Welcome though it is, it is hard to be optimistic about the surprise announcement that India and Pakistan are ready to resume peace talks. The three wars the two neighbors have fought are reasons to both applaud the two governments' readiness to talk peace and to be skeptical about the prospects. Last week's agreement, however, builds on a ceasefire agreed on late last year; that momentum, along with political developments in each country, could move the peace process forward.

India and Pakistan have quarreled and fought since they won independence more than a half century ago. After the two countries exploded nuclear devices in 1998, the world feared that another war might trigger a nuclear holocaust. Only two years ago, the possibility was not just hypothetical: After an attack by Islamic militants on the Indian Parliament left 14 people dead, Delhi, to its credit, stayed its hand.

The biggest area of contention has been Kashmir, a Muslim majority state that is part of India but claimed by Pakistan. In the last quarter century, more than 65,000 people, most of them civilians, have died as a result of fighting over Kashmir. India accuses Pakistan of actively supporting Islamic extremists and has demanded that Pakistan take steps to stop the terrorism as a precondition to any peace talks. Islamabad admits giving moral support, but denies any official involvement or the provision of substantive assistance.