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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 Passes Data Protection Legislation in Parliament; Critics Fear Privacy Violation
By Associated Press
The legislation will limit cross-border transfer of data and provide a framework for setting up a data protection authority to ensure compliance from tech companies.
The Roots of Northeast India’s Ethnic Turmoil
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The drive to maintain their identity and avoid assimilation is strong among the region’s tribal and ethnic groups.
2 Years After Fall of Kabul, Tens of Thousands of Afghans Languish in Limbo Waiting for US Visas
By Rahim Faiez and Rebecca Santana
Worried about reprisals, many Afghans destroyed documents during the Taliban takeover. Now they need those documents to prove their case.
Rahul Gandhi Uses the Nationalism Plank to Take on PM Modi
By Kavita Chowdhury
Although the Modi government defeated the no-confidence motion, it is evident that it is rattled by the opposition.
After Haryana Clashes, Indian Court Raps Government For Ethnic Cleansing
By Sudha Ramachandran
Hindus and Muslims clashed violently in Nuh in northern India. The government punished only Muslims for the violence.
The Significance of French President Macron’s Visit to Sri Lanka
By Jayesh Khatu and Yatharth Thumar
In Sri Lanka, Macron continued his message that France is ready to uphold the sovereignty of island nations susceptible to the negative influence of China.
Pakistan’s Parliament is Dissolved to Pave Way for Elections
By Munir Ahmed
There is uncertainty over the election date even as the legal and political drama surrounding jailed ex-PM Imran Khan deepens.
Manipur Violence: Understanding the Shifts in Meitei Women’s Political Activism
By Ophelia Yumlembam
Why did the Meira Paibis shift from peaceful activism for a common Manipuri cause to a brand of violent and ethnically-divisive politics?
India’s Trade Liberalization Era Seems to Have Ended
By Mohamed Zeeshan
India is using trade restrictions to stall domestic inflation, punish geopolitical rivals, and encourage local industries.
The Taliban Are Diverting Aid, But How Much?
By Catherine Putz
Ultimately, the Taliban exploit the good intentions of the U.N. and other donors whose main interest is seeing at least some aid get to the Afghan people, even if the Taliban get to claim credit.
Decoding the Taliban’s Anti-Persianism
By Javeed Ahwar
The Taliban’s anti-Persian stance is rooted in their educational and cultural background, but also reflects a longstanding desire by successive Afghan governments to displace the Persian language.
Pakistan’s Former PM Imran Khan Appeals Conviction in Graft Case, Seeks Release
By Munir Ahmed
Since his sentencing Saturday, Khan has renewed his call for mass protests, but has failed to gain traction among his supporters.