The world watches India and Pakistan - and wonders what will happen next after the deadly terrorist attack in Mumbai last week.

We are watching perspectives from The Australian, CNN, the South Asian Journalists Association and other sources from South Asia.

The Australian gets right to the point for international concern in the region in a story called - Doomsday Dread.

It reports, an estimate of 12 million people would be killed on the first day in a nuclear battle between the two countries.

“…the unspoken fear everywhere is that the two South Asian neighbours could be pushed into the unthinkable: their fourth war, and one in which they would mobilise their nuclear arsenals.” One military analyst said, “South Asia’s a nuclear tinderbox…” (The Australian)

The United States is calling on Pakistan to cooperate fully with any investigation of the Mumbai attacks.

Which brings us to CNN.

Larry King interviewed the Pakistani President.

Asif Ali Zardari said he would take action if the attacks were linked to a Pakistani group - but appeared to draw the line there.

King: “So the state of Pakistan is in no way responsible, you’re saying, right?”
Zardari: “The state of Pakistan is no way responsible. That I believe--even the White House and American CIA have said that today. The state of Pakistan is of course not involved. We’re part of the victims, Larry. I’m a victim. The state of Pakistan is a victim.” (CNN)

The South Asian Journalists association made the full transcript of the Larry King show available on its website.

And journalists made sharp comments on what Zardari said…

 “[he] appears to be extending his hand of cooperation to India, he is still resisting in taking any responsibility of harboring these terrorists in Pakistan. If he wants to help India in her investigation of this barbaric terror in Mumbai, he should hand over those people identified by India.” (SAJA)

But The Daily Times Pakistan reports its foreign minister is cooperating
 “….to help probe the Mumbai terrorist attacks.” (The Daily Times Pakistan)

NDTV brings India’s view to the forefront by saying promises of help from Pakistan may not be enough. In an interview with NDTV, India’s External Affairs Minister said his country would keep all options open.

Reporter: “So it’s not ruled out?”
Mukherjee: “I’m not making any comment on military action. What I am saying is every sovereign country has the right to protect its territorial integrity and take appropriate action as in when it feels necessary to take the appropriate action.” (NDTV)

Al Jazeera English takes a more positive approach on what could happen to India internally.

In a story called -- Indians call for security overhaul -- there’s an image of protestors holding a banner saying “India[ns] has woken up!!”

“The feeling among many analysts and observers is the aftermath of the attacks could produce a watershed moment which sweeps away generations of corrupt politicians and helps the country turn a new page.”(Al Jazeera English)

We’d love to know what you think about this story. Do you think Pakistan is responsible? Do you believe tensions will rise between Pakistan and India?