Another reason for conflict is the Muslim population that remained behind in India. Some Hindus feel that the loyalties of these people are not to India, but that they ally themselves religiously and emotionally to Pakistan. The Kashmir troubles are at the root of the border wars and recent conflicts. The troubles began when the Maharaja of Kashmir agreed to sign his territory over to India when partition occurred. This territory was primarily Muslim. The flow of Hindus from the newly created Pakistan into India and the Muslims leaving India for Pakistan resulted in violence and looting. After partition, in the absence of a quick satisfactory solution to the Kashmir problem, Pakistan sent an army to capture the territory, and India's army was invited by the Maharaja to defend the territory. Then, the United Nations stepped in and declared a cease fire. Consequently, the area of Kashmir is now divided into three parts belonging to India, Pakistan, and a small portion to China, and there have been wars and border skirmishes ever since.

How have recent events led to an escalation of the conflict?

Recently Afghanistan became interested in liberating Kashmir and sent freedom fighters (or terrorists) to help Pakistan. The Indian army patrols the areas of Jammu and Kashmir to defend against the infiltrators. India blames Pakistan for training terrorists that threaten the Indian military and government, and since Sept. 11, India has provided the U.S. with intelligence on terrorist camps in Pakistan.

The attack on the Indian parliament building in early December is believed to have targeted the prime minister and the Indian cabinet with the intention of making the Indian government collapse, thereby facilitating an invasion of Kashmir.

Bush's anti-terror stance to treat those who harbor terrorists has put pressure on Pakistani president Parvez Mussharaff to crack down on terrorists in his country. India has reminded Bush that Pakistan has allowed terrorism to continue in its borders.

Is it likely that current tensions could lead to war?

The United States and India have become closer since both India and Pakistan are helping the U.S. in the war in Afghanistan. Colin Powell was in India trying to relieve tensions between the two governments. Because the terrorists are not all Pakistani - some are African, Arab, and Afghani - there is a silent majority speaking out against them in the hope that the U.S., India, and Pakistan can work together against the terrorists.

Meanwhile, India is waiting for results before it pulls its troops back. If the situation does not improve, war may be perceived as the only alternative to solve the problem once and for all. The feeling on the street is that India will go to war with Pakistan to finish the conflict. The intelligentsia realizes that the fact that both countries have nuclear weapons may be enough to deter them from fighting. On top of that, it is unlikely that anything will be solved by war.

What is the United States' relationship with the two countries and how might it be affected by war?

The U.S. has historically been more pro-Pakistani, but growing terrorism in the area has damaged the relationship, especially since the development and testing of nuclear weapons began in both countries. I think that America will get closer than ever to both India and Pakistan now that they are allies in the war against terrorism.

If both countries go to war, the U.S. will be greatly affected, and the entire world will be affected should they use their nuclear weapons. Right now the feeling is that the U.S. has an important role to play in uniting the governments to put pressure on terrorists.

Could there be ethnic tensions between Indian Americans and Pakistani Americans?

There have typically been good relations between Indian-Americans and Pakistani-Americans, but this could change if the two countries go to war. They will immediately be in competition with each other in America when they attempt to raise money to help the cause of their home countries. In this respect they will struggle over the same resources - the money they can tap into in America.

I think that bitterness and anger are greater when conflicts involve people personally as they do in tensions between families. Since Indians and Pakistanis come from the same geographic and political origins their feelings are stronger. Also Islamic extremists everywhere dislike Hindus, whom they believe are infidels (Kafirs), and endorse the use of "self-chosen martyrs," also known as suicide bombers.

How might this conflict interfere with America's war in Afghanistan?

Should war break out, the fear in the U.S. is that Pakistan will move its troops from the Afghan border and position them on the Indian border, allowing terrorists to cross into Pakistan. American generals are against bombing in Pakistan and will find it difficult to pursue the terrorists there.

What will it take to establish peace between India and Pakistan?

Pakistan wants Kashmir to be an independent country. They will be satisfied if the people of Kashmir decide they want to be an independent Muslim state. India refuses to compromise and will not allow Kashmir to have its independence. Kashmir is part of the Indian identity and India does not want to lose the people who live there. Should it become another religious state, India fears for the Hindu minority living in an Islamic nation. India would rather go to war to defend its territory than give it up.

Though the U.S. can put pressure on India to surrender Kashmir, the Indian government that allowed this to happen would not be able to stay in power long because of the people's strong feelings. Some have suggested that an independent Kashmir may be the only solution. Although it would hurt India, it may be better than the sacrifices India makes yearly to defend its borders from terrorists. A general feeling in India is that if Kashmir is permitted to be an independent nation, it will be taken over by Pakistan. Furthermore, this will create a serious problem for millions of Muslims who still live in India.