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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.
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.
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia: BFF No More
By Umair Jamal
Bullied by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan is turning toward Iran, Malaysia, and Turkey instead.
India’s Fight Against ‘Copying’ Candidates
By Krzysztof Iwanek
In Indian politics a candidate may get his name, his symbol or party symbol copied by his rivals.
Nepal President Dissolves Parliament in a Move Many Term ‘Unconstitutional’
By Abhijnan Rej
Nepal will hold fresh elections in April and May next year.
How India Aims to Make the Best of Bangladesh’s Independence Anniversary
By Abhijnan Rej
Bangladesh will celebrate its 50th anniversary as an independent country next year. The Modi government has good reasons to celebrate alongside in its run-up.
‘Indian Chronicles’ – a New War of Narratives Between India and Pakistan?
By Hassan Aslam Shad
A new report highlighting India’s disinformation campaign against Pakistan could help rebuild Pakistan’s international image. However, that is a tall order.
US Joint Chiefs Chairman Meets With Taliban on Peace Talks
By Associated Press
Army Gen. Mark A. Milley met with Taliban negotiators in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday and then flew to Kabul.
On Religion and Tolerance, the Modi Government Must Walk the Talk
By Arkoprabho Hazra
A recent speech by an Indian diplomat at the UN unintentionally highlights growing discrepancy between India’s global pronouncements and actions at home.
Taliban Team in Pakistan as Calls Grow for Afghan Ceasefire
By Associated Press
Violence remains high in Afghanistan as negotiators take a break. Talks are expected to resume in early January.
Vandalized iPhone Plant Highlights India’s Torturous Economic Path
By Abhijnan Rej
Under- and overregulation of markets have both introduced their share of problems in the Indian economy.
‘Love Jihad’ and the Crafting of a Bigoted Law in India
By Rahul Machaiah
A new law in Uttar Pradesh seeks to create onerous burdens on inter-faith marriages. It is bound to have long-term negative repercussions.
India’s Out of RCEP: What’s Next for the Country and Free Trade?
By Prachi Priya and Aniruddha Ghosh
India’s foreign trade policy must be aligned to its self-reliance goals. But it also needs to work towards making domestic industries competitive.