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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.
As US Mulls Afghan Exit, Activist Sees Long Fight for Women
By Associated Press
The road to justice and equality remains long.
Second, Kinder Acts: The Story of Reena Nachika
By Abhijit Mohanty
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the story of a young Indian Maoist who turned her back on violence – and now champions education instead.
Indian PM to Inaugurate New Bridge Connecting Bangladesh and India
By Abhijnan Rej
This year, marking the 50th independence anniversary of Bangladesh, provides both Dhaka and New Delhi a natural opportunity to bring relations back on track.
The Blinken Letter: A Renewed Push for Afghan Peace, Proposals Both New and Old
By Catherine Putz
Parts of the brief letter have drawn a strong reaction from Afghan leaders, while talks dangle in Doha.
State of Play: Elections in India’s Assam
By Sudha Ramachandran
While forecasts predict the BJP and its allies retaining power, things may not be that simple.
Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s Future Uncertain Following Political Upheaval
By Umair Jamal
Khan will seek a vote of confidence from the parliament after his finance minister was defeated in a Senate election.
Pakistan’s Blasphemy Law Clearly Doesn’t Protect Hinduism
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
The mockery of Hindu deities underscores Pakistan’s Islamist double standard on blasphemy.
Islamic State Claims Killing of 3 Female Media Workers in Afghanistan
By Associated Press
The slayings of the women are part of a larger spike in targeted killings in Afghanistan in the past year.
COVID-19 Threatens to Waste India’s Demographic Dividend
By Mohamed Zeeshan
The impacts of the pandemic on India’s youth threaten to last for years to come, undoing decades of progress on multiple fronts.
Sri Lanka Approves New Port Development With India and Japan
By Associated Press
Weeks after scrapping a deal with India and Japan, Sri Lanka says the pair can develop a different new terminal at Colombo Port.
Billions of US Dollars Wasted in Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
The United States poured billions into building stuff in Afghanistan, but much of it has been unused or abandoned.
India and Pakistan: More of the Same Ahead?
By Ameya Pratap Singh
Whether the February 25 recommitment to a ceasefire by both sides yields lasting peace remains to be seen.