The United States' furor over Nepal's deportation of 18 Tibetan refugees raises some serious questions about our foreign policy. It couldn't come at a worse time: Nepal is being dragged into controversy at a volatile time in its political history. Internal conflict, competition and insurgency have almost brought us to a point where we won't be able to resist external pressures. Nepal is sincere and sensitive towards its prosperous and powerful neighbours, and is equally heartfelt in its relationship with the US, its major ally and donor. We cannot afford to be caught in a conflict of interest between them. Therefore, it becomes the responsibility of those countries we count upon as friends to respect, not trap us in such a sensitive situation. We must not be used as a means to their ends. It is clear that we are finding it hard to shoulder our own burden at present. We cannot also be loaded with the interests of other powerful nations. This would go against all norms of civilised behaviour and friendship.