Famous quote by Robin Cook

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I cant accept collective responsibility for the decision to commit Britain now to military action in Iraq without intern
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"I can't accept collective responsibility for the decision to commit Britain now to military action in Iraq without international agreement or domestic support"

- Robin Cook

About this Quote

Robin Cook's declaration reflects a profound and principled opposition to the proposed military intervention in Iraq by the United Kingdom, which was aligned at the time primarily with the United States' push for military action. The remark is embedded in a larger context of considerable political, strategic, and ethical factors to consider that were debated vigorously in the early 2000s.

Cook, who was a prominent figure in the British Labour Party and served as Foreign Secretary before resigning as Leader of the House of Commons over the Iraq problem, highlights two significant pillars of his opposition: the absence of worldwide arrangement and the absence of domestic assistance.

To start with, the reference of "international contract" describes the more comprehensive international consensus, or more particularly, the lack thereof, on military action in Iraq. The United Nations Security Council had not authorized the invasion, which implied that any action taken without such a required could be perceived as lacking legitimacy. Prepare highlighted his dedication to multilateralism and international law, suggesting that bypassing these might destabilize global order and set a dangerous precedent.

Second of all, Cook indicate the absence of "domestic assistance" within the UK, recommending that the federal government did not have a solid required from its own residents. Popular opinion in the UK was deeply divided, with massive demonstrations and debates questioning the credibility of the proof presented for war, especially the presence of weapons of mass damage in Iraq. Cook's emphasis on domestic dissent highlights his belief in democratic responsibility and the importance of representing the public's will in diplomacy decisions.

In essence, Cook's declaration referred conscience and political principles. His choice to resign instead of support military action functions as a personification of personal stability over political expediency, promoting for decisions backed by legal and popular authenticity. This statement stays a poignant pointer of the need for comprehensive analysis and broad consensus in the decision-making procedures that lead countries to war.

About the Author

Scotland Flag This quote is written / told by Robin Cook between February 28, 1946 and August 6, 2005. He/she was a famous Politician from Scotland. The author also have 1 other quotes.

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