Bush and Blair: The Big Fallout

Post-9/11 Era Forum

BUSH AND BLAIR: THE BIG FALL-OUT

Dec 21 2003


Relations in 'deep freeze' since Saddam caught

By Chris Mclaughlin, Political Editor


TONY Blair and George Bush's love-in has collapsed over the rebuilding of Iraq.

The two leaders have fallen out over plans for the reconstruction of the country and the heavy-handed action of American troops against the civilian population.

And the rift has been deepened by a Washington ban on a proposed morale-boosting visit by the PM to British troops in Iraq during the Christmas holiday.

According to diplomats, relations between the allies have gone into "deep freeze" since the capture of Saddam Hussein last weekend.

President Bush was incensed that Mr Blair stole Washington's thunder by being the first Western leader to confirm that the former dictator had been arrested by US troops.

Downing Street rushed out Mr Blair's announcement before he had spoken to the American leader early last Sunday, when Mr Bush - six hours behind London - was still in bed.

Whitehall insiders confirmed that Mr Blair's decision was partly out of anger over a US veto on his proposed visit to British troops in Iraq during the Christmas holiday.

Presidential advisers in Washington wanted Mr Bush to be the sole leader to make a Christmas visit to troops in Baghdad and urged Downing Street to postpone any visit.

The US refused to co-operate on security arrangements for a Christmas visit by Mr Blair, who is going to spend the festive season with his family in the Egyptian resort of Sharm al-Sheikh.

Mr Blair and Mr Bush have had at least three phone conversations during the past seven days which Whitehall officials described as "increasingly terse".

A Downing Street insider said: "Relations between the two are at the lowest ebb since they first met.

"The PM is not happy at having to deal with Britain's European partners who have been left out of the rebuilding contracts. Of course they are still talking - but the diplomatic temperature is in the deep freeze."

Mr Blair has expressed his concern over Mr Bush's decision to rule Germany, France and other European countries out of the running for lucrative contracts in the reconstruction of Iraq.

The American President declared that countries which didn't support the war will not be awarded any of the rebuilding contracts. Mr Blair has complained that the move severely weakened Britain's strength in the European Union and contributed to the failure of last week's crucial EU summit.

In recent phone conversations with Mr Bush, Mr Blair has also expressed worries about heavy-handed US tactics against Iraqi civilians.

http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/...-name_page.html

Are you surprised h@ts? I mean look at Bush's attitude since his presidency and especially since the war on Iraq. He acts like the world better do what he says or else. It's the typical spoiled brat attitude he had during his upbringing.

This certainly isn't the first time he snubbed Blair. Blair has been in his corner despite criticism from his own party and country, yet how does Bush show his thanks to his most staunch ally?

Can you believe this guy? Even after the rebuffed the EU community, he sends an envoy over there to ask them for a favor. It's almost like he believes he should get his way or he'll make you pay. How do you dictate whether or not some other country visits "their troops" in a war you've created? Totally no diplomacy skills what-so-ever. I've never seen a leader so arrogant and out of touch with reality in my entire life (here in the states).

I remember when Bush went to Britian about 3wks ago, Blair asked Bush to release the British prisoners into his custody in Guantanamo Bay that fought with the Taliban. Blair promised that they would stand trial in Britian. Bush flat out told him "no"!!! He said they will stand trial by the US.

Check this out too. We have vets coming home from Iraq that has lost limbs and are disabled now. Guess what the military is doing? They are discharging them and giving them $8000 a year and a thank you. Can you believe this? This is how they are repaid. I saw the report on a show like 20/20. This guy is fighting for his right to at least stay in the army where he can make $20,000 yr, but they are fighting him.

What an attitude from this president. He is totally a self absorbed brat at the makings of Bush Sr. Everyone must do it his way and once he's done with you, he has yet to show one bit of appreciation for anyone's loyalty. I guess after your dad gets you into college (because you couldn't make it on your own merits) and then forgives you of your crime (Texas S&L that he and Jeb robbed of $500 million) you have to feel like you are above everyone else.

America now has be depleted of any positive diplomatic status among the world leaders and nations. It's like dealing with a spoiled brat. And this is the guy that has his finger on the trigger of one of the most powerful militaries in the world.

We are indeed in for turbulent times, and unfortunately he's going to take other countries that were foolish enough to follow him down the same road.