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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.

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May Deadline Looms for Washington on Exiting the Afghan War

May Deadline Looms for Washington on Exiting the Afghan War

By Catherine Putz
Will it be May? Maybe not.
Central and State Governments in India Wrangle Over Refugees from Myanmar

Central and State Governments in India Wrangle Over Refugees from Myanmar

By Rajeev Bhattacharya
New Delhi has refused to take steps that would antagonize the Tatmadaw following its February 1 putsch. Refugees fleeing Myanmar may well serve as a test for India.

Sri Lanka Discovers Neutrality: Strategy or Excuse?

Sri Lanka Discovers Neutrality: Strategy or Excuse?

By Pascal Lottaz and Asanka Prabodani Jayathilake
There are sound domestic and strategic reasons for Colombo to pursue a strategy of neutrality.

Pakistan Army Chief Announces India Policy Shift in Major Speech

Pakistan Army Chief Announces India Policy Shift in Major Speech

By Abhijnan Rej
Speaking at the Islamabad Security Dialogue, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa also provided details about his country’s new geoeconomic pivot.

Russia Hosts Afghan Peace Conference, Hoping to Boost Talks

Russia Hosts Afghan Peace Conference, Hoping to Boost Talks

By Vladimir Isachenkov
In a statement issued after the talks, Russia, the U.S., China, and Pakistan called on the warring parties to reduce the level of violence in the country.
Finding Strategic Autonomy in the Quad: India’s Trial by Fire 

Finding Strategic Autonomy in the Quad: India’s Trial by Fire 

By Monish Tourangbam and Anupama Vijayakumar
In New Delhi’s pursuit of influence in the Indo-Pacific, the flexibility and traction accorded by the practice of strategic autonomy will be its guiding north star.

Can India Mold the Quad for Its Own Gains?

Can India Mold the Quad for Its Own Gains?

By Mohamed Zeeshan
India represents the only developing country that can challenge China in the long run. The Quad must help build India’s strengths.
India Contemplates New Freedom and Democracy Indices After ‘Hypocrisy’ Cries

India Contemplates New Freedom and Democracy Indices After ‘Hypocrisy’ Cries

By Abhijnan Rej
Ironically, India’s performance on many social and political indices has worsened under the watch of a government extremely sensitive to Western criticism.

Afghan Delegation for Moscow Talks Announced

Afghan Delegation for Moscow Talks Announced

By Catherine Putz
Can men who have failed so many times before to secure Afghanistan’s future truly chart a better way forward?

British PM Johnson to Visit India in April Amid Indo-Pacific ‘Tilt’ – And Squabbles

British PM Johnson to Visit India in April Amid Indo-Pacific ‘Tilt’ – And Squabbles

By Abhijnan Rej
In the Johnson government’s mind, Britain’s return to the “east of Suez” must be matched with deeper ties with India. Will domestic politics play spoilsport?

Once Again, Pakistan’s Women’s March Is Targeted With a Vicious Smear Campaign

Once Again, Pakistan’s Women’s March Is Targeted With a Vicious Smear Campaign

By Allia Bukhari
Pakistani women challenging toxic masculinity are being vilified.
For Bangladesh, Life Begins at 50

For Bangladesh, Life Begins at 50

By Subir Bhaumik
The country has repeatedly beat the odds over the last fifty years to emerge as a leader in South Asia across several fronts.

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