Afghanistan

Making War Spin McChrystal Clear

by Diane Farsetta — September 29, 2009 - 2:55pm

General Stanley A. McChrystal, the top U.S. military and NATO commander in Afghanistan, wants to change strategic communications goals there from a "struggle for the 'hearts and minds' of the Afghan population to one of giving them 'trust and confidence'" in their government and their future. He also wants to focus on exposing insurgents' "flagrant contravention of the principles of the Koran," which is already a talking point for U.S.

Main Source: 
Washington Post, September 27, 2009

Rendon's Embed Vetting Scandal

by Diane Farsetta — September 2, 2009 - 12:33pm

The military newspaper Stars and Stripes reported that the Pentagon was using one of its favorite public relations firms, the Rendon Group, to produce profiles of reporters requesting to embed with U.S.

Main Source: 
Stars and Stripes, August 31, 2009

Afghan Ambassador Asks for a Lobbying Surge

by Diane Farsetta — June 10, 2009 - 1:42pm

"Our immediate neighbors Pakistan, India, and China are contracting over a dozen prominent lobbyists. ...

Main Source: 
Mother Jones, June 9, 2009

U.S. Turns to Body Counts in Afghanistan

by Diane Farsetta — June 2, 2009 - 1:54pm

"In recent months, the U.S. command in Afghanistan has begun publicizing every single enemy fighter killed in combat, the most detailed body counts the military has released since the practice fell into disrepute during the Vietnam War," reports the Wall Street Journal. The change comes in response to concerns "that at home, the common perception is this war is being lost," explained a military spokeswoman. Enemy body counts are only released for U.S.

Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal (sub req'd), June 1, 2009

Center for American Progress Hangs with the Neocons

by John Stauber — April 2, 2009 - 4:28pm

Investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill sees the liberal Center for American Progress teaming up with leading neoconservatives and going to bat for Barack Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan.

Main Source: 
Jeremy Scahill, April 2, 2009

Afghan Escalation OK with MoveOn, Anti-War Insiders

by John Stauber — March 29, 2009 - 8:07am

Washington Post blogger Greg Sargent notes that "President Obama’s announcement today of an escalation in the American presence in Afghanistan is being met with mostly silence - and even some support - from the most influential liberal groups who opposed the Iraq War. ... MoveOn.org ...

Main Source: 
The Plum LIne Blog, March 27, 2009

How Obama Took Over the Peace Movement

by John Stauber — March 27, 2009 - 2:00pm
  • Topics: Afghanistan, Politics, War / Peace

    • John Podesta's liberal think tank the Center for American Progress (CAP) strongly supports Barack Obama's escalation of the US wars in Afghanistan and Pakistan. This is best evidenced by Sustainable Security in Afghanistan, a CAP report by Lawrence J. Korb. Podesta served as the head of Obama's transition team, and CAP's support for Obama's wars is the latest step in a successful co-option of the US peace movement by Obama's political aides and the Democratic Party.

    CAP and the five million member liberal lobby group MoveOn were behind Americans Against Escalation in Iraq (AAEI), a coalition that spent tens of millions of dollars using Iraq as a political bludgeon against Republican politicians, while refusing to pressure the Democratic Congress to actually cut off funding for the war. AAEI was operated by two of Barack Obama's top political aids, Steve Hildebrand and Paul Tewes, and by Brad Woodhouse of Americans United for Change and USAction. Today Woodhouse is Obama's Director of Communications and Research for the Democratic National Committee. He controls the massive email list called Obama for America composed of the many millions of people who gave money and love to the Democratic peace candidate and might be wondering what the heck he is up to in Afghanistan and Pakistan. MoveOn built its list by organizing vigils and ads for peace and by then supporting Obama for president; today it operates as a full-time cheerleader supporting Obama's policy agenda. Some of us saw this unfolding years ago. Others are probably shocked watching their peace candidate escalating a war and sounding so much like the previous administration in his rationale for doing so.

    Army Continues Anti-Explosive PR in Afghanistan

    by Diane Farsetta — March 19, 2009 - 1:47pm

    The U.S. Army, which recently canceled PR work in Iraq, is looking for a firm to do media campaigns in Afghanistan. The contract is worth $10 million a year, for up to four years.

    Main Source: 
    O'Dwyer's PR Daily (sub req'd), March 19, 2009

    Bad Economy = Easier Military Recruiting

    by Diane Farsetta — March 5, 2009 - 5:32pm

    "The economy, together with easing worries about the violence in Iraq and even President Barack Obama's election" is benefiting the U.S. Army. With the "constant reporting that we are going to downsize and leave" Iraq, it's been easier for the Army to meet recruiting goals, said Lt. Gen. Benjamin Freakley.

    Main Source: 
    Advertising Age, March 2, 2009
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