Of course.. that's the purpose of propaganda... Convincing those who don't immediately align themselves with your interests, by making convincing arguments using whatever logic, true or fictitious, is effective and convincing.
But Hitler relied mainly upon Germanic nationalism, spurred by the crushing war reparations inflicted upon that nation after WWI. He undercut the Weimar republic -- just as we see the Taliban and other extremists undercutting the moderate elements in Pakistan, and Egypt and other muslim nations -- until such a point where Hindenburg was forced to make him Chancellor.. Once in power, he was able to consolidate it by gaining control of the Reichstag over the communists and having the "enabling act" passed which made him dictator for 4 years after the Reichstag building was burned down (allegedly by communists).
The rest is history:
bbc.co.uk
And btw, such propagand does indeed working for both Bin Laden, as well as the US. OBL is trying to convince muslims throughout the world that the US is trying to wage a war on Islam, and not just him...
The US is trying to convince muslims that this is THEIR battle, and not just that of the US. (which I personally believe is factual)..
And the battle for hearts and minds will go on, until one wins out over the other. But the US has much more to offer than anything Bin Laden can provide. We can provide economic aid, and long overdue integration into the global economy, and Bin Laden and other extremists can only promise struggle, suffering, and violence.
Hawk |
