This conference analysed the regional dimensions of the Afghanistan-Pakistan crisis. Presentations and debate centred on the possibilities and pitfalls of developing a regional approach to the mounting conflicts in these South Asian nations and the pros and cons of forming a regional contact group. Regional dialogue might produce a more creative and flexible approach and should at least be attempted, given the failures of the alternatives in the past eight years.

Obstacles to the contact group include weaknesses inherent in Afghanistan’s neighbouring states which are complex and fragmented societies; they may also compete for resources and display mutual distrust and resentment. It is still not altogether clear at this juncture how honestly the US and Nato are taking the notion of regional diplomacy. The current strategy seems more fixated on staying a military course than pursuing regional diplomacy.