I listen to the words that are used much, much more than I ever have. If you've been reading this blog you know that. One that has been bothering me for a while is describing those fighting against the "coalition of the willing" in Iraq as an insurgency. Look below at the Webster's definition of the words resistance and insurgency, the highlighted parts are those pertinent to the situation in Iraq. Which one do you think applies? I know it's semantics but words matter, big time.

re•sis•tance
Pronunciation: ri-'zis-t&n(t)s
Function: noun
1 a : an act or instance of resisting : OPPOSITION b : a means of resisting
2 : the ability to resist; especially : the inherent capacity of a living being to resist untoward circumstances (as disease, malnutrition, or toxic agents)
3 : an opposing or retarding force
4 a : the opposition offered by a body or substance to the passage through it of a steady electric current b : a source of resistance
5 often capitalized: an underground organization of a conquered or nearly conquered country engaging in sabotage and secret operations against occupation forces and collaborators

in•sur•gen•cy
Pronunciation: -j&n(t)-sE
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural -cies
1 : the quality or state of being insurgent; specifically : a condition of revolt against a government that is less than an organized revolution and that is not recognized as belligerency
2 : INSURGENCE

I say resistance is what those fighting us should be called and that is the way I will refer to them here from now on. If you're still not sure if it's a resistance or an insurgency read these two articles they may shed some light on it: 'The liberation of Baghdad is not far away' and Allawi barking up the wrong tree.

- posted by Mom/Dad @ 7:18 AM