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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-Pakistan Clashes in Kashmir
By Muhammad Akbar Notezai
The two countries struggle to make diplomatic progress amid ongoing clashes.
Aid Management and Institutional Capacity in Nepal
By Asit K. Biswas and Kris Hartley
The Nepalese government showed leadership in the aftermath of the quake, but faces serious long-term challenges.
Coalition of the Unwilling: Pakistan and India Bring Confrontation to the SCO
By Umair Jamal
India and Pakistan joining the Shanghai Cooperation Organization won't smooth the forum's transformation.
In Afghanistan, SIGAR Says Attaching Strings to Aid is a Good Idea
By Catherine Putz
SIGAR’s latest quarterly report stresses conditionality in aid and highlights accuracy problems at USAID.
Afghanistan's Ex-Intelligence Chief Reflects on Mullah Omar's Death
By Sanjay Kumar
Amrullah Saleh, the former head of Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security (NDS), discusses Mullah Omar's death.
Dead or Alive, Is Mullah Omar Still a Wanted Man?
By Ankit Panda
The leader of the Afghan Taliban for over two decades, Mullah Omar, may finally be dead. Or not.
Preempt, Push, and Protect: India’s Strategy after the Iran Deal
By Sumitha Narayanan Kutty
With the nuclear deal done, New Delhi must anticipate certain risks to its regional approach and adapt accordingly.
Should India Thank British Rule For a Free Press?
By Franz-Stefan Gady
The British were instrumental in creating the one institution that, like nothing else, helped bring down their rule in India.
Terror in Punjab: What Happened?
By Ankit Panda
A recent terror attack in Punjab raises questions about the future of India-Pakistan relations.
Central Asia’s Stake in Afghanistan’s War
By Tamim Asey
Afghan forces are fighting Central Asian extremists. Time for the region to get more involved.
The ‘Unfinished War’ Against Sri Lanka’s Tamils
By Taylor Dibbert
A new report details torture and sexual abuses in Sri Lanka -- in the post-war period.
After Modi's Visit, Is Central Asia Open for Indian Business?
By Sameer Patil
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Central Asia is an important moment for Indian business to increase its presence in the region.