[Texasforever]

They talk about nations, not states.

I think you have hit on a key distinction. Nations are indeed different than states, the terms Cherokee nation, Sioux nation and the Nation of Islam come to mind. Words ,and their definition, are not only crucial in the diplomatic realm but in the every day language of discourse. We have lost the ability to understand that common usage does NOT negate the original meaning of words that were coined. I remember when “gay” meant happy.

[RightWhale]

This morning I had the local comintern NPR station on and heard one of the eggheads talking about the "so-called" war on terrorism. Makes one question whether such people are philosophically healthy. A little awareness goes a long way to flesh out one's philosophical space.