UK: Blair's dilemma

Can you explain Tony Blair? He is internationally regarded as very bright, well informed, honest and charismatic, but his devotion to President Bush has gravely affected his credibility, as a Reuter's dispatch (3/11/03) shows: "Blair's government unity at stake over Iraq: The unity of Britain's ruling Labour Party and the leadership of Prime Minister Tony Blair came under increased stress after the first public threat of a ministerial resignation over a possible war in Iraq. The International Development Secretary Clare Short said she would resign if the US and Britain launched military action without a UN resolution authorizing action. Her public threat came as one junior government member resigned his post amid speculation that another four would follow. Blair's Labour Party now faces its biggest internal rift since it came to power in 1997. Blair, increasingly isolated at home and abroad over his unswerving support for US President George Bush's determination to oust Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, has already suffered a parliamentary embarrassment after 120 Labour MPs voted against the government's Iraq policy. More are expected to revolt if there is no UN mandate for war". RH: My impression is that Blair is having an internal, almost spiritual struggle, as his voluntary visit to Pope John Paul II shows. He is trying to bridge the gap between Bush and the French-led "old Europe". If he succeeds, he will emerge as a masterful statesman. If he fails, expect trouble not just for him but for the Bush administration domestically. Yesterday in Riverside Church, New York, Congressman Charles Rangel gave an eloquent well-informed speech on the war. I had always been put off by his rasping voice, but his speech convinced me that I had misjudged him. His speech was greeted with roars of applause. Whether a war would reduce people like that to silence remains to be seen.

Ronald Hilton - 3/11/03