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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.
Bhutanese King’s Visit to India Spotlights Superpower Border Tensions
By Ladislav Charouz
Bhutan faces a Himalayan version of China’s salami slicing tactics – and concerns from India about Thimphu giving up too much.
India’s Extrajudicial Killings Chip Away at Rule of Law
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Atiq Ahmed’s killing took place in full view of television cameras and police officials guarding him.
Why Nepal PM’s Delhi Visit Was Delayed
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Dahal’s preoccupation with the survival of his government was one reason for the delay. But also, India may not have wanted to engage with a shaky PM.
Chinese National Arrested on Blasphemy Charges in Pakistan
By Riaz Khan
The accusation emerged from a workplace spat where the Chinese national objected to local workers taking too much time to pray.
Pakistan’s New Multidimension Strategy Against Militancy
By Umair Jamal
In addition to deploying military force against militants, it will engage local communities and build economic opportunities to create jobs.
Former Indian Lawmaker, Brother Fatally Shot Live on TV
By Biswajeet Banerjee
Atiq Ahmad, who faced some 100 criminal charges, was elected to the Uttar Pradesh state assembly four times and to India’s parliament once.
A Beacon of Education Has Vanished in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan
By Freshta Jalalzai
The arbitrary arrest of Matiullah Wesa is a severe blow to the already dire situation for education in the country.
Military Involvement in Pandemic Control in Sri Lanka
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Involving the military in tackling public health crises is an efficient use of state capacity, but does it signal excessive militarization of society?
Taliban Say There Are No Obstacles to UN Work in Afghanistan
By Associated Press
Last week, they banned female Afghan staffers working for the UN from reporting for work.
Tempering Expectations From Bangladesh’s ‘Embrace’ of the Indo-Pacific
By Rushali Saha
It may be tempting to read foreign policy choices as “embracing” the Indo-Pacific, but a closer look reveals Dhaka’s continued sense of hesitancy.
When Exactly Will India Surpass China as Most Populous?
By Mike Schneider and Sibi Arasu
There's more than bragging rights at stake; there are social and economic consequences.
Troubled Waters: India, Pakistan, and the Indus Water Treaty 2.0
By Rahul Mahadeo Lad and Ravindra G. Jaybhaye
It’s clear that the Indus Water Treaty needs to be renegotiated, but the process is likely to be packed with troubles.