[Mathias Hermansson]

Hello,

I'm really concerned about the situation in Kashmir.  Please join 
me in calling on the leaders of India and Pakistan to cool down.

The conflict is edging ever closer to a nuclear war.  A nuclear 
exchange between these rival nations could kill 12 million people 
and spread radioactive fallout around the globe.  Through 
MoveOn.org, I'm calling on President Musharraf of Pakistan and 
Prime Minister Vajpayee of India to step back from the brink of 
holocaust.  

You can join us and sign a message from concerned citizens of the 
world at:

   http://www.moveon.org/nonukesoverkashmir/

Both leaders are currently banging the drums of war.  Recently, 
Pakistan tested its third missile in as many days, emphasizing 
its ability to deliver nukes to the large Indian city Delhi in 
under three minutes.  Prime Minister Vajpayee told the 700,000 
troops stationed along the border of Pakistan that he was 
preparing for "a decisive victory."

While India has stated that it will only use its nuclear bombs in 
the case of an attack, Pakistan has made clear that it will 
strike first if threatened.  And there's reason to believe that 
it will follow through on this policy: in 1999, such an attack 
was narrowly averted, over the protest of then-General Musharraf.

If India and Pakistan were to go to war, the effects would be 
felt around the world.  The trade winds above the two countries 
are ideally situated to spread nuclear fallout.  Essentially 
highly radioactive dust, fallout can cause leukemia and many 
other kinds of cancer, as well as radiation poisoning.

Assuming either nation survived the attacks, it's unlikely that 
the conflict would even be resolved.  Instead of pushing their 
countries toward Armageddon, Mr. Vajpayee and Mr. Musharraf must 
re-establish diplomatic ties, disavow the use of nuclear weapons 
under any circumstances, and work toward a comprehensive 
agreement on the future of Kashmir.  

Please let them know that you're concerned about the escalating 
conflict today:

   http://www.moveon.org/nonukesoverkashmir/

The lives of millions of Indians and Pakistanis could be at 
stake.

Thanks.