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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.
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.
US Vice President Pence Makes Surprise Trip to Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
The long war is still on.
The Geopolitics of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor
By Shoaib Ahmad Rahim
The Lapis Lazuli project will advance the geopolitical aspirations of the member countries -- and the US.
India's Neighborhood-First Diplomacy Coming Apart at the Seams
By Surajkumar Thube
Despite a concerted push, India is losing ground to China in its own backyard.
Why Is Sri Lanka Defying the United Nations?
By Ana Pararajasingham
Sri Lanka’s strategy of defiance, denial, and delay might be designed to evade the charge of genocide.
Gujarat Elections: A Warning for the BJP
By K.S. Venkatachalam
Is the election result in the Indian state of Gujarat a sign of things to come?
As Climate Change Threatens Agricultural Sector, India Must Craft New Policies
By Aman Thakker
India must outline more effective policies to mitigate the growing risk from climate change on the agricultural sector.
Reviewing Pakistan’s Anti-Terror Fight, 3 Years After the Peshawar School Attack
By Daud Khattak
Why is the world reluctant to recognize Pakistan’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism? The APS attack and its aftermath serve as a test case.
Can Pakistan Pursue an Independent Foreign Policy?
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan cannot follow an independent foreign policy unless the country’s ruling elite makes changes domestically.
ASEAN and India Converge on Connectivity
By Suyash Desai
The ASEAN-India Connectivity Summit is the latest step in furthering physical ties between India and Southeast Asia.
What Caused the Left Alliance’s Landslide Victory in Nepal?
By Kamal Dev Bhattarai
The huge victory was not a surprise for those following Nepali politics.