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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.
India-China Begin Disengagement from Gogra-Hotsprings
By Sudha Ramachandran
The year-long impasse in the talks has ended. Will it lead to a Modi-Xi summit on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Samarkand?
Taliban: UAE Firm to Run Flight Services on Afghan Airports
By Rahim Faiez
Under a new contract, an Abu Dhabi-based firm will manage flights at Afghanistan’s three major airports: Kabul, Herat, and Kandahar.
Sheikh Hasina’s Visit to Delhi Disappoints Bangladesh
By Shafi Md Mostofa
Seven MoUs were signed during the Bangladeshi prime minister’s visit but no progress was made on clinching a deal on the Teesta.
Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Returns to Sri Lanka
By Arundathie Abeysinghe
The government is concerned about renewed protests against the unpopular former leader, while opposition figures worry Rajapaksa will try to find a way to re-enter politics.
Why Is Imran Khan Politicking While Floods Devastate Pakistan?
By Umair Jamal
The former PM does not want to weaken the momentum his campaign has built up against his political foes.
Japan, India Hold Security Talks Amid Major Russian Drills
By Mari Yamaguchi
Japan wants to step up joint military drills and cooperation in the development and transfer of military equipment and technology with India.
Rallies Show Pakistan’s ex-Prime Minister Khan Remains Political Force
By Munir Ahmed
"I will soon give you a call for a march on Islamabad," Khan told a cheering crowd this week in Peshawar, then asked: "Are you ready for it?"
India Needs to Enact a Domestic Refugee Law
By Sudha Ramachandran
India's treatment of refugees has been inconsistent, ad hoc, and ambiguous.
India, Bangladesh Sign Pact on Sharing Waters of Kushiyara River
By Associated Press
However, the visiting Bangladeshi PM could not clinch a deal on the sharing of the more important Teesta River.
Sri Lanka Refuses International Human Rights Investigation
By Krishan Francis
While the government says it is willing to engage with the international community to seek closure of human rights issues, any solution should conform to the country's constitution.
New Head for UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan: Kyrgyzstan’s Roza Otunbayeva
By Catherine Putz
The choice of Otunbayeva reflects the UN’s ongoing concern about the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
New Party’s Entry Could End 3-Year Impasse in Kashmir’s Politics
By Tarushi Aswani
The party, which is led by former Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, is expected to divide the anti-BJP vote in Jammu and Kashmir.