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.
The Gory Symbolism of a Terrorist Attack on a Palestine Rally in Balochistan
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
While Pakistanis were united in their outrage over abuses by Israel, few spare a word for the systemic oppression closer to home.
The Implications of the US Troop Withdrawal for Afghan Women
By Saman Rizwan
If guarantees of preserving progress in women’s rights are not included in any potential political settlement, they remain prone to reverses.
COVID-19 Second Wave Highlights India’s Barriers to Global Aid
By Kriti Upadhyaya
Policy impediments are hampering potentially life-saving partnerships.
Don’t Write Off Indian Vaccine Diplomacy Yet
By Krzysztof Iwanek
An alliance between Western technology and Indian manufacturing capabilities may still be crucial to produce cheap vaccines for the world.
Signs of Rift Between Military and Prime Minister Imran Khan in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
Khan and his party’s handling of the key Punjab province may have irked the Pakistan army.
US Envoy: Fears of Taliban Conquering Kabul Are Overblown
By Robert Burns
Khalilzad argued that the Taliban have reason not to push for a military victory and instead pursue a negotiated political settlement.
India Must Rethink Its Pandemic Vaccination Strategy
By Mohamed Zeeshan
The country must ditch its tech-centric approach and instead draw from its past successes in mass vaccination.
Rohingya Crisis: India’s Actions Must Match its Words
By Arkoprabho Hazra
Being transparent and humane will elevate India’s position at the United Nations.
Bangladesh Cracks Down on Hardline Islamist Group
By Asif Muztaba Hassan
The latest government pushback followed intelligence that terrorist groups had infiltrated Hefajat-e-Islam.
Sri Lanka Teaches the World How Not to Respond to COVID-19
By Kalani Kumarasinghe
Bungled communications and ethnic profiling have become hallmarks of Sri Lanka's pandemic response.
China’s Warning to Bangladesh on the Quad
By Nilotpal Bhattacharjee
The comments from the Chinese ambassador show Beijing's insecurities on the issue.
Afghans Who Helped the US Now Fear Being Left Behind
By Rahim Faiez and Ben Fox
As Washington reviews the special immigrant visa process, Afghan interpreters who worked with the U.S. military grow increasingly worried that time is running out.