Sudan has been gradually shifting its alliances over the past two years, and its efforts may finally be starting to bear fruit. On Sept. 20, the U.S. State Department issued a press release commending Sudan's attempts to boost its cooperation in counterterrorism operations with the United States. The statement went on to say that the Sudanese government has worked to disrupt the activities of terrorist groups within its borders, and that Washington would continue to partner with Khartoum within the confines of U.S. law to combat terrorism. The State Department's comments follow Israeli media reports in early September that Israeli officials have urged their U.S. counterparts to improve ties with Sudan in light of its break with its one-time ally, Iran. But despite these apparent diplomatic coups, Khartoum has many challenges left to overcome before it can reap the full benefits of its newfound orientation toward the West. ...