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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.
Why the Urdu Script Is Crucial for India’s Cultural Diversity
By Shahzaman Haque
India is a country whose wonderful diversity stems from the richness of its past. That includes the Urdu script.
India Backs Sri Lanka to Secure IMF Bailout Plan Amid Crisis
By Krishan Francis
Foreign Minister Jaishankar said it has extended financing assurances to the IMF to clear the plan but did not reveal the nature of these assurances.
In Pakistan, Trans Men Search for Inclusion, Visibility
By Riazat Butt
While cultural traditions provide some space for trans women, trans men are invisible and live isolated lives.
Japan’s Military Resurgence Takes the Heat off India
By Mohamed Zeeshan
The rise of alternative military partners means that the U.S. doesn’t need to press New Delhi to align with it on sensitive geopolitical issues or against China or Russia.
Imran Khan’s Party Dissolves Assembly in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
By Riaz Khan
The former prime minister's party has been accused of trying to force early elections by creating political chaos.
UN Names Pakistani Linked to Mumbai Attacks as Terrorist
By Munir Ahmed
Lashkar-e-Taiba leader Abdul Rehan Makki’s designation as terrorist came after China lifted its technical hold on his inclusion in the UNSC list.
Amid Uranium Scare at Heathrow, Pakistan Confident its Nuclear Material is Secure
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan has an elaborate nuclear command and control system in place. So why does it get bad press on nuclear safety issues?
A Damning Indictment of Sri Lanka’s Political and Security Establishment
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Supreme Court has ruled that despite having actionable intelligence, former President Sirisena and top officials did not act to prevent the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings.
Sri Lanka Urged to Free Student Activist Held Over Protests
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
Rights groups say that authorities used extraordinary powers to keep Wasantha Mudalige in detention without producing evidence of his involvement in terrorism.
Nepal PM’s Foreign Policy Plate is Full
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The new government cannot delay any longer the implementation of BRI projects and its decisions on India's Agnipath scheme.
68 Dead, 4 Missing After Plane Crashes in Nepal Resort Town
By Upendra Man Singh, Sheikh Saaliq, and Anish Bhattarai
The crash was the deadliest to take place in the Himalayan country in three decades.
Myanmar’s Military Launches Airstrikes Near Indian Border
By Lian Bawi Thang
Myanmar’s army launched several airstrikes on an ethnic Chin armed group near the Indian border.