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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.
Sheikh Hasina’s Exit Renews Concerns of India-Pakistan Conflict in Bangladesh
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan wants to capitalize on regime change in Bangladesh to revive its bilateral relationship and reposition itself to push back against India's influence.
Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus Arrives in Bangladesh to Take Over as Interim Leader
By Julhas Alam
Yunus congratulated the student protesters, saying they had made “our second Victory Day possible,” and he appealed to them and other stakeholders to remain peaceful: “Violence is our enemy.”
How Taliban Rule Has Reshaped Higher Education in Afghanistan
By Abdul Aziz Mohibbi and Noah Coburn
Taliban policies toward higher education are not just about separating men and women, but about remaking Afghan society.
Modi 3.0: Continuity in Policy and Prejudice
By Muqtedar Khan
Some expected that a weakened Modi would be chastened. But it seems things are back to business as usual.
PM Modi’s Legislative Bid to Silence Digital and Social Media Critics
By Kavita Chowdhury
There are concerns that the government wants to exercise control over what individuals tweet or write on platforms like X.
After Awami League Government Falls, Anti-BNP Hashtags Flood Social Media in Bangladesh
By Saqlain Rizve
The BNP’s bid for power in a post-Hasina Bangladesh is not being welcomed with open arms, as many protesters see “no difference” between the rival political parties.
Chinese Dam Construction In Afghanistan: Implications for Pakistan
By Aarish U. Khan
Pakistan has long been concerned about dams on transboundary rivers in Afghanistan, but China’s involvement creates an opportunity for regional cooperation.
Post-Hasina Bangladesh’s Multiple Challenges
By Nordine Drici
The interim government must focus on healing the wounds of direct and indirect victims of the ousted regime.
New Delhi’s Concerns Mount With Sheikh Hasina’s Exit
By Nalinie Sharma
While securing its border, India must maintain a low profile. Anything else will be construed as interference in Bangladesh’s affairs.
After Hasina’s Departure, Bangladesh’s Once-Ruling Awami League Stares at Political Bankruptcy
By Jannatul Naym Pieal
With public anger at a fever pitch and a leadership vacuum at the top, the AL’s future is in serious doubt.
Unrest Grows in Balochistan as Protesters Assert Baloch Ownership of Gwadar
By Samand Muhammad Shahi
Rallies, demonstrations, sit-ins, and protests are ongoing in various parts of Balochistan despite crackdowns by the government.
After Toppling Hasina, Protesters Want Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus to Lead Bangladesh
By Julhas Alam
A longtime opponent of Hasina, Yunus was accused of corruption by her government and tried on charges he said were motivated by vengeance.