Diplomats and politicians across the political spectrum in the United States have been heralding the once-in-a-generation opportunity to see Sudan transformed from pariah to partner. But in an only-in-Washington storyline, these seemingly well-intentioned allies could well be pushing Sudan’s democratic experiment to the breaking point as they negotiate the terms for one of the biggest obstacles to the country’s future success and its relationship with Washington—being removed from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list.
An immensely complicated and highly political process in all circumstances, with few historical precedents to follow, being removed from the list has been Sudan’s biggest request of Washington since last year’s civilian protests led to the overthrow of Omar al-Bashir, the autocratic leader who landed Sudan on the list 27 years ago by sheltering Osama bin Laden while al Qaeda planned terrorist attacks on U.S. embassies in East Africa and the USS Cole. Relatives of the victims have long demanded justice from the Sudanese government.
