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The Pulse
South Asia is a story of promise and peril where Asia’s conflicting forces of modernity and reaction meet head on. Home to a multitude of different cultures, ethnicities, and religions, The Diplomat's regional correspondents and experts will provide the insight you need to navigate one of the world's most consequential regions.
Sri Lankan Leader Seeks IMF Help as Economic Crisis Deepens
By Krishan Francis
The government had resisted dealing with the IMF, claiming that this would undermine the country's interests. Its latest decision marks a policy shift.
What Lies Behind Prachanda’s Volte-face on Nepal’s Ratification of the Millennium Challenge Compact?
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Domestic politics and personal insecurity prompted the former Maoist chief’s decisions to oppose and subsequently support ratification of the agreement.
Proposed Electoral Constituencies Evoke Anger in Kashmir Valley
By Shadab Farooq and Anzer Ayoob
The Delimitation Commission's redrawing of electoral boundaries in Jammu and Kashmir could benefit India’s Hindu nationalist BJP in this Muslim-dominated Union Territory.
Ukraine Crisis and Food Security in South Asia
By Osama Rizvi
Coming at a time when global food supply chains are already choked due to the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine will worsen an already dire food security situation.
Talks With TTP Take Back Seat as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Turns Attention to Political Turmoil
By Niha Dagia
With an uptick in violence, it would be hard for Imran Khan to sway public opinion towards a peace deal with the terror group.
No Breakthrough at 15th Round of China-India Talks
By Sudha Ramachandran
An agreement on disengagement of troops at Hot Springs, Demchok and Depsang remains elusive.
Is Hijab-Wearing Alien or Indigenous to South Asian Culture?
By Shafi Md Mostofa
The rising influence of Saudi Arabia’s puritanical Wahabi version of Islam is an important reason for a growing number of South Asian Muslim women wearing the headscarf.
Indian Court Upholds Ban on Hijab in Schools and Colleges
By Sheikh Saaliq
While the ban applies only to the state of Karnataka, the court ruling could set a precedent for the rest of the country.
Decoding Bangladesh’s Response to the Ukraine Crisis
By Hassan Ahmed Shovon
Bangladesh's traditional policy of non-alignment is on clear display.
The New Geometry of India’s Foreign Policy
By Monish Tourangbam
No doubt, India’s foreign policy is at crossroads.
India Unsure of Russian Arms to Meet China, Pakistan Threats
By Ashok Sharma
India’s S-400 missile system deal with Moscow has put it at risk of U.S. sanctions.
Pakistan Alarmed Over India’s Accidental Missile Firing
By Umair Jamal
The incident has raised questions about existing safety mechanisms in India to prevent accidental missile launches.