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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.
Pakistani Taliban Denies Attack on Karakoram Highway
By Umair Jamal
But Pakistan is skeptical. It believes the TTP is using allied groups to carry out attacks to avoid drawing Chinese ire to itself.
As Former Maoist Combatants Join Russian Forces, Nepal’s Maoist PM Is in a Quandary
By Birat Anupam
PM Puspa Kamal Dahal has been unable to prevent Nepalis from enlisting to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
How India Arrived on the World Stage in 2023
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Beyond its role as a major military and strategic player, hundreds of millions of Indians are participating in and shaping global technological, cultural, and economic trends.
Sri Lanka to Remove Barriers to Women Rising to Top Roles in Military
By Rathindra Kuruwita
As Sri Lanka gears up for the future, fostering gender inclusivity within its defense apparatus stands central to its strategic vision.
Women Are Leading an Unprecedented Protest Movement in Balochistan
By Kiyya Baloch
Baloch women have launched a march toward Pakistan’s capital to protest rights abuses and enforced disappearances in Balochistan.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief: New Frontier for China-India Contestation?
By Anuttama Banerji
India’s HADR operations are not just to counter China. But it is worried about China's use of HADR to increase its influence in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Afghanistan Left out of Global Climate Change Conversation
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Afghanistan under the Taliban was once again shunned from the COP28 climate change conference.
Chittagong Arms Haul in Bangladesh Remains a Riddle
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
An excerpt from the book “ULFA: The Mirage of Dawn” examines the lingering mystery of the biggest arms bust in South Asia.
Crackdown on Bangladesh Nationalist Party Hasn’t Broken its Morale Yet
By Mubashar Hasan
Contrary to the ruling Awami League’s calculation, activists are not leaving the BNP in droves.
How Is Sri Lanka Navigating Its IMF Bailout Program?
By Tharindu Udayanga Kamburawala
Examining Sri Lanka’s approach to fiscal targets and SOE reforms amid continued economic turbulence.
Pakistan’s New Space Policy: Overcoming Historical Challenges and Embracing a New Era
By Zohaib Altaf and Nimra Javed
Economic constraints, political instability, and a lack of technical infrastructure and expertise have long hindered Pakistan’s space efforts.
Why Bangladesh is About to Have a Lopsided Election
By Aaqib Md Shatil
The ruling Awami League has ensured that major opposition parties, especially the BNP, will not be able to contest the election even if they want to.