CNN has become an indispensable tool to intelligence analysts and policy-makers alike. Journals and Periodicals. Journals and periodicals lack the timeliness of news media, though they offer more in-depth analysis of local and world affairs. There is a wide range of foreign affairs, specialist and technical journals available. Military sources range from specialist military journals to papers produced at staff and war colleges.
Academic sources offer much detailed research and background material for exploitation.
Academics can help in understanding a wide range of topics and specialised areas. Many technological sources, highly classified during the Cold War, are now available commercially. Remote sensing data will be useful for planning. Russia is reportedly selling imagery with a resolution of two meters. Human sources will range from diplomats to attaches, travellers to expatriates.