From the Archive: ‘The War on Terrorism: Is There an Alternative?’

About this episode

A debate held by the London Review of Books discussing alternatives to the War on Terror shortly after the invasion of Afghanistan.

In May 2002, six months after the invasion of Afghanistan but before the Iraq war, the London Review of Books held a debate: ‘The War on Terrorism: Is There an Alternative?’ The panel comprised Tariq Ali, Christopher Hitchens, Jacqueline Rose, Anatol Lieven and Onora O’Neill. President Bush’s ultimatum set the tone: either you’re with us or you’re with the terrorists. The Guardian described it as ‘a battle for the soul of the left’. Hitchens argued for military action and said that ‘theocratic fascists must be crushed.’ Others on the panel questioned the premise of the War on Terror and where such a doctrine might lead. More from the LRB: The Belgrano Diary: ⁠⁠https://lrb.me/belgranowotpod⁠⁠ Subscribe to the LRB: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/subswotpod⁠⁠ Close Readings podcast: ⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/crwotpod⁠⁠ LRB Audiobooks: ⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/audiobookswotpod⁠⁠ Bags, binders and more at the LRB Store: ⁠⁠⁠https://lrb.me/storewotpod⁠⁠ Get in touch: podcasts@lrb.co.uk

People in this episode

Guests: Tariq Ali, Christopher Hitchens, Jacqueline Rose, Anatol Lieven, Onora O’Neill

Topics covered

• War on Terror
• Debate
• Military action
• Political discourse
• Leftist ideology
• Alternative perspectives

Keywords

• War on Terrorism
• debate
• military action
• theocratic fascists
• political alternatives
• soul of the left
• Bush ultimatum

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: London Review of Books, The Guardian, President Bush