Crossroads of contending forces--from ancient days to modern ways--kaleidoscope of lands and peoples--pagodas, palaces and shrines--independence: the influence of heritage and of leaders--independence: what self-rule has wrought--independence: a legacy of problems--communist aggression: the background--communist aggression: the first vietnam war--communist aggression: the second vietnam war--indonesia versus malaysia, plus a look ar cambodia's quarrels--the keys to the future