Nepal’s rapid fall from a long position of respect in the global community has now become markedly visible even to the common people, who occasionally throw a cursory glance over its external relations. The unrealistic attitude of those in power has created this untenable situation, damaging the interest of the Nepali society. It appears that a bunch of power holders thought themselves both omnipotent and omniscient deliberately paying no regard to the evolving trend of relationship both at the regional and global levels. Evidently they have proved themselves inefficient and very far from the existing reality and also miles away from the main current emerging in the international arena vis-à-vis Nepal’s domestic political uproar.

Greedy of state power, the ruling group never showed interest nor gave ears to the appeals of the governments of leading democracies of the world. In the past one year India, the UK, the EU and the UN have, on several occasions, pleaded for inclusive dialogue of all political forces. However, their voice went unheard. This attitude of indifference has pushed the Nepali ruling group into a position of near complete isolation from the world community.

Consequently, the past few weeks have witnessed international concerns and appeals made over the worsening domestic situation in Nepal. Japan, the highest development donor to Nepal, raised words of concern with an intent to favour a review of its cooperative policy adopted so far over the troubling situation developing in Nepal. Most noticeably, even China, which in the past treated our internal political developments as Nepal’s domestic affair, expressed its concern through its spokesperson that drew much attention of and closer analysis by both domestic and foreign observers. The latest stance taken by these two influential East Asian great powers would certainly entail greater politico-economic effects together with profound psychological impact giving a severe blow to the authoritarian rule in Nepal, which seems to have reached its nervy days.

Against such an external backdrop of the past weeks as a corollary of difficult situation in Nepal, a demonstratively unbelievable claim of improved foreign relations was made, whereas the true picture has been unmistakably pointing to its grimmer reverse.

No conscious people will debate that an increasing disenchantment with authoritarian rule in Nepal has been causing unstoppable ripples of international concern. The EU high representative for common foreign and security policy, Javier Solana, just a few days ago, not only reminded of a lack of progress toward a return to democratic government but even urged the ruler to show necessary leadership and foresight to put an end to the conflict in Nepal. Such a continued concern of the EU, if not taken to heart, will necessarily invite more problems for Nepal’s already shrunken image abroad.

The recently concluded short visit to Nepal by the commander of the US Pacific Command, Admiral William Fallon, has repeatedly brought their concern further to the surface. The need for reconciliation between the palace and legitimate political forces has been re-emphasised while condemning the insurgents’ violent actions from the purview of strategic policy maintained by the US. Given the current situation, the political actors seem to be swimming against highly rising tides in the tumultuous sea. Observers note the longer confrontation, the bigger socio-economic chaos and its spillover in the neighbouring regions, causing greater

exodus of people and greater trouble creating destabilisation.

Those in power look like a group sitting on an overhanging precipice far detached from the reality even when the global community has ostracised the incumbent government at the political level. The Nepali society is undergoing forced isolation never experienced before. The dismal failure of civic polls conducted without much needed public support invited a barrage of comment and criticism from the international community, which have pushed hard the Nepali ruling group to a segregated pole. Ironically, the holding of polls has immensely exposed the frailty of the government’s influence over the populace before the world community.

An obsolete mindset with unquenchable thirst for state power will never help to lift the country out of the thorny situation. Fresher sensitivity and an analytical mind and greater consciousness to realise the complexity of situation are the need of the hour to save Nepal’s honour from falling into disgrace in the global community. The quickest possible way to embrace democracy convincingly and realistically would be a catalysing process to restore Nepal’s lost image abroad. Hence, the consolidation of all democratic forces in tune with popular wishes must be on hand to reinvigorate Nepali society for rebuilding its own image in the world community.

Shrestha is an ex-foreign ministry official