In this week's issue

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For all his talk about devolving power, Mr Cameron has as Tory leader centralised power at every opportunity. It is a long-standing joke that anyone who works as one of Mr Cameron’s aides automatically outranks any shadow Cabinet member. James Forsyth argues that Cameron and Osborne must listen to their backbenchers – or face revolt.

It’s a mistake to focus on the dodgy dossier, says Fraser Nelson. Blair’s real crime was to invade Iraq with no strategy, no understanding of the Islamist factions and no qualms about leaving Iraqis to the mercy of death squads. As Basra slid towards hell, Blair looked the other way.

Rod Liddle says it’s difficult to ignore the fact that the worst violations of human rights happen in countries dominated by an Islamic ideology. Islam must not be absolved of the atrocities that are committed in its name.

Chopin lived the most bohemian life, replete with restless travel, a famous mistress, ambivalent sexuality, an almost superhuman technique at the keyboard, a romantically early death from modish diseases and a love of nightlife which meant he was always tired. Peter Phillips on the life and times of Chopin, who was born 200 years ago.

And Hugo Rifkind acknowledges his shortcomings as a political commentator, but thinks that Gordon Brown is going to wipe the floor with the Chilcot Inquiry and will go on to win the election. Honestly. Rifkind invites you to place your bets.