Left In Lowell

When it comes to the Middle East, I find it difficult to get accurate and complete information from the United States mainstream media. The problem began quite a few years ago when newspapers and tv networks cut back and eliminated their foreign desks.

But with the Internet, one no longer needs to rely on local or national newspapers to get the story. Forget the tv networks and cable stations. It really aggravates me when they have discussion which feature politicians and talking-heads who have never set foot in the region.

There are two English-language newspapers published in the Middle East that have excellent web sites. I would strongly recommend those of you interested to review them.

One is Haaretz published in Tel-Aviv and the other is Daily Star published in Beirut. Unlike the web sites of our own national newspapers, L.A. Times, New York Times and Washington Post, you do not need to sign up to have access to their site nor do you have to pay if you want to see an archived article.

Furthermore, the correspondents of those two publications speak the local language, are familiar with the political and social culture and most important know history. Granted there is some bias but that is up to you to separate facts from spin.

I also recommend Juan Cole’s blog. He is a Professor of Middle Eastern History at U. Michigan/Ann Arbor. In his blog today he tries to explain why the U.S.-backed Iraqi Prime Minister, Nuri al-Maliki, will not condemn Hizbullah; he is member of the Dawa Party and they helped to form it in 1982-83.

My last recommendation is the writing of Robert Fisk. He is the Middle East correspondent for the U.K. newspaper, the Independent. He has reported from Lebanon where he makes his home for close to 30 years. “Farewell to Beirut” is a good example of his writing style and his strong political views.

I am suggesting both Fisk and Cole not because they are both controversial within academic and media circles (some accuse them of being pro-Arab) but because their opinions and analysis are not easily available in the mainstream media in this country. I do not always agree with them but I appreciate a different point of view.

Does anyone have any other sites or news outlets they suggest we check out?