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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.
After ISIS Killings, Afghans Protest
By Sanjay Kumar
A large demonstration on Wednesday shows that Afghans are united in their anger against both insurgents, and their own government.
Chinese State Firm Takes Control of Strategically Vital Gwadar Port
By Ankit Panda
A Chinese state-owned firm officially signed a multi-decade lease for control of the Gwadar Port free-trade zone.
Samantha Power and US Sri Lanka Policy
By Taylor Dibbert
With a transfer of power in Colombo, the Obama administration looks to put Sri Lanka in the win column for U.S. democracy promotion efforts.
Colonial Diamonds Are Forever: India and the Koh-i-Noor Diamond
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
A group of prominent Indians want the return of the Koh-i-Noor diamond, which remains in the hands of the British monarchy.
India and the 21st Century’s Great Game
By Francis P. Sempa
A new monograph calls for India and the U.S. to work together in Eurasia.
Bihar Says No to the BJP: What Now?
By Sanjay Kumar
After his party lost the important state election in Bihar, big trouble for Narendra Modi’s government.
Sri Lanka’s Unexpected Political Opening Won’t Last Forever
By Taylor Dibbert
After two big elections and the passage of another UN Human Rights Council resolution, is Sri Lanka’s new government really sincere about deeper reform?
Narendra Modi's BJP Trounced in Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections
By Ankit Panda
In a political earthquake, the National Democratic Alliance loses out in Bihar's legislative elections.
Paradise in Turmoil: What's Next for the Maldives?
By Sanjay Kumar
The Maldives announced a 30-day state of emergency after seizing a weapons cache on one of the country’s islands.
State of Emergency in the Maldives Ahead of Opposition Protests
By Ankit Panda
President Abdulla Yameen has declared a state of emergency in the Maldives.
Bangladesh’s Terrorist Problem
By Sanjay Kumar
A string of recent attacks against liberal writers demonstrate that the country is also struggling with an extremist fringe.
Chinese Vice President Visits Afghanistan
By Ankit Panda
Li Yuanchao, the vice president of China, visited Afghanistan.