[L,TOWM]

Interesting take. Somewhat alarmist for my tastes, but considering that these two countries have as bloody a history as the Mid-East players, and now have nukes, a situation well worth watching.

Also a cogent analysis. Pakistan would (most likely) not enjoy the trip to the woodshed India could put on them if it came to full scale hostillities. India would have to pull some punches to make sure that mushroom season does'nt come to their sub-continent.

[L,TOWM]

bttt and my apologies for a post and run, but it is my bedtime. Check in tomorrow; G'night all...

[ChicagoRepublican]

It's a very good analysis, especially the part that notes that Vajpayee is cautious. He is very cautious and that combined with US pressure in my mind is one of the factors that will help stop a war.

[Billy_bob_bob]

I was under the impression that tensions were ratcheting down in the Kashmir region. Are these countries actually backing down from conflict, or is this the proverbial "calm before the storm?"

[RANGERAIRBORNE]

I have been reading Eric Margolis' column for several years, since he often has something intelligent and interesting to say about areas of the world that I know a fair amount about (unlike most other "geopolitical" columnists, who tend to be liberal morons rehashing the Party line).

If Mr Margolis, with his miltary and journalistic experience, believes that another India-Pakistan War is probably on the way, then I tend to believe him.

This will be the real test for the Colin Powell State Department.

[jonascord]

What if, just for grins, we (by which I mean the US,) just sat this one out? In effect, if the Indians and the Pakistanis start lobbing nukes at each other, the US gets all of our Military out of the area, leaves all the tourists seeking enlightenment behind, expresses outrage and horror, strongly condemns both sides, and lets two enemies of Western culture obliterate each other? If either side shoots at us, we throw a few cruise missles, ala clinton, at the offending side, but otherwise NOT TAKE SIDES! What If...?