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About this quote

What does it mean?
Blair rejects the claim that Saddam Hussein unilaterally destroyed weapons, calling it absurd.
In plain terms
He says it is absurd to claim Saddam destroyed weapons on his own.
What can you take from it?
Historical and intelligence evidence should guide assertions about weapons.

Where it applies

  • parliamentary debates
  • intelligence reviews
  • public inquiries

Putting it to work

  • challenge claims
  • defend position
  • question narratives

Questions to consider

  • What evidence supports such claims?
  • How do we verify weapon status?

Another view

Dismissive language can shut down necessary scrutiny.

More from Tony Blair

  1. If we don't act now, we can't keep those people down there forever. We can't wait forever. If we don't act now, then we will go back to what has happened befor…

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  2. This is the time not just for this Government-or, indeed, for this Prime Minister-but for this House to give a lead: to show that we will stand up for what we …

    Permalink to quote #33
  3. The intelligence is clear: [Saddam Hussein] continues to believe that his weapons of mass destruction programme is essential both for internal repression and f…

    Permalink to quote #30

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