Michael Hughes: The United States is not satisfied with simply intensifying airstrikes and loosening rules of engagements to terrorize the Afghan population because now it appears the White House is tempted to launch a CIA-run covert drone war. “The C.I.A. is pushing for expanded powers to carry out covert drone strikes in Afghanistan and other
Michael Hughes: Prussian military strategist Carl von Clausewitz claimed that war was simply a continuation of state policy – an instrument to be applied with other means – be they diplomatic, economic or otherwise. It was partly a caution against making military conflict an end in itself, although that is exactly what the United States appears to be
Michael Hughes: Taliban insider attacks designed to sow distrust between U.S. and Afghan forces are likely to provoke a contrary reaction by strengthening America’s commitment to the war, Brookings Institution scholar Michael O’Hanlon told Afghan Online Press (AOP). On Tuesday, June 13, Defense Secretary James Mattis told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the United States was “not
AOPNEWS | March 5, 2016 Tonight in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a welterweight showdown, Afghan MMA fighter Siyar Bahadurzada defeated American fighter Brandon Thatch in round 3 via submission (arm triangle). According to the official UFC website, Bahadurzada went into the fight as the underdog (-310/+260). Also, many thought this fight was going to be
AOPNEWS | February 19, 2016 Afghanistan’s national cricket team lost to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by 16 runs in the first Asia Cup Twenty20 Qualifiers match in Fatullah today. UAE won the coin toss and chose to bat first; they scored 176 runs (4 wickets; 20 overs). Afghanistan was unable to reach the target
AOPNEWS | February 15, 2016 Afghanistan has been a dominant force in the 2016 South Asian Games’ Taekwondo competitions by winning more gold medals than any other country, including host country India, which is the biggest and most well-funded nation in the competitions. In total, Afghanistan has won 6 gold medals, 1 silver medal, and
AOPNEWS | February 13, 2016 Rohullah Nikpai, two-time Olympic bronze medalist, defeated Pakistani Naveed Khan via a technical knockout to win a gold medal in Taekwondo today in the Under 68 kg category at the 2016 South Asian Games, currently being held in India. Also, Mohsen Rezaei defeated India’s Abrar Khan to win a gold
AOPNEWS | February 13, 2016 Afghan MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fighter Siyar Bahadurzada was scheduled to fight American Brandon Thatch on February 21st as part of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) Fight Night 82 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to an official statement posted on the company’s website, the Welterweight fight has been moved to March 5th
AOPNEWS | February 11, 2016 On July 18, 2015, Afghan actor Abdul Hafiz Khan decided to audition for a role in a new Bollywood movie, starring super star actor Aamir Khan. After more than 50 auditions, the 21-year old finally landed a role in Aamir Khan’s new movie, Dangal, which is scheduled to be released
AOPNEWS | February 10, 2016 Afghanistan won it’s first gold medal at the 12th South Asian Games (SAG) today in India. Wushi martial artist Khairullah Lalzad defeated his Pakistani counterpart to win the gold in the 75kg category. His teammate Shakib Haidari received silver. With these two additional medals, Afghanistan now has a total of