Category: Iraqi War

Simon Tisdall in the Guardian writes about the history of war, from the perspective of the US, and argues that war is always the first resort – never the last. He lists the litany of conflicts that have involved the US. This is an excellent article. America has been fighting wars all our lifetimes, from…

Lots of good opinion pieces today. Jonathan Steele this time on the US and British plans for after the invasion, it is also well worth the read. Blair’s “moral” case is a cynical gamble. Each of his ingredients – rapid collapse of Saddam Hussein, minimal casualties, cheering crowds and no post-war Tommy Franks – has…

British Foreign Secretary Jack Staw argues that he was once a peace protester, but with Saddam and Iraq now, its a different story. Even at this late stage, I hope and pray war can be avoided. But without the credible threat of force, which the US and ourselves have ensured, there would be no inspectors…

William Safire condemns anti-war arguments outright – blatantly nailing his colours to the mast. He lists 12 reasons of the ‘yes-butters’, and then calls it the “dirty dozen of doubt”. He is truly convinced of the righteousness of the US endeavour in Iraq, or the “great enterprise” as he calls it. Truly staggering in its lack…

Robert Fisk again, in a short piece he criticises the lack of demonstration among the arab nations. He is probably right, but I just don’t think that most of the Arab nations are democratic anyway – or at least do not allow the freedom to hold demonstrations, nor is there a democratic tradition.

West Virginian Democrat Senator Robert Byrd, writes a staggering article over at the IHT. I have seen some article from US politicians, but none more vehement than this. He questions the war that the US is pursuing and expresses plain disgust at war itself, and the coming war. If you read anything today, read this.

Madelaine Bunting writes a moving piece in the Guardian about the peace protests in London. Very well worth a look, I like the venom in this: We said No, Not in our Names and we meant it. Blair will never be forgiven. A tragic end to a good prime minister who was swept to power…

In this passionate piece Mary Riddell – she is worth quoting at length here: The surprise has been the altruism of the protesters, and the size of the vacuum they fill. Blair’s natural supporters and opponents have registered their opposition, and seen it spurned. As they get more strident, he digs harder. The hole in…

Michael Adams argues that Tony Blair should learn some lessons from the Suez crisis in this article from yesterday. In 1956 it was the Americans who saw the red light and stopped in time, while the British were driven on by a reckless leader – to disaster. Is it too late to hope that this…

A lively debate going on over at Karlin’s Blog.