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I know it is said repeatedly that I was in support of the…

“I know it is said repeatedly that I was in support of the American invasion in Iraq. It is simply not true. I was in favor of helping the Iraqis, and most specifically Ahmad Chelebi and the Kurdish leadership to set up an independent government of free Iraq. I think that would have been the right…” quote by Bernard Lewis
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“I know it is said repeatedly that I was in support of the American invasion in Iraq. It is simply not true. I was in favor of helping the Iraqis, and most specifically Ahmad Chelebi and the Kurdish leadership to set up an independent government of free Iraq. I think that would have been the right thing to do.”

Bernard Lewis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

I was never supportive of the U.S. invasion; I wanted to help Iraqis and support Kurdish independence for a free Iraq.

In simple terms: I opposed the invasion, favoring Iraqi self‑determination.

Key Takeaway

Support genuine self‑determination.

Themes

politics foreign policy ethics

Mood

reflective serious

Type

political historical

When to use this quote

  • policy debate
  • historical analysis
  • public statements

Key Concepts

national sovereignty humanitarian aid

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives could have been pursued?
  • How do personal statements affect public perception?
A Different Perspective

Complex geopolitics can limit ideal outcomes.

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