India, April 19 -- Every war leaves behind soul-searing questions. The war on Iran isn't an exception. In the future, a question will haunt us whenever tales of victory and defeat are told, in a bid to recalibrate the new landscape of nationalism: What was the logic of the war?

In 1982, Margaret Thatcher was the Prime Minister of Britain. After assuming office, she privatised government corporations, restrained labour unions, slashed government spending, and moved towards a free-market economy, all on mission-mode. This led to a spike in temporary unemployment and social unrest. Thatcher's public approval ratings fell. It was clear she would lose the coming elections.

And then, she got a lifeline. Argentinian general and leader of the c...