Every conflict in history has seen its share of rumor, propaganda and misinformation. The 'yellow journalism' that helped launch the Spanish-American War and the infamous radio broadcasts of 'Tokyo Rose' during World War II come to mind. But the information technology of the 21st century has made waging an ideological global struggle against extremism particularly complex. Decision makers, the media and the public at large will need to come to terms with the effect of these new realities. The old adage that 'A lie can be half-way around the world before truth has its boots on' becomes doubly true with today's technology.
But, it must be noted, the availability of new communications media can inform and illuminate as well as lead to new challenges. I think of how much has changed just in my lifetime. In earlier wars, Americans, for the most part, were limited to a few definitive news sources -- Edward R. Murrow during World War II, for example, or Walter Cronkite during Vietnam -- to get information that had been packaged and approved for presentation to the public.
Think of all the new doors that since have been opened. Today we have multiple global-satellite-television networks; 24-hour news coverage; dozens of domestic and international television channels devoted to news, commentary and analysis; talk radio; bloggers and the Internet; and live coverage of terrorist attacks, disasters and combat operations.
He finishes with some recommendations for transparency with proper context. Good stuff, if you can find it.
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