"The newest nation in the world is being born -- for every newly born baby, there are always challenges associated with birth." - James Wani Igga, South Sudan's Parliament Speaker
And this is no easy labor. Here are three issues to keep your eye on as the South moves toward secession:
1. Abyei. It's a border area lots of oil and a mix of Southern Dinka and Northern Misseriya that was promised its own referendum, which has now been postponed indefinitely. Many analysts have predicted that if there is separation-related violence, it will be here.
2. Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan are two transitional states between the North and South, which don't get their own referendums, but are having "popular consultations." Exactly what that means and whether or not it will be enough to satisfy the people there remains to be seen.
3. Voting in the South. Well it was all just going too well, wasn't it? It looks like some found voting so nice, they did it twice! The numbers are so small, they could not affect the overwhelming results, but still... not good.
So there's plenty to worry about here. But there is also excitement! The good news of the week is that the almost-country has picked a new name for itself: The Republic of South Sudan. It's not bad, but I'm still hoping they change their minds and go back to Juwama (NO! JU-mama!).
-Stephanie
Photo courtesy of the Washington Post's beautiful photo essay on Abyei
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