Sudan is engulfed in a civil war. We know little about it, but we should. Sudan sits at the crossroad between Africa and the Middle East, and many of its neighbours, the UAE, Egypt, Russia, and Saudia Arabia – are directly or indirectly involved in this conflict.

In this second part of our series on Sudan - Sudan’s deeper history and the regional factors that are shaping the current conflict.

The history of the current conflict in Sudan is complex and long, but it's a history that matters. Sudan sits at the crossroad between Africa and the Middle East, it controls a strategic trading port on the red Sea, Port Sudan, it has large gold reserves and is the point where the Blue and the White Nile meet before flowing into Egypt. All of which make it important in the region.

Rear Vision puts contemporary events in their historical context.

Rear Vision puts contemporary events in their historical context.

The six countries of the Persian Gulf. From their rapid arrival on the world stage to their influence in Middle East politics today.

Venezuela  -  the latest country on US President Donald Trump's radar in his fight against drugs.

India and China - one of the most complex and consequential relationships in modern geopolitics.

In 1998 The Good Friday Agreement was signed in Britain and Ireland, bringing an end to 30 years of violence, murder and religious conflict.

How did this come about? and are there lessons we can learn?

The last two months has seen a shift in international politics as Israeli westerns allies move to recognise a Palestinian state. Could this be a historical tipping point in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, like the moment that led to the end of Apartheid in South Africa in the 1990’s. Rear Vision explores the similarities and difference between the Anti-Apartheid movement and the growing international pressure being placed on Israel.Rear Vision puts contemporary events in their historical context.

Rear Vision puts contemporary events in their historical context.