Blair or ‘Bliar’? Iraq war report to throw more light on ‘dodgy dossier’

LONDON : Former premier Tony Blair is likely to face calls for impeachment following the publication on Wednesday of the Chilcot inquiry report into the circumstances leading to Britain’s involvement in the 2003 Iraq war, which is expected to damage the reputation of many leading lights.

Pilloried for taking Britain into the war on the basis of a “dodgy dossier” that claimed the existence of weapons of mass destruction in Saddam Hussain’s Iraq, Blair has often been called a “war criminal” and “Bliar”. However, he has consistently defended his decision.

Announced by former prime minister Gordon Brown in June 2009, the inquiry headed by John Chilcot cost millions of pounds and examined thousands of people over seven years. The 12-volume report keenly awaited by family members of British soldiers who died in the war, and by others, is reported to be 2.6 million words long.

Some Labour leaders believe the current turmoil in the party is intended to prevent leader Jeremy Corbyn from seeking Blair’s impeachment after the report’s publication. Corbyn has been facing growing calls to resign, including from most of his parliamentary party.

“By many indications, there is going to be a damning indictment of Tony Blair and his warmongering,” said Alex Salmond, the leader of Scottish National Party. HTC