Doha

Hamas renews ties with Syria, which may signal Qatar repairing its relationship with Damascus

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The leader of the group Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, recently stated that the dispute with Syria is over, and the relationship between Hamas and Damascus is starting a new phase.  He praised Syria for its unwavering support of the Palestinian resistance cause. Hamas ideology is viewed by many as Muslim […]

The road from Kabul to Idlib

The road from Kabul to Idlib Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Vietnam are all examples of American attack, destruction and occupation. In each case, the countries were left in devastation, and only Vietnam has survived to rebuild and be restored. The Taliban have won the war, and the US […]

The Saudi-UAE disputes reach a fever pitch

https://www.mideastdiscourse.com/2021/07/31/the-saudi-uae-disputes-reac… Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Disputes have popped up between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) over the war in Yemen, Syria and OPEC quotas.  There has always been a rivalry, but in recent years the relationship between the two oil-rich nations was seen as warm and friendly.  Now, the friendship […]

Tunisia stands against the Brotherhood

Tunisia stands against the Brotherhood Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The only democracy to emerge from the Arab Spring in 2011 is going through a process of strategic correction. Tunisian President Kais Saied announced late Sunday he was firing the prime minster, Hichem Mechichi, dismissing the parliament, and assuming executive authority under Article 80 […]

Follow the money: Qatar accused in London of funding terrorism

https://www.mideastdiscourse.com/2021/06/08/follow-the-money-qatar-accu… Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator A court case is making its way through the commercial division of the UK High Court in London, which alleges Qatar funneled money to the Al Qaeda affiliate in Syria, Jibhat al-Nusra.  Qatar National Bank and Doha Bank stand accused of facilitating the transactions.  The UK and Qatar […]

Will Syria benefit from the recent Gulf unity?

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator With an end to the Qatar blockade and a possible rapprochement with Turkey, Saudi Arabia may soon move towards reconciliation with Syria. The Persian Gulf states’ opposition to Iran’s role in the region, while limiting Turkey’s influence, may bring Saudi Arabia and the Gulf back to Damascus. The Gulf […]

Gulf unity as the curtain falls on the Trump term

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The Persian Gulf monarchies have met today at the 41st annual six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit held at Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia.  This marks the first step toward ending a three-year diplomatic crisis that divided US defense partners. “The 41st summit marks the beginning of a new chapter for the GCC […]

Qatar and Saudi Arabia approach historic breakthrough

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Since June 5, 2017, Saudi Arabia ordered a land, air, and sea blockade on Qatar and severed diplomatic ties, along with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt, and Bahrain. The self-styled “Anti-Terror Quartet” issued Doha 13 demands, including closing media outlets like Al Jazeera, ending ties with Iran, reducing […]