The Independent reports that in written evidence to the Chilcot inquiry, Maj-Gen Laurie (a former intelligence official) rejected Alastair Campbell's claim that the dossier was not intended to make the case for war:
"This was exactly its purpose and these very words were used."
Where to now for the Chilcot inquiry, given that "star" witnesses (eg Blair and Campbell) have given evidence that contradicts Maj-Gen Laurie?
Will they be recalled?
Showing posts with label alastair campbell. Show all posts
Showing posts with label alastair campbell. Show all posts
Monday, May 16, 2011
Monday, February 08, 2010
Defined By Iraq
Alastair Campbell, Tony Blair's former spin doctor, had a minor "emotional" moment on the Andrew Marr show yesterday when questioned about Iraq.
Campbell needed some moments pause in order to compose himself.
In his view Blair is "a totally honourable man".
Later Cambpell complained to Sky News about having to talk about Iraq:
"I did get quite upset with Andrew [Marr] this morning. I feel sometimes we are treated in this media bubble... like somehow you are devoid of humanity – you don't really have feelings, you don't really care about things.
I know how much I care about it, I know how much Tony Blair cares about it."
What did he expect?
Campbell's and Blair's lives will be forever defined by Iraq, nothing they ever do in the future will ever free them from that millstone around their necks.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Campbell Finds God
Alastair Campbell claims on his blog today that he found a passage from the Bible to be useful, wrt preparing him to face the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war yesterday.
Doubtless God, were he/she to exist, would be pleased to have helped out!
Given the fact that Campbell has spent his working life in/with/using the media, he doesn't seem to like the media very much.
Signs of self loathing perhaps?
Doubtless God, were he/she to exist, would be pleased to have helped out!
Given the fact that Campbell has spent his working life in/with/using the media, he doesn't seem to like the media very much.
Signs of self loathing perhaps?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
We Are Absolutely With You
Alastair Campbell (Tony Blair's ex spin doctor) is facing the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war.
He has told the inquiry that Blair wrote to the US president in 2002, assuring him of Britain's support. According to Campbell the essence of the message was:
"We share the analysis.
We share the concern.
We are absolutely with you in making sure that Saddam Hussein faces up to his obligations, and that Iraq is disarmed.
If that can't be done diplomatically, and it has to done militarily, we would definitely be there.
That is the tenor of his communications with the president."
He also denied claims made by Sir Christopher Meyer, Britain's then ambassador to the US, about Blair's meeting with George Bush at Crawford in April 2002.
"If you are saying to me 'Do I agree with Christopher Meyer's analysis that at Crawford the Prime Minister shifted his position from one of containment and disarmament through the UN to one of regime change?'
I don't.
I don't accept this analysis that at Crawford there was a fundamental shift in approach and policy by the Prime Minister."
For good measure he also made sure that Gordon Brown could not wriggle free of responsibility, by noting that Blair talked to Brown a lot about Iraq.
He has told the inquiry that Blair wrote to the US president in 2002, assuring him of Britain's support. According to Campbell the essence of the message was:
"We share the analysis.
We share the concern.
We are absolutely with you in making sure that Saddam Hussein faces up to his obligations, and that Iraq is disarmed.
If that can't be done diplomatically, and it has to done militarily, we would definitely be there.
That is the tenor of his communications with the president."
He also denied claims made by Sir Christopher Meyer, Britain's then ambassador to the US, about Blair's meeting with George Bush at Crawford in April 2002.
"If you are saying to me 'Do I agree with Christopher Meyer's analysis that at Crawford the Prime Minister shifted his position from one of containment and disarmament through the UN to one of regime change?'
I don't.
I don't accept this analysis that at Crawford there was a fundamental shift in approach and policy by the Prime Minister."
For good measure he also made sure that Gordon Brown could not wriggle free of responsibility, by noting that Blair talked to Brown a lot about Iraq.
Monday, January 11, 2010
The Sexed Up Dossier
Claims that Alastair Campbell, Blair's spin doctor, sexed up the Iraq dossier have resurfaced.
The Guardian claims that the dossier was changed, on the instructions of Alastair Campbell, to fit with claims from the US administration that were known to be false.
The pre-invasion dossier's worst-case estimate of how long it would take Iraq to acquire a nuclear weapon was shortened in response to a George Bush speech, from two years to one.
Campbell will appear before the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war tomorrow. Given his skills at handling an aggressive media, and the softness of the Chiclot panel, it is likely he will easily get through it unscathed.
The Guardian claims that the dossier was changed, on the instructions of Alastair Campbell, to fit with claims from the US administration that were known to be false.
The pre-invasion dossier's worst-case estimate of how long it would take Iraq to acquire a nuclear weapon was shortened in response to a George Bush speech, from two years to one.
Campbell will appear before the Chilcot Inquiry into the Iraq war tomorrow. Given his skills at handling an aggressive media, and the softness of the Chiclot panel, it is likely he will easily get through it unscathed.
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