Pakistan vs India: Are They Throwing More Than Just Words Now?

South Asian diplomats have once again given way to a simple exchange of blows: India cheerfully reports on Operation “Sindhur” and the pinpoint destruction of nine “terrorist targets” in Pakistan—military bases, they say, were left untouched, just a bit of preventive action. Islamabad didn’t delay with a couple of its own “responses,” but keeps the details to itself: they hit wherever they wanted, and with whatever they wanted—it’s none of your business.

Officially, both sides are putting on their usual show of control: Delhi boasts that only terrorists were among the casualties, while Pakistan traditionally denies everything but threatens to retaliate. Their dialogue resembles that of feuding neighbors at their summer cottages—who’ll start up the lawnmower first. Neither wants to give up the title of chief troublemaker in the region’s hottest spot.

The rest of the world grabs popcorn for another round: South Asia is once again teetering not just on the edge of a war of words, but of far weightier arguments. We’re watching the spectacle and wishing the genre would at least shift to tragicomedy.