In an age that is well on the way of becoming post-nuclear, where even the traditional definition of war has become an inadequate descriptor of reality, is there legitimate space for people who believe in the epic image of nations in conflict? This is war as seen in Amar Chitra Katha, idealised, emotional, essentially moronic. The Delhi editorial offices of the RSS journal are well within the blast zone of any nuclear attack on the capital.

The advice of compulsive suicides need not be taken seriously. But it may yet do some damage. Much of this war is about image, about perceptions, often gauged from afar. We have been scoring consistently onthis count so far, getting the world on our side for the first time in half a century. But if the RSS decides to bat for Pakistan, well, things could change.

But why blame the poor RSS alone, when our respected defence analysts are also seeing the future in the bold colours of Amar Chitra Katha? At least two such analysts have recently spoken out in favour of preemptive nuclear strikes on Pakistan. Their logic is most alarming. Pakistan apparently offers only three worthwhile targets -- Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi -- while India has many more. We can finish them off before they finish us off.

Therefore, no-first-use offers are completely misguided. This is far more juvenile than the Amar Chitra Katha mindset. One wonders if it does not constitute sufficient provocation for a complete ban on Commando comics. Warrants should be issued and the premises of these worthies searched for hidden copies. These analysts do not seem to have heard of the modern shorthand for nuclear conflict. It isaptly termed MAD. The acronym stands for `mutually assured destruction'. It is a war without survivors. Analysts recommending it are ripe for a spell of analysis themselves.

It appears to be clear that this conflict will not end in a decisive victory. The Indian offensive is intended to get the infiltrators out of Kargil. Nothing more is expected from military action, since the troops are not going to cross the Line of Control. This conflict will have to be resolved -- not won -- by diplomatic means. And, given the interest that other nations are taking in it, it may be resolved in the multilateral space, with the involvement of the world's media.

The world will not forgive a nation that takes the nuclear initiative, or even one whose people relentlessly recommend it in the media. Not now, when continents that lived for decades in the shadow of holocaust have just got used to a safer world. True, India has clearly stated that it will not launch a first strike. But its public voices -- even the unofficialones -- must stop treating the nuclear option as a possibility. It is an option open only to irresponsible, immature and desperate nations.