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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.
Is the Taliban’s Halt of Poppy Production Too Good To Be True?
By James Durso
The U.S. spent over $8 billion in a failed effort to stop the Afghan drug trade. Will the Taliban’s DIY effort carry the day?
Sri Lanka Halts Debt Repayment Pending IMF Bailout Plan
By Krishan Francis
Sri Lankans for the past months have been enduring shortages of fuel, food, and other essentials and daily power outages.
Where Do Pakistan-US Relations Go From Here?
By Sheharyar Ali
Following Imran Khan’s ouster amid public accusations of a U.S. conspiracy, how will the new government approach the relationship?
Sri Lanka’s Leaderless Protests
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The leaderless nature of the protests was part of the attraction for many Sri Lankans. But leaders need to emerge if the movement is going to succeed in bringing about political change.
Imran Khan Is Pakistan’s New Political Pariah
By Umair Jamal
Abandoned by his former patrons, the military, the erstwhile prime minister is back on the streets to mobilize his supporters and push for early elections.
BIMSTEC Gets a New Lease of Life
By Shafi Md Mostofa
In the 25 years of its existence, this Bay of Bengal grouping hasn't achieved much. That could change, with India viewing it as a vehicle for its strategic interests.
A Civilian Coup Subverted in Pakistan
By Niha Dagia
The Supreme Court has restored the National Assembly. Prime Minister Imran Khan will have to face a no-confidence vote in Parliament early Saturday.
Deuba’s India Visit Arrests Drift in India-Nepal Relations
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The Varanasi leg of the Nepali PM’s visit to India was aimed at taking the wind off the sails of both Hindu nationalists and the main opposition back home.
India Partially Repeals Controversial AFSPA in the Northeast
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
A massacre of civilians by soldiers in December last year, which triggered mass protests against the law, prompted the government to revoke it in some districts.
India Ramps Up Domestic Defense Production
By Ashok Sharma
It aims to draw foreign companies with advanced technologies to set up factories in India in collaboration with local companies.
How Much Should India Worry About Closer China-Russia Ties?
By Ameya Pratap Singh and Supriya Ravishankar
Russia won’t sacrifice its ties to India to please China – but Moscow also won’t back New Delhi against Beijing.
Al-Qaida Leader Circulates Video; Dispels Rumor of His Death
By Kathy Gannon
Rumors of the death of Ayman al-Zawahri have persistently circulated, but a new video appears to dispel those rumors.