A second day of fighting between Sudan and South Sudan in their disputed border regions has prompted international concern that the conflict might develop into outright war.
The African Union says it is deeply alarmed by the clashes over oilfields, and called on both sides to exercise the utmost restraint.
Sudan has pulled out of negotiations with South Sudan.
These are difficult times for Islam. It is under pressure from Christian expansion, not from the West but mainly from indigenous third-world Christian missionaries and churches.