This Conflict’s Disinformation is Out of Control

Director at the Center for International Policy Ari Tolany added that the current crisis is also a consequence of nationalist projects in both countries, but is harming attempts at de-escalation. “Using social media to inflame public sentiment makes it much harder for leaders to save face domestically while trying to de-escalate externally,” she explained

“If Pakistan now believes the U.S. won’t intervene diplomatically, maybe it will rethink its behavior,” Tolany speculated. Without the U.S. as a dampening force, or an “established power broker,” as Tolany described it, the situation could escalate further. Some also believe Pakistan has become more isolated in recent years, making U.S. dialogue even harder. The country has become closer to India after finding Osama bin Laden hiding in Pakistan in 2011. “No one is really standing by Pakistan,” said Syed Athar Ali, a former Pakistani defense official.  

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