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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.
Lawyers of Imran Khan Oppose His Closed-Door Trial Over Revealing Official Secrets
By Munir Ahmed
Khan's lawyers say the closed trial is a gambit to ensure a quick conviction and sentencing of the former premier ahead of parliamentary elections.
India Tells Canada to Remove 41 of Its 62 Diplomats in the Country, Says Official
By Rob Gillies
The move comes amid heated exchanges, diplomat expulsions, visa denials, and fraying diplomatic relations.
Will the Political Spat Between India and Canada Erode Their Defense Ties?
By Prem Singh Gill
While the ongoing row has strained relations, its impact on military ties appears limited as both countries benefit from security cooperation.
Indian Police Raid Journalists’ Homes and Offices
By Sheikh Saaliq
NewsClick, the target of the latest raids, is among the few Indian news outlets that have been critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Revisiting India’s China Challenge
By Araudra Singh
China views India’s growing security cooperation with concern, especially since the revival of the Quad in 2017 and in the context of border tensions since 2020.
Japan Deepens Defense Ties With Bangladesh
By Asif Muztaba Hassan
Japan recently announced that Bangladesh is among four countries that have been selected to receive Official Security Assistance.
Climate Change and Poor Planning Combine in India’s Devastating Monsoon Season
By Sibi Arasu
The devastation of this year's monsoon season in India has been unusual, as the problem of climate change-boosted rain is worsened by unregulated development.
Opposition’s Mohamed Muizzu Wins Maldives’ Presidential Election
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
In opposition, Muizzu was part of the “India Out” campaign. Will he take this forward as president?
Pakistan’s Outdated Counterterrorism Framework Requires Major Revamp
By Abdul Basit
Talks with the TTP, for example, allowed some factions to return to Pakistan and gain legitimacy as well.
Hasina, Macron Seal Deal on Aircraft that Bangladesh Doesn’t Need, Cannot Afford
By Zia Hassan
The French PM secured a lucrative contract for Airbus. In return, his lips will remain sealed on a likely undemocratic election.
Russia Hosts Taliban for Talks on Regional Threats and Says It Will Keep Funding Afghanistan
By Associated Press
The talks in the Russian city of Kazan came as Moscow is trying to maintain its influence in Central Asia even as it wages war on Ukraine.
Myths and Realities of ‘Gender Apartheid’ in Afghanistan Under the Taliban
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Can U.N. efforts ever work to reverse the policies of the Taliban?