When the US president Barack Obama appeared on television Tuesday to give a speech from Kabul, it was to tell the US public that the longest war in America's history was drawing to a close. His words were triumphant on Al Qaeda - the goal of defeating the organisation was now in reach, he said - and conciliatory on the Taliban. But there were few words for the Afghans themselves. This speech, like the war itself, was focused over the heads of the Afghan people.
Mr Obama was in Afghanistan ostensibly to sign an agreement with the government of Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, setting out how the relationship between the two countries will progress after American troops withdraw in 2014. Military cooperation will continue, but most importantly, the framework designates Afghanistan as a major non-Nato ally, setting the stage for a long-term relationship with the US. This is welcome, because one of the biggest problems that Afghanistan has faced over a decade of war has been the perception, in Afghanistan and among its neighbours, that the United States would not stay the distance.
This perception has a history. The Soviet invasion and occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s was fought as a proxy war by the Americans, who funnelled weaponry and provided training to the mujahideen. But after the Soviets withdrew in 1989, the country was largely forgotten by the US, paving the way for the rise of the Taliban.
The perception has had an enormous impact on the policy of Afghanistan's neighbours towards the country. Both Iran and Pakistan formulated their policy post-2001 on the basis that the US would soon leave. Pakistan, in particular, has been reluctant to give up its influence on the Taliban, fearing that the US departure would create a vacuum into which India, Pakistan's feared enemy, could wield influence. The Taliban believed the same thing: that they could outlast the superpower.
But if the Taliban believed they could push the US completely out, the new framework has proved them only slightly wrong. Mr Obama offered few details on future financial commitments (there were no figures released yesterday) and to what extent American advisers will be on the ground. Afghans deserve more clarity.
Afghanistan's future will be written by Afghans, the most qualified of whom fled during the war. Convincing regional actors of the West's continued partnership with vague vows of cash and expertise will change few minds. And it will do little to ensure the stable state Washington once championed.
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The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 611bhp
Torque: 620Nm
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Price: upon application
On sale: now
General%20Classification
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Timeline
1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line
1962
250 GTO is unveiled
1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company
1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens
1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made
1987
F40 launched
1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent
2002
The Enzo model is announced
2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi
2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled
2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives
2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company
2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street
2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary
PRO BASH
Thursday’s fixtures
6pm: Hyderabad Nawabs v Pakhtoon Warriors
10pm: Lahore Sikandars v Pakhtoon Blasters
Teams
Chennai Knights, Lahore Sikandars, Pakhtoon Blasters, Abu Dhabi Stars, Abu Dhabi Dragons, Pakhtoon Warriors and Hyderabad Nawabs.
Squad rules
All teams consist of 15-player squads that include those contracted in the diamond (3), platinum (2) and gold (2) categories, plus eight free to sign team members.
Tournament rules
The matches are of 25 over-a-side with an 8-over power play in which only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle. Teams play in a single round robin league followed by the semi-finals and final. The league toppers will feature in the semi-final eliminator.
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The five pillars of Islam
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TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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