Author: Steven Sahiounie

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…

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.…