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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.
Pakistan Acknowledges Indian Role in Afghanistan
By Samuel Ramani
Indian analysts, however, remain divided on the sincerity and reasons for Islamabad’s sudden flip-flop.
Afghan Peace Talks Make More Slow Progress
By Daud Khattak
For the “first time I feel optimistic while following these talks,” one observer says.
Large US Troop Pullout Planned in Afghanistan
By Lolita C. Baldor
Officials say U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed the Pentagon to draw up plans to pull out of Afghanistan.
Taking Stock of Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Efforts, 4 Years After the Army Public School Attack
By Umair Jamal
Just how far have things improved in the last four years?
Nepal Finally Looks Beyond India and China
By Kamal Dev Bhattarai
The Oli government is taking long-overdue steps to broaden Nepal's foreign policy horizons.
India Continues to Play Safe With Myanmar Over the Rohingya Issue
By Angshuman Choudhury
By sidelining Myanmar military abuses, India is failing to uphold a values-centered foreign policy.
Road to 2019: India’s Two Main Parties Converge
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
India’s way forward will be a symbiotic endeavor between its two main parties, who are often antagonistic toward each other.
Pakistan Scores a Rare Diplomatic Victory on Kashmir
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
The OIC condemning ‘Indian terrorism’ in Kashmir is a diplomatic triumph for Pakistan.
Talking With the Enemy: Why India Needs to Engage the Taliban
By Pratyush Dubey
The Taliban will be a legitimate party in any eventual peace deal. Time for India to accept reality and start talking.
India, Maldives Recalibrate Their Bilateral Relationship With Modi-Solih Summit
By Ankit Panda
In New Delhi, the Maldives’ new president pledges to implement an ”India first” foreign policy.
Attack on Opposition Leader’s Motorcade Adds to Pre-Election Violence in Bangladesh
By Julhas Alam
The Jatiya Oikya Front accused supporters of the ruling Awami League of being behind the attack.
India's Nuanced Middle East Policy
By Harsh V. Pant
The Modi government's recalibration of India's Middle East policy goes underappreciated.