Conflict zones and world order: A three-part series
Part 2: Central and South Asia
From the Sino-Indian war of 1962 and the persisting Indo-Pakistani conflict to the forced displacement of Burmese Muslims in Bangladesh and the mass exodus of educated females from Afghanistan; South Asia isn’t unfamiliar with the terms conflict and dispute. Apart from territorial wars, poverty, climate change and economic inequalities pose a threat to the world order, due to the creation of interstate conflicts.
South Asia hosts 25% of the world’s population and houses the largest rate of poverty, illiteracy, and child mortality outside sub-Saharan Africa. It is these factors that siphons disillusionment and breeds civilian dispute and inevitable interzonal conflict. This article highlights the duality of inter-region conflicts, from a persisting decade-old conflict (Indo-Pakistani war) to a more recent central Asian conflict (Afghanistan crisis).
The Indo-Pakistani dispute exists over territorial gain. Kashmir is a land of beauty and extensive cultural history; however, this beauty is masked by its complex regional, political and economic landscape. In fact, there is an urgency in creating awareness around Kashmir’s dynamic nature, including its geographic importance, political climate, economic difficulties, causalities, and media interference. Kashmir's geographic position affords it to share its borders with Pakistan and India, donning a great deal of importance. For many years, Kashmir has been a heart center for political unrest. Conflicts between India and Pakistan, both of which claim sovereignty over Kashmir, have occurred here.
This has adversely impacted the economy, the current political conversation, as well as the aspirations of the Kashmiri people for peace and self-determination. As a result of the political instability, Kashmir has had vast economic difficulties, despite its tremendous natural beauty and potential for sustainable prosperity in the area. In addition, media coverage, both domestically and internationally, in bringing attention to the problems of Kashmiri citizens, as well as associated difficulties and controversies isn’t aptly reported. For empathy and peace to be achieved, it is crucial to comprehend the regional, political, and economic dynamics. Furthermore, it’s imperative that we recognize the plight of the Kashmiri people and the unnecessary domino effect this conflict has on nations and cultures. With proper media coverage in creating awareness on the core and objective issues, both nations can move closer toward attaining peace. What is the value of attaining a piece of land when the people of the land can’t enjoy it, right?
Moving away from Kashmir towards Central Asia, with nearly two decades being removed from power by a US led military coalition, the Taliban have resurfaced after taking control of Afghanistan in 2021 and now in 2023. Due to the influence of a group under the Haibatullah Akhundzada, the country is undergoing a humanitarian crisis. The emergence of the “students” (Pashto language) in Northern Pakistan in 1994, which followed the withdrawal of the Soviet troops from Afghanistan, has aimed to engrave their own austere version of Sharia or Islamic law, forcing many Afghans to pay for its consequences. Along with promises of anti-corruption and infrastructure advancements, came strict punishments like public executions of convicted murderers and adulterers with amputations for theft.
Men are forced to grow beards and many women have been stopped from pursuing careers in several fields such as the army, teaching and journalism departments. Women are being confined to their homes and being forced to wear burkas (a long garment covering the whole body). The Taliban have also banned television, music and cinematography, with further disapproval of girls under 10 attending school. They have destroyed the Bamiyan Buddha statues in Afghanistan and threatened to destabilize Pakistan from areas they control e.g., the North-western areas. One of the most internationally condemned Taliban attacks was caused in October 2012, when Mala Yousafzai was shot on her way home in the town of Mingora. This was followed by the Peshawar School massacre whereby six Taliban gunmen attacked the school killing 114 people.
The Taliban first made global news during the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Centre in New York, upon media investigation linking the attack to the Taliban. To preserve a ‘friendly’ image, media representation in Afghanistan is extremely censored. The Taliban have banned many privately owned news outlets as well. Many reporters who don’t abide by these laws and advocate for women’s rights undergo public demonstrations of beatings. Despite this, the real image of the Taliban has infiltrated the minds of individuals all around the globe who get to see for who they really are. People like Basir Ebadi, a reporter who has attended three Taliban-led meetings have realised the suppression for freedom of speech and expression and worries for the future of Afghanistan as war is politics for everyone, except the warrior.
Conflicts in Asia are blinded by materialism, power, control and indoctrination. This ultimately tears nations apart, influencing not only socio-economic adversities but unnecessary intercultural and inter-regional disputes as well. Although we have come a long way in terms of world progression, we are regressing as humans while allowing the essence of humanity to be devalued and suppressed, thus impeding growth, peace and justice toward a better world.
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