Author: Steven Sahiounie

Could the Syrian Army Soon Wield American Weapons for the First Time? The Syrian military might soon receive American weapons, a historic first, through an agreement with Kurdish-led forces. This development could reshape the region’s military dynamics while raising questions about integration and geopolitical tensions. Let’s explore this unfolding scenario in detail. A Groundbreaking Agreement Takes Shape On March 10, 2025, Damascus reportedly signed a deal with the leadership of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). According to a Kurdish source speaking to Izvestia, preparations for this agreement began in February 2025 during meetings involving American military officials. The deal…

A New Dawn for Syrians After 14 Years of Conflict The Syrian people are entering a pivotal phase after enduring 14 years of relentless conflict. According to David Carden, the Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syrian Crisis at the United Nations, this moment marks a turning point. With cautious optimism, many Syrians are hoping for a brighter future as the nation begins to navigate this new chapter. A Glimmer of Hope Amidst Ongoing Challenges David Carden, in a recent media statement, emphasized that Syrians are indeed experiencing a new stage after 14 years of struggle, expressing hope for better…

By: Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The Russian air base at Hmeimin, near Latakia, Syria has rescued over 8,000 Syrian minorities fleeing the recent sectarian massacres. Kremlin spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said Russia is shocked by the tragic events in Syria. “The victims were innocent, peaceful civilians. The use of force against civilians is categorically unacceptable. It can in no way be justified,” she pointed out. “We are certainly concerned about the developments in Syria and strongly condemn the massacres. Of course, we sympathize with the families of the victims,” the diplomat added. According to testimonies of some of those…

When “Zarqa” Shouted “Fishert” in Defiance: A Syrian Mother’s Cry Shakes Social Media The heart-wrenching story of Zarqa, an 86-year-old Syrian mother, has reverberated across social media platforms. After losing her two sons and grandson in a brutal sectarian attack on the Syrian coast following the fall of the Assad regime, her defiant cry of “fishert”—a colloquial term expressing defiance and rejection—has turned her into a symbol of resilience for all Syrians, transcending sects and religions. A Mother’s Unbearable Loss Amid Sectarian Violence On March 7th, the Syrian coast witnessed one of its bloodiest incidents since the regime’s collapse. Zarqa,…

Russian Official Visits Pyongyang Amid Ukraine Ceasefire Talks On Saturday, the Korean Central News Agency reported that Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrei Rudenko, arrived in North Korea for an official visit. Notably, this visit follows a recent U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, where thousands of North Korean soldiers have reportedly been deployed to support Russian forces. Consequently, the timing of Rudenko’s trip has sparked speculation about deeper diplomatic coordination between Moscow and Pyongyang during this critical juncture. Rudenko’s Role in Russia-North Korea Relations Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Rudenko…

Macron Hosts Lebanese President on March 28 in Paris to Bolster Ties French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that he will welcome his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun, in Paris on March 28, signaling France’s unwavering commitment to Lebanon’s recovery and sovereignty. This meeting underscores the ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations amid Lebanon’s challenging political and economic landscape. A Step Toward Stability: Macron’s Dialogue with Lebanese Leadership In a post on the X platform, Macron shared details of a recent phone conversation with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He congratulated Salam for his efforts, alongside the government, to…

Why the Expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador Ibrahim Rasool from the US Sparks Global Debate The recent expulsion of South Africa’s Ambassador to the United States, Ibrahim Rasool, has ignited widespread discussions about diplomacy, race, and international relations. Declared persona non grata by the US, Rasool’s exit marks a significant moment in US-South Africa ties. This article explores the reasons behind this diplomatic fallout, its implications, and the broader context shaping this event. The Incident: What Led to Rasool’s Expulsion? Ibrahim Rasool, a seasoned diplomat and anti-apartheid activist, faced expulsion after remarks he made during a webinar. He allegedly criticized…

Reopening of Aleppo International Airport: A New Chapter for Syrian Aviation The Syrian Civil Aviation Authority has recently announced the reopening of Aleppo International Airport, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to restore normalcy and connectivity. Starting Tuesday, March 18, the airport will resume operations for both domestic and international flights after completing all necessary technical and administrative preparations. This development is expected to boost travel and economic activity in the region. A Milestone in Restoration Efforts The reopening of Aleppo International Airport comes after years of challenges faced by the aviation sector in Syria. The completion of…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Diplomats from China, Russia and Iran met in Beijing today demonstrating support for Iran. Today’s meeting involved China’s Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. Following the talks, Ma stressed China’s support for “political and diplomatic engagement and dialogue based on mutual respect.” He added that the relevant parties should address the root causes while abandoning sanctions, pressure, or threat of force. China-Russia-Iran ties Both China and Russia enjoy close relations with Iran following various energy resource deals, and all three countries are…

Rubio: America Built the Panama Canal, and Enforcing Trump’s Decisions Is a Priority The Panama Canal, a monumental engineering feat constructed by the United States in the early 20th century, has recently resurfaced as a focal point in U.S. foreign policy. Under the guidance of Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Trump administration has prioritized reasserting American influence over this critical waterway, reflecting broader geopolitical strategies and historical ties. Historical Context of the Panama Canal Completed in 1914 after a decade of arduous labor, the Panama Canal was a testament to American ingenuity and ambition. Initially under U.S. control, it…