From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Bush spinning wheels as UK Iraq War report released
Former US President George W. Bush is bicycling with wounded veterans on the same day a British inquiry has been released in London on the faulty intelligence and planning leading up to the Iraq War.
Bush spokesman Freddy Ford says Bush planned to spend Wednesday, his 70th birthday, at his Texas ranch riding his mountain bike with “wounded warriors.”
The British report includes former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s letters to Bush assuring him of his support before the March 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. In one letter, Blair urges Bush to go to the UN Security Council to build greater support for the war; in another he asks what provisions have been made for “avoiding civilian casualties.”
Only Blair’s letters to Bush, not Bush’s replies, were published.
Ford didn’t return messages seeking comment on the British report.
— AP
The Times of Israel Community.