tfdl

“Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Sign in Albert Einstein’s office in Princeton

Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler. Einstein

The latest news out of Iraq (according to WaPo frontpage headline) is: “Number 2 Al Qaeda Leader is Captured”. This description evidently came from Iraq’s Security Minister. However, the headline on the story that it is linked to is slightly different: Iraq Cites Arrest of a Top Local Insurgent.

What makes this interesting is a slightly different headline in the NYT: "Iraq Official Reports Capture of Top Insurgent Leader Linked to Shrine Bombing". In a more nuanced view of the situation an American official was unwilling to set a ranking. According to the article
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.. [a] United States military official was more cautious in describing Mr. Saeedi’s place in the organization’s pecking order. While he was a “top-tier guy” who supervised those who carried out the Samarra bombing, “I’m not sure we are ready to put a number on him,” said the American official…”

Why is this important? Because by continuing to use a hierarchical approach to describing Al Qaeda means continuing to misunderstand how decentralized organizations like this one operates, and why they are so difficult to “defeat” in this SCWOT. The war metaphor is less and less useful (if it ever was to begin with). It is becoming more and more like the other war metaphors – wars on drugs and poverty come to mind.

And the metaphor is expanding. “WWIII” is beginning to enter into the national conversation. “Keeping it simple, stupid” sometimes leads to greater complexity and confusion. And more stupidity.