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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.
Twin Attacks on Pakistani Military Posts Kill 7 Troops, 13 Separatists
By Abdul Sattar
After the Balochistan Nationalist Army claimed the attacks, Islamabad pointed an accusing finger at Afghanistan and India.
Who Will Muslim Voters Support in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election?
By Tarushi Aswani
The state's Muslim voters are expected to back the party in the strongest position to defeat the BJP.
What Turned This Arunachal Pradesh River Brown?
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Scientists warn that the turbidity of the Kameng river could become irreversible, with lasting impact on Himalayan biodiversity.
What is a Taliban Education System Truly Worth?
By Aulia Shifa Hamida
The reopening of universities in Afghanistan may not be the good news it seems on the surface.
India Joins Diplomatic Boycott of Beijing Winter Olympics
By Sudha Ramachandran
China's inclusion in the Olympic torch relay of a PLA commander who participated in the assault on Indian soldiers at Galwan Valley in June 2020 prompted the Indian move.
Taliban Reopen Universities for Afghan Women in 6 Provinces
By Tameem Akhgar
This is a step in the right direction and appears to have come under pressure from the international community.
Modi’s Latest Budget Sets Out His Long-Term Vision for India
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Investment on infrastructure has been hiked by 35 percent over last year, indicating that this sector is the government’s first-choice job creator.
Will Beijing Heed Pakistan’s Request for Loans?
By Umair Jamal
Their friendship may be doing well rhetorically, but Islamabad’s reliance on Chinese money is creating complications for Pakistan.
Why Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut Is a Magnet for India’s Politicians
By Anuttama Banerji
The town, which played an important role in India’s history, is the site of fiercely fought communal politics.
Taliban Struggle With Transitioning From Fighting to Governing
By Kathy Gannon
Many fighters lack education and training to make the shift to civilian life.
Is Sri Lanka Under Gotabaya Rajapaksa Really Tilting Toward China?
By Uditha Devapriya
Simplistic narratives fail to account for the complexities that have defined foreign policy in Sri Lanka since its independence.
UN: Over 100 Ex-Afghan Forces, Officials Slain Since August
By Edith M. Lederer
Despite promises of amnesty, the U.N. says members of the former Afghan government have been killed extrajudicially by the Taliban.