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Why does the war in Sudan persist three years after it began? According to the latest episode of Al Jazeera’s podcast The Take, the answer lies in the network of external actors that continue to fund and arm the warring factions – the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The episode, hosted by journalist Malika Bilal and featuring political analyst Dallia Abdelmoniem, explores how regional and global rivalries have turned Sudan into a proxy battleground. With the United States and Israel engaged in a broader confrontation with Iran, and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz inflating oil prices, the cost of fuel and food in Sudan has surged, worsening an already dire famine situation. Key insights from the discussion include: Foreign financing and arms supplies keep both the SAF and RSF operational, preventing a decisive military outcome. US‑Israel‑Iran dynamics divert international attention and resources, allowing the Sudanese conflict to fester. Rising global fuel prices driven by Strait of Hormuz instability increase transport costs, making humanitarian aid more expensive and less accessible. Food price spikes exacerbate famine risk for millions of displaced Sudanese, deepening the humanitarian crisis. The podcast also notes that without a coordinated diplomatic push to address the external backers and the broader geopolitical tensions, a sustainable cease‑fire remains unlikely. Production credits go to Tamara Khandaker (producer), with contributions from Noor Wazwaz, Sari el‑Khalili, Spencer Cline, Chloe K Li, and Tuleen Barakat. Editing was handled by Alexandra Locke, while Alex Roldan provided sound design and Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al‑Melhem managed video editing. Listeners can follow the conversation and future episodes on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has been marked by a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with 14 million people forced to flee their homes and tens of thousands reported missing. As the conflict enters its fourth year, the UN's top official in Sudan, Denise Brown, has expressed her concern over the apparent lack of political urgency to end the war.Brown described the situation as 'bloody unacceptable,' stating that it seems the world focuses on other crises and fails to find solutions for Sudan. The conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army has killed at least 150,000 people and left 33 million in need of assistance.New research by Islamic Relief reveals that almost half of Sudan's vital community kitchens have closed in the past six months, exacerbating hunger and the threat of famine. Other studies corroborate the food crisis, with millions surviving on a single meal a day. The conflict has also led to the deliberate targeting of Sudan's health infrastructure, with 37% of hospitals deemed 'non-functional' and over 200 documented attacks on health facilities.The war has set Sudan's economy back more than 30 years, according to a detailed assessment by the UN Development Programme and the Institute for Security Studies. If the conflict continues until 2030, an additional 34 million people could be pushed into deprivation. Investigators are attempting to track down tens of thousands of civilians reported missing or forcibly disappeared since the start of the war.Cases of missing persons recorded by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sudan stand above 11,000 – an increase of more than 40% during the last year – with the true figure believed to be many times higher. The ICRC helped 62,000 families track down relatives who had gone missing last year.The issue of funding has become increasingly critical, with overall funding for Sudan's humanitarian plans now only 16% met this year. The UN agency for children, Unicef, noted that even the modest amounts forthcoming are becoming less impactful due to increasing transport costs.

Recent developments have positioned Asia as the central arena of the global oil crisis, a shift driven by a confluence of rising consumption, supply-chain bottlenecks, and heightened geopolitical friction across the region.Demand for petroleum products in major Asian economies continues to outpace the limited output from traditional exporters, intensifying competition for scarce barrels. At the same time, regional disputes—particularly those affecting key maritime routes and production hubs—have compounded the supply shortfall, prompting governments and industry leaders to reassess energy strategies.Analysts warn that the crisis could ripple through global markets, inflating transport costs, squeezing manufacturing margins, and accelerating the push toward alternative energy sources. Policymakers are now under pressure to balance short‑term relief measures with longer‑term diversification plans to mitigate future vulnerabilities.While the situation remains fluid, the emergence of Asia as the crisis’s hotspot underscores the interconnected nature of modern energy systems and the urgent need for coordinated international responses.