text:
'I've come a long way': Heritage Hall's Jackson Jobe ready to live up to hype with Detroit Tigers
James D. Jackson
Jackson Jobe was only able to sleep for four hours the night before the MLB Draft.
He had his reason.
His life was about to change.
As a highly scouted right-handed pitcher with a near 100-mile per hour fastball and dominant slider, the former Heritage Hall Charger knew he had a chance at being a first-round pick in the MLB Draft.
He just didn't have any hint at who was going to take him.
"I had no idea what was going on," Jobe said. "I knew a few teams that liked me, but I had no idea who was going to pick me."
Jobe's advisors informed him a first-round pick would generally have an idea of where he was going by "the day before the draft" at the latest. But for reasons he's unsure of, it didn't work that way for Jobe. He went into the day blind.
But as the MLB Draft began on July 11, it didn't take Jobe long to find his new home. With his family in attendance at his home in Oklahoma, Jobe heard as the Detroit Tigers selected him with the third overall pick, sparking a big celebration from Jobe, his family and coaches.
The 18-year old began the day not knowing when and where he was going. By the end, he was the highest pick in Oklahoma history for a baseball player straight out of high school.
A week later on July 19, Jobe arrived at the Tigers' spring training facility in Lakeland, Florida. On Friday of that week, he signed his first professional contract for $6.9 million, slightly below the slot value for the No. 3 pick, according to the Detroit Free Press.
"It's pretty crazy to think about," said Jobe. "I've come a long way. I wasn't one of those kids that had a big name growing up. It all kind of happened for me recently. But better late than never."
In a year's span, the 6-foot-2, 190-pound pitcher was selected for the Perfect Game All-American Game, led Heritage Hall to a Class 4A state championship, named The Oklahoman's All-City and All-State baseball player of the year, tabbed as Oklahoma's Gatorade baseball player of the year and drafted third in the MLB draft.
One week after the announcement, an excited Jobe was headed for Detroit.
"It was at that point, I was like, 'This is really real, this is really happening, I'm getting to go play professional baseball,'" Jobe said.
More:'God-given talent': Why Heritage Hall ace Jackson Jobe is a top 2021 MLB Draft prospect
The Tigers' history-making selection put Heritage Hall coach Jordan Semore into such a frenzy that his family came running into the room.
"I was excited," Semore told The Oklahoman. "I had my girls coming from the other end of the house asking what was going on or what was wrong. It's so awesome for him, I'm happy for him."
It's been a whirlwind for Jobe, but he's ready to start the next chapter of his life.
"If it works out and I can pitch in I think it'd be September then that'd be awesome," Jobe said. "If not, I'll just throw a few bullpens go back home and get ready for spring training."
Tigers general manager Al Avila, speaking to reporters on July 20, was optimistic about Jobe playing at Lakeland late this season.
"Everybody will have an individualized program," Avila said. "Some guys will end up throwing for us, and some guys will probably just do more strength and conditioning."
July 24 was Jobe's first day to work out and throw in his new city. He doesn't have any ties or family to Detroit, his closest family member lives in Iowa. But the excitement of playing professional baseball is all he needs at the moment. He even sleeps better now that his career has a plan and direction.
"It's crazy," Jobe said. "I worked my whole life for this."


text:
Minister's statement on Indigenous Veterans Day
Honourable Murray Rankin
Email: IRR.Minister@gov.bc.ca
British Columbia News
https://news.gov.bc.ca/27746
Tuesday, November 8, 2022 7:30 AM
Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation
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COVID-19 & First Nations
Consulting First Nations
First Nations Negotiations
Guide to Indigenous Organizations and Services
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(flickr.com)
Murray Rankin, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation, has issued the following statement on Indigenous Veterans Day:
"Today, on Indigenous Veterans Day, we honour and celebrate the valiant service of Indigenous Peoples in missions across Canada and around the world. Serving overseas or on the home front, in times of conflict, war and peace, we acknowledge the tremendous contributions and sacrifices made by Indigenous veterans in the Canadian Armed Forces.
"Each year on this date, Canadians pause for a moment of silence in respect for the estimated 12,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit people from across this land who have served. Courageous Indigenous soldiers have an exemplary record of military service including in both World Wars, the Korean War, the Boer War and in recent conflicts across the Middle East and Afghanistan.
"Today, we remember soldiers like Dominic 'Dick' Patrick, who was one among 15 Sai'kuz soldiers who volunteered for service in the Second World War. He joined at least 3,000 First Nations members, including 72 women, who enlisted for duty. Patrick's bravery at a battle in the village of Moerbrugge earned him the Military Medal for gallant and distinguished conduct.
"Despite their service and valour, many Indigenous veterans, including Patrick, returned home to face continued prejudice and discrimination.
"Patrick returned home to British Columbia, where he was refused restaurant service because he was Indigenous. That year, he was imprisoned 11 times for returning to that restaurant and repeatedly demanding fair and equal treatment. He is remembered by his family and community for his courage in fighting for Indigenous rights back home.
"Indigenous veterans and their families have fought throughout every step of our shared history to receive the recognition and commemoration that they deserve. Today, we collectively recognize and remember more than 200 years of military service by Indigenous communities across the country.
"I encourage all British Columbians to take a moment today to reflect and remember the contributions of Indigenous veterans and active service members.
"On this sombre day, we remember those who never came home. We also remember those who returned home forever changed by their service. Lest we forget."
Indigenous_Veterans_Day_French.pdf
SHOW TRANSLATIONS
Lands proposed for Te'mexw treaties
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Listen to the Ministry's latest audio clips on SoundCloud.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


So your campus card program is now a couple of years old and you have forgotten the trauma of installation and are being pushed to expand onward and upward. Where do you start? What do you do to ensure the success of your expansion?
First of all you need to research campus trends – both generally and on your campus. This will help to guide your program in the direction of need. As of the latest survey, 44% of students are over 25 years old, 43% are part time students, 80% average 25 hours of work a week, and only 16% are traditional full-time 18-22 years of age. You need to remember also that students are more savvy consumers than before and they want more from their college experience – such as convenience, quality and service. Students also want to live, eat and socialize on campus again.
So how do you use this information to build your program? You will always have the traditional students who you have sold your services to so successfully, but look at the number of students who you are not reaching because you have basically only tuned into the needs of the easiest to sell – those living in a residence hall, with meal plans and a limited debit card program for on-campus use. Take a look at how you could better serve the needs of the staff and faculty too – they are as much a captive audience as those living in the residence halls. These non-traditionally served people can make a real difference in the success of your program. It will take more time and energy and some creative thinking, but will ensure the success of your expansion program.
One thing to remember is – do it right, or don't do it at all! If you do not do your homework and plan well, you are just throwing away money – and a lot of money!
Some basic goals to remember as you plan your expansion – they are the same goals you should have had when you planned your original install and it is time to get them out again and take a good look – are they still valid? Successful campus card programs require a central point of contact, dedicated space, dedicated personnel, good customer service, responsiveness, buy-in from the top, good card stock, and an involved user group.
What do you need to do to build your case and get the resources you need to expand the program? Build your case carefully and I don't mean just your business case. The administration needs to see the value of the expanded program and it is up to you to build the value. Go out and talk to focus groups of students, staff and faculty, you will be surprised at some of the wants, needs, desires and ideas they can give you – this will help to design the growth of the program and you can say the ideas came from your constituency and THAT is a powerful message. Keep good notes and develop charts and direct quotes and statements of need. Another thing to do is to research other schools – and this is easy to do with your memberships in associations such as NACCU and NACAS and the willingness of all to share their experiences. Talk to people, document how they have approached the expansion and let the information simmer in your mind for a while. Then develop a business case, a business plan and a marketing plan.
How do you develop a business case?
Think of the campus card program as with a 5-10 year project life. After that, you will need to reassess the campus growth and needs and possibly replace your new software and readers, even looking at a new provider. Plan your growth steps carefully – what can you actually handle with your other duties and your current staff – or any expanded staff you have included in your business plan. Stress is not good!
Identify any additional revenue needs and identify any additional revenue opportunities. Provide the demographic information you have collected. Make a part of your case the fact that the monies generated by this growth need to come back to the card program to fund the expansion and the management of the program – the more you expand the program, the more time and energy it will take to manage. Also, see if you can get the interest generated on the deposited debit funds to come back to your program. I know that where you are and whether or not you are a state or private school can dictate and hinder the addition of these funds to your cause. Think about how you can put the onus of funding back on the departments who use the program – you are helping them operate more efficiently and offer more to their users, why should it not be a part of their expenses?
If you are part of Auxiliary Services and they are in charge of the vending, dining and other service contracts which will use the campus card program, see if you can get the person in charge to look at these and see if they can re-do the contracts with these vendors and have them provide the readers, and maintenance of the readers. Some of these vendors when faced with additional revenues from increased use may add extras such as marketing money to promote the program and graphics and marketing help. Most of these vendors have extensive experience on many other campuses and have seen the results of expanded systems and are more than happy to help. If you already have contracts with your on-campus vendors, take another look – maybe they are paying too little for what they are getting. This is always a touchy issue since you depend on them for the expansion of the system. A successful system is dependent on the number of uses and you surely don't want to discourage them from using the system or expanding their use of the system.
Then consider charging a transaction fee if you are not already doing this. You can look at a student usage fee per semester – your student government may support this idea, if you can prove it would help expand services to students. I know of a campus where they are now charging a $3 fee per semester and the students can see the benefits of the expanded program. You can look at charging a fee to administer the debit accounts – usually a per semester or yearly fee. You can also charge to close debit accounts when the student leaves either the school or the program.
Make sure all in the college community are required to have the card on campus – it should be mandatory. You goal should be to have 100% of the college community with the card. Add departmental charge cards to the equation – see if you can replace many part forms and the data entry involved by including an electronic ability to do the journal entries. Add more functionality to the card – camps and conferences, athletics, vending, and voting. Offer a new long distance phone service to those not in the residence halls, look at adding an off-campus merchant program, or turn your card into an ATM/debit bank card.
Look at currently provided services – where can you economize – what needs to be changed. Re-think the ways to provide services. And in looking at all of these parts of the business case – look at ways to protect your campus services – the campus cannot afford to lose these.
There will be a five-year gain in revenues – you can use the following figures for the beginning of your research, but you should talk to like schools to find out what the figures are realistically for your programs. Flexible spending can increase 15-50%. Adding an on-line card office where the students and parents can deposit funds electronically rather than coming to your office will add 5-25%. New sales can add 5-15% and direct marketing can add 5-15%. If you have a base of $5,000,000 you will have an increase of $1,500,000 over five years.
Also look at the decrease in expenditures for annual savings – such as less cash handling – 3.5-5%, on-line deposits can decrease the need of personnel by a half to a full FTE. You may realize an average savings of $60,000 to $100,000 a year.
Recognize that there will be some revenue positive and some revenue negative phases/years in the program – these need to be included in the business case. Positive will include new debit card functions and bringing the currently underserved into the program. Negative will include access control and student services such as voting and library. Other revenue-positive phases will include unrelated income opportunities and creative uses of the card.
Employ an on-campus user group – they can help identify unmet needs and they can ease the new programs onto campus, add positive spin on the expanded program, expand their use of the program and help to educate the public. Think creatively and find uses for campus departments who are not currently employing the benefits your system can offer them. Develop a good and deployable marketing plan. Add employee payroll deduction and direct deposit of student paychecks. Add new revenue sources.
You can make it happen – have a good business plan, a good marketing plan, lots of perseverance and a belief in the services you can provide. Remember you CAN make a difference – sometimes you may have to do it one step at a time, but you will get there. If you feel overwhelmed by the process and have been given the directive to expand the program, remember there are trained professionals out there to help you. You don't have to do it alone.
Campus Card program services from the beginning of looking at providing a card system for the campus through RFP writing and evaluating, business plan, project management, card office manuals and marketing manuals, policies and procedures customizing, and customized marketing plans. White will also come to the campus which has had a card system for several years and evaluate the program and assist in designing the expansion of the system and list changes needed to ensure a successful growth of the expansion.
White developed the University of Florida Gator 1 Card program from scratch to a 60,000 active card base, was first Executive Director of NACCU for 3 years and has had her own consulting business for 4 years. While at UF and with NACCU, White informally consulted with schools looking to implement a card program or expand an existing one.


The wxiOS project is an effort to create a wxWidgets based C++ wrapper over Cocoa Touch that would implement the proposed wxMobile API. The implementation would allow creating mobile UIs in a more generic, platform-independent way. If, for example, an analogue gets implemented for Android OS, one could expect to run the same end-user mobile application code on both mobile platforms without too much hassle.
As of today, there is no feasible way to create a native (compiled) application for several mobile platforms at once. One way to narrow the gap between various target platforms (iOS, Android, …) would be to implement wxMobile API proposal for the various UI toolkits these platforms use.
A first actual (not simulated) wxMobile implementation would allow developers to create applications that would be more easily portable to other mobile platforms in the future. The portability would, of course, require that the API would be implemented in other platforms too, e.g. on Google Android (using Android NDK or android-cpp-sdk), Windows Mobile 6 and others.
Also, an application developer would not be required to use the vendor-specific application development platform and toolchain (in this particular case, Mac OS X with iPhone SDK) until the later stages of the application development. It is expected that the developer could use the current implementation of wxMobile simulator to develop the application and would only be required to use the vendor's platform for the final testing stage.
Create an example application (wxMobileCatalog) that would showcase the wxMobile implementation in Cocoa Touch (think of UICatalog).
I would not be able to start coding full time until June 3 because of the course work at the university.
After that date, I could work on the project at least for 40 hours/week (as expected).
Getting to know the wxWidgets developer community.
Discussing details of how and when to report my progress to the mentor.
Discussing ways to proceed with a student implementing the wxAndroid project (if any).
Familiarizing myself with the current wxWidgets library architecture.
Analyzing which parts of the Cocoa Touch mapping to wxWidgets are already implemented in the trunk.
Following the wx-dev mailing list, lurking on the #wxwidgets IRC channel.
constant progress reports and discussions with the mentor and a student implementing the wxAndroid project (if any).
preparing the code for the mid-term evaluation (bug fixes, unit tests).
cooperation with wxAndroid project to unify the way of building the applications and the style of documentation.
preparing the code for the final evaluation (bug fixes, unit tests, documentation, "final touches").
and I hope my English isn't too bad.
15min, the news reader for a local news outlet. Features news articles, article comments, ability to post comments, weather forecast, photo gallery, daily voting poll, citizen self-reporting tool. Based on XML-RPC-like communication with the web server. Strong MVC separation, most of the code is backed by UI+logic unit tests, mature 3rd party libraries used.
Anglonas iPhone, the (only) English-Lithuanian dictionary for iOS. Features a simple, minimalist UI; word definition bookmarks; some improvements to suit the iPad screen size too. Uses custom build of OpenSSL; Google Toolkit for Mac (GTM), FMDB library. Strong MVC separation so that the same code could be used in the Mac OS X version of the dictionary; backed by UI + logic unit tests.
Anglonas Mac OS X, as in "we did this for the iPhone, now do this for the Mac". Features simple yet "smart" UI (fixes common typos, switches keyboard layout when appropriate, comfortable shortcuts, etc.); integration into the Mac OS X via Services; superfast and not unnecessary-feature-bloated. Shares code with the iOS dictionary; OEM (non-Mac App Store) build has automatic updates, crash reports, antipiracy measures, downwards-compatible with 10.4-10.5.
OpenDict + Mac OS X, an OS X port of OpenDict, the open source dictionary (written in Python + wxPython).
Public transport schedule websites for various cities (Vilnius, Lithuania, Riga, Latvia, Tallinn, Estonia, others) featuring a schedule timetable data and a trip planner.
Three20 Cookbook, a wiki for a rather under-documented Three20 library. Official way of submitting documentation is still a bit sluggish (the official process being "write this in Markdown and make a git pull request"), so I thought having a wiki for myself (and others) would be better.


text:
Q: How to migrate from Ubuntu to Fedora? I am considering moving from Ubuntu to another Linux distribution, most likely Fedora. I'm generally familiar with classic command line tools, and I'm comfortable using both of these distributions, and I've got some general ideas how to proceed. I'm looking for criticism of the approaches I have in mind, tips, or hidden gotchas.
My current system is a dual-boot system, with Windows 7 on a separate hard drive; GRUB2 boots to Ubuntu 11.10 by default. On the drive I use for Ubuntu, I have four partitions: the swap partition, a partition mounted at /, a partition mounted at /home, and another partition containing VM images.
The provisional plan I have is something like this:

*

*Using a LiveCD with Gparted, reduce the size of the /home partition
and the VM image partition to a bit more than the size of the used
space, and move them to the end of the drive.

*Delete the partition that was mounted at /, which includes /boot,
/bin, /usr, etc. Possibly delete the swap partition as well, since
it's trivial to recreate it.

*Install Fedora (or possibly a different Linux distribution) in the
unused space, using LVM.

*After configuring the new Linux installation and creating user
accounts, mount the old /home partition at some temporary mount
point, and copy over stuff like /home/[user]/Documents, but not
things like .bashrc that will just confuse matters. Likewise, copy
over the VM images.

*After some time has passed and I'm sure I haven't missed any files I
want, delete the old /home partition and add that space to the new
one via LVM tools.

Criticisms? Tips? Warnings?

A: Better safe than sorry I suggest you make a full backup of your most important files to an external media, which is not connected to the machine while you are doing the changes. Deleting and specially re-sizing partitions is a risk, not a high one but things can go wrong.
I would definitively keep a copy of the old system /etc as well is probably some if not all /var to look in old configuration files for hints reconfiguring the new system.
Im not sure what you keep on the home partition, but if no useless stuff, I would just mount the old home partition under the new system in /home mountpoint and chown -R username.group /home/username to set correct uid and gid. I do not think .bashrc would confuse anything unless you have some settings in there very specific to the old system. Depending on your window manager .gnome or .kde can disrupt more. You can easily overcome these anyway by renaming them before X (re)starts.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Die Northrop MX-324 war ein Experimentalflugzeug des US-amerikanischen Herstellers Northrop Aircraft Inc. aus der ersten Hälfte der 1940er Jahre. Als reines Nurflügelflugzeug entworfen, erhielt es für die Flugerprobung zusätzlich ein Seitenleitwerk.

Geschichte
Das Unternehmen Aerojet Engineering entwickelte in den Jahren 1941 bis 1942 nach dem JATO-Triebwerk 12AS-1000 D-1 mit Feststoffantrieb auch ein Flüssigraketentriebwerk. Bei diesem verwendete Aerojet die spontan miteinander reagierenden Stoffe Monoethylanilin und rote rauchende Salpetersäure als Oxidationsmittel. Nach den ersten Prüfstandsläufen im Februar 1942 ging die Entwicklung zuerst ebenfalls in Richtung eines JATO-Booster-Packs (Starthilfe für Flugzeuge). Kurz danach erschien mit dem XCALR-2000A aber auch eine Ausführung mit regelbarem Schub, die insgesamt vier Brennkammern verwendete (2 × 3,3 kN und 2 × 1,1 kN). Die vier Brennkammern waren, leicht schräg gestellt, an einer horizontalen Welle angebracht und konnten als Einheit rotieren und so die Zentrifugalkräfte als Pumpe nutzen.

Am 15. September 1942 schlug Northrop den United States Army Air Forces ein schwanzloses Raketenflugzeug vor. Die frühesten Ideen gingen dahin einen Verlust-Abfangjäger zum Objektschutz (Model 14) zu entwickeln. Wenn die Raketen ausgebrannt waren sollte eine Sprengladung die Maschine zerstören und der Pilot mittels Fallschirmabsprung zurückkehren. Das Konzept sah eine liegende Position für den Piloten vor, da bekannt war, dass so höhere Fliehkräfte beim Manövrieren ertragen werden konnten. Auf diese Art war es auch möglich, die Größe der Front- und Seitenflächen und die Trefferwahrscheinlichkeit durch feindliche Bordschützen zu minimieren. Die Maschine sollte eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 540 mph und eine Höhe von 40.000 ft. innerhalb von 6,1 Minuten erreichen. Mit Unterstützung seines Freundes Theodore von Kármán erreichte Northrop, dass General Arnold Interesse für dieses ausgefallene Konzept zeigte. Da das Northrop-Werk mit der Erfüllung anderer Aufträge bereits ausgelastet war, beschloss die USAAF die Entwicklung "in-house" auf dem Wright-Field durchzuführen.

Der Materiel Division als Auftraggeber erschien der Entwurf so radikal, dass sie darauf bestand zuerst drei MX-324-Mock-ups aus Holz herzustellen und für Windkanal- und Flugversuche einzusetzen. So sollten genügend Daten mit dem geringstmöglichen technischen Risiko gesammelt werden. Trotz der vollständigen Auslastung des Hauptwerks konnten diese Holzarbeiten bei Northrop selbst ausgeführt werden.

Der im September 1942 vergebene Auftrag umfasste den Bau einer raketengetriebenen MX-324 und zwei MX-334 Gleitflugzeugen ohne Antrieb. Die MX-324 erhielt mit dem Aerojet XCALR-200 eine vereinfachte Variante des XCALR-2000A-1, die lediglich eine Brennkammer hatte und 0,9 kN (200 lbf) Schub lieferte. Das Triebwerk war nicht regelbar und verfügte über eine Brenndauer von fünf Minuten. Als Hauptwerkstoff für die Flugzeugzelle wurde in allen Fällen Sperrholz eingesetzt. Der die größten Lasten aufnehmende, zentrale Rumpfteil wurde jedoch als geschweißte Rohrkonstruktion hergestellt.

Die erste MX-334 flog zum ersten Mal am 2. Oktober 1943 auf dem Muroc Army Air Field mit dem Testpiloten John Myers am Steuer. Die MX-324 folgte am 30. November 1943 (oder 27. August 1943) mit einem Gleitflug ohne Antrieb. Der Erstflug mit Raketenantrieb erfolgte erst am 5. Juli 1944, nachdem die Maschine durch eine P-38 auf eine Höhe von 8.000 ft. geschleppt und dort ausgeklinkt wurde. Der Pilot Harry Crosby zündete das Triebwerk für einen vierminütigen Flug und führte damit den ersten Raketenflug eines US-amerikanischen Flugzeugs durch. Das schwache Triebwerk diente lediglich dazu den Gleitflug zu verlängern, die Höhe konnte damit nach dem Ausklinken nicht gehalten werden. Die ersten Erprobungsflüge bei höherer Geschwindigkeit zeigten die Instabilität der gewählten Nurflügelauslegung, so dass eine mit Drähten verspannte Leitwerksflosse aus Sperrholz zusätzlich installiert wurde.

Die MX-324 führte bis zum 27. Juli 1944 acht Gleitflüge und sieben angetriebene Flüge durch. Die beiden MX-334 absolvierten bis 19. Mai 1944 insgesamt 13 Flüge, die jeweils über fünf bis acht Minuten gingen und 480 km/h (300 mph) erreichten. Für alle Flüge musste zum Aufstieg eine Schleppmaschine eingesetzt werden.

Noch während der Erprobung der MX-334 verhandelte die Army mit Northrop über den Bau eines Prototyps für einen vollmaßstäblichen Ganzmetall-Abfangjäger. Es war jedoch von Beginn an klar, dass sämtliche Konstruktions- und Produktionsleistungen an einen Unterauftragnehmer vergeben werden mussten. Dieses Flugzeug sollte ein 8,9 kN (2000 lbf) leistendes XCALR-2000A-1 und zusätzlich zwei abwerfbare RATO-Booster mit jeweils 4,5 kN Schub als Antrieb erhalten. Als Leistungswerte wurden eine Höchstgeschwindigkeit von 860 km/h in einer Höhe von 6100 m und eine Gipfelhöhe von 12.200 m berechnet. Im Januar 1943 erteilte die Army den Auftrag über drei XP-79 mit der Projektnummer MX-365 an Northrop.

Details zur MX-324 wurden erst 12. Februar 1947, über 16 Monate nach Einstellung des Projekts, öffentlich bekannt gegeben.

Technische Daten

Siehe auch
 Liste von Flugzeugtypen

Literatur
 Bill Norton: U.S. Experimental & Prototype Aircraft Projects Specialty Press, 2008, ISBN 978-1-58007-109-3, S. 247 f.
 Dennis R. Jenkins, Tony R. Landis: Experimental & Prototype U.S. Air Force Jet Fighters, Specialty Press, 2008, ISBN 978-1-58007-111-6, S. 32 f.

Weblinks

 NASA-Report zu den Windkanaluntersuchungen der MX-334 (abgerufen am 3. August 2014)

Anmerkungen

Einzelnachweise

Militärischer Flugzeugtyp
Experimentalflugzeug
Nurflügel
Einstrahliges Flugzeug
Northrop Grumman (Luftfahrzeug)
Erstflug 1943

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


In just seven years, the US shale gas and tight oil revolution has created significant new challenges and opportunities and a new known-unknown that energy market players and analysts must learn to deal with in the years to come. Among all the data and evidence at hand, this comment focuses around the following pieces of industry data that capture a vast amount of relevant context (technical and commercial) and decision-making: (1) recent announcements by large and small industry players, such as write-downs, and (2) financial performance analysis of US shale gas and tight oil independents. The article argues the shale industry has been focused on drilling and this is likely to remain the focus for years to come as companies delineate acreage spacing, increasing the longevity of these plays and the span of drilling that may require decades not years. A key question is who can, or will want to, fund the drilling of millions of acres and hundreds of thousands of wells at an ongoing loss? The article concludes that a more realistic outcome is that sections of the industry will have to restructure and focus more rapidly on the most commercially sustainable areas of the plays possibly yielding a lower production growth in the US than is currently expected, but perhaps a more lasting one. It argues that not all companies are going to end up on top, but shifts in commodity prices and performance improvements will result in a stable 'core' group holding the prize.


Umrah Turkey Stop Over Muslim Tour Package for 5 Days , you will visit most important islamic sites with this package. and full day you will able to visiting Companions of Prophet Muhammad in İstanbul .
Day 2 Breakfast, Full Day Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour. Overnight in Istanbul. (Included meals: Breakfast and Lunch).
09:00 After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for the Fully Guided Istanbul Walking Old City Tour which is included the sites of visiting as follow: Topkapi Palace,Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Covered Bazaar, Little Hagia Sophia Mosque. 17:00 After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.


text:
Anthony Mann, nacido con el nombre de Emil (o Anton) Bundesmann (San Diego, 30 de junio de 1906 - Berlín, 29 de abril de 1967), fue un director de cine, productor y actor estadounidense.

Trayectoria
Se desconocen muchos datos iniciales, aunque se supone que nació en 1906 en San Diego (o en Point Loma). Pero se sabe que su padre, Emile Theodore Bundsmann, era un emigrante austríaco; y que su madre, Bertha Waxelbaum (apellido original: Weichselbaum), provenía de una familia judía de Macon, Georgia. Hacia 1917, la familia se trasladó a Nueva York. Mann inició sus estudios, que tuvo que abandonar en 1923 tras la muerte de su padre,

Anthony Mann comenzó su carrera como actor en Nueva York, en pequeñas salas del off-Broadway. Esa experiencia sería decisiva para su futuro quehacer. Entre 1926 y 1933 fue contratado como jefe de producción del Teatro Guild; ese último año dirigió dos producciones para dicho teatro. En 1936 dirigió Cherokee Night para el Teatro de Harlem; en 1937, otra pieza para el teatro de la Calle 46; y en 1938 otras tres para el teatro federal.

En 1938 se trasladó a Hollywood contratado por David O. Selznick, como descubridor de talentos y director de reparto. En 1942 empezó a trabajar como asistente de dirección. Hizo pruebas para filmes famosos, como Lo que el viento se levó, Intermezzo y Rebecca.

Sus primeros filmes, de 1942, fueron Dr. Broadway (para la Paramount) y Moonlight in Havana (para la Universal). Rodó con habilidad la comedia Two O'clock Courage (1945). Destacó pronto en el cine negro clásico —así con He Walked by Night (1948), Railroaded!, T-Men y Raw Deal—, lo que le permitió hacerse un hueco en la capital del cine. También hizo Reign of Terror, 1949, sobre la Revolución francesa.

A continuación obtuvo un éxito significativo en el género del wéstern durante su etapa en los Estudios Universal, así con La puerta del diablo (1950); y sobre todo destacó en un ciclo de colaboraciones con James Stewart: Winchester '73 (muy alabada), Horizontes lejanos, The Naked Spur, The Far Country, El hombre de Laramie y El hombre del oeste, con Gary Cooper, considerada por muchos críticos su obra maestra. En el estilo cinematográfico de Mann resalta cómo subraya a un personaje por encima de los restantes.

Aunque sea un campo menos logrado, destacó su Música y lágrimas (The Glenn Miller Story, 1954), de género musical (y también biográfico, sobre Glenn Miller) con guion de Valentine Davies y Oscar Brodney; tuvo como protagonistas a James Stewart y June Allyson. En 1958 rodó una violenta película en blanco y negro, La pequeña tierra de Dios, basada en la novela homónima de Erskine Caldwell.

En los años 60 se concentró en realizar dos grandes producciones épicas, ambas con Sofía Loren, producidas por el rumano-estadounidense Samuel Bronston. El Cid (1961), por un lado, tuvo gran éxito comercial, no sólo en España; y algunos críticos valoran especialmente su factura pictográfica. Aunque con menos éxito de crítica, pero sí de público, realizó La caída del Imperio romano (1964), una gran película tétrica y extensa, que arranca de los últimos años del emperador sabio, Marco Aurelio (su funeral sería la culminación del relato), y se detiene justo en el ocaso de su hijo Cómodo, cuyo desorden vital y público o su muerte en el año 192 preanunciarían, antes de dos siglos, el fin del Imperio. El guion, dice en los créditos, estaría inspirado por la Historia de la decadencia y caída del Imperio romano de Edward Gibbon, cuyo arranque es precisamente el mandato de Marco Aurelio.

Por su trabajo, tiene una estrella en el Paseo de la Fama de Hollywood en el 6229 de Hollywood Bulevard. Estuvo casado con Mildred Mann (1936–1956); en segundas nupcias, desde 1957 con Sara Montiel, y trabajaron juntos en Serenade, con otras estrellas como Joan Fontaine, Mario Lanza y Vincent Price. Tras anular ese matrimonio se casaría con una bailarina del Sadlers Wells Ballet.
En 1964 fue presidente del jurado en el 14.º Festival International de Cine, en Berlín. Murió de un ataque al corazón en la capital alemana, en 1967, mientras dirigía una película de espionaje, Sentencia para un dandy (A Dandy in Aspic). El encargado de asumir las labores de dirección tras el fallecimiento de Mann fue Laurence Harvey, actor protagonista de la trama.

Estuvo cierto tiempo olvidado y no se le situaba junto a los grandes directores estadounidenses. Andrew Harris, en 1968, lo destacó en su libro The American Cinema, 1929-1968, y señalaba que ese olvido afectaba entre otros a Douglas Sirk, Nicholas Ray, Samuel Fuller y Otto Preminger.

Pero a finales de los setenta, en 1979, la crítica americana Jeanine Basinger escribió una monografía sobre Mann, que sería el texto, bien ilustrado 25 años después, que se presentó en el Festival de San Sebastián en 2004, que se centró en su obra. Este evento proyectó de nuevo a Mann en el  (y se han recuperado en DVD muchos de sus filmes).

Filmografía

Bibliografía sobre Anthony Mann
 Alonso Barahona, Fernando, Anthony Mann, Film Ideal, 1997 ISBN 978-84-922150-3-4
 J. Rancière, "Poética de Anthony Mann", en La fábula cinematográfica. Reflexiones sobre la ficción en el cine, Barcelona, Paidós, 2005 ISBN 978-844-931-680-7 (or. La Fable cinématographique, París, Le Seuil, 2001).
 Comas Puente, Àngel, Anthony Mann, T&B Editores, 2004 ISBN 978-84-95602-72-5 (y en Archivo de internet, 2011 ISBN 978-84-15360-03-2)
 Basinger, Jeanine, Anthony Mann, Filmoteca Española; Festival Internacional de Cine de San Sebastián, 2004, ISBN 978-84-86877-32-3, texto bilingüe.

Notas

Otras referencias
 El Cid de Anthony Mann, a través del cine histórico y la edad media, Publicaciones de la Universidad de Alicante, 1999. ISBN 84-7908-466-9
 El western de Anthony Mann

Actores de cine de Estados Unidos
Directores de cine de Estados Unidos
Productores de cine de Estados Unidos
Paseo de la Fama de Hollywood
Sandieguinos


The link between sleep problems and aggression, and the cost, is becoming clear.
Everybody enjoys a good night's sleep, which serves essential functions such as purging the brain's toxins, promoting rest and regeneration, and even helping the brain encode new memories.
For people who don't get the recommended amount of sleep—seven to nine hours each night for adults—the consequences can be severe. We all suffer from the occasional bout of insomnia, but research on total sleep deprivation shows that sleep debt leads to impaired judgment, loss of emotional control, reduced mental flexibility, and (at least in some cases), psychotic symptoms. Around 33 percent of Americans report loss of sleep for various reasons, so it's hardly surprising that sleep deprivation has been linked to industrial and automobile accidents, as well as judgment errors in almost any task you can name. And it's linked to a wide range of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety.
Is lack of sleep also linked to aggression?
There is no question that aggressive behavior is distressingly common; in 2012, there were almost 7 million reports of violent victimization. But not all aggressive behavior leads to criminal charges. In most cases, episodes of verbal assault, cyberbullying, and road rage go unreported, but they of course still have a negative impact on how people live their lives. Understanding why people act aggressively, and finding ways to prevent the behavior, motivates researchers and lawmakers alike.
A new article in the journal Psychology of Violence suggests that sleep problems play a far greater role in aggression than researchers suspected. Authors Zlatan Krizan and Anne Herlache of Iowa State University point out the different ways that poor sleep can help release aggressive impulses and fuel violence. Along with case studies showing that violent offenders become less aggressive after being treated for sleep problems, brain research indicates that poor sleep can influence our ability to control impulsive behavior; it also appears connected to how we emotionally respond to threats.
Though animal research has shown increased aggression in rats following REM sleep deprivation, little research has found similar results in humans. Still, as Krizan and Herlache point out, poor sleep can amplify aggressive tendencies in humans in different ways. First, lack of sleep generally increases negative emotions such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression—other research shows that anger and irritability can increase as well. But poor sleep can also lead to greater physical discomfort and pain, including headaches, stomach aches, and flu-like symptoms. As sleep debt increases, we also become more sensitive to pain and emotional triggers that make us more likely to respond aggressively.
Along with the emotional difficulties linked to poor sleep, cognitive problems are common as well. Lack of sleep leads to impaired judgment and impaired ability to make decisions, especially under pressure. We can also become more paranoid and less flexible in how we respond to frustration or to provoking comments. We might ordinarily be able to handle these situations without problems, but a crushing sleep debt generally means we are more likely to lash out aggressively. It probably doesn't help that a lack of sleep also means we become less inhibited and less likely to control what we may see or do when we become annoyed. While sleep can make us more aggressive, Krizan and Herlache suggest that the link can go both ways: Becoming angry or upset generally increases physiological arousal, making us more likely to spend our time ruminating on the things that bother us, which can undermine our ability to sleep.
To highlight the link between poor sleep and aggression, Krizan and Herlache examined recent research looking at intimate partner violence, bullying in children and adolescents, and aggressive behavior in psychiatric hospitals and prisons. As expected, the research showed a consistent link between poor sleep and aggressive behavior in all three areas. These findings demonstrate the importance of understanding how sleep problems can influence the way that people think and act, not just in terms of aggression, but all kinds of problem social behavior.
More research on this subject is needed, but we can already appreciate that sleep problems can play an essential role in mental and physical health, not to mention the role it seems to play in aggression and violence. Completely eliminating sleep debt may be impossible for many people, but treating ongoing sleep problems can yield results we are just beginning to appreciate.
About 12 years ago (due to trying to pack too many fun events into one long weekend) I experienced two full nights without sleep. Then on the third day, towards the evening, I began to hallucinate!
Weirdly, and inexplicably by the time I began hallucinating I didn't feel sleepy anymore and was able to continue socializing for several more hours, even though I was seeing odd things that were not really there.
And I only understood that I was seeing hallucinations because nobody else saw them.
When I finally did go to bed I slept for about 12 hours straight.
But at NO time did I experience anything that made me feel negative emotions like fear or sadness or anger and I was not violent, at all.
So, it seems to me that sleep deprivation does not automatically cause everyone to become violent, but it seems likely that sleep deprivation can uncouple the executive function of the brain aka zero inhibition, so sleep-deprived angry people are more likely to erupt in violence.
Perhaps sleep deprivation is similar to the disinhibiting quality of alcohol. Some people become very silly when they're very drunk, some cry, some just fall asleep, some become more sociable or amorous, some become exhibitionists, and some unleash their pent-up rage and attack others physically.
I think it must all depend on the individual.
It's not so much that sleep loss will make people violent but rather that it can make people more likely to react aggressively if provoked.
My point was that I think the study is generalizing too much.
Sleep deprivation does not make "everyone" violent or even irritable. Individuals react in individual ways.
Sleep deprivation does tend to shut down the executive (or judgement or rational) areas of the brain that act as an inhibitor of impulsive behaviors.
So without sufficient sleep (or with sufficient alcohol) people lose their usual, rational, sensible inhibitions and their more irrational, hidden sides come out. Shy people might become comedians or make bold sexual advances, and the quiet guy who seems timid might erupt in a violent rage.
There has not been enough research done on the effects of deprivation of _high_quality_ sleep. Also, such research must be trumpeted loudly in the same way that the idiot "tough men don't need sleep" brigade trumpets their retarded opinions.
Of course with the idiotic protestant "work ethic" (or "slave ethic"), modern pharma materialism is trying to find the magic concoction that could eliminate sleep. This is sheer lunacy because it is impossible to mess with a structural component that Evolution has taken millions of years to evolve, and is tightly integrated into almost every biological system. I defy _any_ (non corrupt/bought) scientist to refute that statement!
I would suggest that the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation are far ranging from the extreme (like hallucinating, psychosis, or early death) to the subtle (like poor financial judgement). To suggest that there could be any positive effects (like one commenter did) from sleep deprivation shows complete uneducated lunacy.
All this just goes to show that the current materialistic society is in the process of destroying itself. There are just SO many environmental provocation triggers in the "modern" lifestyle that adding sleep deprivation on top of everything else is guaranteed to cause aggression (if not outright violence). Funny how the current societal landscape is changing in a very non-good way!
As good (high quality) sleep is so fundamental to everything, we must millitantly challenge the drivers that act against this Evolutionarilly dictated need. Why does one need six cars when one will suffice? Why does one need to conspicuously display "bling" (only to get it stolen in France) when the body does not need it to do its daily tasks? The "modern" Ego has just gotten so out of hand that it is now in the process of making itself insane: it has become quite the mad Frankenstein scientist.
The value of peacefulness (which would fix most insomnia) is just so important and so (deliberately) underrated. This research should be acting like a big red alarm bell of impending trouble.
How could you possibly interpret my comment as saying that sleep deprivation is a good thing?!
All I said is that different people react differently to sleep deprivation, not that it's good to go without sleep or to hallucinate.
After two nights without sleep I began to hallucinate, but my point was that I did not become irritable or angry or violent. But it's not something I would voluntarily do again.
I guess I need to post using shorter words and shorter sentences.
I am wondering to which extent the sleep loss must be to become violent. For example when I am sleep deprived, I know that I am more irritable than normal. But to become violent? Maybe I'm just too tired for that.
Are Cats Making Some People Aggressive?
Is the Modern World More Violent?
What Does the Color Pink Do to You?


text:
By Afghan Mission on	 July 8, 2012 Focus, Spotlight, Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan
Outcome and Declaration
On July 8, 2012, the "Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan" will be held in Tokyo.
Since the September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, the international community has continued its military, humanitarian and development support, to Afghanistan to ensure its security.
Against this backdrop, the Government of Japan has played a leading role in supporting Afghanistan's development through enhancing Afghanistan's independence so as not to let Afghanistan return to the hotbed of terrorism again by implementing such measures as the announcement of the Ogata Initiative, which includes seamless support from humanitarian assistance to that of restoration and reconstruction, and a comprehensive development plan focusing on priority areas; hosting of the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan (Tokyo Conference) in 2002; efforts for disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of former soldiers; the disbandment of illegal armed groups (DIAG) and the reintegration of former Taliban soldiers; education and basic medical treatment; development of farms and infrastructural preparations.
At the International Afghanistan Conference in Bonn held in December 2011, the 10-year period during which the transition from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) to the Government of Afghanistan in order to maintain peace and security will be completed (from 2015 to 2024) was defined as the "Transformation Decade", and the international community committed to offer financial contribution towards economic development and security costs.
At the Meeting on Afghanistan, which was held on the occasion of the NATO Chicago Summit in May 2012, the international community reaffirmed their intention to continue to assist the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) beyond 2014 for the sustainable stability of Afghanistan, issuing a strategic message that the ANSF will continue to be sustainable beyond 2014.
Based on the outcomes of the previous international conferences, the Tokyo Conference aims to pave the way to the sustainable development of Afghanistan, taking into account the situation after 2014.
Tokyo international conference for development and economic stability of Afghanistan ended on 8thJuly 2012 with International donors pledges to assists $16 billion aid for Afghanistan over the next four years. The Tokyo conference is being attended by high-level delegates from more than 70 nations and international organizations. Islamic Republic of Afghanistan thanks the participants, donors and technical organizers of this conference and congratulates this great achievement for Afghanistan people.
The economic vision of this conference is for long terms support for Afghanistan. Afghan experts have prepared 22 national priority programs based on their the prior one decade experience which reflect all the development and economic requirements of Afghanistan they highlighted the governance, agriculture, rural development, improvement of private sector and infrastructural projects are in the priority. By implementation of these programs Afghanistan will be self- sufficient, prosperous and economically developed on 2025.
Ministry of Finance will prepare an aid administration policy with international community for financial reforms jointly. If the international community continues implementation of projects like in the past ten years and does not consider the current situation of Afghanistan, it will not so effective for the development of the country. Afghanistan and international community work together for effectiveness of this assistance after Tokyo conference.
Outline of the Tokyo Conference
Opening Remarks by President Karzai in Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan
Remarks by H.E. Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan
Speech by Dr. Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal in Tokyo Development Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan
More to be added
Towards Self-Reliance
Photos & Videos [nggallery id=42]
Tokyo Conference Declaration in PDF
Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan The Tokyo Declaration
Partnership for Self-Reliance in Afghanistan From Transition to Transformation
1. The Afghan Government and the International Community (hereafter "the Participants") met on July 8, 2012 in Tokyo to reaffirm and further consolidate their partnership from Transition to the Transformation Decade. The Tokyo Conference, together with the Chicago Summit of Afghanistan and ISAF contributing countries of May 2012, established a renewed stronger foundation for partnership to support sustainable growth and development of Afghanistan throughout the Transformation Decade (2015-2024). These undertakings are built on the outcome of the Bonn Conference in December 2011, where the Afghan Government and the International Community mutually renewed their long-term commitments in the areas of governance, security, peace process, economic and social development, and regional cooperation, as well as on the outcomes of the previous international conferences such as the London Conference in January 2010 and the Kabul Conference in July 2010. Chaired by the Japanese and Afghan Governments with the participation of ministers and representatives from 55 countries and 25 international and other organizations from around the world, today's conference also recognized the increasing roles of new partners and neighboring and regional countries for the sustainable development of Afghanistan.
2. Since the landmark Tokyo Conference of January 2002, with the steadfast and strong support of the International Community, financial and otherwise, Afghanistan has achieved substantial development and made notable progress in many fields of development, including education, health, roads, electricity, and telecommunication, as illustrated at the symposium hosted by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on July 6, 2012 in Tokyo. Building on the long-held aspiration of the Afghan people, Afghanistan has laid down the foundations of the democratic system of government, including the promulgation of its new Constitution, enshrining a commitment to pluralism and human rights, in particular the equal rights of women; and the development of increasingly active civil society and vibrant and open media.
3. However, much remains to be done to realize the aspirations of the Afghan people for a peaceful, stable and self-sustaining Afghanistan. With support from the International Community, Afghanistan will continue its progress on such issues as security, with a focus on terrorism and counter-narcotics, poverty reduction, humanitarian needs, provision of basic social services, food security, protection of human rights in particular the rights of women and children, respect for individual dignity, promotion of education and culture, improvement of governance, reducing corruption, lessening reliance on international assistance, and promotion of private investment, thereby contributing to human security.
4. At the Bonn Conference, Afghanistan and the International Community shared a vision for long-term partnership to help Afghanistan attain sustainable economic growth and development and fiscal self-reliance from Transition through the Transformation Decade. Today in Tokyo, the Afghan Government and the International Community succeeded in transforming their mutual commitments made in Bonn to cooperate throughout the Transformation Decade into a solid and credible framework focused on the priorities of the Afghan Government as contained in its strategy paper Towards Self-Reliance. At today's Conference, Afghanistan and the International Community established the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework (hereinafter the "Tokyo Framework"), which underpins our partnership for the Transformation Decade.
Security and Peace Process
5. The Participants reaffirmed their respect for the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and independence of Afghanistan, which constitutes an integral component of the peace, well-being and prosperity of the region and beyond. The Participants reaffirmed that peace and security are the foundation on which a stable and prosperous society is built. The Participants recognized that the main threat to Afghanistan's security and stability comes from terrorism and that this threat also endangers regional and international peace and security. In this regard, the Participants recognized the regional dimensions of terrorism and extremism, including terrorist safe havens, and emphasized the need for sincere and result-oriented regional and international cooperation towards a region free from terrorism in order to secure Afghanistan and safeguard the region and the world against the terrorist threat. The Participants renewed their firm determination to combat terrorism and extremism in all their forms and never to allow Afghanistan to become a sanctuary for international terrorism again.
6. The Participants stressed the critical importance of reducing drug and precursor production and trafficking, which poses another challenge to Afghanistan's security and its economic growth as well as to international peace and stability; and the responsibility of neighboring and consuming countries to address the demand aspect of counter narcotics. In this context, the Participants took note of the importance of outcomes of the 3rd Ministerial Conference of the Paris Pact Partners on Combating the Illicit Drugs and Opiates Originating in Afghanistan held on February 16, 2012 in Vienna. The Afghan Government and the International Community reiterated their determination to counter the menace of illicit narcotic drugs through such means as crop eradication, dismantling of drug production infrastructure and promotion of alternative agriculture and law enforcement, cooperation against illicit drugs and precursor chemicals, as well as money laundering and corruption linked to such trafficking. The Participants stressed that key to this is an end to conflict and the development of alternative livelihoods, as well as effective law enforcement, border control and anti-corruption measures; and the health sector must be able to provide care for those suffering from drug abuse.
7. The Participants welcomed the progress of the Transition process so far. With the announcement of tranche 3 on May 13, 2012, 75 percent of the population will now come under the security protection provided by the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF). By mid-2013, all parts of Afghanistan will have begun transition and the Afghan forces will be in the lead for security nation-wide, allowing the withdrawal from Afghanistan of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) by the end of 2014. The Participants stressed the importance of protecting civilian population in accordance with international humanitarian law and international human rights law. The Participants reaffirmed the importance for Afghanistan to attain a fully professional, capable and accountable ANSF that protects the civilian population, in particular women and children, respects the Constitution, and observes Afghan and international laws.
8. The Participants welcomed the clear vision and appropriately funded plan for a sufficient and sustainable ANSF during the Transformation Decade as endorsed at the Chicago Summit of Afghanistan and ISAF contributing countries of May 2012. The International Community reaffirmed its intention to support the training, equipping, financing, and capability development of the Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP) during the Transformation Decade, with the understanding that over the coming years, the International Community is to gradually reduce its financial contribution commensurate with the assumption by the Afghan Government of increasing financial responsibility. The pace and the size of a gradually managed force reduction to a sustainable level are to be conditions-based and decided by the Afghan Government in consultation with the International Community. Development of civilian policing and rule of law capabilities will be among the priorities. International assistance is to be delivered using appropriate, coherent and effective mechanisms guided by the principles of flexibility, transparency, accountability, anti-corruption and cost effectiveness.
9. The Participants reaffirmed the importance of the peace and reconciliation process with a view to ending the ongoing violence in the country and restoring lasting peace and security as per the UN Security Council Resolutions and as stated in the London and Kabul Communiqu}s, and reconfirmed in the Bonn Conclusions. The process that will lead to reconciliation and peace must be inclusive, represent the legitimate interests of all Afghans and be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. In this context, the Participants reiterated the importance of reconciliation principles such as the renunciation of violence, the breaking of ties to international terrorism and respect for the Afghan Constitution, including its human rights provisions, notably the rights of women, and emphasized the region's respect and support for the peace process and its outcome. The Participants recognized the importance of reintegration as an integral part of the peace process, which will pave the way for community recovery and post-conflict rehabilitation of Afghan society through improving security, community development and local governance. In this regard, the International Community welcomed the progress made in reintegration efforts so far including the reintegration of over 4,700 ex-combatants. The International Community welcomed the appointment of the new Chairman of the High Peace Council, Mr. Salahuddin Rabbani, reaffirmed its strong support for the peace efforts of the Afghan Government through the High Peace Council and the Afghan Peace and Reintegration Program (APRP), and called upon the regional countries that can play a positive role to extend all possible cooperation to ensure the success of the peace process. The Participants also stressed the importance of the participation of civil society organizations and women's groups in support of the peace process and the culture of peace and human rights in Afghan society in particular in the light of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
10. The Participants underscored that sustainable return and reintegration of Afghan refugees and internally displaced persons is essential to security and stability. The International Community reaffirmed the commitment, including in the Solutions Strategy made at UNHCR Geneva Conference on May 2 and 3, 2012, to enhance the development and reintegration potential in Afghanistan to create communities that are viable in the long-term and support the increased return of refugees from neighboring countries. The Afghan Government and the International Community acknowledged the burden of Afghanistan's neighbors, in particular Pakistan and Iran, in providing temporary refuge to millions of Afghan in difficult times and are committed to further work towards their voluntary, safe and orderly return.
Governance and Strategy for Economic Self-Reliance
11. The Participants recognized that good governance at national and sub-national levels is essential for strong and sustainable economic development and improved livelihoods of the Afghan people. Through the Tokyo Framework, the Afghan Government and the International Community reaffirmed their partnership in the economic growth and development of Afghanistan through a process of mutual accountability, and the transformation of the relationship from recipient and donors to owner and partners.
12. The Participants shared the view that the International Community's ability to sustain support for Afghanistan depends upon the Afghan Government delivering on its commitments as part of this renewed partnership. In this context, the Afghan Government confirmed its resolve, as expressed at Bonn, that the future of its political system will continue to reflect its pluralistic society and remain firmly founded in the Afghan Constitution. The Afghan people will continue to build a stable, democratic society, based on the rule of law, effective and independent judiciary and good governance, including progress in the fight against corruption. The Afghan Government affirmed that the human rights and fundamental freedoms of its citizens, in particular the equality of men and women, are guaranteed under the Constitution and Afghanistan's international human rights obligations. The Afghan Government committed to conducting free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections in 2014 and 2015, in which all the people of Afghanistan participate freely without internal or external interference.
13. The International Community also noted the Afghan Government's progress on economic governance and ongoing partnership with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the Islamic Development Bank. The International Community welcomed Afghanistan's efforts to date and noted the importance of further actions, including the resolution of the Kabul Bank issue.
14. The Participants reaffirmed their shared goal of achieving Afghanistan's long-term economic growth and fiscal self-reliance. To achieve this objective, the Afghan Government has developed Towards Self-Reliance, a strategy for sustainable growth and development to be implemented through the National Priority Programs (NPPs), with a focus on economic growth, revenue generation, jobs, and human development. The Afghan Government is to continue with the planning and implementation of these NPPs in proper and needed sequencing well into the Transformation Decade with reviews at appropriate intervals. The International Community welcomed the Afghan strategy, and reaffirmed its commitment of aligning 80 percent of aid with the NPPs and channeling at least 50 percent of its development assistance through the national budget of the Afghan Government in accordance with the London and Kabul Communiqu}s. In this regard, donors welcomed the headline results from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) review which confirm that there are established and credible mechanisms donors can use to meet their 50 percent on budget commitment beyond 2014. The Participants encouraged other partners, such as the UN agencies, to support alignment and on-budget mechanisms both through their policy roles and their programmatic activities.
15. The Participants reiterated that the Afghan Government will have special, significant, and continuing but declining fiscal requirements that cannot be met by domestic revenues in the years following Transition as has been estimated by the World Bank and the Afghan Government in preparation for the Tokyo Conference. To help address the budget shortfall, the International Community committed to directing financial support towards Afghanistan's economic development through the Transformation Decade. In this context, in the initial stage of the Transformation Decade, the International Community committed to providing over 16 billion US dollars through 2015, and sustaining support, through 2017, at or near levels of the past decade to respond to the fiscal gap as estimated by the World Bank and the Afghan Government.
16. Regional cooperation and integration contribute to the sustainability of development efforts, through increasing economic and trade opportunities as well as enhancing political dialogue. Keeping in mind that sustained engagement of Afghanistan's regional partners remains key to addressing common challenges, such as terrorism, extremism, illicit drugs, refugees, disaster risk reduction, barriers to trade, investment and economic growth, the role of regional processes and fora that facilitate regular political dialogue and contribute to the building of confidence among countries is extremely important. In this context, the Participants recognized the importance of the Afghan-led and regionally owned Istanbul Process, launched on November 2, 2011, and welcomed the progress of the Istanbul Process as it moves forward incrementally towards practical implementation, by the relevant countries and organizations, of the prioritized confidence building measures (CBMs), as a crucial step towards deepening cooperation, interaction and confidence among Afghanistan's near and extended neighbors. The Participants welcomed the outcome of the very successful 'Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference-Kabul' on June 14, 2012, and looked forward to the next ministerial conference to be held in Kazakhstan in the first half of 2013 .
17. The Participants encouraged further efforts for the promotion of regional economic cooperation through various other regional fora such as the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the United Nations Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (UNSPECA). The participants also welcomed the decision of the SCO to grant Observer status to Afghanistan.
18. The Participants reaffirmed that, Afghanistan being a landlocked country, it is vital to realize the vision of regional connectivity and economic integration, where Afghanistan can serve as a hub and a land-bridge at the center of a stable and prospering region. The International Community is encouraged to support NPP projects which promote regional economic cooperation and to provide funding for the Afghanistan Infrastructure Trust Fund (AITF) managed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The Participants emphasized the importance of implementing projects at the regional level, including projects and programs identified in the Fifth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA V), and those identified by the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) in 2011 in the areas of transport, trade, energy and other key sectors.
19. The Participants reaffirmed the importance of enhancing trade connectivity along historical trade routes, and promoting trade, transit, investment, and border management toward regional and global integration and the creation of an enabling environment. The Participants welcomed the conclusion of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA), the transit agreement between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, and the Agreement on Cross-Border Transport of Persons, Vehicles, and Goods (CBTA) among Afghanistan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan within the framework of CAREC.
Private Sector and Civil Society
20. The Participants shared the view that developing a vibrant private sector will be essential for sustainable development of Afghanistan particularly for the long term; and that it requires the firm commitment of the Afghan Government to taking all steps necessary to achieve an enabling business environment, including establishing regulatory frameworks and building necessary infrastructure. The Participants noted the importance of promoting domestic and foreign investment in Afghanistan. The Participants also encouraged the creation of models for cross-country partnerships in investment whereby international investors can engage in partnership arrangements with those from within the region as well as with local Afghan entrepreneurs. In this context, the importance of job creation and initiatives targeting youth and women employment should be emphasized.
21. As far as investment priorities are concerned, the extractive industries, which already attract growing interest of private investors, as well as others of Afghanistan's productive sectors, such as agriculture and energy, will be crucial in attracting private sector investment in the interest of sustainable, inclusive economic growth and job creation in Afghanistan. In this context, the Afghan Government's Resource Corridor approach is noteworthy.
22. The Participants welcomed the results of the Delhi Investors' Summit on Afghanistan hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industries on June 28 in Delhi, which benefitted from many participants from neighboring countries, and underscored the importance of implementing the recommendations of the summit. The Participants reaffirmed the significance of risk mitigation and credit provision schemes by the International Community in promoting private sector investment in Afghanistan. The International Community committed to taking concrete steps to promote private investment and trade by mobilizing relevant development finance institutions, export credit authorities, and other governmental and nongovernmental tools to encourage human and financial capital investments in Afghanistan. The Participants also reaffirmed the importance of women's participation in private sector conferences as reinforcing the need for inclusive development and recognition of women's rights.
23. The Participants emphasized the role of the Afghan civil society in advocating for and supporting human rights, good governance and sustainable social, economic and democratic development of Afghanistan through a sustained dialogue. The Participants reaffirmed that a thriving and free civil society based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, in particular the equality of men and women, enshrined in the Afghan Constitution, will be key to achieving a more pluralistic society in Afghanistan.
24. The Participants took note of the statement by Afghan civil society organizations at the Tokyo Conference. The Participants also welcomed the results of the civil society event jointly organized by Japanese and Afghan NGOs on July 7 in Tokyo.
25. To ensure continuity and progress, the Afghan Government and the International Community decided to establish a follow-up mechanism to review their mutual long-term commitments laid out in this Declaration and the Tokyo Framework, and to verify the fulfillment of these commitments based on the notion of mutual accountability. For this purpose, the Participants decided, under the framework of the Kabul process, that follow-up meetings will take place at the ministerial level every two years, in between years at the senior officials level, and at more regular intervals under the Afghan-UN led Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) mechanism.
26. The Afghan Government expressed its appreciation to the International Community for its steadfast support for the security and development of Afghanistan notably for renewing its commitment at today's Conference to support Afghanistan during the Transformation Decade. The Afghan Government also recognized with appreciation the supporting role of the UN organizations, including United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) in Afghanistan's development process.
27. The Participants, and in particular the Afghan Government, expressed their deep appreciation to the Government and people of Japan for hosting the Tokyo Conference and for their steadfast support for Afghanistan's stabilization and development. The Participants look forward to next ministerial meeting to be co-hosted by Afghanistan and the United Kingdom within the year 2014 after the presidential election in Afghanistan.
TOKYO MUTUAL ACCOUNTABILITY FRAMEWORK
(Tokyo Framework)
1. The Afghan Government and the International Community reaffirm their partnership in the economic growth and development of Afghanistan through a process of mutual accountability in achieving mutually decided goals as laid out in this document, hereafter the "Tokyo Framework". The International Community's ability to sustain support for Afghanistan depends upon the Afghan Government delivering on its commitments described in the Tokyo Framework. This document establishes an approach based on mutual commitments of the Afghan Government and the International Community to help Afghanistan achieve its development and governance goals based on the International Community's commitments in the Tokyo Framework. The Tokyo Framework establishes a mechanism to monitor and review commitments on a regular basis.
2. Good governance is essential for strong and sustainable economic development and improved livelihoods of the Afghan people. Recognizing this fact, this accountability framework concretizes the mutual commitments decided in the Kabul Process and reaffirmed at the Bonn Conference by stipulating shared development and governance goals and a mechanism as described in this document to hold parties accountable for achieving them. The goals are consistent with the Afghan Government's economic and development strategy presented in Towards Self-Reliance.
3. At the December 2011 Bonn Conference, the International Community affirmed the special status of Afghanistan to receive donor assistance from Transition through Transformation in greater measure than similarly situated nations. The Afghan Government and the International Community are bound by their citizens' expectations for the effective and transparent stewardship of resources.
4. The Afghan Government reaffirms its solemn commitment to strengthen governance, grounded in human rights, the rule of law, and adherence to the Afghan Constitution, and holds it as integral to sustained economic growth and development.
5. Working in partnership with the International Community, the Afghan Government seeks sustained development, economic growth and fiscal sustainability with declining reliance on donor financing as articulated in Towards Self-Reliance. To fulfill this vision, the Afghan Government has put together the National Priority Programs (NPPs), and, in consultation with International Community, is developing an Aid Management Policy to be endorsed by the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) by December 2012 to ensure optimal execution and effectiveness of international assistance aligned with national priorities.
6. As Afghanistan enters the Transformation Decade, progress from the past decade in areas that underpin sustained economic growth and development, especially for women and girls, such as education, health and other basic services, as well as strengthened respect for human rights, must continue. Challenges such as vulnerability to natural disasters and humanitarian needs must also be addressed jointly in an effective and appropriate manner in Transition and the Transformation Decade.
7. Successful transition will lead to a decade of Transformation where Afghanistan will build on the benefits of Transition to become an effectively governed and economically, socially progressing country driven by its own national priorities. This requires a paradigm shift in the nature of partnership between the Afghan Government and the International Community, from that of being recipient and donors to owner and partners. The realization of this shift necessitates re-defining the principle, reciprocal commitments and modalities of partnership, which is the purpose of the Tokyo Framework. The Tokyo Conference is the turning point to begin this re-definition in our partnership.
8. The Tokyo Framework is based on broadly accepted principles of inclusive and sustainable economic growth and development:
oGovernance has a direct bearing on development performance;
oInternational assistance aligned with national priority programs enhances efficiency and sustainability of development assistance;
oInternational assistance through national budgets can improve national institutional capacities, development performance, and accountability to its citizens;
oMonitoring of development and governance benchmarks in a transparent manner is a powerful means to enable accountability to the Afghan people, and reinforce reciprocal commitments of donors and the Afghan Government to improved development performance;
oPrivate investment both domestic and foreign is key to sustainable economic growth; and
oRegional cooperation facilitates the integration of regional economies, thus contributing to the sustainability of development efforts in Afghanistan.
Mutual Commitments
9. The Participants emphasize the importance of the delivery of assistance through adhering to the principles of aid effectiveness, that they cannot continue "business as usual," and must move from promise to practice. The Tokyo Framework sets out a new reinvigorated development partnership between the Afghan Government and the International Community.
10. The Afghan Government and the International Community affirm that a functional democracy based on credible and inclusive elections, a professional and efficient civil service, access to justice and the rule of law are essential to a secure, just, stable and prosperous Afghanistan. Strengthened governance and institutions with a particular focus on the rights of women are prerequisites for strong and sustainable economic growth, employment generation and prosperity for the Afghan people.
Afghanistan Governance and Development Commitments
11. The Afghan Government and the International Community are to monitor performance for five major areas of development and governance according to the modalities described below. A timeline for these indicators is to be developed by the Afghan Government for the next JCMB meeting. The desired goals and initial indicators for each area are stated below.
Representational Democracy and Equitable Elections
Goal: Conduct credible, inclusive and transparent Presidential and Parliamentary elections in 2014 and 2015 according to the Afghan Constitution, in which eligible Afghan citizens, men and women, have the opportunity to participate freely without internal or external interference in accordance with the law.
oDevelop, by early 2013, a comprehensive election timeline through 2015 for electoral preparations and polling dates; and
oEnsure that a robust electoral architecture is developed in a secure, participatory and transparent manner to enable successful and timely elections.
Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights
Goal: Improve access to justice for all, in particular women, by ensuring that the Constitution and other fundamental laws are enforced expeditiously, fairly and transparently; ensure that women can fully enjoy their economic, social, civil, political and cultural rights; fight against corruption, including strengthening counter-narcotics efforts; and improve the capacity of state institutions.
oEnsure respect for human rights for all citizens, in particular for women and children, and allow the Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission and civil society organizations to perform their appropriate functions;
oDemonstrated implementation, with civil society engagement, of both the Elimination of Violence Against Women Law (EVAW), including through services to victims as well as law enforcement, and the implementation of the National Action Plan for Women (NAPWA) on an annual basis; and
oEnact and enforce the legal framework for fighting corruption including, for example, annual asset declarations of senior public officials including the executive, legislative and judiciary.
Integrity of Public Finance and Commercial Banking
Goal: Improved integrity of public financial management and the commercial banking sector.
oImplement the government program supported by the International Monetary Fund on schedule; continue to enforce asset recovery and accountability for those responsible for the Kabul Bank crisis; and strengthen banking supervision and reforms through Da Afghanistan Bank;
oImplement Public Financial Management Action Plan and improve the management of public funds as measured by Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessment by 20 percent and raise the transparency of public funds measured by the Open Budget Initiative (OBI) to more than 40 percent; and
oImplement the recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force Asia Pacific Group regarding anti-money laundering and combating terrorist financing.
Government Revenues, Budget Execution and Sub-National Governance
Goal: Improve the Afghan Government's revenue collection and capacity of line Ministries' to develop and execute budgets accountable to, and incorporating, local needs and preferences.
oThrough more efficient, transparent and accountable customs and tax systems, raise the ratio of revenue collection to GDP from 11 percent to 15 percent by 2016, and to 19 percent by 2025;
oImprove budget execution to 75 percent by 2017;
oEnact a legal framework to clarify roles, and responsibilities of government agencies at national, provincial and district levels, in line with the 2010 Sub-National Governance Policy; and
oDevelop a provincial budgeting process that includes provincial input into the relevant Ministries formulation of budget requests, linked to a provincial planning process in which Provincial Councils have their consultative roles.
Inclusive and Sustained Growth and Development
Goal: Achieve inclusive and sustained growth through a focus on human development, food security, private investment, and decent work and employment opportunities and the improvement of ranking in the human development index.
oEnsure adequate resource allocations to achieve Afghanistan's Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets for health, gender, education, environment and food security and use of MDG indicators to measure progress;
oStrengthened enabling environment for the private sector, as measured by the World Bank Doing Business Index, including development of an Extractive Industries Development Framework that governs Afghanistan's natural wealth through an accountable, efficient and transparent mechanism which builds upon and surpasses international best practices;
oEncourage and support regional economic initiatives by leveraging investments in the agriculture sector and resource corridors as primary drivers of growth; and establish Road, Rail and Civil Aviation Institutions; and
oTake steps necessary to achieve World Trade Organization (WTO) accession by the end of 2014.
International Commitment to Improving Aid Effectiveness
12. The Participants reiterate that the Afghan Government will have special, significant, and continuing but declining fiscal requirements that cannot be met by domestic revenues in the years following Transition as has been estimated by the World Bank and the Afghan Government in preparation for the Tokyo Conference. To help address the budget shortfall, the International Community commits to directing financial support towards Afghanistan's economic development through the Transformation Decade. In this context, in the initial stage of the Transformation Decade, the International Community commits to providing over 16 billion US dollars through 2015, and sustaining support, through 2017, at or near levels of the past decade to respond to the fiscal gap as estimated by the World Bank and the Afghan Government. The International Community welcomes the Afghan strategy, and reaffirms its commitment of aligning 80 percent of aid with the NPPs and channeling at least 50 percent of its development assistance through the national budget of the Afghan Government in accordance with the London and Kabul Communiqu}s.
13. Participating donors aim to increase the share of their assistance provided via the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) incentive program, or other mechanisms as requested or agreed by the Afghan Government, to 10 percent by 2014, with a goal of 20 percent of funding through incentive mechanisms by the end of the Transformation Decade. Incentive programs should seek to provide the Afghan Government with more flexible, on-budget funding in conjunction with progress on specific economic development achievements.
14. The International Community commits to taking concrete steps to improve aid delivery consistent with partnership and global aid effectiveness principles, and adhering to the Afghan Government's Aid Management Policy upon completion and endorsement by the JCMB by December 2012. Alignment of donor assistance to Afghan National Priorities is to be determined in reference to specific deliverables outlined by the Afghan Government in the approved NPPs. Donors intend to consult with the Afghan Government to identify appropriate funding modalities for implementing Afghan National Priorities. The Afghan Government may decline any aid financing that is insufficiently aligned with Afghan Government's priorities, has a low return on investment or high transaction costs.
15. The International Community aims to limit the practice of sub-contracting in all specialized and labor-intensive projects to only one vertical level to reduce overhead costs and improve transparency.
16. The Afghan Government and the International Community decide to establish a mechanism to monitor their performance of indicators and work plans through an established review process, building on the JCMB process. The Afghan Government, facilitated by the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries, is responsible for achieving the governance and development indicators specified in the Tokyo Framework. Development partners are responsible for delivering on their aid commitments stated in the Tokyo Declaration and the Tokyo Framework.
17. The Afghan Government and the International Community are to implement the Tokyo Framework according to the modalities outlined below. The Afghan Government and the International Community are to establish a transparent and regular monitoring process, building on a reinvigorated Kabul Process and JCMB, to hold each other accountable for reciprocal commitments.
18. The three elements of the mechanism are:
oThe Standing Committees and Joint Coordination and Monitoring Board (JCMB) to review progress on a regular basis;
oA Senior Officials Meeting to be held in 2013 and every second year subsequently to review progress and update indicators where needed; and
oA Ministerial-level Meeting to be held in 2014, and every second year subsequently to review progress, update indicators, assess resource requirements and renew international commitments.
19. The first Ministerial-level Meeting will be co-chaired by Afghanistan and the United Kingdom.
On July 8 (Sunday), the Japanese and Afghan Governments jointly held the Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan. A summary and evaluation of the conference are as follows. At the Conference, the Tokyo Declaration was adopted. (attached).
(1) Participating countries and organizations
Organizer:The Japanese and Afghan Governments
(Chaired by H.E. Mr. Koichiro Gemba, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan; H.E. Dr.
Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, Minister of Finance of Afghanistan; H.E. Dr.
Zalmai Rassoul, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan)
Major participants:H.E. Mr. Hamid Karzai, President of Afghanistan; H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Secretary-General of the UN; H.E. Ms. Hillary Clinton, Secretary of State of the US; H.E. Mr. Laurent Fabius, Minister of Foreign Affairs of France; H.E. Dr. Guido Westerwelle, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Deputy Chancellor of Germany; Rt Hon Mr. Andrew Mitchell MP, Secretary of State for International Development of the UK; the Hon.Bob Carr, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia; H.E. Mr. S. M. Krishna, External Affairs Minister of India; H.E. Ms. Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan; H.E. Dr. Ali Akbar Salehi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, and delegates of 55 countries and 25 international organizations.
(2) Conference Summary
At the Tokyo Conference, the international community aimed to address its strategic message and to commit to supporting development efforts of Afghanistan towards its self-reliance during the Transformation Decade (2015 – 2024). To support this substantially, a partnership between the Afghan Government and the international community during the Transformation Decade was embodied. Mutual commitments and accountability of Afghanistan and the international community for the sustainable development of Afghanistan were clarified, and a mechanism under which this can be checked and reviewed on a regular basis was established (the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework).
Commitments by Afghanistan
Afghanistan committed to implementing, effectively and with transparency, strategies for growth and development, based on paper Toward Self-reliance which details growth and development strategies throughout the Transformation Decade.
Furthermore, Afghanistan committed to certainly implementing goals and indicators for the five areas of (1) Representational Democracy and Equitable Elections, (2) Governance, Rule of Law and Human Rights, (3) Integrity of Public Finance and Commercial Banking, (4) Government Revenues, Budget Execution and Sub-National Governance, and (5) inclusive and Sustainable Growth and Development, as well as their certain implementation.
Commitments by the international community
At the Tokyo Conference, the World Bank presented the results of its provisional calculations of the yearly average fiscal gap to 2017, which was either approximately $3.3 billion or $3.9 billion per year depending on the two kinds of growth scenarios. The Afghan Government showed its own estimate of the average fiscal gap to 2020, which was approximately $3.9 billion.
At the Conference, the international community committed to providing over $16 billion through 2015.
Contribution by Japan
It was emphasized that since the Tokyo Conference in January 2002, Japan has played a leading role as the second largest donor behind the US in development assistance to Afghanistan, providing support totaling $3.3 billion till the end of 2011, across various areas including political processes, infrastructural improvement, basic human needs, industrial and agricultural development, and culture.
Based on its past experience, Japan announced that it would provide up to around $3 billion of assistance to Afghanistan in about 5 years from 2012, in the field of socio-economic development and enhancement of security capacity, specifically stressing (1) agricultural sector, (2) infrastructure development and (3) human resource development. Japan expressed its intention to continue to provide contribution to the Afghan-led nation-building even after 2017 through assistance in those areas..
In addition, in order to further strengthen regional cooperation between Afghanistan and its neighboring countries, Japan announced that it is implementing projects worth around $1 billion in neighboring countries, and through these projects it would support the development of the corridor which goes across Afghanistan from Central Asia to Karachi in Pakistan.
(1)Since the International Conference on Reconstruction Assistance to Afghanistan (Tokyo Conference) was held in January 2002, Japan has been playing a leading role in providing support for Afghanistan. The Tokyo Conference on Afghanistan represented the culmination of a series of negotiations with the international conferences which started in the Bonn Conference in December 2011, and brought to a conclusion this year. Based on the discussions on security and regional cooperation at conferences such as the NATO Chicago Summit, the Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA), and the Istanbul Process "Heart of Asia" Ministerial Conference, a specific path for sustainable growth in Afghanistan from 2015 was outlined at the Tokyo Conference, and a powerful strategic message, that Afghanistan would remain stable and be able to continue development beyond 2014, was delivered to the people of Afghanistan, as well as to the international community.
(2)Japan took the initiative and secured high-level participation of the major donor countries such as India, Pakistan and Iran and international development organizations. Through long-term coordination efforts as a host nation, Japan was able to secure commitments from the international community for strong support totaling over $16 billion till 2015, as well as commitments from Afghanistan in the areas of development and governance. Japan also managed to demonstrate its presence in the international arena by newly establishing Tokyo Framework.
(3)The result of the Tokyo Conference was that Afghanistan and the international community will enter into a concrete partnership with financial backing, under the newly formulated the Tokyo Mutual Accountability Framework Tokyo Framework. As the host nation of the said Conference, Japan will pursue follow-up efforts under its own initiative on the basis of the Tokyo Framework. It is important for Japan to continue playing a proactive and positive role with the international community in supporting Afghanistan.
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