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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.
After a Year as a Union Territory, Dashed Hopes in Ladakh
By Anwar Ali Tsarpa
Even those who demanded UT status have been disappointed by the reality: less representation, more bureaucracy, and still no jobs.
Afghan Council to Decide Whether Kabul Releases 400 Taliban
By Associated Press
The release of the 400 prisoners is seen as the final hurdle to the start of intra-Afghan negotiations.
Modi Lays Foundation of Hindu Temple at Razed Mosque Site
By Associated Press
India’s prime minister attended the ground-breaking for a controversial temple built on the site of the demolished 16th century Babri mosque.
Why the Nepal Communist Party Must Not Split
By Pradip Adhikari
A split in the NCP would be bad for the factions involved as well as the country writ large.
Rajapaksa Brothers Expect Strong Support in Sri Lanka Polls
By Associated Press
There are at least four Rajapaksa family members contesting seats in the Parliament election scheduled for Wednesday.
Kashmir and the Forgotten History of India’s Princely States
By Sarath Pillai
As far as the princely states are concerned, the history of independent India is full of inviolable safeguards being broken.
29 Dead in Islamic State Attack on Afghan Prison
By Associated Press
Afghan forces retook the prison in Jalalabad 24 hours after the initial attack.
Ram Temple and the Triumph of Sangh Parivar
By Avishek Jha
The groundbreaking on the controversial temple is a testament to the Hindu nationalist movement’s total dominance of society and politics in India.
Will the Galwan Valley Clash Influence India’s Domestic Politics?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
If Bihar is any indication, India’s political scene will not be affected by the recent tensions with China.
What Do US-Iran Talks Mean for Afghanistan?
By Rupert Stone
The U.S. and Iran are talking. That’s good news for Afghanistan.
Women Left Behind: India’s Falling Female Labor Participation
By Bansari Kamdar
India’s female labor force participation is the lowest in South Asia.
Taliban Announce Eid Ceasefire After a Bloody Spring
By Catherine Putz
The next step may very well be intra-Afghan talks, but the Taliban have spent the first half of the year bludgeoning the Afghan security forces.