Terrorism in Kashmir is pushing India and Pakistan to the brink of war

Both governments are under pressure at home and are seeking an external diversion

FAREED KHAN/AP

The massacre of 26 Indian tourists by Islamist militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir on Tuesday has brought India and Pakistan close to outright war. In a dizzyingly swift escalation, illustrating the endemic tension between the two countries, India immediately accused Pakistan of backing the militants, closed the only land border crossing and suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty that has withstood two earlier wars. Delhi also revoked the visas of Pakistani nationals in India. Denying any involvement in the massacre, Pakistan responded by cancelling the visas of Indian nationals, closing Pakistani airspace to Indian airlines and suspending bilateral trade. Soldiers from both sides have since exchanged fire across the Line of Control, the militarised frontier dividing Kashmir.

Such reckless responses are extremely dangerous. Both governments are under

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