US Admiral blasts 'strategic communication' efforts in Afghanistan
source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/aug/28/mullen-afghanistan-communication
-
-
- DeliaTheArtist
- added this
"The highest officer in the US military today issued a scathing critique of American "strategic communication" efforts in Afghanistan and the Muslim world, writing that the gap between promised improvements and actual developments harms the credibility of the US message.
In an article written for Joint Force Quarterly, a military publication, Admiral Mike Mullen said that US efforts in Afghanistan and elsewhere to send a positive message about US military action and development efforts hurt US credibility when they do not coincide with what the populace sees on the ground.
Mullen's criticism comes as US officials have acknowledged the US is losing the war of ideas against its Taliban and al-Qaida enemies. In an effort to bolster its image as Barack Obama ramps up the war in Afghanistan, the administration has established a $150m (£92m) effort to train Afghan and Pakistani journalists, set up radio stations and produce pamphlets, posters and CDs lambasting Islamist militants.
Mullen, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, described "a certain arrogance" to US strategic communication efforts. "We've come to believe that messages are something we can launch downrange like a rocket, something we can fire for effect," he wrote. "They are not. Good communication runs both ways. It's not about telling our story. We must also be better listeners."
He also noted that the Taliban has improved governance in certain areas, establishing courts, assessing and collecting taxes, and giving local populations avenues to express grievances.
Meanwhile the US message that US action will ultimately improve the lives of Afghan citizens lacks credibility because US commanders have not built lasting relationships among the local populace and has not delivered on promises. Meanwhile, unmanned drone attacks and bombing runs have killed countless civilians and enraged the people the US must win over if efforts to destroy the Taliban and its al-Qaida allies are to be successful."
In an article written for Joint Force Quarterly, a military publication, Admiral Mike Mullen said that US efforts in Afghanistan and elsewhere to send a positive message about US military action and development efforts hurt US credibility when they do not coincide with what the populace sees on the ground.
Mullen's criticism comes as US officials have acknowledged the US is losing the war of ideas against its Taliban and al-Qaida enemies. In an effort to bolster its image as Barack Obama ramps up the war in Afghanistan, the administration has established a $150m (£92m) effort to train Afghan and Pakistani journalists, set up radio stations and produce pamphlets, posters and CDs lambasting Islamist militants.
Mullen, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, described "a certain arrogance" to US strategic communication efforts. "We've come to believe that messages are something we can launch downrange like a rocket, something we can fire for effect," he wrote. "They are not. Good communication runs both ways. It's not about telling our story. We must also be better listeners."
He also noted that the Taliban has improved governance in certain areas, establishing courts, assessing and collecting taxes, and giving local populations avenues to express grievances.
Meanwhile the US message that US action will ultimately improve the lives of Afghan citizens lacks credibility because US commanders have not built lasting relationships among the local populace and has not delivered on promises. Meanwhile, unmanned drone attacks and bombing runs have killed countless civilians and enraged the people the US must win over if efforts to destroy the Taliban and its al-Qaida allies are to be successful."
-
- groups:
- Community, Current Tonight, US Politics, World Politics, 2 more
-
- tags:
- War, Afghanistan, Military
-
-
artemis6
-
Outsmarted by the Taliban . If this fails , that will be why .
- 2 years ago
-
artemis6
