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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 Man Who Would be King Again? Former Nepal King’s Delusions of Power
By Som Niroula
The rise of Hindu fundamentalist and monarchist groups has made Nepal volatile and could lead to widespread anarchy.
Frontline Failure: Pakistan’s Climate Vulnerability and Leadership Gap
By Abdul Waheed Bhutto
Despite being an extremely climate-vulnerable nation, Pakistan remains conspicuously absent from global climate leadership.
India’s Lagging Attempts to Contain Pollution: Bridging the Climate Commitment Gap
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
As India’s attempt to represent the Global South in conversations with the Global North on climate change takes center stage, there is a clear need to take action at home.
Why Bangladesh Should Join ASEAN – and What Stands in the Way
By Md Obaidullah
Joining ASEAN is not a silver bullet for Bangladesh’s geopolitical and economic challenges, but it could be a step in the right direction.
Putin to Visit India for First Time Since Start of Ukraine War
By Elizabeth Roche
New Delhi will be among the few capitals to host the Russian president since the ICC issued an arrest warrant for him.
Bridging the Gap: Karzai, the Taliban, and the US Dilemma in Afghanistan
By Freshta Jalalzai
Karzai’s influence is not just historical; it lies in his ability to mediate Afghanistan’s current power struggles.
India-Bangladesh-Pakistan: South Asia’s Fateful Triangle
By Swasti Sachdeva
Bangladesh’s interim government’s outreach to Pakistan is of concern to India. But Dhaka’s ties with the two countries are not a zero-sum game.
Bangladesh Tilts Toward China as Its Lead Economic Partner
By Saqlain Rizve
While Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’ visit to China was significant, there were no major breakthroughs.
The Perils of Ignoring the Taliban Regime’s Support for Terror Groups
By Abdul Basit
While Pakistan is bearing the brunt of terrorist attacks emanating from Afghanistan, the threat is wider. Regional and global peace is in peril.
Pakistan Welcomes Starlink. But Can It Deliver on Its Promise?
By Zohaib Alta and Nimrah Javed
Starlink could help close the urban-rural internet access gap -- if the rollout is inclusive, affordable, and thoughtfully managed.
A New Chapter in Dhaka-Beijing Ties? Why Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus Is Visiting China
By Md Obaidullah
Bangladesh is looking to rebalance its diplomacy in the post-Hasina era, but it’s not going all in on China, either.
Conflict in India’s Manipur Takes a New Turn With Intra-Community Clashes
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
In recent weeks, Meitei militias have clashed, as have Zomi and Hmar groups that came together against the Meitei majority.
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