan.

&quot;These efforts of the Afghan government calling on the armed groups to cease violence and join the national peace and reconciliation process that would protect the rights of all the citizens, including women, children and the minorities, deserves the full support,&quot; he said yesterday.

Akbaruddin, however, said it should be clear to the armed opposition that there would be no tolerance for those who continue the violence.

&quot;Any violence needs a robust response. The irreconcilable guns need to be silenced,&quot; he said.

He said India had invested over $2 billion in Afghanistan since 2002 in reconstruction and development of the country.

&quot;A strong focus of our work has been on nearly 550 High Impact Community Development Projects which run across areas such as education, health, agriculture and irrigation, power and energy,&quot; he added.

&quot;All these have a direct bearing on the improvement of lives of all Afghans including girls and women especially so for projects in education and healthcare sectors,&quot; the top Indian diplomat said.

Welcoming the focus of the Security Council on linkages between extremism, terrorism, drug production and illegal exploitation of natural resources of Afghanistan, he said that the increase in cultivation of poppy in areas under the control of the Taliban and the outfit&#39;s involvement in virtually all aspects of the opium trade suggested that it was akin to a drug cartel.

&quot;We hope that the Council will better utilize the range of tools available to it to deal with these transnational networks of drugs, terrorism and crime,&quot; he said.

Akbaruddin said that despite the international community&#39;s efforts, those supporting the terrorists affecting Afghanistan have not been deterred.

&quot;There are still those who provide sanctuaries to support the dark agendas of terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Haqqani Network, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, LeT and JeM. Indeed the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism emanating from safe havens and sanctuaries to Afghanistan and to our region must be addressed,&quot; Akbaruddin said.

A resurgent Taliban has been blamed for much of the uptick in violence in Afghanistan since the US and NATO forces ended their combat missions in 2014.

A Taliban attacker killed over 100 people and injured more than 230 others after driving an ambulance filled with explosives into the heart of the city on January 27.

The Taliban claimed the responsibility for the attack.

A week before the ambulance attack, militants stormed a luxury hotel in Kabul, killing 22 people, including 14 foreigners.

"Any violence needs a robust response. The irreconcilable guns need to be silenced," said Syed Akbaruddin

India has supported the recent move of the unity government in Afghanistan for peace talks with the Taliban, saying the "irreconcilable guns" in the war-torn country need to be silenced. At the 2nd Kabul Process Conference on February 28, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani called on the Taliban to participate in peace talks to "save the country" while offering security and incentives like passports to insurgents who take part in the negotiations. Ghani had said a ceasefire must be agreed on and the Taliban should be declared a political group. "The Afghan Government's willingness for peace is despite the fact that armed groups have identified themselves and demonstrated to all of us that they are the irreconcilables," India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Syed Akbaruddin told the UN Security Council during an open debate on Afghanistan. "These efforts of the Afghan government calling on the armed groups to cease violence and join the national peace and reconciliation process that would protect the rights of all the citizens, including women, children and the minorities, deserves the full support," he said yesterday. Akbaruddin, however, said it should be clear to the armed opposition that there would be no tolerance for those who continue the violence. "Any violence needs a robust response. The irreconcilable guns need to be silenced," he said. He said India had invested over $2 billion in Afghanistan since 2002 in reconstruction and development of the country. "A strong focus of our work has been on nearly 550 High Impact Community Development Projects which run across areas such as education, health, agriculture and irrigation, power and energy," he added. "All these have a direct bearing on the improvement of lives of all Afghans including girls and women especially so for projects in education and healthcare sectors," the top Indian diplomat said. Welcoming the focus of the Security Council on linkages between extremism, terrorism, drug production and illegal exploitation of natural resources of Afghanistan, he said that the increase in cultivation of poppy in areas under the control of the Taliban and the outfit's involvement in virtually all aspects of the opium trade suggested that it was akin to a drug cartel. "We hope that the Council will better utilize the range of tools available to it to deal with these transnational networks of drugs, terrorism and crime," he said. Akbaruddin said that despite the international community's efforts, those supporting the terrorists affecting Afghanistan have not been deterred. "There are still those who provide sanctuaries to support the dark agendas of terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Haqqani Network, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, LeT and JeM. Indeed the challenges posed by cross-border terrorism emanating from safe havens and sanctuaries to Afghanistan and to our region must be addressed," Akbaruddin said. A resurgent Taliban has been blamed for much of the uptick in violence in Afghanistan since the US and NATO forces ended their combat missions in 2014. A Taliban attacker killed over 100 people and injured more than 230 others after driving an ambulance filled with explosives into the heart of the city on January 27. The Taliban claimed the responsibility for the attack. A week before the ambulance attack, militants stormed a luxury hotel in Kabul, killing 22 people, including 14 foreigners.

Irreconcilable guns need to be silenced in Afghanistan: India tell UNSC

The piano notes of Richard Clayderman`s &quot;Romeo and Juliet&quot; accompanied Taliban gunmen as they rode gold mirrored elevators to the upper floors of a luxury Kabul hotel in search of guests to kill.

Stopping on nearly every floor of the Intercontinental Hotel, the heavily armed militants went from room to room, blasting away electronic door locks and shooting terrified guests during the hours-long attack on January 20.

At least 25 people, including 15 foreigners, were killed. Nearly seven weeks on, media was allowed to inspect the still badly damaged hilltop hotel overlooking the Afghan capital after it partially reopened its doors to the wary public.

Having repaired the ground floor, workmen ride up and down the landmark hotel`s plush elevators as they strip and rebuild the upper four floors that were also shot up, bombed and set alight in the raid.

The soothing piano music inside the lifts, which sales and marketing manager Rohullah Nawab said was also playing that night, provides a chilling contrast to the destruction in the hallways and rooms.

The smell of smoke permeates the upper floors where bullet-riddled mirrors, blackened walls, shattered door locks and burned carpets provide a grim reminder of the carnage caused during the 15-hour ordeal.

Clear plastic sheets are draped over furniture stacked up in some rooms as workmen paint walls, replace electrical wiring and install new windows and doors.

Nawab estimates it will take five months and around 40 million afghanis (nearly $600,000) to restore the government-owned hotel - which does not belong to the global InterContinental chain - to its former glory.

Repairing its reputation, however, will probably take much longer.

On the night of the attack 173 guests had checked into the 200-room hotel, Nawab said. Since then not a single room on the first floor - the only one undamaged in the attack - has been reserved in recent weeks since it reopened.

The ground-floor restaurant, where militants pretending to be guests launched the assault by opening fire on diners, has been repaired and every trace of the bloody incident erased.

But the buffet lunch - salads and silver dishes of hot food - had no takers when reporters visited, and Nawab said only a handful of people had dared to eat there since the assault. The hotel`s revenues have been devastated, plunging from more than one million afghanis a day to around 50,000 afghanis, Nawab said, with a couple of wedding parties and official functions providing succour.

But Nawab is confident the hotel will remain open. &quot;It`s a historical hotel. The government will never close it,&quot; he said.

To entice people back, the Intercontinental, which opened in the 1960s, has launched a publicity campaign on Afghan television talking up its history and offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on food, rooms and events.

&quot;It takes a lot of time to get back to business. It shocked the foreign community,&quot; Nawab said.

Officials remain silent over how the attack was carried out. The interior ministry has submitted a report of its investigation to President Ashraf Ghani but there has been no public announcement.

Around a dozen hotel and security staff have been detained amid speculation the Taliban may have had insider help.

The deputy head of security told last month that guards were ordered to wave through a car later revealed to be carrying militants and explosives ahead of the deadly assault.

Visitors to the hotel reported lax security before the attack - something that does not appear to have changed.

When media visited this week the privately-owned Kabul Balkh Safety &amp; Security was still manning the vehicle checkpoints on the road leading up to the hotel, the only baggage scanner was still not working, and there were no armed guards inside the hotel.

Rohullah told that the hotel was waiting for the National Directorate of Security, Afghanistan`s spy agency, to give advice on security upgrades.

Memories of the attack are still fresh in the minds of employees who returned to work several weeks after the raid.

Two waiters who jumped from the fourth floor are still in the hospital, said Nawab, who himself narrowly avoided being caught up in the shooting inside the restaurant.

At least 25 people, including 15 foreigners, were killed in the attack

The piano notes of Richard Clayderman`s "Romeo and Juliet" accompanied Taliban gunmen as they rode gold mirrored elevators to the upper floors of a luxury Kabul hotel in search of guests to kill. Stopping on nearly every floor of the Intercontinental Hotel, the heavily armed militants went from room to room, blasting away electronic door locks and shooting terrified guests during the hours-long attack on January 20. At least 25 people, including 15 foreigners, were killed. Nearly seven weeks on, media was allowed to inspect the still badly damaged hilltop hotel overlooking the Afghan capital after it partially reopened its doors to the wary public. Having repaired the ground floor, workmen ride up and down the landmark hotel`s plush elevators as they strip and rebuild the upper four floors that were also shot up, bombed and set alight in the raid. The soothing piano music inside the lifts, which sales and marketing manager Rohullah Nawab said was also playing that night, provides a chilling contrast to the destruction in the hallways and rooms. The smell of smoke permeates the upper floors where bullet-riddled mirrors, blackened walls, shattered door locks and burned carpets provide a grim reminder of the carnage caused during the 15-hour ordeal. Clear plastic sheets are draped over furniture stacked up in some rooms as workmen paint walls, replace electrical wiring and install new windows and doors. Nawab estimates it will take five months and around 40 million afghanis (nearly $600,000) to restore the government-owned hotel - which does not belong to the global InterContinental chain - to its former glory. Repairing its reputation, however, will probably take much longer. On the night of the attack 173 guests had checked into the 200-room hotel, Nawab said. Since then not a single room on the first floor - the only one undamaged in the attack - has been reserved in recent weeks since it reopened. The ground-floor restaurant, where militants pretending to be guests launched the assault by opening fire on diners, has been repaired and every trace of the bloody incident erased. But the buffet lunch - salads and silver dishes of hot food - had no takers when reporters visited, and Nawab said only a handful of people had dared to eat there since the assault. The hotel`s revenues have been devastated, plunging from more than one million afghanis a day to around 50,000 afghanis, Nawab said, with a couple of wedding parties and official functions providing succour. But Nawab is confident the hotel will remain open. "It`s a historical hotel. The government will never close it," he said. To entice people back, the Intercontinental, which opened in the 1960s, has launched a publicity campaign on Afghan television talking up its history and offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on food, rooms and events. "It takes a lot of time to get back to business. It shocked the foreign community," Nawab said. Officials remain silent over how the attack was carried out. The interior ministry has submitted a report of its investigation to President Ashraf Ghani but there has been no public announcement. Around a dozen hotel and security staff have been detained amid speculation the Taliban may have had insider help. The deputy head of security told last month that guards were ordered to wave through a car later revealed to be carrying militants and explosives ahead of the deadly assault. Visitors to the hotel reported lax security before the attack - something that does not appear to have changed. When media visited this week the privately-owned Kabul Balkh Safety & Security was still manning the vehicle checkpoints on the road leading up to the hotel, the only baggage scanner was still not working, and there were no armed guards inside the hotel. Rohullah told that the hotel was waiting for the National Directorate of Security, Afghanistan`s spy agency, to give advice on security upgrades. Memories of the attack are still fresh in the minds of employees who returned to work several weeks after the raid. Two waiters who jumped from the fourth floor are still in the hospital, said Nawab, who himself narrowly avoided being caught up in the shooting inside the restaurant.

Kabul hotel reopens after deadly attack but guests stay away

Afghanistan&#39;s Jogi tribe live on a knife edge, forced to abandon their nomadic lives after violence wrecked their traditional wandering grounds, they still face daily discrimination trying to carve a more sedentary existence in a country that does not recognise them as proper citizens.

Many from the ethnic minority opted to settle near Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of the relatively peaceful Balkh province, where they have built neat, mud-brick houses on rented land but their position is precarious.

Afghanistan&#39;s constitution does not explicitly recognise the Jogi as Afghans, making it difficult for them to obtain a tazkira, an identification document needed for any administrative procedure including buying the land they would need to settle permanently. &nbsp;

To obtain a tazkira the applicant&#39;s father or elder brother must already have one.

The community&#39;s leader Mullah Wural says they could be evicted at any time.&nbsp;

It is part of a pattern of discrimination and violence that the Jogi - also called &quot;Jat&quot; in Dari, a name as pejorative as &quot;Roma&quot; in Europe - have suffered since arriving in Afghanistan in the mid-nineteenth century from other parts of Central Asia.

These Sunni Muslims are distinguished from the rest of Afghanistan&#39;s conservative and ethnically diverse population by their social customs - namely how women play an equal role to men in economically supporting their families.

Lightly veiled and wearing bright coloured dresses, they can be seen in Mazar&#39;s streets begging and reading palms, a striking sight in a gender-segregated country where most women are kept behind walls.

&quot;The Jogi is the most open community in the country,&quot; boasts Wural.

But, though the Jogi men work also, often as day-labourers or caring for livestock, many Afghans accuse them of prostituting their wives while they stay at home and do nothing.

&quot;The prejudice is so strong, it&#39;s overwhelming,&quot; says German anthropologist Annika Schmeding, who documented discrimination against the Jogi community in a 2015 report for NGO People in Need (PIN).&nbsp;

Playful 12-year-old Fodar jumps from one courtyard to another as a cow&#39;s ear broth simmers in a pot and chickens busily peck at the ground.

He has managed to enrol in a public school because his family was able to secure him a tazkira owing to his father already holding one.

Because most Jogi are effectively stateless, they also have limited options to move beyond Afghanistan&#39;s borders.

Musician Haji Rangin says he has missed out on gigs abroad because he does not have an identity document.&nbsp;

Sitting on a carpet between his son on drums and his brother on a type of violin, he takes his long-handled traditional Uzbek guitar and strikes the strings with a hand adorned with little bells.&nbsp;

The sound draws curious children from the street to listen.

&quot;I get inspired by my community, by my roots. Sometimes when I start the music and specific poems the men start crying,&quot; Rangin told.

&quot;I just wish sometimes to be counted as a citizen of this country... There is no discrimination when it comes to music,&quot; he smiles.

&quot;The problem is, to get a tazkira you have to get registered with somebody of your family who already has a tazkira,&quot; says Schmeding, who believes that the tazkiras held by Jogi are often fake.

&quot;It&#39;s very difficult to check if it&#39;s legal or not,&quot; she explains.

Most Afghans do not consider the Jogis fellow citizens, no matter how long they have been in the country, she says.

Often politicians will not speak for the group for fear of upsetting the majority of the public.

&quot;It&#39;s a sensitive issue,&quot; agrees Homayoun Mohtaat, director of the population bureau at the Ministry of the Interior.

In 2006, he says, the Jogi petitioned Afghanistan&#39;s parliament for official legal recognition.&nbsp;

Official estimates put the total population at 20,000 to 30,000 people, mainly in northern Afghanistan. &quot;So far, 1,300 tazkira have been issued, in Kunduz and Mazar,&quot; Mohtaat said.

But the presidential decree that would give them legal status across the country is still pending. In a country with so many problems the plight of the Jogi is not a priority.

And even if it is delivered, discrimination and social prejudice may be harder to root out.

Schoolboy Fodar says he is bullied by other children at school.

He reveals, &quot;Every day I paint something for them and I offer them the painting to buy peace; if not they beat me.&quot;

To obtain a tazkira (an identification document) the applicant's father or elder brother must already have one

Afghanistan's Jogi tribe live on a knife edge, forced to abandon their nomadic lives after violence wrecked their traditional wandering grounds, they still face daily discrimination trying to carve a more sedentary existence in a country that does not recognise them as proper citizens. Many from the ethnic minority opted to settle near Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of the relatively peaceful Balkh province, where they have built neat, mud-brick houses on rented land but their position is precarious. Afghanistan's constitution does not explicitly recognise the Jogi as Afghans, making it difficult for them to obtain a tazkira, an identification document needed for any administrative procedure including buying the land they would need to settle permanently. To obtain a tazkira the applicant's father or elder brother must already have one. The community's leader Mullah Wural says they could be evicted at any time. It is part of a pattern of discrimination and violence that the Jogi - also called "Jat" in Dari, a name as pejorative as "Roma" in Europe - have suffered since arriving in Afghanistan in the mid-nineteenth century from other parts of Central Asia. These Sunni Muslims are distinguished from the rest of Afghanistan's conservative and ethnically diverse population by their social customs - namely how women play an equal role to men in economically supporting their families. Lightly veiled and wearing bright coloured dresses, they can be seen in Mazar's streets begging and reading palms, a striking sight in a gender-segregated country where most women are kept behind walls. "The Jogi is the most open community in the country," boasts Wural. But, though the Jogi men work also, often as day-labourers or caring for livestock, many Afghans accuse them of prostituting their wives while they stay at home and do nothing. "The prejudice is so strong, it's overwhelming," says German anthropologist Annika Schmeding, who documented discrimination against the Jogi community in a 2015 report for NGO People in Need (PIN). Playful 12-year-old Fodar jumps from one courtyard to another as a cow's ear broth simmers in a pot and chickens busily peck at the ground. He has managed to enrol in a public school because his family was able to secure him a tazkira owing to his father already holding one. Because most Jogi are effectively stateless, they also have limited options to move beyond Afghanistan's borders. Musician Haji Rangin says he has missed out on gigs abroad because he does not have an identity document. Sitting on a carpet between his son on drums and his brother on a type of violin, he takes his long-handled traditional Uzbek guitar and strikes the strings with a hand adorned with little bells. The sound draws curious children from the street to listen. "I get inspired by my community, by my roots. Sometimes when I start the music and specific poems the men start crying," Rangin told. "I just wish sometimes to be counted as a citizen of this country... There is no discrimination when it comes to music," he smiles. "The problem is, to get a tazkira you have to get registered with somebody of your family who already has a tazkira," says Schmeding, who believes that the tazkiras held by Jogi are often fake. "It's very difficult to check if it's legal or not," she explains. Most Afghans do not consider the Jogis fellow citizens, no matter how long they have been in the country, she says. Often politicians will not speak for the group for fear of upsetting the majority of the public. "It's a sensitive issue," agrees Homayoun Mohtaat, director of the population bureau at the Ministry of the Interior. In 2006, he says, the Jogi petitioned Afghanistan's parliament for official legal recognition. Official estimates put the total population at 20,000 to 30,000 people, mainly in northern Afghanistan. "So far, 1,300 tazkira have been issued, in Kunduz and Mazar," Mohtaat said. But the presidential decree that would give them legal status across the country is still pending. In a country with so many problems the plight of the Jogi is not a priority. And even if it is delivered, discrimination and social prejudice may be harder to root out. Schoolboy Fodar says he is bullied by other children at school. He reveals, "Every day I paint something for them and I offer them the painting to buy peace; if not they beat me."

Afghanistan's forgotten gypsies seek legal recognition

Uzbekistan wants to establish a new venue for peace talks between the government of neighbouring Afghanistan and the Taliban, it said on Tuesday, having invited the world&rsquo;s top diplomats to a conference later this month.

As per media reports, the conference will be held on 26 to 27 March in Tashkent with the aim to jumpstart the &ldquo;Afghan-owned, Afghan-led process for national reconciliation&rdquo;, its foreign ministry said in a statement.

It is unclear, however, whether any Taliban representatives will be present at the meeting where Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is set to deliver a keynote speech.

The meeting will be the first such event to be hosted by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who came to power in 2016 and has pledged to open up the resource-rich nation of 32 million to the outside world.

An extravagant number of high-ranking officials are said to attend the conference including the UN Secretary-General Ant&oacute;nio Guterres, UN Special Representative for Afghanistan Tadamiti Yamamoto and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Magerini will attend the conference.

Other than that, foreign ministers of China, Russia, the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, France, Turkey, India, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are also expected to attend the conference.

The representatives are expected to voice their consolidated position at the regional and global levels on the need for the early start of direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban without any preconditions being put forward.&nbsp;

Mirziyoyev&rsquo;s office said last week that US&nbsp;President Donald Trump supported the conference in a message, saying his &ldquo;administration is considering the composition of the relevant delegation of the United States&rdquo;.

The Uzbek foreign ministry said it expected the meeting to adopt the resolution calling for &ldquo;guaranteed integration of the armed opposition into the political life of Afghanistan&rdquo; while condemning &ldquo;all forms and manifestations of terrorism&rdquo;.

&ldquo;Initiating the Tashkent Conference, Uzbekistan by no means intends to confine itself to arranging it as a one-off event, but to continue with vigorous efforts &ndash; both bilaterally and multilaterally &ndash; to promote a peaceful political process in Afghanistan,&rdquo; it said.

Mirziyoyev took over the predominantly Muslim former Soviet republic after the death of President Islam Karimov who had run it for more than a quarter of a century.

Tashkent&rsquo;s ties with the West were strained under Karimov who was often criticised over his government&rsquo;s human rights abuses.

Mirziyoyev has promised to liberalise the resource-rich nation and has embarked on a diplomatic campaign to bring in much-needed foreign investment.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The conference will be held on 26 to 27 March in Tashkent with the aim to jumpstart the 'Afghan-owned, Afghan-led process for national reconciliation', its foreign ministry said in a statement

Uzbekistan wants to establish a new venue for peace talks between the government of neighbouring Afghanistan and the Taliban, it said on Tuesday, having invited the world’s top diplomats to a conference later this month. As per media reports, the conference will be held on 26 to 27 March in Tashkent with the aim to jumpstart the “Afghan-owned, Afghan-led process for national reconciliation”, its foreign ministry said in a statement. It is unclear, however, whether any Taliban representatives will be present at the meeting where Afghan President Ashraf Ghani is set to deliver a keynote speech. The meeting will be the first such event to be hosted by Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who came to power in 2016 and has pledged to open up the resource-rich nation of 32 million to the outside world. An extravagant number of high-ranking officials are said to attend the conference including the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, UN Special Representative for Afghanistan Tadamiti Yamamoto and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Magerini will attend the conference. Other than that, foreign ministers of China, Russia, the United States, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, France, Turkey, India, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are also expected to attend the conference. The representatives are expected to voice their consolidated position at the regional and global levels on the need for the early start of direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban without any preconditions being put forward. Mirziyoyev’s office said last week that US President Donald Trump supported the conference in a message, saying his “administration is considering the composition of the relevant delegation of the United States”. The Uzbek foreign ministry said it expected the meeting to adopt the resolution calling for “guaranteed integration of the armed opposition into the political life of Afghanistan” while condemning “all forms and manifestations of terrorism”. “Initiating the Tashkent Conference, Uzbekistan by no means intends to confine itself to arranging it as a one-off event, but to continue with vigorous efforts – both bilaterally and multilaterally – to promote a peaceful political process in Afghanistan,” it said. Mirziyoyev took over the predominantly Muslim former Soviet republic after the death of President Islam Karimov who had run it for more than a quarter of a century. Tashkent’s ties with the West were strained under Karimov who was often criticised over his government’s human rights abuses. Mirziyoyev has promised to liberalise the resource-rich nation and has embarked on a diplomatic campaign to bring in much-needed foreign investment. (With inputs from Reuters)

Uzbekistan seeks bigger role in Afghan-Taliban peace talks

Two Pakistani nationals were arrested on charges of supplying suicide vests allegedly to the insurgents in Afghanistan&#39;s Nangarhar province on Tuesday.

Nangarhar Police Chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi said the two Pakistanis and dozens of others were arrested in connection with criminal and terrorist activities in the past month in different parts of the province especially in Jalalabad city.

&quot;Two Pakistani nationals who were preparing suicide vests were arrested with suicide vests and dozens of other suspects who wanted to conduct terrorist activities in different parts of the province were arrested before they were able to reach their targets. They are now under investigation,&quot; Rahimi said.

The arrests come after a number of people raised concerns over the increase in criminal and terrorist activities in the province.

Meanwhile, the two Pakistanis who were arrested said that they had been deceived by the militants.

&quot;I am a resident of Peshawar from Pakistan and got training in Pakistan and they told me to go to Afghanistan because Americans are there and we came to Afghanistan and when the police stopped us and asked us then I told them the whole story that someone had deceived me and brought me to Afghanistan and now that guy is has gone underground but we did not come here for suicide attacks,&quot; said Abdul Rahman, one of the suspects.

&quot;A person named Osman told me that we will go to Afghanistan because Americans are there. We came to Afghanistan and before we could deliver the suicide vests, we were stopped by the police and have told them that we have been deceived by this Osman,&quot; said Ahmad, the second suspect.

Separately, two people died in a fire early Tuesday in Jalalabad city. Three others were injured. &nbsp;

Local officials said that the fire broke out in the Behsood district of Nangarhar province when a magnetic mine was placed in a fuel tanker. Forty shops in the area caught fire. &nbsp;

Suicide attacks, also known as fidayeen attacks, is a modus operandi of the Taliban and Daesh insurgents in war-ravaged Afghanistan.

Nangarhar Police Chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi said the two Pakistanis and dozens of others were arrested in connection with criminal and terrorist activities in the past month in different parts of the province especially in Jalalabad city

Two Pakistani nationals were arrested on charges of supplying suicide vests allegedly to the insurgents in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province on Tuesday. Nangarhar Police Chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi said the two Pakistanis and dozens of others were arrested in connection with criminal and terrorist activities in the past month in different parts of the province especially in Jalalabad city. "Two Pakistani nationals who were preparing suicide vests were arrested with suicide vests and dozens of other suspects who wanted to conduct terrorist activities in different parts of the province were arrested before they were able to reach their targets. They are now under investigation," Rahimi said. The arrests come after a number of people raised concerns over the increase in criminal and terrorist activities in the province. Meanwhile, the two Pakistanis who were arrested said that they had been deceived by the militants. "I am a resident of Peshawar from Pakistan and got training in Pakistan and they told me to go to Afghanistan because Americans are there and we came to Afghanistan and when the police stopped us and asked us then I told them the whole story that someone had deceived me and brought me to Afghanistan and now that guy is has gone underground but we did not come here for suicide attacks," said Abdul Rahman, one of the suspects. "A person named Osman told me that we will go to Afghanistan because Americans are there. We came to Afghanistan and before we could deliver the suicide vests, we were stopped by the police and have told them that we have been deceived by this Osman," said Ahmad, the second suspect. Separately, two people died in a fire early Tuesday in Jalalabad city. Three others were injured. Local officials said that the fire broke out in the Behsood district of Nangarhar province when a magnetic mine was placed in a fuel tanker. Forty shops in the area caught fire. Suicide attacks, also known as fidayeen attacks, is a modus operandi of the Taliban and Daesh insurgents in war-ravaged Afghanistan.

Afghanistan: 2 Pakistan nationals arrested for supplying suicide vests to insurgents

The Islamic State group in Afghanistan is inviting Muslims worldwide to come to the war-torn country if they cannot reach Syria or Iraq, as it seeks to expand its foothold.

A 25-minute propaganda film released by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K) on March 4 promotes IS strongholds in Afghanistan&#39;s north and east as an &quot;option for immigration&quot;, the SITE Intelligence Group said on Tuesday.

&quot;O you Muslims in every corner of the world! Immigrate to Khorasan! If you are incapable of immigrating to Iraq and Sham (Syria), come to Khorasan,&quot; a fighter said on the video.

The name Khorasan refers to a historic region which includes parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan and neighbouring countries.

The video comes amid growing concerns that IS fighters fleeing battlefields in Syria and Iraq are finding their way to Afghanistan, where the group has a small but potent presence.

It was recently reported that French and Algerian fighters, some arriving from Syria, had joined IS in the northern Afghan province of Jowzjan.

A German national was also recently arrested with the Taliban in the restive southern province of Helmand, Afghan officials said last week. He is one of the only Europeans found among the militants throughout the 16-year war.

The IS video published with an Arabic narration showed some fighters delivering messages in Pashto, Persian and Uzbek languages.&nbsp;

It opens with a narration mocking US President Donald Trump&#39;s vow to destroy the group in Afghanistan and goes on to show executions of prisoners and the training of child soldiers. &nbsp;

IS-K was attempting to turn &quot;rumours&quot; of foreign fighters moving to Afghanistan from Syria &quot;into reality&quot;, Borhan Osman, told by a senior analyst at International Crisis Group.

But the group would struggle to persuade fighters to travel as far as Afghanistan, said Emily Winterbotham, a senior research fellow at the UK-based Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies.

&quot;It&#39;s trying to keep IS-K viable and the IS-K brand going, but the reality is Afghanistan is still a long way away from Syria and Iraq - it&rsquo;s not an easy journey,&quot; she said.

The Islamic State group, or Daesh as it is locally known, first emerged in Afghanistan in 2014 as NATO combat troops withdrew from the country and handed over responsibility to Afghan security forces.

Since then, the group has carried out multiple attacks mostly in urban areas, killing hundreds of people across the country despite a US-led bombing campaign against their known hideouts.&nbsp;

Since 2016 it has dramatically escalated its attacks in Kabul, adding to the dangers already faced by civilians, with the UN citing the capital as one of the deadliest places in the country.

The Islamic State group in Afghanistan is inviting Muslims worldwide to come to Afghanistan if they cannot reach Syria or Iraq

The Islamic State group in Afghanistan is inviting Muslims worldwide to come to the war-torn country if they cannot reach Syria or Iraq, as it seeks to expand its foothold. A 25-minute propaganda film released by the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-K) on March 4 promotes IS strongholds in Afghanistan's north and east as an "option for immigration", the SITE Intelligence Group said on Tuesday. "O you Muslims in every corner of the world! Immigrate to Khorasan! If you are incapable of immigrating to Iraq and Sham (Syria), come to Khorasan," a fighter said on the video. The name Khorasan refers to a historic region which includes parts of modern-day Afghanistan, Pakistan and neighbouring countries. The video comes amid growing concerns that IS fighters fleeing battlefields in Syria and Iraq are finding their way to Afghanistan, where the group has a small but potent presence. It was recently reported that French and Algerian fighters, some arriving from Syria, had joined IS in the northern Afghan province of Jowzjan. A German national was also recently arrested with the Taliban in the restive southern province of Helmand, Afghan officials said last week. He is one of the only Europeans found among the militants throughout the 16-year war. The IS video published with an Arabic narration showed some fighters delivering messages in Pashto, Persian and Uzbek languages. It opens with a narration mocking US President Donald Trump's vow to destroy the group in Afghanistan and goes on to show executions of prisoners and the training of child soldiers. IS-K was attempting to turn "rumours" of foreign fighters moving to Afghanistan from Syria "into reality", Borhan Osman, told by a senior analyst at International Crisis Group. But the group would struggle to persuade fighters to travel as far as Afghanistan, said Emily Winterbotham, a senior research fellow at the UK-based Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies. "It's trying to keep IS-K viable and the IS-K brand going, but the reality is Afghanistan is still a long way away from Syria and Iraq - it’s not an easy journey," she said. The Islamic State group, or Daesh as it is locally known, first emerged in Afghanistan in 2014 as NATO combat troops withdrew from the country and handed over responsibility to Afghan security forces. Since then, the group has carried out multiple attacks mostly in urban areas, killing hundreds of people across the country despite a US-led bombing campaign against their known hideouts. Since 2016 it has dramatically escalated its attacks in Kabul, adding to the dangers already faced by civilians, with the UN citing the capital as one of the deadliest places in the country.

IS group calls on Muslims to immigrate to Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, political pundits are putting pressure on the public instead of the government.

Since 2014, when the highly suspect election process saw the formation of the Afghan National Unity Government (NUG), the media has become a battleground for the opposing political camps of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

On February 5, 2018, Al Jazeera published an article in which Eisa Khan Ayoobi, former policy adviser to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mercilessly criticized President Ghani&rsquo;s performance as the undisputed head of state and his failure to deliver on campaign promises. The subject matter of his critical review was, inter alia, issuing electronic IDs, tackling unemployment, improving security and bridging the historical divide between all ethnic groups. Although his arguments were not unfounded, Ayoobi&rsquo;s selective approach left room for Ghani&rsquo;s supporters to challenge his stance.

One such die-hard supporter is Ajmal Shams, a deputy minister in the NUG and Ghani&rsquo;s former adviser. Also at Al Jazeera, Shams not only refuted Ayoobi&rsquo;s claims, but defended President Ghani as &ldquo;a unifying force working to bring the divided Afghan society together.&rdquo; Shams was referring to Ghani&rsquo;s agreement to form the NUG with his campaign-time political rival Abdullah Abdullah.

Regardless of the authors&rsquo; views on successes and failures of the NUG and their favorite characters at its helm, both of them have employed a selective approach to present their arguments. In this war of words, Shams&rsquo; conduct is particularly questionable as his choice of words seems to be directed by personal interest and bias.

The subject of constitutionality of the Office of the Chief Executive speaks for its own importance and is open for debate. However, Shams&rsquo; choice of words &mdash; such as &ldquo;allegations of irregularities&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;election fraud and ballot box stuffing&rdquo; in the election process, &ldquo;UN-sponsored audit declared Ashraf Ghani as the legitimate winner of the election,&rdquo; and &ldquo;the Pashtun majority, who overwhelmingly voted for Ghani&rdquo; &mdash; are definitely inconsiderate and untruthful. In his defense of President Ghani, Shams has contradicted himself.

Let&rsquo;s take a moment to break down some of Shams&rsquo; arguments and cross-check his statistics with facts and reasonable doubts.&nbsp;

Looking Further&nbsp;

On May 15, 2014, the United Nations welcomed the release of the first round of election results, in which Abdullah received 45% and Ghani 31.6% of the votes. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) had set June 14 as the date for the second round between the two finalists. Following the run-off poll, distrust fell on the IEC when, on election day, Zia ul-Haq Amarkhail, the IEC secretary, was caught red-handed carrying blank ballots to an unknown destination. This incident unleashed a wave of objections and criticism leading to the impasse and subsequent formation of the National Unity Government.

In a meeting on September 18, 2014, the UN Security Council addressed the impasse over the election results, and Jan Kubis, special representative of the secretary general for Afghanistan, stated that &ldquo;significant levels of fraud had been detected&rdquo; by independent auditors. Furthermore, Zahir Tanin, Afghanistan&rsquo;s ambassador to the UN at the time, asserted that the political breakdown was the result of a &ldquo;protracted, complex and at times messy electoral process.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Happy as he may be to call it &ldquo;allegations of irregularities&rdquo; instead of outright &ldquo;fraud,&rdquo; Shams ardently obscures the truth. Moreover, Shams argues that the credit for breaking the deadlock goes solely to President Ghani who, despite &ldquo;his victory&rdquo; in the run-off elections, agreed to share power with his rival. In order to justify his claims, he seems to have deliberately ignored the fact that the decision to form the NUG was supported by both camps not only to come out of the stalemate, but also to change Afghanistan&rsquo;s political system.

It is an undeniable fact that the 2004 constitution divests kingly powers to the president, and the newly-created position of prime minister was to check and balance those powers. The creation of Office of the Chief Executive was not an act of generosity and humbleness from the Ghani camp. Further to Shams&rsquo; dismay, the decision to form the NUG was the result of a backroom deal long before the IEC announced Ghani as the winner. The commission did not even bother to publish the tallies and voter turnout.

Shams&rsquo; assertion that the &ldquo;Pashtun majority, who overwhelmingly voted&rdquo; for Ashraf Ghani and helped him win the run-off election irks the reader. In this effort, he not only tries to misrepresent Afghanistan&rsquo;s demographic data, but also seems to suggest that all Pashtuns showed up en masse at voting centers. One is at least perplexed, if not infuriated, by his statistics. Here are two very basic reasons why he is biased.

First, the one and only time Afghanistan had conducted a census survey was in the 1970s, and ever since then reliable demographic data is hard to come by. So, the question is where did Shams get his data on &ldquo;Pashtun majority&rdquo; from?

Second, when he says that the &ldquo;Pashtun majority overwhelmingly voted&rdquo; for President Ghani, did he include the Taliban (the majority of whom are said to be Pashtun) in the count as well? If the answer is yes &mdash; as Shams&rsquo; argument implies &mdash; the question arises as to why the Taliban are still fighting a government for which they overwhelmingly voted for?&nbsp;

Realities of the ground 

Shams would do well to study any history book on Afghanistan to get his facts right. No Pashtun-dominated government has ever willingly shared power with non-Pashtun ethnicities, and that attitude still prevails. It seems that Shams is deeply convinced that one ethnic group is forever destined to sociopolitical supremacy in Afghanistan.

His willful ignorance disregards the realities on the ground and downplays the fact that the current crisis at which Afghanistan has arrived, resulting in the general misfortune of the people, is the outcome of an unjust political system &mdash; the foundations of which were laid in the 2004 constitution that gave the president unchecked power and a fraudulent election in the same year.

More importantly, since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the interlacing of the media with sociopolitical subjects was meant, like the rest of the democratic world, to play a key role in amplifying public unease about government policies. However, since the 2014 elections, opposing camps inside the NUG and across the country have extensively used media to shape public perceptions as well as justify their actions. This has created a false sense of political debate that only serves to obfuscate the facts.

Unfortunately, media outlets in Afghanistan have increasingly assumed a reverse role: By staking their independence and impartiality in contemporary politics, many have turned into institutions that put pressure on the public instead of the government.

&nbsp;

This <a href="rel=" target="blank">article</a> was originally published in <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/">Fair Observer</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

By staking their independence and impartiality in contemporary politics, many media outlets have turned into institutions that put pressure on the public instead of the government.

In Afghanistan, political pundits are putting pressure on the public instead of the government. Since 2014, when the highly suspect election process saw the formation of the Afghan National Unity Government (NUG), the media has become a battleground for the opposing political camps of President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. On February 5, 2018, Al Jazeera published an article in which Eisa Khan Ayoobi, former policy adviser to the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mercilessly criticized President Ghani’s performance as the undisputed head of state and his failure to deliver on campaign promises. The subject matter of his critical review was, inter alia, issuing electronic IDs, tackling unemployment, improving security and bridging the historical divide between all ethnic groups. Although his arguments were not unfounded, Ayoobi’s selective approach left room for Ghani’s supporters to challenge his stance. One such die-hard supporter is Ajmal Shams, a deputy minister in the NUG and Ghani’s former adviser. Also at Al Jazeera, Shams not only refuted Ayoobi’s claims, but defended President Ghani as “a unifying force working to bring the divided Afghan society together.” Shams was referring to Ghani’s agreement to form the NUG with his campaign-time political rival Abdullah Abdullah. Regardless of the authors’ views on successes and failures of the NUG and their favorite characters at its helm, both of them have employed a selective approach to present their arguments. In this war of words, Shams’ conduct is particularly questionable as his choice of words seems to be directed by personal interest and bias. The subject of constitutionality of the Office of the Chief Executive speaks for its own importance and is open for debate. However, Shams’ choice of words — such as “allegations of irregularities” instead of “election fraud and ballot box stuffing” in the election process, “UN-sponsored audit declared Ashraf Ghani as the legitimate winner of the election,” and “the Pashtun majority, who overwhelmingly voted for Ghani” — are definitely inconsiderate and untruthful. In his defense of President Ghani, Shams has contradicted himself. Let’s take a moment to break down some of Shams’ arguments and cross-check his statistics with facts and reasonable doubts. Looking Further On May 15, 2014, the United Nations welcomed the release of the first round of election results, in which Abdullah received 45% and Ghani 31.6% of the votes. The Independent Election Commission (IEC) had set June 14 as the date for the second round between the two finalists. Following the run-off poll, distrust fell on the IEC when, on election day, Zia ul-Haq Amarkhail, the IEC secretary, was caught red-handed carrying blank ballots to an unknown destination. This incident unleashed a wave of objections and criticism leading to the impasse and subsequent formation of the National Unity Government. In a meeting on September 18, 2014, the UN Security Council addressed the impasse over the election results, and Jan Kubis, special representative of the secretary general for Afghanistan, stated that “significant levels of fraud had been detected” by independent auditors. Furthermore, Zahir Tanin, Afghanistan’s ambassador to the UN at the time, asserted that the political breakdown was the result of a “protracted, complex and at times messy electoral process.” Happy as he may be to call it “allegations of irregularities” instead of outright “fraud,” Shams ardently obscures the truth. Moreover, Shams argues that the credit for breaking the deadlock goes solely to President Ghani who, despite “his victory” in the run-off elections, agreed to share power with his rival. In order to justify his claims, he seems to have deliberately ignored the fact that the decision to form the NUG was supported by both camps not only to come out of the stalemate, but also to change Afghanistan’s political system. It is an undeniable fact that the 2004 constitution divests kingly powers to the president, and the newly-created position of prime minister was to check and balance those powers. The creation of Office of the Chief Executive was not an act of generosity and humbleness from the Ghani camp. Further to Shams’ dismay, the decision to form the NUG was the result of a backroom deal long before the IEC announced Ghani as the winner. The commission did not even bother to publish the tallies and voter turnout. Shams’ assertion that the “Pashtun majority, who overwhelmingly voted” for Ashraf Ghani and helped him win the run-off election irks the reader. In this effort, he not only tries to misrepresent Afghanistan’s demographic data, but also seems to suggest that all Pashtuns showed up en masse at voting centers. One is at least perplexed, if not infuriated, by his statistics. Here are two very basic reasons why he is biased. First, the one and only time Afghanistan had conducted a census survey was in the 1970s, and ever since then reliable demographic data is hard to come by. So, the question is where did Shams get his data on “Pashtun majority” from? Second, when he says that the “Pashtun majority overwhelmingly voted” for President Ghani, did he include the Taliban (the majority of whom are said to be Pashtun) in the count as well? If the answer is yes — as Shams’ argument implies — the question arises as to why the Taliban are still fighting a government for which they overwhelmingly voted for? Realities of the ground Shams would do well to study any history book on Afghanistan to get his facts right. No Pashtun-dominated government has ever willingly shared power with non-Pashtun ethnicities, and that attitude still prevails. It seems that Shams is deeply convinced that one ethnic group is forever destined to sociopolitical supremacy in Afghanistan. His willful ignorance disregards the realities on the ground and downplays the fact that the current crisis at which Afghanistan has arrived, resulting in the general misfortune of the people, is the outcome of an unjust political system — the foundations of which were laid in the 2004 constitution that gave the president unchecked power and a fraudulent election in the same year. More importantly, since the fall of the Taliban in 2001, the interlacing of the media with sociopolitical subjects was meant, like the rest of the democratic world, to play a key role in amplifying public unease about government policies. However, since the 2014 elections, opposing camps inside the NUG and across the country have extensively used media to shape public perceptions as well as justify their actions. This has created a false sense of political debate that only serves to obfuscate the facts. Unfortunately, media outlets in Afghanistan have increasingly assumed a reverse role: By staking their independence and impartiality in contemporary politics, many have turned into institutions that put pressure on the public instead of the government. This article was originally published in Fair Observer (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: What role is media playing in Afghanistan's political conflict

Nearly 42 militants part of the Islamic State (IS) group and Taliban were killed in separate airstrikes by the Afghan forces in the last 24 hours,&nbsp;

The news was confirmed by Afghanistan&#39;s Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday.

Seven Taliban members were killed and six were injured in airstrikes launched by the Afghan National Army (ANA) in Garmsir, Grishk and Nad Ali districts of Helmand province, the MoD said in a statement.

Also, two terrorist bases and two vehicles were destroyed during the airstrikes.

An airstrike in Khas Uruzgan district of Uruzgan province killed 15 insurgents and injured 16 others, the ministry added. &nbsp;

In the third airstrike, 20 IS militants were killed in Darzab district of Jowzjan province in Afghanistan respectively.&nbsp;

The news was confirmed by Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence on Monday

Nearly 42 militants part of the Islamic State (IS) group and Taliban were killed in separate airstrikes by the Afghan forces in the last 24 hours, The news was confirmed by Afghanistan's Ministry of Defence (MoD) on Monday. Seven Taliban members were killed and six were injured in airstrikes launched by the Afghan National Army (ANA) in Garmsir, Grishk and Nad Ali districts of Helmand province, the MoD said in a statement. Also, two terrorist bases and two vehicles were destroyed during the airstrikes. An airstrike in Khas Uruzgan district of Uruzgan province killed 15 insurgents and injured 16 others, the ministry added. In the third airstrike, 20 IS militants were killed in Darzab district of Jowzjan province in Afghanistan respectively.

Nearly 42 militants killed in Afghan airstrikes

At least four militants belonging to Afghanistan&#39;s insurgent group, Taliban were killed in an operation conducted by the Afghan security forces in southern Helmand province.

As per media reports, the provincial governor&#39;s office in a statement informed that five other insurgents were injured in the operation.

The operation was launched in Gereshk district of the province to clear the area of insurgents.

&quot;Some weapons belonging to the Taliban were seized by security forces during the operation,&quot; the officials said.

Taliban has not commented on the airstrikes, so far.

Yesterday, the Afghan Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that at least 28 insurgents were killed during the military operations carried out by the security forces in the past 24 hours.

The operation was launched in Gereshk district to clear the area of insurgents

At least four militants belonging to Afghanistan's insurgent group, Taliban were killed in an operation conducted by the Afghan security forces in southern Helmand province. As per media reports, the provincial governor's office in a statement informed that five other insurgents were injured in the operation. The operation was launched in Gereshk district of the province to clear the area of insurgents. "Some weapons belonging to the Taliban were seized by security forces during the operation," the officials said. Taliban has not commented on the airstrikes, so far. Yesterday, the Afghan Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that at least 28 insurgents were killed during the military operations carried out by the security forces in the past 24 hours.

Four Taliban insurgents killed in Afghanistan

At least 28 insurgents have been killed during the military operations carried out by the security forces in the past 24 hours, said the Afghan Ministry of Defence (MoD).&nbsp;

News reports said that around 13 others were left wounded.&nbsp;

The Afghan forces conducted operations in&nbsp;Nangarhar, Laghman, Ghazni, Paktika, Logar, Kandahar, Farah, Takhar, Faryab, Nimroz and Helmand provinces.

During the operations a number of vehicles and weapons belonging to insurgents were destroyed, the MoD said.

The airstrikes carried out by the Afghan forces targetted the insurgent hideouts. No insurgent group has commented on the incident, so far.

Afghan Ministry of Defense last week said that at least 25 insurgents were killed during ground and airstrike operations by Afghan forces in different parts of the country.&nbsp;

The operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Laghman, Ghazni, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, Farah, Faryab, Takhar, Sar-e-Pul, Nimroz and Helmand provinces, MoD said

Earlier, more than 20 security forces were reported killed in attacks by Taliban militants in various parts of Afghanistan, including Kabul.&nbsp;

News reports said that around 13 others were left wounded

At least 28 insurgents have been killed during the military operations carried out by the security forces in the past 24 hours, said the Afghan Ministry of Defence (MoD). News reports said that around 13 others were left wounded. The Afghan forces conducted operations in Nangarhar, Laghman, Ghazni, Paktika, Logar, Kandahar, Farah, Takhar, Faryab, Nimroz and Helmand provinces. During the operations a number of vehicles and weapons belonging to insurgents were destroyed, the MoD said. The airstrikes carried out by the Afghan forces targetted the insurgent hideouts. No insurgent group has commented on the incident, so far. Afghan Ministry of Defense last week said that at least 25 insurgents were killed during ground and airstrike operations by Afghan forces in different parts of the country. The operations were conducted in Nangarhar, Laghman, Ghazni, Kandahar, Uruzgan, Zabul, Farah, Faryab, Takhar, Sar-e-Pul, Nimroz and Helmand provinces, MoD said Earlier, more than 20 security forces were reported killed in attacks by Taliban militants in various parts of Afghanistan, including Kabul.

Afghan forces kill 28 insurgents during airstrikes

A suicide car bomber struck on Friday in the Afghan capital of Kabul, killing one person and wounding 14 bystanders, officials said, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The attack came two days after President Ashraf Ghani offered to start peace talks with the Taliban and just over a month after an ambulance packed with explosives was detonated in the city centre, killing about 100 people.

Bismillah Tabaan, the police commander of the city&#39;s ninth district, where Friday&#39;s explosion took place, said a suicide bombing was the cause of blast, but the intended target was not clear.

Interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said the cause of the explosion was a car bomb in the city&#39;s Qabl Bai area. One person had been killed and 14 bystanders wounded, he added, with all the casualties civilians.

Much of the centre of Kabul is already a zone of concrete blast walls, razor wire and police checkpoints but security has been tightened even further in the wake of the January 27 ambulance attack and another attack on the city&#39;s Intercontinental Hotel earlier in the month.

&nbsp;

The attack came two days after President Ashraf Ghani offered to start peace talks with the Taliban

A suicide car bomber struck on Friday in the Afghan capital of Kabul, killing one person and wounding 14 bystanders, officials said, but there was no immediate claim of responsibility. The attack came two days after President Ashraf Ghani offered to start peace talks with the Taliban and just over a month after an ambulance packed with explosives was detonated in the city centre, killing about 100 people. Bismillah Tabaan, the police commander of the city's ninth district, where Friday's explosion took place, said a suicide bombing was the cause of blast, but the intended target was not clear. Interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said the cause of the explosion was a car bomb in the city's Qabl Bai area. One person had been killed and 14 bystanders wounded, he added, with all the casualties civilians. Much of the centre of Kabul is already a zone of concrete blast walls, razor wire and police checkpoints but security has been tightened even further in the wake of the January 27 ambulance attack and another attack on the city's Intercontinental Hotel earlier in the month.

Suicide car bomber hits Afghan capital, at least one dead

A German national has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistans-ghani-offers-peace-talks-with-taliban-without-condition-34324">arrested with the Taliban in Afghanistan&#39;s insurgency</a>-racked Helmand province, Afghan officials said, one of the only Europeans found among the militants throughout the 16-year war.

The man, who calls himself Abdul Wadood and was pictured wearing a black turban with a long, reddish beard, identified himself as a German resident of Frankfurt and spoke German, provincial officials and the Afghan army have said.

He was serving as an adviser to Maulavi Nasir, the commander of the Taliban&#39;s elite &quot;Red Unit&quot; in Helmand, said Abdul Qadeer Bahadurzai, a spokesman for the 215th Army Corps -- a claim that was also made by a local police chief.

The Taliban&#39;s Red Units serve as the insurgents&#39; special forces and have carried out many fatal attacks on the Afghan army and police.

Bahadurzai told AFP Thursday the man has no identity card or passport. There was no immediate statement from German officials in Kabul or Berlin.

Afghan commandos aided by the air force arrested the man during a raid on a Taliban mine-making centre in Gereshk district on Monday, officials said, adding that he was taken first to Camp Bastion and then on to Kandahar.

&quot;This is the first time a European national has been arrested in Helmand,&quot; Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, told AFP.&nbsp;It is also believed to be one of the first times any European has been detained with the Taliban in Afghanistan since the US invasion in late 2001.

International forces fighting in the country have spoken in the past of hearing European accents on intercepted Taliban radio transmissions, and in 2009 NATO forces reportedly killed an unidentified insurgent with a tattoo of English football team Aston Villa.

But - unlike with international jihadist groups such as the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda -- citizens of Western nations are almost unknown among the Taliban ranks, with most foreigners hailing from Pakistan, Central Asia or Arab nations.

Perhaps the most famous Western fighter was John Walker Lindh, the so-called &quot;American Taliban&quot;, who was captured in Afghanistan and was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2002.

In the photographs shared by the Afghan military the man, who appears to be in his 40s, is flanked by two members of the Afghan special forces dressed in combat gear and with night vision goggles pulled up onto their helmets.

He is dressed in a traditional Afghan long shirt and wide trousers worn under a khaki military jacket.

Bahadurzai said three suspects were detained in total during the raid. &quot;Three Kalashnikovs, one machine gun, four walkie-talkies and dozens of landmines were confiscated from them,&quot; he added.

The German man, he said, spent four years in the city of Quetta in neighbouring Pakistan, long believed to be a refuge for Taliban militants.

The man also spent one year in Afghanistan&#39;s Paktia province near the Pakistani border, and one year with the Red Unit in the Taliban stronghold of Helmand, Bahadurzai said.

It was not clear if the information had been confirmed by Afghan officials.

German newspaper Die Welt reported Thursday that the man was a convert to Islam called &quot;Thomas K&quot; from Rhineland-Palatinate, near Frankfurt.

It said he had been known to authorities since 2009, and had travelled to Afghanistan in 2013 to join the Taliban, adding that German police had warned Kabul in 2014 that he could carry out a suicide attack targeting foreign interests.

The man&#39;s arrest came as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, including eventually recognising them as a political party, days after the militants called for direct negotiations with the US.

The apparent openness by both sides to some form of negotiations came as civilian casualties have soared in recent months in the conflict that has been described by US officials as a &quot;stalemate&quot;.

 
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&nbsp;

In the photographs shared by the Afghan military the man, who appears to be in his 40s, is flanked by two members of the Afghan special forces

A German national has been arrested with the Taliban in Afghanistan's insurgency-racked Helmand province, Afghan officials said, one of the only Europeans found among the militants throughout the 16-year war. The man, who calls himself Abdul Wadood and was pictured wearing a black turban with a long, reddish beard, identified himself as a German resident of Frankfurt and spoke German, provincial officials and the Afghan army have said. He was serving as an adviser to Maulavi Nasir, the commander of the Taliban's elite "Red Unit" in Helmand, said Abdul Qadeer Bahadurzai, a spokesman for the 215th Army Corps -- a claim that was also made by a local police chief. The Taliban's Red Units serve as the insurgents' special forces and have carried out many fatal attacks on the Afghan army and police. Bahadurzai told AFP Thursday the man has no identity card or passport. There was no immediate statement from German officials in Kabul or Berlin. Afghan commandos aided by the air force arrested the man during a raid on a Taliban mine-making centre in Gereshk district on Monday, officials said, adding that he was taken first to Camp Bastion and then on to Kandahar. "This is the first time a European national has been arrested in Helmand," Omar Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, told AFP. It is also believed to be one of the first times any European has been detained with the Taliban in Afghanistan since the US invasion in late 2001. International forces fighting in the country have spoken in the past of hearing European accents on intercepted Taliban radio transmissions, and in 2009 NATO forces reportedly killed an unidentified insurgent with a tattoo of English football team Aston Villa. But - unlike with international jihadist groups such as the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda -- citizens of Western nations are almost unknown among the Taliban ranks, with most foreigners hailing from Pakistan, Central Asia or Arab nations. Perhaps the most famous Western fighter was John Walker Lindh, the so-called "American Taliban", who was captured in Afghanistan and was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2002. In the photographs shared by the Afghan military the man, who appears to be in his 40s, is flanked by two members of the Afghan special forces dressed in combat gear and with night vision goggles pulled up onto their helmets. He is dressed in a traditional Afghan long shirt and wide trousers worn under a khaki military jacket. Bahadurzai said three suspects were detained in total during the raid. "Three Kalashnikovs, one machine gun, four walkie-talkies and dozens of landmines were confiscated from them," he added. The German man, he said, spent four years in the city of Quetta in neighbouring Pakistan, long believed to be a refuge for Taliban militants. The man also spent one year in Afghanistan's Paktia province near the Pakistani border, and one year with the Red Unit in the Taliban stronghold of Helmand, Bahadurzai said. It was not clear if the information had been confirmed by Afghan officials. German newspaper Die Welt reported Thursday that the man was a convert to Islam called "Thomas K" from Rhineland-Palatinate, near Frankfurt. It said he had been known to authorities since 2009, and had travelled to Afghanistan in 2013 to join the Taliban, adding that German police had warned Kabul in 2014 that he could carry out a suicide attack targeting foreign interests. The man's arrest came as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, including eventually recognising them as a political party, days after the militants called for direct negotiations with the US. The apparent openness by both sides to some form of negotiations came as civilian casualties have soared in recent months in the conflict that has been described by US officials as a "stalemate".

Watch: German national with Taliban links arrested in Afghanistan's Helmand province

The Taliban on Thursday issued a cool response to proposals that they should begin peace talks with the Afghan government, a day after President Ashraf Ghani offered a pact to recognise the insurgents as a legitimate party in negotiations.

The movement has not yet given any formal answer to Ghani&#39;s invitation, made at a conference of officials from countries in the so-called Kabul Process aimed at creating a platform for talks to end more than 16 years of war.

But its chief spokesman did reply to an &quot;Open Letter&quot; published this week in the New Yorker magazine by Barnett Rubin, a respected commentator on Afghan politics, who urged the Taliban to accept talks with the Kabul government.

&quot;Our country has been occupied, which has led to an American-style supposed Afghan government being imposed upon us,&quot; the Taliban response said.

&quot;And your view that we talk to them and accept their legitimacy is the same formula adopted by America to win the war,&quot; it said, adding that the Kabul Process was simply aimed at seeking the &quot;surrender&quot; of the Taliban.

The comments come a month after the Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack in which an ambulance packed with explosives blew up in Kabul, killing around 100 people, in the worst attack seen in months.&nbsp;

As part of its new regional strategy announced last year, the United States has stepped up assistance to the Afghan military and greatly increased air strikes against the Taliban, in a bid to break the stalemate and force the insurgents to the negotiating table.

However Taliban fighters control large parts of the country, the Kabul government itself is deeply divided and thousands of Afghan soldiers and civilians are being killed every year.

The Taliban have themselves twice offered to talk to the United States in recent weeks, but have ruled out talks with the Kabul government, a key sticking point that must be resolved before any talks can start.

While the international community sees Ghani&#39;s administration as the sole legitimate government of Afghanistan, the Taliban see it as an artificial, foreign-imposed regime that does not represent the Afghan people.

The Taliban statement said the movement was &quot;sincerely committed&quot; to meeting international concerns over Afghanistan being used as a base for terrorist attacks and had no wish for conflict with the United States or other powers.

&quot;The crux of the matter is, what is the vital concern of America, is it really terrorism?&quot; it said.

&quot;Or is it extracting the mineral wealth of Afghanistan, imposing a self-styled government, preventing the establishment of an Islamic system and pursuing imperial ambitions in the region from this land?&quot;

&quot;In such circumstances, we do not care about America, neither do we want to talk, nor end resistance, nor will we get tired,&quot; it said. 
&nbsp;

The comments come a month after the Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack in which an ambulance packed with explosives blew up in Kabul

The Taliban on Thursday issued a cool response to proposals that they should begin peace talks with the Afghan government, a day after President Ashraf Ghani offered a pact to recognise the insurgents as a legitimate party in negotiations. The movement has not yet given any formal answer to Ghani's invitation, made at a conference of officials from countries in the so-called Kabul Process aimed at creating a platform for talks to end more than 16 years of war. But its chief spokesman did reply to an "Open Letter" published this week in the New Yorker magazine by Barnett Rubin, a respected commentator on Afghan politics, who urged the Taliban to accept talks with the Kabul government. "Our country has been occupied, which has led to an American-style supposed Afghan government being imposed upon us," the Taliban response said. "And your view that we talk to them and accept their legitimacy is the same formula adopted by America to win the war," it said, adding that the Kabul Process was simply aimed at seeking the "surrender" of the Taliban. The comments come a month after the Taliban claimed responsibility for an attack in which an ambulance packed with explosives blew up in Kabul, killing around 100 people, in the worst attack seen in months. As part of its new regional strategy announced last year, the United States has stepped up assistance to the Afghan military and greatly increased air strikes against the Taliban, in a bid to break the stalemate and force the insurgents to the negotiating table. However Taliban fighters control large parts of the country, the Kabul government itself is deeply divided and thousands of Afghan soldiers and civilians are being killed every year. The Taliban have themselves twice offered to talk to the United States in recent weeks, but have ruled out talks with the Kabul government, a key sticking point that must be resolved before any talks can start. While the international community sees Ghani's administration as the sole legitimate government of Afghanistan, the Taliban see it as an artificial, foreign-imposed regime that does not represent the Afghan people. The Taliban statement said the movement was "sincerely committed" to meeting international concerns over Afghanistan being used as a base for terrorist attacks and had no wish for conflict with the United States or other powers. "The crux of the matter is, what is the vital concern of America, is it really terrorism?" it said. "Or is it extracting the mineral wealth of Afghanistan, imposing a self-styled government, preventing the establishment of an Islamic system and pursuing imperial ambitions in the region from this land?" "In such circumstances, we do not care about America, neither do we want to talk, nor end resistance, nor will we get tired," it said.

Taliban pour cold water on invitation to Afghan peace talks

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered recognition of Taliban insurgents as a legitimate political group on Wednesday as part of a proposed political process that could lead to talks aimed at ending more than 16 years of war.

The offer, made at the start of an international conference aimed at creating a platform for peace talks, adds to a series of signals from both the Western-backed government and the Taliban suggesting a greater willingness to consider dialogue.

Ghani proposed a ceasefire and a release of prisoners. He also said he would be ready to accept a review of the constitution as part of a pact with the Taliban, who have so far refused to accept direct talks with the government in Kabul.

&ldquo;The government offers peace negotiations to the Taliban without any conditions,&rdquo; Ghani said in opening remarks to the conference attended by officials from around 25 countries involved in the so-called Kabul Process.

The comments represented a significant shift for Ghani, who in the past has regularly called the Taliban &ldquo;terrorists&rdquo; and &ldquo;rebels&rdquo; although he has also offered to talk with parts of the movement that accepted peace.

The Taliban, fighting to restore Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster by U.S.-led troops, have offered to begin talks with the United States but have so far refused direct talks with Kabul. It was unclear whether they would be prepared to shift their stance, despite growing international pressure.

Ghani said a political framework for peace negotiations should be created with a ceasefire and the Taliban recognised as a legitimate political group with an official political office. In return, the movement would have to recognise the Afghan government and respect the rule of law.

In addition, Taliban prisoners could be released and their names removed from international blacklists, while security arrangements could be made for Taliban agreeing to join a process of reconciliation. Former fighters and refugees could be reintegrated and provided with jobs.

The United States last year stepped up its military assistance to Afghanistan, notably through a sharp increase in air strikes, with the aim of breaking a stalemate with the insurgents and forcing them to the negotiating table.

While the U.S. military says the strategy has hit the Taliban hard, they still control or contest much of the country and continue to inflict severe casualties on Afghan forces.

They also claimed responsibility for two major attacks in Kabul last month that killed or wounded hundreds of civilians.

Ghani proposed a ceasefire and a release of prisoners

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered recognition of Taliban insurgents as a legitimate political group on Wednesday as part of a proposed political process that could lead to talks aimed at ending more than 16 years of war. The offer, made at the start of an international conference aimed at creating a platform for peace talks, adds to a series of signals from both the Western-backed government and the Taliban suggesting a greater willingness to consider dialogue. Ghani proposed a ceasefire and a release of prisoners. He also said he would be ready to accept a review of the constitution as part of a pact with the Taliban, who have so far refused to accept direct talks with the government in Kabul. “The government offers peace negotiations to the Taliban without any conditions,” Ghani said in opening remarks to the conference attended by officials from around 25 countries involved in the so-called Kabul Process. The comments represented a significant shift for Ghani, who in the past has regularly called the Taliban “terrorists” and “rebels” although he has also offered to talk with parts of the movement that accepted peace. The Taliban, fighting to restore Islamic rule after their 2001 ouster by U.S.-led troops, have offered to begin talks with the United States but have so far refused direct talks with Kabul. It was unclear whether they would be prepared to shift their stance, despite growing international pressure. Ghani said a political framework for peace negotiations should be created with a ceasefire and the Taliban recognised as a legitimate political group with an official political office. In return, the movement would have to recognise the Afghan government and respect the rule of law. In addition, Taliban prisoners could be released and their names removed from international blacklists, while security arrangements could be made for Taliban agreeing to join a process of reconciliation. Former fighters and refugees could be reintegrated and provided with jobs. The United States last year stepped up its military assistance to Afghanistan, notably through a sharp increase in air strikes, with the aim of breaking a stalemate with the insurgents and forcing them to the negotiating table. While the U.S. military says the strategy has hit the Taliban hard, they still control or contest much of the country and continue to inflict severe casualties on Afghan forces. They also claimed responsibility for two major attacks in Kabul last month that killed or wounded hundreds of civilians.

Afghanistan's Ghani offers peace talks with Taliban 'without condition'

The Taliban in Afghanistan does not seem to be ready for peace talks, the Trump administration said today, asserting that any such talks have to be &quot;Afghan-led and Afghan-owned&quot;.

In a way, the Trump administration, ruled out direct talks with the Taliban, which was being sought by the terrorist outfit <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-taliban-want-to-end-war-through-dialogue-33026" target="_blank">in a letter</a> to the US.

&quot;We certainly saw this letter and are aware of this letter. Any peace talks with Afghanistan have to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. That has long been our policy,&quot; State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters.

She said the Taliban, &quot;unfortunately&quot;, does not seem ready at this point to sit down and have conversations about peace talks.

&quot;We hope eventually they will, because that is the best way to be able to have peace in Afghanistan,&quot; Nauert said responding to a question on the letter released by the Taliban.

&quot;Ultimately, we don&#39;t see there being a military solution to the situation in Afghanistan. Ultimately, it has to be a political situation,&quot; she said.

&quot;That can best be done,&quot; she said if the Taliban was willing to sit down and have talks.

&quot;Certainly the United States could have a role in that. But that&#39;s really up to Afghanistan, but it has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned,&quot; Nauert asserted. PTI&nbsp;

The Taliban has said, in a letter to the US, that it would like to discuss peace

The Taliban in Afghanistan does not seem to be ready for peace talks, the Trump administration said today, asserting that any such talks have to be "Afghan-led and Afghan-owned". In a way, the Trump administration, ruled out direct talks with the Taliban, which was being sought by the terrorist outfit in a letter to the US. "We certainly saw this letter and are aware of this letter. Any peace talks with Afghanistan have to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. That has long been our policy," State Department Spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters. She said the Taliban, "unfortunately", does not seem ready at this point to sit down and have conversations about peace talks. "We hope eventually they will, because that is the best way to be able to have peace in Afghanistan," Nauert said responding to a question on the letter released by the Taliban. "Ultimately, we don't see there being a military solution to the situation in Afghanistan. Ultimately, it has to be a political situation," she said. "That can best be done," she said if the Taliban was willing to sit down and have talks. "Certainly the United States could have a role in that. But that's really up to Afghanistan, but it has to be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned," Nauert asserted. PTI

Taliban doesn't seem ready for peace talks: US

Gunmen killed at least five people and wounded eight others in an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-kabuls-intercontinental-hotel-continues-several-dead-30191" target="_blank">attack</a> on Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel, an official said Sunday, as the eleven hours-long siege continued. &nbsp;

"Five are dead," an official with the Afghan spy agency told AFP, adding 100 hostages have been released. &nbsp;

Afghan security forces were still trying to clear the landmark hilltop hotel with at least one attacker on the loose, a security source said.

Dramatic images broadcast on Afghanistan's Tolo News showed thick black smoke and flames billowing from the top floor of the hotel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabuls-intercontinental-hotel-under-attack-by-at-least-four-gunmen-30184" target="_blank">Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel under attack 'by at least four gunmen'</a>

At least one person could be seen climbing over a top-floor balcony using bedsheets to escape, before loosing his grip and plunging to the ground.

Four gunmen burst into the hotel on Saturday night, opening fire on guests and staff and taking dozens of people hostage, including foreigners.&nbsp;

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest assault in the war-torn Afghan capital that followed a series of security warnings in recent days to avoid hotels and other locations frequented by foreigners.

The National Directorate of Security added that at least eight were wounded

Gunmen killed at least five people and wounded eight others in an attack on Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel, an official said Sunday, as the eleven hours-long siege continued. "Five are dead," an official with the Afghan spy agency told AFP, adding 100 hostages have been released. Afghan security forces were still trying to clear the landmark hilltop hotel with at least one attacker on the loose, a security source said. Dramatic images broadcast on Afghanistan's Tolo News showed thick black smoke and flames billowing from the top floor of the hotel. Also read: Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel under attack 'by at least four gunmen' At least one person could be seen climbing over a top-floor balcony using bedsheets to escape, before loosing his grip and plunging to the ground. Four gunmen burst into the hotel on Saturday night, opening fire on guests and staff and taking dozens of people hostage, including foreigners. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest assault in the war-torn Afghan capital that followed a series of security warnings in recent days to avoid hotels and other locations frequented by foreigners.

At least 5 dead in Kabul hotel attack, 100 hostages rescued: Afghan spy agency

At least four gunmen <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kabuls-intercontinental-hotel-under-attack-by-at-least-four-gunmen-30184">attacked Kabul&#39;s landmark Intercontinental Hotel</a> in a night-time raid on Saturday and started shooting at guests and staff, officials said, in an hours-long assault that is still ongoing.

Afghan media is reporting multiple casualties in the attack.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack in the Afghan capital that followed a series of security warnings in recent days to avoid hotels and other locations frequented by foreigners.

"Four attackers are inside the building," an official at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) spy agency said.

They are "shooting at guests", he said.

A guest hiding in a room said he could hear gunfire inside the 1960s hilltop hotel where dozens of people attending an information technology conference on Sunday were staying.

"I don&#39;t know if the attackers are inside the hotel but I can hear gunfire from somewhere near the first floor," the man, who did not want to be named, said by telephone.

"We are hiding in our rooms. I beg the security forces to rescue us as soon as possible before they reach and kill us."

An official said the attackers were armed with small weapons and rocket-propelled grenades when they blasted their way into the hotel, which often hosts weddings, conferences and political gatherings.

"Seven wounded people have been taken to hospital," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said, adding that two attackers have been killed.

"Some other guests have been rescued. We will be able to release casualty figures once the operation ends."

Rahimi said the first and second floors of the hotel have been secured by security forces, who are now trying to clear the fourth and fifth floors.

Special forces were being lowered by helicopters onto the rooftop of the hotel, he added.

The fourth floor of the hotel, which boasts several restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool, had been set on fire during the raid, the NDS official said.

"The operation will soon end and the attackers will be killed," interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said.

Security questioned

Authorities are already investigating how the attackers got past security which was taken over by a private company two weeks ago, Danish said.

"They probably used a back door in the kitchen to enter," he said.

Abdullah Sabet, an official at the communications and information technology ministry, said IT officials from around the country were staying at the hotel ahead of a conference on Sunday.

"There were 40 of them in the hotel. We don&#39;t know if any of them have been killed or wounded," Sabet said.

Security at the Intercontinental, which is not part of the global InterContinental chain, is relatively lax compared with other high-end hotels in Kabul.

A conference on Afghanistan-China relations was held in one of its function rooms earlier Saturday, attended by the Chinese embassy&#39;s political counsellor Zhang Zhixin.

An AFP reporter who attended the conference passed through two vehicle security checkpoints. At the entrance to the building there was a physical inspection that could be easily evaded by scaling a low-level barrier and entering the lobby. &nbsp;

Security alerts sent in recent days to foreigners living in Kabul warned that "extremist groups may be planning an attack against hotels in Kabul" as well as public gatherings and other locations "where foreigners are known to congregate".

The Intercontinental was last targeted in June 2011 when a suicide attack claimed by the Taliban killed 21 people, including 10 civilians.

Security in Kabul has been tightened since May 31 when a massive truck bomb ripped through the diplomatic quarter, killing some 150 people and wounding around 400 others - mostly civilians. No group has yet claimed that attack.

The Islamic State group has claimed most of the recent attacks in the Afghan capital, but authorities suspect that the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network has been involved in some of them.

The deadliest of the recent attacks happened at a Shiite cultural centre on December 29 when a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing more than 40 people.

The fourth floor of the hotel, which boasts several restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool, had been set on fire during the raid.

At least four gunmen attacked Kabul's landmark Intercontinental Hotel in a night-time raid on Saturday and started shooting at guests and staff, officials said, in an hours-long assault that is still ongoing. Afghan media is reporting multiple casualties in the attack. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the latest attack in the Afghan capital that followed a series of security warnings in recent days to avoid hotels and other locations frequented by foreigners. "Four attackers are inside the building," an official at the National Directorate of Security (NDS) spy agency said. They are "shooting at guests", he said. A guest hiding in a room said he could hear gunfire inside the 1960s hilltop hotel where dozens of people attending an information technology conference on Sunday were staying. "I don't know if the attackers are inside the hotel but I can hear gunfire from somewhere near the first floor," the man, who did not want to be named, said by telephone. "We are hiding in our rooms. I beg the security forces to rescue us as soon as possible before they reach and kill us." An official said the attackers were armed with small weapons and rocket-propelled grenades when they blasted their way into the hotel, which often hosts weddings, conferences and political gatherings. "Seven wounded people have been taken to hospital," interior ministry deputy spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said, adding that two attackers have been killed. "Some other guests have been rescued. We will be able to release casualty figures once the operation ends." Rahimi said the first and second floors of the hotel have been secured by security forces, who are now trying to clear the fourth and fifth floors. Special forces were being lowered by helicopters onto the rooftop of the hotel, he added. The fourth floor of the hotel, which boasts several restaurants and an outdoor swimming pool, had been set on fire during the raid, the NDS official said. "The operation will soon end and the attackers will be killed," interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. Security questioned Authorities are already investigating how the attackers got past security which was taken over by a private company two weeks ago, Danish said. "They probably used a back door in the kitchen to enter," he said. Abdullah Sabet, an official at the communications and information technology ministry, said IT officials from around the country were staying at the hotel ahead of a conference on Sunday. "There were 40 of them in the hotel. We don't know if any of them have been killed or wounded," Sabet said. Security at the Intercontinental, which is not part of the global InterContinental chain, is relatively lax compared with other high-end hotels in Kabul. A conference on Afghanistan-China relations was held in one of its function rooms earlier Saturday, attended by the Chinese embassy's political counsellor Zhang Zhixin. An AFP reporter who attended the conference passed through two vehicle security checkpoints. At the entrance to the building there was a physical inspection that could be easily evaded by scaling a low-level barrier and entering the lobby. Security alerts sent in recent days to foreigners living in Kabul warned that "extremist groups may be planning an attack against hotels in Kabul" as well as public gatherings and other locations "where foreigners are known to congregate". The Intercontinental was last targeted in June 2011 when a suicide attack claimed by the Taliban killed 21 people, including 10 civilians. Security in Kabul has been tightened since May 31 when a massive truck bomb ripped through the diplomatic quarter, killing some 150 people and wounding around 400 others - mostly civilians. No group has yet claimed that attack. The Islamic State group has claimed most of the recent attacks in the Afghan capital, but authorities suspect that the Taliban-affiliated Haqqani Network has been involved in some of them. The deadliest of the recent attacks happened at a Shiite cultural centre on December 29 when a suicide bomber blew himself up, killing more than 40 people.

Kabul's Intercontinental Hotel under attack, multiple casualties

The Afghan National cricket team captain Asghar Stanikzai has been hospitalized in Zimbabwe for appendicitis which means he will miss the 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) citing the doctors have reported that Stanikzai will undergo a surgery today.

The 30-year-old middle order batsman will miss the warm-up games this week as well as the tournament opener against Scotland on March 4 although officials expect him to be fit to face hosts Zimbabwe two days later.

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BREAKING: Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai has been ruled out of the start of their <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@cricketworldcup</a> qualifier campaign, requiring surgery for appendicitis <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWCQ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWCQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/SnRe9y5Fu8">https://t.co/SnRe9y5Fu8</a> <a href="https://t.co/FQBIoChNxI">pic.twitter.com/FQBIoChNxI</a>
&mdash; ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/968085361346928640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Stanikzai has played 83 one-day internationals and made 1,565 runs.

Afghanistan is in Group B of the qualifying tournament which is being staged in Zimbabwe and will face the home country, Nepal, Hong Kong and Scotland in the first round.

The top three teams from the two groups will qualify for the second stage with the best two countries at the end of the event booking their places at the 2019 World Cup being held in England and Wales.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Stanikzai was ruled out of the start of the tournament after undergoing surgery to have his appendix removed, the International Cricket Council announced

The Afghan National cricket team captain Asghar Stanikzai has been hospitalized in Zimbabwe for appendicitis which means he will miss the 2019 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) citing the doctors have reported that Stanikzai will undergo a surgery today. The 30-year-old middle order batsman will miss the warm-up games this week as well as the tournament opener against Scotland on March 4 although officials expect him to be fit to face hosts Zimbabwe two days later. BREAKING: Afghanistan captain Asghar Stanikzai has been ruled out of the start of their @cricketworldcup qualifier campaign, requiring surgery for appendicitis #CWCQ https://t.co/SnRe9y5Fu8 pic.twitter.com/FQBIoChNxI — ICC (@ICC) February 26, 2018 × Stanikzai has played 83 one-day internationals and made 1,565 runs. Afghanistan is in Group B of the qualifying tournament which is being staged in Zimbabwe and will face the home country, Nepal, Hong Kong and Scotland in the first round. The top three teams from the two groups will qualify for the second stage with the best two countries at the end of the event booking their places at the 2019 World Cup being held in England and Wales.

Afghan skipper Asghar Stanikzai to miss start of World Cup qualifiers

There seems a euphoria amongst Indians on the reported indications of Pakistan being put on the watch list on terror financing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) at Paris on February 23. The Pakistani establishment in their typical deceit and denial mode has rubbished the report with a caveat that let it come officially. The significance of this report does not lie in what India or Pakistan are saying, but it distinctly reflects the hard geopolitics of external players in the South Asian region and signs of shifting strategic paradigms. &nbsp;What happened in Paris was waiting to come sooner or later as Pakistan refuses to see reason in the futility of their policies to use terrorism as a strategic weapon.

China, for the first time, has not supported Pakistan which is the biggest strategic take in the entire episode.&nbsp;Assertive prompting by the Trump administration has probably done the trick as they obviously are not happy with the double game being played by Pakistan when it comes to affairs in Afghanistan. Currently, China&nbsp;is primarily concerned about the success of their CPEC scheme, their biggest political investment in recent times. If Pakistan is not bailed out of the situation, then the&nbsp;politico-economic dreams of China would be doomed forever. Hence, Chinese were compelled to review the consistent support it has given to Pakistan all these years despite Pakistani political irrationalities.&nbsp;

The US needs Pakistan for sustaining their forces in Afghanistan. Accordingly, substantial financial grants have been given to Pakistan since the 1980s when Afghanistan came under US strategic radar to push out Russians and, now, for control of the Central Asian Region. Pakistan has been indulging in duplicity; on the one hand, giving support to the US in their GWOT and, at the same time, continuing with their complicity in propping up Taliban affiliates in Afghanistan and ferment insurgency in Kashmir. Trump administration has seen through the Pakistani bluff and suspended financial aid till Pakistan shows improvement. US warning to Pakistan is, No More- Do More.

Improvement in the security situation in Afghanistan is a common compulsion both for the US as well as China, &nbsp;albeit for different reasons. The US is looking at bringing about national reconciliation to evolve a political dispensation which would be loyal to them and take care of their strategic interests. While it has not happened despite their 15 years of politico-military investment and financial incentives to proponents of violence in Afghanistan, hence, there is a need for tougher alternate measures. As regards to China, they are looking at the safe passage of goods and services of Central Asian and landlocked Eurasian countries who want to be part of CPEC bandwagon. Unless Afghanistan is politically stable there would be no economies of scale for Chinese plans. Therefore, it is a strategic call for China.

Besides above, the US and China are the biggest trade partners and their prosperity and national powers are dependent on their mutual support. The Chinese economy is also dependent on outsourcing the manufacturings of the western world which they, obviously, cannot afford to ignore. Hence, US and China seem to be on the same page in FATF confabulations and an apparent shift in Chinese stance in their strategic interests.

One can understand the compulsion of China in adopting a neutral stance instead of voting against Pakistan in FATF. This policy deviation is symbiotic of Chinese concern as regards to Pakistani complicity in terrorism in the areas of their geopolitical interests. China also realises that Pakistan has nuisance value to jeopardise the CPEC scheme with their jihadi mechanism at their time and place of choosing. It may well include the start point of CPEC at Xinjiang itself, &nbsp;or anywhere else astride the envisaged economic corridor. Therefore, they have chosen to be neutral, a diplomatic stance with elbow space to revert, thereby, retaining their political flexibility.

China, with their surplus funds, is also aspiring to play a dominant role in global financial institutions and control mechanisms. FATF is one such body which has influence over fund allocations by IMF, World Bank and other such international financial institutions.The US and India are reported to have assured support to China for the higher slot in FATF in return for showing their neutrality to Pakistan on the issue of terrorism. China obviously has taken the bait, signalling their intentions to contribute towards neutralising terrorism.

The other traditional supporters of Pakistan from the Islamic world also seem to be changing their political tracks with emerging threat to West Asian economies in the face of changing the geopolitics of oil and gas world over. Saudi Arabia, GCC members and Turkey were persuaded to stand down on the issue of continuation of their support to Pakistani dispensation. They have seen the reason lest they are isolated in emerging opportunities with the economic centre of gravity shifting to Asia.

The writing on the walls is quite clear, the world is concerned over Pakistani involvement in the spread of terrorism. In that, even the longtime confidants of Pakistan seem to be prompting Pakistan to mend their ways and review political priorities. These are signs of changing strategic paradigms probably a step towards an emerging world order in which China is trying to be a significant contributor. Politics of strategic compulsions is in play which is projecting new possibilities of political synergies in the region. A positive beginning has been made which needs to be encouraged and nurtured.&nbsp;

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The writing on the walls is quite clear, the world is concerned over Pakistani involvement in the spread of terrorism.

There seems a euphoria amongst Indians on the reported indications of Pakistan being put on the watch list on terror financing by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) at Paris on February 23. The Pakistani establishment in their typical deceit and denial mode has rubbished the report with a caveat that let it come officially. The significance of this report does not lie in what India or Pakistan are saying, but it distinctly reflects the hard geopolitics of external players in the South Asian region and signs of shifting strategic paradigms. What happened in Paris was waiting to come sooner or later as Pakistan refuses to see reason in the futility of their policies to use terrorism as a strategic weapon. China, for the first time, has not supported Pakistan which is the biggest strategic take in the entire episode. Assertive prompting by the Trump administration has probably done the trick as they obviously are not happy with the double game being played by Pakistan when it comes to affairs in Afghanistan. Currently, China is primarily concerned about the success of their CPEC scheme, their biggest political investment in recent times. If Pakistan is not bailed out of the situation, then the politico-economic dreams of China would be doomed forever. Hence, Chinese were compelled to review the consistent support it has given to Pakistan all these years despite Pakistani political irrationalities. The US needs Pakistan for sustaining their forces in Afghanistan. Accordingly, substantial financial grants have been given to Pakistan since the 1980s when Afghanistan came under US strategic radar to push out Russians and, now, for control of the Central Asian Region. Pakistan has been indulging in duplicity; on the one hand, giving support to the US in their GWOT and, at the same time, continuing with their complicity in propping up Taliban affiliates in Afghanistan and ferment insurgency in Kashmir. Trump administration has seen through the Pakistani bluff and suspended financial aid till Pakistan shows improvement. US warning to Pakistan is, No More- Do More. Improvement in the security situation in Afghanistan is a common compulsion both for the US as well as China, albeit for different reasons. The US is looking at bringing about national reconciliation to evolve a political dispensation which would be loyal to them and take care of their strategic interests. While it has not happened despite their 15 years of politico-military investment and financial incentives to proponents of violence in Afghanistan, hence, there is a need for tougher alternate measures. As regards to China, they are looking at the safe passage of goods and services of Central Asian and landlocked Eurasian countries who want to be part of CPEC bandwagon. Unless Afghanistan is politically stable there would be no economies of scale for Chinese plans. Therefore, it is a strategic call for China. Besides above, the US and China are the biggest trade partners and their prosperity and national powers are dependent on their mutual support. The Chinese economy is also dependent on outsourcing the manufacturings of the western world which they, obviously, cannot afford to ignore. Hence, US and China seem to be on the same page in FATF confabulations and an apparent shift in Chinese stance in their strategic interests. One can understand the compulsion of China in adopting a neutral stance instead of voting against Pakistan in FATF. This policy deviation is symbiotic of Chinese concern as regards to Pakistani complicity in terrorism in the areas of their geopolitical interests. China also realises that Pakistan has nuisance value to jeopardise the CPEC scheme with their jihadi mechanism at their time and place of choosing. It may well include the start point of CPEC at Xinjiang itself, or anywhere else astride the envisaged economic corridor. Therefore, they have chosen to be neutral, a diplomatic stance with elbow space to revert, thereby, retaining their political flexibility. China, with their surplus funds, is also aspiring to play a dominant role in global financial institutions and control mechanisms. FATF is one such body which has influence over fund allocations by IMF, World Bank and other such international financial institutions.The US and India are reported to have assured support to China for the higher slot in FATF in return for showing their neutrality to Pakistan on the issue of terrorism. China obviously has taken the bait, signalling their intentions to contribute towards neutralising terrorism. The other traditional supporters of Pakistan from the Islamic world also seem to be changing their political tracks with emerging threat to West Asian economies in the face of changing the geopolitics of oil and gas world over. Saudi Arabia, GCC members and Turkey were persuaded to stand down on the issue of continuation of their support to Pakistani dispensation. They have seen the reason lest they are isolated in emerging opportunities with the economic centre of gravity shifting to Asia. The writing on the walls is quite clear, the world is concerned over Pakistani involvement in the spread of terrorism. In that, even the longtime confidants of Pakistan seem to be prompting Pakistan to mend their ways and review political priorities. These are signs of changing strategic paradigms probably a step towards an emerging world order in which China is trying to be a significant contributor. Politics of strategic compulsions is in play which is projecting new possibilities of political synergies in the region. A positive beginning has been made which needs to be encouraged and nurtured. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Why China did not support Pakistan on terror financing list

After years of tension and exclusion, it seems Pakistan&rsquo;s Pashtuns &ndash; the country&rsquo;s second-largest ethnic group &ndash; have had enough. In January, a large crowd began protesting after 27-year-old shopkeeper Naqibullah Mehsud was shot dead by a police officer in Karachi.

The protesters marched from Khyber Patunkhwa province to Islamabad, where they staged a sit-in protest in front of the National Press Club. Although the sit-in has ended, protests have erupted elsewhere in Pakistan, and the movement has variously become known as the Pashtun Long March and the Pashtun Spring.

The protesters are demanding the arrest and punishment of Rao Anwar, the police officer who killed Naqibullah. They are further demanding an end to what they call state-imposed terrorism and militarism justified by War on Terror rhetoric. Other demands include the clearing of landmines in the tribal areas, and the return of missing people who have been taken into custody by Pakistani security forces.

These demands are expressed in the language of human rights, and have received the support of leading Pakistani politicians, including opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto.

Pakistani authorities claimed that Naqibullah was a member of the Pakistani Taliban. The claim was later dropped. According to Human Rights Watch, extrajudicial killings by Pakistani police are widespread, especially among marginalised groups. These include Pashtuns, more than 1m of whom are Afghan refugees.

Across the border

Pakistan&rsquo;s prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has reportedly promised to use all available means to secure Rao Anwar&rsquo;s arrest. He also vowed to build a college to be named after Naqibullah Mehsud, and clear South Waziristan of landmines.

The size and public visibility of the protest is unprecedented, but calls for Pashtun rights are not new. One protest leader, Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen from South Waziristan, is a co-founder of the Mehsud Tahafuz Movement (Mehsud Protection Movement). This movement has fought for the rights of the Pashtun Mehsud tribe in South Waziristan since 2013.

Around 25m Pashtuns live in Pakistan and around 11m in Afghanistan. In 1893, British India imposed the Durand Line, a 2,640km border between Afghanistan and today&rsquo;s Pakistan. The line bolstered British territorial control on its side of the line, which divides historical Pashtun areas. Afghanistan has never officially acknowledged this border.

Whereas Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, they are economically and politically marginalised in Pakistan. The tribal area they inhabit there borders Afghanistan to the west, and it has become a major front in the War on Terror. Pakistan routinely associates Pashtuns and Afghan refugees with the Taliban and Islamist terrorism.

Us and them

The protests have come along just as Pakistan and Afghanistan&rsquo;s relationship is deteriorating. In 2016, chafing at Afghanistan&rsquo;s deepening relationship with India, Pakistan deported more than 500,000 Afghans. Conversely, when Afghan officials discuss the Pashtun protest, they often resort to nationalist language.

Ahmad Shah Katawazai, defence liaison at the Afghan embassy in the US, has called for Pakistani Pashtun areas to be incorporated wholesale into Afghanistan. As he writes in American newspaper The Hill:

The government and people of Afghanistan have consistently asked for the territory to be re-incorporated into Afghanistan. People who live along the Durand Line don&rsquo;t consider it to be a border.

Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have tried to frame their respective approaches to the protest as beneficial for the War on Terror. Afghanistan&rsquo;s president, Ashraf Ghani, has supported the protest as a citizen struggle against terrorism and fundamentalism.&nbsp;

The protesters have a tough road ahead. They have to navigate between human rights demands, Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, and the politics of the War on Terror. Yet it is undeniable that the protests are in themselves a victory of sorts for this marginalised group. As the columnist Raza Rumi writes in Pakistan&rsquo;s Daily Times:

The Pashtun long march and its ten-day long protest in Pakistan&rsquo;s capital Islamabad testifies to how the marginalised are negotiating the contradictions of today&rsquo;s Pakistan. The people of [Federally Administered Tribal Areas] continue to be treated as second-class citizens and all talk of &lsquo;reform&rsquo; founders at expediency of the civil-military elites. Youngsters from tribal areas are less willing to engage with the state structures as their elders have done in the past. Ethnicity-based politics will remain a reality and it needs to be accepted by powers-that-be. Democratisation, howsoever flawed it might be, enables reconciliation of multiple political and social identities.

It seems that for Pakistan&rsquo;s Pashtuns, the odds of change for the better could finally be shifting in their favour.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Pakistans's Pashtun protesters are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan. Yet they have to navigate between human rights demands, Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, and the politics of the War on Terror

After years of tension and exclusion, it seems Pakistan’s Pashtuns – the country’s second-largest ethnic group – have had enough. In January, a large crowd began protesting after 27-year-old shopkeeper Naqibullah Mehsud was shot dead by a police officer in Karachi. The protesters marched from Khyber Patunkhwa province to Islamabad, where they staged a sit-in protest in front of the National Press Club. Although the sit-in has ended, protests have erupted elsewhere in Pakistan, and the movement has variously become known as the Pashtun Long March and the Pashtun Spring. The protesters are demanding the arrest and punishment of Rao Anwar, the police officer who killed Naqibullah. They are further demanding an end to what they call state-imposed terrorism and militarism justified by War on Terror rhetoric. Other demands include the clearing of landmines in the tribal areas, and the return of missing people who have been taken into custody by Pakistani security forces. These demands are expressed in the language of human rights, and have received the support of leading Pakistani politicians, including opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto. Pakistani authorities claimed that Naqibullah was a member of the Pakistani Taliban. The claim was later dropped. According to Human Rights Watch, extrajudicial killings by Pakistani police are widespread, especially among marginalised groups. These include Pashtuns, more than 1m of whom are Afghan refugees. Across the border Pakistan’s prime minister, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has reportedly promised to use all available means to secure Rao Anwar’s arrest. He also vowed to build a college to be named after Naqibullah Mehsud, and clear South Waziristan of landmines. The size and public visibility of the protest is unprecedented, but calls for Pashtun rights are not new. One protest leader, Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen from South Waziristan, is a co-founder of the Mehsud Tahafuz Movement (Mehsud Protection Movement). This movement has fought for the rights of the Pashtun Mehsud tribe in South Waziristan since 2013. Around 25m Pashtuns live in Pakistan and around 11m in Afghanistan. In 1893, British India imposed the Durand Line, a 2,640km border between Afghanistan and today’s Pakistan. The line bolstered British territorial control on its side of the line, which divides historical Pashtun areas. Afghanistan has never officially acknowledged this border. Whereas Pashtuns are the largest ethnic group in Afghanistan, they are economically and politically marginalised in Pakistan. The tribal area they inhabit there borders Afghanistan to the west, and it has become a major front in the War on Terror. Pakistan routinely associates Pashtuns and Afghan refugees with the Taliban and Islamist terrorism. Us and them The protests have come along just as Pakistan and Afghanistan’s relationship is deteriorating. In 2016, chafing at Afghanistan’s deepening relationship with India, Pakistan deported more than 500,000 Afghans. Conversely, when Afghan officials discuss the Pashtun protest, they often resort to nationalist language. Ahmad Shah Katawazai, defence liaison at the Afghan embassy in the US, has called for Pakistani Pashtun areas to be incorporated wholesale into Afghanistan. As he writes in American newspaper The Hill: The government and people of Afghanistan have consistently asked for the territory to be re-incorporated into Afghanistan. People who live along the Durand Line don’t consider it to be a border. Both Pakistan and Afghanistan have tried to frame their respective approaches to the protest as beneficial for the War on Terror. Afghanistan’s president, Ashraf Ghani, has supported the protest as a citizen struggle against terrorism and fundamentalism. The protesters have a tough road ahead. They have to navigate between human rights demands, Afghanistan-Pakistan relations, and the politics of the War on Terror. Yet it is undeniable that the protests are in themselves a victory of sorts for this marginalised group. As the columnist Raza Rumi writes in Pakistan’s Daily Times: The Pashtun long march and its ten-day long protest in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad testifies to how the marginalised are negotiating the contradictions of today’s Pakistan. The people of [Federally Administered Tribal Areas] continue to be treated as second-class citizens and all talk of ‘reform’ founders at expediency of the civil-military elites. Youngsters from tribal areas are less willing to engage with the state structures as their elders have done in the past. Ethnicity-based politics will remain a reality and it needs to be accepted by powers-that-be. Democratisation, howsoever flawed it might be, enables reconciliation of multiple political and social identities. It seems that for Pakistan’s Pashtuns, the odds of change for the better could finally be shifting in their favour. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Pakistan's Pashtuns protest oppression in the name of 'War on Terror'

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