Analysis Summary:

The article's factual accuracy is mixed. While it alludes to past de-escalation efforts, the provided sources offer limited direct verification of the specific comparison between the Pulwama bombing/Pahalgam killings and past events. There is a moderate bias towards highlighting the pattern of escalation and reliance on external actors for de-escalation.

Detailed Analysis:

• Claim:** "The way events unfolded after the Pulwama bombing and Pahalgam killings is strikingly similar, says a former diplomat."
  • Verification Source #1: Mentions the potential for a crisis following the Kashmir attack (likely referring to Pulwama).
  • Verification Source #3: States a pattern of escalation and reliance on outsiders for de-escalation.
  • Verification Source #4: Mentions potential military retaliation by India.
• Analysis:* The sources partially support the idea of a crisis following attacks, but none directly confirm the "strikingly similar" nature of the events or the diplomat's statement. The Pahalgam killings are not explicitly mentioned in the provided sources.
• Claim:** (Implied) India and Pakistan escalate and then wait for outsiders to de-escalate.
  • Verification Source #3: Directly supports this claim, stating "There's a pattern of India and Pakistan escalating and then waiting for outsiders to de-escalate the crisis."
  • Verification Source #2: Shows the US calling on India to de-escalate in 2002.
• Analysis:* This claim is supported by Verification Source #3 and indirectly by Verification Source #2.
• Claim:** (Implied) There is a crisis between India and Pakistan.
  • Verification Source #1: States "The Kashmir attack could prompt a crisis in South Asia."
  • Verification Source #4: Mentions potential military retaliation, implying a crisis situation.
• Analysis:* This claim is supported by Verification Sources #1 and #4.

Supporting Evidence/Contradictions:

• Agreement:** Verification Source #3 supports the claim that India and Pakistan tend to escalate and then rely on external actors for de-escalation.
• Lack of Coverage:** The specific comparison between the Pulwama bombing/Pahalgam killings and past events is not directly covered by the provided sources. The Pahalgam killings are not mentioned in the provided sources.
• Bias:** The article's framing, supported by Verification Source #3, suggests a pattern of behavior where India and Pakistan escalate conflicts and then expect external intervention. This could be seen as a moderate bias, as it doesn't delve into the specific reasons or justifications for such actions from either side.