Try GOLD - Free
Invasion of Iraq could bring about 'regime change in London', US told
The Guardian
|July 22, 2025
The stark terms in which the US was warned that invading Iraq without a second UN security council resolution could cost Tony Blair his premiership have been revealed in newly released documents.
Blair's foreign policy adviser, Sir David Manning, warned Condoleezza Rice, the US national security adviser: "The US must not promote regime change in Baghdad at the price of regime change in London."
The meeting between the two took place ahead of Blair visiting the US president, George W Bush, at Camp David on 31 January 2003, two months before the Iraq invasion.
While the US had not yet decided on a second security council resolution, Blair's objectives at Camp David were to persuade the US that a second resolution was "politically essential for the UK and almost certainly legally essential as well", and to hold off from a February invasion until the end of March, according to a briefing note to Blair from Manning released by the National Archives in London.
This story is from the July 22, 2025 edition of The Guardian.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Guardian
The Guardian
Students Allow Gaza students to bring children to UK - MPS
A cross-party group of more than 100 MPs has written to the government about the plight of Palestinian students unable to take up scholarships at UK universities because they are barred from bringing their children.
1 mins
October 14, 2025
The Guardian
'Hostages square'
Joy unconfined in Tel Aviv as years of torment end with captives being freed at last
6 mins
October 14, 2025
The Guardian
Students: Allow Gaza students to bring children to UK-MPS
Across-party group of more than 100 MPs has written to the government about the plight of Palestinian students unable to take up scholarships at UK universities because they are barred from bringing their children.
1 mins
October 14, 2025
The Guardian
Relatives reunited
Joy and sorrow as Palestinians freed from Israeli jails
4 mins
October 14, 2025
The Guardian
Truce brings joy as Israelis and Palestinians are freed
Final 20 living hostages are released after two years of Hamas captivity. Large crowds in Gaza rejoice as nearly 2,000 detainees also go free. Trump hails historic end to Middle East's 'long, painful nightmare'
4 mins
October 14, 2025
The Guardian
'I'm at peace with it': Bright calls time on England career
Millie Bright has announced her retirement from international football, saying she is “at peace” with her decision and that her priorities had changed.
2 mins
October 14, 2025
The Guardian
Clashes Gangs vie for control with Hamas and others in lawless Gaza
Hamas has started deploying armed fighters and police across parts of Gaza in an apparent attempt to reassert authority in the Palestinian territory after the ceasefire deal agreed with Israel last week.
3 mins
October 14, 2025
The Guardian
Art review: Sanitised view of Sami culture fails to impress
The Turbine Hall at Tate Modern, in case you didn't know, is quite large.
2 mins
October 14, 2025
The Guardian
'He can be one of world's best' Tuchel urges Rashford to push himself and fulfil his potential
Thomas Tuchel believes that Marcus Rashford can still become one of the best players in the world, but the England head coach has warned the forward will end up with regrets unless he pushes himself to the limit and improves in the final third.
2 mins
October 14, 2025
The Guardian
De Bruyne double deals huge blow to Wales' hopes
Craig Bellamy cited Nostradamus in the buildup to this contest, advising to expect the unexpected given the 4-3 thriller that unfolded the last time these nations met.
3 mins
October 14, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size