We must rethink the War on Terror - Blair

[spindrifter]

The Times August 02, 2006

By Rosemary Bennett in Los Angeles and David Charter

FIVE years into the War on Terror, Tony Blair called yesterday for a “complete renaissance of our strategy” to defeat militant Islam.
Speaking in Los Angeles, the Prime Minister admitted that the use of force alone had alienated Muslim opinion, and said that there was now an “arc of extremism” stretching across the Middle East and beyond. He called for an “alliance of moderation” that would combat terrorism using values as much as military might.

<snip>

The Times has learnt that the Foreign Office tried and failed to get Mr Blair to call for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon when he saw Mr Bush last Friday. It had also failed to persuade No 10 to stop US aircraft delivering weapons to Israel from using British airports.

<snip>

In an implicit rebuke to Mr Bush, Mr Blair said that an opportunity had been missed when Israel pulled out of Gaza. “That could have been and should have been the opportunity to restart the peace process. Progress will not happen unless we change radically our degree of focus effort and engagement, especially with the Palestinian side. In this, active leadership of the US is essential but also of the participation of Europe, of Russia and of UN.

<snip>

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-2295604,00.html

[Sherman A1]

1. Do ya think Tony?

Gee, what was your first clue - smart guy.

[neoblues]

3. While He May Come Off Wimpy...

At least he "Get's It". Compared to our flagrant ass of a leader, that's a major improvement (as in Blair would be infinitely preferable (though hardly desirable)).

[mike_c]

2. poodle bites....

Poddle chews it.

--Frank Zappa

[JackNewtown]

4. Good talk, let's see if he backs it up with actions nt