Blog
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.
Nepal’s COVID-19 Crisis Exacerbates Hardships for Women
By Rajin Rayamajhi and Tracy Fehr
The economic and health impact of the pandemic has disproportionately fallen on women – especially single women.
What Does a Taliban Government Mean for the Rest of South Asia?
By Aditya Gowdara Shivamurthy
Countries like Bangladesh, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka could see intensified terrorism thanks to links with the Taliban.
Pakistan Sees Surge in Silencing of Mainstream and Social Media
By Waleed Tariq
Attempts to reign in the media have grown since 2018, when the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf came to power.
As Afghan War Enters Latest Brutal Phase, Civilians Suffer
By Ezzatullah Mehrdad
Afghan civilians, always in the crossfire between government and Taliban forces, are more at risk than ever before.
Afghanistan-Pakistan Ties Fray Further Over Abduction of Afghan Ambassador’s Daughter
By Umair Jamal
At a time when the two countries should be engaging more to resolve misunderstandings, they have recalled their ambassadors.
Illicit Sale of Kidneys is Thriving in Assam
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
Demand for kidneys far exceeds supply, creating a thriving Indian black market in the vital organs.
Protests Erupt in India’s Parliament Over Spying Scandal
By Sheikh Saaliq and Krutika Pathi
A recent global investigation found spyware called Pegasus had been used to target opposition figures and journalists in more than 50 countries, including India.
India Should Talk to China About Afghanistan
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Like India, China is concerned that Taliban-ruled Afghanistan could be a safe haven for Islamic militants.
US Peace Envoy Visits Islamabad as Pakistan-Afghan Ties Sour
By Kathy Gannon
Zalmay Khalilzad's visit came just hours after Afghanistan withdrew its ambassador from Pakistan.
Bangladesh Lifts Lockdown to Celebrate, Despite Warnings From Health Experts
By Julhas Alam
Tens of millions of Bangladeshis are shopping and traveling during an eight-day pause in the country’s strict coronavirus lockdown for the Islamic festival Eid al-Adha.
Terrorists Target Chinese Nationals Working on a CPEC Project
By Niha Dagia
Initially, Pakistan’s foreign ministry wrote it off as an accident, but China has described it a terror attack.
In Afghanistan, Deja Vu All Over Again
By Aidai Masylkanova
Just as in 2014, there is a sense of anxiety bordering on panic about the impending U.S. withdrawal.