Burhan and Trump: A Possible Meeting to Settle the Files.
Face of Truth
Ibrahim Shglawi
During his recent visit to the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump revealed new features of the American administration’s approach. It became clear that he is striving to present his country as a soft power investing in peace and security—moving beyond the image of an “arrogant America” long associated with military interventions and unilateral policies. This new approach, characterized by the slogan “Zero Wars,” was widely welcomed around the world and was considered a serious attempt to turn the page on classical U.S. dominance and interference in the affairs of other nations. In this article, we discuss this trend and Sudan’s potential to benefit from it, in light of its previous steps to understand the changing dynamics of the region.
This trend was reflected in several notable developments, most prominently Washington’s deep involvement in mediation between Russia and Ukraine, efforts to ease tensions between India and Pakistan, and the understandings that led to halting Houthi attacks on American ships in the Red Sea. The U.S. is also in talks with Iran over its nuclear program to lift sanctions, and it has already lifted sanctions on Syria—a move described as historic. (Al Jazeera – Analysis: Is Trump’s administration ending the era of military interventions?)
In this context, Trump invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, whom he met in Riyadh, to sign the Abraham Accords—indicating a U.S. desire to reintegrate Damascus regionally within a new cooperative framework rather than isolation. Regarding the war in Gaza, Washington opened negotiation channels with Hamas, especially following the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander—a step that reflected a new flexibility in dealing with regional actors.
Amid these shifts, Sudan emerges as a key player in the regional security equation. Strategically located in the heart of the Horn of Africa and with a coastline of about 780 kilometers along the Red Sea, Sudan has an exceptional opportunity to become a major partner in securing this vital trade and energy corridor. This is particularly important in light of rising international competition, especially the expanding influence of China and Russia—welcomed by several African nations due to their ambitious plans for the continent’s development, in contrast to the more passive U.S. approach and its attempts to re-enter through the back door.
This is closely tied to China’s growing geopolitical and economic influence, which has forced the U.S. to rethink its global strategy—shifting from direct military dominance to a new vision focused on investing in peace, security, and conflict de-escalation. Traditional tools of U.S. power are proving less effective in containing China’s rise.
This reality compels the U.S. to reconsider its influence in regions like the Red Sea. In this regard, Sudan can play a pivotal role—not just through its geographic position, but also by cooperating with regional powers such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, and Ethiopia.
At the same time, certain Gulf capitals—particularly Abu Dhabi—are experiencing political recalculations, especially after receiving indirect signals from Washington during Trump’s visit. Despite the UAE’s role in the normalization process and its massive investments in the U.S. economy, it has not attained the symbolic status it had hoped for in the new regional order. The U.S.’s choice of Riyadh as the venue for announcing the lifting of sanctions on Syria sent a clear message: the strategic partnership remains primarily with Saudi Arabia, seen as a reliable peace partner and a stronger guarantor of regional stability. (CNN – February 28, 2025)
From this perspective, Washington appears to be adopting a new vision—favoring countries capable of calming their surroundings and creating stable balances, rather than those limited to symbolic gestures, generous funding, or fueling conflicts. As a result, Saudi Arabia is regaining a leading role, while the UAE is trying to adapt and reposition itself accordingly.
Returning to Sudan, one cannot ignore the role it could play in shaping the future of the Red Sea. Through regional and international coordination—especially with major powers—Sudan could cement its position as a key partner in ensuring maritime safety and trade routes, thus increasing the likelihood of gaining international support, particularly given its internal tensions.
In October 2020, a high-level Israeli delegation visited Khartoum, signaling an openness to normalize relations under the Abraham Accords. On the 23rd of that month, President Donald Trump announced a preliminary agreement between Sudan and Israel to begin normalization—coinciding with Washington’s move to delist Sudan from the terrorism list. Despite these developments, Sudan remains committed to supporting the two-state solution under the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which calls for a Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. If Sudan decides to move forward with normalization, it would be a strategic attempt to secure much-needed economic and political benefits, especially given the harsh economic conditions resulting from the ongoing war.
In this context, Islamic movements pose a potential challenge to this openness, as they are tested on their ability to adapt without compromising their ideological principles—particularly regarding Israel. While these movements have long adopted a firm stance, they may now be compelled to adopt a more flexible approach as part of their political recalibration. This will require a careful balance between adhering to core principles and responding to regional shifts—especially with models like Syria showing a possible readiness to engage in new regional arrangements, such as the Abraham Accords, amid signs of lifted sanctions and political repositioning.
According to #FaceOfTruth, Sudan has strategic opportunities to enhance its regional role, yet it remains hesitant to firmly position itself among global axes, despite holding considerable leverage. Playing this role will require a balance between regional and international understandings and steadfast positions on major issues—chief among them the Palestinian cause. The ability of political actors, including Islamists, to absorb these changes and adapt their rhetoric accordingly will be critical to enabling Sudan to play an effective role in the region’s future
. This could open a substantial window of international support as part of global investment in peace and stability.
Therefore, if Sudan truly seeks a new transition, it should take a decisive step—initiated by President Burhan—by arranging a direct and candid meeting with President Trump, away from intermediaries, to address major files. Only then can Sudan’s direction be clearly defined in a way that strengthens its national security and preserves its sovereignty.
Wishing you well and good health,