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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.
Pakistan’s New Budget Aims to Please the IMF
By Umair Jamal
However, the funding body's representatives say that additional measures are needed to bring the budget in line with its objectives.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan Declares Unilateral Ceasefire
By Umair Jamal
Worryingly, the Pakistan government is engaging the militant group in talks from a position of weakness.
India’s Supreme Court Recognizes Sex Work as a Profession
By Kavita Chowdhury
Voluntary sex work is legal in India but trafficking for sex is punishable under the law.
India, China Growing Markets for Shunned Russian Oil
By Krutika Pathi and Elaine Kurtenbach
India's crude oil import from Russia rose from 100,000 barrels per day in February to 870,000 a day in May.
India Faces a Diplomatic Storm in the Middle East
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
This episode illustrates the danger facing Indian foreign policy from domestic political developments, increasingly centered on religious conflict.
AAP’s Dangerous Turn Toward Hindutva
By Anuttama Banerji
The AAP’s bid to become a national power has seen it converge with the ruling BJP in embracing Hindu voters – to the exclusion of other groups.
Anger Erupts in Bangladesh, India Over Comments About Islam
By Julhas Alam
Muslim protestors are demanding the arrest of two officials of India's ruling Hindu nationalist party, who made derogatory remarks about Prophet Muhammad.
India Makes Its Relationship With the Taliban Regime More Official
By Sudha Ramachandran
Indian and Taliban officials are reported to have discussed diplomatic relations during a recent meeting in Kabul.
Nepal Is Caught Between the US and China on Tibetan Refugee Issue
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
A recent visit by an American official to Tibetan refugee camps in Kathmandu appears to have not gone down well with Beijing.
Pakistan’s Water Crisis
By Osama Rizvi
While Pakistan's financial crisis is getting much media attention, the water crisis, its most pressing problem, is being ignored.
Why the Muslim World Is Turning on India
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Derogatory comments by BJP leaders on Islam and Prophet Muhammad have drawn public ire and calls for boycott of Indian goods in several Muslim countries.
SIGAR Report: Ghani Probably Didn’t Flee With Millions
By Catherine Putz
One of the more damning reports as the Afghan government collapsed was that President Ghani fled with a helicopter stuffed with cash. That was unlikely.