Obama's has Acquired More Significance in World Affairs over the Past Decade Than It Enjoyed in Centuries. However, The U.S. Continues to Pay More Attention to Some Nations in the Region While the Others Feel Neglected

Byline: Robert M. Hathaway - Email: robert.hathaway@wilsoncenter.org Like Julius Caesar's Gaul, in Barack Obama's Washington, all South Asia is divided into three parts. Afghanistan and Pakistan, separate but inextricably linked, present the Obama administration with perhaps its most serious national security challenge. The administration freely acknowledges that India will be one of the 21st century's major players, but New Delhi remains uncertain of the depth of Washington's commitment. And the remaining countries of the region - Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives - struggle to find anyone in the upper reaches of the administration who will pay attention to them.