Sandwiched between the two giant neigbours Nepal has long been caught in the middle. Even as the southern elephant and the northern dragon compete to protect and promote their rival interests in Nepal, the country with the mighty Himalayas on the north and the fertile plains on the south has been able to survive thus far. As the long-running undercurrent of the rivalry resurfaces in the critical political transition of Nepal from monarchy to a republic, serious questions have begun to do the rounds – one more time -- about the country’s future. The issue is certainly nothing new as such. We did a cover story last year, long before the current debate got off. We have sought to take a fresh look at the issue. And we believe that despite competing interests of the two big neighbours, they have a common stake in the stability of Nepal.