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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 and Iran: A Sanctioned Waiver Amid a Wave of Sanctions
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Partial exclusion from US sanctions gives India reasons to sigh with relief, but not to cheer.
After Khan's Visit, Pakistan Doubles Down on China Dependence
By Tridivesh Singh Maini
Imran Khan's visit to China shows Pakistan remains dependent on its patron -- and will for the foreseeable future.
Iran’s Chabahar Port Scores an India- and Afghanistan-Inspired Sanctions Exemption
By Catherine Putz
Given the port’s importance to India and Afghanistan, the U.S. has reportedly carved out a sanctions exception for Chabahar.
The ‘Father of the Taliban’ Is Dead. What Does That Mean for the Afghan Peace Process?
By Irfan Yar
How will Maulana Sami-ul-Haq’s murder impact the Afghan peace process?
Nepal’s Emergence as a Cricketing Nation: Challenges Ahead
By Arun Budhathoki
Nepal marches ahead as a cricketing nation, but challenges remain.
Bangladesh and Myanmar Announce Pending Rohingya Repatriation
By Bansari Kamdar
Despite UN warnings, the two countries announced that the repatriation of Rohingya refugees would take place in mid-November.
Bhutan: The Mental State of the Happy Kingdom
By Namgay Zam
In Bhutan, mental illness continues to be stigmatized and there is barely a national conversation on the issue.
Greater Than the State Itself: Pakistan’s Everyday Extremists Take On Its Institutions
By Umair Jamal
The case of Aasia Bibi should be a wake-up call to Pakistan’s ruling elite.
Can BIMSTEC Finally Become Relevant?
By Nazia Hussain
After 20-plus years, the subregional grouping is having a moment. Will that momentum last?
SIGAR's Advice on Afghanistan Advisers: Please Track and Train
By Catherine Putz
The Pentagon doesn't know how well its advisors are advising in part because it keeps moving the goalposts.
Powering the Powerless in Pakistan
By Muhammad Salar Khan
A roadmap to finally solving Pakistan’s energy crisis through “energy productivity.”
Celebrating 25 Years of the Panchayati Raj in India
By Martand Jha
The 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments brought governance to the local level.