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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.
Kerala and COVID: From Bright Spot to Black Sheep?
By Sudha Ramachandran
The southern Indian state’s pandemic response has faltered in the recent months, despite early successes.
NATO Chief Dismisses Early Pullout of Afghan Troop Trainers
By Associated Press
"Our presence in Afghanistan is conditions based, and Taliban has to meet their commitments," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said.
Fishing in Troubled Waters: The Palk Strait Dispute Flares Up
By Jeevethan Selvachandran
The lack of a well-defined maritime boundary, along with heightened surveillance, is compounding India-Sri Lanka tensions.
India’s Foreign Secretary in Russia to Keep Marriage of Necessity on Track
By Abhijnan Rej
Beyond flowery rhetoric and arms deals, New Delhi has extremely valid reasons to keep relations with Moscow on an even keel.
How India is Trying to Police the Internet
By Mohamed Zeeshan
As the Indian government’s actions during the farmers’ protest demonstrate, it is keen on curbing unfavorable opinion online. And existing laws may be enabling it.
Will Pakistan Come Off the FATF Grey List?
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan may have done enough work to stay on the clear. But that may not be sufficient.
Nepali Women Find Their Freedom of Movement Under Threat
By Harsh Mahaseth and Chitij Karki
A controversial proposal to require women to get permission to travel abroad has reignited a debate on patriarchy in Nepal.
NATO Faces Conundrum as It Mulls Afghan Pullout
By Associated Press
Some say NATO and the U.S. should send a strong message for peace to all sides in Afghanistan's protracted conflict.
Dam Agreement Highlights India’s Soft Power Gambit in Afghanistan
By Priyanjali Simon
Compared to Islamabad, New Delhi has preferred a softer approach towards protecting its interests in Afghanistan.
India and the Quad: 3 Wildcards
By Abhijnan Rej
While New Delhi remains committed to the grouping as of now, the future could bring unpleasant surprises.
Did Iran Carry Out a ‘Surgical Strike’ Inside Pakistan?
By Umair Jamal
A recent news report is unlikely to be accurate, not the least because it goes against established patterns of behavior by both countries.
Disaster Underscores Dam Danger in India’s Uttarakhand
By Sudha Ramachandran
Between climate change effects and multiple hydroelectric power projects, the Himalayan Indian state could face an environmental catastrophe in the future.