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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.
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?
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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.
Women in India Come Together to Fight COVID-19
By Akanksha Khullar
It is time to recognize the efforts of these unseen heroes of the crisis and acknowledge the critical roles that women play in Indian society.
Afghan Forces Struggle, Demoralized, Rife With Corruption
By Kathy Gannon
The government says the army can hold its own, but military experts warn of a tough fight ahead.
Taliban Warns Pakistan About Hosting US Military Bases
By Umair Jamal
The coming weeks and months will reveal the exact role the United States envisions for Pakistan in Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrawal is complete.