As of yesterday, NBC has decided to start referring to the conflict in Iraq as a "civil war." The decision was reached after much internal/external consultation, and its announcement has been attended with much ceremonial chin-wagging. Other news organizations were quick to note that they, too, have used the phrase, though usually in the predictive sense, or with the escape-clause question mark — i.e., "Iraq: Civil War?". Nevertheless, this Cronkitean declaration by an American news organization will no doubt give the Shiites and Sunnis of Iraq pause for reflection as they kill each other. "Civil war? When did it come to this? Oh right, a couple years ago actually. Carry on."