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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.
Sectarian Terror Strikes Pakistan Again
By Riaz Khan
At least 30 Shiite Muslims were killed and dozens others wounded in the suicide attack on a mosque in Peshawar.
The Predictability of India’s UN Abstentions on the Ukrainian Crisis
By Anubhav Roy
No one should have been surprised by Wednesday’s vote. India has a long history of abstaining from U.N. votes that criticize Russia.
New Election Commission Takes Charge in Bangladesh
By Shafi Md Mostofa
The current deadlock over participation in elections cannot be defused if the Election Commission doesn’t evoke confidence among opposition parties.
Indian Students Caught in the Warzone in Ukraine
By Krutika Pathi and Sheikh Saaliq
Did India drag its feet on issuing an advisory to thousands of its nationals to leave the country?
Higher Oil Prices Push Sri Lanka Into Deeper Economic Crisis
By Krishan Francis
The dire foreign exchange crisis has worsened with the crisis in eastern Europe. Russia and Ukraine are important markets for Sri Lankan tea and tourism.
How China’s Presence in Balochistan Is Intensifying Regionalist Tendencies
By Muhammad Azam
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has inflamed longstanding feelings of neglect and exploitation in Balochistan.
Can Modi’s India be an Ally of the West?
By Mohamed Zeeshan
In recent years, Washington and New Delhi have unprecedentedly been at odds with each other over democratic values.
Pakistan’s Afghan Gamble Worsens Conflict in Balochistan
By Niha Dagia
For Baloch rebels to conduct sophisticated attacks is undeniably a worrying sign for Pakistan.
Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: Lessons for Nepal
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Ukraine’s fate serves as a reminder to small powers that they must walk a fine line between protecting their sovereignty and showing "strategic empathy" towards the interests of major powers.
Ukraine Invasion Prompts Tepid Response From South Asia
By B. Z. Khasru
Pakistan’s prime minister was in Russia as the invasion began; India and Bangladesh have similarly refrained from criticizing Moscow.
India’s ‘Neutrality’ on the Ukraine Conflict Could Hurt It in the Long Run
By Sudha Ramachandran
New Delhi has been silent on Russia’s actions in Ukraine so far.
The BJP Has the Edge in the Electoral Race in Uttar Pradesh
By Kavita Chowdhury
However, its principal challenger, the Samajwadi Party, could still stage an upset.