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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.
Gen. Munir’s Appointment as Army Chief Bodes Well for Pakistan
By Umair Jamal
The civilian leadership seems to have realized that merit and seniority rather than political considerations should determine the selection of the army chief.
Pakistani PM Names Ex-Spy Master as New Army Chief
By Munir Ahmed
Lt. Gen. Syed Asim Munir, who was chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence when Imran Khan was prime minister, was sacked by the latter.
A New Entrant Complicates Electoral Equations in PM Modi’s Home State
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The Aam Aadmi Party is expected to erode the support bases of the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress in Gujarat’s upcoming election.
India’s Tribes Seek Official Religion Status for Belief System
By Sheikh Saliq
Apprehensions have grown over Hindu nationalist groups seeking to bring these nature worshippers into the Hindu fold.
How, and Why, the BJP Sometimes Courts Muslim Voters
By Anuttama Banerji
Despite its Hindutva ideology, in some states and some elections the BJP courts Muslim voters.
Kuki-Chin Refugees From Bangladesh Take Shelter in Mizoram
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Military operations by Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion in the Chittagong Hill Tracts triggered the recent exodus to India.
Why Pakistan’s Post-Flood Rebuilding Efforts Are Neglecting Balochistan
By Riazat Butt
Balochistan is the country’s poorest province and lacks political patrons.
Government-Opposition Confrontation Looms in Bangladesh
By Shafi Md Mostofa
The ruling Awami League is concerned over the massive rally that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has planned at Dhaka on December 10.
China’s Blocking Spree in the 1267 Sanctions Committee
By Sudha Ramachandran
Beijing blocked five India-U.S. proposals to get Pakistan-based individuals sanctioned as terrorists over a span of four months.
The Future of Reservations in India
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Reservation of jobs and seats in educational institutions, which were based hitherto on caste identity, will now include economic criteria as well.
Could the Quad Help With India’s Space Station Dreams?
By Pranav R. Satyanath
As China finishes its own space station, what India should look to international partners to take its space program to the next level.
Young Candidates Rattle the Old Guard in Nepal’s Elections
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
With young, energetic and independent candidates throwing their hats in the ring, the old and established politicians are having to work harder to impress voters.