World Conflicts we need to give Awareness

From Parade Magazine, from December 21, 2008.

Disputes That Threaten Our Security

Last month’s attacks in Mumbai have been linked to the feud between India and Pakistan over the Himalayan region of Kashmir—just one of many disputed lands that threaten global stability. Regions without stable governments can be breeding grounds for terrorism, and when conflict erupts, U.S. forces often are called upon to restore the peace. Here are four of the most historically contested regions and their prospects.

CONFLICT: India and Pakistan have fought over Kashmir since 1947. The two countries’ forces regularly exchange fire over the line of control that divides the region.
U.S. POSITION: Neutral. A U.N. peacekeeping force has been in place since 1949.
CHANCES OF RESOLUTION: Poor. Kashmir is so critical to identity and security for both countries that neither will give it up easily.

CONFLICT: Israel won the Golan Heights from Syria 40 years ago in the Six Days War. Both countries want Golan because of its strategic importance for security.
U.S. POSITION: The U.S. has tried to broker a settlement between the two nations. Leaders met unsuccessfully in 2007.
CHANCES OF RESOLUTION: Moderate. Israel says it will not cede its claim unless Syria stops sponsoring terrorism and guarantees security along the Syrian-Israeli border.

CONFLICT: Ethnic Kurds want to secede from Turkey. Long persecuted under Saddam Hussein, neighboring Iraqi Kurds now have a semi-autonomous government within Iraq. Turkey refuses to make any such concessions.
U.S. POSITION: The U.S. supports some autonomy for Iraqi Kurds but does not want to divide Iraq or strain relations with Turkey.
CHANCES OF RESOLUTION: Mixed. Iraqi Kurdistan is relatively stable, but tension remains high along the border between Turkey and Iraq.

CONFLICT: China has occupied Tibet since 1950 and claims it as a province. Violence erupted again this spring when Tibetan monks demonstrated for autonomy and Chinese troops forcibly subdued them.
U.S. POSITION: The U.S. has condemned China’s abuses but has not offered outright support for an independent Tibet.
CHANCES OF RESOLUTION: Unlikely in the near future. Talks continue between the Dalai Lama—Tibet’s leader in exile—and the Chinese government.
— Rebecca Davis O'Brien