Today, the world learned that Ahmad Chalabi, one of the major figures in the lead up to the war in Iraq, has died. As you may remember, neo-conservatives portrayed Chalabi, leader of the Iraqi National Congress, as the "George Washington of Iraq," a secular leader prepared to lead the newly "liberated" country into freedom. He also assured skeptical Americans that coalition troops would find weapons of mass destruction hidden by Saddam Hussein.
After Hussein's overthrow, Chalabi was rewarded for his service by being appointed as Iraq's interim oil minister and later as deputy prime minister. However, his fortunes changed after failing to be re-elected to the Iraqi Parliament. He also found himself in a rivalry with his cousin Ayad Allawi, by then Prime Minister of Iraq.
In 2006, I met Mr. Chalabi at a dinner at the Cambridge Union Society, after listening to a talk by him. Chalabi had by that point become rather bitter towards the United States, his plans for becoming leader of Iraq having fallen through. Consequently, he spoke rather freely in regard to the United States and its leaders.
It was one of the most memorable nights of my life. Not only did I get to meet an international political figure, but I also learned how the most despicable people can be the most charming of all.