An Analysis of the Role of the U.S. Psychological Operations in the Third Persian Gulf War

Most pundits and authors consider psychological operations as measures that help influence the emotions, views and finally behavior of the target group. These are the measures commonly utilized in battle fields and even in political conflicts today. This study examines the psychological tactics employed by the international coalition forces led by the U.S. against Iraq in the twenty-three-day war in 2003. This is an applied research work conducted on the basis of the descriptive-analytic method and by the utilization of written resources, articles, interviews and visual communication media. The findings suggest that the third Persian Gulf war, which was waged following September 11 attacks, was basically proceeded on the basis of psychological approaches and measures. Hence, it can be said that, for the first time, military operations were supplemented by psychological operations. Undoubtedly, evaluation of the U.S. psychological operations strategies and tactics in the third Persian Gulf war and encounter with the new international environment can offer the Islamic Republic of Iran new strategies for dealing with the U.S. threats in this environment.