An outbreak of goodwill and optimism has swept over the chatter- ing class that cares about what is going on in Nepal. A peace deal that aims to end political violence involves elections - set for next June - to create a Constituent Assembly: it will write a new constitution.
Optimists should note that the groups bargaining over the future of the Nepali people have been unreliable guardians of peace. And they have also been ineffective as promoters of prosperity and freedom.
While thousands of Maoist guerillas checked into seven designated 'cantonments' as part of a disarmament process agreed on November 8, they reportedly 'persuaded' thousands of schoolchildren to join their ranks in order to exaggerate the numbers of cadres in the camps.
When Maoists controlled about 80 per cent of Nepal, they subjected many rural Nepalese to forcible conscription as fighters, and made them pay 'taxes' or face violent reprisals.
The democratic parties that have engaged in parliamentary politics have a history of corruption and endemic infighting. Indeed, it was their incompetence that helped induce the moves by King Gyanendra to establish autocratic rule.
But democracy was restored by the king when he appointed former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala to head a new government. Mr Koirala was nominated by a coalition of seven main political parties that instigated anti-monarchy protests. Thus, Nepal's Parliament reopened after being dissolved in 2002 by the king.
Initially, Nepalis were unmoved by these steps, since their democratically elected leaders were incompetent and corrupt. And it was widely accepted that firm action was needed to curb Maoist violence.