Sunday, April 19th, 2026
US-Iran Talks end in fiasco
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti The much-anticipated talks between the United States and Iran, recently held in Islamabad, have ended in what can only be described as a diplomatic fiasco. While both sides attempted to project a sense of guarded optimism before the negotiations, the outcome has laid bare the deep-rooted mistrust and rigid positions that continue to define relations between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials were quick to point out that expecting a breakthrough in a single sitting was unrealistic, while American representatives maintained that the onus for progress lay withRead More
2026: Azerbaijan’s year of urban planning – A Model for the future
By Ansar Mahmood Bhatti President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed an order declaring 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan. The initiative is aimed at safeguarding the country’s centuries-old traditions of urban planning and architectural heritage, while simultaneously encouraging the development and wider application of modern, innovative approaches in the sector. The decision reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to addressing contemporary urban challenges, ensuring sustainable development, and harmonizing historical legacy with forward-looking architectural and planning practices. Azerbaijan’s urbanisation journey is not only reshaping its own cities butRead More