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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.
Why Are Two of India’s ‘Seven Sisters’ Shooting at Each Other?
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
A border dispute between Assam and Mizoram in India’s Northeast recently erupted into violence.
Taliban Claim Attack in Kabul as Cries of Defiance Echo
By Catherine Putz
An hour after the blast in Shirpoor, Afghans in Kabul and elsewhere took to their rooftops to cry “Allahu Akbar” into the night in defiance of the Taliban.
India’s Divided Opposition Unites Over Pegasus Spyware Controversy – At Least for Now
By Kavita Chowdhury
Demands are growing for the Narendra Modi government to come clean on its role in the global snooping scandal.
Taliban Take Much of Provincial Capital in Southern Afghanistan
By Tameem Akhgar and Rahim Faiez
Nine out of 10 districts in Helmand’s provincial capital were under Taliban control as of August 3.
India Should Articulate a Clearer Commitment to Tibetans
By Mohamed Zeeshan
New Delhi’s frequent flip-flops on political engagement with the Tibetans will not help it cultivate Tibet as a bargaining chip against China.
How Pakistan Failed Its Women
By Nushmiya Sukhera
Gender-based violence in Pakistan – including the latest horrific murder in Islamabad – is a product of the government’s failure to act.
Refugees Pushed to Back of the Line Amid Vaccine Shortages
By Victoria Milko and Aniruddha Ghosal
"The virus doesn't distinguish between a national and a refugee.”
Trial by Pandemic: Uttar Pradesh Polls Big Test For BJP
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The 2022 elections in UP may indicate whether the BJP’s popularity has been dented in any way by the pandemic.
Brutal Killing Spotlights Violence Against Women in Pakistan
By Kathy Gannon
Rights activists say that gender-based assaults are on the rise as Pakistan barrels toward greater religious extremism.
‘Welcome Home’: Evacuation Flight Brings 200 Afghans to US
By Ellen Knickmeyer and Matthew Lee
Subsequent flights are due to bring more of the roughly 700 applicants who are farthest along in the process of getting visas.
Pakistan’s Social Media Is Overflowing With Hate Speech Against Ahmadis
By Tehreem Azeem
The minority community has always faced persecution in the real world. Online, it’s become even more common.
Afghanistan 2021 Is Not Afghanistan 1996. That Offers Hope for Peace.
By Mirwais Wakil and Anthony Pahnke
The reality in Afghanistan and the region provides a lot for peacemakers to work with -- if we can look past gloomy predictions.