November 9, 2005: Headlines: Figures: COS - Nepal: Politics: Congress: Kathmandu Post: James Walsh says that the only way to resolve the crisis in Nepal is through a dialogue between the king and the parties
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November 9, 2005: Headlines: Figures: COS - Nepal: Politics: Congress: Kathmandu Post: James Walsh says that the only way to resolve the crisis in Nepal is through a dialogue between the king and the parties
James Walsh says that the only way to resolve the crisis in Nepal is through a dialogue between the king and the parties
Congressman James T Walsh (R-NY), who keeps a close tab on Nepal and has been very active in lobbying for Nepal, says that both a violent revolution and the king's authoritarian rule cannot be accepted. "Neither of them is acceptable," said Congressman Walsh, speaking to this scribe over the telephone. Congressman James Walsh of New York served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nepal in the 1960's.
James Walsh says that the only way to resolve the crisis in Nepal is through a dialogue between the king and the parties
American dilemma
By JOHN NARAYAN PARAJULI
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Last week the US embassy stunned the political parties, warning them against forging an "alliance" with the Maoists. This was the most scathing admonition of the Nepali political parties by the American government so far. The leaders of the political parties responded saying that "the US was misguided in understanding" their position vis-à-vis their talks with the Maoists.
US State Department officials have declined to comment and instead pointed to an embassy official in Katmandu. However, in a brief email comment to this scribe, an official with office of the Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Christina Rocca plainly says, that US supports democracy in Nepal: "We do not favor the king or the parties, we support Nepali democracy."
The US policy towards Nepal isn't as unambiguous as this statement sounds. In fact, it has been riddled by twin overlapping objectives since the February 1 takeover: prevention of a Maoist victory and restoration of democracy. And unfortunately, the former objective seems to be shadowing the latter. The trampling of civil liberties and dismantling of democratic institutions has been widely criticized. Even the military aid has been suspended indefinitely to "encourage" King Gyanendra to return to democracy. And so far it has failed to work.
The American predicament arises from two factors: First, the king is seen as the only running horse that can stand against the Maoist advancements; and pushing the king too hard will dismantle that.
Second, like many reluctant democrats in Katmandu, Americans are weary of the bungling of the political parties. They are seen as little corrupt and too soft on the Maoists.
The American dilemma is self-evident in the soft language Americans use. The pressure coaxed through the soft language of "encouragement," runs out of steam before it reaches the Palace. This explains why a defiant royal regime hasn't felt the heat, yet.
Observers say King Gyanendra's initial display of resolve to use force against the Maoists made him the poster-child of anti-communism among some in the Bush administration.
Remember this is communist-shy America still reeling under the hangover of cold war era. America still sees Communism as a threat to its security and its ideological bandwagon.
The specter of the revolutionary fervor spilling into India and the whole region haunts American officials as much as officials in the South bloc.
Congressman James T Walsh (R-NY), who keeps a close tab on Nepal and has been very active in lobbying for Nepal, says that both a violent revolution and the king's authoritarian rule cannot be accepted. "Neither of them is acceptable," said Congressman Walsh, speaking to this scribe over the telephone.
Walsh, a former Peace Corps volunteer who was stationed in Nepal during the 70s, reiterates the international community's position that the only way to resolve the crisis in Nepal is through a dialogue between the king and the parties. When asked where the Maoists fit into the picture, the Congressman said, "Until they disavow violence, I am not sure if they fit at all."
The American hard-line against the Maoists isn't new; however, its reiteration and too much isolationism can turn off the Maoists from seeking a peaceful resolution, despite America's stated policy of finding a peaceful resolution to Nepal's crisis.
The genuine desire to help Nepal is well reflected in the letter that seven congressmen including Walsh signed urging secretary of state Condoleezza Rice to formulate a package that includes economic development and diplomatic intervention to deal with crisis in Nepal.
But it seems this goodwill has been undercut by unnecessary paranoia. American dilemma may well be playing into the king's favor.
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Story Source: Kathmandu Post
This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Figures; COS - Nepal; Politics; Congress
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