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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.

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Illegal Areca Nut Trade Triggers High-Level Probe in India

Illegal Areca Nut Trade Triggers High-Level Probe in India

By Rajeev Bhattacharya
The cross-border smuggling trade is alleged to high backing from politicians, especially in Assam.
India Needs Targeted COVID-19 Lockdowns

India Needs Targeted COVID-19 Lockdowns

By Bansari Kamdar and Javaid Iqbal
With lengthy blanket lockdowns economically and politically impossible, to save lives India needs urgent action.

What’s Going on at the Iran-Pakistan Border?

What’s Going on at the Iran-Pakistan Border?

By Mariyam Suleman
A crackdown on the thriving trade in smuggled Iranian oil could wreak havoc on local economies on both sides of the border.

Even COVID-19 Can’t Stop the Battle for Bengal

Even COVID-19 Can’t Stop the Battle for Bengal

By Sudha Ramachandran
The skyrocketing cases in India have barely made a dent in the feverish campaigns being mounted in West Bengal’s elections.

What Is the Significance of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s Latest Attack in Quetta?

What Is the Significance of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s Latest Attack in Quetta?

By Umair Jamal
The attack on Serena Hotel, far outside TTP's usual operating area, is an extremely worrying sign that the group has regained its old strength.
The Problem With India’s Economic Diplomacy in South Asia

The Problem With India’s Economic Diplomacy in South Asia

By Granth Vanaik
From trade to infrastructure development, India has a troubling habit of over-promising and under-delivering.

Regional Interests at Stake as Biden Announces Military Withdrawal From Afghanistan

Regional Interests at Stake as Biden Announces Military Withdrawal From Afghanistan

By Saif Khattak
Russia, China, Iran, India, and, most of all, Pakistan have interests at stake as the U.S. aims to withdraw from Afghanistan.
Pakistani Parliament Debates Whether to Expel French Envoy

Pakistani Parliament Debates Whether to Expel French Envoy

By Babr Dogar and Munir Ahmed
Will the Pakistani government give in to threats from radical Islamists? 

‘No Place For You’: Indian Hospitals Buckle Amid Virus Surge

‘No Place For You’: Indian Hospitals Buckle Amid Virus Surge

By Aniruddha Ghosal and Neha Mehrotra
Amid a ferocious second wave of COVID-19, India's hospitals are overrun.

What the Second Wave of COVID-19 Means for India’s Public Diplomacy

What the Second Wave of COVID-19 Means for India’s Public Diplomacy

By Muhsin Puthan Purayil and Anudeep Gujjeti
Vaccine diplomacy has given way to vaccine nationalism as India struggles with a massive spike in infections.

UN Urges Bangladesh to Delay Rohingya Refugee Island Transfers

UN Urges Bangladesh to Delay Rohingya Refugee Island Transfers

By Sebastian Strangio
The controversial island relocation plan points to the challenges facing the resolution of the refugee crisis in southeastern Bangladesh.
Nepal’s Political Travails Continue Amid Twists

Nepal’s Political Travails Continue Amid Twists

By Arun Budhathoki
Much remains uncertain about Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s future. But he could spring yet another surprise.

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