Blair defends U.S. alliance

London

British Prime Minister Tony Blair this week angrily denied that Britain had merely been “thrown scraps” by the United States. In a speech to skeptical members of Parliament, Blair defended his decision to pursue close relations with the U.S., including supporting the war in Iraq, at the expense of relations with France and Germany. He said Britain’s influence could be seen in the recent transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqi government and in the new emphasis on training Iraqi troops. “I think most countries around the world would give their eyeteeth to have that relationship,” Blair said, “and it is a shame that here it is seen somehow as a sign of mockery.” The British press has been relentless in its portrayal of Blair as the obedient lap dog of President Bush.

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