As the US and Iranian governments escalate tensions in the alreadyvolatile Straits of Hormuz, and China and Russia begin openlyquestioning Washington's interference in their internal politics, theworld remains on a knife-edge of military tension. Far from being adispassionate observer of these developments, however, the media has infact been central to increasing those tensions and preparing the publicto expect a military confrontation. But as the online media rises todisplace the traditional forms by which the public forms itsunderstanding of the world, many are now beginning to see first hand howthe media lies the public into war.