The US and Japan in particular imposed economic sanctions on the poverty-ridden lands. Both economies suffered, the Pakistani more than the Indian. At the year's end, the leaders of both countries were still nurturing their costly illusions, having taken a road that leads nowhere but to an Armageddon. Now they look bewildered when you ask them what it was all for. There is no sign anywhere of the glory and security they were promised.
Prices are up and jobs have vanished, and that hurts.
In India, the BJP has now taken a sound beating in three state elections.