A Taliban fighter in the Spera district of Khost province in south-west Afghanistan. June 26, 2022. AFP
A Taliban fighter in the Spera district of Khost province in south-west Afghanistan. June 26, 2022. AFP
A Taliban fighter in the Spera district of Khost province in south-west Afghanistan. June 26, 2022. AFP
A Taliban fighter in the Spera district of Khost province in south-west Afghanistan. June 26, 2022. AFP

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Asia

Russia hosts Afghanistan conference as Taliban violence rises in Pakistan

Afghan and Pakistani Taliban fighters have often co-ordinated over decades of instability in the two countries

The National

November 16, 2022

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  • Arabic

Russia's presidential envoy to Afghanistan on Wednesday called for a regional summit on Afghanistan, expressing discontent at the Taliban’s government formation and calling for the militant movement to be more inclusive of minorities.

In language reminiscent of the western-led coalition ― which struggled to build a representative Afghan government ― Zamir Kabulov said the Taliban had not begun the "prompt formation of an ethno-political inclusive government".

"They [the Taliban] continue to insist on the opposite, that their government is inclusive. We can't agree with this," he said.

Taliban fighters celebrate the first anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, in front of the former US embassy in Kabul. AP
Taliban fighters celebrate the first anniversary of their return to power in Afghanistan, in front of the former US embassy in Kabul. AP
A girl cries on the pavement as men ride by on a motorbike, during celebrations in Kabul marking the first anniversary of Taliban's return to power. Getty
A girl cries on the pavement as men ride by on a motorbike, during celebrations in Kabul marking the first anniversary of Taliban's return to power. Getty
Taliban fighters hold weapons as they ride on a humvee in Kabul as during celebrations marking a year since their return to power in Afghanistan. AFP
Taliban fighters hold weapons as they ride on a humvee in Kabul as during celebrations marking a year since their return to power in Afghanistan. AFP
On August 15, 2021, the Taliban took control of Kabul after an 11-day blitz through Afghanistan. AP
On August 15, 2021, the Taliban took control of Kabul after an 11-day blitz through Afghanistan. AP
Afghan boys hold weapons as they join the celebrations. AP
Afghan boys hold weapons as they join the celebrations. AP
A Taliban fighter mans his weapon during the mass gathering in Kabul. AP
A Taliban fighter mans his weapon during the mass gathering in Kabul. AP
Taliban fighters drive in procession through the streets of the Afghan capital. Reuters
Taliban fighters drive in procession through the streets of the Afghan capital. Reuters
There were also celebrations in Kandahar, the extremists' seat of power. EPA
There were also celebrations in Kandahar, the extremists' seat of power. EPA
Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi gives a speech at an event in Kabul marking the first anniversary of the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan. AFP
Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi gives a speech at an event in Kabul marking the first anniversary of the Taliban's return to power in Afghanistan. AFP
Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi at the podium at an event in Kabul marking the first anniversary of the Taliban's return to power. AFP
Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi at the podium at an event in Kabul marking the first anniversary of the Taliban's return to power. AFP
Acting Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob speaks at a gathering in Kabul to mark the first anniversary of the Taliban's return to power. AFP
Acting Defence Minister Mohammad Yaqoob speaks at a gathering in Kabul to mark the first anniversary of the Taliban's return to power. AFP
Taliban leaders attended an anniversary ceremony in Kabul. Reuters
Taliban leaders attended an anniversary ceremony in Kabul. Reuters
Outside the US embassy, fighters chanted victory slogans. AFP
Outside the US embassy, fighters chanted victory slogans. AFP
The fighters' show of force. AP
The fighters' show of force. AP
Taliban fighters hold rifles while chanting victory slogans at Ahmad Shah Massoud Square near the US embassy. AFP
Taliban fighters hold rifles while chanting victory slogans at Ahmad Shah Massoud Square near the US embassy. AFP
Taliban fighters ride in a convoy near the US embassy in Kabul. AFP
Taliban fighters ride in a convoy near the US embassy in Kabul. AFP
A year ago, the country's western-backed government fled and the Afghan military crumbled in the face of the Taliban advance. AP
A year ago, the country's western-backed government fled and the Afghan military crumbled in the face of the Taliban advance. AP
The chaotic withdrawal of foreign forces continued until August 31, as tens of thousands of Afghans and foreigners clamoured to board flights out of the country. AP
The chaotic withdrawal of foreign forces continued until August 31, as tens of thousands of Afghans and foreigners clamoured to board flights out of the country. AP
The Taliban authorities have so far not announced any official celebrations to mark the anniversary, but state television said it would air special programmes. AP
The Taliban authorities have so far not announced any official celebrations to mark the anniversary, but state television said it would air special programmes. AP
For ordinary Afghans, especially women, the return of the Taliban has increased hardships. Aid agencies say that half the country's 38 million people face extreme poverty. AFP
For ordinary Afghans, especially women, the return of the Taliban has increased hardships. Aid agencies say that half the country's 38 million people face extreme poverty. AFP
Initially, the Taliban promised a softer version of their harsh interpretation of Islamist rule that characterised their first stint in power from 1996 to 2001. But many restrictions have been imposed on women. AFP
Initially, the Taliban promised a softer version of their harsh interpretation of Islamist rule that characterised their first stint in power from 1996 to 2001. But many restrictions have been imposed on women. AFP
Tens of thousands of girls have been shut out of secondary schools, while women have been barred from returning to many government jobs. AFP
Tens of thousands of girls have been shut out of secondary schools, while women have been barred from returning to many government jobs. AFP

His remarks come amid a deterioration in the security situation in northern Pakistan, where the Taliban have a local, affiliated group known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). On Wednesday, it was reported that the Pakistani Taliban had killed six police officers in an ambush.

For years, foreign observers have warned that the two Taliban movements could create a continuous zone of instability, endangering security in Pakistan and potentially destabilising the region. Since about 2007, when the TTP formed, Pakistan has fought Taliban insurgents along the rugged, Pashtun-majority border with Afghanistan.

Mr Kabulov called for "key countries of the region to gather and discuss how to proceed", adding that "our question is to provide a true national reconciliation in Afghanistan".

Russia was hosting the meeting on Afghanistan with representatives from China, Turkey, Qatar, as well as countries neighbouring Afghanistan, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Pakistan.

The Taliban representatives were not present at talks this year.

Although Moscow has designated the Taliban a terrorist group and outlawed it on Russian soil, the Taliban has representation in Russia and a delegation attended the recent St Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"Our question is to provide a true national reconciliation in Afghanistan, ie, the creation of such a state, in which all the main political groups will be presented, whose voice would be heard."

Pakistan attacks

In Pakistan, the six police officers were killed in an ambush in the north-west of the country on Wednesday, officials said.

The Pakistan Taliban share common lineage with the Afghan Taliban and have staged an increasing number of raids in the year since Kabul fell into the hands of the hardline Islamists.

Gunmen with automatic rifles launched an attack at about 7am on a police vehicle patrolling the village of Shahab Khel, 100km from the Afghan border.

"All the six policemen were killed" under fire from both sides, Tariqullah Khan, a district official in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, told AFP.

The Pakistan Taliban said the police were "coming for a raid" when they were ambushed.

It said in a statement to AFP its own fighters "managed to reach their base safely" after looting weapons and ammunition.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered his condolences and said on Twitter, "terrorism continues to be one of Pakistan's foremost problems".

The TTP were at the height of their power in Pakistan between 2007 and 2009, when they held sway over the Swat valley just 135km north of Islamabad.

They were pushed into Afghanistan by an army offensive after a barbaric schoolhouse bombing that killed nearly 150 pupils in 2014.

Analysts say the TTP have found a vital foothold and shelter there since the chaotic US departure and the Afghan Taliban takeover in August 2021.

Read more

The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prestigious peace prize, held its final meeting on Monday, the Nobel Institute said on Thursday, a day ahead of the announcement of the 2025 laureate.

This means a decision was made about the laureate or laureates before the conclusion of an agreement between Israel and Hamas, which included a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

President Donald Trump pushed for the ceasefire as part of a 20-point plan to resolve the Gaza war. 

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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While you're here
How to wear a kandura

Dos

  • Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion 
  • Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
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if you go

The flights

Direct flights from the UAE to the Nepalese capital, Kathmandu, are available with Air Arabia, (www.airarabia.com) Fly Dubai (www.flydubai.com) or Etihad (www.etihad.com) from Dh1,200 return including taxes. The trek described here started from Jomson, but there are many other start and end point variations depending on how you tailor your trek. To get to Jomson from Kathmandu you must first fly to the lake-side resort town of Pokhara with either Buddha Air (www.buddhaair.com) or Yeti Airlines (www.yetiairlines.com). Both charge around US$240 (Dh880) return. From Pokhara there are early morning flights to Jomson with Yeti Airlines or Simrik Airlines (www.simrikairlines.com) for around US$220 (Dh800) return. 

The trek

Restricted area permits (US$500 per person) are required for trekking in the Upper Mustang area. The challenging Meso Kanto pass between Tilcho Lake and Jomson should not be attempted by those without a lot of mountain experience and a good support team. An excellent trekking company with good knowledge of Upper Mustang, the Annaurpuna Circuit and Tilcho Lake area and who can help organise a version of the trek described here is the Nepal-UK run Snow Cat Travel (www.snowcattravel.com). Prices vary widely depending on accommodation types and the level of assistance required. 

LA LIGA FIXTURES

Friday (UAE kick-off times)

Real Sociedad v Leganes (midnight)

Saturday

Alaves v Real Valladolid (4pm)

Valencia v Granada (7pm)

Eibar v Real Madrid (9.30pm)

Barcelona v Celta Vigo (midnight)

Sunday

Real Mallorca v Villarreal (3pm)

Athletic Bilbao v Levante (5pm)

Atletico Madrid v Espanyol (7pm)

Getafe v Osasuna (9.30pm)

Real Betis v Sevilla (midnight)

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

French business

France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.

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Updated: November 16, 2022, 4:01 PM
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