Congress, International, Military, Politics, Society

London Calling: British Investigators Want to Interview Bush Officials on the Iraq War

It appears that American citizens curious about why we went to war in Iraq may soon get some answers . . . from London. The British inquiry into the war is now heading into a more advanced stage after the testimony of Tony Blair. Notably, the English want to interview Bush officials. I discussed the topic on this segment of MSNBC Countdown.

Blair’s testimony was quite revealing, including his confirmation that some basic understanding was reached in April 2002 on Iraq — though he denied specifically agreeing to the invasion. That date is far earlier than the time period previously discussed on the American side and undermines the WMDs as the rationale for the invasion.

John Chilcot, head of the inquiry, confirmed that they will ask to speak to Bush officials. Perhaps they will be more forthcoming with another nation. Blair notably tied the decision to go to war to 9-11, stating that he was no longer will to “take a risk” with Saddam after the attacks. The April meeting can up in the hearing. Former British ambassador to Washington, Christopher Meyer, told an earlier hearing that an agreement had been “signed in blood” by Bush and Blair during a meeting at Bush’s ranch in Crawford, Texas, in April 2002.

What is most striking for me is how these disclosures reinforce the wisdom of the Framers in demanding a declaration of war from Congress. These leaders continue post hoc rationalizations about their decisions while members of Congress continue to deny they ever really wanted to go to war in their resolution.

For discussion of the story, click here.

25 thoughts on “London Calling: British Investigators Want to Interview Bush Officials on the Iraq War”

  2. The ‘powers that be” in the US do NOT HAVE THE FORTITUDE to pursue an inquiry of this nature. No politician, no news organization, no lawyer, no legislator, no pundit organization, no one seems to have what it takes to mount an investigation into the WAR CRIMES committed by Bush, Cheeeney, et.al.

    So, let’s ALL go out and start committing WAR CRIMES.. No one will ever know !!! That seems to be the prevailing attitude… If it catches on – we’re sunk.

  6. AY,
    Didn’t the British join in some of the torture and black site hideaways? They probably have a Yoo memo that calls the Hague quaint!

  7. Phil,

    Under the War Powers Act, the president could have got us involved without any congressional consent. Cheney being Bush figured that it was probably the most prudent course to follow after all there was one more election to steal.

    If he had gotten into it without congressional assent he would not have had anyone else to take the fall with him. Once he did, then everyone was on record as voting for it. They could not really take back that decision without political enigmatic issues. Remember the House election cycle is every two years and the senate’s six which about 1/3 is up for reelection every two years.

    They had them by the balls so to speak for the first 2 years. DOD expenditures, cops and prisons issues are political issues that if you vote against it, you are soft on crime or anti-American.

    With as much hysteria that the propaganda machine had going who could initially vote against it?

  8. Pingback: Mmmm… this is going to leave a mark « voice from the pack

  9. So WHY does the US Congress not take responsibility for declaring WAR and letting the power to do so reside solely in the Presidency? What kind of test case would be the most inviting set of circumstances to encourage Congress to take this power back?

  11. Since the Obama Justice Department has been following the Bush lead, Obama should declare Bush and Cheney as enemy combatants and then he can send them to a black site near London where the British investigators can have their way with them.

  12. I will frankly be surprised if any significant witnesses from the Bush/Cheney administration agree to cooperate in any manner with the inquiry. There is no benefit in doing so and I do not believe that anything will be done to compel any testimony. The only real pressure would have to come from Atty. Gen. Holder, and we already know that Rahm Emmanuel and the political wing of the White House have ruled out any substantive investigations under the false and short-sighted policy of “looking forward.” the false

  13. How sad is it that a foreign government is doing what our own should be. Not that I expect McFlightsuit and his Cabal of Criminals to be honest, but, WTF?

  14. I say the British should take Dick Cheney to the dungeon at Warwick Castle for some enhanced interrogation and see what information they can get out of that chickenhawk–by whatever means at their disposal!

  18. London Homesick Blues
    by Gary P. Nunn

    Well, when you’re down on your luck,
    and you ain’t got a buck,
    in London you’re a goner.
    Even London Bridge has fallen down,
    and moved to Arizona,
    now I know why.
    And I’ll substantiate the rumor that the English sense of humor
    is drier than than the Texas sand.
    You can put up your dukes, and you can bet your boots
    that I’m leavin’ just as fast as I can.

    Chorus
    I wanna go home with the armadillo
    Good country music from Amarillo and Abilene
    The friendliest people and the prettiest women you’ve ever seen.

    Well, it’s cold over here, and I swear
    I wish they’d turn the heat on.
    And where in the world is that English girl
    I promised I would meet on the third floor.
    And of the whole damn lot, the only friend I’ve got
    is a smoke and a cheap guitar.
    My mind keeps roamin’, my heart keeps longin’
    to be home in a Texas bar.

    chorus

    Well, I decided that I’d get my cowboy hat
    and go down to Marble Arch Station.
    ‘Cause when a Texan fancies, he’ll take his chances.
    Chances will be taken, that’s for sure.
    And them Limey eyes, they were eyein’ the prize
    that some people call manly footwear.
    And they said you’re from down South,
    and when you open your mouth,
    you always seem to put your foot there.

    I wanna go home with the armadillo
    Good country music from Amarillo and Abilene
    The friendliest people and the prettiest women you’ve ever seen.

  19. Well if you want you can order the Original Can Syrup Dr Pepper from Dublin, Texas. The official home of Dr Pepper. Notice no . after Dr, It was done that way for a reason.

  20. When I first read this today, I was like ok, what’s the use. They will just use the Cheney tactic and say over and over I do not recall.

Comments are closed.