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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.
Is India's Military Actually Ready for War With China?
By K.S. Venkatachalam
A recent report from India's Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) raised a red flag over defense preparedness.
Sectarian War Is Looming Over Afghanistan
By Rustam Ali Seerat
The Taliban and Islamic State join forces to target Shiites in Afghanistan.
Beyond a Himalayan Standoff: India Is Still Navigating the New Normal on Chinese Investment
By Sarah Watson
Is India growing increasingly wary about inbound Chinese foreign direct investment?
Sharif's Ouster Won't Impact CPEC
By Ahmad Rashid Malik
There's no civil-military divide in Pakistan when it comes to the Chinese megaproject.
What Is Behind the Political ‘Mainstreaming’ of Jamaat-ud-Dawa in Pakistan?
By Umair Jamal
Offering political platforms to groups with jihadist agendas will only complicate Pakistan’s militant problem.
Understanding the Russia-Taliban Connection
By Samuel Ramani
Recent media reports underline Russian arms sales to the insurgent group. What is Moscow's end game?
Can Pakistani Technology Fight Pakistani Terror?
By Robert Bole
How can Pakistan leverage technology in counter-terror efforts?
Japan Is Building India's Infrastructure
By Tridivesh Singh Maini and Sandeep Sachdeva
Japan should help develop India's northeast, and in so doing send a message to China.
A Battle Tank and an Indian Campus
By Martand Jha
Supporters want a tank installed on JNU's campus to instill nationalism in students. Students are pushing back.
Gorkhaland: Troubles on the Teesta
By Gauri Noolkar-Oak
How water-sharing on the Teesta factors in to the debate over a new Gorkhaland state.
Shahbaz Sharif’s PM Nomination Underscores PML-N’s desperation
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
Ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif hopes to keep Pakistan's premiership in the family.
India's Uncompromising Stand Against China in the Himalayas Is Backed Up With Hard Power
By Nitin A. Gokhale
India's military capabilities at the Himalayas put it in a position to bargain with China.