Thursday, April 10, 2008

Everybody think good thoughts for Nepal

Nepal had their elections (and the whole country's more or less shut down for the week because of them). They're what is known in political science as "a really big deal." Here's a nice NYT article, if you want to read some background.

That bold experiment will give this nation of 27 million an opportunity to cement peace and install a fully elected government, while most likely ending the monarchy that has ruled Nepal for 250 years.


Read The Himalayan Times to see what's happening daily.

Nepal has a pretty complex and troubled political history. The elections--or perhaps more accurately the power hungry--have brought out a lot of rough elements in Nepal. Transportation has been locked down, and they've had protests, bombings, and all around tense scene. However, turnout was high, and relative to what could have happened, voting day was fairly calm.

Nepal is one of the best places I have ever been, and I will definitely return some day. It made me appreciate living in a safe city and stable country--I'm counting my lucky stars and paying my taxes with a smile (now if we could just quit invading other countries...). So, when the dust settles in Kathmandu, go have yourself a great vacation.