When does the world come to a consensus that Iraq is in a civil war?

[TeddyKGB]

I'm guessing the leading clerics would have to actually come out and declare it for be "official", seeing as the Bush administration will deny, deny, deny it to the end.

Or does the news media play some role in this?

[adriennui]

1. i'm convinced

i don't need the MSM to inform me that iraq is imploding at this very moment.

[acmavm]

2. The news media is incapable of reporting reality even when it's in their

own best interests. DO NOT RELY ON THE AMERICAN MEDIA.

When is it a civil war? I always heard with it was two different sides of a political situation (or argument or sect) killing each other.

Seems that's what's happening in Iraq to me.

[Jamison]

3. I agree the MSM will never report Civil War in Iraq

Even when casualties begin to rise into the 100's per day. They want you to think that Iraq is very democratic and as peaceful as Mayberry.

[TeddyKGB]

4. Come on.

If this continues (and it's not clear that it's going to), the question will most definitely be raised.
Whether you could get any politician currently holding office to admit he/she thinks it IS civil war, that's another thing.

[leQ]

9. cbs has been heavy on the words lately.... nobody seems to know just when

to draw the line of no return.

[kenny blankenship]

5. Right after it collapses as a failed state

or sometime after the massacre of 66% of the Sunni population, a report will be issued warning of "looming sectarian tensions."

[TeddyKGB]

7. Right you are, Kenny.

You're probably tired of that by now. ;)

Haven't seen that show in ages.

[Clarkie1]

6. if and when it is clear that it is in a civil war, of course.

Right now, there is a high level of sectarian violence, but only a minority of the population on both sides is perpetuating that violence.

*'s policy in Iraq has failed whether or not what is happening at the present moment is defined as civil war.

[bahrbearian]

8. Only when Cheney says so.

[Vincardog]

10. They will admit Iraq is having a Civil War right after aWoL admits that

the Civil War is his Exit Strategy, As long as they are fighting he and his can keep on looting and their oil will not Be sold in Euros.

[HereSince1628]

11. When the world can't figure out which government to do business with

In other words...considering the American K-Street model, when outside governments can't figure out which Iraqi group gets the bribes/kickbacks in order to make something happen.

Until a single authority dissolves into 2 or more hotly contested functional authorities, it's just insurrection and everyone still knows the central government is in general control and they get the bribes.

[TeddyKGB]

12. Hot damn

Good answer. :applause:

[stillcool]

13. Please ....read Dahr Jamail's latest....Who Benefits?

http://dahrjamailiraq.com/weblog/archives/dispatches/000365.php


February 24, 2006
Who Benefits?

The most important question to ask regarding the bombings of the Golden Mosque in Samarra on the 22nd is: who benefits?

The horrific attack which destroyed much of the Golden Mosque generated sectarian outrage which led to attacks on over 50 Sunni mosques. Many Sunni mosques in Baghdad were shot, burnt, or taken over. Three Imams were killed, along with scores of others in widespread violence.

This is what was shown by western corporate media.

As quickly as these horrible events began, they were called to an end and replaced by acts of solidarity between Sunni and Shia across Iraq.

This, however, was not shown by western corporate media.
The Sunnis where the first to go to demonstrations of solidarity with Shia in Samarra, as well as to condemn the mosque bombings. Demonstrations of solidarity between Sunni and Shia went off over all of Iraq: in Basra, Diwaniyah, Nasiriyah, Kut, and Salah al-Din.Sistani’s office issued this statement: “We call upon believers to express their protest ... through peaceful means. The extent of their sorrow and shock should not drag them into taking actions that serve the enemies who have been working to lead Iraq into sectarian strife.”