The Pentagon in 2002 was forced to shutter its controversial Office of Strategic Influence (OSI), which was opened shortly after the Sept. 11 attacks, after reports that the office intended to plant false news stories in the international media. But officials say that much of OSI’s mission -- using information as a tool of war -- has been assumed by other offices throughout the U.S. government.
Like the mainstream media whores. Read this Financial Times article.
[T]here is general agreement inside the Bush administration that the U.S. government is ill equipped to communicate its policies and messages abroad in the current media climate.
Incredible. They obviously think that they can run some PR to convince the Iraqis and other Arabs that we're just concerned about their welfare. Our policies speak quite clearly for themselves. Current, past and future media climates notwithstanding.
Pentagon officials say [Gen. Richard B. Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff] is worried that U.S. efforts in Iraq and in the broader campaign against terrorism could suffer if world audiences begin to question the honesty of statements from U.S. commanders and spokespeople.
You're a little late to the party there, aren't you, Rich? I thought the only people still believing in the honesty of U.S. commanders and spokespeople were the red states.
Myers’ letter is not being heeded in Iraq, officials said, in part because many top civilians at the Pentagon and National Security Council support an effort that blends public affairs with psy-ops to win Iraqi support -- and Arab support in general -- for the U.S. fight against the insurgency.
Okay, you Pentagon and NSC people need to get out more. Those are the last people who are going to believe your "psy-ops". If you're fooling anybody (aside from the red staters), you're fooling yourselves....but hey, do what you want...you will anyway.
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