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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.
Taliban 2.0: The End Game for Afghan Sikhs and Hindus?
By Visakh Mathews and Sukanya Bali
Sikhs and Hindus have lived in Afghanistan for generations, but the end of that era is near.
Does the US Have Patience for the Middle East Quad’s Geopolitical Differences?
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Lacking a shared perception of who or what constitutes a threat, I2U2 leaders drew up a largely non-militaristic agenda during their virtual summit last week.
The Deep Roots of Sri Lanka’s Economic Crisis
By Talal Rafi and Brian Wong
The economic crisis was made at home, a result of structural political and economic weaknesses. Any solutions have to start there.
India’s Agnipath Scheme: Solution or Time Bomb?
By Stephen P. Westcott and Vibhav Kandlur
There is no denial that the Indian military requires structural reforms, but can the Agnipath scheme overcome its rough introduction?
Dalai Lama Travels to Remote Ladakh Region Bordering China
By Associated Press
Indian and Chinese troops have been locked in a tense standoff along their disputed border in Ladakh since 2020.
Wickremesinghe Becomes Sri Lanka’s Interim President
By Krutika Pathi, Krishan Francis, and Bharatha Mallawarachi
He will remain in the post until Parliament elects a new president to serve out the remainder of Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s term, ending in 2024.
Abortion Is Legal in India, But Social Stigma Hampers Access
By Kavita Chowdhury
Social stigma attached to abortion forces women especially the unmarried, to turn to unsafe abortions, especially pills prescribed by the local chemist.
What Lies Behind Chinese Delegation’s Visit to Nepal?
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Growing U.S. influence in Nepal together with the fragmentation of the Nepali communists is worrying Beijing.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa Flees Sri Lanka
By Krishan Francis and Krutika Pathi
Public ire turns against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, who has been appointed acting president.
With Beheading of Hindu ‘Blasphemer’ in India, a Red Line Is Crossed
By Abdul Basit
Notwithstanding the local context of the beheading, it is a continuation of the broader global trend of targeted assassination over blasphemy charges.
Sri Lanka Lawmakers to Pick New President but No Deal on Prime Minister
By Krishan Francis
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa promised to step down, while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said he would leave once a new government was in place.
Why Pakistan Should Grant De Facto Provincial Status to Gilgit-Baltistan
By Sitara Noor
The region has long been in administrative limbo, to the detriment of its people. Time to turn GB into Pakistan's provisional fifth province.