ABSTRACT
In Arab affairs the Sudan played a more positive part, largely owing to the interest in international relations generally taken by Mohammed Ahmed Mahgoub, both as foreign minister under the Transitional Government, and as prime minister. The Sudan's foreign relations during the second parliamentary regime were dominated by Middle Eastern and African affairs. A pattern, which was to continue under the succeeding military regime, was established by which the Sudan, because of its geographical position, Afro-Arab population, and lack of ideological commitment, was increasingly to mediate in international disputes. The restraints imposed by the military regime were removed, only to be reimposed in inept fashion by its parliamentary successor. The imbalance of this development may be seen in reference to the number of new unions which appeared and the increase in union membership. The crisis of the second parliamentary regime was therefore not basically economic, but political.
