Hey, sex sells.

Let's face it, sex sells. Books, movies, television, internet, print ads - it works. All of these media outlets - and more - have realized that sex works for getting the attention of the retail market. It is a given. If you want proof that sex sells, just take a look at Viagra. Since becoming available in 1998, Viagra has been the prime treatment for erectile dysfunction. Annual sales of Viagra in the period 1999–2001 exceeded $1 billion. If sex sells, than the combination of sex and Elvis Presley is a slam dunk. Take a look at this commercial:

According to today's Washington Post, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has it's own experience in the "sex sells" arena. While the CIA has a long history of buying information with cash, the growing Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan has prompted the use of unique incentives and bargaining items to gain support in some of the country's most dangerous areas. Joby Warrick of the Washington Post writes:

The Afghan chieftain looked older than his 60-odd years, and his bearded face bore the creases of a man burdened with duties as tribal patriarch and husband to four younger women. His visitor, a CIA officer, saw an opportunity, and reached into his bag for a small gift.
Four blue pills -Viagra.
"Take one of these. You'll love it," the officer said. Compliments of Uncle Sam.
The enticement worked. The officer, who described the encounter, returned four days later to an enthusiastic reception. The grinning chief offered up a bonanza of information about Taliban movements and supply routes -- followed by a request for more pills.

Well - I guess whatever works. And I always figured that the surge referred to an increase in troops. I guess one should never assume.