The Definition of "Civil War"

[Zynx]

Civil War
n.

1. A war between factions or regions in the same country.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=Civil%20War

War
n.

1. A state of open, armed, often prolonged conflict carried on between nations, states, or parties.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=War
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Let's see here. I think we can classify what's going on in Iraq as the open, armed conflict between two or more parties as we are seeing the wholesale slaughter of civilians, police, and military.

This war is happening between two or more factions or regions within the same country.

Therefor, without doubt, Iraq is in the dictionary definition of a civil war.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12033684/
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/KAM722433.htm
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20060327.wiraq0327/BNStory/International/home
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/iraq26.html

[Renew Deal]

1. I don't think you can consider it open armed conflict.

A lot of this is still underground and hidden. There aren't groups of people fighting other groups of people overtly.

[Zynx]

2. Armies don't need to be readily seen in order to engage in warfare.

[lapfog_1]

3. No,wait, don't they have to have uniforms and such...

and be called "militias" or something like that...

oh, wait...

http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2006/03/06/filling_a_void_iraqi_militias_assert_authority/

damn. too late... have to re-define the meaning of the word "militia" so we don't have a civil war.

:sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm: