Sudan has experienced conflict for much of its existence. The discovery of oil in 1979 served to intensify this conflict as the North and South competed for precious resources. In more recent years, with the support of the Sudanese government, an unsurpassed number of human rights violations and genocides have occurred. Sudanese President Umar al-Bashir is the first sitting head of state with an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. In July 2011, the citizens of South Sudan voted to secede from Sudan and form the Republic of South Sudan in response to years of oppression by the Arab-led Islamic government. South Sudan is now the newest country in the world and is free to determine its own path forward. What role will the United States play in South Sudan's development? Will China continue to exert the greatest influence in this region? The United States now has a rare opportunity to insert itself into the region and the chance to help create stability for the war-torn region. Sudan has been at war with itself since 1955, when the Arab-led Khartoum government reneged on promises to southern countries to create a federal system that would allow them to influence and participate in the country's governance. According to the Bureau of African Affairs (2012), “since independence, a protracted conflict rooted in deep cultural and religious differences has slowed Sudan's economic and political development and forced massive internal displacement of its population.” Sudan's northerners have traditionally led the country and sought to unify it under Arabism and Islam. Southerners, non-Muslims, and other marginalized peoples of the West and East objected. In 1979 Chevron Corporation discovered oil in the middle of paper found from http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/countries/africa/sudanBureau of African Affairs, (2012, January 12) Sudan, US Department of State, Retrieved from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/5424.htmEuropean Oil Coalition in Sudan. (2012, March 8). Musevani proposes a gas pipeline from South Sudan through Uganda. Retrieved from http://www.ecosonline.org/news/2012/20120803_Musevani_proposes_South_Sudan_Pipeline_through_Uganda/index.htmlFerrie, J. (2012, February 22). South Sudan orders pipeline company boss to leave country. Retrieved from http://www.ecosonline.org/news/2012/20122202_South_Sudan_orders_head_of_pipeline_company_to_leave_country/Ghosh, P. (2012, March 16). Sudan: Future Oil Exporting Powerhouse?, International Business Times, retrieved from http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/315327/20120316/sudan-GOSS-oil-exports-civil-wars-china.htm