Blog
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.
Pakistan’s Islamist Parties Could Emerge Spoilers or Kingmakers
By Abdul Basit
Although these parties may not win many seats -- they have not formed an alliance and lack the support of the military establishment -- they could still play a role post-February 8.
Indian and Seychelles Forces Separately Rescue 2 Fishing Boats Hijacked by Somali Pirates
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
Six Sri Lankan and 23 Iranian fishermen were rescued in the two operations.
Swallowed by Water, in the Sundarbans There Is Nowhere Else to Go
By Piya Srinivasan
Poor and lower-caste women shoulder the worst impacts of climate change in the Sundarbans. The area also highlights key lessons on building climate resilience.
India-France Relations and Indo-Pacific Power Play
By Prem Singh Gill
Their differing approaches toward strategic autonomy pose a major impediment, but it can be overcome by focusing on shared commitment to a rules-based order.
Iran Moves Towards Greater Cooperation With Taliban
By Anant Mishra and Christian Kaunert
Tehran is likely to work with Kabul to conduct cross-border operations against the ISKP, which claimed responsibility for the recent attack in Iran’s Kerman province.
Sri Lanka Kneecaps Its Marine Research
By Rathindra Kuruwita
With its decision to enforce a one-year ban on foreign maritime research vessels, Colombo has antagonized China and undermined its own capacity to explore its maritime resources.
Maldives Grapples with Repatriation Amidst Rising Religious Extremism
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
The Muizzu government will repatriate 21 Maldivians, primarily widows and children of foreign terrorist fighters, from a refugee camp near the Turkey-Syria border.
Abject Surrender of the State to Armed Militia in India’s Manipur
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Thirty-seven legislators, including India’s junior minister for external affairs, were administered an oath by the chief of the Arambai Tenggol.
Instability Looms Over Post-Election Bangladesh
By Mubashar Hasan
Hasina is back as prime minister. Economic problems and surging anger among opposition supporters threaten the much-vaunted stability under her rule.
Pakistan Accuses Indian Agents of Orchestrating the Killing of 2 Citizens on its Soil
By Munir Ahmed
Pakistan joins Canada and the United States in alleging attempted or successful assassinations of anti-India actors on foreign soil.
Sri Lanka Passes Online Safety Bill
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
While the government claims it will help check online fraud, abuse and false statements that threaten national security, critics allege it will be used to stifle speech.
The Plight of Hazaras Under the Taliban Government
By Gul Hassan Mohammadi
Under the Taliban, the Hazara community in Afghanistan is subjected to extreme violence and systematic dehumanization.