Meaning: The quote you have provided is from Clare Short, a British politician who served in the government of Prime Minister Tony Blair. In this quote, Short is referring to a specific context where there was deception regarding the French position on a second resolution related to a specific international issue. The quote suggests that there was misinformation or a deliberate attempt to mislead regarding the French stance, and Short is highlighting the fact that they were all deceived about the French position at that time.

During the time period when this quote was made, there were significant international tensions and debates surrounding the issue of the Iraq War. In the lead-up to the war, the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries sought a second resolution from the United Nations Security Council to authorize military action against Iraq. The French government, under President Jacques Chirac, took a public stance against the resolution, which created a diplomatic impasse and heightened tensions within the Security Council.

Clare Short was a prominent figure in the British government at the time, serving as Secretary of State for International Development. She was known for being outspoken and at times critical of the government's decisions. In the quote, Short is expressing her frustration about being misled or deceived regarding the French position on the second resolution. This reflects the broader atmosphere of controversy and distrust that surrounded the international debate on the Iraq War.

The quote also sheds light on the complexities of international diplomacy and the challenges of navigating conflicting interests and information. It underscores the importance of transparency and truthfulness in political decision-making and the potential consequences of misinformation on the global stage.

In the years following the Iraq War, there has been considerable analysis and scrutiny of the events leading up to the conflict, including the role of various governments and the accuracy of the information presented to the public and the international community. Short's statement is a reminder of the importance of critically evaluating the information presented by political leaders and recognizing the potential for deception or manipulation in matters of international significance.

Overall, Clare Short's quote captures a moment of frustration and disillusionment with the complexities of international politics and the challenges of discerning truth from misinformation in the midst of high-stakes diplomatic negotiations and decisions. It serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, honesty, and accountability in international relations, as well as the potential consequences of being deceived or misled on the global stage.

In conclusion, Clare Short's quote reflects the broader context of international tensions and controversies surrounding the Iraq War and the challenges of navigating conflicting interests and information in the realm of international diplomacy. It highlights the importance of transparency and truthfulness in political decision-making and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of misinformation on the global stage.