ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the creation of the war narrative in the press that complemented the pro-interventionist argument in Gulf and Kosovo crises. It argues that despite the opportunity to report events before the decision for military action had been declared, the bulk of coverage and editorial stance created the foundations for the war narrative and utilized propaganda to create legitimacy for intervention. The chapter begins with an analysis of news before the crises and examines how the foundations for pro-interventionist propaganda were laid. It then examines how the press, to place their stories into context, selectively utilizes historical background. The establishment of an identifiable starting point is essential for understanding the necessity for and aims of propaganda rhetoric. The analysis of news outside the normally accepted parameters of the two crises demonstrates the views of the newspapers free from direct military censorship.
