WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two years after shutting what critics called a deceptive propaganda office, the Pentagon is embroiled in a new high-level debate over how to polish the fading U.S. image abroad, defense officials said on Monday.

The discussion, also involving the White House and State Department, has been sparked by increasing violence and deaths in Iraq, the war on terrorism and a perception in much of the Muslim world that America is the enemy…

Three weeks ahead of the Marine-led offensive in Falluja, a Marine Corps spokesman, 1st Lt. Lyle Gilbert, went on CNN to make an announcement suggesting the all-out assault had begun.

U.S. officials said Gilbert’s televised remarks were intended to fool rebels in Falluja into believing the offensive had begun in order to scout how they would defend themselves in a city that at the time was a sanctuary for the insurgency.

A military official, who asked not to be named, said the ploy may have “gained some tactical-level advantage” for Marines on the ground, but asked: “In the big strategic picture, what was the cost” to U.S. military credibility?

_________________________________________________

From: Paul Wolfowitz
To: Interdepartmental Image Transformative Task Force
Re: New Approaches

Guys,

First, let me reiterate that I think this is all a load of bullshit.

Any malcontents will eventually turn to terrorism, and any terrorists will eventually find themselves dead. But it’s my job to present where we are on this right now, so here goes.

Here at defense, we’re looking at testing a few Arabic language TV spots. GI’s giving away candy, statues toppling, a rape room being turned into a daycare center. Sentimental music plays, and then we hit ‘em with the slogan: “America: It’s For Your Own Good.” We’re also looking into a set of humorous spots featuring “Sheik Spitsalot,” a funny, ranting, hook-nosed cartoon cleric who just doesn’t get it and ends up getting anvils dropped on him and falling off cliffs and whatnot. It’s a pretty simple message for Muslim kids: Don’t be like Sheik Spitsalot!

We were also playing with another character for teens - “Mo-hommad,” a lisping, mincing terrorist leader. See, it tells those hip teens in the Middle East that terrorism is, like, totally gay, dude! I liked it, but a couple of guys down in Int. Ops. killed it. Oh well…

The State Department has sent us a few suggestions. Remember them? They used to shape international policy! Just kidding, guys. ;-) Anyway, a lot of their stuff was full of finger waggling, like “Stop with the torture already” and “Don’t tell an entire city that they’re under attack when they’re not.” Thanks pals, I’ll call you the next time I need a dirty hippy to empty my trash bins. [Just joshing, love you guys, etc.]

Anyway, State did have an idea for some advertising. It’s a series of posters that portray Uncle Sam pushing a Muslim kid on a playground swing. What? I thought Norman Rockwell filled out his “Do Not Resuscitate” card! lol! But it’s not a bad start. Put a Marine in the background disciplining a terrorist kid and it might work. The whole carrot and stick thing.

And we got some great submissions from the White House. Mr. President, I particularly loved your slogan suggestions: “America - I’m Lovin’ It,” “You’re in Good Hands With the US,” and “America: It’s What’s for Breakfast.” There are some legal issues there, but excellent work, sir. Mr. Vice President, a lot of us enjoyed your suggestion of “America: Love Us Or We’ll Fuck You Dead,” but I suspect you’re not quite entering into the spirit of the thing here.

We don’t have to decide right away on any procedural or propaganda initiatives, so let’s keep those creative juices flowing. Remember, the first step towards recovery is admitting that you have a problem.

And I don’t see any reason to do that at the moment. lol! rotflmao!

Best,

Wolfie