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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.
Reluctant Critic China Urges Afghan Taliban to Change Stance on Women’s Roles
By Associated Press
Wang said China hopes the Taliban-appointed Afghan interim government will "take solid steps in the right direction.”
India’s Ruling Hindu Nationalists Challenged in State Vote
By Ashok Sharma
PM Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party is battling to retain Karnataka, the only southern state where it has ever won power.
Imran Khan’s Arrest Sets Pakistan on an Uncertain Course
By Umair Jamal
His supporters’ attacks on army installations set a dangerous precedent and will further erode the military’s support for the former PM and his party.
SCO Foreign Ministers Meet in India
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
With India’s ties with China and Pakistan under strain, it is difficult for New Delhi to pursue whatever limited agenda it may have with the SCO.
Political Crisis in Pakistan Escalates as Imran Khan is Arrested
By Munir Ahmed and Riazat Butt
The popular former prime minister faces multiple cases relating to corruption and terrorism charges.
Bangladeshi PM Swings Through Japan, US and UK
By Mubashar Hasan
Hasina’s trip to the U.S. was limited to meeting officials at the World Bank and the IMF. No official meeting took place between her and the U.S. government.
What Did Pakistan’s FM Accomplish at the SCO Meeting in India?
By Ureeda Khan and Syed Basim Raza
Bilateral relations between Pakistan and India remain stagnant, but that was not the goal of Bhutto Zardari’s trip.
After Attacks on Chinese Nationals, Pakistan Pledges More Security
By Munir Ahmed
China has been demanding more security from Pakistan for its nationals residing and working in the Islamic country for a few years now.
Pakistan, Afghan Taliban Agree to Boost Trade, Lower Tension
By Munir Ahmed
The Taliban regime’s Amir Khan Muttaqi met Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Pakistani army chief General Asim Munir.
Why India-Pakistan Normalization Makes Strategic Sense
By Mohamed Zeeshan
Pakistan’s foreign minister was in India for the SCO meeting last week. But there was no breakthrough on the bilateral front.
Afghanistan Seeks to Control Its Own Water Destiny
By Patrick Yeager
The Taliban’s plan to upgrade Afghanistan’s water infrastructure is raising tensions with neighboring countries.
Is the ‘Modi Magic’ Waning in Karnataka State?
By Kavita Chowdhury
For the first time in over a decade, the opposition Congress is battle-ready and confident. It could oust the ruling BJP in the southern Indian state.