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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.
Attacks Hamper Pakistan’s Efforts on Polio
By Muhammad Akbar Notezai
A recent suicide bomber in Quetta underscores the challenge facing authorities.
Revealed: Why ISIS Hates the Taliban
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The Islamic State and the Taliban won't get along--and that's a good thing for South Asia.
Pakistan’s Militant Dilemma
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan needs to address the underlying ideologies driving radicalization within its borders.
Taliban Blow Line Transmitting Uzbek Electricity to Kabul
By Catherine Putz
One blown pylon illustrates the vulnerability of electricity transmission lines in Afghanistan
India’s Vice President to Visit Thailand, Brunei in February
By Prashanth Parameswaran
Hamid Ansari will embark on a five-day trip to the two ASEAN states in early February.
Why India Is Getting Serious About Its Relationship With Israel
By Harsh V. Pant
India's relationship with Israel is slowly but surely changing for the better.
What's on François Hollande's Agenda in India?
By Ankit Panda
In India, the French president will look to push on with defense, economic, and security cooperation.
Why Is Pakistan Interested in Brokering Peace Between Iran and Saudi Arabia?
By Ankit Panda
Pakistan needs a modus vivendi between Iran and Saudi Arabia to avoid a sectarian implosion at home.
Taliban: Attack on Journalists Not an Attack on Journalists
By Catherine Putz
By labeling TOLOnews a foreign “intelligence network” the Taliban are trying to justify the murder of civilians.
Terror in Afghanistan and Pakistan Underlines Importance of Trust, Peace Talks
By Sanjay Kumar
Two horrifying terror attacks on the same day demonstrate that current strategy against the Taliban isn't working. Time to do something about it.
Afghanistan Sets Election Date (or Maybe Not)
By Catherine Putz
The long-overdue parliamentary elections are set for October, according to the Independent Electoral Commission.
The Key to Understanding the Pathankot Attack
By Hamzah Rifaat
The attacks at Pathankot are best understood as a tactical maneuver by spoilers in Pakistan.