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Tony Blair: Part Obama, Part Bush

Ex-prime minister optimistic but doesn't regret Iraq war

By Sarah Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 29, 2008 5:51 PM CST

(Newser) – Tony Blair was both Britain's Barack Obama, promising change, and its George W. Bush, dragging his country into an unpopular war, Jennifer Senior writes in New York. But now the Middle East envoy and superstar Yale lecturer is his own man. He's excited about Obama's victory and urges the president-elect to "find an agenda that is capable of unifying the world."

Blair, often called "Bush's poodle" in Britain, remains unapologetic about his decision to stand by the US in Iraq. If there was a mistake, he says, "it was not understanding how deep the struggle is and how long it’s going to have to be fought." And yes, he and Bush are still pals. "I’m not a fair-weather friend."

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair speaks during a panel discussion on poverty at the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting on Sept 26, 2008, in New York.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair speaks during a panel discussion on poverty at the Clinton Global Initiative's annual meeting on Sept 26, 2008, in New York.   (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)
President Bush walks with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in May.
President Bush walks with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in May.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds, FILE)
Barack Obama visits former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London on July 26, 2008.
Barack Obama visits former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in London on July 26, 2008.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
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Tony Blair discusses his vision for his foundation and the goals of the partnership that brought him to Yale University.   (yaleuniversity)

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When I'm out in the Middle East now, I don't think the region would be more stable if Saddam and his two sons were still running around. - Tony Blair

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COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
DeniseVB
Dec 30, 2008 6:21 AM CST
Oh My! Why does he remind me of Terry McAuliffe? VA Gov Wannabe? They look alike too, no?
 

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