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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.
Incomplete Kaladan Project May Delay India-Myanmar Connectivity Plans
By StoriesAsia
The COVID-19 pandemic has added to existing challenges when it comes to timely completion of a key Indian connectivity initiative.
How a Nepalese Immigrant in Chicago Became a Voice for the Bullied
By StoriesAsia
Nikesh Thapaliya transformed his painful experiences with bullying into a voice to support Americans who have similar experiences
Why Is India Silent on China’s Human Rights Record at the UN?
By Arkoprabho Hazra
New Delhi’s domestic compulsions shouldn’t prevent it from taking a harsher line on China’s human rights abuses.
Sri Lanka Will Soon Have to Pick a Side in the China-US Rivalry
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Colombo has been trying its utmost to balance the great powers, but that may no longer be feasible.
Sri Lanka’s Changing Relationship to Chinese Loans
By Umesh Moramudali
Both the share and the type of loans from China are changing as Sri Lanka wrestles with persistent balance of payment issues.
South Asia Has a New Economic Leader. Will the World Take Note?
By Ashfaq Zaman
COVID-19 has made Bangladesh richer per capita than India. Will diplomatic partners shift their strategies as a result?
Agree to Disagree? US, Taliban Trade Barbs Over Continuing Violence
By Catherine Putz
The Taliban and U.S. clearly have different understandings of the deal they signed in February.
Pakistan’s Former Prime Minister Takes the Generals Head on Amid Growing Confrontation
By Daud Khattak
The Pakistan army finds itself in a dilemma when it comes to continuing supporting the Imran Khan government.
Pakistan Remains in the UN Terror Financing Grey Zone
By Husain Haqqani
Pakistan has failed in letter and spirit to disrupt and dismantle terrorist financial infrastructure despite repeated warnings.
Amid Rising Big Power Tensions, Nepal Seeks a New Foreign Policy
By Kamal Dev Bhattarai
Kathmandu will have to balance Beijing, New Delhi, and Washington as it seeks a new way forward to advance national interest.
Upcoming Festivities in India Could Create a New COVID-19 Challenge
By Sudha Ramachandran
India seems to be on the mend when it comes to the pandemic. But that could change soon.
Afghans Say Preventing the Next War as Vital as Ending This One
By Associated Press
Even if an intra-Afghan deal is reached, many Afghans fear that the country's many factions will fight for power if U.S. and NATO troops leave.