Blog
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.
Suicide Bomber Kills At Least 44 People, Wounds 200 in Northwest Pakistan
By Anwarullah Khan and Riaz Khan
The attack on a Jamiat Ulema Islam political rally in Bajur district was aimed at weakening political Islamists.
Why Nepal Needs to Debate the Role of Its Army
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
When political leaders commented recently about the need to rightsize the Nepal armed forces, former army chiefs and others bristled.
Political Storm Brews in Election-Bound Bangladesh
By Mubashar Hasan
Despite efforts by the government to decimate rivals, the opposition BNP is drawing huge crowds at rallies.
Shiite Kashmiris Hold Moharram Procession in Srinagar For the First Time in 3 Decades
By Aijaz Hussain
The lifting of the ban on such processions comes as the overall security situation improves in Kashmir, say authorities.
India and Japan to Collaborate in Building Semiconductors and Resilient Supply Chains
By Ashok Sharma
They also discussed ways to deepen defense and tech cooperation.
Delhi Drowns as Yamuna River Overflows
By Kavita Chowdhury
Rampant construction and illegal encroachments on the Yamuna floodplains caused the flooding of the Indian capital.
Sri Lanka’s Reconciliation Efforts Get Stuck in the 13th Amendment, Again
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Perhaps the path to reconciliation is a new amendment to the constitution, something most people can agree to.
China Rolls Over $2.4 billion Loan for Islamabad for 2 Years
By Munir Ahmed
Pakistan will now only make interest payments in both years, its finance minister has said.
What Do 10 Years of CPEC Mean for Gwadar’s Residents?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Even as governments celebrate the "successes" of CPEC, Gwadar’s residents want to be included in its benefits.
As Manipur Burns, India’s Connectivity Plans in Southeast Asia Go Up in Smoke
By Sudha Ramachandran
Instability in the state, which is India’s "gateway" to Southeast Asia, will undermine India’s grand plans under the Act East Policy.
What Makes the Taliban Ban Everything?
By Naveen Khan
The Taliban cannot be understood without considering the earliest history, beliefs, and practices of Deobandism.
Can INDIA Defeat Prime Minister Modi?
By Sheikh Saaliq
The opposition alliance will need to present a credible alternative to put up a strong fight against the hugely popular BJP leader.