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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.
Can Bangladesh and Turkey Mend Frayed Ties?
By Samuel Ramani
Turkey and Bangladesh suffered a break over war crimes trials in Dhaka. Is rapprochement in the cards?
Dhaka Hostage Standoff Underscores Bangladesh's Growing Terror Problem
By Ankit Panda
Though details remain murky, Friday's terror attack in Dhaka underscores a worrying trend.
The Downfall of Democracy in Bangladesh
By David Landry
"Sheikh’s unprecedented moves since coming to power threaten to undo much of the country’s democratic progress."
After India's NSG Hiccup in Seoul, Time to Move on
By Ashok Sajjanhar
NSG membership is still possible for Modi, but it will take concerted diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf's Troubling Links to Extremist Financing
By Hamzah Rifaat Hussain
Is Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf funding extremist religious schools?
Pakistani Clerics Issue Fatwa Approving Transgender Marriage
By Roshni Kapur
A group of Pakistani clerics issued a religious decree ruling transgender marriages is permissible.
India and Bhutan: Cross-Country Power Connectivity
By Cecilia Tortajada and Udisha Saklani
India has some work to do to meet its power needs. Bhutan is helping.
Afghan Peace Negotiations With Hekmatyar Break Down
By Catherine Putz
Hizb-i-Islami's pre-conditions are back: peace negotiations reportedly suspended over demands that foreign troops depart.
Indian Authorities Wrangle With Google Street View
By Padmapriya Govindarajan
Google's revolutionary mapping plans don't seem to find government enthusiasm in India.
Pakistan’s Counterterrorism Operation: Myth vs. Reality
By Abdul Basit
What Pakistan isn't telling the public about operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Caging Free Birds: India’s Attempts at Regulating Civilian UAVs
By Rahul Krishna
Indian regulators have yet to figure out an appropriate regulatory framework for civilian UAV use.
Toward Stronger Economic Relations Between Pakistan and Iran
By Usman Javed
Pakistan and Iran need to come together to develop their economic and trade ties.