The Escalating Situation Between India and Pakistan

TOM BROKAW: Joining me now to talk about this escalating situation is Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow in foreign policy studies at the Brookings Institution in Washington, and an expert on national security matters as well. Mr. O’Hanlon, these two countries have been taunting each for some time, but have we now reached new and much more dangerous levels?

MICHAEL O’HANLON: I’m afraid so Tom, because the real danger here is of course India feels it needs to respond against these terrorist bases inside of Pakistan, the same way that Israel has gone after terrorists in the West Bank. And it feels justified in doing so, given the attacks against Parliament and its military bases, and its civilian population in recent times. But Pakistan probably won’t tolerate that and as you know Pakistan is nuclear armed and capable of a number of responses. So India would love a quick decisive response or quick decisive action against these terrorist camps, but Pakistan may not be willing to take a punch and just stand aside.

View the full interview. (Media Player)