When Tony Blair appeared on Iraqi television days after US forces, supported by the UK, captured Baghdad, his aim was to reassure citizens and offer them hope.
“My experience of people the world over is that we all want to be able to live our lives in peace and security [...] For years, that chance has been denied to you. Millions of your countrymen and women have been forced to leave. Many thousands have been murdered, tortured, brutalised by the regime,” the British prime minister told viewers.
“We want to give you the chance to rebuild your country; to rebuild your lives; to give your families a chance of a better future. It is in the spirit of friendship and goodwill that we now offer our help.”
