Civilians Quote by Christopher Hitchens
“Those who had alleged that a million civilians were dying from sanctions were willing, nay eager, to keep those same murderous sanctions if it meant preserving Saddam!”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on sanctions, 2003, BBC
He argues that some critics of sanctions paradoxically support them if they protect a regime they favor.
In simple terms: People may back harmful policies to protect allies.
Key Takeaway
Question motives behind policy support.
Themes
politics
ethics
sanctions
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- foreign policy debates
- humanitarian crises
- media analysis
Key Concepts
realpolitik
moral hazard
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we sometimes defend harmful actions for political gain?
- How can we expose hidden agendas in policy debates?
A Different Perspective
Support may be driven by self‑interest rather than principle.
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