Many of the players in Sudan’s pending South Sudan referendum that most suspect will lead to a vote for independence. South Sudanese political parties are getting their ducks in a row for the anticipated secession. From Khartoum Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir promises that there will not be a return to civil war after January’s vote. So am I a cynic for wondering if it can possibly go smoothly and for believing that Khartoum will manage to come up with some pretext for grievance?