Terrorism

Osama bin Laden: How the U.S. Helped Midwife a Terrorist

by Sheldon Rampton — October 3, 2001 - 11:28am

Ahmed Rashid is the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Central Asia correspondent for the Far Eastern Economic Review and The Daily Telegraph of London. His book, Taliban: Militant Islam, Oil and Fundamentalism in Central Asia, was written before the terrorist attacks of September 11.

Main Source: 
http://www.public-i.org/excerpts_01_091301.htm

The Wartime Opportunists

by Sheldon Rampton — October 1, 2001 - 11:00pm

Corporate interests and their proxies are looking to exploit the September 11 tragedy to advance a self-serving agenda that has nothing to do with national security and everything to do with corporate profits and dangerous ideologies. Fast track and the Free Trade Area of the Americas. A corporate tax cut. Oil drilling in Alaska. Star Wars. These are some of the preposterous "solutions" and responses to the terror attack offered by corporate mouthpieces.

Main Source: 
TomPaine.com, October 2, 2001

Opportunism in the Face of Tragedy

by Sheldon Rampton — September 27, 2001 - 5:00am

As the world focuses on efforts to stop terrorism, some governments are cynically taking advantage of this struggle to justify or intensify their own crackdowns on political opponents or religious groups. Human Rights Watch has begun to compile reports on government statements or actions which use the anti-terrorism campaign as a cover for their own human rights violations.

Main Source: 
http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/september11/opportunismwatch.htm

US: Choose Allies Carefully

by Sheldon Rampton — September 24, 2001 - 11:00pm

In the discussion about Osama bin Laden, a key point is often omitted: that Mr. bin Laden began his career as a US ally. Indeed, he has followed in the tradition of Manuel Noriega and Saddam Hussein -- unsavory leaders who began as America's "friends," and later became archenemies. Moreover, from 1994 to 1996, the US encouraged Pakistani aid to the Taliban, which seemed the best bet for protecting Western interests in the region. In backing the mujahideen, US officials knew the risks.

Main Source: 
Christian Science Monitor, September 25, 2001

News Media's Islamic Blind Spot

by Laura Miller — September 24, 2001 - 11:00pm

In the round-the-clock U.S. media coverage of the September 11 attacks, one might assume that all angles of the story are being reported. That, however, is not so according to Salon writer Eric Boehlert, who interviewed a number of Islamic and Middle East experts about the media. The good news is that initial coverage after the attacks is generally more informed about the Middle East and Islam than Gulf War coverage of 10 years ago.

Main Source: 
Salon.com, September 25, 2001

Suppressing Dissent At Home, Fighting for Freedom Abroad?

by Sheldon Rampton — September 23, 2001 - 11:00pm

As the United States embarks on a campaign against international terrorism abroad, it is important that we carefully consider what such a conflict could mean for our freedoms here at home. Wars often give rise to conditions of secrecy and suppression of dissent that are antithetical to democracy.

Main Source: 
Spinsanity, September 24, 2001

PR Pros to Consumers, "Keep Buying!"

by Laura Miller — September 23, 2001 - 11:00pm

PR trade publication O'Dwyer's PR interviewed PR practioners about what they see the profession contributing in the aftermath of the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks. O'Dwyer's reports, "The greatest service PR pros can provide in support of the country is to ensure that the consumer continues to buy, says Maureen Lippe, CEO of Lippe Taylor Marketing PR." However, pitches should try to have a "sensitive and mindful" tone and avoid frivolity.

Main Source: 
O'Dwyer's PR Daily, September 24, 2001

Press Restrictions Worry Journalist

by Laura Miller — September 22, 2001 - 11:00pm

Washington Post staff writer Howard Kurtz writes, "As the administration gears up for what President Bush has described as a new kind of war, many journalists are growing concerned that they will have less information and less access to U.S. troops than ever before. Even the use of deliberate disinformation cannot be ruled out." He continues by quoting President Bush. "Let me condition the press this way: Any sources and methods of intelligence will remain guarded in secret," Bush said.

Main Source: 
Washington Post, September 23, 2001

Ignore Rumors of Faked Palestinian Footage

by Sheldon Rampton — September 20, 2001 - 11:00pm

Rumors continue to circulate through the internet and other sources that CNN used old footage to fake images of "Palestinians dancing in the street" after the terrorist attack on the USA. These rumors have been debunked by numerous sources, including the American Arab Anti Discrimination Committee (ADC). In an action alert, the ADC says it is "convinced that there is no basis for this allegation," which it characterizes as an "internet hoax." A small group of Palestinian in the village of Nablus really did celebrate the bombing.

Main Source: 
American Arab Anti Discrimination Committee, September 21, 2001

U.S. to Launch Campaign to Boost National Morale

by Laura Miller — September 20, 2001 - 11:00pm

The Wall Street Journal reports, "The U.S. government is expected to launch a new advertising campaign this weekend designed to boost morale and combat negative perceptions about the country. The ads, from the White House and Interpublic Group's McCann-Erickson, will feature First Lady Laura Bush in spots on talking to children about the terrorist attack. A second campaign promoting the United States, but lacking a government sponsor, is to make its debut Friday.

Main Source: 
Wall Street Journal, September 21, 2001
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