The October revolution and its causes -- The 1985 intifada: Nimeiri's self-destruction? -- Communists, Islamists, Ba'athists and sectarians: the political parties in 1964 and 1985 -- The "modern forces": students, professionals and labour unions in 1964 and 1985 -- The armed forces: protectors of the people? -- The 1964-5 transitional regime: a missed opportunity? -- The 1985-6 transitional period and the tenacity of political Islam -- "The revenge of May": the "salvation revolution" of June 1989.