"Cricket. . .More fun than Nuclear War!"

India and Pakistan have fought three wars since 1947 over the Kashmir Region, a region of particular scenic beauty. Their bilateral conflict is presently a global issue because they both have nuclear weapons--I know, yikes, right?

The two countries initiated peace talks in 2004, however, and tensions have eased. This week, the respective foreign secretaries are set to begin yet another round of talks. As important as these talks will be, the citizens of India and Pakistan will be focused elsewhere for confrontation--on the pitch whereon the cricket series between the two countries will be taking place.

At the risk of sounding like an overly naive peacenik, I just can't help but think that this series of cricket tests might just contribute to Indian-Pakisani peace. As sports fans, let's hope for a spirited and competitive series, where the citizens of both countries come away with pride for their athletes and respect for the opponents and the countries they represent.

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