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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.
September 24, 2021
The Taliban’s False Amnesty
By Mehdi J. Hakimi
When they first captured Kabul back in 1996, the Taliban promised amnesty. It wasn’t a genuine offer then, and it isn’t now either.
September 23, 2021
Top Pakistan Diplomat Details Taliban Plan
By Edith M. Lederer
"Yes, there are no women yet," Pakistani Foreign Minister Qureshi said of the Taliban government. "But let us let the situation evolve."
September 23, 2021
Under Taliban, Thriving Afghan Music Scene Heads to Silence
By Bernat Armangue
Afghanistan has a strong musical tradition and a thriving pop music scene -- now cowed into silence by the Taliban’s rise.
September 23, 2021
Blame Game Won’t Help Pakistan’s Cricketing Cause
By Umair Jamal
No Pakistani official has admitted to concerns emerging from the deteriorating security situation in Pakistan and the region.
September 22, 2021
Does the Afghan Debacle Signal Declining US Influence?
By Niha Dagia
Experts say to maintain influence Washington “will need at a minimum to recognize the Taliban government.”
September 21, 2021
Taliban Name Deputy Ministers, Double Down on All-Male Team
By Kathy Gannon
The Taliban seek international support as they grapple with the daunting challenges of governing a nation shredded by four decades of conflict. But they aren’t in a rush to give women power.
September 21, 2021
A Glimpse at What Went Wrong with the Afghan SIV Process
By Catherine Putz
Two June 2020 State OIG reports illustrate some of the long-known, ever-unresolved issues stymieing the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa process.
September 21, 2021
The BJP is Playing the Communal Card Again
By Tarushi Aswani
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that Muslims are cornering most of the state-subsidized food-grain rations.
September 20, 2021
India’s Confused Approach to Afghanistan
By Mohamed Zeeshan
New Delhi will need to institutionalize scenario planning in foreign policy making if it is keen to shape global events.
September 18, 2021
New Zealand Abandons Cricket Tour of Pakistan Over Security Concerns
By Rizwan Ali
New Zealand Cricket called off its first match in Pakistan in 18 years, even though Pakistan’s government insisted that “no security threat of any kind exists.”
September 17, 2021
Party Politicking Backfires on Nepal’s PM Deuba
By Arun Budhathoki
An ordinance that the Nepali prime minister introduced recently to ease the splitting of parties is proving counterproductive.
September 16, 2021
With Foreign Funds Frozen, Afghan Aid Groups Stuck in Limbo
By Isabel Debre
Without access to its own or foreign funds, the interim government in Kabul can't even pay the import taxes needed to bring containers of badly needed food from a port in Pakistan.
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