New Focus on Nationalism

Great Republica Article, despite the typo about the Royal Family Massacre - that happened in 2001, not 2005.  The article calls out the Maoists for changing their agenda because Prachanda is still not in power after their previous wave of tactics. 

"For those not in the loop vis-à-vis Dahal’s juggling of subjects, the Maoists’ latest switch – to fighting for 'national independence' – comes after 'civilian supremacy' failed to fetch him prime minister’s seat."

One Month Limit expires 24 Jan

Indefinite bandh on the way?

Here's a good/clear article from back in December that talks about the Maoist one-month time limit for restructuring the government (i.e. putting Prachanda back in the PM seat).  Maoists are denying the fact that Prachanda, or so it seemed at the time, stepped down in May of his own accord - to save face for the army chief sacking.  Of course, we civilians can't see behind the scenes and it is possible President Yadev strong-armed him, but it just doesn't seem that likely to me. 

Now PM Nepal is encouraging Maoist party back into the governmental proceedings, but will not step down for Prachanda to re-assume the role. 

Maoists continue, in their spare time waiting for this decision on 24 Jan, to focus on getting rid of any Indian puppetry that remains in the Nepali government. 

200 Former Child Soldiers released

200 plus former child soldiers held since 2006 when the conflict officially ended have been released.  They are the first wave to be released from camps monitored by UNMIN and UNICEF.  They were given civilian clothes (no longer wearing their blue Maoist uniforms) and NRs. 10K and sent on their way.  Read about it here.

High-level Political Mechanism (HPM) in Nepal

New buzzwords for getting people to get along and write this constitution - HPM.  (Though the reality being when the document is written, and decisions about how to split up the country are made, 601 members of the constituent assembly will be out of jobs.  And I thought these were volunteer positions!)  Seems HPM is something UNMIN thought up in May.

Here's an commentary on the HPM and the opinions about it: Important political milestone for Nepal or strategic political conspiracy?  At least the stalemate is over - but then again, HPM might just be another acronym for "Fillabuster."

Republica
Nepal News
Himalayan Times

Maoist Fourth Phase - Border Agression

Maoist leaders and their latest crusade: Take the land BACK from India!  Chalo!  The focus is a 75 sq. km. patch of land in western Nepal that has been under occupation since Indo-China war in 1962.  Kalapani in the far west and Susta in Lumbini area - check out International Boundary Consultants on this issue.

Let's watch and see.

Here's an interesting piece from the Chennai Center for Chinese studies about the border issues.  The article well-documents the recent events and decisions of the Maoists in their fourth phase of 'action.'

The Slowest Horse

I don't think I've ever heard a better explanation of myself - horse #4.  There is no Question at all.  I bet there are many ways I can use this analogy for teaching... connected with EN's xeroxed world analogy - that experiencing things first person rather than second or third person is the only way we learn, and also the only way we are able to speak honesty and authentically about anything.  Experience is essential.

"The Buddha's compassion is the basis for the parable of the four horses that he preached when he resided at the Kalandaka Grove. The first horse, he explained, runs swiftly the instant he sees the shadow of a whip. The next horse will run fast the moment his skin feels the whip. The third horse runs when the whip cuts into his flesh. The slowest horse will run only after repeated lashings.

The scripture uses the parable of the four horses in order to describe four kinds of people on the path of Buddhism. The first kind awakens and moves forward on the path of the Four Noble Truths the instant they hear about the sufferings caused by old age, illness, and death. The second kind moves when they actually see sufferings with their own eyes. The third kind is not affected by the sufferings of others, but when a family member experiences sufferings, they move forward on the path. And the fourth kind is not distressed at all by seeing old age, illness, and death in others or even among family members, but they are pushed forward on the path when they personally experience these sufferings.

The sympathy of the Buddha identifies with the slowest horse, this last group of people that includes most of us."

- Taitetsu Unno, "Number One Fool," (Spring 2008)

China bullies the other side?

While talks seem to be moving forward between India and Pakistan regarding the Kashmir issue, is China using the distraction to agress toward nomads in high mountain areas of Ladakh to lay claim on land? 

This is just an editorial, but...

People better watch their backs.