Circus begins

The UK's Iraq war inquiry began today. The BBC has a Q and A about it but I can't be bothered to read the whole thing. Here's what I noticed from skimming:

Will the witnesses be testifying on oath?

No they will not, leading some to question whether the merits of the inquiry. However, all those appearing will be required to sign a piece of paper saying they will give a "full and truthful" account of events. There is also controversy over the powers of the panel. There are no judges nor QCs on the body, leading many to question whether it has the expertise to question whether the war was legal. But the panel says it will call on relevant legal advice where needed.

In other words, the whole thing is a waste of time.

I've got the BBC news on tv at the moment and more outrage is being expressed about loans to banks than the war on Iraq.