Abdullah Abdullah (L) shakes hands with the leader of the Taliban negotiating team, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in Doha. AFP
Abdullah Abdullah (L) shakes hands with the leader of the Taliban negotiating team, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in Doha. AFP
Abdullah Abdullah (L) shakes hands with the leader of the Taliban negotiating team, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in Doha. AFP
Abdullah Abdullah (L) shakes hands with the leader of the Taliban negotiating team, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, in Doha. AFP

Blinken addresses stalled Afghanistan peace talks amid Taliban offensive


Bryant Harris
  • English
  • Arabic

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday spoke to the top Afghan official overseeing Kabul’s stalled peace talks with the Taliban, reiterating the importance of an “inclusive political settlement” even though the hardliners have the upper hand on the battlefield and have ignored pleas to cut violence.

The Taliban and the team led by Afghan High Council for National Reconciliation Chairman Abdullah Abdullah have been meeting sporadically in the Qatari capital Doha for months but have failed to take any concrete steps towards a peace deal.

While the Taliban's supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada claims he “strenuously favours” a political settlement, western diplomats fear this is mere lip service as on the ground the Taliban are carrying out a sweeping offensive across Afghanistan.

Mr Blinken spoke with Mr Abdullah “to reiterate the US commitment to seek a just and durable political settlement that ends the war in Afghanistan,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

“Both leaders deplored continuing Taliban attacks, loss of innocent Afghan lives and displacement of the civilian population and underscored the widespread international condemnation of these attacks,” Mr Price said.

The two also discussed “ways to accelerate peace negotiations and achieve a political settlement,” Mr Price said without elaborating.

President Joe Biden in April declared an end to the longest war in US history and almost all American forces have already left Afghanistan, with the few remaining due out by the end of August.

The US insists it will maintain an “over-the-horizon” capability to strike the Taliban from overseas, and on Wednesday, the US struck Taliban targets in southern Helmand.

The strikes came after the Taliban overran much of the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah.

But occasional air strikes are of little reassurance to Afghanistan's security forces, who have relied for years on western strategic and financial support.

The demoralised military far outnumbers the Taliban but has long suffered from corrupt leadership and poor provisioning.

The US and the Taliban made a deal in Doha last year that cemented the American departure from Afghanistan.

But as soon as they signed the accord, the Taliban dramatically stepped up their military campaign across the country.

US Afghanistan envoy Zalmay Khalilizad said on Wednesday that the Taliban seek “the lion’s share of power” in any new Afghan government.



SHAITTAN
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5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai

Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:

• Dubai Marina

The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739 
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960 
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104

• Downtown

Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure.  “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154

• City Walk

The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena.  “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809 
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052 
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210 

• Jumeirah Lake Towers

Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629 
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818 
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941

• Palm Jumeirah

Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.

Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770 
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002 
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152 

THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS

Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.

Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.

Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.

SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

SPEC%20SHEET
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Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
EXPATS
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Rooney's club record

At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17

At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
While you're here
SRI LANKS ODI SQUAD

Perera (capt), Mendis, Gunathilaka, de Silva, Nissanka, Shanaka, Bandara, Hasaranga, Udana, Dananjaya, Dickwella, Chameera, Mendis, Fernando, Sandakan, Karunaratne, Fernando, Fernando.

Company%20profile
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The First Monday in May
Director:
Andrew Rossi
Starring: Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, John Paul Gaultier, Rihanna
Three stars

The specs: 2018 BMW R nineT Scrambler

Price, base / as tested Dh57,000

Engine 1,170cc air/oil-cooled flat twin four-stroke engine

Transmission Six-speed gearbox

Power 110hp) @ 7,750rpm

Torque 116Nm @ 6,000rpm

Fuel economy, combined 5.3L / 100km

Updated: August 05, 2021, 5:26 PM`