After September 11th, military planners opened the Office of Strategic Influence to sway international public opinion toward the United States, but the office was closed six months later when it was revealed as a place from which to plant fabricated stories in the media. The Pentagon is still thinking of using the same tactics to win over hearts and minds in Iraq and throughout the Middle East. Deception on the battlefield is a timeless tool. But when the military begins using it on the media, as well as its enemies, some say it erodes the credibility of U.S. armed forces both at home and abroad.
Guests:
Mark Mazzetti, Pentagon Correspondent for The Los Angeles Times.
Stephen Pietropaoli, Chief of Information for the U.S. Navy from 2000-2003, previously served as special assistant for public affairs to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.