"Although the Maoists still believe in a linear history of inexorable progress towards a communist republic they have shown signs of flexibility. During a four-month unilateral ceasefire they signed a deal with the parties that offered major concessions. No one need accept these at face value. But their truce had presented the state with a good opportunity to judge them by their actions." ***** And this (see above, in quotes) is the sort of utter nonsense that reflects the state of denial about the Maoists who, only recently attacked several police stations near Kathmandu and killed policemen on duty. What were those attacks for? Then again, OF COURSE, Rhoderick Chalmers has to strain to say such appeasing things about the Maoists. Why? Because without them, there will be no further crisis, and, with no further crisis, Rhoddy will be out of a job in Nepal. Incentive-charged political views, anyone? So, instead of saying that Maoists too are nothing but PURE EVIL whose ideology of hatred has made spin Nepal out of control, with King G's actions worsening that spin, see how Rhoddy bends over backward to give the Maoists an extra credit for "offering major concessions." If this is NOT spineless, self-serving play on words from someone whose PhD is in some study of languages, what is? oohi ashu