Analyst's note:  You absolutely must hear this discussion of the evolution of strategic communication and information operations (IO) since 9/11 that is being provided to the Congressional Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities.  After 10 years, we have failed to understand the enemy.  The ideas of "War on Terror" and "War of Ideas" have not served us well in closing with and destroying the enemy who has declared war on us by both word and deed.  Our national leaders, both civilian and military, over two administrations, have failed the American people in providing the necessary clarity.

It is hear once again, that the "War on Terror" should NOT be seen as taking place within a specific geographical border.  Our national effort at "winning the hearts and minds" of those who follow Islam and sharia law by being "politically correct" and not going after the ideology itself have been most unsuccessful.  We are instead considered weak by our Islamist enemy as we "submit" to Islam.  We have no need to follow their values detrived from sharia law. 

It is also clear, that like it or not, the American media is unsuccessfully involved in the on-going psyops battle.  May I suggest our "standard media" start acting like Americans, instead of trying to be "citizens of the world" and ignore the sovereignty of the United States.  The Islamist enemy sees us all as Americans and our messages are not coordinated.

It would be good to start with understanding the need to integrate the elements and application of national power which consist the areas of diplomatic, informational, military & economic.  The dialog between the speakers is fascinating and enlightening and well worth your time to consider and ultimately to understand.  You will see that there is an ideologic as well as a physical struggle that will obviously be going on for our life times.