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Short: Why I will not quit
The Evening Standard ^ | March 18, 2003 | Charles Reiss and Hugh Dougherty

Posted on 03/18/2003 5:11:42 AM PST by MadIvan

Clare Short today told why she had decided to stay in the Cabinet in spite of her deep misgivings about war on Iraq.

The International Development Secretary, who last week accused Tony Blair of pursuing a "reckless" policy in support of President Bush, had been widely expected to follow Robin Cook out of government.

But the woman regarded as the moral conscience of the Cabinet performed a U-turn today. She promised to back the Government in a vote tonight on military action, admitting: "I know I will be heavily criticised for my decision . . . but I am doing what I think is right.

"I remain very critical of the way the Iraq crisis has been handled . . . but we are where we are and we must decide how we can best take things forward from here."

Her change of heart came because she had been convinced that the war would be lawful and she was satisfied the rebuilding of Iraq would only go ahead with a UN mandate rather than under the control of a US occupying army.

She continued: "There have been a number of important developments over the last week.

"Firstly, the Attorney General has made clear that military action would be legal under international law. Other lawyers have expressed contrary opinions but for the UK Government, the Civil Service and the military, it is the view of the Attorney General that matters and this is unequivocal.

"Second, the Prime Minister has persuaded President Bush that there must be a UN resolution on creating a UN mandate for the reconstruction of Iraq. This is crucial. Without it, coalition forces would have been an occupying army under international law.

"They would have had no legal right to rebuild any Iraqi institutions. The UN, as in Afghanistan, will now have the authority to support the people of Iraq in drawing up a legitimate constitution, building new institutions and holding elections.

"The UN mandate is also essential for the engagement of the international development community in the provision of humanitarian aid, and for the engagement of the World Bank, IMF, Asian Development Bank and others in the reconstruction effort."


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events; Politics/Elections; US: District of Columbia; United Kingdom; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: blair; bush; iraq; saddam; uk; us; war
Genius. Blair just won the vote with this.

Regards, Ivan


1 posted on 03/18/2003 5:11:42 AM PST by MadIvan
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To: AZLadyhawke; Southflanknorthpawsis; meema; headsonpikes; TEXOKIE; Pan_Yans Wife; mumbo; Siouxz; ...
Bump!
2 posted on 03/18/2003 5:12:03 AM PST by MadIvan (Learn the power of the Dark Side, www.thedarkside.net)
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To: MadIvan
I heard Blair dangled the development aid carrot in front of her never ending ego.
3 posted on 03/18/2003 5:16:05 AM PST by Happygal
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Comment #4 Removed by Moderator

Comment #5 Removed by Moderator

To: MadIvan
You should be very proud of Tony Blair. He's telling public opinion polls to go to Hell and he's standing by us when he doesn't have to, at the risk of his political career. Tony Blair should be honored as a profile in courage in this situation along with Berlosconi(sic) and Aznar.
6 posted on 03/18/2003 5:21:35 AM PST by Sparta (I like RINO hunting)
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To: MadIvan
But the woman regarded as the moral conscience of the Cabinet performed a U-turn today.

The "moral conscience" of the Cabinet apparently does not have the courage of her convictions, nor can her word be trusted when she can turn 180 degrees overnight, convieniently in continuation of her political career.

7 posted on 03/18/2003 5:22:40 AM PST by ez (Advise and Consent = Debate and VOTE!!)
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To: MadIvan
Help me here....Compare the 'ministers' to a position in the US. I am not sure what the level of responsibility is in the UK. How does this insure that 'Blair just won the vote? Thanks...
8 posted on 03/18/2003 5:23:04 AM PST by BlessedAmerican (God is so good...)
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To: MadIvan
there must be a UN resolution on creating a UN mandate for the reconstruction of Iraq...the US should veto any such resolution.
9 posted on 03/18/2003 5:24:12 AM PST by RWG
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To: MadIvan
How could you trust anyone named Claire.
10 posted on 03/18/2003 5:25:53 AM PST by Bulldogs22
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To: MadIvan
Bush and Blair - two modern-day heros...
11 posted on 03/18/2003 5:34:16 AM PST by trebb
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To: MadIvan
The International Development Secretary, who last week accused Tony Blair of pursuing a "reckless" policy in support of President Bush, had been widely expected to follow Robin Cook out of government.

I'm taking that Cook thought she would join the walk out huh?

Have there been any comments from Cook yet about Clare not resigning?

12 posted on 03/18/2003 5:35:36 AM PST by Mo1
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To: BlessedAmerican
Help me here....Compare the 'ministers' to a position in the US. I am not sure what the level of responsibility is in the UK. How does this insure that 'Blair just won the vote? Thanks...

Ministers are like "Secretaries" to you - the Minister for Foreign Affairs is equivalent to your Secretary of State. Same goes for Transportation, etc.

Clare Short has a role as head of International Development; think of whoever is in charge of giving out money to foreigners for you and that's the equivalent.

Now, as to how this helps Blair - Clare Short is the darling of the far left. Some on the far left will vote no to war, no matter what. But, those who admire her will be moved to vote for Blair this evening - thus the far left vote is split, Blair has his party on side, the Tories on side, and it is likely the majority will be huge.

Regards, Ivan

13 posted on 03/18/2003 5:37:50 AM PST by MadIvan (Learn the power of the Dark Side, www.thedarkside.net)
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To: MadIvan
Cool.

Thanks Ivan, now, Kim should be watching over his shoulder...and I think the Iranian clerics should be real estate hunting in Libya...
14 posted on 03/18/2003 5:42:38 AM PST by Keith
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To: Sparta; MadIvan
...he's standing by us when he doesn't have to, at the risk of his political career.

This has been my summary argument for all leftist Bush-haters when they tell me it's just about oil, there's no evidence, etc....

When they admit that Blair and Bush are risking sooo much politically on this, I just ask them, "If Bush wants to be re-elected, and Blair is risking no-confidence, WHY IN THE WORLD would they risk this war, UNLESS they really have serious evidence????"

THAT is something they can never figger out!! It does not compute in their world, and they get stumped, because they cannot grasp a president doing something risky just because it's the right thing to do!

15 posted on 03/18/2003 5:58:55 AM PST by sam_paine
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To: Keith; MadIvan
Kim should be watching over his shoulder..

That little fat dumpling has been awful quiet recently, ain't he???

16 posted on 03/18/2003 5:59:51 AM PST by sam_paine
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To: MadIvan; Dutchgirl; katana
Thanks all for the information. I now know how the system works and can watch with an informed 'eye' thanks to you. I cannot imagine having the far left in the US being represented in Cabinet positions...It is hard enough dealing with them at the congressional level!
17 posted on 03/18/2003 6:54:54 AM PST by BlessedAmerican (God is so good...)
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To: MadIvan
Genius, yes. Blair is a "very smart cookie", as we say here in the States.
18 posted on 03/18/2003 9:21:55 AM PST by carl in alaska (Hey Jacques!....What are you trying to hide?)
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