Eradication of rebels? Removal of remnants of the old regime and the transfer of authority to civilians? History shows us that many proposed outcomes from either faction in the conflict seem unlikely.

Sudan's de facto leader appeared in public to refute links with Islamists and an international deal to get him out of the capital. The priority now should be UN help for a proper peace process.

'Forces of Freedom and Change' – put forth by Taha Osman Ishaq – seems to be yet another political manoeuvre that will lead to more confusion amid the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

Aid cuts and a decline in relative power within the Western bloc and of the West in general, alongside the rise of influential global powers make it hard for Britain to engage like before

Like the Palestinians before them, Sudan's people seek refuge from war and dream of return. This is one personal story of conflict's devastating arrival in Khartoum.

Complete reform of the army and disbandment of paramilitary forces are crucial to putting the country back on the path of democracy and dignity that the Sudanese people deserve

This state of schizophrenia leaves Sudanese citizens in a state of confusion. They are forced to choose between the warring parties that were, until recently, partners in power.

Two separate military forces, too many civilian groups all serving their own self-interest and ineffective international guidance undermined moves toward democracy. War is the price of that failure.

Sudanese novelist Mansour Al-Souaim journals his life in Sudan, where war continues to rage and the future looks bleak