Intentions vs. Actions

News programs, discussion panels and private conversations have been dominated by Tony Blair giving evidence to the Iraq Inquiry on Friday. Most argued that he was passionate, aware and very clear about what he did and why he did it – but then his passion and self assured convection are what made him a successful leader and a formidable opponent. Consequently, his evidence shouldn’t have come as a surprise – since it is his account of what he believed in at the time, as for the manner by which he explained his actions surely that was expected!

The surprise ‘for me’ was the reaction to his testimony by some. It seems they wanted and even expected Mr Blair to ‘admit’ that he was wrong, and regretful for taking us into war, or maybe that he has tricked parliament and the whole country so he can go to war with his good buddy President Bush – when in reality he did not feel any of that. Although he did not say “I am sorry” admitting that mistakes were made and wishing some things were done differently should qualify as an apology. But it seems that not saying ‘the words I am Sorry’ and by not admitting the whole invasion was a mistake and a deliberate one at that, Blair has infuriated quite a few people who for some reason thought the Inquiry is a Trial!

It is not. The Iraq Inquiry was set out by the Prime Minister to find out what happened on the run-up to the war and its aftermath – looking at how the decisions were made and the actions taken so they can as accurately as possible establish what happened – and to identify the lessons that can be learned for the future.

Like many people I did not expect to learn much new from the Inquiry. Many have their own opinion about the war, it’s legitimacy, the lessons learned and what should have been done then – had we known what we know now- and rightly opinions do differ.

But what’s frightening is the ‘lynch-mob morality’ of some who sit in judgment condemning every act that challenges their personal principles and views. Their attitude and the way they go about conducting the discussion, will in the short term alienate opposing views and stifle the debate but long term it will dismiss them as extremists. And that can only be counterproductive. What they need to remember is the reason and the purpose of the inquiry – Blair’s demeanor, his public speaking fees and bronzed body are not in question here – what’s in question are his intentions and the actions that followed them.