The latest declarations from the White House have sent shockwaves through global markets, as President Donald Trump suggests the U.S. could wind down its military campaign against Iran within two to three weeks. However, as domestic petrol prices climb past $4 a gallon and the Strait of Hormuz remains a volatile chokepoint, many are questioning if this mission accomplished narrative is premature. The reality on the ground characterized by a lack of formal negotiations and a mowing the lawn military strategy suggests that ending this conflict will be far more complex than a simple withdrawal. The Stone Age Strategy: Defining the U.S. Military Objective President Trump has pivoted from seeking a diplomatic grand bargain to a strategy of pure attrition. By stating that a deal is no longer necessary, he has redefined success as the degradation of Iran’s capabilities to the point of being put into the Stone Ages.This shift signals an Israelization of American war aims, where the goal is n...
Pakistan Cricket Board has announced its 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, slated to be hosted by Pakistan between February 19 and March 9. ¹ The very same squad is going to compete in a three-nation ODI series played against New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore and Karachi, preceding the Champions Trophy. The team has seen four changes since the last ODI series in South Africa, with Abdullah Shafique, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, and Sufyan Moqim making way for Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khushdil Shah, and Saud Shakeel. Mohammad Rizwan will lead the team as captain, while Salman Ali Agha will be the vice-captain. The team, that comprehensively won the 2017 title, comprises three members Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, and Fakhar Zaman. Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saud Shakeel, the others in this team, also played for the country when it last participated in the 50-over ICC tournament, ICC Men's 50-over Cricket World Cup 2023. Ever since the IC...