The main reason for Peter Riddle writing this book is to analyse
the key events leading up to, and, in this revised edition, beyond
the Iraq War. It is also, though, a response to some media and
parliamentary criticism of Blair as 'Bush's poodle.' In Riddell's
view, as in the argument over 'weapons of mass destruction;' Blair,
like his predecessors since Churchill, has always tried to prevent
American isolationism and the fear of a 'going it alone' approach.
This is a credible counterblast from the renowned Times columnist.
Astutely, he backs his political judgement in a mix of first-hand
experience with that of secondary sources from government
officials. Commenting on their quotes he outlines the frustrations
and manoeuvring between Blair, Bush and Clinton since the
rejuvenation of the terrorist threat. (Kirkus UK)
"Hug them close": the words used by a senior Downing Street aide to
sum up Tony Blair's policy towards the USA. His political balancing
act was a high-risk course of action on both the domestic and
international fronts.
Placing Blair and Bush in the context of AngloAmerican relations
throughout history, this award-winning book traces their
relationship from its early tensions, through 9/11 and the war in
Afghanistan and onto Blair's apparent subservience to Bush over
Iraq. Using his close journalistic connections to Downing Street,
Peter Riddell discovers a complex and often bizarre relationship
rooted in a failed British foreign policy that will soon force
Blair's government to choose between America and Europe. This
updated edition includes new material on the impact on Blair's
Premiership of the Hutton Inquiry, and the failure to find WMD, and
to establish security in Iraq.
"Mr. Riddell does a masterly job of capturing the ins and outs
of Mr Blair's remarkably close relationship with an American
president who is in so many ways his complete opposite �this�
immensely readable book may not be the last word on Tony Blair's
war and his relationship with George Buch, but it will surely long
stand as one of the best."-Ivo H. Daalder, "New York Times"
Peter Riddell is the Chief Political Commentator of the "Times,"
a television and radio broadcaster, and best-selling author of
"Parliament Under Blair" and "Honest Opportunism: The Thatcher
Government."
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