US seeks to unite India and Pakistan after attacks

The latest pictures to emerge of the massacres in Mumbai have made clear the determination of the killers: police officers pinned behind pillars as a gunman at the train station sprays passengers and nearby diners with bullets.

Nearly one week on, and the inquest is firmly focussed on Pakistan. In India, the US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will be presented with what the government says is proof of a plot organised in Pakistan. It will include transcripts of satellite telephone calls between India and Pakistan during the attacks.

India believes the terrorists were all members of an illegal Islamic group in Pakistan called Lashkar-e-Taiba. It wants 20 other suspects extradited. But some people in Pakistan believe there is more behind it.

“It is an American, Indian and Israeli plan to use the Northern Pakistan area to attack China,” said one man. “This is their main aim. We are being used but we will not allow them to do this. If America is a friend to Pakistan then they should prove it.”

Condoleezza Rice has said she wants to help India and Pakistan work together. She will go to Pakistan tomorrow. Pakistan is refusing to hand over the 20 wanted suspects saying, if necessary, they will face trial at home.

India says peace between the two countries is at risk.

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tags: India, Pakistan, Terrorism