The State Department has created a new Counterterrorism Communications Center to push back against “the spread of terrorist ideology.” The Center is a new initiative headed by the State Department as the result of a GAO report in 2005 criticizing White House initiatives, such as Karen Hughes’ ill-fated “listening tour” that were seen as uncoordinated.

In Ms Hughes’ much ballyhooed tour through the Middle East the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs traveled through a number of countries speaking to women’s groups. The “listening tour” mainly consisted of Ms Hughes telling the various Muslim women’s groups how the United States intended to spread democracy in the region. The women were expected to listen, which was probably not what they expected, having thought Ms Hughes’ “listening tour” meant she would listen.

The CCC will develop messages "to undermine and marginalize extremist ideology and propaganda" and "aggressively rebut and efficiently respond to actions and statements by terrorist groups and leaders across the world."

The recommendation is one of several in a 34-page strategy document, which was completed last month by Undersecretary of State Karen Hughes, a longtime confidante of President Bush. It has been shared with some members of Congress but hasn't been formally released.

The report also calls for a major expansion of international exchange programs and greater publicity for U.S. humanitarian aid to the world's less fortunate, which it calls the "diplomacy of deeds."

Critics say better diplomatic public relations is unlikely to change the low global opinion of the United States.

Price Floyd, who was the State Department's director of media affairs until earlier this year, said “From a public diplomacy standpoint, I don't know how you come out and talk about all the stuff you do, for human rights, to support democracy. . . . When people hear that, they stop and say, `What about Abu Ghraib? What about Guantanamo?"

U.S. officials said the Counterterrorism Communications Center, now being formed at the State Department and staffed heavily with military and intelligence officers, will provide a rapid response to propaganda by U.S. adversaries.

It will develop messages "to undermine and marginalize extremist ideology and propaganda" and "aggressively rebut and efficiently respond to actions and statements by terrorist groups and leaders across the world."

More propaganda from the military. That’s certain to change the Muslim world’s opinion of us.