Public Diplomacy Forum

On December 16, 2001, Secretary Colin L. Powell was interviewed on NBC's Meet The Press with Tim Russert. The questions centered around the terrorist activities around the world and the response to them by the U.S. government. The following question and answer about al-Qaida in Afghanistan come from part of that interview:

QUESTION: Sixty-two percent of the American people tell Newsweek Magazine that unless we get Usama bin Laden, this will not have been a successful operation. Do you agree with that?

SECRETARY POWELL: Well, it will be a successful operation because we've destroyed al-Qaida in Afghanistan and we have ended the role of Afghanistan as a haven for terrorist activity. That is a success.

The entire interview can be read at: http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2001/dec/6865.htm

How much of Secretary Powell's response do you believe is public diplomacy or propaganda and how much is the truth? How important is it to our presence and power around the world that government officials put a positive "spin" on what we are doing in various situations? The State Department maintains a Web site where you can find many documents and statements that outline our position on many kinds of situations from Afghanistan to Pakistan to India. You will find that most of these statements are positive affirmations of our ability to deal with worldwide problems. Examine several documents and statements about international issues. Then respond to the following survey based on your observations. When you submit the survey, you will find a graph that will illustrate the combined responses of you, your professors, and your fellow students.

1		Many of the materials presented on the State Department’s Web site are colored by a distinctly American view of the situation. Do you think this is a valid approach to take?
			A)	Yes
			B)	No
2		Do you think a government agency should play the role of "spin doctor?"
			A)	Yes
			B)	No
3		In reviewing the press releases for 2002, would you say they are primarily:
			A)	Positive
			B)	Negative
4		In reviewing the statements of the Secretary of State for 2002, do you consider his statements primarily:
			A)	Diplomatic
			B)	Deceptive
5		In describing your reaction to the Secretary’s assessment of the facts surrounding situations such as those involving al-Qaida, or bugging the plane ordered by China, or the relationship between Pakistan and India, would you say that the facts are:
			A)	Subject to interpretation
			B)	Reliable and valid