One Canuck's Radio Weblog

  Saturday, 7 December 2002

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U.S.'s Powerful Weapon in Iran: TV. While the United States is bracing for a possible military offensive in Iraq, behind the scenes a soft war is well under way. By Lynette Clemetson with Nazila Fathi. [New York Times: Arts]

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U.S. Writers Do Cultural Battle Around the Globe. The Bush administration has recruited American writers to give readings around the globe in a campaign to use culture to further American diplomatic interests. By Michael Z. Wise. [New York Times: Arts] "There is the perception abroad that Americans feel culturally superior and are intellectually indifferent," said Mr. Ford, who won the Pulitzer in 1996 for his novel "Independence Day." "Those stereotypes need to be burst." He added that he was eager to go to Islamic nations to help "humanize America" and present a more diverse picture of public opinion than is conveyed by the Bush administration. "With a government like the one we have, when not even 50 percent of Americans voted for the president, the diversity of opinion is not represented," he said.

This is a good move. Credit where credit is due.

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