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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.
India’s Ruling BJP Sweeps State Elections
By Kavita Chowdhury
Winning four of five state assembly elections, the party is comfortably positioned for national elections in 2024.
The Search for Justice in Afghanistan
By Shivangi Seth
As Afghanistan enters another era of humanitarian crisis, the ICC remains encumbered by its institutional limitations and geopolitical realities.
Pakistan Opposition Holds Major Rally, Demanding Prime Minister Khan’s Ouster
By Munir Ahmed
The rally has come close on the heels of the opposition submitting a no-confidence motion against the government in parliament.
Rising Tensions in Palk Bay Over Fishing Rights
By Sudha Ramachandran
The conflict between Sri Lankan Tamil fishermen and their ethnic kin in Tamil Nadu in India hits rough weather yet again.
Is Russia Really India’s Friend?
By Sribala Subramanian
A flashback to 1962 and the Sino-Indian War.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Takes on the West
By Umair Jamal
Imran’s Khan’s tirade against the U.S. comes at a time when he is facing serious political challenges at home.
How Is India’s Silent Diplomacy Navigating the Russia-Ukraine War?
By Jagannath Panda
New Delhi has sought to navigate between expressing veiled concern for the Russian invasion and maintaining an important strategic and security relationship.
The Limits of Foreign Intervention in Promoting Women’s Rights in Afghanistan
By Sasha Kassam
A foreign military presence was never meant to provide a long-term solution for securing protections for Afghan women. It’s time for the international community to support substantive and sustainable achievements.
Preoccupation with Drawing Political Mileage Mars India’s Evacuation from Ukraine
By Tarushi Aswani
Evacuation of 20,000 of its nationals from a war zone is not easy. But India has evacuated far larger numbers more efficiently in the past.
Amendment to Pakistan’s Cybercrime Law Sparks Outrage From Free Speech Defenders
By Waleed Tariq
Pakistan’s prime minister said the changes, which include harsher punishments and less rights for the accused, are necessary to fight “fake news.”
US Diplomat Apologizes to Thousands of Afghans Stuck in UAE
By Jon Gambrell
Around 12,000 Afghans remain stuck in Abu Dhabi. They represent a cross-section of those who fled the Taliban's lightning advance in August, from journalists to judges to soldiers.
IPCC Report Sounds Alarm Bell for Asia’s Mountains
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
For the first time in 27 years, an entire chapter of the IPCC report focuses on global warming’s impact on mountains.