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.
Skeletons Are Tumbling Out of India’s COVID-19 Closet
By Sudha Ramachandran
Not only did the Modi government refuse to admit that the pandemic had entered the community transmission stage in March 2020 but it also grossly under-reported COVID deaths.
Without Vaccine Equity, the World Could Remain Stuck in Pandemic Limbo
By Niha Dagia
On the cusp of a triumph over the coronavirus, the world snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.
China Fertilizer Spat Underlines Sri Lanka’s Struggles With International Trade Deals
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Sri Lanka has a lot to learn about entering agreements with international companies – and the repercussions of violating them.
Taliban Hold First Talks in Europe Since Afghan Takeover
By David Keyton
The talks with European and U.S. representatives are expected to cover everything from education to humanitarian aid to greater inclusivity.
Taliban’s Victory, Baloch Militancy, and Pakistan’s Choices
By Umair Jamal
The first six months of Taliban rule show that the group has not delivered on any of Pakistan’s concerns.
In Kashmir, India Batters Press Freedom – And Journalists
By Aijaz Hussain and Sheikh Saaliq
The silencing of the press in Indian-controlled Kashmir intensified last week, with the closure of the Kashmir Valley's only independent press club.
Taliban Storm Kabul Apartment, Arrest Activist and Her Sisters
By Kathy Gannon
The activist, Tamana Zaryabi Paryani, was among about 25 women who took part in an anti-Taliban protest on Sunday against the compulsory Islamic headscarf, or hijab, for women.
Powerful Bomb Rips Through Market in Lahore
By Babr Dogar
The recently formed Baluchistan Nationalist Army has claimed responsibility for the attack, which killed three and injured 29 people.
India Needs to Get Real About the Instability in Myanmar
By Mohamed Zeeshan
India's biggest diplomatic asset is its potential role as a mediator between the West and the Tatmadaw.
The Trouble With India’s ‘Twin-Track’ Approach to Myanmar
By Hossain Delwar
India’s outreach to Myanmar risks alienating Bangladesh, New Delhi’s most reliable partner in South Asia.
Murky Militias in Forgotten Provinces Reveal Why Afghanistan War Isn’t Over
By Ben Acheson
Ghor can be viewed as a microcosm of the layered complexity of Afghanistan.
ILO Report Says Afghan Crisis Causing Massive Job Losses
By Elaine Kurtenback
Many companies are hard pressed to stay afloat, as thousands of Afghans flee the country each day.