Iraq was a terrible war but it cannot excuse our failure to confront …
In 2013, MPs voted narrowly to reject a motion that would have allowed David Cameron to authorise military action in Syria. A year earlier, President Obama warned that the deployment of chemical weapons would be a red line. They were used; he did nothing. Half a million people have died; terrible crimes have been committed. The war continues, but the dictator Bashar al-Assad, supported by Russia, has largely prevailed.
In 2014, a few months after the US, UK and their allies washed their hands of that country, Vladimir Putin launched his first invasion of Ukraine (via proxies) and annexed Crimea. One direct line can be traced back to these events, and forward to present bloodshed: the invasion of Iraq. That war, 20 years ago next month, is a standard text on diplomatic and military failure.
A quick reprise: after the terrorist attacks of September 2001 Tony Blair became the galvaniser-in-chief for the White House. He was spectacularly successful in assembling a coalition of the willing for the invasion of Afghanistan (those were the days when British prime ministers had clout). Within months, however, George W Bush, had turned his attentions elsewhere, announcing in his State of the Union address that he would go after the axis of evil, at the heart of which was Saddam Hussein.
Blair resolved he would never be blindsided by the Americans again. As I wrote in Blairs Wars, he told Bush as early as April 2002 at the presidents ranch in Crawford, Texas, that he would go along with him, come what may. The rest, as they say, is dodgy dossiers, spurious legal advice, elusive weapons of mass destruction and a disastrous occupation. All the various public inquiries that followed have corroborated this chain of events.
One of the most important changes enacted after Iraq was the requirement, pushed through by Gordon Brown, that prime ministers seek parliamentary approval for future interventions. In March 2011 MPs backed action in Libya, only two years later to refuse it on Syria. The shock was immense. Bullish bombastic Britain doesnt do such things; it fights the good fight. That, at least, has always been its self-image.
Asked by the BBC to present a special radio programme on the vote, I was surprised when Blair agreed to be interviewed (he had blanked me for a decade). He was incredibly eager to be heard, to be understood. I quoted Cameron back to him, saying that people had felt let down by Iraq. As is his wont, Blair disagreed, asking in return what might happen to a world without a referee?
Iraq has left scars that refuse to heal. Libya was a smaller intervention, equally counter-productive. Afghanistan was the longest of them all, until it collapsed with the humiliating flight from Kabul in August 2021. Having given them false hope and fleeting security, the US decided that international forces should quit suddenly, leaving Afghans at the mercy of the Taliban.
These interventions and others, such as in Kosovo and Sierra Leone, were wrapped up in the doctrine of liberal, or humanitarian, intervention. It arose from the horror of a global community looking the other way as people were being slaughtered in Bosnia and Rwanda. It morphed into a messianic zeal to remove dictators and install democracy, at the barrel of the gun.
That is no more. On his appointment as secretary of state in March 2021, Antony Blinken declared: We will not promote democracy through costly military interventions or by attempting to overthrow authoritarian regimes by force. We have tried these tactics in the past. However well intentioned, they havent worked.
When the United Nations general assembly voted last March to condemn Putins invasion of Ukraine, some 35 countries chose to abstain, including pivotal states such as India, Pakistan and South Africa. The ability of the US and its partners to bring the global south along with it is vastly diminished. Some are less than impressed by the do the right thing tap on the shoulder form of diplomacy; some have long been non-aligned. Some see business opportunities with China and Russia. Many continue to cite Iraq as the basis of their suspicion of western intentions.
As for Britain, it has taken a while decades in fact but is it finally beginning to accept a role in the world more in keeping with its actual status rather than self-delusion? It cannot realistically pursue a global foreign and security policy while mired in the western worlds sickliest economy. It is no longer capable of mounting a military intervention of any note. It knows it has to prioritise.
The childish Johnsonian global Britain mantra is being replaced by patient diplomacy. Britain is no longer interested in dictating or telling others what they should do, declared James Cleverly, foreign secretary, in December. Instead it wants relationships based on shared interests and common principles. There is nothing ignoble in that.
Which brings me to Germany, which thinks harder than most, that takes the practice of democracy far more seriously than most. Yet when it came to their response to Putins invasion, many in that country drew the wrong lessons from history. The Germans instinctive caution about military action led them to refuse to take part in the Iraq folly. Yet it is also responsible for their dithering over Ukraine. Never Again War Nie wieder Krieg was not the conclusion to draw from the Nazi era. Yes, war is an option to be avoided where possible; yet succumbing to dictatorship, war crimes and aggression is an even worse outcome.
The west continues to show double standards, to be selective in its choice of allies and adversaries. Saudi Arabia is perhaps the most egregious case in point. No matter how terrible its human rights abuses, the kingdom is never touched. I am not advocating a return to the mindset or the actions of two decades ago. The days of the west setting itself up as the worlds policeman are long gone. Much wider alliances need to be built.
Putin has inadvertently reminded the world of its duty to protect. Such has been the despondency about the state of global democracy, so inexorable has been the rise of populism (aided and abetted by the likes of Putin), few expected such resistance from Ukraine and its allies. The response over the past year has been collective, principled and circumspect in some ways excessively circumspect.
Iraq was a terrible war, but to cite it in perpetuity as a reason for countries never to confront dictators is to give up on values that are worth fighting for.
John Kampfner is the author of Blairs Wars and Why the Germans Do It Better
Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a letter of up to 300 words to be considered for publication, email it to us at guardian.letters@theguardian.com
Link:
Iraq was a terrible war but it cannot excuse our failure to confront ...
- Iranian officer charged with orchestrating murder of US citizen in Iraq - ABC News - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Murder and terrorism charges brought against Iranian officer in 2022 killing of American in Iraq - The Associated Press - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Warfare': A Real-Time Iraq War Combat Film from a Navy SEAL and the Director of 'Civil War' - Military.com - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- BP, Iraq agree on technical terms to redevelop Kirkuk oil fields - Reuters - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Iraq begins Gulf Cup 26 campaign with a victory over Yemen - Iraqi News - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Pope Francis reveals two attempts on his life during 2021 visit to Iraq - CNN - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- First look at Warfare brings viewers into tenacity of Iraq War - Military Times - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Pope reveals he was almost assassinated in Iraq in 2021 - POLITICO Europe - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Pope Francis reveals he survived two assassination attempts during visit to Iraq - America: The Jesuit Review - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Ibrahim Al-Sumaidaie, Advisor to Iraqi Prime Minister: Militias in Iraq Should Dismantle and Integrate into the Political System; Our Regime Is in... - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Pope in autobiography reveals an apparent bombing plot during his 2021 visit to Iraq - The Associated Press - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Pope Francis reveals he was nearly assassinated during historic Iraq trip - The Catholic Thing - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Pope Francis reveals he survived two threats to his life in Iraq - Catholic News Agency - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Suicide bombers 'planned to attack Pope Francis' on visit to Iraq - Sky News - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- First Warfare trailer paints a harrowing picture of Iraq War combat - Task & Purpose - December 22nd, 2024 [December 22nd, 2024]
- Syrian rebel leader urges Iraq to keep Hashd al-Shaabi factions out of Syria - Reuters - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Trump selects a former soldier and Iraq War veteran to serve as Army secretary - The Associated Press - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Trump picks former soldier and Iraq War veteran to serve as Army secretary - Stars and Stripes - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- 5,000-year-old artifacts in Iraq hint at mysterious collapse of one of the world's 1st governments - Yahoo! Voices - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Iraq PM denies wiretapping allegations as lie of the century - Arab News - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- 5,000-year-old artifacts in Iraq hint at mysterious collapse of one of the world's 1st governments - Livescience.com - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Excavations uncover evidence for the emergence and rejection of the earliest state institutions in Iraq - Phys.org - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Leader Of Hay'at Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) Signals Expansion Of Military Campaign To Homs; Assures Iraqi Government That War In Syria Will Not Spill Over... - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- PMF head: Increased security readiness along Iraq-Syria border - Al Mayadeen English - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Trump selects a former soldier and Iraq War veteran to serve as Army secretary - Daily Journal - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Deep Dive: Why Trump II may be different for Iran, Iraq - Amwaj.media - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Iraq army spox threatens 'military intervention in Syria - The New Arab - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Syrian Rebel Leader Asks Iraq To Stay Out Of Conflict After Victory In Hama - The Times of India - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Iraqi Cleric Al-Sadr: Iraq Should Not Intervene In Syria - Middle East Media Research Institute - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Verdict in Iraq's $2.5bn 'heist of the century' - but where have the rest of the missing billions gone? - The National - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Pro-Iranian militias enter Syria from Iraq to aid beleaguered Syrian army - The Times of Israel - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- 5,000-Year-Old Structures Discovered In Iraq Provide Evidence Of The First-Known Government Collapse In History - All That's Interesting - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Iraq Vows Active Role in Syria Amid Escalating Conflict - FingerLakes1.com - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Trumps pick for Army secretary served in Iraq and was law school classmate of Vance - Washington Times - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- Is Trump Going To Turn The Screw On Iran's Key Criminal Accomplice Iraq - OilPrice.com - December 5th, 2024 [December 5th, 2024]
- War hero demands compensation for veterans falsely accused of Iraq atrocities - The Telegraph - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- Navy intercepts drone apparently launched from Iraq - The Times of Israel - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- "Iraq ready to respond to any terrorist threats" says Maj. Gen. Rasool - Kurdistan24 - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- Iraq tries to stem influx of illegal foreign workers - Al-Monitor - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- BEIT project set to drive decent work and affordable housing in Iraq - ILO - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- Albares thanks Iraq for its mediation efforts to contain the regional escalation - The Diplomat in Spain - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- WHO Iraq Gathers National Stakeholders to Develop Country Cooperation Strategy Aligned with Agenda 2030 [EN/AR] - ReliefWeb - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- Military dog who served in Iraq reunited with former handler after more than 2 years apart - KFOX El Paso - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- Iraq secures its borders with Syria against terrorist threats - Kurdistan24 - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- Aim to contribute to building a unified Iraq where peace and development prevail: Head of the Religious Endowments - ina.iq - November 30th, 2024 [November 30th, 2024]
- American Humane Reunites Retired Military Working Dog and Hander who Worked Together in Iraq - American Humane - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Trade gap focus in first visit to Spain by Iraq PM - Al-Monitor - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Loved ones make annual trip to Arlington Cemetery grave of FDNY firefighter killed in Iraq - New York Daily News - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Snchez and Prime Minister of Iraq ask the parties to avoid an escalation in the Middle East - The Diplomat in Spain - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Iraq motivated to establish promising partnership with Spain - Iraqi News - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Turkish intelligence eliminates top PKK operative in Iraq | Daily Sabah - Daily Sabah - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Iraq to resume flights to Beirut next week - Rudaw Media Network - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- UK and Iraq strike deal to tackle people smuggling and organised crime networks - The National - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Pete Hegseths Army unit in Iraq was rocked by a war-crimes case - The Washington Post - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Iraq, hacks and the Kingfish: The scandal that could bring down Prime Minister Sudani - Middle East Eye - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Jordan reach FIBA Asia Cup 2025 after Saudi Arabia comeback win over Iraq - FIBA - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- UN in Iraq marks 16 Days of Activism to End Violence Against Women and Girls [EN/AR] - ReliefWeb - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Iraq's population grew to 45.4 million according to the first survey in decades - ABC News - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- A Human Development Journey to the Heart of the Cradle of Civilization, Iraq - World Bank - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Why Did Iraq Suspend a $10 Billion Deal With China? - The Diplomat - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Alexander Novak paid a working visit to Iraq - - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- ASIA/IRAQ - Patriarch Sako appeals to all the "heirs" of the Church of the East: "Unity is the only way to face the current... - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Iraq blocks IMDb website over 'immoral content' claims - bne IntelliNews - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Vacationing in Iraq, mysterious chemical in water, Jeeps downward spiral: Catch up on the days stories - CNN - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- ADM makes second 2024 sale of U.S. rice to Iraq - Farm Progress - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Israeli strikes in Iraq could be imminent, US reportedly warns - JNS.org - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- USAID commits investment of up to $20 Million with UNICEF to address water scarcity in Iraq and improve water and sanitation services [EN/AR] -... - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Will Trump reduce the US military presence in Syria and Iraq? - The New Arab - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Iraq bans alcohol in hotels and clubs, bringing country close to near-total ban - The Washington Post - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Iraq calls for pressure on Israel to halt possible strikes - The New Arab - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Ceremony held commemorating 20th anniversary of Green Bay Marine killed in Iraq - WBAY - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Navy veteran of Vietnam, Iraq wars sentenced to 3 years in prison for Capitol riot - WUSA9.com - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- ILO and Ministry of Youth and Sport Launch Job Search Club National Program in Iraq [EN/AR] - ReliefWeb - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Russia reaffirm OPEC+ production cuts commitment - Arab News - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Iraq braces for most severe cold snap in 14 years - Kurdistan24 - November 26th, 2024 [November 26th, 2024]
- Iraq law could lower a girls age of consent as an adult from 18 to 9: it legalizes child rape - Fox News - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Five killed in Turkish drone strikes on PKK members in northern Iraq - Reuters - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Yemen missile interception sparks fire near Jerusalem; 4 drones launched from Iraq - The Times of Israel - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Drone launched from Iraq shot down before crossing into Israel overnight, IDF says - The Times of Israel - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]
- Spy satellite images lead archeologists to the site of a historic battle in Iraq - The Associated Press - November 12th, 2024 [November 12th, 2024]