Kyrgzstan

Even as Russo-American tensions smolder from Eastern Europe and Central Asia to the Arctic seabed, the secretary of state is denying the onset of a renewed Cold War. Yet, unmistakable signals of a counter-balancing effort by Russia and China were sent last month through the largest-ever war games of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (S.C.O.), a six-nation anti-United States alliance.

To be optimally and comprehensively geared for security planning and preparedness in a rapidly globalizing context, Nepal must initiate friendships and cooperation across the board, whether it is with the SCO, NATO, the Shangri-La Dialogue or whatever.

Preparations have been completed for next month's joint anti-terrorist exercise by Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states. The exercise, called "Peace Mission 2007," is the biggest military exercise in the organization's history. All six SCO members -- China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan -- will take part.