The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Goodbye Blair

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Friday, Jun 29, 2007
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Goodbye Blair

With the 10-year tenure of British Prime Minister Tony Blair coming to an end, Gordon Brown has finally achieved his long time goal without much pomp and fanfare. Mr. Blair’s prime ministership was indeed a turbulent one, ranging from success in Northern Ireland to his almost suicidal decision to align with the U.S. in its invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq. With the world at large being wary of the aggressive foreign policy of the U.S.-U.K. combine, the change of guard at 10 Downing Street raises the hope that it will set the pace for a face-saving exit strategy for the U.S.-led coalition from Iraq.

Nalini Vijayaraghavan,

Thiruvananthapuram

Mr. Blair’s departure brings the Bush-Blair chapter closer to its denouement. Mr. Blair must attempt to make amends for his action as Prime Minister by establishing peace in West Asia as he has done so admirably in Northern Ireland. At a time when Palestine is at war with itself, he must bridge the divide between Hamas and Fatah by negotiating peace with both.

Sarah Anjum Mirza,

Hyderabad

Mr. Blair’s stint as Prime Minister was unforgettable. Politicians should learn from the exquisite poise and grace with which he conducted himself. Ever smiling, he was a great orator and crowd puller and a leader of substance and style. Though his stand on 9/11 catapulted him to instant world limelight and recognition, it was his unique style that distinguished him from the hitherto play-safe Prime Ministers of Britain.

V.J. Lawrence,

Bangalore

It would be a disaster for Mr. Blair to be involved again in West Asia. Why request one of the principal initiators of the Iraq invasion to assume the role of peacemaker in the region?

S. Mohanakrishnan,

Auckland

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