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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.
UN: Ban on Afghan Female Staffers by Taliban Unacceptable
By Rahim Faiez and Edith M. Lederer
The Taliban ban on UN women staffers, which follows diktats barring women working at national and international NGOs, will cripple humanitarian aid delivery.
Can India’s Opposition Parties Rally Behind the Congress Party?
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
They have shown solidarity with Rahul Gandhi over his disqualification from Parliament. But regional competition will likely keep them divided.
To Save India’s Democracy, Congress Must Focus on Regional Parties
By Ali Malik
A prudent strategy for the opposition would prioritize the creation of a sizable coalition of regional parties to take on the BJP.
US-Pakistan Counterterrorism Dialogue and the Regional Terrorism Situation
By Abdul Basit
A consistent, albeit limited-scale, counterterrorism cooperation between the two countries is being put in place.
India’s Push for 24/7 Clean Energy From Dams Upends Lives
By Aniruddha Ghosal and Ashwini Bhatia
Its dam-building spree in pursuit of hydropower has led to the displacement of people, deforestation and disasters in the Himalayan region.
Beijing Issues Third List of Chinese Names for Places in India’s Arunachal Pradesh
By Sudha Ramachandran
Is the list aimed at warning India against hosting an upcoming air combat exercise with the U.S., where Japan will participate as an observer?
Is a New Russia-China-India Bloc Forming in the East?
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Putin’s grand plans hinge on an India-China thaw. Can he convince Xi to ease tensions with India?
Indian Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi to Avoid Prison During Appeal
By Krutika Pathi
The prosecution of Gandhi was widely condemned by opponents of Modi as the latest assault against democracy and free speech by a government seeking to crush dissent.
Pakistan Denies Israel Trade After Businessman’s Export
By Associated Press
The two countries do not have diplomatic ties.
The Socio-Economic Impact of the Delayed IMF Bailout Program in Pakistan
By Sania Zeb
Delaying the IMF program has negatively affected investor confidence, increased inflation, and hindered growth prospects.
Can India Revive Its Quest for Nuclear Suppliers Group Membership?
By Moksh Suri
Although China still presents an obstacle, India’s current G-20 presidency should be leveraged by policymakers to restart NSG membership talks.
The India-Pakistan Game: New Delhi Should Keep Playing to Win
By Bashir Ali Abbas
India can use its advantage to extract enduring political gains from Islamabad.