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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.
February 19, 2022
The Chinese Threat to Lower Brahmaputra Riparians India and Bangladesh
By Jaideep Saikia
The plan to divert the waters of Brahmaputra would affect over 140 million people who are dependent on the river.
February 18, 2022
Nepal’s MCC Debate Reflects Flaws in Its Decision-Making
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The debate over the aid project is not about its contents but about American intentions, the integrity of Nepali leaders, and domestic cost-benefit analysis.
February 18, 2022
Fear Runs Through Afghanistan’s ‘Hazardous’ Media Landscape
By Kathy Gannon
Dread and uncertainty mount with every new report of a fellow journalist having been detained, interrogated or beaten by Taliban fighters.
February 17, 2022
Rapid COVID-19 Home Tests Surge in India, Experts Flag Risks
By Aniruddha Ghosal and Shonali Ganguly
Although rules require people to share results with authorities, many aren’t doing so.
February 17, 2022
Parties Vie for Votes With Promises of Jobs in Punjab Assembly Elections
By Tarushi Aswani
This is an old promise that parties and politicians repeat every election. Will voters be impressed?
February 16, 2022
Sri Lanka’s Archbishop Speaks Out Against Activist’s Arrest
By Krishan Francis
The Archbishop of Colombo, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, called the arrest of Shehan Malaka Gamage an "indecent and thuggish act" that resembled "an abduction.”
February 15, 2022
Afghanistan Under the Taliban: Tense Present, Bleak Future
By Kathy Gannon
Six months after the Taliban returned to power, Afghans are safer, poorer, and less hopeful.
February 15, 2022
Afghanistan-Iran Disquiet Over the Helmand River
By Sudha Ramachandran
Afghanistan's damming of the Helmand River has drawn ire in neighboring Iran, the lower riparian country.
February 15, 2022
Land Rights, Environment Top Election Agenda in India’s Goa
By Vineeta Deepak
Goa's turbulent politics is a microcosm of India's chaotic political landscape, where a diverse mix of religious and caste identities shape the elections.
February 14, 2022
Biden Order on Frozen Funds an Atrocity, Says Former Afghan President Karzai
By Kathy Gannon
The U.S president said that $3.5 billion in Afghan assets would be set aside to potentially go to 9/11 victims, pending the outcome of court cases.
February 14, 2022
India Keeps Floating Away From Its Quad Partners
By Mohamed Zeeshan
On several critical geopolitical issues, including Myanmar, Ukraine, and North Korea, New Delhi’s position is different from that of the other Quad countries.
February 12, 2022
Biden Aims to Split Frozen Funds for Afghan Relief, 9/11 Victims
By Aamer Madhani and Kathy Gannon
9/11 victims have ongoing legal claims on the $7 billion in Afghan assets frozen in the U.S. banking system; courts will have to decide if the executive order issued by Biden can be facilitated.
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