"Conditions that could lead to civil war exist in Iraq, especially in and around Baghdad, and concern about civil war within the Iraqi population has increased in recent months."
When competing militias regularly do battle, it may be more accurate to say that civil war already exists in Iraq, but that's the kind of negativity that upsets the ever-optimistic president. The report skates around the question.
As a consequence of the rising violence, the number of Iraqi casualties -- civilian and well as military --jumped to almost 120 a day. Further, the confidence of Iraqis in the future has diminished, according to public opinion surveys cited in the Pentagon report. Still, the study asserts that the fighting in Iraq does not meet the "strict" legal definition of a civil war.
Who knew there was a "strict" legal definition? The report (pdf) actually says:
there is no generally agreed upon definition of civil war among academics or defense analysts. Moreover, the conflict in Iraq does not meet the stringent international legal standards for civil war. However defined, movement toward civil war can be prevented.
Does the Pentagon's hair-splitting and sunny assurance leave you feeling more optimistic as you head into your holiday weekend?
