Region Overview
Chapter 2: South Asia
Afghanistan
/ Pakistan / Table of Contents
The South Asia Sub-Region of Pakistan and Afghanistan remains an area of instability with implications that extend beyond the Central Region. Political upheaval and armed conflict continue to plague Afghanistan. Interposed between Pakistan and Central Asia, an unstable Afghanistan inhibits efforts to reopen traditional trade routes providing Central Asian states with access to the warm-water ports on the Arabian Sea. The historical animosity between Pakistan and India, dating from the partition of British India into Muslim and Hindu nations, is reflected in the ongoing dispute over the Kashmir region. The deep-rooted hostility and mistrust between the two countries undermines efforts to promote non-proliferation and regional security.
(For a listing of sources used for this section, explore the sources link below.)