Gazzi,
You are right - there is no way to predict that a "limited war" can remain "limited". Besides, surgical strikes serve no purpose at all - some terror camps maybe destroyed but Indian planes can be shot down in the process or Indian pilots when hit might be captured and be POWs too. All this would put tremendous pressure on Pakistan to respond militarily. All the world's pressure did not stop Pakistan from going nuclear in '98. Surgical strikes are the stupidest option available to India.
Agreed, this issue clearly is of concern, the main sticking point is Kashmir as far as Pakistan is concerned.
India clearly doesn't want to give up Kashmir, and that is clearly understandable as I doubt Pakistan would either, and with India who is under immense pressure as today Kashmir tomorrow another state then another and another.
However, India needs to also understand that the Kashmir issue is just not going to go away. It hasn't thus far and it won;t in the very near future either.
The US is plannign on withdrawal to start in 2011 and the Taliban and AQ will almost definately dominate certain parts of Afghanistan and the US will take up the role of the Soviets with what was then the Northern Alliance.
The Taliban and AQ along with other organisation will most definately turn their attention to India again and unfortunately this time, it will be seen and progressed as a religious war and not a nationalistic one as before which is most unfortunate.
Pakistan should hopefully agree with India to allow a moment where both sides can agree on what to discuss and hold back what we call freedon fighters from infiltration if any, and have some sort of an understanding.
Unfortunately, right or wrong, pakistanis are feeling India or RAW behind attacks in Pakistan and most Pakistanis want the ISI directed to answer in kind and help groups like the maoists, naxals and others alike.
This cycle of violence must end comewhere, and somehow, and this can only be doen by wise men/women on both sides. The door swings both ways and both sides must give and take a little allowing room for each side to manouvre.
Hopefully these wise people will come along soon, God willing
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My theory -
Allow trade to flourish between India and Pakistan. Open up the roads and Pakistan should allow gas and oil pipelines in India and even give India access to the brand new rail tracks allowing Indian goods to reach Turkey and into Europe in days rather in weeks. In tun India sorting ot water disputes and other matters. The bond of trade will be so high and strong that Entrepanuers, policiticans, the people will try everything possible to prevent any hostilties. The Armed Forces from either side will not be able or afford to dictate the terms as both sides will have to lose a massive amount by going to war and gain everything by staying on track.
Obviously Pakistan will have to do alot to convince its people including the religious side as will India as 60 years of hatred is not going to end overnight.
Unfortunately, as much as China is a good friend of Pakistan, I do think outsiders will allow this and try and derail as much as possible any such scenario, like China with Pakistan and US/Israel with India. Hence why I ask for these wise level headed peple to come forward soon.