Kemi Badenoch's ignorance on Iran

Days after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran, and the fusillade seemed to go so well, the United Kingdom Leader of the Opposition, Kemi Badenoch, encouraged Prime Minister Keir Starmer to join the fray and launch his own airstrikes in defence of British troops and bases in the Gulf. Mr Starmer had been tentative about any strikes lest they be misconstrued as support for US/Israeli positions in the Gulf miasma. Though the US did not seek UK support for the war when it broke out, especially considering the decision was one-sided, President Donald Trump later pressured Mr Starmer to join the planned attack by offering US the use of Diego Garcia base, among other things.

Last week, Mrs Badenoch walked back her unquestioning support for the US, and thought joining the fray was no longer as bright an idea as she initially romanticised. That volte face had caused her serious embarrassment, with Mr Starmer impugning her competence and capacity to lead Britain. Despite being pressured to accept her error of judgement, Mrs Badenoch has continued to deflect the criticism and instead tried to change the topic. As Leader of the Conservative Party she should do far better, especially considering her oratorical skills and immense capacity for sharp riposte and logical arguments. The US/Iran conflict mainly contrived by Mr Trump's specious policies and imperial dreams is a very complex issue with curious antecedents. The European Union and other Nato countries have done well to lend only flimsy support to the US. It is a war no one, except perhaps the gung-ho US and Israel, feels comfortable with.

Read Also: EFCC hands over 753 housing units seized from ex-CBN Gov to ministry

Mrs Badenoch may be ignorant of the complex issues surrounding Iran, and be instinctively lured into mouthing catchphrases conversant with many Americans, but it is at least a tribute to her that she quickly walked back her dangerous illusions and conclusions about the war. Hopefully, she will mature over time in her knowledge of international affairs and strategic relations commensurate with her parliamentary skills.