Fresh Air The Nihilistic War In Sudan
20 snips
Aug 6, 2025 
Anne Applebaum, a staff writer for The Atlantic and a seasoned journalist, dives into the devastating impact of the ongoing civil war in Sudan, where 14 million have been displaced. She discusses the brutal rivalry between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, illuminating the chaos and grassroots resilience amid the humanitarian crisis. The conversation also touches on the implications for global politics, the influences of regional powers, and the stark contrast between the situations in Sudan and Ukraine, revealing the interconnectedness of modern conflicts.
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Nihilistic War Drives Chaos
- The violence in Sudan is driven by a nihilistic struggle for power and resources, not ideology.
- This transactional war leads to widespread chaos harming civilians rather than winning hearts and minds.
Civilians Targeted in Revenge Attacks
- Anne Applebaum witnessed Rapid Support Forces shelling civilian neighborhoods out of anger over losing ground.
- Civilians suffer from violence born of revenge rather than military strategy in Sudanese war.
Grassroots Aid Amid Crisis
- A grassroots Sudanese movement called Emergency Response Rooms organizes aid and medical supplies during war.
- These volunteers sustain displaced people even as official international help fades away.
