March 24,
2008: As the April 10th elections approach, the civil war has
resumed. But fists and clubs have replaced guns and grenades. The Maoists have
been attacking and intimidating non-communist candidates in what is considered "Maoist
territory." Some of the other parties have responded by sending their thugs
after Maoist candidates and election workers. There have been a few deaths, and
some property destruction. But so far, it's been mostly a lot of fear.
The
government also prevented an anti-China demonstration by Tibetan refugees in
the capital. The government has become much closer to China during the last
decade of civil war. While India, a traditional supplier of arms, cut them off,
China took up the slack and supplied weapons and ammo. China is also investing
much more in Nepal, including the construction of many hydroelectric projects.
