Islamic Media Unit

The Islamic Media Unit was setup in October 2001 to address Islamic opinion throughout the world with a special emphasis on the Arab media. The key areas it covers is Foreign Policy in (Afghanistan, MEPP, India-Pakistan, Iraq)^[1] but, on the domestic front it also covers inter-faith relations and the role of the British Muslim community. The Islamic Media Unit was set-up in conjunction with the Coalition Information Center (CIC). The CIC is the propaganda wing of Operation Enduring Freedom, It was "known among journalists who tried to cover the war in Afghanistan as a veritable disinformation center." ^[2]. The Islamic Media Unit was set up in August 22, 2002 in the aftermath of the attacks of 11 September 2001 to alleviate any future similar crisis. The unit allegedly retains access to "experts" at handling the media. and a database of regional experts which can be brought in at short notice in the event of a similar crisis. In the recent "crisis" the 'Islamic Media Unit' has provided news press releases in fluent Arabic; the aim according to the Foreign Commonwealth Office (FCO) is to improve public perception of Britain and its allies across the Arab and Muslim world and also within Muslim communities at home. ^[3]. The Former Head Gerard Russell participated in around 200 interviews and debates in Arabic with print and broadcast media across the Middle East on a range of foreign policy issues concerning the Middle East. ^[4]

Members

Islamic Media Unit (July 2004)

Head of Unit: Gerry McCrudden

UK Government Spokesman for Arab Affairs: Dean McLoughlin (Formerly (2003) Gerard Russell)

Deputy Head of Department and South and East Asia Desk Officer: Christopher Hilton