Center for Strategic Communication

This week, the Pentagon began its This week, the Pentagon began its investigation of Leonie Industries, its top contractor for communications efforts in Afghanistan. investigation of Leonie Industries, its top contractor for communications efforts in Afghanistan. Leonie’s owners are accused of running a smear campaign against the USAToday journalists who broke the story of Leonie’s history of tax issues.

Tom Vanden Brook writes:

The investigation could result in the company being excluded from federal contracting. In June, the Pentagon retained Leonie’s services for another year at the cost of $60 million. The company produces leaflets and broadcasts urging Afghans to support their government and eschew the Taliban. Leonie has received at least $120 million in Pentagon contracts since 2009.

Has that $120 million in contracts resulted in $120 million in benefits for America’s efforts in Afghanistan? Whether it has or not, the Pentagon’s retention of Leonie indicates that it either believes so, or has not found a suitable replacement.

Concerned with how the United States has communicated with target populations in war zones, ASP has continued to follow this story with great interest. To find out more about what has transpired, check out our previous posts on the Leonie Story here and here.