Isn’t there a separatist movement that wants to secede from Spain? They have had some violent outbursts. It’s not war, it’s just politically motivated violence. But as we saw in Yugoslavia, it can turn nasty given enough time and hate.
In 2019 there were five days of pretty aggressive protests, which already followed a couple of referendums, declarations of independence, tensions with Madrid… But this has been going on since the 15th century.
Balochistan (also spelled Baluchistan) is a vast, historically significant region in West and South Asia, primarily known for its arid deserts, rugged mountains, strategic location, and the ethnic Baloch people.
Geography and DivisionThe region spans roughly three countries:Pakistan: The largest portion — Balochistan province (capital: Quetta). It covers ~44% of Pakistan’s land area but has only about 5-6% of its population (~14.9 million as of recent estimates). It’s the country’s largest but least densely populated province.
Iran: Sistan and Baluchestan province (plus parts of neighboring provinces).
Afghanistan: Smaller southern areas (e.g., parts of Nimruz, Helmand, Kandahar).
It borders the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, with key features including the Makran coast, Gwadar port (in Pakistan), and rich mineral resources (copper, gold, natural gas, coal, etc.).People and CulturePrimarily inhabited by Baloch (Baluch) people, who speak Balochi (an Iranian language) and are mostly Sunni Muslims.
Tribal society with strong emphasis on kinship, hospitality, and traditional customs.
Other groups include Pashtuns, Brahuis, and smaller communities.
History in BriefAncient routes used by Alexander the Great’s army.
Home to the Khanate of Kalat (a historical Baloch confederacy).
Divided in the 19th-20th centuries by British colonial borders (e.g., the Goldsmith Line between Iran and British India/Pakistan).
After 1947, the Pakistani province was formally integrated, though with ongoing debates about autonomy.
Current ContextStrategic importance: Location along major trade routes, proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with Gwadar port.
Challenges: Underdevelopment relative to size/resources, water scarcity, insurgencies/separatist movements (in both Pakistan and Iran), and issues like enforced disappearances and resource distribution grievances.
Rich in potential for energy and minerals, but faces harsh climate and infrastructure issues.
Unrest in Catalunya? What kind of unrest? First time I hear that and I live there.
Isn’t there a separatist movement that wants to secede from Spain? They have had some violent outbursts. It’s not war, it’s just politically motivated violence. But as we saw in Yugoslavia, it can turn nasty given enough time and hate.
In 2019 there were five days of pretty aggressive protests, which already followed a couple of referendums, declarations of independence, tensions with Madrid… But this has been going on since the 15th century.
There were some riots that both sides loved to blow out of proportion to accommodate to their agenda but I don’t consider them that big of a deal.
Sounds like the movement in Baluchistan.
Balochistan (also spelled Baluchistan) is a vast, historically significant region in West and South Asia, primarily known for its arid deserts, rugged mountains, strategic location, and the ethnic Baloch people.
Geography and DivisionThe region spans roughly three countries:Pakistan: The largest portion — Balochistan province (capital: Quetta). It covers ~44% of Pakistan’s land area but has only about 5-6% of its population (~14.9 million as of recent estimates). It’s the country’s largest but least densely populated province.
Iran: Sistan and Baluchestan province (plus parts of neighboring provinces).
Afghanistan: Smaller southern areas (e.g., parts of Nimruz, Helmand, Kandahar).
It borders the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, with key features including the Makran coast, Gwadar port (in Pakistan), and rich mineral resources (copper, gold, natural gas, coal, etc.).People and CulturePrimarily inhabited by Baloch (Baluch) people, who speak Balochi (an Iranian language) and are mostly Sunni Muslims.
Tribal society with strong emphasis on kinship, hospitality, and traditional customs.
Other groups include Pashtuns, Brahuis, and smaller communities.
History in BriefAncient routes used by Alexander the Great’s army.
Home to the Khanate of Kalat (a historical Baloch confederacy).
Divided in the 19th-20th centuries by British colonial borders (e.g., the Goldsmith Line between Iran and British India/Pakistan).
After 1947, the Pakistani province was formally integrated, though with ongoing debates about autonomy.
Current ContextStrategic importance: Location along major trade routes, proximity to the Strait of Hormuz, and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with Gwadar port.
Challenges: Underdevelopment relative to size/resources, water scarcity, insurgencies/separatist movements (in both Pakistan and Iran), and issues like enforced disappearances and resource distribution grievances.
Rich in potential for energy and minerals, but faces harsh climate and infrastructure issues.