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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.
Pakistani Opposition’s Criticism of the Military Continues
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan Democratic Movement leader Fazlur Rehman’s potshot at the army shows the opposition remains emboldened.
The Taliban’s Difficult Pledge
By Obaidullah Baheer
Even if it wanted to, could the Taliban ever really cut ties with and oppose al-Qaida?
US Afghan Envoy Khalilzad Defends Biden Withdrawal Plan
By Catherine Putz
In a hearing called by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee this week, Khalilzad reiterated the rationale for the administration’s decision to exit Afghanistan.
India Grieves 200,000 Dead, With Likely Many More Uncounted
By Sheikh Saaliq, Krutika Pathi, and Aniruddha Ghoshal
Information about where people were getting infected and dying could have helped India better prepare for the current surge, an expert noted.
Pakistan Army to Enforce Pandemic Protocols
By Niha Dagia
But is it really a good idea to expose the armed forces to a deadly virus when the country is seeing a surge in terrorism?
US Aids India’s Vaccine Efforts – Cleverly
By Abhijnan Rej
Following a week of outrage, the U.S. stepped up its game in helping India beat a disastrous second COVID-19 wave. But questions persist about how it seeks to do so.
India’s Public Health Collapse Is a Ticking Time Bomb for the Whole Region
By Atif Choudhury
The failure of the Modi government may spell disaster for the COVID-19 recovery of India’s neighbors.
West Bengal Elections: What’s in It for Bangladesh?
By Asif Muztaba Hassan
A BJP win in West Bengal in the ongoing state elections could complicate Bangladesh-India relations even further.
Indian Hospitals Plead for Oxygen as Country Sets Virus Record
By Neha Mehrotra and Ashok Sharma
Indian hospitals, especially in major cities, are running dangerously low on the oxygen needed to care for COVID-19 patients.
Remembering Bishop Rayappu Joseph: A Tireless Campaigner for Justice in Sri Lanka
By Jeevethan Selvachandran
Bishop Joseph spent his life advocating for peace and justice for Sri Lanka’s Tamils.
Illegal Areca Nut Trade Triggers High-Level Probe in India
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
The cross-border smuggling trade is alleged to high backing from politicians, especially in Assam.
India Needs Targeted COVID-19 Lockdowns
By Bansari Kamdar and Javaid Iqbal
With lengthy blanket lockdowns economically and politically impossible, to save lives India needs urgent action.