End of the Affair for Bush and Blair
Former Prime Minister Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
Jan 14, 2009
Recognizant of the responsibilities he has as Middle East peace envoy and no less recognizant of the shifting tectonics of power in Washington, Tony Blair received his latest and last accolade from President W Bush with a dose of circumspection – nay, deprecation even – that would have been unthinkable five years ago. Then, their affiance made the world blanch as they single-handedly prosecuted their “War on Terror” with the heedlessness of newly weds rushing for the bridal suite. Now, the marriage of convenience contracted in the heady days after 9/11 won’t pass muster. Blair needs a new man. Bush is to be put out to Texan pasture.
Blair, Uribe & Howard Honoured
The ceremony at the White House this week – which saw not just Blair, but Bush stalwarts President Uribe of Columbia and former Australian PM John Howard receive medals – was not just a final round of glad-handing and goodbyes, but a veritable forecast of the political firmament to come. Whereas once, Bush and Blair’ stars moved with such consonance that the latter was labelled “Bush’s lap-dog” in Britain, now their political futures couldn’t be more starkly divergent. While Bush has ranching and golfing on the agenda, Blair is back among the political pantheon and attends Barack Obama’s presidency with the baited breath he once used to whisper sweet-nothings to Bush with.
The Final Farewell
However, for one final time it was all about the Bush-Blair years this week at the White House. As if stricken with a final pang of regrets but trying to keep a brave face on it for the children, both were in plaintive mood. After a small cringe at a presidential jest that involved their shared taste in toothpaste, Blair took the opportunity to scupper the familiar trope that Bush was his political sugar daddy, announcing: “The truth is I did feel a close connection.” While Bush responded in kind, affirming: “The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom will stand tall in history. And today the United States of America proudly honours its gallant friend.”
Middle East: A New Dawn
These mutual nod-tippings over, Blair was quick to move on to pastures new – not least the Obama presidency and the new man’s plans for the Middle East. Obama is expected to expedite troop withdrawals from Iraq, shut Guantánamo for good, and – of particular interest to Blair – send a full-time envoy to the Middle East. The Bush administration was encouraged by the success achieved by a temporary envoy, General James Jones, in the West Bank in 2008 and it is believed president-elect Obama looks on a permanent U.S presence in Palestine with favour. Far from regarding the move with territorial jealousy, Blair publicly welcomed the prospect.
Goodbye, George & Hello, Hilary
Indeed, it seems Blair – the wily old political chameleon – has more colours to his jacket than Joseph and finds himself again perfectly positioned. As he says goodbye to his erstwhile political bedmate Bush, he is already pushing back the covers to welcome yet another paramour – this time one with whom he had all-too-brief flirtings in the first days of his premiership – Hilary Clinton. The Secretary of State to-be and the ex British PM are familiar from Bill Clinton’s time in office and at the Senate confirmation hearings this week she praised Blair, asserting that his role “need[s] to be continued in whatever structure we ultimately decide upon.” She may not be fat, but the lady has sung. Show's over, George.
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