Topic: Scott Gration

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South Sudan upbeat amid vote, but threat of border violence casts shadow

Lines were long on the peaceful second day of voting in South Sudan's independence referendum. But concerns rose over clashes in the Abyei region, along the north-south border.
Sudan referendum marred by clashes at North-South border

Clashes struck Sudan's north-south border Saturday, including in the nation's disputed flashpoint area of Abyei, sobering up an otherwise jubilant atmosphere in South Sudan on the eve of the region's historic vote for independence.
Africa Monitor
US official: Sudan's Abyei region unlikely to hold self-determination vote

Local journalists found greatly polarized opinions among Abyei's Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities, a window into the tension surrounding next month's Abyei vote and a larger referendum on Sudanese unity.
How a residency dispute in one key town could lead Sudan back to war

Weeks before semiautonomous South Sudan votes on whether to secede from Sudan, people in the flashpoint border town of Abyei are concerned that a residency dispute could reignite a decades-long civil war.
Imminent war in Sudan? Not exactly.

Fear of war in troubled Sudan is intensifying, and observers are calling on President Obama to act urgently and assertively. What Washington really needs to do is take a deep breath and support the ongoing negotiations.
President Omar al-Bashir presses Sudan election despite boycott

The main opposition party did not back off from its announced boycott of the upcoming Sudan election, the country's first vote in 24 years. President Omar al-Bashir says that the vote must proceed.
Is Obama's new Sudan policy too soft?

Human rights groups say Obama's Sudan policy is soft, but African leaders warn that US policy is too tough and may prompt a regional backlash.
Obama launches new 'integrated' approach to Sudan

Sudan sees 'positive points' in new US strategy that offers 'incentives' for Omar al-Bashir's regime to cooperate fully with international peace efforts.
The 'genocide' in Darfur isn't what it seems

Activist hype, though well-intentioned may have misdirected funds that could have saved lives.
Is Darfur still a genocide? White House isn't sure.

President Obama's special envoy to Sudan told senators Thursday that the designation is no longer applicable. But others in the administration disagree.
Court ruling looms on disputed Sudan oil-town

Over four years after a peace agreement ended Sudan's bloody civil war a ruling in the Hague may resolve control of a rich oil field, but may also spark more conflict.
Aid groups return to Darfur – with new names

The decision by Mercy Corps, Care, and others to go back to Sudan's troubled region after being kicked out in March opens fresh debate over how to deliver aid to people living under oppressive regimes.