Simon Speakman Cordall

Simon Speakman Cordall is a freelance writer.

Author Articles

Officials attend a session of the peace talks on Syria in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, August 2. (Reuters)
Astana talks achieve mixed results although crucial issues broached
August 03, 2019
A man pushes a trolley as he passes a poster showing Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in the southern suburb of Beirut. (AP)
In siding with Iran, Hezbollah could put Lebanon’s future at serious risk
July 20, 2019
Stubborn concerns. A Kurdish policeman searches a man at a checkpoint controlled by US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces on a highway in Hasakah province. (AP)
Germany snubs US request to send ground troops to Syria
July 13, 2019
On close watch. Israeli soldiers at an army base in the Israeli-annexed Syrian Golan Heights look out across the south-western Syrian province of Quneitra. (AFP)
Israeli attacks on Iranian, Hezbollah targets in Syria show no sign of waning
July 06, 2019
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (R) receives US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Beirut, March 22. (AP)
Lebanon stays away from Bahrain conference, wary of own challenges
June 29, 2019
Many questions. A map shows the ten offshore blocks off the Lebanese coast for which the Lebanese cabinet in December 2017 approved licences for three international companies to carry out exploratory drilling. (AP)
US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel expected to begin in weeks
June 22, 2019
In the crosshairs. Armed police stand next to a suspicious vehicle parked outside New Scotland Yard following an investigation by a bomb disposal unit in London, March 9.(Reuters)
Failed London bomb plot exposes Hezbollah’s criminal activities in Europe
June 15, 2019
Problems linger. Lebanon’s Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil walks to attend a cabinet meeting in Baabda, May 27. (Reuters)
Lebanon agrees on draft budget but challenges remain
June 01, 2019
Critical test. Lebanese Finance Minister Ali Hassan Khalil listens during a news conference at the Government House in Beirut, May 24. (AP)
Lingering economic woes cast huge uncertainties over Lebanon’s future
May 25, 2019
Anti-narcotics chemists inspect bags containing drugs before an incineration of seized illegal substances in La Guaira, Venezuela. (Reuters)
Leaked files expose Hezbollah’s secret dealings in Venezuela
May 11, 2019
Syria’s UN Ambassador Bashar Jaafari (C) speaks with other participants during a session of the peace talks on Syria in Nur-Sultan, April 26. (Reuters)
Idlib proves problematic for diplomats in Kazakhstan
April 27, 2019
Sensitive issue. Foreign women and children walk in al-Hol camp, which houses relatives of Islamic State group members in north-eastern Syria, March 28. (AFP)
ISIS defeat in Syria fuels debate over foreign fighters’ repatriation
March 30, 2019
US soldiers unload military equipment destined for the Lebanese Army at Beirut airport, February 13. (American Embassy in Lebanon)
US maintains military aid to Lebanon despite Hezbollah’s gains
February 23, 2019
Fighters with the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) hold a position during an operation to expel ISIS jihadists from the Baghouz area in eastern Syria, February 13. (AFP)
ISIS threat likely to continue after Baghouz battle in eastern Syria
February 16, 2019
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri (C) stands among supporters after a news conference during which he announced the formation of a new government, January 31. (DPA)
Lebanon forms new government after months of deadlock
February 02, 2019
A window on region’s fractures. The opening session of the fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in Beirut, January 20. (AFP)
Regional pressures, growing divisions undermine Arab summit in Beirut
January 26, 2019
Frozen camps. Syrian refugee children stand near tents at a makeshift camp at the Lebanese border town of Arsal, Lebanon, January 9. (Reuters)
Storms put fate of Syrian refugees in Lebanon on the line
January 19, 2019
Fear tactics. Children try improvised gas masks in their home in Binnish in Syria’s Idlib province, last September.(AFP)
US accusations over chemical attack crucial for Idlib battle
December 15, 2018
Mediterranean hotspot. A view of Saint Julian’s Bay in Malta. (Simon Speakman Codall)
Old Arab influences linger in Malta’s present
December 01, 2018
Syrian President Bashar Assad (R) meets with Iranian Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab and African Affairs Hussein Gabri Ansari in Damascus, on November 12. (AFP)
Too many stakes for Iran to back out from Syria
November 24, 2018