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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.
Why Defining a 'Forest' in India Is Harder Than It Sounds (And Why That Matters)
By Padmapriya Govindarajan
In attempting to clarify what constitutes a forest in India, who is the Environment ministry trying to protect?
India’s Israel Disconnect: Rhetoric vs. Reality
By Dhirenn Nair
Why the BJP’s love of Israel will do little to change India’s foreign policy.
Afghanistan's Love-Hate Relationship With Homosexuality
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Contrary to popular perception, some Islamic cultures have a long, vibrant history of tolerance for homosexual behavior.
US Troops Have New Powers in Afghanistan. What Exactly Does That Mean?
By Ankit Panda
It's unclear what changes the Obama administration just implemented for U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
How Will Kabul Welcome Gulbuddin Hekmatyar?
By Ali Reza Sarwar
After a peace deal, can Afghanistan's capital truly accept the brutal leader of Hezb-e-Islami?
Saving Pakistan’s Dying Agriculture Sector
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan cannot achieve sustained economic growth with its agriculture sector in decline.
Pakistan, Afghanistan Exchange Fire at Torkham Border Crossing
By Ankit Panda
Tensions have been high at the Afghan-Pakistan border crossing over Pakistani visa requirements.
How Well Has Narendra Modi's Government Protected India's Scheduled Castes?
By Padmapriya Govindarajan
2 years on, how has Modi fared on his commitment to India’s downtrodden castes?
New Report Details Abuses Against Sri Lankan Tamils
By Taylor Dibbert
A new report focuses on exiled Sri Lankan Tamils.
How Well Has Narendra Modi's Government Protected India's Scheduled Tribes?
By Padmapriya Govindarajan
2 years on, how has Modi fared on his commitment to India's Scheduled Tribes and communities dependent on forestland?
President Pranab Mukherjee’s China Visit: Was It Really 'Fruitful'?
By Supriya Sharma
India and China are holding more and more talks, but what is really being accomplished?
Interview: India’s Soft Power
By Anuradha Sharma and Vishal Arora
An interview with Professor Daya Kishan Thussu