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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.
Afghanistan Presidential Run-Off Vote to Take Place on June 14
By Ankit Panda
Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani will participate in a run-off vote for the Afghan presidency on June 14.
According to India's Exit Polls, Narendra Modi is the Next Prime Minister
By Sanjay Kumar
Impressions from India's exit polls predict a strong victory for Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Afghanistan Presidential Front-Runner Acquires Powerful Endorsements
By Ankit Panda
Abdullah Abdullah, the front-runner in the Afghan elections, has acquired powerful endorsements ahead of the run-off.
Is This the 'Gujarat Model' India Needs?
By Sanjay Kumar
As Narendra Modi inches closer to the top office in India, his past raises uncertainties about his priorities.
Narendra Modi Clarifies Statements on Pakistan
By Ankit Panda
Modi took to television to clarify several of his statements on Pakistan and other issues.
Assessing the Taliban's 'Spring Offensive' Threat
By Ankit Panda
The Taliban have announced that their 2014 "spring offensive" will begin imminently.
India Conducts Successful Missile Interceptor Test
By Debalina Ghoshal
Although its capabilities are improving, planned implementation is questionable.
India Stepping Up to the Plate in Afghanistan
By Niharika Betkerur
A deal with Moscow makes clear that India has no plans to abandon Afghanistan post 2014.
Pakistan Faces Travel Restrictions Over Polio Concerns
By Ankit Panda
Due to new concerns over the spread of polio, Pakistanis will face travel restrictions.
Violence in Assam Has Pan-India Implications
By Sanjay Kumar
The recent violence in Assam's Bodoland has implications for all of India.
CIA-Backed Militias Disband in Afghanistan
By Ankit Panda
The CIA has released thousands of Afghan fighters from its payroll, leaving a major security vacuum.
Afghan Election Runoff: Calling Obama and Karzai
By Akmal Dawi
The runoff faces security and political risks. The two rivals should cooperate in avoiding them.