Blog
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.
December 01, 2020
With the Rajapaksas at the Helm, Press Freedom in Sri Lanka Takes a Hit
By Jeevethan Selvachandran
As President Gotabaya Rajapaksa continues amassing power, the future for the country's media looks bleak.
December 01, 2020
NATO Mulls Afghan Dilemma as US Draws Down, Attacks Mount
By Associated Press
But despite the surge in violence, and deep uncertainty caused by the U.S. drawdown, the peace agreement appears to be an opportunity too good for NATO to miss.
December 01, 2020
Pakistan’s Opposition Holds Rally in Multan Day After Arrests
By Associated Press
Hundreds of activists were arrested a day ahead of the opposition rally, which went ahead despite a government ban.
November 28, 2020
Colombo Hosts India-Maldives-Sri Lanka Maritime Security NSA Trilateral Meeting
By Abhijnan Rej
Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s history with the island nation and the Rajapaksa brothers is worth keeping in mind.
November 27, 2020
Unfazed Indian Farmers Continue Protest Against New Laws
By Associated Press
In September, India passed new laws that some farmers term unfair and against their interests.
November 27, 2020
Infighting in Pakistan’s Right-Wing TLP Following Death of Leader
By Umair Jamal
Pir Afzal Qadri, a prominent figure in the Tehreek-e-Labbaik, has challenged Khadim Rizvi’s son anointment as party leader.
November 27, 2020
Political Infighting in Nepal Reaches Alarming Levels Alongside High-Level Foreign Visits
By Sudha Ramachandran
While the Oli-Dahal fight has reached a critical point, Oli’s government continues to engage India and China as both jostle for influence in the Himalayan nation.
November 25, 2020
EU, Other Donors Step up With Funds to Help Afghanistan
By Associated Press
The final tally could amount to over $12 billion over four years, a drop from the $15 billion pledged back in 2016.
November 24, 2020
India’s Protectionism Might Hinder Its Economic Growth — and Affect Global Partnerships
By Aparna Pande
India’s growth and global heft crucially depends on its economic openness and willingness to provide a level playing field to foreign companies.
November 24, 2020
Indian Foreign Secretary Heads to Nepal as Relations Show Signs of Thaw
By Abhijnan Rej
India-Nepal relations have nosedived since May when India inaugurated a new road that, according to Nepal, passes through its territory.
November 21, 2020
Banning Fireworks on Diwali: A Window Into Money and Politics in India
By Prashant Waikar
What looks like an eminently sensible decision, given the extremely polluting effects of fireworks, has become a politically contentious issue.
November 20, 2020
Radical Leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi is Dead – But His Ideology Will Live On in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
Leader of a right-wing party with pull, Rizvi’s death will not diminish extremist politics in Pakistan.
Page 1 of 309