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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.
3 Critical Questions After India's Historic 2019 General Elections
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
India's 2019 elections may herald a new political era.
Nepal’s Proposed Media Bill Is a Press Freedom Killer
By Arun Budhathoki
Nepal’s government has put the fourth estate in its crosshairs.
Modi 2.0 Confronts a Challenging Foreign Policy Landscape
By Harsh V. Pant
After celebrating his win, Modi needs to prepare for much work ahead on the foreign policy front.
Why and How Pakistani Christian Girls Are Smuggled to China
By Irfan Yar
The dark side of the two countries’ “iron brotherhood”: human trafficking.
Narendra Modi Wins Again -- What Does That Mean for India?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
This time, Narendra Modi was the issue. And the electorate has issued him a fresh mandate.
An Aspirational India Places Its Faith in Modi Once Again
By Harsh V. Pant
Narendra Modi has much work ahead.
How India’s Liberal Media Facilitated Narendra Modi’s Reelection Sweep
By Vishal Arora
The Indian media’s coverage of the elections played into the BJP’s hands.
The Domestic Dividends of Modi’s Look West Policy
By Chirayu Thakkar
Modi broke with BJP precedent to pursue Arab states. The foreign policy rationale is obvious, but there's a domestic political logic as well.
Pakistan’s Economy Remains Imran Khan’s Biggest Challenge
By Umair Jamal
The task of effectively managing the economy is going to be the government’s biggest political challenge in the coming months.
India’s Marathon Election Ends, Vote Counting to Begin Thursday
By Juhas Alam and Ashok Sharma
Turnout remained high at 64.9 percent.
China-India Border Talks Remain Difficult Amid Map Burning Controversy
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Will China’s burning of maps stymie bilateral efforts?
Trust, Naivety, and Negotiating With the Afghan Taliban
By Kambaiz Rafi
Not talking to the Taliban is counterproductive, but going too far is naïve.