LOOSE LIPS? - Are those troop movements okay to report?

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HoustonChron

Oct. 3, 2001, 6:23PM

Loose Lips? News reports of military deployments part of the plan

Recent news reports about the U.S. military buildup in the Middle East have caused some Americans to wonder if a disloyal or irresponsible press is aiding and abetting the enemy. The short answer is no.

A lieutenant colonel in the Pentagon press office could not point to a single piece of information about U.S. forces in the media that the Bush administration did not want revealed. The officer acknowledged in so many words that administration officials were deliberately planting the reports about special forces scouting in Afghanistan and other military developments.

Since shortly after the terrible attacks on Sept. 11, the Bush administration has been trying to pressure the Taliban regime in Afghanistan to hand over Osama bin Laden without a fight. Part of that pressure, which already has destabilized the repressive regime and thrown it further into disarray, has been supplied by reports of U.S. air and naval forces being deployed to stations within striking distance of Afghanistan.

Perhaps the reports of U.S. and British commandos scouting in Afghanistan's mountains are designed to put bin Laden and his terrorists on the run, making them more visible and vulnerable. Perhaps they are to make him more fearful and immobile. In either case, the uncertainty furthers U.S. and allied interests, not bin Laden's.

The projection of U.S. military power in the media age involves having U.S. military power seen to be projected. In addition to exerting pressure on and inducing fear in the enemy, the latest force movements are meant to reassure Americans that their nation is still strong, capable and undefeated.

Neither of these aims would be achieved if the news media reacted in silence to the revelations of unnamed but very senior White House and Pentagon officials who are acting on behalf of the president.

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001

Answers

There's a distinction between what is leaked and what folks might notice on their own and pass on.

Personally, I find myself differentiating between forums in the comments I make. For instance, I consider Currents (because it is passworded) safer than TimeBomb but not as safe as limited e-mail or just keeping my mouth shut.

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001


Yes, particularly now that Loony Laura has surfaced at Unk's. Loony Laura watchers are agreed this is the real thing. Man, send HER to convince the Taliban to give up bin Laden!

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001

I saw that she or an imposter had surfaced at Unk's. I skim that forum periodically to check for posts from Eve. My impression was that it was an imposter because I didn't see the rose or "kiss my . . . ." in pink. Sorry that I even opened those. There are just some disturbed people on the net. I try to avoid them.

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001

For me, I have stopped all discussion about movements. I've seen plenty as of late. I'm sure that some have been made public, while others are sure to be unknown.

I do not wish to put my husband, his crew, or any other of the .mil that have become part of my extended family in harms way.

I still am torn on what I would do if say I got a heads up of 30 minutes or so that my husband actually had to perform his mission. Not sure if I would actually get a heads up, but I try to deal with all the what if's.

I don't even trust e-mail anymore, cause if the .gov here can scan it all you know others can as well.

Stop, Look, Listen, just don't talk!

Sheeps

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001


Sheeps, I believe getting a 30 minute warning is doubtful. But I do believe that there is still a window right now for gathering things. My own feeling is that the planners will plan a first strike for when the markets are closed so as not to endanger the economy. That means an evening (our time) or a weekend. That's just my opinion. I don't have any inside information.

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001


Meemur,

If my husband had to perform his duty, there probably wouldn't be any more markets to worry about. :( Honest to God's truth in that statement.

We have discussed in years past, if he would call me if he was airborne and knew of either incoming and we were ready to launch back, or if we were the ones to launch first. At the minimum, if he were to call me at the exact moment... I'd know I would have 23 minutes. Don't think we ever came to a conclusion as if he'd call to tell me he loved me....

Hope you catch my drift.

Sheeps

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001


I hear you. (((((((Sheeps)))))))

-- Anonymous, October 04, 2001

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