News, Views From Nepal

Yuba Nath Lamsal It looks as though gone are the days of value-based politics in Nepal. Ideology, principle, conviction and faith no longer occupy any space in the lexicon of the political parties. What prevails in the present day politics is power, perks and position, for which intrigues, conspiracy and deception have become the name of the game in Nepal’s politics. Grabbing power and retaining it by any possible means, be it moral or otherwise, is the new norm in the politics which has not only corroded the moral of honest and genuine politicians but also created a sense of public apathy towards politics. Power is paramount force which plays crucial role for one’s influence and position in party and politics. The fundamental raison d’être of the present day politics is to gain control over power and accumulate wealth through whatever means possible. As this trend continues to escalate, politics is becoming a game of scoundrels who resort to politics to cover up their crimes....

Yuba Nath Lamsal The atoll nation of the Maldives is once again in political turmoil. Democracy that was introduced first time in this Indian Ocean nation only three years ago was trampled by a coalition of different interest groups including Islamic extremists and loyalists to former dictator Mymoon Abdul Gayoom, who was ousted from power in the wake of popular unrest in 2008 followed by a general election based on universal franchise. In the first ever free and fair presidential election, the opposition icon Mohamed Nasheed was overwhelmingly elected as the President promising sweeping changes in the tiny country comprising groups of small islands in the Indian Ocean. Former dictator president Gayoom suffered a humiliating defeat in the polls. However, in the new turns of events, popularly elected president was recently forced to resign under pressure by the security forces at gun point, which the ousted president Naseed has described as a soft coup and a big setback to democracy i...

Yuba Nath Lamsal Political course in the country has recently taken a new turn. The situation changed especially after the State Restructuring Commission (SRC) submitted its report to the government with its recommendation on federalism and its model. The SRC report has created further controversy instead of providing an acceptable solution to this pressing political and national issue. Opinions are sharply divided on federal model and number of federal states. It had earlier been expected that the SRC would provide an expert opinion rising above the partisan interest and agenda. But it failed to live up to popular expectation but came up with more partisan agenda. The high level panel failed to arrive at common point and submitted two separate reports with conflicting views on the principal issues mainly on the number of federal provinces and their territorial jurisdiction. The SRC was composed of nine members, who were nominated on parties’ quota instead of their competence, ...

Yuba Nath Lamsal While over 1.3 billion Chinese people are marching forward on the path of development and modernization, some trouble makers in the name of self-styled Tibetan refugees are using foreign soil to create trouble in their motherland. They are not the genuine Tibetans but criminals who fled the motherland after committing crimes against their own brethren back home. These criminal elements are being instigated by foreigners and enemies of China and are trying to harm their own country and fellow country people. They are out to split and weaken China for which they have become pawn and puppets of some external elements and forces that do not see a unified, strong and prosperous China. For the last few months, some Western media have raised the issue of self-immolation by some so-called Tibetan monks protesting against what they described as Chinese rule in Tibet. This is yet another propaganda being unleashed by anti-China elements and their supporters abroad. Buddhist mo...

Yuba Nath Lamsal The world has undergone a sea change. The situation that existed twenty years ago is no longer present now. As the global situation has changed dramatically, the psychology of the nations has also changed. The method and modes of handling international relations have also taken a big paradigm shift. Gone are the days of military power to determine the world order and maintain influence as well as protect one’s own national interest. Although there are still some countries that believe in military power to control the world, this is an old concept which is not compatible with the changed international scenario. The old concept of use of force to settle bilateral and multi-lateral disputes has virtually come to an end. In its place, the art of negotiation, which is called diplomacy, has gained currency in international dispute resolution and shaping new world order. The conduct of diplomacy is a delicate issue that needs sophisticated handling. A slightest mistak...