Author: Steven Sahiounie

The US State Department expressed its condemnation of the failed coup attempt in Sudan.  The department emphasized the US’s unwavering support of the Sudanese government and its pursuits of democracy in Sudan, urging the transitional government to hold those involved accountable. The events were described as an undermining of the Sudanese people’s call for freedom and justice and risk international support for Sudan, including the bilateral relationship with the US. Along with other international parties, the US disclosed it would be mobilizing assistance to help Sudan achieve the country’s economic and security goals.

Algeria’s Foreign Minister Ramtane Lamamra reiterated to CNN that his country had severed diplomatic relations with Morocco due to “hostile acts to the sovereignty and national unity of Algeria”. Lamamra went on to say that the severing of ties with Morocco was a decision that Algeria had to take in order to send the “right message” to the neighboring country’s government, assuring that they are handling disputes in a civilized manner, without putting either country at risk. The top Algerian figure disclosed that Algeria urged Moroccan authorities to clarify statements made by its representative to the UN about the “independence of the Kabylie region,”…

The UN announced today that the Taliban movement has requested to address the General Assembly in Afghanistan’s name. Stephane Dujarric, the UN’s spokesperson, revealed to AFP that Secretary-General Antonio Guterres received a letter from the movement requesting to participate in the meetings of the General Assembly. The letter was dated September 20, the eve of the start of the session. The Taliban letter was signed by Amir Khan Muttaki, the foreign minister in the Taliban-formed government. In his message, Muttaki said that Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had been “overthrown” and that all countries of the world “no longer recognize him…

The Islamic Resistance Movement in Palestine reiterated on Tuesday its opposition to the municipal elections scheduled for December 11. In a statement, the movement rejected the Palestinian Authority’s call for holding the municipal elections partially, adding that the elections “serve narrow partisan and factional interests in favor of the PA at the expense of our people’s interests and aspirations.” The movement has also stressed that the current situation requires everyone to focus on how to confront the Israeli occupation and its aggression, defend Palestinian prisoners, confront settlements, end the unjust siege on Gaza, and protect the unity of our people.…

The US political website “The Hill” published a report which unmasked “simmering internal tensions” in the Democratic Party. According to the report, the Democratic infighting began when liberals stood against moderates in the debate over the scope and strategy surrounding Biden’s two-pronged domestic agenda. Moderates demanded the House vote on the Senate-passed infrastructure bill next week, hoping to separate that bipartisan proposal from the Democrats’ multibillion-dollar social spending package, which has no Republican support. Liberals, on the other hand, believe that the two packages should move in tandem to ensure that the larger, more contentious social benefits legislation reaches Biden’s desk. President…

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian revealed that his country is seriously studying the outcome of previous rounds of negotiations regarding the nuclear deal. During his meeting with the EU’s foreign policy coordinator in New York, Amirabdollahian pointed out that the Iranian government is seeking practical results from the upcoming negotiations, adding, “We do not accept the US’ unconstructive behavior, and we will not disrupt our country by waiting for previously tested empty promises.” For his part, the EU’s external relations official, Josep Borrell stated that the US bears the responsibility for the current tense situation, adding that everyone should cooperate to reach…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Recently, the US, UK and Australia formed an alliance which has hurt France on many levels.  Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Andrew Korybko to gain insight into the back story of this global headline. Andrew Korybko is a Moscow-based American political analyst specializing in the relationship between the US grand strategy in Afro-Eurasia, China’s Belt & Road Initiative, Russia’s balancing act, and Hybrid Warfare. 1. Steven Sahiounie (SS): Recently, Australia reneged on a deal to buy submarines from France. The US announced that Australia will deploy nuclear-powered submarines. This has infuriated France, and exposed…

Congress Democrats called on top executives of oil giants, ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell, BP, and Chevron Corporation, to testify on what they called a “long-running, industry-wide campaign to spread disinformation” regarding fossil fuels’ role in causing global warming. The House Oversight Committee requested Thursday that ExxonMobil, Shell, BP, and Chevron executives testify at an October hearing alongside executives from the American Petroleum Institute, the oil industry’s number one lobbying group, and the United States Chamber of Commerce. This investigation would put the executives of some of the world’s largest oil companies at the center of a probe that would reveal…

It has always been known that reefs are in danger, but a new study published in the journal One Earth assessed the size of coral losses around the world. The study reveals that half of the coral reefs have been lost since the 1950s, and scientists believe this is caused by climate change, overfishing, and pollution. These factors are wiping out these already vulnerable fragile ecosystems and putting communities and livelihoods at risk. As a matter of fact, the study goes as far as to underscore the rapid pace of global coral collapse. “Coral reefs have been in decline worldwide—I think that’s…

The Independent High Electoral Commission of Iraq has announced it will be canceling the approval of two candidates in the upcoming elections. In a statement, the commission stated that it had canceled the approval of the candidates Muhammad Abdul-Amri and Salah Taher al-Suwaidi, adding that their votes have been withheld for violating the rules of electoral conduct. Additionally, the Security and Defense Committee of the Iraqi Parliament confirmed that there will be no road blocking or curfew on election day. Bader Al-Ziyadi, a member of the committee, said the Supreme Security Committee for the elections has a strategy to safeguard polling…