Yon talks about the state of Iraq today and he says it’s civil war. That being said Yon continues to mention what democracy was formed without a civil war. The jist of his article is the media and the civilian leadership (read: Administration) need to tell the truth about both Iraq and Afghanistan. I think those reading milblogs have a better perspective of the truth but we aren’t the ones who need convincing.

What surprises me both with this article and Yon’s April 14th article is the backlash Michael Yon has received from print, tv and radio for airing his perspective on the situation. Cancelled appearances and a general shunning has ensued. I find this reprehensible. There is no one who has presented the “boots on the ground” story more truthfully than Yon. This isn’t a football or basetball team to be a fair weather supporter! Yon doesn’t mention any specific names but for those who are guilty, shame on you for your shallowness.
Yon’s closing should be read and remembered by all.

These people, whether we call them freedom fighters, insurgents, thugs, or terrorists, have a stated mission to attack anyone who is not like them, wherever they can. They are not bluffing. They cannot be appeased. They will not stop if and when we leave, if we leave without completing the mission. If we leave, all vestiges of progress will be lost and those Iraqis who risked their lives to work with us to gain that progress will no longer trust Americans. If we run, the enemy will follow us. They will kill us. They will not stop until we stop them. I might be anti-war, but I am much more anti-terrorist. No more needs to be said on the subject of whether or not a portion of the violence in Iraq should be called a civil war, unless we want to argue about the definitions while the place explodes around us. There are more pressing issues than the limitations of our dictionaries.

Michael Yon : Online Magazine
Michael Yon is currently in Afghanistan and (to my way of thinking unfortunately) is not embedded with any Coalition Forces. Godspeed and stay safe Michael Yon.

Linked to Mudville Gazette – Civil War in Iraq?

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