New Delhi, April 11 -- It is the day when peace talks between the US and Iran are set to begin - in Pakistan.

The outcome could determine whether hostilities continue in the Middle East - or West Asia, as India calls the region - and whether the world inches closer to World War 3. For those who think that sounds exaggerated, consider the number of countries already drawn in: the US, Israel, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman. Pakistan, Turkey and China are playing peacemakers.

Many countries are already grappling with rising fuel prices and higher living costs. Air travel has been disrupted in several regions. Some governments have even asked citizens to work from home to reduce fuel consumption.

There is much...