SUDAN INSIGHT ALERT: Bloomberg - Sudan Becomes Pawn in Middle East Chess Match

26/4/19: Bloomberg – Sudan Becomes Pawn in Middle East Chess Match

 Hussein Ibish argues that nor the Saudi-Emirati bloc or the Turkey-Qatar bloc are interested in Sudanese democracy, citing their previous competition for the affections of "murderous dictator" Omar Al Bashir, amid their battle for regional influence.

 Ibish writes that Saudi Arabia and the UAE are “seeking to stabilise the situation in Sudan,” because Sudan is “crucial” to Egyptian security and an important ally in Yemen. Ibish notes that critics have said that the Saudi-Emirati support for Sudan’s transitional military council is hostile to democratic change, and “intended to prop up a new autocratic junta.”

 Ibish then argues that Turkey and Qatar's claimed promotion of "revolutionary" change in the Arab world is desired "empower their Islamist Muslim Brotherhood allies" rather than promote democracy.

 Ibish concludes that the Saudis and Emiratis are winning the battle for influence.