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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.
Breaking the Promise? State Violence and Dehumanization in Post-Revolution Bangladesh
By Shafi Md Mostofa and Md Tariqul Islam Tanvir
With “Operation Devil Hunt,” the interim government risks repeating the mistakes of the erstwhile Awami League regime.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Government Seeks Dialogue With Afghanistan Amid Rising Militant Attacks
By Umair Jamal
Does the dialogue have the blessings of the Pakistan military? And will Pakistan agree to concessions demanded by Kabul?
India, EU Seek to Emerge as Poles of Stability in an Uncertain World
By Elizabeth Roche
The European Commission president’s visit to India came amid fraying relations between Europe and the U.S.
Crime Wave Sweeps Post-Hasina Bangladesh
By Saqlain Rizve
Not only are people vulnerable to crime but also, their faith in the interim government is eroding.
Beyond Terrorism: A Brief History of SAARC’s Failures
By Mohd Amdadul Haque
Long before the Uri attack doomed the regional grouping, SAARC was plagued by distrust and a lack of consensus.
Growing Trans-Atlantic Rift on Russia Complicates EU Outreach to India
By Chietigj Bajpaee
Despite a Western consensus on engaging New Delhi, the reality is there is a growing trans-Atlantic split on India.
Bandit Rule: Pakistan’s Burning Domestic Security Issue
By Muhammad Murad
It’s not just terrorism and militancy – criminal gangs are a serious problem in parts of Sindh and Punjab.
India Could Put Chabahar on Slow Burner as IMEC Gathers Pace
By Elizabeth Roche
Abandoning this port project is not a preferred option for India as its Central Asia ambitions depend on trade via this Iranian port.
Iron and the Archeological Battle Between North and South India
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Iron implements found in Tamil Nadu indicate that the Iron Age began here 5,300 years ago. Politicizing this fact does a disservice to archeology and the quest for truth.
Saudi Arabia Emerges a Reliable Partner to Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
However, Pakistani domestic politics and propaganda campaigns could weaken the bond.
How Afghanistan Can Benefit from China’s Investments
By Hamayun Khan and Nasrat Sayed
A strategic relationship with China could end Afghanistan’s isolation through economic cooperation and ensure stability through strategic engagement.
The Fraying of the Taliban’s Counternarcotics Efforts
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Tracing the ebbs and flows of Afghanistan’s narco-economy, which reflects shifting Taliban priorities and global conditions.