A war without end – Author – Zahid Hussain

In the thick of political tension and nationalistic fervor, Zahid Hussain’s article cuts through the fog of war and bravado to deliver a sobering analysis of the recent Indo-Pak conflict. As the dust settles on the battlefield, he pulls no punches in critiquing triumphalism in a conflict far from resolved. The celebratory mood over thwarting Indian aggression rings hollow, especially when the threat still looms large. With missiles paused, not disarmed, the notion of revenge for the 1971 tragedy seems not only misplaced but also politically tone-deaf. The writer warns against letting the drums of nationalism drown out the ongoing challenges to national security, particularly when political division at home could embolden adversaries abroad.

On the diplomatic front, the battleground has clearly shifted. India’s military misadventure failed to gain Western support largely due to its inability to offer credible evidence against Pakistan. This gave Pakistan a rare opening to bolster ties with Washington and lean further into its strategic partnership with China—a move that clearly unsettled New Delhi. While both sides now trumpet their own versions of victory, the writer reminds us that the conflict is still smouldering beneath a fragile pause. It’s a classic case of winning a battle but remaining stuck in a war without end. The call to action is unmistakable: national unity, measured diplomacy, and a clear-eyed view of vulnerabilities are the need of the hour.

Overview:

This article critically assesses the Indo-Pak military flare-up, Pakistan’s internal political response, regional diplomatic consequences, and the broader implications for security and foreign policy. It cautions against nationalistic overconfidence and emphasizes the need for internal cohesion and long-term strategic planning.

NOTES:

This article is a treasure of knowledge into the nexus of national security, foreign relations, regional geopolitics, and civil-military dynamics. It demonstrates how military events have far-reaching political and diplomatic consequences, both domestically and internationally. The writer’s tone also exemplifies critical analysis—an essential skill for tackling current affairs and essay questions. This can be used as reference material for essays on Indo-Pak relations, strategic alliances, and nuclear diplomacy.

Relevant CSS Syllabus Topics:

• Current Affairs: Indo-Pak relations, nuclear deterrence, and South Asian security.
• Pakistan Affairs: Civil-military relations, national security strategy, political polarization.
• International Relations: Sino-Pakistan alliance, US-India-Pakistan triangle, global diplomacy.

Notes for Beginners:

This article explains how the recent Indo-Pak clash, though brief, had serious implications. It wasn’t just about military strength—it affected politics, diplomacy, and public perception. For example, despite India’s superior military and global standing, it couldn’t gain Western support for its attack due to lack of evidence. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s air force performed exceptionally well, supported by China, showing how alliances matter. However, internal problems like political instability weaken national defence. The article uses real events—missile strikes, diplomatic responses, and statements from global leaders—to teach readers how interconnected military actions are with political and diplomatic decisions.

Facts and Figures:

• Gen Munir became the second five-star field marshal after Ayub Khan.
• Nur Khan Airbase near Islamabad was struck, revealing defence gaps.
• Israel was the only country to publicly support India.
• The US advised restraint fearing nuclear escalation.

To sum up, Zahid Hussain’s write-up is a timely reality check in an atmosphere thick with misplaced euphoria. It holds up a mirror to our political culture, military posture, and diplomatic ambitions, urging maturity over machismo. The article doesn’t just reflect on a military skirmish; it unravels layers of strategic missteps, political theatrics, and international maneuvering. A must-read for anyone serious about understanding Pakistan’s place in today’s volatile regional order.

Difficult Words and Meanings:

• Triumphalism – excessive celebration of a victory; syn: boastfulness; ant: humility
• Politicise – to make something political; syn: manipulate; ant: depoliticize
• Deterrence – the act of discouraging an action; syn: prevention; ant: provocation
• Escalation – rapid increase or intensification; syn: amplification; ant: de-escalation
• Miscalculation – wrong judgment or assessment; syn: blunder; ant: foresight
• Flare-up – sudden outbreak; syn: eruption; ant: resolution
• Hubris – overconfidence or arrogance; syn: pride; ant: modesty
• Covert – hidden or secret; syn: clandestine; ant: overt
• Leverage – strategic advantage; syn: influence; ant: weakness
• Mediation – intervention to resolve a dispute; syn: arbitration; ant: provocation