Iraq

Vets for Freedom Pushes School Too Far

by Diane Farsetta — March 27, 2008 - 2:47pm

It was originally planned as "a low-key classroom discussion about patriotism and service to country" at Forest Lake High School in Minnesota. But when the Republican Party-associated pro-Iraq war group Vets for Freedom "decided to call a press conference at the school and alerted media," things got heated.

Main Source: 
Star Tribune (Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota), March 26, 2008

MoveOn Pressure Democrats on Iraq? Dream on!

by John Stauber — March 26, 2008 - 6:21pm

Two leading anti-war journalists are challenging MoveOn, one "of the most prominent anti-war voices," to turn its activism against Democratic Party presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Main Source: 
The Guardian (UK), March 26, 2008

It's Not Your Grandfather's Oil Industry

by Diane Farsetta — March 24, 2008 - 4:04pm

The oil industry's "nationwide publicity drive to clear up what it calls 'common and surprising misperceptions'" about its record-breaking profits continues.

Main Source: 
Rocky Mountain News (Colorado), March 22, 2008

Mainstream Media, MoveOn, Ignored Iraq Veterans' 'Winter Soldier' Investigation

by John Stauber — March 13, 2008 - 5:30pm

Kelly Dougherty, the former sergeant who is the executive director of Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW), announced on March 13th the start of the group's three-day Winter Soldier: Iraq and Afghanistan investigation into the United States' conduct of its wars, featuring testimony of scores of anti-war veterans.

Main Source: 
Irag Veterans Against the War, March 13, 2008

The PR Surge Is Working for McCain - More Americans See "Success" in Iraq

by John Stauber — March 13, 2008 - 9:34am

Politico notes that U.S. public support for the war in Iraq "has reached a high point unseen since the summer of 2006. ... According to late February polling conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, 53 percent of Americans -- a slim majority -- now believe 'the U.S.

Main Source: 
Politico.com, March 12, 2008

Teacher Warns Students About War Propagandist John Rendon

by John Stauber — March 13, 2008 - 8:53am

Steve Runge, an instructor at Northeastern University in Boston, is raising a red flag about a controversial lecturer. "John Rendon of the Rendon Group will be addressing the College of Business Administration Thursday afternoon.

Main Source: 
The Northeastern News, March 13, 2008

Jousting with the Lancet: More Data, More Debate over Iraqi Deaths

by Diane Farsetta — February 26, 2008 - 6:36pm
  • Topics: Iraq, Journalism, Human Rights, International, Politics, Science, U.S. Government

    • It's one of the most controversial questions today: How many Iraqis have died since the 2003 U.S.-led invasion?

    That there is no definitive answer should not come as a surprise, given the chaotic situation in Iraq. Still, it's an important question to ask, for obvious humanitarian, moral and political reasons.

    Theoretically, the public health surveys and polls that have been conducted in Iraq -- at great risk to the people involved -- should help inform and further the debate. But the data is complicated by different research approaches and their attendant caveats. The matter has been further confused by anemic reporting, with news articles usually framed as a "he said / she said" story, instead of an exploration and interpretation of research findings.

    These are the conditions under which spin thrives: complex issues, political interests and weak reporting. So it's not too surprising that last month saw a spate of what international health researcher Dr. Richard Garfield calls "Swift Boat editorials."

    A Comical Attempt to Win Young Hearts and Minds

    by Diane Farsetta — February 20, 2008 - 6:30pm

    Want to earn up to $2.4 million to produce and distribute across Iraq 12 issues of a comic book designed to "highlight the professionalism of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) and to enhance the public perception of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) as a capable, well-trained, and professional fighting force"? Well, you'll have to compete with the Lincoln Group, the PR firm that previously placed U.S.

    Main Source: 
    Wired blog "Danger Room," February 19, 2008

    AAEI - How Democrats Took Over and Betrayed the Peace Movement

    by John Stauber — February 9, 2008 - 8:32pm

    Matt Taibbi analyzes how "Democrats have surrendered to Bush on Iraq and betrayed the peace movement for their own political ends." He faults the MoveOn-led Americans Against Escalation in Iraq, "a political tool for the Democrats -- one operated from inside the Beltway and devote

    Main Source: 
    Rolling Stone, February 21, 2008
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