In 2006, a very significant story that unfolded concerning the 'war on terrorism' related to the killing, following US air strikes, of the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

On June 9, 2006, the United Kingdom's dominant news organisation, the State-financed BBC, when reporting the event, included a description of the selected American and Iraqi target, Zarqawi, in the following way:

"The militant leader was known for his particularly gruesome tactics, including videotaped beheadings of hostages and synchronised bomb attacks on civilians."

Yes, gruesome tactics indeed - particularly for any so-called 'militant leader'. In fact, a militant leader by any other name is unlikely to have, ever, been as gruesome.

Perhaps the BBC's use of the words 'the militant leader' may not quite capture the essence of this man.

It's a bit like describing the head of one famous Springfield household, Homer Simpson, as being the cartoon character.

Yes it's true, in one sense, Homer Simpson may indeed be the cartoon character; but really, he is, so, so much more.

Sublimely subversive, incredibly lovable, definitively iconic, deftly wise, outrageously mischievous, abundantly loving, defiantly lazy - but all, in a sort of post-modern way.

These are just some of the integral descriptors that might appropriately attach to, and more accurately reflect, the cartoon character.

When the BBC describes any news event it always strives not to include unnecessary value judgements - that is unless it is focusing on America, Americans, U.S. soldiers, or the dim-witted Republican Party that operates within America. Obviously, in such situations, value judgements may have a role to play. That would, of course, be news analysis.

These views are solely the opinions of the writer; regardless of how close to the truth they may me.

© Copyright John Cavanagh
All rights reserved.

Article posted to this site on 12 June 2006.

All requests for permission to reprint, please contact Liz Foley at lizfoleyau@yahoo.com