From The Scotsman
Tony Blair: The prime minister failed to obtain a UN mandate for the invasion of Iraq. His popularity dipped at home but he has carved out a lucrative career since exiting Downing Street last summer, taking on an unpaid role as Middle East peace envoy, climate change panel expert and carrying out consultancy work for JP Morgan and Zurich insurers.
Saddam Hussein: Iraq's dictator was captured in an underground bunker in December 2003 after evading the allies for eight months and was hanged on 30 December 2006, refusing to wear the executioner's hood.
George Bush: The president of the United States linked Iraq to the 9/11 attacks on his own people, and was the main cheerleader behind the invasion despite the lack of support for it. Nevertheless, he secured a second presidential term in 2004 and will leave office in January, when his two-term limit is up and a new president is inaugurated.
Hans Blix: The former Swedish politician and diplomat led UN weapons inspectors into Iraq in 2002 until the final days before the invasion. He had admonished Saddam Hussein for playing "cat and mouse" games but ultimately could not corroborate rumours that Iraq was harbouring weapons of mass destruction.
Paul Bremer: The former head of the Provisional Coalition Authority spent 13 months as Iraq's governor. He has been criticised for immediately disbanding the Sunni-dominated army and police forces, but has since published memoirs in which he said he was made the scapegoat for post-war disasters.
Tommy Franks: Fresh from leading the attack on the Taleban in Afghanistan, the commander of the United States Central Command turned his attentions to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. His retirement was announced on May 22, 2003 after he declined secretary Donald Rumsfeld's reported offer of the position of army chief of staff.
Tariq Aziz: Saddam's deputy prime minister was a Christian and the 43rd most wanted person on the US's "deadly" pack of cards. He was one of the first of the old guard to be captured and is still being held, after testifying for the defence in the trial of Saddam Hussein.
'Comical' Ali: The former Iraqi information minister, Mohammed Saeed al-Sahhaf, became famous for his deadpan insistence that Iraqi forces were crushing the invading Americans. He was questioned and released by the Americans during the war and is now reportedly living in the United Arab Emirates with his family.
Kofi Annan: Former UN secretary general who, in 2004, declared the Iraq war to be illegal. He had earlier called on the US and UK not to invade Iraq without UN approval. He served from 1997-2006.
Donald Rumsfeld: US defence secretary regarded as being one of the key advocates for war. Served from 2001-6. Denied claims that he prevented the US military from having as many troops as it wanted in Iraq. Said to be preparing memoirs and establishing educational foundation.
Robin Cook: Former foreign secretary who resigned immediately before invasion (he was leader of the House by then), saying he could not abide by Cabinet collective responsibility over the war. Resignation speech received first-ever Commons standing ovation. Died suddenly while out hillwalking in 2005.
George Galloway: Expelled from Labour in October 2003 after comments opposing the Iraq war were judged to have brought the party into disrepute. Now Respect MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, talk show host and former Big Brother TV star. Plans to stand against Labour minister Jim Fitzpatrick in east London at the next election.
The full article contains 596 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Last Updated: 19 March 2008 9:45 AM