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.
Afghanistan Fears Impending COVID-19 Crisis
By Ezzatullah Mehrdad
The rise of COVID-19 cases coupled with health missteps in the war-torn country spread fear of a tragedy amid a raging war.
Rural India Likely To Be Hit by India’s COVID-19 Tsunami
By Sudha Ramachandran
Massive state elections rallies and religious festivals are likely to bring the disease home for many living in rural India.
Indian Leader’s Party Takes Electoral Hit Amid Virus Surge
By Ashok Sharma
Meanwhile, health experts say the massive electoral rallies have fueled India's terrifying COVID-19 outbreak.
Western Amnesia and the Trauma of Taliban Rule
By Lauryn Oates
By all available evidence, the Taliban remain a group of militants whose primary driver is the imposition of their extremist ideology.
How Can Foreigners Help India Breathe?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
A massive wave of COVID-19 cases in India caused a dire need for medical oxygen equipment. Here are some ways you can help.
Young Afghan Women, Grown Up Without Taliban, Dread Their Return
By Kathy Gannon
“With the return of the Taliban, society will be transformed and ruined… Women will be sent into hiding.”
Pakistani Opposition’s Criticism of the Military Continues
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan Democratic Movement leader Fazlur Rehman’s potshot at the army shows the opposition remains emboldened.
The Taliban’s Difficult Pledge
By Obaidullah Baheer
Even if it wanted to, could the Taliban ever really cut ties with and oppose al-Qaida?
US Afghan Envoy Khalilzad Defends Biden Withdrawal Plan
By Catherine Putz
In a hearing called by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee this week, Khalilzad reiterated the rationale for the administration’s decision to exit Afghanistan.
India Grieves 200,000 Dead, With Likely Many More Uncounted
By Sheikh Saaliq, Krutika Pathi, and Aniruddha Ghoshal
Information about where people were getting infected and dying could have helped India better prepare for the current surge, an expert noted.
Pakistan Army to Enforce Pandemic Protocols
By Niha Dagia
But is it really a good idea to expose the armed forces to a deadly virus when the country is seeing a surge in terrorism?
US Aids India’s Vaccine Efforts – Cleverly
By Abhijnan Rej
Following a week of outrage, the U.S. stepped up its game in helping India beat a disastrous second COVID-19 wave. But questions persist about how it seeks to do so.