Today's Washington Post arrived with an insert that looked very much like part of the newspaper. The insert section titled, "Russia, Beyond The Headlines" could easily be confused with real news -- despite the words, "an advertising supplement to the Washington Post," and the disclaimer: "This pull-out is produced and published by Rosslyskaya Gazeta (Russia) and did not involve the news or editorial departments of the Washington Post."
The top story headline reads: "Georgian Bombs Rained on Us." And though it is carefully arranged to look like a legitimate newspaper (some sections deal with literature, investments, etc.) the goal is obviously propaganda. Another front page (below the fold) section is headlined, "Minister Faults West in Georgia." Here's an excerpt:
"Russia started moving troops in support of peacekeepers only on the second day of Georgia's full-scale military assault on the republic." It is frankly unbelievable that the Post is making money off of running Russian agitprop in their paper.
Update: Rob Bluey emails me some good points on the subject (check out his post over at RedState):
1) . This comes on the same day when the Washington Post put a story on A1 about Russia supporting the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. I know there are lines between editorial and advertising, but most people probably won’t pay attention to the fine print.
2) . I’ve seen the Washington Post run these supplements before for Russia and several other countries. I’m sure they’re paying a pretty penny to advertise. But it must be effective, otherwise we wouldn’t see so many doing it.
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