Donald Trump unsure whether Tony Blair would be ‘popular’ choice for Gaza role
Donald Trump has questioned whether Sir Tony Blair will serve on a new “Peace Board” intended to oversee the administration of Gaza, amid ongoing criticism over the former prime minister’s role in the Iraq war.
Sir Tony, who met the Palestinian Authority deputy president on Sunday, led Britain into the controversial Iraq war in 2003 and then served as Middle East envoy for the quartet of international powers – the US, EU, Russia and the UN – after leaving office.
Earlier this month, Mr Trump announced a 20-point peace plan for the Middle East, saying Sir Tony would be among a group of international leaders who would oversee an interim management committee for Gaza.
But when asked whether he had spoken to Sir Tony about the possibility of being involved in the peace plan, the US president told reporters: “I have considered it, but first I want to know whether Tony will be popular with everyone because I don’t know that.
“I love Tony, I’ve always loved Tony. But I want to know that he’s an acceptable choice for everyone.”
His latest comments came as Hamas released all 20 living Israeli hostages held in Gaza, sparking wild celebrations in Tel Aviv.
The news came shortly after the US president gave a hero’s welcome to Israel, declaring that “the war is over” and “every country is dancing in the streets.”
Mr Trump will greet hostages’ families in Jerusalem and address the Israeli parliament before heading to a “peace summit” in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, where a peace deal will be signed.
When Sir Tony’s involvement in the peace plan was first revealed, cabinet minister Wes Streeting admitted it would “raise eyebrows”.
“I know there will now be some people who look at Tony Blair and his legacy in Iraq and will at least raise an eyebrow as to whether he is the right man to be involved.
“And I say this as someone who opposed the Iraq war,” the health minister said.
“Tony Blair had an incredible legacy of bringing sworn enemies together to build a lasting peace in Northern Ireland.
“So if he can apply those skills to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the support of Israelis, Palestinians and other regional powers, then all the better.”
Meanwhile, Sanam Vakil, Director of Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa Programme, said Sir Tony’s reputation was much more criticized in the UK than abroad, and he was widely respected among Middle East policymakers.
“His history of role and complicity in the Iraq war raises the most serious red flags but frankly I don’t think that will stop any potential involvement by Blair in this deal,” he said.
“Because he has been instrumental in developing this and providing support from across the region.
“He has trusted contacts in the Middle East and the White House, and in this case, it’s hard to imagine that public concerns about his background, history and reputation would get in the way of that.”
