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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.
Jobs Lost, Middle Class Afghans Slide Into Poverty, Hunger
By Lee Keath
In a matter of months, many stable, middle-class families have plummeted into desperation as Afghanistan's economy craters.
IMF Deal With Pakistan Would Revive $6 Billion Bailout
By Munir Ahmed
Food prices have soared as a result of the Pakistani government implementing IMF conditions.
Pakistan’s Ruling Party Oblivious to People’s Economic Woes
By Niha Dagia
The unprecedented misery of Pakistani citizens is aggravated by the lack of sympathy from the government as it refuses to accept its contribution to record inflation.
Modi Bows to Protesting Farmers to Repeal Farm Laws
By Sheikh Saaliq
The announcement came ahead of key elections in states like Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
Calls for Fencing the India-Myanmar Border Gather Steam Again
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
A deadly ambush of an Indian paramilitary convoy in Manipur by two separatist groups was reportedly planned and implemented from bases in Myanmar.
Police Detain Kin Seeking Bodies of Slain Kashmir Civilians
By Aijaz Hussain
Police say that the civilians died in the crossfire between government troops and rebels, but witnesses claim that the forces used them as human shields during the standoff.
COP26 Finds Its Scapegoats – India and China
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The main story at the end of the climate change meet should have been the lack of ambition of the advanced nations and their non-fulfilment of climate finance pledges.
In Numbers: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
By Diplomat Risk Intelligence
A new DRI report situates the marquee Belt and Road Initiative project within the overall state of Pakistan’s economy.
Imran Khan Seals Deal With the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
Will the Pakistani government concede to the TTP demand for implementation of Sharia in tribal areas?
Despite Mistrust, Afghan Shiites Seek Taliban Protection
By Lee Keath
Shiite Hazaras turning to Taliban for protection indicates how terrified the community is of the Islamic State group, which they say aims to exterminate them.
Gotabaya’s Underwhelming Presidency
By Sudha Ramachandran
The president’s excessive reliance on the military to govern Sri Lanka has plunged the country in multiple crises.
Smog Chokes Indian Capital as Air Pollution Levels Soar
By Sheikh Saaliq
The New Delhi government has ordered the closing of all schools for a week and construction sites for four days beginning Monday.