Isn’t it a contradiction that although the ‘war on terror’ is often described as ‘a different kind of war’ - every time there is a justification for pre-emptive action, George Bush and Tony Blair invoke Winston Churchill (1874 -1965). Generally the hawk’s resort to similarities with Churchill’s prophesies of the dangers of Nazi Germany and Stalin’s Russia. His battle with an apathetic public to take action, and his spirit of ‘never surrender’ which is summoned in times of tragedy.

This year alone notable comparisons include New York Mayor Guiliani who likens George Bush to Churchill. George Bush who likens Tony Blair to Churchill remarking, “I see the spirit of Churchill in Prime Minister Tony Blair.” Tony Blair who asks the British nation to unite behind him, comparing recent set backs in Iraq to the darkest days of World War 2. Even Tory party leader Michael Howard has jumped on the bandwagon comparing himself to Churchill. So where did it all start? 

  “A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject” Winston Churchill back