I've always been a fan of your username, but this post really put it over the top. And your point is 100% correct: the whole claim about 'leadership' is based on a model that doesn't even apply to these organizations, which makes me really question the competence of those making such proclamations, and even _more_ uneasy with their judgements about extrajudicial killings.
What would you consider "senior AQ leadership"? Do you believe there isn't any?
Cells don't just "form" from thin air. There are people with ideas, people who coordinate, the hands behind the organization, the financiers. Kind of like a crime syndicate. There are foot soldiers, capos, consiglieri and bosses and boss of bosses.
I would say, you watch the organization, follow the trails of financing, ideas, commands, etc. While it's cell-based, like biological cells, they are conected to a larger organism, albeit they can act independently when necessary.
Only in a tinhatty sort of way. Yes, theoretically, any group the Executive doesn't like could be treated like this. Until you fly a couple of jetliners into skyscrapers killing thousands, however, I think you're safe.
