Ambassador Kedar Shrestha: Nepal Confronts Growing Insurgency by Craig Mauro Nepalese Ambassador Kedar Shrestha has a message for the international community: ìYou will have to bear with us.î When King Gyanendra dismissed the government, suspended fundamental rights and declared a state of emergency on Feb. 1 to confront a strengthening Maoist insurgency, several countries condemned the move and called for a restoration of democracy. Shrestha is unapologetic, saying the kingís actions were necessary to bring peace to a country bloodied by an insurgency that has become increasingly acute and lethal in the past few years. more... President of Women for Women International Zainab Salbi Helping Women Emerge From Horrors of War by John Shaw Zainab Salbi, president of Women for Women International, said she is all for written constitutions that support freedom, democracy and human rights, but she is far more impressed when constitutions and governments provide tangible guarantees for women in specific areas of day-to-day life. more.... After Recent Elections, Kazakhstan Taking Carefully Planned Approach to Democracy by Michael Coleman In addition to elections in Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan, another highly questionable election took place in September 2004 in yet another former Soviet Republic, Kazakhstan, and it seemed the world barely noticed. more.... Golfers Can Take a Swing at Instructional Software Programs by Alan B. Nichols At last itís May and spring is in the air. At three locations around the Washington metro area, golf balls are also in the air, as veteran hackers scour the rust off their games after a long winter, and newcomers prepare for a new sporting adventure of a lifetime. more....

Culture Section Check out the arts section for the latest in museum exhibits, dance, theater and much more. Many of Washingtonís Ex-Ambassadors Continue in High-Profile Careers by Larry Luxner Being named as an ambassador in Washington has long been viewed as a top prize, a reward for a long and distinguished diplomatic career. But what do ambassadors do once theyíve ìbeen there and done that?î more.... Pope John Paul II: ëA Star on the Horizoní by Craig Mauro Boundless energy and an ever-present eye for humor are two traits for which his admirers will remember Pope John Paul II. more.... Ambassador Says Arab League Playing ëCrucial Roleí in Middle Eastern Issues by Craig Mauro For the ambassador of an organization that often faces criticism from many directions, Hussein Hassouna keeps a remarkably positive outlook. Yes, the League of Arab States, which turned 60 last month, may have its problems, but its viability is more important than ever, said Hassouna, who has been the organizationís envoy in Washington since 2002. more.... Eating Disorders Increasing Among Women 35 and Older by Gina Shaw Although young women in their teens and early 20s still account for the majority of eating disorders, physicians are discovering that their older sisters, mothers, aunts and even grandmothers are increasingly having troubled relationships with food as well. more....