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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.
The Misunderstood History of Pakistan-US Relations
By Touqir Hussain
Pakistan has sometimes been important to the U.S., sometimes not. Understanding the shifts of the past can help Islamabad plan for the future.
Sticky Bombs Latest Weapon in Afghanistan’s Arsenal of War
By Kathy Gannon
Over the past year, almost every day at least one car has exploded in Kabul -- terrifying residents with a rise in crude sticky bombs.
4 Die in Clashes Set Off by India’s Modi Visiting Bangladesh
By Julhas Alam
Protesters in Chattogram and Dhaka denounced Modi and his visit to Bangladesh, sparking clashes with police and counter-protesters.
Indian PM Modi in Bangladesh for Historic Celebrations
By Abhijnan Rej
On March 26, Bangladesh celebrated its 50th Independence Day as well as the birth centenary of the country’s founding father.
Chief Minister of India’s Uttarakhand Angers Women Over Regressive Comment
By Sudha Ramachandran
Tirath Singh Rawat joins an unfortunately long list of Indian politicians whose needless remarks about women betray their mindset.
Can India’s Carrot and Stick Strategy Decouple its Solar Revolution from China?
By Vibhanshu Shekhar
All else being equal, decoupling with China could affect India’s solar energy commitments.
Why Won’t Pakistan Fully Recognize the 1971 War?
By Asif Muztaba Hassan
Fully recognizing the atrocities committed during the war will be equivalent to acknowledging the Two Nations Theory has failed, a significant blow to Pakistan’s identity.
Tensions Mount Between Afghan Government, Powerful Warlord
By Rahim Faiez
The government has launched an assault in central Maidan Wardak province, vowing to punish the warlord, Abdul Ghani Alipoor, after the defense minister accused his fighters of shooting down a military helicopter.
UN Rights Body Adopt Sri Lanka Resolution in Key Vote
By Abhijnan Rej
India abstained from voting while China voted against the resolution.
In Kabul, Pentagon Chief Speaks of ‘Responsible End’ to War
By Lolita C. Baldor and Rahmin Faiez
With questions swirling about how long U.S. troops will remain in the country, Austin said that "in terms of an end date or setting a specific date for withdrawal, that's the domain of my boss."
Moscow Conference on Afghan Peace: Two Steps Back for Women, One Step Forward for Peace
By Ezzatullah Mehrdad
The one-day conference last week is part of a larger effort by regional powers to make peace between the Afghan government and the Taliban.
India Detains Rohingya Refugees and Plans Deportation
By Bansari Kamdar
Under the Modi government, India's stance on Rohingya refugees is contrary to a long-standing informal position.