The term 'civil war' accurately describes key elements of the Iraqi conflict, including the hardening of ethno-sectarian identities, a sea change in the character of the violence, ethno-sectarian mobilization, and population displacements.The report also said the situation in Iraq was so complex that "civil war" isn't an ideal fit. Yet, given that U.S. intelligence is giving the term some credence, will the American wire services go along?
More on the NIE and "civil war" reaction here.
UPDATE: Columnist Charles Krauthammer discusses surges, redeployments and escalations.
