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Revolution in Nepal: Can the Nepalese Army Prevent a Maoist Victory?

Oct 2006, Vol. 151, No. 5
By Paul Moorcraft

For much of its recent history, Nepal has been cursed by two things – poverty and political leadership. And King Gyanendra’s rule has been no exception. Following mass protests in April this year, 59-year-old Gyanendra, faced deposition as absolute monarch and deity and became another mere tax-paying mortal, retaining a few minor ceremonial roles. His opponents, the Maoists, are now within reach of power.

If the Maoist continue to reject peaceful and democratic means, the UK, US and India should seriously prepare to help the Nepalese army defeat any Maoists who want to fight on.

Dr Moorcraft is Director of the Centre for Foreign Policy Analysis in London. His most recent book is the co-authored The New Wars of the West: Anglo-American Voices on The War on Terror (Casemate, 2006).He travelled extensively in Nepal during the last eighteen months while making a TV documentary on the war.