This work studies the Indian-Pakistani conflict over Kashmir as this long-standing confrontation between regional rivals became inflamed. It focuses on the period from the effective nuclearization of the dispute in 1998 to the introduction of US troops into the region in connection with the war in Afghanistan. Four chapters take on key problems illustrated by this case: regional rivalry, intervention, religious conflicts, conflict resolution. The author is an advocate of international intervention in regional conflicts and does not think that leaving the contesting parties to settle their dispute (a sort of benign neglect) is a responsible US policy.