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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.
Afghanistan Left out of Global Climate Change Conversation
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Afghanistan under the Taliban was once again shunned from the COP28 climate change conference.
Chittagong Arms Haul in Bangladesh Remains a Riddle
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
An excerpt from the book “ULFA: The Mirage of Dawn” examines the lingering mystery of the biggest arms bust in South Asia.
Crackdown on Bangladesh Nationalist Party Hasn’t Broken its Morale Yet
By Mubashar Hasan
Contrary to the ruling Awami League’s calculation, activists are not leaving the BNP in droves.
How Is Sri Lanka Navigating Its IMF Bailout Program?
By Tharindu Udayanga Kamburawala
Examining Sri Lanka’s approach to fiscal targets and SOE reforms amid continued economic turbulence.
Pakistan’s New Space Policy: Overcoming Historical Challenges and Embracing a New Era
By Zohaib Altaf and Nimra Javed
Economic constraints, political instability, and a lack of technical infrastructure and expertise have long hindered Pakistan’s space efforts.
Why Bangladesh is About to Have a Lopsided Election
By Aaqib Md Shatil
The ruling Awami League has ensured that major opposition parties, especially the BNP, will not be able to contest the election even if they want to.
Major Security Breach in India’s Parliament
By Sudha Ramachandran
The intrusion by two men happened on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 terror attack on Parliament.
US Sanctions 2 Former Afghan Republic Officials For Transnational Corruption
By Catherine Putz
According to U.S. officials, the final speaker of the Afghan Republic's parliament and his son were merrily robbing the country blind with various schemes tied particularly to fuel contracts.
India’s Supreme Court Endorses Government’s Abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s Autonomy
By Sudha Ramachandran
The apex court ruled that both the substance and the procedure adopted by the Narendra Modi government to revoke Article 370 are constitutionally valid.
India and the US Can’t be Partners Without Shared Values
By Mohamed Zeeshan
With India under Modi taking an illiberal turn, analysts in Washington are calling for a transactional, security-focused partnership with India, bereft of shared values.
Rift Between Muizzu and Yameen Injects Fresh Tensions Into Maldives’ Politics
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
The animosity between the two former allies resembles the tensions that arose between former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Solih during the latter’s presidency.
Will Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu Tilt Towards China?
By Nalinie Sharma
He can be expected to adopt a more independent, balanced and diversified foreign policy rather than a pro-China one.