Intelligence Squared

Iraq: 20 Years On | The Road to War

5 snips
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.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Statue Toppling

  • A US tank pulled down a statue of Saddam Hussein in a symbolic moment.
  • The crowd cheered and rushed the fallen statue.
INSIGHT

Saddam's Reign

  • Saddam Hussein's rule began during Iraq's economic peak but ended in destruction.
  • Wars with Iran and Kuwait, followed by sanctions, devastated the Iraqi people.
INSIGHT

Blair's Motivation

  • Tony Blair's support for intervention was shaped by events like Rwanda and Kosovo.
  • However, the Iraq War's origins lie more in 9/11 and Blair's close relationship with George W. Bush.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app