November
25, 2006: The eight year war with the Maoists is, for the moment, over. The
conflict killed over 13,000 people, discredited the monarchy, created more
divisions in Nepalese society and forced the political parties to accept the
Maoists as equals. But at the same time, the Maoists dropped their insistence
that Nepal be governed by a communist dictatorship. Or have they? It would
appear that the moderates in the Maoist movement have won, with their agreement
to participate in a parliamentary government, as just another faction. But the
hard like Maoists are still there, and still want their communist dictatorship.
The majority of Nepalese don't want a communist dictatorship, nor do Nepals two
largest neighbors; India and China.
November
21, 2006: The government and Maoists sighed a peace deal. The Maoist gunmen
have begun to assemble in disarmament camps. Maoists will join an interim
government on December 1st, and there will be new elections in June, 2007. A new
constitution will be created, which may eliminate the 230 year old monarchy.
November
20, 2006: In response to accusations that the Maoists have received help from
Pakistani ISI (a CIA like organization), the Maoists say they were offered such
assistance, but turned it down. India believes ISI is helping Islamic
terrorists establish bases in Nepal, near the Indian border.
November
17, 2006: The leader of the Maoists, Prachanda, is willing to become the
president of a Nepalese republic, thus replacing the king as head of state. The
Maoists have always wanted to eliminate the monarchy, but until the recent
peace negotiations, intended to establish a communist dictatorship.
