http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/195782322

Nepal: Political Developments and Bilateral Relations with the United States

With its recent fundamental political shift from monarchy to republic, the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal has entered a new phase in its political development. Peace is being consolidated and elections have been held. That said, much ground remains to be covered to fully consolidate these gains. Some observers are concerned that widespread violence may return if the Communist Party of Nepal - Maoist (CPN-M), the group which waged a 10-year armed struggle against the former government of Nepal, feels its political agenda has been thwarted by political opposition in the Constituent Assembly. The Constituent Assembly elections of April 10, 2008, were a key step toward consolidating peace in Nepal and enhancing Nepal's democratic process. The Constituent Assembly has been elected to form the structure of the new government of Nepal. It will also be confronted with the need to address economic development and ethnic issues. The Maoists will likely lead this process as they have the largest representation in the Constituent Assembly. As violence associated with the former Maoist insurgency has abated, intercommunal tensions have mounted and at times become violent. This has been particularly acute in the Terai region where the Madhesi live. The Madhesi, or plains folk, seek autonomy to free themselves from what they feel is domination by Pahadis from the more mountainous parts of northern Nepal. The Madhesi have added a new regional dimension to Nepal's struggle for political stability. A new threat to the political stability of Nepal has emerged from a number of groups representing Madhesi in southern Nepal. Relations between the United States and Nepal have traditionally been friendly. U.S. policy objectives toward Nepal include supporting democratic institutions and economic liberalization, promoting peace and stability in South Asia, supporting Nepalese independence and territorial integrity, and alleviating poverty.

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