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Study: Wrong impressions helped support Iraq war
The Akron Beacon Journal ^
| Thu, Oct. 02, 2003
| FRANK DAVIES
Posted on 10/07/2003 8:10:09 PM PDT by tomball
WASHINGTON - A majority of Americans have held at least one of three mistaken impressions about the U.S.-led war in Iraq, according to a new study released Thursday, and those misperceptions contributed to much of the popular support for the war.
The three common mistaken impressions are that:
-
U.S. forces found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq.
-
There's clear evidence that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein worked closely with the Sept. 11 terrorists.
-
People in foreign countries generally either backed the U.S.-led war or were evenly split between supporting and opposing it.
Overall, 60 percent of Americans held at least one of those views in polls reported between January and September by the Program on International Policy Attitudes, based at the University of Maryland in College Park, and the polling firm, Knowledge Networks based in Menlo Park, Calif.
"While we cannot assert that these misperceptions created the support for going to war with Iraq, it does appear likely that support for the war would be substantially lower if fewer members of the public had these misperceptions," said Steven Kull, who directs Maryland's program.
In fact, no weapons of mass destruction have been found in Iraq. U.S. intelligence has found no clear evidence that Saddam was working closely with al-Qaida or was involved in the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Gallup polls found large majorities opposed to the war in most countries.
PIPA's seven polls, which included 9,611 respondents, had a margin of error from 2 to 3.5 percent.
The analysis released Thursday also correlated the misperceptions with the primary news source of the mistaken respondents. For example, 80 percent of those who said they relied on Fox News and 71 percent of those who said they relied on CBS believed at least one of the three misperceptions.
The comparable figures were 47 percent for those who said they relied most on newspapers and magazines and 23 percent for those who said they relied on PBS or National Public Radio.
The reasons for the misperceptions are numerous, Kull and other analysts said.
They noted that the Bush administration had misstated or exaggerated some of the intelligence findings, with Bush himself saying in May: "We found the weapons of mass destruction
and we'll find more as time goes by."
The Bush administration has also been a factor in persistent confusion.
Last month, for example, Bush said there was no evidence that Saddam was involved in the Sept. 11 attack after Vice President Dick Cheney suggested a link. Cheney, in a "Meet the Press" interview, had described Iraq as "the geographic base of the terrorists who had us under assault now for many years, but most especially on 9-11."
Why some news audiences had more accurate impressions than others was less clear.
Kull cited instances in which TV and newspapers gave prominent coverage to reports that banned weapons might have been found in Iraq, but only modest coverage when those reports turned out to be wrong.
Susan Moeller, a University of Maryland professor, said that much reporting had consisted of "stenographic coverage of government statements," with less attention to whether the government's statements were accurate.
The study found that belief in inaccurate information often persisted, and that misconceptions were much more likely among backers of the war. Last month, as in June, for example, nearly a quarter of those polled thought banned weapons had been found in Iraq. Nearly half thought in September that there was clear evidence that Saddam had worked closely with al-Qaida.
Among those with one of the three misconceptions, 53 percent supported the war. Among those with two, 78 percent supported it. Among those with three, 86 percent backed it. By contrast, less than a quarter of those polled who had none of the misconceptions backed the war.
On the Web:
To review the study, go to http://www.pipa.org
TOPICS: Business/Economy; Crime/Corruption; Extended News; Foreign Affairs; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: mediabias
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To: Lunatic Fringe
Americans aren't so dumb.The same can't be said, however, for a lot of columnists...
21
posted on
10/08/2003 4:26:16 AM PDT
by
mewzilla
To: Defender2
The Iraqi Regime was a Terrorist Regime, We Eliminated it, End Of Story!!!!
Fine. We accomplished what we set out to do. Then declare victory and bring the troops home. Or do you support using U.S. troops for nation-building, something Bush opposed during the 2000 campaign?
To: pfflier
"US court has found this to be valid in a civil liability trial"
Go look at both the judge and the plaintiff in this case before you keep floating this 'evidence' around. I doubt you will be particularly impressed with the record of either the judge or the plaintiff's history. While I think you will be embarrassed, I suspect your point is only for propaganda purposes.
23
posted on
10/08/2003 5:39:55 AM PDT
by
JohnGalt
(Attn Pseudocons: Wilsonianrepublic.com is still available.)
To: Defender2
"We'd be speaking German, Japanese, Italian instead of English!!!! "
Is your family a bunch of surrender monkies?
24
posted on
10/08/2003 5:41:02 AM PDT
by
JohnGalt
(Attn Pseudocons: Wilsonianrepublic.com is still available.)
To: tomball
1. Weapons have already been found in Iraq. See Powell's UN speech. Note the chem/bio warheads that were found prior to the war. These are weapons.
2. The American people haven't been asked about "hard evidence" of a link between Hussein and 9/11. They've been asked if they *believe* there's a link.
3. Regarding what the rest of the world thinks, those who conducted this survey can only go on what polls have said. The public goes on what it believes; i.e., on an assumption that either the polls are wrong or that world opinion is ambiguous or may have shifted.
This study is pure propaganda.
25
posted on
10/08/2003 6:18:55 AM PDT
by
zook
To: JohnGalt
The point was the finding, not your opinion of the judge.
26
posted on
10/08/2003 7:09:43 AM PDT
by
pfflier
To: sheltonmac
#22. The Fight on the Global War On Terrorism goes on!!!!
Example: In february, 1943 after Guadalcanal, Our first step in the long road to Japan, would we have declared victory at that point without vanquishing the enemy, I think not and as history records, we did not!!!! Not until
Surrender Terms were signed aboard the decks of the U.S.S. Missouri, September 2nd, 1945. Guadalcanal is a tiny island in the Solomans chain. Iraq is a lot larger landscape in comparison. The War on terrorism covers a lot of landscape all over the world. The Road to Japan, December 7th, 1941 to September 2nd, 1945 covered a lot of landscape!!!! The War on Terrorism starting, September 11th, 2001 will cover a lot of ground before final victory is achieved!!!! Afghanistan and Iraq are two battles in the long march to victory over Terrorists as a whole. This War will be fought in many places until it is WON!!!! December 7th, 1941, the "Dastardly" attack by the Japanese upon U.S. in Hawaii was primarily a military target. That attack "Awakened the sleeping Giant and Filled him with a Terrible Resolve"(Said by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto that morning post attack privately to his staff aboard his flagship I.J.N. Nagato). Americans were so enraged, they spared no expense until final victory was achieved!!!! Yamamoto's words were indeed prophetic!!!!
September 11th, 2001, Terrorists struck at civilian, economic and military targts causing more death to U.S. than was experienced by U.S. in Hawaii that fateful day of Dec.7, 1941!!!! The damage very severe, we are still suffering from it in all aspects today including our economy which is finally starting to rebound!!!! Are we so SPOILED as not to press on against our enemies until final victory against those that would kill us has been achieved???? I pray we haven'nt gotten that SPOILED ROTTEN
as to not continue the fight until final victory has been achieved over our enemies!!!! I will not accept Victory until our enemies have been wiped out or they succumb to their better senses and leave U.S. the H*ll alone for fear
they will suffer total destruction if they do not!!!! Defender2
27
posted on
10/08/2003 5:35:25 PM PDT
by
Defender2
(Defending Our Bill of Rights, Our Constitution, Our Country and Our Freedom!!!!)
To: JohnGalt
Please see my post #27.!!!!
28
posted on
10/08/2003 5:38:40 PM PDT
by
Defender2
(Defending Our Bill of Rights, Our Constitution, Our Country and Our Freedom!!!!)
To: Ragtime Cowgirl; Alamo-Girl; amom; SFConservative
Please see my post#27 above!!!!
29
posted on
10/08/2003 5:51:09 PM PDT
by
Defender2
(Defending Our Bill of Rights, Our Constitution, Our Country and Our Freedom!!!!)
To: JohnHuang2
Hey Old FRiend, please see my post#27, above!!!!
30
posted on
10/08/2003 5:54:34 PM PDT
by
Defender2
(Defending Our Bill of Rights, Our Constitution, Our Country and Our Freedom!!!!)
To: Defender2
September 11th, 2001, Terrorists struck at civilian, economic and military targts causing more death to U.S. than was experienced by U.S. in Hawaii that fateful day of Dec.7, 1941!!!!
Oh, I'm sorry. I thought we were talking about our war in Iraq--you know, Saddam Hussein, WMD, enforcing U.N. resolutions, Congress authorizing the use of force, etc. I fail to see the connection to 9/11 or U.S. troops being used as pawns in a nation-building exercise.
By the way, I'd lose the exclamation points!!!! Their use does not make your arguments more valid.
To: Defender2
Thanks for your passion, D2. I have a difficult time forgiving these domestic enemies for endangering our troops and the free world.
This is a duplicate post, but I'm sure every mainstream paper will repeat this "spin."
Libel and Slander need a partner - to define a major factual lie, especially during wartime. Our treasonous misinformers should be given a one-way ticket to N. Korea to practice their craft at Kim's bidding.
Proof that the press failed to inform the people:
The detailed good works and security successes of the troops across Iraq:
Here's what CENTCOM reported for one day, June 10, alone:
Coalition Activity:
The 4th Infantry Division continued in its efforts to locate remaining pockets of paramilitary forces and Baath party loyalists to create a secure and stable environment north of Baghdad. Three hundred eighty-four people have been detained for interrogation, 30 are confirmed as pro-regime. Twelve individuals attempted to escape by boat, but were captured. Four soldiers were wounded, though none of their injuries were life-threatening.
Soldiers of the 4th Infantry Division (ID) conducted a raid on a house believed to hold the individuals responsible for an attack on Coalition Forces on June 7. They detained two individuals and were informed four more were at a local hospital. Upon inspection of the hospital, soldiers detained two other individuals. The 4th ID also conducted a raid in at a weapons market in Tayji, detaining three individuals selling detonation cord and explosives. They also conducted a raid on a suspected arms cache in Baqubah, where they detained 31 individuals, and confiscated 13 rocket-propelled grenades and various small arms. Finally, they raided a site in Taji, detaining six people, seizing 40 grenades, 90 rocket-propelled grenades, four boxes of anti-tank mines, and associated small arms.
Looters traveling in seven vehicles fired at a 4th Infantry Division patrol in Bayji. The patrol returned fire, and captured one vehicle, while the other six vehicles attempted to escape. The fleeing vehicles were located by an AH-64 Apache helicopter, and a flash checkpoint was established which captured the remaining vehicles, detaining nine individuals, and seizing anti-tank mines in their possession.
Forty Seersucker anti-ship missiles were discovered and confiscated by 1st Armored Division (AD) forces in a Baghdad suburb. Coalition personnel will destroy the missiles.
101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division soldiers investigated possible mortar fire in Mosul, and subsequently discovered and seized a 120mm mortar with 39 rounds, and a number of enemy fortifications. Soldiers also received small arms direct fire while traveling in a two-vehicle convoy passing through a Mosul traffic circle, slightly injuring one soldier. A patrol searched the site, and detained two Iraqi gunmen armed with five AK-47s, and two rocket-propelled grenades.
101st Airborne (Air Assault) Division soldiers conducted a cordon and search of a suspect weapons market in Mosul, where they detained five personnel and confiscated two 9mm Sub-machine guns, approximately 6,000 rounds of ammunition, numerous magazines, and approximately 1,434,400 Dinar.
Police Activity in the Last 24 Hours:
Coalition Forces conducted 11 raids and a total of 2,444 patrols throughout Iraq. 250 were joint Iraqi and Coalition patrols. They also detained or arrested 189 individuals for a variety of criminal activities including looting, curfew violations, weapons violations, theft, larceny and dealing drugs.
Recent Police Activity:
U.S. military police in east Baghdad noticed six males carrying weapons. The patrol stopped the individuals and confiscated three AK-47s. The individuals were transported to the Althawra Police Station for questioning.
U.S. forces detained 52 people in northwest Baghdad for attempting to loot a local warehouse and storage complex thought to contain munitions. U.S. forces on the scene reported receiving fire from a crowd of approximately 300 people. Although the situation was volatile, there were no reported injuries. Explosive ordnance specialist determined that all the munitions at the complex were harmless.
A murder suspect was apprehended and taken to the Al-Kerreda police station by a joint police patrol. An AK-47 bayonet and 29 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were seized during the search of the suspect's residence.
CENTCOM also released this report on June 10:
June 10, 2003
Release Number: 03-06-39
TASK FORCE "IRONHORSE" LAUNCHES OPERATION PENINSULA STRIKE
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait -- During the early morning hours of June 9th, Task Force Ironhorse soldiers conducted a series of raids to eradicate Baath Party loyalists, paramilitary groups and other subversive elements located on a peninsula along the Tigris River, northeast of Balad, Iraq. The raids signaled the start of Operation Peninsula Strike.
The operation took place in two major stages. The first stage of the operation involved moving soldiers and equipment into strike positions, intelligence gathering, and coordination with local police. During the second stage, raids were conducted within the area of operation via land, air and water to capture or destroy subversive elements. Air assault teams, ground attack squads, raid teams, river patrol boats and local security combined forces to block off escape routes and operate check points to ensure the operations success.
Operation Peninsula Strike's joint, combined arms team is comprised of U.S. Army infantry, armor, artillery, aviation, and engineers, and U.S. Air Force aviation elements.
So far, Operation Peninsula Strike has resulted in the capture of 397 suspects and the seizure of numerous weapon systems and ammunition. A 10:00 P.M. to 4:00 A.M. curfew has been implemented on the peninsula for the safety and security of civilians and Coalition forces. Task Force Ironhorse continues to seize illegal weapons in support of the National Weapons Policy implemented on June 1, 2003.
As the operation continues, specially trained soldiers are screening the detainees to determine who may be released and who will be retained for further questioning. These soldiers are also processing information which can be used in the apprehension of hostile groups who continue to try to harm Coalition forces and innocent Iraqi people. The information gathered will also assist Coalition forces in providing a safe and secure environment for the Iraqi people.
Task Force Ironhorse remains resolute in its commitment to work with Coalition forces and the local citizens to stop subversive groups that seek to hinder rebuilding efforts. The success of Operation Peninsula Strike will help move the Iraqi people one step closer to a safe, secure and free country.
CENTCOM also released this report on June 10:
What our troops do pretty much daily:
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait Coalition Forces continue to assist in developing a safer and more secure environment in Iraq through the following activities.
NORTHERN AND CENTRAL IRAQ
Coalition Forces recently:
Reported an all-time high of 14,140 bottles of propane were processed at the propane plant and also reported the Baghdad-Basra pipeline is operational.
Reported a total of 35 humanitarian shipments crossed into Iraq from Syria in the last 24 hours, and received 217 benzene and 46 propane trucks from Turkey.
Delivered 3K gallons of water to villages in the Tall Afar area and 4K gallons of water to the Sununi area.
Reported the Rabiah granary is nearly full from the harvest, and that the locals are opening another facility to store the overflow wheat and barley.
Reported the UN World Food Program distributed four shipments to Habbaniyah and 47 shipments to Ar Ramadi.
Observed the lawyers assembly election in Mosul, where 52 candidates vied for 10 positions. It was reported that about 800 hundred lawyers turned out to vote. The results of the election are not yet known.
Delivered medical supplies to a medical clinic in Ad Duluyah, and will coordinate for additional supplies to be delivered.
Met with the Mosul Director General to develop a plan to source new administrators at the outlying hospitals, in particular Sinjar and Al-Baaj hospitals.
Received a train schedule from Baghdad with proposed arriving and departing trains for final approval, which will significantly improve public transportation within Iraq.
Attended a meeting at the Grain Board Office and report the barley harvest in Northern Iraq is 70% complete and wheat harvest is 10% complete. Both harvests are going well.
Placed information boards at the Civil-Military Operations Center, UN compound and World Food Program warehouses in Baghdad to assist in informing locals of pertinent dates and locations for registration and distributions, in an attempt to assist internally displaced persons in Northern Iraq.
Facilitated acquisition of chemicals needed for mosquito/fly control with Fallujah Health Department's Communicable Disease Center. Enough supplies exist for the current mosquito season; more supplies will be needed for spraying in Oct-Nov.
Reported that the Baghdad Airport is due to open to commercial traffic in mid-July.
Identified a clogged underground sewer pipe in Baghdad and began trenching in preparation for the laying of new pipeline for the city.
Met with Red Cross representatives to discuss the plan for nursing reform in Iraq, and coordinate assessments of nursing skills and nursing capabilities at different geographical areas within the country.
Continued to coordinate for emergency start-up funds for (state-owned) passenger and cargo companies throughout Iraq.
Met with U.S. Treasury officials and members of the Supreme Audit Board to discuss the acquisition of the most recent financial statements of the Central Bank and the Ministry of Industry and Minerals.
Conducted meeting with UNICEF and U.N. to discuss the future of orphanages and childrens programs in Iraq, and agree upon the process for assessment and implementation of short- and long-term programs.
SOUTHERN IRAQ
AL KUT
Received a translated report of 22 capital projects from the engineers with the Ministry of Interior for prioritization, and will coordinate with appropriate NGOs to screen them for possible submission to international or local contractors or other entities as necessary.
Met with Iraqi ministry officials in Baghdad to assess on-hand medications, vaccines, and develop a plan to address possible shortages.
Reported 8,515 propane cylinders were filled and distributed throughout Al Kut and surrounding areas of Wasit Province.
UMM QASR
Provided emergency medical treatment to 12-year-old child and her mother, who were burned by a propane stove in Khor Zubayr, and also coordinated transportation of the child to the Spanish Hospital ship.
Continued to coordinate with Customs and Immigration teams to establish processes at Umm Qasr port in preparation for the re-opening of the port to commercial traffic, scheduled for mid-June.
AN NASARIYAH
Reported the food distribution warehouse is functioning at a level that exceeds prewar standards, and that no shortages are being experienced.
AN NAJAF
Completed six of 17 clinic assessments for the An Najaf Governate.
AD DIWANIYAH
Began payment of $1.6 million in U.S. currency to the pensioners on Monday.
AL HILLAH
Continued to assist in efforts to establish the Interim City Council, elect 10 more judges, and execute the National Payment Plan.
KARBALA
Reported a new Karbala newspaper is expected to print its first edition next week, and that Human Rights Foundation will also begin publication of a magazine, Human Rights as a means of educating the population on their newly won rights and how they should treat one another.
Met with the Chief Judge concerning collection of dates to determine the disposition of residences that were confiscated by the prior regime in the late 70s and early 80s, and develop a long-term reclamation process for citizens.
Coordinated for structural experts to assess the Al-Hussein Water treatment facility, and continued to develop a funding proposal and a health assessment for the facility.
Care to guess what the press reported on June 10th?
On June 10 - Saddam's bad guys killed one of our brave soldiers and wounded another.
On June 10 - their fellow Soldiers, Airmen, Marines and Guard - men and women in uniform - did the above to Saddam's bad guys, and for the longsuffering Iraqi people.
The press knows that CENTCOM is the primary news source. They chose to ignore the news and our troops good work daily. They lied to the world.
Case closed.
Our free (thanks to the military!) press, our un-American University profs and pols are guilty of sowing anti-American lies and intentionally inciting anti-American sentiment at home and abroad.
At least we have an answer to the question the left loves to ask: Why do they hate us?
They have to be carefullylessly mistaught.
32
posted on
10/08/2003 7:02:34 PM PDT
by
Ragtime Cowgirl
("How long should the world have closed their eyes to the threat that WAS Saddam Hussein?" Conde,10/8)
To: sheltonmac; Ragtime Cowgirl
Ragtime Cowgirl Thanks for your post#32 above I am enjoying reading what the enemy aiding, abetting, comfort giving to the enemy supporting media will not report!!!!
Sheltonmac #31. I'm glad you did not have a say in our commitment to victory in WWII!!!! We might be speaking Japanese, German, Italian instead of English!!!! I'm equally glad you did not have a winning edge in the Cold War or we might be speaking, Russian, North Korean, North Vietnamese, East German instead of English now as well.
33
posted on
10/08/2003 7:32:03 PM PDT
by
Defender2
(Defending Our Bill of Rights, Our Constitution, Our Country and Our Freedom!!!!)
To: Defender2
Thank you so much for your strong defense of our country! Hugs!!!
To: Alamo-Girl
Thanks, Alamo-Girl!!!!:-) You might want to read the info Ragtime Cowgirl just posted on this thread!!!! Good Info!!!! Hugs!!!!:-)
35
posted on
10/08/2003 7:39:05 PM PDT
by
Defender2
(Defending Our Bill of Rights, Our Constitution, Our Country and Our Freedom!!!!)
To: Defender2
Thank you so much for the heads up! Hugs, Defender2, lots of hugs!!!
To: Defender2
I can't even believe you are trying to compare our push for victory in WWII to our reconstruction of Iraq. You also completely dodged the question I posed originally about using U.S. troops for nation-building purposes. Did we achieve what we set out to do in Iraq? We removed Saddam from power and have liberated the Iraqi people. Mission accomplished. Bring the troops home to a hero's welcome for a job well done.
Oh, and quit referring to historic examples that have absolutely nothing to do with our current situation. Hugs!!!
To: Defender2
The trillion dollar central intelligence aparatus utterly failed to defend America, but rather than reform, fire, and prosecute incompetence, you believe a war 10,000 miles away against a secular Arab country fought by teenage girls is the key to national security?
No wonder you are so sure your family would surrender to any invade.
The powers in charge keep us in a perpetual state of fear keep us in a continuous stampede of patriotic fervor with the cry of grave national emergency. Always there has been some terrible evil to gobble us up if we did not blindly rally behind it by furnishing the exorbitant sums demanded. Yet, in retrospect, these disasters seem never to have happened, seem never to have been quite real.
- General Douglas MacArthur
August 17, 1957
38
posted on
10/09/2003 6:48:01 AM PDT
by
JohnGalt
(Attention Pseudocons: Wilsonianrepublic.com is still available)
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