Fourth estate

A few months ago I compared The New Statesman, which I have read regularly for 30 years, with The Sun, and concluded that "if it's informed and progressive commentary you want, these days you put The Sun well ahead". I ought to have added that The Sun's editorials are, from what I've seen, crisply written and well reasoned applications of liberal values. I particularly recommend the first leader today, entitled Blair's Courage:

TONY Blair knew he was walking into the lion’s den when he visited Beirut.

It took courage to face angry crowds who blame him personally for the Israeli bombs that killed Lebanese innocents.

But the Prime Minister was right as well as brave.

Israel is fighting for its life. It must be allowed to defend itself.

The article goes on to discuss sensitively and accurately the ideology of Hezbollah, and concludes with an excellent policy recommendation: "[Lebanon's] citizens must resist the temptation to act as 'victims' — and kick out the parasites of Hezbollah."

Read the whole thing.