CIA Uncovers Al-Qaida Propaganda Net
U.S. struggling in its effort to reach key Islamic audiences

May 22, 2002

The Central Intelligence Agency has uncovered a detailed propaganda network used by the al-Qaida terrorist group, according to U.S. intelligence officials.

The network was discovered following a bombing operation in Afghanistan using a CIA-operated Predator unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with Hellfire anti-tank guided missiles.

Following a Hellfire attack on an al-Qaida target in Afghanistan several weeks ago, the CIA was able to listen in on al-Qaida communications and operations that were designed to put out word that the attack was intended to target unarmed civilians.

“They were quick to spread the word to Arab news outlets and ultimately Al Jazeera,” the Qatar-based Arabic satellite television network, one source said. “They are very sophisticated.”

The propaganda apparatus has been identified, but countering it has proved difficult for the U.S. government, which is struggling with its strategic propaganda efforts.

Officials said the Pentagon and CIA have contracted with a private political consultant, John W. Rendon, whose Rendon Group has been paid some $7 million since Sept. 11. The group’s operations have focused primarily on electronic media and as a result have been unable to reach key Islamic audiences.

“They can’t reach the schools where terrorists are being spawned,” said one defense official.

Al-Qaida also uses Internet sites to communicate. U.S. intelligence agencies have identified several sites linked to the group and its support apparatus. Arabic newspapers in London, where bin Laden had connections for the past several years, also are part of the propaganda effort.

http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=27709