It is hard to imagine, in this context, that Colombia would not be forced to make some concessions over the disputed areas.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: A dangerous dance in Colombia

Other voices in Ethiopia are calling for a knock-out blow or for the army to retake the disputed areas that Eritrea still occupies, especially near Zalambessa.

ECONOMIST: Ethiopia and Eritrea

Mr Maliki has questioned the Kurds' right to control some of the disputed areas, for instance around the town of Khanaqin and in some parts of Kirkuk province.

ECONOMIST: Iraq and its Kurds

The agreement did not address the status of disputed areas along the border and the fate of Abyei, critical security issues that must be resolved if the two countries are to have lasting peace.

CNN: Sudan and South Sudan sign partial agreement

The fate of disputed border areas is also a point of contention.

CNN: Sudan president vows to 'punish' South Sudan

The fate of disputed border areas are also a point of contention.

CNN: South Sudan says it is withdrawing from disputed oil region

The fate of the Abyei region and other disputed border areas are also a point of contention.

CNN: South Sudan says it has seized disputed oil-rich area

Iraqi leaders bristle at Kurdish efforts to forge an independent foreign policy, and the two sides disagree over control of disputed areas along their shared internal border.

NPR: 10 Years After US Invasion, Kurds Look To The West

Despite the split in July, unresolved issues remain between the two, including status of their citizens, division of national debt, disputed border areas and sharing of oil wealth.

CNN: Sudan arrests foreigners in disputed region

Significant issues between the countries remain unresolved, however, including status of their citizens, division of national debt, disputed border areas and sharing of oil wealth.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS