But now – with public anger in India mounting by the day – another attack on it by Pakistani terrorists could very possibly force Pakistan to come clean and lay all its cards on the diplomatic table. As for India, it too is in a Catch-22 bind. If it responds belligerently, it plays into Pakistan's hands. And if it rules out military action, it will almost certainly be perceived to be toothless. The only other route is to mount a sustained diplomatic offensive, so that Pakistan's allies – notably 
America and Britain – will be persuaded to further pressure the Pakistani government-army combine to roll up its terrorist networks.
Will this work though? Consider: the United States – and the new government of President Barack Obama in particular – has long been hoping that the Indo-Pak peace process will succeed, and the Islamists in Jammu and Kashmir isolated. And it is in pursuance of this aim that the US is so insistent that Pakistan's civilian government cooperate with India in tackling cross-border terrorism.
Foreign Minister Qureshi could not but have heeded the Americans – as became clear in his address at the envoys' conclave. "Please let us resume the composite dialogue," he urged India. "We believe all problems can be resolved through bilateral talks." And to make it sound like a genuine heartfelt offer, Interior Ministry Adviser Malik said he had directed the authorities to complete the probe within 10 days. Yet in the same breath – no doubt for domestic consumption – he also warned that if push came to shove Pakistan would not hesitate to engage in a military conflict. Note that Pakistan and India have fought three wars in the 61 years of their existence, nearly fighting the fourth in 2002.....Continue
America and Britain – will be persuaded to further pressure the Pakistani government-army combine to roll up its terrorist networks.Will this work though? Consider: the United States – and the new government of President Barack Obama in particular – has long been hoping that the Indo-Pak peace process will succeed, and the Islamists in Jammu and Kashmir isolated. And it is in pursuance of this aim that the US is so insistent that Pakistan's civilian government cooperate with India in tackling cross-border terrorism.
Foreign Minister Qureshi could not but have heeded the Americans – as became clear in his address at the envoys' conclave. "Please let us resume the composite dialogue," he urged India. "We believe all problems can be resolved through bilateral talks." And to make it sound like a genuine heartfelt offer, Interior Ministry Adviser Malik said he had directed the authorities to complete the probe within 10 days. Yet in the same breath – no doubt for domestic consumption – he also warned that if push came to shove Pakistan would not hesitate to engage in a military conflict. Note that Pakistan and India have fought three wars in the 61 years of their existence, nearly fighting the fourth in 2002.....Continue
