Meaning: The quote you provided touches upon a significant and contentious period in recent history, specifically the lead-up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. The actions of George W. Bush and Tony Blair, then the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom respectively, in justifying the invasion of Iraq, have been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate.

In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, the Bush administration adopted a strong stance against terrorism and sought to address perceived threats to global security. This stance included a focus on Iraq and its leader, Saddam Hussein. The quote suggests that Bush and Blair were faced with the task of convincing the international community that Saddam Hussein posed an imminent threat, a narrative that was used to justify the subsequent invasion of Iraq.

One specific claim made by Tony Blair, as referenced in the quote, was that Iraq had the capability to launch a chemical or biological attack within 45 minutes. This claim was a key element in the case for military intervention in Iraq. However, the quote also asserts that Blair "lied" in making this claim, indicating that there was deliberate misinformation or falsehood in the presentation of intelligence to support the case for war.

The significance of this quote lies in its assertion that key figures in the decision to go to war in Iraq misled the public and the international community about the nature of the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime. This assertion has been a focal point in the ongoing debate about the legitimacy and consequences of the invasion, as well as the ethical and moral responsibilities of political leaders in presenting information to justify military action.

The invasion of Iraq in 2003 led to significant geopolitical and humanitarian consequences. The removal of Saddam Hussein's regime resulted in a prolonged period of instability and violence in Iraq, with far-reaching implications for the region. Additionally, the justifications given for the invasion have been the subject of numerous inquiries, investigations, and public debates.

The quote you provided comes from Bianca Jagger, a prominent human rights advocate and former actress. Her perspective on this issue reflects the broader criticism and skepticism that have been directed towards the actions and statements of political leaders in the lead-up to the Iraq War. It also underscores the importance of holding leaders to account for the veracity of the information they present to the public when making decisions of such magnitude and consequence.

In conclusion, the quote encapsulates the controversy surrounding the justifications for the invasion of Iraq in 2003, particularly the assertions made by George W. Bush and Tony Blair about the threat posed by Saddam Hussein's regime. It highlights the ongoing debate about the veracity of the intelligence and information used to build the case for war, as well as the ethical and moral responsibilities of political leaders in such circumstances. The invasion of Iraq and its aftermath continue to be subjects of profound significance and debate, and the issues raised in the quote remain relevant to discussions of war, diplomacy, and accountability in the modern world.