In an article published by the Russian newspaper:  

 

Vzglyad, Sergey Khudiyev, addresses comments made by the Chairman of the Russian Commission of Inquiry, Alexander Bastrykin - regarding the relentless propaganda war against Russia launched by Washington and its allies - asserting that it should be confronted.

 

The Fire Consumes Those behind the Media War

 

Khudiyev agreed with the bulk of the views put forward by the chairman. However, he rejected some of Bastrykin's ideas.

 

In justifying his rejection, Khudiyev wrote that when it comes to confronting the moral or media war, it is not fit to resort to the ways and means used by the state to combat crime and outlaws. For [the media] war is used primarily to acquire the hearts and minds of the people, gain their solidarity, collaboration, and support.

 

He adds that the methods used in the media war do not target armor or cement, but is geared toward the ears of those with free will, thoughts, and emotions as well as those with deep convictions of a certain thought.

 

Based on this, Khudiyev warns that the media war could produce the opposite results to those desired by the people who are behind it or possibly have no results at all.

 

In this regard, Khudiyev uses, the BBC's surprise to the Russians' absolute indifference regarding the so-called "Panama Papers", as an example. He explains that findings by psychologists assert that when the public opinion receives information it primarily looks at the source. Public opinion refuses to believe the information when it comes from an unwanted or unreliable source.

 

He points out that the efforts of all those who are trying to expose this side or that, are doing so in vain, if trust between them and the recipients is lacking.

 

Khudiyev supports his claims by citing the reverse effect produced by Russian Liberals whose propaganda attacks attempted to reduce the significance of Russia's victory in the Great Patriotic War [WWII]. The propaganda attacks centered on portraying Stalin and Hitler as one and the same, arguing that the Great Patriotic War could have been avoided were it not for the strife between the two dictators. The result was a public outcry in Russia, motivating everyone to give the victory its rightful place in all forums.

 

He adds that the reverse effect of the destructive liberal propaganda in Russia stems from the fact that its promoters attempted to convince others that they are "humiliated and despised, and are the descendants of people who were humiliated and their history is inadequate". This made the average citizen who does not care for his surrounding, a patriot, and extreme in his views when it came to defending his identity and homeland.

 

In the same context, Khudiyev mentions the "Maydan" propaganda that led to a revolt against the government in Ukraine and the disintegration of the country on all levels. He pointed out that the Ukrainian case concluded in contrary to what was recorded in Russia, until publicity promoters succeeded in winning the hearts of the public with phrases pointing out that the government marginalized and despised them, and "Maydan" was waiting for them to revolt under the banner "We are not varmints and we are not slaves."

 

He also pointed out that human behavior, specifically the behavior of large groups is not subject to accurate calculations. "Maydan" protesters in the Ukrainian capital Kiev were not able to formulate any workable and clear plans, and their success was limited to amassing people and taking advantage of their moral concerns.

 

In the wake of "Maydan", people in Ukraine faced a harsher treatment. After it was too late, they found themselves deceived by the phrases such as "the state does not respect you", and " ‘Maydan' is your path to uphold dignities."

 

Based on that, Khudiyev concluded that to achieve the overall peace and stability in any country, an atmosphere of respect and trust should prevail especially between the authorities and the society.

 

The people's demands for respecting and preserving their dignity and humanity must be achieved within the framework of the law, otherwise those who want to sow chaos, may exploit these demands and use them to achieve their goals.

 

The authorities, according to Khudiyev, should send a sign to the people expressing confidence in the citizens, and calls on them to reciprocate. It also has to acknowledge its willingness to accept criticism, and publicly discuss the problems concerning the citizen.

 

He stressed that the Comprehensive Test Ban may be read by the citizen as follows: "You are all petty and traitors, susceptible to selling yourselves to the US State Department the moment you see on television a barrel of jam and a box of biscuits screens, so we decided to prohibit the promotion of all types of biscuits and jam on the Internet."

 

He recalled that from a psychological point, man holds on to defending his choice, and tends to support the position he voluntarily adopted, and refuses to accept positions that may be imposed by force.

 

Khudiyev concluded in his analysis that the media war is only a struggle where those fighting it try to acquire public support. However, the secret of victory in such a war is to trust and respect the people.

 

Vzglyad- Translated and Edited by  english.alahednews