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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.
Afghan Museum Reopens with Taliban Security – and Visitors
By Elena Becatoros
In 2001, the Taliban ransacked the museum, smashing priceless statues, especially those considered un-Islamic.
Japan Steps in to Support India Against China in South Asia
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The Quad may still be a mist-covered structure but Indo-Japanese cooperation against China is becoming more concrete.
India’s Nagaland Erupts in Protests Against Army Killing of Civilians
By Sheikh Saaliq
Calls for revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act are growing louder in the restive state.
Bangladesh’s Identity Crisis: To Be or Not to Be Secular
By Shafi Md Mostofa
Fifty years after it gained its independence, Bangladesh’s commitment to secularism remains shaky.
Pakistan Police: Mob Kills Sri Lankan Over Alleged Blasphemy
By Babar Dogar
Mob attacks on people accused of blasphemy are common in Pakistan.
Mamata Banerjee Shakes up the Status Quo
By Kavita Chowdhury
The West Bengal Chief Minister aims to lead the opposition in the fight against India’s ruling BJP.
Sino-Indian Competition in South Asia: Another Round
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
In the ongoing contest between China and India for influence, New Delhi has made some gains in the Maldives and Sri Lanka.
How India’s Opposition Parties Are Strengthening the BJP
By Niranjan Marjani
Since 2014, India's opposition parties have had one goal: Unseat the BJP. But all their actions to date have been counterproductive.
India Confirms Omicron Variant Cases, Says Get the Shot Now
By Associated Press
Travelers from countries classified as "at risk" are being tested on arrival in India.
Pakistan’s Surging Religious Extremism
By Umair Jamal
Its political class has neither the will nor the intent to tackle religious extremism as all have benefited from it.
Bangladesh’s Nuclear Power Plant: Economic Blackhole or Energy Backbone?
By Hussain Shazzad
Bangladesh's Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant has sparked intense debate, but it's hard to see a better option for the country.
A Snapshot of India’s Population
By Sudha Ramachandran
NFHS-5, the latest survey of India’s people, shows that population growth has stabilized but misogyny remains strong.