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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.
The Troubled US-Afghanistan Legacy
By Asim Yousafzai
Unrealistic expectations, mismanagement and uncooperative neighbors have complicated U.S. involvement in Afghanistan.
The ISI’s Great Game in Afghanistan
By Omer Aziz
Irrespective of the election outcome, Pakistan will remain deeply involved in Afghanistan.
Afghan Presidential Front-Runner Survives Assassination Attempt
By Ankit Panda
Also, Bowe Bergdahl, Guantanamo Bay, and terrorism in Pakistan. Friday links.
Narendra Modi to Visit Bhutan in First Foreign Visit as Prime Minister
By Ankit Panda
Narendra Modi will travel to Bhutan in June 2014 in his first trip abroad as India's prime minister.
What India Gets Wrong About China
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
India's misinformed attitudes about the 1962 Sino-Indian war have hampered India-China relations for decades.
India’s Shame: Women's Rights
By Sanjay Kumar
The state of women's rights in India is deplorable.
Gilgit-Baltistan: Nexus of a New Asian Economic Corridor
By Senge H. Sering
Both Pakistan and India are showing signs of opening this remote area to trade and investment.
Narendra Modi Will Visit Washington in September
By Ankit Panda
Indian media report that Modi will visit the United States in September for a bilateral summit.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs May Get a Refit
By Kabir Taneja
The new government in Delhi may take the opportunity to strengthen and expand the foreign ministry’s scope.
Telangana, India's 29th State, is Finally Born
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
What India’s Newest State Means for its Future
Modi Picks Internal Security Specialist as National Security Adviser
By Ankit Panda
The Modi administration's choice of Ajit Doval indicates a focus on internal security over foreign affairs.
U.S. Releases Five Taliban Guantanamo Detainees for Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl
By Ankit Panda
The U.S. and the Taliban negotiated a secret prisoner swap, freeing five senior Taliban operatives for one U.S. soldier.