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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.
Pakistan Arrests 24 People Over Demolishing of Hindu Temple
By Associated Press
A Hindu temple was set on fire and demolished by a mob led by supporters of a radical Islamist party.
Month On, Women Hold the Fort at India Farmer Protests
By Associated Press
Nearly 75 percent of rural women in India who work full-time are farmers.
Kashmir’s Political Alliance Scores Victory in Local Elections
By Sudha Ramachandran
Kashmir used the elections to send a political message to the Modi government: Autonomy must be restored. Will New Delhi heed that message?
Thousands Demand Ouster of Nepal Leader as Party Feud Grows
By Associated Press
Prime Minister K.P. Oli's controversial decision to dismiss Parliament cracked open a rift within the ruling Nepal Communist Party.
Thinking More Deeply About Human Development in Afghanistan
By Lutfi Rahimi
Development has to be assessed by more than just GDP growth.
RSS vs RCEP: Explaining Hindu Nationalists’ Opposition to RCEP
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The wide array of Indian groups opposing RCEP included the Hindu nationalist organization behind the ruling party.
Why Are Pakistani Leaders Revealing Their Secret Visits to Israel Now?
By Umair Jamal
Pakistanis love to hate Israel, but their state has had relations with the country for decades.
India-Vietnam Virtual Summit Strengthens Partnership
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
The strategic necessity of dealing with an aggressive China brings India and Vietnam closer together.
India’s New Farm Laws: Reform, Resistance, and the Road to Reconciliation
By Kriti Upadhyaya
The new agricultural reforms are a necessity for Indian farmers; the Modi government, however, must do more to allay their fears.
Bhutan: India First, But Not India Alone?
By Prin Shasiharan
While slowly diversifying its basket of economic and diplomatic relationships, Bhutan continues to remain a steadfast Indian ally.
Suspicious Death of Baloch Activist in Toronto Raises Uncomfortable Questions for Pakistan
By Abhijnan Rej
Karima Mehrab was outspoken in her criticism of Pakistan’s powerful military.
Bangladesh’s Dangerous Islamist Appeasement – And What It Portends
By Manas Nag
Left unchecked and periodically molly-coddled, Bangladesh’s Islamist parties could spell havoc for its democracy.