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.
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.
What’s Behind the Taliban’s Major Gains in Northern Afghanistan?
By Barin Sultani Haymon and Michael Kugelman
Why have the Taliban been able to make inroads in northern Afghanistan?
The Death Penalty in South Asia
By Jivesh Jha
Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka have effectively abolished capital punishment. The rest of South Asia hasn't.
India-Gulf Ties in the Spotlight
By Tridivesh Singh Maini and Sandeep Sachdeva
India's ties with Gulf states have evolved noticeably over the past decade.
Understanding China’s ‘Master Plan' for Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
Which country stands to gain the most from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor?
Modi’s Strategic Foreign Policy Vision: A Glass Half Full
By Uttara Sahasrabuddhe and Chaitanya Mallapur
Modi has made strides on a geoeconomic vision, but India still lacks a clear geopolitical strategy.
Nearly 5 Years on: Lessons From India's Infamous 'Nirbhaya' Gang Rape Case
By Padmapriya Govindarajan
Nearly five years after a brutal gang rape shook India, how has the Indian justice system dealt with rape?
India's Supreme Court Wades Into Controversial 'Triple Talaq' Practice
By Padmapriya Govindarajan
The apex court in India takes the issue of triple talaq head-on.
Nepal Joined the Belt and Road. What Does That Mean for India?
By Darshana M. Baruah
How should India respond to its neighbors' embrace of China's "Belt and Road"?
Pakistan's Military Deletes a Controversial Tweet, Raising Questions
By Umair Jamal
Did the Pakistani military roll back its decision that rejected the civilian government’s assessment in a leaks inquiry?
Justice for Bangladesh: Pakistan's Little-Remembered Promise
By Md. Rizwanul Islam
In 1973, Pakistan promised to try members of its armed forces for war crimes committed in Bangladesh.
Is India Really 'Winning Its War' on Open Defecation?
By Gaurav Tyagi
The "Clean India" campaign may have good results on paper, but the reality does not match the numbers.