The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has added a “Situation in Georgia” page to its Web site, including a section on “Myths and Misinformation.” The section debunks false claims by Russian officials and others in Russian media. It states clearly that:
• No U.S. forces, advisors, or soldiers were in the combat zone in South Ossetia.
• The United States told all parties, including the Georgians, that the use of military force in any way in this volatile region was going to be a mistake.
• Up until the very last minute, the United States urged Georgia to act with restraint and not respond to provocations.
• The United States has not used humanitarian aid deliveries to provide arms to Georgia.
• The United States is very concerned about the plight of all civilians who suffered from the fighting in the region and deeply regrets the loss of life.
• Ethnic cleansing, racially motivated violence and other abuses of civilians are clear violations of international law and can never be justified.
• The United States supports all efforts to investigate allegations of genocide and ethnic cleansing.
See the site for more details and instances of false claims by Russian officials and others in Russian media.
Todd Leventhal is the Department’s expert on conspiracy theories and misinformation—stories that are untrue, but widely believed. He enjoys reading obituaries, which tell the personal stories of people who have shaped the fabric of American life.
Todd became interested in international affairs after a four-month trip to the Soviet Union, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India in 1972. He worked for Voice of America for seven years and bikes to work year-round.
Comments (2)
edward mooney
18 September 2008 at 16:22 EDT
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NO ONE BELIEVES THE AMERICAN NAZI PROPAGANDA MACHINE. NOT EVEN THE AMERICAN NAZI PROPAGANDA MACHINE.
THE COLLAPSE OF THE WESTERN ECONOMIES IS A SYMPTON OF THIS.
I KNOW BECAUSE I DOCUMENTED EVERY MAJOR STUPID MISTAKE AND DELIBERATE LIE AND SCHEME BY THE AMERICAN GOVERNMENT FOR THE LAST SEVEN YEARS.
BY THE TIME I FINISH INFORMING THE EU RUSSIA WON’T HAVE TO JOIN NATO THEY WILL JOIN RUSSIA.
For get about Bear Sterns, even JP Morgan, it is a good thing England gave up her nukes they would use them knowing how much we used Blair and the EU to spread the damage around.
anon
20 September 2008 at 04:57 EDT
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Bollocks! The US has been on a geopolitical binge for more than 20 years.
Too many trails of destruction, too many insiduous covert operations, arselicking muslims while slaughtering christians that fought in two world wars (Kosova/Serbia)
treacherous to the core.
China and Russia will lead the world. The US is in demise. A dirge and a Requiem is most fitting. Good riddance.