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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.
Pakistan-Iran Airstrikes: Who is Paying the Price?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
While much of the discussion of the crisis has been about geopolitics, militant groups, and proxy wars, the people living in the border areas are bearing the brunt.
Sri Lankan Lawmakers Debate Controversial Internet Safety Bill Amid Protests by Rights Groups
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
Media, internet, and civil rights groups say the bill would have “a chilling effect on free speech.” The government argues it is needed to address online fraud, abuse, and false statements.
The Ram Mandir Symbolizes a New Form of Hinduism
By Anuttama Banerji
Contrary to perceptions that it is being done to obliterate Muslim sites of worship from India, the consecration of the temple is about creating a new type of public-facing Hinduism.
In Iran, Jaishankar Practices India’s Strategic Silence
By Mohamed Zeeshan
In a fractious world where disputes appear intractable, India hopes to use its ambiguous silence as leverage to play its partners off of each other rather than offering support to any side.
India’s Modi Opens Controversial Hindu Temple in Ayodhya
By Biswajeet Banerjee, Sheikh Saaliq and Krutika Pathi
The building of the Ram temple at the site of a demolished 16th century mosque is expected to provide a shot in the arm to the Hindu nationalist BJP’s prospects in upcoming elections.
Indian Government to Terminate Free Movement Regime With Myanmar
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Concerns over illegal migration from Myanmar, rising criminal activities including the poppy trade, and cross-border militant activity underlies the government decision.
Hindutva Activists Target Tamil Film ‘Annapoorani’
By Kavita Chowdhury
The movie’s claim that the Hindu deity Ram was a meat eater has raised the hackles of Hindu hardliners.
India’s Judicial Crisis
By Prem Singh Gill
A judicial backlog of over 50 million criminal and civil cases is not merely a statistical anomaly but a reflection of systemic issues exacerbated by political interference.
Impasse at Torkham: Pakistan’s Border Closure a Pressure Tactic on the Taliban
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Pakistan is leveraging the border as a tool of pressure to secure its political interests vis-a-vis Afghanistan.
Securing India’s Digital Future: Cybersecurity Urgency and Opportunities
By Shruti Sharma
Despite the looming specter of cyber attacks in India, there exists untapped potential and opportunities that the nation can harness to bolster cybersecurity.
Pakistan’s Precarious Crossroads: Elections and Beyond
By Syed Mushahid Hussain Naqvi
The upcoming elections in Pakistan are much more than a routine political event. They are a decisive moment for the nation's future.
With Surprise Air Raids, Iran Loses Goodwill in Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
To not hit back was not an option for Pakistan, as that would have been interpreted as a sign of weakness at home and in New Delhi and Kabul.