Why I asked the question on Kashmir and in terms of whether there would be a nuanced change in policy or whether the old policy would remain the same, is because as you know, President Barack Obama while he was campaigning said that the resolution of the Kashmir issue was central to any stability in the region and implied that there has to be some assertive US diplomacy on that score?
We just have to see how it evolves. I mean, the United States, has always hoped for, looked for, the countries themselves to carry this process forward. But, we have also hoped that they could do so. And we have seen, over the last couple of years, fairly remarkable progress. So, we would like to see that progress continue. So, as I said, rebuilding the trust between the countries is an important part of getting back to it.
And, is the bottom line to rebuild that trust, quickly trying to alleviate the tension between India and Pakistan that arose over Mumbai and then getting the composite dialogue back on track?
Exactly how they do it is up to them. But, that fundamental basis of saying we are all in this, we are going to work together to stop this terrorism, is a good basis for saying we are going to work together to provide opportunities. I mean, we all know the opportunities of trade and economic development between the countries -- and people to people things.
There is a lot that Pakistan and India could do together if they start working against terrorism together and that is good for all of us.
Image: A supporter of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, chairman of the separatist All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, shouts pro-freedom slogans during a rally to mark the anniversary of Martyrs' Day in Srinagar. Photograph: Fayaz Kabli/Reuters.
Also see: 'You cannot resolve Kashmir on religious lines'
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