In 'Kingcraft' (#142) Puskar Bhusal says, "more Nepalis believe democracy is at greater risk from the palace than from the Maoists". He should have backed his statement with the source of his information. If I remember correctly, an opinion poll in Nepali Times (#140) suggested otherwise.

Pawan,
Sydney

. I agree with Puskar Bhusal's 'Meddle tally' (#143). Nepali politicians and intellectuals not only appreciate, but actively cultivate foreign intervention and interference when it helps them to undermine their domestic opponents. But when the foreign 'advice' or 'counsel' appears to go against their perceived interest, we hear unconvincing rhetoric of sovereignty and independence. As a foreigner living here, I don't understand why the Nepali intellectuals, including Puskar Bhusal, see foreign interference coming only from the West when the meddling from the South appears to be far more serious and self-interested. Or am I missing something? I would appreciate further enlightenment from knowledgeable sources.

Jurgen Mathias,
Thamel