Oil and politics

The word ‘catastrophe’ is no metaphorical expression in Tony Blair’s case. The Chilcot report confirms at least 150,000 Iraqi and (many more) lost their lives in 2003. Millions were displaced and orphaned, and families saw their homes destroyed. Britain too lost 279 soldiers and many more injured and paralysed for life. And the war is still going on today as a result of that reckless and hasty decision based on a lie. It is an open secret that the central reason for the war was oil. Prior to the war, Iraq’s oil industry was fully nationalised and closed to Western oil companies. Now it is privatised and mercilessly dominated by international firms. Tony Blair (Bush’s poodle) was in it to make a buck as well, and perhaps enjoy the glory and limelight by decimating a weak helpless nation.

The disturbing fact is that, despite Chilcot’s damming report, there seems to be no accountability process to straightaway prosecute these war criminals. Tony Blair’s unrepentant stance also proves that this proven sycophant may get away scot-free after all. Such is the international justice system – toothless and biased.

Danish Aftab

Islamabad