Well! It looks like it is just the two of us going on and on here! But what the heck! I agree with your contention that the Bhutanese government is screwing up. They always have. My contention is that the Lhotsampas in the south should dig deep into what is being put in place, and exploit loopholes to make things happen for them. I really believe they can. Whatever little filters out of Bhutan (which is significantly more now, compared to before!)indicates that the Lhotsampas are a lot better than they were before (economically), and mostly in the private sector. On the political fronts, prospective candidtes for Prime MInistership (of course from the North) are sending feelers to, and discussing collaborations with, leaders from the south in Thimphu. I sincerely believe that they will be able to make a better headway without overt interference or support from the dissidents outside. So we are saying that the Bhutanese government underestimates the Lhotsampas? That could be true too! A huge number of Lhotsampa students left their schools in 1990 and came to India with the promise (from the self-exiled leaders) that they will be re-entering the country with full democracy and human rights in 15 days. Later on there were times when the refugees were led to believe that Deuba sahab will make it alright, because "those Bhutanese ministers were dumb." Even the mighty Girija was concerned! What will stop us from going back! There was also a time when Fernandes was up front supporting the refugees' cause, only to disappear from the scene as soon as he became defense minister. The dissidents underestimated the treacheries of South Asian politics, and they contuinue to do so! They had passion and marched with some in 1996. They had a sense of self-righteousness, and believed as long as they were on the side of truth, nothing could touch them. They were idealistic in that they dreamed of a Bhutan where they enjoyed equal rights and freedoms! These, though much touted today, exist as long as you can buy them or command them, even in democracies (Remember, Prachanda and Baburam dais?). If there is no political plan for change, passion, ideals, truth, aint cutting it. The dissidents refuse to budge from where they were ideologically, strategiclly and politically 18 years ago. They have lots of spices, but no meat or vegetables! Initially, they had so much courage they jumped right off the cliff. So, the Druk regime has it coming, huh? Dream on! We have dreamed on for 18 years! No, actually longer, since the 1952 revolt of the Bhutan National Congress. I am no sympathizer of the Bhutanese regime, nor a detractor of the refugees (myself being one), but I recognize the humiliating defeat when I see it. Two strands of hair for Lhotsampas both inside and outside Bhutan as they are sinking: Democratization (bhutanese style) inside, and the offer of resettlement outside. Their "leaders" are the ones pushing them down while they, from imaginary life-boats, pretend to flag down a rescue ship! And yes, refugees have options, actually galore! They have always had options. -be tortured by the govt or leave the country -join the dissidents or lose 6 inches -in dissidents camps in India: agree to whatever the bulldog of the time said, or be dragged into a "green room", be beat up for a night, and have the head chopped off in the morning -in the camps initially, be looted by "bir Bhutani human rights activists" or be beaten up -languish in the camps or go teach Nepali kids for a pittance, or harvest rice for Rs. 20 a day -risk being caught sneaking out of the camp to work or forego milk for your baby -adopt the mob mentality or be branded a traitor -opt for third country resettlement and be branded a traitor to the cause -oppose resettlement and spend eternity in the camps -stand up for your rights and be beaten up and killed by the locals, or shut up, and drink your tears -Make efforts to get out of the camp, move on and start a life; or believe in the leaders who live off of you -Live under vindictive despots in exile, or live under vindictive despots inside Well, choices a plenty! I hope I dont have to point out the sarcasm, because it seems it is being missed :) Those who have seen these choices, know what to pick. An UNHCR official says 80% of the Bhutanese refugees want to resettle, make it on their own and start a life of dignity, however hard it may be. However, interestingly, it is even those "leaders" well settled in the US who oppose resettlement for other refugees! Another interesting thing is this: Gather some refugees and ask them what they want and up goes the chorus of "we want to go back to Bhutan and nowhere else!". Make yourself available to any of the same people alone, individually, and they desperately want you to help them get to Canada or US!! I cant start telling you about emails that fill my inbox with requests for help to get to the US. See, they know they have choices! If the cards in Bhutan are played Nepalese style, Bhutan has the potential to be a Nepal of today at worst, or a Sikkim at best, soon. It does not take long for unscrupulous politicians to drag down a country to Hades. And the goons from inside, coupled with goons in exile, are sufficient to make that happen. As for additional eviction, people need to fight back! Just like the Madhesis in Nepal, like the Karen in Burma, like the East Timorese. If they fight back, those in support will shout on their behalf! While the Nepalis inside Bhutan do not complain of injustices now, who are we to complain! It does call for a brave new world, indeed, don't it! One should adopt the "kill-your-way-to-parliament" path I guess! And the Bhutanese themselves seem not to be far behind. It is said that some are turning red (with some 'Bikalpa' leading them!!), probably ruining this one chance at solution.