PSC, Lest you should accuse me of being totally out of touch with ground realities in Nepal again, the following assessment of press freedom in Nepal was given by a prominent and well-respected journalist based in Nepal: Despite increased leniency on the press on a NATIONAL level, the government of Nepal continues to harass and intimidate the journalists on a LOCAL level. SOME easing of restrictions on a national level also looks more like a gesture to hide -- particularly to the international community -- the LARGER picture of their mistreatment of the press. For a full written summary of Kunda Dixit's presentation, click on "Bichaar Bimarsha" at - www.alliancenepal.org or, you can also access the complete audio transcript at: - http://samudaya.org/articles/archives/2005/07/conversation_wi.php#comments The above assessment also attributes to the fact that the security forces are being more pro-active in curtailing civil liberties than confronting the Maoists. We all know how much more emboldened the Maoists have become after February 1st. Also, regarding the military aid, please convince me that RNA is not laden with corruption, nepotism, etc., and that they have not, and will not, abuse -- both internally AND externally (against the civic population) -- funds available for them. Now, if you still think all this is "bullshit," then I have nothing more to add to our discussion. Let us agree to disagree. :) Nemesis, Perhaps it's because minority Indian population who loathes some aspects of their government, which was ELECTED by the majority, still RESPECTS the democratically elected government. Pakistanis too, despite Musharraf's dictatorial attributes, by and large perhaps RESPECT him for whatever reasons -- despite being unelected, perhaps they perceive him as one of their own because he was not born into power, and that perhaps they see him as being genuinely concerned for people?s welfare. This goes without saying that when Musharraf was in NY, a group of Pakistanis did make their opposition heard in the streets of NY. It is not necessary to keep up with the news all the time, but if you wish to make a serious comment about something, it might be helpful. Gyanendra Shah, on the other hand, BOTH by the virtue of him being UNELECTED, and by the virtue of his deeds, in the eyes of some Nepalis, is not deserving of the same respect that Musharraf and Man Mohan get from their respective people. That's all.