Tony Blair’s appearance before the Iraq inquiry today surely is the most anticipated yet. Speculation has been rife. What will be revealed and what questions will be asked?
Everyone appears to have an answer anyway. From political blogger Paul Waugh to Michael Savage’s question list in the Independent, comments have sprung up all over the media and blogosphere that predicted today’s possible outcome.
This frenzy reminds me of a film review that reveals a major twist in the plot. But yet everyone is still keen to head to the cinema.
Total Politics sketches three different scenarios for what the committee’s findings may lead to:
A lot goes on — but nothing happens: The inquiry causes a lot of political and public turmoil. Much effort is put into a meticulous investigation but when the Chilcot committee presents its findings in the summer, no one really cares. And those who do will not see much difference to what they had assumed before the official inquiry took place.
Hindsight is easier than foresight: As it can be seen in the last few weeks, witnesses do admit to mistakes. Even though there have not been any really groundbreaking disclosures yet, people may gain some satisfaction from watching rueful politicians. While the general public is pleased to some extent, real answers to some crucial questions will never be revealed.
Omniscient enlightenment: The Iraq inquiry effectively fulfils its purpose shedding light upon the Iraq war in its totality. Everything will be properly discussed — from legal justifications and moral convictions to the unravelling of political and military action. The Chilcot committee is able to both meet the public expectations and political requirements.
Whatever happens, the Iraq inquiry has improved political culture because it publicly discusses one of the most controversial political issues of the last decade. But if it will actually lead to an adequate outcome remains to be seen.