Who Is Involved?
India and Pakistan have a long-standing dispute over the state of Jammu and Kashmir, commonly known as Kashmir. The predominantly Muslim population is governed by the secular government of India. The armed forces of India and Pakistan maintain a frequently violated truce along what is known as the "Line of Control" dividing the region.

Since 1989, militant Islamic forces, including elements of al Qaeda and the Taliban, have used terrorism in an effort to drive India out of the region and establish Islamic rule. Pakistan says that India has perpetrated widespread human rights abuses to maintain its control. Since Sept. 11, India has said that it will go to war unless the cross-border attacks end.