In its quest to transform Iraq into a functioning, authentic democracy, the Bush administration has resorted to using much more than overwhelming military force. In order to deflect rampant Iraqi criticism of its invasion and spread the fundamental characteristics of what a democracy consists of, the government has fully engaged itself in a war of ideas. Its methods and means may prove, however, to be entirely antithetical to some of our most beloved rights and freedoms.

Two weeks ago, a number of news stories detailed the Pentagon's use of funding for implementing largely pro-American articles in Iraqi newspapers. The articles, ostensibly unbiased and written by independent journalists, are actually the work of U.S. military "information operations" troops who send them to a defense contracting group in Iraq that translates them into Arabic and pays Iraqi papers to publish them. The articles praise the work of Iraqi and U.S. troops, heavily criticize the insurgency and discuss the wonders of rebuilding the nation under a democratic regime.

The articles are never attributed to the military or American government. When attributed, the articles will sometimes refer to an organization called the "International Information Center," an entity lacking recognition or legitimacy.

The defense contractor, the Lincoln Group, has a five-year contract worth up to $100 million with the American military. The group has implanted more than 1,000 stories in Iraqi and Afghan publications, paying the newspapers from $40-$2,000 in order to secure a spot in their pages. Members of the group have also paid Iraqi journalists directly, offering monthly stipends on $400 to those willing to write pro-American op-ed pieces or straight news stories.

Though news of this surreptitious program was only published last week, the administration has employed defense contractors and public relations agencies for the last four years.

Immediately after Sept. 11, 2001, the administration decided that the country's image had been unjustly tarnished and degraded by Islamic fascists, such as Osama bin Laden. A panel, called the Counter Terrorism Information Strategy Policy Coordinating Committee, was created, consisting of Pentagon officials and intelligence officers who were trained in psychological operations. Their task was to aid in changing mental perception of America in countries determined to harbor resentment or ill-will toward the United States. It was disbanded only after public uproar ensued regarding a new Pentagon operation called the Office of Strategic Influence, which may have worked with the panel, which had planned "to provide news items, possibly even false ones, to foreign news organizations." Though Pentagon officials denied the use of false propaganda, that operation was shut down as well.

While President Bush was admittedly "very troubled" upon learning about these articles, Pentagon leaders have touted their success and effectiveness. According to one, "We call our stuff information and the enemy's propaganda."

Sadly, though, the Army's biased and unidentified news articles are indeed propaganda. Paying Iraqi publishers and journalists to inject American constructed and proofread news articles is a tell-tale sign of how poorly this war is being handled militarily and politically. Most distressing is that it signals how effective the insurgency has become and will remain if the administration doesn't create a clear strategic plan for future American involvement.

Discussing his views on the freedom on the press, Thomas Jefferson once said, "Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter." There is little question that the ability to cultivate, create, express and publish one's ideas in this country have led to its greatness. In the marketplace of ideas, citizens are able to passionately debate, argue and learn from one another. Ideas that lack legitimacy, substance or validity are trumped by those that combine all three.

In its attempt to bring democracy to Iraq, the Bush administration's blatant use of propaganda to win the "hearts and minds" of the Iraqi people undermines a cause that American patriots fought for almost 230 years ago. The ability to speak and publish freely is one of our nation's most sacred rights — the same set of rights the Iraqi people deserve as they move toward democracy.

Josh Moskowitz ([email protected]) is a senior majoring in political science and journalism.