NationStates Jolt Archive

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4725992.stm

So, apparently:

Mr Rumsfeld said al-Qaeda and other Islamic extremists were bombarding Muslims with negative images of the West, which had poisoned the public view of the US.

The US must fight back by operating a more effective, 24-hour propaganda machine, or risk a "dangerous deficiency," he said.

I say he's clever, because that makes it sounds like the US isn't already a giant propaganda machine...
I mean... is it really that HARD to find images to bombard muslims with? Maybe they're overplayed on their news networks, but the US does the same thing already.
I cannot begin to imagine how the US could spin out MORE propoganda than it already does...

Yeah, satellite TV just can't reach every goat farmer. :rolleyes:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b283/jtkwon/rummy.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b283/jtkwon/rummy.jpg
lol, I like that

Yeah, satellite TV just can't reach every goat farmer. :rolleyes:

But the US sponsored tv stations can get to the elite.
Unfortunately they are set up like Fox, and contrary to popular opinion Arabs are not morons. They recognise the propagandastation for what it is, and prefer their own.

Subtlety seems to be the way to go...

From a study on how best to battle al Qaeda:

The "Playbook" study takes a different approach, outlining six major trends in the thinking of prominent jihadists, including al Qaeda No. 2 Ayman al-Zawahiri, and describing how the United States could counter each one:

# Direct engagement with the United States has been positive for the movement because it rallies locals, drains U.S. resources and puts pressure on Washington's allies.

To counter the first trend, the study says the United States "should avoid direct, large-scale military action in the Middle East. If such fighting is necessary, it must be done through proxies whenever possible."

# The movement has become decentralized, making training camps obsolete and opening doors to new venues for training, such as urban areas and the Internet.

Therefore, the study authors write, the United States "must be aware of the consequences of creating new theaters for jihad, particularly in the Arab world. The U.S. must also find ways to redirect the alienation among Muslim youth that is fueling recruitment."

# Jihadist ideologues want to establish Islamic states that can be used as training bases and to help develop the "nuclei of the future jihadi order." But rather than overthrowing a sitting ruler, they would be content to create enclaves in poorly policed regions.

The United States should compete by helping local surrogates establish their own enclaves "in regions where there are security vacuums," according to the study.

# Jihadists frown on bad publicity and want to foster an image that will convince people to join their groups.

The study suggests using Cold War-era propaganda tactics to covertly sway public opinion. Attempts by the U.S. "to elicit pro-American feelings in the Middle East by making public pronouncements about the true nature of Islam or the virtues of democracy" should be avoided.

# Jihadists see religious leadership as integral to attracting youths and lending legitimacy to violence.

The United States "should very carefully and unobtrusively support Muslim religious leaders and movements" that counter the movement, even if the leaders are not friendly with the West," the study says.

"If the bottom line is a rejection of violence against the United States and its allies, [such groups] should be supported."

# Jihadists look for insights in Western thought and U.S. strategic planning.

According to the study, the United States should counter these efforts by "establishing a think tank staffed with highly trained experts on the Middle East and counterinsurgency whose sole purpose would be to identify the major jihadi thinkers and analyze their works."

http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/02/16/jihad.study/index.html

But the US sponsored tv stations can get to the elite.
Unfortunately they are set up like Fox, and contrary to popular opinion Arabs are not morons. They recognise the propagandastation for what it is, and prefer their own.
Exactly, and that is why the $75 million to "democritize" Iran is just another showboat ploy by the Administration to attempt to improve Bush's approval rating. That $75 million could be a lot better spent here, where we need it, than in Iran.

The US needs to transmit Baywatch vids to them thar Middle east critters.
That'll make them love the US!
They'll worship Hasselhof as a God! (like we all should be doing).

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4725992.stm

So, apparently:



I say he's clever, because that makes it sounds like the US isn't already a giant propaganda machine...
I mean... is it really that HARD to find images to bombard muslims with? Maybe they're overplayed on their news networks, but the US does the same thing already.
I cannot begin to imagine how the US could spin out MORE propoganda than it already does...
"See in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda."
-George W. Bush, May 24, 2005 in Rochester, NY.

"See in my line of work you got to keep repeating things over and over and over again for the truth to sink in, to kind of catapult the propaganda."
-George W. Bush, May 24, 2005 in Rochester, NY.

Hmm... what Bush says makes so much sense to me, now! Why didn't I see it bef... Wait! No! No brainwashing!
You almost had me that time, Mr. Bush.

Hmm... what Bush says makes so much sense to me, now! Why didn't I see it bef... Wait! No! No brainwashing!
You almost had me that time, Mr. Bush.
Then he'll get ya the next time. That's the beauty of consistency, even if it's wrong. :D