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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.
Prime Minister Modi to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon
By Alyssa Ayres
The visit builds on Modi's outreach to the South Asian region.
US Drone Strikes Resume in Pakistan for the First Time in Six Months
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Following a six month hiatus, U.S. drone strikes have resumed in Pakistan.
India’s Role in Gulf Labor Abuses
By Fareed Rahman
India must work to protect the rights of millions of migrant workers facing abuse in Gulf States’ construction projects.
India's Parliament Will Have No Opposition Leader
By Ankit Panda
The BJP's dominance over legislative politics is all but certain as Lok Sabha forgoes an opposition leader.
Narendra Modi to Visit Japan in Early July
By Ankit Panda
Narendra Modi will visit Tokyo in early July 2014.
Pakistan Expands Defense Budget
By Ankit Panda
Pakistan is expanding its defense budget by 11 percent to $7 billion in FY2014-2015.
The Karachi Attacks and Pakistan’s Uncertain Future
By Daniele Grassi
The government is unprepared to comprehensively deal with even a fractured TTP in the short-term.
Pakistan's Home-Made Monster: The Taliban
By Sanjay Kumar
The attack on Karachi International Airport demonstrates that it is long past time for Pakistan to end the Taliban.
The Drone Strike Narrative in Pakistan
By Farooq Yousaf
The discourse surrounding drone strikes in the FATA region has always been complex.
A Clear and Present Danger to India’s Secularism
By Shamil Shams
Narendra Modi presents a multi-faceted challenge to India’s long-cherished secularism.
Chinese Foreign Minister Makes Inroads With Modi Government
By Ankit Panda
China's foreign minister traveled to New Delhi to forward an economic agenda for bilateral relations.
The Taliban Desperately Attempts to Remain Relevant in Afghanistan
By Sanjay Kumar
The Taliban dreads the success of democracy in Afghanistan and will do anything to stop it.