Author: Steven Sahiounie

Iraq Seeks Arab Alternatives to Buy Gas and Replace Iranian Supplies Iraq is exploring new options to secure gas supplies from Arab nations like Qatar and Oman as a substitute for Iranian imports. This shift comes in response to U.S. efforts to block Iraq’s electricity imports from Tehran, signaling potential future restrictions on gas trade as well. On Monday, the head of Iraq’s “South Gas Company” revealed that Baghdad is considering Qatar and Oman as viable alternatives for gas purchases. This move follows the U.S. decision to tighten sanctions on Iran, with a U.S. State Department spokesperson confirming that the…

Military Police Arrest Suspects in Syrian Coast Incidents Amid Ongoing Investigations The Syrian Ministry of Defense’s Military Police have taken decisive action in response to recent events on the Syrian coast. These incidents, which have drawn widespread attention, involve serious violations and sectarian activities that have unsettled the region. In this article, we explore the arrests made, the legal proceedings underway, and the efforts of the transitional government to address these Syrian coast incidents. Arrests Made in Connection to Sectarian Violations The Military Police of the Syrian Ministry of Defense arrested two individuals after a video surfaced showing their involvement…

8 Clauses of the Agreement to Integrate SDF into Syrian State Institutions On Monday, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), Mazloum Abdi, signed a landmark agreement to integrate all civilian and military institutions of the Kurdish Autonomous Administration into the framework of the Syrian state, as announced by the presidency. The Syrian presidency released a statement signed by both parties, outlining 8 key clauses as follows: Earlier this year, in February, the SDF leadership announced the integration of its military and security institutions with those of the Autonomous Administration, paving the way for…

UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria Denies Sending Fact-Finding Mission to Coastal Region The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Adam Abdel Mawla, has refuted claims circulating about the UN deploying a fact-finding mission or launching an investigation in the Syrian coastal region. In a statement issued on Monday, the UN envoy clarified that such missions can only be carried out with authorization from the UN Human Rights Council or the UN Security Council. The statement emphasized, “The United Nations’ efforts on the ground remain focused on delivering life-saving humanitarian aid to those most in need, while ensuring the safety and…

Clashes in Aleppo’s Predominantly Kurdish Sheikh Maqsoud Neighborhood Result in Fatalities The Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhood, a predominantly Kurdish area in Aleppo, Syria, has recently witnessed violent clashes between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and units affiliated with the Syrian Defense Ministry. These confrontations have led to casualties on both sides, further escalating tensions in the region. Below is a detailed account of the events, statements from involved parties, and the broader implications of this conflict. Details of the Clashes in Sheikh Maqsoud, Aleppo According to reports, the clashes erupted when armed groups allegedly linked to the Syrian authorities in Damascus…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Experts, such as Britain’s MI6 intelligence agents, have observed President Obama’s policies toward Russia in 2014 sowed the seeds for the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Democrats like Obama and Biden have championed the war in Ukraine, and have instilled fear in the minds of Europeans, that they will be next if Russia should win. President Trump recognizes the war in Ukraine as a failed project by the Democrats which must be stopped while he “drains the swamp”. Steven Sahiounie of MidEastDiscourse interviewed Donald Courter, a news correspondent covering Russian and Ukrainian issues. 1. Steven…

Syrian Democratic Forces Comment on Events in Syria’s Coastal Region On Sunday, Mazloum Abdi, the commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), called on Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to take immediate action to address the perpetrators of sectarian violence in the country’s coastal regions. Abdi accused factions supported by Turkey of being primarily responsible for the killings that have plagued the area. In written comments to Reuters, Abdi emphasized the need for President al-Sharaa to intervene and halt what he described as “massacres.” He directly blamed “factions still supported by Turkey and Islamist extremists” for playing a central role in…

Israeli Energy Minister Orders Immediate Power Cut to Gaza Strip On Sunday, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen announced that he had issued directives to halt electricity supplies to the Gaza Strip. The decision comes just one week after Israel imposed a ban on humanitarian aid entering the war-torn region. In a video statement, Cohen declared, “I have just signed an order to immediately stop the electricity supply to the Gaza Strip.” He further emphasized, “We will use all available tools to secure the release of hostages and ensure that Hamas no longer exists in Gaza the day after the war.”…

Trump Administration Ends Iraq’s Waivers for Buying Electricity from Iran Under “Maximum Pressure” Policy The Trump administration has terminated the waivers previously granted to Iraq for purchasing electricity from Iran, aligning with President Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran, a U.S. State Department spokesperson confirmed. A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department revealed that the Trump administration has ended the waivers allowing Iraq to buy electricity from Iran. This decision reflects President Trump’s ongoing “maximum pressure” strategy aimed at curbing Tehran’s influence. The spokesperson emphasized that the move ensures “no economic or financial relief is provided to Iran,” highlighting…

UN Commissioner Türk Urges Immediate Halt to Civilian Killings in Syria and Calls for Investigations UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for an immediate cessation of civilian killings in the coastal regions of northwest Syria, urging swift action to protect vulnerable populations. Escalating Violence Against Civilians in Northwest Syria Following a series of coordinated attacks reportedly carried out by elements of the former Syrian government and other local armed groups in the coastal regions of northwest Syria, deeply concerning reports have emerged. Entire families, including women, children, and individuals unable to fight, have been killed. There…