Regaining prestige

Finally, Nepal’s political leaders have proved their mettle by signing the historic agreement on November 8 to end the decade-long Maoist conflict. They have proved the critics wrong.

As they bargained over seats in the legislature, it appeared as if the leaders had not learnt their lesson. However, the historic agreement has proved the Nepalis capable of solving their own problems. Now the leaders must act on their promises, unlike in the past. Besides, the Maoists rank and file must respect their leaders’ commitment to peace.

The political leaders who played an important role in reaching the agreement have regained most of the prestige they had lost. Prime Minister Koirala has demonstrated that age is no obstacle to being visionary and forward-looking. Having said that, it is about time the old guard encouraged the new generation to take over.

Eak Prasad Duwadi, KUHS

Hand in hand

It is a matter of great satisfaction that the Maoists and the SPA have agreed upon a historic understanding in such a short period. The Maoists must prove their democratic credentials now and work together with the SPA leaders.

Shiva Neupane, via e-mail

Join politics

It is a great tragedy that only morally corrupt and intellectually bankrupt people join politics while qualified and well-intentioned people are pushed to the sidelines.

Letting the corrupt continue in politics means that the country and the people will not stand to benefit. Members of the civil society should come forward to take part in politics in greater numbers instead of remaining out of the national politics. They do not have to look far for inspiration. Professor Mohammad Yunus, the Bangladeshi pioneer of microcredit and Nobel laureate, has hinted at joining politics to prevent the country from plunging into darkness. As the noted writer Shiva Khera says, positive thinking without positive action yields zero result.

Ramesh B Shrestha, Lalitpur

Chaotic

The number of vehicles in Kathmandu is on the rise but our poor traffic management system remains unchanged. Traffic rules should be strictly enforced and more alternative roads built. As the second solution is not realistic, the government should focus on improving the city’s traffic.

Suniel Raj Dhakal, via e-mail

Unfair

The announcement of death sentence on Saddam Hussien wouldn’t worry me, but what appears unfair is that George W Bush faces no charges of crimes against humanity. The Bush administration was engaged in a bloody war in Afghanistan where scores of innocents were killed. The same is the case in Iraq. Bush invaded a sovereign country on spurious grounds.

History might show the American adventures in Iraq and Afghanistan were big follies. If Saddam is to be hanged, can Bush be cleared of war crimes? I would also like to ask US ambassador to Nepal James F Moriarty, who labels Maoists “terrorists”, how would he describe the US adventures in Iraq?

Pradip Bhandari, via e-mail