Tony Blair Stands by Bush, Iraq War

The former British prime minister’s fall from boy wonder to lapdog caricature has a lot to do with George W. Bush and their shared Iraq adventure. In his new autobiography, normally the place for reflection and re-evaluation, Blair defends both his relationship with the American president and the mess in Mesopotamia.

The BBC has collected some of the choicer quotes from Blair’s tome.

BBC:

GEORGE W BUSH

I had come to like and admire George. I was asked recently which of the political leaders I had met had the most integrity. I listed George near the top. Some people were aghast… thinking I was joking. He had genuine integrity and as much political courage as any leader I ever met. He was, in a bizarre sense… a true idealist.

IRAQ WAR

I am unable to satisfy the desire even of some of my supporters, who would like me to say: It was a mistake but one made in good faith. Friends opposed to the war think I’m being obstinate; others, less friendly, think I’m delusional. To both I may say: Keep an open mind.

IRAQ - BEREAVED FAMILIES

Do they really suppose I don’t care, don’t feel, don’t regret with every fibre of my being the loss of those who died? To be indifferent to that would be inhuman, emotionally warped.

Read more

White House / Paul Morse