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well, WWIII, as in an actual War
the cold war, despite its name, doesnt really even count as a war, no shots were exchanged and loss of life was what, 2 people (i know of the U2 pilot that got shot down over russia, i think theres another)
I think your definitions a little closed minded. We were definitely in a war during the cold war even though no shots were fired. In the Art of War by Suntzu, he states that the greatest Generals win wars without actually fighting. The founder of military science would be wrong by your definition. The Cold War was a great world wide conflict - with millions of casualties, vast wastage of resources, and human suffering. Although most of the casualties and suffering was on the Soviet side with them trying to keep up with the US.
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and notice how its called a World War, as in all the major powers fighting, so invading iraq definatly does not count as a world war
If that were the case you would be asking when WWII would be starting because WWI did not involve all major powers - just major european and arabic powers. And remember, afganistan and Iraq were attacked by a multi-national armies.
Here is a CNN link in which Ex-CIA director - James Woolsey states that we are in WWIV.
CNN LINKI have also read several refrences to us being in WWIV on al-jazeera. It may not be the average US perspective, but it is the oppinion of a great many outside of N. America.