Intelligence Squared

Iraq: 20 Years On | The Road to War

Mar 20, 2023

Renad Mansour, Director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House, teams up with Clare Short, former UK Secretary of State for International Development, to dissect the Iraq War's complex history. They delve into the intricacies leading to the invasion, including the vital roles of Saddam’s regime and the relationship between Blair and Bush. The discussion sheds light on the flawed intelligence that justified the war and the missed opportunities for international cooperation, raising questions about the lasting political consequences and trust in leadership.

50:08

Episode guests

Renad Mansour

Clare Short

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Saddam Hussein in Iraq

01:20

The Tragedy of Saddam Hussein

00:45

Intro

3min

Iraqi Heritage and Political Legacy

8min

The Iraq War Dynamics

13min

The Role of Intelligence in the Iraq War Justification

4min

Unraveling the Iraq War Decisions

16min

Analyzing Decision-Making During the Iraq War

2min

Exactly twenty years ago today on the 20th March 2003, the US along with its allies launched a shock and awe bombing campaign on Iraq. It marked the start of the invasion - and occupation - of Iraq - a defining moment in modern history and contemporary politics. In the first episode of this series Iraq: Legacy of War brought to you by Intelligence Squared, we’ll be taking a deep dive into key moments on the road to war. From understanding Saddam’s rule in the 1980s and the significance of the first Gulf War, to the role of intelligence reports, domestic politics and the Special Relationship between Britain and America.

Our host for this episode is investigative journalist Manveen Rana, who’s joined by Renad Mansour, director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House; and Clare Short, who was Secretary of State for International Development from 1997 to 2003.

To listen to the whole series now please subscribe via Intelligence Squared Premium on Apple Podcasts or here: https://iq2premium.supercast.com/ for ad-free listening, bonus content, early access and much more.

This series was produced by Farah Jassat and Catharine Hughes, with editing and artwork from Catharine Hughes. Music is by Lesfm. Excerpts featured in this episode are from CBS News and AP.

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