ISLAMABAD -- With elections in Pakistan and Indian-administered Kashmir out of the way, South Asia's two nuclear-armed neighbors have an opportunity to embark on a new peace initiative.
After months of high tension -- unleashed by the deployment of large numbers of troops on both sides -- India and Pakistan have begun scaling down their military strength. In the months to come, barring an unexpected setback to relations, it's possible that the two countries may find a window of opportunity to work for peace.
India may well come around to negotiating with a Pakistani leader other than Gen. Pervez Musharraf. Pakistan, meanwhile, may be more inclined toward negotiations between the government of Kashmir in the territory under Islamabad's control and the newly elected government in the area under Delhi's control.