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.
State and Non-State Actors Alike Threaten Pakistani Women’s Rights
By Umair Jamal
Between Prime Minister Imran Khan’s insensitive remarks and Pakistani Taliban threats, women in the country face an uphill battle for their rights.
Attention Turns to Proposed Summit on Afghanistan in Turkey
By Catherine Putz
The proposed summit is said to be scheduled to open on April 16, but the pieces are all still in flux.
Pakistan’s Shias Face Double Threat: Extremists and Their Own Government
By Jaffer A. Mirza
With their safety at stake, Pakistan’s beleaguered Shia community is seeking justice from the country’s founder.
Deadly Maoist Insurgents Strike Again in India, Exposing Security Flaws
By Sudha Ramachandran
Fighting the insurgents requires discretion and nimbleness, not a loud, visible intrusion of security forces.
Putting the Serum Institute of India’s Success in Perspective
By Krzysztof Iwanek
AstraZeneca’s cooperation with the Serum Institute of India is a success for the Make in India campaign, but not necessarily the idea of a self-reliant India.
India’s Approach Toward Myanmar Will Hurt Its Credibility
By Mohamed Zeeshan
India must distinguish itself from China and cut the Myanmar army loose.
Russian Foreign Minister Set to Arrive in New Delhi Amid Regional Turmoil
By Abhijnan Rej
Moscow is now a major player both in India’s west and east, compounding the country’s Russia dilemma.
Is the Term ‘South Asia’ Correct?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
When should we use the word “India,” and when should we use “South Asia”?
India Faces Second COVID-19 Wave
By Sudha Ramachandran
While many had thought the worst to be over for India, recent uptick in infections could severely complicate the country’s fight against the novel coronavirus.
Pakistan Not Invited to Climate Leaders’ Summit Hosted by US President
By Umair Jamal
However, analysts downplay the significance of what is surely going to be perceived as a snub in Islamabad.
The Misunderstood History of Pakistan-US Relations
By Touqir Hussain
Pakistan has sometimes been important to the U.S., sometimes not. Understanding the shifts of the past can help Islamabad plan for the future.
Sticky Bombs Latest Weapon in Afghanistan’s Arsenal of War
By Kathy Gannon
Over the past year, almost every day at least one car has exploded in Kabul -- terrifying residents with a rise in crude sticky bombs.