War in Ukraine: The Economist interviews Tony Blair

Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, talks to Zanny Minton Beddoes, The Economist’s editor-in-chief, about the war in Ukraine. He gives his opinions on how to deal with Vladimir Putin, the retreat of Western foreign policy and the future of geopolitics.
00:00 - The evolution of Vladimir Putin
01:52 - The wake up call for the West
02:20 - Consequences of Western retreat
05:09 - Is peace with Putin possible?
06:17 - What should the West’s policy be?
08:43 - Geopolitical implications of the war
11:48 - China’s relationship with Russia and the West
14:03 - The war in Ukraine: catalyst for strategic rethinking?
Sign up to our newsletter for the latest on the Ukraine war: econ.st/3E2TBg5
Watch our exclusive interview with President Zelensky: econ.st/3KAIddS
Behind the scenes of the Zelensky interview: econ.st/3JoxLEY
Grim lessons from the Iraq war: econ.st/37zKes8
Why China is backing Russia: econ.st/3JtZ3d5
Watch our film discussing China’s stance on the conflict: econ.st/37ykSLg
How the invasion of Ukraine will spread hunger in the Middle East and Africa: econ.st/3Jw2G1W
Will Russia be punished for its war crimes in Ukraine? econ.st/366mYBO
Why the West is principally responsible for the Ukraine crisis:
econ.st/3uwts6s

[@christopherflux6254]

One of the concerns I had in 2003 about the illegal invasion of Iraq was that it would undermine Western credibility to address future tyranny. I think this came true.

[@Hans.Dewitt]

All invasions are illegal lol

[@dickmojica6830]

But ukrainenis different from Iraq,, when Iraq invade Kuwait, Saudi ask for help to US to remove Iraq force in Kuwait because Saudi was next to Saddam list,, then Saddam financed the terrorist al quaeda to bring terror to the world plus Saddam self confess he is developing nuclear war the UN want to investigate but Saddam did not let investigator in and ignored several ultimatum

[@rogermartinez78]

True but at least we got rid of Saddam!

[@davethesafariplanner]

@@rogermartinez78 Do you know how many people died as a result?

[@rogermartinez78]

Between the insurgents, Iraqi soldiers and civilians about 500K.

[@guillermotell2327]

Blair should not be interviewed by The Economist, but instead by the International Court in de Hague.

[@ariellubonja7856]

Why?

[@technobrain1461]

@@ariellubonja7856 Because he is a real war criminal.

[@planetcaravan2925]

@@ariellubonja7856 hi Tony

[@adechapman.1132]

Tony Blair created ISIS PERIOD!

[@RogueGneral]

Bore off. The only people who belong in the Hague are murderous Dictators and their enablers.

[@teodoradimova6165]

The guy who lied for chemical weapons in Iraq is a person we should listen? In what capacity?

[@arveyilleszender5809]

It blows my mind that your comment here isn't the standard thought across the board. You are 100% correct.

[@kieranparte8966]

Yeah and turned the United kingdom into a american puppet even more then he backed George W bush crimes in the middle east did little about 7/7 damaged to British economy helped the invasion of Afghanistan and had a rebellion against him

[@Khaledf]

*Tony is a war a criminal. Let that sink in.*

[@Steve10926]

You replaced the government in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya with a democracy? No! it was replaced with chaos.

[@stevenmackintosh8160]

You can lead a horse to water...

[@Steve10926]

That tells you they did not want it.

[@Klopp2543]

@@stevenmackintosh8160 by cutting it's(the horses) legs?

[@svetlana7904]

Stephen you are a hero

[@erikmorales1004]

@@stevenmackintosh8160 and you can lead white mom to wear clothes eh

[@georgeknox1822]

Asking a war criminal about a war criminal ??? Yes makes perfect sense.

[@ninjabluewings]

Just one thing wrong with that comment.....let me put that right....."Asking a war criminal about a HERO! intervening and stopping the Ukraine army from killing Ukrainian's" you're welcome 🤗

[@kalomboC]

Takes a war criminal to catch a war criminal 🤷🏿‍♂️

[@NoobGamer-sc9lt]

and this one of the reasons extremist has popular ground war criminals get away with their crime and in some cases a pardon like Trump who pardon war criminals in Iraq, what you think Iraqi people will do if they see this happening over and over? or the orphans in other countries who lost their loved one in westerns bombing

[@Bogna1]

@@ninjabluewings Are you feeling well?

[@tatmax4288]

@@Bogna1 western media is brainwashing weapons

[@FalcoStarlight]

Please don’t give this war criminal too much attention…. 🤬

[@peterfrandsen1948]

Instead of giving him the oxygen of publicity and pretence of respectability Blair should be on trial for war crimes.

[@chandleraz5018]

Agreed! But here we are posting on his KZbin clip. Keep it real. He is an annoying creature.

[@lindapow9351]

your thumb will grow in numbers

[@Fishingadventureuk]

Not a war criminal

[@conormcandrew1646]

Tony Blair accuses another man of being detached from reality!

[@petergreen5337]

exactly.

[@mykalbelle8397]

You and all your friends that invaded Iraq and Libya should be in PRISON for war crimes!

[@philipfarmer3232]

I'm an American, and I remember Tony Blair's mendacity before and during the war in Iraq, a war that cost a minium of 185,000 civilian deaths. The spectacle of Blair giving advice about foreign is straight out of Kafka.

[@issaabdulsada4267]

185k? Its over 2 million since 1991!

[@chrisschneiders6734]

I've heard much higher figures than 185 thou, take me 10 minutes to explain it all.. but at any case tony Blair dosent seem any wiser and yes a total hypocite..putin is an evil person but Blair seems to be out of his depth and ideas.

[@toke7560]

The man should be in prison for causing such damage to the world, lots of countries and people to this day are paying the price for his , well, mess in his head.

[@adechapman.1132]

Tony Blair created ISIS PERIOD!

[@patrickmccutcheon9361]

@@issaabdulsada4267 1991? That was the gulf war to get Iraq out of Kuwait of Bush I supported even by Saudi Arabia. Bush II and Blair went into Iraq in 2003.

[@asdrubalanibal6853]

The British Prime Minister, along with the Spanish Prime Minister, that went along with the USA Invasion of Iraq, from the very beginning.

[@mounirattieh8122]

absolutely disgraceful he doesn’t acknowledge the war crimes in iraq

[@bigblue7091]

Because he's a Conditioned little Puppet "..

[@leekeogh214]

@@bigblue7091 Puppet to who? I personally think he is a strategist and focuses more on the longterm goal. I agree the war crimes should be acknowledged.

[@JoeyBlogs007]

He has such an evil look.

[@nayokaldou6251]

@otto Lincoln you don't seriously think they cared about democracy or Human rights in Iraq in the first place !

[@tashalorm4313]

What do you expect from this criminal?

[@CuriousPersonUSA]

Its amazing to me how in denial Tony Blair is about the long term effects of the Iraq war on the geopolitics of today.

[@atambwalisametana7148]

He's a sociopath. Justifying the indefensible.

[@benusmaximus3601]

He's not in denial - he takes a different view...

[@atambwalisametana7148]

@@benusmaximus3601 just like Putin has a different point of view?

[@mh-tw4kx]

@@benusmaximus3601 and so does putin

[@ichigobagus]

Yep...lots of denial n clearly he was trying hard to again rejustify the Iraqi Invasion

[@FinarfinNoldorin]

To me, it is not just important to the West, but for justice in the world internationally. Civilians should be safe and protected from harm no matter where they live.

[@bron-sconcess.10]

I hope you're for peace, not armies. Yes, no one has the right to oppress others.

[@FinarfinNoldorin]

@@bron-sconcess.10 I love all people of all nations, and am very much for peace globally. Killing others needs to stop, and other methods of solutions are possible.

[@leel9186]

One War criminal's insight on another; is very fascinating.

[@aaabbb-py5xd]

What war criminal, theres no such thing in the "free world"

[@kenmalcolm426]

'No one believes what Putin says" says Blair. Very few believe what Blair says - I say.

[@electionscompressed3914]

tbf he is so unpopular policy-wise that his best role nowadays is a soundbite generator like most former politicians.

[@daymay1066]

So say a war criminal.

[@alelectric2767]

Not just you that says.

[@HamidRHariri]

It is interesting how totally unaware he is of his own profound hypocrisy.

[@subhendu7221]

He knows it all. He got his oil by folling the world.

[@hanzzimmer1132]

He doesn't believe that dead Iraqis are the same as dead Ukrainians

[@JungleJim156]

He just goes on to prove that anyone can be wrong, no matter how high they are or the intelligence surrounding them

[@Khaledf]

*"Thank you" Economist!* *After all who could be better than a war criminal to talk about another war criminal? We need to know their mentality from their mouthes!*

[@Ed-qt6mj]

*Well Said, Blair's Out So Stay Out.*

[@awenegharrykins2040]

This guy is an absolute joke. Talking to someone who has contributed massively to instability in the middle East.

[@jaykobmoreland2458]

He's right. Shut up

[@maxsterling9908]

The Economist interviews a real war criminal for his take on Russian war crimes. This is a great piece of journalism.

[@carolman3467]

@max After killing 1m in Iraq, he speaks about bucha ! Does he really believe we are a crowd of idiots?

[@HazeyEd1ts]

@@carolman3467 clearly you are

[@PC-lu3zf]

The Iraq war was wrong but Saddam was a monster as evil as any Putin.

[@albertoforesti799]

How he could dare to talk after WMD lie and destroying a country like Iraq. His hands are full of civilian blood

[@trotfi9505]

Makes sense to interview one war criminal on the subject of another war criminal, on the basis that it takes one to know one.

[@Rainbow-cs1xx]

A War Criminal has a Right to judge another leader, this is what the world has come to

[@foraustralia2558]

Blair is not a War Criminal .. a bad warrior yes .. Iraq was a mess

[@Rainbow-cs1xx]

Australia and USA where a mess before your Ancestors Extrimanted the Indigenous people of Australia and USA ";, you Delusional Bigot.

[@proo560]

War criminal? What would you have done given the decision he had to make?

[@Rainbow-cs1xx]

@@proo560 I wouldn't even make that Criminal decision of a war in which one Million Innocent Iraqi civilians were killed. It was a war that was based on a False pretext, During the Iran/Iraq war all the chemical weapons that Saddam Hussein had where given to him by USA, UK and Germany to be used against the Iranian troops and Saddam Hussein used them extensively against the Iranians and also the Kurds. When Iraq attacked Kuwait there was the first Gulf war and for 10years Iraq was put under very stringent Sanctions in which the Iraqi people immensely Suffered and during them 10yrs the International UN grp dismantled Iraq's Chemical arsenal, so when it was clear that Iraq hasn't got any Chemical weapons then it was Attacked by the USA and it's Allies on the False pretext that Iraq has WMD.

[@proo560]

@@Rainbow-cs1xx Saddam was an evil dictator to whom they thought had genuine WOMD - realists thought it was probably best to do something about that. Obviously, there were huge mistakes made, but that’s irrelevant to the premise of the original decision.

[@flyerh]

I was involved in the oil industry in the Middle East in the early 90’s.During the times of “weapons of mass destruction” and the oil embargoes of Iraq, I had very senior Arab friends in government positions and in the industry. They told me that this has nothing to do with weapons of mass destruction and everything to do with arms sales and keeping the oil price high as part of the deal for Saudi to buy British and American arms.

[@jasont2610]

I don't think you're surprising many thinking people.

[@stuartwalker8755]

Arab officials are not really authorities on the "true" motivations of the US and British governments, though.

[@henrysevern]

Who made this policy, think about it. Arab politicians would say this. The First Gulf War was about the invasion of Iraq and threat to the Saudi Arabian oil fields. Second Gulf War was because Saddam Hussain ignored the agreements after the First Gulf War and continued to make threats. Personally I think the Second Gulf War could have been avoided and Iraq just contained.

[@SK-lt1so]

So you believed the slimy, lying, murderous despots of the Middle East whose payroll you were on? Huh...

[@johnwildish2421]

this guy told the world a bag of lies ... and he is still yapping away

[@myfavanimated3518]

listening to this man who was a former British prime minister would entail us the line of thinking of the west making enemy out of Putin and Russia...

[@iaindennis3321]

The world would be a safer place if this man had never been PM

[@DanielWilkie-dg4kp]

@iandennis If it weren't for him there would no minimum wage, no peace in Northern Ireland, no constitutional reforms on devolution, nothing if didn't came PM. You far-left champagne socialists like to cry about everything else, only being oblivious to your own self hypocrisy.

[@ao4514]

With respect sir, the war in Iraq and Afghanistan lost the western hemisphere the moral credibility and authority to reshape the global democracy in favour of mankind!

[@CG-or1re]

so just give up and let dictators and murderers have a free reign?

[@CG-or1re]

@Tim Loo2 no doubt a contributing factor, agreed

[@ao4514]

@@CG-or1re Just look at the state of Iraq since the invasion. Isn't it a mess ?

[@back2davinci525]

@@CG-or1re you already did and you voted for these murderers in your own country.

[@cccharlie1972]

The west made plenty of mistakes before Iraq and Afghanistan. The biggest mistake is refusing to covertly assassinate dictators. Putin needs to be put down like a rabid dog.

[@tykotate9346]

Blair makes some solid geopolitical points, but his lack of self awareness is quite startling.

[@IAm-NotHear]

care to expand on that?

[@OKEN1117]

@@IAm-NotHear Blair is still very arrogant refusing to admit his mistake to enter into tragic war in Iraq. Shame on him - a war criminal rightly accused by his own countrymen in the UK.

[@abdulq5387]

@@OKEN1117 fantastic observation

[@CJ0101]

@@abdulq5387 Obvious observation of brutal and calculated Blair to any rational person. He's speaking about himself here.

[@WIllz2GOTA]

Very true, I find him to be a very useful narcissistic

[@angelochecklight6916]

I met Blair in Damascus, Syria when he arrived there to meet with Bashar Asad. He left a miserable impression and as the time proved it wasn't a mistake. This interview proved that again. Blair passed away from political scene forever and Putin is still an important politician

[@repairtech9717]

Because Blair didn't change the law and make himself a dictator........

[@crowdog56]

... and Putin is still an even more murderous dictator. Fixed it for you.

[@teddybearroosevelt1847]

Why aren’t we seeing the other reply?

[@chrisschneiders6734]

Important politican? A murderous self absorbed failure more like it!!!.

[@richp.1234]

You okay there Vlad? Slava Ukraine!

[@peterthomason6088]

Why is Blair even being asked his opinion? I wouldnt trust the man to tell me what he though of the weather

[@Londonfogey]

He's miffed that nobody listened to his 'advice' about making life difficult for the unvaccinated during Covid, so he's latched on to another cause. Somebody please nail his coffin lid shut!

[@mikebowman9844]

I appreciate Tony Blair‘s recommendations based on experience. But he would gain more credibility if he admitted that he and Bush diminished the West’s moral standing by invading Iraq. We could really use that moral standing now to argue with the many around the world that there is a moral equivalence between Russian and Western foreign and military policy.

[@jdocean1]

I admit that Iraq was a mistake -American.

[@trollwarlord2967]

@@jdocean1 nah most Americans still believe Iraq was necessary and there would be terror attacks if iraq didn't happen

[@paxcaucasus3874]

@@jdocean1 it is not enough just to admit it... compensation just like Germany did after WW2, plus will be very happy if Bush and Tony is trialed and hanged

[@mohammadismail9000]

typical...."its a mistake" meanwhile 2 milion dead! yes, may be russia also made a "mistake". i dnt think the west has any moral standing. they r the worst one out there

[@kamalyandluri4298]

@@jdocean1 an American, not the Government, a government body should or would never go worry about said mistakes.

[@meinhart_esror]

Well with Tony Blair you got exactly the correct specialist on war criminals.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

Ignorance is bliss

[@Ampel_off]

oh yes

[@jamescameron1861]

If memory serves... The Dodgy Dossier... We've never forgotten. I seem to recall that a friend, when he (peacefully) marched in London, felt it was one of the best things he'd done. Tony, you will not be remembered fondly.

[@petergreen5337]

well said.

[@maximpopov8651]

Stop the war ☮️ Peace Love and Freedom 💙

[@paulcatlin933]

“ I was getting reports that he was accumulating massive personal wealth.” The absence of self-awareness and irony is quite frankly, shameful.

[@stuartwalker8755]

Not really, Tony Blair didn't do what Putin did re wealth accumulation and theft.

[@marktilley7222]

Especially when a significant amount of that money was being invested in London. Read Butler to the World: The Book the Oligarchs Don’t Want You to Read - How Britain Helps the World's Worst People Launder Money, Commit Crimes, and Get Away with Anything by Oliver Bullough

[@dixonpinfold2582]

I think his face and voice as he says that do in fact betray the awareness you speak about.

[@Locutus]

That's not irony. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@vikitu4793]

@@nickelchlorine2753 You are also estimated by some to be a witch. Prove them wrong

[@timcarlstrand5890]

Smart to get a war criminal's opinion on a fellow war criminal. Great journalism!

[@nunovalves]

It takes one to know one ☝️

[@david6532]

he should be in prison

[@tsunchoo]

what war crime did he commit? - take your time

[@MarkDavid-gi9vw]

@@tsunchoo People don't get angry about the half a million dead Iraqis from the sanctions. - Alex Jones

[@MarkDavid-gi9vw]

@@tsunchoo Bush & Cheney Should Be Charged with War Crimes Says Col. Wilkerson, Former Aide to Colin Powell

[@johnno2377]

The man has made so many mistakes it is unbelievable but despite my opinion I find myself in agreement with 90% of what he said in this interview.

[@catsincredulous9998]

Fool. It's all theater.

[@andrewbyrne5168]

Tony Blair is a classic Psychopath. He is capable of convincing you that all he does is right. The more you listen to him the more he tailors his story to make it appear right, classic

[@garagenigel]

While Blair was prime minister and was pushing for the invasion of Iraq, His party was actually dead against it and he only got it voted through parliament due to the Tories! Let that sink in!

[@danielbanbury378]

Though I think it is absolutely important to remember the Tories backed it and there was a Labour rebellion it's important to remember 254 Labour MP's voted in favour and 84 Labour MP's voted against

[@dantetomic7049]

One of my concerns that I had after the invasion of Iraq ( which was by the way a illegal invasion ) was that other countries such as Russia would use it as an excuse to invade countries themselves for what ever reason. Russia is actually right now using more or less the same excuse that the Anglo-American alliance used during their invasion of Iraq.

[@antonzaika255]

If there were no Iraq, Russia would use Serbia as an excuse. If not Serbia, then Vietnam and all the way to native americans. Don't fool yourself. Russia doesnt need excuses. Their only excuse is nuclear arsenal and fear of West to get into war.

[@colinrich3226]

exactly. Iraq left millions dead. Afghanistan as a country had nothing to do with 9/11. The terrorist who committed the crime died in the act, the US and allies response was wholesale slaughter of mostly innocents just going about their lives. we showed Putin how. we need to stop our own agressions. That said, We have to face Putin now. we made him, we must defeat him.

[@colinrich3226]

my worry now is that the head of the US is basically senile and constantly distracted, or seems to be too old for the post he holds. The last time the US stood up to Russia risking a full scale nuclear war, was Kennedy's presidency. Comparing the two, you can understand Putin's timing

[@dessearth]

With the small difference that Russia's excuse to 'invade' Ukraine is based on FACTS, instead of lies like Irak's invasion

[@colinrich3226]

@@dessearth what facts? Nazis? Why the doubt over it being an invasion? Putin is slaughtering all in his way, and threatening the West against any inteference. Are you a Russian troll?

[@superbantem7522]

TB will never be able to bring himself to accepting that he was wrong to go into Iraq.

[@guillermotell2327]

Even that would not change the fact that hundred thousands of persons were killed in Iraq in the US and British led invasion. He should finally be sentenced, regardless whether or not he admit his crimes, as any other criminal.

[@SK-lt1so]

Because over throwing murderous, illegitimate, despotic tyrants is the same as attacking a free democracy. Sure Keep barking, Vlad dogs!

[@Ampel_off]

he knows well, but he would never admit. Most other people wouldn't either, unfortunately.

[@24567442]

Coercion from america. Into it up to our necks. Fobs and main bases under seige. The spring that followed one of the worst terrorist regimes we have had to fight

[@peterharvy8643]

Watch the movie.or utube it.....THE DOUBLE...

[@paulgriffin2872]

The question here is, Is the west in decline? The answer maybe, considering a lot of the worlds population dont even live in a democracy it could be seen that it is. What ever your view of Tony Blair he is correct that the west needs the right strategy to deal with Russia and China otherwise there could be big problems ahead, let's hope the current leaders do a better job than Bush and Blair did in Iraq and Afghanistan.

[@jcd776]

The Global South needs a strategy to save Gaia from the West's Empire of Lies.

[@tonyclayton6975]

I agree with Yanis Varoufakis that we are now in phase of techno feudalism, where democracy has largely become an irrelevant side show. This is no more evident than in the US where the is essentially a one party state of two colours that represents only the interests of billionaire donors and giant monopolies. The West is in decline because of these Davos types who have zero interest in freedom and democracy, other than their freedom to exploit on a global scale. It is this neoliberal economic system, pushed and militarily enforced by US empire that has plunged the West into terminal decline. If not for China propping up the global economy the situation would be far worse than it already is. China is not the problem, we deluded Western citizens is. We have the illusion of wealth, freedom and democracy while it is being quietly taken away from us bit by bit by our own governments that have been increasingly captured by big business. We have all gone to sleep politically.

[@funahead6351]

I think US wonts to see Russia in weak position, while they don't change it, we will have that situation, because Russia is the best country in the world

[@charbakadhikary8040]

so for the economist this guy is not a war criminal ..journalism of highest order

[@zuzemoyo7696]

Western leaders's sense of entitlement is mind blowing. 😛

[@tashalorm4313]

It has been more than 500 years they are acting that way...to them it is a second nature.

[@gognub]

50 cents have been deposited into your account

[@matt8989a]

Wumao detected

[@petergreen5337]

absolutely, and people in the Global south are getting more and tired of this NONSENSE.

[@MemoTea]

Yes, Blair and Bush undermined the west's moral stance regarding Iraq. But let's not forget that the second chechen war, orchestrated by Putin himself, already had happened before Iraq. So the man was already who he is today.

[@casteretpollux]

You do know that the US was behind Chechen terror, don't you?

[@hmmcinerney]

Putin is using western ‘morals’ against them. Hard to take the high road when 1.2 million Iraqis died in an ‘oops’ war.

[@back2davinci525]

Moral*

[@harryflashman3141]

I always thought there was a tacit agreement between Russia and the west. You keep quiet about our illegal invasion of Iraq and we will keep quiet about your illegal war in Chechnya.

[@sly6429]

@@harryflashman3141 It wasn’t illegal Chechnya was officially part of Russia Lol.

[@brianbrecknock9625]

He is responsible, partly for this, with the expansion of nato, the meddling in other peoples politics and going along with foolish Ideas..The idea that the USA who are on the cusp of a Internal political stalemate- at best -makes it unlikely that things can be turned round. Russia should have been, more, ice creamed into west, Instead of the growing and rabid, hostility to it's financial re-emergence. USA EU do business with and have set up Regimes that are worse than Russia. -Statesman and Diplomacy Died in 1991.- I did notice his repeated,repeated,repeatedly call to Ramp up our Military spending...Who benefits?

[@scottishbanjo]

Most people say " how can you do this ?" is exactly what most people all over the world say about the US and UK ... its astounding how theres such a lack of willingness to self reflect .

[@petergreen5337]

absolutely.

[@MariaNI-yf1bz]

Yeah sure Tony, we will believe you this time. The world hasnt forgotten what you have done hypocrite

[@carolman3467]

Tony Blair has the talent to naturally lie with a smile

[@xhogun8578]

He's the definition of smarmy

[@riadanabtawi5880]

And what a stinky talent he has. !!!

[@nicholasgigaba2779]

That's wht i call a professional lier

[@meowco1939]

I am impressed how confident Western politicians talk about somebody's atrocities meanwhile crimes in Iraq like tortures in Abu Grabe are still waiting to be investigated and condemned. Do you wanna stop the war in Ukraine? So, do this! Be an arbitrary, offer negotiations. But you don't do it, this is out of your interest.

[@nosequiters]

who better to ask about a war criminal than a war criminal

[@Maxyy40]

Did he really just say we should have stayed in Afghanistan for an even longer period of time?

[@joecater894]

yes... but that is poss the case.. we had it so afghan military was taking the slack... they would have carried on.. with a few thousand western troops and little support. Problem is.. Afghan is a US/NATO project.. but having it fail on the world stage.. it just emboldened our adversaries... hence you see this little problem. If ukr rolled over then you'd see it start in the pacific next, quite likely. Luckily, Ukr is totaly different to the afghan army.

[@markbracegirdle7110]

Most experts agree with him. But not you, obviously.

[@ismailah4576]

@@markbracegirdle7110 because they make money off the war.

[@jerrymiller9039]

Prior to bidens bungled bug out we went 18 months without an American death. He drew down our numbers but kept capability to support the nontaliban government and maintain intelligence and ability to launch raids

[@deborahbrick8679]

Blair is right and BIDEN is the biggest bafoon to ever sit in office...it's embarrassing to see him do NOTHING about those poor Ukrainians...

[@jameswilkinson150]

Astonishing that respected media outlets like The Economist would choose to speak to someone who, to many, would be regarded as an un-punished war criminal. The audacity of Blair astonishes me, he’s an evil man in my opinion but yet, despite his dreadful acts, still regards himself as someone that the world should be hearing from!! Some politicians are shameless.

[@lw1zfog]

the WEF agenda is strong

[@athenakoios]

Complete agree with your point. I do not understand most of the comments here - are people totally brainwashed???

[@laraeclarino3012]

I agree!

[@back2davinci525]

@@athenakoios ofcourse

[@raymondsawyer8626]

I beg too differ regarding Tony Blair, he is not a war criminal in the same context as Putin ,in his time in office he had more positives than negatives, Saddam Hussein should have been deposed first time around but then he used chemical weapons on his own citizens, similar to what Assad has done in Syria with the Russians supporting him, like Tony Blair said the West needs too strengthen our military alliances and political alliances, being British I would like too see our military strengthened especially the army ,we lost a lot of regiments and integrated some losing the proud names of which were famous and held in high esteem , when you join the forces you sign on the dotted line and that could mean putting yourself into involvement of conflict

[@brexistentialism7628]

Think about Blair what you like but every topic discussed in this interview he's spot on and right. In these times one cannot remain hung up on discussions on double standards and potential consequences.

[@joyridesham]

It takes a war criminal to know a war criminal.

[@LeeTheKnight]

The sheer audacity of this man is extraordinary. Blair stands on the bones of many dead people. This does not mean Putin is an angel either.

[@joaquinmisajr.1215]

Abashed in blood

[@neilnelson7603]

I think its weird taking advice from a war criminal about another war criminals.

[@alhassangangu4357]

“We could have helped the country “ After 20 years? Give me a break

[@nourrhadbane9671]

The country did not need your help

[@petergreen5337]

imagine that !!! And the Taliban is STILL there and in POWER.

[@ianelliott8224]

Blair and Bush Jr should never be allowed to forget their duplicity and their role in forging the character and mindset of Putin today.

[@Salem-no8hc]

Asking Blair about this and listing to his lack of self awareness shows me how much the west loves to lecture the world and not fix their own faults.

[@neilisagum7623]

Best man to talk about Ukraine, only a war criminal like him can discuss this from a personal experience point of view.

[@appletree6741]

🤣 sad but true

[@mijnschatvita]

hahahaha

[@mauriciomercado8492]

How come she doesn't ask him about all the children killed by UK and us in Iraq ??

[@arveyilleszender5809]

EXACTLY. I agree with you 100% Mauricio. I would go further, and argue he should be in prison.

[@TheUsername2278]

is there an uncut version of this?

[@p0ppyfarr95]

Even though I never agreed wit him going along the “weapons of mass destruction” lies with invading Iraq, Tony Blair is not afraid to call out Vladimir Putin for what he’s done and that is something I agree wit.

[@mkadi70]

Blair turning on his own buddy! Remember, Bush? Blair's friend? "I looked him in the eye and I feel I can trust him" at a time of reports regarding Grozny and the Chechen war?

[@danielqmul]

To be fair Russia was facing at the time an Islamic state type entity in Chechenia. After what I saw with the backing Islamist groups In Syria by some Nato members and asociated allies, I do wonder was Nato funding the Islamist terror in Chechenia

[@rrickarr]

Actually George Bush said, "I looked into his eyes and saw a man of peace." So, George W. is just as much a part of the problem.

[@yoyo12121]

Tony is killer and criminal

[@limml63]

Tony was a strong advocate of Irag invasion. The effects of the illegal invasion of Iraq were devastating, and continue to be so. Between March and April 2003 alone, 6,882 civilian deaths were caused by US-led forces. Even today, Iraq may be viewed as entering a phase that could prove every bit as destabilising - perhaps even more so - than the war against the Islamic State. Why bother to ask for his view?

[@daymay1066]

War criminal.

[@abdulleabdullahi4506]

Replacement or criminal invasion on a sovereign country?? You are whitewashing your Genocidal attacks against defence less Muslims... With millions massacred in countless genocides... Tony is your Knighthood leader.. your Sir Tony

[@Rj-xl8ei]

Put perfectly 👍

[@user-fk9md2il4d]

Anybody in Tony’s position at the time would have invaded Iraq, why because the CIA ans MI6 control what the state does, they supply intelligence and can easily manipulate what leaders actions should be. I repeat anybody who was PM during that period, would have been forced into making that decision. From a humanitarian perspectice it was a disaster. But if you look at it from a strategic point of view. These Middle eastern states were threatening the west every chance they got for decades. They were so strong at the time, Syria Iraq, Iran, Egypt Libya, Tunisia. They also controlled most of the worlds oil supply and would threaten to shut it off if the west would not give into their demands. So that was their first mistake. Ever since CIA and MI6 have worked on one sole mission. To destroy these Middle eastern regimes. If you think about it they have been successful, biggest threat now is some radical islamic cavemen, with AK47’s. Who won’t pose a threat because the US and UK have sent these nations 200 years behind. So next time you fill you car up with petrol, use your plastic polymer products, and go to work without planes flying into the buildings, thank Tony for the security he provided. There is proof that Iran and Iraq were financing terrorism in their war against the west. Even Bin Laden studied in Oxford and America, they would send theur recruits to the west, to learn about theur way of life and study chemical engineering to create bombs. Theis nothing compared to what Sadam Hussein could have done. Don’t forget 3000 people died in the twin towers and if The west did not go into the middle east and fight terrorism on their own turf, there would have been many more attacks. Of greater severity. Today Putin uses Ramazan Kadyrov and Bashar Al Asad, to pressure the west and has even asked for 10,000 syrian soldiers to fight in Ukraine.

[@whiteninja5546]

Because MSM and Tony Blair have same masters. They make me sick. 🤮

[@djtechnique]

Asking one war criminal about another war criminal 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@parvezhusnoo8581]

An angel talking. One who should have been jailed for crime against humanity with Bush. "Collateral damage" does he still remember .

[@mahmudulhasan6462]

I appreciate the interviewer,These type of interview more & more should be arranged. You’ve got to understand others narrative, others perception

[@chrism415]

"You’ve got to understand others narrative, others perception." - Which Blair never did, of course.

[@jul9832]

I missed the part where he talked about all the things that led up to this conflict. But yeah narrative.. definitely

[@joannabusinessaccount7293]

The interviewer is very striking looking. I love her demeanors.

[@Anonymous-pm7jf]

Mahmudul, you sound terribly ignorant of the world. Perhaps you should look at the actions of individuals and less of what they are saying. Tony Blair's is a war criminal and you want to sit and listen to him like to your face?

[@Rj-xl8ei]

Theres no way your a real person😄

[@JD-fr7rm]

honestly - Tony you are not the one to judge on this, you had your chance and blew it in spectacular style.

[@bron-sconcess.10]

I think you'll find it was no easy bag, but yes, one critical mistake, obliterated a mountain of successes. We care who lives and dies. War is not always the answer.

[@Petal4822]

Why doesn’t Tony Blair give it a rest? Someone needs to put him out to pasture.

[@user-dk8zg3ph7m]

It seams to me this is exactly how to taste you own medicine.

[@ExiledGypsy]

Blair keeps defending himself instead of admitting that Iraq was a mess but that should have made the west to do better rather than retreat. He is still talking like a politician and making things up.

[@theeconomists2138]

🤍🤍ᴡʀɪᴛᴇ🤍🤍ᴍᴇ🤍🤍ᴏɴ🤍🤍ωнατѕαρρ🤍🤍➕𝟏𝟐𝟎𝟖𝟓𝟓𝟕𝟑𝟒𝟖𝟒👍

[@shayk4791]

I agree. Contrast this with McNamera who admitted he was wrong and tried to warn us about getting into neverending conflicts

[@yengsabio5315]

Hear, hear!

[@matiasbarth5121]

Is he ignoring the obvious double standards used in his Iraq/Afghanistan rationale? What about the many tyrants supported - then and now - by the West (hi, Saudis!)?

[@clemensgruber7278]

Man, I could listen to him talking in this video only for 5 minutes. It makes me so aggressive.

[@thisandthat1265]

Not interested in anything this man has to say. He was 20 years ago

[@paulsaid1365]

Why ask a man who went to war on a pack of lies🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@riadanabtawi5880]

Tony Blair and Iraq war image will never be erased. His explanation that his war involvement to wage a war against Iraq was for democracy is b.s. It's up to the Iraqis to decide that. Flip the coin, and see if another country attacking England for a regime change, and see if he likes that.

[@jasonmadelin3633]

I wish they would, LOL.

[@riadanabtawi5880]

@@jasonmadelin3633 T.B was nothing but George Bush's little poodle.

[@Massivehero1]

I think if they were ruled under an authoritarian dictatorship and a regime change gave them an opportunity to have some say in how the country is governed through a democratic process then they might like it.

[@riadanabtawi5880]

@@Massivehero1 You're trying to simplify it by using the word "opportunity" rather than a "devastating & destructive war" which what happened in Iraq.

[@googlemademedoit806]

@@riadanabtawi5880 You trying to hairsplit someone's use of the term opportunity while you said "It's up to the Iraqis to decide that." how would they have done that under Saddam? The point of a dictator is they decide everything. There is no input by the people. I hate when people try to reframe the clearly stated goals to remove Saddam as one, to one that was specifically against Iraqis. Wild.

[@danielbliss1988]

The problem with Blair is even when he gets the moment right, as he does here, he doesn't consider the hand that's been dealt or his role in it even if he's honest enough to admit he didn't foresee it. Western policy to Russia was on life support the moment Bush senior refused to help the Soviet Union/Russia track down oligarchs and foreign bank accounts or stabilize Russian finances. Yeltsin's dispute with the Russian Parliament over the central bank, which ended with Yeltsin firing on the parliament with tanks and grossly over-centralizing the Russian presidency, was covered by Clinton, and completed the process of creating an environment favorable for a dictatorship to form. Blair's own monumental failures with Iraq in conjunction with Bush junior then weakened the west's capacity to contain Russia, and created much of the distortion in US politics that has enabled fascism to emerge here. So we've been playing catchup on this issue for 20 years. It's hardly surprising we're working from a weak baseline. Remarkable in a way we've done as well as we have, but here again Blair doesn't consider the long game component of the assets -- Ukraine's own self-help since 2014 in reducing corruption, and the steady assistance to Ukraine, especially from the US, in restructuring its military over the past eight years, spearheaded by Obama and Biden, and surviving on Congressional life-support even through the administration of Trump who of course tried to extort the Ukrainian president and was impeached for it.

[@truequan]

Replying with the hope that others will read your comment.

[@Humanaut.]

@@truequan I read it - just not sure what to make of the assessment. Also: trump wasn't impeached. [Edit] Correction: He was impeached two times but acquitted two times by the Senate. Especially the second time was more of a political game since it was sure not to have any consequences whatsoever taking place just one week before his term ended.

[@junglecat_rant]

@@Humanaut. Yes, he was. By Congress. It just wasn't confirmed by the Senate. In the long term the GOP will suffer for their non-action by this highly partisan decision.

[@mulhollanddriven4520]

@@Humanaut. Trump was impeached twice.

[@johnhernan9238]

fairly much agree with what is mentioned - have to agree with Blair on this, if we take a step back this war was coming, the seeds were planted over 20 years of blinkered geo strategic policies in Europe. I know many will find this far fetched but the solution/strategy long term has to be a revaluation of géo strategic relationship with China. Divorcing ourselves or alienating China will only provoke more Ukraine like scenarii. unfortunately, there is no quick and easy solution in current Ukraine invasion. Coincidence would have i am reading some Lee Kuan Yew and the vision of statemanship, strategic relationships and long term historical perspective in decision making needs to be adopted in Europe - our political culture is too often defined in terms of time in office, elections, provoking fundamental errors & issues (of course long term perspective also have a habit of creating autocrats….)

[@mosc3567]

i love the way she washed the eye of Tony

[@lindapow9351]

Bring inn Jonathan Pie DARE The Economist

[@bobogogo4611]

The last thing world needs is to hear from this war criminal -- Blair ‼️

[@petermanley7525]

Well said. The whole thing is part of Straub’s plan. Putin, Blair and the Economist are all Straub’s puppets.

[@peterrichardson9248]

It was never sensible to ignore Russia for the last 15 years but the West did just that. When Putin started to consider Stalin was a great leader that was the wake up call for Western leaders to seriously engage with him but they just ignored it. This terrible Ukraine war is the result. The West has to proactively manage relations with Russia and China and not ignore and them or worse constantly criticise them with no engagement.

[@oo--7714]

So going back to regime change like in Arab states like Libya?

[@ibmtpx24]

What are you proposing the western to do if we dialed back 15 yrs? I am curious. Sounds like you want to put Russia in its place while they have more nuclear deterrent than any countries in the world.

[@Bogna1]

They should develop proper native production instead of making everything of China.

[@funahead6351]

But Stalin was really a great leader and Putin. The West and US have strange political course. They think people from another country pray for them and wont to be with them. But NO! We don't like. Russia is the best country! Come here and u change your mind

[@Bogna1]

@@funahead6351 great leader that let million people starved to death. You don't know history at all. Russia is such great country that 50 percent people in small town and villages don't have loo and bathroom in their house. Young russian women are willing to find American husband. Great leaders care about economic development of their countries, not just for boosting their ego buying luxury yachts and investing millions in different countries.

[@MikA-db2]

Sadly one looks at at those countries invaded in past years, that today are, wrecked; and hard is life for its people's. But the present day, is a division between the many poor, and the few wealthy; which we are told is democracy!

[@kahlschlag17]

Great to hear the option of a stinking war criminal.

[@achimwokeschtla7582]

The reason why China and Russia have long term strategies and the western democratic countries don’t, is because democratic leaders are basically concerned with their next election and all their actions and policies are about that where dictators don’t have to worry about elections.

[@dolphin069]

Kind of. Deep state remains more of less unchanged until recently.

[@achimwokeschtla7582]

@@dolphin069: There is no deep state! 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ There is no secret long term plan! There is only a world full of egos trying their best to get the bigger piece of the pie instead of just sharing it.

[@dolphin069]

@@achimwokeschtla7582 not all egos are equal.

[@ozmanfidaar6311]

There is bigger systemic problem than election cycles. Western governments are broke and nearly all the resources is owned and operated by muntinational corporations that have their multinational agenda. China uses its huge government owned corporations to fund and extend its influence across the world, the West can't compete with this and it is far more effective than using military power, not to mention cheaper.

[@ociiu]

Have to add: Democracy has to find the next victims to blame so they could run an election by making things look worse than their own mistakes. Fact.

[@samuelasher1688]

As a former citizen of Kosovo there are very few people who know better of how it is to be attacked, displaced and even killed so a megalomaniac can show he is a strong man. I have enormous respect and gratitude for UK🇬🇧, USA 🇺🇸 , Blair and Clinton for saving my people and my country. Its easy to sit back and judge our leaders and say the worst of them, but imagine living in countries where something like that will get you imprisoned. Respect to blair

[@seyed7380]

I guess in order to save others you have to sacrifice others. NATO bombings 1999. One moment of silence also to those serbian civilians that died.

[@view1st]

Are you a cyber warfare troll?

[@Bobsbud100]

Is it true there is more trouble brewing in Serbia again?

[@robertplant6667]

@@seyed7380 first of all, you think only about serbians, second of all serbians were commiting war crimes and genocide.

[@slobodanpaunovic3834]

@@view1st Blair is the war criminal and GRUB..KARMA KARMA KARMA

[@yeabutnobut8564]

In old age I fear these wicked souls are really suffering now.

[@giselapfeifer4666]

In the Ukraine there seems to be a clash between Russian and Nato forces. The Ukraine is being torn apart and the most suffering (as in any other war) are the civilians.

[@user-hc9bo3ny2k]

Come on Tony, admit it that u and Bush made a huge mistake to attack Iraq.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

Crimes you mean? Not "mistakes" !

[@user-hc9bo3ny2k]

@@WolfgangVonKempelen838 No, it is a strategic mistake, not a crime. To commit a crime, you must have vicious intentions and probably expect some rewards from the actions. Neither can be applied to the Iraq war.

[@arveyilleszender5809]

'mistakes'? Blatant genocide.

[@raje8812]

"Not to see this from 'Western' point of view" is the most important piece of advice.

[@view1st]

The empire of fascists.

[@andybraid4263]

The west is sick of being world police and they shouldn't have to. Quit killing each other and threatening peace with extremism. We need a UN that works.

[@harrybrown3657]

The only side to see this from is the Western free world. Ukrainians are being murdered and driven from their country. Putin says it's 'necessary cleansing' Who can share that evil point of view?

[@fanfeck2844]

@@view1st putin is the very definition of a fascist

[@petergreen5337]

precisely, a lesson western leaders only learn AFTER LEAVING office.

[@richardhartley4488]

Surely The Economist has moved far beyond this charlatan?

[@rudiechinchilla6746]

A very smart man talking!The Britons are always very down to earyh as critics aa is the case of the interviewer.

[@eduard7624]

Glory to Ukraine

[@a.f.w.froschkonig2978]

Let them have glory but not my money

[@SquizzMe]

@@a.f.w.froschkonig2978 Then go petition your government. Go use your precious democracy.

[@donjonjr1]

@@a.f.w.froschkonig2978 the west's money is a cheap price to pay for defending democracy against Russia. Do your country a favor and donate your precious $$$ princess

[@dagmarvandoren9364]

How about master Zelensky....

[@GreoGreo]

Glory to Russia

[@whatsupduckk]

Asking Tony Blair about Ukraine is like consulting Satan on the next coming of antichrist.

[@pininfarinarossa8112]

😁 consulting Satan on the next coming of the Christ

[@captainmako9847]

😂😂 totally

[@lisaschmidt6165]

Amazing,Bair can still talk

[@vessosto]

I don't even want to think what may happen if Ukraine and Russia will come to terms and even join forces again. The revived Soviet could easily take away US monopoly in orchestrating coups around the world.

[@LeafsIn2024]

I sincerely appreciated this interview. Thank you both and to your team who organized it. 🇨🇦

[@luckyluke1503]

I think the 1 million Iraqis who died because of Iraq invasion in 2003 would disagree with your comment.

[@LeafsIn2024]

@@luckyluke1503 My courtesy note has nothing to do with your political point of view that would be better placed in its own space with more substance for those you feel outright aggressiveness towards rather than a passive aggressive comment to a simple message of appreciation from one of thousands of viewers.

[@mikester314]

I thought his answers were weak.

[@Rj-xl8ei]

Tony Blair, war criminal with a valid opinion, i think not.

[@kabirahmed9586]

War criminal

[@hopeforbetter382]

The wake up call should have started with Gerhard Schröder being Putin’s best friend!

[@davidjgill4902]

That is so true.

[@anffyddiaeth]

Agreed. Ain't retrospect insightful?!

[@toby9999]

Hindsight is great.

[@markov1917]

Don't forget Angela Merkel. She was literally a comrade of Putin.

[@WolfgangVonKempelen838]

And/or the Tories filling their coffers with Russian oligarchs money closely related to Putin buying English/British news papers and football clubs ?

[@bowlampar]

Poo-Tin playing western leaders so well they actually believed he is a reformist and an honest politician the west can fully count on and do business. 🤭🤭

[@johncarlisle2755]

3.00 we removed a dictatoship in order to replace it with a democratic process. So...it was regime change. Is that not illegal?

[@TSEliot1978]

The man to interview when you want to know about war crimes

[@kings2147]

First hand. Madeleine Albright

[@Guesswhokk]

People are so invested in war crimes during the few years, but forgotten dictators have been running the show for decades. Meanwhile rest of the world like NATO can't do much without triggering WW3. So my response is: do you want to see your grand kids in miserable life OR never live long enough to see your grand kids?

[@tsunchoo]

that's so clever! - which war crimes?

[@peterjohnston5979]

Such as?

[@GreoGreo]

@@peterjohnston5979 Which cave you're living in?