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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.
Drone Attacks on Indian Air Force Base in Jammu Underscore New Threat
By Aijaz Hussain
This is the first time that drones have been used to target military installations in India.
Nepal’s Mountain Tourism Industry Is Struggling for Breath
By Arun Budhathoki
As COVID-19 cases sweep through Nepal’s mountain villages and base camps, expeditions have been called off, hitting the mountaineering and trekking industry hard.
New President of the Tibetan Exile Government Hopes to Resume Talks With China
By Ashwini Bhatia
Beijing should adopt a “middle way approach" that gives Tibetans autonomy, Penpa Tsering says.
Modi Meets Kashmir Leaders 1st Time After Altering Region
By Aijaz Hussain
Experts say the meeting is meant to ward off mounting criticism at home and abroad.
Will Turkey Keep Providing Security for the Afghan Capital’s Airport?
By Catherine Putz
After NATO withdrawals, Ankara may continue to provide security for Hamid Karzai International Airport, but only if certain conditions are met.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Blames Women for Sexual Violence
By Munir Ahmed
It was the second time in two months that Khan sparked outrage after suggesting that women's attire plays a role in provoking sexual violence against them.
Can the UN Push Afghanistan and the Taliban Back to the Negotiating Table?
By Catherine Putz
If the path to peace in Afghanistan is via negotiation, the Taliban don’t seem to be keen on taking that road.
Bilateral Bond Between Pakistan and Russia Deepening
By Niha Dagia
Both countries believe that a political settlement in Afghanistan is necessary for regional peace and stability.
Vaccine Hesitancy Puts India’s Gains Against Virus at Risk
By Rajesh Kumar Singh
Misinformation and mistrust is fueling widespread vaccine hesitancy, particularly in rural areas where two-thirds of India’s nearly 1.4 billion population lives.
New Highs in Narcotics From Myanmar Flooding Assam
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
Brown sugar, Heroin no 4 and Yaba top the narcotics flowing into India from Myanmar
Prime Minister Modi Extends Kashmir an Olive Branch
By Sudha Ramachandran
Modi's invitation for Jammu and Kashmir's political parties to attend a meeting in New Delhi is aimed at kick-starting the election process there.
India’s BJP and Congress Both Battling Political Infighting
By Asim Ali
While the BJP’s problems stem from excessive micromanaging by its leaders, the Congress’ woes arise from its weak leadership