Adverse security developments in the Middle East region immediately impact on South East Asia and beyond.We have seen the proliferating influence of linkages between terrorist groups based in the Middle East withthose in South Asia, Central Asia and South East Asia and the Asia Pacific. UN Security Council Resolution1373, with subsequent resolutions and conventions, reflected a strong international consensus on dealing withterrorist linkages, including financial transfers. However, we have not developed effective internationalmechanisms to translate this consensus into concrete action. The movement of people, arms and ammunition andfunds from terrorist outfits through these regions needs to be firmly curbed through internationalcooperation, if we are to decisively win the war against terrorism.
This is very evident in Afghanistan, which was the first theatre of the international war against terrorism.There have been a number of indicators of hope in Afghan developments. The Loya Jirga has successfully drafteda constitution, the Central Government under President Karzai has strengthened its support base, and thereconstruction work is gradually expanding. But at the same time, we cannot ignore the resurgence of Talibanforces in the South and South East, the growth of warlordism and the inability of Provincial ReconstructionTeams to even enter some of the interior provinces. The acid test of returning normalcy in Afghanistan wouldbe the conduct of elections later this year in all parts of the country without fear, intimidation, violenceand insecurity. This is a crucial phase, when the international coalition against terrorism cannot afford toturn its attention away from Afghanistan.
If we look at the larger picture of trends in Asia, there are both encouraging signs and major question marks.By and large, however, there are conducive trends for an improved security environment.