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Article: Part of a global pattern? The debate that currently rages as to whether or not Iraq has descended into civil war is, of course, purely academic to the ordinary Iraqis who find themselves suffering under the weight of the conflict, whatever name the politicians choose to give it. But in the world of international diplomacy, such distinctions are important.(CURRENT AFFAIRS)
- Article from:
- The Middle East
- Article date:
- May 1, 2006
- Author:
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THE ADMISSION THAT IRAQ IS IN THE grip of all-out civil war would also be an admission of failure for the American-led allies whose vision of a peaceful post-Saddam Hussein Iraq was key to the selling of the invasion to their respective people.
However, the continuing dismissal of the ongoing violence as mere 'disorder' will serve to damage the credibility of those who deny it is more than that. And with goodwill in short supply, and mounting tension between Iran and the West, a loss of credibility may prove fatal.
There is, also, a further reason for being sure of how to define the problems facing Iraq: clearly defining the conflict helps to determine ...