Iraq

This man will save the world?
Poor old Gordon Brown, there he is "getting on with the job" but the wicked world ignores him. The London Afghanistan Conference is in full swing but it's all eyes on a certain Mr Blair. So while Brown deals with the events of today unseen, Blair is waffling on with his version of history. And doing so in that politico-camp style that, as time drags on, makes him more enemies than friends. One of the best funny/sad things is watching celebrities grow old but not up; television is awash with such people. Blair having now spent so much time out of UK politics, a lot of it in the US, where these mannerisms he has perfected are more tolerated, looks and sounds too much like a 1980's rock star to be taken seriously any more. It's all well and good Bob Geldorf and Bono wanting to save the world but it's a hobby for them, they have day jobs. Blair wanting to save the world is all he's got, that's his act and it's wearing thin.

Anjem Choudary

Anjem Choudary, the self proclaimed leader of al-Muhajiroun in the UK, wants to march down the High Street of the Wiltshire town to protest about the UK's involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, see HERE.

The UK's part of the wars in both go back to the days of Tony Blair, not an auspicious start. For in his own way Blair was as much a villain then as Choudray is seen today. The reasons for the invasion of Iraq, the 'dodgy dossier' can be seen for what they are, lies. In his analysis of the war in Iraq, Ministry of Defeat (see below right), Richard North shows how chaotic the British Army's performance in Iraq was. It is also clear that the practical lessons from Iraq have not been learnt, Afghanistan looks to be heading the same way.

It Ain't Half Hot Mum
Gordon Brown will not give evidence to the Chilcot Inquiry until after the General Election, something to hide?

After a great deal of searching the best article by far on this subject is the one by Fraser Nelson writing in the Spectator - see HERE. Nelson has rightly been praised for his skill in questioning the PM on economic matters but now has branched out to include Defence, recommended reading.

And for our younger readers the title for the image is taken from the BBC comedy show of that name that ran from 1974. Very rare to see the PM without a jacket but common to see him using UK troops as political props. There will be a price for him to pay for this.

Myths and there peddlers
I wonder if Professor Phil Jones of the University of East Anglia Climate Research Unit is, ahem, feeling under the weather? While mounting accusations swirl around him and the entire tribe of climate 'scientists', the future looks bleak. However, I predict there will be something to lift the spirits this Christmas. A flurry of seasonal greetings cards from Anthony Charles Lynton Blair, UK Prime Minister 1997 - 2007, and family, will fall through some letter boxes any time soon.

Better than the rest?
If asked to suggest a 'best source' for information related to the Chilcot Inquiry it would be Richard North at EU Refrendum, latest post (26th November) HERE.

You may disagree with North but you can't discount him. The link above can also take you to his other website dedicated to military analysis. So this post on Chilcot is a waste of time? If you say so! But while the experts will naturally concentrate on the central issues it is reasonable to look around at other aspects. This is inquiry number three. First there was the Hutton Inquiry which looked into the death of Dr David Kelly. It was followed by the Butler Review, a sort of Inquiry but with a name change hoping to impress. It must have failed in that respect as now we have Chilcot.