'I don't think Pakistan has the political power to really control things' 'The only certainty to emerge was that we couldn't count on the West, so embroiled in its own cataclysms now, to protect us any longer...
So when a new Pakistani communique surfaced the day after Karun left, settling definitively on a nuclear strike as a deterrent against defeat, the panic that had remained at bay so far started escalating...
'My khaki friend articulates the question that throbs in all our brains. "It's not like the Pakistanis can be trusted -- who knows when they really intend to launch? Why not finish them off first -- why are we taking such a chance?"' (Chapter 1, The City Of Devi)
The only saving grace," says Manil Suri, "is that when things go too far, I think what both countries hope and expect is that the US or the UN or someone will come in and calm things down. And that is what happened in 2002. The situation was defused."
In The City Of Devi, Suri explores the alternative -- what happens if the West or the United Nations can't mediate. "In the book, they (the West) end up having their own problems, they are battling cyber warfare and they can't come in. So the whole (crisis between India and Pakistan) accelerates rapidly. And that's the thing!"
"In the fog of war, you don't know what will happen. That's the scary part."
Earlier this month, two Indian soldiers -- Lance Naik Hemraj and Lance Naik Sudhakar Singh -- were killed and beheaded during an attack by Pakistani troops across the Line of Control in the Medhar area in Poonch.
Despite the severe provocation, and the media demanding strong action, India's reaction has been measured. It is this quality that India displays, says Suri, which gives him hope.
"India should be the sensible one. Pakistan is very dysfunctional. If you are face-to-face with someone who is crazy, then should you also act crazy? No. You should be sensible. At least one party has to keep things calm," says Suri.
"With so many groups running around doing what they want, I don't think Pakistan has the political power to really control things. So, if things go out of control there, then acting with great bluster and vigour (in India) could really make things worse," he adds.
"If you are dealing with the government, then the government has political power and you can threaten them politically. But if you are dealing with factions, then how do you carry out a threat?"
"I am for keeping things at a certain level, not letting them escalate. I think that's the best strategy."

Image: Novelist Manil Suri believes India's restraint prevents the subcontinent from becoming a nuclear flashpoint.