The Report of the Iraq Inquiry

570. Mr Blair gave instructions on 20 February to push forward plans to reach out to

al-Sadr, focusing initially on his inner circle, but making clear that an invitation for direct

talks was on the table.275

571. As the period of time taken to form a new government extended, British military

commanders in Iraq observed an increase in violence.276

572. Lieutenant General John Cooper, GOC MND(SE) from December 2005 to July

2006, told the Inquiry that the lack of a new national government following the elections

in December 2005 created a vacuum “and on the security side, everything was

containable but there was this sense of increasing military activity, particularly from the

Jaysh al-Mahdi.277 JAM was increasingly active and better equipped, and benefiting from

direct assistance from Iran.

573. On 22 February, the al-Askari mosque in Samarra, the fourth most revered

shrine in Shia Islam and the only major Shia shrine under sole Sunni protection,

was bombed.278

574. Early in the morning, a group of men dressed as Iraqi Police Commandos entered

the mosque and detonated explosives beneath its dome, bringing it down.279

575. In a video conference with President Bush later that day, Mr Blair commented that

an event such as the bombing could become either a moment of unity or a further step

into sectarianism.280 It was important that Shia and Sunni leaders should come together.

The US and UK should expose and oppose the terrorists’ aim to promote sectarianism,

and should consider providing funds for the reconstruction of the shrine.

576. A minute on the bombing written for Mr Blair by his Private Secretary on

23 February said:

“This could serve as a catalyst for overcoming sectarianism and securing national

unity. But there is a risk that (if mismanaged) violence could escalate. The Iraqi

Government’s response will be crucial. A curfew is in place in Baghdad and

Samarra. All police on leave have been recalled: aim is to ensure top security

around Friday’s prayers in Samarra.” 281

275 Letter Banner to Wade, 20 February 2006, ‘Iraq: Muqtada al-Sadr’.

276 Public hearing Houghton and Style, 5 January 2010, pages 8-9.

277 Public hearing, 15 December 2009, pages 17-18.

278 Minute Banner to Prime Minister, 23 February 2006, ‘Samarra Shrine Bombing – Background

and Update’.

279 CNN, 22 February 2006, Explosion heavily damages Shiite holy shrine.

280 Letter Banner to Siddiq, 22 February 2006, ‘Prime Minister’s VTC with President Bush,

22 February: Iraq’.

281 Minute Banner to Prime Minister, 23 February 2006, ‘Samarra Shrine Bombing – Background

and Update’.

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