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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.
Russia Hosts Taliban for Talks on Regional Threats and Says It Will Keep Funding Afghanistan
By Associated Press
The talks in the Russian city of Kazan came as Moscow is trying to maintain its influence in Central Asia even as it wages war on Ukraine.
Myths and Realities of ‘Gender Apartheid’ in Afghanistan Under the Taliban
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Can U.N. efforts ever work to reverse the policies of the Taliban?
Dozens Dead in Bomb Attack in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province
By Abdul Sattar
The bomb ripped through a crowd of 500 people who had gathered at a mosque for a procession to celebrate the Prophet’s birthday.
Wind Is Back in the Sails of India’s Congress Party
By Kavita Chowdhury
Over the past decade, the party seemed like a rudderless ship. That has changed. There is a new-found aggression in the party.
China Seeks Reassurance From Visiting Nepali PM Dahal on Taiwan and Tibet Issues
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The two sides will strengthen cooperation between their domestic security agencies.
Tibet, BRI Top Agenda During Nepali PM’s Visit to China
By Rishi Gupta
Aside from the usual priorities, the visit was shadowed by Nepal's objections to China's new "standard map."
Pakistan’s Energy Crossroads: Coal Dependency, the Climate Crisis, and a Quest for Sustainability
By Abdul Waheed Bhutto
Pakistan thinks coal is the answer to its energy security woes – but the climate impact risks undermining national security in other ways.
Pakistani Official Describes Nijjar Killing as ‘India’s Jamal Khashoggi Moment’
By Umair Jamal
In the past, Pakistan has accused India of eliminating people who threatened its control over Kashmir, but was rarely taken seriously by the international community.
What Do Bangladeshis Think About Democracy, Human Rights, and Elections?
By Mubashar Hasan
Two surveys provide useful insights into how Bangladeshis view elections and their concerns over democracy, human rights and price rise.
Cricket: Asian Games Today, Olympic Games in 2028?
By Stephen Wade
The Asian Games offer a preview of what could soon be coming to the Olympics. That’s surely the case with cricket.
After the G20, Can India Make Progress on UN Security Council Reform?
By Rajeev Agarwal
It's the holy grail of Indian diplomacy, and the prospects look brighter than ever before.
India Comes to the UN With a Diplomatic Mess on Its Hands
By Krutika Pathi
Western and Indian officials will use the sidelines of the UNGA meeting to limit the fallout of Canada’s assassination allegations against New Delhi.