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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 Lankan President’s Grip Over Power Turns More Tenuous
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The vote on the 22nd Amendment to the constitution lays bare the declining grip of the Rajapaksas over the SLPP.
India’s Act East Gateway: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
By Abhishek Kumar
After a slow start, New Delhi is finally realizing the islands’ crucial role in its Indo-Pacific strategy.
Coalitions in the Fray in Nepal’s Elections Are Marriages of Convenience
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Parties share neither ideology nor policy goals with partners; alliances are merely partnerships to win more seats.
FATF Delisting Marks Pakistan’s Progress Against Terrorism Financing
By Mariam Shah
Pakistan has made it off the FATF grey list, but it must not cease its efforts toward countering money laundering and terrorism financing.
Chinese Moves Complicate India-Bangladesh Dispute Over Teesta
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Dhaka is in a dilemma; while a deal with India on the Teesta River remains elusive, Beijing wants it to make up its mind on a Chinese project on the river.
Afghan Couple Accuse US Marine of Abducting Their Baby
By Martha Mendoza, Juliet Linderman and Claire Galofaro
The baby had been pulled from the rubble after her parents and five siblings were killed during a U.S. military raid. That was only the beginning of her ordeal.
India-Pakistan Dialogue: Past Trends and Future Prospects
By Bashir Ali Abbas
When it comes to India-Pakistan dialogue, what comes first: Fixing the overarching bilateral relationship or discussing Kashmir?
Pakistan’s Election Commission Disqualifies Ex-PM Imran Khan
By Munir Ahmed
Khan will lose his National Assembly seat and has been disallowed from holding public office for five years.
Mallikarjun Kharge Takes Over the Reins of India’s Congress Party
By Kavita Chowdhury
Will the veteran politician be able to revive the party organization and increase Congress vote share in the 2024 general election?
India’s Mission DefSpace
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
What is most remarkable with Mission Defense Space is its goal to provide the private sector an opportunity to finally operate in India’s defense space sector.
Sri Lankan Lawmakers Debate Bill to Trim Presidential Powers
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
A constitutional amendment to curtail presidential powers – again – was a key demand of the protests that drove the previous president and prime minister from office.
India Abstains on Xinjiang Resolution at UNHRC
By Sudha Ramachandran
Its timid, even self-defeating policy toward China at global human rights forums is bringing India little returns.