The Spark

the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist

“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx

“Disinformation”—That Is, Lies—About the War

Mar 31, 2003

On March 25, British intelligence released a story through the British and American media claiming an uprising was going on in Basra against Saddam Hussein. Two days later, a British spokesman admitted the story was only part of a "disinformation" campaign.

What, you might ask, is "disinformation"? The government, which invented the word, explains that it is simply lies spread to disorient the enemy and deceive the public. But since Saddam Hussein knew there was no uprising going in Basra, he was not disoriented. The U.S. and British public were certainly deceived, however.

The "disinformation" about Basra didn’t stop there.

On March 26, U.S. Brigadier General Vincent Brooks speaking from what he calls his "podium of truth," said, "Basra’s water supply was cut off by the regime." Two days later, the U.S. admitted that coalition bombing had knocked out electric power which cut off the water. This left people without water, many of whom turned to the polluted river, putting 100,000 children at risk.

And then there was the famous account given to the press about the supposed surrender by 8,000 soldiers of the Iraqi 51st Mechanized Division. But on March 27, the 51st engaged the British in their biggest tank battle in 50 years.

The press is being used openly to whip up support for this war by spreading a pack of lies.