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.

Page 156 of 489
Spotlight on Sri Lanka’s Women-Headed Households Affected by COVID-19

Spotlight on Sri Lanka’s Women-Headed Households Affected by COVID-19

By Lihini Ratwatte
A quarter of households in Sri Lanka are headed by women, yet there is no comprehensive national strategy to address their needs, particularly during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic.
With Cancelled Board Exams, India Avoids a Deadly Mistake

With Cancelled Board Exams, India Avoids a Deadly Mistake

By Abhishek Arora and Kanika Arora
As the pandemic rages across the country, holding in-person Class 12 exams would have risked a super spreader event.

How Can India Cooperate With NATO?

How Can India Cooperate With NATO?

By Krzysztof Iwanek
In its relations with NATO, New Delhi will strive to eat the Chinese cake and keep the Russian one.

Bombs in Afghan Capital Kabul Kill at Least 10, Wound 12

Bombs in Afghan Capital Kabul Kill at Least 10, Wound 12

By Tameem Akhgar and Kathy Gannon
Two of three blasts Monday occurred in a mostly Hazara area, following other recent attacks targeting the community.

Bangladesh’s ‘Reactionary’ COVID-19 Response Is Working, But For How Long?

Bangladesh’s ‘Reactionary’ COVID-19 Response Is Working, But For How Long?

By Asif Muztaba Hassan and Zarif Faiaz
As the country battles hard to stop an ongoing surge of infections in the border districts, structural difficulties and public indifference about the pandemic are fueling the fire.
India Should Help Smaller Powers Lead Regional Cooperation in South Asia

India Should Help Smaller Powers Lead Regional Cooperation in South Asia

By Mohamed Zeeshan
If New Delhi wants to keep Beijing out of its backyard, it has to step up regional cooperation in South Asia.

A Month Into the US Withdrawal From Afghanistan

A Month Into the US Withdrawal From Afghanistan

By Ezzatullah Mehrdad
As the U.S. embarks on its final withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Taliban moved to strike provincial centers and peace talks remain stalled.
Sri Lanka Police Investigate Fire on Ship off Colombo

Sri Lanka Police Investigate Fire on Ship off Colombo

By Bharatha Mallawarachi
The fire on the cargo ship, which has raged for 12 days, threatens an environmental catastrophe.

Pakistani TV Bans Host of Talk Show After He Criticized Army

Pakistani TV Bans Host of Talk Show After He Criticized Army

By Munir Ahmed
Hamid Mir was taken off the air by Geo News TV after giving a fiery speech at a rally to support Asad Ali Toor, a journalist recently beaten by unidentified men.

Lakshadweep: Trouble in Paradise?

Lakshadweep: Trouble in Paradise?

By Sudha Ramachandran
A series of controversial changes by a BJP appointee is causing concern on the island chain.

Paranoid State: India Battles COVID-19 and Conspiracy Theories

Paranoid State: India Battles COVID-19 and Conspiracy Theories

By Asim Ali
As consensus breaks down, both India’s ruling party and its opponents have enthusiastically embraced a conspiratorial political culture.
Pakistan Seeks to Punish Criticism of Army

Pakistan Seeks to Punish Criticism of Army

By Niha Dagia
A new bill, if it were to become law, would further damage the Pakistani media’s ability to hold the military to account.

Page 156 of 489