White goes on to characterise the US's campaign regarding the Iraqi media as one of "double standards" stating that the practice of planting 'coalition sympathetic' articles in Iraqi newspapers directly contradicts the US's declared committment to press freedom. He said: "The US is operating a cynical campaign of double standards ... All the work that is being carried out in Iraq and in the region in support of press freedom is compromised by this media manipulation."

The White House has declared itself "very concerned" about the articles in question and is "seeking more information from the Pentagon". In addition Congress has already called for an investigation into the matter, and senators plan to meet with US military commanders behind closed doors to "learn about the information offensive underway in Iraq."

Another facet of the story that has emerged in addition to the spreading of misinformation is potential copyright violation. The planted articles were often accompanied by Reuters or Associated Press photographs downloaded from the internet by troops. The Los Angeles Times reports that this is "a practice that could violate copyright rules." The Times also points out that the photos used "that run with the stories do not necessarily depict the events described."

The Associated Press has announced it is investigating whether its photos were used improperly.

Sources: People's Daily Online, The Los Angeles Times