After several failed attempts to resolve territorial issues with its Caspian neighbors, Iran appears poised to begin developing unilaterally its energy resources in its portion of the sea. While Tehran does not seem intent on trying to develop resources in disputed areas, the announcement is sure to raise regional tension.
With the US military ensconced in Uzbek bases, the Central Asian nation's president, Islam Karimov, has proclaimed Uzbekistan safe from incursions by Islamic militants this summer. However, authorities remain concerned about Islamic radicals, especially those affiliated with the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU).
In a move hailed as a significant show of support for Afghanistan's interim government, Iran has curbed renegade Afghan warlord Gulbuddin Hekmatyar's activities. At the same time, conservative Islamic elements in Iran are engaged on an on-going effort to enhance Tehran's influence over Afghanistan's reconstruction.
A group of former Taliban officials in Islamabad recently announced the revival of the long-dormant group, Khudamul Furqan Jamiat, or Society of Servants of the Holy Koran. While the group has offered its support for the new Afghan government, it is unclear whether the KFJ will be a constructive or destabilizing force in post-Taliban Afghanistan.
Afghanistan's ruling militia, the Taliban, has suggested there is a religious basis for the decision not to hand over Osama bin Laden to the United States. In reality, the choice is rooted more in politics than in Islam. Bin Laden is simply too essential to the Taliban's military capacity, economic survival, and credibility within the radical Islamic community to sacrifice.
Recent fighting in Kashmir between Indian forces and Pakistani-based guerillas has been bloodier than most battles in recent years. It is also more disturbing, because escalating tensions in the disputed province threaten to disrupt the military campaign in Afghanistan. If they continue, they could also thwart coalition efforts to form a post-Taliban government.
