January 14, 2003
Le Carré on War and Bush
'It's High Noon for American Democracy' declares John le Carré in
openDemocracy. As President Bush rallies his troops for 'The first war of the 21st century' we are asking writers, artists and civic leaders where they stand with respect to this turning point.
John le Carré takes the lead with a powerful rebuke of 'a predatory and dishonest war' as he responds to Bush's claim that we are either for him or for terrorism. Le Carré is one name guaranteed of to be the best novelist on espionage and conspiracy theories. His novel, Tailor of Panama has been filmed and starred by Pierce 'James Bond' Brosnan.
“But will we win, Daddy?”
“Of course we will, child, and quickly, while you are still in bed.”
“But will people be killed, Daddy?”
“There will be a few Western casualties. Very few. Go to sleep.”
“And after that, will everything be normal? Nobody will strike back? The terrorists will all be dead?”
“Wait till you’re older, dear. Goodnight.”
“And is it really true that last time round Iraq lost twice as many dead as America lost in the entire Vietnam war?”
“Hush child. That’s called history.”
Posted at January 14, 2003 12:09 PM | World
