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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.
Al-Qaeda's Leader Pledges Allegiance to Mullah Mansour
By Ankit Panda
The leader of al-Qaeda has pledged his allegiance to Mullah Omar's chosen successor, Mullah Mansour.
How Peace Is Emerging on India's Eastern Front
By Sameer Patil
India's eastern states and eastern borders are gradually moving toward sustainable peace and stability.
A House of Cards Comes Tumbling Down in Afghanistan
By Seema Sirohi
The "Pakistan-led" peace process is now tumbling like a house of cards, backed implicitly by the United States.
August 15: Indians Remember Japan's Role in World War II Too
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
On August 15, Indians will celebrate their independence--however, they too remember World War II.
Sri Lanka’s Political Future Arrives at a Crossroads
By Ankit Panda
Will Sri Lanka chose a return to corruption, misrule, and near-authoritarianism?
An Election in Bihar this October Could Change Everything for the BJP
By Sanjay Kumar
State elections in the Indian state of Bihar could have important implications for the political fortunes of the BJP.
From Kabul to Gurdaspur: Pakistan’s Reliance on Sub-conventional Warfare
By Rohan Joshi
Developments this summer highlight Pakistan's continued reliance of sub-conventional warfare.
Narendra Modi's UAE Trip Highlights India's Shifting Middle East Approach
By Harsh V. Pant
India is currently reassessing its approach to this strategically critical and complex region.
The Afghan Government Should Let the Taliban Destroy Itself
By Kambaiz Rafi
The death of Mullah Omar will lead to the slow disintegration of what we once knew as the Taliban.
Malik Ishaq and Pakistan’s Sectarian Violence
By Muhammad Akbar Notezai
Killed in a shootout with police late last month, Ishaq had a long history of involvement in sectarian attacks in Pakistan.
Who Will India Send to China's Second World War 70th Anniversary Parade?
By Ankit Panda
India needs to decide how it'll handle a Chinese invitation to a Second World War commemorative parade.
Why Are Secular Bloggers Being Killed in Bangladesh?
By Vishal Manve
In Bangladesh, merely blogging about secular ideas if proving to be deadly.