As British prime minister, Tony Blair once told US President George W. Bush in a not-meant-to-be-heard moment that he was the perfect person to undertake a peace mission to the Middle East - because he would not be expected to get results.
When Blair debuts as Middle East envoy today, he won't have the luxury of low expectations.
"The reality is there has to be a breakthrough, there has to be an agreement between Israel and the Palestinians, and Tony Blair is going into this at the worst possible time," said Mike Gapes, a British legislator and head of parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee.
Following a whistle-stop tour of European capitals this week, Blair was to confer with leaders of the international Quartet for peace in the Middle East in Portugal today, ahead of a possible trip to the region later this month.
Out of office for just three weeks, supporters say Blair brings enthusiasm and optimism - as well as gravitas - to his new job. They point to his leading role ending the decades-old conflict in Northern Ireland, and say he could do the same in the Middle East.
Detractors - including much of the Arab world - say such talk is a pipe dream. Blair, they say, has too much baggage left over from his decision to join the US-led war in Iraq, and from his reluctance to push Israel to halt its deadly bombing of southern Lebanon during last year's war.
Such skepticism does not run as high among Palestinians, at least those loyal to President Mahmoud Abbas. Saeb Erekat, a top Abbas aide, welcomed Blair's involvement, saying he has been "consistent" in his calls for a Palestinian state alongside Israel, and in his opposition to Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
The Israelis are also excited about Blair's debut. Government spokeswoman Miri Eisin said there is "no question" that the former British leader's stature and experience would help.
Source: China Daily/agencies
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