Jump to content

War - where do you get your info

Reuben Gant
 Share

Recommended Posts

Reuben Gant RFA

Reuben Gant

Posted
Posted

From the left or from the right is not so much my concern, but I am curious about what media sources people are using to stay informed about the War in Iraq, Afghanistan, and generally the G.W.O.T. What sources are people using and why do you find them worthwhile. I have been told I need to get out more so, when I am out, what should I look to read, listen too, access etc. Please don't flame here.

I really would like to learn something.

 

Here are some things I have found helpful for me:

 

Parameters: Journal of the Naval War College.

This has good analysis but sometimes is dated by the time it arrives.

Often Ralph Peters submits something that is thought provoking.

 

Foreign Affairs

Always seems to have a perspective that surprises me.

 

Charlie Rose - I always tune in when he is interviewing reporters in Iraq.

 

Stratfor - I thought this was very interesting but I no longer have access

 

Economist - much of war doesn't happen without a economic context

 

Atlantic Monthly - okay, this is more entertainment for me.

 

Please share, if you think I should be reading or listening to other things, let me know. Also any websites or good books on the subject are helpful. Thanks.

UConn James All Pro

UConn James

Posted
Posted

If you read all of those, you're more 'informed' (whatever that means as being the product of today's media) than most people. NPR has some good reports; and what I love is they let the subjects of the story speak for really long turns, so there's no chance of a Jayson Blair deal and it's not edited down to the tell-utterly-nothing soundbites of most broadcasts.

 

Myself, I'm now less well read than the average bus driver. :lol:

Ghost of BiB Veteran

Ghost of BiB

Posted
Posted

CNN Headline News. I sometimes hear things about the ME while waiting for my Natalee report.

 

Just ask AKC.

 

Seriously, Parameters is a pretty good source for perspectives. so is the War college Journal. I use the FBIS a lot as to not be limited to the "American" viewpoint.

 

The actuality is that because of my job, I get a lot of information handed to me - comes from a multitude of sources. Sometimes the media uses the same material, sometimes they don't know nor care it exists. Although I'm presently at war with them over a couple of issues, the NDU produces some excellent material on not only the ME, but the transformations of American policy and the military - especially with regards to moving beyond Goldwater-Nichols. For background, there are countless books that provide a historical backdrop.

 

Most everyone involved in this stuff that I work with is pretty well read on the subject. Several are actually former foreign area specialists in their respective geographic regions. I also have the benefit of input and discussion with members of the State Department, the Justice Department, The Department of Energy, Department of Homeland Security, CIA, DIA, the National Counter-Terrorism Center, the National Security Council, CENTCOM, STRATCOM, EUCOM, SOCOM, PACOM, NORTHCOM, JCS, OSD and several foreign intelligence and diplomatic services.

 

I used to contribute a little more around here, especially when I knew I had something obscure, but very relevant that wasn't restricted in any way that i thought some might be interested in. I've long since learned that in most cases, it's pointless. What good does quoting the source of something here do when 75% of the folks here will attack it as being innacurate because it didn't come from major media with a link? Heck. There was one time when I WAS THE SOURCE! And was informed by a dozen different people how wrong I was about the subject.

 

It's still fun, though.

Ghost of BiB Veteran

Ghost of BiB

Posted
Posted

Oh, If you have access (maybe through the school library - they are subscription)

 

Janes Defense publications have excellent, coherent reports on the issues here, and virtually any other area of concern. Straight facts - no editorial crap. If they offer an opinion, they state it as such. Some of the best non-classified material out there, and they tread a fine line with that.

Crap Throwing Monkey All Pro

Crap Throwing Monkey

Posted
Posted
From the left or from the right is not so much my concern, but I am curious about what media sources people are using to stay informed about the War in Iraq, Afghanistan, and generally the G.W.O.T. What sources are people using and why do you find them worthwhile. I have been told I need to get out more so, when I am out, what should I look to read, listen too, access etc. Please don't flame here.

I really would like to learn something.

 

Here are some things I have found helpful for me:

 

Parameters: Journal of the Naval War College.

This has good analysis but sometimes is dated by the time it arrives.

Often Ralph Peters submits something that is thought provoking.

 

Foreign Affairs

Always seems to have a perspective that surprises me.

 

Charlie Rose - I always tune in when he is interviewing reporters in Iraq.

 

Stratfor - I thought this was very interesting but I no longer have access

 

Economist - much of war doesn't happen without a economic context

 

Atlantic Monthly - okay, this is more entertainment for me.

 

Please share, if you think I should be reading or listening to other things, let me know. Also any websites or good books on the subject are helpful. Thanks.

397919[/snapback]

 

I read Doonesbury.

Terry Tate RFA

Terry Tate

Posted
Posted

I just get the daily update from major news outlets on how many servicemen have died so far. I wish they'd tell me what milestones I should be focused on, and what happens then.

 

What, is there something else I needed to know?

Hollywood Donahoe Veteran

Hollywood Donahoe

Posted
Posted
That show is hilarious!

Only to those with a high tolerance for hearing the same joke delivered over and over ad nauseam.

 

Stewart rags on everyone, no one is immune...

Stewart rags on everyone...as long as their surnames are Bush, Cheney or Rove.

 

He's a left-wing mouthpiece at this point.

Alaska Darin Hall of Famer

Alaska Darin

Posted
Posted
Only to those with a high tolerance for hearing the same joke delivered over and over ad nauseam.

Stewart rags on everyone...as long as their surnames are Bush, Cheney or Rove.

 

He's a left-wing mouthpiece at this point.

398316[/snapback]

Mostly because the right is in charge of pretty much everything.

Alaska Darin Hall of Famer

Alaska Darin

Posted
Posted
True, but the left gives Stewart plenty of ammunition.  He just never chooses to use it.

398431[/snapback]

I don't watch the show much anymore but during the election he was pretty even in his criticism of each sides' absurdity.

 

They had a skit on a couple of nights ago with one of the correspondents ripping some liberal in California. It was funny.

Hollywood Donahoe Veteran

Hollywood Donahoe

Posted
Posted
I don't watch the show much anymore but during the election he was pretty even in his criticism of each sides' absurdity.

 

They had a skit on a couple of nights ago with one of the correspondents ripping some liberal in California.  It was funny.

I haven't watched a full episode in a while, so maybe it's changed. I must be passing by it only during the left-slanted bits.

Tux of Borg Veteran

Tux of Borg

Posted
Posted
Oh, If you have access (maybe through the school library - they are subscription)

 

Janes Defense publications have excellent, coherent reports on the issues here, and virtually any other area of concern. Straight facts - no editorial crap. If they offer an opinion, they state it as such. Some of the best non-classified material out there, and they tread a fine line with that.

398034[/snapback]

 

I wish Janes had a subscription service for poor college students.

 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...