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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.
Pakistan’s Relations With Taliban Regime Worsen
By Kathy Gannon
The Afghan Taliban prefer to broker peace rather than crack the whip on the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
Pakistan’s New Government Mends Ties With the US
By Umair Jamal
Rapprochement could help ease Pakistan’s troubles with negotiating loans from the IMF.
Has the Sri Lankan Crisis Triggered a Change in Ethnic Relations?
By Eranga Jayawardena
For the first time ever, an event held by mostly Sinhalese also memorialized Tamil victims of the decades-long civil war.
Sri Lanka’s Meltdown Puts China’s Strategic Influence in Jeopardy
By Mohamed Zeeshan
The decline of the Rajapaksas has adversely hit Chinese fortunes in the Indian Ocean island and sullied its image among other Belt and Road partners.
India’s Pandemic Mortality: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics
By Ameya Pratap Singh
A WHO attempt to estimate India’s excess deaths during the pandemic sparked major backlash.
Cyber Radicalization by Bangladeshi Islamists
By Shafi Md Mostofa
Bangladeshi Islamists may not have carried out attacks in recent years but they are active online.
Strengthening the France-India Partnership
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
India and France, amid intensifying geopolitical trends in the Indo-Pacific region, are likely to build an even closer partnership.
The Clock’s Ticking on Pakistan’s Economic Bailout
By Niha Dagia
The new government could either take the decision of cutting fuel subsidies or call for fresh elections and leave that tough decision to an interim government.
India Needs a Review Commission on COVID Management
By Shubham
It is critical that policymakers understand the full impact of the pandemic on the economy and human development.
India’s Supreme Court Pauses Sedition Trials
By Sudha Ramachandran
Although the Narendra Modi government said it will “re-examine” and “re-consider” the sedition law, its apparent change of heart is unconvincing.
Was Bucha a Turning Point for India’s TV News Channels?
By Sribala Subramanian
As graphic reports of bodies lying on the streets of Bucha began airing in early April, some of India’s leading anchors and correspondents turned sharply critical of Russia.
Sri Lanka’s Rajapaksa Family Falls From Grace
By David Rising and Krutika Pathi
President Gotabaya, who is the last Rajapaksa still clinging to national office, has not been seen outside his heavily guarded compound.