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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.
2 Years of Taliban Diplomacy
By Syed Basim Raza and Ureeda Khan
Despite lacking diplomatic recognition from any state, the Taliban government has been engaged in talks with regional players.
19th Round of India-China Border Talks Produces Joint Statement
By Sudha Ramachandran
This has brightened the prospects of a Xi-Modi handshake at the BRICS summit and of Xi attending the G-20 summit in Delhi.
2 Years of Structural Violence and Humanitarian Crisis Under the Taliban
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, the Taliban have entrenched themselves in power and common Afghans have been driven into abject destitution.
ICC Should Prosecute Taliban for Crimes Against Humanity for Denying Girls Education: UN Envoy
By Edith M Lederer
Fifty-four of the 80 edicts issued by the Taliban explicitly target women and girls and dismantle their rights.
What Does Pakistan’s New Caretaker Prime Minister Mean for Balochistan?
By Kiyya Baloch
Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar is from the troubled province, but he has consistently supported giving the military free rein in Balochistan.
AidData Report Warns of a Chinese Naval Base in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port
By Rathindra Kuruwita
But China is not in a position to defend any of the eight bases it might set up in the next two to five years, the report points out.
Modi Says India’s Economy Will be Among Top 3 in the World in 5 Years
By Krutika Pathi
Last year, India's $3.5 trillion economy shot ahead of UK to become the fifth largest in the world.
China’s Problem With Nepal
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Beijing is frustrated with the lack of progress in Nepal’s implementation of Belt and Road projects. But rhetorical bullying of its small neighbor won’t help.
Did Pakistan Really Benefit From the Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan?
By Mohammad Shoaib Haidary and Amir Husein Haidary
The country celebrated the Taliban’s return to power on August 15, 2021. Two years later, has it seen any benefits?
As Elections Near, 3 Scenarios for Bangladesh
By Arild Engelsen Ruud
Surging violence is the most likely scenario, and a compromise is the least likely.
The Taliban Are Entrenched in Afghanistan After 2 Years of Rule
By Riazat Butt
There's no armed or political opposition with enough domestic or foreign support to topple the Taliban.
Maldives’ Presidential Election Is a Multi-Horse Race
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
The electoral line-up lays bare political fragmentation in the young and tumultuous democracy.