Travelling through conflict

n recent years, and particularly post-9/11, West Asian lands have become the base as well as the target of political and social turbulence. This turbulence has manifested itself in various forms of extremism, terrorism and anti-Western sentiments. Travelling Through Conflict explores the geopolitical imperatives and societal impulses that have induced conflict in the region, and tries to understand the dynamics of change in West Asia. A collection of academic papers, book-review essays and op-ed articles, this book, written over five years by an Indian diplomat with extensive experience of living and working in West Asian countries, sheds light on the root causes of recent and current turmoil. Travelling Through Conflict deals with two broad themes: contemporary questions pertaining to religion and politics in the Muslim world, as well as their implications for state policy; and specific subjects in the politics of West Asian countries, especially in relation to Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Israel and Palestine, Saudi Arabia, the security of the Persian-Gulf, and proposed reforms. Table Of Contents: Part I: Of Islam and Muslims 1. Islam and the Democratic Principle 2. Religion and Politics 3. Militant Islam 4. The US and the Muslim World 5. Indian Muslims: A Perception Part II: In the Eye of the Storm 6. Securing the Persian Gulf-I 7. Securing the Persian Gulf-II 8. Palestinian Militancy and the Peace Process 9. Afghanistan: A Neighbour with a Difference 10. Palestine: Room for Diplomacy? 11. Reforming Saudi Arabia 12. Iraq Quagmire-I 13. Iraq Quagmire-II 14. Reforming the 'Greater Middle East' Part III: Occasional Musings 15. A Failed Edifice of Modernity 16. Timidity in Negotiations 17. Israel and the Arab State System 18. A New Paradigm for Human Rights Part IV: Appendices 19.Palestine 20.Saudi Reforms 21.Maps Index About The Author: Mohammad Hamid Ansari is the Vice President of India and ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. Earlier,