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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.
Can IMEC Transition From Vision to Reality?
By Moksh Suri and Shashank Tiwari
A year and a half after its launch, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor remains at best a political statement of intent.
Regional Inequity in Menstrual Health Persists in India
By Karan Babbar and Mahashweta Chakrabarty
Central, eastern, and northeastern India lag behind in access to the government’s menstrual health and hygiene programs.
Pakistan and the US Join Hands in Counterterrorism Operation
By Umair Jamal
Is the recent arrest of an ISKP commander a one-off instance, or will it lead to wider counterterrorism cooperation?
The Rise of the National Citizen Party: A New Dawn in Bangladeshi Politics?
By Shafi Md Mostofa
A new political party formed by the students who led the July 2024 uprising represents a bold attempt to redefine Bangladeshi politics.
Sri Lankan Defense Budget Grows Despite Troop Reductions
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Colombo’s selection of partners for weapons and training will be a significant strategic decision for the NPP government, which India views as pro-China.
Do India’s Domestic Violence Laws Discriminate Against Men?
By Kavita Chowdhury
Official data shows that every third woman in India is a victim of domestic violence
South Asian University, a Regional Center for Excellence, Faces ‘Indianization’ Charge
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
India’s communal politics have seeped into the campus, curtailing academic freedom and embroiling the university in controversies.
EU Keeps Ban on Nepali Aircraft Flying in Its Airspace
By Birat Anupam
Is Nepal’s purchase of Chinese aircraft, which breaks the European monopoly over Nepal’s aviation sector, behind the continuing EU blacklisting of Nepal?
Violence Against Women Is Widespread in Pakistan
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Over 2,000 cases of domestic violence, 500 cases of honor killings, and 5,000 cases of rape were reported across Pakistan in 2024. Conviction rates were below 2 percent.
Holding the Taliban Accountable for the Grave Violation of Women’s Rights Still Matters
By Nazifa Haqpal
While an ICJ case may not immediately change conditions on the ground in Afghanistan, it nevertheless carries profound symbolic, political, and legal weight.
Pakistan-Turkiye Agreements: A New Era of Cooperation or More Symbolic Diplomacy?
By Fizza Abbas
Erdogan's recent visit continued existing trends of strengthening cooperation between the two countries, especially in the areas of trade, investment, and defense.
Advantage Akhundzada in Taliban Factional Fight in Afghanistan?
By Sudha Ramachandran
Senior ministers Sirajuddin Haqqani and Stanikzai remain abroad, six weeks after they left the country.