General Musharraf's first speeches struck just the right tone with regard to the reform of civil society. States elsewhere find that their governments are strengthened, not weakened, by the vigorous protection of civil and religious freedom. India and Kashmir Pakistan needs to get India to the negotiating table as soon as possible. Nevertheless, there are steps that could be taken by both sides even before negotiations begin. Putting my argument in military terms, the Kashmiris have found themselves in a no-man's land, beset on all sides by violence.
Violence is only a means to an end.
As Clausewitz said, war itself is like a duel, it can have no conclusion except more violence and the destruction of one or more of the parties. Pakistan and the World Further afield, Pakistan's relations with many important countries has been troubled. Relations with Iran have been frosty, and Pakistan's Taliban tie has led to great anxiety in many countries, not least the United States and China. Others doubt Pakistan's ability to rid itself of the scourge of foreign terrorists and mercenaries. One man's terrorist may be another's freedom fighter, but supporting such groups has a way of boomeranging upon the state that launches or tolerates them.