Topic: Indian Ocean

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Five reasons to care about the Sudan - South Sudan conflict

Fighting between South Sudan and its rival, Sudan, could restart a 20-year civil war that claimed the lives of millions. It could also affect the price Americans pay for car fuel, China’s ability to keep its economy growing, and the stability of the region. Here’s a few reasons to pay attention to the fighting in Sudan.
'The Presidents' Club': 10 stories about relationships between American presidents

From Truman to Obama, 10 stories of friendships and feuds between US presidents.
Upheaval in the Maldives: 4 things you should know

The Maldives, an archipelago nation best known for its beaches and resorts, is suddenly making headlines after its president stepped down amid protests. What's going on in the Maldives?
Falling satellite: 10 times space junk has crashed into Earth

Falling satellite trackers at NASA say it will hit Friday night or Saturday morning and has a small chance of crashing in the US. But the precise track and timing of the falling satellite is still hard to predict. Falling space junk has happened before, however, including these 10 examples.
In Pictures: Giant reptiles

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Photos of the Day: Photos of the day 02/10
Terrorism & Security
Pirates seize oil tankers, putting oil supply routes at risk

Pirates' seizure of two oil tankers in the past two days threatens oil supply to the West and ramps up pressure on navies to take more aggressive action.
Somali pirates capture oil tanker bound for US: Higher oil prices ahead?

Somali pirates took control of an oil tanker from Kuwait carrying $200 million worth of crude. It's the second oil-tanker hijacking by Somali pirates in two days.
South Sudan set to join ranks of five of the world's newest countries

The South Sudan referendum ended with an overwhelming vote for independence – 99.57 percent of those polled voted for it – and put the region officially on track to become independent in July.
How often is a country born? Here’s a look at five of the most recent declarations of independence:
India pushes back on Somali pirates' new 'mother ship' offensive

Indian naval forces have shut down two Somali pirate “mother ships” operating close to the subcontinent, highlighting the increased range and sophistication of the pirates.
Winter storm raises the question: What's going on with the weather?

This week's winter storm – and others before it – are being influenced by climate patterns in the Arctic and North Atlantic. Scientists are working to understand how these patterns work.
Terrorism & Security
South Korea dispatches destroyer to rescue tanker hijacked by Somali pirates

South Korea has dispatched 300 troops and a destroyer to secure the release of the Samho Jewelry tanker, which was hijacked recently by Somali pirates.
Sri Lanka floods provide chance for government, Tamil reconciliation

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has undertaken few reconciliation measures since defeating Tamil separatists. Current Sri Lanka floods provide a chance for him improve relations.
Haiti earthquake anniversary: the state of global disaster relief

On the first anniversary of the Haiti earthquake, global disaster relief is under the microscope. A $15-billion-a-year industry with 250,000 workers, the stakes are high – but from each tsunami, quake, hurricane, and drought, we learn what works and what doesn't.
Australia signals harder line on asylum seekers following Christmas Island tragedy

Refugee advocates fear Australia will get even tougher on asylum seekers following the Christmas Island shipwreck, which killed at least 30 refugees – many from Iran and Iraq.
Asylum seekers search continues in rough Australian waters

Asylum seekers: Navy and customs officers plucked 42 survivors — including nine children — from the raging surf off Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean soon after their boat broke apart and sank Wednesday.
In trip to India, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao takes cues from Obama

Like Obama on his November trip to India, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao is traveling with hundreds of executives and has business deals at the top of his agenda.
Christmas Island shipwreck tragedy

Dozens of asylum seekers, probably from Iraq, were thrown into the sea when their boat sank off the coast of Christmas Island, near Australia. At least 27 have died. Rescue efforts are underway.
Is there a lost civilization under the Persian Gulf?

A new review of research suggests that some of the earliest humans outside of Africa lived some 75,000 to 100,000 years ago on a once-fertile landmass that is now submerged under the Persian Gulf.
Outside Cancún climate conference, Caribbean Sea testifies to global warming

2010 was one of the deadliest years on record for coral reefs. The Caribbean Sea just outside the Cancún climate conference offers evidence of global warming's negative effect.
What NATO looks like in the age of European austerity

Amid budget cutbacks and a 'diminishing appetite' for war, Europe has turned increasingly to the 'soft power' assignments like training and institution-building.
George H.W. Bush, 14 others to be awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom next year

George H.W. Bush, along with Maya Angelou, Stan Musial and a dozen others, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom early next year. George H.W. Bush was the 41st President of the United States.
Obama in Europe: Back among friends or another 'shellacking' ahead?

A rough trip to Asia behind him, Obama is heading to Europe, where his popularity is still high. But economic policy disputes with the Continent's leaders may make for a cool reception.
Madagascar coup attempt: rebel leaders appear to lose momentum

Madagascar mutineers announced a coup attempt Wednesday, the same day the unstable country held a constitutional referendum. But there has been no movement from the coup leaders.
Madagascar premier: Coup leaders aimed to discredit constitutional referendum

Rebel military officers attempted another coup today but voters appeared largely undeterred.
In Pictures: Space photos of the day: Eclipse Edition
Indonesia's Merapi volcano erupts again and threatens more

Indonesia's Mt. Merapi erupted again on Friday. Officials say most, but not all, of the danger is past.
Five of world's biggest tsunamis

The Japan tsunami was relatively small in size and deadliness compared to those on record. The following five are among the worst in recorded history.
Indonesia's tsunami death toll climbs to more than 340

Indonesia's tsunami warning system failed because it may have been broken, say officials as death toll climbs above 340.
Mount Merapi volcano erupts again, Indonesia tsunami toll rises

Mount Merapi volcano erupted again on Thursday, spewing hot gas and ashes. Elsewhere, rescuers raised the death toll from Monday's tsunami to 343, with more than 300 people still missing.