Alberto Mingardi writes from Italy:
"Finding a free-market person who is also anti-war, in Europe, is like searching for a needle in a haystack. Most Europeans 'classical liberals' are in favour of war, insofar as it is waged by the United States. This true especially for British people, most of whom seem to consider subservience to Washington a necessary part of the libertarian credo.
"But, as always, there are exceptions to the rule. One of them seems to be prominent journalist Andrew Alexander, an early Thatcherite, who on June 6 wrote on the 'Daily Mail' a perceptive article entitled to 'Blair and the lies of mass deception.' 'I have long thought the invasion of Iraq the craziest thing in nearly 40 years of writing about politics (an invasion supported by both front benches, as is usual with great follies)', he writes. On Paul Wolfowitz's interview with 'Vanity Fair,' where the Deputy US Defence Secretary says the WMD issue was settled on for 'bureaucratic purposes,' Mr. Alexander comments that: 'in the contest for euphemisms, this outdoes even former Cabinet Secretary Lord Armstrong's memorable admission about being "economical with truth."'
"Finally, Mr. Alexander points out the 'self-infliceted wounds of the Iraqi operation': 'in the so-called war against terrorism, Bush and Blair have proved perfect recruiting sergeants for Al Qaeda. Next time there is a hideous terrorist incident, bear that in mind.' Shame on the British libertarians whose eyes won't be opened by Mr. Alexander's brave denunciation of the Iraqi war."
