A History of Political Trials

A look at a few historical instances when countries prosecuted their own toppled presidents.

Blair ignored “provisional” advice on Iraq war

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Former British prime minister Blair has told the official British inquiry into the Iraq war that he disregarded a warning that attacking Iraq could be illegal without United Nations backing because it was “provisional”. Blair has been recalled to the inquiry to explain apparent contradictions between his public position in the run-up to the 2003 invasion, and legal advice from his Attorney-General. Laura Lynch reports. Download MP3
BBC video: Blair testifies

A new view of Saddam statue’s toppling

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Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Peter Maass about his article “The Toppling” in the current issue of The New Yorker magazine. The article explores the events around the iconic toppling of Saddam Hussein’s statue in Firdos Square, Baghdad in April 2003. (photo: Tim McLaughlin) Download MP3

Video: How the Media Created the Iconic Fall of Saddam’s Statue

UN ends sanctions against Iraq

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The UN Security Council today lifted key sanctions against Iraq, 19 years after they were put imposed. One former UN diplomat says the sanctions harmed civilian population more than anyone else. Anchor Lisa Mullins has details. Download MP3

Inside the Sunni Awakening in Iraq

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A new BBC documentary tells the story of Iraq after the 2003 invasion. Marco Werman speaks with producer, Sam Collyns, about the part of the program focusing on Iraq’s “Awakening” movement. That’s when Sunni Arabs turned against their former al-Qaeda allies and sided with the US-led Coalition. Download MP3
>>>Watch a video about the BBC documentary

Reflections on Serving in Iraq

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Former U.S. Army Captain Blake Hall reflects on his time in Iraq. A shorter version of this interview ran on the radio show on August 19, 2010.

Suicide attacks in Iraq ahead of vote

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Suicide attacks in the central Iraqi city of Baquba have killed more than 30 people and injured dozens more. The attacks come just days before parliamentary elections, the third since the US-led invasion in 2003. Marco Werman talks with Sahar Issa, a correspondent for McClatchey Newspapers in Baghdad. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• The struggle for Iraq

Blair denies covert deal with Bush on Iraq

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Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has denied striking a “covert” deal to invade Iraq with George W. Bush at a private meeting in 2002 at the President’s ranch in Texas. Blair told the Iraq inquiry in London there was no secret about what was said – that Saddam Hussein had to be dealt with and “the method of doing that is open”. Laura Lynch has been watching the inquiry. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Marco Werman speaks with former Iraqi Prime Minister Allawi
• Timeline: Tony Blair on Iraqi WMD
• Tony Blair’s closest aide defends choices on Iraq

Britain’s inquiry into the Iraq war

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The UK government’s former top lawyer has said he initially believed a second UN resolution was necessary to justify invading Iraq in 2003, but changed his mind a month before the war. Critics of the war have long suspected that former Attorney General Peter Goldsmith was pressured to change his mind by then Prime Minister Tony Blair (pictured). Blair is expected to testify before the inquiry on Friday. Laura Lynch reports. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Timeline: Tony Blair on Iraqi WMD
• Tony Blair’s closest aide defends choices on Iraq

Baghdad rocked by deadly triple blast

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At least 36 people have died in three large explosions apparently targeting hotels in the heart of Iraq’s capital. More than 70 were injured in the Baghdad blasts, which police said were caused by suicide car bombers. The attacks came as the Iraqi government announced that Saddam Hussein’s former defense minister Ali Hassan al-Majid – also known as “Chemical Ali” – had been executed. The BBC’s Jim Muir is in Baghdad. Download MP3 (AP Photo: Khalid Mohammed)

• BBC coverage
• The struggle for Iraq
• Profile of Chemical Ali

The poet of Baghdad

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Nabeel Yasin is a highly-acclaimed Iraqi poet who was blacklisted in his country in 1978 for refusing to write poems glorifying Saddam Hussein’s regime. Now three decades later he is back in his homeland where he is running for prime minister in the elections scheduled in March. Jeb Sharp talks with Yasin. Download MP3

• ‘The Poet of Baghdad’ – BBC video about Nabeel Yasin’s life
• BBC: the struggle for Iraq

British inquiry into Iraq war continues

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Tony Blair’s view on regime change in Iraq “tightened” after a private meeting of the British Prime Minister with President George W. Bush in 2002, the UK’s former ambassador to the United States has testified. Sir Christopher Meyer said no officials were at the Bush family ranch talks but the next day Blair mentioned regime change for the first time. The World’s Laura Lynch continues her coverage of the UK inquiry into the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Download MP3 (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

• BBC coverage
• Laura Lynch on day 2 of the inquiry
• FAQ Britain’s Iraq inquiry
• US investigation of Iraq war

British inquiry into Iraq war

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The man in charge of the official British inquiry examining events surrounding the Iraq war has said his committee will not produce a report that is a “whitewash.” John Chilcot has promised to produce a “full and insightful” account. Evidence from senior government figures will start on Tuesday and politicians, including former Prime Minister Tony Blair will be expected to testify in due time. Laura Lynch reports. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• FAQ British Iraq inquiry