Nepal to Become a Republic

Voters out in droves for first election in 9 years

(NEWSER) - Voting is under way in Nepal's parliamentary elections, where citizens of the Himalayan nation are expected to endorse parties that will oust the 240-year-old monarchy, reports AFP. UN observers have commended a high turnout despite eight deaths in protests ahead of today's polling, the centerpiece of a peace deal between Maoist rebels and mainstream political parties. 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»

(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»

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»

Himalayan kingdom not sold on the ride or the mileage

(NEWSER) - The tiny Buddhist nation of Bhutan held a mock election Saturday in preparation for the transition from monarchy to democracy set for next year. The yellow thunder dragon defeated its blue, green, and red counterparts in the vote, a test run for the latest reform advocated by modernization-minded King Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who plans to abdicate. More»