Disinformation Warfare: Silencing Victims and Shaping Narratives in Syria and Gaza
The ongoing conflicts in Syria and Gaza have been characterized not only by physical violence but also by sophisticated disinformation campaigns waged by powerful actors. These campaigns, according to political scientist Sophie Fullerton, aim to manipulate public perception, silence victims, and bolster the narratives of the perpetrators. Fullerton, a professor of politics at Fordham University, argues that disinformation, a deliberate and intentional form of manipulation, has played a crucial role in shaping the international community’s understanding of these conflicts.
In Syria, Fullerton explains, the Assad regime, aided by Russia, employed disinformation to obfuscate its atrocities, including chemical weapons attacks, barrel bombings, and torture. This campaign aimed to discredit reports of human rights abuses and promote the regime’s version of events. The strategy wasn’t necessarily about creating believable narratives, but rather about sowing confusion and muddying the waters, thereby hindering effective international intervention and bolstering support for the regime. The West, while critical of disinformation related to Syria, often fell short of effectively countering it, allowing the Assad regime to maintain a degree of control over the narrative.
In stark contrast to the Western response to disinformation in Syria, Fullerton observes a disturbing trend in the context of Gaza. Here, Western governments, media outlets, and even researchers have not only failed to challenge Israeli disinformation but have actively embraced and amplified it. This includes accepting and disseminating unverified claims, such as the allegations of Hamas beheading babies, without proper fact-checking. Fullerton highlights the hypocrisy of condemning disinformation in one context while perpetuating it in another, arguing that this double standard serves to silence Palestinian voices and legitimize Israeli actions.
The impact of disinformation extends beyond manipulating public opinion; it has tangible consequences for victims of conflict. In Syria, disinformation campaigns targeted refugees, painting them in a negative light and hindering their access to asylum and assistance in Europe. This tactic aimed to sever ties between the West and the Syrian opposition, further isolating those suffering under the Assad regime. Similarly, in Gaza, disinformation perpetuates the narrative of Israel as the perpetual victim, justifying its continued aggression and impunity. This narrative makes it difficult for Palestinians to gain international support and perpetuates the cycle of violence.
The disinformation campaigns employed in both Syria and Gaza are multifaceted, often utilizing social media and influencer marketing. Fullerton describes how the Assad regime used carefully curated tours for foreign influencers to control the narrative and promote a favorable image of itself. Similarly, the Israeli government targets Western politicians, particularly in the US, with disinformation campaigns designed to reinforce its narrative and stifle criticism. This manipulation extends to silencing academics and researchers who dare to criticize Israeli actions, often labeling them as antisemitic.
Combating this pervasive disinformation requires a multi-pronged approach. Fullerton emphasizes the importance of media literacy, empowering individuals to critically evaluate information and identify propaganda. The rise of citizen journalism, particularly in conflict zones like Gaza, offers a valuable counter-narrative to state-sponsored disinformation. However, it is equally important to recognize and address the ways in which state actors attempt to suppress and discredit citizen journalism. Ultimately, holding powerful actors accountable for their disinformation campaigns is essential to ensuring accurate reporting and protecting the voices of victims. This includes challenging the double standards applied to different conflicts and demanding rigorous fact-checking from media outlets and government officials. Only through these combined efforts can we hope to dismantle the structures of disinformation and create space for truth and justice.