U.S. Government in a War of Propaganda Against South Korea?
In connection to preparing for war in the Middle East, the U.S. military wants to influence public opinion of friendly countries, according to the New York Times.
Source : BASE21
by Christian/Base21 Media Activist
dvs-b@t-online.de
In connection to preparing for war in the Middle East, the U.S. military wants to influence public opinion of friendly countries, according to the New York Times. This could include the "plan to provide false news items to foreign journalists with a goal to influence public sentiment abroad." According to German newspaper "Junge Welt", U.S. Minister of Defence Donald Rumpsfeld said that they are also willing to pay foreign journalists to write about U.S. policy in a better light or to create movements against "prejudice" against the U.S.
But will the U.S. use that tactic only in its current aggressive military campaign against Iraq? Perhaps not! The International Herald Tribune wrote on December 17: “as anti-American sentiments have risen this year in South Korea, intensified recently by the death of two schoolgirls who were crushed by a U.S. military armoured vehicle, some Pentagon officials were prompted to consider ways of influencing Korean public opinion outside of traditional public affairs or community outreach programs, one military official said."
On the same day we could read articles reflecting capitalist nervousness regarding this growing anti-U.S movement, stemming from fears that this movement will have a negative impact on Korea’s trade relationship with the U.S. "Business groups warn on anti-U.S. feelings... The incident (killing of the two Korean schoolgirls) is now leading to 'unjustified anti-Americanism among our people' they said." South Korean daily JoongAng Ilbo wrote December 17.
On the same day the Korea Herald warned "anti-American campaigns in Korea would likely prompt the U.S. consumers to launch a boycott of Korean products... Moreover, the escalation of anti-American movement on Korean streets would scare away potential foreign investors. Even worse, the possibility of existing U.S. investors pulling themselves out of Korea can not be ruled out." According to Korea Times leading members of the South Korean business community called for reduction of "anti-American protests". They claimed that if South Korea - U.S. relations deteriorate, the situation could influence the labour market as well. "Decline in the export market and foreign investment will directly worsen employment." the South Korean daily wrote.
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