Prince Andrew rebukes US over Iraq war
Matthew Weaver
Tuesday February 5, 2008
Guardian Unlimited
In a rare and outspoken interview with the International Herald Tribune, the Duke of York said the Iraq war had induced a "healthy scepticism" towards America.
He said there was a feeling in Britain of "why didn't anyone listen to what was said and the advice that was given".
Citing Britain's past as a colonial power, the prince said there were "occasions where people in the UK would wish that those in responsible positions in the US might listen and learn from our experiences".
Speaking ahead of a 10-day trade mission to the US, Prince Andrew, now a trade envoy, said: "If you are looking at colonialism, if you are looking at operations on an international scale, if you are looking at understanding each other's culture, understanding how to operate in a military insurgency campaign - we have been through them all."
The prince, who is fourth in line to the throne, said: ""We've won some, lost some, drawn some. The fact is there is quite a lot of experience over here which is valid and should be listened to."
After the invasion, Britain criticised America's de-Ba'athification policy- the purging of Saddam's party from government.
Geoff Hoon, who was the British defence secretary, has more diplomatically said that Britain "lost the argument" with the Bush administration over rebuilding Iraq.
In the interview, the prince spoke of his time flying helicopters during the Falklands war. He said the experience had left him with a "different view of life"
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