Panorama of Week: Russian-American clash in Syria and intense European pressure on Turkey

During the past week, Arab newspapers reported on the recent clash between Russian and American forces in northern and eastern Syria, in addition to the American moves in the Middle East, and the European-Turkish tension.

Al-Arab: A Russian-American clash pours oil on the fire of tensions in eastern Syria

The Arab newspapers published during the past week on the Syrian issue dealt with several topics, the most prominent of which was the Russian-American clash, in this context, Al-Arab newspaper said: “On Thursday, Russia held the United States responsible for a confrontation that took place this week in eastern Syria, during which Russian military vehicles and helicopters intercepted two American armored vehicles. As a result, two American soldiers were wounded. "

And the White House National Security Council announced earlier in a statement that a Russian vehicle had hit a US mine-proof vehicle, "causing the vehicle's crew to be injured."

This is one of the rare times that a direct clash occurs between the Russian and American forces in Syria, amid questions about whether the incident was accidental or if it reflects an escalating state of tension between the two parties.

The data was leaked about meetings that took place between US and Russian officials with Israeli participation during the past months, during which a number of consensus was reached, especially in the eastern region, the most important of which is working together to force Iran to limit its military presence in the region.

Eastern Syria is one of the most prominent areas witnessing the proliferation of Iranian elements and the militias loyal to it, given its geopolitical importance as it borders Iraq. These forces have faced in recent months frequent unidentified air strikes, in light of Russian neglect of the matter, which strengthened the credibility of the news that talked about Russian-American agreement for that matter.

Observers say that it is unlikely that the new tension between the United States and Russia in eastern and northeastern Syria will take on dimensions that lead to an armed confrontation between them, as both parties are aware of the risks of this and are acting on this basis with extreme pragmatism.

Al-Sharq al-Awset: Senior American Officials to the Middle East

Regarding the American efforts to conclude agreements between Israel and the Arab countries, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat newspaper said: "The most prominent officials in the American administration are preparing to make intensive visits to the countries of the Middle East, especially Israel and the UAE, in order to consolidate the agreement between the two countries and seek to include other Arab countries in it."

Diplomatic sources in Tel Aviv revealed that the Americans want the success of the Emirati-Israeli agreement, setting a timetable for progress on it and removing any obstacle standing in its way. They are interested in expanding the agreement to include other Arab countries. The sources hinted at Sudan, the candidate for a normalization agreement with Israel.

In order to reach these goals, Washington sends its senior officials to the region, as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrives in Israel today, and heads from there directly to the Emirates tomorrow. His visit will focus on progress in discussions and agreements between Israel and the UAE and US efforts to re-impose international sanctions on Iran.

According to the sources, Pompeo will also turn to Sudan, and he may announce in Khartoum the lifting of sanctions on Sudan.

A week after this visit, a large American delegation will arrive headed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump and his senior advisor, the US envoy to the region Avi Berkowitz, Trump's national security advisor Robert O'Brien, and the US envoy on Iran, Brian Hook. This delegation will tour several countries. Gulf countries, in addition to the Emirates and Israel.

Al-Bayan: The Tripoli movement besieges "Accord" resignation or confrontation with insurrection

In Libya, Al-Bayan newspaper said: “Protests continue in the capital, Tripoli, and the cities of western Libya, which started under the headlines of a living demand, but the way the“ Accord govenment headed by Fayez al-Sarraj has dealt with it, pushing it to raise the ceiling and the government’s choice between leaving or facing civil disobedience, especially since the protests arrived at dawn yesterday at Al-Sarraj's house, and the number of participants, joined by lawyers and media professionals, doubled.

Accounts on social media reported a video statement in the name of "the August 23 movement" in the Libyan capital, calling for the presidential council to resign and handing over power in the country to the Supreme Judicial Council.

In the video clip, three people hid their faces, while one of them read “Statement No. 2 of the August 23 Movement,” indicating that they were surprised to encounter their peaceful movement for the third day in a row with weapons, despite the promises of the President of the Presidency Council, Fayez al-Sarraj, who was said “He has nothing to do to protect the demonstrators. ”

The statement pointed out that a parallel "demonstration" took place on Tuesday in support of the Presidency Council, saying that its aim was to create chaos and harass the demonstrators participating in the movement, who came out demanding the citizens' basic needs.

In the video, the speakers stressed the continuation of the popular movement, with the handover of power to the Supreme Judicial Council, and the resignation of all political bodies in the state.

The organizers of the Tripoli Movement demanded the immediate release of 200 protesters who had been arrested, and to take care of the treatment of the injured, an estimated 50 people. The statement called on the United Nations Mission in Libya, to stand by the demonstrators, and to guarantee their right to freedom of expression.

The protesters announced another 24-hour period, before resorting to "civil disobedience," and the closure of all streets in the capital by the youth of the regions.

The demonstrators arrived at the doors of the Al-Sarraj's house. According to activists in the area, the security forces dispersed the demonstrators upon their arrival at Al-Sarraj's house.

Earlier the night before, the demonstrators broke out against corruption and the deterioration of living conditions in the capital, Tripoli, went from Martyrs Square to the headquarters of the Presidential Council on Sikka Road.

Al-Arab: European military training in the Mediterranean in anticipation of a Turkish risk

Regarding the European-Turkish tension, Al-Arab newspaper said: “Four member states of the European Union, Greece, France, Italy and Cyprus began joint military exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean on Wednesday, as tension has recently increased over the delineation of the fuel-rich maritime borders between Athens and Turkey, while Ankara is taking an escalating course, saying that it would not make “any concessions” in that region.

The Greek Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday that “Cyprus, Greece, France and Italy have agreed to deploy a joint presence in the Eastern Mediterranean within the framework of the Quartet Cooperation Initiative (SQAD).” According to the ministry, this quartet initiative “will contribute to strengthening the military air presence in the region is based on mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation.

The first phase of this joint initiative, which has been dubbed "If Nomia," will be the concentration of air and sea means, in addition to the forces of these four countries, in the southeastern Mediterranean. The ministry added in its statement that these exercises demonstrate "the collective and complete commitment of the four European countries to implement the Law of the Sea and the Law on the Use of International Watercourses."

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ANHA