Indian Federalism

The Economist talks about the different separatist movements here happening in India, most notable the Gorkhas living in West Bengal who have been "at" the Gorkhaland movement since the 70's (check facts)

With states created as recently as 2000, Indian government seems to pay attention to the needs of disenfranchised ethnic groups and listen to their struggles presuming that creating a separate states does indeed address the needs of these communities.

At what cost? What is the goal of Indian nationalism? How does this impact the region economically?

How does India's bent toward balkanization of the country show an example for Nepal who's government is trying to address the same issues?

The Most Important Ten Minutes of TV this Decade.

Swayambhunath Renovations

Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu is being renovated. Ms. Tsering Gelek, daughter of Tarthang Tulku Rinpoche, is overseeing the project. It's the first time in 90 years, so says this article.  One astute reader already pointed out a flaw in the article where the photo caption says Swayambhunath is the oldest stupa in the world.  Not so.  It was built in the 5th Century CE according to the commenter and wikipedia.

Sino - Indian Relations...

(Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premiere of the State Council Wen Jiabao)

Is China being aggressive with its international neighbors?  Maybe President Obama is not the only one being bullied.  This blog (from an Indian perspective, it seems) offers detailed commentary on diplomacy between these two giants.

Mr. D.S. Rajan (Director, Chennai Center for China Studies) writes a thoughtful analysis of recent blogs from inside China and what themes he sees coming out of the writing. Themes include a possible Sino-Indian conflict on a large scale, China's movement toward more military presence on its southern borders as of late, Chinese claims on Ladakh (but not Kashmir), capturing of Sikkim, and Nepal as a stepping stone for either country given the current political situation. 

This is an astute synthesis of information.

Chills... It gives me Chills

Michael Moore's Message to Barack Obama and Blue Dog Democrats

This is interesting - I'm fascinated that Michael Moore creates so much controversy with his work.

The "Capitalism: A Love Story" Trailer gives me chills. I really would like to see it. Anyone want to bring me a copy?

Three Day Bandh

December 20, 21, 22 in Kathmandu, Unified Communist Party Nepal - Maoist (UCPN-M) held a strike that disrupted the valley for three days.  There were some violent clashes that took place quite near to the school house and my flat.  L and I decided to stay at one of the major hotels in town for the three days (coinciding with my birthday celebration) to stay informed and be sure that she was able to get to the airport this afternoon.  All went well, and the strike was even called off at noon today.

Many say that Maoists have broken the comprehensive peace accord signed in 2006 made with the government and that force must be taken to keep them in line.  Yesterday, L read an article in the Kathmandu Post saying that China and India have publicly given their support to the government of Nepal to contain and pacify the Maoists sending in ammunition if needed.

Al Jazeera article (among others) states that OHCHR says the police used 'excessive force' to deal with the 'peaceful' protesters. The NYT gives an informative perspective here (along with the evocative photo I linked above).  Comments from Democracy Underground about the three day strike.  An Indian paper "The Hindu" reports on the 'peaceful-turned-aggressive' strike here. Dailyindia.com here mentions that the Maoists accuse the government for aggressing first.  Here, and Here, Bloomberg.com insinuates personal tensions between Prachanda and President Nepal are the source of the conflict.  This short article talks about a law recently signed into affect that puts a condition on any aid Nepal recieves from the US - human rights violations must not happen.