Tony Blair supports the United States unreservedly in his speeches in order to win international acclaim, according to the Iraqi daily, A-Thawra. Below are extensive extracts from the article, published 12 November.
“The British Prime Minister runs for every opportunity to sing songs of praise for American policies and does not hesitate for even one minute to announce his unconditional support for every proposal from Washington. He also rushes to bring forward, in the name of Britain, proposals framed in the White House corridors, whose drafts may not have even been shown to senior officials in London. Such plans pass from Washington to New York directly, ostensibly in order to save time, and it is possible in collusion with White House directives.
Tony Blair rushed to help the United States in his diplomatic and propagandist tours against Iraq and even fought so that people would say that he is a partner in the American war against Iraq. Any observer of Britain’s operations and America’s stance, would instantly be reminded of Jawaharlal Nehru’s description of Britain, “the English love whoever imposes power upon them and are impressed by displays of showiness.”
This emerged most clearly when Britain sent its planes without authorization from the UN, to help America bomb Iraqi cities and facilities, starting from 17 December, 1998. London also stood, unreservedly, in the UN shoulder to shoulder with America, agreeing to whatever America proposed. When a number of countries objected to the latest proposal, Tony Blair took his travelling bag, flew to Moscow and tried to attain goals so as to satisfy Washington, in vain.
When the British PM tried to elevate himself to the level of an American minister and brought forward a plan to solve the Palestinian problem, Washington gave a negative and curt response. Despite the cruel response, Tony Blair still dreams of a position, however small, that would bring him to prominence in the ranks of international politics. To no avail. Bush and his entourage insist on not paying attention to the British PM.
Britain needs to do some housekeeping and to understand its real position in the international community. After all that has happened to it, its leaders are still attracted to pretensions of grandeur, just as Jawaharlal described.”