Author: Steven Sahiounie

American Organization Discusses the Fate of Journalist Tice Missing in Syria for 12 Years The American organization “Hostage Aid Worldwide” has confirmed that they believe Austin Tice, the journalist who disappeared in Syria in 2012, is still alive, despite the lack of precise information about his location or tangible evidence to support this belief. Evidence of Life Nizar Zakka, one official from the organization, stated in comments carried by AFP, “We have data confirming that Austin was alive until January 2024.” Moreover, the U.S. President confirmed last August that Tice is still alive, and they remain confident of this fact…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator George Michael sang a hit song, “Last Christmas”, about heartbreak, betrayal, and disappointment. Many Syrians may now be feeling those same emotions, because this might be the “Last Christmas” celebrated legally and openly in Syria. Syrians feel they were betrayed by former President Bashar al-Assad, who drained the country of wealth for his benefit, and that of his family. They are disappointed that he did not hand over power in the process of the UN resolution 2254, but held selfishly on to his ‘throne’ which forced the country to plunge into chaos. Syria has…

Syrian Leader Ahmad al-Sharaa Invites Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim to Damascus, Praises Qatar’s Support for Syrian People Ahmad al-Sharaa, the Syrian interim leader, during a meeting with Qatar’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Mohammad al-Khulaifi, stated that Doha has consistently supported Syria through its transitional phase, praising Qatar’s stance towards the Syrian people at all stages. In his statements, al-Sharaa highlighted several key points: In response, Mohammad al-Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, affirmed: A high-level Qatari delegation arrived in Damascus on Monday, marking the first visit in 13 years, where they held meetings with Syrian officials to…

First Turkish Economic Delegation Visits Aleppo Chamber of Commerce After 13 Years The Aleppo Chamber of Commerce today welcomed a significant visit from the Businessmen Association for Syria (BSA) from the Turkish Republic, accompanied by a Turkish economic delegation. This event marks the first visit by a Turkish delegation to the Aleppo Chamber of Commerce in nearly thirteen years. The visiting delegation expressed their delight in visiting Aleppo, the economic capital of Syria, congratulating and celebrating the victory of the Syrian people’s will and the liberation of their country from the ousted Assad regime. During the meeting, discussions with the…

Military Leadership Arrests 10 Women in Aleppo for Demanding Release of Relatives In a concerning development in Aleppo, the “Military Leadership’s” General Security apparatus arrested 10 women as they were returning from a demonstration. The protest was organized to demand the release of relatives from the “Liberation Party,” who are currently detained in the Military Leadership’s prisons. Following these arrests, an armed group issued a video ultimatum giving the “Military Leadership” two hours to release the detained women, threatening further escalation if their demands were not met. On December 17, the General Security had also arbitrarily detained a young man…

Israeli Forces Issue Ultimatum to Syrian City Residents to Surrender Arms, Threaten Invasion Quneitra Governorate: Israeli forces have given residents of Al-Baath city in Quneitra two hours to surrender their weapons, threatening to storm the city if the deadline is not met. Additionally, Israeli forces have removed the earthen barriers surrounding the city, preparing for entry, as security tensions escalate in the region. A state of anxiety prevails among the city’s residents as the deadline approaches, with the area closely watching the unfolding situation. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported on December 18th that Israeli forces penetrated 9 kilometers…

New Energy Crisis Looms: Qatar Threatens to Halt Gas Exports to Europe Qatar’s Energy Minister, Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, stated on Sunday that his country might cease exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the European Union. In comments to British media, al-Kaabi highlighted that this action could occur if QatarEnergy faces fines for breaching corporate sustainability standards, including carbon emissions, human rights, and labor rights. He further clarified, “If any EU country imposes penalties for non-compliance with the due diligence directives to the extent mentioned, Doha will stop exporting LNG to Europe.” The Qatari minister emphasized that QatarEnergy cannot…

Putin Declares Russia Will Respond to All Challenges Regardless of Escalation Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia’s adversaries can escalate the situation if they wish, but Russia will always respond to any challenge. In an interview with Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday, Putin commented, “We see what our current adversaries are doing, and they are escalating the situation. If they want to escalate further, let them do so; we will always respond to any challenge.” He further added “When our current adversaries and potential partners hear this, understand it, and realize it, they will understand that it’s…

Iran Reveals Messages Sent Through Intermediaries to New Syrian Administration Yaqub Reza Zadeh, a member of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, stated that Tehran had sent indirect messages to the new Syrian administration. According to the Mehr News Agency, Reza Zadeh mentioned that these messages were conveyed through regional intermediaries, including countries involved in the Astana process and Arab states. He emphasized that the messages underscored the importance of ensuring the security of the Iranian embassy in Damascus and the sanctity of holy shrines, such as those of Sayyida Zeinab and Sayyida Ruqayya. Reza Zadeh clarified…

Syria’s Transitional Phase: Between Washington’s Conditions and Ankara’s Aspirations International efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis are intensifying with a U.S. delegation visiting Damascus, coinciding with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s anticipated trip to the city. While Washington seeks to achieve a stable political transition, Ankara is attempting to bolster its influence as a key player in Syrian affairs. Clear American Demands The American delegation, led by Barbara Leaf, met with leaders of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, including Abu Muhammad al-Joulani. During the meeting, Washington emphasized the necessity of adhering to the outcomes of the Aqaba meetings in Jordan, which called…