Simon McDonald, Gordon Brown's foreign affairs adviser, has told the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war that the US pressured the UK to withdraw its troops a "bit more slowly" from Iraq.
Brown originally announced he wanted to cut the British force from more than 4,000 to 2,500 during 2008.
However, this was adjusted following discussions with the US over an Iraqi attempt to take control of Basra from militia groups.
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Blair's Daily Instructions
The Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war has resumed, with the revelation that Tony Blair made daily phone calls to Sir William Patey (the British ambassador in Iraq 2005-2006) to give institutions as to what needed to be done to stabilise the country.
All very well, maybe.
However, as Sir William wryly pointed out, the instructions "weren't in my gift or solely in the gift of the British government".
It seems that there was a reality gap in expectations between what Blair (in London wanted), and what could actually be achieved on the ground in Iraq.
Quote:
"There was a tension between the desire for instant results and the realities on the ground. What you could achieve in the sort of timescales that London needed for political reasons; there was a disconnect."
Sir William's most scathing comment attacks the very style and "substance" (of which there is little) of Labour and its governing "style" itself:
"What could be delivered on PowerPoint could not necessarily be delivered on earth."
All very well, maybe.
However, as Sir William wryly pointed out, the instructions "weren't in my gift or solely in the gift of the British government".
It seems that there was a reality gap in expectations between what Blair (in London wanted), and what could actually be achieved on the ground in Iraq.
Quote:
"There was a tension between the desire for instant results and the realities on the ground. What you could achieve in the sort of timescales that London needed for political reasons; there was a disconnect."
Sir William's most scathing comment attacks the very style and "substance" (of which there is little) of Labour and its governing "style" itself:
"What could be delivered on PowerPoint could not necessarily be delivered on earth."
Monday, January 04, 2010
Madness
The media reports that Prince Charles, who had access to the same intelligence papers and briefing notes that Tony Blair had in the run up to the invasion of Iraq, lobbied senior politicians against invading Iraq.
Reports state that the Prince referred to Blair as "our glorious leader", and stated that going to war would be "madness".
However, those who hope for clarification of these reports in the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war will be disappointed.
Paddy Harverson, the Prince's communications secretary, stated that Prince Charles would not cooperate with any such request from the Inquiry. Communications between the Royal Family and government are private.
Reports state that the Prince referred to Blair as "our glorious leader", and stated that going to war would be "madness".
However, those who hope for clarification of these reports in the ongoing Chilcot Inquiry into the war will be disappointed.
Paddy Harverson, the Prince's communications secretary, stated that Prince Charles would not cooperate with any such request from the Inquiry. Communications between the Royal Family and government are private.
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