People, I don't think anyone is disputing his academic credentials--I mean the man has a collection of them!!...he's obviously very gifted - academically speaking--but, again (and I'm sounding like a broken record now) it's his views on Monarchy and the role that they ought to play in present day Nepal that is in contention. It's fine for one to write an article on Monarchy etc but, is it too much to ask that they be grounded in some form of realism?...for one, I think it's terribly disingenious of him to be advocating for the Monarchy when he lives in Virginia and doesn't have to deal with the every day effects of that scenario..he gets to benefit from the liberties of a Democratic society (albeit, one that is quickly going the way of Monarchy thanks to King Bush et all :-)) while espousing the need for a Monarchy that has not given it's people any sort of freedoms...that is a double standard on his part. **************** Thugged Out, Yeah, what can I say?..it's hard being a lawyer with a conscience..it's a professional hazard! :-) *************** Bineet, As to Ram Sharan Mahat being my choice for finance Minister - funny you should that, becuase, again, purely on his academic credentials and work experience, I do think he is one of the better qualified folks for that position (this has nothing to do with him as a moral, upright citizen--since I have no clue as to whether or not he is such a person) As to the Criminal Defense lawyer comment--- nice one! :-)