Kissinger, 79, Returns From the Political Grave

Henry Kissinger, the former US secretary of state who has been accused of war crimes by his critics, was yesterday appointed by George Bush to head the investigation into the September 11 attacks.

It represents the latest in a series of moves by the president to rehabilitate previously discredited or controversial figures.

Mr Bush signed legislation yesterday that creates a new independent commission, headed by Dr Kissinger, to investigate the attacks. The appointment received the backing of both Democrats and Republicans.

"This commission will help me and future presidents to understand the methods of America's enemies and the nature of the threats we face," Mr Bush said at a White House signing ceremony attended by the relatives of September 11 victims.

"Dr Kissinger will bring broad experience, clear thinking and careful judgment to this important task... we share the same commitment."

He thanked Dr Kissinger for "returning to the service of your nation."

Dr Kissinger, 79, said he would take the investigation to wherever "the facts lead us. We are under no restrictions, and we will accept no restrictions. This is not a matter simply for New York, it is a matter for all of America. To the families concerned, there's nothing that can be done about the losses they've suffered, but everything must be done to avoid that such a tragedy can occur again."

His task will be to investigate intelligence failures and whether the attacks could have been avoided.

The 10-member commission will consist of an equal number of Republican and Democratic nominees. They have 18 months to report, although Mr Bush indicated yesterday that he expects much swifter conclusions. "The sooner we have the commission's conclusions, the sooner this administration will act on them."

Kissinger's appointment is a controversial one. Several recent books and a documentary have questioned his honesty and integrity.

Christopher Hitchens's book, The Trial of Henry Kissinger, accuses him of war crimes for his activities in Vietnam, Cambodia and Chile and Daniel Ellsberg's new book, Secrets, currently in the best-seller lists, paints a damning picture of his behaviour during the Vietnam war era.

Dr Kissinger's ability to travel abroad is already circumscribed, because of fears that he could face arrest in some countries. He has been asked by Chilean courts to testify about the 1973 coup.

Earlier this week, in a traditional light-hearted ceremony, President Bush spared the life of a turkey which would otherwise have been on a Thanksgiving Day dinner table.

He seems to be adopting the same policy towards many politicians previously thought to have sunk into obscurity.

Vice-Admiral John Poindexter, who was jailed and then pardoned for his role in the Iran-Contra scandal, has just been appointed to a new 'information awareness office' charged with compiling intelligence data.

Others returning to the fold include Elliott Abrams, convicted of misleading Congress over Iran-Contra then pardoned by George Bush senior, who now heads the office of democracy and human rights.