Topics Covered: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security.
The US ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ list?
Context:
Last week, Sudan became the third Arab nation in recent weeks to normalise relations with Israel, days after the US removed it from its State Sponsor of Terrorism list.
What is the US State Sponsor of Terrorism list? What are its implications?
The US Secretary of State has been given powers to designate countries that “have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism” as “State Sponsors of Terrorism”.
The US can place four categories of sanctions on countries part of the list:
- Restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance.
- A ban on defence exports and sales.
- Certain controls over exports of dual use items.
- Miscellaneous financial and other restrictions.
How many countries are there in the list now?
After Sudan’s delisting, three countries remain with the designation: Syria (listed in 1979), Iran (1984) and North Korea (2017).
When was Sudan put in the list and why has it been removed now?
The US added Sudan to the terrorism list in 1993, after it was accused of harbouring groups such as Hezbollah and Palestinian militant outfits which Washington deems as terrorists.
Now, Trump has removed Sudan from the list hoping to impress evangelical Christian voters in the US, who are seen as favouring pro-Israel policies.
InstaLinks:
Prelims Link:
What is ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ list?
How many countries are there in the list?
Which country was recently removed from the
Sources: Indian Express.
