No matter the data, the conclusion is always the same

Qaeda on run in Iraq, using more suicide bombers: US experts
AFP
Sun Jan 20
BAGHDAD (AFP) - Al-Qaeda in Iraq is on the run, forcing its elusive Egyptian-born leader to be more selective about targets and to rely increasingly on suicide bombers, US military intelligence experts said Sunday.

The evidence: more suicide bombers.
The conclusion: al Qaeda in Iraq is on the run.

Imagine if the data had suggested that suicide bombings were down. What do you suppose the conclusion would have been?

This is reminiscent of Cheney's declaration that "the insurgency is in its last throes", based on the observation that insurgent activity was increasing - increasing violence was cited as evidence that the insurgents were getting desperate!

Regardless of the evidence, the official conclusion will always be that things are getting better. A similar official attitude in Vietnam eventually created the "credibility gap" that led most Americans to support withdrawal from Southeast Asia.

Who knows? Maybe things are getting better in Iraq. Maybe al Qaeda in Iraq is on the run. But when officials continue to cite any and all evidence to support these conclusions, eventually we the people believe nothing the officials tell us.

Stop the madness!