Smoke and Mirrors: The United States, Iraq and Deception

In any war, deception is a strategic necessity. However, the “bodyguard of lies” surrounding plans for a U.S. attack on Iraq — vital to building an international coalition of support — could be confusing the American public and endangering political support for the war effort. The operational and tactical levels of the war now appear to be clearer than the ultimate goal. That is because baldly stating the strategic necessity for an attack on Iraq — the ability to station U.S. forces in the heart of the Middle East — undoubtedly would endanger the fragile war coalition....