Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Talking Loud and Saying Nothing


Four big problems with the Obama administration’s plan for countering violent extremism.

image from
Kim Ghattas, foreignpolicy.com

Extract:
I recently returned from the Aspen Security Forum, which was three days of intense discussions about homeland security, foreign policy, and cyberwarfare with experts, foreign ambassadors, administration officials, and members of Congress. ...

The question ... remains — what is the West’s offering in place of the Islamic State’s worldview? One participant in the Aspen Forum had a unique suggestion: Bring in the advertisers, this person said. If they can convince me I want something I never knew I needed, surely they can put out positive messaging against the Islamic State and convince people to turn away.

But this is not an advertising war — it’s not about selling a beautiful product. Unless Europe and the United States are actually offering access to a stable, happy, if somewhat imperfect life in the West — but judging from how few desperate Syrian refugees have been welcomed into these countries, it’s safe to assume that this product is not for sale to everyone. Public diplomacy to promote Western values or lifestyles failed miserably under President George W. Bush’s administration, and is barely more successful now.

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