Children, Sudan, 2003 Photograph by Randy Olson
Their future marred by conflicts over religion, ethnicity, and resources such as water, land, and oil, these two girls present an island of hope in the desolate landscape of Sudan. Since independence from Britain in 1956, Sudan's northern leaders have fought to extend their power throughout the rebellious south, waging a civil war for all but 11 of the past 48 years.
