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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’s Opposition Holds Rally in Multan Day After Arrests
By Associated Press
Hundreds of activists were arrested a day ahead of the opposition rally, which went ahead despite a government ban.
Colombo Hosts India-Maldives-Sri Lanka Maritime Security NSA Trilateral Meeting
By Abhijnan Rej
Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval’s history with the island nation and the Rajapaksa brothers is worth keeping in mind.
Unfazed Indian Farmers Continue Protest Against New Laws
By Associated Press
In September, India passed new laws that some farmers term unfair and against their interests.
Infighting in Pakistan’s Right-Wing TLP Following Death of Leader
By Umair Jamal
Pir Afzal Qadri, a prominent figure in the Tehreek-e-Labbaik, has challenged Khadim Rizvi’s son anointment as party leader.
Political Infighting in Nepal Reaches Alarming Levels Alongside High-Level Foreign Visits
By Sudha Ramachandran
While the Oli-Dahal fight has reached a critical point, Oli’s government continues to engage India and China as both jostle for influence in the Himalayan nation.
EU, Other Donors Step up With Funds to Help Afghanistan
By Associated Press
The final tally could amount to over $12 billion over four years, a drop from the $15 billion pledged back in 2016.
India’s Protectionism Might Hinder Its Economic Growth — and Affect Global Partnerships
By Aparna Pande
India’s growth and global heft crucially depends on its economic openness and willingness to provide a level playing field to foreign companies.
Indian Foreign Secretary Heads to Nepal as Relations Show Signs of Thaw
By Abhijnan Rej
India-Nepal relations have nosedived since May when India inaugurated a new road that, according to Nepal, passes through its territory.
Banning Fireworks on Diwali: A Window Into Money and Politics in India
By Prashant Waikar
What looks like an eminently sensible decision, given the extremely polluting effects of fireworks, has become a politically contentious issue.
Radical Leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi is Dead – But His Ideology Will Live On in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
Leader of a right-wing party with pull, Rizvi’s death will not diminish extremist politics in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Khan on ‘Historic’ First Visit to Afghanistan
By Associated Press
The uneasy neighbors are trying to turn the corner from a relationship marked by suspicion and downright hostility toward a partnership for peace in the region.
How Arnab Goswami Came to Embody Everything that Ails Indian Media
By Priyam Marik
The fire-breathing television anchor’s arrest and release earlier this month throws spotlight on the unhealthy nexus between politicians and journalists in India.