For all the aspersions cast at U.S. President Bill Clinton, it cannot be said that he lacks courage. For no other word can describe Mr. Clinton's foray into the treacherous politics of South Asia. The decades-long standoff between India and Pakistan has become yet more threatening since the two governments exploded nuclear devices almost two years ago. A political misstep could have exacerbated the situation. The dangers were also personal: Terrorist groups operating in the region have vowed to exact revenge upon Mr. Clinton for perceived misdeeds.
Nonetheless, Mr. Clinton persevered, and well that he did. His trip, which featured the first visit to India by a U.S. president in 22 years, sent important messages to regional leaders. He reiterated world concern about the conflict in Kashmir, the coup in Pakistan and the need to put human rights and economic development over nuclear weapons programs.
The trip was ensnared in controversy from the start. Coming in the wake of the nuclear weapons tests and the coup in Pakistan, Mr. Clinton's visit risked being seen as international acceptance of those acts. A failure to visit Pakistan, which was debated up to his departure, would have been considered a slap at a longtime ally. In the end, Mr. Clinton made a brief stop in Islamabad, during which he informed Pakistan's military ruler, Gen. Pervez Musharraf, of "harsh realities."