In his explosive new book, Mark Curtis reveals a new picture of Britain's role in the world since 1945 and in the 'war against terrorism' by offering a comprehensive critique of the Blair government's foreign policy. Curtis argues that Britain is an 'outlaw state' often a violator of international law and a systematic condoner of human rights abuses, as well as a key ally of many repressive regimes. He reasons not only that Britain's foreign policies are generally unethical but that they are also making the world more dangerous and unequal. The Web of Deceit describes the staggering gulf that has arisen between New Labour's professed commitment to upholding ethical values and the reality of current policies, including British participation in the 'war on terrorism' as a new pretext for global intervention; the immorality of British policy in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq and Indonesia; effective support for repressive state policies of Israel, Russia, Turkey and the Gulf states; acquiescence in the Rwanda genocide; and the deepening of poverty-increasing economic policies through the World Trade Organisation. Drawing on formerly secret government files, the book also shows British complicity in the slaughter of a million people in Indonesia in 1965; the depopulation of the island of Diego Garcia; the overthrow of governments in Iran and British Guiana; repressive colonial policies in Kenya and Malaya; and much more.
In his explosive new book, Mark Curtis reveals a new picture of Britain's role in the world since 1945 and in the 'war against terrorism' by offering a comprehensive critique of the Blair government's foreign policy. Curtis argues that Britain is an 'outlaw state' often a violator of international law and a systematic condoner of human rights abuses, as well as a key ally of many repressive regimes. He reasons not only that Britain's foreign policies are generally unethical but that they are also making the world more dangerous and unequal. The Web of Deceit describes the staggering gulf that has arisen between New Labour's professed commitment to upholding ethical values and the reality of current policies, including British participation in the 'war on terrorism' as a new pretext for global intervention; the immorality of British policy in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Iraq and Indonesia; effective support for repressive state policies of Israel, Russia, Turkey and the Gulf states; acquiescence in the Rwanda genocide; and the deepening of poverty-increasing economic policies through the World Trade Organisation. Drawing on formerly secret government files, the book also shows British complicity in the slaughter of a million people in Indonesia in 1965; the depopulation of the island of Diego Garcia; the overthrow of governments in Iran and British Guiana; repressive colonial policies in Kenya and Malaya; and much more.