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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.
Afghanistan Plays Turkey's Game, Arrests Teachers Reportedly Linked to Gulen
By Catherine Putz
Kabul seems willing to pay the price to play with Ankara, that price being a few Turkish teachers.
Why Pakistan Is Hyphenating Palestine and Kashmir
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
The rest of the world has long distanced itself from the Islamist struggle in Kashmir – unlike Palestine.
Pakistan's Invisible Health Crisis
By Razeen Ahmed
Non-communicable diseases are a growing issues, although policymakers don't see to realize it.
India, Australia Hold First Two-Plus-Two Foreign and Defense Secretaries Meeting
By Ankit Panda
The meeting signals continuing convergence between New Delhi and Canberra.
What the Russia-India-China Trilateral Meeting Means
By Ankit Panda
Trilateralism between Moscow, Beijing, and New Delhi produces lengthy statements, but divergences remain.
Can Afghanistan Manage to Hold an Election in 2018?
By Catherine Putz
All signs point to "no."
The Challenging Geopolitics of the Port at Chabahar
By Harsh V. Pant
What is the future of the India-backed port at Chabahar in Iran?
Could 3 Young Men Upstage Modi’s 'Development' in Gujarat?
By Priyanka Borpujari
The upcoming assembly elections in Gujarat may be a moment of truth for Narendra Modi and the BJP.
Why Pakistan’s Ruling Party Should Aim For an Early Election
By Umair Jamal
An alleged state led resistance to the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz’s rule can only subside if the party wins a colossal mandate in the next general elections.
Indian Companies to Begin CASA-1000 Construction in Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
Afghan authorities say work should begin in the coming weeks.
The Rafale Acquisition Scandal: A Potential Threat to France-India Defense Relations
By Vasabjit Banerjee and Prashant Hosur
The tortuous Rafale acquisition saga has put a dent in an otherwise robust defense relationship.
Sri Lanka Formally Hands Over Hambantota Port to Chinese Firms on 99-Year Lease
By Ankit Panda
The Sri Lankan government has given assurances that the port will not be used for military ends.