Quote: “No matter where you run, no matter where you hide, coalition Special Operations forces will find you and bring you to justice.” Leaflet dropped over Iraq.
Figure of Speech: anaphora (an-AH-phor-a), the first-words repeater. From the Greek, meaning “carry back.”
The anaphora is a good zero-tolerance figure. By repeating the first words in successive clauses, it says, “No exceptions.” If you don’t like green eggs and ham, for example express your opinion categorically with an anaphora: “I do not like them in a house. I do not like them with a mouse.”
You can understand Figaro’s love for the air-dropped psyops leaflet (psychological operations, formerly known as “propaganda”). Resistance is futile, it says anaphorically. But while the figuring is great, the leaflet may have done more harm than good, according to a recent Rand Corporation study. The leaflet reached law-abiding citizens as well as insurgents — a serious kairos malfunction. (See chapter 21 of Figaro’s book.) And the creepy graphic? In Iraqi culture, it gives everyone the evil eye.
Snappy Answer: “Exactly where is Justice?”