The Report of the Iraq Inquiry

Cabinet discussed prisoner abuse on 6 May, when Mr Blair told attendees that allegations

against British troops were being investigated fully.543 In discussion, Cabinet members

observed that the damage done by pictures of mistreatment would be hard to repair

and that condemnation of the behaviour, if it was confirmed, had to be “clear and

uncompromising”.

A more detailed discussion followed on 13 May.544 Ms Hewitt told Cabinet that the

International Committee of the Red Cross’s interim report on detention in Iraq was a

“shaming document”. Mr Hoon observed that the report covered Coalition Forces as

a whole; only three cases related to British forces, each of which had been “properly

investigated and action taken”.

In discussion, it was suggested that more emphasis should be placed on the “distinctive

British approach” to the UN, the region, MEPP and actions in Iraq. Summing up the

meeting, Mr Blair said that the UK’s intention was to engage with the ICRC to ensure that

actions were in complete conformity with the Geneva Conventions.

In the run up to the US Presidential Election in 2004, The Guardian judged that “for the

first time, the US is seen by majorities in many countries, especially by younger Muslims,

as a potential enemy rather than a friend … the Guantanamo Bay and Abu Ghraib abuse

scandals have further damaged America’s standing abroad”.545

Assessing the impact in 2009, CNN’s Senior Editor for Middle East Affairs wrote “the

United States was already unpopular in the Arab world, mainly because of its war in Iraq.

After Abu Ghraib in most quarters, it became despised with a vengeance.”546

Dr Rice, writing in her 2011 memoir, observed “we never recovered fully from

Abu Ghraib”.547

During April and May, Coalition military structures were changed significantly, in

preparation for the transfer of sovereignty at the end of June.548

Combined Joint Task Force – 7 (CJTF-7), which had been headed by a three-star US

officer, was enhanced and reformed into the new Multi-National Force – Iraq (MNF-I).549

From late June, MNF-I was commanded by a four-star US officer, General George

Casey.550

543 Cabinet Conclusions, 6 May 2004.

544 Cabinet Conclusions, 13 May 2004.

545 The Guardian, 26 October 2004, Next president to inherit a legacy of mistrust and fear.

546 CNN World, 21 May 2009, Abu Ghraib photos provoke shock, then anger, for Arabs.

547 Rice C. No Higher Honour: A Memoir of My Years in Washington. Simon & Schuster, 2011.

548 Wright Dr DP & Reese Col TR. On Point II: Transition to the New Campaign – The United States Army

in Operation IRAQI FREEDOM May 2003 – January 2000. Combined Studies Institute Press, 2011.

549 Letter Baker to Rycroft, 29 March 2004, ‘Deputy Commander Multinational Force (Iraq)’.

550 Public hearing McColl, 8 February 2010, page 4.

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