Hangman and the Priest I was just watching the Swat Peace Agreement video at YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phkJrdozSKA

It is sad to know that Pakistanis are not making a big noise about the imposition of Islamic law. What is even so ironic is the US is taking it when the United States is a staunch advocate of equality for women.

Doesn't the US realize the implications of this? The rights of women in Pakistan are going to be lost, they will again be made subservient to their husbands. Really the US should be taking the upper hand of expecting democratic and progressive practices from their global partners, like Pakistan.

Congratulations Mr. Singh! Thank you Mr. Malick for your very educative, very enlightening article. As somebody who is studying Pakistan, India, and other Asian countries, I came across this water conflict for the very first time today. I just thought that if there is an existing water treaty between the two countries, then why does one country build a dam or dams which deprives the other country of full access to water? Water is a basic right, and if it is tampered upon putting another country's livelihood at peril, surely something must be done about it.

This issue really strikes at the core of equal access to water resources. And in the interest of global politics, diplomacy and regional security, two countries that are in a very sensitive situation, relations-wise must refrain from agitating each other. Indirectly although fundamentally, I think this may be what the other country is doing. After all, every human being is entitled to water.

Is there a higher tribunal of sorts that can mediate in a conflict of this nature and magnitude? It is definitely a flash point. How come the UN is not doing something about this?