Nepal under SCO shadow

The recent visit by Nepal's defense minister to China and Prachanda's hobnobbing with Russian and Cuban leaders signal Nepal's move away from Western influence. It must not be forgotten that Nepal's sovereignty was recognized first by UK, a western power. If it had not been UK's special relationship with Nepal during its presence in the Indian subcontinent, Nepal would not have existed as an independent state.
Also, the United States, the world's sole superpower recognized Nepal in 1947 much before Russia and China did. Pursuing a closer ties with SCO states might jeopardize Nepal's historic ties with the West.

Cuba's role in world politics is miniscule. The type of rhetoric emanating from Havana, its support for outright socialism in Venezuela would only serve to scare away foreign investment. State led approach advocated by socialist states would fail miserably.

Development of massive industries in China and Russia under communist rule resulted in growth of manufacturing of heavy equipment and not day to day consumer goods. But private sector paid heavily. Stalin ordered murder and liquidation of kulaks, the landowning producers. In China, Mao starved millions in his social mobilization schemes. His bloodthirst for power killed millions of Chinese in civil war with the nationalists. Nationalists under Chiang Kai Shek had better vision for management of resources. Look at Taiwan today. Its much better governed and regulated. Its export based economy and leadership in technology was in effect copied by Beijing. China's Olympics was heavily criticized for pollution, censorship and unrestricted development. Large construction alone would not help China. Nepal cannot afford to be another China, excessive regulation and lack of individual freedom. Its constitution is flawed with complete lack of stress on individualism and private initiative. Individual entrepreneurship is not encouraged in China, where state is the primary sector. Nepalese people cannot depend on their state alone. The money earned from remittance must be properly utilized.

Russia, a state led model, is again unsuitable for Nepal. Nepal does not have oil to sell. Its only resources are human and water. Tourism cannot grow on country with political violence. Judicial system and legal system has completely failed for proponents of violence have the seat of power. The electorate has been duped. Revolution and immediate change is simply not possible. Nepal cannot gain anything by importing ideas which are completely obsolete.

It was the Swiss who started cheese making in Nepal. Russia gave tobacco factory. Education and local development are being provided by the US. The Germans have given money for cultural preservation. That benefits tourism. Sustainable development and tourism are the only sectors suitable for Nepal.

Nepal's present leaders came from starting a war. Their claim to "represent the poeple" is basically derived from threat of violence. Appeals to reform and persuasion were denied to legitimate political organizations. Their clouded vision and socialist ideals would deny Nepal's participation in global economy and creation of more jobs at home. The presence of Nepal's foreign jobseekers in volatile regions like the Middle East poses a threat. Their abrupt return in times of international tensions such as any war involving Iran cannot be overlooked.

The so called leaders created the dangerous environment resulting in a massive outflow of rural youths to foreign countries. There might exist a nexus between the foreign employment business and the warmongering leaders. Tourists also prefer to go to India's hill stations like Sikkim and Darjeleeng and Tibet. Irresponsible politicking since 1990 which magnified after 2006 has led to reduced national income. The country is moving toward dark frontier. Radicalization of the youth and appeals to states which have grievous records of human rights and governance could lead to new conflicts.

SCO's umbrella cannot provide Nepal what the current leaders foresee as a front to mask their poor human rights record and their criminal background. SCO is a tool of autocratic Russia and China to manipulate the world. As the US is embroiled in two fronts, its influence in the world is perceived as weak by SCO adherents. Its recruiting effort to build a new Warsaw Pact and deny freedom to many of the world's peoples is to be oberved with keen interest.