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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.
Amid US Pullout, Taliban Issue Threat to Afghan Journalists
By Kathy Gannon and Tameem Akhgar
The Taliban warned journalists to stop giving “one-sided news in support of Afghanistan's intelligence" service or "face the consequences."
Staunch Anti-India Kashmir Politician Dies in Police Custody
By Aijaz Hussain
Mohammed Ashraf Sehrai had been in jail for nearly a year under the Public Safety Act.
Pandemic Second Wave Presents a Moment of Reckoning for Modi – and Indian Politics
By Asim Ali
While the BJP’s defeat in the West Bengal elections hardly marks a referendum against Modi, rising middle class anger could indeed reverse his fortunes.
Violence Remains High in Afghanistan as US Withdrawal Begins
By Catherine Putz
Since the U.S.-Taliban peace deal, Afghan casualties -- both military and civilian -- have soared. That bodes ill for the future.
Virus Second Wave Sweeps Away Modi’s House of Cards
By Abhimanyu Chandra
For the past seven years, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has privileged optics over substance. That strategy has now spectacularly failed.
More Than News: Newsletters on Indian Politics Grow Under Lockdown
By Krzysztof Iwanek
A shortlist of the best newsletters on Indian politics.
Afghanistan Fears Impending COVID-19 Crisis
By Ezzatullah Mehrdad
The rise of COVID-19 cases coupled with health missteps in the war-torn country spread fear of a tragedy amid a raging war.
Rural India Likely To Be Hit by India’s COVID-19 Tsunami
By Sudha Ramachandran
Massive state elections rallies and religious festivals are likely to bring the disease home for many living in rural India.
Indian Leader’s Party Takes Electoral Hit Amid Virus Surge
By Ashok Sharma
Meanwhile, health experts say the massive electoral rallies have fueled India's terrifying COVID-19 outbreak.
Western Amnesia and the Trauma of Taliban Rule
By Lauryn Oates
By all available evidence, the Taliban remain a group of militants whose primary driver is the imposition of their extremist ideology.
How Can Foreigners Help India Breathe?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
A massive wave of COVID-19 cases in India caused a dire need for medical oxygen equipment. Here are some ways you can help.
Young Afghan Women, Grown Up Without Taliban, Dread Their Return
By Kathy Gannon
“With the return of the Taliban, society will be transformed and ruined… Women will be sent into hiding.”