Well then Tia:

"What's going on in Iraq meets every definition of civil war."

Perhaps you can tell us what factions are "fighting" this "civil war"? Perhaps you can outline their goals and aspirations for the country? Perhaps you can name the leaders of the sides fighting this "civil war", who no doubt wish to lead the country once their victory is assured?

What is going on in Iraq today is as much a "civil war" as there was a "civil war" in Northern ireland 1969 to 1998 - Clue for you TIA it wasn't, and no-one ever claimed that it was.

"Better for us to be there for 27 years, than for Iran to be there for 27 years."

Damn right as far as the people of Iraq and those in the rest of the region are concerned.