[IP] [Politics] Integration of Psy-Ops & Public Affairs in Iraq

[David Farber <dave@farber.net>]

James Basfords book also deals with this


Begin forwarded message:

From: Eric Gross <e@ericgross.com>
Date: December 1, 2004 9:21:57 AM EST
To: farber@cis.upenn.edu
Subject: Integration of Psy-Ops & Public Affairs in Iraq

The neocons now want to (and are) feed us exactly the same "news" that  
they are trying to feed to the "insurgents"

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na- 
warinfo1dec01,0,321180.story?coll=la-home-headlines

e.







PR Meets Psy-Ops in War on Terror
The use of misleading information as a military tool sparks debate in  
the Pentagon. Critics say the practice puts credibility at stake.

WASHINGTON ­ On the evening of Oct. 14, a young Marine spokesman near  
Fallouja appeared on CNN and made a dramatic announcement.

"Troops crossed the line of departure," 1st Lt. Lyle Gilbert declared,  
using a common military expression signaling the start of a major  
campaign. "It's going to be a long night." CNN, which had been alerted  
to expect a major news development, reported that the long-awaited  
offensive to retake the Iraqi city of Fallouja had begun.

In fact, the Fallouja offensive would not kick off for another three  
weeks. Gilbert's carefully worded announcement was an elaborate  
psychological operation ­ or "psy-op" ­ intended to dupe insurgents in  
Fallouja and allow U.S. commanders to see how guerrillas would react if  
they believed U.S. troops were entering the city, according to several  
Pentagon officials.

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