The president of Iraq speaks to Britain:

“We suffered under Saddam Hussein in ways that too many in the international community seem to have forgotten. His regime was a republic of fear, which slaughtered Iraqis on an industrial scale and attacked our neighbours. We are fortunate he has gone and that we have a chance to rebuild our society.”

As a Kurd, Jalal Talabani comes from a community which knows all about slaughter on an industrial scale, and betrayal by fair weather friends. While driving this afternoon I listened to the BBC’s Any Answers vox pop phone-in programme, during which an English apologist for Saddam Hussein defended the dictator’s execution of political opponents, and accused the Kurds of being liars. Israel was also mentioned.

Giving thanks for help from the international community is one thing, but President Talabani and his compatriots should choose their friends with great care.