NYTimes Opines

Whenever the New York Times editorializes, it is as if the world must take it seriously. And, in deed, Newslook does take notice (even after months of hiatus from pithy comments like this one). The big boy in the news business would not cover a “small country” for no good reason. In a rare 256-word editorial, the newspapers’ second such attempt re Nepal since 1990, the Times justifies its editorial as much as the readers’ need to know about the “remote” country on the basis of geopolitics, Maoist rebellion, difficult geography, and a democratic morality. Above all, the newspaper concludes: King Gyanendra has brought this on himself. Perhaps more important—what does such increased frequency of coverage suggest? Has Nepal reached another critical juncture in its excruciating history? 
• In Nepal, Death Toll Is 3 as Protests Continue, NYTimes, April 10/06
• Nepalis Attack Police and Invite Arrest, NYTimes, April 7/06
• At Least 66 Killed as Nepal Battles Maoist Rebels in Western District, NYTimes, August 10/05
• Nepal's Human Rights Record Threatens Military Aid, NYTimes, August 9, 05