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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.

China in Pakistan’s Power Sector: The Hidden Costs Behind Pakistan’s Energy Overcapacity

China in Pakistan’s Power Sector: The Hidden Costs Behind Pakistan’s Energy Overcapacity

By Nishant Yadav
Contracts with Chinese power producers have left Pakistan footing a massive bill for inefficient supply – all while electricity shortfalls continue.

Tiny Steps for TAPI in the Taliban’s Afghanistan

Tiny Steps for TAPI in the Taliban’s Afghanistan

By Catherine Putz
The Taliban authorities say that around 3 kilometers of the pipeline has been completed, out of more than 770 km needed to bring Turkmen gas to the Pakistani border.
Political Outbidding in India on Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants

Political Outbidding in India on Illegal Bangladeshi Immigrants

By Sucharita Sengupta
As elections in Delhi draw near, political parties take to anti-immigrant rhetoric and penal action.

Can Hasina’s Awami League Make a Comeback in Bangladesh’s Next Election?

Can Hasina’s Awami League Make a Comeback in Bangladesh’s Next Election?

By Shahadat Swadhin
The Awami League is unlikely to make a swift comeback in Bangladesh's political landscape

Will PTI’s Talks With Government Shield Imran Khan From Imprisonment?

Will PTI’s Talks With Government Shield Imran Khan From Imprisonment?

By Umair Jamal
The former Pakistan PM’s conviction in the Al-Qadir Trust case is imminent, say government officials.

What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?
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What’s Driving Taiwan’s Mass Protests?

Growing Taliban-India Closeness: Should Pakistan be Worried?

Growing Taliban-India Closeness: Should Pakistan be Worried?

By Muhammad Murad
Is Pakistan on the verge of losing its erstwhile friend, the Afghan Taliban, to its arch-rival India?

Confronting India’s Silent Killer: Silicosis 

Confronting India’s Silent Killer: Silicosis 

By Arkaprabha Sau
Preventing silicosis demands integrating technological, public health, and sustainable livelihood solutions.
India Reimposes Restrictions on Foreign Nationals Visiting Three Northeastern States

India Reimposes Restrictions on Foreign Nationals Visiting Three Northeastern States

By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
There have been instances of foreigners engaging in activities considered harmful to national security in the volatile region.

Afghanistan Continues to Refine Its Extraction Strategy

Afghanistan Continues to Refine Its Extraction Strategy

By Patrick Yeager
The Taliban are gradually increasing revenue streams from resource extraction operations in an effort to minimize the impact of Western pressure. 

Cracks in Pakistan-Taliban Relations: Time for a New Alliance in Kabul?

Cracks in Pakistan-Taliban Relations: Time for a New Alliance in Kabul?

By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
While a reconciliation between the two estranged partners – the Taliban and Islamabad – seems impossible, the rift has opened up opportunities for New Delhi to step in. 

India Steps Up Engagement with the Taliban Regime

India Steps Up Engagement with the Taliban Regime

By Sudha Ramachandran
Its top-most diplomatic official engaged with the Taliban’s acting foreign minister in Dubai recently.
Will Trump Intervene to Get Pakistan’s Imran Khan Freed?

Will Trump Intervene to Get Pakistan’s Imran Khan Freed?

By Umair Jamal
The U.S. may not want to stake its ties with the Pakistani military to back a politically volatile and unpredictable figure like Khan.

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