BLAIR TRIES AGAIN

by RAY FLEMING
AT more than one point during his premiership Tony Blair declared that bringing peace to the Israelis and Palestinians was his first priority in international affairs. If only it had been Iraq might have been avoided. But, in fact, he achieved very little before his Iraq involvement disqualified him as a peace-maker anywhere in the Middle East. This week he has begun his new role as the envoy of the Quartet, comprised of Russia, the United States, the EU and UN. His remit, however, is limited to building up Palestinian institutions and its economy and does not cover the “roving peacemaker” role he initially hoped for which is the preserve of Condoleezza Rice, US Secretary of State. There are other envoys in the area: Gordon Brown has appointed Michael Williams to represent him and the US has David Welch at work on the ground. It cannot be long before the Russians decide they should have someone there also. The omens are not favourable for Mr Blair's mission. Since he was appointed at the end of July the Palestinian territory has been divided into two with separate authorities. In Israel prime minister Olmert is a weakened leader and his much-publicised meetings with Mahmoud Abbas, leader of the West Bamk Palestinians have produced little. The next major diplomatic event is the regional peace conference to be held in the US in November but it is difficult to see what will be on the table to discuss.