[Sigh]

President Bush:
"You know, I hear people say, Well, civil war this, civil war that. The Iraqi people decided against civil war when they went to the ballot box. And a unity government is working to respond to the will of the people. And, frankly, it’s quite a remarkable achievement on the political front."

The president's premise here appears to be that the democratic election of a federal government in Iraq in proof positive of the Iraqi rejection of impending civil strife. I propose a counter example. I don't mean to analogize the actual historical circumstances, but merely to do away with the President's--frankly--absurd premise.

Most recent Iraqi legislative election: December 15, 2005
Time till present: 7 months 24 days

Federal Election that brought Lincoln and Republicans to power: November 6, 1860
Secession of South Carolina: December 24, 1860
Outbreak of American Civil War: April 12, 1861
Total Time: 5 months 6 days

Is it then possible that the precipitating events of a Civil War in Iraq have already begun? I think it is definitely possible, even probable. So do these dudes.