The National Journal (Paid subscription only) has a piece on a new program from the US State Department to counter rumors and misinformation–as well as disinformation. The State web page is aimed at both general (foreign) publics and the media.

It usefully points out intentional disinformation efforts on the page A Trio of Disinformers: Islam Memo, Muhammad Abu Nasr, and Jihad Unspun. The disinformation cycle, through which someone with an agenda plants wildly ridiculous stories in gullible media, then uses that publication as authentication for further dissemination, is a well known one, used by the former Soviet Union with general success. By pointing out several of the source points–thanks to Internet technology–State seems to be staying at least on an even level with the dissemblers.

Other urban legends cited–with refutation–include claims about depleted uranium (DU), the trafficking in baby parts (an old canard left over from Soviet days), as well as claims that the US government is trying to impose a re-written Quran on Muslims. Some of the rumors floating out of Iraq–about Saddam Hussein’s capture, about the use of poison gas, etc.) are covered, as is the rumor spawned from the 9/11 attacks claiming that “4,000 Jews escaped the WTC bombing by not coming to work that day.”

Dealing with mis- and dis-information is a difficult task. Sometimes it’s a matter of precise interpretations. Sometimes it treads on American political toes. But this effort is to be applauded for at least trying to take on the multi-tongued beast.

I’ll respect the decision taken–whether it was bureaucratic or personal–in not identifying the writer of these webpages. I will note that I’ve worked with him for nearly 20 years, both in Washington and from abroad, and have relied upon his work to counter many rumors that complicated my work. I absolutely trust what comes from his pen and suggest that you can, too.