I don't usually watch MSM news anymore, so is this new?

[leftofthedial]

I heard MSNBC refer to those who shot down the helicopter in Iraq today as "guerrillas."

Is this new? First they were "terrorists." Then "insurgents." Now guerrillas?

[RaleighNCDUer]

1. First I've heard it. Maybe it's a trial balloon -- have to see how

quickly the others pick it up.

It is, actually, more in line with the admins take that it is foreign fighters who are behind most of the violence -- insurgents are, by definition, home-grown while guerrillas could be any unconventional fighters including the dreaded foreign fighters.

On edit -- that being the case, we should resist the framing. They are insurgents and the overwhelming majority are native Iraqis.

[leftofthedial]

6. "Insurgents" does have a bit of a "freedom fighter" connotation

but "guerrilla" is also kind of a "legitimate" label.

They clearly are better organized and executing very well planned and executed missions.

[stanwyck]

2. well it beats

Iraqi citizens.

[Burma Jones]

3. Well, we've been conditioned to give up

when battling guerrillas. Since Viet Nam, we have been steadily warned against getting into Guerilla wars. This may be the start of the end......

[leftofthedial]

7. interesting point.

what's the difference between a terrorist and a guerrilla?

[Norquist Nemesis]

4. Don't worry. It will be "militants" in a couple of weeks. n/t

[annabanana]

5. and "dissidents" the week after....eom

[leftofthedial]

9. Do I hear "protestors"?

[leftofthedial]

8. how long until it is "liberal militants"?