The Iraq war has been a topic of controversy, stirring up feelings of discontent within the British public, particularly since it has been branded illegal by critics.
It was evident that the public did not endorse the war, clearly demonstrated by the millions who protested against the military action, yet nonetheless the war commenced.
The motives for the war have fluctuated. Initially, it was to eliminate the threat of weapons of mass destruction, following that it was to overthrow an evil dictator.
Indeed, it is being questioned if Tony Blair had agreed in April 2002(almost a year before a vote in parliament)to back a US-led invasion, regardless of if Weapons of Mass Destruction were discovered in Iraq, and as such undermining the vote in the Commons.
This sense of ‘back room’ dealings and a lack of clarity have succeeded in creating profound feelings of resentment with the public - a public which is already immensely disillusioned with the government after the expenses scandal.
The Iraq war inquiry has brought about welcome scrutiny of the war with the hope of holding the ‘guilty’ men and women to account.
However, the evidence of many key figures within the Labour party has left a lot to be desired, particularly that of Jack Straw.
Straw stated he “never wanted war” however, this statement has been severely undermined by the evidence delivered yesterday by Sir Michael Wood (chief adviser to the foreign office) and his deputy; Elizabeth Wilmshurst.
Indeed, Michael Wood stated that he sent the Foreign Office memos stating that “the UK could not lawfully use force” without a second UN resolution.
However, the main focus of the nation will be fixated upon the events which will unfold on Friday when Tony Blair delivers evidence on the war.
Emotions are raw and anger is fresh amongst many of the grieving families who are attending, with many wanting Blair to be held accountable for the deaths the Iraq war has delivered.
Undeniably, the nation will be waiting in suspense to hear Blair’s version of events, and to at last get some credible answers about why this, seemingly inevitable war occurred, which has caused so much anguish throughout the nation as a whole.
Indeed, if Blair fails to deliver, his legacy as a Prime minster will be thrown into disrepute, as, perhaps will the UK’s status as a nation which upholds the principles of the United Nations.
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