LONDON, Dec 31: The stand-off between Pakistan and India has shifted the British media attention from Afghanistan and for the first time in three months the news headlines are not about combating global terrorism but about the prospects of war between the two nuclear powers of South Asia.

The Independent said: “India’s Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, a nationalist opportunist, has seen his chance to redress the balance.

He is exploiting the rhetoric of the “war against terrorism” against the Islamic fanatics who are at the forefront of the struggle against Indian rule in Kashmir. His shameless attempts to rouse Hindu nationalism are dangerous.”

The paper argues that Mr Vajpayee is trying to provoke Pakistan into a reaction that could be used as an excuse for a short war of popular distraction from troubles at home. Gen Musharraf, heading a military government, is unfortunately all too likely to be provoked.