RAND Policy Currents | The newsletter for policy people
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** Nov. 2, 2023
Lies, Misinformation Play Key Role in Israel-Hamas Fight

Israeli ground forces advanced into the Gaza Strip last Friday night. As the battle continues in the weeks and months ahead, Israel Defense Forces and Hamas will be fighting street by street, building by building--clashing in brutal urban combat.

But the war isn't just about tactics, say RAND's Todd Helmus and William Marcellino. It's also about perception: telling a story about who is the victim and who is the aggressor. Lies, mistruths, and disinformation will be a key part of the fight.

The recent explosion at the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City shows how the information war has already played out. Hamas quickly blamed Israel, and the Israelis quickly blamed Hamas. Israel even released a video--later discredited--purporting to show proof of Hamas's involvement. False assertions flew online from supporters on both sides. (Evidence now suggests the explosion was the result of a failed Palestinian rocket.)

Considering the prevalence of false information and the fact that emotions are running high, those watching on the sidelines should find trusted sources, corroborate information where possible, and take a pause before sharing content. As for the belligerents, they should know that false accusations and inaccuracies will only undercut their cause.

It will be critical to cut through the mistruths and collect cold, hard facts, Helmus and Marcellino say. "The mistakes, lies, and false accusations will only grow and will surely obscure the true cost of this war. The success of the Israeli operation and the fate of Palestinian civilians could hang in the balance."

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Exploring Supply Models for Recreational Cannabis

The supply and possession of cannabis for non-medical use is legal in many jurisdictions around the world. In many U.S. states and Canadian provinces, for-profit companies are allowed to produce and sell cannabis to adults. What are some alternatives to this profit-maximizing commercial model? A new RAND Europe report considers some "middle-ground" regulatory approaches, such as cannabis social clubs and government sales.

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Preventing Bias and Inequities When Vetting National Security Personnel

Applicants for the national security workforce must provide detailed personal information--such as race or ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and neurodivergence--to obtain a security clearance. In a new report, RAND researchers explore the potential for bias or inequities within this vetting process. They also offer recommendations to minimize these issues, including by training those conducting the background checks for interactions with applicants from diverse cultures, experiences, and lifestyles.

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** RAND Recommends
- RAND's Kristie Gore spoke to Slate about supporting victims of sexual assault in the U.S. military: "There need to be enough appealing, accessible, and safe treatment options to meet the many different needs of victims."
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- RAND's Ray Block was quoted in the Santa Monica Daily Press: Truth Decay can make it so you "start worrying about whether or not you can figure out what is real," he said. "I'm worried that these things will undermine, undervalue, and somehow [mess] with our democracy."
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- In The War Horse, RAND's Tamara Dubowitz discussed findings from a recent study she led on veterans and food insecurity. "There's this whole huge group that seem to be getting VA benefits and other benefits that are making them ineligible to enroll in SNAP," she said, referring to the program formerly known as food stamps.
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** Events
A New Approach to Power Projection: Reversing the Erosion of U.S. and Allied Military Power and Influence
Friday, November 3, 2023 (Washington, D.C., and Online)
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RAND Behavioral Finance Forum 2023
Monday, November 6, 2023 (Washington, D.C., and Online)
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** About RAND
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