Perhaps we exaggerate what's happening in Nepal. Perhaps we don't. I do NOT know. What I do know is this: When compared to those of OTHER COUNTRIES around the world, our problems are NOT exactly unique. Still, I am, in general, struck by the lack of verifiably true statistics when people talk about the allegedly khattam state of Nepal these days. Sure, we all have opinions, even prejudices and ideollogies, but rarely do most of us back up our various claims with verifiably true numbers in the public domain. Perhaps that will all change -- with one change after another. I do not know. Meantime, here's a a Failed State Index that ranks Nepal better (and that's comparatively positive!) than other failed states in South Asia (ahead of, say, Bangladesh at 17, Bhutan at 26 and Pakistan at 34). Two areas of great concerns for Nepal? 1) Demographic pressures, and 2) Uneven dxevelopment. Yes, almost 82 per cent of the population is 40 or under in terms of age -- and that's a fact that most politicians and neo-politicians do NOT seem to understand. Enjoy, - http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=3100 oohi ashu