Would it surprise anyone if he did apologize?
People often think that when you apologize you are showing weakness, when, in fact, quite the opposite is true. It takes great strength to apologize. It shows courage to admit that you have been wrong. Authority is not lessened by an apology offered. It is enhanced.
We strongly believe that it is time — and not too late — for the United States to apologize for the war in Iraq. A war that began based on falsehoods and mistaken beliefs about weapons of mass destruction. Many years have passed since that conflict began, but its repercussions are being felt in Syria, in Iran, and in an increasingly unstable world.
There is no statute of limitations on the truth. It is always the right time to admit the wrong, apologize, and ask for forgiveness.
The words must be said to the people of Iraq, “We invaded you on the basis of a lie. We are sorry.” The world must be told, “We misled you, we are sorry.” The leader who is able to say this will demonstrate a true authority — a moral authority. The world needs the sole remaining superpower to have moral authority. We need the United States not to be a playground bully but to be peacemaker and a respected part of the global community. Anything less weakens America and imperils the world.