Taliban Propaganda - Why Has it Been So Effective?

<h1>Taliban Propaganda - Why Has it Been So Effective?</h1>Author: <a title="Virgil Magee" href="http://www.articlesbase.com/authors/virgil-magee/170817.htm">Virgil Magee</a> If you are new to the phrase Taliban propaganda, it is easy to understand. What is not so easy to understand is why it has been so effective. Basically, what this means is that the Taliban, as a group (coherent or incoherent), are using words to form their own war with the United States and the international community. They are using everything in their power to spread the messages they want spreading, including false claims, distortions of the truth and outright lying. This is a group which once despised the media so much that they banned television. Now, however, they have their own public relations apparatus dedicated solely to the manipulation of the media, the Afghan people and foreign audiences.     One possible reason why Taliban propaganda has worked so well when it comes to public relations is because other governments are not really responding to their messages. Instead of it being an equal war of words, it really is a one-sided crusade.   Even within Afghanistan, the government is not really responding or even embracing the use of the media outlets to spread their own message. The Taliban is effective because in many parts of Afghanistan, they are the only news in town. From a Taliban perspective this is more than ideal.  Clearly they do not care whether what they say or write is true. They simply want to spread their version of what is happening as a way to sway opinions.   Although many people realize that what is said and written in Taliban propaganda is just that, propaganda, it still has an effect on them. This is because they hear the same message over and over again. Even if it sounds blatantly false, there comes a time when the target audience will begin to believe what they hear is true. About the Author: Virgil W. Magee is the Deputy Director of Media Analysis for Strategic Communications for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan. In his position he is responsible for the identification and analysis of local, regional and global media trends pertaining to multinational ISAF and North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) alliance missions and strategic objectives for 42 partner nation defense and foreign affairs ministerial-level organizations, NATO and United Nations mandated missions.Article Source: <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/">ArticlesBase.com</a> - <a href="http://www.articlesbase.com/public-relations-articles/taliban-propaganda-why-has-it-been-so-effective-992084.html" title="Taliban Propaganda - Why Has it Been So Effective?">Taliban Propaganda - Why Has it Been So Effective?</a>

If you are new to the phrase Taliban propaganda, it is easy to understand. What is not so easy to understand is why it has been so effective. Basically, what this means is that the Taliban, as a group (coherent or incoherent), are using words to form their own war with the United States and the international community. They are using everything in their power to spread the messages they want spreading, including false claims, distortions of the truth and outright lying.

This is a group which once despised the media so much that they banned television. Now, however, they have their own public relations apparatus dedicated solely to the manipulation of the media, the Afghan people and foreign audiences.

One possible reason why Taliban propaganda has worked so well when it comes to public relations is because other governments are not really responding to their messages. Instead of it being an equal war of words, it really is a one-sided crusade.

Even within Afghanistan, the government is not really responding or even embracing the use of the media outlets to spread their own message. The Taliban is effective because in many parts of Afghanistan, they are the only news in town. From a Taliban perspective this is more than ideal. Clearly they do not care whether what they say or write is true. They simply want to spread their version of what is happening as a way to sway opinions.

Although many people realize that what is said and written in Taliban propaganda is just that, propaganda, it still has an effect on them. This is because they hear the same message over and over again. Even if it sounds blatantly false, there comes a time when the target audience will begin to believe what they hear is true.

Virgil W. Magee is the Deputy Director of Media Analysis for Strategic Communications for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, Afghanistan. In his position he is responsible for the identification and analysis of local, regional and global media trends pertaining to multinational ISAF and North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) alliance missions and strategic objectives for 42 partner nation defense and foreign affairs ministerial-level organizations, NATO and United Nations mandated missions.

Rate this Article:

0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s)

Re-Publish

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/public-relations-articles/taliban-propaganda-why-has-it-been-so-effective-992084.html

Article Tags: Public Relations, Propaganda, Public Affairs, Media Analysis, Strategic Communications

Related Articles
Related Q&A

Latest Public Relations Articles
More from Virgil Magee

Firms on the Public Relations New York Scene Survive Difficult Year

By: Kevin Waddel | 31/12/2009
Public relations continues to be one of the most efficient ways of reaching customers, old and new. The world of social media is exploding at an exponential rate. Social media not only gives people the chance to air their opinions and share commentary with others, it also gives companies, politicians, celebrities, and others a way to communicate directly with the public.

Selling Yourself To The Media: Tips To Deliver A Knock-Out Interview

By: Drew Gerber | 30/12/2009
Publicity tips to remember so your interview sparkles for maximum publicity success.

Online Reputation Mangement

By: Reputation Management | 30/12/2009
An article about online reputation and who it effects.

New York Vacation Having Fun in the Big Apple

By: Kym Mcleod | 28/12/2009
New York City will be able to cater to everyone's needs. Here, you will experience fun and excitement that you will never experience anywhere else. New York is a strange and wonderful place that will be able to give you a reason to buy and wear that "I Love New York" shirt.

UNITED MARKETING GROUP SUPPORTS SHELTER, INC. -

By: Patsy Rivera | 27/12/2009
Affinity marketing group participates in charity ball in Schaumburg

How To Write Your Company's Mission Statement

By: Wharton Business Foundation | 24/12/2009
Why do you need to write a mission statement for our company? Well, the reason is simple. The mission statement is a reflection of how you look at your growing company, how you want other people to see it, what your company’s main purpose is, how it benefits your customers and how it would stand against your competition...

Making Money From Article Marketing Fast - Easy As A - B - C As Long As You're Using Article Marketing

By: Dale Dupree | 24/12/2009
Be sure to place your keyword phase at least 3 times in a natural way as this definitely helps with your SEO.Next, post your article to any high traffic online article directory under the proper category. If this is your first time, then take a few moments to create a free account for yourself.

Manufacturing Executives Shift to Network Marketing Q1 2010

By: Thomas Cutler | 21/12/2009
Manufacturing Executives Shift to Network Marketing Q1 2010

ISAF And New Media: Going Social For The Future

By: Virgil Magee | 08/08/2009 | Public Relations
NATO’s International Security Force (ISAF), based in Kabul, Afghanistan recently, launched Twitter, Facebook and YouTube sites with the goal of better communicating the message of its mission and accomplishments to audiences of the 28-member states plus, non-NATO troop contributing nations to ISAF.

Being an Effective Spokesman

By: Virgil Magee | 24/06/2009 | Public Relations
When it comes to public affairs and marketing matters within your company, one of the best ways you can spread your message and brand is with a spokesman. One of the most effective ways to use one is to have the leader of the organization serve as spokesman. The reason for this is because it puts a face with the organization. It lets people feel as if they know you on a personal level.

Can the Military Effectively Use Viral Marketing?

By: Virgil Magee | 24/06/2009 | Public Relations
There are many businesses attempting to use viral marketing as a way to spread their message quickly to a lot of people. This simply is creating a marketing campaign that will make people send it to everyone they know. It just has to be something that spreads faster than you can imagine. Because a lot of businesses are using it, some people are wondering whether the military can take advantage of this marketing technique. The problem with the answer is that it is both yes and no.

Taliban Propaganda - Why Has it Been So Effective?

By: Virgil Magee | 24/06/2009 | Public Relations
If you are new to the phrase Taliban propaganda, it is easy to understand. What is not so easy to understand is why it has been so effective. Basically, what this means is that the Taliban, as a group (coherent or incoherent), are using words to form their own war with the United States and the international community.

Analyzing Media For Marketing Success

By: Virgil Magee | 15/06/2009 | Public Relations
With so many different media options available to people, it is important that businesses spend ample time analyzing media in order to determine what their best means of communications with their customers may be. When it comes to public relations with your business's customers, not all media is created equal. Businesses need to factor in who their average customer is.

Effective Journalism - Education For the 21st Century

By: Virgil Magee | 15/06/2009 | Journalism
The most effective journalism is rooted in facts, connects with the public and educates without having any bias. By definition, it is the act of reporting news. A journalist seeks to spread knowledge, not opinions. This can be accomplished either through the written word, photography or broadcast journalism.

New Media Versus Traditional Public Relations - The Net is Now

By: Virgil Magee | 15/06/2009 | Public Relations
Good public relations are keys to the success of any business. In today's information driven market, the face of media has changed entirely. Traditional public relations focused on print ads, commercials and radio spots. A good strategic communications plan would focus on things such as articles written in trade magazines and periodicals, commercials run on the television or the radio and carefully organized, closely managed interviews and press conferences.