Author: Steven Sahiounie

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said on Monday that 15 medics and rescuers killed by Israeli forces last month in Gaza were shot in the upper body with “intent to kill.”The killings occurred in the southern Gaza Strip on March 23, days into a renewed Israeli offensive in the Palestinian territory, and have since sparked international condemnation. Younis al-Khatib, president of the Red Crescent in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, told journalists in Ramallah: “There has been an autopsy of the martyrs from the Red Crescent and civil defense teams. We cannot disclose everything we know, but I will say that…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Syrian President Ahmad Sharaa, and the rebels under his command, freed Syria from a despotic dictator of 24 years on December 8, 2024, as well as eliminated the Iranian presence in Syria, which posed a substantial security threat to Israel. Previously, Iran and its operatives inside Syria were firmly entrenched across the country. Former President Bashar Assad had allowed Iran a free hand in Syria in exchange for Iranian paramilitaries, and military supplies, fighting the rebels to keep him in power. After the Sharaa administration took power, all Iranian assets and personnel fled the…

As a journalist who has witnessed the complexities of the Syrian conflict firsthand, I’m proud to present my latest interview, “Voice from Syria: Future After Attacks on Alawites and Christians”. This conversation dives deep into the challenges Syria faces today, particularly the attacks on Alawites and Christians, the difficult journey to accountability for war crimes, and what the country’s future may hold. In this interview, I address several crucial topics that I believe are vital for anyone trying to understand the full picture of the ongoing situation in Syria. From sectarian violence to the rebuilding process, I break down the…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On March 23, Ekrem Imamoglu, Mayor of Istanbul, was sent to prison awaiting trial on terrorism and corruption. He had been arrested on March 19 at his home. Before the arrest, he had answered questions at the prosecutor’s office concerning his alleged relationship with the PKK, an internationally recognized terror group who have killed 30,000 people over three decades of attacks. He is also accused of various corrupt abuses of his office. On March 22, Imamoglu posted on his X account: “There is no salvation alone; either all of us together or none of…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On March 20, before dawn, Israeli attacks on Gaza intensified killing 71 Palestinians sleeping in residential buildings in Khan Younis, Rafah, and Beit Lahiya. Among the dead, were babies, children, women, and men who had been with their families in temporary shelters. Injured people have arrived at hospitals, while many people are still trapped and missing under the rubble. On March 18 and 19, Israeli occupation forces carried out airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 500 deaths, and over 500 injured. The attacks targeted various areas across the coastal enclave, exacerbating an…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Ekrem Imamoglu, the popular two-term Mayor of Istanbul, was arrested at his home today on charges of terrorism and corruption. The former businessman turned politician and major opposition figure has beaten President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Justice and Development Party (AKP) at the opinion polls, suggesting the Mayor could be the next president. Imamoglu was to be nominated by the Republican People’s Party (CHP) on Sunday as their presidential candidate in the 2028 race. Critics of Erdogan had been hoping for an early election. CHP chairman Ozgur Ozel told the media the meeting…

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…

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…

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…