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south sudan newest nation early today

South Sudan became the world's newest nation early today, officially breaking away from Sudan after two civil wars over five decades that cost the lives of millions. In the new country's capital, Juba, streets pulsed with excitement. Southern Sudan has been in a civil war with its northern counterpart, its second since Sudan became a nation, since the mid-1980s. The split has partly been along religious lines. North Sudan is mostly Muslim while those in the South are mostly Christian and Animist. South Sudan sought independence, in part, over its objections to being governed by Sharia law. South Sudan earned independence at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, the culmination of a January independence vote guaranteed in a 2005 peace deal that ended the most recent north-south war. Saturday's early morning celebrations were joyous for the freedom gained but tinged with the memories of family members lost. On Friday, last-minute preparations were being made for the deluge of high-p...