Tesro bishwa yudha nepalbata suru hunchha—the Thrid World War will begin in Nepal. This is one of the many seemingly absurd speculations that has been circulating among rumor-mongers in Nepal for many years. The prediction appears to be closer to home with the region in unprecedented conflict following the U.S. bombings in Afghanistan since October 7. And given the global scope of the operations, and their implications for countries big or small, it has become important not to overlook the developments next door and beyond.

On surface, any attempt to connect a “small” and “obscure” small nation to a Big Game played by mammoth performers may seem insignificant. But this is not a marginal issue in any sense as far as the landlocked Himalayan country in turmoil is concerned. We are about to see—as always in any major conflict-- some hundreds of our sons, the Gurkhas, at the forefront of the impending ground operations in Afghanistan.

This is specially chilling if we recall how hundreds of our lahures were killed in the Afghan wars of 1838-42, 1878-80 and 1919. The Pashtuns, who comprise the Taliban, have been historically no less formidable than the Gurkhas or other sub-continental warlike tribes such as the Sikhs or Marathas when it comes to face-to-face combat.

Unlike in many other wars, the British had to retreat defeated from Afghan soil every time they tried to attack the central Asian strategic country. The Russians, too, met their fate. The U.S. may be an unchallenged victor in the airstrikes, but the American hope and reliance on the British ground troops largely depends on the Gurkhas who have been used in the frontline in every complex ground operation. The question now is, if the Gurkhas are in fact deployed, will we afford to watch our boys die fighting the foes they never entirely overpowered even in the earliest days of the Gurkha might?

This is not a World War in the traditional sense of the term, where our Gurkhas gave their lives fighting for foreign powers. More than 40,000 have laid their lives fighting in every major wars and conflicts in the world since 1815, when Kaji Amar Singh Thapa accepted a peace pact at Maluan, which among others, included a clause providing Gorkahali volunteers into the British Army. Some 100,000 fought and thousands died during First World War in France, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, Gallipoli, Palestine and Salonika.

In the Second World War some 112,000 men joined Commonwealth troops in Syria, the Western Desert, Italy, and Greece, from North Malaya to Singapore to Burma. They also died in Malayan Emergency during the operations in 50s and early 60s, Brunei Revolt of 1962, in Cyprus to fight Turkey in 1974.

More recently they were deployed in the Falklands war, Gulf War, Bosnia, and Kosovo. Recall the recent memories about Balaram Rai, who was the first to die in the NATO-led Balkans ground operation. As peacekeepers they have been deployed in East Timor, Sierra Lone and other hotspots. Of course, they fought bravely testifying the legend of Bir Gorkhali—that is what even Nepalis have learned to glorify—and won almost half of all the Victoria Crosses though they comprised of less than one-fifth of the entire Gurkha troops. The rather inflated sense of birta, largely fuelled by centuries of British pampering, has cost us immensely. It is only in times of crisis such as this, that we love to do some self-examination.

Media Emphasize On Gurkha Deployment
Already, newspapers in Europe and America have begun to pin their hopes on our boys, showring the customary accolades even before they are deployed in the rugged mountains of Afghanistan. It is not clear how many of the existing 3,400 Gurkhas will be put into war zones, but there is little doubt that the newspapers have begun to emphasize that the Gurkhas are in great demand.

Just look at how the newspapers are referring to Gurkha legend to spice up their war reports:

Given the difficult mountainous terrain in Afghanistan-- CNN reported last week with visual of Gurkhas with sparkling Khukuris-- that the war-torn country is “a home away from home” for the Gurkhas.

While the mainstream media haven’t carried that many stories about how crucial the Gurkha connection would be in the present mission, some anecdotal references to the mountain fighters are becoming increasingly frequent in other media. Public interest has also emerged. One apparently surprised and hopeful American asked Wichita Eagle, a Midwest newspaper, what the newspaper could tell the Americans about the reports of the British using Gurkha units in any upcoming battles in Afghanistan. He sounded doubtful about Gurkha deployment because he thought they had been disbanded last year. No wonder, the paper dispelled his doubts.

The Weekly Standard, in an article titled “Unleash the Gurkhas” October 12,  writes that for the Gurkhas going to war in Afghanistan is like going to World Cup. Columnist Jack Kelly writes in the Sun Post of Maryland, U.S., October 11, 2001: “We might also prevail upon our British buddies to make available a battalion or so of Gurkhas. They are the baddest dudes on the planet. They come from Nepal, which is even more mountainous and isolated than Afghanistan. Gurkhas love to kill with the kukri, the curved knife that is their signature weapon. And in the end, that is how the Afghan portion of this war will be decided: up close and personal.” There is total ignorance of history, and a wrong-headed confidence that our lahures will deliver no matter what.

Interestingly, it is the French Le Mond that goes in length to describe the history of Gurkha valor and their present relevance.

 Jacques Isnard of the French newspaper Le Monde reports September 29, 2001 that the Gurkhas form one of the most important factor in the spectacular and clandestine operations in Afghanistan. He writes that for the covert work Great Britain is, by far, most expert with its HOPPERS (Special Air Service), especially, with its Gurkhas, who make a strong and faithful body, ready to be based in a hostile environment.

Given the changed scenario, no doubt the Gurkhas are in great demand. The Telegraph writes October 3, 2001 that Britian is already thinking to expand its military. It quotes British Defense Minister Geoff Hoon, who spoke at the Labor Conference on October 2, that it may be necessary to "rebalance" Britain's military capabilities. “A review, which will begin at once and be updated as British servicemen go into action, is expected to result in such units as the Parachute Regiment, Royal Marines and Gurkhas being expanded, and in a boost for military intelligence.”

However, the paper adds, officials played down suggestions that the elite SAS and SBS would be expanded, pointing to the risk that increasing their numbers could dilute their fighting qualities. The restructuring plan is in line with Tony Blair's view that there should be more rather than fewer operations like those in Kosovo and Sierra Leone. This may be a good sign for those who complained the Gurkha cuts following Britain’s withdrawal from Hong Kong in 1997. Given the war against terrorism is going to be protracted, the need for mountain mercenaries will be on the rise.

The German media, too, see the value of the Gurkhas in the ground operations. Martin S. Lambeck of the German newspaper Die Welt writes October 7, 2001: For larger, infantry combat operations the British by the way hold their last arsenal ready: The legendary Gurkhas from the Nepalese mountains. Herbert Kremp of the same newspaper observes Gurkhas sharpening their weapons in the deserts of Oman with the 23,000 British troops.

The Spanish publication La Vanguardia notes October 2, 2001 that the Gurkhas will possibly be necessary to capture Ossama Bin Laden. ITN of Britain reports soldiers from the Gurkha regiment have been sharpening the skills that could see them play a vital role in any military campaign in Afghanistan. It adds that there is already speculation that the Gurkhas would be the first regular British ground troops to see action in Afghanistan.

The Scotsman, Monday, October 8, 2001 writes: “Mr Blair can now draw attention to the 23,000 British troops which gathered for the Swift Sword II training operation - including Gurkhas currently attached to the Highland Regiment. The Nepalese soldiers need no introduction to mountainous, inhospitable countries. To highlight their ability to raid Afghanistan, Mr. Blair need only go to visit our boys in the Gulf - sending a powerful message to Kabul. Such a task could, and probably will, be done this week.”  

Martin Bentham of the Telegraph, in a comprehensive look at the Oman exercises, reports September 23, 2001 that just one thought dominated the minds of thousands of British troops: when and how they might be deployed in the West's war on terrorism.  He quotes Milan Gurung, a Gurkha lance corporal in 102 Logistics Brigade: "I hope that we are going to war. The British troops are not happy with the terrorists. They are angry with what happened. There were a lot of British people who died." Milan’s justification for going to war echoes the loyalty of many Gurkhas who have died for the Queen’s Jack.

Unlike in many conflicts where the enemy is obvious, this is going to be a risky job for the British and the U.S. troops. More so for the Gurkhas who are expected to face much more difficulties with no grudges but with a meager salary. The Independent of London reports September 27, 2001, reports that the troops' main role would be to do reconnaissance and sabotage missions inside Afghanistan. “The special forces would also guide in combat units of members of the anti-insurgency Delta Force, Rangers, airborne forces and marines from the US; paratroopers, Royal Marines and Gurkhas from Britain; and, possibly, French paratroopers and commandos including from the Foreign Legion.”

The newspaper further writes: At least some of the British ground contribution will come from Operation Saif Sareea, Swift Sword, which is already taking place near Oman and involves 20,000 troops. “The role of these combat units would be to engage and neutralise the international Islamist fighters who act as Mr. bin Laden's bodyguard, and to capture or kill him.”

Given that the U.S., the leader of “Eduring Freedom”, a massive retaliatory measure following the Spetember 11 attacks in America, is prepared for loss of life in the conflict, the toll could be higher (a la Vietnam?). The Independent also reports that Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's declarations that "it will not be an antiseptic war ... it will be difficult ... and the likelihood is that more people will be lost" are designed to ensure that the American public does not expect a quick-fix and to get them used to the possibility of a large number of body bags for the first time since Vietnam.

This is exactly why British PM Blair was recently in Oman. To prepare his troops for the worst. The Guardian, October 11, 2001 quotes a Gurkha saying, “We Gurkhas are always enthusiastic," not matter what. The possibility of death and destruction or whatever. However, U.K.’s Financial Times, October 11, 2001 writes that no British troops have been requested by the U.S. but as the airstrikes begin to subside, there is little doubt that the British ground troops will be used. As a covert operation, there is no way knowing even if they are already being used.

Over 58, 000 Americans died in the 15-year Vietnam war that started in 1961. Ever since, sending ground troops to conflicts has become politically a costly decision for a sitting U.S government. The recent case being the withdrawal of its troops from Somalia peace mission in 1995.

Things have changed in the aftermath of September 11. And the 10 Downing Street’s wholehearted support for the White House has provided Bush a shield on behalf of his troops and against eventual American public opinion. The alliances against terrorism may help in initiating a war and influencing world opinion, but when it comes to a protracted war, U.S. troops as well as the British, and for that matter the Gurkhas, are likely to suffer heavily in the possible Guerilla war in Afghanistan.

That said, the Question for Nepal is: So what?

Will They Deliver?

Nepal has looked at the September 11 incidents in the U.S. mainly from its own experience of dealing with the six-year old bloody Maoist insurgency that have left over 1,700 dead. In the immediate, the “yam-between-two- boulders” national consciousness, and non-alignment in the international divisive political context have shaped the country’s foreign dealings.

This policy received some jolt-- for good or bad-- when PM Sher Bhadur Deuba broke tradition, offering support for the fight against terrorism and Nepal’s airspace to U.S. warplanes. There is yet another landmark departure. For the first time, the Gurkhas are about to be deployed in a War that is also openly supported by their home country. In this sense, our boys may be doing service not only to Britain and the U.S., but also to their own country.

The Nepali news media, a watchdog less scrupulous on the nation’s foreign affairs linkages, have remained watchful of the globe-sweeping developments in terms of the home-grown terrorism and the tension emanating from the regional conflict. It may take only a few days before they start seeing reasons to focus on our lahures fighting, and perhaps dying, in the mountains of Afghanistan.

This is especially true when they bring home our warriors dead. The media will flash pictures of the dead, as they have always done, such as with those who died in Lebanon, Kosovo or East Timor.

Still, unlike in the U.S., the real concern for Nepal has, however, been not that they may die in a war but rather how many we could send out or not. Sending more of them may bring revenues for the poor country, but in recent years human rights activists, some analysts and some veteran Gurkhas have said that they have been discriminated, and are not afforded the treatment they deserve. They are paid far less than their British mates even though they are put in riskier spots.

The real issue, then, is that unless this issue is resolved or they are paid in parity with their British counterparts, the accolades on the fighting men of Nepal are nothing more than sarcasm, and some sort of mumbo jumbo. On official level, Nepal, touted as the “oldest ally of Britain in Asia”,  is careful not to offend its friend, but given the changing times, the Gurkha bharti system is in need of total review, and if honest and just steps are not taken soon, this system may be worth terminating.

For, it is high time that Nepal learnt to diversify skills and innovate new crafts and professions to meet the demands of the open and expanding markets within its own borders or as far as Middle East, South East Asia, or North America. This is precisely why the new generation Nepalis have begun to see new lahurs in places such as Malaysia or Bahrain, or Japan, or America.

As for the war in Afghanistan, and the victory there, Gurkhas may have little role to play, contrary to popular expectations. Gurkhas have never won any war in Afghanistan, and they may never. They may be an effective tool for a quick fix, but for the long run, the world has to work hard to engineer a new breed of humanity that transcends petty national and sectarian interests.

In this globalized world, the free world has a big responsibility. If the Big leaders themselves go off the rails, as have the U.S. in supporting the repressive regimes in many instances while at the same time propagating democracy and freedom, others naturally follow suit in their worst instincts. Mr. Bin Laden is but one extreme manifestation of such instincts.

More important, If we are living in an interdependent world and a global economy, then the fruits of prosperity should reach the majority of mankind dying a slow death. Ultimately, the issue is of engagement, dialog, mutual respect, cooperation and farsightedness. Peace and understanding, not war. It is time to use Gurkhas to save lives, not to kill.