- Q20 -

BACKGROUND Armed conflict has been the hallmark of the region for more than half a century. Whether the underlying cause was ethnic nationalism competition for resources the egomania of its leaders or the involvement of outside forces the regions past has been characterized by confrontation rather than cooperation and coexistence. This has cost the region in blood and treasure preventing it from realizing its full potential. This past of violent conflict and mutual distrust hangs over the people of the region.