South Asia

Need for socialist programme to break with landlordism and capitalism

The Maoists won a spectacular victory in the Nepalese elections. In a shock for regional and global powers, the Prime Minister as well as ministers of Finance, Defence and the Interior, will now belong to the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoists) who received over a third of the votes. Bear in mind the humiliation, given that the US Embassy had predicted the Maoists would get at most 8-10 per cent of the vote. Workers and poor in Nepal, however, should not expect socialist policies from their new leaders. read more

State and society in crisis

Pakistan, even before the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, was gripped by a severe political and social crisis. There are country-wide protests against the price hikes and power shortages. There seems to be no end to the suicide bombings and terror unleashed by the reactionary armed Islamic groups. The state apparatus is dysfunctional in many parts of the country. The January elections have been delayed until February 18. read more