NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
India launched missile strikes against Pakistan early Wednesday in an apparent response to a deadly terrorist attack in India-administered Kashmir two weeks ago. India blamed those attacks on Pakistani militants and struck nine targets in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, the disputed border region each claims as its own.
View the transcript of this story. News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Why did India strike Pakistan with missiles?
- What is the name of the territory that has long been disputed between the two countries?
- Where are some of the places India targeted in Pakistan?
- When did the attack occur that led India to fire missiles into Pakistan?
- How has Pakistan responded to the attack from India?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- How do you think the international community including the United Nations should de-escalate (reduce the conflict) between India and Pakistan?
- What do you think might be some consequences if the conflict is not de-escalated?
Media literacy: What would you like to know about the history of Pakistan and India to better understand the conflict described in this segment? How could you find out?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Activity 1:
Learn more about the conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.
You can start with this article from the Associated Press written in 2019, during a previous escalation set off by a terrorist attack: "Why the Kashmir conflict is not just an India-Pakistan border dispute."
A girl holds a candle as she takes part with others in a peace vigil for the global standout for peace in South Asia, in Lahore, Pakistan March 3, 2019. REUTERS/Mohsin Raza
Then discuss — how could you find out more? In what ways have other countries increased or decreased the risk of conflict between India and Pakistan?
Activity 2:
Check out CFR Education's mini-simulation lesson "Dispute in Kashmir," which states:
"Students will be able to summarize the core issues at stake regarding the dispute in Kashmir.
Students will be able to evaluate the abilities and limitations of the UN Security Council in addressing the issue.
Students will be able to debate the perspectives of different countries on Kashmir."
You may also want to read Council on Foreign Relation's article "On India-Pakistan Conflict, The United States Needs to Tread Carefully" and research additional perspectives on the subject.
Fill out this form to share your thoughts on Classroom’s resources.
