-Caveat Lector- Stratfor [ http://www.stratfor.com/ ], an organization that posts its "intel analysis" on the Net, claims that orgs, like itself, have the potential, if not ability, to affect/impact world politics. At issue was whether Stratfor's analysis affected Philippine politics. They think so. The Phillipine press supposedly used their "analysis." And, allegations that Stratfor was involved, against the incumbent President, have run rampant. In its current "alert" [6 Dec 99], Stratfor writes: ...This leads us to reflect on two strange but real phenomena. First, there is the ability of organizations on the Internet to have unpredictable impact around the world. Second, there is the strange isolation in which such incidents take place. . .<snip> ...Traditionally, the sensitive stuff of intelligence forecasting is secret - and as a result the impact of intelligence has been diluted. It has been limited to policymakers, intelligence specialists, generals and carefully managed leaks. Instead, Stratfor publishes it on the World Wide Web every day. But our forecasts are decidedly public. And in that realm, it is entirely possible for intelligence analysis to be swept up into the events that are being analyzed. It is clear to us: the analysis is informed by the reality of the situation. We view ourselves as outside, disinterested observers. . .<snip> ...The point is that there is a new architecture to the global information system that will allow many Stratfors to comment on many countries that are used to being ignored. That changes the way politics is done in many of these countries. . .<snip> >>>End of excerpt<<< Question is, how many other "Stratfors" are there? And, more interestingly, is this ego on Stratfor's part or can Internet-based orgs really affect the outcome of world politics? If so, in what ways? -- A.C. Szul http://www.erols.com/mack97 "If I had more time I would have written less." --Mark Twain DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! These are sordid matters and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers; be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and nazi's need not apply. Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector. ======================================================================== Archives Available at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/CTRL.html http:[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ======================================================================== To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email: SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Om
