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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.
6.3 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Western Afghanistan, Where Earlier Quake Killed Over 2,000
By Ebrahim Noroozi and Rahmin Faiez
Villagers are distraught over the loss of their homes and livestock, often their only possessions, and worry about the coming harsh winter months.
Modi Government Slaps Terrorism Charges on Journalists
By Kavita Chowdhury
The crackdown on NewsClick, a small online news portal, is aimed at silencing the last bastion of independent media organizations in India.
India’s Hindu Nationalists Hate Gandhi But Struggle to Ignore Him
By Mohamed Zeeshan
The soft power appeal of the Mahatma’s commitment to non-violence and secularism has come in handy for the Modi government’s diplomatic outreach.
Indian Opposition’s Turn to Caste Politics Unnerves Ruling BJP
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Bihar state’s caste-based population survey could increase PM Modi’s challenges ahead of next year's parliamentary election.
Afghanistan’s Herat Hit by Deadliest Earthquake in Two Decades
By Riazat Butt
Focused on Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians and wary of dealing with the Taliban regime, only a handful of countries have offered support.
Where Does Pakistan’s Democracy Go From Here?
By Ailia Zehra
Last year, Imran Khan’s ouster and the end of the “hybrid regime” briefly gave hope to those seeking true democracy in Pakistan. But the military managed to further consolidate its grip on power.
Bangladesh Gets First Uranium Shipment From Russia for Its Moscow-built Nuclear Power Plant
By Julhas Alam
Still under construction by Moscow, the Rooppur power plant will produce 2,400 megawatts of electricity once it comes on line.
The BRO’s Mega Project in Eastern Ladakh: A New Road to Daulat Beg Oldi
By Prachi Shree
The Sasoma-Saser La-Brangsa-Gapshan-Daulat Beg Oldi Road may be the most ambitious piece of India's infrastructure push near its disputed border with China.
Is India Preparing to Allow the Taliban Regime Diplomatic Representation in New Delhi?
By Sudha Ramachandran
Last week, Afghan diplomats aligned with the Ashraf Ghani government announced the ceasing of operations in the Afghan embassy in the Indian capital.
Pakistan Runs Out of Patience With Afghan Taliban
By Umair Jamal
It has introduced new measures to punish the Kabul regime for its continued sheltering of the TTP – including moving to repatriate Afghan refugees.
Bangladesh’s Anti-corruption Commission Questions Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus
By Julhas Alam
Yunus, the famed pioneer of microcredit, is being investigated for embezzlement in a case many see as politically motivated.
Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Wades Into India-Canada Controversy
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Weighing in on India’s side may secure Colombo brownie points in New Delhi. But it could ruffle feathers in Canada, a historic sponsor of UN resolutions against Sri Lanka.