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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.
Furious Farmers Are Taking on the Might of the Indian State
By Kavita Chowdhury
The brutal killing of a group of farmers by a BJP minister’s son has galvanized protesting farmers and opposition leaders alike.
Should Nepal Ratify the MCC Nepal Compact?
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
A U.S. grant of $500 million would give the fund-starved Nepali economy a shot in the arm.
Can the Taliban Regime Stay Power?
By Sayeed Iftekhar Ahmed
The dismal fate of the Afghan people is that groups even more extreme than the Taliban are emerging to vie for power.
Taliban Official: At Least 100 Casualties in Afghan Blast
By Samya Kullab and Tameem Akhgar
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast at a mosque packed with Shiites in Kunduz but the Islamic State has long targeted the community.
India Competes for Sri Lanka’s Affections
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
China’s growing footprint in Sri Lanka has been of concern to India.
Pakistan’s Great Expectations of the Taliban
By Umair Jamal
Taliban leaders would not want to appear as Pakistan’s pawns as that would undermine their stature among the rank and file.
Afghanistan Can’t Pay Its Electricity Bills
By Catherine Putz
Afghanistan imports a majority of its electricity supplies, and the bills have not been paid.
Assam Government’s Eviction Drive Kicks Up Controversy
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
The government has promised to relocate those displaced by the eviction drive.
After ‘Love Jihad,’ India’s Muslims are Now Being Accused of ‘Narcotics Jihad’
By Tarushi Aswani
Catholic Bishop Kallarangatt said that "hardcore jihadis" are using drugs to spoil the lives of non-Muslims.
Lessons From Afghanistan’s History: How Not to Fix a Failed State
By Haroun Rahimi
Only a government that has legitimacy in the eyes of most Afghans will be able to govern a unified and peaceful Afghanistan.
US Resumes Afghan Refugee Flights After Measles Shots
By Ben Fox
After a three-week pause in flights due to a small measles outbreak, flights are set to resume to bring Afghans to the U.S.
Should India Accept the Taliban’s Invitation?
By Sudha Ramachandran
Shutting down its educational and capacity building work among Afghans is simply not an option.