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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 Great Expectations of the Taliban
By Umair Jamal
Taliban leaders would not want to appear as Pakistan’s pawns as that would undermine their stature among the rank and file.
Afghanistan Can’t Pay Its Electricity Bills
By Catherine Putz
Afghanistan imports a majority of its electricity supplies, and the bills have not been paid.
Assam Government’s Eviction Drive Kicks Up Controversy
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
The government has promised to relocate those displaced by the eviction drive.
After ‘Love Jihad,’ India’s Muslims are Now Being Accused of ‘Narcotics Jihad’
By Tarushi Aswani
Catholic Bishop Kallarangatt said that "hardcore jihadis" are using drugs to spoil the lives of non-Muslims.
Lessons From Afghanistan’s History: How Not to Fix a Failed State
By Haroun Rahimi
Only a government that has legitimacy in the eyes of most Afghans will be able to govern a unified and peaceful Afghanistan.
US Resumes Afghan Refugee Flights After Measles Shots
By Ben Fox
After a three-week pause in flights due to a small measles outbreak, flights are set to resume to bring Afghans to the U.S.
Rights Group: Taliban Unlawfully Killed 13 Ethnic Hazaras
By Dave Bryan and Samya Kullab
Eleven of the victims were members of the Afghan national security forces and two were civilians, among them a 17-year-old girl.
Should India Accept the Taliban’s Invitation?
By Sudha Ramachandran
Shutting down its educational and capacity building work among Afghans is simply not an option.
Is This Taliban Deja Vu?
By Catherine Putz
Expecting moderation from the Taliban and jumping on any signs of change: We’ve been here before.
Indian Town on Edge After 9 Die During Farm Protest
By Biswajeet Banerjee
Farmers and members of the ruling BJP were killed on Monday amid ongoing protests against agriculture laws.
Is Another ‘Friction Point’ Emerging Along the India-China Border?
By Sudha Ramachandran
Indian troops did not confront or push back Chinese soldiers who entered the Indian side of the disputed border at Barahoti.
Bangladesh Police Arrest Man in in Rohingya Leader’s Death
By Julhas Alam
An international advocate for Rohingya rights, Mohibullah, was fatally shot last week in Cox’s Bazar.