Tony Blair, the founder of the modern day Labor Party (so-called New Labor) steps down this week as Prime Minister of Great Britain. Blair has been, in my opinion, a truly magnificient leader who leaves office with sinking approval due to his stand on Iraq. While I disagree wholeheartedly with the rationale for the Iraqi invasion Blair’s record of achievement is strong, both for the British people and for his party. Blair, along with President Bill Clinton, pioneered the so called “third way” which in political terms brought the Labor Party back from the political wilderness and accepted tenets of personal responsibility, as well as fiscal responsibility. He has brought a devolved government back to Northern Ireland that includes Sinn Fein and Ian Paisley’s DUP, with Paisley sharing power and serving with Gerry Adams. That political achievement alone will allow him to be recorded as a great Prime Minister. As far as Iraq goes Blair, in my view, always recognized alternatives to the invasion, arguing for more time for the U.N. Inspection regime to work. Once President Bush decided on invasion Blair, rightly or wrongly, felt that the British needed to stand with the United States as a matter of geopolitical necessity. Whether Blair’s prescription for Britain was right or wrong is for history and the British people to decide, but he has been a monumental international figure. I have watched Prime Minister Questions on C-Span on Sunday evenings since Blair was in opposition, and find his wit and ability to think on his feet compelling. (Please save the get a life posts for another subject). Gordon Brown, the current Chancellor of the Exchequer, takes over as Prime Minister Wednesday. Read a story on the Blair departure from across the pond at
link here.