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House Endorses Radio Free Afghanistan
Wednesday, November 7, 2001
(12:42 PM ET)
By John Whitesides / Reuters

"We must blanket the people of Afghanistan with the voice of freedom, truth and democracy as we blanket the Taliban with bombs," said Rep. Joseph Hoeffel, a Pennsylvania Democrat.

WASHINGTON -- Reuters
The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a measure to establish a "Radio Free Afghanistan" to broadcast news and help explain the United States' war aims to Afghans in their local languages.

With Washington trying to increase public diplomacy efforts in Afghanistan even while waging war against its Taliban rulers, supporters said the broadcasts were needed to get the truth to the Afghan people.

"As our military is executing our plans in Afghanistan with extraordinary skill, we are falling behind in the battle for the minds and hearts and souls of the people of Afghanistan," said California Rep. Tom Lantos, ranking Democrat on the House International Relations Committee.
(More: iWon.com News Source)
2001 © Reuters.

Dan