Pakistan, Oct. 19 -- South Asia stands once again on the edge of its own illusions. India's army chief recently spoke of Pakistan's "erasure from the world map," a phrase so reckless it betrays a failure to understand the balance of terror that defines this region. Pakistan's response,however, carried the weight of reason as the army chief reminded all that there exists no space for war in a region where even a limited nuclear exchange could consume millions. Ergo, the language of annihilation belongs to madness. Nothing more. Nothing else.

Giving credit where due, Islamabad's position has remained consistent despite alarming levels of provocation. Matters of Kashmir and terrorism must be addressed through diplomacy and international law...