CENTCOM
PROFESSIONAL
- Joined
- Apr 30, 2010
- Messages
- 1,519
- Reaction score
- 34
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Since early 1940s, the media has played a powerful role in wars. During Second World War, in America, newsreels were shown at cinemas; radio announcements and newspaper space were given for government press releases. These mediums were effectively used for not only giving victory news but also to solicit support from common public. No one can deny that the early 1940s was one of the darkest periods in modern history. When the Japanese made a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, an American naval base in Hawaii, on December 7, 1941, the horrifying announcement: "The Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor!" rang out across newspapers and radio. The shocked America stayed glued to their radio sets to listen to President Roosevelt's "Day of Infamy" address the next day. On December 9, a world audience of 90 million heard Roosevelt proclaim over radio: "We are going to win the war and … the peace that follows." His effective commutation skills and use of radio to deliver his friendly "Fireside Chats" gave the Americans faith in their president and their country's ability to win the war.
Today with the advent of social media, modern warfare has evolved to a totally new level. The enemy has been using the social media for their propaganda as well. It works both ways, the videos of killings and massacre portrays the terrorist’s ruthlessness and their power (for many it is a negative). Then there are conspiracy theorists who see “darkness” in everything that’s presented. It is important for main stream media to play a positive role to win the war against terrorism. Media can pick up a demoralized nation. Recently after the 9/11 attacks on the U.S soils we saw the American media played a united and positive role in the uplift of the nation’s moral. There was never two ways about it. Every news channel and social media forums stood united against the enemy who attacked us and kept the morals of a wounded nation high. Half the battle was won there.
In the Pakistan – Afghanistan region we have come to realize that we are fighting an elusive and cunning enemy. They play a very important card of “religion” whenever they are cornered. It is important for all, media included, to be on the same page to the continuous threats of the enemy, whose main purpose is to keep the region destabilized, so they can achieve their dominance. Poll after poll have shown us that the people of the region have rejected terrorism completely, and time is now to stand united against them so they realize that the only option left is to shun terrorist activities and join the mainstream civic society or be eliminated.
Abdul Quddus
DET-United States Central Command
www.centcom.mil/ur
Today with the advent of social media, modern warfare has evolved to a totally new level. The enemy has been using the social media for their propaganda as well. It works both ways, the videos of killings and massacre portrays the terrorist’s ruthlessness and their power (for many it is a negative). Then there are conspiracy theorists who see “darkness” in everything that’s presented. It is important for main stream media to play a positive role to win the war against terrorism. Media can pick up a demoralized nation. Recently after the 9/11 attacks on the U.S soils we saw the American media played a united and positive role in the uplift of the nation’s moral. There was never two ways about it. Every news channel and social media forums stood united against the enemy who attacked us and kept the morals of a wounded nation high. Half the battle was won there.
In the Pakistan – Afghanistan region we have come to realize that we are fighting an elusive and cunning enemy. They play a very important card of “religion” whenever they are cornered. It is important for all, media included, to be on the same page to the continuous threats of the enemy, whose main purpose is to keep the region destabilized, so they can achieve their dominance. Poll after poll have shown us that the people of the region have rejected terrorism completely, and time is now to stand united against them so they realize that the only option left is to shun terrorist activities and join the mainstream civic society or be eliminated.
Abdul Quddus
DET-United States Central Command
www.centcom.mil/ur
