Author: Steven Sahiounie

Security Council Approves Statement Condemning “Widespread Violence” in Syria’s Coastal Region In a move reflecting growing international concern over the security situation in Syria, the United Nations Security Council has approved a statement condemning the “widespread violence” occurring in the Syrian coastal region. This decision comes amid escalating tensions and clashes that have claimed the lives of numerous civilians, prompting the international community to take a decisive stance to curb this deterioration. Background of the Crisis in Syria’s Coastal Region The Syrian coastal region, which includes governorates such as Latakia and Tartus, has been witnessing escalating tensions due to internal…

Syria Clarifies Position on Importing Saudi Oil and Activating Iraqi Pipeline Ahmed Suleiman, the Director of Public Relations at the Ministry of Oil and Mineral Resources in Syria’s interim government, stated that the country imports crude oil through competitive bidding processes. This approach ensures the best options are selected, securing reliable supplies while adhering to contractual terms. Suleiman emphasized that Syria currently has no negotiations underway to import crude oil from Iraq or Saudi Arabia. This clarification addresses speculation about potential partnerships with regional oil producers, highlighting the nation’s cautious approach to its energy needs. The Iraqi-Syrian Oil Pipeline: Challenges…

Qatar Announces Initiative to Supply Natural Gas for Syria’s Electricity Needs Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud Al Sharif, the Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Qatari Embassy in Syria, announced a Qatari initiative to provide natural gas supplies to Syria via Jordanian territories. The goal is to contribute to generating 400 megawatts (MW) of electricity, addressing part of Syria’s critical power shortage. During a meeting with Syria’s Minister of Electricity, Eng. Omar Shaqrouq, at the Deir Ali Power Station in the Damascus countryside, Al Sharif emphasized that the initiative aligns with the directives of Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.…

Syrian President Signs New Constitutional Declaration for Transitional Phase Syrian Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a new constitutional declaration, prepared by the Drafting Committee of the Constitutional Declaration, in a significant step aimed at establishing a legal framework for Syria’s transitional phase. This move is designed to provide stability and structure during a critical period in the country’s history, addressing governance, rights, and institutional reforms. The Syrian Transitional Constitution sets the stage for a five-year transitional period, aiming to balance legislative authority, protect fundamental rights, and ensure a structured transition of power. Key Provisions of the Syrian Transitional Constitution The…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On March 10, SDF commander Mazloum Abdi wrote on X that the agreement signed between himself and interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa represents a “real opportunity to build a new Syria.” The historic deal will ultimately see the integration of SDF-controlled armed forces into Syrian state institutions by the end of the year. The agreement is vague and does not detail how the SDF forces will be merged into what is to become a new Syrian national army. In previous negotiations with Damascus, Abdi had wanted the SDF to join the defense ministry as…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The grim job of graves being dug, and burials has finally begun up and down the Syrian coast as calm is slowly restored, and the survivors of Alawite families can return home to bury their dead. According to Western diplomatic sources, the Damascus administration of interim President Ahmad Sharaa will be arresting Abu Amsha, the head of the 25th division, in the investigation of sectarian crimes on the coast. His real name is Mohammed Al-Jassin, from eastern Syria. On March 10, Sharaa said mass killings of members of a minority sect were a threat…

Iraqi Authorities Threaten to Deport Residents Inciting Sectarianism The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday that it has recorded instances of incitement to violence and sectarianism by some residents. The ministry emphasized that anyone who violates the values of Iraqi society will face immediate deportation. Spokesman for the ministry, Brigadier General Miqdad Miri, stated in a press release, “Iraq embraces newcomers and residents with respect and appreciation, but it will not tolerate any actions that fuel discord or threaten social peace.” Security Forces Detect Sectarian ActivitiesMiri further revealed that Iraq’s security and intelligence agencies have identified illegal activities with…

Real Madrid Knocks Out Atlético Madrid in UEFA Champions League Thriller Real Madrid clinched their place in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, overcoming city rivals Atlético Madrid in a nail-biting penalty shootout, ending 4-2 in their favor. The two-legged tie concluded with an aggregate score of 2-2, forcing the match into extra time and eventually penalties. Atlético Madrid Strikes First in Second Leg The second leg, played at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu, saw Atlético Madrid take an early lead through a well-taken goal by Conor Gallagher. The 1-0 victory in the second leg leveled the aggregate score, pushing the tie…

Syrian Government Temporarily Bans Fighters from Entering SDF-Controlled Areas The Syrian government has issued an internal circular prohibiting its fighters from entering areas controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) during the current period. This decision, reported by Syria TV on Wednesday, aims to prevent individual actions that could destabilize ongoing negotiations. Reason Behind the Ban: Avoiding Unilateral Actions According to sources, the Syrian government’s directive stems from concerns over potential individual actions by fighters that could jeopardize the fragile situation. The ban will remain in place until the agreement to hand over state institutions is fully implemented and the…

Trade War Escalates: Europe Strikes Back with $28 Billion in Counter-Tariffs The European Union (EU) plans to impose counter-tariffs on American goods worth €26 billion ($28.33 billion) starting next month, in response to U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, according to a statement released by the European Commission on Wednesday. EU Responds to U.S. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs The announcement came just hours after the U.S. administration imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, marking a significant escalation in the trade war between the two long-standing allies. The EU stated that it will retaliate by reintroducing tariffs on American…