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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.
How Land Reform Can Help Reduce Terrorism in Pakistan
By Tim Robustelli
A recent World Bank project in Punjab addressed numerous grievances indirectly contributing to extremism throughout the province.
Why Afghan Peace Negotiations are Imminent
By Hazrat Bahar
The conditions are ripening for talks between the Afghan government, the Taliban, and the United States to begin.
Pakistan's 2018 Election: A Springboard for Radicals With Political Aspirations
By Umair Jamal
Radical groups will make the most of Pakistan's upcoming election.
Thirsty Days Ahead: Pakistan’s Looming Water Crisis
By Muhammad Mohsin Raza
Pakistan is running out of fresh water at an alarming rate.
Who Will Be the Next Leader of the Pakistani Taliban?
By Daud Khattak
With Mullah Fazlullah's death in a drone strike, the TTP will need to pick a new chief.
Why Is Shehbaz Sharif Highlighting India-Pakistan Relations?
By Tridivesh Singh Maini
A look at the political calculus behind the prime minster candidate's recent tweet.
Trump’s Strategy in Afghanistan: The Beginning of an Indefinite End
By Monish Tourangbam and Nandita Palrecha
Nearly a year after the strategy was introduced, the outcomes are inconclusive.
How Can India Reform Its Civil Service?
By Himanil Raina
“It is impossible to run a 21st century economy with a 19th century bureaucracy using 18th century rules.”
Are We Finally Seeing a Breakthrough in Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations?
By Daud Khattak
Recent exchanges, and the involvement of China and the US, hints that this time may be different.
Mapping the Road to Pakistan's Next General Election
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan's upcoming general elections will be a significant moment for the country's still-fragile democracy.
Is Nepal Ready to Become a Developing Country?
By Sudhir Shrestha
As Nepal prepares to leave the least developed country (LDC) category, it needs to manage the impact on its export sector.
India Makes Waves, Courts Central Asia at the SCO Summit
By Harsh V. Pant
India’s substantive engagement with wider Central Asia will be important going forward.