*Cost of Conflict Between India and Pakistan, Ilmas Futehally and Semu Bhatt, Strategic Foresight Group www.strategicforesight.com (C-306 Montana, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri West, Mumbai 400 053, India publications@peacein.com ), ISBN 81-88262-04-8, 2004, Paperback, Pages 105, Rs. 625 (Abroad, U.S. $30)

Led by the able and untiring president, Sundeep Waslekar, Strategic Foresight Group "a scenario planning think tank" set up by International Center for Peace Initiatives has come up with Cost of Conflict Between India and Pakistan, yet another insightful publication.

First four chapters are devoted to discussion of one category of costs each - military, social-political, economic, and diplomatic. A chapter on costs for Jammu & Kashmir follows. In the next chapter, the authors describe how things can escalate to a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. Chapter 7 details likely effects of nuclear attacks on India and Pakistan. The final chapter presents a realistic plan for conflict resolution and peace building between the two neighbors.

Loaded with facts, statistics and graphic illustrations, the book will be immensely useful not only to students of South Asia, but also to government officials, political leaders, and peace activists.

According to the preface by Sundeep Waslekar, "Our document aims to provide a comprehensive view of past, present and even future cost of conflict between India and Pakistan," so that "the relevant decision makers can assess if they want to continue on the path of peace or risk a conflict when they face hurdles."

Ambassador Niaz A. Naik, one of Pakistan's most distinguished diplomats, who has written the book's foreword, has remarked, "This document is of exceptional quality in its comprehensive coverage and analytical strengths. It is the first time that we have such all encompassing information and analysis in one place on the implications of adversarial relationship between India and Pakistan."