Srinagar, Feb. 24 -- It wasn't long ago that Omar's party National Conference (NC) echoed the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee's line that neighbours can't be changed. The NC has historically stood by this pragmatic approach-dialogue, even with adversaries, was seen as the only real path to peace. But today, that optimism seems to have worn thin. The reasons aren't hard to understand. A surge in terror attacks-122 lives lost in 60 incidents last year alone-has left little room for diplomatic idealism.

Ultimately, Abdullah's change in direction underlines the difficult balancing act facing leaders in Kashmir. His more rigid stance may win support from those calling for stronger action against terrorism, but it also sparks a broader debate. Can a...