WaPo Post on Al-Baghdadi's Death: 3 Steps to Comprehend Misrepresentations - Essay Sample

Introduction

On 29th October this year, Washington Post (WaPo) wrote an argument about the death of Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. The post faced criticism from Americans for its headline. Despite the pulling down and rectification of the headline, the entire post still harbors issues that warrant critique. The following three-step approach helps in comprehending the misrepresentations.

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Summary of the Argument

The post talks about Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, his life, his leadership for the Islamic State movement to his death. It shows how Baghdadi rebranded ISIS from a hidden group to an organization that would seize control of most of Iraqi and Syria cities. The article talks of Baghdadi secretive leadership style, his brutality towards enemies, and his inhuman nature on vulnerable women and children-he would crucify his enemies, execute prisoners, and sentence women to sex slavery. The editorial also praises Baghdadi of his life and achievements. It credits his ability to combine extremist ideology and practical military to the success of ISIS so far. The article talks of him as a successful scholar of the militants Islam, attaining a master's in Koranic recitation.

Fallacies Vivid in the Argument

The incompetence of the post arises from several fallacious connotations. Firstly, the post warrants a fallacy of bandwagon. It refers to Baghdadi as an austere leader despite his loss and subsequent suicide. 'An austere' person is tough and should not fail quickly as the case of Baghdadi. The same fallacy is evident from Baghdadi's supporters believe that he was a descendant of Prophet Muhammad. Bustamante's work puts this as a claim; thus, no proof of Baghdadi's lineage to the Prophet. The idea helps him gain authority over his followers.

Secondly, the article assumes the fallacy of hasty generalization. Despite the wok reporting on the extremism of Baghdadi, his supporters knew him as a misunderstood religious scholar. Also, Baghdadi promises his followers victory over Rome, an event that guarantees them free housing, cars, schools, and women. The assumption proved fallacious after his death. WaPo assumes it will infuse every reader will its interpretation of Baghdadi because of its influence in the media sector. In its quest, it ends up depicting him as a heroic leader with notable achievements.

Argument Critique an How the Argumnt Could Improve

Painting Baghdadi, as an austere leader, indicates the United States as a nation that bows to his influence. The idea discourages governments that may want to impose on a rebel group. The post should highlight areas that assure victory to nations that face rebels if they fight their wars with determination. The post should also prove the lineage of Baghdadi to the Prophet. It should frame the idea in a way that makes readers sure of Baghdadi's supporter's family. This type of information makes people seek the truth before dogmatically supporting rebel leaders. Wapo misuses its airtime to paint Baghdadi negatively. William depicts the leader as an introvert who only ho took an interest in religion and soccer. Instead of the significant bias evidence in the text, the editors should use a moderate language in passing such information. The approach makes the website trustworthy to people of all inclinations.

Bibliography

Bustamante, Thomas, and Christian Dahlman, eds. Argument types and fallacies in legal argumentation. Vol. 112. Springer, 2015.

McCants, William. The Believer: How an Introvert with a Passion for Religion and Soccer Became Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State. Brookings Institution Press, 2015.

Stern, Jessica. "The World Is Fighting More Than ISIS." The New York Times. The New York Times, October 28, 2019. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/27/opinion/isis-al-baghdadi-dead.html.

Warrick, Joby. "Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, Extremist Leader of Islamic State, Dies at 48." The Washington Post. WP Company, October 29, 2019. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/abu-bakr-al-baghdadi-islamic-states-terrorist-in-chief-dies-at-48/2019/10/27/0d004abc-663d-11e7-8eb5-cbccc2e7bfbf_story.html.

"Washington Post Criticised, and Lampooned, over Baghdadi Headline." BBC News. BBC, October 28, 2019. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-50205592.