The Department of Defense recently launched a controversial $10.1 million internet initiative, Trans Regional Web Initiative (TRWI), that aims at mustering support for US policies, reports Eurasia Net.

In early September the Pentagon awarded the contract to General Dynamics Corp. to launch a series of language-specific websites, including Russian, Chinese, Farsi, Georgian, Armenian and Azeri.

Despite the potential strategic interests, experts question whether the Pentagon possesses the expertise to carry such culturally sensitive operation. Rather, they believe that "existing US government-funded mass media outlets, specifically Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFERL), have the capabilities and experience needed to achieve the desired objectives."

Military analyst Joshua Froust remains skeptical, believing that editorial freedom is crucial to ensure a minimum of credibility. As he explains on Registan.net, "It's doubtful the Pentagon would allow these news outlets to have editorial freedom and highlight US missteps."

According to the original solicitation for the TRWI project issued in October 2008, "The contractor will continuously research target audiences, [and] salient information relevant to the target audiences (such as language and probable disposition toward prospective website features), using open-source material as it relates to proposed website content."

Eurasia Net adds that in the opinion of two legal experts-- Daniel Silverberg, counsel to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Col. Joseph Heimann, the Senior Appellate Judge on the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals --the Pentagon web initiative has the potential to do damage to American public diplomacy. Both suggest the TRWI initiative also rests on shaky legal ground.

Silverberg and Heimann have previously declared that the TRWI project could blur the line between DoD propaganda and DoS public diplomacy initiatives, profoundly damaging both agencies. They both emphasize that the Pentagon's mission is to influence people while State Department's work is to engage through communication.