The Truth

Gulf War Syndrome affects about one-third of, or more than 200,000, veterans who served in the 1991 Gulf War. Also known as Chronic Multisymptom Illness (CMI), Gulf War Syndrome includes widespread symptoms such as fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive problems, and PTSD. To date, the cause of these serious, yet varied, symptoms is listed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as “medically unexplained.” But possible causes include chemical warfare agents, particularly nerve gas; pyridostigmine bromide, a preventative pill given to soldiers who might be exposed to chemical agents; and pesticides used to reduce insect-borne diseases.

—John Hopkins Medicine

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Fake News

an Author’s Note

When I first started writing Anastasia’s story in 2008, the word “disinformation” was new to me. It was brought to my attention by the spy who inspired Department D, Lawrence Martin-Bittman. A former Deputy Commander of Disinformation for Czechoslovakia during the Cold War, and a former professor at Boston University who taught budding reporters how to tell when they were being fed the same type of false information he spent a career mastering, Bittman introduced me to the world of black propaganda. Now, given today’s political climate, it feels as though fake news is discussed daily, especially in connection to the Russian government. These covert techniques of using the press to manipulate the masses are not new. I encourage you to read Bittman’s extensive books and articles about disinformation, Russia, and the KGB. You will find them enlightening through the lens of today’s current events. I also encourage you to question stories you read on the internet and social media. Do your research before you “like,” retweet, or forward anything. You are an influencer in your social circle, use your power wisely.