Ashu I greatly value your perspective, especially because you reside in Kathmandu. I will have to agree with you (not that I thought otherwise on my own) that most people would rather just get on with their lives. I have been to all corners of America, and Americans are not different. Most people are just busy earning their living. "Given this sort of state of affairs, it's too much to expect the political parties to launch a definitive republican andolan now. Either they need a lot of resources now or they need time. I am on the side of giving them time." I think it is more like to the vast majority of Nepalis, the idea of getting rid of the monarchy just is not on the top of their agenda, or even item 9. Nepe might disagree. But that is my reading of the situation. But I don't think if only the king and the parties can get together, then the Maoist problem will be solved. The Maoists just kept growing when that was the case. "...the Army's illegal excesses ..." This is a major problem. "Psychologically too, the joining of the two forces (king and the political parties) for a time being for the elections and for the formation of new government will provide a FRESH beginning to Nepal and Nepalis." I think this unrealistic though. I don't think the Maoists are shooting for a communist state. They are not unlike the UML. The UML has not changed its name, but it is basically a social democratic party. The Maoists likewise are just looking to save face. They just want a Constituent Assembly. And they will live with whatever the Assembly comes up with. isolated freak "..let's talk without being personal.." Your lumping me with the Maoists is personal. It is name calling. Because you do it with full knowledge I am nowhere close to the Maoists, ideologically speaking. So stop that. "... the madhesi issue which is so dear to you..." I am a Sadbhavana alum. True. But my political thoughts on Nepal are kind of with many dimensions. - http://nepal.motime.com I think more of poverty in Nepal than any other single issue. "...so eitehr you have to denounce the close-to-maoists speaking up for their rights and taking up arms. or you have to simply support them. then that makes you close to the Maoists, if not a Maoist yourself..." So because you believe in Madhesi-Pahadi equality, and hence you are a Maoist! What are YOU, a McCarthy grandchild? Talking to you is like hearing an echo. You are a monarchist. Point taken. You have nothing more to say. You are no democrat. "...then go back to Nepal..... instead of asking people to search for Sajha in google, go to the Carnegie Endowment for World Peace...." Don't freaking tell me what to do! If I ever need career advice from you, I will ask for it, but I doubt that will ever happen. "..Englad is a democracy with Monarchy, so is Sweden, Spain, Denmark and pretty soon, Morocco will join the league...." Monarchy in Nepal is nowhere like those in England, Sweden etc. The British Prime Minister orders the British Army. In Nepal the king calls the shots. Major difference.