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

Not to suggest that this piece is perfect in every aspect, but this truly is one engaging look by a Western author about Nepal in a long, long time. British novelist Louis de Bernières visits Nepal and writes in the Times of London: Despite all the mess, Nepal is not a country that provokes despair, and nor does it tempt one to mutter “basket case.” As if to balance that story from Times, which also has some words to spare on king Gyanendra, Dan McDougall of the competing daily The Observer focuses mainly on the fate of the beleagured monarch. Monarchy is always something of a fascination for the British media.

One example of how things have changed little or none in the "new Nepal"-- Kumari, the Living Goddess from Bhaktapur (Sajani Shakya) is fired for visiting America (see ABC story. Newlook blurb is here.)! The temple priest, Narendra Pd Joshi, justifies the action for "breaking with tradition." Big media attention (Washington Post, BBC, Daily Mail, Aljazeera, and more) on this topic, for a good reason. Isn't it about time to liberate Kumaris? Ishbel Whitaker must be beaming-- another, and arguably more compelling documentary in the making here?!

Here is a piece of good news, to puntuate the incessant bad headlines. Typhoid fever-- it is a major killer in the Third World. Now some Nepali researchers (principal investigator is Dr. Buddha Basnyat; see photo on the right) have shown [Also see their published study, in PLoS ONE] that there is a better cure for this ailment. The researchers recommend Gatifloxacin in place of the currently used Cefixime for (cost) effective treatment.
• Nepalese researchers identify cost-effective treatment for drug-resistant typhoid, Innovations
• Nepalese researchers identify new treatment for drug-resistant Typhoid, MedIndia
• 'Better and cheaper' typhoid treatment found, SciDev
• Cost-effective treatment for drug-resistant Typhoid, Medical News

Reuters' Gopal Sharma reports that more than 1,500 Nepali women have signed up with private firms to train for a possible career with the British army after UK Defense Department allowed them to join the Brigade of Gurkhas for the first time in nearly two centuries. It is not clear how many will be recruited, and the first batch of women Gurkhas (Gurkhinis?) may start work only in about 2 years.

The Guardian's Dan McDougall reports that "many of the women hoping to join the British army are hardened members of Nepal's Maoist rebels." The British embassy does not have anything to say (in fact, nothing) on this new initiative. There are currently 3,400 Gurkha men serving in the British army. Britain began recruiting Gurkhas in 1815. More: Here is the famous monument in London. Here is the inscription.
• After two centuries, Nepal women train for Gurkhas, Reuters, June 26/07
• Women set to join the Gurkhas, Guardian, June 24/07
• Gurkha women being recruited, Strategy, June 24/07
• British Gurkhas to recruit women, Gulf Times, June 11/07

Unesco's World Heritage Committee has removed Kathmandu Valley, with 7 major historical landmarks, from the List of World Heritage in Danger (there are a total of 830 properties). This is good news. The WHC has commended Nepal's efforts to protect the outstanding universal value of the site in the face of urban development. However, the committe leaves unexplained those "efforts." Meanwhile, the committe has added 2 more sites (in Ecuador and Senegal) on the famed list. Here are the other (virtual) heritage sites in Nepal [AMAZING PANOGRAPHIES-- multidimensional views ! Don't forget to move the cursor over the pictures ]
• Royal palaces of Abomey, Kathmandu off danger list, Mathaba, June 26/07
• Two more Heritage sites put on danger list, People's Daily, June 26/07

Here is the much-awaited handshake of the year. Yes, VOA does not say it, but this picture can't be unreal.

Mr. Puspa Kamal appeals to Mr. Carter to help remove his organization from the "U.S. terrorist list". The interesting fact ignored by many is this: Maoists are not in Foreign Terrorist Organizations List (FTOs). Rather, they are listed under Terrorist Exclusion List (TEL). Whatever the difference between the two, and whatever the amount of legitimacy Carter provided the Maoists, his visit is merely symbolic.

In fact, everyone in Washington DC knows how little or no influence Carter has on the mainstream US policies. In fact, don't be surprised that he might be hammered for shaking hands with someone still in the US Terrorist Exlusion List.

An extra-ordinary trip to the US by the living Goddess. No other Kumaris have ever before taken such a trip.

Sajani Shakya, 10, is here to promote the cause of Kumaris, actually a documentary (by Ishbel Whitaker) that revolves around her. She will visit the White House, too. Originally, published in the New York Times, June 14,/07. Shakya visited a local school, where a boy asked her: "Are there boy gods?" This, too: ABC says (accompanying video on the right), Sajani "giggles through her tour."

After about 22 years, Jimmy Carter is in Nepal. The last time he visited also as a former US president. His 13-day soujourn in October 1985 with Rosalynn took him to the Everest base camp and he wrote a chapter in one of his books about that trip and his meeting with then King Birendra.

This time Carter is on a 3-day visit of a different type. These are no time for vacationing in Nepal. The Nobel-laureate is on a peace mission, providing the much-needed international credibilty to the election process in Nepal. He won't meet the new king, but plans to shake hands with PM Girija Koirala and Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

CPN(UML) chief Madhav Nepal wraps up his week-long India tour that he describes as "extremely successful." Madhav of UML is not Girija Koirla of NC and under normal circumstances he would garner little attention in New Delhi. The Indian leaders basically told Nepal what he wanted to hear from them as opposed to what he would actually hear from them. But read this article in the Hindu, between the lines, to make sense of what "extremely" sucessful trip may entail.

A special investigation by New-Delhi-based CNN-IBN shows that it is not difficult to get Nepali passports even with the face of known terrorists. The undercover journalists approached one Dharma Kumar Poudel, who sought Rs 60,000. Poudel explained top bureaucrats and politicians from Nepal supply him with blank passports.
• Passport racket runs deep, CNN-IBN
• People want passport to go to India, Newslook

Politics and bureaucracy collide to produce new scenario in Nepal. The election chief says he needs at least 3 more months (beyond June 20) to prepare for the constituent assembly elections. The Maoist waste no time in trying to reap political capital out of this postponement. They resort to a call to declare the country a republic, threat to pull out of the interim government, and walk out of a cabinet meeting. TOI reports the Maoists also see Indian conspiracy in the postponement. The Nepali Times says rather than focusing on voters education, politicians have restarted political wrangling. Meanwhile, American ambassador James Moriarty hopes a new election date will be quickly fixed. He doubts Maoist victory in CA elections. VOA's Steve Herman reports on the new developments [But he gets the wrong photo for Amik Sherchan. Oops Steve!]
• Cabinet meeting suspended as Maoist ministers walk out, Malaysia Sun
• Maoists blame Indian Hindu fundamentalists, TOI
• Educating voters, Nepali Times
• Moriarty on CA elections and more,
• Nepal thrust into political confusion, VOA
• CIAA Summons Eleven ‘Kingpins’, Himalayan Times
• Armed group attacks police station in south Nepal, china post
• Unacceptable conditions: Carter center, Nepal Monitor

The latest word is that the Maoist supremo Prachanda wants the country to be delcared a republic even before the Constituent Assembly elections, which has been postponed, adding further uncertainty in the peace process. The Maoists, who joined the government only two weeks ago, have also threated to quit it. PM Koirala, emphasizing on consitutional process, declines the Maoist leader's proposal. Meanwhile, King Gyanendra seems to have resigned to his fate. In a New Year day message, he says: Appreciating the ongoing peace efforts, we would like to pray for its noteworthy success. Also: Carter Center Nepal observers raise doubt over a timely, free and fair CA elections. They remark that there is "unacceptable levels of continued fear, intimidation and physical violence."

Ian Martin, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative says the formation of the interim government is "a key moment for the consolidation of Nepal's peace process." The US embassy says that As a partner in the Interim Government, the Maoists must now be held fully accountable for their actions. The EU emphasizes that the new government must maintain law and order and embrace dialogue. India's Ministry of External Affairs says the new government is a step forward and that India is looking forward to working with it.
• Koirala appointed head of new unity Govt, Hindu
• Path to peace for Nepal's Maoists, BBC
• Maoists join interim government, Reuters
• Rebels join Nepal's government, Washington Post
• 6 former rebels join Nepal's government, Guardian Unlimited

Finally, the closed-door negotiations have led to the formation of an interim government that will oversee the elections to the Constitution Assembly slated for mid-June this year. However, yet another potential postponement here: Amik Sherchan, the deputy PM and head of People's Front, a small faction within the now ruling alliance, has expressed anger saying his party was not consulted during distribution of ministries. Looks like we know little about what went behind the scene in cutting this new deal in Kathmandu.
• Scorned deputy PM delays new government in Nepal, India eNews
• Darjeeling police hospital in a shambles, The Statesman
• Parties and Maoists agree on ministries, the New York Times
• Maoists on verge of joining interim cabinet, Reuters
• Interim govt to be formed in Nepal today, Times Of India
• Maoists finally capture power in Nepal, Indian Muslims
• Maoists to join government in Nepal, CNN

All about Uddhav Bhandari, 40, a former police officer turned journalist turned an asylum seeker in Scotland who set himself on fire when he was recently denied asylum in that country. A spirited debate by readers indicates that he has become a public face of a debate on asylum and immigration in Scotland.
• Kuwait becomes latest `hellhole` for Nepali women, Zee News
• Nepali student dies after vehicle accident in Alabama, Troy Messenger
• Final journey for Bhajana Darai, Gulf Times
• Flying home 'penniless, Gulf Time
• Nepali, other workers die in wall collapse at Doha, Gulf Times
• Asylum seeker sets himself alight at court, Evening Times
• Nepalese workers’ crisis ‘far from over’, Gulf-Times

One indication-- and an unpleasant one-- that Nepalis are making some dent overseas is the increasing news of their plight: This has become almost like routine. Some killed in accidents, others exploited as migrant workers, and yet, some committing suicide fearing deportation. Many leave the country seeking opportunities, not always fully prepared to defend themselves from being swallowed up by bad luck or the cruel forces of globalization.
• Nepali student dies after vehicle accident in Alabama, Troy Messenger
• Final journey for Bhajana Darai, Gulf Times
• Flying home 'penniless, Gulf Time
• Nepali, other workers die in wall collapse at Doha, Gulf Times
• Asylum seeker sets himself alight at court, Evening Times
• Nepalese workers’ crisis ‘far from over’, Gulf-Times

Today is International Women’s Day 2007. The theme: “Ending Impunity for Violence Against Women and Girls.” Nepal is celebrating the day with various events. What a treat! Women can now join British Gurkha army. Freedom has arrived to Kumaris, too. Some of them have graduate degrees. But these anecdotal forward movements pale when compared to the fact that only 26 women have been able to enter parliament in the last 60 years. As for the Maoists’ rhetoric of equality, just ask Laxmi Sharma.
• Nepali women have long way to go but keep optimistic, People's Daily
• Country gets first graduate goddess, Hindustan Times
• Chance for women to join Gurkhas, icBerkshire
• Respecting Women's Rights , Risin Nepal
• Ending impunity for violence against women and girls, UN
• Pressure from Maoists forces woman industrialist to shift base , Gulf Times
• Women's Network to fight for proper representation, Himalayan Times
• CA Polls And Women's Participation, Rising Nepal
• Helping the women of Ruspur Kot, Homer Tribune

One example that news media do not have the desired public appeal in Nepal. Strike is the only means to drive your message accross. And here comes another, that is essentially an anti-strike strike. Some 9 groups in the transportation sector are imposing their own indefinite strike demanding an end to strikes in Nepal. What else would you speak in a country where "stike" is increasingly the national language?
• Transporters strike in Southeast to oppose road strikes, NHRN
• Transport Strike Cripples Life in East, Himalayan Times
• Government calls for end to strikes, India eNews
• Gov't calls for end to strikes, People's Daily
• Indefinite MPRF strike in 22 districts from tomorrow, KOL

• Illegal Nepalis, Indians, others nabbed in Malaysia, New Straits Times
• India, US envoys oppose Maoist entry in govt, IRNA
• Girls at U.N. meeting urge global action, CBS
• Iran asks for observer status in SAARC, People Daily
• Rebirth in Nepal, The Standard,
• Accident-hit Nepali in Qatar seeks justice, Peninsula On-line
• One person killed by armed group in Terai, People Daily
• Eight Rela men detained for alleged assault, New Straits Times
• Two Virginians will run to raise money for children, Loudoun Connection
• Martin lauds Chinese role for peace, KoL
• PM promises more rep from southern plains, Red Bolivia
• Girls at U.N. Meeting Urge Global Action, Herald Sun
• Koirala, Prachanda discuss inclusion of Maoists in Government, Malaysia Sun
• Banda Impact: 90000 tons of sugarcane dries up, kantipuronline
• Holi brings mixed blessings, RXPG News
• Servants of the house: women's lives in Rural aria, Ohmynews
• Peace process slowed by caution, mistrust, VOA
• Koirala, Prachanda to finalise Maoists` inclusion in Cabinet, Zee News
• Maoists should get ‘respectable position’ in interim govt: Prachanda, Nepalnews
• Hindu followers to start save monarchy campaign, Malaysia Sun
• Govt and Maoist begin talks on forming interim gov, USA Today
• PM urges Maoist disarmament, BBC

It was Govinda Basnet in December 2006 in Athens, Ga. After a month in jail, the doctoral student was released in January on bond. In less than 2 months, it is Deepak Bista, 22, in Florida. In normal circumstances, a Nepali making to NBC's Dateline is rather impressive. But this one is unlike any. Something, no doubt, has gone seriously wrong lately with some Nepalis in the USA. A huge image problem for Nepal and its people that are already stereotyped in so many ways.
• Excuses to Dateline, police, NBC Dateline
• Ph.D student released on bond after sex charge, Red & Black
• UGA student arrested for online porn charge, The Citizen Online

The spotlight at this time is also on Special Rep UN Sec-Gen in Nepal and Head of the United Nations Political Mission in Nepal. He has a lot of explaining to do about the credibility of the arms management process. And this one is an impressive lineup at the New York-based Asia Society on March 2 at 8:00 a.m. He will present an "on the Ground Report." A breakfast with a briefing.
• UN mission casts doubt over Constituent Assembly polls, Malaysia Sun
• Prachanda asks his army combatants not to leave contonments, AHN
• Maintaining law, order real challenge, poll says, People’s Daily
• Expect ups and downs in any peace process: Martin, Nepal Monitor

No dearth of big news stories this week... bus accident at Trishuli kills dozens, gov't decides to seize King's property, even as the Maoists actually do so in Dhankuta and Sunsari. Meanwhile, the UN Nepal mission casts doubt over polls, and a Maoist MP produces a pistol in parliament, threatening legislators. How much more dramatic can Nepal be during this peace process?
• King's property to be seized, Washington Post
• Seizing property acquired by the King, The New York Times
• 13 killed in bus accident, Boston Globe
• UN mission casts doubt over Constituent Assembly polls, Malaysia Sun
• Maoist MP produce pistol in parliament, threatens legislators, M&C

She is fired (see letter), and within hours, she is hired. CNN president Jon Klein, who hired her instantly, says: "I've never been involved in anything like this in 30 years in this business." Whatever the reasons and the context of her career shift from one big media to another bigger media, the latest development shows that Kiran Chetry, former co-host of "Fox and Friends" on the Fox News Channel, has become a hot commodity in the US media market. It seems there is no stopping the "dark-haired, Nepalese beauty, as one reporter put it. As she turns into a celebrity, the youtube clips continue to pile up. And this one is an indication that she is no less of a Hollywood hotie already!
• Fox chooses Gretchen Carlson over Kiran Chetry as their 'Friend', Reuters
• Fox News blasts Kiran Chetry agent's 'arrogant disregard', Media Bistro
• Unfair to Kiran Chetry, Media Bistro
• Fox News anchor out in contract drama, Hollywood Reporter
• Contract Dispute? Fox Newser Joins CNN,
• Who stays and who goes at FOX News, News Hounds

A year ago, Nepal was branded the country of the missing, with the largest number of missing cases ever in any conflict in recent history. Identifying those missing has been a daunting task. The ICRC has published the names of more than 800 people unaccounted for in the country's conflict. The numbers inlclude only the names of people being sought by their relatives. The ICRC says they have so far collected the names of 2,400 names of the missing. Respect rigts of the family members to know the fate of their missing loved ones, the rights body says.
• Nepal must find its missing people - Red Cross, Reuters
• Nepal appeal on 'missing' people, BBC
• ICRC to publish list of 812 missing persons, Rising Nepal
• Nepal Missing: The right to know ICRC, ICRC

Secular Nepal gives way to religious freedom, it seems so. Christianity has emerged as a major discourse re Nepal in recent months, especially after reports in Indian media that many Maoists are Christians. The Western media is catching up with this news. The most significant yet is the news that Pope Benedict has appointed Anthony Sharma as Nepal's first Bishop. This is perhaps the height of public visibility of Chrisitans in Nepal in more than two centuries. But not entirely the first of the highest of Nepali profiles.
• Jesuit Priest Anthony Sharma appointed first Bishop of Nepal,
• Pope appoints first Catholic bishop to Nepal, Catholic
• Nepal's New Peacemakers, Christianity Today
• International students church fest, unique American culture, covchurch.org
• A Community of the broken,Christianity Today
• North Korea Christians suffer most, Nepalis gain more freedom, SPCM
• Intense persecution of Christians in Muslim countries, Christian Post
• Elevation to Apostolic Vicariate, “pope’s gift to Nepal”, Asia News

Agnes Dherbeys, originally from France, now residing in Bangkok, Thailand, wins second place in Spot News Stories category of the World Press Photo award 2007 for her photographs on protests against absolute monarchy in Nepal. Her distributor is Cosmos/Eve, based in Paris. The first and the third award in this category went to photos from Lebanon and Israel.
• World Press Photo award winners, Intl Herald Trib
• Getty Images, Reuters win World Press Photo prizes, TV News

Latest: UN Scurity Council unanimously okays Moon's proposal on Nepal
submitted to UNSC on 9 January 2007. Now formally, the United Nations Mission in Nepal (UNMIN) will be able to play, up to 12 months, a monitoring role in the election process.
• UN mission to monitor ceasefire, disarmament, ReliefWeb
• UN Council creates new political mission in Nepal, Reuters
• UN agrees on Nepal peace mission, Radio Australia

The UN Security Council will most likely take a vote today [see UN video] on Nepal. This is what the President of the Security Council, the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation, Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, told the media in New York City on Jan 22. Meanwhile, in Lahan more [at least 3] people were killed [toll reaches 5, added Jan 23] and the situation is tense there. The government has promised to probe the Lahan incident and have announced a high-level comission to that effect. Meanwhile, transporters have called off-their strike after the government accepted their demands. In other three seperate developmnets, journalists were assaulted.
• Fresh curfew in Nepal towns after bloody unrest, Reuters
• Police pour into Lahan town after 3 killed in protests, Hindu
• UN to approve new political mission for Nepal, Hindu
• Journalists assaulted, threatened while covering strike, IFEX
• UN starts registration and storage of Maoist weapons, Relief Web

PM Girija Prasad Koirala, as well as the Maoist party (although Prachanda is not concerned with the rebellious groups), have called an all-party emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the continuing revolt in the south-east. In Lahan town, locals defied curfew imposed after a group of Maoists killed Ramesh Mahato, a 16-year-old school boy, who was part of the protest organized by Madheshi People's Rights Forum. Mahato is from the Madhesis community. In late December last year, a communal clash in Nepalgunj involving Pahades and Madhesis left one dead and scores injured. The political parties must hold serious dialogue pay attention to the demands of the rebelling group. If the violent Maoists could be rewarded with parliamentary seats and impunity on their past atrocities, others must at least get their fair share as citizens of the country.
• Eleven wounded in fresh Nepal violence, Reuters
• Koirala calls all-party meet, Hindu
• Curfew ordered in Lahan as one killed in firing, Rising Nepal
• Parties move to stem unrest, BBC

The year 2006 saw little change in the global state of freedom in the world.. but Nepal was an exception, says the 2007 survey by Freedom House, a Washington D.C.-based nonpartisan organization. Nepal (like Haiti) moved from Not Free to Partly Free. The report says: “The region’s most important positive development was Nepal’s climb from Not Free to Partly Free due to the end of direct rule by the king and the return of parliament.” Compare Nepal’s 5(political liberties) and 4 (civil liberties) with that of Bhutan (6:5, not free), India (2:3, free), Bangladesh (4:4, partly free), USA (1:1, free), Pakistan (7:5, not free), Sri Lanka (4:4, partly free), and China (5:2, partly free).
• Thailand 'no longer free', Bangkok Post
• Freedom House rates Tibet worst in political rights, civil libeties, , Yubanet
• Freedom House Warns of ‘Global Stagnation’, Men's News
• The Limits of Democracy, Newsweek

After exactly two years, Louise Arbour, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights is visiting Nepal. She will spend "six [five] days of fruitful work" to show her "direct support for human rights and the peace process." She will also visit Nepalgunj and Bardiya and will focus her consultations with leaders and citizens on ending impunity and social exclusion as well as enforcing law. She says "conflict has ended, but Nepal faces important human rights challenges in this period of transition."
• Louise Arbour arrives on six-day visit, Himalayan Times
• End of 11-year conflict a great achievement: Arbour, Relief Web
• UN official underscores central role of human rights, UN News
• Top UN human rights official arrives in Nepal, China Post
• Post-conflict Nepal still faces HR challenges: Arbour, Kantipur

It's wedding season accross Hindu Nepal and India. And this one is going to be one of the biggest thus far. Devyani Rana, former girlfriend of late Crown Prince Diependra is finally ready to marry. That, family members hope, may provide her a chance "to exorcise the ghost of the royal palace massacre [visit Ancient Newslook page] and begin a new life." The 34-year-old will wed Ashwarya Singh, son of one of India's powerful ministers. Some 5000 guests, which include most of the former royal families of India and Nepal, are expected to attend the February 22-23 wedding in New Delhi. News reports say King Gyanendra won't attend, but Bhutan's monarch will shine at the ceremony.
• Delhi to host 'royal' wedding, Times of India
• Nepali massacre princess to wed, The Australian
• Devyani Rana to marry Arjun kin, DN & A

A sign of the times ahead, the Nepalgunj communal clash is a bad omen for "new Nepal." It sets a dangerous precedent for the country, known for communal harmony and unity for ages. It is the first of such a riot in memory when Madhesi youths clashed [Watch Google video] with Pahade youths in Nepalgung, a town in the Terai plains bordering India. The pro-Madhesi Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Anandadevi) (NSP-A), a small party in the ruling alliance, had called for a regional strike on December 3 to demand some changes in the proposed interim constitution. One person was killed and 20 others were injured in the clash.
• Quick Response , TRN Editorial
• One dead in rival group clashes in Nepal town, Reuters
• Riots in Nepalgunj , curfew clamped again, TRN
• Curfew imposed in Nepalgunj following clashes, Intl Herald Tribune
• Nepalgunj Incident Most Unfortunate: PM Koirala, THT

A week after Bhutan's new king pledged democracy, his government's pronouncement hinted otherwise. Bhutan's foreign minister Khandu Wangchuk, briefing his country's National Assembly, blames his Nepali counterpart (KP Sharma Oli) for the lack of progress in the bilateral talks. He says repatriation of Nepal-based Bhutanese refugees, is akin to "importing ready made radical political parties and terrorists to duplicate the violence, terror, and instability the Maoists have unleashed in Nepal.”
• No talks with refugees: Bhutan minister, Nepal News
• Bhutan Assembly discusses status of bilateral talks with Nepal, Kuensel
• Reform or Trickery in Bhutan?, Progress/FPIF
• Bhutan's new king vows to modernize nation, Washington Post
• King who just wanted people to be happy abdicates in favour of son, Scotsman
• New Bhutan king pledges democracy, CNN

Who says Maoists are atheists? New Delhi’s Nepali Maoists’ locales have become hotbeds of Christian activities, comments Sandhya Jain in the Daily Pioneer newspaper. She adds: "While second-in-command Baburam Bhattarai and his family are openly Christian, Prachanda does not proclaim his religious affiliations but his wife's entire family is Christian. His guru, Chandra Pradesh Gajurel, was a Christian preacher. Sources estimate that the 42,000-strong Maoist army would be 30 per cent Christian, but the cadre are kept in the dark that the top leadership is predominantly Christian." The question is, how did Nepal's news media miss this undoutedly a big story?
• 250 Million Christians Will Be Persecuted in 2007, Christian Post
• Nepal Christians celebrate Xmas with new spirit, RxPG News
• Good news for Nepal, SPCM
• Christians to celebrate first Christmas in Nepal, Spero Forum
• ‘Now secular’ Nepal is ready for a special party, Daily News & Analysis
• Christianity in India flourishes in the face of attacks, World Peace Herald

Ernesto Malaga, the leader of a Peurivian mountaineering expedition called Peru 8 mil (Peru 8 thousand) has denouced Nepal. This news report says he claims that Nepal's official airlines, Nepalese Airlines, has used an archaeological sanctuary Macchu Picchu to promote trips to Nepal. Malaga is quoted as saying: "Shame on Nepal Airline for trying to pass off an icon that is representative of Peru as their own." However, it is not clear how the allegedly copied picture is similar to the ruins of Macchu Picchu.
• Marketing of new rural tourism products stressed, TRN
• A trip to Lamjung in Nepal, SToP
• Tourists heading back to Nepal again, Daily News & Analysis
• Nepal eyes tourism boost after peace pact, IOL
• Tourists inflow by air increases, TRN

The panel charged with selecting a new national anthem has reached a verdict. An 8-line verse, celebrating unity and diversity in the heteregenous nation that is Nepal, has been selected out of more than 12,000 submissions. The author of the new anthem is 34-year-old Byakul Maila (Pradeep Kumar Rai), who originally hails from Okhaldhunga, a hilly district in eastern Nepal.
• Poet Byakul Maila's song selected as new National Anthem , KoL
• New National Anthem for Nepal evolved, Zee News
• Nepal finalizes new national anthem, People's Daily
• New anthem composed for Nepalese, Times of India
• New proposed national anthem to be sent to the cabinet, Nepal News

The world community must be Nepal-oriented or something. This is the second time in less than a week that they have written congratulatory messages to Kathmandu on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) The US reiterates that Maoists must change thier violent ways. The UN's Kofi Annan calls it an "opportunity." India says implementation of the deal will be a cirtical test. China re-emphasizes peace and stability. Japan sees the accord as a concrete course for the consolidation of democracy. Others sound optimistic, too, but cuation careful implementation.
• Int’l community welcomes peace accord, Nepal News
• China welcomes Nepal's peace accord, People's Daily
• King welcomes peace accord that threatens his dynasty, Bloomberg
• Commentary: Peace at last, ISN
• King Gyanendra hails peace accord, BBC
• UN hails peace accord in Nepal, Pressna Latina

Finally, here [full text in English] is the much-awaited deal: The decade-long war that killed over 13,000 people in the country formally comes to an end. The Maoists will be confined to UN-monitored camps, without their arms. A constituent assembly elections will be held that will draft a new constitution and decide the future of the monarchy. The Maoists will join the government. The Maoists may merge with the national army after the CA elections. But despite this, no one can rule out a return to war.
• Nepal signs accord with rebels, BBC
• Chronology of events, Reuters
• Govt, rebels sign peace accord, CNN Intl
• Comprehensive peace accord signed, Kantipur Online
• Rulers, rebels just about to sign peace deal, Washington Post
• Mebels collect in camps on eve of peace deal Reuters
• Peace treaty to be signed Tuesday: Official, People's Daily

Prachanda gets to be legit. He gets to test his taste of leadership. In his first public foreign apperance, the Maoist leader (whose party is still in America's list of terrorist groups) shares forum with big shots like the would be US president (such as former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani), as well as other top leaders from UK, Japan, Afghanistan, EU, etc. Speaking at an annual Leadership Summit (2006) organized by the Hindustan Times newspaper, he declared (Nov 18): Democracy has become a farce in South Asia.
• Democracy a farce in South Asia: Prachanda, Hindustan Times
• Prachanda for 'multi-party' socialism , M & C
• I am willing to be president of Nepal: Prachanda, Rediff
• Prachanda seeks India's support for fair polls in Nepal, the Hindu
• I was in Delhi, Bombay hinding, for 10 yrs: Prachanda, Indian Express

US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher wrapped up his 3 day visit this Friday (Nov 17). Similarly, a high-level 'Troika Mission' of the European Union, led by Pekka Metso, director for Asia and Oceanic of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrived Wednesday. Both parties are in KTM to prod the peace process. While Boucher reinterated the US position (Maoist must abandon violence to be recognized as as a political party, they must be sincere), the EU delegation said assistance to the parties depends on the peace process.
• US condemns Maoist rebels, welcome peace move, BBC
• US: no funding for guerrilla-led ministries, Xinhua
• US will continue help even after Maoists join govt., People's Daily
• Maoists will continue to be on US terror list, Times of India
• Richard Boucher to visit Nepal on Wednesday, TOI
• EU's Nepal policy remains unchanged, the R