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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.
4 Reasons Why India Supports the BRICS
By Abhijnan Rej
Observers routinely dismiss the grouping given India-China tensions, and yet it soldiers on. What is at stake for India here?
Power Play, Morality and … a TikTok Ban in Pakistan
By Abhijnan Rej
Islamabad’s decision to ban the popular Chinese app comes amid deepening political turmoil in the country.
No, Fazlur Rehman Cannot Protect Pakistanis’ Democratic Rights
By Umair Jamal
Opposition parties have tapped a right-wing Islamist as the leader of the Pakistan Democratic Movement. That raises serious questions.
Could Bangladesh and Pakistan Make Waves by Cooperating on Climate Change?
By Kashoon Leeza
Cooperation around climate change could also pave way for normalization of relations between both countries.
In a Rare Show of Power, Pakistan Opposition Elites Challenge the Generals
By Daud Khattak
Political temperatures rise in Pakistan as the opposition takes on the military and Imran Khan headlong.
India’s Ruling National Democratic Alliance Is No Longer Quite ‘National’
By Krzysztof Iwanek
India’s ruling party, the BJP, has hardly any alliances worth the name left – but it may manage without it.
China Brazenly Issues Taiwan Guidelines for Indian Media
By Abhijnan Rej
The Chinese Embassy’s diktat left many in India wondering what China seeks to achieve through it.
India Needs a Digital Lawfare Strategy to Counter China
By Arindrajit Basu and Gurshabad Grover
India’s Constitution and legal strictures are rich and should serve as an integral component of India’s strategic toolkit.
Sri Lanka Widens Curfew, Bans Gatherings as Virus Surges
By Associated Press
An outbreak linked to a garment factory has infected more than 1,000 people, the biggest cluster yet in the country.
Pakistan to Keep Top Suspect in Daniel Pearl Murder in Jail, Despite April Acquittal
By Associated Press
The government has opposed Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh's release, despite his acquittal in April, saying it would endanger the public.
India’s Recent UN Victories Are Not Necessarily at China’s Expense
By Arkoprabho Hazra
Beijing’s heft at the U.N. is unlikely to help India’s ambitious multilateral reforms agenda.
Maldives Ex-Vice President Jailed Again for Money Laundering
By Associated Press
Ahmed Adeeb pleaded guilty to all counts in a corruption case that also implicated former President Yameen Abdul Gayoom.