27-10-2012, 01:08 PM
Perspectives on Embedded Media
ABSTRACT
Since the attacks of 9/11 on the American homeland, the USA has begun an aggressive campaign to defeat terrorists and
eradicate terrorism worldwide. President Bush articulated his vision for the Nation as early as September 14, 2001 in a speech
at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. There he announced the Global War on Terrorism a policy that would become
the major focus for America and other threatened nations: The USA of America is fighting a war against terrorists of global
reach. The enemy is not a single political regime or person or religion or ideology. The enemy is terrorism premeditated,
politically motivated violence perpetrated against innocents. With the fight against terrorism clearly the focus of the Nation
s leadership, the Nation committed every element of national power to achieve success in that fight. Not only did the Nation
use the elements of national power in the form of diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions and incentives, and military might,
but the President also placed a special focus on the use of information operations when he directed that the USA wage a war
of ideas to win the battle against international terrorism. This article will analyze the use of information operations in the
Global War on Terror and reflect briefly on the lessons from history in determining success in this latest campaign.