Tony Blair expresses “sorrow, regret and apology” for Iraq War mistakes
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair denied on Wednesday that Britain’s participation in the Iraq War was a mistake, but nevertheless expressed his “sorrow, regret and apology” for mistakes made during the planning and conduct of the war.
Blair was responding to the release of the Chilcot inquiry report on the UK’s involvement on the Iraq War in a press conference.
Chairman Sir John Chilcot said that despite Blair’s claims there was no “imminent threat” posed by the Saddam Hussein regime and the intelligence case put forward by the Blair government was “not justified.”
“The intelligence assessments made at the time of going to war turned out to be wrong, the aftermath turned out to be more hostile, protracted and bloody than ever we imagined … and a nation whose people we wanted to set free from the evil of Saddam become instead victims of sectarian terrorism,” Blair told the press conference, according to the BBC.
“For all of this, I express more sorrow, regret and apology than you may ever know or can believe.”
He dismissed claims that “lies” were made and the parliament and cabinet “misled” nor was there a “secret commitment to war, intelligence was not falsified and the decision was made in good faith.”
“There is no inconsistency in expressing my sorrow for those that have lost their lives – my regret and my apology for the mistakes – but still saying I believe the decision was right. There is no inconsistency in that.”
Despite how bad Iraq remains Blair argued that Iraq is still “better off” and without intervention could have turned out like Syria is today.
The report also charged that British military commanders made “over-optimistic assessments” of their capabilities which ultimately led to “bad decisions.”
Furthermore they had “little time” to adequately prepare the three military brigades deployed to Iraq.
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who voted in favour of the war at the time, said that, “Sending our brave troops on to the battlefield without the right equipment was unacceptable and, whatever else we learn from this conflict, we must all pledge this will never happen again.”
Blair said that “the most agonizing and momentous,” decision he made during his tenure as Prime Minister was sending troops into battle, saying he would “carry it with me for the rest of my days.”
Blair was responding to the release of the Chilcot inquiry report on the UK’s involvement on the Iraq War in a press conference.
Chairman Sir John Chilcot said that despite Blair’s claims there was no “imminent threat” posed by the Saddam Hussein regime and the intelligence case put forward by the Blair government was “not justified.”
“The intelligence assessments made at the time of going to war turned out to be wrong, the aftermath turned out to be more hostile, protracted and bloody than ever we imagined … and a nation whose people we wanted to set free from the evil of Saddam become instead victims of sectarian terrorism,” Blair told the press conference, according to the BBC.
“For all of this, I express more sorrow, regret and apology than you may ever know or can believe.”
He dismissed claims that “lies” were made and the parliament and cabinet “misled” nor was there a “secret commitment to war, intelligence was not falsified and the decision was made in good faith.”
“There is no inconsistency in expressing my sorrow for those that have lost their lives – my regret and my apology for the mistakes – but still saying I believe the decision was right. There is no inconsistency in that.”
Despite how bad Iraq remains Blair argued that Iraq is still “better off” and without intervention could have turned out like Syria is today.
The report also charged that British military commanders made “over-optimistic assessments” of their capabilities which ultimately led to “bad decisions.”
Furthermore they had “little time” to adequately prepare the three military brigades deployed to Iraq.
Former British Prime Minister David Cameron, who voted in favour of the war at the time, said that, “Sending our brave troops on to the battlefield without the right equipment was unacceptable and, whatever else we learn from this conflict, we must all pledge this will never happen again.”
Blair said that “the most agonizing and momentous,” decision he made during his tenure as Prime Minister was sending troops into battle, saying he would “carry it with me for the rest of my days.”