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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.
India-China Contest Looms Over Maldives’ Presidential Elections
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
While Muizzu's victory could see a tilt toward China in the archipelago’s foreign policy, India and its Quad partners will cheer President Solih’s re-election.
Imran Khan’s Many Missed Opportunities
By Raja Qaiser Ahmed and Muhammad Shoaib
Khan missed the chance to make his support base democratic and republican – and thereby transform himself into a true political force to reckon with.
India’s Supreme Court Takes Step Toward Gender-sensitive Rulings
By Kavita Chowdhury
It has issued a handbook that lists misogynistic language to be avoided in court rulings and draws attention to the impact of gender stereotypes on verdicts.
Bangladesh Government Scraps Controversial Digital Security Act
By Mubashar Hasan
But will the proposed Cyber Security Act, which will replace the DSA, restore meaningful freedom of expression to Bangladeshis?
Power Struggle Unveiled: Delhi Services Act Challenges Autonomy and Democracy
By Shruti Rathore
The question of who has authority over the appointment and transfer of civil servants in the capital region pits the central government’s appointees against Delhi’s elected government.
How the US-Taliban Deal Failed Afghanistan
By Natiq Malikzada and Trevor Filseth
None of Washington’s errors in Afghanistan was greater in scope than the peace agreement signed with the Taliban in February 2020.
What Lies Ahead for Pakistan’s Caretaker Government?
By Umair Jamal
Since elections are unlikely to be held as constitutionally mandated within 90 days, the interim administration is here to stay for some time.
Muslim Mobs Attack Churches in Pakistan After Accusing Christians of Desecrating the Quran
By Asim Tanveer and Munir Ahmed
A death sentence for blasphemy has never been carried out. But often, an accusation alone can trigger riots and incite mobs to violence.
2 Years of Taliban Diplomacy
By Syed Basim Raza and Ureeda Khan
Despite lacking diplomatic recognition from any state, the Taliban government has been engaged in talks with regional players.
19th Round of India-China Border Talks Produces Joint Statement
By Sudha Ramachandran
This has brightened the prospects of a Xi-Modi handshake at the BRICS summit and of Xi attending the G-20 summit in Delhi.
2 Years of Structural Violence and Humanitarian Crisis Under the Taliban
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, the Taliban have entrenched themselves in power and common Afghans have been driven into abject destitution.
ICC Should Prosecute Taliban for Crimes Against Humanity for Denying Girls Education: UN Envoy
By Edith M Lederer
Fifty-four of the 80 edicts issued by the Taliban explicitly target women and girls and dismantle their rights.