Re: The editorial, 'Party time' (#145). In the heat of the battle of the current political stalemate, the big picture is getting lost, and the warring parties seem more interested in protecting and advancing their own power position than anything else. The Maoists seem most interested in containing the army (so that they can continue to be a force to be reckoned with). The political parties don't seem to want to go beyond restoring the 1990 constitution (so that they can resume their corrupt practices). The king seems adamant about teaching the political parties a lesson for all the mayhem of the last 12 years (so that he remains a potent rallying force). However, all three are behaving in a predictable manner. No one is talking about the necessary institutional reforms-political, economic and social-to promote not only responsibility but also accountability.

Alok Bohara,
New Mexico, USA

. It was good to hear that Lokendra Bahadur Chand resigned so that a resolution could be found to the present deadlock. However, the king should lay down certain rules otherwise the same old corrupt leaders will have a field day playing the game, 'ministerial musical chairs'. They have shown no leadership qualities, they are just cronies- their best asset is play-making. It is clear to everybody they will bring the country down again unless the king guides democracy with vision and good work ethics. God bless Nepal.

Sagar Onta,
Portland, USA