Fears over the threat of an Asian arms race are escalating as Pakistan has carried out three tests.

It seen as a direct reponse to the five nuclear tests carried out by India last month. And Pakistan has gone ahead despite warnings from world leaders of just such an arms race.

US President Clinton has already said Pakistan risks starting a second Cold War - with other nuclear powers, China and Russia, sucked into the conflict.

But should Pakistan have shown restraint or is it justified in wanting to carry out its own tests?

Pakistan has expressed dismay over the Group of Eight's "inadequate response" to India's nuclear tests. They said it needed to take a tougher line over India's threat to world peace.

And public opinion in Pakistan is has been demanding action from its government.

But the tests could now lead to sanctions being imposed - a burden the country's fragile economy could ill afford.

The Pakistani Prime Minister however says that he had no choice - concern over his country's security outweigh those over the economy.

What do you think?

Should Pakistan have carried out nuclear tests?

This was bound to happen. World leaders have been too lenient with India...
Richard Kirby, US

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