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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.
Trump’s ‘Namaste Trump’ Speech in India: First Takeaways
By Ankit Panda
The U.S. president stayed positive and on message, keeping the U.S.-India relationship on track.
Sedition Laws and Their Post-Colonial Legacy in India and Pakistan
By Bansari Kamdar
The legacy of colonial-era sedition laws weighs heavily on both India and Pakistan.
The UN Secretary General’s Visit to Islamabad Boosts the PTI’s Fortunes
By Hamzah Rifaat Hussain
Antonio Guterres’ visit to Pakistan upped the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf’s domestic credentials.
Political Reform Urgently Needed in Afghanistan
By Jennifer Brick Murtazashvili and Mohammad Qadam Shah
Without reform of its centralized political system, Afghanistan will remain mired in factionalism and civil conflict.
US, Taliban to Begin Countdown to Afghan Peace Deal
By Associated Press
There are many uncertainties as an apparent deal is set for settlement this month.
Afghanistan: Ghani-Abdullah Row May Thwart the Prospect of Peace
By Daud Khattak
Even as a U.S.-Taliban peace deal is announced, Kabul is in the grips of a political crisis.
Iranians Vote in Parliamentary Elections That Favor Conservatives
By Associated Press
Initial results will be reported on Saturday.
Rape, Caste, Double Standards, and India’s Middle Class
By StoriesAsia
Does India's middle class only empathize with victims who are ‘like’ them?
Strengthening Myanmar-Sri Lanka Bilateral Relations: A Primer
By Nathasha Fernando
From shared security concerns to their struggles with great power rivalries, Myanmar and Sri Lanka have a lot in common.
Ghani’s Rivals Reject Election Result
By Catherine Putz
A winner has been declared in the Afghan election, but the losers are crying foul.
Indian Police Open Case Against Kashmir Social Media Users
By Associated Press
Indian authorities are cracking down on the use of virtual private networks.
It’s Official: Afghanistan Election Commission Says President Ghani Wins 2nd Term
By Associated Press
Over four months after voting on the next president, Afghanistan finally has declared a winner.