... intolerant of external dictates, while Pakistan appeals to its role as a bastion of the Islamic world and defender of oppressed Muslims. These narratives do not gel well together, leading to a hardline stance in negotiations: neither side wishes to appear weak or conciliatory to its populace. Consequently, the political positions of Delhi and Islamabad make them less inclined to compromise, contributing to the protracted nature of the conflict. Officials on both sides regularly exchange harsh statements: ...