U.S. military spokesman says Iraq is not having a civil war

[sabra]

http://www.newswatch50.com/news/world/story.aspx?content_id=114761A8-3F14-4196-B1D6-64771CF34193

U.S. military spokesman says Iraq is not having a civil war

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - In spite of escalating violence, the spokesman for coalition forces in Iraq says that nation is not engaged in a civil war.

Major General William Caldwell says Iraq had violence at an "unacceptable level" last week. However, he says "there's a functioning, viable government entity that's in charge" and giving directions to Iraqi forces.

...

Caldwell says coalition forces have increased their security presence in downtown Baghdad and are working closely with Iraqi security forces.

He says "everybody's on heightened alert" for the next few days.

[mike_c]

1. wasn't there a "functional government entity" in charge in America...

...from 1861-1865? Two of them, in fact?

What was that, chopped liver?

[sabra]

2. so far their rationale is pretty much, it's not civil war because we say so

:shrug:

[saigon68]

14. William Caldwell = Bush Ashclown

A puppet in a Green Suit

Like puppet Kharzai in a Green Dress.




LOL

[Barrett808]

6. Exactly. Their criteria for "civil war" are quite flawed.

Disingenuous, even.

[Gregorian]

3. It's only a flesh wound.

Would you like anything else with your semantics, sir? Or shall I give you more time to think?

And what would happen if and when we determine that it's actually a CIVIL WAR? I suppose the administration would wake up and do something?

Tell it to the amputees and dead people, idiot.

[0007]

4. cough cough!!

I wonder if these military men even understand the clarification of a civil war?

[MidwestTransplant]

5. Just a disagreement among friends...mostly a few dozen deadenders.

[Norquist Nemesis]

7. As soon as Bush meets with Maliki it will be official

al Sadr's just waiting for Maliki to be out of country. Then, the govt will dissolve.

[izzie]

8. Guess not just every one in the country killing each other for power

Civil must be a bad word.

[TexasLawyer]

9. BushCo won't call it civil war

'til the Iraqis start dressing up like this.

[The_Casual_Observer]

10. True, there isn't anybody named Beauregard there.

It's not a proper Civil War without a Beauregard.

[truthisfreedom]

11. It's not a civil war until I say it is.

Okay, NOW it's a civil war. I just needed a second there.

[0rganism]

12. not a civil war -- what is it then? Ethnic cleansing, perhaps?

Or shall we euphamize it further: domestic strife? civil unrest? irritable faction syndrome?

Caldwell's "functioning, viable government entity that's in charge" seems to be part of the problem, to the extent that its in charge of the militias-cum-death-squads roaming the land. Apparently, the bushies are reluctant to admit that Iraq itself was and is an aritifice of an earlier imperial age, held together over the last 25 years solely by Saddam Hussein's ruthless dictatorship. Who will step in to fill that void?

One thing seems pretty clear: Iraqis will not settle for anyone resembling a puppet of the United States this time around. Perhaps Sistani or Sadr could do it, if the cared to take the risk, but I really don't see anyone emerging yet as a prospective peacemaker.

Until a strong leader comes forth, we'll see a lot more of the same, and the occupation apologists will continue to dissemble.

[TheCowsCameHome]

13. Right, Major, it looks very uncivil over in paradise right now.

Is that what you mean?

[Cessna Invesco Palin]

15. What viable government entity?

There is NO functioning central government outside the Green Zone... certainly not outside Baghdad proper if you're being generous. Extrajudicial killings are being carried out against one part of the government by people working for another part of the government. The primary mode of conflict in this war is now Iraqis killing other Iraqis. What's left except the militias learning to march in proper military formations?

Oh, right... that's happened, too.

[IndianaGreen]

16. Is General Caldwell bucking for a third star, or is he a bloody idiot?

The "viable" government of Iraq lives behind the Green Zone under US protection. They are prisoners of a bunker of their own making.

[classysassy]

17. Telling lies for stars

another general supporting the Bush lie.

[yellowcanine]

18. IT'S NOT A CIVIL WAR SO STOP SAYING THAT!

I mean it.

[Porcupine]

19. The denial makes it official. It's a civil war. nt.

.

[Binka]

21. See My Sig Line! n/t

[barb162]

20. OKAYYYYY, the government is giving direction to the army,

I'll buy that. But is the army taking the direction and following orders. Anecdotal evidence says no.

[krispos42]

22. I guess they'd better tell the Iraqis, then

Musta forgot. Lemme check my 'to-do' list

Wash sheets
Give cats milk
clean soda cans out of bedroom
Pick up thank-you card for Uncle Frank
Tell Iraqis they're not in a civil war
check antifreeze and washer fluid

Oh, silly me. I forgot to tell them! Boy, don't I feel stupid now? I'll send out an email tomorrow, promise...

[Javaman]

23. He must only be talking about the green zone...

because everything outside of that area has to turned to shit in a hurry.

Man, just where do they get these delusional robots?

[TroubleMan]

24. Bagdad Bob says:

IT'S NOT A CIVIL WAR - IT'S MERELY A PHASE CHANGE.