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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.
Are Sri Lanka’s Anti-Drug Crime Operations Working?
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Yukthiya operation appears to be a last-ditch effort by the present Sri Lankan government to salvage public support ahead of the pivotal 2024 presidential election.
After Initial Setback, India’s Opposition Alliance Starts Taking Shape
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Over the past week, the Congress party has sealed seat-sharing deals with AAP and the SP. Will it clinch a deal with the TMC too?
A Reality Check on Afghanistan’s Isolation Under the Taliban
By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
Beneath the U.N. secretary general’s claims of consensus in Doha, a clear division is visible among countries regarding whether and how to do business with the Taliban.
Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina Goes for an Image Makeover Abroad
By Mubashar Hasan
At the recent Munich Security Conference, Hasina sought to project herself as a champion of climate change action and a supporter of Ukraine.
Cheap Russian Oil Fuels India’s Response to Ukraine War
By Biswajit Dhar
The West expected India to turn its back on Russia, but a look at the numbers shows that expectation was never realistic.
What a Tamil Language School in Sri Lanka Tells Us About the Reconciliation Process
By Niru Perera
Language is a critical part of the country's moves toward post-war reconciliation, especially when it comes to grassroots efforts.
How India’s COVID-19 Lockdowns Impacted Menstrual Health
By Karan Babbar
Limited access to period products during India’s COVID lockdowns highlighted how far public health initiatives have to go when it comes to menstruation.
India’s Assam State to Introduce Uniform Civil Code
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
It is the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat – all ruled by the Hindu nationalist BJP – to take steps toward a common civil law for all religious groups.
UN Doha Conference on Afghanistan Fails to Achieve Key Goals
By Freshta Jalalzai
The Taliban’s refusal to participate – and those invited to represent Afghanistan from other groups – sparked much debate among Afghans.
Indian Farmers to Press Ahead With March to New Delhi
By Associated Press
They have rejected the Modi government’s offer of a five-year contract for a guaranteed minimum price for five crops.
How PM Modi Has Weakened the Rights-Based Laws of the Previous Decade
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The BJP government has weakened a suite of progressive laws that were enacted by the previous Congress-led administration.
Public Trust in Ballot Box Politics Could Weaken Further in Balochistan
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The poor performance of Baloch nationalist parties in the recent elections is surprising, as is the victory of candidates who were barely known in their constituencies.