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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.
Did Afghanistan's Vice President Abduct a Rival?
By Catherine Putz
Witness says the Afghan VP beat up Ahmed Ishchi and kidnapped him; but Ishchi is apparently in NDS hands now.
How Can New Delhi Solve Its Smog Problem?
By Padmapriya Govindarajan
November 2016 has been an exceptionally bad month for New Delhi, stressing the need for solutions.
India's Connect Central Asia Policy
By Martand Jha
A look back at India-Central Asia relations in the Post-Soviet era.
If India's Demonetization Was All About Going Digital, Then Why the Rush?
By Anuradha Sharma
If it was about going digital, what was the hurry to demonetize?
Taliban Pledge to Protect Infrastructure Projects
By Catherine Putz
The Taliban say they are "committed to safeguarding" national infrastructure projects like CASA-1000 and TAPI.
Smart Cities: A Long Road Ahead For India
By Nandan Sharalaya
India struggles to combat the stresses of urbanization with innovation and technology.
Power Struggle Continues Inside Afghan Government
By Catherine Putz
With all this politicking, it’s easy to see why Afghans and Afghanistan’s allies alike are frustrated and confused.
Can the Nuclear Deal With Japan Get India Into the Nuclear Suppliers Group?
By Baisali Mohanty
How far does the bilateral deal go in legitimizing India as a nuclear state?
Pakistan’s New Army Chief Could Help Repair Ties With India
By Kunwar Khuldune Shahid
Will Qamar Javed Bajwa be more receptive to opening trade ties with India?
The 3 Big Challenges Facing Pakistan Next Army Chief
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan’s next military chief faces a wide range of challenges on both the domestic and external fronts.
Meet Lieutenant General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan's Next Chief of Army Staff
By Ankit Panda
General Qamar Javed Bajwa will replace General Raheel Sharif as Pakistan's chief of army staff.
A Curious Change to India's Domestic Violence Law
By Padmapriya Govindarajan
An October 2016 ruling by the Indian Supreme Court considerably changes a 2006 law on preventing domestic violence.