Maoist Rebels Agree to Join Nepal’s Government
I never expected this to happen. From the New York Times:
After a daylong meeting between the Maoist leader — nicknamed Prachanda, or the fierce one — and the interim prime minister, Girija Prasad Koirala, a joint statement signed by both men announced that the elected Parliament would be dissolved in exchange for the Maoists dismantling what they called their parallel government in the countryside.
Nepal’s political situation is looking more and more like Yemen’s in the 60’s. Would Nepal’s call for this unification result in horrendous civil unrest? I’m impressed by Nepal’s unremitting prodemocracy protests. Believe it or not, it’s these things that force corrupt rulers out of power. Let’s not forget the efforts made by people trying to inspire change:
Democracy for Nepal (DFN)
Samudaya - A New Nepal is Possible
Asia Media - Blogging for democracy in Nepal
Nepal is either heading towards a crisis or a huge achievement. The government’s next few moves and the citizens’ reaction to it will show which way the country’s heading, and I certainly hope it’s the latter.
