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.
Chief Minister of India’s Uttarakhand Angers Women Over Regressive Comment
By Sudha Ramachandran
Tirath Singh Rawat joins an unfortunately long list of Indian politicians whose needless remarks about women betray their mindset.
Can India’s Carrot and Stick Strategy Decouple its Solar Revolution from China?
By Vibhanshu Shekhar
All else being equal, decoupling with China could affect India’s solar energy commitments.
Why Won’t Pakistan Fully Recognize the 1971 War?
By Asif Muztaba Hassan
Fully recognizing the atrocities committed during the war will be equivalent to acknowledging the Two Nations Theory has failed, a significant blow to Pakistan’s identity.
Tensions Mount Between Afghan Government, Powerful Warlord
By Rahim Faiez
The government has launched an assault in central Maidan Wardak province, vowing to punish the warlord, Abdul Ghani Alipoor, after the defense minister accused his fighters of shooting down a military helicopter.
UN Rights Body Adopt Sri Lanka Resolution in Key Vote
By Abhijnan Rej
India abstained from voting while China voted against the resolution.
In Kabul, Pentagon Chief Speaks of ‘Responsible End’ to War
By Lolita C. Baldor and Rahmin Faiez
With questions swirling about how long U.S. troops will remain in the country, Austin said that "in terms of an end date or setting a specific date for withdrawal, that's the domain of my boss."
Moscow Conference on Afghan Peace: Two Steps Back for Women, One Step Forward for Peace
By Ezzatullah Mehrdad
The one-day conference last week is part of a larger effort by regional powers to make peace between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
India Detains Rohingya Refugees and Plans Deportation
By Bansari Kamdar
Under the Modi government, India's stance on Rohingya refugees is contrary to a long-standing informal position.
May Deadline Looms for Washington on Exiting the Afghan War
By Catherine Putz
Will it be May? Maybe not.
Central and State Governments in India Wrangle Over Refugees from Myanmar
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
New Delhi has refused to take steps that would antagonize the Tatmadaw following its February 1 putsch. Refugees fleeing Myanmar may well serve as a test for India.
Sri Lanka Discovers Neutrality: Strategy or Excuse?
By Pascal Lottaz and Asanka Prabodani Jayathilake
There are sound domestic and strategic reasons for Colombo to pursue a strategy of neutrality.
Pakistan Army Chief Announces India Policy Shift in Major Speech
By Abhijnan Rej
Speaking at the Islamabad Security Dialogue, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa also provided details about his country’s new geoeconomic pivot.