Author: Steven Sahiounie

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…

Record-Breaking Milestone Longest Time Spent with an Artificial Heart A man in his forties has made medical history as the first person to leave the hospital with a fully artificial heart, according to an announcement made by St. Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney on Wednesday. This groundbreaking procedure marks a significant advancement in cardiac care and artificial heart technology. First-of-Its-Kind Procedure in Australia The patient, who suffered from severe heart failure, lived with the artificial heart—a titanium blood pump—for over 100 days before undergoing a real heart transplant in March. In November, he received the artificial heart at St. Vincent’s Hospital…

Missile Attack on MJ Pinar Ship in Odessa Port Kills Four Syrian Crew Members Activists circulated news of a missile attack, believed to be of Russian origin, targeting the MJ Pinar ship in Ukraine’s Odessa port. Preliminary reports indicate that four Syrian crew members were killed, and another was injured. The victims hailed from Syria’s Arwad Island and were identified as: Details of the MJ Pinar Ship According to the Ukrainian Maritime Ports Authority, the victims were crew members of the MJ Pinar, a cargo ship with a gross tonnage of 30,500 tons, built in 2009. The vessel was reportedly…

Trump: Zelenskyy Welcome at White House, Talks with Putin Planned President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he is likely to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week, following Ukraine’s endorsement of a U.S.-proposed ceasefire and negotiations to end the ongoing war. Speaking outside the White House alongside tech billionaire Elon Musk, Trump expressed hope that Putin would agree to the proposed deal. Trump told reporters, “As they say, it takes two to tango, right?” He further noted, “We hope [Putin] agrees too, and I truly believe that would be 75% of the way toward a resolution.” For those…