Latest News

Obama stresses on financial assistances of donor countries to Afghanistan

Published

9 years ago

July 10, 2016

(Last Updated On: )

President Barack Obama has considered the financial assistances of the donor countries to Afghanistan a strong message of enduring commitment.

President Obama’s final NATO summit wrapped up as a testament to stalled progress he sought on two fronts at his first alliance meeting seven years ago: a bolstered commitment to Afghanistan to allow the U.S. to wind down its role there, and the pursuit of “a constructive relationship with Russia,” as he put it in 2009.

Instead, the alliance is preparing for a mission in Afghanistan that will continue into a third decade, and its leaders detailed on Saturday an increased military presence in Eastern Europe in a bid to thwart continued Russian aggression.

” NATO will do more also to fight against terrorist networks. Every ally already contributes to the campaign against ISIL. Building on my decision to largely maintain the current U.S. troop presence in Afghanistan into next year, 39 nations, including the U.S., have committed more than 12,000 troops to NATO’s training mission. And, in addition, some 30 nations have pledged upwards of $900 million to help sustain Afghan forces which is a very strong message of our enduring commitment to Afghanistan.”

Afghan security forces will carry on fighting against the Taliban, Islamic State and other terrorist groups with the support of the international community’s train, advise and assist mission.

The president acknowledged that history will record him as the first to serve two full terms with the nation at war.

But because U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have shifted from combat to training and assisting local forces against militant groups, they are “fundamentally different” from when he took office, Obama said. He acknowledged that against terrorist groups, the end of a conflict might not be as discrete as it once was, citing the example of Gen. Douglas MacArthur meeting with Japanese Emperor Hirohito at the end of World War II.

“Because they’re nonstate actors, it’s very hard for us ever to get the satisfaction of MacArthur and the emperor meeting and a war officially being over,” Obama said.

He did reiterate to Afghan President Ashraf Ghani that the U.S. was open to reconciliation talks with the Taliban, should the latter be open to returning to the negotiating table.

‘‘It was a clear message for the militants to lay down arms and join the peace process. Otherwise, the international community is committed to fighting them,’’ said Gen. Dawlat Waziri, spokesman for the Afghan Defense Ministry.

The support for the Afghan government would potentially affect the Taliban’s operational leadership. Waziri added, “The Taliban are losing hope as they learn that we are capable of fighting them.’’

The reality on the ground belied his optimism. The Taliban controls more territory in the country than it has since the U.S.-led invasion 15 years ago, according to U.N. estimates. And more than 5,500 Afghan troops were killed last year in combat with the Taliban that revealed significant shortcomings among Afghan security forces.

Latest News

Pakistan’s mistakes played significant role in rise of terrorism: Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman

Published

14 hours ago

March 23, 2025

Ariana News

(Last Updated On: )

Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, chief of Pakistan’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) political party, has said that Pakistan’s mistakes played a significant role in the rise of terrorism.

In an interview with Samaa TV, the politician noted that Pakistan provided refuge to 30 to 40 million people during the Afghan war against the Soviet Union.

Rehman expressed his concern about the possibility of a war with Afghanistan, saying: “Whether there is a threat of war with Afghanistan or not requires further thought. War would not be beneficial for either Afghanistan or Pakistan.

“We need a comprehensive strategy for peace in Afghanistan, and the rulers must think about these matters and involve all political parties,” he said.

Pakistani officials have repeatedly claimed that militants attacking Pakistan have sanctuaries in Afghanistan, a charge the Islamic Emirate denies.

Latest News

Deputy PM inaugurates launch of Arghandi Transport Terminal Project in Kabul Province

Published

16 hours ago

March 23, 2025

Ariana News

(Last Updated On: )

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, on Sunday inaugurated the start of construction work on the Arghandi Transport Terminal in Paghman District of Kabul Province.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Acting Minister of Transport and Aviation, Mullah Hamidullah Akhundzada, representatives from the private sector, and a number of local residents.

Baradar said the initiative was a vital step in the development of transport infrastructure in the country.

He stated that the development and expansion of transport infrastructure is an essential step toward economic growth, national development, and domestic and regional connectivity.

According to him, decades of war and corruption resulted in the sector having been neglected.

He said existing infrastructure has deteriorated due to poor quality construction; public lands have been usurped by individuals; and that highways and roads have been significantly narrowed.

Baradar also pointed out the need for investment in the transport sector; for the recovery of usurped state land; and the identification and restoration of original roads. He said these factors were among the core national objectives of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

In line with these goals, construction work on the Arghandi Transport Terminal got underway on Sunday.

Baradar said the Islamic Emirate is not only firmly committed to the development and expansion of transport infrastructure but is also actively pursuing other fundamental strategic objectives.

The Arghandi Transport Terminal in Kabul Province will be constructed on approximately 900 jeribs of land and will cost about 1.285 billion afghanis.

The project is expected to be completed by the private sector within two years.

Upon completion, the terminal will enhance transportation facilities, play a key role in improving the efficiency and organization of logistics and transit operations, reduce transportation costs and traffic congestion, and provide employment opportunities to a large number of citizens.

Latest News

Bayat Foundation distributes food aid to dozens of needy families in Balkh

Published

17 hours ago

March 23, 2025

Ariana News

(Last Updated On: )

Bayat Foundation distributed food packages to dozens of needy families in Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province this weekend.

The packages included flour, rice, and cooking oil.

Officials of Bayat Foundation in Balkh said that aid distribution will continue in other provinces of the country until the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

“In continuation of Bayat Foundation’s assistance, this time we have distributed our Ramadan aid in Mazar-e-Sharif, which includes flour, rice, and cooking oil, and God willing, this assistance will continue,” Yafes Saqib, Bayat Foundation representative in Balkh, said.

Meanwhile, beneficiaries welcomed the distribution of the aid packages, saying that Bayat Foundation has played an important role in reaching out to the poor, the needy, and in reducing poverty.

“We are very happy. It is the month of Ramadan. May God help anyone who helps us poor people,” Aynuddin, an aid recipient, said.

“I don’t have a breadwinner in my family. On Thursdays, I go and collect Pepsi cans to find bread for my children,” Zarmina, another aid recipient, said.

The assistance comes at a time when international organizations have warned of increasing poverty in the country.