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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.
Blast in Kabul's Diplomatic District Kills 85, Injures 400
By Catherine Putz
Taliban denies involvement in the attack, which mostly killed civilians commuting.
How Well Is Pakistan Dealing With Its Fiscal Deficit?
By Umair Jamal
Contrary to the government’s claims, Pakistan’s fiscal deficit is likely to rise rapidly.
Time for Pakistan to Cut Ties With Hizbul Mujahideen
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
Touting Hizbul Mujahideen as freedom fighters is detrimental for both Pakistan and Kashmir.
Hezb-i-Islami and Its New Constitutional Vision
By Shamshad Pasarlay
Implications for the long-delayed constitutional reform in Afghanistan.
Growing Distance Between Delhi and Moscow
By Harsh V. Pant
India and Russia need to revitalize their bilateral relationship.
Trump’s Pivot to the Middle East and China's OBOR
By Hamzah Rifaat Hussain
Trump's outreach to the Middle East cannot be divorced from China's own plans for the Middle East.
How India's States Boost Israel Relations
By Tridivesh Singh Maini
Indian states are playing an increasing role in relations with Israel.
Reviewing Nawaz Sharif's Time at the 'Muslim NATO' Summit in Riyadh
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Sharif couldn’t have achieved anything more than what he did in Saudi Arabia.
Will the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor Be a Gateway to Central Asia?
By Fuad Shahbazov
Central Asian governments are interested in linking with CPEC, but also wary of security risks.
India and China’s Tug of War Over Sri Lanka
By Yigal Chazan
India sets out to check China’s efforts to turn the island into a maritime hub on its "Belt and Road."
India's Debate Over Electronic Voting Machines Gains Steam
By Padmapriya Govindarajan
India's electronic voting machines come under scrutiny from the Aam Admi Party.
Why the Trump-Led Islamic Summit in Saudi Arabia Was a Disaster for Pakistan
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
Pakistan is largely shut out of the high-profile event, despite high hopes for recognition.