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To: Secret_Agent_Man who wrote (233828)	4/6/2003 5:30:33 PM
From: orkrious	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 436258

C4T, where's that from, the russian site?

To: Secret_Agent_Man who wrote (233828)	4/6/2003 5:32:28 PM
From: broadstbull	Respond to of 436258

You got a link for that?

To: Secret_Agent_Man who wrote (233828)	4/6/2003 5:55:19 PM
From: Oblomov	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 436258

anything from iraqwar.ru is suspect...

To: Secret_Agent_Man who wrote (233828)	4/6/2003 7:11:21 PM
From: UnBelievable	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 436258

The US Is Using The Media As A Tool In The War I am not saying that it is wrong, but I think that when we hear what CNN is broadcasting it needs to be put in the context of the overall strategy for the war. From the beginning the objective has been to have as many Iraqis conclude that defeat was inevitable and it is better to seek out alternatives to fighting. That was the purpose of “Shock and Awe”. It is also recognized that CNN is one of the key ways in which a significant number of the Iraqi elite get information. And it becomes an even more important source as the other sources of information fall victim to the war. As you listen to CNN you can begin to identify one or two simple messages that seem to get repeated out of proportion to the news worthiness. These messages change periodically but they all have the purpose of weakening morale, resolve, and the will to fight. One of these had to do with whether or not it was actually Saddam on the tape. There is little that would indicate that things have changed more than the fact of Saddam’s death. Stories that he may be dead help the US plant doubt. Another story that was similar was senior members of the party having been seen leaving the city with suitcases of money. How does anyone know that? I doubt that the people who are leaving the city with suitcases of money are using distinctive suitcases. Actually I would be surprised if anyone who had “suitcases of money” kept it at home, in Iraq. But as a message to mid-level party and military officials, who don’t themselves have “suitcases of money” it has the potential to be a powerful message and should get them to think about their own commitment to the cause. As I said I am not criticizing the US government for using the tool. The extent to which CNN is pawn or co-conspirator is less clear. But even if they are fully informed rather than dupes, there are a number of strong arguments that can be made for their cooperating. The obligations and responsibilities of news organizations under these circumstances is one that is regularly discussed and debated within the media, academia, and think tanks. My only point is that if you are trying to making a personal judgment about the status of the war, in the information you consider in making that judgment, it probably is worthwhile to venture beyond those venues which are known by the US to have substantial following among Iraqis.