Author: Steven Sahiounie

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The UK formally recognized Palestine in 2025 to protect the viability of a two-state solution and create a path towards lasting peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people. However, many would say the act is too little, and too late. On April 19, Israel’s Minister of Defense and Minister of Finance, Bezalel Smotrich, presided over a ceremony in an illegal settlement in the Occupied West Bank and said, “We are abolishing the disgrace of expulsion, killing the idea of the Palestinian state, and returning to ” Under international law, the settlements populated by Israeli…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Iraq has announced a major new oil discovery in the country’s southwest near the Saudi border, a development that comes at a critical moment as Baghdad faces one of the most severe energy and economic crises in its modern history due to regional conflict and the disruption of Gulf export routes. The newly discovered field, located in Najaf province along the Iraqi-Saudi frontier, was identified by the Chinese company ZhenHua Oil. Iraqi officials estimate the potential reserves at approximately 8.835 billion barrels of oil, with an initial production capacity of 3,248 barrels per day…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator As geopolitical tensions intensify across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the global maritime system, a new strategic vision is beginning to emerge from Cairo—one that could redefine the balance of international trade and logistics in the coming decades. Recent Egyptian–Russian discussions surrounding the creation of a logistics corridor linking the Black Sea to the Red Sea through Egyptian territory have drawn growing international attention. At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed during his latest visit to Egypt that the partnership between France and Egypt represents “an alliance for peace and stability,”…

By: Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On May 7, the Israeli military (IDF) launched a wide series of airstrikes across southern Lebanon while Hezbollah escalated drone and rocket attacks against Israeli forces occupying Lebanon near the southern border. The IDF announced that it had struck more than 15 Hezbollah-linked sites in southern Lebanon during overnight operations and Thursday morning raids. According to the IDF, the targets included weapons depots, command centers, missile-launching platforms, weapons manufacturing facilities, and infrastructure allegedly used to coordinate attacks against Israeli troops and northern Israeli communities. Israeli military officials stated that several rocket launchers used…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Iraq is navigating a precarious geopolitical landscape as the conflict between the United States and Iran intensifies, threatening the nation’s security, its primary revenue source, and its fragile political stability. High-ranking U.S. officials have revealed a staggering increase in hostilities, with American facilities in Iraq enduring over 600 attacks involving missiles and drones since the outbreak of the Iran-U.S. war. The targets of these sustained assaults include the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, the U.S. Diplomatic Support Center, and the U.S. Consulate in Erbil. Washington has heightened its rhetoric, demanding “actions, not words” from the…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The UAE has taken a significant and unexpected step by announcing its withdrawal from both OPEC and the broader OPEC+ alliance, effective May 1. This move marks a notable turning point in regional and global energy policy. The decision to cut free from the supply constraints of OPEC and OPEC+ is not just about the price of crude. This goes beyond oil, because the UAE has moved its base of wealth beyond depending just on oil. The finances of the UAE are tied to the global economy, not the price of crude. Abu Dhabi…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Lebanon stands on the brink of a new civil war. A 25-year-long civil war in Lebanon was fought from 1975 to 1990. Analysts warn that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be hoping to push Lebanon into a civil war, and take advantage of the chaos to permanently occupy Lebanon, with the approval of the US and its allies. While Lebanese society is split between those who support Hezbollah, and those who oppose them, there is a growing segment of society who view the Israeli occupation as a bigger and more imminent threat than…

Global News Pakistan (GNP) and Syria-based Mideast Discourse have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in news exchange and promoting professional journalism across regions. The agreement, signed by GNP Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Asif Noor, and Executive Director Mideast Discourse, outlines a framework for cooperation in sharing news content, including articles, photographs, and video material. Both organizations will have the right to publish and translate each other’s content with proper attribution. Under the MoU, the two media outlets will work together to enhance coverage of cultural, economic, trade, sports, and political developments. The partnership…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the disruptive effects on global energy supplies caused by the U.S.-Israel-Iran war is bigger than the oil shocks of the 1970s and the 2022 loss of Russian pipeline gas. Many countries are discussing alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz, but in reality, all of these alternatives are likely to fail. The main reason is the vulnerability of such infrastructure—oil pipelines running from the Gulf to places like Syria or Turkey can be easily targeted by drones. Modern warfare is increasingly driven by drones and artificial intelligence. We…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Israel has announced an occupation zone in Lebanon, including some Syrian territory. Israel is calling the new boundaries the “Yellow Line”. This is similar to the lines Israel has drawn within the Gaza Strip, where a US-sponsored ceasefire was in effect, yet has never been respected by the Israeli Army. Lebanese officials, and citizens are worried this is the beginning of a forever-war, and permanent occupation of Lebanon. The memories of a past 18-year brutal military occupation pf South Lebanon conjure up painful recollections of torture, death and imprisonment in Khiam of men, women…