Commission begins inquiry into Iraq war

London: In the most sweeping inquiry on the Iraq war, a panel investigating Britain's role in the conflict began questioning witnesses yesterday in hearings that critics hope will humble ex-prime minister Tony Blair and expose alleged deception in the buildup to fighting.

The panel, which opened with a moment of silence for those who died, will question dozens of officials over several months — including Blair, military officials and spy agency chiefs. It will also seek evidence from ex-White House staff.

Among the most prominent witnesses will be Blair, who will be questioned on whether he secretly backed US president George W. Bush plan's for invasion a year before Parliament authorised military involvement in 2003.

"We want to examine the evidence," John Chilcot, the commission's chair, said "We will approach our task in a way that is thorough, rigorous, fair and frank."

Bereaved families and anti-war activists have long called for a comprehensive study to consider Britain's role in a conflict that left 179 British soldiers dead and triggered massive public protests. But some worry the hearings will do little to answer lingering doubts about Britain's rush to join the war.

No blame game

Led by a panel appointed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the inquiry won't apportion blame, or establish criminal or civil liability — only offer reprimand and recommendations in hopes mistakes won't be repeated.

In the United States, the 9/11 Commission examined some issues around prewar intelligence, and a Senate select committee identified failures in intelligence gathering in a July 2004 report on prewar intelligence assessments.

Comprehensive

But the Iraq inquiry is envisioned to be a comprehensive look at the war. Brown set up the inquiry to address public criticism of three key aspects of the conflict: the case made for war, the chaotic planning for the invasion, and the failure to prepare for reconstruction.

Leaked military documents published on Sunday disclosed that senior British military officers claim war plans were in place months before the March 2003 invasion, but were so badly drafted they left troops poorly equipped and ill-prepared.

Some relatives of dead soldiers demanded the chance to question Blair — an idea rejected by the inquiry.