SUDAN

South Sudan became the world’s newest nation after declaring independence from the north in Juba on Saturday.

On Saturday, South Sudan will become the world's newest nation. But to make sure the festivities are peaceful, the U.N. has sent 8,000 peacekeepers into the African country.

It is not so often that the world greets a new nation into its fold, but that will be the case this Saturday when South Sudan becomes the UN’s 193rd member and the African Union’s 54th.

The massive storm that rushed across Phoenix last night with a wall of dust at least 5,000 feet high might look crazy, but the phenomenon is not all that uncommon in southern Arizona.

A boat traveling between Sudan and Saudi Arabia caught fire, killing most of the refugees on board.

Almost 200 illegal African migrants have drowned to death when their boat sunk in the Red Sea off the Sudanese coast, according to Sudan’s media.

President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan concludes his state visit to China.

In defiance of the ICC, Bashir and Hu Jintao are meeting in Beijing this week.

The UN Security Council approved a resolution to protect the disputed Abyei region for 6 months.

On Monday, Earth will encounter an asteroid that will narrowly miss a collision with our planet by a cosmic hair of 7,500 miles. The asteroid called 2011 MD is roughly the size of a large house, 10 meters in diameter, and will fly into our atmosphere zipping by TV satellites.

In Africa on a goodwill mission Friday, First Lady Michelle Obama defended her husband against criticism that he isn't paying enough attention to the continent. The first lady said her weeklong trip is, actually, proof of the president's commitment to Africa, the Associated Press reported.

Have you ever wondered, 'Where are the sunniest spots in the world?' For those of us who just can't get enough rays, here's a look at Earth's most sun-drenched destinations.

The Lakers had four second round draft picks.

President Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for genocide and war crimes. He will be hosted in Beijing for three days next week.

Sudan produces up to 81,000 tonnes of camel meat per year. Down there, it's common food.

Some parts of this world are utterly dangerous to be born female. According to a poll, Afghanistan, Congo and Pakistan are the world's most dangerous countries for women, followed by India and Somalia.

Some parts of this world are utterly dangerous to be born female. According to a poll, Afghanistan, Congo and Pakistan are the world's most dangerous countries for women, followed by India and Somalia.

After preliminary peace talks ended yesterday, the Sudan's southern border is again in flames.

Presidents of the soon-to-be-independent nations met in Ethiopia to discuss the occupied area of Abyei.

Violence continues between North and South Sudan; thousands displaced from their homes

Palin's new documentary will be screened at AMC theaters