Nimeiry has moved closer to Islamism over the past few years.

Hassan al-Turabi, an Islamist leader who had been imprisoned and exiled after Nimeiry's coup in 1969, is invited back into the country and is promoted to Justice Minister in 1979.

The end of the SSU's political monopoly, coupled with rampant corruption at all levels of government, casts increasing doubt on Jaafar Nimeiry's ability to govern Sudan.

To preserve his regime, Nimeiry has adopted a more dictatorial leadership style.

He has ordered the State Security Organization to imprison without trial thousands of opponents and dissidents.

Nimeiry also dismisses or transfers any minister or senior military officer who appears to be developing his own power base.

Nimeiry selects replacements based on their loyalty to him rather than on their abilities

This strategy causes the president to lose touch with popular feeling and the country's deteriorated political situation.

The Near East, 1996 to 2007 CE: Crisis, Conflict, and Political Shifts

Sudan: Darfur Crisis and International Intervention

The turn of the millennium marks a turbulent period for Sudan, especially the Darfur region, where a new rebellion led by the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) erupts in 2003. The rebels accuse the government of neglecting Darfur, sparking violent conflict. In response, government-aligned Janjaweed militias carry out widespread atrocities, causing a devastating humanitarian crisis, the Darfur Food Crisis. Tens of thousands perish, and millions become displaced, many fleeing to neighboring Chad.

In April 2004, under pressure from international communities, negotiations in N'Djamena lead to a fragile Humanitarian Ceasefire Agreement. However, violence persists, prompting the African Union (AU) to deploy ceasefire monitors, initially just a few hundred soldiers, but eventually expanding to about seven thousand under the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS). Yet, the crisis deepens, drawing greater international attention.

On September 18, 2004, the United Nations Security Council issues Resolution 1564, condemning Sudan's government for its continued military attacks and calling for expanded international monitoring. Negotiations remain strained until August 2006, when the Security Council passes Resolution 1706, authorizing a robust seventeen-thousand-strong peacekeeping force. Resistance from the Sudanese government delays deployment, eventually leading to a hybrid African Union–United Nations peacekeeping effort in Darfur.

Meanwhile, Sudan faces profound internal transformations. The National Islamic Front under Hasan al-Turabiintensifies its "top-down" Islamization policy. Educational reforms emphasize Islamic teachings, societal restrictions tighten, and the government supports jihadist ideologies, controversially sheltering figures like Osama bin Laden until his departure. Sudan’s economy struggles under international pressure and internal conflicts.

Cyprus: Divided Entry to the European Union

Cyprus, long divided between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, faces critical decisions in the early 2000s. In 2000, the European Union agrees to admit Cyprus, hoping membership would foster reunification. However, in 2004, a UN-brokered peace settlement referendum sees overwhelming rejection by Greek Cypriots despite Turkish Cypriot acceptance. Consequently, Cyprus enters the European Union as a divided island, with EU membership effectively suspended for Northern Cyprus.

Egypt: Persistent Political Struggles and Terrorism

Throughout this era, Egypt faces significant internal turmoil under President Hosni Mubarak. Terrorist activities escalate, particularly targeting tourists and the Coptic Christian minority, severely impacting tourism and domestic stability. Despite economic growth in sectors like agriculture and industry, rapid population growth continues to strain resources, amplifying poverty and urban overcrowding, notably around metropolitan Cairo, now home to over twenty million people.

In 2005, Mubarak introduces modest political reforms, allowing Egypt’s first multi-candidate presidential election. However, these reforms are limited, and Mubarak comfortably wins re-election amidst allegations of electoral interference. Post-election repression continues, exemplified by the imprisonment of prominent opposition figures such as Ayman Nour.

Israeli-Palestinian Conflicts and Fragile Peace Efforts

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict sees cycles of intense violence and diplomacy. The Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon finally concludes in 2000, but regional tensions continue. The Second Palestinian Intifada breaks out, lasting from 2000 to 2005, significantly escalating hostilities. Efforts to revive peace negotiations lead to diplomatic agreements such as the Wye River Memorandum (1998) and subsequent discussions, but deep-rooted animosities impede lasting resolutions.

In 2006, the conflict within Palestinian factions escalates dramatically. The Fatah-Hamas conflict intensifies, culminating in the Battle of Gaza in 2007, effectively splitting the Palestinian territories between Hamas-controlled Gaza and Fatah-governed West Bank.

Chad-Sudan Cross-border Tensions

Cross-border tensions between Sudan and Chad escalate during this period, exacerbated by the Darfur conflict and resulting refugee crises. Armed skirmishes and mutual accusations of supporting rebel movements destabilize the region, contributing further to the broader humanitarian crisis.

Legacy of Instability

From 1996 to 2007, the Near East experiences continued political upheaval, significant humanitarian disasters, and profound shifts in regional alliances and internal politics. These events lay the groundwork for ongoing tensions and challenges, underscoring the complex interplay between internal conflicts, regional power dynamics, and international intervention.

The decade of the 1990s in Sudan also sees a "top down" Islamisation under the National Islamic Front and Hasan al-Turabi.

Education is overhauled to focus on the glory of Arab and Islamic culture, and memorizing the Quran; school uniforms are replaced with combat fatigues and students engage in paramilitary drills.

Religious police in the capital ensure that women are veiled, especially in government offices and universities.

A relaxed political culture becomes much harsher, with human rights groups alleging a proliferation of torture chambers known as "ghost houses" used by security agencies.

The war against the non-Muslim south is declared a jihad.

On state television, actors simulate "weddings" between jihad martyrs and heavenly virgins (houris) on state television.

Turabi also gives asylum and assistance to non-Sudanese jihadi, including Osama bin Laden and other Al Qaeda members.