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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.
Growing Trans-Atlantic Rift on Russia Complicates EU Outreach to India
By Chietigj Bajpaee
Despite a Western consensus on engaging New Delhi, the reality is there is a growing trans-Atlantic split on India.
Bandit Rule: Pakistan’s Burning Domestic Security Issue
By Muhammad Murad
It’s not just terrorism and militancy – criminal gangs are a serious problem in parts of Sindh and Punjab.
India Could Put Chabahar on Slow Burner as IMEC Gathers Pace
By Elizabeth Roche
Abandoning this port project is not a preferred option for India as its Central Asia ambitions depend on trade via this Iranian port.
Iron and the Archeological Battle Between North and South India
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Iron implements found in Tamil Nadu indicate that the Iron Age began here 5,300 years ago. Politicizing this fact does a disservice to archeology and the quest for truth.
Saudi Arabia Emerges a Reliable Partner to Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
However, Pakistani domestic politics and propaganda campaigns could weaken the bond.
How Afghanistan Can Benefit from China’s Investments
By Hamayun Khan and Nasrat Sayed
A strategic relationship with China could end Afghanistan’s isolation through economic cooperation and ensure stability through strategic engagement.
The Fraying of the Taliban’s Counternarcotics Efforts
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Tracing the ebbs and flows of Afghanistan’s narco-economy, which reflects shifting Taliban priorities and global conditions.
Hindi Film ‘Mrs’ Shakes up the Myth of Blissfully Married Indian Women
By Kavita Chowdhury
The movie has conservatives and men’s groups up in arms.
Modi Government’s Language Policy Reignites Old Conflict in Southern India
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The Hindu nationalists’ aim to make Hindi India’s “connecting language” hits an old roadblock.
Implications of TTP-Hafiz Gul Bahadur Group Competition for Pakistan’s Internal Security
By Abdul Basit
So far, these groups have not clashed violently. This could change, leading to their weakening.
Alleged Death by Suicide of Nepali Student in India Triggers Protests
By Birat Anupam
Swift action by Indian and Nepali authorities at various levels has served to put a lid on the surge of anti-India sentiment in Nepal. A diplomatic crisis too was averted.
The Taliban’s Struggle for Legitimacy
By Islomkhon Gafarov
After more than three years in power, the Taliban have struggled to gain recognition for a host of reasons.