KASHMIR-THE KEY TO PEACE IN AFGHANISTAN
Authors
Larkin, Patrick J.
Subjects
Afghanistan
India
Pakistan
Kashmir
Terrorism
Realism
Security
Peace
India
Pakistan
Kashmir
Terrorism
Realism
Security
Peace
Advisors
Russell, James
Date of Issue
2013-03
Date
Mar-13
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
This thesis evaluates the conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir and provides an analysis of the impact this conflict has in Afghanistan. It examines why India and Pakistan maintain respective claims over Kashmir, and discusses the problem the United States faces in Afghanistan because of the extension of Indo-Pak rivalry into the Afghan conflict. The thesis analyses the regional rivalry through the lens of offensive realism and explains the impact of regional terrorism that has spawned primarily because of perpetuation of the conflict over Kashmir. The thesis concludes that lasting solution to the Kashmir conflict will allow both India and Pakistan to redeploy valuable diplomatic and military resources elsewhere in the region. This will then enable India and Pakistan to assist the stabilization of Afghanistan on a unified front. The U.S. will not be able to achieve a lasting peace in Afghanistan without the unilateral support of Pakistan and India. If the conflict in Kashmir can be reconciled, this will aid U.S. objectives of a secure Afghanistan.
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Description
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Department
National Security Affairs
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.