Why the Former Head of MI6 Has No Regrets About Iraq
5/19/202615 min
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What is the biggest misunderstanding people have about Iraq? What was Tony Blair’s fatal mistake? And, was MI6 too close to Downing Street? Listen as David and Gordon are joined by former head of MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, for a frank conversation about what we can - and cannot - conclude about Iraq, two decades on.
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First 90 secondsDavid McCloskey· Host0:00
[upbeat music] For exclusive interviews, bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to series, first look at live show tickets, a weekly newsletter, and discounted books, join the Declassified Club at therestisclassified.com. [upbeat music] Well, welcome everyone to this very special episode of the Declassified Club. Now, Gordon, we've had conversations with a few former CIA directors on the pod, but I believe this is the first time that we'll be accompanied by one of our friends across the Atlantic, at least for by direction. Isn't that right, Gordon? We'll be joined by the head, or the former head of what you like to call MI6, Gordon, but I don't like to call it MI6 on the podcast. I like to call it the Secret Intelligence Service.
Gordon Corera· Host0:55
That's right. We have got with us, uh, Sir Richard Dearlove, who was a career MI6 operations officer and then became chief of the Secret Intelligence Service, SIS, to give it its right title, um, or MI6, as it's popularly known, in nineteen ninety-nine, and he served in that role until two thousand and four, which took him through the tumultuous years really of the nine eleven attack and its aftermath, including, of course, the war in Iraq. Since leaving, he's also been busy, including hosting a podcast, One Decision. Everyone's got a podcast these days, haven't they? So Richard, welcome to the Declassified Club. Thank you for joining us.
Richard Dearlove· Guest1:29
Yeah,