Author: Steven Sahiounie

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Lebanon stands on the brink of a new civil war. A 25-year-long civil war in Lebanon was fought from 1975 to 1990. Analysts warn that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be hoping to push Lebanon into a civil war, and take advantage of the chaos to permanently occupy Lebanon, with the approval of the US and its allies. While Lebanese society is split between those who support Hezbollah, and those who oppose them, there is a growing segment of society who view the Israeli occupation as a bigger and more imminent threat than…

Global News Pakistan (GNP) and Syria-based Mideast Discourse have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in news exchange and promoting professional journalism across regions. The agreement, signed by GNP Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Asif Noor, and Executive Director Mideast Discourse, outlines a framework for cooperation in sharing news content, including articles, photographs, and video material. Both organizations will have the right to publish and translate each other’s content with proper attribution. Under the MoU, the two media outlets will work together to enhance coverage of cultural, economic, trade, sports, and political developments. The partnership…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the disruptive effects on global energy supplies caused by the U.S.-Israel-Iran war is bigger than the oil shocks of the 1970s and the 2022 loss of Russian pipeline gas. Many countries are discussing alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, but in reality, all of these alternatives are likely to fail. The main reason is the vulnerability of such infrastructure—oil pipelines running from the Gulf to places like Syria or Turkey can be easily targeted by drones. Modern warfare is increasingly driven by drones and artificial intelligence. We…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Israel has announced an occupation zone in Lebanon, including some Syrian territory. Israel is calling the new boundaries the “Yellow Line”. This is similar to the lines Israel has drawn within the Gaza Strip, where a US-sponsored ceasefire was in effect, yet has never been respected by the Israeli Army. Lebanese officials, and citizens are worried this is the beginning of a forever-war, and permanent occupation of Lebanon. The memories of a past 18-year brutal military occupation pf South Lebanon conjure up painful recollections of torture, death and imprisonment in Khiam of men, women…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri confirmed that America wants to extend the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel. Lebanese and Israeli representatives will hold talks in Washington on Thursday, with Ambassador Simon Karam heading the Lebanese delegation. The meeting will focus on extending the truce and setting a framework for direct negotiations. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said the goal of the talks is to stop the military conflict, end Israel’s occupation in the South, and to deploy the Lebanese army along internationally recognized borders. Hezbollah party MP Hassan Fadlallah, called for a sustained ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal,…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Efforts to secure a peace agreement between the United States and Iran remain fraught with difficulty, as both sides continue to hold firm on core demands. Deep political, military, and economic disagreements—combined with domestic and regional pressures—have stalled progress, despite ongoing mediation and backchannel diplomacy. At present, the prospects for a near-term agreement appear limited. Washington and Tehran remain far apart on fundamental issues, while the broader geopolitical environment continues to deteriorate, with significant consequences for global stability and economic markets. A Fragile Diplomatic Process Recent negotiations, mediated by Pakistan, highlight both the persistence…

By: Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator  In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of attempting to position Turkey as a “new enemy” following Iran, amid increasingly tense exchanges between officials from both countries. Fidan emphasized that ending Israel’s occupation of Lebanese territory and ensuring the protection of civilians are urgent priorities that cannot be delayed. He warned that continued Israeli expansion and the imposition of its geopolitical agenda would make lasting peace, stability, and security in the Middle East unattainable. He also stressed the importance of preventing the Israeli government, led by…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The Syrian Social Nationalist Party (SSNP) in Lebanon is a secular political party and founded in Lebanon in 1932 by Antun Saadeh. It attracts members from all religions and sects. It advocates for a secular government encompassing all Lebanese people. It has taken a resistance stance and defends Lebanon against all invaders, such as Israel. Lebanon is currently under occupation and ongoing airstrikes by the Israeli military. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will remain occupying Lebanon even after Hezbollah has been disarmed. Hezbollah was founded as an armed resistance group in…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator A fragile diplomatic breakthrough has emerged in the Middle East following weeks of escalating conflict, as Pakistan steps in as a key mediator between the United States and Iran. The initiative, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, proposes an immediate ceasefire across multiple fronts, followed by a 15–20-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a broader and more sustainable agreement. According to statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, communication with Pakistan’s leadership—including its military establishment—played a critical role in facilitating the pause in hostilities. Trump described the development as a “complete and comprehensive victory” for…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Lebanese President Joseph Aoun renewed on Sunday his call for negotiations with Israel, warning against the risk of southern Lebanon becoming “another Gaza,” as Israeli airstrikes and ground operations continue to intensify across the region. In a televised address, Aoun stated, “It is true that Israel may seek to turn southern Lebanon into Gaza, but it is our duty not to drag it into that outcome.” Responding to critics of his diplomatic approach, he added, “Some ask what diplomacy achieves. I ask: what have we gained from war?” He highlighted the mounting human toll,…