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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.
What's Behind Saudi Arabia's Turn Away From the Taliban?
By Samuel Ramani
Saudi Arabia’s increasingly anti-Taliban stance helps Riyadh consolidate its vital regional alliances and isolate Qatar.
Solutions Remain Elusive for Solving the Problems at India’s Public Sector Banks
By Aswin Mannepalli
Bank sector consolidation could address India’s non-performing loan crisis, but political realities make resolution uncertain.
Diplomacy in Doklam: New Strategic Ground for India in South Asia
By Narayani Basu
There may be no clear winner, but Doklam stands as a fine example of how to balance decisiveness with diplomacy.
Pakistan’s New Big Threat: A Bulging Population
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan’s unrestricted population rise and radical demographic changes present real dangers to the country’s existence.
How to Fix India-China Trade
By K.S. Venkatachalam
The de-escalation of Doklam standoff is an ideal opportunity for both India and China to correct the present trade imbalance.
After Doklam, India and China to Meet at BRICS Summit
By Tridivesh Singh Maini
On many fronts, India has grown more distant from the other members of BRICS.
Trump on Pakistan: Not Quite the Best-Laid Plan
By Huma Sattar
Washington’s least best-laid plans will invariably go awry.
BJP and Congress Distance Themselves from Politically Powerful 'Godman' Ram Rahim Singh
By Aswin Mannepalli
India's major parties are attempting to distance themselves from a controversial figure.
Amid Strained Relationship With US, Pakistan's Foreign Minister To Visit China and Russia
By Charlotte Gao
Pakistan's Foreign Minister will visit China and Russia to discuss regional matters.
Pakistan Postpones Visit By Top US Official Following Trump's Afghanistan Speech
By Ankit Panda
A scheduled visit by a U.S. acting assistant secretary of state may have been postponed.
Is Trump No Longer Interested in 'Winning' in Afghanistan?
By Umair Jamal
The United States is not working on a winning strategy in Afghanistan anymore.
The Gurmeet Ram Rahim Case: Indian Holy Men Do Not Levitate Above Law
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s story -- and the final verdict -- shows India’s resolve to deal with the unruly holy men.