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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.

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Iran Moves Towards Greater Cooperation With Taliban

Iran Moves Towards Greater Cooperation With Taliban

By Anant Mishra and Christian Kaunert
Tehran is likely to work with Kabul to conduct cross-border operations against the ISKP, which claimed responsibility for the recent attack in Iran’s Kerman province.
Sri Lanka Kneecaps Its Marine Research

Sri Lanka Kneecaps Its Marine Research

By Rathindra Kuruwita
With its decision to enforce a one-year ban on foreign maritime research vessels, Colombo has antagonized China and undermined its own capacity to explore its maritime resources.

Maldives Grapples with Repatriation Amidst Rising Religious Extremism

Maldives Grapples with Repatriation Amidst Rising Religious Extremism

By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
The Muizzu government will repatriate 21 Maldivians, primarily widows and children of foreign terrorist fighters, from a refugee camp near the Turkey-Syria border.

Abject Surrender of the State to Armed Militia in India’s Manipur

Abject Surrender of the State to Armed Militia in India’s Manipur

By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Thirty-seven legislators, including India’s junior minister for external affairs, were administered an oath by the chief of the Arambai Tenggol.

Instability Looms Over Post-Election Bangladesh

Instability Looms Over Post-Election Bangladesh

By Mubashar Hasan
Hasina is back as prime minister. Economic problems and surging anger among opposition supporters threaten the much-vaunted stability under her rule.
Pakistan Accuses Indian Agents of Orchestrating the Killing of 2 Citizens on its Soil

Pakistan Accuses Indian Agents of Orchestrating the Killing of 2 Citizens on its Soil

By Munir Ahmed
Pakistan joins Canada and the United States in alleging attempted or successful assassinations of anti-India actors on foreign soil.

Sri Lanka Passes Online Safety Bill

Sri Lanka Passes Online Safety Bill

By Bharatha Mallawarachi
While the government claims it will help check online fraud, abuse and false statements that threaten national security, critics allege it will be used to stifle speech.
The Plight of Hazaras Under the Taliban Government

The Plight of Hazaras Under the Taliban Government

By Gul Hassan Mohammadi
Under the Taliban, the Hazara community in Afghanistan is subjected to extreme violence and systematic dehumanization.

Pakistan-Iran Airstrikes: Who is Paying the Price?

Pakistan-Iran Airstrikes: Who is Paying the Price?

By Mariyam Suleman Anees
While much of the discussion of the crisis has been about geopolitics, militant groups, and proxy wars, the people living in the border areas are bearing the brunt.

Sri Lankan Lawmakers Debate Controversial Internet Safety Bill Amid Protests by Rights Groups

Sri Lankan Lawmakers Debate Controversial Internet Safety Bill Amid Protests by Rights Groups

By Bharatha Mallawarachi
Media, internet, and civil rights groups say the bill would have “a chilling effect on free speech.” The government argues it is needed to address online fraud, abuse, and false statements.

The Ram Mandir Symbolizes a New Form of Hinduism

The Ram Mandir Symbolizes a New Form of Hinduism

By Anuttama Banerji
Contrary to perceptions that it is being done to obliterate Muslim sites of worship from India, the consecration of the temple is about creating a new type of public-facing Hinduism.
In Iran, Jaishankar Practices India’s Strategic Silence

In Iran, Jaishankar Practices India’s Strategic Silence

By Mohamed Zeeshan
In a fractious world where disputes appear intractable, India hopes to use its ambiguous silence as leverage to play its partners off of each other rather than offering support to any side.

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