by D. Cupples | Last week, the New York Times ran a story based on newly released documents indicating that the Pentagon might have fed pro-war propaganda to so-called "military analysts" who had monetary interests in our nation's invasion of Iraq.
In response to the Times story, the Pentagon is reportedly taking some sort of action. Stars and Stripes reports:
"The Defense Department has temporarily stopped feeding information to retired military officers pending a review of the issue, said Robert Hastings, principal deputy assistant secretary of Defense for public affairs.
"The New York Times first reported on Sunday that the Defense Department was giving information to retired officers serving as pundits for various media organizations in order to garner favorable media coverage.
"Some of these retired officers saw their access to key decision-makers as possible business opportunities for the defense contractors they represent, according to the newspaper. The story also alleged that the officers who did not repeat the Bush administration's official line were denied further access to information.
"Hastings said he is concerned about allegations that the Defense Department's relationship with the retired military analysts was improper.
"'Following the allegations, the story that is printed in the New York Times, I directed my staff to halt, to suspend the activities that may be ongoing with retired military analysts to give me time to review the situation," Hastings said in an interview with Stripes on Friday.
"Hastings said he did not discuss the matter with Defense Secretary Robert Gates prior to making his decision. He could not say Friday how long this review might take." (Stars & Stripes via Truthout).
It'll be interesting to see whether anything comes of this. Bets, anyone?
Other BN-Politics Posts:
* Petraeus Picked to Head CentComm
* Senator: VA Lied about Veterans' Suicide Attempts
* High Cost of Private Contractors
* Con Job: How Administration Used "Analysts" to Manipulate Public Opinion
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