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 propaganda wing of Operation Enduring Freedom, [was] known among journalists who tried to cover the war in Afghanistan as a veritable disinformation center." [2], August 22, 2002 in the aftermath of 11 September 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 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]
Members
Former Head: Gerard Russell
Current Head: Dean McLoughlin
Notes
- ↑ FCO Departmental Report 2003, Chapter 8, Influence Worldwide
- ↑ Roger Ricardo Luis, "A Pretty Face for the United States," Granma Internacional http://www.worldpress.org/Americas/758.cfm
- ↑ Changing Perceptions, Review of Public Diplomacy, March 2002 http://www.fco.gov.uk/Files/KFile/PDWiltonReview_March2002.pdf
