Blog
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.
Mainstreaming Islamists: A Dangerous Choice for Pakistan
By Muhammad Daim Fazil
Pakistan has tried before to bring extremists into mainstream politics. It doesn’t end well.
Contextualizing Sri Lanka’s Tamil Political Prisoners
By Taylor Dibbert
The country’s reform agenda is in shambles, but don’t expect that to change.
Tillerson Discusses Security and Strategy in Afghanistan on Short Stopover
By Ankit Panda
The U.S. secretary of state stopped in for an unannounced visit.
India's Dangerous Taiwan Gambit
By Imran Ali Sandano
By seeking to improve its relationship with Taiwan, India is seeking leverage over China.
Tillerson Goes to India: A New Phase in India-US Ties?
By Harsh V. Pant
Rex Tillerson's inaugural visit to India will set the tone for the next phase in U.S.-India ties.
India Prefers a Hazy Diwali to a Safe One
By Priyanka Borpujari
Despite a Supreme Court ban on fireworks, old habits prevailed.
PML-N in Need of Structural Revamp After Nawaz Sharif’s Indictment
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
Nawaz Sharif's refusal to let go of party leadership might jeopardize the PML-N's future.
Nepal Set for 3-Way Competition in Upcoming Legislative Elections
By Kamal Dev Bhattarai
A surprise alliance between Nepal's two main communist parties has China excited and India dismayed.
The Politics of Religious Exclusion in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
What does the continued persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan say about politics and religion in the country?
Indian Regulators Wary About Bitcoin
By Aswin Mannepalli
India, like many other Asian states, is struggling to manage cryptocurrencies.
Misunderstanding Consent: When Indian Courts Interpret a Woman’s 'No' as a 'Yes'
By Priyanka Borpujari
Even in India's courts, blaming the victim continues to take precedence over a woman’s consent.
A Rare Opportunity for India's Congress Party
By Riju Agrawal
India faces an infinite number of economic and development issues that all need new ideas and solutions.