Author: Steven Sahiounie

A report issued by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) confirmed that nuclear energy plays an important role in avoiding carbon dioxide emissions, thus lending a hand in the battle against climate change. The report mentioned, “Nuclear power is a low-carbon energy source that has avoided about 74Gt of CO2 emissions over the past 50 years, nearly two years’ worth of total global energy-related emissions. Only hydropower has played a greater role in avoiding emissions over this period.” Experts believe that nuclear energy should be seen as part of the measures aimed at implementing the Paris Agreement and the 2030…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator During the past ten years, Iran and Saudi Arabia have struggled for dominance in the Middle East, which has raised fears of a US military intervention. The proxy wars in Syria and Yemen are prime examples of the two powers jockeying for position. The Biden administration is negotiating with Iran, but has not radically changed US foreign policy in the region. Some analysts say that both Iran and Saudi Arabia are looking to lower tensions in the region. Steven Sahiounie interviewed Dr. Marcus Papadopoulos to gain insight into the various issues more deeply. Dr.…

Confrontations erupted on Friday, in Beita, south of Nablus in occupied Palestine, as occupation troops shot tear gas canisters at demonstrators who protested the establishment of a settlement outpost on Jabal Sbeih. Approximately 40 people were injured, according to an Al Mayadeen correspondent, during the ongoing demonstrations against settlers. The Palestinians in Jabal Sbeih, northern occupied West Bank, commemorated the 100th anniversary of the start of “night confusion” activities to oust the Israeli settlement atop the mountain. During clashes with Israeli occupation troops in several parts of the West Bank this afternoon, dozens of Palestinians were injured, five of them with rubber…

Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington DC announced it was locked down on Friday after a “potential armed individual” was spotted. The base later posted on its Facebook page that base personnel should be on the lookout for “two individuals,” describing the first as “a black male, medium build with dreads,” and the other as a “black man wearing green pants and a white top” who “might be injured.” The base told personnel not to go looking for the individuals, but to merely report them if spotted. In 2020, more than 43 thousand people were killed by gunfire, including suicides, according…

Pentagon spokesman John Kirby confirmed that the first battalion of Marines have arrived in Kabul. Kirby, during a press conference today discussed the US’ concern about the speed of “Taliban’s” expansion, alluding to their continued support of the Afghani government forces. He added that “Americans will support Afghans at all times, and “the US will strive to make sure no threat emanates from Afghanistan.” The spokesman expressed that the Afghan security forces are still capable of making a difference in the batte, emphasizing that “no potential outcome has to be inevitable,” urging Afghans to unite. Kirby continued, “You can see…

The Media Spokesperson for the Islamic Jihad Movement in occupied Palestine, Tariq Salmi, said that the media reports revealed the Israeli occupation’s military and security failure during the “Seif al-Quds” Battle, which consecrates the victory of the Resistance and its readiness to confront the Israeli aggression. Salmi said in a press statement today, Saturday, that reports by Israeli media revealed evidence of the occupation’s impotence during the Battle and constitute a clear condemnation of the crimes committed against innocent civilians with an attempt to depict an illusional victory. He also added that the results achieved by the “Seif al-Quds” Battle…

Whatever happened to the Twitter blue check mark? In a peculiar turn of events, Twitter has halted its verification program after the company admitted that it had mistakenly verified fake accounts run by botnets. The verification program is designed to assess the legitimacy of an account, showcasing that it is “authentic, notable and active” by giving them a badge – the blue check mark. It is seen by many as an endorsement by the company. Yet Twitter Verified has been accused of mishandling many accounts’ applications, denying them the badge while fake accounts were receiving it right and left. The…

The Venezuelan government and the opposition in Mexico City signed a “memorandum of understanding” on Friday to start negotiations aimed at ending the five-year political impasse in the country. Representatives of the two sides agreed to meet on the 30th of this month in Mexico to discuss a 7-point agenda, which does not include the departure of President Nicolas Maduro. President Maduro had announced earlier his readiness to conduct negotiations with the opposition and confirmed that negotiations are scheduled to discuss lifting the sanctions imposed on the country. He noted that the government spokesmen have already communicated with various opposition…

Thieves broke into the palace of the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, near the French resort of Cannes, and seized watches and other valuables, according to a source close to the scene. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad was not present when four people stormed his house in Mouan-Sartou, but several of his family members were, RTL radio reported. It added that the robbery was carried out without violence, as the thieves did not threaten the residents of the palace, who surrendered upon spotting a weapon. Moreover, several law enforcement agencies in the cities of Grasse, Nice, and Marseille have opened…

The Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported yesterday, Thursday, that 55 vehicles, including oil tankers and US military escort convoy, made their way out of Syria headed towards Iraq via the Al-Waleed border crossing. According to local sources on the outskirts of Al-Yarubiyah, two convoys consisting of tankers, covered trucks, refrigerated trucks, and US armored vehicles were seen leaving the country. Earlier in the week, US forces were seen smuggling 80 tankers filled with Syrian oil out of the country. It is noteworthy that US forces control about 90% of Syria’s oil-producing territory, depriving the government of its most significant…