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.
How Realistic Are China’s Plans to Expand CPEC to Afghanistan?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The profits may be high, but the risks involved are higher, especially in the context of attacks on Chinese nationals and interests in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
China Urges Citizens to Leave Afghanistan After Kabul Attack
By Rahim Faiez
A Chinese-owned hotel frequented by Chinese diplomats that IS militants targeted prompted the Chinese government advisory.
In Defense of Sri Lanka’s Defense Budget
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Reducing allocation for defense will require retrenching soldiers. Cutting loose angry youth with weapons skills is not what the crisis-ridden island needs now.
India Is Squandering Its Two Big Advantages Over China
By Mohamed Zeeshan
The BJP government’s communal politics at home has divided the Indian diaspora and undermined Bollywood’s soft power appeal.
Pakistani Army: Afghan Forces Shell Border Town, Killing 7
By Associated Press
The shelling has come at a time of mounting bilateral tensions over Pakistani border posts and Taliban sheltering anti-Pakistan militants.
Bangladesh’s Opposition Demands Government’s Resignation at Massive Dhaka Rally
By Shafi Md Mostofa
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party says it will boycott general elections if they are not held under a neutral caretaker government.
World Continues to Fail Afghanistan as Another Freezing Winter Sets in
By Rajeev Agarwal
Despite repeated multilateral and bilateral discussions, little progress has been made on Afghan issues since the Taliban takeover.
Taliban Turn to Shariah to Justify Executions, But It’s Not That Simple
By Atal Ahmadzai and Faten Ghosn
The international community should not let the Taliban regime terrorize and violate the fundamental human rights of 35 million people through a fraudulent claim of divinity or sovereignty.
Taliban Official: 27 People Publicly Lashed in Afghanistan
By Rahim Faiez
The lashings came a day after Taliban authorities publicly executed a man.
Modi’s BJP Sweeps Gujarat State Elections
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
However, the party was ousted from power in Himachal Pradesh state and the Delhi municipal corporation.
Report: Killing of Pakistani Journalist in Kenya ‘Planned’
By Munir Ahmed
Arshad Sharif was in hiding in Kenya to avoid arrest at home on charges of maligning Pakistan’s national institutions, i.e., the military.
Pakistan Could Take Its Fight Against the TTP to Sanctuaries in Afghanistan
By Umair Jamal
Washington's recent addition of the TTP to its list of global terrorist groups signals the renewed U.S.-Pakistan coordination in bringing such organizations to heel.