Lincoln Logs More Propaganda Work in Iraq

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It was reported previously that Rear Adm. Scott Van Buskirk's review of U.S. propaganda efforts in Iraq found that no regulations were violated by the "multipronged campaign." According to the New York Times, the three-page summary of the Pentagon review calls the military's covert authorship of Iraqi newspaper articles "appropriate," but suggests new guidelines to "determine when attribution may be appropriate." Without mentioning the Lincoln Group, the PR firm that planted the pro-U.S. stories, the review emphasizes the importance of "proper oversight" of contractors on propaganda programs. The review is critical of the U.S.-created Baghdad Press Club, saying the military's "direct oversight of an apparently independent news organization and remuneration for articles that are published will undoubtedly raise questions focused on 'truth and credibility,' that will be difficult to deflect." The New York Times reports, "Several Pentagon officials said the Lincoln Group and other contractors were still involved in placing propaganda messages in Iraqi publications and on television."