Why can't U.S admit Iraq is in a civil war?

Question

Why is difficult for the Bush administration to admit that Iraq is now in a civil war and has been for three years? Does anyone know the origins and history of why Sunnis, Shiias and Kurds are up in arms? Iraq looks more and more like Bosnia when it declared its independence from the former Yugoslavia.

Answer 1

It would be politically problematic for the Republicans if the media were to refer to the situation there as "civil war", so they won't. The Bush administration sure as heck isn't going to use that term - it'd be like giving up the midterm elections.

Whether or not it is a "civil war" is a matter of semantics, and I don't think it matters that much.

Answer 2

You belief that Iraq is in a civil war is as good as the US government thinking it's not.
I think Iraq is in a partial one. The Sunni vs Shiite vs Kurds vs those with buck teeth--is not yet (and hopefully not) widespread throughout the country.
There needs to be a general rise of arms siding on one side or the other. Maybe I'm wrong and someone else could enlighten you.

Answer 3

It is the sunnis and the iranian terrorists who are trying to instigate a civil war. The grandest Shiia/shiite imam has repeatedly stressed to his people not to get into a war of sectarian violence, but the sunnis persist - murdering shiites in their homes, in the markets, in their mosques and now on soccer fields.

It has been the Kurds and the Shiites who have supported democracy and liberty and economic freedom, and it is the Sunnis who seek to stop these from happening, and who have murdered more then 30,000 in the past few years.

Answer 4

Because according to the sign behind the prez a couple years ago it is already "Mission Accomplished" in Iraq - so everything should be fine over there otherwise they would have to order a new banner - and that could really cost money (and lost face). Can't have that!!!

All the Islamic sects have always hated each other. We were just dumb enough to come between them and so became the common enemy. And since Islam demands control of all things in life (government, dress, food, etc.) with no room for flexibility, it is as likely for an fanatical Muslim to hate another Muslim as he would a Jew or Christian. All are infidels.

Answer 5

Because a civil war requires two organized forces actively fighting against each other in recognizable forces and battles.

The stuff going on in Iraq is more akin to gang warfare than a real civil war, cause not everyone is involved in it, despite what the media will try to have you believe.

Answer 6

i think it is because the current government in iraq that is recognized by the US, has yet to make the same claim if the US was to make that kind of claim what would that do to all thier efforts not to mention the efforts of the newly formed iraqi government.
whether or not you agree with the fact that we are there why would you intentionaly try to inflame the situation further?

Answer 7

the very term "civil war" has bad connotations in america, rove & the spin machine don't want that, the popularity of their imorral war would drop even farther if iraq was recognized as being at civil war.

Answer 8

Until the Iraqi Army itself is involved,it is not a civil war.

Answer 9

because if it were a civil war it would be between them and we shouldnt get nvolved but bush just thinking about not getting into a war that is non of his businessjust makes him cringe, and maybe **** himself.

Answer 10

it's difficult for Bush to admit that because he wants everyone to think that he's doing a good job. 'cause that's how he is.