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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.
Former Indian Lawmaker, Brother Fatally Shot Live on TV
By Biswajeet Banerjee
Atiq Ahmad, who faced some 100 criminal charges, was elected to the Uttar Pradesh state assembly four times and to India’s parliament once.
A Beacon of Education Has Vanished in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan
By Freshta Jalalzai
The arbitrary arrest of Matiullah Wesa is a severe blow to the already dire situation for education in the country.
Military Involvement in Pandemic Control in Sri Lanka
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Involving the military in tackling public health crises is an efficient use of state capacity, but does it signal excessive militarization of society?
Taliban Say There Are No Obstacles to UN Work in Afghanistan
By Associated Press
Last week, they banned female Afghan staffers working for the UN from reporting for work.
Tempering Expectations From Bangladesh’s ‘Embrace’ of the Indo-Pacific
By Rushali Saha
It may be tempting to read foreign policy choices as “embracing” the Indo-Pacific, but a closer look reveals Dhaka’s continued sense of hesitancy.
When Exactly Will India Surpass China as Most Populous?
By Mike Schneider and Sibi Arasu
There's more than bragging rights at stake; there are social and economic consequences.
Troubled Waters: India, Pakistan, and the Indus Water Treaty 2.0
By Rahul Mahadeo Lad and Ravindra G. Jaybhaye
It’s clear that the Indus Water Treaty needs to be renegotiated, but the process is likely to be packed with troubles.
As Tiger Count Grows, India’s Indigenous Demand Land Rights
By Sibi Arasu
Conservation strategies, deeply influenced by American environmentalism, are uprooting communities that had lived in the forests for millennia.
Pakistan Hails Baloch Separatist Leader’s Arrest as a Game Changer
By Umair Jamal
Gulzar Imam, who was in charge of insurgent operations in Balochistan and financial operations abroad, is the first top Baloch militant to be nabbed alive.
BJP Government is Rewriting Indian History Selectively
By Kavita Chowdhury
References to the 2002 anti-Muslim Gujarat riots under BJP rule have been deleted from textbooks while anti-Sikh riots under Congress rule have been retained.
India’s G20 Leadership Will Require a Delicate Balancing of Priorities Among Member States
By Harshana Ghoorhoo
Shaping the multilateral agenda amidst varied national interests will be an important diplomatic test for India.
Biden Review of Chaotic Afghan Withdrawal Blames Trump
By Zeke Miller and Nomaan Merchant
The brief document was drafted by the National Security Council, rather than by an independent entity, with input from Biden himself.