NEW DELHI -- The United States has tried hard over the past five decades to mediate an end to the conflict between India and Pakistan. Lack of success has prompted it more recently to switch from an overt to a quiet, behind-the-scenes role as a peace broker.
While this new role conforms better to subcontinental sensitivities, America's silent diplomacy faces the same complexities and hurdles that stymied previously open efforts.
The conflict between the two South Asian rivals is rooted in history, religion and the politics of revenge, epitomizing competing visions and clashing worldviews and a divide along civilization fault-lines. Kashmir is the symbol rather the cause of the conflict.