>>Cutting off the funds post Sept. 11th may have speeded things up slightly, but not by enough for Blair to be so pro-Bush against the wishes of the people & parliament of this country & of his own party.
>
>From the inside, what do you think Blair's motives are?
>
>He has surprized me since historically he has always appeared to seek mass approval. Almost a bit of a poll junkie. Also he doesn't appear to be a very ideological labour leader. There have been several comments about how terrible he looks physically lately. Sunken eyes etc. The stress appears to be wearing on him.

Evan

I would agree with Len that the peace process in NI was well underway before 9/11. Blairs motives are a mystery I guess he really believes what he says. Certainly domesticaly he's in a no win situation.

Chirac is in a win win. Whatever happens. If the US go ahead with or without the UK in a few months France and Germany will still be seen as the key players in the Eu and will get Americas ear. I expect US gratitude to the UK to be as full as it usually is. ie US economic interests first and last. I have no problem with that but too many people in the UK still believe that stuff about the "special relationship".

Nick Mason