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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.
Free Speech Murdered in Maldives
By Aaquib Khan
Voices critical of the government and religious extremism face the threat of abduction -- or worse.
Afghan, Chinese Ministers of Defense Meet in Beijing
By Ankit Panda
The meeting underlines growing military-to-military ties.
10 Years After Benazir Bhutto's Death, What Lies Ahead for the Pakistan People's Party?
By Umair Jamal
Can Benazir Bhutto’s son create bring his mother’s dynamism to the party’s politics?
Elections Might Make Things Worse for Afghanistan
By Abdullah Elham
Upcoming elections, unless reforms are made, will only increase political instability.
How Can India Leverage the Trump National Security Strategy?
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The Trump National Security Strategy document flatters India, but how can New Delhi reap the benefits from the United States?
China Brings Afghanistan and Pakistan Together to Discuss Regional Issues, But Divergences Remain
By Harsh V. Pant
Despite Chinese attempts at mediation, differences between Kabul and Islamabad persist.
Russia's Anti-Drug Crusade in Afghanistan
By Samuel Ramani
Russia, believing U.S. efforts are failing, is stepping up its war on drug trafficking.
Has the Pakistan Army Changed Its India Policy?
By K.S. Venkatachalam
General Qamar Bajwa's comments to the Pakistani Senate raised hope for better India-Pakistan relations.
Explaining India’s UN Vote on Jerusalem
By Shairee Malhotra
India voted in favor of the UNGA resolution on Jerusalem despite its bonhomie with the U.S. and Israel.
Sharp Words From the United States Will Achieve Little in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
It's time for the United States to take note of some realities in Pakistan.
China’s Moment in Nepal: Implications for India
By Harsh V. Pant
Even as Nepal's new leaders appear to pursue closer ties with Beijing, not all is lost for New Delhi.
What Peace in Colombia Teaches Us About War in Afghanistan
By Jamie Shenk and Michael Kugelman
A successful reconciliation process after three decades of excruciating false starts offers some not-so-encouraging lessons for Afghanistan.