US Presidential candidate Barrack Obama expressed his concern about the Kashmir dispute in an interview with the Wall Street Journal on Monday. He talked of "the need to think comprehensively about the region" and in this context appreciated Pakistan's "central concern" over security. Obama said that Islamabad had at times been supporting Kashmiri resistance movements, which had its fallout for the country. He also urged the Bush administration to force it to close Mujahideen camps. It is good to see the White House hopeful emphasise the importance of the dispute but his vision is quite flawed. He is ignoring the reality of UN resolutions, which had long ago given the people the right of self-determination, not only the most impartial and democratic course but also the one to which New Delhi had committed. There is need to convince it to honour its obligation to Kashmiris and the world community. One would have also wished that Mr Obama had not equated freedom activists with terrorists; rather had taken up the question of human rights violation with India. New Delhi is currently building 58 dams and water reservoirs on Pakistan's rivers: Chenab, Jhelam and Sindh. Despite Indus Water Treaty, which does not allow it to block Pakistan's share of the water, it has gone ahead with Baglihar Dam that can divert about 7000 to 8000 cusec-ft of water per day. Similarly, if other projects are completed, New Delhi could convert Pakistan into a wasteland and ruin its agriculture. This water bomb so to speak may spell disaster for both nuclear-armed neighbours. And its roots lay in the core issue of Kashmir. India must realise the gravity of the situation and find a permanent solution to the conflict that has for over 60 years kept the countries on a collision course resulting in three wars. Global leaders of Mr Obama's stature could play an important role in its resolution.