Afghanistan Quote by Michael Hastings
![“An information operations team was sent to Afghanistan to conduct various psychological operations on the Afghans and Taliban. The team was then asked not to focus on the Taliban but on manipulating senators into giving more funds and troops [to the war].” quote by Michael Hastings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/44d/michael-hastings-6810_afghanistan_an-information-operations-team-was-sent_395510.jpg)
“An information operations team was sent to Afghanistan to conduct various psychological operations on the Afghans and Taliban. The team was then asked not to focus on the Taliban but on manipulating senators into giving more funds and troops [to the war].”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Operators, 2012
The team shifted focus from enemy propaganda to influencing domestic policymakers, highlighting ethical concerns in covert persuasion.
In simple terms: Manipulating own government is ethically problematic.
Key Takeaway
Question the morality of internal influence operations.
Themes
ethics
politics
information warfare
Mood
critical
cautious
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- media campaigns
- policy debates
- public opinion
Key Concepts
Propaganda
military strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is influencing legislators covertly ever justified?
- What safeguards prevent abuse?
A Different Perspective
Such tactics can erode democratic trust.
![“There [in Afghanistan] is also a growing insurgency threat from al-Qaida, the Taliban and other extremist elements, some of which comes from the tribal areas of Pakistan, as well as from the Northwest Frontier province and Baluchistan.” quote by David Petraeus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5ae/david-petraeus-11182_afghanistan_there-in-afghanistan-is-also-a-growing-i_91852.jpg)
![“Thousands of Americans have given their lives in Afghanistan and Iraq upholding their oaths and defending this nation. Chelsea Manning broke her oath and made it more likely that others would join the ranks of her fallen comrades. Her prison sentence may end in a few months' [time], but her…” quote by John McCain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/788/john-mccain-465_afghanistan_thousands-of-americans-have-given-their_26162.jpg)