Record View says the lack of a plan for what to do after the war has arguably caused even more human suffering.
The Iraq War ended 15 years ago but the scars left by the contentious conflict remain.
For the country, the decision by Tony Blair to go to war based on flawed intelligence has left a lingering air of mistrust of politics and politicians. For Blair, the war tarnished his legacy. He should be remembered as the only Labour leader to secure three general election victories – restoring Britain after 18 years of Tory misrule. But most remember him for his decision to drag Britain into a chaotic conflict.
And the horror goes on in the Middle East. The war cost hundreds of thousands of lives. But the lack of a plan for what to do after the war has arguably caused even more human suffering.
Iraq and the wider region were plunged into a period of war, terror and chaos which is still ongoing to this day. While the war and its effects continue to be a cause for heated debate, one thing must not be forgotten.
Thousands of UK servicemen and women – including many Scots – bravely put their lives on the line in Iraq. They did not choose that path but they did their duty and 179 of them did not return home.
And many of those that did come back were left with serious ongoing trauma. Today we tell the story of Scots Army veteran Mac McLaren, who joined 1500 veterans and families to mark the 15th anniversary of the war yesterday.
He was left with serious physical injuries – but also suffered unbearable mental anguish. At one point he was homeless and suicidal with little support. And that is an experience reported by many veterans after the Iraq War.
That is a legacy of failure from the war which we can do something about. We must make sure that those who do right by their country are looked after when they return to civilian life.
World is watching
The Scottish Cup is recognised as the oldest national football trophy in the world. Crafted in 1873 by silversmiths George Edwards & Sons in Glasgow, it has been awarded annually since March 1874.
Today Celtic and Dunfermline go head to head to land the famous old trophy. And hopefully Scottish football will show off its best qualities to the world.
The past two weeks have seen the reputation of our national game dragged through the mud – amid dodgy refereeing decisions, a pitch invasion and rioting in Glasgow’s Trongate. Global footballing figures like Gary Lineker have questioned the integrity of those who run the game in Scotland.
But today should just be about the football – and the fans. Let’s hope it is a day to remember – for all the right reasons.
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