Resource curse theorists say that oil inherently creates evil within states. What they actually mean is that how oil revenue is shared -- or not -- often creates the evil. Such is the subtext in this week's referendum in southern Sudan on whether to secede. In order for the breakaway from Sudan proper to go through, and in a relatively happy way, the oil-rich southerners must conceive a profit-sharing formula that satisfies the northerners, and the northerners mustn't be greedy. The region's long history of violence -- including the ambush of 10 would-be voters today -- makes many people doubtful...But international attention may help... [refers to China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC)]