Riyadh

Syria takes steady steps on the diplomatic stage

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Jordan played host to the newest regional meeting on the road to the reinstatement of Syria as a member of the Arab world. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi met privately with Syria’s Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad in Amman on May 1, before the larger group meeting which included foreign […]

Saudi Crown Prince defies the US policy against Syria

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator   In November 2022, Saudi Arabia formally changed its stance on Syria. Saudi Arabia is the political powerhouse of the Middle East, and often shares positions on foreign policy and international issues with the UAE, which has previously re-opened their embassy in Damascus. “The kingdom is keen to maintain […]

“The US will leave Syria once the YPG reconcile with Damascus” interview with Dr. Ahmad Alderzi

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator   Many Syrians may have left as refugees, but the country seems very crowded.  The US-NATO attack on Syria for regime change began in 2011 and brought in outside actors: Iran, Israel, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the US. The foreign ministers of Turkey, Russia and Syria are expected […]

Turkey and Syria meeting in Moscow may result in peace plan

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Tomorrow, the Foreign Ministers of Turkey and Syria will meet in Moscow.  This is the highest level meeting between the two countries who have been on opposite sides of the US-NATO war on Syria for regime change since 2011. The outcome of that meeting, and the expected follow-up meeting […]

“Violence will escalate as long as extremists are allied to Netanyahu”: interview with Tawfieq Toameh

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator   Jana Majdi Zakarneh, a 16-year-old girl, was killed by Israeli forces as she was standing on the roof of her home in Jenin, in the Occupied West Bank of Palestine.  She was shot in the head, and others were wounded in the 10 pm raid on Sunday.  More […]

“Iran and the US should negotiate face to face to make a new nuclear deal”, says Mohammad Hatami Milanlou

There is indication that the P5+1 (US, UK, Russia, China, France and Germany) will agree to a new nuclear deal.   The EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell traveled to Tehran and succeeded in gaining a resumption of indirect talks between the US and Iran in Qatar.   Trade between Iran and the EU reached […]

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 […]