THERE is something deeply exhausting about watching a country remain permanently trapped in political conflict. Governments change, oppositions protest, leaders negotiate and then walk away, while the same arguments return in slightly different forms. Every disagreement becomes a confrontation, every compromise is treated with suspicion and every political victory is celebrated as if the country itself has won. But beyond the speeches, television debates and rallies is another Pakistan, one that is simply trying to work, study, earn, raise children and get through the month.

The latest failure of political talks is another sign of a deeper problem. Hours of negotiations could not bridge differences over terrorism, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s role in counterterrorism and the proposed long march. The government says the KP side backed away from commitments on counterterrorism, while the opposition has maintained its own objections and demands. The result is familiar. Another opportunity for dialogue has closed and confrontation has returned.

Yet democracy is not the problem. People value it because it gives them a voice in choosing their rulers and a peaceful way to change them. Governments can be replaced through elections, oppositions can challenge those in power and citizens can hold leaders accountable. Democracy does not eliminate disagreement. It gives disagreement a peaceful way out. Pakistanis have not necessarily lost faith in democracy. Institute for Public Opinion Research Islamabad (IPOR)recent survey found that 76%........

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