Newslook :: Nepal's Premiere Online Newsmagazine, Since 1999

The party in Kathmandu with Jimmy Carter is over-- a few notable handshakes, one-on-one meetings with political leaders and some exchange of views on how to go about conducting free and fair elections. Carter's call on the US to engage with Maoists was another highlight. But will the US government heed a former President's call? David Pottie, associate director of Democracy Program at the Carter Center in Atlanta, tells [read the brief interview] Newslook's Krishna Sharma that Carter might share his impressions with the White House.

In the absence of a congenial grass roots level programme, development of sports be it football or cricket is virtually impossible, writes Sushil Thapa.

A handful of medals is the most we can look forward to. High hopes are pinned on our martial artists who are expected to come out with gold winning performances. Story by Sushil Thapa.

The way things stand today it is most unlikely that the game will make a come back not at least in the distant future.” Story by Sushil Thapa.

Whether we open football academies or revive Martyr's league or whatsoever, I have to sadly declare that Nepali football will not change or rebound. What we need most is a healthy environment and a common platform where all parties are prepared to bury their differences and work collectively. Commentary by Shushil Thapa.

“I would be very surprised if we reach the last four which is a possibility. But my semifinals line up are: Bangladesh Vs Sri Lanka, India Vs Maldives. Also finals: India Vs Bangladesh.The winner: India.” Commnetary by Sushil Thapa.

The fact has been proven that we have the arsenals to become the newest force in world cricket, which was beyond our stretch of imagination a decade ago. Commentary by Shushil Sharma.

Though I hate to discuss Nepali football, gradually slipping into oblivion, the latest twist and turn happened to catch my attention. Commentary by Shushil Thapa.

South Korea, CO-host of 2002 World Cup is once again dressed up for the 14th Asian Games to be held in the coastal city of Busan from 29 September to 14 October. Commentary by Shushil Thapa.

The 14th Asian Games in Busan, South Korea is part of history now. Recapping Asia's greatest and biggest sporting extravaganza, expectedly athletes from China, South Korea and Japan ruled the roost. Commentary by Shushil Thapa.

Having already captivated the attention of the cricketing world, our national team stands on the threshold of competing in yet another major championship. Commentary by Shushil Thapa.

It's been a couple of weeks since Brazil's historic and record setting World Cup triumph in Japan. By churning out a superlative and magical display of modern day football the Brazilians not only mesmerized the world but also stamped their domination in world football. Commentary by Shushil Thapa.

Unless we join hands, change our priorities and undertake a pragmatic approach, the future of sports and athletes in the region will continue to stagnate. Commentary by Sushil Thapa.

Already with so much at stake for tourists in the Himalayan kingdom the addition of at least half a dozen full-fledged golf resorts in selected parts of the country would certainly boost our sagging tourism industry. Need to build Golf resorts. Commentary by Sushil Thapa.

His trainer sees a world-class fighter in Debind who is capable of climbing the stairs of success. And Thapa is already giving impressive performances. By Sushil Thapa.

The first Nepali athlete to participate at the Winter Olympics finished last. But his participation in the games is itself a major achievement. Story by Prem Thapa.

Never before in the 78 years old history of the Winter Olympics games has Nepal participated. But the story will change soon. By Sushil Thapa.

For Powell, Nepal’s fight against the Maoists resonates with U.S. war against terrorism. But what Kathmandu needs are adequate reforms and prosperity measures rather than guns and grenades. By Dharma Nanda

Despite the lack of cricket-friendly infrastructure and environment, Nepal is gradually emerging as a mini cricket power. A tall order hopes are pinned high on the young Turks who are expected to perform strongly in New Zealand. By Sushil Thapa.

The South Asian Big Game will start January 26 in Dhaka. Will Nepal repeat history, without letting a feuding culture influence adversely their performance at the regional carnival? Commentary by Sushil Thapa.

Declaring Paras as heir to the throne of Nepal, King Gyanendra has made big news when newsrooms in Nepal remain closed for Dashain celebrations. A perfect gift any father would give his son, but a shrewd instance of the control of information and public opinion in this case. Story by Dharma Adhikari.

Women of the world, rejoice! Your fight for right worldwide has finally promised some handsome dividends here in the Himalayan foothills and toe-plains. Story by Jagadish Pokhrel.

In this rare interview with Newslook, Jay Khadka, the adopted Nepali son of British millionaire Richard Morley says: “I did not enjoy being famous because so many people want to know you for the wrong reasons."

In Nepal, democracy is being interpreted and used by most political parties from a narrow perspective and for their short-term party benefits, writes Rajeeb Satyal.

The 10th National Convention of Nepali Congress has concluded in Pokhara. No wonder, Girija Prasad Koirla has managed to further reinforce his grip on the party mantle. So what does this imply? One remark suffices: hard core Girija politics will persist. No room for advant garde. The mock party unity will only worsen the national crises.

An American mountaineer claims in his new book that Tenzing Norgay was not a Sherpa, but a Tibetan. Story by Dharma Adhikari

Western media's craving for Himalyan "exotica" and their unusual enthusiasm for Mustang and its royalty is remarkable. But things are destined to change since questions such as how long will Raja Jigmi Parbal Bista reign and who will succeed him, have never been so louder. By Jonathan Gregson.

An American wedding in Washington DC recites Bairagi Kaila.

What is all the gossip going on around the world about "God"? Does God really exist? If He does, then is He really accessible or attainable to men and women of this planet? Here is a new spiritual approach that might quench your curiosity about the age-old mystery. A Newslook interview with a Nepali metaphysician:

Hundreds of students and supporters of different political parties block traffic and demonstrate in front of Nirmal Niwas, demanding that Prince Paras Shah be waived of Royal status and be punished. A Newslook report.

Will Mr Koirala's visit bring about a thaw in relations between the two countries? Hopes run high in Kathmandu. Analyists, however, are not very hopeful as far as cutting new deals with the southern behemoth. A Newslook report

Although the notorious Kamaiya system has got a formal goodbye in Nepal, flouting of rule is still apprehended. Chiranjibi Kafle writes from Kathmandu.

With government going for undue hike in tariff, electricity may soon turn to be a luxury item for majority of people in Nepal, writes Chiranjibi Kafle from Kathmandu.

Despite much hope pinned by ruling party Nepali Congress for talks with Maoist dissidents, prospects seem quite deem for any satisfactory turn of events --at least till sometime in the immediate future, writes Chiranjibi Kafle.

Nepal and India have agreed to introduce indentity cards for air travelers and a mechanism of border regulation. But does this eliminate the concern that cross-border crime is perpetrated also by surface wayfarers who require no ID of any sort to cross the open border and sneak into another country? Story by Krishna Shrestha.

A resounding majority of Nepalis (85.5 per cent) want the traditional open border with India to be regulated, with 42.9 per cent calling for outright introduction of passport system between the two countries. Story by Krisha Shrestha.

A staggering percentage of the people of Nepal, 98.2 per cent to be precise, said in a poll there is corruption at every level. Story by Krishna Shrestha

British Archeologists say, indeed, Buddha was born in Nepal.

Human right situation in Nepal has worsened in 1999 compared to the past years, a report released this week said. A total of 495 people are reported as murdered in 1999, a 12 percent increase from 1998. Story by Krishna Shrestha.

Raju Chitrakar explores the roots of motivations behind human creativity. For some it's the Oedipus-complex, for him it is nature-complex.

Despite recent trends that point to a circus-like quality in Nepal's politics, experts say the country is still more stable than many other struggling democracies. Story by Geoffrey Smith

Madhu, a Brahmin by birth, is showing off his status as equalling that of a priest but is blissfully unaware that he is insisting on something traditionally forbidden for the people of his caste. Short story by Jagadish Pokhrel

Real estate prices at Bhedetar in Eastern Nepal have soared as the once barren hills are giving way to resorts, guesthouses and picnic spots. The place has slowly but surely begun to bustle in hopes of being a one-in-Asia tourist spot. Story by Jagadish Pokhrel.

As leaders within Nepali Congress struggle for better slots in the second generation, the very concept of generation has come to a head following the Congress's first-ever Parliamentary Party election, writes Jagadish Pokhrel.

One of Nepal’s overlooked ethnic communities until a few decades ago, Sherpas have not only become a fascinating subject of study, they also have emerged as a meaningful global symbol. Story by Chhabi Adhikari