International Aid organizations have said that approximately 140 people have been killed in ethnic clashes in southern Sudan.

The deaths occured when members of the Nuer tribe attacked Dinka cattle hearders and captured thousands of animals. In 2009, southern Sudan saw more deaths than did Darfur and analysts worry the region is headed for a return to civil war.

Below, al-Jazeera's Muhamad Vall highlights the impact of the decades-long drought on northern Sudan.




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The FT's John Authers believes Chinese authorities will not appreciate the remnimbi in the short to midterm due to the currencies relative position against the dollar, euro, won and real. The concerted devaluation of those currencies means the RMB is as expensive as it has ever been, which has decreased the competive advantage enjoyed by Chinese export manufacturers.




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US jobs data will be released tomorrow and will indicate a further stabilization in the labor market. New claims data, which correlates strongly with actual unemployment, dropped for the 18th straight week to 450,250- a level which indicates labor market stability.
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Iraq and Iran have begun talks concerning an inactive oil well along their border. Last month, a small group of Iranian troops took control of the disputed well and were strongly rebuffed by the Iraqi government which swore to hold its ground. The dispute comes at an untimely juncture, as international oil companies continue to bid on lucrative field contracts throughout the country.