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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.
Under Taliban, Thriving Afghan Music Scene Heads to Silence
By Bernat Armangue
Afghanistan has a strong musical tradition and a thriving pop music scene -- now cowed into silence by the Taliban’s rise.
Does the Afghan Debacle Signal Declining US Influence?
By Niha Dagia
Experts say to maintain influence Washington “will need at a minimum to recognize the Taliban government.”
Taliban Name Deputy Ministers, Double Down on All-Male Team
By Kathy Gannon
The Taliban seek international support as they grapple with the daunting challenges of governing a nation shredded by four decades of conflict. But they aren’t in a rush to give women power.
A Glimpse at What Went Wrong with the Afghan SIV Process
By Catherine Putz
Two June 2020 State OIG reports illustrate some of the long-known, ever-unresolved issues stymieing the Afghan Special Immigrant Visa process.
The BJP is Playing the Communal Card Again
By Tarushi Aswani
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that Muslims are cornering most of the state-subsidized food-grain rations.
India’s Confused Approach to Afghanistan
By Mohamed Zeeshan
New Delhi will need to institutionalize scenario planning in foreign policy making if it is keen to shape global events.
New Zealand Abandons Cricket Tour of Pakistan Over Security Concerns
By Rizwan Ali
New Zealand Cricket called off its first match in Pakistan in 18 years, even though Pakistan’s government insisted that “no security threat of any kind exists.”
Party Politicking Backfires on Nepal’s PM Deuba
By Arun Budhathoki
An ordinance that the Nepali prime minister introduced recently to ease the splitting of parties is proving counterproductive.
With Foreign Funds Frozen, Afghan Aid Groups Stuck in Limbo
By Isabel Debre
Without access to its own or foreign funds, the interim government in Kabul can't even pay the import taxes needed to bring containers of badly needed food from a port in Pakistan.
India’s Family Planning: Moving the Needle from ‘Control’ to ‘Choice’
By Debanjana Choudhuri
India’s family planning program focuses on birth limitation rather than planning, is skewed toward female sterilization, and excludes youth from the conversation.
Afghan Women Footballers Flee to Pakistan
By Niha Dagia
The Afghan National Girls Youth Football team, its coaches, and their families were facing threats from the Taliban.
With Taliban’s Rise, India Sees Renewed Threat in Kashmir
By Aijaz Hussain
The Taliban victory has boosted the hope of anti-India terror groups in the region.