"Inflict the maximum damage,"

NEW DELHI - "Keep your phone switched on," a handler instructs a gunman by phone in the midst of the Mumbai siege, "so that we can hear the gunfire".

The ruthless commands come from a transcript of phone calls Indian authorities say they intercepted during the attacks in November. India says the men issuing orders, reprimands and encouragement to the young gunmen were Pakistani-based militants directing the attacks by mobile phone. The men on the phone were confident, direct — and brutal. We have three foreigners, including women," a gunman said into the phone from the Oberoi Hotel where hostages had been captured.

"Kill them," replied the handler. Gunshots then rang out, followed by cheering that could be heard over the phone.

I have thought for some time that the next wave of terrorism is going to originate in Pakistan, with its unstable government under Pervez Mussaref and its own resurgent version of the Afghani Taliban. Now, with the Mumbai massacre we have two third world countries who are also nuclear powers facing off once again. This confrontation will make the prior conflict between India and Pakistan over the ownership of the Vale of Kashmir pale in comparison.