The Northern Alliance is using Otilie English [3], the sister of Republican Congressman Phil English, to head "Operation Ragtag," a low-rent, high-profile public relations offensive to boost financial and military aid for her clients. The Alliance's marketing team works out of English's crowded apartment. Tom Lauria, formerly a publicist for tobacco companies, manages press inquiries for the Alliance's made-for-TV spokesperson Haron Amin, who pops by between interviews.