|
|
 |
 |
| Sunday, 21 December 2003 |
 |
|
 |
World |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Fallout of Iraq war creates Tony Blair's most difficult year LONDON, Saturday (AFP) Through his unwavering support for President George W. Bush in the Iraq conflict and the war on terror, Prime Minister Tony Blair has cemented Britain's "special relationship" with the United States in 2003, but provoked bitterness among his European neighbours. In what was his most difficult year since taking office in May 1997, Blair showed himself to be Washington's staunchest ally against Saddam Hussein, a campaign which was fiercely criticised by countries such as France and Germany. The prime minister said that going to war to oust the Iraqi strongman was "the right thing to do" from a moral point of view. He also spelled out the practical advantages of backing the US, saying ahead of Bush's state visit to London in November that Britain's alliance with the United States gave it an influence on world affairs that would otherwise not be possible. In March, Blair demonstrated the extent of his loyalty, committing over 40,000 military personnel - almost a quarter of the Britain's army - to the effort to topple Saddam. That stance led to the prime minister being labelled a "poodle" by hostile press commentators, with cartoonists mercilessly portraying him scurrying around the heels of Bush, his American "master". It also sparked a bitter diplomatic falling out with European Union partner France, which along with Russia and Germany led opposition to the invasion of Iraq - a war launched without a specific resolution from the United Nations. Blair and French President Jacques Chirac made a public show of drawing a line under their disagreement during a London summit in November, declaring a new era of "cordial trust" between their two nations. Blair insists that he is "passionately" committed to Europe, even as Britain stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the US. With such positions at times appearing irreconciliable, Blair - who turned 50 this year - has been under huge strain, and it has showed. The prime minister underwent emergency hospital treatment in October for an irregular heartbeat and later stomach pains brought doctors to his side. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security Produced by Lake House |
