Azizi

MEMORANDUM

Haris Azizi (“Azizi”), a native and citizen of Afghanistan, petitions for review of the decision by the Board of Immigration Appeals (“BIA”) affirming an Immigration Judge’s (“IJ”) denial of his application for withholding of removal under 8 U.S.C. § 1231 (b)(3). In his opening brief Azizi does not challenge the agency’s finding that he is removable to Germany, or the agency’s denial of his application for relief under the Convention Against Torture. These issues are waived. Martinez-Serrano v. INS, 94 F.3d 1256, 1259 (9th Cir.1996). Azizi seeks only review of the agency’s denial of withholding of removal to Afghanistan in the alternative. We review for substantial evidence. Lolong v. Gonzales, 484 F.3d 1173, 1178 (9th Cir.2007) (en banc). We have jurisdiction under 8 U.S.C. § 1252 , and we deny the petition.

Azizi did not establish past persecution in Afghanistan. To qualify for withholding of removal Azizi must demonstrate a clear probability that his life or freedom will be threatened upon removal to Afghanistan on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Lanza v. Ashcroft, 389 F.3d 917, 933 (9th…