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. To be sure, the presidency of Barack Obama faces hard choices vis-à-vis the Afghan war. The choices Obama makes and how the situation in the region evolves will define the legacy of his term in office and may well turn out to be a major factor in his re-election bid four years hence.
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