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POPSEgo or Egalitarianism? Maoists on the move in Nepal Its official they're no longer part of the government and they're taking measures to disrupt upcoming elections. BBC paints them as looking to fail in the polls almost implying that their desire to disrupt elections is some sort of self serving power move. This may be fair, but at the same time one should consider their concerns - previous peoples movements (Jana andolan) in Nepal have been followed by brief acts of appeasement and institutionalized corruption (particularly the 1990 movement). I guess only time will tell if this is ego of egalitarianism.
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POPSNepal Donors Pass the Buck After successfully waging people's movement and eschewing the cold-war era advice of outside countries like the US, Nepal has attempted what few other nations have - to come to terms with Communists. In this time where there is the potential for tolerance and progress, many of the countries who were too eager to offer aid to Nepal when the government openly suppressed democracy are now weaseling out. It is sadly typical in this era that compromise and reconciliation are frowned on and that absolutist campaigns that create conflict and social divide are favored all in the name of 'peace.' I will not glorify the Maoists and the violence they used but the response of the international community to this delicate time is appalling. This also raises the question of the ethics of international aid. Nepal has long relied on it, and now when it is needed most it dries up. Is the international community responsible?
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POPSPlane God Hungers for Goat Flesh Not even BAAA RAAAM EWWE can save these guys. I guess in Nepal you really do fly with the gods, and they get hungry. And yes that just might be the goat.
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POPSKing Gyanendra: You got served Anyone know how to say "you got served" in Nepali? If anyone knows whats going to happen to the palaces - or if they'll be on the open market let me know! I have a subtle feeling they might turn into Prachandra ko Swimming Pool, Prachandra ko Summer Palace, etc. etc. but hey at least it wipes the smug grin off this guys face.