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Born at the Crest of the Empire

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

The battle over language goes on

Just a quick update on "Civil War" vs. "Sectarian Violence," and yes, I think it's important as it shapes opinion on the Iraq policy.

The AP goes with "Civil War Looms" in their headline, while the WaPo opts for "Sectarian Violence" in theirs. So, no consensus yet.

Guess which Bush insists on...
VARGAS: What is the policy if, in fact, a civil war should break out or the sectarian violence continues? Are you willing to sacrifice American lives to get the Sunnis and the Shiites to stop killing each other?

BUSH: I don't buy your premise that there's going to be a civil war. There's no question that the bomber of the mosque is trying to create sectarian violence, and there's no question there was reaction to it.

Like how he batted that away?

posted by mikevotes at 9:32 PM

3 Comments:

  • Frankly, I hope the media keeps using the language of "on the brink" and "looming". It's looking more ridiculous all the time and serves as a contrast to what is really happening. Pretty soon, everytime these terms are used, everyone will think "civil war".

    You can just hear it:

    "Marge, hasn't ABC been saying that Eyeraq is on the brink of civil war for a long time?"

    Everyone fancies themselves a pundit.

    By Blogger Greyhair, at 11:35 AM  

  • Jesus. If I had been the reporter I would have screamed "Just answer the fucking question! What's the policy?" I guess that's why I'm not a reporter.

    By Blogger Justin, at 11:58 AM  

  • I would guess that's why we're both not reporters, Justin.

    And Greyhair, I think you're right, the qualifier "looming" is a bit more ominous than just civil war.

    But, it's funny, it's hit the editorial decision level. CNN is bending over backwards to avoid Civil war. And it looks like the WaPo is, too.

    Mike

    By Blogger mikevotes, at 3:48 PM  

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