Author: Steven Sahiounie

A senior US envoy has called for the complete disarmament of Hezbollah, comparing the Iran-backed group to a “cancer” within Lebanon that must be excised if the country is to have any hope of recovery.“When you have cancer, you don’t treat part of the cancer in your body and let the rest of it grow and fester,” said Morgan Ortagus, US Special Envoy for Middle East Peace. “You cut the cancer out.” Speaking to Al Arabiya News’ Hadley Gamble during a diplomatic visit to the UAE, Ortagus dismissed long-standing fears that attempting to disarm Hezbollah could spark civil war. “We’ve…

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said on Monday that 15 medics and rescuers killed by Israeli forces last month in Gaza were shot in the upper body with “intent to kill.”The killings occurred in the southern Gaza Strip on March 23, days into a renewed Israeli offensive in the Palestinian territory, and have since sparked international condemnation. Younis al-Khatib, president of the Red Crescent in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, told journalists in Ramallah: “There has been an autopsy of the martyrs from the Red Crescent and civil defense teams. We cannot disclose everything we know, but I will say that…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Syrian President Ahmad Sharaa, and the rebels under his command, freed Syria from a despotic dictator of 24 years on December 8, 2024, as well as eliminated the Iranian presence in Syria, which posed a substantial security threat to Israel. Previously, Iran and its operatives inside Syria were firmly entrenched across the country. Former President Bashar Assad had allowed Iran a free hand in Syria in exchange for Iranian paramilitaries, and military supplies, fighting the rebels to keep him in power. After the Sharaa administration took power, all Iranian assets and personnel fled the…

The New Syrian Government Through the Eyes of Western Media: A Temporary 5-Year Term Without a Prime Minister and a Host of Challenges The birth of the new Syrian government, set to serve as the executive team for a transitional phase outlined by Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa for five years, has sparked reactions from Western newspapers. Notably, this government lacks the position of a prime minister, a detail that has drawn significant attention. Below, we explore how prominent Western media outlets have interpreted this development, shedding light on the challenges and expectations surrounding this transitional administration. The Wall Street Journal:…

What Challenges Will the New Syrian Government Face? The fall of the Assad regime has paved the way for a new Syrian government, but the road ahead is fraught with obstacles. Transitioning from decades of authoritarian rule to a stable, functioning state will require addressing a multitude of intertwined issues. Specifically, the new government must tackle economic collapse, foreign interventions, reconstruction efforts, energy crises, tensions with Israel, negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), and the pressing need for national unity. Each of these challenges demands careful planning, international cooperation, and a unified vision for Syria’s future. Economic Recovery: A…

Istanbul Protests Erupt: A Nation Stands Against Imamoglu’s Arrest Hundreds of thousands of Turkish protesters flooded the streets today, gathering on the Asian side of Istanbul to voice their outrage over the arrest of the city’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu. This unprecedented wave of demonstrations, sparked by his detention, has swept across Turkey, marking the largest unrest in over a decade. A Massive Rally Shakes Istanbul For instance, the opposition-led rally saw an estimated 2.2 million people, according to Ozgur Ozel, leader of the Republican People’s Party (CHP), to which Imamoglu belongs. The crowds assembled at noon (9:00 GMT) on Istanbul’s…

A Vision for a New Syria: Al-Sharaa’s Speech on the Formation of the New Syrian Government In a defining moment for our nation, as we stand together facing immense challenges that demand unity and resilience, the announcement of the new Syrian government marks a historic turning point. Addressing every citizen with a message of hope, Al-Sharaa’s words carried the aspirations of a proud people, resolute in their determination and unwavering in their will. This introduction sets the stage for a new chapter, one inspired by our rich past yet firmly focused on building a future worthy of our collective sacrifices.…

Crafting a New Syrian Government: A Historic Ceremony at the People’s Palace The formation of a new Syrian government marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, symbolizing hope and renewal for its people. In a grand ceremony held at the People’s Palace, officials and dignitaries gathered to witness this transformative event. This occasion not only reflects a shift in political dynamics but also sets the stage for rebuilding a war-torn country. With the world watching, the event underscores Syria’s determination to forge a path toward stability and progress. A Ceremony Steeped in Symbolism The People’s Palace, an iconic landmark,…

As a journalist who has witnessed the complexities of the Syrian conflict firsthand, I’m proud to present my latest interview, “Voice from Syria: Future After Attacks on Alawites and Christians”. This conversation dives deep into the challenges Syria faces today, particularly the attacks on Alawites and Christians, the difficult journey to accountability for war crimes, and what the country’s future may hold. In this interview, I address several crucial topics that I believe are vital for anyone trying to understand the full picture of the ongoing situation in Syria. From sectarian violence to the rebuilding process, I break down the…

Passenger Jet Almost Collides with Fighter Plane Near Reagan Airport An alarming incident recently unfolded near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, shaking the aviation community. According to CBS News, an Airbus A319 operated by Delta Air Lines, en route to Minneapolis, narrowly avoided a collision with a military fighter jet. This close call has reignited concerns about air traffic safety in one of the busiest airspace regions in the United States. A Dangerous Encounter Above Washington Reports indicate that four military aircraft were flying near the airport, heading toward Arlington National Cemetery, when the incident occurred. Meanwhile, the Delta…