The last paragraph of today's New York Times* article 'No Breach Seen In Work In Iraqi Propoganda' is a classic "gag a maggot" exercise in hypocrisy. In its last paragraph, Tom Shanker cautions the Pentagon about information operations and writes, apparently with a straight face:
'...misleading information and lies could easily migrate into American news outlets, as could the perception that false information is being spread by the Pentagon.'
It must have teed—off the NYT and other antique medianauts to have to report that an investigation into the Multi—National Force Iraq practice of 'planting positive news stories' has found that no military policies were violated. Neither MNF—Iraq nor the Lincoln Group did anything wrong. Their sin: getting The Truth in print, an alien concept for the antique media. Here is an excerpt from my Dec. 2005 American Thinker article:
'In its press release titled 'Information Operations critical to success in Iraq' the headquarters, Multi—National Force, Iraq (MNFI) stated
'The information battlespace in Iraq is contested at all times and is filled with misinformation and propaganda by an enemy intent on discrediting the Iraqi government and the Coalition... Information Operations is an essential tool for commanders to ensure the Iraqi population has current, truthful and reliable information.'
In the central theater of the global war on terrorism this weapon is being used properly. It is a sword that must be wielded.
Let's look at exactly what has got the Righteousness Brigades of The Media in such a tizzy. The MNFI press release states:
'As part of our operations we have offered articles for publication to Iraqi newspapers, and in some cases articles have been accepted and published as a function of buying advertising and opinion/editorial space, as is customary in Iraq. Third parties have been employed in an effort to mitigate the risk to publishers [emphasis added]. The procedures for doing so undergo policy and legal review to ensure compliance with the law and regulations.'
Nothing sinister here. In fact, as we see, precautions are taken to safeguard reporters and publishers.'
To his credit, MNF—Iraq commander, Gen. Casey, has continued the practice pending results of the investigation. Now let us hope it continues.
*apologies for earlier misidentifying the source of the article as the Washington Post. JBD
John B. Dwyer 3 22 06
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