Indian soldier in Kashmir. Yahoo/Reuters.
Fighting has broken out between nuclear armed rivals India and Pakistan in the border region of Kashmir. Yahoo/Reuters. Civilians on both sides, nine from Pakistan and eight from India, have died. Each side blames the other for violating a 2003 cease fire. Skirmishes on the border are not uncommon but it is very rare for either side to kill civilians. 1800 Indian civilians have fled the area while Pakistan claims that the fighting is as intense as it has been in decades. India has taken a much harsher stance on Pakistan and claims that they are helping separatists militants cross in to Kashmir while Pakistan claims that India is abusing those of Muslim descent in the disputed region.
My Comment:
We have all seen this song and dance before. India and Pakistan have been at each others throats since they both became countries and they have fought several wars. I doubt that this skirmish will escalate but you never know. And when both countries involved have nuclear arms it's worth following. If it fits the pattern, both sides will come down from the brink again.
Of course if they do go to war it is bad news for everyone on earth. A full scale war would inevitably go nuclear. Nobody wants that, including India and Pakistan. Which is why I am sure that these skirmishes will remain small scale and restrained. Still, I would feel better if both sides could settle the Kashmir situation once and for all. I think Pakistan should just accept that they will never gain control of it.
No comments:
Post a Comment