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Reluctant Hero

Au Revoir, Auf Wiedersehen, Arrivederci

This week Tony Blair left the office of Prime Minister for the last time and also resigned as an MP. He is now classified as one of the most “successful” Prime Minister’s in history. But what does successful mean? Is simply being able to win 3 elections enough to be classified as successful? What has he actually done for the country?

Probably one of the biggest changes in Scotland has been devolution. This has hopefully sent Scotland on the rocky path to independence. Ironically, Labour MPs thought devolution would kill independence stone dead.

However, that is about as good as it gets for the Blair administration. Embroiled in controversy after controversy, culminating in a disastrous war in Iraq. This week in Prime Minister’s Questions, Blair was in ebullient mood. Getting the serious bit out of the way first, acknowledging British forces fighting in wars, he then concentrated on treating the Commons as a stage for his act.

But the effect of the Iraq War, which Blair and his chum Bush instigated, cannot be that easily forgotten for some people. For instance, it is estimated that in the region of 70,000 civilians have been killed, as a result of military intervention in Iraq.

Regarding the military, Tony Blair had barely left number 10 Downing Street, when it was announced that another 3 British soldiers had been killed in Iraq. This brings the total to 156.

And what has it all been for? So Blair can look big in front of his old friend George? So George can secure oil supplies and multi-million re-generation contracts for American companies?

If the death of Scottish soldiers isn’t bad enough, today saw the potentially more serious way things are progressing with an attempted suicide attack on Glasgow airport.

So, good riddance Mr Blair. Good luck in your new job as Middle East envoy. With your history, you have about as much chance as bringing about Middle East peace as a scud missile.

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