Isn’t it a contradiction that although the ‘war on terror’ is often described as ‘a different kind of war’ – every time there is a justification for pre-emptive action, George Bush and Tony Blair invoke Winston Churchill (1874 -1965). Generally the hawk’s resort to similarities with Churchill’s prophesies of the dangers of Nazi Germany and Stalin’s Russia. His battle with an apathetic public to take action, and his spirit of ‘never surrender’ which is summoned in times of tragedy.
This year alone notable comparisons include New York Mayor Guiliani who likens George Bush to Churchill. George Bush who likens Tony Blair to Churchill remarking, “I see the spirit of Churchill in Prime Minister Tony Blair.” Tony Blair who asks the British nation to unite behind him, comparing recent set backs in Iraq to the darkest days of World War 2. Even Tory party leader Michael Howard has jumped on the bandwagon comparing himself to Churchill. So where did it all start?
A fanatic is one who can’t change his mind and won’t change the subject
Winston Churchill
Added Info
Get a feel for the era with these 3 related press articles press articles, written in the weeks preceding the publication of this site. It’s a short read, but in a way was the original reason for this site.
Added info - On 15th September 2004 the UN declared the war in Iraq illegal. This rebuke of International Law breaking and the consequences by Secretary General, Kofi Annan, was published in The Guardian 20/09/04 by Gary Young.
Added info - The build up to war in Iraq (began March 2003) was full of Churchillian warnings and rhetoric about weapons of mass destruction. Yet 11 days after the war was declared illegal and no WOMD's were found the rhetoric continued. Headline from The Observer by Gaby Hinsliff, Andrew Rawnsley, Martin Bright Mouse over to enlarge article
Added info - Opposition Tory party leader also getting in on the Churchillian act. Article by Michael White published in The Guardian 08/10/04. Just over 3 weeks after the war was declared illegal. Mouse Over to enlarge article