John Chilcot, the Chairman of the Iraq Inquiry, outlines the terms of reference for the inquiry and explains the panel's approach to its work during a news conference in London, on July 30, 2009. An independent inquiry into Britain's role in the Iraq war was launched Thursday, with its chairman vowing to call former premier Tony Blair and "not shy away" from criticising decisions taken. Ex civil servant Sir John Chilcot insisted the probe would not be a whitewash, adding it would visit Iraq and hold discussions with its officials plus those from the United States and other countries involved in the conflict. AFP Photo/Matt Dunham/WPA POOL (Photo credit should read MATT DUNHAM/AFP via Getty Images)