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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’s Policy Thinking About Its Security Objectives in Afghanistan Needs Reimagination
By Joy Mitra
It's time for New Delhi to get real about its interest in Afghanistan.
No Strings Attached? How Sri Lanka Can Make the Most of Security Grants
By Natasha Fernando
Strategizing how Colombo can use sorely needed military grants and donations in an evolving security landscape.
Imran Khan Takes on Corruption in Pakistan
By Sabena Siddiqi
A look at new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s opening efforts to confront corruption.
Ahead of Nationwide Polls, Attack in Kandahar Kills Gen. Abdul Raziq
By Catherine Putz
In a bitter irony, Kandahar's top police official was killed just after a meeting about election security.
Aasia Bibi Is a Test Case for Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
The destiny of a Christian woman charged with blasphemy will speak to Pakistan's future.
Can India's New Healthcare Scheme Work?
By K.S. Venkatachalam
The newly launched flagship Health Protection Mission can become a game changer for India’s healthcare services.
The Illusion of Afghanistan's Upcoming Parliamentary Elections
By Nafay Choudhury
Fixing Afghanistan’s broken electoral system requires reforms that alter its fundamental operation.
Zalmay Khalilzad's Mission Impossible With the Taliban
By Harsh V Pant and Vinay Kaura
Zalmay Khalilzad has a tall task ahead of him in talking to the Taliban.
Why Are Afghanistan’s Elections Crucial?
By Noah Coburn
How this week’s parliamentary elections will reshape Afghanistan’s political future.
A Belated Election Crisis? Maldives' Outgoing President Challenges September 2018 Election Results
By Ankit Panda
Abdulla Yameen is making a desperate last-ditch effort to cling to power, despite having conceded defeat.
As Modi Gears Up to See Abe Again, What's Holding Back India-Japan Ties?
By Rupakjyoti Borah
Much work remains ahead for the India-Japan bilateral relationship.
Nepal and the Regional Giants: Geography, Deliverables and Leadership
By Udayan Das
Nepal’s relations with India and China are often seen as a balancing act, it’s more complex.