Despite Islamabad's perceived U-turn, last week's talks between Somanahalli Mallaiah Krishna and Shah Mahmood Qureshi can hardly be termed a success. Admittedly, no one was expecting a dramatic improvement in ties. The main item on the agendau00a0-- reducing the trust deficitu00a0-- was a tricky one, given that the creation of Pakistan itself was based on mutual distrust between the two sides. But Qureshi's verbal diarrhoea was indeed reminiscent of Zulfiquar Ali Bhutto, then foreign Minister of Pakistan under Yahya Khan, and his remarks about Indira Gandhi prior to the 1971 war.

Predictably, some of the news channels here resorted to rhetoric and braggadocio. I mean, weren't those who equated the Pak FM's remarks to a slap on the face for India, doing the nation a greater disservice than Krishna, who chose to remain mum? And if we aren't supposed to talk, what are our options? Press the nuclear button and hope Islamabad would miss? Sever business ties and expect Gilani and his aides to meekly submit, despite our more prosperous northern neighbour's liaison with Pakistan? Even Sunny Deol is way past his prime for another Gadar. So if no dialogue then what?