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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.
Afghanistan and Pakistan’s Looming Water Conflict
By Waleed Majidyar
For Afghanistan, the Kabul River is far more than a tool of coercive diplomacy against Pakistan.
The Problem With India’s Major Political Parties
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Do “big tent” politics hinder the efficacy of national political parties in India?
Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court: Dissolution of Parliament Unconstitutional
By Krishan Francis
The ongoing political crisis takes another twist.
Understanding India’s Political Evolution
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Recent assembly election results speak to the enduring strength of India’s democracy.
Reserve Bank of India Governor's Resignation Spotlights the Modi Government’s Economic Mismanagement
By Ankit Panda
From demonetization to GST to its relations with the RBI, the Modi government has an economic management problem.
In Afghanistan, a Rushed Peace Will Be a Short Peace
By Mohammad Shoaib Haidary
Afghans remain divided on the possibility of peace, and strongly fearful of the Taliban.
Stirred, Not Shaken: Making Sense of the BJP's Performance in India's Latest Assembly Elections
By Krzysztof Iwanek
The BJP lost 3 important states, but it still remains the main contender for 2019’s national polls.
Press Freedom Under Siege in Pakistan: Where to Next?
By Hannan R. Hussain
Jibran Nasir on forced disappearances, press freedom, and Pakistan’s foreign policy.
The Asia-Pacific Summit 2018 and Civic Dissent in Nepal
By Arun Budhathoki
Nepal’s communist government grapples with civic dissent.
How the British Ascended in India 200 Years Ago
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The British didn't come to South Asia and immediately become the predominant power.
India’s Miracle Train: A Journey Like None Other
By Amruta Khandekar
The world’s first hospital-on-rails has certainly been a monumental source of inspiration.
How the Pakistani State Cracked Down on Tehreek-e-Labbaik
By Umair Jamal
How was Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) rounded up by the Pakistani state?