Iraq is in a Civil War.

There, I said it. I’ve actually been saying this since February. The White House rejects the idea and the media had been pussy-footing around it until NBC’s Matt “You’re Being Glib” Lauer decided to use the term yesterday.

What I don’t get is the hesitancy to acknowledge it? Isn’t it a good thing? Doesn’t it not only show that democracy has taken hold but its way ahead of schedule? I mean, it took our democracy 85 years to get to our civil war, Iraq has reached theirs in just four short years! It’s rather impressive!

What we really should do is get out of their way. We didn’t have any referees at our civil war so we should allow Iraq the same opportunity to enjoy a free for all. I know George W. Bush loves his wars but this one isn’t his anymore. If you love something, let it go. There are plenty more countries that need attacking, let’s move on.

What I find most amazing about the Iraqi Civil War is the level of hate the Sunnis and the Shiites (or “Shia”, but I like “Shiites” better) have for each other. Both groups despise the US but not enough to join forces against us. Now that is a hatred that I would not want to get in the middle of.

Yesterday, one of Iraq’s most revered Shiite mosques was blown up, presumably by their religious rival Sunnis. The Shia sure made that presumption and spent today protesting and seeking revenge, amassing a body count of more than 100 people.

Now, as their country seems to be spiraling into a civil war, in an attempt to quell sectarian violence, Iraqi officials announce that they’re imposing a curfew that would order people off the streets of Baghdad until 4pm on Friday.

A curfew. They’re going to extinguish a brewing civil war with a curfew. Do curfews even work on teenagers anymore? Why don’t they take away their television privileges?

We’re going to need to do a little better than grounding the Iraqis. Its time to give these bad kids an equivalent to a spanking. Its time to bring out the old man–Uncle Saddam.

Saddam was the only one who was able to keep the Shiites and Sunnis and Kurds in line. Sure, he used terror, but I prefer to call it “tough love.” Get the “Butcher of Baghdad” some airtime. Get him a podium, let him speak. Remind Iraq that he’s still alive and we can always put him back into power if they continue to misbehave.

“Don’t make me pull this democracy over and take out the dictator!”