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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.
Implications of the Taliban Victory for Bangladesh
By Asif Muztaba Hassan
Bangladesh has dismantled transnational jihadist networks in recent years, but new radicals pose a threat.
Will Britain’s Nepali Gurkha Veterans Get Justice?
By Arun Budhathoki
With the British government agreeing to discuss their demands, the military veterans ended their 13-day hunger strike recently.
Modi Puts Kashmiri Demands on the Backburner
By Tarushi Aswani
While Kashmiri leaders want J&K’s statehood to be restored first, the BJP government is prioritizing the redrawing of electoral boundaries to facilitate its victory.
India, Drones, and Human Rights: The Flight Forward
By Siddhant Hira and Ryan Mitra
A drone doctrine is important to ensure not only that drones are not misused, but also their use does not trigger an escalation of hostility between India and Pakistan
Kabul Airport Targeted by Suicide Blasts Amid Frantic Evacuation Efforts
By Catherine Putz
Given the densely packed crowds outside the airport, casualties numbers are likely to rise as the situation develops further.
Why Is Pakistan Cautious in Extending Recognition to the Taliban Regime?
By Umair Jamal
Islamabad is apprehensive that a Taliban government will not act against TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan.
What Attempts to Measure India’s Caste System Get Wrong
By Shareen Joshi
Modern surveys on caste can feel like inadvertent replications of a colonial mistake.
Under Taliban Rule, What Happens to Afghanistan’s Artifacts?
By Sribala Subramanian
The Taliban are famous for destroying priceless artifacts. With Kabul falling to the Taliban, the fate of the National Museum’s world-class collection now hangs in the balance.
Panjshir Valley Prepares to Push Back the Taliban
By Joseph Krauss and Rahim Faiez
Western countries are unlikely to back yet another proxy war in Afghanistan.
Centralization Is at the Core of Afghanistan’s Problems
By Mohammad Qadam Shah
Can the Taliban learn from history?
China Swoops Into Bangladesh With a Vaccine Deal
By Asif Muztaba Hassan
It bided its time and when India halted supply of vaccines to Bangladesh, it saw opportunity and struck.
For Afghan Refugees in India, Hopes Dim for Returning Home
By Sheikh Saaliq
The Taliban blitz toward Kabul left refugees already in India feeling isolated and farther from home than ever.