In its war against terrorism, America has been slow to engage Muslim opinion, and is even losing ground with the public in Europe. Now, with a flurry of diplomatic activity and high-profile speeches, it is attempting to relaunch the propaganda war. IN TERMS of both diplomacy and “public diplomacy” (which is what Americans call propaganda), this week has been the busiest since the immediate aftermath of the September attacks. An orderly queue of visiting dignitaries formed outside the White House, the president shaking hands with the leaders or foreign ministers of Britain, France, Pakistan, India and Algeria. And the effort to counter Osama bin Laden’s tirades, maintain global support for its war against terrorism, and explain why it has to keep bombing Afghanistan, will make the next few days even busier. On Thursday November 8th, Mr Bush is scheduled to address the nation.