General Kenneth McKenzie ex US Central Command, in a recent statement said, “There are indicators that the deal with Taliban ultimately may be doomed”. A day earlier on 12 March, in a statement General Kenneth McKenzie said that despite a pledge to reduce violence, the frequency of Taliban attacks across Afghanistan remained troubling. The ground facts cannot be denied that attacks continued against Afghan security forces at the border outposts, security checkpoints and, military and Police units. A local Afghan resistance commander was doubtful about US Defense Secretary Mark Esper

President Ashraf Ghani, at a ceremony held at the Presidential Palace in Kabul, was sworn in as president for a second term. Those present on the occasion were US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, US Chargé d’Affaires Ross Wilson, Commander of NATO and US forces General  Scott Miller, as well as ambassadors from different countries including Pakistan, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Germany, Norway and EU.

In a 9^th March statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said, “US strongly supports a unified and sovereign Afghanistan, opposes any effort to establish a parallel government or any use of force to resolve political differences.” Meanwhile, US influencers including Peace Envoy for Afghanistan Khalilzad carried out extensive negotiations with President Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah to reach to an agreement on broad based Government.

In another development, Abdullah Abdullah has refused to accept Ashraf Ghani as President of Afghanistan claiming that the National Unity Government ended and it is time for new Chief Executive to be announced. On the other hand President Ashraf Ghani had issued a decree abolishing office of the Chief Executive. If we recall, Chief Executive Office was established through a power-sharing agreement in 2014 in which despite Asharaf Ghani winning the election, power was divided Ashraf Ghani as President and Abdullah Chief Executive.

It is interesting to note that Afghan Independent Election Commission has declared President Ashraf Ghani as winner on 18 February but the US and allies are adamant that President Ashraf Ghani should forgo the decision of Independent Election Commission and should not announce his victory as it may hamper US-Taliban Peace Agreement. Where President Ashraf Ghani has expressed his desire that political power should not be someone’s inheritance and the next government should demonstrate the will of the entire people of Afghanistan, Western intruders are going for another political experiment to resolve the deadlock.

Reportedly, President Ashraf Ghani is being persuaded to offer 40 percent share in the Government to Abdullah Abdullah but Abdullah Abdullah is projected if he is not ready to agree and wants a bigger share. Tadamichi Yamamoto, UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) is holding meetings with Abdullah Abdullah despite 18 February’s Independent Election Commission declaration that Ashraf Ghani has won the elections. 

The statement issued by US State Department said, “US is engaged in intensive efforts for peace in Afghanistan” and “We welcome President Ghani’s statement at his inauguration 9 March that discussions and negotiations will continue for the next two weeks to come to an agreement on an inclusive government which unifies the country and prioritizes peace”.

Ground realities cannot be denied that US and UN are derailing democratic process and are not ready to honour the decision of Independent Election Commission, which declared Ashraf Ghani as winner. In fact, negotiation by the representatives of US and UN with Abdullah Abdullah, Dostum and other parties to reach a power sharing agreement is violation of democratic system. One wonders if countries and organizations do not believe in the democratic process why some much money has been spent on elections.  

ISLAMABAD, 13 March 2020, TON: Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan Mustafa Yurdakul said that Turkey wants to strengthen the bilateral trade between the two countries. Turkey seeks to maintain long-lasting free trade agreement with Pakistan.  It would be in the interest of both the brother countries.

“The existing two-way trade between Pakistan and Turkey amounts to around $800 million, which is far from the true potential keeping in view that both countries have a common market worth billions of dollars,” he said.

He was addressing to Islamabad chamber of commerce and Industry (ICCI) on Thursday. He said through this trade pact annual bilateral trade would rise to $5 billion between the two countries.

He said “Pakistan has a great potential for foreign direct investment (FDI) and Turkish companies want to take the first-mover advantage in this regard, however, Pakistan needs to improve ease of doing business further,”.

He said Turkish investors should require the complete information about the mega project of CPEC in regard to investment prospect in relation to Special Economic Zones(SEZs) so that they would join it. ICCI President Muhammad Ahmed Waheed said Pakistan and Turkey soon sign the Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This agreement would pave the way to increase mutual trade between the true countries and would strengthen the relation between Turkey and Pakistan. Muhammad Waheed ICCI President said Turkey should cooperate with Pakistan in developing tourism Industry in Pakistan.

NEW DELHI, 13 March 2020, TON: On Thursday a 74 year old patient affected by novel coronavirus died in India, authorities confirmed.  They told that man had travelled back from Saudi Arabia was being tested positive for the virus.

Indian government had decided to close all the schools, cinemas, theaters in New Delhi for the month in order to take measures to prevent the pandemic to spread.

Indian government had closed all the tourist visas keeping in view the safety of the people. The authorities said all the travelers coming from coronavirus affected countries would be keep in isolation for fourteen days in order to control the spread of pandemic. These countries include China, Iran, Italy, Korea, America, Germany, Spain, UK and Germany.

OTTAWA, 13 March 2019, TON: In another upset Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau wife of Canadian PM has tested positive for Coronavirus. However, she was fine and in good health.

PM office said in a statement, “Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau was tested for COVID-19 today, she would remain in isolation, however, she is in good health and had there are no symptoms of coronavirus.” Canadian PM would also be in isolation for two weeks on the advice of his doctors.

Canadian Health Minister Patty Hajdu said that, “reconsider going to areas where there are a large number of people, which might include places like churches, community centers, concerts and various sporting events.”

ISLAMABAD, 12 March 2020, TON: Chairperson Council of Islamic Ideology Dr Qibla Ayaz on Thursday, welcomed the bill but expressed reservations on name of Zainab Alert Bill, saying the constitutional body has objections over the name of the bill and the definition of child in it. It also objected over not including capital punishment of death penalty in the law.

The Zainab Alert Recovery and Response Bill 2020 recommends life imprisonment and a penalty of Rs1 million as maximum and a minimum sentence of 10 years punishments to child sexual offenders.

The Council of Islamic Ideology is a constitutional body that advises the legislature whether or not a certain law is repugnant to Islam, namely to the Qur'an and Sunnah.

MALI, 12 March 2020, TON: As the Australian government has intensified issuance of additional permits to export arms to Mali, the independent United Nations human rights expert in Mali has called on Australia to cease selling arms to the war-torn country and urged the international community to do more to stop nations “actively producing and selling weapons” in conflict zones.

He said, “The international community, notably the security council of the United Nations and the African Union, must hold countries which are actively producing and selling weapons accountable, and pressure them to cease these practices in all conflict zones, including the Sahel.”

Last year Australia had issued 16 permits to arms manufacturers to export weapons or military technology to Mali in 2019. In response to United Nations human rights expert concerns, the Australian government said its export licenses are only issued after thorough assessments on whether arms will be used to breach human rights or any of Australia’s international obligations. In case of risk that the weapons could be used to commit violation of humanitarian law, it will not issue an export permit.

WASHINGTON, 12 March 2020, TON: US Defence Secretary Mark Esper who was scheduled to visit India on 15 - 16 March 2020 has been cancelled. The Indian Ministry of Defence in a statement clarified that the trip has been called off due to the coronavirus threat. US Defence Department through its Laison Officer at New Delhi informed Indian authorities about cancellation of India visit by US Defence Secretary, however, no reason was communicated. Reportedly, Washington is aggrieved over increasing India - Russia relations and double cross. 

A two-day conference, 21st Asian Security Conference (ASC), organised by the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis (IDSA), which was to start from 12 March to make it headlines prior to US Defence Secretary’s visit has also been postponed. Earlier it was reported that Indian Defence Minister and Home Minister were also scheduled to attend the conference on Security Issues in Asia. Participants included from countries; US, UK, Russia, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Sweden and Belgium.

SOMALIA, 12 March 2020, TON: Somali politician Mahad Dhoore, who is also a Member of Parliament, confirmed on Thursday that the victims of the US airstrike on Tuesday, 10^th March were civilians.
Family members and a politician in Somalia claims that US air strike on town of Janaale killed civilians travelling in a minibus heading to the capital Mogadishu not terrorists.

Abdullahi Abdirahman Ali, who lost his father in the air strike sia, US is lying. While talking to media he said, “They killed my 70 years old aged father”. Family members of another victim claimed “They lost their 13-year-old son in the US airstrike.”

The relatives of those killed requested UN Secretary General to hold an inquiring to punish foreigners killing Somalis and also compensate the families of those killed.

According to reports, the US military has conducted at least 32 airstrikes in Somalia between 1 January and 11 March 2020. US Africa Command Director of Public Affairs, Chris Karns ruled out any slowdown in the attacks and claimed that US Brigadier General Miguel Castellanos briefed that American airstrikes are key effort to combating terror and helping to the government to bring stability and security in Somalia.

ISLAMABAD, 11 March 2020, TON: A Pakistan Airforce fighter aircraft crashed near parade ground at Shakarparian, Islamabad on Wednesday. As per the details Wing Commander Noman Akram was carrying out nose diving rehearsal for 23^rd March “Pakistan Day” parade when his F-16 lost control due to bad weather cum technical fault and crashed in the adjoining green belt. 

According to the Air Force authorities, “The aircraft was taking part in rehearsals for a Pakistan Day air show and Wing Commander Noman Akram was the only pilot in the aircraft and embraced martyrdom in the crash. Investigation into the crash has been ordered.

The F-16 fighter-aircrafts are often developing technical faults and crashes have become quite frequent.  In just less than one year, a number of aircrafts crashed, In May 2019 a F-16 fighter jet crashed into a warehouse outside of Los Angeles,  in September 2019, a Belgian F-16 fighter jet crashed in western France, in December 2019, another F-16 Fighting US Airforce crashed as it was about to land on Kunsan Air Base, near Gunsan, South Korea, another F-16 fighter jet stationed at the US air base in Spangdahlem, Rhineland-Palatinate crashed in Trier near the Luxembourg border.  Similarly, in January 2020 an Egyptian Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed in North Sinai and on 11 February 2020, one more aircraft crashed in Islamabad, Pakistan.   

KHARTOUM, 9 March 2020, TON: It was a surprise when Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok claimed through Tweet on Monday, 9 March 2020 that his motorcade was attacked. There were no eye witnesses, no deaths, no injuries or even a scratch to anyone. A low intensity explosion took place near north-eastern entrance to Kober bridge, leading to Sudanese Prime Minister's office, which was claimed to be attack on Prime Minister motorcade. Abdalla Hamdok Tweeted, “"I would like to assure the people of Sudan that I am safe and in good shape, "Rest assures what happened today will not stand in the way of transition, instead it is an additional push to the wheel of change in Sudan.” Later, minor dame to some vehicle was show to media as evidence that attack actually took place.

The terrorist attack coincided with visit of US Assistant Secretary for Terrorist Marshall Billingslea along with delegation of US Department of the Treasury Monday, 9 March visit to Sudanese Capital Khartoum. The American delegation discussed with the Sudanese Prime Minister and Foreign Minister financial reforms to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. US government has already lifted the economic sanctions imposed on Sudan, but the country’s designation as a State Sponsor of terrorism prevents Sudan from being able to make financial transfers with international financial institutions. Washington has linked all the privileges and benefits with recognition of Israel as legitimate state with capital at Jerusalem.

Abdalla Hamdok, PhD degrees holder from the University of Manchester, remained at senior positions at Deloitte & Touche, the UN and other positions. Abdalla Hamdok, popular in the Western world and international organizations was appointed as head Sudan's transitional government in August 2019, a few months after the overthrow of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir. Immediately, Abdalla Hamdok demanded that country needs US $8 billion to run the government. The question arises was this a real attack or an attempt to attract the sympathies of Western countries? There are also reports that Tel Aviv staged this drama for obvious reasons of recognition. The fact cannot be denied that Sudan was officially at war with Israel till the times ousted Prime Minister Omar al-Bashir. The new chance brought leadership who were trusted in the eyes of US and Israel. Presently, the Sudanese Army is in favour of relations with Israel claiming it is in the interest of Sudan's national security. Sudan’s transitional military-civilian council leader, General Abdel-Fattah Burhan met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Entebbe on 2 February 2020.

With regard to General Burhan meeting with Israel premier, Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok told media that he was not consulted and only learned of the meeting through the media, when Israeli premier made an announcement. He tweeted, “The road to meaningful change in Sudan is riddled with challenges and obstacles, however, we must understand that abiding to legal institutional roles and responsibilities is key to building a truly democratic state." He added, “The transitional government as a whole must ensure accountability, responsibility and transparency in all decisions made.” However, analysts established his links with Israelis since he was at senior position at Deloitte & Touche and the UN.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo thanked General Burhan for his leadership in normalizing ties with Israel and invited Burhan to talks in Washington that would focus on creating a "stronger, healthier US-Sudan bilateral relationship".  However, Palestine Liberation Organization called General Burhan and Netanyahu's meeting "a stab in the back of the Palestinian people". In a statement carried on official news agency WAFA, Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat accused Netanyahu and his US allies of "trying to liquidate the Palestinian cause".

It is important to highlight that the immediate reaction of the attack was that US Embassy in Sudan tweeted: “We continue to support Sudan's civilian led transitional government and stand in solidarity with the Sudanese people.” The popular media channel reminded that attack is a reminder of the volatile situation that still prevails in Sudan less than a year on from the coup. In other words, the foreign agencies are planning to conduct all-Africa operations to eliminate orthodox Muslims and Coptic and all those who oppose foreign occupation, interference in the internal affairs by Western and Europeans and recognition of illegitimate state of Israel. It is worth appreciation that Sudan’s agencies has the power to detain individuals without a warrant for up to 45 days, granting it impunity to act without judicial oversight or accountability, in violation of international laws on arbitrary arrest and detention. It is expected in weeks to come there would be game of blood and fire to silent all those who oppose.