Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf describes South Asia as a region with "immense potential. Untapped potential." Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia would agree.

Sri Lanka lost a couple of decades to a bloody insurgency. People on the tear-shaped island had almost forgotten how to smile until the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam agreed to a ceasefire.

On the other hand, Bangladesh is unable to enjoy the benefits of impressive economic growth due to its huge population.

Photograph: Aamir Qureshi/AFP/Getty Images

Also see: Wheels of Peace

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