Is Tony Blair right for Mid-East job?
Yes, I think Tony Blair is.
In fact, I think he is the best person for this job. I have read many very negative comments on this issue giving reasons that he is the wrong man.
For instance,
“War Criminal” turned “Peace Envoy”.
Tony Blair and George Bush have done more than anyone to create instability in the region. They invaded (illegally) Afghanistan and Iraq. Tony Blair didn’t do anything to defuse the crisis in the Lebanon last year. He should be brought in front of the International Criminal Court The Hague to stand trial for War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity.
Why should the Arabs and Palestinians listen to him?
They will not accept him. He is regarded as pro-American. He is regarded as pro-Israel. He does not understand Arab politics, he doesn’t have a clue on the nuances or value systems involved to deal with the people of the region. He is deeply unpopular in the region.
What exactly are his credentials?
How has he demonstrated that he would be a fair and honest broker. To be a peace envoy you have to be on the same distance from both parties, something Blair isn’t.
Tony Blair is a self-serving publicity seeker.
His one and only aim in life is to be famous. He is not right for any job that may involve the right thing or the best thing for anyone other than Tony Blair.
He sure does have an ‘image problem’ with many people and no amount of pr spin will solve that. Let us have a closer look at these objections.
From “War Criminal” to “Peace Envoy”: People can change for the better.
Look for instance at Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, Jimmy Carter, and Al Gore.
Mikhail Gorbachev was for many in the world the face of evil. Who would have thought that he would break up the Soviet Union? He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990.
Nelson Mandela in his youth refused to renounce violence in his struggle against Apartheid received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.
Jimmy Carter is seen as the worst US president turned in the best formerUS president. He was the Nobel Peace laureate of 2002.
Al Gore was seen as a looser, not willing to fight for his election and is now staging a strong comeback. He was nominated for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize.
Why should the Arabs and Palestinians listen to Tony Blair given his credentials?
I think we should distinguish between the ‘normal’ Arabs and Palestinians vs the rulers, the political and religiona elite in the Middle East region.
Normal people like dentists, waiters, electricians, booksellers, sales managers, and carpet sellers will or will not listen to Tony Blair based on their perception of him.
But the ruling elite will listen to Tony Blair based on the interest and powers he represent. Not for his smile or smooth talk, although that will certainly help. But they will listen because he is backed up (when he is) by the United States, the United Nations, European Union, and Russia.
Tony Blair is seen by many as a self-serving publicity seeker.
Great if this is true!
Now, we only have to align his personal ambition with the good of the greater whole. Bring in the Nobel Peace Prize. A better carrot cannot be desvised for any self-serving publicity seeker.
So yes, at this moment, I think Tony Blair is the best person for the Midle East Peace Envoy job.