Baghdad Braces for Potential Clashes between Sardrists, Rivals https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3886516/baghdad-braces-potential-clashes-between-sardrists-rivals
Baghdad Braces for Potential Clashes between Sardrists, Rivals
A security forces member in Baghdad. (AFP)
Baghdad is bracing itself for possible escalation between the Sadrists, of influential cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, and the pro-Iran Coordination Framework.
Sources from the behind the political scenes have spoken of intense efforts between the Sadrists and forces of the October 2019 protests to pave the way for a new wave of demonstrations to mark the third anniversary of the rallies next month.
The security authorities have only compounded fears in the capital after setting up a giant gate on the Joumhouria bridge that connects the Tahrir square to the Green Zone.
Caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi soon called for its removal.
Security forces were on alert on Tuesday night. They deployed forces across the capital and blocked roads, which forced many people out of their homes until the morning hours.
Politically, the Framework is insisting on its positions that they know are opposed by Sadr.
They are determined to go ahead with the nomination of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani as prime minister, a position that had inflamed tensions in July.
On Monday, the Framework declared that Sudani remains their candidate and on Tuesday, Framework MPs met with him at parliament.
Sadrist officials, meanwhile, have stressed that the Framework, and the parliament, will not be allowed to hold a parliamentary session to elect a president, who may task Sudani with forming a new government.
Sisi Inaugurates First Egypt International Airshow in Alameinhttps://english.aawsat.com/arab-world/5057434-sisi-inaugurates-first-egypt-international-airshow-alamein
Sisi inaugurates Egypt’s International Aviation and Space Exhibition in New Alamein City. (Egyptian Presidency)
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Sisi Inaugurates First Egypt International Airshow in Alamein
Sisi inaugurates Egypt’s International Aviation and Space Exhibition in New Alamein City. (Egyptian Presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi inaugurated on Tuesday the first International Aviation and Space Exhibition at Alamein International Airport. The event drew broad participation from companies and experts in the aviation, space, and defense sectors.
Recognized as the largest exhibition of its kind in Africa and the Middle East, the event aims to support the development of manufacturing and digitization in aviation, defense, and space industries, while showcasing technological advancements in these fields, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Civil Aviation.
The three-day show, held in the northern New Alamein City, features more than 300 companies and entities from 100 countries, said Colonel Arkan Harb Gharib Abdel Hafez Gharib, spokesman for the Egyptian Armed Forces.
The exhibition boasts aerial shows by aircraft from various countries. According to the event organizers, the shows feature aircraft such as the UAE’s Type 200 and F-60, Saudi Arabia’s Eurofighter Typhoon, France’s Rafale, the US F-16, Italy’s Air Machi and others.
For the first time, Chinese Y-20 transport aircraft is participating in an international aviation exhibition outside of China.
Egyptian Civil Aviation Minister Samih Al-Hefni described the event as a “unique platform to boost international cooperation in the aviation industry.”
In a statement, he said the exhibition gathers leading global agencies and institutions involved in space technology and aviation, showcasing the latest technological advancements in the sector.
Brigadier General Dr. Hisham Al-Halabi, an advisor at the Egyptian Military Academy, pointed to Egypt’s previous hosting of several editions of the International Defense Exhibition (EDEX), stressing that these events “reflect the country’s growing capacity to host specialized international exhibitions.”
Egypt has held three editions of EDEX, with the most recent taking place in December 2023.
Sisi and dignitaries pose for a photo during the inauguration of the exhibition. (Egyptian Presidency)
On the sidelines of the International Airshow, Egypt’s Ministry of Military Production unveiled two armored vehicles, the ST100 and ST500. According to the ministry, the vehicles were produced in Egypt with 50% local components, and are 100% Egyptian in design, assembly, and execution.
The armored vehicles are resistant to mines and ambushes, capable of performing multiple tasks, and can be equipped for missions ranging from attack and intervention to reconnaissance, surveillance, and ambulance services.
Brigadier General Dr. Mohammed Qashqoush, an advisor at the Egyptian Center for Strategic Studies, said the exhibition has two primary objectives: advancing the aviation and space technology industries and fostering international cooperation in defense, particularly in aviation and air defense.
He highlighted the global participation in the exhibition, noting that it embodies multilateral partnerships, especially with countries like the United States and France, which are key contributors to Egypt’s aviation fleet, alongside China, Russia, India, and several Arab nations.
During the first day of the exhibition, Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialization signed an agreement with China’s ELINC to produce advanced defense systems. Additionally, a cooperation agreement was signed with US Honeywell to certify the organization’s engine factory as an approved maintenance center for aircraft engines.
