Author: Steven Sahiounie

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator On July 14, Lebanon and Israel concluded the first day of direct negotiations in Rome under United States mediation, with both sides describing the discussions as constructive while remaining far apart on the key issues of Israeli military withdrawal, security arrangements, and the future of the border region. A U.S. State Department official described the Rome meetings between American, Lebanese, and Israeli representatives as “productive” and conducted in a positive atmosphere. The Lebanese presidency instructed its delegation to insist that Israeli forces begin withdrawing immediately from two designated pilot areas before addressing any additional…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Senator Lindsey Graham, 1955-2026, died on July 12, shortly after returning home from a trip to Kyiv on July 10, where he met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Graham had promised Zelenskyy continued U.S. support for Ukraine, and promoted a new increased sanctions bill against Russia. It is not known if the persistent corruption accusations in the Zelenskky government were discussed. Graham was one of the last Republicans committed to the defeat of Russia at any cost, except that of U.S. lives. He supported America fighting Russia, on Ukrainian soil, and using Ukrainian soldiers…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator A potentially historic political transformation is quietly unfolding in the Gaza Strip. While international attention has largely remained focused on ceasefire negotiations and humanitarian relief, parallel developments behind the scenes suggest that Gaza may be entering the first stage of a comprehensive post-war transition. Hamas has announced the dissolution of its governing administration, while a U.S.-supported Peace Council is advancing plans for a technocratic Palestinian administration backed by an international stabilization force. Together, these developments represent the clearest indication yet that negotiations have moved beyond ending the war and toward determining who will govern…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Türkiye hosted the NATO Summit on July 7–8, at one of the most consequential moments in NATO’s modern history, with member states facing mounting pressure to increase defense spending, strengthen military capabilities, and redefine the Alliance’s strategic priorities amid escalating geopolitical tensions. Many analysts said the summit exposed the deep fractures within the members of NATO, with the Alliance seemingly unaligned on many issues. Each member of NATO is pulling in separate directions. Türkiye is hoping to emerge as one of the Alliance’s most influential strategic actors. But, this has been met with Israeli…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Iraq’s new government has launched the country’s most sweeping anti-corruption campaign in more than two decades, arresting dozens of senior politicians, lawmakers and government officials in an unprecedented operation that comes as Baghdad grapples with collapsing oil revenues, renewed U.S. financial oversight and mounting pressure to curb the influence of Iran-backed armed groups. The campaign, led directly by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, represents the boldest attempt by any Iraqi administration since the fall of Saddam Hussein to dismantle what officials describe as deeply entrenched corruption networks that have flourished since 2003. U.S. President George…

By: Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States, long regarded as one of the foundations of Middle Eastern security and global energy stability, is facing its most serious strain in years, according to multiple reports citing American, Arab, and regional intelligence officials. While Riyadh remains one of Washington’s closest partners in the region, recent disagreements over the conflict with Iran, regional security strategy, and the future direction of Middle East diplomacy have reportedly eroded trust between the two allies. According to The Wall Street Journal and The Times…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator Libya is witnessing one of the most significant political moments since US President Obama took out Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, as regional and international actors intensify efforts to end years of institutional division and pave the way for long-delayed national elections. At the center of these efforts is a US-backed initiative championed by Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to US President Donald Trump for Arab, Middle Eastern, and African Affairs, aimed at unifying Libya’s rival administrations and state institutions. Regional Powers Back Libyan Unification On June 20, a high-level quadrilateral meeting was held in Cairo,…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator The US–Israel relationship has been regarded as one of the most durable strategic partnerships in modern international politics. Successive American administrations have provided Israel with extensive military, political, intelligence, diplomatic, and economic support, often shielding it from international criticism and blocking resolutions perceived as hostile to Israeli interests in global institutions. However, recent developments suggest that the traditionally unquestioned nature of this alliance may be entering a new phase. Growing tensions between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, combined with Washington’s evolving approach toward Iran and regional diplomacy, have raised…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and poltical commentator On June 21, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, promised to keep Israeli occupation forces inside Lebanon regardless of US President Donald Trump’s directives. The occupation and continuous attacks on Lebanon by Israel may break the US-Iran agreement for a ceasefire on all fronts. On June 20, Israel instructed their troops to “hold its fire” after bowing to intense pressure from the Oval Office. Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to talk directly in Washington on June 23, with the Israelis pushing for intensified negotiations. “We have achieved tremendous accomplishments, and we will not relinquish them,”…

Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator As reports emerge of an impending memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, the Middle East may be approaching the conclusion of one of the most consequential conflicts of the twenty-first century. If finalized, the agreement could bring an end not only to direct hostilities between Washington and Tehran but also to interconnected battlefronts stretching from Lebanon to the Persian Gulf. For many observers, this conflict will be remembered as “Netanyahu’s War” — a confrontation that ultimately drew the United States into a costly and controversial military campaign whose stated objectives remain…