Sometimes jumping into any blog, including Juan Cole’s blog can be a little confusing to a newcomer, simply because of the nature of blogging.  Interviews are often a better way of pulling out something of a FAQ for the curious newcomer.  This Detroit Metro Times chat is a good read, after which I suggest you keep reading Juan’s blog.

If only people this rational and informed were actually in charge.  Of anything.

Thanks to Emo for the heads-up.