WASHINGTON, Feb 18: US Secretary of State Colin Powell confirmed on Tuesday US plans to return Iraq's sovereignty to its people by June 30. We still believe that June 30 is the appropriate time to have a transition to an interim government of the people of Iraq.

We are waiting to get a report from (UN envoy Lakhdar) Brahimi, through (UN) Secretary General Kofi Annan, as to the results of ambassador Brahimi's visit to the region," Mr Powell said. -AFP

Opinion

Editorial

A difficult story
Updated 12 Jun, 2026

A difficult story

Unless productivity becomes the dominant target of economic policy, Pakistan will continue to oscillate between crises and fragile recovery.
Rough waters
12 Jun, 2026

Rough waters

AMONGST the key potential triggers for fresh conflict in South Asia is water. The Indian state is behaving in an...
Politicised football
12 Jun, 2026

Politicised football

ALMOST three-and-half years since Lionel Messi led Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory, the latest edition of...
GB polls’ aftermath
Updated 11 Jun, 2026

GB polls’ aftermath

The new administration must address the region’s issues proactively.
Peace in retreat
11 Jun, 2026

Peace in retreat

THE ceasefire announced in April was supposed to create space for negotiations. Instead, it has been repeatedly...
A few good men
11 Jun, 2026

A few good men

IT was a brave move, no doubt. This Tuesday, in the land of the Afghan Taliban, a few good men decided to take a...