Nepal Set to Abolish 240-Year-Old Monarchy

People celebrate as monarchy ends

(NEWSER) - Nepal is becoming a democratic republic today—and it's getting its first taste of democracy's hiccups. As thousands gathered in the streets of Kathmandu to celebrate, the newly-elected constitutional assembly met to abolish the country’s monarchy. But the momentous vote has been delayed a few hours over disagreements about the role of the new president and interim prime minister. More»

Leaders cave after 3-month standoff with Maoists

(NEWSER) - After almost three months of deadlock, Nepal agreed today to end its 240-year-old monarchy and set up a republic, the BBC reports. Maoist rebels, who had walked out in October and staged violent protests, struck the deal with Nepal's leaders, which will go into effect after elections next spring. More»

New regime reopens probe into 8-year-old palace massacre

(NEWSER) - In an effort to cover up their own difficulties, the Maoist rebels-turned-rulers who govern Nepal have relaunched a probe into the royal massacre that helped bring them to power, Time reports. The incident 8 years ago—the crown prince killed the king and nine other relatives before taking his own life—is back in the spotlight thanks to the prince's cousin. More»

Ex-president says isolation has failed, touts Hamas progress

(NEWSER) - The US needs to put its failed “pariah diplomacy” strategy out to pasture, writes Jimmy Carter in today’s New York Times. By ostracizing its enemies, the US is making it unlikely they will moderate their policies. “The path to peace lies in negotiation, not isolation,” Carter writes, offering as proof his recent successes with Hamas and Maoist guerrillas in Nepal. More»

(NEWSER) - Sick of all the violence in Tehran? Try taking a stroll through the capital of Morocco, suggests Anne Applebaum of the Washington Post. Not long ago, Morocco was a dictatorship, plagued by arbitrary arrests, “disappearances,” and torture. But over the last decade this distinctly Arab, distinctly religious state has become a constitutional monarchy, complete with political parties, a “relatively free press,” and even some women politicians. More»