The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, London

Prime Minister Gordon Brown promised an inquiry into the invasion of Iraq and its aftermath to "learn all possible lessons" in a letter to a think-tank chief, The Independent reported Monday. Brown, who has previously acknowledged that "mistakes" were made in the planning of post-war Iraq, reportedly insisted, however, that it was not the right time to hold such an inquiry as the situation there remained "fragile". In his letter to Sunder Katwala, the general secretary of the left-wing Fabian Society, which is affiliated to the Labour Party, Brown wrote: "There is a need to learn all possible lessons from the military action in Iraq and its aftermath." He also wrote in the letter, seen by The Independent: "There will come a time when it is appropriate to hold an inquiry." "But whilst the whole effort of the government and the armed forces is directed towards supporting the people and government of Iraq as they forge a future based on reconciliation, democracy, prosperity and security, we believe that is not now."