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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.
India’s Modi Says Muslims Have Nothing to Fear With New Law
By Associated Press
The Indian prime minister has sought to assuage concerns over a controversial new citizenship law.
Controversial Hydel Project in India’s Northeast On Way To Completion
By StoriesAsia
Stalled after protests, the dam is on its way to completion now.
Afghan Media Outlets Protest Curtailed Access to Information
By Associated Press
Good laws are in place, but access to information remains a pervasive challenge for Afghanistan.
Where Is the Afghan Peace Deal Now?
By Catherine Putz
Is the United States any closer to settling a long-discussed peace deal with the Taliban? Not really, if comments from top diplomats are anything to go by.
What Kind of Government Do Afghans Want?
By Yaqub Ibrahimi
A political settlement in Afghanistan will require an agreement on regime type: electoral democracy versus emirate. What do the people prefer?
India’s Defense Budget: How to Escape Stagnation?
By Ankit Panda
India’s defense spending is barely keeping up with inflation.
Pakistan Delays Decision on Movie That Offended Islamists
By Associated Press
Pakistani authorities are yet to determine whether to lift a ban on a movie that offended certain hard-line Islamist groups.
Sino-Pakistan Relations Amid the Coronavirus Epidemic
By Eram Ashraf
The coronavirus outbreak revealed the weakest link in China-Pakistan relations: people-to-people ties.
Indian Refugee Policy: From Strategic Ambiguity to Exclusion?
By Bansari Kamdar
India need a domestic refugee law to protect those persecuted, but it does not have to be an exclusionary one.
Has Modi Given Up on South Asian Cooperation?
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Is India’s “neighborhood first” vision foundering?
Top US Commander Sees Increased Iranian Threat in Afghanistan
By Associated Press
Marine Gen. Frank McKenzie says he is seeing a "worrisome trend" of Iranian malign interference in Afghanistan.
Report: SIGAR Notes Record-High Attack Numbers in Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
Enemy-initiated attacks in Afghanistan during the fourth quarter of 2019 were the highest for that quarter in any year going back to 2010.