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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.

International Spotlight on Bangladesh as Rohingya Leader’s Case Heads to the UN

International Spotlight on Bangladesh as Rohingya Leader’s Case Heads to the UN

By Shafiur Rahman
The case of Dil Mohammed, a prominent Rohingya spokesperson currently detained by Bangladeshi authorities, will be examined by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

Mauritius’ Parliamentary Elections Hold a Crucial Lesson for India

Mauritius’ Parliamentary Elections Hold a Crucial Lesson for India

By Radhey Tambi
After a year of change in India’s neighboring governments, the case of Mauritius demonstrates the value of forging strong ties with all political parties.
The NPP’s Rise and the Opposition’s Fall in Sri Lanka

The NPP’s Rise and the Opposition’s Fall in Sri Lanka

By Uditha Devapriya
The NPP obtained an unprecedented two-thirds majority in Sri Lanka’s parliamentary elections, benefitting massively from the opposition’s inertia and lack of imagination.

Leftist Coalition’s Seismic Victory Reshapes Sri Lanka’s Political Landscape

Leftist Coalition’s Seismic Victory Reshapes Sri Lanka’s Political Landscape

By Rathindra Kuruwita
The National People’s Power won not only a two-thirds majority in parliament but also 21 of the country’s 22 electoral districts.

The Political Instrument­alization of Bangladesh’s Hindu Community

The Political Instrument­alization of Bangladesh’s Hindu Community

By Shahadat Hossain
Rather than addressing the challenges faced by Hindus, political parties – particularly the Awami League – have a history of politicizing their struggles.

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

Why India and Australia Should Expand Their Partnership to the Pacific

Why India and Australia Should Expand Their Partnership to the Pacific

By Rushali Saha
Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region requires New Delhi and Canberra to take a truly holistic approach toward the region.

Trump 2.0 Appears Unfavorable for Pakistan

Trump 2.0 Appears Unfavorable for Pakistan

By Umair Jamal
Appointments to key positions in Trump’s team include people who are pro-India and China hawks.
The Tamil Question in a Changing Sri Lanka: The Limits of Dissanayake’s Leftist Agenda

The Tamil Question in a Changing Sri Lanka: The Limits of Dissanayake’s Leftist Agenda

By Ambihai Akilan
A failure to engage with Tamil demands for justice, accountability, and autonomy will ultimately prevent Dissanayake from realizing the reforms he envisions, even for the Sinhala south.

India’s Leap of Faith in Afghanistan: Tango With the Taliban

India’s Leap of Faith in Afghanistan: Tango With the Taliban

By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
The evolving Indian policy toward Afghanistan is either a drastic climb down from a moral high ground or grimly pragmatic, depending on how one looks at things. 

Bikini-Clad Beauty Queen Backlash Reveals Deep-rooted Conservatism in Pakistani Society

Bikini-Clad Beauty Queen Backlash Reveals Deep-rooted Conservatism in Pakistani Society

By Fizza Abbas
Roma Michael's Miss Grand International Appearance sparked vitriol and anger over her revealing outfit.

Nepali PM to Travel to China on First Bilateral Visit

Nepali PM to Travel to China on First Bilateral Visit

By Sudha Ramachandran
Prime Minister Oli is widely regarded as “pro-China.” His visit to Beijing will only deepen that perception.
What Underlies China’s Rise in South Asia?

What Underlies China’s Rise in South Asia?

By Rathindra Kuruwita
China’s efforts to contain India may be less important than smaller countries’ desire to counterbalance Indian influence.

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