UK intel spun anti-Syria gov. narrative of alleged chemical attack

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Grayzone
20 Sep 2023 13:35
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The Grayzone reveals that ARK, a UK contractor affiliated with the MI6, conducted extensive psychological warfare and media manipulation operations in Syria to destabilize the government.

A general view shows the MI6 building, center, in London, on Thursday, March 5, 2015 (AP)

A recent report by The Grayzone shows that a British government-affiliated CSO played a central role in spinning and disseminating subversive media narratives during the span of the war on Syria.

The writer explains that such narratives were propagated to demonize the government in the eyes of the Syrian people and manufacture international consent for foreign interference.

ARK, a government contractor with deep ties to intelligence agencies, has been exposed for its extensive covert operations in Syria during the turbulent years of the war, leaked documents obtained by The Grayzone revealed.

Founded by former MI6 operative Alistair Harris, ARK positioned itself as a shadowy player in the Syrian war, working in conjunction with organizations like USAID, the US State Department, and the British military.

A covert agenda unveiled: Psychological warfare and media manipulation

ARK portrayed itself as a "social enterprise empowering local communities" by providing "agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity, and hope for the future." However, behind this façade, leaked documents have unveiled a disturbing narrative of clandestine meddling in Syria that had far-reaching implications.

One of the most alarming revelations pertains to ARK's involvement in conducting psychological warfare operations funded by London. The primary objective was to destabilize the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad by flooding international media with pro-opposition propaganda and painting terrorist militant groups operating in Syria as a "moderate" alternative.

Leaked documents indicate that ARK played a pivotal role in coordinating the media office of the Syrian National Coalition. They offered explicit "media handling advice around the chemical weapons attacks in Ghouta," effectively influencing the narrative surrounding these incidents.

The group's work extended to "facilitating contact between the Syrian opposition and international media." Their efforts were aimed at ensuring "united condemnation" of events such as the alleged Ghouta attacks by the Syrian government forces, furthering the propaganda narrative.

Manufacturing paranoia and fear

ARK's involvement in Syria extended beyond media manipulation and went as far as manufacturing paranoia and fear, thus further demonizing the Syrian government in the eyes of its own people. In 2013, the British and US governments employed the group to conduct a "public safety messaging campaign." This campaign targeted residents in opposition-occupied areas, warning them about the dangers of unexploded ordnance and war remnants.

What sets this operation apart is the use of unconventional tactics, including graffiti stencils and an educational activity booklet aimed at children aged 6 to 10. The goal was to create a "cognitive effect" in specific audiences, and the campaign was accelerated following the alleged Ghouta chemical weapons attack, indicating anticipation of Western military intervention.

Read more: BBC Apology over Douma Coverage

Real-world impact and propaganda success

ARK was well aware of the real-world impact of its propaganda efforts. Documents revealed that a documentary produced by ARK, focusing on a female protester, led to the eruption of anti-government protests in Idlib, where protesters chanted her name. This underscores the significant influence ARK exerted through its media campaigns, effectively shaping public perception.

While ARK claimed that its efforts were intended to educate people about responding to chemical weapons attacks, they still entailed the consequence of demonizing President al-Assad's government among captive populations in Syria and perpetuating a sense of threat that could be exploited for propaganda purposes.

The exposure of ARK's covert activities in Syria raises questions about the extent of Western involvement in the conflict and the manipulation of public opinion through sophisticated psychological operations. As these revelations come to light, further investigations into the role of such government contractors in shaping global events are likely to follow.