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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.
Pakistan Expands Surveillance Powers Yet Again in the Name of ‘National Security’
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The pervasive atmosphere of being surveilled is likely to increase.
Nepal Is Hardly China’s Best Bet in the Himalayas
By Saroj Aryal and Jagannath Panda
Beijing has the upper hand for now, but will New Delhi win the long game?
Taliban Government Severs Ties With 14 Afghan Diplomatic Missions
By Catherine Putz
Unable to find ways to engage with embassies still controlled by representatives of the erstwhile Republic, the Taliban government has resorted to cutting ties, saying it won't accept documents issued by such missions.
A Majority of Bangladeshi Netizens Show Red Card to Government’s Mourning Decision
By Saqlain Rizve
The streets are returning to normalcy. However, the internet is flooded with anti-government sentiment among all classes of people.
Skyrocketing Power Bills Draw Protests Near Pakistan’s Capital
By Munir Ahmed
The increases in power tariffs were needed to meet conditions set by the IMF for a $7 billion loan deal made earlier this month.
What a Harris or Trump Presidency Could Mean for Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
While a Trump presidency could complicate matters for Pakistan, Harris’ approach could offer openings for continued security cooperation and fiscal support.
Landslides Caused by Heavy Rains Kill 93, Bury Many Others in Southern India
By Sheikh Saaliq
The landslides hit hilly areas in Kerala state’s Wayanad district early Tuesday, flattening houses, uprooting trees, and destroying bridges.
Has the Araniko Highway in Nepal Become Less Important to China?
By Sudha Ramachandran
Beijing has delayed delivering funds to Nepal for upgradation of the highway, prompting the latter to self-fund the project.
What Happened at the ‘Bangla-Blockade’ Quota Reform Protests in Bangladesh?
By Harindrini Corea and Nazia Erum
There is ample evidence of Bangladeshi authorities committing serious human rights violations with impunity during the recent protests.
Assam’s Forest Cover Shrinks as Its Government Flouts Indian Environmental Norms
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Despite interventions by courts and green tribunals, the government persists in diverting forest land for commercial and other activities.
‘Digital Terrorism’: A Label to Stifle Pakistan’s Political Opposition?
By Abdul Basit
Labeling political actors like the PTI as "digital terrorists" will weaken Pakistan’s democracy and undermine the state’s efforts to fight lethal terrorists like the TTP.
Can India Rise Without South Asia?
By Chietigj Bajpaee
India will need to renew its regional engagement as it seeks to fulfill its global aspirations.