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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 Khan Rallies Supporters Ahead of No-Confidence Vote
By Munir Ahmed
Recent mutinies within Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party could tip the scales against him, resulting in his ouster.
Assam Arrests Indicate an al-Qaida Network in India
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
The arrested men belong to the Ansarullah Bangla Team, which is linked to AQIS.
China Has a Huge Strategic Opening With India
By Mohamed Zeeshan
While differences between the U.S. and India have widened, Beijing and New Delhi have made similar statements on the Ukraine conflict.
India’s Response to the Ukraine Crisis Is a Wake-up Call for the US
By Muhsin Puthan Purayil
Rather than hand-wringing over India's reliability, it's time for Washington to face up to the facts: The U.S. has a serious image problem in India.
How the Colombo Security Conclave Can Avoid SAARC’s Fate
By Balachander Palanisamy
For the Colombo Security Conclave to succeed, China should be a non-issue.
Taliban Detain Journalists Over Report on TV Show Censoring
By Kathy Gannon
Afghanistan's new rulers didn't like a story TOLO TV aired on their decision to ban foreign drama series from being shown on local television.
Noted Kashmiri Journalist Jailed Again Despite Being Granted Bail Twice
By Tarushi Aswani
Fahad Shah’s arrest under the Public Safety Act will enable authorities to detain him for up to two years without a trial.
Sri Lankan Leader Seeks IMF Help as Economic Crisis Deepens
By Krishan Francis
The government had resisted dealing with the IMF, claiming that this would undermine the country's interests. Its latest decision marks a policy shift.
What Lies Behind Prachanda’s Volte-face on Nepal’s Ratification of the Millennium Challenge Compact?
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Domestic politics and personal insecurity prompted the former Maoist chief’s decisions to oppose and subsequently support ratification of the agreement.
Proposed Electoral Constituencies Evoke Anger in Kashmir Valley
By Shadab Farooq and Anzer Ayoob
The Delimitation Commission's redrawing of electoral boundaries in Jammu and Kashmir could benefit India’s Hindu nationalist BJP in this Muslim-dominated Union Territory.
Ukraine Crisis and Food Security in South Asia
By Osama Rizvi
Coming at a time when global food supply chains are already choked due to the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine will worsen an already dire food security situation.
Talks With TTP Take Back Seat as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Turns Attention to Political Turmoil
By Niha Dagia
With an uptick in violence, it would be hard for Imran Khan to sway public opinion towards a peace deal with the terror group.