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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.
The Politics Behind Pakistan’s Controversial Judicial Reform Plan
By Umair Jamal
It is considering extending the term of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who is known to be close to the Sharif government.
How India Uses National Interest as a Smokescreen to Muzzle the Media
By Simran Agarwal
The Indian government is weaponizing “national interest” measures to close down reporting it deems critical of the Modi government.
China-Bangladesh Military Exercises Signal Shifting Geopolitical Landscape
By Saqlain Rizve
China has announced the first-ever joint military exercises with Bangladesh to be held early this month. Should India worry?
India’s Spying Upsurge Can Complicate Security Ties With the West
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Espionage is standard fare for almost all global powers, but China and India stand out for their specific interests in their country's mammoth diaspora.
BJP’s Endorsement of Accused Sexual Predator Prajwal Revanna Is Not Surprising
By Sudha Ramachandran
The party has a history of condoning rape and sexual harassment for the sake of power and political expediency.
Bhutan’s Tourism Dilemma: Balancing Economy and Sustainability
By Rishi Gupta
Bhutan has long capped tourism to prevent adverse impacts on the environment. With the economy suffering, is it time for a change?
The Corporate Takeover of India’s Media
By R Srinivasan
Press freedom in India has been badly hit by the gobbling up of media platforms by a few large companies.
As India Votes, Misinformation Surges on Social Media
By David Klepper and Krutika Pathi
Political advertisements and posts contain anti-Muslim hate speech, Hindu nationalist narratives, and misogynistic posts.
Millions of Afghans Made Pakistan Home to Escape War. Now Many are Hiding to Escape Deportation.
By Riazat Butt and Adil Jawad
Some 600,000 Afghans have returned home since last October, when the crackdown began, meaning at least a million remain in Pakistan in hiding.
Indian American Diaspora and Politics in India and the US
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Regardless of generation, Indian Americans are more likely to be liberal on issues in the U.S. and conservative on matters affecting India.
India’s Political Satirists Challenge Narendra Modi on Social Media
By Kavita Chowdhury
With the mainstream media doubling up as cheerleaders of the Modi government, YouTubers are speaking truth to power.
Balochistan as a Major Departure Point for Human Smuggling
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
An estimated 80,000-100,000 Pakistanis – those smuggled as well as the trafficked – cross international borders illegally annually.