Taoiseach bemoans 'catastrophic failures' in Iraq

US-led military action in Iraq has been a catastrophic failure and important lessons must now be learned, Irish Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told Middle East politicians tonight.

US-led military action in Iraq has been a catastrophic failure and important lessons must now be learned, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told Middle East politicians tonight.

Mr Ahern, who allows US warplanes to refuel at Shannon Airport en route to Iraq, was speaking during a keynote address to the influential King Faisal Foundation in Saudi Arabia.