In a history-defining event, Sudan and Israel have taken a significant step towards peace through their recent decision to normalize relations. An achievement stemming from a resolution spearheaded by the United States, the move is aimed at putting an end to decades of strained relations and hostility.
The Agreement and Its Historical Significance
The historic agreement between Sudan and Israel marks the end of a longstanding technical war that began with Israel’s creation in 1948. Sudan thus becomes the third nation, after UAE and Bahrain, to establish diplomatic ties with Israel recently; this too being a result of the diplomatic efforts led by the USA.
Implications for Sudan
This crucial development goes beyond just diplomacy, extending its impact to socio-economic aspects as well. The agreement is expected to enhance Sudan’s engagement with the West in many ways.
A noteworthy implication is that the deal follows the USA’s agreement to conditionally lift Sudan off its list of countries sponsoring terrorism, a label attached since 1993. The allegation was primarily based on Sudan’s supposed assistance to groups like Hezbollah and Palestinian militant factions considered as terrorists by the USA. Consequently, Sudan faced alienation from the global economy and was deprived of foreign investment, further exacerbated by the secession of oil-rich South Sudan in 2011. This new accord opens doors for much-needed foreign investments in Sudan.
The Bargain Struck
Following the agreement, Sudan has committed to paying USD 335 million as compensation to victims of Al-Qaeda’s bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania in 1998. Many view this as a significant foreign policy victory for President Trump just before the USA election season. Meanwhile, Israel sees this as an opportunity to solidify their ties with previously hostile nations across Africa and the Arab world, particularly because of the stagnated progress with Palestinians. However, the first phase of the agreement does not include exchange of ambassadors or mutual establishment of embassies.
Symbolic Significance and Strategic Goals
The symbolic implications of this deal are monumental. Unlike UAE and Bahrain, Sudan has been directly engaged in hostilities with Israel, including during the 1948 war around Israel’s creation and the conflict of 1967. With this accord, Israel will be able to secure the Red Sea, complemented by currently allied nations like Egypt, Jordan, South Sudan, and Saudi Arabia.
Designed with a broader perspective, the deal aims to unify Arab nations against a common adversary—Iran. Even though Sudan’s role in Middle Eastern politics has been marginal in recent history, this normalization holds significant symbolic value.
Global Reaction to the Normalization
Responses to the deal have been varied globally. Allies of the USA, including Germany, Egypt, UAE, and Bahrain, have welcomed this development as a positive step towards stability in West Asia. On the other hand, Palestinian leaders have expressed strong condemnation for the deal, reflecting their consistent rejection of all Israel’s normalization accords.
