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[The Joint Intelligence Committee] concludes that Iraq has chemical and biological weapons, that Saddam has continued to produce them, that he has existing and active military plans for the use of chemical and biological weapons, which could be activated within 45 minutes, including against his own Shia population, and that he is actively trying to acquire nuclear weapons capability.

Tony Blair#28

WarSecurityIntelligenceWeaponsIraq

About this quote

What does it mean?
Blair cites intelligence assessments alleging Iraq possessed active weapons programs and plans for their use.
In plain terms
Intelligence reports say Iraq had weapons and planned to use them soon.
What can you take from it?
Intelligence claims can justify serious international action.

Where it applies

  • parliamentary briefings
  • international relations
  • war justification

Putting it to work

  • justify intervention
  • present intelligence
  • assess threats

Questions to consider

  • How much weight should intelligence carry?
  • When is preemption justified?

Another view

Intelligence assessments can be flawed or misinterpreted over time.

More from Tony Blair

  1. Look, I'm a person, an individual with a character and part of my character is about what I believe in and part of my beliefs obviously is a religious convicti…

    Permalink to quote #27
  2. Sometimes, and in particular dealing with a dictator, the only chance of peace is a readiness for war.

    Permalink to quote #29
  3. I don't like it, to be honest, when politicians make a big thing of their religious beliefs, so I don't make a big thing of it.

    Permalink to quote #26

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