U.S. NEWSPAPERS
INTERNATIONAL NEWSPAPERS
The Christian Science Monitor is consistently thorough and very comfortable to read. Covers U.S and the World and offers excellent Special Project reports on important issues around the globe. Excellent writers and engaging commentary. The Christian Science Monitor offers e-mail headlines, alerts and daily updates. Offers RSS feed.
PakTribune (Pakistan)
We rely on the Pak Tribune for news and commentary from Pakistan with coverage of Afghanistan and Kashmir. The writers are engaging, the reporting thorough. The PakTribune Discussion Forum is fascinating, with entries from readers around the world. You will learn a lot in the Forum. Offers e-mail news alerts stylized to your needs.
The NY Times still has the early support of the Iraq invasion to live down and in 2007 is showing signs of balancing its news reporting towards Israel and against Iran in a way that its own readers take opposition to. Beyond that, though, the Political Navigator page provides links to government agencies, political parties and political information (Yet to provide a link the TheWeekInCongress.com) The Politics page reports on just that and includes access to NYT polling reports. The Washington page presents extensive reporting on political candidates and issues and includes video and slide presentations. A variety of e-mail alerts are available as is the RSS feed. We read it as teenagers and read it still.
The China Daily (China) We are proud that one of our associates has been printed in this paper. American readers are often surprised that so much of the front page content is about business. That content, though, says a lot about the enormous growth in commerce and the subsequent growth in energy use to fuel that growth. That is a reality, if understood, gives a perspective on the decision-making process behind bills in Congress relating to energy, energy use and energy resources. No apparent RSS feed or e-mail updates.
The Washington Post (Washington, D.C.)
130 years of reporting on all things Washington this is the principal newspaper in the Nation's capital. The Politics section provides news and profiles on candidates and other lawmakers and access to a database of Congressional votes. The section includes a blog from Congress and formidable political columnists with keen insight on politics and legislation. E-mail alerts are available as is an RSS feed.
A nicely balanced newspaper that covers the Middle East and the India subcontinent as well as the world. The format for delivering the news is easy to navigate and presented without annoying interventions of advertising and text rollovers in the article contents. In other words, you get the impression that the effort is to give you the news first, not sell you something else while you are reading it. Most interesting is the columnists. Where else will you find among a paper' stable of writers, Henry Kissinger and Noam Chomsky?
The Washington Times (Washington, D.C.)
Founded in 1982, Washington, D.C.'s other newspaper has found its voice. The Washington Times frontpage is probably the most approachable in the industry. 'Inside politics' readers gain a unique perspective on what US politicians deal with in doing their jobs. The FISHWRAP section is well worth a visit where you will find briefs and comments on political news stories with links back to the original WT article. Offers RSS feed.
Ha'aretz (Israel)
Let's face it, Israel has been steeped in Middle East politics since its creation. reporting from the region with opinion on the Israeli view as events transpire can help you to form a well-rounded opinion. Offers RSS feed.
No particular politics section we can find but little that is reported on is without politics.
Associated with the International Herald Tribune.
Yes, there are many prestigious US publications offering the business view of politics but we find it is sometimes the case that we have to wade through being convinced of that view when we are just looking for facts. Forbes, in our opinion, makes its point in features on an eclectic variety of issues that result from congressional legislation.
The Lebanon Daily Star (Lebanon)
It isn't just about Iraq. Lebanon, with a US supported democracy coalition, is positioned between Israel and Syria with Iraq just a stones throw away. US largess to Lebanon is growing along with resistance. The Daily Star offers first line reporting on conflicts, politics and progress. RSS feed.
COA (Canada) This Canadian-based aggregator includes participation by some American bloggers and others. The writing is typically literate and somewhat conversational as is the case in many Canadian publications. The political and related links that COA provide are substantial including a good mix of Western Hemisphere independent news sources. Great site to explore.
Al-Ahram Weekly (Egypt)
Generally Al-Ahram identifies and comments on what much of the Arab world sees as the involvement in Middle East politics by European and Western countries, the US in particular. Specifically, there is a good bit of news from that region. Not a pro-US policy in the Middle East newspaper by any stretch Al-Ahram is a valuable resource for understanding, whether you support the US policy in the Middle East or not, how many Arab and Persian States view those US actions.
INSTITUTIONS AND AGENCIES
The Council on Foreign Relations (Washington, D.C.)
An excellent source of readable but scholarly articles and analysis of foreign affairs for those who want to "learn more about the complex international issues challenging policy-makers and citizens alike." Publishes Foreign Affairs Magazine where the top US foreign affairs leaders weigh in. Offers RSS feed and podcast as well as the weekly e-mail "The World This Week"
The Moscow Times (Russia)
The Moscow Times offers news and opinion that helps foreign readers grasp the world from the Russian perspective. No particular politics section nor on DUMA, Russia's version of the House of Representatives, but does offer important stories on DUMA's activities when they arise. Mainly, readers can gain a more broad view of the interactions Russia has with other countries. Offered in .pdf and .pda. Offers RSS feed.
The United Nations (USA)
When the US House, Committee on Foreign Affairs produces a resolution emphasizing one countries alleged misbehavior (The bad guys) and how that might impact a country the US supports (The good guys) We always find it interesting to review UN Security Council Resolutions against the 'good guy' country that never quite seem to make their way into the resolutions. Always worthwhile seeing how this world body weighs in on US involvements around the world and to consider extensive reports on major world issues.
WorldPress.org Voices of professional journalists seldom heard are heard on WorldPress. What is even more interesting the profiles of journalists who are printed as well as interview with them by the WorldPress staff. You get the opportunity to hear where the writer is coming from politically and culturally.
Reporting is broken down by continent or region so you can focus on the area of the world that interests you.
The cartoon page is particularly interesting. WorldPress accepts donations.
El Universal (Venezuela)
Like it or not, Venezuela, rich in oil resources, is a world player and no fan of the US. Moreso, President Hugo Chavez is using those resources to build international relations and revamp the economic cast system in his country. The coverage is not necessarily in favor of Mr. Chavez. Reporting seems balanced and factual. RSS feeds by topic. English and Spanish versions.
We wonder, though, if the US viewpoint isn't more pronounced than that of Venezuelans when we look at the English language papers from that country. The Daily Journal, for example, has some Chevron ads on the front page