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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.
Taliban Break Promise on Higher Education for Afghan Girls
By Kathy Gannon
The decision to postpone the return of girls at the higher grade levels appeared to be a concession to the rural and deeply tribal backbone of the hard-line Taliban movement.
India-Maldives Ties Caught in Archipelago’s Domestic Politics
By Sudha Ramachandran
With a proposed law to criminalize the “India Out” campaign being put in cold storage, anti-India protests will continue.
Wang Yi Attends OIC Meeting as Special Guest
By Munir Ahmed
The Chinese foreign minister’s participation in a meeting of Muslim nations laid bare their willingness to overlook China’s alleged violence against Uyghur Muslims.
Pakistan’s Khan Rallies Supporters Ahead of No-Confidence Vote
By Munir Ahmed
Recent mutinies within Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party could tip the scales against him, resulting in his ouster.
Assam Arrests Indicate an al-Qaida Network in India
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
The arrested men belong to the Ansarullah Bangla Team, which is linked to AQIS.
China Has a Huge Strategic Opening With India
By Mohamed Zeeshan
While differences between the U.S. and India have widened, Beijing and New Delhi have made similar statements on the Ukraine conflict.
India’s Response to the Ukraine Crisis Is a Wake-up Call for the US
By Muhsin Puthan Purayil
Rather than hand-wringing over India's reliability, it's time for Washington to face up to the facts: The U.S. has a serious image problem in India.
How the Colombo Security Conclave Can Avoid SAARC’s Fate
By Balachander Palanisamy
For the Colombo Security Conclave to succeed, China should be a non-issue.
Taliban Detain Journalists Over Report on TV Show Censoring
By Kathy Gannon
Afghanistan's new rulers didn't like a story TOLO TV aired on their decision to ban foreign drama series from being shown on local television.
Noted Kashmiri Journalist Jailed Again Despite Being Granted Bail Twice
By Tarushi Aswani
Fahad Shah’s arrest under the Public Safety Act will enable authorities to detain him for up to two years without a trial.
Sri Lankan Leader Seeks IMF Help as Economic Crisis Deepens
By Krishan Francis
The government had resisted dealing with the IMF, claiming that this would undermine the country's interests. Its latest decision marks a policy shift.
What Lies Behind Prachanda’s Volte-face on Nepal’s Ratification of the Millennium Challenge Compact?
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Domestic politics and personal insecurity prompted the former Maoist chief’s decisions to oppose and subsequently support ratification of the agreement.