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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.
Sri Lanka Opposition Rejects Proposed Unity Government
By Krishan Francis
On Sunday, after large protests, all 26 Cabinet ministers resigned. President Rajapaksa's proposed unity government was refused and protests continue.
All Eyes on Supreme Court as Pakistan’s Political Crisis Deepens
By Umair Jamal
The political and constitutional crisis has only just begun. Violence looms and the military is watching
Pakistan in Political Turmoil as PM Imran Khan Dissolves Parliament
By Kathy Gannon and Munir Ahmed
The political drama has moved now to the Supreme Court, which must rule on the legality of Khan's decision.
Government Change in Islamabad Will Not Derail China-Pakistan Relations
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Chinese projects in Pakistan are too strong to be uprooted by the possible fall of Imran Khan’s government.
‘I Will Not Resign,’ Says Pakistani PM Ahead of No-Confidence Vote
By Kathy Gannon
In his speech to the nation, Imran Khan claimed that the U.S. had conspired with the Pakistani opposition to oust him.
UN Seeks Record $4.4 Billion for Afghans Struggling Under Taliban
By Jamey Keaten and Kathy Gannon
"Without immediate action we face a starvation and malnutrition crisis in Afghanistan," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.
China Strongly Backs Afghanistan at Regional Conference
By Associated Press
Afghanistan has been partially successful in boosting stability, improving livelihoods, and protecting human rights, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said.
What Imran Khan’s Struggle for Power Tells Us About Pakistan’s Politics
By Ameya Pratap Singh and Supriya Ravishankar
Khan is pulling all the levers to avoid losing a no-confidence vote – and in the process highlighting the fault lines in Pakistan’s democracy.
World Bank Suspends Projects After Taliban Reversal on Girls’ Education
By Catherine Putz
Can the Taliban be pushed toward moderation with aid the incentive and progress on women’s rights the price?
For Climate Migrants, Bangladesh Offers Promising Alternatives
By Julhus Alam
Its government has invested in climate-resilient infrastructure and job creation in towns like Mongla to attract at-risk people from low-lying areas.
Did Wang Yi’s Visit Stem the Slide in China-Nepal Relations?
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The Chinese foreign minister’s visit came less than a month after Kathmandu ratified the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact, despite Beijing’s reservations.
Why Does China’s Foreign Minister Want India to Put the Border Dispute on the Back-Burner?
By Sudha Ramachandran
Beijing is keen to swiftly normalize relations with India so that the Indian PM attends the upcoming BRICS summit in China.