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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.

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Should Bangladesh Recalibrate Its Myanmar Policy, Especially Toward the Arakan Army?

Should Bangladesh Recalibrate Its Myanmar Policy, Especially Toward the Arakan Army?

By Ali Riaz
Dhaka has three options: maintain the status quo, work with the AA, or take a proactive stance in containing the AA’s advance.
Pakistan Swears in New Parliament Amid Chaotic Scenes

Pakistan Swears in New Parliament Amid Chaotic Scenes

By Munir Ahmed
The new government faces many challenges, including a surge in militant attacks, shortages of energy, and an ailing economy.

Student Suicides in Kota’s ‘Coaching Factories’ Point to India’s Broken Education System

Student Suicides in Kota’s ‘Coaching Factories’ Point to India’s Broken Education System

By Kavita Chowdhury
Caught between unrealistic parental aspirations and inability to cope with academic pressure, students spiral into depression and sometimes die by suicide.

A ‘Muslim’ Lion Cohabiting With a ‘Hindu’ Lioness Has Got the Goat of India’s Hindutva Activists

A ‘Muslim’ Lion Cohabiting With a ‘Hindu’ Lioness Has Got the Goat of India’s Hindutva Activists

By Sudha Ramachandran
The VHP’s filing of a court case against a lioness being named Sita is part of its strategy to separate Hindus and Muslims in the imagination of Hindus.

Nepali Nationals Are Fighting and Dying in Russia’s War on Ukraine

Nepali Nationals Are Fighting and Dying in Russia’s War on Ukraine

By Santosh Sharma Poudel
They are being used as cheap cannon fodder in foreign conflict zones.
Most UN Security Council Members Demand Taliban Rescind Decrees Seriously Oppressing Women and Girls

Most UN Security Council Members Demand Taliban Rescind Decrees Seriously Oppressing Women and Girls

By Edith M. Lederer
Russia, China, Mozambique, and Algeria didn't sign on to the statement.

Has the Indian Flagship Kaladan Project in Myanmar Hit a Dead End?

Has the Indian Flagship Kaladan Project in Myanmar Hit a Dead End?

By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
A stretch of highway that is yet to be completed runs through areas in Myanmar’s Chin and Rakhine States which are seeing some of the worst fighting in recent months.
New Pakistani Government Seeks Another Bailout From IMF

New Pakistani Government Seeks Another Bailout From IMF

By Umair Jamal
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked the Fund not to extend a loan to Pakistan unless an audit of the controversial election is done.

What Modi’s UAE Trip Means for IMEC

What Modi’s UAE Trip Means for IMEC

By Seamus Duffy
The ongoing crisis in the Red Sea has created a strong impetus among IMEC partners to facilitate the project quickly. But speed should not be confused for wisdom.

What Underlies Sheikh Hasina’s Successful Diplomacy?

What Underlies Sheikh Hasina’s Successful Diplomacy?

By Abu Jakir
Bangladesh's economic resilience has bolstered its foreign policy and allowed its prime minister to pursue a more assertive approach on the international stage.

Are Sri Lanka’s Anti-Drug Crime Operations Working?

Are Sri Lanka’s Anti-Drug Crime Operations Working?

By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Yukthiya operation appears to be a last-ditch effort by the present Sri Lankan government to salvage public support ahead of the pivotal 2024 presidential election.
After Initial Setback, India’s Opposition Alliance Starts Taking Shape

After Initial Setback, India’s Opposition Alliance Starts Taking Shape

By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Over the past week, the Congress party has sealed seat-sharing deals with AAP and the SP. Will it clinch a deal with the TMC too?

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