Friday, November 24, 2017

Sudan's President Visits Russia; Criticizes US

The Sudan Tribune published on 23 November 2017 a fascinating account titled "U.S. Caused Troubles in Middle East Region, Sudan's Bashir Tells Putin." The article is based on a translated transcription of Bashir's meeting with Putin. It is not clear if Bashir was aware the Russians intended to release a copy of the transcript. This was Bashir's first visit to Russia.

Bashir reportedly offered Russia military bases on its Red Sea coast and criticized the United States for causing problems in the Middle East, especially with Syria and Iran. The timing of this criticism is peculiar in that it follows a recent decision by the Trump administration to lift some sanctions on Sudan. His concern about Iran is equally strange in that Sudan broke diplomatic relations with Iran in 2016 at the behest of Saudi Arabia.