After successfully waging people's movement and eschewing the cold-war era advice of outside countries like the US, Nepal has attempted what few other nations have - to come to terms with Communists. In this time where there is the potential for tolerance and progress, many of the countries who were too eager to offer aid to Nepal when the government openly suppressed democracy are now weaseling out.

It is sadly typical in this era that compromise and reconciliation are frowned on and that absolutist campaigns that create conflict and social divide are favored all in the name of 'peace.' I will not glorify the Maoists and the violence they used but the response of the international community to this delicate time is appalling.

This also raises the question of the ethics of international aid. Nepal has long relied on it, and now when it is needed most it dries up. Is the international community responsible?