To say that the geopolitics of South Asia is in a state of flux might sound like a cliché for a region that is nowadays commonly described as the most dangerous place on the planet. The horrific terrorist attacks on the western Indian city of Mumbai in November underscore the grim reality. The region indeed finds itself at a crossroads. There are huge uncertainties about regional security. The pall of gloom is deepening.
The war in Afghanistan inevitably becomes the focal point. But that isn't everything. Not a day passes without one form or other of violence gripping South Asia. And Afghanistan as such has little to do with most of what is happening. ...