We think this Khartoum claim may be very true. The Sudanese government says that US-sponsored peace proposals designed to end Sudans civil war favor the SPLA and other rebel groups. Specifically, Khartoum accuses the US of putting pressure on the government rather than the rebels. Khartoum says the US demand that a truce in the Nuba Mountains be extended to further the delivery of humanitarian aid only tests the (Sudanese) government and not the SPLA. Indeed, the US opposes the Khartoum government, which in the past has protected Al Qaeda and other international terrorist groups. The SPLA is another potential US ally on the ground, somewhat analogous to Afghanistans anti-Taliban Northern Alliance. (Austin Bay)