Planning is currently underway for the 23rd Annual Camden Conference: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India – Crossroads of Conflict, February 19 – 21, 2010

Even as President Obama seeks to reduce U.S. military presence in Iraq, he is pledged to increase troop levels in Afghanistan where the war has already lasted longer and the U.S. position seems to be deteriorating. Throughout history no external power has long succeeded in subduing tribal groups or ending endemic violence when occupying Afghanistan. Where will the U.S. project stand in a year’s time?

No assessment or understanding of the situation in Afghanistan can be separated from attention to critical factors and developments in neighboring Pakistan which in turn leads to a focus upon the complex and volatile relations between Pakistan and India. Next year’s conference will offer both specific and overview presentations devoted to the broad array of issues raised within this turbulent region as well as the role of U.S. policies and programs in this “crossroads of conflict.”

POSSIBLE TOPICS: We expect that the conference will engage with such issues as:

• U.S. Military and Development Programs in Afghanistan and in the wider region.
• Who are the Afghans—in Cultural, Social, Political, and Religious Terms?
• What Impacts Stem from Diminished U.S. Presence in Iraq?
• Political and Military Stability in Pakistan and its Attempts to Curb Radical Elements.
• India’s Internal Coherence and Stability after another year of Global Recession.
• What Prospects for Violence between Pakistan and India, especially after the Mumbai Attack?
• Can the Kashmir Problem be Resolved?
• What Dangers from the Nuclear Arsenals in India and Pakistan (and Other Powers)?
• Radical Islam and Terrorism—Bin Laden, Al-Qaeda, and the Rise of Radical Islam.
• What roles do China, Russia, Iran, and other Neighboring Powers Play in the Region?
• What are the Political and Economic Impacts of Energy Reserves and Transit Pipelines?
• What is the Historical Background for the Conflicts and Cultures in Afghanistan and the Region?

While the general theme has been chosen, the details of the program are in early stages of development. Please visit our Program Page often to monitor our progress.