Soapbox:

What do they really want?

By Abdallah El-Ashaal

---

Generally speaking the West doesn't brook much opposition in our part of the world. Any leader who sticks his head out is eventually forced into compliance or removed. We see it now happening in Sudan.

But does the West want Omar Al-Bashir out, or just to behave?

The conspiracy against Sudan began at the UN Security Council and the International Criminal Court (ICC) in 2003, way before Al-Bashir's indictment. Sudan was being advised to sign a deal with insurgents. Bowing to pressure, it reluctantly agreed to do so. But the Western-backed rebels demurred, and a new round of pressures started.

A few days ago, a spokesman for the French Foreign Ministry said that France might talk the UN Security Council into deferring legal action against Al-Bashir if the latter meets "conditions" made by the international community. The only way to understand the term "international community" here, in my opinion, is in reference to those countries actively conspiring against Sudan.

So what "conditions" is Sudan expected to meet?

First, Sudan should find a settlement to the Darfur question. This is easier said than done, for the West is supporting the insurgence. Right after the ICC issued its indictment, rebel leaders said that they would be the "instrument" of its implementation.

Second, Sudan should end the humanitarian crisis in Darfur. Again, this is difficult. The relief organisations active in Darfur are, I believe, more interested in the politics of the situation than in making life better for the unfortunate victims of the conflict.

Third, Sudan should take steps to alleviate political tensions at home. In other words, it is not just Darfur that the West wants to sort out.

Fourth, Sudan should improve its relations with Chad. Now Chad is being used as a springboard for the insurgents. It is unclear what Sudan is being encouraged to do.

Is the West just trying to shake Al-Bashir for more concessions? If you ask me, the West is not going to stop until Sudan's Islamist regime is out of office. That's why Western and Israeli officials are encouraging insurgents to keep up the conflict until they bring down the government.

So, which side are we on?

This week's Soapbox speaker is former assistant to the Egyptian foreign minister.