SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: BBC - Is Sudan a new regional battleground?

2/5/19: BBC – Is Sudan a new regional battleground?, by Jonathan Marcus

 BBC diplomatic correspondent Jonathan Marcus argues that the absence of the US as a serious diplomatic actor facilitates and explains the battle for influence in Sudan between Middle-East rivals.

 Marcus states neither the Saudis, nor Qatar and Turkey are interested in the voices of popular protest or the development of a democratic Sudan.

 With the Saudis supporting Sudan’s military council, and Qatar and Turkey supporting Islamists, Marcus states that “two brands of authoritarianism…are attempting to push their supporters into positions where they can influence the future in Khartoum.”

 Marcus then states that the UN, the EU and African Union have been “bit players,” and highlights suspicious that US President Trump is unlikely to go against the Saudi interest.