Nightline E-mail: August 22

W A S H I N G T O N, August 22 -- The Sudan is Africa's largest country - nearly four times the size of Texas. It has been at war with itself, divided by religion, culture and politics, for nearly 18 years. This civil war accelerates the suffering brought on by this country's immense poverty and regular famines. It is estimated that some 2 million lives have been lost. In recent years, many believe a new fuel has exacerbated that toll: oil.

The United States has barred businesses, including its oil companies, from operating in the Sudan. The U.S. government held the Sudanese government in Khartoum responsible for harboring the terrorists who carried out the 1997 bombings of two American embassies in Africa. It is a policy of isolation. But several oil companies do operate there, including companies from Europe, Asia and Canada. Theirs is a policy of engagement. Is either bringing an end to the strife in Sudan? As you will see tonight, neither is working particularly well for the civilians.

The Sudan is a place closed to most outside observers. For many, it is simply too dangerous. Few journalists or even charitable organizations have traveled extensively inside the country.

Tonight you will see a report from ABC News' Africa correspondent Martin Seemungal, who traveled inside Southern Sudan to see where the oil companies operate, and the impact the civil war and this industry are having on the civilians.

Sara Just is a Senior Producer at Nightline.