Bush to order probe into WMD intelligence failure

Trying to quiet mounting election-year criticism from Republicans and Democrats alike, the White House had indicated earlier Mr Bush would name an independent, bipartisan inquiry into the Iraq problem and gaps in other areas, such as secretive regimes like Iran and North Korea and stateless groups such as terrorists.

Mr Bush yesterday defended his decision to go to war on intelligence Mr Kay now says was erroneous. Mr Kay has concluded Iraq did not possess weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

“I want all the facts. We do know Saddam Hussein had the intent and capabilities to cause great harm, we know he was a danger. He slaughtered thousands of people,” the president said.