Why didn’t the UK push the UN to act earlier? The UN charter requires military action if sanctions don’t work, and that was apparent fairly early on. Who was blocking action? What went on in the diplomatic negotiations that first brought about a final resolution and then illegally blocked action on that? Is it true that the sanctions were about to collapse, through Franco-Soviet pressure to develop their oil contracts, and the moral pressure of continuing sanctions? What role did the Paris Club loans play?

Who else in the political establishment was in on the oil-for-food corruption? Who orchestrated the media and political campaigns against the war, and why? How was the BBC allowed to take a political stance on the issue? Why has subsequent media coverage been allowed to propagate anti-war falsehoods and distortions unchallenged? What would have been the consequences of dropping sanctions, continuing sanctions, withdrawing early, etc. on the death toll in Iraq and prospects for liberty and stability?

Yes, a genuinely independent enquiry on Iraq would be a good idea. We won’t get one, of course.

On Kyoto, you ought to know that it wasn’t Bush who refused to ratify Kyoto but Congress, through the Byrd-Hagel resolution. Clinton knew perfectly well when it was signed that it could never be ratified – it was purely a poison cup for his successor.

I’m sure you’re also aware that even if ratified, its effect on CO2 rise would be neglible. It’s stated purpose was entirely to show support for the cause and get buy-in for further cuts, not to actually achieve anything itself. It’s unimplementable, makes no economic sense even from the AGW perspective, and is a bad joke from the perspective of anyone else.

George Bush is a lame duck President who is merely buying more time – he isn’t convinced and has no intention of doing anything about it. Neither, for that matter, has any other G8 leader – but they can make political hay from pretending, and there’s a bit of corrupt money to be made on the carbon trading scam. When it’s all exposed as just another enviro-scare, the scandal this time is going to be monumental. :-)