B. Raj Giri: Nepal: Beginning of a New Era? A new chapter in Nepal's history entered on 1st of February, 2005. King Gyanendra initiated this history by sacking unproductive Sher Bahadur Deuba led coalition government, declaring state of emergency, and most of all by forming the cabinet under his direct supervision. This has meant that 'many basic rights have been suspended, including freedom of assembly, the right to privacy and the right against preventative detention.' As expected, King Gyanendra's 'moves have been criticised by the UN, the US, the UK, India and rights groups' and he has defended by saying 'he had to act as the government failed to protect Nepal from the Maoists.' Whether one likes this King or not, Nepal was in terrible mess and he took the boldest step to hopefully sort things out. Unfortunately, for a small and dependent country, even a minor political development gives the biggest excuse to opportunist leaders of especially India, and the US to squeeze Nepal in whatever ways they want. They are arguing about 'restoring democratic norms,' but who will believe that the leaders of these countries are really interested in a genuine democracy in Nepal? For instance, think carefully about Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, and even Iraq.. CONT...................