After reading "Sharpening knives" (#49) I eagerly waited for the announcement of the king's nominees to the upper house to look, like you said, for signs of change. And, yes, I think it clearly indicates a dramatic change in the thought process of the palace polity. The three non-political nominees signal a fresh democratic outlook that is in keeping with the spirit of the constitution. The king presents himself as being above partisan politics. This is Nepal, and obviously there will be endless hair-splitting on the choice. But on the whole, a good sign.

Al Grimjee
Kathmandu