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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.
Pulwama, Balakot, and Azhar Underscore India’s China Conundrum
By Harsh V. Pant
China’s position on Pakistan and India should no longer surprise anyone in India.
India Needs to Keep the Indus Waters Treaty Intact
By Sayanangshu Modak
The long-standing water-sharing agreement should not be a soft target for punitive action.
Sri Lanka Will Get a $3.9 Billion Refinery Next to China-Run Hambantota Port
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
Sri Lanka's export earnings may rise as much as $7 billion because of the refinery.
What Message Does the Latest India-Pakistan Crisis Send to Militants in Kashmir?
By Basharat Ali
The recent crisis in Kashmir sent a message to local militants about the kinds of violence that work.
Understanding the Latest India-Pakistan Meeting on the Kartarpur Corridor
By Umair Jamal
Can the Kartarpur corridor become a source of meaningful dialogue between India and Pakistan?
The Origins of Hindu-Muslim Conflict in South Asia
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
What are the historical origins of animosities between South Asia’s two largest religions?
Forget Cricket Diplomacy. The Game Is a Casualty of India-Pakistan Tensions
By Udayan Das
As tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, cricket has become an instrument of state policy.
Testing Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ‘Independent’ Mind
By Daud Khattak
Khan rode a reputation for independence into office, but can he break from the constraints that hamstrung his predecessors?
India Deploys the Army to Check Rebel, Refugee Influx From Myanmar
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
The Indo-Myanmar borderlands heat up once again.
What Did the Latest US-Taliban Talks Accomplish?
By Kathy Gannon
After marathon talks, many questions about Afghanistan’s future remain unanswered.
Can India Use Boycotts to Pressure China on Terror?
By Uday Khanapurkar
Ultimately, an Indian boycott of Chinese imports is neither feasible, nor effective, nor efficient.
Time for the US to Stop Ignoring Bangladesh
By Arafat Kabir
Neglecting Bangladesh is not going to help rebuild the country’s democracy.