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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.
A Brief History of Sri Lanka’s President’s House
By Jeffrey Hyland
The fascinating history of the opulent building that became ground zero for Sri Lanka’s protests.
Wickremesinghe Faces Steep Challenges as Sri Lanka’s President
By Krishan Francis and Elaine Kurtenbach
Hours after his swearing-in, he sent troops and police to force protesters out of the main protest sites in Colombo.
Does Pakistan Have the Capability to Secure CPEC Projects?
By Umair Jamal
China doesn’t think so and is pressuring Islamabad to deploy Chinese private security personnel to guard its projects and nationals in Pakistan.
Move Over Bollywood, Here Comes Tollywood
By Jack Coyle
One of India’s biggest hits ever, the movie 'RRR' is climbing US box office charts and storming Netflix too, signaling a breakthrough for the Telugu film industry.
India’s BJP Reaches Out to Nepal’s Political Parties
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Its invitation to Maoist Center chief Dahal signals that it is willing to build bonds even with those it differs ideologically.
Does Delhi Have a New Playbook for Taliban-ruled Afghanistan?
By Monish Tourangbam and Rushita Shetty
India and the Taliban do not have a history of positive relations, but a pragmatic working relationship is desired by both.
UN Slams Killings, Rights Abuses Under Afghanistan’s Taliban
By Rahim Faiez
Afghanistan has seen persistent bombings and other attacks on civilians since the Taliban came to power.
Flooding in India’s Northeast Reveals Weakness of the Act East Policy
By Angshuman Choudhury
The historic floods show that India’s Act East Policy urgently needs to deal with disaster mitigation and resilience.
Ranil Wickremesinghe Elected Sri Lanka’s New President
By Krishan Francis
Widely seen to be an ally of the Rajapaksas, his election could reignite fresh protests on the restive island.
Why Was Hefazat-e-Islam Silent on ‘Blasphemous’ Remarks by BJP Officials?
By Shafi Md Mostofa
The Bangladeshi Islamist group appears to be prioritizing the release of its jailed leaders and is avoiding antagonizing the government at present.
Pakistan’s Former PM Imran Khan Is on the Comeback Trail
By Umair Jamal
With his party’s victory in the Punjab by-elections, he is pushing for early general elections. Will his opponents in the civilian and military establishment concede his demand?
It’s a 3-Horse Race for the Presidency in Sri Lanka
By Krishan Francis
Parliamentarians will vote on Wednesday to decide who will succeed ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who fled the island last week.