Intelligence Squared Iraq: 20 Years On | Tony Blair on Trial
Mar 24, 2023
David Aaronovitch, a notable journalist and author of "Party Animals," joins a compelling discussion centered on Tony Blair's legacy two decades post-Iraq war. The live event scrutinizes Blair's paradoxical leadership—balancing significant reforms in health and education against controversial decisions surrounding the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Witnesses weigh in on healthcare advancements and the ethical implications of Blair's policies, particularly regarding intelligence failures. The dialogue challenges listeners to reconsider their views on accountability and government effectiveness in today's context.
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Public Support for Blair
- The British public voted for Tony Blair in two elections after 2001.
- David Aaronovitch questions if the public were consistently fooled, suggesting Blair's actions may have been necessary and good.
Good Friday Agreement
- The Good Friday Agreement is considered a major achievement of Blair's administration, ending conflict with 3,500 casualties.
- Tom Bower's book dedicates minimal space to this achievement compared to other less significant topics.
Social Reforms
- The Blair government introduced the minimum wage and advanced gay rights, despite Tory opposition.
- David Cameron later acknowledged the success of the minimum wage.
