With Friends Like These Who Needs Enemies.

“Also, with the dream America everyone carries round in his head, America the Beautiful, Langston Hughes’s country that never existed but needed to exist –with that, like everyone else, I was thoroughly in love. But ask the rest of the world what America meant and with one voice the rest of the world answered back. Might, it means Might. A power so great that it shapes our daily lives even though it barely knows we exist, it couldn’t point to us on a map. America is no finger-snapping bopster. It’s a fist.”

- Salman Rushdie, The Ground Beneath her Feet

We react differently to the news of death. Were rejoice when the baddy vanquished, cry when heroes die, swear revenge when innocent are killed. But, let’s face it, if the killing or death -even of the innocent- happens in a far off land to people with names we can’t pronounce we don’t give two hoots. We read about it, think about how horrible it is and move on. Ignorance is bliss, the pleasures of apathy and so on and so forth.

"They call it "bug splat", the splotch of blood, bones, and viscera that marks the site of a successful drone strike. To those manning the consoles in Nevada, it signifies "suspected militants" who have just been "neutralised"; to those on the ground, in most cases, it represents a family that has been shattered, a home destroyed." writes Muhammad Idrees Ahmad in his article Fighting Back against the CIA drone war. Imagine the helplessness, the anger, the need for vengeance when a drone attacks a village. Its amazing that someone sitting in Nevada can destroy a village near Rawalpindi, but what is even more mind blowing is: that someone in tribal Pakistan will never know who destroyed his house. This videogamization of war has real consequences.

More than anything else drone attacks have been an major issue for the Pakistanis. It kills innocent civilians, it is extra judicial in nature, it violates Pakistan’s national sovereignty and a whole range of complains that help feed the national paranoia and conspiracy theories already abundant in Pakistan. Drone attacks are not worth it. For those who view the world through the bifocality of cost benefit analysis let just say the cost outweigh the benefits.

This aggressiveness has become the public face of America. The face that the common man with common problem in Pakistan sees. When the mighty American “fist” swings it's their jaws that receive the blow. No wonder the American image is this bad. No one sees the aid money -most of it is lost in the many pockets in line between Washington and Islamabad, and then between Islamabad and the provinces. The US troop withdrawal has begun. Fear is abound in Pakistan that has inherited a war and millions of displaced and desperate people. And while it’s easy for America to pack their bags and check out it’s the Pakistanis that have to live in the mess.

And this time it’s different from the 1990’s. The geopolitical reality of the region has changed. The last time a superpower power left Afghanistan, Pakistan helped the Taliban fill the vacuum and bring stability, at what ever the cost, to the region. But after 10 years of war, and 60 years of political mismanagement and corruption Pakistans economy is hanging by the branch. Anytime the international partners and aid agencies pull the rug, Pakistan will have a real trouble in its hand. The war has left Pakistan broke, unstable and weak; nation building in Afghanistan has failed and with America itching to get on the plane back home Pakistani have been left to wonder was it really worth it? For them USA is the double faced one. The friend that acts like a foe, a friend that disrespects its national sovereignty. An ally.. ya right!!

No one knows if OBL was hidden by Pakistan or it was an intelligence failure; whatever it was its messed up the US-Pakistan relation. And if people are serious about mending the relationship, using drones that kill civilians is not the wisest way to go.

Darshan Rauniyar Goes to Washington.

Darshan Rauniyar declares his run for the U.S. Congress and the Nepali diaspora in America is abuzz with pride. We shower him with praise and call him the “Nepali Gaurav”, the pride of Nepal, and beckon every Nepali from coast to coast to support him. A Nepali in Congress, what a sight that would be!

But before you get catch the “lets help Darshan because he’s from Nepal” flu, take a step back, hold your horses if you may, and think about what you are doing and what the stakes are.

There is nothing wrong in expressing solidarity with people you share commonalities with. It is only natural to feel affinity towards someone who has beaten the odds, especially if he is the first of a kind. And Darshan has indeed broken grounds for the future generation of the Nepali diaspora. But in our nationalistic frenzy we must remind ourselves that he deserves our support not merely because he is a Nepali but also because he has his own ideas and positions on issues that Americans think are important.

There is much more to Darshan than him being a Nepali. His stance on the economy, immigration reform, women rights, education and American foreign policy are noteworthy. And that is more important than the venue of this birthplace. Dr. King once said he wants his kids to “live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” so be it with Darshan. It’s only fair. I say question the content of his character. Question him about where he stands on the important issues of the day, issues that matter to the Nepali community as much as they matter to any other community in America.

I have talked to Darshan and I believe he has answers, and he is willing to give them provided we ask (lets be real, he is in politics after all. And limiting him solely as the “First Nepali to run for Congress” would hurt his chances more than help it.

But if you are looking for Nepal specific reasons to rally behind his cause I hope these help: his presence in the Congress can contribute considerably to better U.S-Nepal relations. His closeness with the old country can only benefit it. Plus, he will be understanding to the problems facing the Nepali American diaspora, and Nepal in general. His presence in Congress ensures we have a voice in the House -a luxury we haven’t had thus far.

However, let us be clear in our expectations. Darshan is not a running to be the Representative of Nepal to the U.S Congress; he is an American concerned about the people of the 1st Congressional District in Washington State who so happens to be Nepali. And as such his first responsibility is towards the people of the United States, and the people of this district. They are his constituency and expecting anything else is shallow on our parts.

The biggest help we can give Darshan right now is to educate ourselves about him, spread the word and raise funds.

Having a voice in Congress does not come cheap. It takes a proper campaign to get to Congress and a proper campaign needs money.

So go to his website. Read about him. Decided whether you agree or disagree with the issues he plans to raise, and the position he plans to take; if you do then support him. It’s only the American (and Nepali) thing to do!

In defense of the Nepali government?!?

I apologize for starting on a defensive note. But any accusations of my surrender of integrity, or financial enrichment arising from this blog post is a purely fictional i.e. I have not been paid to write what I have written.

Having said that, let’s get on with the question at hand: Do we blame the Government (Nepali) more than necessary? And by Government I don’t mean this government or any governments prior to this one. I mean the institution of Government.

Reading the newspaper today, I wasn't a least bit surprised to find at least 3 different groups threatening agitation against the Government if its demands were not fulfilled–their words not mine. And this is not new; three groups threating agitation within hours of each other is simply a snapshot of larger problem.

The already rotting political (dis)order in Nepal is challenged day in and day out by groups that “demand” and “threaten”. No one wants to sit down and debate what these demands are, what the consequences of these demands might be, and why the government should fulfill them. For example, yesterday the Private and Boarding Schools' Association of Nepal(PABSON) handed out a 20-day ultimatum to the government to fulfil its five-point demand to scrap the 1% education tax, saying the “one percent education service tax has only added economic burden to the parents' woes and maintained that it was against the government commitment to free education.” O wait a minute now, let’s think about that for a moment. So PABSON does not want private schools, to pay a 1 % tax because of the "government’s commitment to free education". O really, but what about the often humongous fees PABSON schools charges its students? Where will that money go?

Further, “PABSON has also demanded its representation in every committee formed by the Ministry of Education (MoE), Department of Education, District Education Offices and other government bodies.” lol. Why on earth would the government agree to a set up in which PABSON can hold the education system hostage when it feels like? I pick on PABSON because it was recently in the news, but a host of organizations have been known to do the same. Anti-Government agitation always gets the people excited, doesn't it?

Our distrust of the government is often legitimate. But just because the Government is "the Government" does not make it wrong in everything it does. Let’s look at the Government’s actions on a case by case bases rather than passing a sweeping judgment on its incompetence.

The fear of reasonable dialogue falling on deaf ears has such a grip on everyone that the only option left is “demand” and “threaten”. And while this interest group menaces the government for this, another group is pestering the government for an opposite that.

And what is the government limited by political will, resources and priorities. Should the government be addressing the needs of the Christian community threatening agitation if government does not grant them land, or should it be concerned about the Chinese, or the threats of Madhesi parties blocking the budget, or should it be concerned about locals disrupting hydropower plant development, or the problem with army integration, or the concerns of the indigenous people, or working out the constitution?

Is it true that Nepal politician’s lacks accountability? Yes. Is it true that governance in Nepal is weak? Yes. Is it true that our politicians suffer from the acute lack of competence? yes, most of them ( lets give them the benefit of doubt). Is it true that the bureaucracy is laden with dead weight and red tapism? Yes. Is it true that we elected our representatives? Yes. Is it true that we need to change the way our Government works? Yes. Yes. Yes. But is senseless demand making and threats the only real way forward?

The major failure of the Nepali civil society, judicial system and the Government is the failure to create space for dialogue. A national obsession of a zero-sum game has taken over us. An either or mentality. In these years of crisis there is an tacit fear that if things do not before the constitution is written, it is all over! The golden opportunity to turn the tide will forever be missed. Are these fears legitimate? Only the future will tell. But by acting on these fears through a tactic that destroys the present we ensure that the future is bleak.

Two Afghan MPs throw punches.

Why should only men in Afghanistan have the right to punch each other, its time for the women to share the responsibility as well.

Here is the video of two MPs in Afghanistan duke it out. Plus this is what Pakistan's involvement in Afghanistan politics does- Are we beginning to see signs of civil strife?

Sikhs at home in Peshawar

Finally some positive news out of Pakistan! I thought the day would never come. Sikhs and Muslims living amongst each other in Peshawar. Bloody brilliant! There is still hope, I say. There is still hope!!



The Sub-continent has always been a melting pot. So don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. It has always welcomed all kinds of people into the society. And that is what makes the region a web of the most complex contradictions. It is only when we have stubborned ourselves in our “dreary desert sand of dead habit” that we have digressed from what South Asia has historically been.

Whatsobloodyever may be the official state policy, we as people, have always welcomed cultural diversity; and we should not allow extremist to voice our regional –and personal –narrative whether they be Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh or Buddhist.

A Comment on Nepal's Other Neighbour

Nepal police has explicitly warned Tibetans against chanting anti-China slogans in Nepal reads the attached link.

The Nepali Governments’ shameless attempt to pacify the “other neighbor” has made it lose track of what this State led repression does to Nepals social fiber. The Government of Nepal supports the One China policy and that is alright with me –I perosnally support the Dalai Lama’s position on Tibet-China relationship, which does not seek complete independence, - but not allowing the Tibetans, many of whom are Nepali citizens, to speak their minds is legally and morally wrong.

There is a large Tibetan population in Nepal, and they are an important part of our society. It is the duty of the State to protect their right of free speech. And if that freedom means shouting anti-China slogans then so be it. Or has the Nepali state decided to handpick the people who “deserve” freedom and those who do not! The Nepali-Tibetan community regardless of where they have come from, or what their ideological stance is deserve all the protection a democratic state promises to give to its people.

The biggest problem for Nepal being a stronger democracy is the Government. By threating to use force against people who want to speak their minds the government is encroaching on individual rights –or can we exercise that only when it’s convenient?

The problem here is not so much the Chinese government as the Nepali government. China may not be a democratic country and it does not pretend to be one. Nepal pretends to be a democratic country all the while cowering to the pressure from Beijing. There I said it!

The Nepali civil society has to wake up from this kiss- China’s rear mentality. We are very good at criticizing India, but I hope we do the same to China when it deserves it. And its arm twisting of the Nepali government regarding anti-China rallies, and the Nepali governments harsh and repressive actions against pro-Tibet activists deserve criticism.

Do not get me wrong, if people within Nepals boundary were to pick up arms against China, I support action against them; but this is not the case. Regardless of how good China is to us what is wrong is wrong!



Image taken from AsiaNews.it

All's well in the States

American Nepalese Association just concluded its 29th annual convention. A candid look for those who missed it.

You would have thought someone important was getting married. Women in flashy sarees, men in pristine topees, the countless handshakes, million namastes, loud music, men eyeing women, women eying men, drunks, cacophony of guffaws and shhs, aunts and uncle connecting family trees, and countless kids running amok under signs that read “Welcome to 29th ANA Convention, Washington DC July 1- 3, 2011”.

Around 4000+ Nepalis from all over North America gathered at the Westfield Marriott Hotel, Chantilly, Virginia for the 29th annual Association of Nepalese in Americas (ANA) convention –the largest gathering of non-residential Nepalis in the world. Amazed by this grand orgy of the American Nepali diaspora, the few non-Nepali guests at the Marriot where left bewildered by the ecstatic chaos that we Nepalis seem to bring along.

There was mix of Americans, Nepalis, and American-Nepalis –one poet called them Nepalicans –who were kept busy by a host of programs: Poetry festivals, yoga sessions, movies, speed dating, discussion forums, food stalls, and cultural and fashion shows were organized. And while laurels are due for the ambitious plans of the organizing committee, constant delays wreaked havoc all convention long to the annoyance of everybody present.

Anyone who doubts the adage absence makes the heart grow fonder should talk to a Nepali away from home. Like all Nepali gatherings in far of lands, national flags were waved and long speeches’ about our responsibility to give back to the motherland were delivered. And while some walked the walk other walked away from N.G.O booths that actually help build schools for children in rural Nepal. It was good to see young professional from all over America laboring for their causes, and that good hearted and deep pocketed people insured a successful fund raising initiative. The two notable fund raisers promoting their cause were Grassroot Movement in Nepal (GMIN), and Nepalese Youth Foundation.

Fundraising was on everyone’s mind. Congressman hopeful Darsan Rauniyar was also spotted touching base with the Nepali community. Mr. Rauniyar was well received and is quickly becoming the hot topic in Nepali households. As the first person with Nepali origin to run for Congress, Mr. Rauniyar has kicked open many doors –is the diaspora is finally coming of age?

There is a genuine sense of pride amongst people here about his decision to run for the U.S. Congress from Washington States, 1st Congressional District. But if pride and blessings alone won you elections my mother would ensure I became Prime Minister. This is America and money talks. Mr. Rauniyar hopes that along with the good wishes Nepalis in the U.S. will also wriggle their pockets to help him win the seat. As an immigrant himself he is passionate about immigration reform and believes everyone should have a fair shot at the American Dream. He also hopes to strengthen the Nepali voice in the Congress.

At night, with the children and oldies gone, the drinking crowd was seen loosely swaying away at the bar. Under the careful eye of the hefty bouncers, Nepalis were clinking glasses –social networking at its finest. The bar would have made more money had it not been for the hopelessly slow service, and the good old Nepali sensibility of bringing liquor from home and drinking it in the room.

Once the bar shut, there was a mass exodus of people towards the nearest exist where hundreds could also be seen puffing away at their cigarettes. And in pure Nepali style most of them refused to throw the stub in the bin –who said we don’t stick to our roots!

The cultural program was one of the main attractions of the event. There was an entertaining jumble of shows: Lakhe dance, pop song from a number of Nepali artists, martial arts, prayer, and folk dancing. However, even as the rhetoric about the need to pass on the Nepali culture to the next generation dominated the event the only people missing were the next generation. Kids that grew up in America were a no-show in large numbers. I talked to some of these kids who made for the door exactly 3.5 minutes into the program; they thought that the program was catered for “the pure Nepali types” and just not their thing. It must be said that there were a small number of American born Nepalis who did show up and even put on a good show.

ANA also showcased the sporting abilities of the Nepali diaspora. A variety of sports competitions were organized that saw a number of teams and individuals from multiple U.S. cities duel it out. The younger crowd was enthusiastic about its participation and one could sense genuine rivalries brewing.

The long awaited DJ Night saw a mass of sober, semi-sober, semi-drunk and absolutely drunk Nepali’s party it out. It was a gala time for the young and old alike who grooved to classic Nepali and English tunes. There was additional entertainment for the controversy hounds when an impromptu mini-julus broke out after the event. Hordes of dissatisfied patrons could be heard shouting “ANA sucks!” after the DJ began to pack his bags at 1. Apologizes were sought, explanations were given, angry words were exchanged, and the security crew was alerted.

All in all the 29th ANA was a success. There are disappointments and criticisms but that is part and parcel of organizing an event of this magnitude. This annual gatherings of Nepalis in America is a must visit for anyone looking to get in touch with his/her roots while having an interesting time (understatement!). Now that the event is over, 4000+ Nepali are returning to their homes in America having found friends and family; and reconfirmed their Nepali identity.