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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 Growing Role in the Middle East
By Rachel Brandenburg and Bharath Gopalaswamy
A recent agreement to allow an Indian airline to run flights to Israel through Saudi airspace illustrates Delhi’s increasing clout.
The Trump Administration’s New Afghan Problem: The Islamic State
By Sudha Ratan
The Islamic State’s South Asia branch complicates regional efforts to move Afghanistan toward peace.
Explaining the Origins of Conservative Pakistani Criticisms of Malala Yousafzai
By Umair Jamal
Why does Pakistan’s mainstream love to hate Malala?
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: The Uyghur Challenge and the Chinese Security Model
By Veena Ramachandran
As neither China nor Pakistan could afford the failure of the CPEC, local mistrust should be a serious concern.
Could a Plastic Ban Revivify India's Urban Marine Environments?
By Priyanka Borpujari
Newly hatched sea turtles give Mumbai a glimpse of what might be possible with a plastic ban.
The Problem With ‘Study In India’
By Swaptik Chowdhury
As it struggles with racism and education quality, India is not ready to attract a wave of foreign students.
Has India’s Plan to Build a Military Base in Seychelles Stalled?
By Abhishek Mishra
The 2015 Assumption Island agreement between India and the Seychelles has progressed slowly, amid heated debate in the island nation.
The Hard Limits of Pakistan's Media Freedom
By Daud Khattak
Self-censorship out of fear might explain a near media blackout on reporting widespread Pashtun protests.
Squeezing Pakistan For Results in Afghanistan
By Umair Jamal
Washington needs to give the dialogue process a chance in Afghanistan.
What National Security Advisor John Bolton Means for India
By Tridivesh Singh Maini
Bolton's stance on Pakistan won't bother India, but his approach to Iran is deeply concerning.
Is Russia Arming the Taliban?
By Catherine Putz
There’s no proverbial smoking Kalashnikov, but American officials continue to suggest Russia is arming the Taliban.
Talking to the Taliban: The Trump Edition
By Sudha Ratan
Why talk to the Taliban now?