Iraq

Yesterday an e-mail from Jonathan Powell, Tony Blair's chief of staff to Mr Scarlett, in charge of compiling the dossier was presented to the Hutton inquiry:

"The dossier is good and convincing for those who are prepared to be convinced. The document does nothing to demonstrate a threat, let alone an imminent threat from Saddam ... We will need to make it clear in launching the document that we do not claim that we have evidence that he is an imminent threat. In other words it shows he has the means, but it does not demonstrate that he has the motive to attack his neighbours, let alone the West."



The e-mail also sought further information on the Iraqi regime's alleged links with al-Qa'ida. Efforts had been made to blank out a section that said: "The document says nothing about these, and TB will need ..."



More emails here.



It is all coming out, little bit by little bit.



I hope in the end we learn from this and that various countries individually, and collectively through the UN or such organisation, drafts rules, regulations and laws to prevent in future such pre-emptive warfare based on fallacious information.



I also hope the persons responsible will be held accountable.

Both in the USA as in the UK.