From your recent stories on the emergency, there seems to be no end in sight to the so-called People's War. But does that mean Nepal must continue to suffer from the economic disaster of the state of national emergency? This time last year, even with the Maobaadi activities, tourists were arriving for the beginning of the trekking season. This year, streets, shops, hotels, and other businesses are near collapse. The Maobaadi seem no more ready to lay down their weapons and negotiate than the government. My question is: if this state of affairs continue, who are the winners and who are the losers? My opinion is that there will be no winners.

D Michael Van De Veer
Hanalei, Hawaii