TPM Reader GF on the 'civil war' question ...

Isn't what you're describing commonly referred to as a "failed state?"

I recall someone saying a "failed state" outcome is far worse than a civil war. I'm afraid that's exactly what we're seeing now, though.

I think this is right. This is more like Somalia or perhaps the Balkans. But my point here is not to divert us from the pressing question of what to do with a debate over semantics. What I'm saying is that, at this point, a real 'civil war' would almost be preferable.