[A-List] US/UK imperialism: Blix verdict

["Michael Keaney" <michael.keaney@xxxxxx>]

Blix attacks 'hype and spin' used to justify conflict

MICHAEL SETTLE, Chief Political Correspondent
The Herald, September 19 2003

BRITAIN and America were attacked yesterday for their "spin and hype" over
Iraq's weapons of mass destruction by Hans Blix, the former chief United
Nations weapons inspector.

The Swedish scientist, who earlier this week said he believed Iraq had
destroyed its WMD 10 years ago, told the BBC London and Washington had
"over-interpreted" intelligence about Saddam Hussein's weapons programmes.

Comparing them to medieval witch-hunters, Dr Blix said the two countries'
governments convinced themselves on the basis of evidence which was later
discredited, including forged documents about alleged attempts to buy
uranium for nuclear weapons.

"In the Middle Ages," he explained, "when people were convinced there were
witches they certainly found them. This is a bit risky," insisted Dr Blix.

Denouncing the "culture of spin," he went on: "Advertisers will advertise a
refrigerator in terms that we don't quite believe in but we expect
governments to be more serious and have more credibility."

On the contentious 45-minute claim, Dr Blix added: "When you read the text
exactly, I get the impression it wants to convey - to lead - the reader to
conclusions that are a little further-reaching than the text really means."

Downing Street brushed aside the former chief inspector's remarks, saying
they came as no surprise, as he had been making similar observations since
the spring.

However, opposition politicians were not so dismissive.
Menzies Campbell, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman, said the
scientist's academic analysis had dealt another damaging blow to Tony
Blair's case for going to war.

"It is now essential we see the whole of the attorney general's opinion,
which advised the government conflict would be lawful. We need to know the
factual basis upon which he gave that advice," he said.

Michael Ancram, shadow foreign secretary, said Dr Blix's comments raised
"serious questions," which the government had to answer.

Ahead of tomorrow's trilateral summit between the leaders of the UK, France,
and Germany in Berlin, Jacques Chirac yesterday insisted he would like to
see a transfer of power in Iraq as quickly as possible.

"When I say as quickly as possible," he said, "I of course mean months, not
years."

The French president also voiced support for an offer by Gerhard Schroeder
to help train new Iraqi security forces in Germany, which the chancellor
renewed yesterday.

The prospect of swift agreement on a new UN resolution looked distant last
night as George Bush said he doubted one could be reached by the time he
attended the General Assembly in New York next week. Asked if a deal were
possible, he replied: "Probably not. We're still working it."