A letter from 52 former senior British diplomats to Tony Blair: "This abandonment of principle [the Bush-Sharon deal over Gaza/West Bank] comes at a time when rightly or wrongly we are portrayed throughout the Arab and Muslim world as partners in an illegal and brutal occupation in Iraq. The conduct of the war in Iraq has made it clear that there was no effective plan for the post-Saddam settlement. All those with experience of the area predicted that the occupation of Iraq by the coalition forces would meet serious and stubborn resistance, as has proved to be the case. To describe the resistance as led by terrorists, fanatics and foreigners is neither convincing nor helpful.... We believe that the need for such influence [over US policy] is now a matter of the highest urgency. If that is unacceptable or unwelcome there is no case for supporting policies which are doomed to failure."

'Bush's poodle' Blair obviously hasnt got the judgement or the guts to distance himself. From beginning to end - rather like Howard but at greater political cost, geostrategic disaster and personal humiliation - Blair has been guided by the simple-minded concept that he stands 'shoulder to shoulder' with Bush & the US.

A letter from 52 former senior British diplomats to Tony Blair: "This abandonment of principle [the Bush-Sharon deal over Gaza/West Bank] comes at a time when rightly or wrongly we are portrayed throughout the Arab and Muslim world as partners in an illegal and brutal occupation in Iraq. The conduct of the war in Iraq has made it clear that there was no effective plan for the post-Saddam settlement. All those with experience of the area predicted that the occupation of Iraq by the coalition forces would meet serious and stubborn resistance, as has proved to be the case. To describe the resistance as led by terrorists, fanatics and foreigners is neither convincing nor helpful.... We believe that the need for such influence [over US policy] is now a matter of the highest urgency. If that is unacceptable or unwelcome there is no case for supporting policies which are doomed to failure."

'Bush's poodle' Blair obviously hasnt got the judgement or the guts to distance himself. From beginning to end - rather like Howard but at greater political cost, geostrategic disaster and personal humiliation - Blair has been guided by the simple-minded concept that he stands 'shoulder to shoulder' with Bush & the US.