Discord keeps ceasefire on thin ice

ON the night of April 7-8, as US President Donald Trump’s deadline for annihilating the Iranian “civilisation” approached, a two-week ceasefire was announced. In India, the development evoked both relief and concern. It was a welcome sign that an impending economic and humanitarian crisis had been averted. However, the fact that Pakistan seized centre stage sparked fears that it could misuse its enhanced diplomatic stature to rally support on bilateral disputes like Kashmir or the sharing of river waters. Immediately, differences emerged over the ceasefire’s scope. Israel continued pounding Lebanon, especially Beirut, with missiles, claiming exemption from the truce. Reports…