For one thing, Mr Vajpayee's unexpected offer of talks with the dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf is a brave repudiation of the Hindu extremists who back his political power. The moderate line of Mr Vajpayee on Muslim Kashmir deserves notice and credit. Pakistan, under civilian and military governments alike, has always claimed the right to discuss the future of Kashmir. The real question now is whether India and Pakistan are willing to negotiate seriously. An agreement on Kashmir will be agonising and ultimately painful on both sides.
Heavy pride is involved, and it is understandable that both India and Pakistan claim Kashmir.
Still, the reality is that Kashmir is a divided, violent place which cannot know peace unless the controlling powers negotiate seriously. Pakistan has always claimed ownership of Kashmir for reasons of religion and culture. As a result, Islamabad has always resisted discussions on specific problems in the territory. On the other hand, India has long felt Kashmir's problems must be discussed one small step at a time. But New Delhi has resisted all calls for an outside negotiator to help the two sides move forward in their negotiations.