Politics Triumphs Over Intelligence:

"The Howard Government decided in principle during 2002 that it would fight with the US in Iraq. It reached this view long before many of these intelligence assessments were drafted. The intelligence was a confirmation of a political decision the Government had taken in its heart and head. The intelligence is not about the motive for the war but its validation.

This debate about intelligence overlooks the bigger debate about policy. The DIO and ONA are assessment bodies. They assess intelligence. They do not advise policy. But they inform the policy advice. The truth is that we remain totally in the dark about what strategic and policy advice was given on Iraq by the departments of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Foreign Affairs and Trade and Defence.

We don't know whether they tested, questioned and challenged the Government's policy convictions. Did they advise on the strategic risks for Australia in this war in terms of the US alliance, the region and the threat of terrorism or did they bow before the intense convictions of Howard and Downer? This is the bigger and vital question for Australia's decision-making."