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Gulf News says: Blair, which project? 
  06-04-2003

British Prime Minister Tony Blair is destined to meet American President George W. Bush in Northern Ireland on Tuesday. It is claimed they are due to talk about post-war Iraq and the Middle East peace process, that is, the "roadmap" suggested by the Quartet for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. They are also likely to have a certain amount to "celebrate" regarding the Good Friday agreement, it being the fifth anniversary on April 11 - although that has never proved to be the overwhelming success that its authors had originally hoped for.

   But it is more than probable that Blair's mind will be concentrated on the mixed signals that are emanating from the Bush administration, some of which are in direct contradiction to statements that Blair has made not only to the House of Commons, but also expressed in Arabic media. Blair has relied very heavily on the fact that the UN will be involved in the interim government and management of Iraq, as well as the awarding of any contracts regarding the reconstruction of Iraqi infrastructure. It is obvious that Bush has made no firm commitment on this, since two of his advisors, Secretary of State Colin Powell and National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice have taken opposing views - something that could not possibly occur if Bush had made it clear in which direction he was going.

   From Blair's point of view, the danger is that if Bush decides to "do his own thing" and take a contrary position to Blair, then it will undermine Blair's position not only at home, but also in Europe. Blair has thrown his lot in with Bush from the start. But he may soon discover that his opinion carries less weight than the Zionist lobby in Washington. With Blair being cold-shouldered by Europe, he may end up being the odd man out.


 


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