The confusion in Nepal's political situation appears to have been settled at least temporarily. But the future prospect is not necessarily transparent. Large-scale strikes and protests punctuated with violence have forced the increasingly isolated King Gyanendra to reinstate the dissolved Parliament. He has given up direct rule, which had continued since February 2005, surrendering power to the country's seven-party opposition alliance.
The king appointed former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, head of the country's largest party, the Nepali Congress, as new prime minister. The seven-party alliance hopes to eventually initiate a process for electing a constituent assembly to write a new constitution. But Nepal's political forces are likely to have a difficult time in deciding the final shape of a new constitution.
Nepal's Maoist rebels, who are believed to hold a key to the Himalayan kingdom's public security, have declared a three-month halt in attacks. While most of the seven-party force wants to constitutionally limit the role of the monarchy, the rebels want abolition of the monarchy. It is unclear whether the Maoist rebels will disarm themselves and agree to cooperate with the new government.