Readers tell us whether India-Pakistan should head for a nuclear showdown

There are wars and then there are wars. An India-Pakistan no-holds-barred nuclear showdown is no longer a matter of raging fantasy of ageing generals, but something we are conducting social media polls about, eager to arrive at a collective decison.

Should we continue with strategic restraint? Should we teach Pakistan a lesson it wouldn't quite exist to forget?

The verdict, if reader opinions are a good indicator, is clearly divided. Peaceniks constantly warn against a nuclear meltdown, while those who are agitated, aghast at Pakistan's repeated betrayals, especially the latest one at Uri and since then Pak PM Nawaz Sharif's singing a statesmanly tune at the United Nations General Assembly, are not afraid of an all-out war.

Evidently, the times are of hightened paranoia and security threat, but we should wait. War is about crossing the Rubicon of patience. Let's hold on some more.

DailyO readers weigh in:

Kris Li: I am not sure whether there would be a Nuclear confrontation between Pakistan and India, unless it so happens that Pakistan chooses to take forward its ever-favored nuclear rant. But, I am sure of one thing and would agree with Albert Einstein's words: “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”

Pradeep RA: Come on you guys. You are from the media whoom can influence millions of people with 8your news. Please be responsible. This is not a Israel Palestine issue where a modern army is fighting stone pelters. The government has promised retaliation we must have patience and not do war mongering. Pakistan will learn a lesson and I believe Modiji is capable of handling the situation.

Sunil Mangra: Better no war... Why cant these two countries live in peace with each other... War only brings pain and destruction so many innocent lives taken away.... Why...??? What do these countries gane by going to war or creating war against each other..... This world has so much sinfull people..... Please India and Pakistan join together and be one.... But please no WAR........

[Please read the full thread on our Facebook page.]