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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.
The Samarkand Meeting: A Half-baked Regional Approach to Afghanistan’s Endless Woes
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Legitimizing the Taliban’s rule is not the solution to Afghanistan’s current and future problems.
Indian Police Arrest Sikh Separatist Leader After Long Hunt
By Ashok Sharma and Prabhjot Gill
After a month-long manhunt in Punjab, Amritpal Singh was apprehended outside a Sikh shrine in Moga.
Plan to Export Sri Lankan Monkeys to China Faces Opposition
By P.K. Balachandran
Damage to crops can be minimized by preventing the destruction of forests, experts say.
PM Hasina’s Upcoming Visit to Japan Highlights a Growing Defense Relationship
By Delwar Hossain
The geopolitical situation is bringing out the strategic aspects of Bangladesh-Japan relations, including a new focus on security cooperation.
Choked: Where Is New Delhi’s Response to Air Pollution?
By Aditya Srinivasan
Each year, Delhi spends the winter choked in dangerous smog. So why is the scale of the problem not matched by a desperate, crisis-mode policy response?
India Seeks a Strategic Reset in Relations With Mozambique
By Raghvendra Kumar
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar's recent trip highlights India's growing interests in the gas-rich, Western Indian Ocean littoral state.
Indian Court Dismisses Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi’s Plea
By Associated Press
Had the court stayed the conviction, Gandhi would have been reinstated in parliament.
Bangladesh’s Free Press Is Under Fire
By Mubashar Hasan
However, growing global scrutiny and an upcoming visit to the U.S. could be forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to go slow on cracking down on the media.
India Hosts Two Buddhist Conferences This Week
By Sudha Ramachandran
All eyes will be on the conference at New Delhi on April 20-21. Will the Dalai Lama attend?
The Advantages and Pitfalls of India’s Multidirectional Foreign Policy
By Monish Tourangbam
India’s rising capabilities and growing voice in global affairs are significant, but its ability to shape the contours of the international system in its image remains circumscribed.
Reclusive Taliban Leader Releases End-of-Ramadan Message
By Associated Press
Akhundzada has played a bigger role of late in directing domestic policy, including banning girls' education and role in public life.
Why Journalists are Opposing India’s Amended IT Rules
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The new amendments empower only the government to determine what’s fact and what’s fake.