Blair warns against Western disengagement from Middle East
Quartet representative says he now better recognizes threat of radical Islam
WEST PALM BEACH, Florida (AP) — Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair cautioned Wednesday against disengagement in the Middle East, saying such a move would be a mistake that threatens the security of the West.
Speaking at a leadership conference at Palm Beach Atlantic University, Blair said he now recognizes even more than when he was in office the threat of radical Islam and the importance of remaining involved in the Mideast.
“If we disengage from what’s happening in the Middle East right now,” he said, “we will make a mistake.”
Blair suggested he would have been even more deeply involved in Middle East issues if he could relive his term, and he “would be even more radical” in his domestic reforms.
The British leader spoke to several hundred people crowded into an octagon-shaped chapel at the Christian college. Despite worldwide turmoil, Blair said he remains profoundly optimistic and believes globalization will be positive for people around the world.
“I can truly say the one disease I never caught at Downing Street was cynicism,” he said.
Blair alluded only in passing to two of the biggest global newsmakers, Iran and China, and most of his remarks were squarely focused on his recommendations for strong leadership. He often elicited laughter, however, when giving an inside look at his tenure.
He spoke of being given kitchen-table pep talks at Downing Street by his wife (“Stop complaining: The job is voluntary,” he said she told him.) and of feeling fear and confusion when he first rose to power (“Everyone was euphoric except for me,” he said.)
He also welcomed visitors to this summer’s Olympics in London and revealed the games were the subject of the “least sincere answer” he’s ever given. Blair recalled being asked by a reporter if winning the Summer Games was a sweeter victory because England prevailed over France, which was seeking to hold the Olympics in Paris.
“Not at all,” he recalled saying, a huge grin across his face.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.