Torture, encouraged from above, became a fact of life [in occupied Iraq]. Perhaps some good liberal apologist for Blair will soon explain how democratic torture is much nicer than authoritarian torture.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Blair notes torture occurred in Iraq and critiques liberals for defending it.
- In plain terms
- Torture happened in Iraq; don't pretend it's acceptable.
- What can you take from it?
- Democracy doesn't excuse torture.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who holds democracies accountable for abuse?
- How do we prevent normalization?
Another view
It assumes readers know the specific context without citation.
More from Tony Blair
He was the future, once...
Permalink to quote #70 A second-rate actor, he turned out to be a crafty and avaricious politician, but without much substance; bereft of ideas he eagerly grasped and tried to improv…
Permalink to quote #72 I believe Tony Blair is an out-and-out rascal, terminally untrustworthy and close to being unhinged. I said from the start that there was something wrong in hi…
Permalink to quote #69
Related quotes
The United States doesn't and can't condone torture. And I want to make very clear that that's the view and the policy of the administration, the policy of the…
Condoleezza RiceCondoleezza Rice quote #14 The rising power of the United States in world affairs ... requires, not a more compliant press, but a relentless barrage of facts and criticism.... Our job in…
James RestonJames Reston quote #3 The people who invaded and destroyed Iraq and have murdered more than a million Iraqi people by sanctions and war will burn in Hell in the hell-fires, and thei…
George GallowayGeorge Galloway quote #4