National 1 (Spotlight Weekly)

A Friend In Need

By proposing a carefully designed military assistance package, the US government has shown its serious concern about terrorism in Nepal

By KESHAB POUDEL

Although the US government's decision to provide military assistance amounting US$20 million may be modest in financial terms, it contains great significance. The aid package underscores the great attachment of the US government for Nepal and its concern over the plight of Nepalis.

Carefully proposed, US military assistance is said to be related to logistic equipment rather than weapons. Although the United States is the sole superpower leading a global war against terrorism, it has also kept in mind Nepal's geo-strategic vulnerability. As Nepal's southern neighbor has already provided some military hardware, including two helicopters and weapons, the US decision to provide basic logistic equipment to Nepal was mature and prudent.

The two major players of Asia ó India and China ó which Nepal is sandwiched between, would oppose any kind of third-party military involvement in the kingdom. In this complicated situation, the US assistance package is well calculated and cautiously drawn up.

"The US military assistance has shown the United States' sincere commitment to Nepal's stability and proves that it is a trustworthy friend," said a former diplomat. "Had the US provided military hardware like weapons, our two immediate neighbors might have become suspicious."

At a time when Royal Nepalese Army and police personnel have been fighting to quell the Maoist terrorists in difficult geographical terrain with limited resources, the proposed US military assistance will help to reduce casualties.

According to reports, the Nepalese army will receive boots, combat dress, combat equipment, bullet-proof jackets, communication equipment and an upgrade in communication and striking capabilities.

The US government announced the military assistance following on-the-spot observations by US officials. After the Achham assault, US Ambassador to Nepal Michael E. Malinowski visited the area and got first-hand information by meeting the local people and security officials.

"Over the past six years, hundreds of courageous and patriotic police officers have been killed in service to their country. Since last November, Royal Nepal Army soldiers have also been killed, and their numbers are growing. In democracies, the death of even one police officer or one soldier is a community and national tragedy. These are young men and women who put their lives at risk in order to protect and preserve the freedoms of the common citizen," said Malinowski, addressing the South Asia Peace Operations seminar in March. (See SPOTLIGHT March 1-7).

The US envoy declared the Maoist as a dreaded terrorist outfit. "These terrorist, under the guise of Maoists waging a so-called ëpeople's war' are fundamentally the same as terrorists elsewhere ó be they members of the Shining Path, Abu Sayyaf, Khmer Rouge or Al Qaida," said Malinowski.

During his short trip to Nepal in January, US secretary of State Colin Powell expressed his country's solidarity with Nepal in the kingdom's fight against terrorism. Powell's visit was also an indication of US understanding and concern over terrorism in Nepal.

Whether it is coincidental or part of a deliberate effort to annoy the superpower, the Maoist have stepped up attacks on airports, powerhouses, roads, grass-roots-level institutions like health posts, Village Development Committee buildings and other infrastructure following Powell's visit and Malinowski's remarks.

"By offering moral and material support to crisis-prone Nepal, the US government has sent a message that it will not tolerate any form of terrorism in Nepal," said a former Nepalese diplomat. "It is also a message to Nepal's southern neighbor to make sincere efforts to stop the free movement of Nepalese Maoists in India."

The worry of the US government is understandable, as it has contributed significant monetary and technical support to build basic infrastructures in Nepal over the last five decades. In education, health, agriculture and infrastructure development, Nepal could not have attained its present status without sustained US assistance.

By offering a carefully designed military assistance package, the US government also seems to be putting diplomatic pressure on other countries to help Nepal restore normalcy. The US is a friend in need.