Author: Steven Sahiounie

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Ekrem Imamoglu, the popular two-term Mayor of Istanbul, was arrested at his home today on charges of terrorism and corruption. The former businessman turned politician and major opposition figure has beaten President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) at the opinion polls, suggesting the Mayor could be the next president. Imamoglu was to be nominated by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) on Sunday as their presidential candidate in the 2028 race. Critics of Erdogan had been hoping for an early election. CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel told the media the meeting…

A Fragile Calm Settles Over the Lebanese-Syrian Border The Lebanese-Syrian border region in eastern Lebanon witnessed a cautious calm on Tuesday, following the announcement of a ceasefire on Monday evening. This development has brought a temporary halt to the tensions that had flared up in the area, offering a glimmer of hope for stability. However, the situation remains delicate, with both sides closely monitoring the border. Cautious Quiet Interrupted by Sporadic Fire According to Lebanese sources, the border area has experienced a tentative peace, though it was occasionally disrupted by gunfire originating from the Syrian side. Despite the ceasefire agreement,…

Syria’s Druze Leader Rejects Constitutional Declaration: A Call for Democratic Reform In a bold statement on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri, the leader of Syria’s Druze Unitarian community, firmly rejected the recent constitutional declaration. Despite this stance, he emphasized that the door for cooperation remains open, signaling a nuanced approach to Syria’s ongoing political challenges. This development highlights the growing tensions between the interim administration and various factions striving for a unified, democratic state. A Rejection Rooted in Principle Sheikh al-Hijri, in his detailed statement, expressed frustration over the lack of progress toward a consensual framework. He noted…

Israeli Airstrikes Target Central Syria: A New Escalation in Regional Tensions On the night of Tuesday into Wednesday, March 18-19, 2025, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes on a military site in central Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This latest assault marks yet another chapter in Israel’s ongoing military operations within Syrian territory, raising concerns about the stability of an already volatile region. Airstrikes Near Homs: Targeting Missile Battalion The Syrian Observatory reported that Israeli airstrikes specifically targeted a missile battalion near the city of Homs. Witnesses in the area noted hearing loud explosions echoing…

Ceasefire Talks in Jeddah: A Step Toward Peace in Ukraine On Tuesday, Steve Witkoff, the special envoy of U.S. President Donald Trump, announced that negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine will continue on Sunday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This development follows a lengthy phone call between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, signaling a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict. With the world watching closely, these talks could pave the way for lasting peace in the region. Jeddah Hosts Crucial Negotiations In an interview with Fox News shortly after Trump’s conversation with Putin, Witkoff confirmed…

Trump May Recognize Crimea as Part of Russia: A Bold Move Toward Peace As the world watches the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, a surprising development has emerged. Reports suggest that U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is considering recognizing Crimea, annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014, as Russian territory. This potential shift could be part of a broader peace deal aimed at ending the war in Ukraine, which has persisted for over three years. While no official decisions have been made, the possibility has sparked intense debate. A Strategic Shift in U.S. Policy According to Semafor, a U.S.-based news outlet,…

Guterres Shocked by Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza: A Call for Ceasefire The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has expressed profound shock over the renewed Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, urging all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement. According to Rolando Gómez, a UN spokesperson, Guterres strongly condemned the violence during a press conference in Geneva. The Secretary-General emphasized the urgent need to allow humanitarian aid into the region without obstacles and demanded the unconditional release of remaining hostages. This statement comes amid escalating tensions that threaten to destabilize an already fragile situation. A Devastating Toll on Civilians Meanwhile, the Hamas-run Ministry…

Saudi Innovator: Support Transforms Women’s Lives, Nothing Stops Their Ambitions Jana Sulaiman Al-Raifi, a young Saudi electrical engineering student, researcher, and innovator, recently spoke at the opening session of the 69th Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York. During her speech, she passionately highlighted the critical importance of supporting women in various fields, particularly in science and technology. “I stand before you as a testament to the unwavering support of my family, my country, and global stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to empower young women like me,” Al-Raifi stated, emphasizing how this encouragement…

Unveiling the US Military’s Diplomatic Role in Syria: Bridging Kurds and the Government Recently, American officers revealed that the US military has been quietly playing a significant diplomatic role in Syria. Specifically, they have been mediating between the Syrian government and Kurdish fighters to prevent further conflict. According to The Wall Street Journal, this effort aims to stabilize the region and curb the risk of renewed civil war. Moreover, this mediation underscores Washington’s intent to shape Syria’s future while navigating complex regional dynamics. Strengthening Stability Through Strategic Mediation The U.S. military’s involvement reportedly includes encouraging the Free Syrian Army to…

France Considers Ukraine’s Request for Guided Missiles and Drones Amid Rising Tensions According to a recent report by the French newspaper Le Parisien, France is currently evaluating Ukraine’s request for guided missiles and drones. This development highlights the deepening military cooperation between the two nations. Specifically, the Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose term has recently ended, spoke directly with French President Emmanuel Macron via phone on Friday to make this urgent appeal. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, such support could significantly bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities against ongoing threats. France’s Careful Deliberation on Military Support Interestingly, Le Parisien noted that…