The Week That Was

new delhi: the main concern this week was once again the indo-pakistan impasse at the border. there were glimmers of hope when pakistani president pervez musharraf spoke cracking down on terror groups, and when powell visited south asia with peace on his mind. but new delhi wants action; only words won't do. it wants the 20 terrorists extradited. and, islamabad reportedly wants some extradited too.for now, the impasse continues. () powell steps in us secretary of state colin powell wrapped up a series of high-level exchanges between india and the west, delivering the most unambiguous message so far to musharraf: talks can be held only after he takes further action against terrorism. () musharraf walks the tight rope it's now up to musharraf. he has to walk the tightrope between international and national compulsions. talking to clerics, musharraf said pakistan was ready for any eventuality, but did not want war. but most of all, his speech last weekend brought hope of de-escalation. but india will only believe what it sees. () india will not bite, yet terming musharraf's speech as path-breaking, home minister l.k advani said in the us: "i have not heard any earlier pakistani leader denounce theocracy in the manner the general did. but what india looks forward to is that pakistan ceases to be an exporter of terrorism. and that reassurance can come only after we have watched the situation on the ground." fernandes in us defence minister george fernandes, in the meantime, followed advani to us, where he held key talks on military affairs. fernandes has been given the assurance that the us supports the sale of phalcon airborne warning and control system (awacs) and arrow anti-missile systems to india, but was asking israel to consider whether the timing of the deal was right. china plays peace maker chinese prime minister zhu rongji came calling too, the first premier to visit india in a decade. india set much in store by rongji's condemnation of terrorism, but also made clear that there was no place for third party mediation in indo-pak relations. () pitched battle in punjab the electoral arena saw pitched fights even before nominations began for the four states going to polls next month. in the congress, seeking to wrest power in punjab, there was much heartburn over the list of candidates. over allegations of nepotism and corruption, those left out have demanded a recasting, but the party has refused firmly. problems for bjp in up the bjp too is facing problems in uttar pradesh. having tied up with seven smaller parties, ticket distribution has become a contentitious issue. the allies want more seats, the bjp feels about 75 of the 403 constitiuencies is enough. the tug-of-war continues. () murali on a roll maverick sri lankan off-spinner muttiah muralitharan became the seventh bowler to take 400 test wickets, the fastest ever. zimbabwe tail-ender henry olonga helped him along to his record. the 29-year-old is also the youngest ever cricketer to 400 scalps. () also see