After half a century mainly on the periphery, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan have become far more important for US national security interests. South Asia may be halfway around the globe from the United States, but in the age of the Internet and globalization, what happens there can affect all Americans. The challenge to US policy over the medium term (through 2010) is to design and implement a stable and sustained approach that will solidify bilateral ties with these key countries and give the United States an opportunity to influence major regional developments. This report assesses the strengths and weaknesses of India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and recommends how U.S. policy can best take advantage of the opportunities while addressing the dangers that they present. Success in dealing with South Asia will require sustained and high-level attention, sensitive diplomacy, a realistic view of what is possible, and, especially with Pakistan and Afghanistan, investment of substantial resources. New Priorities in South Asia [PDF] | 
