Everyone is looking at Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq. But these conflicts are neither isolated from a larger context nor unique in their disruptive potential. We shift the focus: to Southeast Asia, to Kashmir, or to Taiwan. What are the unresolved tensions, and what solutions can we expect?
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The Kashmir border region between India and Pakistan remains a volatile hot spot in Asia. Violence and vested interests have long prevented viable solutions. But unless the two countries resolve their issues, the conflict will only increase the influence of Afghan war-lords and Al Qaida.
The long shadow of the Soviet Union can be felt even today. Around Russia, former republics and part-republics are experiencing turmoil across national and ethnic borders. If Moscow is not careful to play her cards right, destabilizing forces could soon become energized.
