Informed Comment is a blog and news website founded in 2002 by Juan Cole, a professor of Middle Eastern and South Asian history at the University of Michigan. The idea for Informed Comment came from Cole's desire to provide a platform for in-depth analysis and commentary on the complex political, social, and cultural dynamics of the Middle East and other regions of the world. As an academic with expertise in these areas, Cole envisioned Informed Comment as a way to share his knowledge and insights with a broader audience beyond the academic community. Today, Informed Comment continues to be owned and operated by Juan Cole. Based in the United States, Informed Comment primarily covers news and analysis related to the Middle East, with a focus on topics such as politics, foreign policy, religion, and social issues. The website also occasionally delves into other global affairs and their implications for the region. While Informed Comment's content is primarily text-based, the website also features multimedia elements, such as videos and infographics, to enhance the presentation of its analysis and commentary. One interesting fact: A unique aspect of Informed Comment is its direct connection to its founder, Juan Cole. As a respected scholar and public intellectual, Cole's personal expertise and perspective are central to the website's content and approach. This direct association between the website and its creator sets Informed Comment apart from many other news sources, which may have a more impersonal or institutional feel.