Iraq inquiry
Sir Peter Ricketts, a top intelligence official at the time, said it was assumed it was not "our policy" despite growing talk in the US about the move. On the first day of public hearings, four senior diplomats and advisers gave evidence on the war's origins. The inquiry chairman has said he hopes to conclude his report in late 2010. Relatives of some of the 179 UK service personnel killed in Iraq gathered outside the venue in central London where the hearings are being held, as did a number of anti-war protesters. WITNESSES ON TUESDAY
aion powerlevelingSir Michael Wood: Legal Adviser to the Foreign Office (1999-2006)Sir Peter Ricketts: Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee (2000-2001)Simon Webb: Policy Director, MoD (2001-2004)Sir William Patey: Head of Middle East Department, Foreign Office (1999-2002)Q&A: Iraq war inquiry Analysis: tolerant or critical? How US has investigated Iraq war The long-awaited investigation into the UK's involvement in the run-up to the Iraq invasion, the war itself and its aftermath, is expected to last for more than a year. Former Prime Minister Tony Blair will be among the future witnesses. Tuesday's session looked at UK foreign policy towards Iraq in the lead-up to the war, which began in 2003.
aion power levelingAsked about the threat posed by Iraq in early 2001, Sir Peter Ricketts, who was the then chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committee - which oversees MI5, MI6 and GCHQ - said it was palpable. Sir Peter, now Head of the Diplomatic Service, said there was a "clear impression" that Saddam had a "continuing intention" to acquire weapons of mass destruction, having used them in the past.
