The Report
of the Iraq Inquiry
810.
In its summary
of the implications of the post-conflict phase for military
planning,
the paper
stated:
“•
The impact
of any enduring commitment on other operations would
be
significant.
A recommendation on the size of force the UK is prepared to
commit
must be
prepared, at least for the key six months following any operation.
In
parallel
diplomatic efforts must seek partners to share, and eventually
take, the
burden.
…
•
Planning
for Resolution Phase operations must be complete before the start
of
offensive
operations. Any UK land force HQ must have the capacity to
conduct
offensive
and Resolution Phase operations concurrently.
•
War-fighting
forces must be able to contribute to Resolution Phase
objectives
until
formal transition to resolution phase can be declared. Therefore
clarity
on
post-Resolution Phase and likely UK contribution will be needed
before
operations
commence.”
811.
The aftermath
section of the SPG paper concluded with seven key
judgements:
“•
Views on
policy pillars and extent of support expected of military
forces
will be
sought from OGD using current Cabinet Office
machinery.
•
The
development of a jointly acceptable approach to Iraqi governance
and
reform in
the Resolution Phase should be pursued with the US.
Agreement
on the role
of the UN is essential.
•
A
structural analysis of the Iraqi system and the need for reform
is
required.
Current FCO and DFID papers reveal key gaps in our
knowledge
(eg
structure and efficiency of Iraqi police).
•
A detailed
analysis of the CoA [courses of action] of key actors is
required.
Military
and non-military pre-emption capabilities and contingency
plans
must be
prepared.
•
The UK’s
intent to commit forces beyond offensive operations needs
to
be
clarified to allow operational planning for the Resolution Phase,
and to
allow
balancing of the wider commitments picture.
•
Once
principal Coalition partners have agreed on key issues, this
will
need to
include agreement on Coalition management processes,
early
diplomatic
activity to seek burden-sharing partners should be
undertaken.
•
Work to
define force structure options must run concurrently with
ongoing
operational
planning in order to ensure the UK is adequately prepared
to
conduct
Resolution Phase operations.”
812.
The SPG
explained that a “full and detailed strategic estimate” for the
post-conflict
phase of
operations was being prepared and would be presented in the next
draft of the
paper,
which issued on 13 December and is described later in this
Section.
250