There have been a few attempts to provide a statistical ranking of the top Russia blogs. But, for some reason, everyone except the blogger who tops the list complains that they aren’t accurate.
So, I thought I’d have a go at putting together a list of the Top 5 Russia blogs and, mindful of this problem, decided to base my list purely on my own subjective opinion. Not a statistic in sight.
Here, in no particular order, is my selection of the Top 5 Russia Blogs – the most influential, the most interesting and sometimes the most controversial Russia blogs out there. Feel free to disagree in the comments…
Sean’s Russia Blog
If you’re looking for serious, but readable commentary on Russia, Sean’s Russia Blog is the place to go.
The only academic in my Top 5 and (if you count La Russophobe as a group blog) the only solo blogger as well, Sean’s Russia Blog combines academic rigour with an accessible, easy to read style. Sean’s Russia Blog is also the longest running blog in my list, having been publishing on and off since October 2004 – that’s almost as long as Siberian Light.
Oh, and if you’e looking for information about Youth Politics in Russia (or punks, for that matter), Sean knows all there is to know…
La Russophobe
For almost two years now, the burning question on everyone’s lips has been… is La Russophobe a CIA agent pushing anti-Russian propaganda, or is she just a deranged lunatic with a grudge against Russian tennis players and way too much time on her hands?
Nobody knows, but everyone seems to have an opinion.
La Russophobe burst onto the scene almost two years ago and has been spewing out a frankly stunning quantity of anti-Russian rhetoric ever since. Nothing and no-one Russian escapes her biting criticism – Russia itself, Putin, Sharapova, and any blogger unfortunate enough to get in her way. Pretty much everyone associated with Russia and in the public eye (including me) has, at one time or another, been on the end of a La Russophobe spanking.
La Russophobe could not be a more combative blogger if she tried.
But, love her or hate her, La Russophobe has become easily one of the most influential, not to mention prolific, bloggers about Russia. Day in, day out (except Thanksgiving), the vitriolic anti-Russian posts keep flowing. Offensive they may be, but they often contain enough of a kernel of truth to force Russophiles to sit back and consider just how accurate their cherished beliefs are.
Russia Blog
Russia Blog is perhaps the most pro-Kremlin of the blogs in this list, but it is also the blog that brings the widest range of voices to our attention, with commentary from experts and other bloggers, as well as its own in house editorial team of Yuri Mamchur and Charles Ganske.
One of two group blogs in my list backed by either a business or a policy organisation, Russia Blog often takes some flak for being run by an organisation associated with pro-Creationist views. But I can’t say I’ve ever really Russia Blog covering the creationist debate in Russia. A missed opportunity, perhaps?
Robert Amsterdam
I’ll bet you never knew that Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s lawyer was a blogger? And a prolific one, at that.
As you’d expect from a law firm representing Vladimir Putin’s imprisoned oligarchic opponent, Robert Amsterdam and his team generally take an anti-Kremlin line. But, in contrast to La Russophobe, he also tends to give credit where it is due and the Russian government does something right. It’s just a shame that the opportunity doesn’t crop up all that often…
Like Russia Blog, Robert Amsterdam also showcases other writers, notably investigative journalist Grigory Pasko, and produces some excellent translations of non-English language articles.
English Russia
Russia’s a big country but, if something cool happens on the 1/6th of the world’s surface that is Russia, English Russia will be there to cover it.
Mostly filled with photographs and videos, English Russia showcases Russia in its glory, in its shame, and in its epic scale.
And, sometimes we just want to read the funny stuff. Not every blog about Russia has to cover politics…
You want more?
Of course, in a list of just 5 blogs about Russia, I couldn’t cover every blog that I love reading, or give a comprehensive introduction to wide variety of Russia Blogs out there. So, if you’re looking for more reading, or if you just can’t stand the five blogs I’ve picked out, there’s a big list of Russia blogs on the sidebar. Take a look around…
About Andy Young
As for troll conversations, one can reference a rather pious non-Russian Moscow based media person who confidently remarked that most Russians know nothing about Srebrenica.
One can also reference a non-Russian based non-media person who denies that several thousand people, mainly muslim males, were systematically executed by the Serbs at Srebrenica. I wonder how many “most Russians” believe were killed.
The troll factor has been brought here.
The arrogantly ignorant one is apparently unaware of the overall evidence and non-evidence about that instance.
In point of fact, I go into it.
The details have been provided.
Let’s see some earnest follow-up, as opposed to troll like antics that skirt away from the involved particulars.
BTW, for several reasons, this is a lie if it’s being directed at me (which it no doubt is):
“One can also reference a non-Russian based non-media person who denies that several thousand people, mainly muslim males, were systematically executed by the Serbs at Srebrenica. I wonder how many ‘most Russians’ believe were killed.”
****
In point of fact, I’m on record for calling it a crime, while noting the earlier crime in Srebrenica which involved Muslim on Serb murder.
Overall, there’s no conclusive proof of 7000-8000 Muslim males being summarily executed at Srebrenica. Based on what’s known, it’s reasonable to put that figure in a 2000-4000 range. The earlier Muslim atrocity against Serbs might’ve likely involved up to 3500 fatalities. Among otrhers, Diane Johnstone, Ed Herman and David Peterson have researched this matter.
Vis-a-vis TM: those more learned individuals out there should keep in mind the earlier off the wall mass rape and 200,000 plus casualty figures whicgh have been shown to be bogus.
Meant ot read as TN.
This cartoon very much applies to some:
http://byzantinesacredart.com/blog/2007/11/nyt-agitprop-again.html
The arrogantly ignorant one is apparently unaware of the overall evidence and non-evidence about that instance.
Indeed, I am completely unaware of non-evidence regarding Srebrenica. No doubt you are well aware of this non-evidence. Meanwhile, my source of information on the Serb massacre at Srebrenica is this one. Out of interest, what’s yours?
Overall, there’s no conclusive proof of 7000-8000 Muslim males being summarily executed at Srebrenica. Based on what’s known, it’s reasonable to put that figure in a 2000-4000 range.
Actually, the ICTY has accounted for 4454 individuals so far. Your consistent approach to the subject has you wailing that the Serbs are being unfairly treated by the western media, because they have committed the heinous crime of exaggerating the numbers.
”The last set of misrepresentative comments come from a trolling imbecile, who didn’t substantiate any of his points.”
Funny that, because here
http://seansrussiablog.org/2007/05/22/crying-sun-the-impact-of-war-in-the-mountains-of-chechnya/
its quite clear that Mike didnt even know when the war started, let alone the factors at play. Makes me wonder how one can confidently say that the war was justified. Seems like Great Russian Nationalist jingoism to me.
As for the incident with Michele A Berdy, well, obviously she wouldnt know anything about Russia – she’s only worked there, in media, for 30 years, and is fluent in Russian. Clearly speaking no Russian and living on Long Island is more conducive to better understanding of Russia than living there and speaking the language. And Slobodan Milosevic? He was just misunderstood.
Hey, was that an article on sports? That makes Ger – 3, Mike – 0.
Newman:
You carry on like an idiot. At this thread, I linked my reply on Srebrenica which answers that in full.
Ever here of forensic evidence, which typically includes identifying the corpses, how they were killed and when?
The Bosnian Civil War lasted for a good period before the one incident you concern yourself with.
You’ve provided nothing to refute my fact based points on the subject.
In addition, you say nothing of the earlier led Nasir Oric massacre of Serbs.
—————————————————————————
Trolls have a habit of selectively nit picking certain particulars to soothe their warped egos and misguided views. I can go back to what became a sewer and show the dim witted replies by at least 3 (if not more) people posting at this thread. I prefer getting picked up by Reuters and the BBC, in addition to being involved with a relatively successful email list; which has me in touch with a good number of academics and media people.
Among others, Charles William Maynes (former Carter administration foreign policy official and one time editor of Foreign Policy) shares my view of why there was a need to militarily address the lawlessness problem which led to the first Chechen war.
I’m also on record for saying that the Russian armed forces weren’t properly prepared and utilized in that war. This resulted in the kind of carnage that happened.
Like Tim Newman, Michelle Berdy showed little knowledge of what happened at Srebrenica, while displaying an arrogantly ignorant attitude. This included to not acknowledge their being off in their view on the subject.
So much for the babbling troll.
—————————————————————————
Not at all Chris Doss. That goes for your troll friend’s articles.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22Missives+About+Russian+ice+Hockey%22&btnG=Google+Search
What sports articles have been written by Lavelle, Kagarlitsky and Limonov?
The above linked piece made News Now and received a thumbs up at Siberian Light.
”Among others, Charles William Maynes (former Carter administration foreign policy official and one time editor of Foreign Policy) shares my view of why there was a need to militarily address the lawlessness problem which led to the first Chechen war.”
I dont care who you wheel out to justify your claims – the decision to attack Chechnya, with full military force, was a wrong one, full stop. As I recall you described the invasion as ”a wake up call for Russia to qualitatively revamp its amrmed forces”. Thats just sick. And worse, this rubbish is written by you, someone who’d never heard of Tom De Waal. Or Babichev. Or Baryatinsky. Or Samil. Even more hilarious, you asked if any of the deaths during the mass forced migration to Kazhakstan were ‘deliberate’, and said of the whole thing dismissively that it ‘challenged moral virtues’. You fraudulently dismiss the independence claims of both Kosovo and Chechnya and promote those of the PMR, a country run by gangsters who pay you for propoganda pieces. The simple fact is Mike neither here nor at SRB have you YOURSELF been able to justify the Russian invasion. I apologise to readers for continuing on this subject, but it is one I am reasonably versed on and it bothers me greatly to hear either Averkian or Russian bullshit.
”I prefer getting picked up by Reuters and the BBC, in addition to being involved with a relatively successful email list;”
We can assume neither have picked you up since? Or will you be on about it forever, like Sergei Roy’s ”support”?
And how many are on your list voluntarily? I mean who requested to be?
”Like Tim Newman, Michelle Berdy showed little knowledge of what happened at Srebrenica, while displaying an arrogantly ignorant attitude.”
That was never the issue in MABs case. She, with a lifetime of experience in Russia, said most Russians wouldnt be aware of what happened. Again, in terms of experience and language skills, you are simply no match for her.
”Not at all Chris Doss. That goes for your troll friend’s articles.”
I think you’ll find that my three hobbyist articles are far better written than yours, and unlike yours tend not to descend into pointless political invective or personal attack on media figures.
Third submission. First didn’t appear to go thru. Apologize if duplicate.
Your articles weren’t better. This explains why they didn’t get picked up as much elsewhere. Unlike that article of mine, you’re full of “invective”, to go along with being full of something else. Note that Andy liked my ice hockey article. Die hard ice hockey fans especially like my piece.
You repeat another idiotic point about Berdy. Just because she lives in Russia doesn’t mamke her an authority on former Yugoslavia. A point that was conclusively proven and one which you gloss over, while being unable to deny.
Face it, you’re a pathetic idiot.
Off to a Super Bowl party, which exvludes the stupid likes of yourself.
GO GIANTS!
Solly Wally (though I’ll probably be the sorry one at the emnd of the game).
I should say first two.
And duplicate.
There’s the belief that the better athlete depreciates when playing against inferior talent. That belief applies elsewhere as well.
Yup. The evidence speaks for itself. As I said before:
Ger – 3, Mike – 0.
”Your articles weren’t better. ”
Yes, they are. I’m not even a semi-pro but clearly my prose is a lot better than yours, sticks with facts and is bereft of the grammatical murder you regularily commit, not to mention your tasteless and often ridiculous analogies (Jackass and Kosovo independence, anyone?. And unlike you I dont submit my articles to all and sundry looking for notice. I am fully aware that it’s a hobby for me, a pity you arent. I daresay if I’d sent them to JRL or somewhere else they may well have been published. I tend to collate facts and put tehm together, you avoid facts like the plague(Tiraspol Times, anyone?) And unlike your articles, mine do not leaving a stream of comment entrails, most of which are challenging the factuality of what you’ve written.
”Unlike that article of mine, you’re full of “invective”, to go along with being full of something else”
Hardly an article goes by where you dont moan about the mass media or personally attack someone.
”You repeat another idiotic point about Berdy. Just because she lives in Russia doesn’t mamke her an authority on former Yugoslavia”
Nobody says she was. We said we agreed with her view that most Russians havent heard of Srebrenica. Once again, you are building a straw man argument. On Russia, she’d take you to the cleaners. And she’s no apologist for genocide, which is always a bonus.
”There’s the belief that the better athlete depreciates when playing against inferior talent. That belief applies elsewhere as well.”
Perhaps in gridiron football, but not in hurling or football(soccer). You’re getting confused. Bumpy pitches cause that. I just hope your athletic prowess is a bit better than your writing.
”Off to a Super Bowl party, which exvludes the stupid likes of yourself.
GO GIANTS!”
Obviously said party excludes myself, as I’m currently in a village in the west of Ireland, not Long Island. Best of luck to the Giants though, I dont think they’ve won it very often( 4 times?)
Ever here of forensic evidence, which typically includes identifying the corpses, how they were killed and when?
Had you followed my link, rather than ignored it, you’d have found what I linked to was just that: forensic evidence of how they were killed and when. They identify the victims where possible, and list their names. They even detail the bondings and blindfolds found on the victims. This evidence points to a likely figure of 4454 individuals killed at Srebrenica, yet still – without even bothering to read the forensic evidence which is publically available – insist the figure is between 2000 and 4000.
This evidence points to a likely figure of 4454 individuals killed at Srebrenica, yet still – without even bothering to read the forensic evidence which is publically available – insist the figure is between 2000 and 4000.
should read:
This evidence points to a likely figure of 4454 individuals killed at Srebrenica, yet still – without even bothering to read the forensic evidence which is publically available – you insist the figure is between 2000 and 4000.
http://www.nopunditintended.com/2007/12/02/serbianna-thoughts-on-the-past-year/#more-108
Big Blue! Giants win! NY rockin!
Andy, this is one of the greatest moments American sports history.
—————————————————————————
At the venue which became a sewer and at a link I provided at this thread, the last point by TN is fully addressed. I also elaborated on it at a recent post at this thread.
Here’s one of several sources I use:
http://www.zmag.org/content/showarticle.cfm?ItemID=8244
Once again, many died in Srebrenica BEFORE the incident others and TN specifically target. The Bosnian Civil War casualties included many non-Muslims deaths. The Bosnian Civil War Srebrenica dead related to collateral damage, armed combatants and summary execution.
I never denied that at least 8000 were killed in Srebrenica during the Bosnian Civil War. An authoritative breakdown confirming how they were killed, when and their ethnicity doesn’t refute what others besides myself have said on the matter.
To reiteterate, there has been a rush to judgment in some quarters which assume that every mass grave in and around Srebrenica reflected Muslim males summarily executed.
It has been established that this hasn’t been the case. Sometimes the specifics conclusively show this point to be true. Like the instance of murdered Serbs likely killed by Nasir Oric’s forces. In other instances, a good deal remains not so clear.
As previously noted, some absurdly claimed casualty figures pertaining to the Bosnian Civil war were shown to be false. A point acknowledged after such figures were presented as facts.
Big Blue! Giants win! NY rockin!
Andy, this is one of the greatest moments American sports history.
Speaking as a lifelong Patriots fan, I’m afraid I must disagree…
Come on Andy!
As a long suffering Red Sox fan, I acknowledge game 6 of the 1986 World series as a historically great baseball moment (I was at that bummer).
After the third game of the season, NY Giants coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning were getting raked big time for a poor start.
They kept at it and prevailed.
“I just hope your athletic prowess is a bit better than your writing.”
Don’t forget that Mike can run so fast, he can make time go backward.
What is Chris Doss good at besides carrying on like a jackass?
Whoever he was quoting from is no doubt far from perfect and likely doesn’t possess much in terms of analytical skills.
A reasonable assumption based on how Chris uncritically references that quote.
Regarding the latest troll outburst from Ireland:
Michelle Berdy showed that she didn’t know as much about Bosnia as she thought.
When it comes to providing foreign policy analysis, she’s isn’t in my league. That goes for a number of other issues as well. These points also relate to some others.
The Action Ukraine Report and other venues mail on an unsolicited basis. This was true of the once active Untimely Thoughts.
Nothing was stated to successfully refute what I’ve said.
These are repeat points showing how off the wall that troll is.
He apparently thinks that saying something absurd over and over again will make it true.
Man, I sure hope Mike doesn’t use his Super-Running to trot across the ocean and get me.
Chris Doss is a real waste of time.
Sean’s Russia Blog has regretfully come to SL.
None of Chris’ posts here have been serious.
An obvious crank personality, in need of attention and something to do.
”Michelle Berdy showed that she didn’t know as much about Bosnia as she thought.”
Again, straw men everywhere. That discussion was about how MAB would be far better acquainted with public opinion in Russia about Srebrenica, not about knowledge of the Former Yugoslavia itself. You may enjoy repeating yourself, but all of us present at that thread know what happened. People like me – who actually study the Russian language – would look up to MAB, a woman whose expererience you are simply no match for nor ever will be.
Inspite of much questioning, you yourself have failed to account for your heartless opinion that Russia was right to invade Chechnya in 1994, which result in perhaps 40,000 deaths and utter defeat for the Russian army. As I’ve said before, I’d love to have to you put in one of the auls during clean-up operation. Do you know what an aul is Mike?
”The Action Ukraine Report and other venues mail on an unsolicited basis. This was true of the once active Untimely Thoughts.”
If you are using unsolicitied email services as your yardstick, then logically you cannot claim credit for readership, when you are – literally – forcing your opinions into people’s mailboxes, rather than being asked for it.
”Nothing was stated to successfully refute what I’ve said.”
Perhaps in a parallel universe, where logic operates in reverse.
”Big Blue! Giants win! NY rockin!
Andy, this is one of the greatest moments American sports history”
I have to say I am delighted for you about this – it was an enthralling match, especially the moment when Manning looked like he’d been caught, escaped, and threw to Tyree(?), whose catch and stretch was breathtaking. Brady looked moody and brooding all night, whereas Manning played with a smile. Was great to watch. As a long suffering Limerick hurling fan(I’ve seen us lose three finals, walked away from stadiums heartbroken so many times) I can only imagine the elation when ones team finally comes good.
Oh no! Mike has run across the ocean using his Super-Running and is already downstairs! I don’t think security can hold him off much longer! Help, somebody, help! Call Mike’s mom and make her withhold his allowance!
The troll comes back with zero substance.
He has yet to produce anything showing a keen aptitude for the sort of foreign affairs and history issues that I cover.
Instead, he cranks out the same bullshit.
“Captive audience” doesnt’t apply to the Action Ukraine Report and Untimely Thoughts?
Whether some like it or not, a good number of academics and media folks appreciate my emails. Their opinions are of greater value than some witless troll, who repeatedly misrepresents what I’ve said.
Chris Doss can use a good old fashioned mom disciplinarian to whup his sorry ass in shape.
Hey, how did you know what your mom and I were doing last night? I didn’t think she was the type to kiss and tell.
Keep dreaming Chris Doss. Pond scum like yourself state such thoughts.
Is Peter Lavelle still your friend?
Does he sanction your manner here?
plavelle@rttv.ru
His email is a matter of record.
Hey, I just noticed that Mike doesn’t know what “captive audience” means.
”The troll comes back with zero substance”
No, I did come back on substance, as any reasoned observer can see.
”He has yet to produce anything showing a keen aptitude for the sort of foreign affairs and history issues that I cover.”
I content myself with learning the language first(something I consider of extreme importance in understanding Russia) and read history as a hobby – not long ago I read Nagorski’s book on the Battle of Moscow. Unlike you, I prefer not to mire myself in the talentless world of critique – ‘those who create, do, those who cant, criticise’.
”“Captive audience” doesnt’t apply to the Action Ukraine Report and Untimely Thoughts?”
Information asked for certainly implies a captive audience. Unsolicited material is spam, surely?
”Their opinions are of greater value than some witless troll, who repeatedly misrepresents what I’ve said.”
No misrepresentations Mike. And you cant come up with an explanation for your dreadful views on Chechnya. You should be ashamed. Know what an aul is Mike?
A repeat troll like performance from an individual who acknowledges corresponding with Chris Doss.
What Mike Averko does for a living is also on record: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:CuriousGeorge.png
Hey, I just noticed that Mike doesn’t know what “captive audience” means.
I do though – it’s ‘Andy’. Every two minutes my inbox beeps, and I get to read another delighful installment of dross.
”Is Peter Lavelle still your friend?
Does he sanction your manner here?”
Mike, why dont you leave this man alone? He has I daresay no interest in you whatsoever. Do you not think this massive ranting is perhaps counterproductive? PL is hardly ‘sending’ Chris on here. Methinks you overestimate yourself.
Just one last thing Mike – if you have it in for PL so much, why dont you go and say it to HIM on his RT blog? You spend all your time complaining to everyone else about his puditry. Are you a bit frightened of him or something?
Andy – point taken, sorry about that.
We just don’t want Andy to be lonely. We are people who care.
Dublin troll:
The record shows you to be the troll at Sean’s Russia Blog and this thread.
On the other hand, I do substantive work which is appreciated by others who display a far more meaningful existence than yourself.
Why don’t you and your troll friend Chris Doss stop trying to hijack meaningful discussions?
Chris Doss has been 100% troll at this thread.
Chris Doss’ shining moment in his seemingly miserable existence is to instigate trolling.
A far cry from what I’m all about.
From Chris Doss:
“Chrisius Maximus Says:
February 4th, 2008 at 11:58 am
What Mike Averko does for a living is also on record: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:CuriousGeorge.png ”
***
An obvious attempt of Chris trying to transfer his troubled existence unto me.
Second attempt. Apologize if comes up as a duplicate
From Chris Doss:
“Chrisius Maximus Says:
February 4th, 2008 at 11:58 am
What Mike Averko does for a living is also on record: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:CuriousGeorge.png ”
***
An obvious attempt by Chris at trying to transfer his troubled existence unto me.
All this relates to Guillory’s stated claim of being different from LR.
Up to a point. He has decidedly approved of this tag team trolling by encouraging it, not saying anything against it, while not directly addressing valid critiques of how he has carried on.
That’s why I couldn’t agree with the arm chair stated support for his blog and criticism of Russia Blog.
There should be earnest discussion and not the kind of sleaze ball tactics utilized at this thread.
Mike,
my questions are not sleezeball, and you know they arent, and I’m not trolling. I seriousy questioned your murderous opinions on Chechnya and asked why you feel the need to constantly attack media figures. This is on-topic, as the rest of the thread has been bloggers talking about bloggers and what they do.
By the way I’m a long way from Dublin,thankfully. Dublin is in the east of the country.
The disingenuous Sean Guillory promoted liar strikes again with repeat misinformation.
Andy:
What’s this trackback about:
“Claim Blog » Blog Archive » Comment on Top 5 Russia Blogs by Michael Averko Says:
February 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
[…] The Wide Awakes wrote an interesting post today on Comment on Top 5 Russia Blogs by Michael AverkoHere’s a quick excerptAll this relates to Guillory’s stated claim of being different from LR. … the arm chair stated support for his blog and criticism of Russia… […]”
*****
At present, the ability to access that site doesn’t seem to be available.
Trolls take the form of the repeated manner of specfically targetting one person in a way that
- misrepresents what the person in question has said.
- makes false, negative, personal remarks about an individual, not related to the topic
Siding with such manner constitutes trolling as well.
The troll from Ireland recently questioned my giving this email address:
plavelle@rttv.ru
That email is a matter of record. Chris Doss is a stated friend of Peter Lavelle.
I think it’s a perfectly fair question to ask if Lavelle supports the troll like antics here.
The troll from Ireland says I should “leave the man alone”. He should note the irony of that comment coming from him.
Lavelle is in media and Doss has worked with him. It’s a valid point.
Media criticism shouldn’t be confused with trolling.
It seems quite apparent that some don’t want certain views to be heard for their own convenient interests.
Andy – what’s this trackback about?
It’s a scraper blog – they pull content from my RSS feed (and others’) and place it on a site with adsense ads. They’re hoping that people will click on the ads, so that they can make a few bucks.
They’re really easy to set up, so if someone can set up hundreds, they can make a fairly decent amount of money off the backs of others’ work.
They send trackbacks so they can get indexed by Google, and into the search engines – that’s where most of their traffic comes from.
Most of my posts draw in at least two or three trackbacks like this – I try to delete them as soon as I see them, but this one slipped through the net. Gone now though…