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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.
Blasphemy Killing Could Cast a Shadow on Pakistan’s Economy
By Umair Jamal
Why would foreign investors want to visit Pakistan if they could get lynched on accusations of blasphemy?
In Nepal, Calls Grow for the Restoration of a Hindu State
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
A resurgent Hindu nationalism in the former Hindu kingdom is drawing strength from India’s ruling BJP.
India’s Military Chief, 12 Others Killed in Helicopter Crash
By Sheikh Saaliq and Askhok Sharma
Gen. Bipin Rawat was the most senior official in the Indian military and the first chief of defense staff, a position created by the government in 2019.
The Unsung Indian Heroes of Bangladesh’s Liberation War
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
Several police officers from Assam trained the Mukti Bahini in guerrilla warfare in the run-up to the war.
India Hosts Putin as it Balances Ties With Russia, US
By Ashok Sharma and Sheikh Saaliq
India and Russia signed an agreement to extend their military technology cooperation for the next decade.
The Dilemma Over the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan
By Niha Dagia
The mob killing of a Sri Lankan is the culmination of a fire lit decades ago, when a doctrinaire interpretation of Islam was allowed to thrive in a politically driven move to legitimize religious intolerance.
Afghan Museum Reopens with Taliban Security – and Visitors
By Elena Becatoros
In 2001, the Taliban ransacked the museum, smashing priceless statues, especially those considered un-Islamic.
Japan Steps in to Support India Against China in South Asia
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The Quad may still be a mist-covered structure but Indo-Japanese cooperation against China is becoming more concrete.
India’s Nagaland Erupts in Protests Against Army Killing of Civilians
By Sheikh Saaliq
Calls for revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act are growing louder in the restive state.
Bangladesh’s Identity Crisis: To Be or Not to Be Secular
By Shafi Md Mostofa
Fifty years after it gained its independence, Bangladesh’s commitment to secularism remains shaky.
Pakistan Police: Mob Kills Sri Lankan Over Alleged Blasphemy
By Babar Dogar
Mob attacks on people accused of blasphemy are common in Pakistan.
Mamata Banerjee Shakes up the Status Quo
By Kavita Chowdhury
The West Bengal Chief Minister aims to lead the opposition in the fight against India’s ruling BJP.