9.8 |
Conclusions: The post-conflict period
to the
limit of capabilities entails a high level of risk. In relation to
Iraq, the risks involved
in the
parallel deployment of two enduring medium scale operations were
not examined
with
sufficient rigour and challenge.
199.
The
management, in Whitehall, of a cross-government effort on the scale
which
was
required in Iraq is a complex task. It needs dedicated leadership
by someone with
time,
energy and influence. It cannot realistically be done by a Prime
Minister alone, but
requires a
senior Minister with lead responsibility who has access to the
Prime Minister
and is
therefore able to call on his or her influence in resolving
problems or conflicts.
A coherent
inter-departmental effort, supported by a structure able to hold
departments
to account,
is required to support such a Minister.
505