STWR - Share The World's Resources

Since 1990 at least 18 violent conflicts have been fuelled by exploitation and competition over natural resources. The United Nations should integrate strategies of sharing natural resources to ensure post-conflict peace and security, according to a new report by the UNEP.

2008 has seen the security situation in Iraq improve, while Afghanistan and Pakistan still pose challenges. However, with a more internationally engaged US administration, the coming year provides an opportunity and may even be a positive tipping point towards global stability and emancipation, writes Paul Rogers.

The rise of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has resulted in the demise of disarmament movements, killing off global protests against nuclear weapons. Once the only danger becomes their acquisition by poor states, their retention by rich ones can be forgotten, argues Susan Watkins.

Religious fundamentalism fails to fully explain the heinous attacks on several Mumbai hotels. Could emerging linkages between India’s desperate poverty, inequality and increased access to information underlie the motive? By Deena Guzder.

With US military spending at an all time high, the Obama administration must begin with the recognition that security is not attained through intimidation or wealth, but through genuine and effective cooperation with other nations, says Frida Berrigan.

The purpose of the recent US-India nuclear deal is not only to assist India to meet its energy needs, but also to establish a strategic relationship in which both countries share "common interests"  - pointing to how India has "turned around" from the days of non-alignment, says Subrata Ghoshroy.