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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 Panjshir Valley the Taliban’s Achilles Heel?
By Amalendu Misra
For a very long time, those living in the valley have enjoyed a special kind of infamy. Once again, a resistance movement is forming there.
The Normalization of Communal Politics in India
By Kavita Chowdhury
From being an aberration, hate crimes are becoming an ugly daily occurrence in the country.
Afghans Protest Taliban in Emerging Challenge to Their Rule
By Ahmad Seir, Rahim Faiez, Kathy Gannon and Jon Gambrell
Facing many challenges, from food to cash shortages, the Taliban have moved quickly to suppress dissent.
Modi Fails to Follow Up on His Outreach to Kashmiri Leaders
By Tarushi Aswani
Has New Delhi's bid to initiative talks with leaders from the erstwhile province already stalled?
How the Taliban Used Pakistan
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
The Taliban have returned to power in Afghanistan. Far from a victory, that could ultimately be a setback for Pakistan.
Bangladesh Remains Main Source of Infiltrations Into India
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
India’s multipronged approach to reducing infiltration from Bangladesh includes the construction of a border fence.
Can Nepal’s New Prime Minister Navigate Rough Political Seas?
By Kamal Dev Bhattarai
Sher Bahadur Deuba faces a herculean task in managing fragile politics.
Sri Lanka Banks on Vaccination to See It Through Delta Surge
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
Around 80 percent of the country's total deaths occurred during this current wave of the pandemic.
India Must Champion the Cause of Afghan Refugees More Inclusively
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Even as it leads global action on Afghanistan at the UNSC, India must salvage its own credibility as a hospitable destination for asylum seekers.
The Taliban’s Careful Cheerleaders: Pakistan’s Statements on the Fall of Kabul
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Islamabad has always secretly supported the Taliban. Now it is laying the ground to do so openly.
India’s Harsh Anti-Terror Law Comes Under Rare Scrutiny
By Sheikh Saaliq
The law allows authorities to designate someone as a terrorist and detain them without producing any incriminating evidence.
Taliban’s Return Has Afghan Women Living in Fear
By Allia Bukhari
For Afghan women, the threat from the Taliban is very real.