Catch 22 – The Iraq invasion decision

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29th October, 2009

CATCH 22? WHICH 22?

The use of the phrase ‘Catch 22′ is not meant here in its normal usage.

THE IRAQ INVASION DECISION

Do you recall that when the Iraq invasion decision was made by EU states, there were 23 EU counties voting in favour, and only 2 against?

No? Well blow me down with a British press illiberal with the facts moment.

I’d forgotten too, to be blunt, until this site reminded me.

Odd how we never hear Guardianistos or Mail readers calling for the beheading of the other 22 “war criminals”.

WHY? Because for their own half-baked, illogical and political reasons they are only interested in one head on the block.

And yet this one head is the one who may well be speaking on behalf of ALL EU leaders within a few short weeks.

I’m just wondering when the usual suspects will suggest hanging the other 22 from trees using their own intestines.

How often have you heard our rags’  commenters wanting to do away with the other 22 as they wish to do away with Blair?

Catch 22? Get Blair first and then you get the rest? ‘fraid not. The rest are never mentioned. Rather it’s – get Blair first and you’ve got the scapegoat. They’d be happy then with their pound of flesh.

Strange old world, isn’t it?

Excerpt:

Iraq-a lesson to learn

Iraq is mentioned as reason number one by many to prevent the nomination of “Bushist”, “war monger” and “war criminal” Tony Blair for the EU’s first President of the European Council. People seem to have selective memories. In fact 23, of the then 25 member states, were in favour of the invasion. It was not Tony Blair who actively split the EU from inside but the dodgy axis between Paris and Berlin, chaired by Chirac and Schröder.

Altough people like Juncker and other Blair-dissers accuse Tony Blair of serious misconduct, the former Premier has done more for democracy and stability in the Middle East than any other European leader. The EU will have to face many similar and tough decisions  in the near future, with Iran probably in the front line. Tony Blair has the capacity, the skills, the knowledge and the respect to negotiate on behalf of the EU on the global international stage. Obama will listen to him and so will Putin.

For a second, remember Juncker or Balkenende in an equal situation. The only possibly threat Luxembourg might face is its invasion by Andorra or Lichtenstein.

These numbers were also mentioned at The Independent recently in an article on Blair’s EU job prospects:

The job is by no means in the bag. Some countries may oppose a British president because the UK is not a member of the euro and the Schengen “open borders” agreement. The “Iraq factor” may be overstated. It rankles with some MEPs but 23 of the EU’s then-25 governments supported the 2003 invasion, even if their peoples did not. Only Germany and France opposed the war, and their new leaders now seem to be backing Mr Blair.

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RELATED

• Positive thinking from a declared EU presidency candidate – “I’m no dwarf” – at John Rentoul’s blog.
• This FT article even seems to be falling to the folly of Iraq mindset. Disappointing from the FT. Sorry, guys, you’re wrong.

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Tags: catch 22, Iraq, Iraq war inquiry, John Rentoul, Matthew Norman, Tony Blair