The Iraq Inquiry, Blair and history

It is a long time since I put pen to computer but the appearance of Tony Blair this week at the Iraq Inquiry merits some reflection.

Looking back, I suppose I was a supporter of the war. I certainly took the view that once one's Government had committed us to war it was our duty to get behind our forces and give them support. I still think that was right.

But what if we were sold a false prospectus? What if our Government lied to us about the nature of the threat and the options open to us? Is it possible that we could be led by a meglomaniac into an unjust war?

My conclusion after watching Tony Blair is that he genuinely believed that what he said and did was justified. He was our elected leader and he believed it was his responsibility to lead.

Certainly, having been reminded of his remarkable qualities this week (and by contrast what pygmies we now have to choose from at the next election) much of my criticism has turned to his pathetic, supine Cabinet that failed to challenge, to question, to think for themselves.

I am angry that I was lied to but if there are truly guilty men (and women) TB is not the only one among their number (he, right or wrong, was doing his job as he saw it) it is his Cabinet (with the notable exception of course of Robin Cook and - very belatedly - Clare Short) that should shoulder most of the blame.

History will be the final judge. Churchill said "history will be kind to me, for I will write it" (or something like that). If Blair's cabinet want history to smile on them, they had better get writing.