Newsprint Nonpareil—How Far Does Russia Go?

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One year ago on Round and Square (8 March 2013)—China's Lunar Calendar 2013 03-08
Two years ago on Round and Square (8 March 2012)—Divinatory Economics: Sacred Incense (j)
Three years ago on Round and Square (8 March 2011)—Beginnings: Introduction

[a] Wanton PD

How far does Russia go?

Die Zeit, as (almost always) has excellent reporting on an urgent topic. What I admire about Die Zeit,—which I buy every Thursday as soon as it appears on newsstands in Erlangen 91052—is that they have "hot topic" news balanced with what I like to think of as "journalistic fieldwork." Only a few newspapers in the world do this well, among them (but not limited to) the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and Le Monde. The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and Philadelphia Inquirer have also done a pretty good job of this over the years. 

The idea is to tell a story behind a story—to report.

The Associated Press does not focus on these matters—just the Braudelian heartbeat of l'histoire evenementielle.

[b] Wondering RF

Today's emphasis "above the fold" in Die Zeit takes us into both at the same time, and it is a good way to begin this series. Yes, the downside is that the article is in German, and that is going to be a challenge for the next four months or so (I happen to be reading German newspapers...here in Germany...and this series is intended for the worldwide readership of Round and Square—135 countries and growing). 

I think that the lead picture should work whether or not you read German. Draw your own conclusions; I wonder at it (and if that sounds ambiguous...well, it is).

How far does Russia go? What does Russia want? 

I suspect that is what we are all thinking (and even in Russia). 

The German coverage (and especially the top work of Die Zeit) has a somewhat different perspective (I find it refreshing) that contrasts with the US newspapers that are quoting politicians who criticize the president for wearing "mom jeans." It is refreshing to read real analysis. To be fair, a few US newspapers manage that, but I have been appalled by the domestic coverage of what is a truly international issue. If you read German, this is top-notch.

What does Russia want? What do European Union nations want? What does the United States want?

Oh...and what does China want? 

See you every Saturday on "Newsprint Nonpareil."

[c] Ivan Yakovelvich Bilibin: Have you not heard the true refrain/A giant skull a midget brain/I ride and ride straight down the middle/And when I strike, I do not fiddle." RF