Even after a ceasefire, the standoff over Kashmir risks escalating into something far worse if nationalist ideology wins out over realism.

Foreign policy hawks sometimes argue that America should be the "world's policeman" (not to mention the world's judge, jury, and executioner). But with India and Pakistan, the United States is more like a referee, respected by both sides. That's a role the U.S. could play everywhere.

Now that India and Pakistan have agreed to a ceasefire after days of missile and drone strikes, there are certain players in the two countries that can use the crisis to bolster their domestic support.